Why Not? It's The Holidays, Right?

DIY Project!

Recipe Review: Omelette In A Bag!

 

I tried this recipe out this weekend and it was AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!! If you are looking for something that is quick, easy and not messy this is it!

Scarf Tutorial: It's That Time Of The Year!!!

I'm Officially Addicted To...Pinterest!

Yes, that's right folks; I made a vow not to become addicted to more than Twitter and Facebook. Unfortunately this blog post is my public confession that I have failed. Its official my new addiction is Pinterest. I’m a late bloomer I know but trust me when I say that I’m making up for lost times. If you are not on Pinterest it is not too late considering I just joined a couple of weeks ago. I have already pinned enough recipes and DIY projects to keep me busy for the rest of the year! I’m serious friends; I think I’m close to needing an intervention. If I wake up in the middle of the night and can’t sleep I go to my Pinterest app on my phone and just pin more of my interest until I feel like I can go back to sleep. I hope that isn’t too weird.

Anyway, the point of this post is to spread the word to anyone that has not jumped on the Pinterest bandwagon to c’mon its not too late! How do you know if Pinterest is for you or not? It is easy. Are you the type of person that clips pictures or prints them out from magazines? Do you clip or print recipes? Do you have notebooks full of instructions for a DIY project? Do you write down website urls to items you like and want to purchase? If you do any of these things at minimum you should definitely sign up for Pinterest! It puts all your favorite things in one place in folders that you name so that you have an easy go to spot for everything! Go there now:  http://www.pinterest.com

The Bullet Journal (For All Our Fellow To Do List Makers!)

Complete Jello Shot List!

(Yes This Is Another Facebook Post We Are Sharing!)

 

 

 



 Here is our complete Jello shot list, all in one post, or at least complete up to this point. I haven't come across any more that have made the cut yet, so for now I give you this. A grand total of 70 Jello Shot recipes!!! Complete with the Jager Bomb, Jagermonster & Jagermaster!

1. *JAGER BOMB* boil 1 cup red bull (in place of water), add black cherry or orange jello, 1 cups jager.

2. *MARGARITA* boil 1 cup water, add 3 oz pkg lime jello, 4 oz tequila, 4 oz sweet & sour margarita mix. sprinkle with salt just before firm.  (substitue watermelon jello for lime for a melon margarita)

3. *RUM & COKE boil 1 cups coke, mix in dark cherry jello add 1 cups light rum

4. *MIMOSAS* this one varies from the normal method Since champagne isn't as strong as liquor, cut the water out of this one. boil one cup champagne, mix orange jello 2 min, add one more cup champagne and a splash of OJ.

5. *SILK* Boil one cup champagne, mix in jello for 2 minutes, add one cup champagne and splash of lychee juice from the can.

6. *ORANGE TIC TAC* Boil two cups red bull, mix jello two minutes, add two cups mandarin orange vodka

7. *LEMON DROP* (boil 1 cup water, add lemon jello, citrus vodka, top with sugar sprinkles just before its fully set up)

8. *GRAPE CRUSH* (boil 1 cups water, add grape jello, 1/2 cup plain vodka, 1/2 cup chambord)

9. *HAWAIIAN* (boil 1 cup water, add pineapple or blueberry jello, 1 cup coconut rum)

10. *GIN & TONIC* (boil 1 cup tonic water, add lime jello, 1 cup gin)

11. *LEMON LIME* (boil 2 cups sprite, add lemon and lime jellos, 2 cups citrus vodka)

12. *BLUEBERRY* (boil 1 cup water, add blueberry jello, 1 cup blueberry vodka)

13. *FRUIT PUNCH* (boil 1 cups water, add mixed fruit jello, 1/2 cup blueberry vodka, 1/2 cup raspberry vodka)

14. *WATERMELON* (boil 1 cup water, add watermelon jello,1 cup watermelon vodka)

15. *BEER* (boil 1 cups water, add strawberry jello, add 1 cup any malt liquor)

16. *CARIBBEAN* (boil 1 cup water, add strawberry-banana jello, Cruzan banana rum

17. *CHERRY COLA* (boil 1 cup coke, add cherry jello, 1 cup cold cola, 1/2 cup amaretto, 1/2 cup spiced rum)

18. *DREAMSICLE* (boil 1 1/3 cup water & 2/3 cup OJ, add orange jello, 1 cup vanilla vodka 1/2 cup raspberry or berry vodka, 1/2 cup KeKe Beach Key Lime Cream Liqueur)

19. *LIME IN THE COCONUT* (boil 1 cup water, add watermelon jello, 1 cup Malibu Coconut Rum)

20. *RED HOTS* (boil 2 cups water, add jello, 1/2 cup cold water, 2 cups Cinnamon Schnapps)

21. **SEX ON THE BEACH** boil 1 cup cranberry juice, add 3 oz pkg orange jello, 3 oz peach schnapps, 5 oz vodka

22. ***SOUR APPLE*** (in microwavable container, mix 1 small box sour apple jello, 1 pkg knox gelatin and 1 tbs sugar. Stir in 1 cup Mt. Dew and mix well. Microwave on high for 1 min. Stir until powder is dissolved. Mix 2 cups vodka & 3/4 cup Captain Morgan Coconut Rum. mix well and let sit 1 min. pour into cups and refrigerate.)

23. *SQUIRM* (boil 2 1/4 cup water, add 3 small pkgs any flavor jello, 2 cups vodka, 3/4 cup ice cold water. add 1 gummy worm to each shot before firm.

24. *CARIBOU LOU* (1/2 cup boiling water 1/2 cup pineapple juice boiled, add pineapple jello, 1/2 cup Malibu Rum, 1/2 cup Triplesec)

25. *JOLLY RANCHER* (boil 1 cup water, add melon jello, 1/2 cup vodka, 1/2 cup apple pucker)

26. *PURPLE PEOPLE EATER* (boil 1 cup water, add grape jello, 1/2 cup vodka, 1/2 cup watermelon pucker)

27. *BAHAMA MAMA* (boil 1 cup water, add watermelon jello, 1/2 cup Malibu rum, 1/2 cup peach schnapps)

28. *COSMOPOLITAN* (boil 1 cup water with a splash of lime juice, add cranberry jello, 1/2 cup vodka, 1/2 cup triple sec)

29. *CHERRY BOMB* (boil 1 cup redbull, add cherry jello, 1 cup vodka and drop in one maraschino cherry, step up before firmed.)

30. *BLUE FIRECRACKER* (boil 1 cup water, add berry blue jello, 1/2 cup vodka, 1/2 cup peach schnapps)

31. *WHITE LIGHTNING* (boil 1 cup water, add pina colada jello, 1/2 cup vodka, 1/2 cup triple sec)

32. *FUZZY NAVEL* (boil 1 cup water, add 3 oz orange jello, 2 oz vodka, 6 oz peach schnapps

33. *RED HEADED SLUT* boil 1 cup water, add cranberry jello, 1/2 cup peach schnapps, 1/2 cup jager

34. *MOJITO* (1 cup boiling water, 3 oz box lime jello, 6 oz white rum, 2 oz cold water. top with mint leaves chopped and crushed. (or substitue mint leaves with a splash of mint extract in the the boiling water.)

35. *STRAWBERRY DAQUIRI* (boil 1 cup water, add 3 oz package wild strawberry jello, 6 oz white rum, 1 oz sweet & sour or margarita mix.

36. *DEVILS KISS* 1 cup of boiling water. Dissolve 1 envelope of Knox Gelatin and stir until fully dissolved. Add 1/4 cup of cold water, 1/2 cup of Goldschlager, and 1/4 cup of Bacardi-151. Stir well and wait until the liquid has cooled before pouring into jello shot cups. if you double up the Knox Gelatin in this one you can eliminate the cup serve these up as jigglers!!

37. *ANKLE BREAKER* 1 cup of boiling water. Dissolve 1 envelope of Lime Jello (3 oz size) and stir until fully dissolved. Add 1/2 cup of cold water, 1/4 cup of 151 Rum, and 1/4 cup of Cherry Brandy. Stir well and cool before pouring into jello shot cups.

38. *FIRECRACKER 2* 3/4 cup of boiling water. Dissolve 1 box of Orange Jello and stir until fully dissolved. Add 1/4 cup of cold water, 1/3 cup of Sloe Gin , and 1/3 cup of Spiced Rum and 1/3 cup of 151 Rum. Stir well and cool before pouring into jello shot cup

39. **KOMANIWANALAYA** 2 cups of boiling water. Dissolve 1 box of Pineapple Jello and 1 box of Cranberry Jello (both 3 oz size) and stir until fully dissolved. Add 1 cup of cold water, 1/2 cup of Amaretto, and 1/2 cup of 151 Rum. Stir well and cool before pouring into jello shot cups.

40. *RAIN MAIN* 1 cup of boiling water. Dissolve 1 box of Orange Jello (3 oz size) and stir until fully dissolved. Add 1/4 cup of cold water, 1/2 cup of Bacardi 151, and 1/4 cup of Melon Liqueur. Stir well and cool before pouring into jello shot cups

41. *ADAM AND EVE* 3/4 cup of boiling water. Dissolve 1 box of Lemon Jello (3 oz size) and stir until fully dissolved. Add 1/2 cup of cold water, 1/4 cup of Brandy, and 1/4 cup of Pomogranate Liqueur and 1/4 cup of Gin. Stir well and cool before pouring into jello shot cups.

42. *ALABAMA SLAMMER* 3/4 cup of boiling water. Dissolve 1 package of Lemon Jello (3 oz) and stir until everything is completely dissolved and then add 1/3 cup of coldwater. Next, add 1/3 cup of Amaretto, 1/4 cup of Southern Comfort, and 1/3 cup of Sloe Gin. Mix throuroughly until everything is well combined and the carefully pour into jello shot cups. Chill for 3 to 4 hours and serve.

43. *ALL NIGHTER* 1 cup of boiling water. Dissolve 1 box of Cherry Jello (3 oz size) and stir until fully dissolved. Add 1/2 cup of cold water and 1/2 cup of Watermelon Vodka. Stir well and cool before pouring into jello shot cups.

44. *APPLE PIE* 1 1/2 cups ofboiling water. Dissolve 2 boxes of Lemon Jello (3 oz size) and stir until fully dissolved. Add 1 cup of cold water, 1/2 cup of Light Rum, 1/2 cup of Sweet Vermouth, 1/4 cup of Apple Brandy and 1/4 cup ofGrenadine. Stir well and cool before pouring into jello shot cups.

45. *BANANA BOAT* 1 cup of water. Dissolve 1 box of Pineapple Jello (3 oz size) and stir until fully dissolved. Add 1/2 cup of cold water, 1/4 cup of Coconut Rum , and 1/4 cup of Banana Liqueur. Stir well and cool before pouring into jello shot cups.

 46. *BANANA SPLIT 1 cup of boiling water. Dissolve 1 box of Strawberry Jello (3 oz size) and stir until fully dissolved. Add 1/4 cup of cold water, 1/4 cup of Vodka, and 1/4 cup ofBanana Liqueur and 1/4 cup of Creme de Cacao. Stir well and cool before pouring into jello shot cups.

 47. *BAT OUT OF HELL* 1 cup of boiling water. Dissolve 1 package of Orange Jello (3 oz) and stir for at least 2 minutes until fully dissolved. Add 1/2 cup of Red Bull, 1/4 cup of Rumand 1/4 Blue Curacao. Stir until well combined and cool before pouring into jello shot cups.

48. *BERMUDA TRIANGLE* 1 cup of boiling water. Dissolve 1 box of Orange Jello (3 oz size) and stir until fully dissolved. Add 1/2 cup of cold water, 1/4 cup of Spiced Rum and 1/4 cup of Peach Schnapps. Stir well and cool before pouring into jello shot

49. *BLACK CAT* 1 cup of boilingwater. Dissolve 1 package of Raspberry Jello (3 oz) and stir until fully dissolved. Add 1/4 cup of cold water, 1/2 cup of Black Vodka, and 1/4 cup of Chambord. Stir well and wait until the liquid is about room temperature before pouring into jello shot cups.

50. *BLACK WIDOW* 1 cup of boiling water. Dissolve 1 package of Grape Jello (3 oz) and stir until fully dissolved. Add 1/4 cup of cold water, 3/4 cup of Blackberry Vodka and 1/8 teaspoon of Ginger Powder. Stir well and cool slightly before pouring into jello shot cups. For a schnazzy garnish, drop a singleblackberry in each cup before chilling

 51. *COUGH DROP* 1 cup of boiling water. Dissolve 1 3 oz package of Strawberry Jello and stir until fully dissolved. Add 1/2 cup of cold water, 1/2 cup of Jagermeister. Stir well and cool before pouring into jello shot cups.

52. *CRYPTINI* 1 cup of HotCoffee. Dissolve 1 envelope of Knox Gelatin and stir until fully dissolved. Add 1/3 cup of Iced Coffee, 1/3 cup of Vodka, and 1/3 cup of Kahlua. Stir well and wait until the liquid has cooled before pouring into jello shot cups.

53. *FRENCH TICKLER* 1 cup of boilingwater. Dissolve 1 package of Orange Jello (3 oz) and stir until fully dissolved. Add 1/4 cup of cold water, 1/4 cup of Cinnamon Schnappsand 1/2 cup of Vodka. Stir well and wait until the liquid has a chance to cool before pouring into jello shot cups.

54. *HARVEY WALLBANGER* 1 cup of boiling water. Dissolve 1 package of Orange Jello (3 oz) and stir until fully dissolved. Add 1/4 cup of cold water, 1/2 cup of Vodka and 1/4 cup ofGalliano. Stir well until completely combined and wait until the liquid has cooled before pouring into jello shot cups.

55. *JUICY FRUIT* 3/4 cup of boiling water. Dissolve 1 box of Pineapple Jello (3 oz size) and stir until fully dissolved. Add 1/4 cup of cold water, 1/3 cup of Vodka, and 1/3 cup ofMelon Liqueur and 1/3 cup of Peach Schnapps. Stir well and cool

56. *JAGERMASTER* 1 cup of boiling water. Dissolve 1 box of Orange Jello (3 oz size) and stir until fully dissolved. Add 1/2 cup of cold water, 1/4 cup of Jagermeister, and 1/4 cup of Amaretto, and a just a splash of Grenadine. Stir well and cool before pouring into jello shot cups.

57. *JAGERMONSTER* 1 cup of boiling water . Dissolve 1 package of Orange Jello and stir until fully dissolved. Add 1/4 cup of cold water , 1/2 cup of Jagermeister, and 1/4 cup of Grenadine. Stir well and cool before pouring into jello shot cups.

58. *LETHAL INJECTION* 2 cups of boiling water. Dissolve 1 package of Orange Jello (3 oz) and 1 package ofPineapple Jello (3 oz) and stir at least 2 minutes until completely dissolved. Add 1 cup of cold water followed by 1/4 cup of Amaretto, 1/4 cup of Coconut Rum, 1/4 cup of Dark Rum and 1/4 cup of Spiced Rum. Stir well and wait until the liquid has cooled before pouring intojello shot cups.

59. *LONG ISLAND ICED TEA* and measure 1 cup of boiling water. Dissolve 2 packages of Lemon Jello (3 oz) and stir until fully dissolved. Add 1/2 cup of Cola and 1/2 cup of cold water. Now get ready to add the alcohol - 1/2 cup of Gin, 1/2 cup of LightRum, 1/2 cup of Vodka and 1/2 cup of Tequila. Stir until everything is well combined and let it cool before pouring into jello shot cups.

60. *NINJA TURTLE* 1 cup of boiling water. Dissolve 1 box of Orange Jello and stir until fully dissolved. Add 1/2 cup of cold water, 1/4 cup of Gin, and 1/4 cup of Blue Curacao. Stir well and cool before pouring into jello shot cups.

61. *PAIN KILLER* 3/4 cup of boiling water. Dissolve 1 box of Pineapple Jello (3 oz size) and stir until fully dissolved. Add 1/4 cup of cold water, 1/3 cup of Dark Rum, 1/3 cup ofCoconut Rum and 1/3 cup of Orange Liqueur. Stir well and cool before pouring into jello shot cups.

62. *PIXIE STIX* 1 cup of boiling water. Dissolve 1 box of Lemon Jello (3 oz size) and stir until fully dissolved. Add 1/2 cup of cold water, 1/4 cup of Southern Comfort, and 1/4 cup of Blackberry Brandy. Stir well and cool before pouring into jello shot cups.

63. *RED SILK PANTIES* 1 cup of boiling water. Dissolve 1 box of Cranberry Jello (3 oz size) and stir until fully dissolved. Add 1/2 cup of cold water, 1/4 cup of Vodka, and 1/4 cup ofPeach Schnapps. Stir well and cool before pouring into jello shot cups.

64. *KINKY MALIBU BARBIE* Boil 1 cup water, add peach jello, 1/2 cup Kinky Liquer, 1/2 cup Malibu Coconut Rum.

65. *KILLER KOOL AID* 1 1/2 cups of boiling water. Dissolve 2 boxes of Cranberry Jello (3 oz size) and stir until fully dissolved. Add 3/4 cup of cold water, 1/2 cup of Vodka, 1/2 cup of Gin, 1/4 cup of Rum, 1/4 cup of Chambord and 1/4 cup of Triple Sec. Stir well and cool before pouring into jello shot cups.

66. *BROKEN HEART* 1 cup of boiling water . Dissolve 1 package of of Orange Jello (3 oz size) and stir until fully dissolved. Add 1/2 cup of cold water, 1/4 cup of Vodka, and 1/4 cup of Chambord. Stir well and cool before pouring into jello shot cups.

67. *SCOOBY SNACKS* 1 cup of boiling water. Dissolve 1 box of Pineapple Jello (3 oz size) and stir until fully dissolved. Add 1/2 cup of cold water, 1/4 cup of Melon Liqueur, and 1/4 cup of Coconut Rum . Stir well and cool before pouring into jello shot cups.

68. *TIJUANA TAXI* 2 cup of boiling water. Dissolve 2 packages ofLemon Jello (3 oz size) and stir at least 2 minutes until fully dissolved.Next, add 1 cup of cold water, 1/2 cup of Tequila, 1/4 cup of Blue Caracao and 1/4 cup of Tropical Fruit Schnapps. Stir until completely combined and give it a chance to cool before pouring into jello shot cups.

69. *RUMMY BEARS* 1 cup boiling water, add any random flavor jello and 1 cup berry vodka, 1 gummy bear in the center of each shot.

70. *WOOWOO* 2 cups boiling water, add 3 pkgs grape jello, 3 pkgs cranberry/raspberry jello, 3 pkgs strawberry jello, 3 cups vodka, 3 cups peach schnapps, 1 can grape juice concentrate and 1 can cran-raspberry juice concentrate (both undiluted!)

 

PLEASE drink responsibly!

GOOD TO KNOW...

GOOD TO KNOW INFORMATION FROM THE FIRE DEPARTMENT!

  

 

(FROM FACEBOOK POST)

 

Below is a picture of a CFL light bulb from my bathroom. I turned it on the other day and then smelled smoke after a few minutes. Four inch flames were spewing out of the side of the ballast like a blow torch! I immediately turned off the lights. But I'm sure it would have caused a fire if I was not right there. Imagine if the kids had left the lights on as usual when they were not in the room.

I took the bulb to the Fire Department to report the incident. The Fireman wasn't at all surprised and said that it was not an uncommon occurrence. Apparently, sometimes when the bulb burns out there is a chance that the ballast can start a fire. He told me that the Fire Marshall had issued reports about the dangers of these bulbs.

Upon doing some Internet research, it seems that bulbs made by“Globe” in China seem to have the lion’s share of problems. Lots of fires have been blamed on misuse of CFL bulbs, like using them in recessed lighting, pot lights, dimmers or in track lighting. Mine was installed in a normal light socket.

I bought these at Wal-Mart. I will be removing all the Globe bulbs from my house. CFL bulbs are a great energy saver but make sure you buy a name brand like Sylvania , Phillips or GE and not the ones from China .

PASS THIS ON TO YOUR FRIENDS............

Home Remedy! - Sore Throat Tea

Louisiana Shrimp Creole

Another Facebook Recipe!

 

 

1 or more sticks butter

 8 tbsp. flour

 1 c. chopped parsley

 1 doz. green onions, chopped

 1 green pepper, chopped

 8-9 cloves garlic, chopped

 4 lb. or more shrimp

 1/2 stalk celery, chopped

 2 med. onions, chopped

 6 c. water

 3 cans tomato paste

 1 tsp. sugar

 2 tbsp. salt

 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar

 

Cook butter and flour until browned; add vegetables. Saute 10-15 minutes. Add water and remaining ingredients except vinegar and shrimp. Simmer 30 minutes. Add vinegar and simmer 1 hour and 30 minutes. Add shrimp and bring to a boil and simmer 20 minutes. The key is to not overcook your shrimp. Let them slowly simmer in the sauce until just cooked through.Serve over hot rice.

 

✔ Like ✔ “Share” ✔ Tag ✔ Comment ✔ Repost

 

♥✿´¯`*•.¸¸✿ Join us for awesome recipes, fun ideas and great DIY projects,

click here---> SHARON'S SKINNY FRIENDS LETS GET HEALTHY TOGETHER

HOW TO MAKE SYMBOLS WITH KEYBOARD

We found this on Facebook and thought we should share:

 

 

HOW TO MAKE SYMBOLS WITH KEYBOARD

 

 Alt + 0153..... ™... trademark symbol

 Alt + 0169.... ©.... copyright symbol

 Alt + 0174..... ®....registered ­ trademark symbol

 Alt + 0176 ...°......degree symbol

 Alt + 0177 ...±....plus-or ­-minus sign

 Alt + 0182 ...¶.....paragr­aph mark

 Alt + 0190 ...¾....fractio­n, three-fourths

 Alt + 0215 ....×.....multi­plication sign

 Alt + 0162...¢....the ­ cent sign

 Alt + 0161.....¡..... ­.upside down exclamation point

 Alt + 0191.....¿..... ­upside down question mark

 Alt + 1.......☺....smiley face

 Alt + 2 ......☻.....black smiley face

 Alt + 15.....☼.....sun

 Alt + 12......♀.....female sign

 Alt + 11.....♂......m­ale sign

 Alt + 6.......♠.....spade

 Alt + 5.......♣...... ­Club

 Alt + 3.......♥...... ­Heart

 Alt + 4.......♦...... ­Diamond

 Alt + 13......♪.....e­ighth note

 Alt + 14......♫...... ­beamed eighth note

 Alt + 8721.... ∑.... N-ary summation (auto sum)

 Alt + 251.....√.....square root check mark

 Alt + 8236.....∞..... ­infinity

 Alt + 24.......↑..... ­up arrow

 Alt + 25......↓...... ­down arrow

 Alt + 26.....→.....r­ght arrow

 Alt + 27......←.....l­eft arrow

 Alt + 18.....↕......u­p/down arrow

 Alt + 29......↔...lef­t right arrow

 

Weight-Loss Tip!

Blow your MIND" Tomato Basil Pasta!

 

Throw it all in the pot, INCLUDING the uncooked Pasta, and cook! - Bring it to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. The starch leaches out of the pasta and makes a rich, warm sauce for the noodles. The other ingredients cook right along with the pasta!!!! (Yes, that's right...no straining, just stirring)

 

 

Ingredients

12 ounces pasta (I used Linguine)

 1 can (15 ounces) diced tomatoes with liquid ( I used zesty red pepper flavor)

 1 large sweet onion, cut in julienne strips

 4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced

 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes

 2 teaspoons dried oregano leaves

 2 large sprigs basil, chopped

 4 1/2 cups vegetable broth (regular broth and NOT low sodium)

 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

 Parmesan cheese for garnish

 

Directions

Place pasta, tomatoes, onion, garlic, basil, in a large stock pot. Pour in vegetable broth. Sprinkle on top the pepper flakes and oregano. Drizzle top with oil.

Cover pot and bring to a boil. Reduce to a low simmer and keep covered and cook for about 10 minutes, stirring every 2 minutes or so. Cook until almost all liquid has evaporated – I left about an inch of liquid in the bottom of the pot – but you can reduce as desired .

Season to taste with salt and pepper , stirring pasta several times to distribute the liquid in the bottom of the pot. Serve garnished with Parmesan cheese.

DIY: How To Unclog A Kitchen Sink!

DIY Project: Homemade Weed Killer

 

Homemade Weed Killer Recipe for all the Do-It-Yourselfers!

 

1 gallon vinegar

2 cups epsom salt

 1/4 cup dish soap

 

 

We Are Real...In This House!

Count Your Blessings....Yeah, Seriously!

This is a great idea that was brought to our attention via a Facebook post! Read the note on the jar (insert the Jeopardy theme music here)....let's do it! Who cares if we are 10 days in to the year this is something we need to do every single year in our opinions. Plus, what about if you don't wait until December 31st, what about when you are having a bad day or a "pity party for one" you go and pull from your own personal "Blessings Jar". How would that make you feel? Please comment and let us know if you plan on doing this in your home.

The Coily Hair Chronicles (2)

5 Things You Should Know Before Going Natural



     With the new year just taking off, I am sure that many of you have made resolutions to make major changes in your life. Many have joined gyms and vowed to shed a certain number of pounds before the swim suit season hits. Others have made plans to get out of debt, or avoid the use of credit cards. Some have made spiritual commitments to re-dedicate their lives to their religious beliefs, or return to a place of worship. Some have sworn to ignore phone calls from an ex-lover or end the cycle of ephemeral relationships, and still there are others who have made personal goals of self-acceptance and self-admiration. If by chance one of your goals this year is to "go natural," I applaud you on this life changing journey of self-discovery. Beware; as this journey is not for the faint at heart, the weak, or those who cannot endure. I would like to take this opportunity to share 5 things that I wish I would have known before I took the plunge in the natural hair world. This post is by no means, an attempt to change your mind, but rather a caution statement to prepare you for the obstacles that await you.

 

1. Everyone will not appreciate or support your natural hair journey.
   

   It is extremely important to note that everyone will definitely form an opinion about your decision to make such a huge change, but not everyone will be supportive or as excited about  the change. Many people including some of your closest friends and relatives, will turn up their noses, suggest that you return to relaxers, compare you to other naturals and women on television, and even go as far as referring you to their on stylist for assistance. Please see #2 for how to combat this.

    
2. You don't have to care if "They" like it or not.
   

   Once you have this statement branded on your brain, the hardest part is nearly over. It is important when you decide to allow your hair to return to its natural state that you do so for your own personal reasons. You should also embrace the fact that you might not have ringlet curls like the girl who sits two cubicles down from you, or the lady at church . If your mindset is not right,  the negative opinions of others will quickly sway you back to chemicals. Having your own reasons for starting this journey will give you strength to continue when others are pulling you back to the mainstream idea of beauty.  

   
   
3. Don't Big Chop Until You're Ready   
   

   Cutting off all of your hair is a major change to both you and those around you. In fact, even your hair goes into shock from the sudden famine of chemicals to which it was accustomed. Cutting off your hair prior to being prepared for this event can be  a  major self-esteem blow, and could result in embarrassment, lack of confidence, depression, and social withdrawal. The key to pulling off  natural hair is confidence, or "swagg" as the kids are calling it now days.

   Please Note: Not all naturals who do a premeditated big chop  will hear air horns or experience a rush of freedom, as the heavenly choir sings in the back ground, (I know from personal experience. All I heard was crickets, and that stupid faucet dripping...smh) but, getting used to yourself looking a different way, once you have played it over in your mind a million times, is much different than just jumping on a bandwagon, and facing month after month of regrets. Plan accordingly, and don't cut until you're ready!

   
   
4. Find a Natural Hair Buddy
   

   This is very similar to finding a partner to go with you to the gym. You would like for the partner to be very supportive and to push you forward when you feel like you can't go any further. When looking for a gym partner we often do one of two things. A.) We look for someone who is equally or more out of shape than us. Or B.)We look for someone who is very much in shape and will be sure to motivate us without being hurtful.  Having someone to "grow with" follows the same line of thinking. Your natural hair buddy will need to be someone who you can rely on, and doesn't mind your complaints of kinks and knots. Someone who encourages and nurtures your dedication to be chemical free, and will tell you to snap out of it, when you experience curl envy. I vow to be that friend for you, until you find her, and after that I will still be here because encouragement is key to success. 

   
   
5. This is Journey, NOT a Race!
   
   While I have saved this point for last, it is the most important of the five. So many naturals chop off their hair, and from the very first day pine over the days when their hair will be long enough to touch their shoulders, or do pin ups, or buns, etc. Too often this rush to grow hair long, results in failure to ensure that their hair is healthy. If your primary focus is hair health, then the secondary focus of length will be sure to follow. Enjoy your first several months of short hair. In the words of Jenell of Kinky Curly Coily Me, "This is the 'shortest' part of your journey."

Hope this Advice Helps!
*Clarashands*                                                  "Whether you think you can, or can't; you're right."- Henry Ford

Note To Moms...

Creative Ideas: Inexpensive Party Decor

This is an awesome idea! We saw this on facebook and thought we would share this unique idea for a birthday party or any other type of celebration that photos and balloons may be used to highlight the life and or career of a person! Tie photos of the birthday boy or girl to colorful balloons! Read More Details About How To Complete This Look Here ---> http://bit.ly/Psxhvb