I'm Back... AGAIN

Hey Y'all, 

Its been soooo long since I was in a regular habit of writing! I look back on my last blog and my oh my has life changed since then; I started a career in a new sector and met the love of my life and got married.  As life changes we all get busy and sometimes lose focus on the things we love. For me writing has always been a passion of mine that struggled to keep up with. Social media makes it all too easy to document our lives with very little if any context. My new goal is to keep up with my writing through this blog and I hope you keep me to my promise. 

So you might ask, whats been going on with me over the last 3-ish years? Well as I said I got married which was the best decision of my life. I highly recommend if you’ve met the person you can’t live without make that commitment if the time is right. If you haven’t met that person just yet, keep the faith, your person will find you. Through our marriage, I have been able to experience so much. My husband is Dutch and all of his family and friends are in the Netherlands. As you might imagine we get over there quite a bit.

Our First Look on 12/18/15

After an amazing day, one last selfie 

Traveling has always been at the core of my being; seeing new places, experiencing new things, cultures and languages its something that drives me. Through my travels to the Netherlands and Europe, I’ve developed a bit of a ritual when we visit. Whenever time permits, I make a day trip by myself to a city near the Netherlands. My first trip was to Cologne, Germany last summer. What a trip that was; it was my first time visiting a city completely alone. After that trip I was hooked on traveling alone. This past May I visiting Brussels, Belgium. Its something special about putting together a touristy hit list, and wandering around in a unknown city. You discovery so much about the place but also about yourself. You will hear more about my trips as I will be sure to blog about them in the future as well as documenting my previous trips.

Selfie with the #iamamsterdam sign

I also started a job in Sales Training in the data security, file sharing world. That career move has put me in the center of all the things I love, teaching sales tactics with how to operationally manage your accounts through various techniques. 

For the first time in my life I can honestly say that I am in a great place in all facets. Things are perfect but they are definitely in a positive direction. I look forward to writing more and hearing from you guys! Take care & God Bless :) 

Smile,

Kami 

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year Y'all, 

I am not big on New Year's Eve celebrations, but I have to acknowledge the newness that it brings. While many in NYC are going out on the town in their jazziest outfits, I prefer to stay in to relax and reflect.  While we make resolutions, vows and promises to ourselves, one of my goals is to curtail the rolling of my eyes, side eyes or the "You Tried It" face.  My belief is to accomplish one goal at a time, while setting my sights on the next one.  We are ever evolving people, so growth is an inevitable process for progress, especially for me in 2014. 

While I am not big the mad dash of outfits, makeup, and waiting for cabs in freezing temperatures, I reflect and give thanks for the life I had thus far.  Reflecting on 2013, it has truly been one of my most challenging, yet exciting years.  I have accomplished so much, conquered fears, and crossed items off my bucket list.  Sometimes I look back at life from this past year and wonder how could I top that, yet I plan to do so; bigger and better.  My sissy Elise and I decided that we would see as much as we could before I turned 30 and also make up for her 25th birthday, which we never formally celebrated. Our goal for 2013 was to TURN ALL THE WAY UP, and that we did!  We've taken trips all over the country attended concerts, wine tours, birthday parties, weddings, and bonded with family as part of a few exciting things we've experienced.  I am proud of us and what we have accomplished, and I pray that 2014 brings as many blessings as this past year did. 

Kami's 2013 Accomplishments & Experiences: 

- Visited the beau in Paris and London, while he was studying abroad (still in awe)

- Visited Seattle, WA and Chicago, IL

- Attended the Essence Music Fesitval in New Orleans

- Gained more self confidence and appreciation for myself and others

For you Jones'rs, what are you most proud of from 2013 and what are you hoping to accomplish for 2014?

"I had to make my own living and my own opportunity.  But I made it!  Don't sit down and wait for the opportunities to come.  Get up and make them." - Madam CJ Walker

Smile, 

Kami

GONE FOR A MINUTE NOW I'M BACK WITH THE JUMP OFF

Hi Curly Family,

It's been SO long since I wrote to you all, and I apologize. Life has me all caught up and I remembered that writing has help detangle that in the past, so I’m back. In the last six months, I have been traveling so much for my job that it hasn't left me much time to do anything! We all get busy in life and try to hold on to those things that keep us sane; for me it's family, friends, and television (guilty as charged). It is also holiday time, which means parties, food, booze and shopping.  Two weekends ago was the annual Santacon in NYC, which is a fun bar crawl, where one dresses up as Santa, Mrs. Clause, an elf, or whatever Christmas related outfit. I was so excited about going, however mother nature had other plans as it snowed all day on Saturday. Instead of trekking out in that mess, I decided to stay indoors and do some much need nesting with my roommate Maritza, which included cooking and some rest.

Last year at Santa Con :) 

Before heading out to the grocery store, it dawned me that I had not been paying any to my beloved crown and glory. I knew then that a deep conditioning was definitely in order. Maritza patiently waited as I sectioned my hair, grabbed whatever conditioning agents I had, flipped it and tossed it, threw my hair in a bun, put on a plastic cap, and a wool hat to top it off. You didn't think I was going outside looking like Sweet Brown! Let the conditioning begin! Finally, Maritza and I slid off to the store in the snow, got tons of nesting food, came home, and cooked up a storm.  Later that evening, it was time to wash and style my hair. I did my usual routine of sectioning my hair into fours, co-washing and detangling each section carefully. I sat in a "Turbie Twist" for 30 minutes, still sectioned in order to air dry. Then I took my hair down to make about twelve twists using a leave-in shea butter and gel. What a difference conditioning makes, despite not giving my hair any extra love in the last two months (I know, I know). It resiliently snapped back; soft as ever! I promise on the natural hair care bible to never go that long without giving my hair some conditioning love.

A good hair day after my conditioning session...

What I learned from that experience is that simplicity is the key to sanity, when maintaining a hectic schedule. Not just with hair, but in all parts of life especially with my faith and fitness workouts. I found that taking various fitness classes such as spinning and yoga, which have become truly my friend gave me accountability to stay on track to maintain a healthy lifestyle. I also joined Bible Study Fellowship (BSF), which meets every Monday night where a group of us find time in our busy schedules to learn more about the word of God and fellowship with each other. When it comes to my hair trying tons of new products and deterring from my regimen is out of the question; less is more! Because as my schedule has gotten more hectic, trying out new products doesn’t provide me with the necessary conditioning and balance needed for healthy hair. Keeping it simple to what you know and love allows for more of a fuller and healthier look, until you have the time to experiment with different products and hair schedule. Below I have listed my winter hair schedule and products…

Curly Kami Jami's Winter Regimen

Co-Washing: Once per week

• Conditioners: Anything by TRESemme, Suave Scalp Solutions Anti-Dandruff

Shampooing: Once per month (I still struggle slightly with seborrhea dermatitis)

• Aveeno Nourish+Dandruff Control  Shampoo

Deep Condition: Biweekly

• Products: Coconut/Olive Oil mixed with any deep conditioner... right now I am using nuNaat Treatment   Curly Hair Intensive Mask, I also love Naptural85’s yogurt deep conditioner

Leave-Ins: Daily

• Products: Giovanni Direct Leave-In, Garnier Fructis Sleek & Shine Leave-In Conditioning Cream,   Aphogee ProVitamin Leave-In Conditioner

• When I Wanna Splurge: Deva Curl Set It Free, Ouidad Moisture Lock, Aveda Be Curly Curl Controller

Oils & Butters: Daily

• Products:  Coconut Oil, Shea Butter, Olive Oil

Gels: As Needed

• Products:  Anything by Eco Styler …right now I am using their Moroccan Argan Oil (LOVE!!!)

Awhile back the Jones Girls adopted a saying...Simplistic Living! We hope that you find you easiest happiest self through that!

Blessings & Happy Holidays,

Kami

Happy Birthday Maryam-o

It's been a crazy few days but I wanted to wish my co-blogger & sister a very Happy Birthday! Her birthday was Monday so this entry is alittle late but better late than never! We shall be continuing the celebration next month in New Orleans at the Essence Music Festival *screaming with excitement*

Mommy and I took her to dinner at Ruth Chris in Downtown Charlotte, NC with our Aunt Peggy and Cousin Roz. The food and service was ah-mazing! Her bun was sooo adorable on her birthday, maybe talking about it will inspire her to do a "tutorial" lol :) 

Have a great day y'all!

Smile,

Kam

Make You Slap Yo Mama!

Although this is a hair blog, (blah, blah, blah), from time to time, we may write on things that are not hair related.  Fortunately for you, this would be one of those times. Two Fridays ago, Maritza (the roomie), Liz (my good friend/workout buddy), and I set out on a mission to have a “Date Night”, just the three of us.  However, you may wonder, “Date night with three girls?  What’s that about?!?!??  Well, Martha Stewart posted a video a couple years ago on her website called “Date Night with Jim Cantiello and Brendan Kennedy.”  The video was about the three of them on a quest to try a bar called Dram and a restaurant called Pies-n-Thighs in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. The video is amazingly funny; Martha really out did herself.  (see link below)

                                           

One look at the images of food and drinks in the video, I was instantly determined to try these “hipster-esque” establishments.  This great idea not only lived itself out on 90 degree day in NYC, which made me quite hot, bothered irritated, and exhausted.  Nothing could cure those sensations but a nice alcoholic drink (don’t judge me), a hardy cheat day meal (again don’t judge me), and some dawg ole blasting air-condition (sue me I am from the south)! 

The three of us set out to meet at Dram to have a drink, which must include a ball (you must watch the video to understand).  Dram was a very cool bar with a very “creative” wait staff/bartender.  There were cute little palm-like trees, and floor to ceiling windows which made me feel like I was on an island somewhere with the air conditioning pumping, all I needed was that drink.  So I asked the bartender for a Jones Girl Signature Drink of gin and grapefruit juice.  I am not sure if it was my curls that day, but he made a custom creation that was SO refreshing and delicious that I forgot to ask what he put in it.  I guess another reason to go back even after three of them!!!

Later we decide to roll across the street to Pies-n-Thighs to put our names on the waitlist.  As we chatted, many happy, but full faces rolled out of the restaurant raving about how good the food was including a family who said they’d come from Coney Island to Williamsburg just to enjoy the deliciousness.  Still raving about the bar while we waited, we discussed about the other possible places and we haven’t even sat down and eaten yet.   

Finally the moment arrived where we are seated at our table.  A little secret that the other girls did not know is that I had already combed through the menu a few days earlier so I already knew what I was going to eat (okay now you can judge me, lol).  I ordered the Fried Green Tomatoes, Chicken Biscuit, Black Eye Peas, and Hushpuppies (a lot of food I know).  I am surprise I am able to write this post as I nearly ate my fingers off!  I still can’t breathe because I ate so much.  The food was so good, it took me back to when I was 13 years old sitting on a barstool in my childhood home in Orangeburg, SC, while my grandmother made biscuits, chicken and other comfort foods.  The Chicken Biscuit (which was my fav) was only slightly hot and slathered in hot sauce, butter and honey.  The chicken was fried to perfection.  I believe that my southern ancestors would be really proud of such great cuisine.  Even though I do not eat meat off the bone, they served a “Fried Chicken Box” that looked delectable.  Not the chicken box that you would find at a local around-the-way Kennedy Fried Chicken either, for those that know what that is. 

                                                               

 As we left, Maritza ordered a homemade donut to take home. I cannot tell I lie I was scheming on it too.  As gracious as she was she shared a slice of it the next morning.  It was SO good, with a cake like taste and consistency.  To top it all off, one of the best things about this restaurant besides the amazing food was that everything was so reasonable priced.  Our total bill combined for the three of us was a whopping $60, which I can totally spend easy on hair products.  Even though this was not a hair related topic, I seriously urge you all New Yorkers and non-New Yorkers to pay a visit Dram and Pies-n-Thighs.  I promise you won’t regret it!  Remember the secret is to look at the menu before you get to the restaurant :). 

Links:

Martha Stewart Date Night: http://www.marthastewart.com/993078/date-night-jim-cantiello-and-brendan-kennedy

Dram:  http://drambar.com

Pies-n-Thighs:  http://piesnthighs.com

My Silent Killer!

I, Kamilah Jones, have a problem. Well, not the problem you may think... It ‘s a silent problem that I haven't heard a lot of people talk about. You see, about two summers ago Curtis (my beau) and I prepared to go on vacation with his dad's family. That was when it all started. Elise happened to be in town so she helped me get ready. I washed my hair, and as I was moisturizing and twisting out, Elise says to me, "Uhh, you have flakes in your hair". Like many things, I ignored her but she persisted to tell me there were huge flakes in my hair and insisted that I look in the mirror. KAM SCREAMS!!!! "Omg I must have left conditioner in my hair".  I washed my hair again but the flakes were still there. “Ugh... I am going on vacation on tomorrow. What am I going to do”??? We had a day between leaving NYC and starting our cruise so I went to Rite Aid and bought everything from Neutrogena T-Gel to Head and Shoulders. NOTHING WORKED! I basically flicked as many flakes off as I could to make my hair presentable.  A few days later, the flakes had increased, but with itching as well.  I was soooo frustrated and for weeks I kept treating my scalp condition as "dandruff". It would help at first but only to come back with a vengeance. 

When I returned from vacation I consulted with about 4 or 5 dermatologists over a two year period and all of them would write prescription after prescription of harsh shampoos that not only dried my hair but were expensive and required that I constantly see a doctor (with a co-pay).  I was diagnosed with Seborrheic Dermatitis (SD for short). My Mommy, "the herbalist", suggested that I try essential oils to clear the flakes, but those were super expensive and the smell could be over-powering. I was OVER IT; not only embarrassed, but ashamed that I, the problem solver to so many, couldn't figure this out. 

Like many people, I took to the Internet to find a fix. I came across countless people with SD on the web who either had symptoms much worse than mine or their hair was not natural (therefore I couldn't identify with their condition). Many suggestions were to wash your hair everyday and let's face it, I am a busy New Yorker who barely finds time to even wash my hair weekly, much less daily. 

I went to a new dermatologist’s office most recently to see what help they could offer me. I saw the Physicians Assistant (the only open appointment). She listened to my woes, showed concern and offered this (in addition to a stack of prescriptions):  Try unconventional methods such as Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV), products that contain zinc, tea tree oil or anti fungal creams in addition to the prescriptions. I had already done the ACV wash before, but I had never heard of using zinc or anti fungal creams. 

A week after that appointment, Elise and I were having our daily "life updates" chat and she suggested I try "Monistat".  Say whattttt?!?!?! You want me to use “va-jay-jay” cream on my head?!?! She had heard it worked well as a makeup primer, but thought it would be a good thing to try since technically SD is a yeasty fungus on the skin. I thought about it and thought, “What do I have to loose? I haven’t found anything that works consistently to my liking, so I’ll try it.”

Photo: Any product that is Miconazole Nitrate Vaginal Cream (2%) can be used....As Elise would advise, "Store brand works too" lol :)

So, I recently started a Monistat regimen: Wash every 4 days, separating hair into 4 or 5 sections and apply the cream to my scalp. This is hard to make time for because after washing I have to detangle and moisturize my hair, then part and apply cream to scalp, and then twist hair all over.  We are talking a 3-hour process (my hands are tired just thinking about it). But if this turns out to be a winner like I think....  It will be worth it. 

Photo: My hair sectioned off using Banana clips ......ready to wash

Stay tuned.....

Hangin' & Swangin'

Last summer, Elise & I both got Senegalese Twists to not only protect our hair but to also switch our look (keep y'all guessing lol). While the twists were a major hit with our "fans", we didn't love how our curly hair seemed to frizz up in them. I have seborrheic dermatitis (stay tuned for a entry on that subject) and having the twists while trying to keep that at bay proved to be challenging. Elise left hers in too long and it caused some slight breakage. So, we decided to give up on braids/twists for a while.

Recently Elise decided to give it a try again. This time she got box braids using kanekalon hair. She used our favorite braid-tress Alimatou (Amazing lady!) based out of Harlem, NYC. I'll list her contact information below the pictures.

 Watch this colorful character express her readiness for the fun of spring and summer :) See Elise sound off below...

Back soakin' wet...but hey you see crazier things in Harlem!

Selfies!!!!

My Senegalese twists last summer...

Summer 2012, Long Island Sound

Moral of the story kids... whatever style you're rocking this summer make sure your keep a flippant hair do, fun and free spirit, and most of all healthy mind and body.
                                                                   
                                                                        xo,

                                                                 Kam & Elise




The shop where Alimatou braids is located at 2294 Fredrick Douglas Boulevard, Harlem, NY 10027 and her phone number is (646) 290-0250