Baby Registry or Supplies List

I remember feeling overwhelmed creating a baby registry when I was pregnant. I just wanted someone to take over and do this part for me. I could not easily distinguish wanted items from needed items. And after my mother took a look at my registry, telling me that I had too much of a specific product, I felt deflated. It was just too much for me, and I want to do something for some other overwhelmed expectant mom out there. Below is a working list of essential items for Mommy and Baby! You may notice that some obvious items are not included (e.g., pampers, diaper genie,etc.). If you have a shower, these types of items are a given. Let's hope this list helps in the development of your registry or shopping list.

*Find an updated list on the "Mommy & Baby Supplies List" page.

Just for Mommy

Isotropic Formula
Organic Prenatal Vitamins (tablet)

Fenugreek: http://amzn.to/2hXdGcn

Mother’s Milk Tea

Baby Registry Essentials

Apparel

Onsies: http://amzn.to/2hDTXj2; http://amzn.to/2gJWvu0;  (long sleeve: http://amzn.to/2gTli3A)  

Sleep N Play Onsies (LOVE THESE!): http://amzn.to/2hDOfxv; Unisex: http://amzn.to/2hXg3fw

Baby Socks; http://amzn.to/2hXhZoi

Baby Girl Little Black Dress: http://amzn.to/2hXee1Y

Travel

Backseat Car Organizers: http://amzn.to/2gTOBlf

Claw High Chair: http://amzn.to/2gTUnDd; http://amzn.to/2hXjSRY

Convertible Car Seat: http://amzn.to/2gTiT8Z

3-in-1 Diaper Bag: http://amzn.to/2hXntz9

Carrier: http://amzn.to/2gTNyBD 

Advanced 4-in-1 : http://amzn.to/2hXrELz

Car Seat Canopy and Nursing Privacy Cover: http://amzn.to/2hXuvUQ

Footmuff: http://amzn.to/2hDlPGJ
Baby Carrier Wrap: http://amzn.to/2ifVSsT 

Feeding

Spectra 2 Pump: http://amzn.to/2gTQtdn

Pump and Go Disposable Bottle Set: http://amzn.to/2gTNOAs

Bottles: http://amzn.to/2hE9jEk, http://amzn.to/2h3sF8K 

Bottle Warmer: http://amzn.to/2gKeqkk

Home, Health & Safety

Baby Monitor: http://amzn.to/2gTRaDu

Stair Gates with Mounting Kit: http://amzn.to/2gTl1xL
Bath Tub & Shower: http://amzn.to/2j6eFuH 

Power & Influence of the Natural Hair Movement

Did you know that YOU are changing how hair care products are being marketed recently? Yes. YOU-the one who decided to accept the way your hair grows out of your scalp-yeah, YOU. Have you perused through your local hair care retailer to see numerous product lines (once marketed to women with chemically-treated afro/ethnic hair), now expanding to include products to style afro/ethnic hair in it's natural texture (e.g., Aphogee)? It is unprecedented to be able to walk into your corner drug store or pharmacy and find a multitude of products specifically designed to further enhance and beautify your hair. Anyone who was hesitant to take the natural plunge, now has the tools and resources readily available. It's incredible. And all you had to do was make the (sometimes brave) decision to wear your hair just how it is.

I wonder what other change you could influence by deciding how (and on what) you are going to spend your money???? Hmmm....

It doesn't stop there...just go to YouTube and search 'natural hair, 3/4/a-c, or anything related to natural beauty'. You will find tubers who show everything from how to care for and style one's own natural hair,  to DIY natural hair care products. You've (in some way) helped to create a rich and supportive community. A community who strives to promote individuality and esteem, without demeaning others whom have not yet made the decision to follow suit. 

Who knows, I may try my hand at creating a tutorial, vlog, etc.  

;-)

By the way, I saw some very interesting footage come across one of my social media feeds...Have you seen the Huffington Post-Black Voices feature on Anthony Dickie's hair regimen method? Did I totally miss this?

Anthony Dickie, sir, please clone yourself! Thank you.

I never thought to do this, but I may give it a try. Have you tried this technique? What techniques do you use to spruce your look?

What Are You Taking Into 2012

At the end of every year, I make a concerted effort to tidy up my living space so that I go into the new year with a clean home. I don't know if it's a tradition of mine or a superstition. But I do know, that at the end of this year's clean sweep, I have an abundance of hair and beauty products -- GO FIGURE! I may have a problem. I may need some help. But I don't need another product at anytime in 2012. I am taking these products into 2012, but I am also taking a few new habits along for the journey.

What are you taking into the new year? Whatever you decide, please have a safe and happy one!

Cheers!

Hair Confessions...

So, if you've been following this blog for any period of time, you have likely noticed that I no longer have the 'Hair Progress' page available for viewing. I took it down because there have been some changes to my regimen - again. My quest for growing out my hair is still going strong. I have continued to focus on growing my hair through protective styling [and low-manipulation]. Even though my regimen has not been as stable as I would have liked, I have experienced tremendous hair growth. But I must confess, there is a new ingredient I've added...Miconazole Nitrate (MN). Normally, I would be looking down right now; but the fact of the matter is my hair is growing at a rate I have never experienced.

Now, before I tell anyone to give this a try, let me just share some of what I've been reading about the use of this on one's scalp.

Recent Favorite Finds!

I've been on hiatus - well, kinda. I had the pleasure of hosting my nieces and nephew this summer, enjoying a new hybrid automobile and nurturing my relationships. It was a good summer! Now that it's my FAVORITE season (Autumn), I am feeling the "back to school" shopping spirit and thought I'd send my readers to some of my recent favorite finds.


3. Ouidad Comb


The Ouidad double tooth detangling comb! As some of you may have read, I am stretching my relaxers to every 90 days...well, I'm trying to (90 86 days were rough)! A tool like this is so very necessary, even for those of us who are not necessarily transitioning. It can be found at any Sephora retailer or via online purchase through Amazon.

S-T-R-E-T-C-H...The Plot Thickens!!

OohWee! I don't know how much longer I can stretch my next relaxer. My last texlax application was June 1st, and I think my hair is starting to get used to my most recent regimen - a good problem, I guess. It's really starting to grow in thicker than usual. I'm trying to push my next texlax application to August 30th (which would be 90 days)...but I don't know. I am scheduled for a deep conditioning tonight. I'll be using Shu Uemura's Muroto Volume, which works to add volume to the hair.

UPDATE: Black Castor Oil

One of my earlier entries highlighted a product that promotes healthy hair growth. Days after my post, my sisters of blogdom from the UK (Long Hair Journal) gave the product a review and offered some alternate ingredients that are effective and not expensive. So, for those of you, who are starting on your own hair growth journeys, may find this helpful - I did. I'm still working on my own version. We'll see how things go in a month or so.

Until then...

Black Castor Oil...

This is in response to the requests for additional information about the hair oil referenced. I got the ingredients and instructions from YouTube videos. The instructions come in a Part 1 and Part 2 (watch your speaker volume). However, I should mention that I added my own twist to what is directed, and I am still waiting to see how my version works.

Basic Ingredients:

My Personal Hair Growth Challenge...

For most of my life, I have had the hardest time growing my hair out. I would try protective hairstyles (e.g., braids, weaves, etc.), but [maybe] weeks after I removed the style and paid for my hair to get some TLC (i.e., deep conditioned, trimmed), it would either stop growing or start breaking. My stylist (at the time) would wonder with me as to what the issue could be. We both resolved that that's just how my hair was. But, not so...

Hair-ducation: a Recent Science?

Not really, and the holistic education of hair is still evolving beyond the basics. Let me first recognize the knowledge of our professional cosmetologists - they bring a much needed degree of attention to our hair. However, when it comes to knowing and being educated about one's own hair, there's a significant gap.

For example...

I was recently on the phone with a friend and we began discussing hair. She started telling me that her hair was 4c and she was looking for 3c (clearly, I've been under some rock)...