Tuesday, December 4, 2018

Pigtails and Locs

My daughter loves the versatility she has with her locs! She never liked the plastic barrettes and bows, but I’m the mom lol! All little girls need to wear a few bows and barrettes to get the certified little girl stamp. 

Since she started her loc journey she’s thrilled that I no longer braid her hair every 2/3/4 weeks "basically" when the style starts to look a mess . She still loves her pigtails. 



She love the fact that she can still wear loose natural hair styles 




Instagram &  YouTube : JNaeTV


Extra Virgin Olive Oil & Water πŸ’¦ (Babyhair) 
That shine tho! It will be gone once she gets out of school lol.


Headband 

Later πŸ’•  ✌

Monday, November 19, 2018

Loc Bun

We finally tried a loc bun. It was a success! 

My daughter loved her bun. 


SN:  I think she looks like me in this photo πŸ“Έ☺️

Ok, back to the loc bun! 

(BEFORE)


Her hair was freshly washed and this was a  last minute attempt.  The next time we will do the bun on dry hair and just spritz it with water. We try our best to not go to sleep with wet locs. It’s a big NO NO! 

(AFTER )



We used a headscarf at night to lay her edges down. I only use EXTRA VIRGIN OIL. I learned that this is the only oil that works for both of our hair. It’s light, but  it does a great job. We don’t use any edge control. I am the only one who styles her hair. When she’s with her Dad I try to help her remember the things we do when she’s with me. It’s hard, but I tell her spritz her locs with water, put a headband on and wear it down. 

I won’t be doing a loc bun often because she’s at the beginning stage and we don’t need tension on her edges. 

She loved her bun and she was amazed that her roots looked like loose natural hair. 







LATERπŸ’•✌🏽




Friday, November 16, 2018

Kids and Locs

Kidswithlocs  is a #hashtag that I follow on Instagram. Under this hashtag you can find so many pictures of kids wearing Locs!  Now you can find JNaeTV too! πŸ’•


  




I was shocked that my daughter wanted locs. Of course she took interest in my starter loc journey, but she was really fascinated with straight hair. 

Before we committed to her loc journey I asked her what did she want me to do to her hair because once it locs up it’s going to take time to comb them out or last result... cut her hair. She requested box braids 

and wanted me to straighten her hair. 


 However, once she saw pictures of people growing their locs  from childhood age to adult she was amazed. I gave in πŸ’• I asked her about 20 times if she still wanted them and her answer was YES. She tells me all the time she loves her locs because she doesn’t need a comb lol πŸ˜‚  Her faves and loc hair goals: 



  I will be uploading more videos soon! 


 

Later πŸ’•✌🏽

Monday, October 8, 2018

Loss of A Sibling



Mom life definitely keeps me busy and now the death of my brother has taken a toll. I’m absolutely not giving up, but I’m going through it. 



Grieving.  It’s natural. 

You’re probably weathering your own storms. Guess what? We can do this! I tend to disappear when things happen in my life and I don't want to do that this time around. The last time something devastating happened I stayed away from YouTube and my blog.  I actually enjoy them both.  So much happened while I was away.  It’s a hobby that I enjoy. My brother wouldn't want me to stop doing what I love. 

 

 I love him! I miss him!

 Remember him with me πŸ’™

The last conversation I had with him was in the parking lot of Burger King in Hoover, Alabama. The kids were excited to see “Uncle Man”. They hugged and we took pictures.  The conversation was going so well that he said he would follow us to the park with the kids to talk more. That was different, but I said Yes sure. We talked about the kids and I moving back home to Alabama. I’ve lived in the DMV area for 10 years.  I started getting homesick a year ago, but I needed to make sure that it was real. It’s real. 

Officially homesick. 

The kids and I have met some amazing people in the (DMV )friendships for life, but they also show a different side when they are in Alabama. It’s always a cry fest when we leave. I never thought I would get to that point that I am ready to go. 

My brother told me that I was a good mom and that he missed me. He said sis you look so happy! I was like really ☺️. He said come home sis.

(Text sent later that night to me from my brother )





We sat at the park on the bench while my children and their cousins played. We talked about jobs, life and the future. It was a happy moment. He was so happy. I didn’t know that JUNE 2018 would be the last time I saw him physically. We hugged and I said I love you and see you next time I’m in town. I watched him drive off in his car until his car left my eyesight and I never do that because I expected to see him again. Look at GodπŸ’™ 

Wayne you miss me, but now I miss you more😘

~Love, 

A little Sister πŸ’•

Later πŸ’•✌🏽


Thursday, October 4, 2018

Moments With Toya~

Moments With Toya is what I title my vlogs.  They are really short because I'm clearly not a fan of long videos. If you watch my videos you're probably thinking yea we know that lol. I like to share bits and pieces of my life. I am showing other women or men that there is life after a break up or divorce.

My vlogs are about exposing the good things about life after. I think further down the line if there is an issue that I feel is important I won't hesitate to share. I'm always filming even if I don't post it. 

Break ups and divorce can be brutal and some people become stuck in sadness for way too long. It's OK to mourn the loss, but not too long. 

Don't waste too much of your time dwelling in the past. Life is Beautiful and you should spend your days being happy and blessed that you and your family are able to enjoy another day of life. ❤️ In the words of  Jada Pinkett Smith saying (That Part). 

As for my blogs, I will leave the drama to Love and Hip Hop which is a guilty tv pleasure lol. I'm not saying there isn't drama during a break up or divorce, however remain positive. 

Peace of mind goes a long way. It affects everything such as parenting, job, routine and much more. 

I hope that by sharing my moments I can give you a glimpse of what you are missing out on if you think life doesn't go on. 

Later✌🏾️


Moments With Toya 
More Moments With Toya

Wednesday, October 3, 2018

Month 8 Loc Journey Update

Month 8 ...








I can tell you this it happened lol. My routine is still the same. I washed my hair with the SheaMoisture Jamaican Black Castor Oil Shampoo. I did a review on my previous blog. Go check it out




After I wash my hair, I immediately apply extra virgin olive oil to my locs and scalp. Then I start the retwist process.

Lately, my clips have gone missing along with my bobby-pins and ponytail holders lol (cringe moment)😟 I manage. Does this happen to you?

After my retwist, I sit under the dryer for 30 mins because I don’t want to encounter any smells of mildew etc or go to bed with wet hair.  ( Of course I've  went to bed with wet hair before :)


Any styling which is always minimal is done the next day.

I’m proud to say I’m the only one that maintains my locs. Maybe once they grow longer and stronger I might treat myself to a professional style lol. 


 My hair is maturing and growing. Those spaces are filling in and they aren't thin anymore. Yes to growth!

Later ✌πŸ½πŸ’•


Tuesday, October 2, 2018

SheaMoisture Jamaican Black Castor Oil Strengthen and Restore Shampoo

 I tried another shampoo and ...
I like it!   If castor oil is attached to a product I’m willing to try it. I don’t use castor oil on my locs  because I’m afraid it would cause buildup. I was very nervous about the peppermint. I was extremely excited about the apple cider vinegar. Apple cider vinegar is known to help remove buildup. 


This shampoo was exactly what my daughter and I hair needed. It lathered nicely and had a sweet (vanilla) smell. The light tingling sensation from the peppermint didn’t bother  us. As I stated; I’m not a fan of any product that involves peppermint lol.

I could feel the shampoo thoroughly cleansing my scalp and nourishing my locs. It didn’t feel  like it stripped or dried my hair out. I immediately applied extra virgin olive oil as my moisturizer to my locs right after my wash.

I purchased this product for $7 at my local Dollar General. I had no intentions of changing my shampoo, but the game has changed.  I don’t know how good this product would work on my loose natural hair, but it works great with my locs. 

Later πŸ’•✌🏽

Sunday, September 30, 2018

Month 7 Loc Journey Update

I couldn’t just skip over month 7 of my loc journey like it never happened. I uploaded a video on my YouTube channel, but I never posted a blog. 

During month 7, I noticed the locs on my side were not as strong as the others. I made the decision to combine 2 locs on each side. This was a great decision. 

I've always struggled with my edges. In my relaxer days I had to be very gentle. Going natural almost 10 years ago has helped with this issue. If I dig a little deeper; I remember when postpartum took my edges out lol I laugh now, but it wasn’t funny both pregnancies. 




Month 7 was great!  I learned how to take action before matters get worse. Combine your locs if you need too! A  strong foundation is important. 


Products
I used the suave clarifying shampoo. I don't use conditioner. I retwist with extra virgin olive oil. I still sit under the dryer for 30 mins. I wear a bonnet to bed. Some nights the bonnet doesn’t make an appearance. However, I try my best to wear one. 

 I am truly proud to say that I maintain my own locs. I’m even more proud to say  I started and maintain my daughters locs. 


Month 7 is about maturity. My locs are thicker and feel healthy. I am so satisfied thus far! 

Later πŸ’•✌🏽


 

Thursday, September 20, 2018

Small Budget while Filming YouTube Videos 🎬




I know it's been a minute. Matter of fact months! However, let me start my first blog off with HOW I FILM MY YOUTUBE VIDEOS!  I could make a video, but I don't feel like it lol. 

I must say a ring light comes in handy! When the sun goes down you can still film videos. In a perfect world, my videos would be filmed using direct sunlight, but I don't make  time to record in the day. 

(Keyword "MAKE")  Honest moment lol.

I use a Canon T6i to record my videos. I'm still learning how to use this camera. I've owned it for almost 2 years now. On my spare time I watch videos on YouTube to show me how to operate my Canon camera. It can be very intimidating and frustrating. I know enough to get the job done. Every time I purchase a camera, I side with Canon. However, I really want the Sony A5000. I want a mirrorless camera really bad! It's not heavy like my Canon and they are powerful. I can't keep up lol.   As of today, my Canon is worth $500. It's still popular too! This camera requires heavy duty lifting.  I get a great workout if I have to hold it. 


After watching several YouTube videos, I finally found my ring light! I've owned it for a year and half and it's still going strong.  I've owned a few light stands.  Below is the Ring light and Light Stand w/case  I ordered from Amazon





I wanted to make my videos work without purchasing the ring light, but overtime I tried to film at night the lighting was horrible. Now I need to invest in soft box lights then I'm done rightI was really excited once it arrived! I couldn't wait to set it up like a little kid. 



 


edit my videos using my Macbook Pro using the iMovie software. I downloaded the free Trial of Final Cut, but I'm so use to iMovie that Final Cut frustrates me. Plus it cost $299! I know everyone is using it for their videos.  Not me or not yet lol. 



If you  post videos daily or weekly you will need MEMORY CARDS. I record so much footage that I run out of memory during a video and I have to stop. It's frustrating when that happens. 

In a later post I might show how I record videos using my iPhone. Hope you enjoyed this post! Check out my YouTube channels :) (links below)

Later ✌🏾️πŸ’•





 FAMILY CHANNEL VIDEOS 





Tuesday, July 24, 2018

MONTH 6 LOC JOURNEY

It's month 6 of my loc Journey! I’m so late posting this, but better late than NEVER.



Ok so month 6 was a breeze! I’m being honest! I wished I loc'd my hair earlier, but then again maybe I wasn’t ready. Well... I did loc before I turned 40. I am still the only one maintaining my locs. It's been over 10 years since I allowed someone to do my hair. I'm afraid that someone will twist my hair too tight. 


 I actually think I'm doing a great job!


What do you think?

My starter locs get wet once a week.  

It's pretty much a quick wash/rinse afterwards I use a blow dryer. 



For my retwist: 


I only use extra virgin olive oil and water. After my retwist I sit under the dryer for only 30 mins! I can’t do anything more than 30 mins it gets TOO hot! I retwist once a month. So far so good! 



Later ✌πŸ½πŸ’•


CLICK TO WATCH THE VIDEO







Thursday, May 3, 2018

MONTH 5 LOC JOURNEY

My locs turned 5 months old! 

Yep, 5 months of not combing my natural hair. I have no complaints.  I don't give much thought to my hair. I want to keep it that way. 

Low manipulation is key. I do favor putting my hair in a side ponytail. This can't be good if I do this too often. When I'm home I just let my hair be free with no hair bands. 

This month I did purchase a few oils per my previous blog post. 

The BB Jamaican Black Castor Oil is my favorite. I love castor oil.   I also purchased the wild growth oil which  can be found at most local beauty supply stores. Extra virgin olive oil is still on my fave list. I love it because it's light weight. 


I haven't dealt with product build-up. I only use shampoo on my hair. At this point of my journey I feel conditioner would not be wise. I can see myself half washing it out on a lazy wash day. I will continue to  stray away from it at the moment. 

I'm only 5 months into my loc journey and I don't feel that it would be beneficial. If I did I would coat my hair with a light conditioner. I didn't do a retwist this month. I have plans for month 6 so I decided to skip it.  In the picture below you can see that I need a retwist, but  it still looks nice! 

So yep, month 6 I will definitely retwist my hair and of course I will have footage.


(MONTH 5/No retwist)

Later ✌πŸΎπŸ’•

Check out my mugs! 




https://www.target.com/c/dresses-women-s-clothing/-/N-5xtcgZ55e69?clkid=60ef8753N27d07def4e5e877770c23eda&lnm=473970&afid=LaToya%20Bowden&ref=tgt_adv_xasd0002


                                                           MONTH  5 Video Update 

Thursday, April 26, 2018

GRIND TIME

GRIND TIME! 

Are you committed to the Grind? 

What is committed to the Grind? It means an individual pushes his/herself to attain a goal


What's your goal? Well your goal can be simple ... "I've been on the grind lately trying to pay these bills."

FACTS πŸš¨πŸš¨πŸ‘πŸΎ 

Your Grind: 

1) Your hustle

2) Good work ethic, doing what you do.

EX: editing ... singing...whatever your hustle is.

When you're "on your grind" then you're doing a good/great job at whatever you're doing.

GET YOUR MUG TODAY! 





STAY MOTIVATED! ONLY $10



It's what you need on your desk or workstation 😊

Click the link to purchase! πŸš¨https://teespring.com/shop/are-you-committed-to-the-grind?aid=marketplace&tsmac=marketplace&tsmic=search#pid=522&cid=101870&sid=front

Thanks so much for your support! πŸ’•πŸ’•πŸ’•πŸ’•

Tag me on social media so I can see your purchase! @KinkyCurlyCoil  

*Twitter, Facebook, Snapchat and Instagram* 

πŸ’•✌🏽

Monday, April 2, 2018

HOW DO BLOGGERS MAKE MONEY

So how do bloggers actually make their money?




These are a few ways you can make money with your blog!

It also depends on your niche! 

Set a plan and work on the quality of your content. 

You have to drive people to your site. 


Blogging for fun is great, but what's wrong with getting paid to do it! 


Check back I think I will be sharing more info on this topic since I get questions about blogging and income.

Later ✌πŸ½πŸ’•

Friday, March 23, 2018

Tamar Braxton Big Chop

Sooooooo Tamar Braxton cut off all her hair ...




I LOVE IT! 


(Pictures from @Tamarbraxton Instagram)

She looks refreshing! She looks beautiful! She looks confident

(More pics )

Nothing wrong with wearing wigs, but I'm sure Tamar  feels liberated to walk around feeling free. You know when you've been wearing that wig all day and can't wait to hang it back up :) I imagine that's how she feels!  

I bet Vince ... Never mind I'm minding my own business on this one lol.


You look good Tamar! 


What do you think? 

Later ✌🏽️πŸ’•

Bronner Bros Jamaican Black Castor Oil Infused with Rosemary

Sooooooooooooo I started my loc journey using extra virgin olive oil. When I started my natural hair journey back in 2009 Castor oil was my staple. I went to Walmart looking for the Wild growth oil, but my store does not carry that product. I want to thicken up my edges and keep them healthy and strong. 

I was determined to leave with a oil. This one caught my eye and I made the purchase. The cost was $6.97. Not too bad! I usually purchase Castor oil in a small jar or plastic container so it felt weird purchasing it as a spritzer.


 


 


OK so Day 1 thoughts ... 

I'm loving it! It's not messy at all. I spritz my scalp all over and it wasn't sticky. I think this will be a staple. It's also good for your skin! 

Spritzing oil on your skin is so convenient and controlled. 

Will I stop using extra virgin olive oil ? No 

I love both! 

Water and Extra Virgin Olive Oil will be used for my retwist. 

Have you tried this product


Later πŸ’•✌🏽

CAN WE BAKE?






KENGKIDS BAKE CHALLENGE!

Can Kengkids Bake?

Find out by watching our new video! 


Did it get messy?

Can they follow box instructions together?


How did it taste?



THANKS FOR WATCHING! LIKE AND SUBSCRIBE!




Wednesday, March 14, 2018

Month 4 Starter Loc Wash Update


It's wash day! I get really excited!  

I love the Suave clarifying shampoo on wash/retwist day. My hair feels so clean without feeling stripped. I started using this shampoo because for month 1, 2 and 3 I used Murray's Gel Loc-Lock for my starter locs. 



While I do like this product I must clarify my hair. It doesn't leave major build up. It's easily removed with the the clarifying shampoo. I'm not heavy handed while using this product;  I only apply a small amount. 


In this video I show you my wash day routine. It may change so stay tuned!




Tuesday, February 27, 2018

Are you Committed To The Grind?



I am committed to being a better person. I'm committed to building my brand! I'm committed to encouraging others! I want to see everybody win! 








Are you Committed To The Grind?

I'm Committed To The Grind!



What's Your Grind?
                     
      


Thanks so much for your support! πŸ’•πŸ’•πŸ’•πŸ’•

Tag me on social media so I can see your purchase! @KinkyCurlyCoil  

*Twitter, Facebook, Snapchat and Instagram*



Monday, February 26, 2018

Styling My Starter Locs



I'm all about keeping it simple these days! 

However, I'm still the same Toya/KCC who gets bored with routine. 

In my video I give a little variety of my everyday quick styles. All of the styles in the video are not limited to starter locs. 

This is the most low maintenance I've ever been with my natural hair. My natural hair journey started 10/9/2009.  

Wow! I thought I couldn't live without a relaxer lol. 


                                            













Red Lips & Hoop Earrings! (Beauty Supply) 


Check out my video below! πŸŽ₯


Later ✌πŸΎπŸ’•