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 💙

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 God💙 

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

~Love, 

A little Sister 💕

Later 💕✌🏽

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

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 ✌🏽💕

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 💕✌🏽

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 💕✌🏽