My great love...

Love is the opposite of fear." "Fear is the catalyst behind many of the ugly things in our world like jealousy, oppression and outright hatred." Erykah Badu

Most times when one refers to love they mean in a romantic way towards another person. However it is possible to have a great love which has nothing to do with a man. My great love is learning, whether its how to operate a follow spot, change a car tire, bake cakes from scratch, paint a wall or operate a power saw. I want to learn how to do that. I will never tire of learning new things, for that is my great love.

I have found the sweet honey that is learning
xx 

Hair-iversary

     In between Biffy Clyro and Beyonce I realised that it has been a year since I have been on my hair journey August 28th 2010, "confetti in the air". I haven't posted any pics all summer because I wanted to take a break so I could really check the length against my last set of pics which I have uploaded. It wasn't always smooth sailing, at first it was a real chore to deal with my hair and get the routine going. The products I had to throw away/stop using,  stuff I had to buy.  It was a real investment I had to make going in, not only financially (£10 on a shampoo whew) but time wise, and knowledge wise. I really wanted my hair to grow and grow as long as it possibly grow, go the distance so to speak. I know so much about hair now, my attitude towards hair care has completely changed. Not only relaxed hair but natural hair as well. My roomate has been on her hair care journey as well at this time and she is natural. So it has been good being able to bounce ideas off of her and get advice etc. Mishaps have happened my hair completely reverted whilst I was home on summer vacation. Humidity tried my patience no end, leave in conditioner is my "best hair friend" lol.

Second half of the 2010 -2012 hair journey starts in 33 minutes (its currently 11:27gmt).

For this second year I will be embracing more protective styles. I am not totally going to be wearing my hair in protective styles 100% of the time but I am aiming for 90%. The first 2 weeks after a relaxer I tend to wear my hair down, but I am going to be wearing it up more. Also I will be using different products during this leg of the journey. I think that the Matrix products that I was using in the past my hair has benefited, but now I am able to try new products since my hair is in a really healthy state. When I started this journey I was a year into recovering from damaged hair, in terms of dryness, and slight breakage. The Matrix products were lovely full of Argan oil and avocado oil. However I think that I am at a stage now where I can use other things. Going in for the next leg of my healthy hair journey I will be using Elasta QP products on my hair.

Elasta QP stop action shampoo

Elasta QP shampoo for relaxed hair

Elasta QP Intense fortifying shampoo

Elasta QP olive and mango butter moisturiser (3tblspoons of olive oil added and mixed in thoroughly, or 2tblsppoons olive oil + 1tblspoon of castor oil)

These are the products which will make up the base of my regimen. I will continue  using my coconut oil to moisturise my scalp, my olive oil to seal my ends (spray my hair occasionally), Infusium 23 leave in conditioner, Matrix sleek heat protectant. Will continue to wash my hair and deep condition every 2 weeks, moisturising and sealing every week minimum 2 days a week (possibly every other day during the winter). Also I will be stretching my relaxers from 8 to 12 weeks  (3months) at a time.

Thank you for all the support, questions, suggestions over the last year and thanks in advance for all of them to come in the future.

xx

1 +1 = 2

"Make love to me, so when the world at war, let our love heal us all, help me let down my guard,ohhh, ohhh, ohhh" I've never been in love but WHEN I do this song sums up how I want it to feel. 

words from another... Donatella Versace

"Be bold, be brave and have faith in your abilities. Never be afraid to try new things, whatever other people might say."

Donatella Versace
xx 

words from another... Dolly Parton

"Anything hanging, dragging, or lagging, I'mma nip it, tuck it, and suck it." Dolly Parton 

words from another... Paul Carrick Bronson

"It's funny how many things that make you smile, do not cost money."


xx 

words from another... Beyonce

"Yes I am crying, I am an artist and I am sensitive about my shyt." 

words from another... Rochelle

"You see alot when you are quiet and just be still."

silence is golden
xx

The Orgasm Diet

So you know typical morning I got up stumbled to the bathroom half awake located my toothbrush and was brushing my teeth. There is always a magazine in the bathroom at my house so I skinned back the cover and I thought I saw THE ORGASM DIET. Anyways I skimmed over this and about 2 minutes later when the brain started working it registered, I went and looked again and sure enough that is what I saw. So I thought interestingggggggggggggggg I must share this with my readers.

Introducing the Orgasm Diet by Liz Frost for Glamour Magazine.

Can what you put in your mouth really affect how much fun you have between the sheets? Liz Frost reports on the new diet that could mean better faster and more orgasms for you. 

     When couples have sex in a hollywood movie, it usually goes something like this: two perfectly toned people fall into a neatly made up bed and indulge in a few minutes of sweat free love making before climaxing in perfect unison. If only it were that easy in real life! In fact, research suggests 75% of women in the UK don't orgasm through intercourse and 12% never climax. Well, how would you feel if we told you that you could train your body to orgasm more easily just by changing your diet. That's what "The Orgasmic Diet", a new book by  Marrena Lindberg, is claiming. It's the first ever scientifically supported nutritional and exercise method to increase  women's libido and is taking the US by storm. 

"If you've never had a vaginal orgasm, this diet will change that" says Lindberg. "if you're already having them, you'll have them faster and stronger. You can  also increase the ease and intensity of your clitoral orgasm."

      So what is this magical diet  and where do we sign up? Lindberg says her approach involves 4 main components:

*A diet low in carbohydrates that's free from orgasm killers  such as refined sugar and caffeine.

*High doses of fish oil capsules

*Regular Kegel exercises 

*maintenance of the levels of serotonin and dopamine  - which are the chemicals in your brain that regulate  your libido, as well as improving  blood flow to your genitals. 

A typical week on the diet ...

Daily

25 Kegel exercises - you will find these muscles by stopping the flow of urine mid stream. Once you have located these muscles, tighten and relax.

* half on ounce of dark chocolate

*1 multivitiamin

* 1 vitamin c tablet ( a small glass of orange juice will do )

*Morning fish oil pills (1,400 -1,700mg depending on your weight)

*777mg calcium

*270mg Magnesium

*4-7mg zinc

In every meal you should aim to have 

30% protein (meat, diary, vegetables and fish), 30% fats (monosaturated fasts, such as olive oil and saturated fats such as dairy , meat and poultry), 40% or less carbohydrates, avoiding starchy ones ( white bread,  potatoes). Every few days, you will need to take 27mg of iron (as a tablet).

Monday Menu

Breakfast - Yogurt or cottage cheese, blueberries, strawberries and muesli

Lunch - Chicken Caesar salad

        - grilled shredded chicken, romaine lettuce, grated Parmesan cheese and Caesar dressing

Dinner - Steak Fajitas with peppers and avocado

Tuesday Menu

Breakfast - Omelette with tomatoes, onions and peppers

Lunch - Vegetable Quiche and fresh fruit

Dinner - Chinese stir fry in peanut oil with lean beef strips, broccoli, onions, mushrooms, and bamboo shoots with a small portion of white rice.

Wednesday Menu 

Breakfast - Two slices of bacon, one or two eggs and a piece of toast

Lunch -  Cheeseburger (without the bun)  and a big salad with everything but no dressing

Dinner - Greek chicken pittas with Greek yogurt sauce made with cucumber, onion and garlic and a salad of tomato, peppers, cucumbers, olives, feta cheese and olive oil.

Thursday Menu 

Breakfast - Yogurt topped with muesli and fruit of your choice

Lunch - Ham and Swiss cheese on grainy bread  with mayonnaise or mustard, pepper strips and carrot sticks.

Dinner - Roasted chicken with mixed broccoli and a mixed salad  with olive oil dressing

Friday Menu

Breakfast - Omelette with onions, peppers and cheese

Lunch - Tuna Nicoise salad

         - pan seared tuna over greens, black olives, capers, hard boiled egg and crumbled blue cheese

Dinner - Baked Aubergine with melted cheese and bean salad

Nutritional therapist Tim Taylor says "the fish oil is probably the most relevant part of this diet. High doses are used to alleviate conditions such as depression , which could in turn affect the way we feel about sex. Fish oils can also dramatically thin the blood - its possible that improved flow in the peripheral blood vessels could  contributed to easier orgasms. The diet encourages balanced blood sugar levels  by making you steer clear of refined  carbohydrates such as  whit flour and rice, as well as restricting alcohol, cigarettes and caffeine. This can have an affect on our stress and sex hormones. We know that chocolate can affect  responses  in the brain and affect dopamine levels  and while that alone may not be enough, in conjunction with  all the other parts of the plan this may help to unleash the orgasm."

** though this diet was created with a specific purpose in mind, this eating plan is really good especially if you are interested in healthy eating/lifestlye.** 

So break out the bottle of cod liver oil boys and girls.

xx

Who are you?

The Bible says that Jesus aside his "garments to wash the the disciples feet." He was willing to become transparent and let them see who he really was. One author, "I must tell you - after playing football and spending hours in a musty locker rooms - it's much easier to undress when others are undressing, than it is to walk into an executive boardroom and disrobe." This would be true even if the room was filled with the same men you work out with. It's not who they are, it's that your comfort zone is destroyed when you feel like you're the only one who's naked. Jesus taught a powerful lesson. He rose from supper and began to disrobe in front of men who were still fully clothed. Our problem is that we don't want to be seen as the only one with problems and needs. But fear of being different can lock you in a prison of pretense. Jesus took a step few would dare to. His laid aside his garments (image) before those he'd labored to inspire. Real ministry starts the moment we stop trying to impress each other and say. "This is who I really am." 

words from another... Shawn

Sometimes there things that the mouth can't say but the fingers can type.... 

Don't say anything...

People never want you to hold them to the same standards that they hold others too. They always have some kind of excuse for their actions/behavior.

Kae-Toya Kwote: Mascara

"I don't wear waterproof mascara, because I am not afraid to cry."

Some people are afraid to cry, they see it as a sign of weakness. Crying is good as a form of tension release, there are tears of joy, happiness, sadness, frustration, and anger. Plus you live longer because you are letting the stress out of you body. So next time you feel awash with emotion and the tears are prickling to back of your eyes, find a secluded spot, shed your tears and splash your face with cold water afterwards.

xx

Dennis Rodman Hall of Fame acceptance speech...

I think that Dennis Rodman has become a man, a man recognizes his mistakes admits them, and tries to do better.

Don't be afraid to admit your mistakes.
xx

Traditional West Indian Curry chicken with a twist

Yes I am cooking on a saturday, hunger nuh watch face, time nor day of the week.

Recipe
2 heaping table spoons of curry powder
2 dashes of fine salt
2 dashes of mixed herbs (oregano, thyme, basil, chives etc)
1 dash chicken seasoning
a dollop (yes dollop) of chilli powder
2 dashes of dry chilli flakes
1 tablespoon of olive oil
4 grindings of black pepper corns ( ground black pepper can be used however the fresh peppercorns have in alot more flavour
 1 table spoon of coconut cream
2 dashes of paprika

mix well and marinate for at LEAST 1 hour. add water until all of the chicken is covered, then stew on a medium heat til chicken is cooked.

Be hungry
xx

30 Things Every Woman Should Have Before She Turns 30 by Wendy Atterbury

 I stumbled across this list  and thought I would share with my  readers


1. The courage to stand up for herself and her beliefs. 
2. A (weekly) income that covers the rent (or mortgage payment). 
3. An Orgasm.
4. A favorite song, porn site, image, movie or fantasy that always gets her in the mood. 
5. A great vibrator. 
6. A favorite sex position. 
7. A hair stylist she trusts implicitly.
8. A signature drink.
9. Bras in the correct size. 
10. A healthy relationship with her parents.
11. Enough alcohol in her home to offer guests who drop by a cocktail.
12. An emergency hangover remedy.
13. A voters registration card.
14. A wardrobe that includes a flattering little black dress, a great pair of heels, jeans that make her ass look great and a hat to hide bad hair days. 
15. A yearly appointment with her gynecologist 
16. The name of a reliable movers to give her friends when they ask for help relocating. 
17. The gumption to ask a man out. 
18. No interest in men who aren't that into her.
19. A group of girlfriends who get it.
20. A set of tools and the ability to use them ( even if it is just to hang a piece of Art).
21. A balanced cheque book.
22. A vacation to look forward too at least once a year.
23. A good bullshyt detector.
24. Clothes that fit the size she is now not the size she was 5 years ago.  
25. Always enough toilet paper.
26. A set of hand towels so that guests don't have to dry their hands on her bath towels. 
27. Enough self love to break off unhealthy friendships and relationships. 
28. A commitment to excercise.
29. A retirement fund. 
30. Health Insurance. 


If you are already past 30 its late but not too late to tackle this list. 

words from another...

Black women have bodies that every race finds attractive. It's just that some men just need to grow the fuck up.

ouch the homies go hard

xx 

And I'm feeeeeeeeeeeeeling good.....

At times we think that we are the only ones enduring and that everyone else has it just fine and dandy, but that is so not true. Everyone endures, however we all endure in different ways. Some people drink, some do drugs, some shop, some act recklessly. I am blessed, in so many ways. I haven't been 100% for a while now and I have realized why. I haven't been appreciating the here and now. This all of this that has been occurring, internships, working, making new friends trying new things at restaurants, foot rubs, late night rendezvous, the hard talks, the struggles, the rejection. All of these things are good even though some may have been bad experiences and others good experiences I should have been appreciating them nonetheless, because at times we all need to be humbled. Humbling doesn't have to be a bad thing, In this instance it has given me fodder for meditation.

xx

Be Elevated

The good you can do today...

Today God is looking for people with enough compassion to ask, 'How are you?' then stop long enough to listen to the answer! When people have been hurt they need extra love and attention. They need to be held a little closer and prayed for a little longer. That's what God did for you, now it's your turn to do it for somebody else. Yes, you'll have to be patient and overcome their reluctance to trust you. Because they feel betrayed and 'used' they struggle with doubts and resentments. But don't give up on them: 'Love never fails. If you keep loving them, God will use you to bring them healing and hope.


Be compassionate 

Summer House happenings: Sainsburys... taste the difference

some pics at the supermarket

Sainburys........ supermarket to the stars

Checking le reciept...

Checking le goods ...

Paula aka miss p aka grantie aka grantilicious ---------> (its like living with a superhero...lol) roomate, friend, stylist, chef, shopaholic, and cosmetic junkie.

So after a long summer break I will be cheffing it up tomorrow, steam veg, curry chicken and rice will be on the menu. :)

Kae-Toya Kwote: Justice

Justice does not occur behind closed doors, in hushed tones, under the cover of darkness. Justice occurs in the open, where your voices ring loud and true. For if you are not a cog in the wheel of solution, you are a spoke of the problem. 


K.K.

What I Wore: Marketing Internship interview

Heels + cobblestone + running = Please kill me now,lol. I had an interview for an internship this morning with a marketing firm. This is a quick post to show you what I wore. 

Shirt - TM. Lewin (tailors since 1898) I love this shirt, the material and tailoring is second to none. To some, these shirts might be a bit pricey, but I rather pay £40 for a quality shirt that will last. 

Tulip skirt  -  Zara

Court shoes -  Barrats (leather)

Hair done by moi with the help of alotttttttttttttttt of olive oil hair moisturizer and some hair pins. 

Kae-Toya Kwote - trust

"You just can't trust others with your thoughts, kindness, possesions, the way you can trust yourself." Kae-Toya Kwote

Going to the movies....

Movie time so I went to take in the latest offering by marvel comics Captain America

This pic was taken mid step.....lol

just born with it

this last one is called "where are my glasses?"

shoes - Office
denim capri- Miss Selfridge
vest - River Island
cardigan - H&M
bracelet - Links of London
watch - Fossil
lippy- moistly by MAC

Rapunzel, Rapunzel let down your golden hair

Here are some pics I took in January of my birthday hair.


Front

Back

After 2 days of being wrapped up in sponge rollers

Human hair 1b in lengths 12 and 14.
washed and conditioned using garnier  shampoo and conditioner 

Confessions of a beauty - addict...

My name is Kae-Toya I am 26 and I have an unhealthy appetite for cosmetics............lol lol 

Tuesdays child is full of grace......

"The history books are full of stories of gifted people whose talents were overlooked until someone believed in them. Einstein was four years old before he could speak. Isaac Newton did poorly in primary school. A newspaper editor fired Walt Disney because he had 'no good ideas'. Tolstoy dropped out of college. There's a lesson here: people develop at different rates. To motivate them you must always be on the outlook for hidden capacities. Your words create an environment in which people not only discover their gifts, but also develop and excel in them."


This paragraph was part of my daily devotion for today, and it touched me deeply. I always say I am not a strong person by choice, but rather necessity. I find myself usually being the sounding board for my friends problems, at times the negativity is drowning. However I know that at times we all need someone that one person to listen to us, even when we think we don't make sense. We do need that reassurance that having another person just listening to us can bring. 


One of my friends told me today that I am not graceful ( I was likened to a bull in a china shop) in regards to the way I interact with others. Intense and full on were words thrown around in the conversation, and though I know my feelings were not meant to be hurt, they were smarted. My theory is simple there is greatness in ALL of us, and everybody needs that one person who sees the greatness in us. That one person who listens that one time, that one person who realises that something is wrong, that one person who is strong for us when we do not want to be strong for ourselves, that one person who can stop us from getting in our own way. If you are in someones life you must be adding value not taking away, and like the daily word says there are many people who are overlooked until that one person believed/saw/recognized/ encouraged the greatness in them. 


I want to be someone who adds value to others, not take it away. 


Be the light that shines ever brightly
xx

There is no need to put a label on who you are.....

 Labels are just someone else's way of containing your greatness. In the darkness when you and yourself are together  those two beings need to be content occupying the same space. There is no need to put a label on yourself. Be happy and content with yourself, be kind to others, and say good morning when you enter a building.