Who the Eff Perms A 9 Month Old Baby's Hair???

I stumbled across this video on YT and I just had to post here... I don't even know where to begin on this.  Like...  First of all, whoever thought it was ok to perform a chemical service on someone else's  freaking infant should have been locked up!!  Many people don't know this, but if you physically alter someone else's child without their permission in any way, relaxing a child's hair included, they can press charges and have you thrown in jail.  And that is exactly what I would have done in this situation.

Just look at that baby's hair!  What little hair she has left anyway...  This is just too sad for words.  And then with the fact that it seems her mother decided to continue  perming her toddler's hair is just insane.  And deplorable.  It's just not right...

I don't even know what else to say on this subject.  I'm ridiculously mad that this was allowed to happen to this innocent child and I hope her mother has since educated herself about the dangers of relaxers and isn't giving them to her baby anymore...  You guys sound off... I just can't...

My Thoughts On the "Good Hair" Concept

Pictures of the Day

More break room pics.  I really need to get a better camera...
This is second day twist out hair, done using Naptural85's method.
9 months, 3 weeks natural.

Some Dresses I Designed

Working Sketch

Just thought I would share some sketches I did for class.  In the first one you can tell I was just figuring out how I wanted the dresses to appear on the croquis.  The structure of the bodies can still be seen through the clothing and it's not as neat as it could be.

Finished Design

Here, I don't have anything showing through the dresses I don't want to and I've added some toning to give the garments some depth.  I was really happy with how these turned out so I decided to share them here.  Too bad I'm changing my major. Lol :)

Be on "True Life" When You Go Natural!!!

Image credit to publicmediacorps.org

So I was browsing the internet and I found out that MTV's "True Life" is currently casting for African American women who are making the transition to natural hair and plan to do the Big Chop.  For anyone not in the know, the BC is when a woman cuts all of her relaxed ends off to become 100% natural.  I think this is absolutely AMAZING!  I can't believe we've come so far that a major network wants to document what it means for women who decide to forego relaxers.

There is so much misinformation and disdain concerning Black hair that I think it's time something was done to finally stop the madness and set the record straight.  Seeing what women go through when they decide to go natural, learning the reasons behind it, and understanding why this is such a huge decision has the potential to change so many different aspects of our culture, not only as Black people, but as American people as well.  Imagine if women didn't have to worry about employers not hiring them because they don't understand that natural Black hair looks a certain way?  Imagine if more Black men understood the affect it has on Black women when they give ultimatums like, "Straighten your hair, or we can't be together anymore."  Imagine if the nation as a whole understood that the main reason Black women have so many issues with their hair is because they were forced to assimilate into a culture that broke down everything about their race and made it negative and undesirable after enslaving their people for over two centuries?  Just imagine that...

I'm know America won't all of a sudden become super enlightened about the journey that is going natural and start to look at Black hair with some form of understanding once this episode of "True Life" airs.  But this is definitely a step in the right direction for this one day becoming a reality.  Knowledge truly is key, and I can only hope MTV casts women who have done their research and know their hair.  I encourage anyone who is planning to do the big chop, is between the ages of 15 and 28, and wants to document their transition to send an email to casting@lintonmedia.com.  Include your name, location, phone number, recent photos of yourself, and your hair story.  Good luck to everyone who chooses to apply and don't forget to spread the word! :)

A Surprisingly GREAT Detangler!!

So, I was on YT browsing through some old videos of people I'm subscribed to.  I had already seen this video before, but after watching Naptural85's twist out tutorial, I decided to try her method.  All I used in my hair was my whipped shea butter and water.  I detangled my hair before getting in the shower using Tresemme Naturals' Vibrantly Smooth conditioner and my (modified) denman brush.  I know I said I couldn't stand it, but it's not that bad when used correctly.  I'll go into further detail later.

But anyway, after each section was detangled I put it into a simple two strand twist and then got in the shower to rinse/co-wash my hair.  When I got out and started on my hair, I applied my whipped shea to each section and then went through with my denman one more time.  I was really surprised at how well the shea butter detangled my hair!!  I can't really describe it as having "slip" per se but, my denman was going through my hair with even less difficulty than when I use conditioner on wet hair.  I already loved shea butter as a hair and body product but now I'm liking it even more.  I had no idea it could be so useful.

I'm sorry I can't think of a better way to describe how it felt while I was detangling my hair, but just take my word for it that it felt really good.  Now, I know I had already detangled my hair before getting into the shower and it was still in the twists before I took them apart to re-twist using Naptural85's method, but my hair is never so detangled that I can just run my fingers or a tool through it without any problems.  That's just not the nature of my hair.  And I could tell the shea butter was making it much easier for my brush to get through my hair than anything else I might have put on it.

So basically, I'm just saying I think you should try using shipped shea as a detangler.  If it works for you, great! If not, now you know one more thing that doesn't work, lol.  Let me know how it goes.  Here's Naptural85's twist out tutorial.  Enjoy!!

Keeping Your Hair Moisturized

Naptural85 is probably one of the most popular natural hair vloggers on YouTube and is definitely a personal favorite of mine.  I think her hair is absolutely beautiful and I love how she has become a master of her own hair.  This video is about a year old, but the information in it is still absolutely pertinent to anyone trying to combat dry hair.  Since we're in cold weather now, I thought it would be nice to share it on the blog for anyone who hasn't seen it.  I definitely recommend you check out Naptural85's channel because she's got some great info to share. Later, loves. :-*

Cornrow Tutorials

These tutorials make the process look so clear and easy. I love how the first one tells which fingers to use to do what with (...I hope that sentence made sense. lol) and the second one stops in between each step to show exactly what's being done. Maybe I'll try it later.  But right now I'm deep conditioning my hair so yeah. :)

http://youtu.be/GjlX5YCn_wk

What A Bad Black Girl I Am

I can't cornrow.  As much as it pains me to admit that, I've never really been able to do it on myself.  When I "dummy" on other people, I can get some kind of sad looking braids in and people tell me all I have to do is practice, but who has the time for that?  Plus I get frustrated really quickly any time something doesn't come easily to me.  I know, that makes me sound like a brat.  And maybe I am.  So be it. lol  :-P

But not knowing how to do something that's viewed as a basic skill for most women in the Black community makes me feel bad.  It's honestly a source of insecurity for me and I hate that.  I think I'm going to watch some YT tutorials and see if that will help me....  But honestly, I know what my problem with it is:  I don't know how to hold the hair/how to position my hands.  As I'm trying to cornrow, the way I hold the hair constantly changes because I don't have the muscle memory necessary to perform the motion with any fluidity. :'(

Oh well, hopefully YT will help me to get it some day.

Don't Allow Congress To Start Censoring Content On The Web

I just found out about this. But apparently, there is a potential law being reviewed by Congress right now that would basically give the government the power to control what content makes it's way to the internet.  Obviously, as a blogger, the thought of our stupid ass government having the power to control what I say and do on my blog and in my videos frightens me.  I hope you guys will sign the petition against this law and keep the internet the way it is.

http://www.avaaz.org/en/save_the_internet/?cxDqncb

Lies About Black Hair Care

The Word of the Day

Today's word is boscage.
Pronounced [BOS-kij].
A noun.
Definition: A mass of trees or shrubs

China Mieville, The City & the City
"Plunging along a narrow path thick-set on each side with leafy boscage, Paul caught sight of the two retreating figures a few yards only in front of him."

BOV #4: I've Been Slacking

A quick vlog.  I haven't been taking the best possible care of my hair and just wanted talk about why that is and how I want to improve. 9 months, 3 days natural. :)

My New Little Friend :)

Just had to share this adorable little pink robot ring I picked up yesterday.  I think it's so cute how he looks like a little nerd!!  Necktie, glasses, pocket and all.  Want one?? 7 Eleven, $1.99. ^__^

If This Makes Me a Bitch, So Be It

Remember my post about letting people go when continuing to have them in your life brings more negativity than positivity?  When I originally wrote that post, I was going through some things in my life that led me to believe continuing a friendship with a specific person was causing me undue stress and frustration to the point that I no longer wanted to have anything to do with him.  We've only really been friends for around a year now but ups and downs we've dealt with almost seem like those typically dealt with couples in long term relationships.  Every time I try to point out that the volatility in our relationship is unhealthy and honestly not worth carrying on in my opinion, I'm met with opposition and confusion.  And somehow, I allow myself to be convinced that perhaps I'm wrong and our friendship is worth saving.

But every time, after a period of calm, the storm comes back even more ferocious than before.  And I'm convinced yet again that no "friendship" on the planet is worth the stress, guilt, frustration, and anger that this relationship brings me.  Besides the fact that it's bad for my mental and emotional health, I no longer have the energy, willpower, or appetence to continue this roller coaster ride.  And I've made so very clear to the person in question.  However, it would seam that my actions and my words haven't been lining up.  Even though I've clearly stated that this person and I are no longer "friends," we've continued communication with each other as though we are.  The difference is the communication isn't on a constant/consistent basis and I no longer feel any guilt associated with wanting to spend time with other people.  Rather than feel burdened by our relationship, classifying it as a non relationship seemed to help us get along better.  Until last night.

Ex friend called me and for reasons we won't go into, though it was ok to approach me like an angry boyfriend questioning his girlfriends whereabouts and behavior.  Maybe he didn't see it as that, but that's how it came off to me.  My mind was completely boggled that he would think giving me attitude and questioning me was even an option after I declared our friendship over.  He is nowhere close to being in a position that would safely allow him to talk to me that way.  So I immediately told him so.  Not very kindly, I might add.  In short, I let him no that my whereabouts and the company I keep are no longer any concern of his and he has no right to question me or get mad about either.  The fact that he came at me the way he did just proves that continuing to have any kind of communication with him (in the hopes that one day I could possibly be comfortable/confident that things won't be as bad as they were enough to actually call him a friend again) was a mistake.

Through this experience I have learned that sometimes not only is it okay to let people go, it's actually necessary.  So unfortunately (or more likely, fortunately) I will not be continuing any communication with this person.  It's obvious that communication of any kind will result in something negative eventually.  I refuse to put myself through that any longer.  I have no desire to "work out" any problems we have.  It's just not that important to me.  Sorry but, we're done.  It's time for both of us to move on.

The Word of the Day

Today's word is panegyrize.
Pronounced PAN-i-juh-rahyz.
A verb.
Definition: 1. To eulogize; to deliver or write a panegyric about.
A noun.
Definition: 2. To indulge in panegyric; bestow praises.

I try not to panegyrize about natural hair whenever someone asks me about it, but I'm ever moved by its glory. :)

Resisting the Flat Iron

Today I am 9 months natural.  Ever since beginning this journey all I've been able to do is picture what my hair will look like when it finally touches my waist.  Having never been able to achieve long hair before, this is a very lofty goal for me and I am truly anxious to have hair that is the envy of all my friends and relatives.  Maybe that's shallow or materialistic, but I don't care.  I just know I want to keep growing my hair until I feel the need to cut it.  I've never had that problem before so hey.  It seems like a good problem to have to me.

Part of my regimen dictates that I air dry my hair whenever possible.  Since fully embracing my natural hair texture, I've learned about all the damage high temperatures can do to delicate hair strands and I know I need to avoid as much damage as I possibly can in order to grow my hair as long as I want to...  But my flat iron has been calling me!  Lately it seems like I've been hearing it whispering to me, begging me to turn it on, telling me how much I miss standing in front of the mirror, watching my hair transform.  It's very seductive.

But then, after listening to all the sweet nothings my flat iron says to me, I remind myself why I haven't used it in over six months.  In no particular order, this is what I tell myself every time I get tempted to crank up the heat just to see the little bit of length I've gained since this whole thing started:

1. My hair is unique.  There's no need to change it. We all know there is no other race of people on the planet with hair like Black people.  Why should I subject my delicate strands to 300+ temperatures, just for a temporary look that replicates the hair shared by just about every other race of people on the planet?  In short, why should I damage my hair to look like everyone else?
2. How many more times am I going to be tempted before I reach my goal?  I'm not even a full year natural yet.  According to my prediction, I won't reach my goal for at least another two years.  If I'm tempted to straighten my hair at 9 months, just imagine how bad the temptation will be at twelve, fifteen, eighteen, and twenty four months natural, when my hair is even longer than it is now!  If I start damaging my hair this early on, making it to my goal will be that much more difficult.
3. Straight hair would probably be foreign to me.  I'm so used to grabbing individual curls, twirling them around my fingers, stretching them out and watching them spring back, that I don't know how I would feel about straight hair.  It would feel and look funny to me.  I don't know how long I could even stand to keep my hair in that state.  And if I get tired of straight hair after a few days, was the damage worth it?
4. I would instantly lose the thickness and body that I've come to love about my natural hair.  When I had a relaxer, my hair was always thin and short.  Taking care of my natural hair has finally given me thicker, longer hair that I always wanted.  I know if I flat iron my hair, it will look almost just like it did when relaxed as far at density goes.  I think the look of thicker, fuller hair suits me much better.
5. I would have to avoid using my normal products.  Natural hair loves water and that's one of the things I personally love about it.  It was so cool finally being able to soak my hair whenever I wanted when I first went natural.  And with that in mind, I started using mostly water based products, in conjunction with heavy oils and butters.  Water based products would cause my hair to revert, and heavier products would just weigh my flat ironed hair down.  I don't like the idea of having to figure out what new products to use on my hair just to maintain a style that I would only wear for a week max.

All in all, even though I get tempted to straighten my hair, just to see how much progress I've made, I know it will be better for my hair in the long run if I just leave the heat alone.  At least until I reach my goal. :)  How do you resist the flat ironing temptation?  If you do flat iron your hair, occasionally or regularly, what would you like to add to the conversation? Leave your comments below. ^__^

My Very First Braid Out

So, last night I was twisting my hair up for work today and in the middle of doing my hair I decided to try something different and do a braid out instead.  I used Cantu Shea Butter Leave in and Blue Magic Coconut Oil Hair Conditioner to put a total of about 12 braids in my hair and took them out this morning.  Here's how I'm feeling about braid outs so far:

Compared to twist outs, braid outs take a long time to do and to take down. Because there are three strands instead of two, there's more work for your hands to do.  I don't like that aspect.  On the other hand, braids can't spring up the way twists can, so I get maximum stretch on my hair with braid outs, and that shows maximum length.  I do like that aspect.  As far as the pattern the two hair styles create, twist outs give me curls, while braid outs give me waves.  Both are nice, but I think I like the uniformity of the twist out look a little bit better.

All in all, I do like braid outs, but I think I'll save them for when my hair is a little bit longer and just stick with the trusty twist out for now. What do you think?

The Word of the Day

Today's word is appetence.
Pronounced AP-i-tuhns.
A noun.
Definition: 1. Intense desire; strong natural craving; appetite. 2. Instinctive inclination or natural tendency.
A verb.
Definition: 3. Material or chemical attraction or affinity.

Upon entering the kitchen I immediately scanned my surroundings looking for it. I spotted the pie sitting on a counter, its fresh-from-the-oven steam causing my eyes to widen.  My appetence for sweet potato pie was magnified three fold once the scent reached my nose. Happy Thanksgiving!

BOV Number 3: Hair Grease Experiment

Here's the pictures of the day post that shows the twist out results using just the hair grease.  Let me know what you think. :)

The Word of the Day

Today's word is crepitate.
Pronounced [KREP-i-teyt].
A verb.
Definition: to make a crackling sound; crackle.

When the wick burned down too low it began to crepitate.

Pictures of the Day

More crappy webcam pics.  But at least there's slightly better lighting than the last set had.
You'll never believe what I used to set my hair last night. Coming in a later post.
8 months, 3 weeks, 4 days natural. :)

The Word of the Day

Today's word is poltroon.
Pronounced pol-TROON.
A noun.
Defined as: 1. A wretched coward; craven. 2. Marked by utter cowardice.

Are there any poltroons in your life?  For the sake of your personal and emotional betterment, let them go. :)

My New Favorite Word

This is a non hair related post. But i felt like doing a little life update. Recent events in personal life have caused me to really consider the kind of people I surround myself with. If you've heard the phrase "Show me who your friends are and I'll tell you who you are," you know that people should surround themselves with people who can help them advance in life, have similar goals, and places in life. Without having certain things in common, some friendships will just be doomed to failure from the start.  That doesnt necessarily mean your friends should be just like you in every way.  If that's the case, how can you expect to grow and evolve if you only surround yourself with more of the same?

Its always hard to think about letting go of a friend or someone you care about.  But sometimes that's whats necessary for the betterment of your mental, physical, and emotional health. So from now on, my new favorite word is "betterment." Constantly ask yourself if the decisions you're making and the actions you're taking are serving to help you better yourself. If letting go of a friend is for the betterment of your life in any way, let them go.

Pictures of the Day

Sitting in the break room at work. You can see my nametag. Lol

8 months, 3 weeks, 2 days natural. :)

Pictures of the Day

Taken on my crappy laptop webcam.

My guest's name is Squooshy Bear. :)

8 months, 3 weeks natural.

I Think I Know How Long This Will Take...

So, I was looking in the mirror the other day and thinking about what I will look like when I finally reach my goal and my hair touches my waist when stretched.  Going into this journey, I was convinced reaching waist length would take me forever and I was just going to have to be super patient.  I didn't know about average growth rates back then, or all the many tips and tricks women employ to speed up their rate of growth.  But once I did, I figured my hair probably grew slower than average (don't ask me why, because I can't tell you lol) and that it would probably take me twice as long as it takes most women to reach waist length hair.

When asked by a friend how long I thought it would take to get my hair that long, I foolishly said seven years... Can you believe that?  SEVEN?  There is no reason for my hair to take that long to reach my waist.  Now that I'm a little further along in my hair journey, I know that my hair does grow at about the average rate and I know where to measure from to determine how long my hair would have to be in inches to be about waist length, and therefore, how long it should take to get there.

From the back of head, at the lowest point of my hairline, down to my waist is about 18 1/2 inches.  some of you might be thinking, "That's it?" And yes, that's it.  Most women have hair somewhere around the 22 or 24 inch mark when it touches their waists.  But I'm not most women.  I stand at a whopping 4 feet, 9 inches tall, so the distance from my head to my waist is significantly shorter than average.  If my hair grows at a rate of about 1/2 inch a month, it would take 3 years and 1 month of continuous growth for my hair strands to reach 18 1/2 inches, if I'm able to retain all of the length my scalp puts out.

 

Right now I am 8 months and 3 weeks natural, after a 9 month transition. That makes the hair on my head almost 18 months old.  Logically speaking, my hair should be about 9 inches long all around, but it's not.  This is due to a messy Big Chop (which we'll discuss another time) and several trims since going all natural.  I would say the hair at the back/bottom of my head is about 5 or 6 inches long. If we go with the conservative estimate, my hair has about 13 1/2 or 14 more inches to grow before it will be at my waist when stretched.  So that puts me at about 2 years and 2 months from my goal. What do you think? Either way, I know I will reach my goal by the time I am 3 years natural! Not bad, huh? :)

Pictures of the Day

Normally, I don't like rocking my twists as a hairstyle. I much prefer the look of the twist out. But these are still a little damp and I don't have the time to let them dry fully for work. Plus, I'm working a closing shift tonight and don't really see the point in taking these bad boys out just so I can wear a twist out for five hours and then twist them right back up for bed when I get home. So, this will be my style for the day. You like?

8 months, 2 weeks, 6 days natural. :)

How To Give Me A Meaningless Compliment

An easy way to give me a compliment that means absolutely nothing to me is to give the same one, over and over again, no matter what.  I appreciate honesty much more than flattery.  In fact, flattery quite annoys me when over done.  If all I hear from a person Monday through Sunday is how beautiful, gorgeous, adorable, etc I am, it kind of takes away from the genuineness of it. If I get forty-five minutes of sleep Thursday night, and have to struggle to stay upbeat, positive, and awake all day Friday, chances are I don't look as good that day as I may have on all the others.  But if that's all I hear from you, it sounds like bull shit.

A compliment should never become a standard response.  Every woman on this planet has her good days as well as her bad days.  No one looks perfect 24/7.  Now I'm not saying a woman has to be completely done up and dressed to the 9's to look good.  As Drake said, "Sweat pants, hair tied, chillin with no makeup on: That's when you're the prettiest."  I totally agree.  There's something about a relaxed female in her own element that is very attractive.  But no one looks good all the time.  And to try to convince me I do will just make me not want to hear anything you have to say regarding my appearance.  Just keep it real.  If I look good, tell me so.  If not, don't lie.

...I'm done.  Just thought I would put that out there for anyone who might care.  That is all...

Pictures of the Day

One of the few days that I actually decided to wear makeup.  I don't like to look overdone, so you may not even be able to tell. But this is the same Maybelline Fit Me Foundation that I didn't like at first. I think it looks nice here. :)

Conditioner and whipped shea butter twist out.

8 months, 2 weeks, 5 days natural. :)

Get Your Edges In Check Before You Try To Look Like You Know Som'n About Hair

As always, leave your comments and follow the blog. Thanks, loves. ^_^

Pictures of the Day

Now playing: "What You Want" by Evanescence.
Hair: Twist out with Garnier Fructis Pure Clean Conditioner, and whipped shea butter.
8 months, 2 weeks, 4 days natural. :)

This Is TOO Funny!!

I found this video while browsing YT to see if there were any videos on a topic I'm considering vlogging about. Whether this man's hair is real or not, he had my cracking up!  Just thought I would share. :) 

Please click "Follow" in the upper left hand corner. Later, loves. :-*

Hair Ramblings

Just a simple vlog expressing some thoughts and feelings. I hope you enjoy and subscribe and follow. :)

Price Cut!

Remember this pretty little gadget I talked about a couple weeks ago?  Remember how I said it was $140?  It has now been dropped down to $99!!  I'm thinking I may treat myself to this little thing in a couple weeks. :)

Just thought I'd share that little tidbit. :)  Don't forget to follow the blog!!

"I'm Getting Off This Natural Hair Bandwagon" - My Thoughts

Ok..., I take several issues with this video, as you all might expect.  It's not that I'm bashing her for choosing to relax her hair.  It's more so because of her reasons for it.  They just don't make any sense.  But the main one that rubs me the wrong way is "Natural hair isn't for everybody."  I'm sorry, but I just don't understand how that makes any logical sense. How is your hair as it grows from your scalp not for you?  Did God design your hair that way because he intended you to alter it?  This is just my opinion, but I don't think so.  I think the hair texture you were born with is "for" you.

Now that we have the most pressing issue out of the way, let's tackle some of the other ones.  She argues that going natural made her scalp dry.  This is another nonsensical statement.  I don't see how not chemically altering your hair would make your scalp drier than what it was when it was relaxed.  Does relaxing your hair give you an overabundance of sebum?  Not likely, but it's her hair so everything I'm saying is just conjecture.

She complains about not being able to wear her weaves the way she likes because her hair won't lay down and frizzes in the humidity despite all her efforts to combat it.  I guess I can understand this point but on the other hand, if your own hair was long or thick enough you probably wouldn't feel the need to wear a weave in the first place.  If you've been unable to achieve hair that doesn't require a weave with relaxers thus far, it's not likely that you will be able to do so now.  I don't think it's fair to penalize our natural hair for not behaving the way your relaxed hair does.  Natural hair isn't designed to "lay down" and will almost always frizz in humidity.  So to list these as reasons why you fell like natural hair isn't "for" you, just shows that your mindset is still "relaxed."  Natural hair and relaxed hair mindsets don't go together.

"Ever since going natural I can't use any synthetic hair in my hair." ...What?  So you're trying to tell me that relaxing your hair strands made your scalp able to take synthetic hair?  And allowing your hair to grow naturally made your scalp sensitive to synthetic weave?  I'm sorry, that just doesn't make any sense to me.  You're essentially blaming your hair texture/curl pattern for a bad reaction your scalp had.  I don't see the connection.  At all.

I'm sorry.  Maybe I'm being a little harsh, but I love natural hair.  And to see someone bash natural hair and say it's not for everyone when it's obvious she didn't really give it a chance and went into it with the wrong mindset makes me give a side eye.  I know videos like this can be influential in someone's decision on whether to go natural or not.  And it's just not fair.  You don't have to agree with me, and in fact I welcome comments from the other side of the fence. Just thought I would share my thoughts.

What I Want For Christmas

Ever since I was a little girl, I've been in love with the guitar.  I just think it's one of the most fascinating musical instruments in the world.  I can remember asking for a guitar for Christmas probably three times when I was younger.  But I never got one. :(  I don't know if I didn't ask for it with enough gusto, or if my family just thought I wouldn't stick with it if I was actually given one.  Either way, after I entered my teenage years, I thought I was probably too old to learn how to play guitar.

About two months ago I decided that if I never learn how to play guitar, I will always regret it.  I'm only 20 years old now, so I can still learn how to play.  Obviously, it won't be as easy as it might have been if I started trying to learn as a child, but I'm completely dedicated to accomplishing this goal.  And I've already picked the guitar I want to get.

The blue Kona Thin Body Acoustic Electric guitar pictured above caught my eye while I was browsing the internet for potential guitars and I've decided I have to have it.  Not only is it absolutely beautiful, it's only 3/4 the thickness of standard acoustic guitars, has electric capabilities (which will make it compatible with Rocksmith, which I'll talk about later), and a nice cut out on the right side to make reaching the bottom frets easier.

I don't know if I'll get this as a gift or if I'm going to buy it for myself.  Either way, I WILL have it!  So you guys can look forward to videos showing my practicing on my new guitar. :)