Well, here I am, new name, new community, new hair products and a new start along the same old hair road.

I was using Ojon under the advice of a very dear friend who shall remain nameless.  I had been using Kiehls and liking the results I got with it, but not really loving it.  So I happily switched to something that was slyly and subtlely touted as the Holy Grail of hair products but said dear friend.

And being the product and scent wench that I am, I went for it.    

I started using Ojon S & C and loved it.  After about 3 or 4 weeks I was not getting the same results as I had in the beginning....past that point I was disliking my results intensely.  I had frizz and unmanagebility and it just wasn't working for me at all.

*sigh*  Back to the drawing board.

At that point, dear friend said, hey, I just wanted to tell you about LML and how great it is!

You would think at this point my spidey senses would tingle and such.  However, I know my friend is honest and doesn't exaggerate and with Ojon, she jumped the gun a bit, it worked for about a month before you notice a difference and this time she had been using LML for about 3 months before she mentioned it to me.  I had, at that point, used Ojon for about 2 months, so I thought, I'll try it.  Anything was better than what Ojon was doing to my hair.

While I waited for by LML long hair beginners pack, I went back to my trusty Kiehls and my hair got better finally.

Tomorrow I start writing about my LML pack and my journey as I figure out if this is the right product for my tempermental hair.

8)

*cough cough* - well, I think your friend sounds like a delightful and charming person *cough cough*.

I'd bet your friend is deeeee lighted to hear that this latest recommendation is working out so well and I'll bet friend feels like a real poop for "jumping the gun" with Ojon - but hey, I'm just guessing  .

So anyway.... I just love having you over here (((M)))...g, the nameless

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My friend is very delightfull.

Yes she feels bad, but she doesn't need to, it's quite alright as I have told her a few times already. lol

I am loving being here, thanks for showing me the way.

8)

Hey Maroula Hon - I would make a really strong guess that your hair will be back to it's best and maybe even better glory and length within no more than six to eight months.

And besides - it's still humdinger gorgeous and no one but you can see any decline in quality...g

I started LML on July 28th, with the purchase of a long hair beginner's kit.  In it came the BTN Duo, the chillout spray, the #18 SOS scalp oil, the smoother comb the flexipic and the small scritcher horn comb.

Prior to the order I had emailed LML with a few questions and always received prompt and courteous replies.  

This is what I wroteon August 5th after I started LML in my live journal.

"It's been about a week since I started LML and I have to say, so far I love it. But then I loved Ojon in the beginning too.

"We have had an unbelievable heat wave with extremely high humidity the last 3 weeks it's disgusting. While I was using Ojon (after about 2 months being on Ojon) my hair was this massive puff/frizz ball. It was gross. If I decided to put a leave-in in (either Kiehl's or Giovanni), my hair had greasy areas. It was a lose lose situation and made me want a buzz cut...not kidding. It was so bad, I was embarrassed to go to work, I felt like at some point I had fried my hair.  I got so disgusted I turned to my Kiehl's for a temporary solution until LML arrived. It helped, but not tremendously.

"With LML my hair is fluffy, but not nearly as frizzy and dry looking. The waves are more defined and the halo of frizz on the head area is contained. My ends that always disgust me, look fuller and don't just hang there begging to be chopped off.

"Now, granted, this is only after a week...and I might change my mind. I also only have the beginners kit, so I don't have other products that may take care of the frizziness and bring out the waves more. I am trying to get some money saved up so that in a month I can see if I want to magic pack it.  So for now, I love it. "

Still waiting patiently for my order to come.    The first order I made, which would also be the last order I made   ,arrived within a week so I should have it by Monday hopefully.  

There are a couple of things that have occured with my hair that I am very happy for.  The first I had mentioned already and that is how much faster my hair dries.  I really found that difficult to believe when Gabi mentioned it, even though I know full well that that girl does not exaggerate.

To be able to wash and go in an hour and a half and not use the hair dryer and have my hair presentable for work?  Unbelievable, and yet that is exactly how it goes.  It will be interesting to see if I get the same results all the time.

Another thing is the fact that more of my waves are coming out then before....no matter I do with my hair prior to washing, or whether I scrunch or not afterwards.  And this is without additional product use.  The only two thing I use that are not LML is Aubrey's MM and a hair spray that I do not like.  I am hoping for something comparable in the surprise pack, or else I will purchase replacemeents when I need them.

Also, and for me this is a biggie, I can comb my hair and it is good to go.  I have been visiting hair boards since 2000, and have tried too numerous to count hair products, natural and not, and there has never been one item that allowed me to use it and go with just combing my hair and having it look full and actually brushed and not stringy and piecey looking.  I am a nut about how I want my hair to look and could only get the results I liked with brushing.  Now I don't need to, and prefer not to because of the waves I am developing.

I can't wait to see what the next few weeks bring using LML products.  I want to see if other products of her line yield similar, better or worse results and if it will work for me in the long run.  Right now it is working, but it hasn't been that long and I have had fantastic early results with almost everything I've tried.  Time is the answer of whether something works for a person's hair or not.

Sounds like you're getting a routine worked out!  I hope LML works for you.

Maroula, I just noticed that you had started up a journal, my apologies for not being more conscientious. Something struck me while reading, you were using one product and it wasn't working. Then, you started another product and, rightfully so, are waiting to see if it falls short too. Might you simply have product build up? Do you ACV rinse at all? Over the years, even before I started to allow my hair to grow long, I would always get a product build up; perhaps, not in the way most people think, my hair simply became immune to a product over time.

I would notice this when I used to go to a salon to get my hair cut. Everytime, I'd come away and my hair felt, somehow, lighter, better feeling. I finally asked my hair-cutter about it and they suggested that I switch shampoos every once in awhile. I followed this advice and lo' and behold! They were right. My hair had acquired, if you will, an immunity to the product I was using. I wonder if an ACv rinse might restore your excellent results with your old favored product or, should your new product follow the same path?

Jumped back into the gym after nearly a year...my body is not happy with me right now.

It is so very hot and humid today, my poor hair.  It looked really good after I washed it, I scrunched a bit of Aubrey's MM into the ends, front and then a bit throughout.  Lots of waves and a couple of loose curls, however, as soon as I combed it most came out.  I don't like how my hair looks uncombed, too thin and piecey.  If my hair was a bit fuller I wouldn't mind so much.  I may have to mix up a batch of lavendar mist to mist the waves back in after combing.  That usually keeps it looking fuller.

I can't wait for my order from LML to come.  It's longer this time than last time, however, Gabi said there was a holiday last week.

Hey Maroula 

Have you tried scrunching with the #10b and a little water after it's dry.  I plan to experiment with that.  #19 is also recommended for use as a kind of gel.

I don't know for sure if Monday was a Canadian holiday

Did you get a sample of LM's "non-salt" - I have no idea what the composition is but I think I like it - I've been using it after running and I think they may be an electrolite boost.

You know what this means don't ya - I'm going to have to do another order *yikes*...g

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I tried scrunching with the #10b on Sunday,  I liked how it looked alot...I'll have to play around with it and see what I can live with.

No, I didn't get any 'non-salt' yet, but it sounds interesting.

How many orders have you made already dear? lol

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Excuse Me  -

3.5 to goal

And don't believe her Sakina - she's still thinking way bigger than she is and the picture doesn't properly represent because it got squished.

*cough cough* as to how often I have ordered.  Weeellllllll, I'm about to do it again - salts, split nippers, maybe some face cream, oh, this n' that  ... g

Gabi, you are the best, don't forget it.   

And I think I'm gonna have to make you list everything you've gotten outside of the magic pack to see if there is any extra purchasing in my future besides the MP.   

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Thank you Juri.  Yes, it's going to be hard, but we've been through this before so we know what we are in for...it makes it a bit easier, you know?

Thank you, as gabi said, I tend to view myself as larger than I appear to everyone else.   Maybe when I get to goal it'll be easier to accept. lol

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I may be thinner gabi, but my butt is still too high for your feet to reach.   

*runs away fast*

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See SEEEEeeeeeee - already you're talking with the fast - hey - I can always wear shoes a la Tom Cruise  ...wait - then I can't run, drat ...g

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Lol...trust me gabi, you will always be faster than me.

Tom Cruise...eww.

HEY!! I'm a sapphire!   

How awesome!!!   

Congrats! Saaayyy, Nice new avatar! I see you've also snuck in Denise and Beatnik Guy...?

added a word

Lisabelle thank you very much!   

Anais Satin thank you, and yes, that's Chris and Denise. 

The original picture I think is posted over at another hair board.

panpeus thanks!  Yeah, it's hard to remember to stretch.  Hopefully the trainer tomorrow will show me how to incorporate it into the circuit and then it will be easier.

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Ah - here you is *snerk*.  I think I can handle this one with Ms. Sakina.

Any conditioner with any shampoo.  The shampoos I think she would either have you use the (always the same one three days in a row, unless you miss more than one day) any of the shampoos for three days and then #2 for three days OR use the shampoos sequence you want but again no more than three days in a row and then go back to #2.  Going back to #2 for three days is never wrong - that n' #10b are the bread n' butter (yumm).  The #2 does not have to be with #10b but to re-balance I have a hunch it works best.

#17 Lilith - it is a hummer of a feel - but don't get carried away - you only use it with #9 and you only use it at most twice a week - it and #9 both are the most closing of cuticles, using them together you'll be slam shut.  You can either use #17 after #9 in the shower as a total rinse out, and/or as a re-treat the usual way after you are out.

#10a - is also no more than once or twice a week - better for most people spread into two weeks.  Most hair (mine) can't take it more than two days in a row - it'll get snarly or just weird on you.  But two days in a row can be very nice.  

#19 has a lot of possible uses (which I haven't even tried) but for now - #19 is used as a double up with #9 (always #9 after #19).  You can put it on after your latherings (don't try to detangle, because it's not meant to and it won't) the same as your other conditioners, you know, bottom up, scrub into scalp just like a shampoo scrubbing; leave it on as long as you have, rinse and put on the #9 the usual way for flexi'ing letting set and rinse.  The two differences in #9 is you will use two to three times as much as #10b, it'll just feel right, and after you flexipik it for detangling, before you let it set, slick over another application over all the hair - just a little, no scrubbing.   Rinse the usual way and re-treat only with #13 or only #10b.

OR:

You do your latherings - put on and scrub the #19, wrap it in plastic, get out of shower, slap on towel or heat cap, let set for 20 to 30 min; get back in - don't detangle; put on the #9 just like above and finish.  Optimum for this is two days in a row every two weeks - but using it every week is great too, either the short session or long.  Oh, #19 is also a great face and body moisturizer so don't let anything hit the floor

#9 can also be used with any of the shampoos by itself (without the #19) but re-treat is still #10b.  I usually do just 2 days in a row but you can go way longer as long as it "feels right".

Watch the feel of your hair on the #11 Spray - only on totally dry according to the site and IIRC she says two to four times per week.  I would guess that many use it way more than that.  I'm not even using mine yet.

and finally - I can't believe you didn't get a lollipop, I'd bitch  ??? ROTF - we got GOOOoooood filters here

If I got gobbledy gooked - please ask for more clarification and I'm sure Sakina will help too...hugs and enjoy, gabi

Today was my last day at work until the day after Labor day!  WOOHOOO!!!

I met up with the trainer at the gym today, and she was very nice and had such a pretty southern accent.   

She made me go over on the 'guys' side of the gym...very intimidated I was, yes I am a wussy amazon, what of it?  luckily there were only about 2 or 3 guys over there.  She had me do three machines there, and then we went back to the other side for 3 others and some crunches.

My legs are all wobbly.   I went home had a small dinner and then treated myself to a Venti Java Chip Frappachino light.  yummmm

Tomorrow I'll work on cardio and then Sunday back to weights.

I'm so glad you've decided to stay.  I enjoy reading your posts.  I've not noticed any peculiarities - and if there were any - we are a forgiving group! 

8) I wondered where all the long haired men were - NOW I know! 

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Lol...shhhh!!

8)

I tried the LML camo shampoo again with the #9 conditioner and nothing else.

Somewhere along the line I messed something up because I wound up with big pouffy hair that appeared frizzy.   I did not retreat afterwards, however when the canopy was dry, I retreated with the #10b layered with hot water.  That helped a bit.  It took longer to dry today, than the other days, that may have been one of the problems.  I timed myself to go out gift shopping and started combing and playing with my hair and realized it wasn't completely dry. 

Once it was I sprayed with #11, and that helped a bit.

Tomorrow I will retreat with Lilith and see how that is.

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Ooo, maybe I'll do the protein treatment tomorrow.  I'll see how that goes for me.  Thank you Sakina!!    Oops, forgot to add, no I don't have the Bliss balm yet.  I am contemplating a tiny order while I get my money together for a MP. 

I have a picture of today's hair...that's how I know it was pouffy, lol.  It doesn't look so bad, and more of my waves show than I thought.  I'll post the picture next to my avatar picture so you can see the difference.  I think, even though it's not at it's best, I still like how it looks better than the other picture.

 I'm so happy to be here....and all the parties going on today make me impatient for mine! Rofl!!

Ooh your hair looks shinier in the second pic! 

Cynde

Oh, Khrome and Juri, thank you so much!!   You are both so sweet! 

Nice! I like the new avatar too!

Whoo hoo!  Your hair is really looking good!  I just may have to rethink LML, but I'm just not sure I can handle daily washing..... my hair takes sooooo long to dry.

Oy Maroula - that avatar pic is stunning - and I must say that blue is fabulous with your hair too.

Looking fabulous, really really fabulous ...g

OMG started my day bright and early because I couldn't go back to sleep after waking hubby at 4am for dialysis.

So at 5:45 I went to the gym, swallowed my nervousness and walked over to the big weights side of the gym and worked out on the machines the trainer suggested to me.  It all went very well and I am not as sore or wobbly today. 

Yet.   

Last night I gave in to temptation and ordered a couple of items from LML that wouldn't be in the magic pack...a small wavy soft gel and a small hairspray to try.  I also got a small bliss tips oil just to see what that is like...I figured it's supposed to become part of the routine, I might as well start incorporating it into it.

I have half the money saved for a magic pack, in about 3 weeks I should have it all painlessly.  By that time I will know if this system is right for me...so far so good.

ROTF - yes, scalp would be good  8)

I love it when you shop, then you can tell me what to order next *arrrrgh*.  OK OK the comb.

So are ya going to go heavy on the weights - we need some details like specific weight and reps.  Sheesh, I so need to get going on that myself ...g

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Details.   8)

The trainer explained that women should do more reps with lighter weights because our muscles are different than men.  I do 3 sets of 15 reps on all machine, including the abs bench. 

First machine is a laying leg press (my favorite),

http://tinyurl.com/cuktv

The platform weighs about 50 lbs and I add 10 # to a side, so a total of approx. 70 lbs.  That's the machine I feel the most, but the second time I used it I didn't hurt so much afterwards.

Then I go to do lifts using my toes.  This is the hardest machine for me because of my ankle, my left leg doesn't raise and fall properly, but I was told, do what I can and it will help strengthen my left leg...which I need.

http://tinyurl.com/bcogr

It's what he's doing with his toes, but the machine is different, you are sort of sitting and the work is all with the feet.  Machine is set to 25 lbs.

I move on to this standing rack that's about 9' high and goes across about 12'.  The part I use gets set up with this rope in this postion:

http://tinyurl.com/9tglf

It's on a locking pulley, set to 25 lbs.  Locked in the top position above your head, you pull it down below your stomach and out to the sides and bring it back up to your stomach with your elbows tucked to your sides at all times. This works the triceps.  Lower the pulley to the floor and lock it, raising the rope to stomach level and lift and pull out to the sides.  This works the biceps.

Both moves I believe work the shoulders as well.

Next is the abs crunch.  It's a bench with your legs raised.  You actually have handles on the sides which raise part of the bench to support your back and neck while you do the crunches.  Much more comfortable than anything else I've ever used and you really feel it in your abs.

Last two machines is the leg extensions, set to 25 lbs, but I'm bumping that 5 or 10# the next time I go in:

http://tinyurl.com/c4bvx

And the leg curl, also 25# going up next time:

http://tinyurl.com/8dnrj

Some ab crunches on the floor, stretches and I'm done.  I alternate this with walks on the treadmills and am trying to get use to the elipticle machine.  Now There's a workout!

Hope you understood all that...and these are only a tiny portion of what they have there, machine wise.

8)

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The braids are deceptive.  The 5 strand braid is flat and in the photo it looks thicker than it really is.  (I wish it was as thick as it was when I was younger.    My single braid today would be the thickness of one of my braids when I was in my twenties).  Oh well.....

It is always nice when you find a product(s) that work for you - congrats.  Hope it continues to do well for you.

This morning I went with the Lava and #9, did not retreat, and bunned it for about an hour or so. 

It was very soft and not frizzy.  Beautiful waves that held all day and no poofiness even with the high winds today.

So far this is my favorite combo along with the BTN duo.  I'll use it for two more days and then one or two days with the BTN and then for the #19 honey bee long.     Yay!

Went to the gym tonight and did halve my weight machines because there were too many men on that side of the room and a couple of the machines were being used.  So I just went and managed 10 whole minutes on the eliptical machine.     It isn't alot, but let me say, that machine is hard!

In the morning, I hit the gym early and do my weights...we go walking through Chinatown tomorrow and will be going to this great restaurant that gives you tons of delicious food. 

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You have not been neglecting me...I understand.

There will be NO bikini pictures!  Not even a regular bathing, nope, no way, uh ah!  This butt is never gonna be teeny...it doesn't know teeny. Lol!

Yes, ma'am, do not waste the #19...if you drop some, slop it up and stick it on the body...yes ma'am.

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Rofl!!!

I think you are spending too much time in that shower....  lol

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Still wet behind the ears?  lol

Oh, I have to say, my very favorite combo right now is #?? Lava (hehe) and #9.    When you scrub #9 in and leave it for 15 mins or so, you get one major buzz on on your scalp.  Feels soooo good, though.

8)

I love Chinatown (in San Francisco, that is.)  Is that where you went?  

I have never heard of bubble tea - it sounds yummy.

I really like having tea at the Imperial Tea Court.  I don't know the address off the top of my head, but it's probably on their site somewhere http://www.imperialtea.com/

They're pricey, but it's worth it.  I especially like Imperial Dragonwell and Bi Luo Chun (greens) and Imperial Yunnan Gold (black)

Cynde

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Oooh I've heard of boba!  There's a place in town that makes them, but they're not just a boba tea place.  They make all things tapioca.     I haven't tried it, but I will the next time I'm in that area.  The woman in the article didn't like Thai Ice Tea, but I do (in moderation - it is rather sweet.)  So that means I'll probably really like boba. 

Cynde

Ugh.

Had my vacation week this week, and we went out alot.  I busted 'but' at the gym all week but made extremely poor food choices because "I wanted to". 

Let's just say, my body is on strike right now and I will be as strict as possible this upcoming week.  Natural foods and nothing processed.

*groan*   

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I'll be waiting patiently. 

Poor Jillie!!    Give her some hugs and love from me.

And some hugs for you too going through that with her. (((hugs)))

Wow, your hair does look longer! I agree with taking a pic in full light--that way we all get to see how shiny your hair's become. 

Boy, all that talk of bubble tea makes me want to go to the store and get one.

WOW    Your hair DOES look longer and you look like you dropped some more pounds.....

Do you like blue? Or is that coincidental?

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Thank you sweetie! 

Horrid week, hopefully next week is better.

Still having great hair results, will deep condition today while watching the first season of Lost DVD's to catch up before the new season starts.

Went through my hairtoys and found two pieces that I have been reluctant to give up and finally put them up on ebay.  They are just a bit too heavy for my hair, but are sooo beautiful.   But I figured, I could use the money to buy things that work for my hair and someone else can enjoy the beauty of these pieces.  If you want to see them, they are here:

http://tinyurl.com/ddfr2

I have to see later on if I have anything else.  I know I have these hairsticks that I think are soooo cute, but they are just a bit long for me. *pout*  Not sure if I want to give them up though, they work in my hair.

Wait.......  let me put on my glasses  8)  There - that's better.  The shine was blinding me!   

Bikerbraid thank you!  

Khrome thank you.  I'll have to see what products you use, because your hair has a wonderful shine and great body.

Congrats on winning a barrette!  His stuff is very nice - I'm sure you'll love whatever it is.

Hope today is a better day for you.

Congratulations!  I signed up for his mailing list so maybe I'll win one, too!  (now we know your real name, nee ner nee ner neeee ner)

I hope everything's going better for you.  I'd prescribe chocolate.    Oh, and washing hair at night. *nods head*

Thank you Bikerbraid, my week is finally getting a bit better.  Yeah, his still is really beautiful, I will post a picture of the barrette as soon as I receive it. 

Thanks Khrome! No, I didn't get to pick out the barrette, but I am sure it will be beautiful.

Thank you Gabi, I'm feeling better. 

*makes a note to check out the galapagos one*

Thank you Moonchild, I am so excited!

Yeah, I would have thought most of you knew about his site....my mistake.  I heard about him about 3 years ago or so and signed up for his newsletters.

He has some really beautiful pieces...I am especially looking at the bun covers. 

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Lol!

Will definitely post pictures.

MAROOOOOOOOULAAAAAAAAA!!!!!!!!!! It's so nice to see you again! I was wondering what happened to you.

I'm glad your son is doing better and I hope both you and your hubby are doing well. Since it sounds like you have a whole lot on your plate, come back and say "hello" when you have the chance.

(((hugs)))

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Juri!!    Thank you sweetie!!  I have been perusing around the site for a bit, and I missed everyone.  I will be getting back to posting bit by bit.  Thanks for missing me!   

(((Hugs)))

Hello again 

Sorry to hear about all of your personal problems and challenges. At least it's going uphill again, right?

OMG I can't believe those pictures!!! I keep on wondering about WW. But Lady, you really don't look like yourself. WOW 

This is awesome     

I am really glad to have you back posting again.