Girls with Curls

It's been a pretty depressing couple of weeks for me, what with the news about baby Caroline and some other things that have been going on recently. I've been trying to think of something cheerful to post about, so when Amanda posted, asking for curly hair advice, I decided to give it a go.

You've all seen the pinterest idea of what curls look like. Flawless, shiny, bouncy... yeah, wipe that picture out of your mind right now. Curly hair is beautiful, but like most things in life, natural curls don't look anything like what you see in the magazines. Each head of curls is totally unique and beautiful. Curls can be a blessing and a curse,plus they require a lot of maintenance. Curly hair is totally different from straight hair, and therefore, they require different kinds of care.

Enter the curly girl method. So what is the curly girl method? Put simply, the curly girl method is: don't treat your hair like it's straight. Curly hair needs a lot of moisture to prevent frizz and other nasty hair ailments. Here's the problem, shampoo dries your hair out. "So what should I do?" The curly girl wails, "Just not use it?" Yep. Before you get grossed out, let me explain. Most curly girls, myself included, use conditioner to scrub our scalps. It has a lot of the same cleaning properties as shampoo, but it won't dehydrate your hair. If you start the curly girl method, give your hair time to adjust. It will be kind of gross and oily for awhile, but once your hair gets more moisture from the conditioner, it will realize that it doesn't have to produce so much oil, and the yuckiness will go away. However you may not want to start the curly girl method the week of your senior pictures (experience talking here).

The first step in the curly girl method is figuring out what kind of products to use on your hair. Shampoos, and even conditioners, containing sulfates and silicones tend to make your hair frizzier. So you first want to find a sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner. A good rule of thumb is "No fates, no cones," that is, if anything on the ingredients list ends in -fate or -cone, it's not for you. This also applies to hairsprays, gels, and mousses. Personally, I use TRESemme Naturals conditioner.

So, how do you start the curly girl method? First, wash your hair with the sulfate-free shampoo, which you have purchased from your favorite grocery store. This will get all the nasty stuff from your old products out and leave you with clean hair. Then condition with your brand-new sulfate-free conditioner. A lot of people recommend that you bun your hair in a bun before you wash out the conditioner, so that it soaks in. You can use this time to wash behind your ears and scrub between your toes. Then wash the conditioner out.

There are several schools of thought about what you should do after you get out of the shower. Some people recommend that you don't wash out all the conditioner. Some people recommend that you wash out all the conditioner but apply a leave-in. Some people don't need to do either (like me). You just have to experiment with this step and figure out what works best for you. But everyone agrees that you absolutely, positively should never ever ever use a hair brush on your curly hair. Always use a comb and never comb your hair when it's dry. You can comb in the shower or out but just make sure your hair is wet enough (think sopping).

Then you should apply hair products of your choice:  mousses, gels, sprays, whatever works best for your hair. Personally, I use Garnier Moroccan Oil. It works as a leave-in conditioner and reduces frizz. But, again, you're going to have to experiment with a lot of different sulfate-free products to find what is best for your hair. Make sure that you "scrunch" rather than rub the product into your hair. This will allow your natural curl pattern to form. Also, make sure you don't put too much product close to your scalp because this can get icky.

Then you should dry your hair (because, chances are, you are currently standing in your bathroom with dripping hair trying to balance your laptop on the sink). Once again, there are many different schools of thought on how you should dry your hair. There are the low-heat-and-diffuser people. There are the air-dry people, but everyone agrees that you should not use your towel to dry your hair. Why? Because all those little nubs combined with the vigorous rubbing motion we all know you're going to employ, is one massive recipe for frizz. One of the best ways to dry curly hair is to use a T-shirt. Yep, just a plain, ol' T-shirt. Use it to squeeze the water from the bottom of your hair or use it as a turban. It really does cut down on frizz. Make sure that you don't touch your hair too much while it's drying because this will break up the curls and cause, you guessed it, frizz.

Okay, this is a lot of information at once, I know, and, believe it or not, it's only a rough summary of the curly girl method, but don't be put off! I've been doing this for over three years, and it's super easy once it becomes part of your routine. Sure, it takes a lot of trial and error to figure out what is best for your hair, but your hair will look so much better! Mine looked much better only a week into it (thank goodness, because then I had my senior pictures taken). So, give it a try, chances are, you'll love it!

St. Gerard Novena: Day Nine

Almighty and Eternal God,

we thank You for the gift of St. Gerard

and the example of his life. 

Because St. Gerard always had complete faith and trust in You,

You blessed him with great powers of help and healing.

Through him, You showed your loving concern

for all those who suffered or were in need.

You never failed to hear his prayer on their behalf.

Today, through Saint Gerard's powerful intercession,

You continue to show you love

for all those who place their trust in You.

And so, Father, full of faith and confidence,

and in thanksgiving for all the wonderful things

You have done for us,

we place ourselves before You today.

Through the intercession of St. Gerard,

hear our prayers and petitions,

and if it is your Holy Will,

Please grant them in the name of Jesus, Our Lord.

Amen

Day Nine: Saint Gerard, most favorite child of heaven, to whom Mary gave the Infant Jesus in the day of thy childhood, to whom she sweetly came before thou didst close thine eyes In death, obtain for me I beseech thee, so to seek and love my Blessed Mother during life, that she may be my joy and consolation in this valley of tears, until with thee, before the throne of God, I may praise her goodness for all eternity. Amen. Pray nine Hail Marys. 


Thank you all so much for your prayers for baby Caroline. Please continue to keep her and her family in your prayers during the next several months!

St. Gerard Novena: Day Eight

Almighty and Eternal God,

we thank You for the gift of St. Gerard

and the example of his life. 

Because St. Gerard always had complete faith and trust in You,

You blessed him with great powers of help and healing.

Through him, You showed your loving concern

for all those who suffered or were in need.

You never failed to hear his prayer on their behalf.

Today, through Saint Gerard's powerful intercession,

You continue to show you love

for all those who place their trust in You.

And so, Father, full of faith and confidence,

and in thanksgiving for all the wonderful things

You have done for us,

we place ourselves before You today.

Through the intercession of St. Gerard,

hear our prayers and petitions,

and if it is your Holy Will,

Please grant them in the name of Jesus, Our Lord.

Amen

Day Eight: Saint Gerard, true lover of Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament of the Altar, do thou who didst kneel long hours before the Tabernacle, and there didst taste the joys of paradise, obtain for me an undying love for the Most Holy Sacrament, that thus receiving frequently the Body and Blood of Jesus, I may daily grow in His holy love and merit the priceless grace of loving Him even to the end. Nine Hail Marys

St. Gerard Novena: Day Seven

Ryan and Ellen announced today that they have chosen a name for their baby, so now we can pray for baby Caroline! 

Almighty and Eternal God,

we thank You for the gift of St. Gerard

and the example of his life. 

Because St. Gerard always had complete faith and trust in You,

You blessed him with great powers of help and healing.

Through him, You showed your loving concern

for all those who suffered or were in need.

You never failed to hear his prayer on their behalf.

Today, through Saint Gerard's powerful intercession,

You continue to show you love

for all those who place their trust in You.

And so, Father, full of faith and confidence,

and in thanksgiving for all the wonderful things

You have done for us,

we place ourselves before You today.

Through the intercession of St. Gerard,

hear our prayers and petitions,

and if it is your Holy Will,

Please grant them in the name of Jesus, Our Lord.

Amen

Day Seven: Saint Gerard, unconquered hero, most patient in suffering, you who did glory in infirmity, and under slander and most cruel ignominy did rejoice to suffer with Christ, obtain for me patience and resignation in my sorrows, that I may bravely bear the cross that is to gain for me the crown of everlasting glory. Pray nine Hail Marys. 

St. Gerard Novena: Days Five and Six

Apologies for not posting the novena yesterday; My family is currently on vacation, and we spent most of yesterday in the car, but I hope that you all took the time to say any kind of prayer for the Rome Baby.

Almighty and Eternal God,

we thank You for the gift of St. Gerard

and the example of his life. 

Because St. Gerard always had complete faith and trust in You,

You blessed him with great powers of help and healing.

Through him, You showed your loving concern

for all those who suffered or were in need.

You never failed to hear his prayer on their behalf.

Today, through Saint Gerard's powerful intercession,

You continue to show you love

for all those who place their trust in You.

And so, Father, full of faith and confidence,

and in thanksgiving for all the wonderful things

You have done for us,

we place ourselves before You today.

Through the intercession of St. Gerard,

hear our prayers and petitions,

and if it is your Holy Will,

Please grant them in the name of Jesus, Our Lord.

Amen

Day Five: Saint Gerard, model of holy obedience, throughout your life you heroically submitted your judgement to those who represented Jesus Christ to you, thereby sanctifying your lowliest actions.

Please obtain for me from God cheerful submission to His Holy Will and the virtue of perfect obedience, that I may be conformable to Jesus, my Model, who was obedient even to death. Pray nine Hail Marys.

Day Six: Saint Gerard, most perfect imitator of Jesus Our Redeemer, your greatest glory was to be humble and lowly.

Please obtain that I too, knowing my littleness in God's sight, may be found worthy to enter the kingdom that is promised to the humble and lowly of heart. Pray nine Hail Marys. 

Rome sickness

I've been feeling really homesick lately, except not for home but for Rome. I cannot tell you how much I miss Italy. Okay, there are a lot of things I don't miss about Italy, but the things I do miss, man oh man. A picture of St. Peter's in my Boss's house almost brought me to tears the other day. So in honor of my Rome sickness, I will give you my top ten favorite things to do in the Eternal City

1.Go to the Borghese Gardens at sunset. Well, you should go to the Borghese gardens anyway, they are absolutely gorgeous (beware scantily clad, sunbathing Italians), but the view of the city at sunset is utterly breathtaking.

2. Go to the Villa Borghese. I mean, as long as you're in the gardens, you might as well drop into my absolute favorite museum ever. Why is it so great you ask? One word: Bernini. The Borghese houses two of Bernini's most beautiful statues, the Rape of Persephone and Apollo and Daphne,  which are probably two of the most amazing statues in the world. Michelangelo's David is just lame in comparison. There's also a great collection of Carravagio's work, including my favorite work ever- Sick Bacchhus.

3. Go church hopping. There are so many great churches in Rome; even the ones that aren't famous are absolutely beautiful, so just have a day where you stop in every church you pass. Sure, you probably won't get very far, but you get a good feel of Rome this way.

4 . Go to Piazza Navona when the sun is shining. It is the most colorful place, filled with art vendors and, of course, scarf sellers. There is also a fantastic fountain, designed by, your guessed it, Bernini. 

5. Get gelato and coffee near the Pantheon. The Pantheon is probably the coolest building ever. I mean, it was a Roman temple dedicated to all the gods (possibly designed by the emperor Hadrian), but it was taken by the Christians and turned into a church. It's absolutely spectacular. It also helps that the Pantheon is located near some of the absolute best cappuccino and gelato shops in all of Rome. 

6. Climb the Cupola of St. Peter's. True, it's a lot of stairs, but it is one of the most breath-taking experiences you will ever have. There are two levels, first you are inside the dome itself, with a stunning view of the high altar and the baldacchino. Then you climb some more stairs, and suddenly you're on top of the dome, looking out over Rome. This was one of the first things I did in Rome, and I have never regretted it (it's much easier the second time). 

7. Go to the Colosseum at night. Sure the scarf/rose/light-up-toy salesmen won't leave you alone, but the beautiful view will be worth it. It is such a cool building, and when it's illuminated, it has an eery beauty to it. And since you're so close, you should walk over to the Roman Forum at night. 

8. Go to the Trevi Fountain. Okay, so it's nearly impossible to find, and it's not exactly the greatest piece of art ever, but it's worth the trek just to have that Lizzie Mcguire moment. Just a warning- not all the wishes you make come true: I wished for a handsome Italian boyfriend with no results. 

9. Eat eat eat! Italian food is amazing! So you should go out on a limb and try everything. Even foods that are gross in American are delicious in Italy. For example, I spent four months living off of egg plant and zucchini. You should also try Pasta Carbonara; It is my absolute favorite, and I guarantee you will love it too! Oh, and, of course, you have to drink a lot of wine with every meal. It's just the way this works. 

10. Wander! Just soak in the city. Every town has its own vibe, and the best way to discover it is simply to be there. You don't have to rush from museum to museum or try to see every single famous site. The most important thing is that you come away 

St. Gerard Novena: Day Four

Almighty and Eternal God,

we thank You for the gift of St. Gerard

and the example of his life. 

Because St. Gerard always had complete faith and trust in You,

You blessed him with great powers of help and healing.

Through him, You showed your loving concern

for all those who suffered or were in need.

You never failed to hear his prayer on their behalf.

Today, through Saint Gerard's powerful intercession,

You continue to show you love

for all those who place their trust in You.

And so, Father, full of faith and confidence,

and in thanksgiving for all the wonderful things

You have done for us,

we place ourselves before You today.

Through the intercession of St. Gerard,

hear our prayers and petitions,

and if it is your Holy Will,

Please grant them in the name of Jesus, Our Lord.

Amen

Day Four: Saint Gerard, spotless lily of purity, by the angelic virtue and wonderful innocence of your life you received from the Infant Jesus and His Immaculate Mother, sweet pledges of tender love.

Grant, I beg you, that I may ever strive courageously in my lifelong fight, and therefore win the crown that awaits the brave and the true. Pray nine Hail Marys. 

St. Gerard Novena: Day 3

Almighty and Eternal God,

we thank You for the gift of St. Gerard

and the example of his life. 

Because St. Gerard always had complete faith and trust in You,

You blessed him with great powers of help and healing.

Through him, You showed your loving concern

for all those who suffered or were in need.

You never failed to hear his prayer on their behalf.

Today, through Saint Gerard's powerful intercession,

You continue to show you love

for all those who place their trust in You.

And so, Father, full of faith and confidence,

and in thanksgiving for all the wonderful things

You have done for us,

we place ourselves before You today.

Through the intercession of St. Gerard,

hear our prayers and petitions,

and if it is your Holy Will,

Please grant them in the name of Jesus, Our Lord.

Amen

Day Three: Saint Gerard, Bright seraph of love, who despising all earthly love, consecrated your life to the service of God and your neighbor, promoting God's glory in your lowly state, and ever ready to assist the distressed and console the sorrowful, obtain for me, I beg you, that loving God, the only good, and my neighbor for His sake, I may be hereafter united to Him forever in glory. Pray nine Hail Marys. 

Happy Independence Day

Sometimes good things come in big doses... Like America. 

St. Gerard Novena: Day Two

Almighty and Eternal God,

we thank You for the gift of St. Gerard

and the example of his life. 

Because St. Gerard always had complete faith and trust in You,

You blessed him with great powers of help and healing.

Through him, You showed your loving concern

for all those who suffered or were in need.

You never failed to hear his prayer on their behalf.

Today, through Saint Gerard's powerful intercession,

You continue to show you love

for all those who place their trust in You.

And so, Father, full of faith and confidence,

and in thanksgiving for all the wonderful things

You have done for us,

we place ourselves before You today.

Through the intercession of St. Gerard,

hear our prayers and petitions,

and if it is your Holy Will,

Please grant them in the name of Jesus, Our Lord.

Amen

Day Two: Saint Gerard, most generous saint, who from  your earliest years did care so little for the goods of earth, grant that I may place all my confidence in Jesus Christ alone, my true Treasure, who alone can make me happy in time and eternity. Pray nine Hail Marys. 

Bad News and Big prayers

On our last night in Rome, we did class superlatives: Who was the biggest pope groupie, who was most likely to forget essential clothing on trip, etc. But at the end, Ryan, our head of student life, said that he wanted to add his own superlative to the list. Then with a big grin on his face, he said, "Most likely to be pregnant goes to my wife, Ellen!" The whole room erupted with cheers. Our entire class could not have been more thrilled, and, in a way, we felt that this was "Our Rome Baby" in the same way that we felt the faculty and staff were our second family. We all adored Ellen, and Ryan was okay too, so the prospect of a Rome baby was absolutely happiest thing ever.

Unfortunately, we learned today that our Rome baby has a serious heart defect that seriously limits her (Yes, it's a girl!) chances for survival. It's possible that she will not even make to to term. Of course, our whole class is very sad, but I know her parents are devastated because she is their first child. So, my dear readers, I'm asking for your prayers. My class is not called the "Crusher Class" for nothing, we will do our best to crush the gates of Heaven, but we also need your help. For the next nine days, I will be posting a novena to St. Gerard, the patron of expectant mothers and my patron. But please feel free to start your own novenas, in particular, her parents have asked for prayers to Blessed Pope John Paul II, who will be canonized in October, when the baby is due. Thank you in advance for all your prayers!

Almighty and Eternal God,

we thank You for the gift of St. Gerard

and the example of his life. 

Because St. Gerard always had complete faith and trust in You,

You blessed him with great powers of help and healing.

Through him, You showed your loving concern

for all those who suffered or were in need.

You never failed to hear his prayer on their behalf.

Today, through Saint Gerard's powerful intercession,

You continue to show you love

for all those who place their trust in You.

And so, Father, full of faith and confidence,

and in thanksgiving for all the wonderful things

You have done for us,

we place ourselves before You today.

Through the intercession of St. Gerard,

hear our prayers and petitions,

and if it is your Holy Will,

Please grant them in the name of Jesus, Our Lord.

Amen

First Day

St. Gerard, ever full of faith, obtain for me that, believing firmly all that the Church of God proposes to my belief, I may strive to secure through a holy life, the joys of eternal happiness. Pray nine Hail Marys. 

Santo Subito!

More information here, and the photo from here