Coupon Queen...Saving Money

As far as I can remember I have always loved clipping coupon. I don't know maybe it is the thrill of seeing my balance decrease on the screen at the register. Now that we are expecting a new baby... Oh yeah forgot the little detail on the previous posts :) coupons have become more valuable. I have also found that shopping around in addition to coupons really saves. Here are a few tricks to save money.

1. Check the sales ads on Sunday
2. Clip Coupons
3. At stores that have their own coupons, you can usually use manufacturer coupons in addition
4. Only buy what you will need for the next week or so.
5. Have friends look out for coupons or sales for you
6. Sign up for coupons at manufacturer web sites.

Stretching the Dollar

Recent Changes:
Previously / Current

Downgraded AOL to Email Only/McAfeeVirus 11.99/mo 4.99/mo
(I will using my connection from the Cable company)

SAVINGS $7.00 mo = $84.00/ yr

Netflix Downgrade from 2 unlimited DVD's / mo 13.99/mo 4.99/mo
to 2 DVD's / mo

SAVINGS $9.00/ mo = $108.00 / yr

Time to Focus

So I have been cleaning out my closet and I found a ton of clothes with the tags still on them! I can't believe it. So I went to Ebay and sold them now I have extra cash. In addition I have been looking at our household expenses. There are a lot of place that we can cut back. Netflix, we hardly ever use it. I already downgraded our cable. We can also cut back on the number of times per month we eat out.

Growing

My daughter told me the other day "Mama, don't call me a baby I'm a big girl." How can this be ? I still remember watching her move in my belly, being in labor, my water breaking, and then the dreaded Cesarean. I remember watching her sleep that first night. I remember Daddy telling me "she looks like me." He was smiling so I let him have this moment. Now she is so independent. She likes to pick out her own clothes, dictate her hairstyles, and create her own menu's. These have been the fastest 3 years of my life and I wouldn't trade it for anything.

Getting Over a Cold

Oh I feel so much better. After sweating like I have been in a sauna and coughing until I felt like my head would pop off, and having my nose turn red for a few days I feel like my old self. My daughter started school in the beginning of the month and already caught a cold. Lovely! So she decides to share with her mama. I have mixed feeling about school. I get upset when people bring their children to school sick. When my daughter is sick she stays at home! When she was younger she went to daycare for about 7 months and then she stayed with my aunt while I was at university. But now that I work from home I am able to stay with her. I sent her to school because I was afraid she won't adjust well when it is time for Kindergarten.

Cool Etsy Finds

Etsy Buy Handmade DeLaTierra

Outrage over Kanye

I do not really care that much about the lives of celebrities. My days are consumed with the business of babies, politics, and running a business. I read CNN and several other news, information sources on a daily basis. That being said I was not surprised when Kanye West jumped on the stage at the mTV awards . In my opinion MTV Awards are a tacky venue anyway. I mean he has always seemed a bit arrogant, but no more than many politicians, so I was not surprised by his outburst. My personal opinion is he is not dealing well with the loss of his mother and is acting out as any child would. But he is not the first. Maybe people just really hate Kanye West, were outraged by his behavior or were upset because he disrespected a white woman. I am leaning to the latter. I feel that if he had jumped on stage while Mary J. Blige was on stage we might not have had so much press coverage. But it seems that we give more coverage to Kanye acting irrationally than to a female Yale student who was murdered and stuffed in a wall , a woman who was beaten in front of her child and called a nigger and bitch in a Georgia after she confronted him about almost hitting her child with the door, a man who raped a disabled man and locked him in a public restroom, or the state of our economy. Where is the outrage about an 11 year old boy stabbed on a bus in San Francisco while other passengers looked on ?

The color of family

3 years ago I delivered a 9 pound bundle of joy and for some reason people kept taking double takes and asking if she was my daughter. Lets see Cesarean scar...check...my nose...check...Papa's color check... Yep she mine!

Just another day....

So I come from a multicultural family. My family looks like the United Nations. I also speak and understand Spanish. Being that most people in California are shocked when a person who does not appear to be Mexican speaks Spanish. You would be surprised the number of conversations I have silently translated, while appearing non the wiser. To most people I am black. Which means what ? Oh yes only that I have darker skin than some. I must have missed the part where dark skin = no Spanish speaking skills. People are even shocked when I tell them my daughters name. Well hell do you know anything about my family? What about my other half? They look at me as if I just sprouted a horn! So Yesterday I was in the post office with my daughter and a male employee who appears to be Asian engages in conversation with a Mexican employee. Basically he was talking about a Black woman who works there and causes alot of drama. I am not sure why but as soon as the word "negra" = "black woman" comes out the female tries to change the subject. I suspect that she might have realized that I was able to translate the conversation. At first I wanted to ask him have you ever been to Columbia, Cuba, La Republica Dominicana, hell do you know anything about the history of Veracruz,Mexico ? Do you know who my beloved Celia Cruz "was"? But I just shook my head and told Alejandra (my daughter) to stop writing on their customs forms.

Craving Ethiopian Food

Now I am a girl who loves some good food. I like to cook and luckily my family loves my cooking. But lately I have been craving the spice. I've tried it all Jamaican, Ghanian, Ethiopian, Indian, Salvadorean, Pakistani, Afghani, Korean, Japanese... you get the picture. Now the Jamaican place up the street has gone down hill fast. I mean full speed with a set of rollerblades on and no brakes. But my favorites have to be Ethiopian and West African food. Lately I have been craving Ethiopian injera. Injera is a stable in Ethiopian food. It is a flat sour bread with a sponge like consistency that is used to scoop food up. So I headed to my little Ethiopian place in downtown got my food to go and went home. I ordered Kitfo, which is a beef dish usually serve raw or rare(had mine cooked) with spices and clarified butter on top of injera. I was satisfied except they forgot my peppers on top.

Etsy finds for the kitchen

Sometimes I just can't help myself. I'm on Etsy all day either listing or looking. Today I came across this cutting board and coasters. I am in love! The rich woods are beautiful . Best off all the crafter lists all treatments applied to the wood. The choice of woods are Black Walnut, Cherry, Hard Maple and Oak, and all from Massachcettes. For $49.00 this is a steal. You can visit tauntongreen and check this and other awesome wood items including earrings.

Cutting Board:
12 1/2W X 16 1/4L X 3/4 inches thick
Coasters:
4" square with a caddy

My daughter wants to play futbol

A few months back my daughter and I went to look for pillows and clothes at Ross. Before I could stealthily turn the corner she spies a Diego soccer ball. Great ! Now she wants to know what is this kind of ball and where can we play with it. I explain to her that this game is called futbol , but realizing she might confuse this with American football. I explain to her this is soccer and the objective. She is excited, so I buy it. She informs me that I don't need to teach her how because " my dad knows how to play these things!". Well a few months later she is actually good for a 3 year old. I hope to find her a team to play on.

Mortgage Cake Baker Partners with Online Cake Seller

Mortgage Cake Baker Partners with Online Cake Seller

Posted using ShareThis

Carol's Daughter Disney Princess Line

I am so excited about the new Disney Princess. Not only because she's black because she is portrayed as elegant and beautiful. So as I am browsing the web to day I found out that Carol's Daughter will have a limited edition Disney Princess Tiana line (expected in October) and items will be priced around $10.00 each. My daughter already uses the Hair Milk and I want to try the detangler on her hair, so this gives me an excuse to go buy the collection.

Cute Items for Baby and Tots on Etsy.com

Etsy: Your place to buy & sell all things handmade DeLaTierra.etsy.com

Our Seeds are Growing

This is so exciting. Just a mere 5 weeks ago we bought some soil and flower seeds and our flowers are almost here. We planted Texas Blue Bonnets and Marigolds.

Many Poor People Prefer Junk Food

Here is a really ignorant comment left by a reader on sfgate.com. The foolish comments on this site never cease to amaze me.

The reason there are so many liquor stores in the neighbourhood is because the people who live there patronise them. And the fact is that many poor people prefer junk food. That is why so many are obese. They say America is the only country in the world where the rich are skinny and the poor are fat. I agree with the poster who questioned why it takes eight employees to do the work that one shopkeeper and his wife would normally do. Fire some of this baggage and you can drop the price of your merchandise. -sfgate.com reader

Amazonia Gold Leaf Earrings

I have always wanted to visit the rainforest. Lush plants, tropical birds, and wide rivers. This was my inspiration for the Amazonia Earrings. Amazonia earrings are gold plated,detailed, and measures 2 inches. They are also lightweight. Earwires are gold filled. To be featured in my store for 14.00 with gift box.

Hatshepsut Regal Vintage Earrings

I hope you like my new designs!

Bay Area healthy food options

West Oakland welcomes co-op's healthy foods

Carolyn Said, Chronicle Staff Writer

Saturday, July 11, 2009

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"I'm 39 years old, and I've lived in the area my whole life," said Holloway, a homemaker. "I think it's great to have a place within walking distance with so many healthy selections."

That place is the Mandela Foods Cooperative, which opened June 6 across from the West Oakland BART Station in the Mandela Gateway affordable housing complex. At 2,300 square feet, it's not much bigger than the liquor stores that dot the neighborhood, but its inventory is dramatically different.

Mandela is stocked with bins of fresh fruits and vegetables, nuts and grains sold in bulk, snacks that eschew high-fructose corn syrup, organic dairy products, hormone-free meats and an array of grocery items. Canvas bags and T-shirts created by a local artist hang on the walls.

Its business model is different too. It's a worker-owned cooperative. Eight local residents are worker-owners who make all the store's business decisions and perform all its functions - including cashiering, stocking shelves, cleaning, taking inventory and ordering.

"I'm happy to use my energy for my neighbors," said Antonio Sanchez, one of the owners, as he rang up a customer's purchase of nuts and tortillas. "Because we live in the neighborhood, too, this is more comfortable for our customers; they know us. The kids know they can ask us to taste the raspberries or cherries."

The owners earn a living wage and eventually will share in two-thirds of the store's profits. One-third of the profits will be returned to the community as matching funds to people who open accounts at the credit union next door.

"The more profitable the store is, the more money goes into the community," said Dana Harvey, executive director of Mandela Marketplace, a nonprofit that acted as an incubator to get the store launched by providing technical assistance and seed funding.

Startup funds of about $640,000 were donated by foundations and local economic improvement groups and largely went toward building out the space. Some grants will be needed to help with cash flow in the next couple of years. The store's business plan projects profitability in its third year - and that's despite reducing its margins to make the food more affordable for customers. Bridge Housing, which runs Mandela Gateway, is renting the storefront to the co-op at below-market rate for five years.

The co-op has drawn about 300 shoppers a day, and has rung up sales that exceeded expectations.

Numerous studies show that people who lack access to fresh, nutritious food have an array of health problems from diabetes to obesity to high blood pressure.

"There is a proliferation of junk food and fast food in West Oakland, as well as other parts of the inner city," Harvey said.

Harvey has been on a multiyear quest to improve West Oakland's access to culturally appropriate, healthy, affordable food. She helped bring a well-received Saturday farmers' market to the BART parking lot six years ago.

Many of those farmers also now sell to the co-op.

"I love the whole concept," said Paul Buxman, who owns Sweet Home Ranch in Tulare County and sells stone fruit to Mandela. "The idea of opening in an area which is not posh, which does not have wealthy clientele. My hat is off to those folks."

Within the next few months Mandela will set up a demonstration kitchen to offer classes on nutrition, presentations by farmers, information on food stamps and other events. It's currently seeking sponsors. An expanded deli section and outdoor cafe seating also are in the offing.

But the co-op's founders have an even larger vision. Once they prove its model can succeed, they hope it can expand to a bigger space, and serve as a model for similar approaches at other redevelopment projects.

"We're on the right track," said Dennis Terry, one of the owners. "We're getting very positive feedback; people are glad there is a store like this in this neighborhood."

E-mail Carolyn Said at csaid@sfchronicle.com.

The Alexandria Earrings

My first pair of hand enameled earrings. More colors to follow soon. More pics at rubydiamondglitz.etsy.com .

Summer Garden Decor

Recently my daughter and I have been trying to grow flowers as part of our outdoor activities. Our yard is basically weeds and dirt. I want to do something that creates a more serene experience when we are outside. For now we just have potted plants, three of which we grew from seeds we purchased at the .99 cent store. I believe they cost about 12 for .99 cent. We also found some pots for $.99 and a small plastic water pitcher also for .99 cents. As I was browsing on Etsy the other day I came across this cute garden stake. Its handmade and at $12.00 this is an excellent price. The sellers name is theglassmenagerie.

Stimulating Young Minds

Yesterday my daughter and I went to Barnes and Nobles. We usually make this trip at least once a week. I like to look at the new Sci-Fi books or Beads magazines and she loves to play with the train set and find a book of her own. I try to let her select her own books, to give her a sense of independence. She found a Nickelodeon magazine with Spongebob Squarepants and was overjoyed, I don't mind cartoons but there has to be balance. It is important not to overinduldge but at the same time there is no need to put so many restrictions on children at such a young age. As a parent I want her to be interested in something that would stimulate her mind, but would also be fun. So after looking over magazines she went over to the National Geographics and wanted to know what animal was on the front. YES! I proclaimed in my mind. She found something on her own that peaked her interest. She sat down looked at the pictures and indentfied a ladybug and other insects and animals. Then she found the subscription card and said "now you can get these magazines at you house."

Pretty Hair

Now I have had this conversation time and time again with my family. I LOVE my hair in its natural state. I don't want to have to face the interrogator about my hair everytime we have a get together. My aunt who is from Mississippi always wants to know why would you do that to your hair ? Meaning locing. Or I love her comment before was oh don't ever cut your hair again. I cut my hair about 8 years ago because I hated the way relaxer made my hair feel. My hair was thinning and looked unhealthy. I hated being worried if I was going to have enough money to get some relaxer applied to my hair. I felt like a slave to the industry. The rude Asians at the beauty supply, and the flaky hair stylists. Nobody really cared about my hair they were just all trying to make a buck off me. "Pretty hair" to me is clean maintained hair. I don't look at women different because they choose to relax their hair. But its more the reason why we do things to ourselves, that gets me wondering. As I have grown older I do things to make me happy not to please or try to compare myself to women in magazines. My life is about dreaming, beinging a stay-at-home mom, planting seeds, and raising righteous young.

Random hair pics

Minnie Mouse Birthday Dress

My daughter is turning 3 next month and is in love with Minnie Mouse and Daisy. I was looking around on Etsy.com for a dress. I found this one and thought this was too cute! By the way the sellers name is Amacin. www.etsy.com/amacin.

I'm back

I am so elated that my laptop was able to be repaired! Let's start from the beginning. I bought an HP laptop about 18 months ago from Office Depot. Every was fine and it came with a one year warranty. Now lets fast foward to about four months ago. My laptop starting blinking and acting crazy so I'm researching what could be wrong. I though it might have been the video card, so I uninstalled and reinstalled that. It was okay for a few days and then it starting acting wierd again. I mean you could only view the screen at certain angles, you had to hold to the back of the monitor and type without moviong the crazy screen. Then I got to the point where for days you could only see part of the screen the no screen at all. Then the laptop would go bright again as if nothing was wrong. Then sometimes you had to tap the back. I tried to called HP and after being on hold for 45 minutes was that because my warranty had expired I would have to pay $338.00 + tax and ship the computer back to them. Well that is absurd I could get an brand new computer for $649.00. So I went to this computer guy my mother goes to who has a little closet sized shop about 5 miles from here. He said there was a problem with the inverter. He fixed the computer for $110.00 and had it back to me in three days.

More on Samantha Orobator

http://www.reprieve.org.uk/samantha_alleged_once.htm

There is something very strange going on here... Samantha Orobator story

Now I am no expert on South East Asia, nor am I a doctor. But I do know the mechanics of conception. That being said how is that this woman has been in jail over 8 months and is 5 months pregnant in an all female prison, all the while the Laotian government claims not to know how this woman became pregnant ?

LONDON, England (CNN) -- A pregnant British woman jailed in Laos could be transferred to Britain to serve out her sentence if she is convicted under an agreement signed Thursday between UK and Laotian officials.

Briton Samantha Orobator has been jailed in Laos since August on a drug charge. She is five months' pregnant.

Samantha Orobator, 20, has been jailed since August. She was arrested at a Vientiane, Laos, airport and accused of carrying about a half-kilogram of heroin. Laotian officials and a legal charity working on her case have said she is five months' pregnant.

British Foreign Secretary David Miliband and Foreign Office Minister Bill Rammell met Laotian Deputy Prime Minister Thongloun Sisoulith on Thursday in London to discuss the case and sign a prisoner transfer agreement between the two countries.

The drug charge can carry the death penalty in Laos, but Laotian officials have said Orobator would escape the sentence because the country's criminal code prevents executing pregnant women.

Orobator's case has drawn attention because of her pregnancy, which may have been the result of rape, according to Reprieve, a London-based legal charity. Reprieve also has said Orobator has not had an attorney since her arrest last year. Watch as Orobator's mother pleads for her »

"I pressed our concerns on behalf of Samantha with the deputy prime minister," Rammell said. "He said the Laotian authorities understood the need for Samantha to receive good medical and nutritional care. I was encouraged that Samantha has now been provided with a local lawyer who is working with the UK barrister from Reprieve."

A Laotian official said his government will wait for British approval of the Laotian lawyer before he can start working on the case.

Don't Miss

• Mom of jailed Briton pleads for daughter
• Penalties for drug-related crime in Asia

The lawyer met with Orobator on Thursday for about 10 minutes to sign power of attorney documents, said Anna Morris, a Reprieve lawyer who traveled to Vientiane to represent the British woman.

Morris said she was told she would not be allowed into the prison to see Orobator but that she could send questions with the lawyer, who is supposed to meet Orobator on Friday.

Morris said she hopes she and the Laotian lawyer will be able to cooperate on the case. Morris said she was told that she would be allowed to be present in court.

"The deputy prime minister told me that the Lao government would consider Samantha eligible for transfer to the UK to serve out any sentence once the prisoner transfer agreement comes into effect," Rammell said. "We will continue to pay close attention to this case as it comes to trial."

Orobator's trial has not been scheduled but likely will happen next week, said Khenthong Nuanthasing, a Laotian Foreign Ministry spokesman.

It is normal in the Laotian justice system for a defendant to get an attorney only days before trial, according to Reprieve.

Reprieve spokeswoman Clare Algar said Wednesday that it may be beneficial for Orobator to be tried quickly in Laos, be convicted and receive a sentence.

"It's quite weird as a human rights organization to say that. But if she is sentenced, the British government could ask for a prisoner transfer agreement so that she could be sent back to Britain to serve here," Algar said. "At a minimum, she would be in better conditions, and it would be better for her baby if she were here."

Algar said there have been complaints from others jailed in Laos that there's not enough water and food provided and that prisoners must sleep on the floor.

The prison is co-ed, Algar said, but Laotian authorities insist that men and women are housed separately.

Kali Arulpragasam

So I am on the late train but I didn't know M.I.A. (you know Ms. "Paper Planes", Ms. "Swagga Like Us", Ms "Oh No she Didn't, Oh Yes She Did Preform at the Grammy's 9 Month Pregnant" government named Mathangi "Maya" Arulpragasam had sister that is a jewelry designer. M.I.A. 's sister Kali Arulpragasam owner and creator of superfertile.com has some very beautiful politically inspired jewelry. If you know me, you know that I am for the poor under represented, ignored people, regardless of skin color. This is a piece from her 2008 collection. Though there are many countries that are part of this collection, I picked Haiti because it has a special place in my heart. (Sudan is pictured on the right side).

Photo credits superfertile.com / nytimes.com

Silver Feather Necklace

Don't have much to say about this piece except I made this one for my sister who only wears silver. I thought this would different from the hearts,stars, and swallow pendants. The one aspect that I adore about this piece is that the feather is solid so it has a good weight to it. I plan on making some for de la Tierra, maybe with a different chain. This chain pictured is an antique silver rope 18 inch.

A Black Tie Affair

These earrings are quite the opposite of what I usually create, but they reminded me of a beautiful night out. Black and gold are my favorite color combination so I knew I could create something quite elegant. The connectors are vintage Swarovski. The jet baroque drop is also Swarovski crystal. Earrings measure approx. 2.5 inches. I will be adding these to my Ruby Diamond Glitz collection.

Obsessed

First I would like to start of by saying I am not a huge Beyonce fan. I think she is a phenomenal performer, but I guess I'm just at the point in my life where glitz and glam does not excite me anymore. It's not like I hate her (because hey I don't know the woman personally) but I do like to see new faces. That being said I did go and support Obsessed. I went to see the film because I was curious about the story line. I will also admit that the previews of the confrontation scene seemed exciting. ( I know how horrible is that !?) In addition I was hoping that the male character Derek Charles played by Idris Elba would not give in to the temptation of Lisa played by Ali Larter. Oh did I mention I LOVE Idris Elba. But that's an entire post all together. Needless to say I was pleasantly surprised with the film as a whole and Beyonce's acting has greatly improved since Dreamgirls. On that note I will not give anymore information. But I would recommend seeing it.

Pics of the Princess

Just Being Me

My Daughter at the Park

This is my daughter Ale'. She is almost 3. On this particular day we were at a park in Livermore,CA. If you are wondering yes I did change her clothes, but only because the scenery was really nice and I love taking pictures. Oh, the "pretty lady" in second picture is my mother.

Loc Journey pics... Maybe I should have used a mirror

I started my locs myself from a two strand twist because of the length of my hair. I laugh to myself because my parts aren't that symmetrical but I am proud because I did them myself...Anyway here are some pictures.

My Etsy Friend CjonesExclusives is having a Sale.

Etsy is an incredible site for great handmade finds. I purchase alot of my jewelry and body products from the sellers on this site. I also make jewelry and have a shop where I sell jewelry supplies. Over the last year I have found alot of great sellers (artists). One in particular is name Christina Jones and she creates the most beautiful and affordable handbags and clutches. I own two of her handbags. The work"woman"ship is impeccable. Below is the link to her store and her blog.


cjonesexclusives.etsy.com

cjonesexclusives.blogspot.com

The Real Me

The truth set me free. Blessed beauty that come from within. Natty Fi Grow.

New Earrings

These designs are available for sale at my Etsy shop : delatierra.etsy.com

Music = Creativity

I am most creative when I have music. Right now I have my Itunes going listening to some of my favorites artists, Anthony B, Queen Ifrica, and Journey. Listening to music gives me inspiration. New earring designs will be posted later.

More Anthony B...

Anthony B gave an electrifying performance last night. He has so much energy. He had the crowd hyper. I wish I could have gotten more pictures.

Anthony B at the Independent SF

Anthony B

Yes! I am going to see Anthony B tonight at The Independent. I am so excited. I haven't been to a concert in years. I am feeling all giddy. Why did I decided to go you may ask? Well. first off he is on his U.S. tour and its not everyday I can just drive over to "The City" and see him. Second I have been listening to his music since I was 15 years old and I really want to see him. Did I mention I really want to see him!!?!? I hope I can get some pictures.

Anthony B

So I really want to go see Anthony B. He's coming to The Independent in San Francisco, on Monday night. But do I really have the money ? Decisions, decisions...

Bead Store

So I will be taking a great deal of time away from my Etsy store so that I can work on my bead e commerce store ! In addition I will be sharing my favorite purchases from Etsy sellers and providing links back to their stores.

Thank you Mother Earth

Finally it has begun to rain here. Though I hate going out in the rain. I praise the blessing. I love to watch the rain and marvel at how simple water can make our plants thrive. We have been cutting back on watering our plants and grass because of the drought, so this rain is quite welcomed and its FREE!

La Mariposa

There is this little house with a weathered wooden fence with flowers, flowing over the side, on a quiet little street. My daughter and I pass this house almost everyday after school. We love to take pictures here. This is where "her butterflies" live.

Mi Presidente

Barack Obama

Americans

This picture is beautiful because it shows what "New America" truly is. A people united for the common good of OUR country.

You May Now Kiss The Rice !!!!!!!!!!!!!!

My daughter (age 2 ) loves rice. Almost to the point that it is unnatural. Every time we go to the market or to a restaurant she asks "Mama, they have rice?". Once I picked her up from school and the teacher said , "she really rice!" She told the teacher "oh, great I love rice." After the third serving my daughter stated that "my mama is say that's enough rice." So tonight after my family came home from bowling my daughter and sister went playing in the dollhouse. My sister is 6 years old. The conversation went like this

Little Sister : Your baby really loves rice.
Empress: yeah I know.
Little Sister : Maybe she can marry it?
Empress: I don't know about that
Little Sister: The only problem is she will need a bowl
Empress: For what ?
Little Sister: ( smiles) The wedding
Empress: laughs to self
Little Sister: Then the man will say you can now eat the rice...(pauses) That's just like a kiss right ?

What's Going On ?

So I removed my locs. Yeah that didn't take long! I removed them because I was not happy with the size or the lacks of straight parts. Is this the end of the locs ? No ! But I need to find another method that will allow me to have smaller locs. To be continued....