Revisiting Shea Moisture Curl Enhancing Smoothie

Lately I have been all ra-ra about my newest love of the Wash n' Go. I thought I had a staple product, but my bottle of Tresemmé Naturals has been replaced! I have found that I get more moisture from using SheaMoisture Curl Enhancing Smoothie. This product gives me "cotton candy" curls all day long. I'm even able to stretch my wash n' go out for an extra day or two (with a pony tail or banana clip).

Finger Detangling

Yes, I've done it. I've ditched the comb. Kicked her to the curb.

The (re)introduction of the wash n go into my hair world has inspired me to let go of the comb. I began finger detangling this summer and have achieved great results with this method. I have noticed far less breakage. Instead of dragging/forcing/pulling a comb through my hair, I am able to separate the tangles in my hair with my fingers. This technique is far more gentle on my hair strands.

I always detangle in the shower. Many people detangle their hair when dry and I have yet to try this alternative. For now, finger detangling wet hair has been working extremely well for me. While in the shower, I make sure that my hair is completely saturated with conditioner. As I am under the shower head, I begin to detangle my hair in sections by gently combing my fingers through my hair. When I reach an area that is tangled, I gently separate the hair. Once I detangle a section I twist it so that it is not in the way of me tackling the next section of hair.

It is important to find a conditioner that has enough "slip" (slipperiness). It is also important to take your time while doing this! You do not want to cause more damage while finger detangling then you would while using a comb or brush.

I have found the following conditioners to provide great slip for my finger detangling:

Herbal Essences Hello Hydration, Aussie 3 minute miracle, Aussie Moist, Tresemme Naturals.

Also, diluted Apple Cider Vinegar is another great product that helps with detangling natural hair.

Flat Twists

A great go-to style of mine when I'm home is this flat twist style. I try to choose protective styles when I'm home on the weekends with no plans of going out. This style is very laid back and even approrpriate in case I have to run to the grocery store or if I have to come to the door to pay the delivery guy. Don't want to scare anyone with my protective styling game. 

To achieve this style I do the following:

Cowash my hair with any cheapie condish.

Part my hair down the center.

Distribute a leave in product (I'm currently using Cantu Shea Butter Leave-In)

Lightly distribute another moisturizing product (Cantu Shea Butter Daily Oil Moisturizer)

Flat Twist my hair 

Wrap the ends around my finger (for the curly effect)

Seal ends with Castor Oil

A Glimpse At The Fall...

Burgundy. Color blocking. Sweaters. Prints. Patterns. Etc.

I've mentioned before that Fall is my second favorite season of the year. I just love the different trends and layers this season brings!

[photo source 1] [photo source 2] [photo source 3] [photo source 4]

Rock Star Dreams

This weekend I attended the Curls Gone Wild event held by some of my favorite hair idols over at Around the Way Curls. Let me just say the event was amazing. I have been waiting forever and a day for a hair event to come to the city of Philadelphia. I was blown away by the beautiful natural hair that I saw at this event. I wish that I would've taken my camera with me. Of course I was being cautious and thought they would've camera-checked me at the door.

I do have some pictures of my hair style for the event. This was created with a banana clip, bobby pins, and hair combs (for the section of hair in the back of my head that the banana clip did not cover). This is my go-to inner-wild-child hair style. I'm only a rock star in my dreams...

As you can see I have been dibbling and dabbling in makeup. Just getting my feet wet. Here I'm rocking:

Eyeshadow: Coastal Scents Palette and Revlon Nude Shades

Lips: MAC High Tea Lipstick and Chestnut Lipliner (worn off a bit in this photo)

And some of my goodies. I love samples. Damn that, I love free stuff. Period.

I'm Not A Fan of the Color Green But...

I love Green Smoothies! I have been playing around with different ingredients and I've found one that is amazingly delicious (in my opinion).

1)Two Big Leaves of Kale

2) 1/2 Cup of Naked Green Machine 

3) 1 Cup of Naked Coconut Water

4) 2 teaspoons of Flax Seeds

5) 1 Banana (missing in the picture)

6) 5 Strawberries (also missing in the picture)

7) 1 teaspoon of Vega Protein Powder 

I throw them all into the blender and mix it at a low speed, then increase it to a high speed. I mix the ingredients up for about five whole minutes to make sure that it is as well blended as possible. Eventually I will invest in a better blender...but my Oster Blender works for now :-)

Update: This upcoming Monday begins Week Four of Insanity for me. I am trying to stay strong! I am five pounds down and I have lost four inches off my waist so far. I feel more energized and my strength/endurance seems to be increasing daily. 

Hoping that I can keep up with this program even with school beginning soon...keep your heads held high to my fellow teachers. Only 300+ more days left until our next Summer Vacation. Only...yeah right ;-)

Up-Do Time

This up-do was inspired by LoveIslandBeauty's hairstyle (her's is actually inspired by Janelle Monae).  I don't think mine is as fly as hers but I gave it a try!

Eating Healthy

Eating healthy doesn't have to be boring! There was a time that I used to dread the idea of eating right. I immediately thought of tasteless items like wheat taking over my diet. But it doesn't have to be that way! My idea of eating right includes watching my calorie intake, meal portion size, and water consumption. I have an insane sweet tooth but I try to only have a small treat once or twice a week.

Here is an example, or a snapshot, of my meals in one day:

Breakfast: One Cup of Raisin Bran Crunch with bananas on top and a cup of cherries.

Lunch: Oven Roasted Turkey Breast on a Telera Sandwich Roll with Fresh SPinach and Onions. Oh yeah, and another side of cherries (I loooove cherries).

Dinner: Whole Grain Farfalle Pasta with Baked Chicken, Spinach, Parmesan Cheese, and Heavy Cream mixed with Light Cream.

Loc Soc Review

(product details are at the bottom highlighted in pink, just incase you want to skip my long drawn out story lol)

Have you ever lost something, whether in your house, apartment, office, or even your car...and search and search and search and still can't find it? Well, welcome to the story of my life!

Lost item #45327: Loc Soc

In June of this year, I went to an annual African Festival in my city. I love attending this festival. The music, the food, the crowd...amazing. I usually purchase my whipped Shea butter tub and check out the other booths that sell jewelry, clothes, artwork, etc. I found a booth ran by a company called "Shades of Color". They were selling a product called the LocSoc. It seemed like an interesting concept, especially with my newfound interest in wash n gos. I figured that I could use it to pineapple my hair. I picked up a black LocSoc and used it that same night.

I have been using it since then!

Unfortunately three nights ago I misplaced it with no idea of where it could've "ran" off to. I searched for bout about 20 minutes with pictures in my mind of where it ought to be....but no luck.

I had an idea. I figured I could cut a stocking and make my own LocSoc.

Bad idea.

Not only was it cutting off my circulation because it was so tight around my fivehead, but it kept rolling further up and up. I pulled it, yanked it, held it...wouldn't stay in place. Finally I said "what the hell" threw my satin bonnet on and went to sleep.

Of course it popped up the next day. Like I was never searching for it.

Now onto why i love this product:

The LocSoc is a hair accessory made of Lycra (very stretchy material. It is very versatile and I have used it to protect my natural hair styles. I have also used it as a headband and as a scarf to lay down my hair after applying gel. It is comfortable, which is important for me especially for sleeping in overnight. I purchased my LocSoc in the color black, but the company has a wide variety of colors, styles, and prints for customers to chose from. My biggest rave about this product is that I have been able to stretch out the amount of days I can wear a wash n go or twist out by using the LocSoc. 

The product is currently sold online: LocSoc Online Store and also at select stores. 

Summer Glow Makeup

Make-up for me usually consists of mascara,lipstick/gloss, and maybe eyeshadow. I have a very small supply of makeup. I would LOVE for my collection to grow, but I have realized that I need to develop techniques like blending and contouring and etc. I will be there one day! I plan on using this blog as a way to share my (soon to be lol) successful make-up applications, techniques, inspirations and etc.

In the mean time, a beautiful and inspiring close friend of mine (known as L'ivoirienne USA on YT) has created  a YouTube video with a tutorial on how to create a gorgeous "Summer Glow" look. This look is perfect as this lovely season of summer is winding down. Whether you are an amateur seeking to learn some tips and tricks (like me!!!) or a professional that is interested in trying out new looks, this is a great video to watch. Don't forget to subscribe and like once you've finished, I'm sure you'll love it!!!

Finally Did It!

I purchased a domain for my blog! Woooohooo! Finally! I'm official ya'll!!!

Insanity!!!

Call me crazy or just call me insane. But I'm on my second round of Insanity! The first time I wasn't serious about it. Didn't follow the schedule. Did my own thing. I saw results, lost about 5 pounds, but quit after three weeks.

This time around I'm going for the Gold!

I started Day One with the Fit Test. The Fit Test is designed to measure the progress that is made while using the program. The fit test includes various exercises. Each move/exercise is performed for one minute (during this minute I had to count how many times I could do the move/exercise).

 My stats are listed below:

Day 1, Fit Test

And now for the embarrassing part...

I will be posting with updates...

Wish me luck!!

Healthy Mind + Healthy Body + Healthy Hair

I have mentioned quite often in my blog of my attempts to increase my workouts, alter my diet, and maximize my hair's health. In reality, all of these work together.

Without a healthy diet, I will not achieve healthy hair.

With this realization (a ha!) I have decided to do weekly updates titled "Healthy Mind, Healthy Body, Healthy Hair". I will note my progress, post motivational quotes/pictures, share healthy meals that I cook/prepare, and more!

Length Check

I recently got a trim at the Hair Cuttery. Lost about two inches off of my hair. But I will take healthy hair any day over split ends.

Currently at the 8" mark

And for the comparison, this is where I was before the trim (at the 10" mark)

Hopefully some good tlc, weekly deep conditioners, moisture, protein, and the whole nine yards will get me back to where I was and beyond!

Wash N Go...Updated

The wash n go has become my ultimate summer style. I cannot describe how it feels to finally be satisfied with the results of my wash n go after attempting to perfect it for YEARS! (and I'm talking about since being about 12 or 13 years old. From the days where I thought Carefree Curl Activator -- the juice -- would give my hair some "Coming to America" Soul Glo curls...)

I have finally figured out how to achieve this style. And I'm finally sticking to this ingredient list :

For starters: My hair must be freshly co-washed and dripping wet. Also, my hair has to be in sections before distributing the product to each section.

1. Tresemme Naturals Conditioner
2. Shea Butter (this was what my hair was missing! major moisture!)
3. Eco Styler Olive Oil Gel

And there it is!!

And I leave you with a throw back...where the wash n go phenomenon developed (I'm clearly making this up...)