My Favorite Shampoo

Being that I am a hair product junkie. Soon as I hear about a new product I go and try it.  Under my sink is bananas.

BUT  I do have a favorite:

Dr. Bronner’s Peppermint Soap

I purchase from Target for about 15 bucks and it last forever because I only need about a quarter size amount to apply to my hair.


I will give a detailed regiment in the future but first I want to introduce you to some of my favorites. 


http://www.drbronner.com/DBMS/OLPE32/PeppermintLiquidSoap.htm

My small hair progression-Almost 11 months

 I really need to take some more pictures. Will be sharing more soon. I have to go out a get a new camera tomorrow. Sharing with the hubs is just a no go. I am trying to not make a expensive purchase but I miss my camera. 

Its week 25. Are you saving?

Its week 25 and you should have $325 saved.

Remember for the week that we are on, that represent how much you should be saving. This week you should be putting 25 bucks away! Still easy right?

Week 25= $25 put away

The best moisturizer for my natural hair...

Yep, Water is the best moisturizer for my hair. Plain ole H20. My hair is loving my new moisturizer routine.

What am I doing?

Well I mist my hair 2x a day with plain ole water. Before I start my day and before bed. If I feel that its dry, I spray it and put on a plastic cap. It really depends on how long I keep it on but I at least keep it on about 15-20 minutes. The best part is that its FREE.

Do I still use sealant such as grease, oils, or even moisturizer with oils and vitamins? Yes.

I mainly use shea butter as a sealant because I like how it makes my hair feel. its so soft after applying. I use moisturizers and stylers as styling aid for like twist outs and to use as a barrier when I use gels. I take vitamins so I don't seek out products that have vitamins since I take them orally.

I'm getting there with a routine. I will be posting some of my favorite conditioners and shampoos shortly.

HOW TO: HIGHLIGHT AND CONTOUR.

Wanted to share this because I will be trying this on myself soon. I love contouring and highlighting and I love trying new techniques. I have never seen it done this way but it seems easier than the technique I currently use.

Shoedazzle-August's Pick

I really wasn't fond of any of the shoes this month. So I passed on shoes but here is something else that caught my eye. I am still debating if I want it but what do you think?

Week 23 of the Financial Challenge

Its week 23 and you should have $276 saved up.

Remember for the week that we are on, that represent how much you should be saving. This week you should be putting 22 bucks away! Still easy right?

Week 23= $23 put away

Hello, My name is Dana and I am a impulse buyer.

You ever wonder if impulse merchandising works. Well I am here to tell you, it is. Look what I purchased at Dillard's yesterday. Isn't it cool?


Its a cupcake pen. No, I dont need on. My handy dandy ice cream scoop works just fine but I thought it was too cute. 


And the mini donut maker!!!!! If you know be, you know that I LOVE mini desserts. Cupcakes, mini pies, anything bite size. It's just so cute so for 20 bucks. I treated myself. Again, I dont need it but the kids and I were intrigued so we splurged. 


I will share results when we whip on this box. 


Talk to you soon.....


D. 


The cupcake pen is made by Tovola and retailed at Dillards for 9.95 
The mini donut maker is by Bella Cucina Artful Food 19.95

I love to read...

I love to read, I really do. I was thinking about sharing that love with you by sharing what I'm reading and what I think. I will be reading a few mini novel for a while. I am a part of the Kimani Romance book club and I am backed up. I have yet to finish my June collection. I not only read these collections but at the moment I have about 8 of those books to read. Once I check up I will be back to full sized novels. Please stay tuned.....

Product Review request

http://www.sks-bottle.com/HairCareContainers.html

As I am still on my quest to find a regime, if you find a product that you want me to try just let me know. It the product will be beneficial to my hair and pocket, I will try and review. Just send me a an email. I will respond to you to keep you posted on your request. I think this will give me some ideas on what I am looking for for my hair.

What I have purchased in the last 12 weeks...Shoe dazzle.

Since Shoe Dazzle posts are some of my post popular posts (Hey y'all), I think that it would only be shoe-like to share what my purchases have been over the weeks. I did get a two from the bogo sale. Actually, I have a pair of pink chucks that I forgot to take a picture of.  My style is quite eclectic. I think you will see with this pictures. Ladies and Gents, Sorry but I still didnt purchase my camera. THAT IS ON MY TO-DO LIST. Please be patient with me and the cell phone pictures. LOL, and please ignore the pillow case. I didnt want you to see my unorganized desk.

Question: How to STAY married?

I'm no expert but I do have an opinion. Who doesn't, right? I believe its quite simple. I also think that everyone should read "The Five Love Languages". Or just take the quiz. I will discuss this book a little more later but Gary Chapman is on the money with this one.  Everyone doesn't love the same way and learning your and your partner love langauage is important to me. Get your mate to take the test. Don't take the test for him or her. Promise some soft kisses if they are hesitant. I did go to a seminar concerning this book and I believe that it was an excellent weekend of learning. Marriage is just as important as anything you love. It takes hard work and patience. It's like a garden the more work you put in it the more beautiful that garden will be. 


Buuuuttttt!! There is more.


1. Understand your spouse is human and usually do not have super hero powers. They don't read minds and they WILL make mistakes.


2. Though I say its simple, marriage is all but easy. If you're not willing to work hard then its not for you. There will be difficult times in marriage but you have to work and fight.


3. Though I say fight and be willing to work, before you even consider marriage make sure your not settling. This isn't about dating but I want to make a point and say you can't work on something if both parties aren't committed.


4. The family that YOU created comes first. Husband or wife, and children must be your priority.


5. I know we all may have best girlfriends or guy friends but ultimately ur spouse should really be a bestfriend. You should be able to talk to them about any and everything.


6. Allow healthy and respectful "me" time. You are individuals. There are times that you may need time with the girls or guys.


7. Weed out the no-good friends. Some friends just aren't good for you or your marriage. Clean house of the trouble and drama.


8.  Date date date. You dated before marriage continue to date after. No time you say?? Once a month, that's all I ask. Even if its just an hour on your lunch break. With kids it gets hard but there are things you can do. Put the kids to bed and set something up at home and allow some of that time to just talk and then do what you all consider fun. That doesnt mean it HAS to be sex. Though nice it but do something besides sex.


9. If you have learned your mate's love language try to accommodate it. For instance,  when my husband took the test he scored high in words of affirmation, quality and personal touch. Actually those where my top three, as well. 


Excerpts from the book. 

• • Words of Affirmation

    Actions don’t always speak louder than words. If this is your love language, unsolicited compliments mean the world to you. Hearing the words, “I love you,” are important—hearing the reasons behind that love sends your spirits skyward. Insults can leave you shattered and are not easily forgotten.

  • Quality Time

    In the vernacular of Quality Time, nothing says, “I love you,” like full, undivided attention. Being there for this type of person is critical, but really being there—with the TV off, fork and knife down, and all chores and tasks on standby—makes your significant other feel truly special and loved. Distractions, postponed dates, or the failure to listen can be especially hurtful.

  • Receiving Gifts

    Don’t mistake this love language for materialism; the receiver of gifts thrives on the love, thoughtfulness, and effort behind the gift. If you speak this language, the perfect gift or gesture shows that you are known, you are cared for, and you are prized above whatever was sacrificed to bring the gift to you. A missed birthday, anniversary, or a hasty, thoughtless gift would be disastrous—so would the absence of everyday gestures.

• There are the other styles discussed in the book 
  
  

  • Receiving Gifts

    Don’t mistake this love language for materialism; the receiver of gifts thrives on the love, thoughtfulness, and effort behind the gift. If you speak this language, the perfect gift or gesture shows that you are known, you are cared for, and you are prized above whatever was sacrificed to bring the gift to you. A missed birthday, anniversary, or a hasty, thoughtless gift would be disastrous—so would the absence of everyday gestures.

  • Acts of Service

    Can vacuuming the floors really be an expression of love? Absolutely! Anything you do to ease the burden of responsibilities weighing on an “Acts of Service” person will speak volumes. The words he or she most want to hear: “Let me do that for you.” Laziness, broken commitments, and making more work for them tell speakers of this language their feelings don’t matter.

  • Physical Touch

    This language isn’t all about the bedroom. A person whose primary language is Physical Touch is, not surprisingly, very touchy. Hugs, pats on the back, holding hands, and thoughtful touches on the arm, shoulder, or face—they can all be ways to show excitement, concern, care, and love. Physical presence and accessibility are crucial, while neglect or abuse can be unforgivable and destructive.

Product Review: Garneir Fructis Blow Dry Balm

Straightening Balm with Argan oil

If you have been hanging in there with me, I wrote a post about blowing out my hair and being nervous about the heat damage. 

While on my quest of finding products I found one that I would like to share. 

I will be reviewing on my initial reaction. I have only used this product once but I did use it on myself and my girls.  

Right now, I think that I will give it 3.5 out of 4 stars.

Yeah I know talk about the product already....

By the way I paid for this and was not sent to give review. I picked this up from Walmart. I cant remember how much I paid for it but when I searched on ine the price range was 2.50 to 3.50

This is what the company claims: 

Style with Heat. For the Perfectly Straight Sleek.

Is it right for me?
This powerful straightening balm with argan oil from Morocco makes it easier to blow dry your hair, while creating a weightless, humidity-resistant barrier to frizz for lasting smoothness and shine.

How do i use it?
DIRECTIONS: Squeeze a small amount of balm into hand. Rub hands together, work through damp hair and blow dry. For best results, use the Garnier Fructis Sleek & Shine System of shampoos and conditioners.

Since this product claimed to be 24 hour frizz resistant I was curious. On Monday, I blow dried and flat ironed my hair and then put it in a french braid. The next day I went out in the humid heat of Texas. I don't have the frizz yet. Though my girls do have the frizz about 4 days later. I even did a little yard work. The different may have been was the fact that I kept my hair pinned up in some sort of way. The girls just HAD to have it out with a headband. 

I do not know how this product works alone because I still used a Oil protectant as well but I have to say that it still gets a thumbs up for me. I do not know how their straightening kit works. I was not interested in that kit. But I did see that their was a straightening kit. 

I haven't washed my hair yet to see my curls but I can see that the girls hair is starting to curl. I will post an update if I see my curls dont bounce back but I seriously doubt I have that problem. I dont use the highest heat on my hair dryer nor my flat iron. I didn't look for a bone straight result I was just looking to see how much my hair has grown out. 

PROS: 

• Well for those who do not like Cones, this product isn't for you. I like it because I believe that a Cone is needed in using heating tools in your hair. If you are moisturize well before you add this product to  your hair this product will act as a barrier to protect the from the heat.
• It is thick like a good conditioner. I like the thickness. 
• non-greasy

CONS:

• Did not care for the perfume smell. It wasn't my taste. I rather products that tend to be more fruity than perfumey. If that makes sense. 

O. M. Gee----Emails

I finally logged into my email for this blog and boy have I been slacking. If you emailed me, please accept my apologies for not responding in a decent amount of time. I have been reading and responding today but I have like 300 emails. THANK YOU!!! I love the interaction but I dont know if I will be able to read them all right now. I am active again so if you like or dont mind please re-email for a quick response, please do so. Again, I think you for the interaction. I am beaming right now!!!!!!!!

Hair goals-Natural hair milestone

In October, I will celebrate a year of being completely natural. I did my big chop on my birthday. After months and months of being scared, I finally straightened my hair and I was shocked. My hair went from a itty bitty afro to a little shoulder length. I didn't realize my shrinkage was so tight.  I don't have good pictures but I will post what I have. I gave my camera to hubby and I havent gone to get a new one. I will try to have some more before a wash if I don't sweat it completely out.

But anyway...

I need easy protective style ideas. I can cornrow but not the greatest and I don't like spending too much time doing my hair 30 mins to an hour max and that's a lot. Soooo I will be exploring and experimenting and sharing. I am going to do one style on Saturday or Sunday and it has to last me a week. I will also update my regime. Yep, I have changed it again.

Changed my mind....Homecoming outfit.

Changed my mind....Homecoming outfit. by momwifemedaily featuring a straight skirt

Black tee
$9.99 - target.com

Old Navy straight skirt
$33 - oldnavy.gap.com

Zigi soho sandals
$15 - dsw.com

Heart jewelry
$6.99 - tillys.com

Rue21 plastic bangle bracelet
$5.99 - rue21.com

Plastic Bat heart jewelry
£4.50 - hannahzakari.co.uk

Floral hair accessory
$16 - flowerclip.com

52 Week Financial Challenge. Week 22



Picture via Fair loan Rate blog

 I'm pretty sure its week 22. Have you given up on me?? Right now you should have about $253.

Remember for the week that we are on, that represent how much you should be saving. This week you should be putting 22 bucks away! Still easy right?

Week 22= $22 put away

7 beauty habits to break ASAP

picture via Fashion 65 Blog 

I was on Refinery and came across this article by Christene Barberich and Betsey McLain and thought that I should share.

Some of these habits I have issues with.

1. FLOSS

This is a habit that I picked up again a few years back. Just because you brush doesnt mean that you are getting everything. We should floss. I like the flossing swords.

2. Picking Your Zits

 I have a HUGE issue with this. When Aunt Flo comes to visit so do the zits and I cant help myself. Below is the solution they gave to this problem.

The Solution: Skin Care Expert and Celebrity Esthetician (and reformed picker), Renée Rouleau, says that even though you can’t always control breakouts, you can control what happens next. "A blemish usually lasts five to seven days," she says, "but the red or dark scar from picking at the blemish, can linger for weeks—or even months." Plus, as you pick and pop, bacteria on your face or fingers can inflame blemishes even more, making breakouts worse. "Your first step in your picking-recovery is to thoroughly understand these concepts. Think about if you want to have a spot that you have to cover up for only week or two—or a few months. Plus, a closed bump from a blemish is a lot easier to conceal (and less noticeable) with makeup than a red, oozy, scabbing wound. The choice is yours." And if you do pop, apply a spot drying treatment "to really get into the skin and heal up any remaining infection."

3. Why are you keeping that OLD makeup. Throw it out. Read the expiration dates.

4. Start drinking your water. I am so inconsistant with this. Sometimes I drink a lot and sometimes I dont drink enough.

5. Stop doing chemical treatments at home. They talk about dyes but I can say stop doing your home relaxers ,too. Yes, I know it can be expensive but if you are going once every few months you can put a little money aside to let the professional do these things. People dont realize this is one of the causes of hair loss...trying to do something that you dont know what you are really doing. I find that its even harder to find a stylist in my area to dye my natural hair. So I am trying to go with semi-permanant until I can find a salon.

6. Nail maintanence...This is something I ignore myself. Make sure your nails are manicured. You dont have to go get expensive work done. But just make sure they are clean and neat.

7. Over-processing your hair. You hair needs a break at times. All the heat and product build up can be damagning. Look for protective styling ideas once in a while.

 

My military homecoming outfit

My military homecoming outfit by momwifemedaily featuring a beaded bangle bracelet

Cutout dress
$48 - modcloth.com

Brown shoes
$13 - target.com

Forever21 beaded bangle bracelet
$4.80 - forever21.com

Floral hair accessory
$6.99 - tillys.com

Where the heck have you been???

Sorry I have been gone most of the summer. I have been keeping busy with the kids and haven't really been posting. I have a lot of shoe post to make. I have some hair, money, and a few other things I have to get myself working on. Now that school is about to start back for the kids, I will be starting back with my blogging. I just wanted to stop by and say hello. Expect to see me posting soon. I may also be taking off for the month of October so I want to make sure I get enough out during August and September. Please bear with me.

Hi!!!!! I missed you all!!!!