2011 in Review

As I sit and think about all the things I have accomplish or lack thereof. I have to say it has been a learning experience.

After finding out that my husband was injured in Iraq and not being able to be with him was one of the toughest things I had to endure this year but I realize that my strength is more powerful than I thought. I learned more about myself as a mother, wife, sister, daughter, friend and being me. I realized the many facets of me!!!

My weight loss or lack thereof...I lost. I gained. Not consistent with that AT ALL. Though, I did realize my weaknesses of weight loss. I realize what I need to change and want I need to maintain. Keep an eye out. I have a great year planned.

There are so much I could talk about in the year 2011 but one thing I am most proud of is the accomplishments. So may be small some may be grand. Nonetheless, I am proud.

So what are my plans for 2012. I will walk across that stage in February with honors. I will also decide what school I will pursuing my Masters.

I wanted to take some classes to enhance some of my hobbies, such as baking and etc.

I have so much I want to do and I pray that God allows me the opportunity. That is another thing I want to work on. I need a church I can call home while I am in Texas. I have been going here and there just because I didnt like any of the churches I have been visiting.

I will continue to better myself. I claim this year to be mine and great things will happen....Mentally, physically, and spiritually.

I bid you all a wonderful New Year celebrate. Please be safe. I am going to spend my New Year like I always spend my new year. I will be home celebrating with my family and when that clock hit 12am, I will  thank God for another year!

I love you all! Thank you for your continued support. I really appreciate it. I remember when I first started this blog, I may have gotten one or two readers per month. I am thankful that I am developing and able to share something that I love with you, my life. Please hang in there with me. I have great things planned for this blog and I hope that you enjoy!!!

Signing out for the year.....

D.

SunShine's Natural & Loving It!: Join the Challenge

I will be joining in....

SunShine's Natural & Loving It!: Join the Challenge: Okay curlies! Who's down for the 20/20 challenge? "NO MEAT" for 20 days, exercise for at least 20 minutes a day for 20 days, and rock prote...

SPRING 2012 MAKEUP TRENDS

As I was shopping researching the web I realized that this seasons' trends will be one of my favorite. Here are a few tips that you may like. 

Cat eyes seem to be another trend that will be seen...One style I have to get better at. This look from D&G is GORG!

Find your perfect berry lipstick. Whether the red is a hue of blue or orange. Find one that is perfect for you! 

Liz Taylor was known for her bold but feminine eyebrows...well they are trendsetting this spring.















Some would say that smokey eyes ever were out of style but they also seem to be part of the new trend for spring. I really like this one.


We will even notice some bold colorful eye colors and even bold lashes.



The sporty natural cheek is another trend that I think I will enjoy. If you have those blushes that gives you that dew-y look, pull them out. FUN!! I love this look from Christopher Kane









Here are some possible beauty promos to save money on the new makeup trends.

Pre-poo...i tried again

I tried a while back to pre-poo my hair. That was a no-go! That is when I realized the I have a protein sensitivity issue. My head was on fire. Benedryl became my friend that weekend. Well didn't know at the time that it was protein but after further investigation I realized that I can only use products with protein sparingly. Since then I shy-ed away from pre-pooing.  What I found wasn't actually a conditioner. Me and winnie the pooh bonded yesterday. I have been reading blogs after blogs and decided to give it a try.

Here is what I did. I combined carrot and jojoba oil with my honey and heated it.  I can't recall the measurements but I used enough oil with to cut the stickiness and enough honey to cover my big ole head. Once I covered my head,  I covered my head with a plastic cap and sat under the dryer for 15 minuted. I rinsed and began my cleansing routine.

I loved the results my hair was so soft and had a great sheen. I will try again. I enjoyed the results!

I also tried ACV for my final rinse. Not sure about it yet. Don't know if my measurements were good because I didn't see any benefits.  I used 2 tbsp for 2 cups of water. I will try again after further investigation. Any suggestions?

I need this...not really but ummm

I really want it. I love wash and go's. Always have been my fav since going back to curls. Wash it. Moisturize it. Then Go. Only thing, the weather is too cold to just go. I have a regular diffuser but it seem  to flatten my curls. Maybe I use it wrong. Don't know.  This seems to be a remedy to my issue. So should I really spend 150 bucks for another dryer with a hand shaped diffuser or should I just get over it and put it moving...ughhhh!!

We will see.

I am going to also try out a few of their (DevaCurl) products. I learned that they sell them in my local Ulta. :) Reviews will be coming soon. I also have A LOT of reviews that I have for you all. Please be patient with me. I am having a lot of fun with this. I hope you are enjoying. I was also told that Mixed Chicks conditioner is great. I may be adding that to my try list. If you have any products that you would like for me to try, let me know. I will see if I tried it or will try in the future. Thanks for you continued support!!!

DevaCurl Dryer & DevaFuser

Description:
The first dryer and diffuser created specifically for curly and wavy hair!  The NEW DevaCurl Dryer guarantees softer, shinier, frizz free curls.  The innovative hand-shaped DevaFuser delivers 360-degree airflow to gently dry curls.

Product Highlights:
• Ultra-lightweight for easy handling and curl styling
• Ergonomic design directs air to targeted curls
• Dual temperature and speed settings for custom curl styling
• Cold shot button locks curls into place
• Uses 360° diffused air flow for soft, shiny frizz free curls

Styling Tips:
For extra volume, guide the DevaFuser onto the forehead region and tilt the dryer upward. For maximum curl benefits, use the DevaCurl Dryer and DevaFuser with DevaCurl products.

Recommended for Curl Types:
S’wavy, Wavy, Botticelli, Corkscrew

Influenster Sponsored Review: NYC New York Color-Lipshine

YES, I SEE THE SHINE

I was asked to review this product by influenster. I have to say that I have never used beauty products by this company before. No bias, just never took notice. Well, I am taking notice of this product. My lips are shining and very cute. This lipshine is thick and can be used as a GREAT protectant in harsh winter weather. I will check out my local stores to purchase this product again. Nude York City....LOVE it for my brown skin with red undertones. A great nude color for women of color. 

$2.49 suggested retail price

Usage Tips:

A little goes a long way!

The Verdict:
You should check it out, too.

According to the NYC website,

LIQUID LIPSHINE

Have you heard the gossip? There’s a new gloss in town! NYC New York Color Liquid Lip Shine is getting headlines with seriously high-drama color at a seriously low price. Pure pigments give a 3-D effect that’s off-the-charts glossy. Tons of hot new shades, from preppy nudes to bold statement hues – all for less than your weekly fashion magazine.

BENEFITS

Pure pigments, 3D-effect shine

Lips feel moisturized

Creamy and soft texture

Non-sticky

KEY INGREDIENTS

Vitamin E formula provides shine and moisturizing feel

AVAILABLE SHADES

CITY'S CLEAR
(574)

BRIGHTON BEACH PEACH
(575)

PROSPECT PINK
(576)

FASHION AVENUE FUCHSIA
(579)

RIVINGTON ROSE
(580)

MIDTOWN MULBERRY
(581)

NUDE YORK CITY
(582)

HONEY ON THE HUDSON
(584)

WINE N DINE
(587)

BIG APPLE SPICE
(588)

Review: Hairveda-Herbal Green Tea Butter

Ok So I LOVE this product. I have been using this along with Hairveda's Almond Pomade (will review next). I heart thick products. This is a very thick. Though being thick, I have not had an issue with it weighing my hair down. I have used this product on my hair as well as my babies' hair. Mind you that their hair is more fine than my hair and it is still was a great product for our hair. I used this for a moisturizer and a twist out. I have even maintained twist outs with this product, as well as my girls ponytails.

Is it worth the 10 day business turn away....YES!!!! You know I want speedy shipping but I will wait for this product.

One more thing that I love about this product is the new formulation that is mindful of nut allergies. One of my twins are allergy to nuts and finding hair products can be VERY hard, at times. Hairveda replaced the almond oil with grape seed oil.

Though, I do have to disagree with one of the websites remarks about this product. It was stated that it will offer about 12 uses or applications. I must say that you will get A LOT more :). I have definitely used it more than 12 times between me and the girls. I will say though, less is more with this product. Because it is so thick and offers so much moisture, a little is a lot.

The 6oz jar is priced wonderfully at $8. If you have any questions, like always just email me or leave me a message below.

Website information:

Whipped Green Tea Herbal Butter is a rich mix of Green Tea extract & Grapeseed Oil. This herbal butter is highly soothing and conditioning to the scalp, hair and body.  Many naturals love how this product conditions their hair after washing. Green Tea Butter is great for an itchy dry scalp! Light enough for curly hair. When used moderately, Green Tea Butter won’t weigh the hair down.  Just a little will make a big difference! Preservative Free.Ingredients include: Grape Seed Oil, (Vitis Vinefera). Camellia Sinensis Leaf Powder, Hydrogenated Soybean Oil, Fragrance. 6oz.  Shelf Life: 6 Months Applications: 12 uses
NOTE: Many customers tend to get heavy handed when using the butters, use them lightly for the best benefits. As with any oil based product, if used heavily it will make your hair greasy and weigh it down. *We have replaced Almond oil with Grapeseed oil to make this product safe for those with nut allergies.

What does my husband think of my natural hair

When I did a big chop, he was in Iraq. I was so nervous to share with him what I did but I got on Skype and he said "Wow, beautiful!" I was grinning eye to eye. He actually loves my hair like this and hinted over to me that I shouldn't ever get a relaxer again. When he got home, I straightened it. The reaction I got was sooo not what I expected. He liked the growth but the straight hair didn't excite him. Man, was I mad. That was hours of waste. Lol!!

I don't play in my hair, He does. He loves when I wear it out and curly.

He told me that I was more versatile with my hair, now. I am thankful for such a supportive husband. Now just to work on him letting me have his closet, too!

The only thing that he is not fond of is my addiction of being a product junkie. Im taking over our bathroom one product at a time.

One more class..

Until I earn my bachelors. I will walk across that stage and close a chapter of my life that I put off for so many years. I can't express my feelings in words. I am so proud!

Now, I'm preparing for the next chapter...my masters. Man, am I nervous but yet excited.

Wow!!

P.S. I just got my grades back in my past class and I EARNED A 96!!!! HAPPY!

One tip of saving money grocery shopping

Picture via brianmclane.com

As I sit here preparing for my adventure to the grocery store, I thought I would share a tip that I have for saving money while grocery shopping. I tend to always spend at least $100 more when I shop without a list and I even save about $50-60 bucks when I plan a menu for a week or two.

Some people say they cant go by a menu because of life unpredictable situations. I, too, deal with that but I use the menu as a guide. Sometimes I follow it 100% and sometimes I may change it up but my shopping always adhere to my menu.

 Try it once and see if you save money. Start with dinner ideas only and then work breakfast and lunch in there. I don't plan my breakfast but I do have a staple list. Usually my breakfast ideas always are formed from things that are on my staple list.

I hope that helps. If you need details of my menu ideas, my staples, or any other questions feel free to email me.

I am not a real couponer quite yet but that is some place that I want to venture.

Influenster sponsored review: Larabar

I was sent this product to review in my holiday VoxBox. I have never tried this brand before but I was very curious because I like natural food. Larabars are vegan, gluten free, dairy free, soy free, and kosher. This is a HUGE plus in my book. Well this little snack (1.7 oz) is about palm sized and as you can see below its 200 calories with only 3 ingredients. A GREAT snack, right? I am not a fun of cherries but I did give it a try. It reminded me an adult version of a fruit leather. Its thicker of course but the taste is very similar to a fruit leather in taste. What's a fruit leather, you say? Its a healthy version of a fruit rollup (tastier in my opinion). I know my children will love them in their lunch box.

They offer many flavors and I have my eye on  quite a few. Larabar were nice enough to send me a great coupon, as well. 

I can keep these snack bars in my purse to use when I am on the go and forget to make myself a meal.

According the Larabar, "Tart and tasty, chewy, but not ooey or gooey, our Cherry Pie contains 1 full serving of fruit, 5 grams of fiber and 5 grams of protein. The simple, 3-ingredient mix of unsweetened cherries, dates and almonds, packs a big flavor with a dollop of fun." 

Review: Amala Cream Rinse

16oz 11.99

I purchased three items from Hairveda! Today I will talk about the Amala Cream Rinse.

As I stated previously, I was in search for a new shampoo that is gentle alternative to my Dr Bonners Soap. On black friday, quite a few natural hair companies ran good sales. I have always heard talk about Hairveda and I thought what a good way to try a product....SALE!!!

I washed by hair today with this product. I wore a wash'n go so I had a bit of build up. I have only used a sud-free product once and I really didnt get good feel for the product because the sample was very small (Original Moxie, I will review when I purchase a full size product).

I am a little heavy handled with product so I was a bit nervous trying this product. I had to get use to a product that are sud-free.

 I prepped my hair by dividing it in four sections with my clips. I rinsed my hair to prep for the poo. Then I poured about a silver dollar sized amount of product in my hand. I massaged the product from root to tip. I did this for all four sections. I pinned each section back up once applied

SN: One thing that I do notice with this and the other non-suds poo. (sulfate-free) that my curls are bouncy. Its like the poos moisturize my curls while cleaning.

After smoothing the product in my hair, I let it sit as instructed for about a minute. Then I rinsed each section. When I was complete, I am pleased to say that my hair felt clean without losing all my moisture that I worked so hard to maintain during the week.

I have to say that despite the long shipping time about 3 weeks, I enjoyed the product. Will I purchase again? I'm not sure because I like speedy shipping and if I like the Original Moxie Shampoo (faster shipping) I will go with them.

If time isnt an issue for you, GO FOR IT!!! It is a GREAT product. Now on to the details of the product via Hairveda website.

OHHHH, I almost forgot. The product is very lightly citrus scented. The same consistency as ordinary shampoo.

Amala Cream Rinse-Gentle Hair & Body Cleanser

Amala Cream Rinse is a Creamy Hair & Body shampoo which lightly removes dirt & oils.  ACR is formulated with all natural lemon & orange oils and specifically designed to clean tresses. ACR is also great for those with sensitive skin types. Give your hair and body a light cleanse with our unique formula.

Hair Usage: Use before your conditioner washes to remove buildup which accumulates due to heavy conditioner use. Safe to use daily and a great alternative to shampoos. Body Usage: Wet skin and apply ACR onto a washcloth. Smooth the cream all over body and rinse.

Ingredients: Aqua (Water), Cetearyl Alcohol, PEG-40 Castor Oil, Stearalkonium Chloride, Citrus Medica Limonum (Lemon) Peel Oil, Orange Peel Oil, Germall Plus. Fragrance. Shelf Life: 4-6 Months. Applications: Up to 20 Uses. Note: Keep out of sunlight