Twist Challenge

Right now I’m doing a twist challenge. For about 5 weeks this is what I’ll be doing

1. Wash/deep condition my hair once a week (Sundays)

2. Twist using either my Madagascar styling cream or Shea butter mix sealing with Oyins Burnt Sugar Pomade

3. Mist/baggy a few times throughout the week

4. Leave twists in until the next wash

That’s it. Hopefully I’ll get some growth out of this. I started March 23 and will end April 27. Once the challenge is over I will trim my ends and either get a full sew-in or Senegalese twists. Depends on how I’m feeling. Either way I’ll be protective styling until the end of July. My hair and I just aren’t getting along right now and I don’t really want to look at it L. Maybe some time away from it will allow my to reevaluate our relationship and even rediscover my love for my natural hair.

Skin care

Another thing I’m working towards is clear skin.I’ve had acne in middle school and high school and I seemed to have it under control the first 2 years of college. Once my third year came around my face went haywire. I started breaking out all around my chin area and began to develop hyper pigmentation as a result. I felt so embarrassed and unconfident that I didn’t go anywhere with my friends. I was known as the one in the group who “never went anywhere.” Now I’m starting to come around to the idea of wearing makeup because I see from my friends how much of a difference it makes in pictures (facebook tagging is the devil). But I refuse to wear foundation without first having a clear palette.

As of now my face is somewhat improved but I’m not yet satisfied. Right now I’m looking for a face wash and a moisturizer with spf that doesn’t break my face out. For the time being I’m using Bliss Fabulous Foaming Face Wash and Aveeno Positively Radiant Moisturizer (spf 30).I’ve considered some acne sytems like Proactive, Neutrogena, and Clean and Clear, but I want to try something more natural and cheap. Here is my current routine (note I have combination skin that isn’t sensitive):

Morning

• Rinse my face with warm water
• Tone with green tea (I keep some in a container in the fridge)
• Moisturize with the Aveeno

Nightly

• Wash my face with the Bliss Face Wash
• Tone with green tea

· Moisturize with either vitamin E oil or a dab of my Shea butter mix (Shea, evco, vitamin E oil)

I use my clarasonic every two nights to exfoliate and I use my Bentonite clay mask twice a week. The green tea toner, Bliss face wash, and bentonite mask are fairly new to my routine so I’m not sure how well they’re working. In about 3 weeks I’ll have an update.

Right now the only things I would like to change about my routine are my moisturizer and possibly adding a serum. I have used Clinique’s Even Better line in the past and although the products are pricey, they work. I have owned the Even Better Skin Tone Correcting Moisturizer and even though I felt it broke my forehead out, I still liked the fact it had a high spf in it and it helped even skin tone. I may revisit it since I’m running out of Aveeno. I am also looking to purchase the Even Better Clinical Dark Spot Corrector. I have used the skin tone corrector in the past and liked the results. This version is supposed to work even better. If I do not buy this, I’ll get the Highly Efficient Skin-Tone Corrector from kiehls.

Workin It While Workin Out

I mentioned in a previous post that I wanted to be on the beyonceamberrosealiciakeys level. A few pictures of Amber Rose on her way to/from the gym made me think one thing: I have to step up my fitness wardrobe. For a long time I could care less how I looked at the gym, but now things have changed. I don’t see the harm in looking good while I’m working towards looking better. It makes me feel better when I can see my results instead of covering my body in big, baggy t-shirts and sweats. Not to mention it makes since to wear apparel that is actually designed to make your workouts more comfortable (lightweight, absorbent, etc). Here are some items that I would like to enlist in my “work it while working it out” arsenal. I can't really buy them at the wholesale price so I'll search my local Marshalls/TJmaxx for some less expensive options.

Nike Ace Women's Tank Top

• $35 - nike.com

• Nike Flock Swoosh Hoody

• $46 (30 GBP) - jjbsports.com

• Nike Dri-FIT Be Strong (Size 1X-3X) Women's Capris

• $55 - nike.com

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  • Puma 'Fitness' Bag

  • $45 - nordstrom.com

Gotta Have It!!

A few things I’m stalking….

Lonchamp Bag (in Billberry)

$145

Michael Khors Gold Watch

$250

Delux Hana-Hana Pro Iron+ Travel Iron Gift Set

$169.99

Marc Jacobs new wayfarer $136

Hair removal..Whats YOUR preference?

There are many names for the female genitalia; the love below, the va jay jay, the nana (ill for those who’ve been blessed), my personal favorite cooter… and so on and so forth. Now many women have there personal preference as to what they do as far as maintenance is concerned. For myself I choose to go the South American route; The Brazilian bikini wax. I loooooooooove that smooth feeling and I love how long it lasts (my babes does too). I went down the shaving route once and never returned. Something that makes me itch that bad is a bonafied SIN. There are many health concerns that surround waxing, but as long as you make sure you do your research, you should be fine. It is true that hair is meant to be a barrier between harmful bacteria and things of that nature, but as long as you take proper care of the kitty (another name) then that shouldn’t be a issue. Again it’s your decision.
My Experience……
My first Brazilian was at a nail place in Jersey, not the best decision on my part, but I didn’t really know where else I could go. She did a good job, but it took her soooooo long!!! One thing I can say is the pain is bad, but it’s worse when you have someone who is slow and not as skilled (clearly). Since then I’ve stepped my game up a few notches. I’ve been groomed by some pretty prestigious waxing establishments including Wax On spa, Bliss, and my true blue wont try nothing new, Maria Bonita Salon and Spa. Now let me break down the pros and cons of each place;

Wax On Spa

pros
➢ This place focuses predominantly on waxing and are known for they're bikini waxes. They look at cooters all day everyday so these women know what the hell they’re doing.
➢ Thier quick, almost painless technique makes them one of my favorites.
➢ Clean, clean, CLEAN!
➢ Once they’re finished they give you a stick covered in a creamy, yummy smelling, Shea butter and a hot rag for you to clean up (I love that part)
➢ They can do shapes!! I haven’t tried yet because its an extra 20$ but I plan to when I get my money right.
Cons
➢ $$$$ this place is pretty expensive 70$ (plus I tip, don’t judge me)
➢ This chain is currently only on the west coast so I can only go when I’m visiting my fam : (
➢ They don’t do any extra areas around your cooter (lower abdomen, inner thigh, etc)

Bliss Spa

Pros
➢ Clean
➢ Bliss is pretty up there when it comes to reputable spas so you don’t have to worry about technique, products, etc.
➢ I like the wax they use because they don’t use strips. They just use the wax itself to pull the hairs out (owww. Yup)
➢ QUICK! I couldn’t believe how fast the girl had finished and I had NO HAIRS. Usually they follow up with a little tweezing, but I guess the wax that Bliss uses is formulated to grab everything. Works for me
➢Location. I go to the one in Hoboken so it’s pretty close and I don’t have to take any trains into the city. I like that.
Cons
➢ Like Wax On, they don’t do any extra areas around your cooter so that sucks
➢ If you don’t want everything taken off, TELL THEM!!! Otherwise you’ll end up looking like a 9 year old girl : ( Yeah take it from me, I know.
➢ $$$$ It’s 70$ plus tax. Can we say broke?

Maria Bonita Salon and Spa!!!!

Pros
➢ Clean (No double dipping and trust me I was ON IT)
➢ They get EVERYTHING, EVERYWHERE and don’t charge extra for it!! If they see hair anywhere that isn’t attractive, it’s gone. Simple as that.
➢ $$$$$ It’s only 50$
➢ I love the surrounding area so a trip is never wasted.
Cons
➢ I hate having to pay extra just to get there. They’re located in the city on Prince St. That means a train in town and then the subway… dammit.
➢ Everyone is Brazilian (even the customers it seems). So I feel kind of uncomfortable being the only black girl there…. They don’t like us right? Lol oh well my money is green so w/e.

If you want to try it Do it!!!! If you don’t like it it’s ok, it aint for everybody! (Jay-Z voice) At least you can say you tried
Here are a few tips:
➢ The waxer should NOT be double dipping in the wax. Be observant and make sure she uses a new stick every time.
➢ Make sure you exfoliate before your appointment. This allows the wax to pick up the hairs without the obstruction of dead skin.
➢ For those going for the first time, maybe try to take a Tylenol or painkiller to help with the pain. I didn’t try this so I’m not sure if this helps, sorry : (
➢ Don’t be so nervous. Your cooter isn’t the first they’ve seen and it wont be the last.

Gotta have it

oh em gee!! I love this look. I'm in need of a long sleeved, u back, slim fit dress. Even though it's not exactly long sleeved I love the pattern so much that it'll have to do. This might be the winner!

Burn baby Burn

Oh Burnt Sugar Pomade.. How I heart thee! When I first became natural things like baggying, sealing, moisturizing, clarifying, and wash and going (I know I should’ve said washing..dont judge me) were all so confusing. I didn’t know what to do, when, how, or what to use. Now I am relieved to say I have my regimen down pact. Granted my routine is for the cold weather so most likely it will change soon, but probably only slightly. I’ll probably post my complete regimen soon along with the products I use in the near future. One thing I believe I’ve mastered is sealing my ends. It wouldn’t be at all possible without the light of my life (sorry baby) ……

Ingredients; castor oil, soy wax, organic virgin coconut oil, mango seed oil, olive oil, unrefined hempseed oil, cocoa butter, broccoli seed oil, and fragrance.

Description; “Similar in texture to an old school 'hair grease,' This blend of oils, butters, and veggie waxes acts as a humectant and protectant for hair, increasing shine to a high glossy sheen and locking in moisture. It's packed with essential fatty acids to nourish scalp, and actually sinks into your hair and skin for a long lasting, non-greasy feeling. It's great for braids, imparts shine and moisture to loose hair, brushes nicely into the hairline for a glossy finish, and adds luster to locks!”

Now this ish right here nigga! This is right HERE!!! GIRL BYE. I love this pomade so much. In all honestly the main reason I bought it is because I wanted to see what it smelled like. I had planned on giving it away once I received it, but Hunnay let me tell you something; you will neva eeeeeevvva eva eva eva catch me without this stuff again. Not Neva. A lot of people say the smell is too sweet and I feel bad for them. This stuff smells like sweet, candy, carmel, deliciousness. Just downright wonderful. It makes my hair so soft. I use it to seal my ends when I twist and I end up with soft, moisturized, fluffy hair. You can find out more about it at oyins website. Check them out I really love them and I love supporting black owned businesses. I’m waiting on my 8oz jar as we speak : )

Love/hate….Or just hate?

For a good year all I talked about was wanting natural hair. I talked myself into how beneficial it would be and spent any extra time I had looking at hair blogs. I talked my poor baby’s ear off about how I was tired of perms and flat, lifeless hair (he's the only one I felt I could really confide in). Ok so I did the BC. I’m natural now ,chemical-free, yadda yadda yadda … so y am I still sulking? Well people I have had long hair for as long as I can remember. Almost everybody I come in to contact with comments on how much they loved my hair (my old hair). And it’s not so much to make me feel bad or change my mind about going natural, they say it in a “matter of fact” tone. To be honest, I miss my hair so much (some could argue that that wasn't really my hair to begin with but w/e).





I really can’t stand having short hair. And no matter how many compliments I get I still can’t bring myself to like it. Now this is not to say that I want to revert back to perms or that I hate myself. Don’t go there. I’m saying that short Hair+ Me= NO GO. I wear hats and scarves every day. Now I will admit I’m privileged enough to have this luxury because I’m in school and don’t have to worry about being presentable unlike if I were in a corporate environment. This only reason this routine has gotten me by all winter the simple fact that no one is really going out. But as the sunshine approaches I can’t help but worry that I’ll miss out on everything if I don’t snap out of this slump. I read about how women miss their TWA’s and wish they would have appreciated it more….. that’s sweet and all but I’m not tryna hear it and I don’t apologize for it. I just want this crap to grow. It doesn’t have to be ridiculously long, but neck length unstretched would be nice. So I guess I’ll be patiently (or not so patiently ) waiting.

Nude Lips

Help me!!!! I feel like its my mission in life to find a nude lip color and liner that works for my complexion. Like seriously people this is my new obsession (1 of many but still a prominent one). I am brown skinned so I think it may be a little difficult but still doable right???? Please say yes.
I’m thinking MAC should be the first place I hit up.
I’m mean sheesh!

Look at Rihannas lips!! And Nia?!?! Pst forget about it (tony Montana voice) I think this is so fresh and “done up” without being “overdone”. Welp that’s it lemme strap on this helmet and strap my vest; its go time. Nude lips on deck!

Spinnin on the bike jus like a CD rom

Last semester I started a cycling recreation class offered by my school. I was really excited to do it because 1. I wanted to change up my workout and 2. I heard from almost everyone that it really challenges you. So in order to step my beyonceamberrosealiciakeys game up, I put the pedal to the metal. I liked it so much that I signed up again this semester. Now I don’t know what it is, but this time around I’m getting my butt kicked! It could be because I have a new teacher (actually 3 b/c we had 2 substitutes ), but I’ve been getting my ass handed to me. Still I enjoy challenging my body and pushing it to the limit. I can see and feel a difference in terms of strength/technique now verses when I first started. Today was one of the hardest days yet. I was sweating AK47 bullets in that piece! Just when I thought my legs would give out on me, my new favorite workout song came on…. “Come here rude boi boi can you get it up, come here rude boi boi is u big enough” aaaaaaaawwwwwwwwwww shoot now!!!! I damn near fell off my bike tryna wind and spin at the same time. That song gave me the extra push I needed to put in work and I felt so good once the session ended. It really goes to show you what a difference music can make in your workouts. Too bad I can’t customize a cycling playlist, cuz I would have it CRUNK in dere yeeeeeeeeaaaahh oh letS do it! lol