The hours of this day will go by, no matter what you do. What you get from them is up to you. - Ralph Marston

There is something about being around positive, ambitious, intelligent black women that just lifts my spirits [we are underrepresented in the media]. Positive energy really gets things flowing for me, I feed off of it. I live for it. Furthermore, I hate more than anything the stereotypical ideology that "we" are neck snapping, man stealing, gold digging women. Hold that thought, because that's another post for another time.

As you may recall, Lo and I recently started meeting at the top of this year to really get the ball rolling on various ventures we have been putting off for too long. We all know there are no snow days when it comes to working your life plan, so we wanted to put things in motion asap. This time the meeting commenced at Bella in Hollywood Ca, a nice little Italian eatery with a swank Roman vibe.

We threw around questions like "why are you here", "what defines your success", and "what is your passion". As those are things that should motivate you, not your fear of the unknown [which has motivated me for the past umpteen years]. Two hours, and a cocktail later, we were very refreshed, motivated, and in the zone ready to tackle goals in time for our next meeting.

[jacket: zara - dress: zara - gloves: vintage - scarf: forever 21 - jewelry: forever 21]

"Walk with those seeking truth... Run from those who think they've found it. " - Deepak Chopra

Tone Up Your Skin, The Ayurvedic Way

This is one of my favorite recipe's for a quick yet effect at-home facial. Not only are most of the ingredients in the box, this recipe is 100% natural. Another benefit? It won't break the bank like a day at Burke Williams will. The ingredients needed for this facial recipe will set you back a whopping $8.00 [which is about 15-20 applications], not bad eh?

The benefits aren't too shabby either if you like soft, clear, smooth, blemish free, glowing skin. This is the claim on the back of the box:

Hesh Pharma Naturoriche Skin-Toneup Powder is packed with nature's most basic healer and conditioner - Fuller's Earth, or what is popularly known as Multani Mati. The blend contains minerals and healing agents that are active in the particular soil. This helps remove grime and other impurities from the pores of the skin.

Regular use of Hesh Pharma Naturoriche Skin-Toneup Powder leads to fresh and rosy skin. The blend also contains sandalwood extracts, rose extracts and orange peel.
These are proven healers and coolants that cure minor skin ailments, protects the skin and helps the ingredients reach the inner layers.

Briefly, 'Hesh Skin Toneup' has the following advantages:
* removes dirt and grime from skin pores
* maintains natural oil balance
* adds glow to the skin
* treats minor skin infections.

 Here are the ingredients:

Aloe, Harida, Chandan, Amla, Masurdal Powder, Wala, Jasat Bhasma, Shalmalikantak, Orange Powder, Rose Powder, Neem Powder, Multani Mati

I purchased the Rose Water and Skin Tone Up Powder in Little India [Artesia, CA] at Pioneer Cash & Carry. Their prices are much cheaper than my local Indian Grocer, and they have much more of a selection. The Rose Water is $2, and the Skin Tone Up Powder is $2 as well.

So here's how it works;

[This recipe yields (2) applications] - In a bowl add (3) Tablespoons of Skin Tone Up Mix

Add (3) Tablespoons of Rose Water, and (1) Teaspoon of Honey. Mix well until it is a thick pudding-like consistency.

Date Left-Overs [if you want]. Refrigerate, and store in a airtight bag. Because I introduced water into this mixture, I keep this no longer than two days.

Application:

• Apply all over face, taking special caution around the eye area
• Massage into skin in a circular motion
• Leave on for 15-20 minutes
• Rinse with lukewarm water, and a warm towel.
• Cover your face with a clean hot/warm towel for about 1 minute
  
• Pat dry with a clean dry towel [don't rub]
• Apply your favorite moisturizer & Go Au Natural!
  

Frederic Fekkai Glossing Cream Review

I get a lot of questions on how I use my Frederic Fekkai Glossing Cream, and why I LOVE it so much. So I decided to write a quick review in hopes that I can help others that may have the same question.

Ingredients:

Water, Dimethicone, Dimethiconol, Cyclopentasiloxane, Phenyl Trimethicone, Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil, Polyacrylamide, Olive Glycerides, Synthetic Wax, Hydroxyethyl Behenamidopropyl Dimonium Chloride, Polyquaternium-67, Butylene Glycol, C13-14 Isoparaffin, Bismuth Oxychloride, Panthenol, Cinnamidopropyltrimonium Chloride, Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Fruit Extract, Hydrolyzed Conchiolin Protein, Laureth-7, Fragrance, Mica, Titanium Dioxide, Methylchloroisothiazolinone, Methylisothiazolinone, Yellow 10.

Claims: [from website]

Who is it for? Women with normal to dry, dull hair, who seek moisture and radiant, reflective shine.
Frizz-fighting, soft-seeking shine cream works for nearly every hair type. With encapsulated olive oil spheres to instantly reboot shine all day long. Our superstar formula, ever so brilliant.
Advanced Technology - Encapsulated Shine-Release Complex
Key Ingredient: Olive Oil
Brilliant Glossing takes inspiration from nature with its winning olive oil formula, and incorporates new encapsulation technology in Fekkai Advanced.
Micro-encapsulation technology allows finer olive oil droplets to target and cover your hair for even distribution & coverage from the root to the tip. With our encapsulated Shine-Release Complex, Brilliant Glossing formulas will deliver refreshed shine throughout the day for ALL DAY SHINE.
This product collection uses a new, breakthrough encapsulation technology to help deliver even reflective shine from root to tip, and refresh your shine for brilliant hair throughout the day.

I went out and bought a sample size of this product from Ulta ($9.00 for 1.6 oz), after hearing Michelle Obama's stylist raving about it in a magazine interview. Granted he works for Frederic Fekkai in Los Angeles, and stylists almost always rep the brands they work for, so I was a little skeptical. At the time I was wearing my hair pressed, so I was desperate to find something to add sheen and softness, without weighing my hair down.

I like to apply most styling [Chi Silk Infusion, Rusk Polisher, etc] products in WET hair, I get better coverage, and the products don't just "sit" on my hair like they do if I were to apply it to dry hair.

So with that being said, I used my normal leave-in condish, then I added dime sized portions of the glossing cream to each section of my hair [I had 4 sections]. This made my hair soft instantaneously, I was impressed, but the real test would come after the blowdry and press. I know a product is good if my hair is still silky, smooth, and soft after blow drying and pressing my hair. Below are a couple of pics, the first one is my hair pressed and set on Caruso Steam Rollers, the second pic is my hair after blow drying.

[Both pics were taken during two different styling sessions]

The Good:

• This product delivers consistent results every time I use it. 
• There are multiple uses; You can use it throughout the week as a moisturizer. You can use it to pull your hair back in a sleek ponytail. You can use this as a light setting agent for sleek, shiny, braid outs, and twist outs.  
• I get shiny, soft, manageable hair with tons of body!
• The results stick around for days not hours like other styling products
•  It is widely available on ground in most professional beauty supplies, and stores like Ulta, and Sephora.
• You can try the $9 bottle before you make the $27 splurge
• Because you don't need much to achieve results, it lasts for a long time. [I had my 1.6oz bottle for 6 months]
  

 The Bad: 

• At $27 this stuff is pretty costly compared to similar stylers.
• The ingredients are the type that are hard to pronounce, which generally means they are synthetic. The opposite of au natural. 
• The second ingredient is SILICONE! [which could mean some serious build-up if you aren't careful]

Restock?
Most definitely [and I don't say that a lot], I actually made the splurge last week on the $27 bottle. 

Retail Therapy - My Mini Haul

There is nothing like treating yourself to a few goodies when you aren't feeling so hot. However the only problem is, I am on a SUPER BUDGET until further notice. One of my New Year's Resolutions was to spend more money investing in my future, and less on items that depreciate in value as soon as I leave the store. So with my micro budget in tow, I decided to make my way to Forever 21. I absolutely love this place, I can get super cute accessories, trendy pieces, and cute everyday frocks for little of nothing. I am not super into labels, I buy what I like!

Now since my braid-out was a disaster, I needed to figure out what I was going to do with my hair.  After much deliberation and some procrastination, I decided I would rock yet another ponytail [that was my only option]. I toyed between a whopping two whole looks;

I left out a little section near the nape to spruce it up a little

I wan't really feeling this from the front, I felt like I needed bangs, my forehead is so flippin huge. lol

So then I decided to take the bun down

Not quite sure how I felt about this. Maybe it was my Zoolander face that threw off my mojo.

I settled on the high bun.

This was by far my favorite outfit, this picture does not do this jumper justice!! The material was a luxe textured satin, the fit was killer, and it was super comfy, at $30 you can't beat it. I got the jeans that are flung over the door too, they fit very well ($27).

I didn't get this jacket, but looking at this picture, I kind of wish I had ($34). I wish you could see the military style details on the shoulder, that is what really made the jacket pop, the cut was flattering too. The ONLY reason I didn't get it is because of the material, it was polyester. So it kind of made the entire thing look cheap. I will try to find something like this at Zara's or Asos, the quality will be much better I am sure.

Another view of the jacket.

I love these, they remind me of jewelry Cleopatra would have worn. I love chunky, ethnic, statement jewelry. These aren't real gold [of course], so I would only wear them when I go out, which isn't that often.

1. $8.80 

2. $4.80

3. $6.80

If you don't have a Forever 21 in your area, and you want to check them out...they have a website! Shipping is fast, and cheap!

50 Hats One Woman

I thought this idea was cute. [however] Since we are on the subject of bad hair days, it's times like this I wish I bought more hats. That is definitely on my to-do list this week.  Aside from a nice trench coat, I think every woman should have plenty of hats at the ready.

source Black Fashion

Bad. Bad. Hair

I had one of those really BAD hair days, the kind when everything you do turns out to be a complete and total disaster. I decided to try a honey deep conditioning treatment. Why did I do that? My hair was so stiff and looked all sorts of crazy, I thought it was going to snap and break off. My hair HATES honey on it's own. Duly Noted.

I did my normal routine, and opted for the quick and easy braid out; Yet another disaster, I had some sort of dry, stiff pompadour going on. I really wanted to pick up my pressing comb, like really bad; but instead I started flipping through tons of inspiration pics I have saved on my computer for times like this [I thought about transferring some to the blackberry, but that might be overkill], and a few hours later...I am kind of happy I didn't cave in.  My hair is in a bun now, and it will stay that way until I figure out what to try next. Until then, I will continue to look at my pics..... but I wonder though, how often do these women have bad hair days?

Looking at this pic reminds me of how much I love Mustard colored accent pieces! They can make any outfit stand out. It also inspires me to stop by Forever 21 tomorrow to see if I can find some statement pieces like the scarf she has on. I will let you know what I find....I could use a few new treats after the way things went tonight.

source: Classiq, Black Fashion

Forward Movement - Documenting The Journey

The picture on the left was taken back in 2008 right before my hair journey began, I was grazing APL. The picture on the right was snapped around August of 2009. The layers in the front have definitely grown out nicely, now hopefully this catches up to the rest of my hair....and quick.

 [August 2009]

I made BSL in November 2009 - So I won't straighten my hair again until April 1rst, hopefully there is some significant growth!

Overnight Ayurvedic Pre-Poo Treatment - The Pictorial

You Will Need:

1/4 Cup Herbal Essences Hello Hydration Conditioner

1/4 Cup Melted Coconut Oil

1/4 Cup Coconut Milk

1 Tablespoon Brahmi Powder

1 Tablespoon Neem Powder

1 Tablespoon Methi Powder

- Gloves

- Plastic Cap

- Applicator Brush

- Silk Scarf  

***this pre-poo treatment has a potent "herbal" smell, just an fyi to those with sensitive sniffers!***

Why Should You Pre-Poo?

Simply put, using shampoo [especially shampoo's formulated with sulfates] strips the hair of it's natural oils [sebum]. Sebum is very important because it plays a vital role in protecting the protein structure of the hair. Doing a Pre-Poo/Pre-Shampoo Treatment preps the hair by adding moisture, therefore minimizing [in most cases eliminating] the harsh effects of shampoo.

About These Ingredients;

Coconut Oil - Strengthens Hair at the Root - Moisturizes Hair & Scalp - Purported to Aid in Hair Growth - Rich in Minerals

Coconut Milk - Strengthens Hair at the Root - Coconut Milk Contains Proteins, so it can Help Prevent/Stop Hair Breakage. Nourishes Scalp with Minerals. Purported to Aid in Hair Growth, & Stop Hair Loss.

Brahmi Powder - Strengthens Hair at the Root - Stimulates Hair Growth - Imparts Shine & Sleekness to Hair -

Neem Powder - Acts as an Antibacterial Agent & Prevents Dandruff - Imparts Shine

Methi Powder - Restores the Hair Shaft - Strengthens Hair at the Root - Purported to Aid in Hair Growth - Moisturizes Hair & Scalp

  Add Herbs To Bowl

Add Conditioner

Add Coconut Milk

Then Coconut Oil

MIX WELL

[Because I added oils and excess liquids to a water based conditioner, this formulation will not completely emulsify. It is ok if you have some separation as pictured above. ]

I add this mixture to DAMP HAIR using an applicator brush, and to ensure even distribution, I work it through my hair using my hands. Once the Pre-Poo treatment is added to my entire head, I put my hair in a loose bun, put on a plastic cap, then my silk scarf, and it's off to bed!   

I rinse my hair in the morning [it usually takes about 2 rinses to get rid of any residue], shampoo, condition, and style as usual. My hair feels MUCH softer, stronger, and my issues with elasticity and porosity are corrected after using this mixture. I like to alternate between commercial products [for the convenience], and homemade mixtures.

Miss Jessie's Curly Pudding Review

For the past month or so, I've been using Miss Jessie's Curly Pudding for my braid-outs/twist-outs, and roller-sets. I feel all kinds of funny even typing this because the first time I tried Miss Jessie's CP, I hated it. Not only did I hate it, I wanted to throw it across the room because I felt as though I was duped. Big time.

However that's neither her nor there; I decided to revisit Miss Jessie's, partly out of desperation [hey I'm being honest], and second out of the curiosity to experiment with how the application of a product can have a major effect on the outcome of a style.

I have yet to try this product with a wash and go, but I can definitely vouch for it aiding me in twisting, braiding, and setting my hair on flexi-rods. So here's the skinny:

Ingredients: water, parafinium liquidum, glycerin, triethanolamine, fragrance, carbomer, PEG-12 dimethicone, dipropylene glycol, silk amino acids, aloe barbadensis leaf extract, avocado oil, shea butter, sweet almond oil, jojoba seed oil, macademia seed oil, oleth05, ethylhexyl methoxycinnanate, disodium EDTA, DMDM hydantion, ext. violet 2



The Good:

• You can try the 2oz size of this stuff before you buy it ($7). This worked for me because I read so many negative reviews on Miss Jessie's, that I couldn't justify shelling out $22 (8oz) or $38 (16oz) on some product that would take up permanent residence under my bathroom sink should it fail me.
  

• This creates the most defined twist-outs/braid-outs and roller-sets out of any product I have used to date. Not only does it create defined styles, but it does so without the crunchy/flaky/dulling effect most products that boast hold leave behind. 

•  When used sparingly [key word here], Miss Jessie's Curly Pudding does give me soft, shiny, defined styles.  And as and added bonus, the sheen, softness, and definition lasts for days.

• It is available on ground which is good for me, there is nothing worse than finding a product that works, and not have it readily accessible.  

• Since it is more of an established brand, I don't have to worry as much about product variation from batch to batch.
  

The Ugly:

• Miss Jessie's Curly Pudding is somewhat costly compared to other "curl creams" or "puddings". 

• Sometimes finding the right amount of product to use without the crunchy/flaky results I mentioned earlier can take a little bit of trial and error. 

• The ingredients in this product are far from superior, & this is one of the major drawbacks of Miss Jessie's Curly Pudding.  For those ladies that equate price with products that are filled with ingredients that have "label appeal", the ingredient list will leave much to be desired. 

• The smell is intense. It smells of some sort of candy; if that's not your thing, they have Unscented Curly Pudding
  

Tips for Using Miss Jessie's Curly Pudding:

• Don't use the recommended amount [a half-lid to lid full], I have found that this is entirely too much. Use no more than the amount that can fit on the tip of your finger for each section of hair you are going to braid/twist or set on rollers. 

• Use a creamy leave-in prior to applying Miss Jessie's Curly Pudding

• Set the style with a hooded dryer [For some reason this product works brilliant when used with heat] 

Restock?

• For now yes, however this is only until I find a product that works just as well with better ingredients. The idea of slathering mineral oil on my hair every-week doesn't necessarily help me sleep better at night. Although the curls look pretty yummy though.
  

Operation Save my Braid-Out

[some random old braid-out]

Never fails; I have several qualms with my braid-out;

• I have more "krinkles" than waves. I no like. 
• Those pesky rough, undefined patches in the middle and sides of my head..what the? I hate it. 
• The ends aren't as thick as the rest of my hair.  A mini-cut is imminent.
  

I plan to experiment this weekend, I may try big chunky braids, coupled with drying my hair/braids under a hooded dryer versus air drying. For some reason, my hair is silkier and has more body when a style is set under the dryer vs left to it's own devices.  -

The goal is to recreate [or get within a mile of] Corinne Bailey Rae's hair on the cover of Billboard Magazine, click here to see. 
Stay Tuned. 

NOIR

source: Kwesi Abbensetts

End of 2010 Goal. Too Ambitious? I would protective style for the next 351 days if I had to. 

Spinoff - My Top 3 Must Have Oils

[give me this entire look. source: Afroflower ]

In my last post, I talked about my ever growing supply of "ingredients" [I don't know how to classify them]. Instead of just sharing my favorite vendors with you, I can go a step further and tell you some of my all time favs for kinky curly coils and why. This will help all of you who want to venture off into the abyss of collecting ingredients, and also just the opposite, those than just want a list of what to get and why.

So here we go;

Brazil Nut Oil - This is a semi-expensive oil [when compared to Sweet Almond, Grapeseed etc], but it is a luxury worth including in your shopping list. This oil packs a moisture punch that is out of this world, and also absorbs easily which is a plus.

• Recommended Use: Pre Shampoo Treatment. Adding to Conditioners. Sealing Moisture in Your Hair 

Monoi De Tahiti Oil - I would classify this as an expensive oil, however the benefits are endless. Let me start off by saying this oil makes my hair so soft and shiny it is ridiculous, I don't know any ONE product that works as well as this does on it's own. Monoi oil is also purported to stop breakage, strengthen hair from the roots, and also stimulate hair growth.

• Recommended Use: Pre Shampoo Treatment. Use Prior to Rollersets for Softer Shinier Results. Great for Use in Braid Outs/Twist Outs. Sealing Moisture in Your Hair

Rice Bran Oil -  This stuff is dirt cheap, which makes it all the more appealing to me. I love things that work well, are easily available, and has a price that won't leave me eating ramen noodles until payday. [I'm just saying] - If you want some sheen, drop the serums, and pick up some Rice Bran Oil, this is a natural silicone-free alternative [use only a tad though/dime sized portion]. Aside from imparting shine, Rice Bran Oil is good for dry and damaged hair, and it too like the Brazil Nut oil absorbs easily.

• Recommended Use: Add to Shampoo for Extra Shine/Softness. Add to Conditioner for Extra Shine/Softness. Use as a Shine Serum. 

Camellia Oil - This is the Granddaddy of all oils in my opinion, and unfortunately, it is rather expensive. The upside to that though is that an 8oz bottle should last about 6months to one year depending on how heavy you are with the product application. So here's the 411 on Camellia Oil, this stuff has superb moisturizing capabilities, and is often used in high end hair care products that target dry, damaged, over-processed, and brittle hair.

Not only does it offer great moisturizing benefits, it also penetrates the hair shaft easily, is also purported to promote healthy hair growth, and adds an incredible amount of sheen! If you look for duality in hair care products, this is your one stop shop.


Recommended Use: Pre Shampoo Treatment. Sealing in Moisture. Use Prior to Rollersets for Softer Shinier Results.Add to Shampoo for Extra Shine/Softness. Add to Conditioner for Extra Shine/Softness.