I am back! For real this time!

There is no point excusing my absence. I have had much on my mind and though it is better to express those things I held them inside.Now I'm in a better mind space and ready to let it all out. I have been trying to focus on my songwriting but life has gotten in the way and I haven't been able to allow myself the time to dedicate to writing. I'm always trying to make myself a better person. So during this time that I've been away I have been trying to work on myself spiritually. So I will explain what I've been doing since I obviously haven't been writing.

As it says it's a course in not only discovering your creativity but also helps recovering your creativity. I originally heard about the "morning pages" on a video I saw on YouTube. So after hearing about the pages I started doing them. Then the next week I decided to get the book to see what other ideas were in it to help my creativity. This book is amazing. This is a 12 week course and I stopped at week 9, because I just had so many thing going on. Even though I have temporarily taken a break from the course I still do my morning pages and I intend on starting the course again eventually. The author Julia Cameron also has 2 more books that go along with this course as well. I will definitely be getting those when I finish the book. For more books I've been reading you can check out my profile for Good Reads in the the links on the right side of the blog.---->

So next is what I've been doing with my hair since that was the original purpose of the blog. I haven't done anything special to be honest. At first I did a wash and go everyday. Now I am way to lazy to wash my hair everyday. My hair has grown a lot despite my profile picture I have cut my hair twice. I'm going to hold off on doing that for now. I have crazy shrinkage so my hair shrinks up and looks 20x shorter then it actually is. All I've been doing lately are twist outs. I was supposed to twist my hair today, I don't feel like it so i may actually do a wash and go tomorrow. Hopefully I get to leave work early tomorrow and twist it then. The thing I love about twists outs are I only have to do my hair once a week. That way when I get up in the morning all I have to do is maybe wet my hair and shake it and go. I have tried the oh so famous Kinky Curly.

I've tried everything except the Gloss Pomade. I like the products. The only problems I have is for my hair it is time consuming. Not only that the products are expensive and not widely available. Not only do I have to pay an arm and a leg for the products I have to drive all the way on the opposite side of town. As far as the custard it smell soooooo good like candy and cake. I experimented once and used the shampoo and the conditioner, but instead of using the curling custard I used this:
So instead of paying $16 on a 8oz jar of curling custard you can get 32oz of this for under $5. Another good thing about Kinky Curly is that they are cruelty free and organic. So of course organic products and foods are more expensive. There is so much irony in the fact that you have to pay more for organic(products without chemicals) as compared to products that are not organic(products that have chemicals and pesticides). I may no buy anymore of the curling custard but I love the conditioner. I can do without the shampoo but I will most likely buy it again.

I think it's best to end this post here. I have soo much more to say but I need to save some for later post (like a haul from the NYX Anniversary sale last month)! As always peace love and blessings~

The Wait Is OVER! ++HAUL TIME

Long time no blog. I've had soooo much going on the last year. I though I posted more then I did. Anyway!!! To the good stuff!

I did my BIG CHOP on July 18th. I had to look at a calender thought I did it in August for some reason. Doesn't feel like it's been 5 months. My hair is growing fast. most likely because I really dont do a lot with it. I wash it every morning. Well technically co-wash it and once in a while I'll use shampoo if needed. Then I put in a leave in, a moisturizer, and sometimes oil and go. Since winter is here I really want to stop doing the wash and go. Still it's so easy. On top of that it is cold one day here and hot the next so that is not helping. I'm heading to Cali next month for my b-day so I'll get either twist or braids done.

Speaking of Cali!!! I will actually be moving there next summer. Hopefully!! I had a family emergency which required me to drain my savings. Don't mind doing that for my family, but I do hope I can move by next summer. I'm ready to go now. The economy is so bad there though that it does scare me. If it's God's will I'm sure I'll be there either way.

Anyway enough about that stuff it's HAUL TIME!

I've fallen in LOVE with Bath & Body Works again. I used to love them years ago, but fell off the wagon the last few years. Now I'm back on track and cant seem to stop buying there stuff. Next week they are having a sale on there classics. I have to stock up on my White Tea & Ginger.
Now to sum up my last few B&BW Trips:

Sensual Amber: Travel Size Fragrance Mist
Warm Vanilla Sugar: Fragrance Mist, Body Cream
Moonlight Path: Body Cream
Victoria's Secret PINK: Body Lotion & Travel Size Body Mist (Sweet & Flirty, Soft & Dreamy)
Secret Wonderland: Shower Gel, Body Lotion, Body Cream
Midnight Pomegranate: Shower Gel, Body Lotion, Body Cream
Butterfly Flower: Shower Gel, Body Lotion

Next is just a small Drugstore Haul.
I went to get a foundation and a facial brush cleaner but couldn't find a brush.

Garnier Nutritioniste: Skin Renew The Brusher
Milani: Even-Tone Powder Foundation
Nivea: A Kiss Of Milk & Honey

This will be my first time using foundation. I hope when I do full coverage the color works for me. I tested it out on a scar I have and it looked decent. I only purchase the Garnier because it was on sale and had a brush, so hopefully that works out too. Being that it is Christmas time I will definitely be coming back with more Haul pictures. I ordered a 120 palette last week. Yesterday I ordered 3 NYX lipglosses, and today I ordered 4 Urban Decay mascaras and a powder brush. So until next time Peace, Love, & Blessings

I'm still here

So it's been about a week since I ttyped up a blog. I kept meaning to but for some reason never I never got to it. I did try the Burt Bees' Avocado Butter Pre-Shampoo Hair Treatment last week. It was pretty good. I didn't keep it on as long as I would have liked to since I got home late. I think I had it on for about 15min I think. Next time I'll try to keep it on for at least an hour. I was thinking about wearing it to work, but I'm not sure if I want to rock a ponytail tomorrow. Tomorrow is my clarifying day. I know I said I'd clarify/chelate on the first Monday of every month. Technically we will be like a day away from it. Then again since I'll be working late I might not even wash my hair tomorrow night. I already know I won't feel like getting up first thing in the morning to wash my hair.

So yesterday I did a bantu knot out. It looked so pretty I decided to take a picture of it.


I ended up wearing it again today. I'll probably wear it tomorrow too.

I also picked up a few items Friday.

Garnier Fructis Triple Nutrition 3-Minute Undo Dryness Reversal Treatment
Fantasia IC Olive Styling Gel
Aussie Deeeeep 3 Minute Miracle Moisture Treatment
Herbal Essences Totally Twisted Curls & Waves Conditioner
Hollywood Beauty Olive Creme
Geritol Complete
Lustrasilk Shea Butter Cholesterol

I actually mentioned getting the Herbal Essence a while back. I just thought it deserved a picture. The white thing that my stuff is sitting on is a new container. I got one when I first started my healthy journey, but some of my conditioners were too tall for it to close. I haven't even gotten around to putting any of my stuff in it yet. The Geritol will be replacing my Andre Lessman supplement. I accidentally ruined my last few supplements I had left. I was thinking about getting the One A Day gummie vitamins but I settled on the Geritol. I heard quite a few good things about it.
I have heard a lot of good things about the Aussie deep conditioner so I had to pick that up. I hope it works good for me too. I've been wanting to try some of the Garnier Fructis Triple Moisture products since I first heard about it. After I purchased it I saw that it had mineral oil in it. I'm really bad about reading the labels. So I'll probably shampoo after I use that.
Oh yeah I forgot to mention that I did not use my Silk Elements shampoo again last week. I just couldn't bring myself to do it. I just ended up using my Cream of Nature shampoo.
Well that is pretty much it for now. Peace & Love~

Quick and sweet....Or maybe not

Well I've been called in to work today. I'll be leaving in a little under an hour. So I'll try to make this quick.

First off I finally made it to Whole Foods. I've wanted to go for years but never got the chance until now. I only got a couple of things but I'll definitely be going back.
So this is what I got:

Burt Bees' Avocado Butter Pre-Shampoo Hair Treatment
Vegitable Glycerin (Humectant)
Orderless Garlic Supplements (For Shedding)
Nature's Way Organic Pure Extra Virgin Coconut Oil (Sealant)

The only thing I haven't used yet is the hair treatment. Everything else I've used. I'm still in love with my coconut oil. I use the old jar I have left on my skin now. The glycerin seems to be doing well. It will probably take a month for me to see the results of the garlic supplements though.

Yesterday was eventful for my hair I guess one could say. I had a 24hr no manipulation challenge. I just wanted to see if I could go a day without combing or brushing my hair. Which I did. I actually didn't even comb my hair until after I had moisturized and sealed it. Which was around 4 in the morning. I also did my first baggy last night. I must say my ends do look a lot less crazy. Though I think I could have used a lot less product. I ended up using a mixture of my Garnier Fructis Length & Strength Leave-In mixed with Glycerin and Herbal Essence Long Term Relationship Leave-In. Then after that I sealed with my Coconut Oil. Next time I think I'll go without the Garnier Fructis Leave-In.

I felt around in the back of my head and it feels like I've got at least an inch of new growth in the back. So that is pretty good. The last two days I've had the urge to just chop my hair off. I don't know why. I'm just so over the two texture thing that's going on I guess. I'm just ready to take care of my natural hair. I'm over the relaxed hair. I plan on transitioning until April or May. The way I'm feeling I just don't even know if I can last that long. This hair journey in some way does feel like a spiritual growth. I feel like I'm truly coming into my own. I've gone through so much crap in my life. Especially the last 5 years. It's like me cutting my hair off will be a symbol of me letting all the hurt, pain, regret, doubts, insecurities, and negativity that has ran my life up to now go. I feel so ready when I just think about how much something that seems so simple will likely affect my life in a MAJOR way. It's a truly beautiful thing.Peace & Love~

How did it go you ask....

I just finished washing my hair not to long ago. I used the Silk Elements MegaSilk Olive Shampoo instead of my usual Creme of Nature Detangling Conditioning shampoo. I'm going to be honest I was not feeling that shampoo at all. I'm really feeling the urge to go right back to Sally's and return that ish. I felt like it wasn't cleaning my hair/scalp at all. It just seemed to be there on my head. Despite all this I will be giving it one more try next week. There were quite a few things that could have caused this situation. I did co-wash my hair Saturday instead of Thursday. So there was possibly nothing to clean. Yesterday I will admit I was heavy handed on the moisturizing. Maybe because of that it was too much for the shampoo. I really don't know. So instead of putting it away and never using it again I will give it one more try next week. If it doesn't work out I.....I just hope it does. -_-

Now that, that is over with I want to talk about staples. These are the items that have never let me down and I will always be loyal to.

#1
Neutrogena Triple Moisture Daily Deep Conditioner

This stuff is so amazing. I have never been so amazed by any hair product. It has great slip. On top of that it really does leave your hair soft. There is no doubt this stuff moisturizes my hair. I recommend this to everyone. Especially if you have dry or really coarse hair. You will love this stuff.

#2
Coconut Oil

The reason why I love this oil so much is because it's so light. I'm used to using heavier oils on my hair. That's how it's always been. Until I found this. I use it all the time. I pre-poo with this as well as seal my hair with it. I plan on do even more with it in the future. If you don't care for heavy oils I recommend this for you. I do actually use the brand that's pictured. I personally will not be using this brand again. Not because it's bad but I want to try Extra Virgin Coconut Oil next time.

#3
Shower Comb

This has to be the greatest comb in the world in my opinion. I use this so much it's ridiculous. It has gotten to the point that I don't even use my regular big tooth comb anymore. I only use this. Detangling is a breeze with this comb. I still have a little breakage with my regular big tooth comb. When I use this comb what little I did have is usually cut in half if I use this instead. The only reason you would need any other comb is to make your parts straight. That's it.

#4
Elasta QP Mango Butter

This is so amazing. The smell alone will make you fall in love. Not only that it's a great moisturizer. It took me a while to find this, but it was well worth the look. I must at admit when you first see this it seems a little steep price wise. The thing about this is a little does go a long way. There is no need to use a ton of this. Even when I get heavy handed with this it doesn't seem to weight my hair down. Then again I have thick hair. If you try this you will not be disappointed.

That's it for today. I'm trying to get my wishlist together. It seems to get altered everyday.
Oh yeah I forgot last night I did use the Carrot Oil Root Moisturizer. Even though it has mineral oil in it I decided to use it since I was going to wash my hair today.I only used it on my roots. It didn't really do too much but I did only use it once. I don't plan on using it again to be honest. Well that is it. Peace & Love~

Better late then never...

So I was supposed to do a co-wash on Thursday. I didn't of course and decided to do it on Friday. THEN of course that didn't happen. So finally I had co-wash #2 Saturday. I actually didn't care so much for my co-wash yesterday. I'm not sure what it was. Maybe I didn't do something right. I loved my hair the first time I did a co-wash, but this time it seemed bleh... I co-washed with a mixture of Garnier Fructis Strength & Repair Instant Melting Conditioner, Garnier Fructis 3 Minute Fortifying Deep Conditioner, Jojoba Oil, and Coconut Oil. I also did a scrub with some of my Neutrogena Triple Moisture Daily Deep Conditioner. After I applied my leave ins (Elasta QP H-Two, African Pride Braid Spray). After that I put a little mango butter in my hair as well. Then I let my hair air dry. After that I moisturized my hair with more mango butter(I love this stuff) and some of my Hollywood Beauty Castor Oil. Then I pin curled my hair and went to sleep. Here is the result of my pin curl:

This style reminds me a lot of the Bantu Knot out. Except I find doing those much easier. That's probably because this was my first time doing a pin curl.I think I'll try this again sometime after I flat iron my hair again. Which I'm hoping I can hold off on the flat ironing until next month ,but I'm feeling mighty week right now.

Well about two post ago I said I wouldn't be buying anything unless one of the flat irons I want goes on sale. Well that didn't happen. I ended up buying a few products >.< So these are the products that broke me down:
Silk Elements MegaSilk Olive Shampoo & Conditioner
Hollywood Beauty Carrot Creme (the little bottle of Carrot Oil Root Moisturizer came with it)
Wild Growth Hair Oil
Vo5 Herbal Escapes Kiwi Lime Squeeze Clarifying Shampoo & Conditioner

So far I've only used the Carrot Creme. I really like using that on my hair. The Root Moisturizer however has mineral oil in it so I'm kind of wary of using that. It also smells horrible on top of that. lol
I plan to start using my Wild Growth oil after I do a clarifying wash. I plan on using the Silk Elements Shampoo and Conditioner Monday. So I should be making a post about that tomorrow. That is all for now. Peace & Love~

And the beat goes on~

Well so much to tell. I really should be in bed now but since I'm here might as well continue.

So I'm officially not buying anymore products for my hair. Unless the flat iron I want goes on sale.... Anyway on Monday I went to the BSS even though I knew I shouldn't have. I couldn't help it though. I knew if I went to that specific store I would find everything I wanted. Guess what?!?! I did.

Exhibit A


Elasta QP H-Two
Garnier Fructis Fortifying Deep Conditioner
Garnier Fructis Strength & Repair Instant Melting Conditioner
Jojoba Oil
Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Beyond The Zone Straight Shot Smoothing Serum
Hollywood Beauty Castor Oil Hair Treatment with Mink Oil
Twist Rollers
Banana Clip
Shower Comb
Assorted Comb Pack


Exhibit B

Elasta QP Mango Butter
Aphogee Keratin & Green Tea Restructurizer
African Essence Natural Herbal Oil
Donna Round Firm Foundation




Well the second picture is actually the purchase where I knew I had purchased way too much. Oh well! So yesterday was wash day #3. Before I get to that let me talk about my Scarf Method results. It didn't turn out all that great. I must say that was my fault. I got waves, but I don't think I covered as much hair as I would have liked. I will definitely try it again hopefully when I put that hair bun to use.

Ok now back to wash day #3. I pre-pooed with the Garnier Fructis Fortifying Deep Conditioner mixed with Africa's Best Herbal Oil and some Coconut Oil. I left that on for about 2 hours. I then washed it out with my Vo5 Moisture Milks Strawberries and Cream shampoo. After that I used the conditioner, detangled with my shower comb and left that on for about 20min. After I towel dried my hair I sprayed it with my Aphogee Restructurizer, Elasta Qp H-Two Leave In, and my Dove Heat Defense Therapy Protect And Shine Mist. After I applied the sprays I then applied some of my Mango Butter to my hair. I then let my hair air dry. After about 2 hours I brought my drier out because I wanted to go to bed. I wasn't going to go unless my hair was flat ironed so to pick up the pace I blow dried my hair. When I finished that I once again sprayed my hair with my Dove Heat Defense Therapy Protect And Shine Mist. After that I sectioned of my hair and applied my Beyond The Zone Straight Shot Smoothing Serum. When everything was done this was my end result:
My hair has not looked this good (in my opinion) in about 2-3 years. So it's safe to say that I am satisfied with the results. My Aphogee Reconstructor and my Shower Comb are my two favorite things now.

Peace-Love-Understanding

Up next will be my first co-wash. :O

So today is the day. Maybe?!?! I'm not sure...+HAUL!

Well I was going to wash my hair today. The only thing is it decided to rain. I can't wash my hair with wet weather outside. I feel there is some old superstition out there that warns against it. I can't remember nor do I even know if this exist. This superstition could very well be all in my head. I might wash my hair anyway. My scalp is so dry and is itching like crazy. I'm feeling like I can't wait another day. Plus I planned to try this bun out style. Who knows.

Even though the weather seems to have possibly rained on my parade the show must go on. I was intending to post my regimen. I also wanted to post the haul of products I purchased to help me along this journey. So let us (or me) begin....


Now will be a good time to give you my hair stats.

Length: NL/SL
Hair Type: 4a/b
Ideal Length: APL/BSL
Relaxed/Natural: Relaxed

For those who were wondering:
NL= Neck Length
SL= Shoulder Length
APL= Arm Pit Length
BSL= Bra Strap Length

There are many more but they don't pertain to me. They are either too long or too short of a length for my liking. Believe me the more length the more work. I have thick hair so anything longer then BSL is just too much work for me. Plus what is truly important is the health not necessarily the length.

Next up are the products and tools that I will be using. Most of these will most likely vary overtime. For the time being here are the products/tools I will be using:


These are what I like to call my essentials~

Creme of Nature Detangling Conditioning Shampoo
Neutrogena Triple Moisture Daily Deep Conditioner
Vo5 Moisture Milks Strawberries & Cream Shampoo and Conditioner
GVP Hair Reconstructor
Elasta QP Recovery Moisturizer
Braid Spray
Profectiv Mega Growth Lotion
Organic Root Stimulator Hair Mayonnaise
Organic Root Stimulator Replenishing Pak
100% Coconut oil

Next up are my tool~

Rollers
Hair Clips
Spray Bottles
Squirt Bottle
Paddle Brush
Satin Nightcap
Hair Pins
Ouchless Hair Bands
Shower Caps
Wide Toothed Comb
Soft Boar Hair Brush



Last but not least are my extras~


Healthy Hair Skin & Nail Plus Pomegranate 40:40
Castor Oil
Garnier Fructis Length & Strength Anti-Split Ends Leave-In Treatment
Aussie Hair Insurance Tip Protector+Leave-In Conditioner
Herbal Essences Long Term Relationship Conditioner
Herbal Essences Long Term Relationship Leave In Split In Protector

That is all for now.....I'll hopefully be posting my regimen next time.