Aveda gets me every time!

So I am going to a conference tomorrow in Chicago and I wanted to wear my hair straight(ish).  Well, we all know that me + straight hair = a mess.  So I have been reading about Aveda's Smooth Infusion line for a while.  I finally went to the store and the woman that helped me was very knowledgeable and basically got me to purchase everything *sigh*.  I am going to do my hair tonight and see how it turns out.  I'll provide yall with some pictures and include the "instructions" she gave me, as well.  She told me that I should be pleased with my results once I am done.  We will see!  Stay tuned!

Top 5 Beauty "Must Haves"

I know I usually stick to hair, but I really wanted to share my top 5 beauty "must haves".  But before I get to that, I wanted to share pictures of my straight hair and trimmed ends - and yes I trimmed them myself (thank you Amber for giving me the confidence to do it)!  Check out the pictures below and look at how long my hair has gotten!

Okay so now on to my top 5 beauty "must haves".

1. Proactiv - I never had acne or blemish problems as a teenager, but as of lately, my skin has been acting crazy.  So after talking to my best friend about her experience with Proactiv, I decided to get some.  Already after about 3 weeks of using it, my face looks amazing!  I once again feel confident and comfortable leaving the house without foundation.  This stuff is a "must have" if you are experiencing skin problems.
2. Sexy Curves Mascara by Rimmel - I LOVE mascara.  I am actually pretty crazed when it comes to mascara.  I have tried it all too.  From the expensive stuff like Dior Show to the cheap drugstore stuff.  And I must say, I have better success with the mascara I buy from CVS.  I was skeptical about Sexy Curves when it came out, but I am in love with it now!  The mascara actually does it what it says it going to do.  Love it!
3. Olay Ultra Moisture Body Wash with Shea Butter - I haven't experienced dry skin since I started using this body wash years ago.  Sometimes, especially in the summer, I can go without lotion or just use baby oil after a shower.
4. Wen Hair Cleanser - Anyone who has read my blog knows that I love Wen Hair Cleanser.  It is sulfate-free and can be used as a cleanser/conditioner/detangler/leave-in.  It is definitely worth the money!
5. Bare Escentuals - Once I tried the foundation, I never looked back.  It is easy to control how much or little coverage you want and it feels like you aren't wearing any make up!  I never had a problem matching my shade.  Since the make up is all natural, if you happen to fall asleep without washing your face, you won't break out.  Their products are great for sensitive skin.  I use the foundation, eye shadows and shimmers.

You be the judge..

Yall can be the judge of whether my hair color looks any different. The first picture is from this weekend and the second and third picture second is from today, after I colored it. What do yall think? I kinda see a difference but I am not sure...

Spring is here!

So you all know that I have been toying with the idea of going lighter. I have been torn because I continue to get so many compliments on my current hair color, but I want a change. Well after a lot of research about mixing box hair color, I am going to color my hair in a few minutes using Textures & Tones in Light Golden Brown and Honey Blonde. I have read great things about the outcome of mixing these two colors together so I am excited to see the results! I think having the Cherrywood color in my hair right now, will make the color a bit warmer. I didn't want to use just Honey Blonde because I feared that the color would end up brassy or orange. I will post pictures of the results - please pray it comes out pretty!

Update: So I colored my hair. There isn't a huge change in the color, but I think it looks a little more golden. I won't really know until I untwist it and see it in the sunlight tomorrow. The picture below is right after my blow out. Ugh! I was definitely hoping for more drastic results! Maybe a rinse in a gold color will make the color pop more. I have no idea. Night yall!

Check me out!

Hi everyone!  I am pleased to announce that my first piece is up for all to see on The Coil Review.  Please check it out and remember to show the site some love.  The Coil Review is a fabulous resource!

"Rock on, wit cha bad self..."

"I rock rough and stuff with my afro puffs..." Lord, I used to love that song! Lady of Rage, where have you been? Anyways, I've been rocking an 'fro pulled back to make a pseudo puff. I don't have enough hair to pull it back into a pony puff, but hey, it works.

I've been toying with the idea of getting a new flat iron. I like my CHI, but I'm sure there is a better product out there. I know someone posted a commented about their FHI flat iron. Keep the suggestions coming in please!

I keep going back and forth between going a little lighter/blonder for the summer. I am torn. I get so many compliments on my hair color now, I am on the fence about changing it and not loving it. Decisions...decisions...

Oh and peep the new glasses lol - I'm so obsessed with my new frames. David Yurman makes some beautiful frames!

Michelle Obama's Hair Stylist featured in the Washington Post

Hello lovelies!  The Washington Post is running a good article today about our First Lady's hair stylist, Johnny Wright.  Check it out.  I'll try to remember to upload pictures of my afro + scarf 'do when I get home.  If you are in DC, stay dry!

Spotlight - Bianca

Bianca is in the spotlight today! Bianca is one of the sassiest and most fashionable people that I know and her hair totally reflects her fun, spunky personality. Check out her wonderful blog too! Enjoy!

1. How long have you been natural? For over two years now!
   
2. Why did you decide to go natural? At first, I just wanted the freedom of wash and go in the Spring/Summer, so I did just that for a whole Summer. By the time Fall rolled around, I just got some new color and didn’t get a relaxer; I’ve been relaxer free ever since!
3. Were your friends and family supportive of your decision to go natural? My friends and family always liked my hair curly and wondered why I didn’t wear it like that more often - I was the one that had to get used to it!
4. Do you think society’s perception of you has changed now that you are natural? Nope! I get lots of compliments and I LOVE my curls!
5. Do you have any tips for those transitioning? Since we all have different textures of hair, I can only share what I did. Also, understand I didn’t start from scratch, cutting my hair off and growing it back. What I noticed about my hair, was the edges and maybe the middle would need a relaxer, while the rest of my hair was fine. So, for me when I wouldn’t wear it curly, I just hit the edges with a flat iron, WAY too often! My tip would be to moisturize, moisturize, moisturize!
6. How would you describe your hair vibe? Vibrant, sexy, carefree and fabulous! I’m a red head now so also a bit sultry.
7. Which 3 hair products could you not live without? I swear by Pantene Hydrating Curls shampoo and conditioner, my Motions pink light oil moisturizer and sexy silky hair serum!
   
8. What is your favorite hair style? My luscious curls after it has been two strand twisted
9. Are you completely satisfied with the state of your natural hair? If not, when will you be completely satisfied? I love my hair! It is growing and is super healthy, even though I get it professionally dyed and highlighted. I will be ultra satisfied when my hair gets longer, but of course!
10. Do you ever think you will go back to relaxers or texturizers? NEVER!!!
11. Last but not least, describe your daily routine and your wash routine? In the Summer, I used to wash my hair everyday and let it air dry. Now that it’s a bit too cold, I wash 2-3 times a week and two strand twist it after applying my Motions and Silky Sexy hair serum. The serum keeps the curls defined and not frizzy, so I love this wonderful potion! At night, I may two strand twist or just put up in a pony tail and take it out in the morning for volume.

E'Tae's New Product Line + Flat Irons

I've been getting some comments posted about E'Tae's new produce line called Carmelux. The website says that these products help combat humidity. The products are also sulfate-free which is a must for me. You all know that I am intrigued. Please post if you have used the products and are happy with them. I would LOVE to wear my hair straight more often. I definitely won't be purchasing these on a whim as the shampoo is $26.50 and the conditioner and hair gloss are $20.50 each. We are in a recession people! That is almost $70 for everything, not including the shipping costs.

Also, what flat iron keeps your hair straight? I have a CHI but I am not convinced that it is the best. Don't get me wrong, it gets the job done, but I want to know what everyone else is using and lovin'.

Happy One Year BC Anniversary to ME!!!

Exactly a year ago today, I did the BC.  What a difference a year makes!  While I sometimes don't realize it, my hair has really grown a lot since the BC.  Since I have made the committment to go natural, I haven't looked back and I don't regret a thing!  My hair is the healthiest it has ever been, it is thick and is growing like a weed!  Thank you to everyone who has given me advice and supporte through this journey.  I can't wait to see what another year brings.  Hugs!