A Little Twisted: Puffy/Fluffy/Havana Twists

Hey All,  It’s protective style time again so I've chosen a twisted mixed-up kind of creation.   I've seen similar styles all over the net so I decided to give it a whirl.  I used a type of hair that is quite similar to my 4b/c texture.  I wanted big and log twists but it's actually a lot of hair that i didn't quite expect.  I’m really curious to use the hair with other styles of twists and or  possibly braids.    My hair was twisted in medium sized sections and my twists are a little passed my shoulders.  The hair is extremely soft and styling is a breeze.  I hydrate and moisturize my hair twice a day to elevate dryness.  I wrap my hair nightly to prevent tangling and to keep my hair smooth and twisted.  I’m having a lot of fun styling and creating different looks as the hair is easy to manipulate.  The entire process took about 6 hours and I hope to wear my twists for a least 8 weeks.  Protective styles are extremely important to my natural hair journey.  It gives me a break from manipulating and handling my hair.  Enjoy the pictures below of a two styles I've tried along with the stylist information and the hair I purchased. Until next time remember to Maximize your Potential.

TrailBlazing

Hey Gals, I've been thrifting for a couple of months now and I wanted to share with you all my most coveted finds.  So as you could imagine, it's a little hard to find quality plus-sized pieces but I absolutely love the quest.  I've been all over town to several stores  and boutiques and my persistence has finally paid off.  Out of everything I've purchased, I am in love with my blazers.  I've found every color in the rainbow in every style imaginable.  Long sleeve, short sleeve, double-breasted, linen, polyester, tweed, you name it, I have it.  So with Spring on the horizon, I have a few beautifully hued blazers for the season.  First is this vibrantly colored coral cuff-sleeved blazer by Bend Over.  It's 100% Polyester and it's light enough for warmer days and it'll keep you warm on cool spring evenings. Next is a wonderfully colored sea foam green single-breasted piece.  I love this color for Spring and I can't wait to layer this with a few other colors.

 I've been experimenting more with colors and prints.  I've become a bit obsessed with juxtaposing different prints, patterns and colors. I can't stress how important it is to have fun with your wardrobe.
 Ok, back to the haul.

The last two blazers can be worn in the Spring as well as the Summer.  This August Max Women Electric Pink blazer says 'Look at me'.  The material is a mix of rayon and linen.  It feels extremely soft and it has the oversized trend that is chic and easy to layer.  Lastly, when I found this Brylane Women blazer and I could not resist.  It feels like silk to the touch and I will wear this well into the Autumn season.

So on an extremely important note:  make sure you always properly clean your pieces before you wear them after purchasing from a thrift/consignment store.  Until next time, remember to Maximized your Potential.

Autumn Protective Style: Box Braids

As we approached cooler days, I started thinking of protective styles.  I had been wearing mini-twist for the past month and wanted something more drastic.  I had been pondering the idea of box braids, but I wasn’t sure how I would look or how long they would last.  My last protective style was in December. My Senegalese twists were absolutely beautiful.  However, because my hair grows outwardly, my hair sticks out and my braids and twists look like broccoli no matter how I try to smooth my hair, lol.  As you can imagine, it’s very unsightly and I didn’t want experience again.  However,   I’ve finally decided to bite the bullet and give box braids a try.   

The entire process took about 10 hours or so but it was worth it.  I used about 10 bags of 100% Kankelon hair.    My stylist was Ciara of C My Braids, located in St. Louis,  and she did a wonderful job.  As far as my maintenance, that really hasn’t changed from my normal routine.   I hydrate my hair with my oil mix (grape seed, EVOO, coconut, cactus) and water or a leave-in minimally twice a day. My hair has the tendency to absorb water and oil so I apply heavily while in braids.   I pay special attention to my scalp as well as my braids.  I hope to wash my hair at least once a month or at the most twice but I have decided yet.  I’m having a lot of fun styling my braids in high buns, high ponytails and various updo’s.  I’ve been accessorizing as well with headbands, flowers and scarves.

As we approach cooler days, I started thinking of protective styles.  I had been wearing mini-twist for the past month and wanted a change.  I had been pondering the idea of box braids, but I wasn’t sure how I would look or how long they would last.  My last protective style was in December. My Senegalese twists were absolutely beautiful.  However, because my hair grows outwardly, my hair sticks out and braids and twist look like broccoli no matter how I try to smooth my hair.  It’s very unsightly and I didn’t want to go through that again.  However,   I’ve finally decided to bite the bullet and give box braids a try.   

The entire process took about 10 hours or so but it was worth it.  I used about 10 bags of 100% Kankelon hair.    My stylist was Ciara of C My Braids and she did a wonderful job.  As far as my maintenance, that really hasn’t changed from my normal routine.   I hydrate my hair with my oil mix (grape seed, EVOO, coconut, cactus) and water or a leave-in minimally twice a day. My hair has the tendency to absorb water and oil so I apply heavily while in braids.   I pay special attention to my scalp as well as my braids.  I hope to wash my hair at least once a month or at the most twice but I have decided yet.  I’m having a lot of fun styling my braids in high buns, high ponytails and various updo’s.  I’ve been accessorizing as well with headbands, flowers and scarves.

I love wearing braids because they are extremely convenient as well as they give my hair a break from styling and constant manipulation.  Protective styles are intended to protect your hair but you must remember to care for you hair while protected. 

Until next time, remember to Maximize your Potential.

Autumnal Awesomeness: Fashion Haul

So I’ve been shopping a bit and I’ve found a few things that I’ve Fall-en in love with this season.  Autumn began on September 22th, but of course in the Mid-West we still have a tug-of-war with hot/warm days intermingled with cool/cold days so it’s around this time that my closet tends to become a complete mess.  Nonetheless, I love the feel of the cool crisp air and the sight of the leave as their colors change.  It’s also during this time;   I like to pull out a few of my sweaters and tights which allow me to smoothly transition from the Fall to Winter. 

 So during a recent visit to my local Lane Bryant this Labor Day weekend, I was really excited to participate in the holiday BOGO sale.  I picked up two ponte knit pencil skirts, one in arrowwood (mustard yellow) and the other in corsair (sea blue). I absolutely love the fit, style and texture of the skirt.  A few weeks prior, I had purchased a red pencil skirt at Target so  I didn’t hesitate when I walked in LB and saw a t-stand filled with colorfulpencil skirts.  The only difference I’ve noticed between the Target and the LB skirt is the hemline on the Target skirt has cinched hem  The Target skirt  hits right at the knees which makes the fit a bit  more flattering to my silhouette.  The price-points are affordable at about $19.99. 

The search is finally over and I’ve found a flattering peplum skirt from Ashley Stewart in classic black.  I love the fit but I’m on the fence about the material.  It has a bit of a sheen that I’m not overly excited about, but I’ll still rock it, lol.  I’m on the hunt for a trumpet skirt and can’t want to find it!

The final stop on my skirt journey ended at Macy’s.  I found 2 skirts by an unfamiliar line Tattoo Me.  I found a black tiered skirt and a coral flared skirt.  Both skirts a light material so  I’ll need to wear them both with tights. 

 Until next time, remember to Maximize your Potential.

Again and Again: Repurchased Hair Products

As a professed product junkie, I find it quite liberating when I find awesome products worth repurchasing.  I admit I like the chase of finding new products, sale items, or products that are buzzing in the hairverse and I just can’t help myself because I have to try them.  I must say I have a few staple products like EVOO, grape seed oil, raw coconut oil, H2O, and um that’s about it!  By no means am I a commitment-phob, I find that my hair changes and it like what it likes when it likes it.   With that being said, the following are a few products that I've repurchased at least twice and my coils are completely content.  I saw this a few months ago and it stood out to me.  I have a side-eye on familiar brand that suddenly launch a “natural line” that really isn’t natural but I decided to give Crème of Nature Strength and Shine Leave-in Conditioner a try when I saw it on sale at a local drug store.  I had been eyeing it for quite some time and finally took the bait.  I must say it works fairly well on my hair.  It’s very hydrating and moisturizing and has a pleasant scent.  I have noticed various sizes and prices so be sure to shop around for the best price.  The next few items are actually diamonds in the ruff.  I was shopping at my local dollar store when I came the Lusti Naturals Argan Oil Strengthening Spray, Lusti Organics Olive Oil Hair Mayonnaise, Lusti Organics Olive Oil Detangling Spray and the Hair Sheen.  The Hair Mayo came recommended by Kimberly Gray of Journey to My Roots and it worked wonders on my twist-outs and braid-outs, so when I came across the other products I decided to give them a try again and again.  I purchased this product on a whim and it is on the verge of becoming a staple dc.  When I used the Nunaat Karite’Hair Mask, my coils and curls were defined, moisturized and my hair felt weightless and the scent is heavenly.  The product is priced perfectly and the formula is spot-on.  Last but not least is the Herbal Essence Hello Hydration Shampoo and Conditioner.  I’ve tried several shampoos and conditioners but my hair loves this stuff. 

If you find a product your hair loves then hold on to it but until you do keep looking.  Until next time, remember to Maximize your Potential.    

Influenster Summer Beauty VoxBox 2012

So, it's been several weeks and I've had the pleasure to thoroughly enjoy the Influenster Summer Beauty VoxBox 2012.  My box included several brands I was familiar with and a few new brands that I was excited to try.  I've taken my time to use and re-use everything in my box and decided to share my experience with you.  The box included:  Hawaiian Tropic Silk Hydration Lotion Sunscreen SPF 30, Tampax and Always Radiant Collection, Quaker Soft Baked Bar in Banana Nut Bread, Sally Hansen Magnetic Nail Color and lastly Sally Hansen Nails and Cuticles Hand Creme. 

My absolute favs were the Sally Hansen Magnetic Nail Color and the Quaker Soft Baked Bar, yummy.  The nail color did in fact create a 3-D effect on my nails.  It was cute and easy to apply.  The polish itself was creamy and the applicator brush was ok. I have a major pet peeve when it comes to watery polish and or a thinly ill-shapen applicator brush. I have noticed the price point varies depending on where you shop so look around. The Quaker Soft Baked Bar was indeed soft and a wonderful post-work out snack. It was extremely filling and the taste was so fresh, it was like homemade treat.  The packaging claims the little square of tastiness is made with real bananas and almonds.  I must admit the flavors were robust, so I'm inclined to believe the said claims. 

As for the Hawaiian Tropic Silk Hydration Lotion Sunscreen SPF 30, I absolutely loved the smell of fresh coconuts infused with vanilla and the rich creamy consistency.  Another bonus, the lotion did not leave a heavy greasy film that I've noticed with similar products, but it left my skin a tad dry.  The Sally Hansen Nails and Cuticles Hand Crème did not perform well.  Out of all of its claims, I couldn't find one that actually delivered for me.  The crème did not leave my hands moisturized through hand washings, it didn't soften my hands, it didn't smooth my cuticles or condition my nails however I did enjoy the light citrus scent.

Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed the VoxBox and had a pleasure trying all the products. Also, to receive your very own box please visit Influenster.com and please follow them on Twitter and Instagram @Influenster.

Spring Summer Skin Care

Hey Gals, Spring is in the air and Summer is fastly approaching so it is very important we protect our skin from the harmful effects of the sun.   As you age, you will notice the importance to modify your skin routine seasonally.   The following is my Spring routine to ensure I maintain my natural glow as well as the elasticity in my skin.  I have combination skin so I cleanse my face with Raw African Black Soap.  Black soap tends to leave my skin a bit dry so I followup with Witch Hazel as my toner and my new found love,  Eucerin Everyday Protection Face Lotion with SPF 30.  I’ve tried quite a few moisturizers in my day, but this little bottle of joy leaves my skin hydrated, nourished and protected from the Sun.  I ususally followup with a tinted moisturizer and setting spray for extremely warm and humid days but since the products I mentioned are buildable, you can apply a concealer and foundtion if you need more coverage.  As always, it is important to protect your skin throughout the year to combat hyper-pigmentation and sun damage.