Le Sigh

That is exactly how I feel about unpacking.

The packers/movers were excellent getting our things here from Spain. Nothing was damaged, and everything that was taken apart was put back together without any problems. I just don't like unpacking and re-organizing everything, especially when the new space is a different size (much bigger than our Spanish Villa in this case), or when I can't remember exactly how I had everything before (as in the case of my cosmetics). I mean I haven't seen this stuff since May people! That was 4 months without my goodies. Yes, four months...we just got our stuff from Spain in the beginning of August. 

We're still waiting on the things we left stored in the U.S. to be delivered (master bedroom set, dining room set, some tools, and garden equipment). I'm glad we don't have any guests at the moment because were sleeping in the guest room for now. 

You couldn't wipe the smile off my face when I found the boxes with my cosmetics, nail polish, and hair goodies. I've got the hair and and nail polish sorted, but still working on the cosmetics. I'm waiting on some storage solutions from The Container Store. 

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B.A.S.K. Palm Tapioca Review

I know its been a while. Don't make feel guilty...let's just git er done.

So, have you heard about B.A.S.K? If you haven't you are missing out big-time! I first heard about B.A.S.K. (beauty assortment for the sun-kissed) last fall. It seemed like everyone was raving about the yummy "dessert" treats for hair and body. I kept my distance and waited to see how the company would progress over the next few months (after the infamous Enso Naturals catastrophe can you blame me?). If you know me though, you know if I want something bad enough I can't help myself (plus I couldn't find any bad reviews). I eventually gave into my desires in late January. I purchased a few things that I will review (eh, and I have more coming), and palm tapioca is up first.

From the company:

Thick, concentrated, and highly moisturizing- this hair buttercream is super duper rich with loads of softening emollients.

Specs:

NET WEIGHT: 8 oz

Ingredients: Distilled Water, Cocoa Butter, Unrefined Cupuacu Butter, Cetearyl Alcohol, Babassu Oil, Virgin Coconut Oil, Organic Palm Oil, Virgin Palm Kernel Oil, Ucuuba Butter, Behentrimonium Methosulfate, Beeswax, Ceteareth-20, Fragrance, & Phenoxyethanol (and) Ethylhexylglycerin.

Lightly scented with an essence of Vanilla Dulce de Leche & Almond. Texture is of a rich buttercream with easy spreadability on either wet or dry curls without being greasy.

Price:

$16

What I think:

Smell- smells light and sweet, a cross between amaretto and a little vanilla..yummy

Consistency- Now here's where it really gets you....this stuff is THICK, like super-duper thick in the jar. I could probably hold it upside down forever and it wouldn't come out. However, it melts LIKE A DREAM! I have low porosity hair, and it melts right into my strands (I don't even know how this is possible, but I like it).

Slip- Decent slip, not like CJ smoothing lotion slip, but good slip. I used it on wet hair and had no problems distributing it.

How used- I used this to do a braidout, a twistout, and to moisturize my 2nd and 3rd day WNG. Each time I got good moisture retention and nice shine without weighed down, greasy hair.

Pros: Smells great, applies easily, quality ingredients, GREAT customer service from Rashida, free sample with order, and fast shipping.

Cons: The only one I can think of is that I can't run out to the store and get it if I run out (no worries, I have another one on the way).

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Hair Length OBSESSION??

Today while on naturallycurly.com I came across an article that ponders if we as naturals have an obsession with hair length. I had to stop for a second and think about just how much attaining my goal length means to me.....turns out it means a lot! I have just as many gadgets to protect my hair, or somehow length related as I do stylers.


Satin pillowcase- check
Satin bonnet - check
Silk scarfs - check
Length check shirt (2) - check

I also spoil my hair with natural/nearly all natural products because I want it to be healthy. Healthy hair to me is evident when I can see my process in terms of growth. It only makes sense that if my ends are being preserved and my hair is growing (as hair always is) that I'll see the evidence in greater lengths. Now, I'm not talking hair that is down to my waist with ridiculously thin and chewed up ends from APL down (side-eye to that shit). No, I mean nice looking healthy ends on a healthy head of hair. Of course there are other means of identifying healthy hair, i.e. shine/sheen, moisture, elasticity, strength, and on and on. Those are all things I aspire to for my mane. Don't begrudge me because I want the length too.

Alright, so maybe I am a little obsessed. Sue me.

*ETA- it's also interesting that the article states that type 4 naturals seem to be more obsessed. For me personally growing my hair to long lengths is sort of a screw you to all the people that said/thought that it isn't possible for a person with dark skin to do so. Also, I want to be able to cover my boobies in a nakie pic, and possibly use my ponytail as a weapon if need be. Eh.

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Bantu knot out

I did a bantu knot out while my hair was straight back in December and found a pic (ignore the lack of makeup). I hope you're having a wonderful start to the week!

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The Worst Day of My "Natural" Life!!

Yes, the absolute worst day.

First, let me say that I am (of course) referring to my natural hair and not my entire life...on to the story............

I was minding my own business at work one day (back in September), and started talking to one of my coworkers about my recent visit to the doctor. I had gone to see my nurse practitioner because I'd come down with a really nasty virus, and during that time she ran a battery of tests on me. Once I got better she gave me a call and told me that she wanted me to start taking a prescription vitamin with extra iron because I was apparently anemic. While talking I realized that I hadn't taken my vitamin that day so I decided to go do it right then. I went to the break room with the pill (coworker following behind), got some water and proceeded to take it. About three gulps in I felt it, but It was too late! I had started drinking the water without looking in the cup. If I had looked I would have no doubt seen the shed hair that had fallen in. I looked down and could see the tail end of the hair bobbing in the cup. It was from the front, so it had to be at least 7 inches long. OMG, I started to gag and convulse. My coworker pat me on the back trying to help....I swallowed. OH NO! The shed hair was now caught on the left side of my throat somewhere between my tonsil and esophagus. Let me tell you over the next few weeks I tried bread, water, food, milk, and yes I stuck my finger back there more than a few times. The thing would not budge! Every time I swallowed I felt it. Truly it didn't help that my hair is not fine. My husband threatened to take me to the ENT a few times but I resisted. I can make light of the situation now 4 months down the road because I finally stopped feeling the thing about a month ago so I think its (FINALLY) gone.

Moral of the story:

Be careful, your hair just may be trying to kill you.

Oh, and take your vitamins :)

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Boom

I am loving my hair today <3

Appetizer- Tresemme Naturals Conditioner

Main Course- Hairveda Whipped Gelly

Dessert- CJ CIAB

POW!

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Length Check

I flat ironed my hair the day before we left for Florida (Dec. 14th) so that my mom could trim my hair for me. While traveling I wore it in a super high bun, and you'd better believe that I wore my silk scarf on the planes (I sure did). The funny thing is I really couldn't think of any other styles to wear my hair in while it was straight. Well, any other styles that didn't require heat (now that I have flexirods I'll add those to the straight style rotation). Anyhow, all that to say that after my mom trimmed about an inch or so off I am armpit length. I'm happy with that considering that I had trimmed it to shoulder length in June. Next stop bra-strap length baby!

Pic taken on December 16th

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Happy New Year!!

Yeah, yeah....I know I'm late as hell, LOL.

Well, I had a wonderful time visiting my sis in Florida (my nephew is so cute). We all hung out, ate, drank, talked crap, and alladat family type stuff. I had so much of my mom's good cooking, and that in conjunction with multiple starbucks runs = +6lbs on the scale *frowns*.

I did lots of shopping for my fam, and managed to not get a (whole) suitcase of stuff for myself.

Haul:

Mac MSF Natural in dark

Mac Ruby Woo Lipstick

Mac Blush (can't remember the darn name)

Purple flexi rods

Large perm rods

Aphogee 2 min reconstructor

Creme of Nature argan oil serum

Bobby pins and hair pins

Trimming shears

Creme of Nature Argan oil shampoo

Kinky Curly Curling Custard

Eco Styler Gel

*I STILL wasn't able to find a foundation that I liked.

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Tis the Season

To be jolly, Fa-la-la-la-la-la-la-la-la!!

I just lurrrve this time of year. Nothing beats cozying up by the fireplace with my boo, sipping punch de creme or ginger bear, and getting together with my fam. *Long sigh*, 2 more weeks and I'm heading home! I can't wait to see my family, cook, eat, and shop (not that I need to do any more of the latter). Seriously though, how can I go to the States and not stock up? I may need and extra suitcase to haul all this stuff back.

*looks for "wish list" steno pad*

Sephora

1. 
   
   
   New foundation because Mac SFF is not the business on my skin



2. 
   
   
   Perfume

Walgreens

1. 
   
   
   Shea moisture stuff

Beauty supply

1. 
   
   
   Duck bill clips (I cannot mess with butterfly clips y'all, they tear my hair out.)



2. 
   
   
   Rollers and roller clips?



3. 
   
   
   Eco Styler Gel



4. 
   
   
   Silk/Satin bonnet and scarf

Target

Leaving space blank becaus I know I'll think of something :)
I'm going to do my BEST to avoid mac even though I need a new ruby woo, and some MSF natural.

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Black Friday Haul Coming Soon.....

11/25/2011.

I . WENT. IN.

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Big News From Oyin

Got this email from @Oyinhandmade (I'm most excited about the sugarberry pomade):

"We wanted you to be the first to know that Oyin Handmade is soon to debut a brand new look! We’ve converted our older, taller bottles to new, comfy, easy-to-grip round bottles. The bottles are shorter, but actually hold more! We didn’t believe it either!

We’ve also given the bottles a new outfit – you’ll have the Mixtress and her family in your very own home! The new labels are water resistant, ultra long-lasting and are packed with dorkiness! Check out our commercial above, you’ll get to see the big changes!But wait, that’s not all! We’re introducing new sizes!!

Afraid you’ll miss the classic Oyin look? The bottles that you know and love will be available on oyinhandmade.com until they sell out. Hurry!ps – we know some of you beautifuls have been clamoring for a return of Sugar Berry Pomade! As you can see, we’ve been quite busy behind the scenes with other things (and there’s more to come, smile!) but we have plans to bring this popular product back during our Black Friday sale. More details as they develop!

Everything will be available on oyinhandmade.com this Monday, October 24! Want a sneak peek? Follow us on Twitter and Facebook, we’ll be posting pictures all weekend! :o)"

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Totally Twisted

I confess, I have been hair lazy!

These past two weeks I have been in twists which I've clipped up into some kind of up-dooey-thing-a-magigy. I was FULLY planing on rocking it again this week (freshly done of course) but my boo gave my hair the side-eye, stating "It looks fuzzy, did you forget your head thing last night". Serious fricking(Trinidadian moment) steups!! Twist out tomorrow, promise.

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Down girl..

Sometimes I have to remind myself that it's alright not to have everything right this minute. You see, I get all hot an bothered everytime there is a new natural hair product rave....and it's come back to bite me in the @ss a few times. Some lessons learned:

1. The Tangle Teazer was all over the net as the natural hair detangling magic device, so you know I HAD to have it. And, when I want something I want it right then. So, I let my fingers do the walking right on over to amazon and ordered one (I love getting packages, but hate waiting).

*Side note* Those of you who can run out to your local beauty supply/walmart etc. to pick up products are so lucky.

Anyway, after about a month of using the darn thing I realized that I was experiencing a large amount of breakage. Then I started hearing a lot of other naturals complaining of the same thing. I now use the TT to brush my yorkie's hair :/

2. There is a new hair product company *cough* naturalista cosmetics *cough* that had a new "humidity fighting" leavin that was "the bomb". Again my fingers went walking, this time to etsy and I orderen not 1, but 2 jars (I mean go big, right?). Long story short, my hair hated it, the cs sucked major nads, the jar looked half used, I only got 1 jar, and I ended up getting a refund. *Sigh*

All that to say sometimes I've got to remember to pace myself. I'm never going to stop trying/buying stuff (I am a product junkie after all), but sometimes I think I'm looking forward to the "high" of getting a package more than the actual product. So, I RE-E-EE-EEE-EAL-Y want to buy some Wen ginger pumkin and 613 cleansing condition from QVC, but I will abstain.......for now anyway :)

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In Review: Donna Marie Dream Curling Cream

Hola People!

I finally got a chance to upload my pics and do an official review.

Price - $18 for 16oz

Ingredients-

Water, Aloe vera juice infused with Rosemary, hibiscus, and horsetail, vegetable glycerin, Sweet Almond oil, Shea Butter, Macadamia Butter, Cupuacu Butter, silk amino acids, sorbitol, polysorbate 60, sodium carbomer, xanthan gum, phenoxyethanol, caprlyl glycol, fragrance.

***Notice the vegetable glycerin, I checked the dewpoint before using this. It was 58 so I was good.

Description-

Our new medium hold curl enhancing and styling creme. Removes frizz. Stretches and elongates your curls. Give your Twists and Twist-outs SUPREME definition, shine and hold. ABSOLUTELY no crunch, flakes, or hard hair! Enriched with organic, fair trade certified Cupuacu Butter, Macadamia Butter and Aloe Vera offering maximum moisture and softness to curls, twists, twists-outs, braid-outs, puffs and other natural hair styles. For a curl definer with more hold, try our Miracurl Curling Gelly

Smell- freaking good! I know coconut is not listed as an ingredient, but to me it smells like coconut and honey.

Texture- somewhere between pudding/gelly/cream.

Application- Very smooth, this cream has pretty good slip. It didn't absorb into my hair right away, but my strands are low porosity so that's not unusual.

I found that when my hair was wet it hung down a lot and looked kind of stringy. I was a little worried that it would dry like that.

However, as my hair dried it seemed to be clumping nicely and I experienced the shrinkage that I usually do. The shine factor was also very high, and my hair didn't feel sticky or weighted down at all.

Once my hair was dry it was very light, fluffy, moisturized, and shiny. The cream gives just enough hold so that my coils stayed intact, but weren't crunchy. I did use a leave in underneath but I don't feel like I need to. One thing I will say, If you're looking for 4 day hair you'll probably need something with more hold. I was successful with 2nd and 3rd day hair.

Overall I am really loving this stuff, and I already plan to purchase at least one more jar. At less than 2 dollars per ounce it's a good deal for a natural haircare product. I'm excited to see what it will do for a twistout!

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Donna Marie Dream Curling Cream...Initial Thoughts

Wow, what a week! I've been meaning to put this up since Sunday....

I ordered Donna Marie DCC in my aveyou haul and applied it last Saturday. The consistency is somewhere between cream/pudding/gelly. I mean it looks like a cream/pudding but kind of wiggles like a gelly?


Smell- delicious...like coconut (to me anyway), and something else sweet. Ooh, you know what? It smells like when I mixed suave coconut conditioner, honey, and safflower oil. Like I said, delicious.


Application-smooth. I used Curl Junkie beauticurls (argan) leave in though, and I don't know if that affected application. I plan on skipping a leave in next time (waiting for the dew to drop a bit), because my hair felt very moisturized.

I have some more to add about this but I'll leave that for when I upload the pics.




My Hair Today- Komaza Care Califia styling pudding.

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Wash Day

So it's Friday, and for me (if I'm not going out) that means it's time to wash. While I don't hate wash day it's definitely not my favorite day either (heavy shedder). Choosing the wrong shampoo or conditioner can take my day from tedious to torture. This week I will be using my CON shampoo, CJ curl rehab deep treatment, and CJ beauticurls argan oil as my rinse out conditioner. This is my third week doing the black tea rinse and I've been using it at different points in my wash to see if that makes a difference. If all goes well I should have clean, moisturized, shiny hair with minimal shedding....a natural's dream ♥

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Olfactory Ecstasy

I ordered some Hair Dew from Oyin a while ago and decided to try their Burnt Sugar Pomade and Honey Hemp Conditioner samples. Now, I don't know if they sprinkle a little bit of crack in their stuff or what, but I am ADDICTED. The burnt sugar pomade smells like brown sugar and caramel came together and had a baby. The mister has been using it on his hair, while I've snuck some to test on my edges and use as body butter. Rave reviews all around! I didn't really know what I would do with only 2 oz. of conditioner since I usually use at least half a 16 oz. bottle to detangle. Get this, I used that teeny-tiny bottle to detangle my whole head, and even have a smidge left at the bottom. On top of that is smells fruity and delicious. I will definitely be purchasing both items on Black Friday. In the meantime I placed an order for my mother's birthday, (love her). I'll get her some Honey Hemp next order.

She'll be getting:

• 
  
  Burnt Sugar Pomade


• 
  
  Hairdew


• 
  
  Whipped Shea


• 
  
  Juices Sample pack

I can't wait to hear how she likes everything.

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