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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Hello, hello, hello!!!

So, I know it has been eons but I am back, and with a treat no less! I'll be blogging my hair journey, reviews, and life in general pretty soon. I wanted to kick this off with some news about influenster!

Now, if you don''t know about influenster you'd better get on this fast.

What Is Influenster

Influenster is a free-to-join community of invited trendsetters who live to give opinions of products and experiences. Influenster creates links between brands and members to reward participation and influence future products.

What’s involved in a membership?

As a member, you prove your influence by gaining Expert Badges and show how you live by earning LifeStage Badges...both of which are won in a variety of ways, such as: completing surveys, writing reviews, creating videos, and engaging in other social media.

What’s in it for me?

Very important. As a contributing member of Influenster, you get the chance to share your knowledge and know-how with other like-minded people.

You also get exclusive discounts on products and services based on the Expert Badges you unlock. You’ll have access to content and sales based on your influence and area of expertise.

As an active influencer, you’ll have the chance to get invites to Influenster programs so you can try the latest and coolest products catered towards your lifestyle before anyone else.

Members who participate actively on Influenster and engage in programs increase their opportunities to receive rewards.

If you participate in online challenges, play interactive games, spread the word to your friends, and gain currency within our system, you’ll earn serious street cred.

So wait, is this about getting free stuff?

Nope. If you’re here to mooch, this isn't the place for you. Nobody, no matter how high his or her Influenster Score, is guaranteed rewards. Even if you are offered a reward, you can always opt out. The real benefit of membership is access to exclusive content, product reviews, and discussion within a community of tastemakers. Perks are just the icing on the proverbial cake.

You read that right.......try stuff for free and give your opinion to earl influenster points! I was lucky enough to get the Spring Vox box and I really enjoyed the experience. I have some invites if anyone is interested in giving this a go. Once again there is absolutely ZERO cost to you.


http://www.influenster.com/about

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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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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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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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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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