Another News Years Eve, Ramble

So it's that time again. It is December 31st and I am sitting at home doing nothing. Sounds boring? sure, but is it? not really. I am dead broke and just want this weekend to be over so I can get paid on friday, pay my bills and go shopping haha. To most 22 year olds sitting at home on a New Years Eve sounds lame, but I'm not most 22 year olds. I honestly don't care for New Years. To me it's just another day. The only difference is I have to get used to writing 2012 down instead of 11. Another year older. A full year of life, that is 70% of the time ...Sucky lol.

So as I did last year, I want to make some goals.

1. Be more patient. Especially when detangling my hair. 

2. Master a Twist out and when my hair stops growing like it's on crack, master a Braid out.

3. Attempt a Bantu Knot out.

4. Keep up with my ends, buy new shears to Trim them.

5.Be Patient lol can't say it enough.

Body Wise

6.Eat more healthy, I've done so well with that this year so I hope to keep it up.

7. Cardio and Strength Training. Yep.

So those are my goals. Sure I have plenty more but that would be ten pages long. So I guess I'm off now, to watch reruns of Boadwalk Empire and Full house. What a night this shall be.

To Jump on the bandwagon or not to jump...that is the question.

So I sit here, waiting for my Oyin products, which are in my apartments office. Smart cookies stuck my package notice underneath my door after 6pm when the office closes, so now I must wait until tomorrow to get it!. It's been about two weeks the longest I've had to wait so far for Oyin since the overload of Black Friday. So it got me thinking. As a natural I spend a lot of time online looking at different blogs and sites that are all about the Natural hair movement. From sites like Curlynikki, to Curltalk to blogs of by my favorite natural hair youtube gurus, everyone has their own regimens and list of products they believe work.

When I was transitioning I spent hours online looking at reviews of products, now don't get me wrong I still look at reviews now but at that time it was more about, "Hey this worked for them, it should work for me?" and having that mindset didn't always work out for me. Sometimes we can get so caught up in what works for everyone else and we can lead ourselves to believe that if it works for them it can work just as well for us. From buying every product they use or recommend to copying the exact same styling routine.

So to bandwagon or not?, I say not. I will always look at reviews on products but at the end of the day it's best to decide for yourself if a product is worth buying. You honestly have to find what works best for you. Some naturals have regimens that a professional organizer with OCD couldn't touch. I'm not that kind of person and have accepted that I never will be. My hair works best when I keep it moisturized and simple, and when I don't have thirty different products in it.

My hair throughout the years...well kinda

So I was skimming through old photos from Photobucket, which were filled with me doing random "Myspace" poses. Hilarious I might add. Looking at the pics made me go wow at how far I've come with my hair. I don't think I was that versatile or imaginative with my hair dos I feel like I've always been kind of safe when it came to hair, compared to other people. But I still think it's fun to look at my hair lol. Most of these pics are from 09 a few from 08 and 07.

Have no idea what year this was, I believe it was 07 before I cute my hair, my hair was a mess back then and that length...awful lol.

My hair the day after prom, first time I used Redken. One of the first times in a long time my hair was somewhat even.

A fake bob, this is after I cut my hair and it was growing out.

Another fake bob, my hair was at such an awkward length I pinned the back underneath.

 Sideswept mess

Well there's the date 09 lol, hair still growing out

Tried to do half up half down

Both of these are my short hair. Tried to do Rihanna didn't come out that way. The first pic that is just awful what the heck is that little hair situation in the back lol. As for the bottom pic, one of the only times my hair acted right lol.

 This pic is from last year I believe, curled it and that's what I got lol.

Frizzy Fall hair?!

Seriously...

So on this day before Thanksgiving, weather crisp and cold, I go out with my friends to her barn to visit her horse. I threw on a hat  in the pic below (excuse the face, I thought the horse was going to bite me)

Anyway I didn't feel like doing my hair so I threw on the hat and only straightened the hair in the front. For some crazy reason after being outside for like 45 min my hair went poofalicious!!, like seriously?? it's freezing out, how does that even happen?!. I was sooooo annoyed!.

Anyway I've been on the serious hunt for products. My inner product junkie is on fire. I have officially run out of all my products I use on my curly hair, so I am searching far and wide the internet world and natural hair community to find products to buy. I haven'y decided what to get yet but there will definitely be some Oyin action in my cabinet. So until next time. Adio.

Natural hair inspiration time!

So at the moment I'm feeling a little...inspired and decided to share my fav natural hair pics.

When I look at these people, it makes me like being natural even more.

From her hair to her makeup that's a whole lot of Africa goodness. Absolutely stunning.

                                                                   
So...maybe I didn't choose this pic because of his hair, although very gorgeous hair, I prefer the rest of him haha.

I can only dream to have that much hair to sit on top of my head.

Both these ladies have adorable fros!

Eye,eyebrows,lips and hair, gorgeous lady.

Black women and working out?

  

So after my intense half hour workout yesterday consisting of elliptical action and the sound of Lady Gaga's Edge of Glory in my ears, I stepped off the machine feeling like I had just been kicked in the chest, but a good kicked in the chest feeling. Since I started working out I have come to appreciate a good after workout feeling. I love the feeling of accomplishment that I've just helped my body out. I don't understand how anyone can not like that feeling...

So that brings me to Black women and NOT working out. So lately I've been researching a lot about Black women and not wanting to workout because of their hair. So many Black women are choosing their hair over their bodies and that completely baffles me!. How on earth are you going to say, Screw my body as long as my hair is great!. You are basically deciding  to sacrifice your body and your life for some hair sitting on top of your head. That is ridiculous to me.

What I also can't grasp is women who are clearly overweight and have the nerve to call themselves curvy? when did curvy become fat? a roll of fat on your body is not a curve, it is in fact just a roll. this delusional mindset is not healthy. Now I 'm no health professional or some vegan eating, extremely active, yoga loving (besides the pic above ) health freak, but I do care about being healthy. As we all should. 

I feel like in the  Black community curves are appreciated and that is great but so many women mistake being curvy or thick when really they are just fat and none of that PH nonsense.

I'm not going to go on about what you can do for your hair so you can workout because there are countless articles on how to. As a natural I have no problem sweating away my hair because I can wash it later, even when I wear it straight I still workout. All I'm going to say is get your big arse up and workout!. Nothing is more important than your health!, you won't care about hair when you are on TLC doing a special on how you are 600 lbs and are stuck in your house.

Products I use on my straight hair.

   

So this is what my hair looks like now. Well last night lol.

I decided why not make a post about my hair products that I use when I wear my hair straight since they are different from the products I use when I'm rocking au natural.  

So the process of straightening my hair is tedious and annoying and more so the results are always lack luster. However I have learned more and more about my hair and how it works.

I don't flat iron on freshly washed hair because when I flat iron it comes out super soft, smells amazing but is like a big fluff. I have to wait a day or two to get those natural hair oils flowing and to let the hair products I used soak in. I don't apply to much products because of build up and dirty hair. I like to be able to wear my hair straight a week or two before I wash again instead of having it straight for two seconds and then running to grab the shampoo. Plus having too much product equals burnt flat iron smell. At least in my hair and I don't even have the Iron up that high.

After I flat iron a few days later on in the week I have to re flat iron my hair to get it to it's desired straightness. My roots are very stubborn so I try my best the first time around but they stay kinda puffy until I redo them. When I re flat iron the second time I curl my hair with he flat iron. I've noticed it makes my ends look better. After I finish the re straighten my hair is super Black, Shiny and looks like a 1940s curly do.

Anyway. I've been using Chi products for about three years but one small bottle of Chi is 24.00 and that is quite pricey but it does last a long time. I have been using Chi Keratin Spray, Chit Straightening cream and then Chi Silk in fusion. I recently ran out and decided to switch up my products and that is when Redken Comes along.

So these are three products by Redken. Two are from the Real Control line and the other from the smooth down line.

Redken Heat Down Smooth Glide, Real Control Slim Supreme and Real Control Mineral Exilir Smoothing Oil.

All three of these products range from 13.00-16.00 and the prices do vary on where you purchase them. So they are cheaper than Chi but overall they are of equal if not better quality. I used Smooth Glide back in 07 for prom. Had amazing results, hair was dark and shiny,not greasy just flawless but keep in mind I was relaxed so when purchasing this time around I was a little skeptical on how it would work with my newly formed curls. The Slim Supreme is suppose to work against humidity. Wish I had these products this summer! lol. As for the Smoothing oil it's suppose to smooth frizz and it also contains Shea Butter.

All in all The Slim Supreme and Smooth down have worked amazing. The Smoothing oil is alright, I wouldn't purchase again since I already use a spray product I'm good to go. I use the Slim supreme first concentrating on my roots mainly and then I use the Smooth down. I rub that in from root to tip and then proceed with the straightening  Chase Method of course. Neither products leave hair greasy or gross. Honestly it depends on your hair type and if you are heavy handed lol. The Slim Supreme has a slight fruity smell to it. Super super light and the smooth down most people think it smells like Vanilla? but to me there is a slight hint of vanilla but it's a very spicy, pepper smell. That sounds bad when I describe it but it isn't bad lol.

Last but not least

  

Organic Root Stimulator Olive Oil Sheen Spray.

I'ts basically a light oil sheen with olive oil. Great light smell, great shine great size and great price. I don't use this often on my hair when it's curly mostly when it's straight and it does wonders. Would def buy again.

So that is all for now. 

My trip to Texas, humidity and Football

So I posted before about my appending trip to Texas but it never saved...sadness.

So I was worried about what to do with my hair when I went to Texas. The last time I went I was 7 years old and I was relaxed and rocking some Snoop Dogg braids. How cute...

With that on my mind the day before I went I spent all day packing and making sure I didn't forget anything. This would be my first time on a place so I was as anal as ever. The night before I left I was sitting on my couch contemplating on taking out the trash or not. When I decided too I went out, 10pm and OH MY SWEET BISCUITS!, the humidity had to be 11112989389248 degrees maximum level of hotness. Absolutely no air whatsoever so I was freaked out, knowing Texas would probably be hotter. I figured okay the temp will probably cool down by the time I leave. What this has to do with Texas I don't know.

So that night was rough, I finished my laundry and finished watching my movie Against The Current,love Justin Kirk btw! anyway. I got to bed around 1:30 am, alone in my house since the relative I reside with left on her own trip out of town, my nerves were all over the place and I knew I wouldn't sleep. Thinking about the plane, my hair, my family etc. Oh and if that wasn't enough little PMS decided to drop me off a surprise for the weekend I would spend in Texas, as you can imagined annoyed to death. 

So 4am came around, feeling like I only slept for a half hour my dad calls saying he was on his way. So with that I jumped up washed, face attempted a hair style  and prepared to go. He showed up and I walked outside and OMG SWEET BISCUITS! the humidity was still high!. I freaked. How on earth was it that hot at 10pm and still hot at 4am WTF!!!. 

My ride to the airport was quite nerve racking. It was beautiful out. City lights lit up all around, sky still dark, air hot and the sounds of Katy Perry's Firework blasting in my ears. I was quite numb and nervous about the flight. We arrived in Minneapolis, airport right in front. I was looking around fast, senses on blast. Nerve been to an airport. I stared at all the people, probably looked like a jacked up sleepy deer with the caught in the headlight look.

 We boarded the plane and all in all the experience was...amazing. I was calm but slightly on edge. I had a delicious egg and cheese sandwich with the sweet voice of Julian Casablancas playing in my ears. Oh how I love the strokes. My dad chatted with a young Mexican girl I was too distracted by the sky and how the world looked like a board game.

We arrived in Texas, hit with cowboy hats and southern accents. Texas is a HUGE state obviously but being there you really are thrown off how big it is. My dad and I ended up getting lost for about 4 hours since my relative and street folks knew nothing about  where our destination was. We arrived in Texas around 9am and when we finally found our way it was 12pm so you can imagine not sleeping the night before and being up that long and getting lost oh goodness. I had never been so tired in my entire life. My dad tried to calm me by saying we would make it but I was about ready to pass out. All I wanted to do was check into the hotel and get some rest. Once we go to my relatives house it was 2pm, we ended up at a hot chicken shack with no air conditioning  With that note the air was soooooo hot...but...not humid WHAT!!!!???. Yes the Texas air was like fire on my skin but there was no humidity in the air whatsoever. Which was kinda cool.

We eventually made it to the hotel, and if I didn't think I could feel any worse, I got put into a room with my aunt instead of with my dad like I wanted. I was sooooooooooo mad. I had to suck it up, but my lady time got the best of me and there were some tears in the bathroom.

I got no sleep the rest of the evening. Only getting enough time to wash my face and change my pants. I met family during dinner, saw a guy who I thought was really hot. Really big guy absolutely gorgeous then found out he was my cousin who was soon to be playing in the NFL(Now signed with the New York Jets) so I was a tad grossed out. I finally got to bed that nigh around 11pm. The next two days would be filled with running around constantly. So I was super exhausted.

However.

My hair managed to last all weekend. Flat ironed and didn't go puffy once. I spent so much time on humidity and it actually wasn't that bad. Went on a hayride and that was...painful. So all in all I was good. I will be back in Texas in Two years so maybe I can rock the all natural hair. Until then that is about it. My ride back to Minnesota was quite bad. I started to feel sick at the airport, eating hot Popeye's chicken I felt like my face would fall off. I think all the ripping and running and in and out of hot and cold air made me sick.  Two really overweight girls stared at me trying to not be obvious about wondering why I had a green band on my wrists( From the reunion) I found that amusing they probably thought I was a weirdo. So anyway. I was sick the ride back and the girl I was next two was talking about how bad the turbulence would be, which annoyed me. Not great in flight info to tell to a first timer lol. The landing was also bad. felt like a car accident.

So back in MN I was amazed at how green my state was compared to Texas. Trees everywhere driving along the river and condos. I don't think I ever like looking at my state so much lol.

So any who I've been really into football lately. Not because of my cousin although I have been looking out for him on the team and have taken a liken to the gorgeous Mark Sanchez my goodness!. Oh and Aaron Rodgers, who is suuuuper cute. Besides hot players I do enjoy the game lol. I started getting into football last year and this season I've been all up in the football and might be going to a lingerie football this weekend lol. So until next time non existent folks. I'm off to bed.

Update hair from the last couple of months

I had no idea it's been that long since the last time I blogged. I actually wrote an entry a while back but didn't get a chance to post it because I had to leave. Oh well.

So where do I begin. Hair!. So I haven't really done much to my hair. Right now it's straight since the first time in like a month and I have noticed some length. I tried a twist out and it came out pretty good as you can see below.

I used Cantu Shea butter and Oyin burnt Sugar yes I know, I was over it but mixing it with the Cantu helped both products work well together.

My hair in July? August maybe, flat ironed looked really cute. Flower from H&M but this style would not have worked outside the humidity we had in MN this summer was bonkers.

So that's about it non existent folks, I have much more to post and products to review.

Hair length update

So it's about that time again. I've taken a few pics of my hair from last night to compare with a couple of months ago and also a pic of my flat ironed hair.

I thought this was a cool pic of my curls right after I washed last night. No products just curls free lol

My night puff last night

and them this morning, nice and smashed lol. Since I have yet to invest in a Satin/silk pillowcase last night I found a dress shirt I got from Victoria's secret a few years back and it is 100% silk so I used that as a pillowcase lol. How ghetto and creative is that?

Freshly washed curls no product. The middle is still shorter and the bottom still much longer.

The next pics are my curls from last night being compared with my curls from December. My in the yellow and red towels are from last night lol. The stripes are from december.

So my hair has grown somewhat lol. The hair around my face has grown. Very Nice- Borat voice.

Flat ironed hair this is from last month May something. Tried to do a one sided side swept thing.

So that is my hair. I washed last night using Loreal Ever Strong sulfate Free shampoo which I added a little coconut oil to and then conditioned with Herbal Essences Hello Hydration and then finished off with Infusium23 Repairologie.

So that is all for now.

Falling out of Love with Burnt Sugar, Hair dew and ramblings.

Another late night and I find myself in the mood to write, just finished my laundry, cleaning my kitchen and decided to write before showering the day off my body. So it's been a while since I posted, been kinda busy I suppose with my upcoming trip to Texas. I have had a hectic,depressing, irritating last three weeks and I don't think I have much will power to blog about it. Let's say, I've been anxious, crying and self conscious. Cute Right? so lets get started.

Rambling

So my last week has been filled with some serious hauling and returns. Alloy, Victoria's Secret, Amazon and H&M have all taken my money away. I've been going crazy trying to get everything I need for my trip, I have one more payday left before a go which will finish up all my shopping and I shall have a huge load off my chest. As for my random pissy moment today, I was out shopping with a relative today and I had my hair up in a bun, all natural of course and she asked what will I be doing to my hair for Texas and I said I wasn't sure yet I might just flat iron it and call it a day and she was like " Well I can do it, I can put your relaxer in, your hair is probably so long and the relaxer will really stretch it out". I was just like..."Uh". Why oh why are people so concerned with what others do with their hair especially Black women. It's like time and time again I say I will never go back to a relaxer and for her to say she will put it in as if I don't have a say was just so...off putting, it just brought me back to being a kid and getting one every year before school. Dreading the day, the burning, the whole process YUCK!. I do not need a relaxer and do not want one. I spent more than half my life with one. No more!. Sure there are times when I think about relaxing but I always snap out of it and realize natural hair is best for me and natural kinks, curls and coils are beautiful.

Burnt Sugar

So my Oyin Burnt Sugar has just not been cutting it lately and I might just have to retire it. Every time I use it, it seems to leave a burnt smoke smell on my hair and I cannot stand it. I've heard about it doing that before but I bought it anyway and didn't have problems. I use it on Flat ironed hair once and it was awful the smell kept lingering. The smell just keeps coming around so I think it's time for me to be done.

Hair Dew

Normally I'd post a pic of the product but too lazy for DAT!. Anyway The Oyin Hair dew smells like a lighter version of Burnt sugar and has the texture of Lotion. It's great for detangling. Not much else I can say about it though lol. It's nice. I'd buy it again.

A Daily Dose of Hairgasm

Source: Le Coil

Source: Le Coil

Source: F*ck Yeah Curls Curls Curls

Source: F*ck Yeah Curls Curls Curls

I love the color of her hair. I' usually not a fan of Blonde hair but in her case she is rocking it!!

Source: F*ck Yeah Curls Curls Curls

The always lovely Corinne Bailey Rae. I adore her hair.

Source: F*ck Yeah Curls Curls Curls

Source: F*ck Yeah Curls Curls Curls

Source: F*ck Yeah Curls Curls Curls

Love the touseled look. The colors etc. Delicate and messy.

Source: F*ck Yeah Curls Curls Curls 

Source: F*ck Yeah Curls Curls Curls

Nothing like good looking guys with a head full of gorgeousness.

Source: F*ck Yeah Curls Curls Curls 

I adore this picture mainly because it's quintessential summer. Funnel Cake stand. I can't just smell the sweetness. Feel the humidity and sun.

Source: F*ck Yeah Curls Curls Curls 

Source: F*ck Yeah Curls Curls Curls

Source: F*ck Yeah Curls Curls Curls

Usually don't dig the one side shaved only but hers is cute haha.

Source: F*ck Yeah Curls Curls Curls

Nothing like Red Fierceness.

Source: F*ck Yeah Curls Curls Curls

I'm a sucker for pictures done in restaurants.