Showing posts with label holiday. Show all posts
Showing posts with label holiday. Show all posts

Happy Mother's Day!

A Mother's day post related to natural hair?....it's possible :)

Every now and again I read on blogs, forums or hear on Youtube how it takes a lot of effort and time to care for your natural texture. During those moments I just SMH and move on because for me it was the norm growing up. So, I find it hard to offer advice - to me its was a regular part of life. I actually suck at caring for straight hair and I never really know what to do with it - other than a side part or a ponytail. Growing up in our home no one had a relaxer - not me, my sister, or my mother.
That's a pic (from years ago) of my mother below:

My mother's freshly washed hair
The hair memory that I have that I will never forget is when my mother would braid our hair in these tiny plaits - I believe it took about 2 hours - and we would wear them for about two weeks. Then when it was time to take them out, guess who had to do it? That was the worst! However, all those years helped me learn how to manage my texture and now with all this natural information out here I now know how to care for my texture.


I remember my aunt telling me that my mother used to make them sick (lol) because my grandmother could just glide the comb through her hair because it "didn't get all knotty." Also, I don't recall seeing any photos of my mom with an afro but my aunt had a nice brown round one :)

So from my mom I think I got the following:
  • My hair does get "knotty"in some places and in others the comb (just glides right thru).
  • I started getting gray hairs around age 24
  • There is a piece in the back (nape area) that grow extremely fast
  • And I will never put a relaxer in my daughter's hair

Things My Mother Taught Me


My Mother taught me LOGIC..."If you fall off that swing and break your neck, you can't go to the store with me."
My Mother taught me MEDICINE..."If you don't stop crossing your eyes, they're going to freeze that way."
My Mother taught me TO THINK AHEAD..."If you don't pass your spelling test, you'll never get a good job!"
My Mother taught me ESP..."Put your sweater on; don't you think that I know when you're cold?"
My Mother taught me TO MEET A CHALLENGE..."What were you thinking? Answer me when I talk to you...Don't talk back to me!"
My Mother taught me HUMOR..."When that lawn mower cuts off your toes, don't come running to me."
My Mother taught me how to BECOME AN ADULT..."If you don't eat your vegetables, you'll never grow up.
My mother taught me about GENETICS..."You are just like your father!"
My mother taught me about my ROOTS..."Do you think you were born in a barn?"
My mother taught me about the WISDOM of AGE..."When you get to be my age, you will understand."
My mother taught me about RECEIVING..."You are going to get it when we get home."
And, my all-time favorite - JUSTICE..."One day you'll have kids, and I hope they turn out just like YOU -- then you'll see what it's like."

Happy Mother's Day! [source]


Have you observed any hair traits that you picked up from your mother? 

Dr. Martin L. King, Jr Day

Today should mean more than just a day off of work. Today, try to do something in your community that encourages unity.

[source]

"Let freedom ring. And when this happens, and when we allow freedom ring—when we let it ring from every village and every hamlet, from every state and every city, we will be able to speed up that day when all of God's children—black men and white men, Jews and Gentiles, Protestants and Catholics—will be able to join hands and sing in the words of the old Negro spiritual: "Free at last! Free at last! Thank God Almighty, we are free at last!" [source]
 
 How are you spending your MLK, Jr day?

Happy New Year!

If you can't tell by now...I love harassing the dog.


2011

Happy New Year!

In 2011 I have goals. Not many, but what I think are pretty big goals and I will focus most of my attention in 2011 on achieving those goals. I remember back when I had to make a five year plan for one of my undergrad courses. Five years later I took a look at it and realized that I accomplished everything on the plan in the time I specified. I haven't made a plan since and because of that I feel like I have just been wandering aimlessly through life. So I made some goals (not resolutions) for 2011:
1. Sit down with my hubby and create a 10 year plan
2. Sell our current home and purchase a  new one (and larger one)
3. Payoff my car (#TeamNoCarNote)
4. Obtain a job that utilizes both my undergrad and graduate degree.

I make goals because I feel that resolutions are like rules - they are made to be broken. Think about it, what is a/are some goals you want to accomplish in 2011?

Happy Holidays!


Hope you all had a wonderful Christmas (if you celebrate) and/or holidays just in general! I have been enjoying every moment with family, friends, and my new gifts! :) I did some major cleaning to recycle/giveaway old items I no longer needed and have been basically taking up space in my room, to bring in the new items for 2011! So for 2011, I resolve to live a more simpler life, use what I have, be more economically savvy ;), read & write more and be crafty! My Christmas items this year revolved around games (my wii!), crafts (starting a new craft in 2011 once I get my tools and supplies), and of course, beauty!

Have a festive week and enjoy the last days of 2010 !

Cheerio !

Check out more blogs @ TotalBeauty.com

Tarte Friends & Family Sale, 40% Off Ends December 13, 2010


Tarte is also having a Friends & Family sale from now until December 13, 2010. (Check out Urban Decay's Friends & Family sale here.)

Save 40% off of Tarte products with the code: FFDEC but there are some limitations. Check out the image for more details.

Get reviews of your favorite Tarte products here.


Check out more blogs @ TotalBeauty.com

Urban Decay Friends and Family 25% Off Ends December 12

urban decay friends and family 2010
Urban Decay's Friends and Family is here! Save 25% with the code: 1FFNF and shipping is free with any $15 purchase. There are exclusions though on the FF sale, including theirBook of Shadows V3, Naked Palette (boo..) and Glide on Pencils.

Hurry! Ends December 12, 2010 !

Get reviews on new Urban Decay products here.

Check out more blogs @ TotalBeauty.com

How-to: Holiday Eye Makeup!

TotalBeauty.com
Holiday Eye Makeup Tricks

Check out these tips to look smokin' at every gathering this season


Holiday Eye Makeup Tricks

This is a TotalBeauty.com eye makeup article

Makeup artist to the stars, Terri Apanasewicz, shows you how to create the best holiday eye makeup looks

Read tips

American Eagle Rhinestone and Chain Bracelet



while browsing for holiday gifts, i discovered this Rhinestone and Chain bracelet from American Eagle Outfitters. i'm hoping this will be liked (and worn) by my hardest-to-buy-for-because-she-is-the-complete-opposite-of-me friend. this little cutie has a row of clear rhinestones, a row of dark rhinestones and a bronze chain link-- it's sparkly (love!), but still casual enough to be worn with jeans (her basic unform). :)

visit ae.com for more info.

xo

Total Beauty: 12 Ways to Spoil Yourself

the holiday season is in full swing, and as if my life weren't busy enough, i also now have to shop for gifts! shopping for them is fun, but one thing i love about shopping for others is the opportunity to discover goodies i could gift to myself (you do that, too, right?).

check out this list Total Beauty created featuring some fabulous, splurge-worthy gifts that you just might want to give yourself this year.

TotalBeauty.com
12 Ways to Spoil Yourself This Season

Sure it's the season of giving, but it's not a total crime to be selfish every now and then, right?


12 Ways to Spoil Yourself This Season

This is a TotalBeauty.com Beauty products article

Check out the luxurious items you should consider wrapping up for yourself with a "From Santa" tag.

See products



xo

Holiday Series #6: Carol's Daughter Feeling Nice Hair Kit

carol's daughter holiday kit
For the holidays, will you be on Santa's naughty or nice list? Me? I plan to be on the "Nice" list this year. For the holidays, my hair will also play nice with
Carol’s Daughter Feeling Nice Hair Set. This kit includes a shampoo, leave-in conditioner, an all-over body sheen mist, and a nice headband. :)

carol's daughter holiday kit
The set ($40, USD) includes the following:
• Tui Shampoo: Infused with lavender, nettles and marigolds, the formula softens and rejuvenates stressed hair. Calendula flower heals the scalp, while Red Clover infuses hair with valuable nutrients. The shampoo smelled incredibly therapeutic and left my hair moisturized and thick! I have oily, fine hair and sometimes when I use shampoo made for dry hair, it can leave it feeling heavy. It actually made my hair feel healthy and light.. the natural ingredients in Carol's Daughter makes a huge difference.
• Tui Leave-In Conditioner: This flower-infused formula weightlessly conditions and hydrates hair and scalp, while repairing damaged, brittle locks. I use this in the morning to give my hair that extra oomph. I also use it for styling but a few sprays is all I need.
• Sugar-Dipped Vanilla All Over Sheen: Treat your body to a sweet and subtle sheen with this glimmering hydrator. This is my favorite! It smells delicious and like a sweet vanilla cupcake while giving your skin just the right amount of glisten.. don't worry you will not look like a vampire in the sunlight. (Twilight, anyone? ;))
• Playful Headband: Highlight your hydrated hair with this sweet holiday accessory. Perfect for the holiday outing but also great to wear just everyday. It's cute and makes you feel like a kid again!

WHERE TO BUY: Carol’s Daughter stores, carolsdaughter.com, and select Macy’s and Dillard’s nationwide
(Disclaimer: I received this product from this company's PR agency to test, try and share my thoughts with my readers.)

Check out more blogs @ TotalBeauty.com

Sally Hansen La Cross Sets


Kits, kits, kits! Here's a secret for you- I'm obsessed with them, especially during the holidays. They make great gifts since they're already packaged and bundled together and also love getting them for myself! You get to try more products, which are all conveniently located in one package.

Sally Hansen La Cross Manicure and Eye sets are perfect for your pals who are on the go! Each kit contains 4-5 tools that are necessary to get your perfect DIY manicure, or perfectly groomed eyes (nailpolish and eye makeup, sold separately!) and a sleek black zippered case to carry these tools. There's always room for your other essentials too! :)


The manicure kit contains:
- nail buff/shiner
- nail file
- nail clipper
- nail cuticle clippers
- nail cuticle pusher
- black case

My fave? The buff/shiner! When I don't have time to polish nails, I still like to keep my nails neat and shiny, so this kit is perfect!

The eye kit contains:
- double-sided eye brow comb
- double-sided eye lash separator, and brow brush
- eyelash curler
- tweezers
- black case

My fave? The tweezers! These are super slanted and strong- even grips those teeny, stubborn hairs close to your skin!

(Available at your local drugstores.)

(Disclaimer: I received this product from this company's PR agency to test, try and share my thoughts with my readers.)

Check out more blogs @ TotalBeauty.com

NARS Holiday 2010



is it really that time of year already?? i've been getting more and more emails regarding holiday collections and that's what i'm asking myself, LOL! i guess it is-- it is already november!




for the NARS Holiday 2010 Collection, the mood is fearlessly bold featuring Francois' versatile muse Daphne Guinness. as you can see, her smoldering, cobalt-rimmed eyes, platinum hair and peach-glazed cheeks are captured not once, but in multiple kaleidoscopic images-- love!

according to Francois, "when you have Daphne Guinness for a campaign model, you just let her be who she is. Daphne fits the brand so well-- she has such a modern approach to fashion and beauty."

available now at narscosmetics.com, check out the highlights, including the very first NARS Trio Eyeshadow, below:


click on image to see colors

Okinawa Trio Eyeshadow- the first trio eyeshadow for the brand is a striking triad of black onyx, silver and cobalt blue.

Etrusque Single Eyeshadow- an antique gold hue reminiscent of Etruscan cast bronze art


Melusine Duo Eyeshadow- an ultra-modern union of rich purple orchid and silver-spun lilac


Sex Apeal Blush- soft peach blush, perfect for foolproof contouring


Petit Monstre Lipstick- a luxurious berry pigment with a satin finish


Little Darling Lipstick- a classic, nude beige with a sheer finish

Downtown Lip Gloss- a metallic-pink lavender lip gloss that vibrates with party-perfect iridescence

Bougainvilla Lip Gloss- this pomegranate lip gloss appears deep in pigment but is sheer on the lips


Pokerface Nail Polish- a vibrant, magnetic, purple orchid


Bad Influence Nail Polish- a fabulous smoky taupe nail polish that is a unique yet universal hue


anything stand out to you? do you already own any of these goodies? the NARS Holiday Collection is available now at narscosmetics.com and your local Sephora!

xo
info courtesy of NARS

Fros on the Fourth


Will you be wearing your fro on July 4th, 2010, I will!

If this is your first time wearing a fro (not a wash n go) the idea may be a little intimidating. I am working on a tutorial to hopefully make the process easier for you.




Afro Independence Day logo by Mook

Happy Valentines Day

Some of my favorite couples:


My favorite love song:

Me and My Darling Husband:



February is Black History Month




Today in Black History for February 1st

Ratification of the 13th Amendment
February 1, 1865
The 13th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which abolished slavery, was adopted by the 38th Congress. Ratification was completed December 6, 1865.

Martin L King Jr. Day


I admire Dr. Martin L. King, Jr. because he worked tirelessly towards something he believed in. His courage cost him is life and many of us would not be willing to take that same risk today.

Think about how amazing it would have been for him to live to see the first African-American president elected into office. Honestly, I didn't think I would see it in my lifetime. There are still a lot of hating racist folks out there.

How are you spending your day of service?

"I have decided to stick with love. Hate is too great a burden to bear. "
-Martin Luther King, Jr.

My Christmas Gift

For some of friends that have gone natural the one thing that has been constant is "I don't know what to do with my hair." Well, I never transitioned so I was almost clueless on suggestions and not always available when someone needed help. In an attempt to make this process a little easier for them, I created hair journals. I only provided very basic information, no product referrals, and no "you must do this" instructions. Instead, I created a space and provide background information that allows them to track their process and determine with products they want to try.


It's about 20 pages long and provides tables and charts to serve as guides throughout the journey. Compiling this information took a lot of research but it's the most meaningful gift that I have ever given...so it was worth it.

New YearsTwists Rod Set Updo


This updo was done in about an hour in a half on dry hair. The back was inspired by Prettydimples and the twists rod set by Fleurzty.

I wore this style to church for our New Year's eve service.

Happy New Year!