Hair Update!

Hello ladies! Here are some pics of my progress during my affair of hair.

1st pic - August 10th, 2009

All other pics - December 9th, 2009

I saw my fabulous stylist, Marie Simone of Shi Salon, and she gave me my quarterly snip. I know some naturals don't believe in trimming the ends on a regular basis, but I have a routine where I get mine trimmed every four months. I do this to ward off split ends and to see how my hair is doing. I can only tell how my hair is doing when it is straightened and since I cannot do this myself(and I will never try), I have to visit the salon. I had about an inch cut off because I am trying to remove all relaxer off my ends. My hair has grown so much since my last visit(August 2009). I was surprised to see the growth and I am glad to know I did not have any breakage.

I will give another update in April.

Happy Growing!

Today's Scripture

Payday Is On Its Way

"So do not throw away this confident trust in the Lord. Remember the great reward it brings you!"(Hebrews 10:35, NLT)
What are you believing God for today? Promotion? Healing? Stronger relationships? Freedom from addiction? God has promised all these things to you in His Word. He wants you to live in blessing and wholeness all the days of your life. But in order to experience His promises, we have to do our part. We have to keep believing and trusting in Him. That's what today's verse is saying: if we will stay in faith, if we will keep believing, keep hoping, keep doing the right thing, God promises there will be a reward. I like how one translation puts it, "Don't get discouraged. Payday is coming!"
When you're tempted to get down, when things aren't going your way just say to yourself, "This may be hard. It may be taking a long time. But I know God is a faithful God. I'm going to keep believing because my reward is coming." Friend, as you trust Him and stand in faith, as you boldly declare His promises, you are positioning yourself to receive His blessing. No matter what your circumstances look like, remember payday is on its way—and you will experience the blessing He's promised all the days of your life!

A PRAYER FOR TODAY

"Father in heaven, thank You for Your good and precious promises. I choose to trust that my reward is coming. I choose to follow Your commands because they lead to blessing and life. Give me a heart that is fixed on You and fill me with Your peace. I patiently wait on You. In Jesus' Name. Amen."

True Love - So Beautiful!

With all the craziness going on with Tiger Woods and Shaquille O'Neal's marital woes, it is refreshing to see the President and his "First" Lady have it going on.

This is a beautiful Christmas photo.

What is your idea of true love?

I'll go first.........

True love for me means never needing to explain yourself. For me, it means having a friend and a lover. It means loving unconditionally.

Now it's your turn..........

Happy Holidays!

I just want to wish everyone a blessed and beautiful Christmas Holiday!

I love you all and I am blessed to have you

as my "blog" friends!

Merry Christmas!

Glam Holiday Hair!

If you don't already know by now, I love putting my hair up for a night on the town. I also love adding hair accessories to complete the look. For me, there are many benefits to this. For one, no matter what weather you are having or what the level of humidity is inside the event, your hair will never fail. Secondly, it looks so glamorous when a woman has her hair up in a regal style, with some type of bling in her hair, showing off her beautiful neckline. Also, having your hair up eliminates your hairstyle competing with your outfit (an updo goes with everything).



And lastly, an updo w/accessories looks great even when your hair is not totally "done"!



Below are a few ideas I grabbed from Essence Magazine. They are a great way to glam up your hair for the holiday without breaking the bank. Many of the accessories or similar styles are available at Forever21. The headband is definitely available at Forever21.

Today's Scripture

Walk by Faith

"For we walk by faith, not by sight"(II Corinthians 5:7, NKJV)
Are you walking by faith or sight today? In other words, are you choosing to believe God no matter what your circumstances look like, or are you making decisions and focusing your mind on what you can see.
As believers, we have to remember that we aren't just subject to this natural realm–what we can see, hear, touch, and smell. No, we have access to the unseen, supernatural realm where all the promises and blessings of God are stored. When you choose to walk by faith, you are opening a door from the natural realm to the supernatural realm and drawing the blessings of God into your life.
Remember: with God seeing isn't believing; believing is seeing! Throughout the day, begin to declare, "Father, I want to thank You that my payday is coming. You said no good thing will You withhold because I walk uprightly. I believe even right now You're arranging things in my favor." As you walk and live by faith, you will live a life pleasing to God. You'll see His blessing and favor in abundance, and you'll fulfill the destiny He has in store for you!

A PRAYER FOR TODAY

"Heavenly Father, today I choose to walk by faith. I choose to believe Your Word no matter what things look like in the natural. I know You are working behind the scenes, and You will open up doors of blessing and favor in every area of my life. In Jesus' Name. Amen."

Product Review - Redken Extreme Rescue Force Protein Treatment

Are you looking for a great protein treatment to strengthen your hair?

Well Redken has it!

It contains Proteins for strengthening - Ceramide for cuticle reinforcement & Natural Lipids which provide a protective coating for your hair. Great for all hair types and smells good too.

It's a little pricey - about $14, but it works wonders. I've been using it for about a month and I have noticed a difference. (I always use the more expensive stuff for a while before making a review on it. I don't want anyone wasting money)

Now remember, everyone's hair is different, but my hair likes it. I am a cross between 3b-3c & 4.

If you would like to know your hair type, go to
http://www.naturallycurly.com/hair-types to find out.

Happy Hair!

Manolo Blahnik!

I love over the top shoes in the winter. I am also a boot junkie. Manolo Blahnik gives a girl like me the best of both worlds - over the top boots!

The prices are over the top as well, but the fashion is fierce!

Above are a few sassy pieces that have caught my eye!

Happy Shoe Shopping!

Today's Scripture

Pray For an Open Door

"And at the same time pray for us also, that God may open a door to us…"(Colossians 4:3, AMP)
In this life, we are blessed with so many opportunities and privileges. In this day and age, we have tools and resources to figure almost anything out. It's easy to just depend on our own natural ability to make things happen. But God wants to be intimately involved in our lives. He wants us to come to Him, depend on Him, and allow Him to show Himself strong on our behalf. He wants to open those doors for you, and He wants you to know that He is the one working behind the scenes on your behalf.
Today, if you are looking for an open door, turn to God. Pray and ask Him to direct your every step. Keep asking, keep knocking, keep believing because God will open those doors before you. He will lead you and guide you into the abundant life He has in store for you!

A PRAYER FOR TODAY

"Father God, thank You for ordering and directing my steps. Today I come to You asking for an open door. I know that You will make a way even when there seems to be no way. I choose to trust You with every detail of my life! In Jesus' Name. Amen."

Friday Night Out!

Jeans - True Religion (Julie Super Damaged)
Tank - Alexander Wang
Shoes & Clutch - Yves Saint Laurent
Bangle - BEBE
Earrings - Ben-Amun
Sheepskin Jacket - Balmain
Lip Color - Chantecaille Lip Chic – $30

Happy Friday!

Product Review - Skechers Shape Ups

OK ladies! If you are anything like me, you are usually leary of claims that this or that will help tone your legs. Well, I can tell you the claims these shoes make are true. I own a pair of MBT shoes which are a more expensive brand of the same shoe. I purchased them five years ago at the suggestion of my physical therapist after I injured my knee bike riding. I tore some cartilage after riding for 30 miles after I walked in a Prostate Cancer walk which was 5 miles. (I had lost my mind that day) Well, the MBT shoe worked wonders. My knee felt great after I wore them for about two weeks straight and now I wear them when I feel a twinge in my knee and I am usually all better after a few days. They also work the heck out of my butt and legs. I think it is because they are so heavy, but the claim is that the way they are engineered make you walk upright, therefore forcing you to use your lower body more to sustain you.

This new shoe by Skechers makes all of the same claims, but they are $125 cheaper.

MBT brands are still available, but the Skecher brand feel great and they work your butt and legs too. I needed a new pair and decided to try these. I don't know if anyone was planning on trying them, but I can tell you they are worth it. Your back, butt, and legs will thank you.

Try wearing them shopping and you will get a workout in while getting your shop on too!

They look really cute on your feet too!

Happy Toning!

Today's Scripture

Continue in the Faith!


"If indeed you continue in the faith firmly established and steadfast, and not moved away from the hope of the gospel that you have heard…"(Colossians 1:23, NAS)
Have you been holding on to a promise or dream in your heart that seems to be taking a long time? When things don't go the way we've planned, it's easy to get discouraged and feel tempted to give up. But God wants to breathe new life into your dreams. He wants to breathe new hope into your heart. But you've got to do your part and shake off any negative, self-defeating thoughts. Instead of saying things like, "I'm never going to get there;" "I'm never going to break this addiction;" "I'm never going to get out of this problem;" your declaration should be, "I am closer than I think;" "I know I can do all things;" "I can overcome this sickness;" "I'm going to continue in the faith!"
I encourage you to get up each day knowing that this could be the day you get the break you need. This could be the day you see your health start to turn around. This could be the day your child comes back home. Don't give up now because God is about to open supernatural doors for you. Continue in the faith; keep your heart and mind focused on Him, and watch what He will do on your behalf!


A PRAYER FOR TODAY



"Heavenly Father, today I release all the cares and burdens that are trying to drag me down. I know that You have a good plan for my life. I will continue in the faith and ask that You breathe Your new life throughout my whole being today. In Jesus' Name. Amen"

Healthy Living - Hormone Free Meat

Ladies, this one will be brief but to the point!

How many of you have had or know someone who has had issues with fibroids? I'm sure all of you have a story or two. Well, this is caused from eating foods, especially chicken and beef, that has been processed with the use of hormones and steroids. Women already have hormones and if you have an overage of hormones, it forms inside your bodies as fibrotic cysts. If left untreated, these cysts can become cancerous.

So ladies, I know it is more expensive, but if you can, buy organic meat. Look at the labels and make sure no hormones or steroids were used. To make sure and play it safe, but your meat from a natural food store.

We buy natural products for our hair, so we should use the same frame of mind when it comes to our bodies!

Happy Healthy Living!

Hello!

My old hair up do style

After the rollers have been removed

I hope you all had a great Thanksgiving holiday!

I ate my butt off and paid for it later, (tummy ache) but it was well worth it!

Well, here is another hair update. As you know this is my go to hairstyle and it works great for me as a protective style. It usually lasts about 4 days, then I put it up in a bun in the back and slide on a headband for another 3 to 4 days.

My hair seems to turn out the same way no matter what products I use. Maybe this is a good thing, but I really need to see my stylist to get my ends trimmed and to see length. Wearing my hair this way makes my hair look shorter than it is and when it gets old (after a week) it really gets big. I want big hair from the start, but I guess that will come in time.

For this style I used the small, yellow, magnetic rollers and I only used Herbal Essence Hello Hydration for my cowash and as a setting lotion. I also applied shea butter to the ends before rolling. (It is very important to add some type of moisturizer to the ends before rolling your hair)

I just air dried it overnight, fluffed out with my fingers and off I went to celebrate the Thanksgiving holiday.

Happy Hair!

Product Review - HPO Twisty Locs & Shampoo

Well ladies, I have stumbled upon another great find! It is HPO's Twisty Locs Moisturizing Creme and Hair & Body Shampoo. I recently purchased both at the Shecky's Ladies Night Out Event from the lovely Deborah Smalls of New York, New York Salon here in St. Louis. She is a HPO rep and she specializes in natural hair care. I've had the jar for a little over a month but I had never used it. Well, my hair was extra dry the other day so I decided to use both products. OMG - my hair loved it. The shampoo is sulfate free and contains honey, avocado, coconut oil, vitamin A&E, and wheat protein. After shampooing with this concoction, my curls were definitely in the house. My hair felt soft afterwards, even before I applied conditioner.

The Twisty Locs butter is a heaven scent! It is a little waxy at first, but once you emulsify it in your hands and apply it to your hair, it is a lovely thing. It has the same consistency as natural shea butter and it is great for sealing your ends or using as an all over moisturizer. My hair shined all day and held the moisture much better than before. It left my hair very soft without the buildup. It also helps your hair stay frizz free and it brings the curls like no ones business. Twisty Locs contains shea butter, jojoba oil, honey, and vitamin A&E. It smells divine and very clean - sort of like lemons.

Make sure to use only a little at a time because a little goes a long way. Also, make sure to melt it in your hands completely or you will have a white film in your hair.

It is available at Whole Foods for about $11 each.

To learn more about it you an visit their website at http://hpospatreatments.com/products/twisty_locs.php

Happy Hair!