Starting my new year a month before everyone decides to make resolutions.

So let me be the first that I am one of many who makes resolutions, and by May rolls around I have forgotten all about what I said I wanted to do. This time I have to start putting things in place for my mental and physical health. While I tend to get discouraged and have a horrible habit of counting myself out before I can even prove that I can do something, I decided to take baby steps. So before the year ends, I have decided to at least make an effort to get healthier. Not on healthy as in my physical appearance, but healthier with managing my mental health. It's easy for me to internalize a situation and let it weigh on my mind until everything builds up and I can't take it and have a breakdown. However, that hurts me more in the process. Not only does it hurt me because I don't release those stressors, but the stress that I keep bottled up is killing me slowly. Granted I am still fairly young and ideally have a long life ahead of me, I really need to get things under control as best I can right now while I can and kinda want to. I say kinda because let's admit it: mental illnesses are so stigmatized that who really wants to admit that something is wrong... So I've decided that keeping that secret to myself doesn't really help the situation especially when I'm trying to move forward in my life with finding a career, and advocating for kids who don't have it. While mentally getting fit, I need not neglect my body anymore. I've been doing a good job of neglecting my health because when you are in the midst of an episode, lets be honest, the last thing on your mind is "Oh, let me get up, eat a well balanced meal, and work out". I've woken up many mornings wanting the day to be over, or my favorite, just lock myself in my room away from reality. Not healthy, but it works for me, and there are days where if I eat I'm doing good, and then there are days where all I want to do it eat. So, before the year ends I have to start holding myself accountable. No more pretending that everything is okay, no more beating myself up when a situation doesn't go how I want, no living in the past trying to change what has already happened, and definitely no more neglecting myself, and making excuses when the doctors don't understand why my health is rapidly declining.

NYC New York Color Show Time Glitter Eyeliner

Okay loves, here is another Influenster College VoxBox 2012 review. So remember I told you this cute little box came with all types of goodies? Well one little piece of awesomeness was this cute little glitter eyeliner. I mean let's be honest, who doesn't love glitter or eyeliner? So the great people from NYC New York Color gave everyone a full sized product of their Show Time Glitter Pencil. The color I received was "Show Time black" which is a black glitter pencil. Now, I know what you are thinking... Clearly you are too old to be wearing glitter, but honestly; it isn't like when we were kids and we went overboard with the glitter. There is a subtle hint of the glitter within the liner. I love how easily it applied, and how easy I was able to blend and smear when I needed to. I don't have any pictures right now because it is after midnight, and my makeup has been removed for the day. I will update this post tomorrow with a picture so that everyone can see. All in all, I can definitely see myself using this product frequently. It is easy to wear for a formal event, of to jazz up your everyday makeup routine. 

xoxo

imPress Press On Manicure Review

So remember when I told you all that I received this awesome College Edition of VoxBox by Influenster? Well, I know I'm late but I wanted to share my experience with the imPress Press On Manicure. While I must say the design was extra cute, I was expecting much more for a nail product. The application of the product was very simple: match imPress nails to correct sized nails, clean nails with nail prep pad (alcohol pad), peel off plastic, stick to nail with firm press, apply thumb last. For all 10 nails I think the total application took maybe 10 minutes. While I was super excited at how cute they looked, I was skeptical because they were paper thin and slightly longer than what I like. So, I was able to sleep with them with no problem; even showered with ease. However, the trouble started when I began to do my hair. Now my hair isn't super kinky, however it is fairly curly. So as I began to comb through my hair, I can feel the nails bending and I can hear the glue popping. Within about five minutes the middle finger was the first to go. Needless to say by the time I got my hair tamed, gelled, and styled; I had about four casualties. Now, by no means am I saying that these nails are horrible, however, in my opinion, these aren't the best nails for women who are always on the go, and use their hands a lot. Here are some pictures though, see how cute the design was!

Right after the installation of the imPress nails 

Close up of the design

After Sleeping and Showering, but before doing my hair

I was excited that I received a free manicure that I brought one to gift to one lucky person!

Introduction to the First curlBOX Natural...

Sorry for taking so long guys...

Okay! So while I have been so excited to get my very first box, I slightly have a case of buyer's remorse. While I have received my box, opened it, and began to research products, I find myself not exactly happy with the products nor the forty dollars that I shelled out for it. While I have not used any products (as of yet), I want to introduce you all to what was in my box (remember, everyone didn't receive the same thing). There were nine (9) two ounce samples, and one full sized product. Naturally, because my hair is shorter, these samples should run me two-three uses; however those with longer hair may be able to get two uses. While the term natural means different things for different people, I choose to stick to more organic and natural products versus, those that use preservatives and other harsh ingredients. 

Doris New York MUD Minerals Pack Treatment

Doris New York MUD Minerals Pack Treatment

This is a treatment to be used after shampooing and before conditioning. The claims are that it will detoxify, strengthen, invigorate, and revitalize that scalp; restore much needed body and luster; strengthen and repair dry damaged hair; it is for all hair types, and is excellent for both natural and chemically processed hair. 

Shea Radiance Moisturizing Hair Milk with Shea Butter

 Shea Radiance Moisturizing Hair Milk with Shea Butter

Styling product. Claims to be lightweight, will eliminates frizz, leave hair soft and smooth, just the way you like it. 

Koils By Nature Ultra Moisturizing CocoAloe Deep Conditioner

Koils By Nature Ultra Moisturizing CocoAloe Deep Conditioner

Ultra-Moisturizing CocoAloe Deep Conditioner is excellent for to color treated hair or for those who apply heat to the hair.

Coconut oil is excellent for retaining moisture, preventing breakage and is a natural conditioning agent & silk protein provides a protective barrier that will add luster, body, & manageability provide extra moisture so that the hair feels soft and smooth.

Restoring all the Vitamins and minerals necessary for healthy hair.

Curls Cashmere Curl Jelly

Curls Cashmere Curl Jelly

for KINKY textured curlies

Formulated with certified organic Cashmere extract, this dream styler adds sheen, repairs overworked, damaged hair, and elongates tightly curled hair all lin one step! Ideal styler for curlies with tightly coiled textured tresses that are looking for remarkable sheen and added length. Works great with twist out, braid out, roller/straw sets, and other natural styles.

Heritage Cleansing Clay

Heritage Cleansing Clay

Created with ancient Indian clay, our no-foam Cleansing Clay replaces your traditional shampoo and conditioner. It naturally detoxes the hair by gently removing dirt and oil while simultaneously detangling the hair and defining curls. No sulfates, parabens, detergents, or dyes.

Doris New York Leave in Conditioner

Doris New York Leave In Conditioner

Yes it works! Finally a leave in conditioner that actually protects your hair and repairs split ends. After your shampooing and conditioning process, apply leave in conditioner generously to your hair. Massage throughout and style as desired. Again, the added moisture protects from sun damage, toxins and chemical processing but does not leave hair feeling oily or flat. Hate those split end fly aways? Well, our Leave In Conditioner will keep them tame while helping to repair the problem. Excellent for our natural girls!!! Try the Leave In Conditioner with the Olive Oil Hair Cream for a fabulous two strand twist! It's all you need! 

Hydrtherma Naturals Amino Plus Protein Deep Conditioning Treatment

Hydrtherma Naturals Amino Plus Protein Deep Conditioning Treatment

Enriched with 10 Amino Acids! Notice a difference with just one use! This deep protein conditioning treatment strengthens the hair and prevents breakage. With just one use, you will see and feel a difference. This treatment contains an exceptional and unique complex of structurizing proteins, all of different molecular weights. These proteins penetrate deep within the hair shaft producing benefits like no single protein can. Enriched with 10 amino acids, vitamins and botanical extracts. Strengthens each hair strand and protects the hair from harsh weather. Also provides sunscreen protection. Your hair will look and feel terrific. Superb for all hair types. For best results, use with other Hydratherma Naturals brand products. Great Tip! Comb through with wide tooth comb before rinsing. Awesome detangler!!!! PH balanced. Paraben Free.

Anu Essentials Soft Set Gel

Anu Essentials Soft Set Gel

Our Soft Set Gel is chocked full of botanicals from nature. It offers a gentle and pliable hold and will not deplete your hair of essential moisture nor strip your hair of its natural oils. Great for a flexible hold and defining your natural curl pattern.

Doris New York Olive Oil Hair Cream

Doris New York Olive Oil Hair Cream

Doris New York Olive Oil Hair Cream was created to fight extreme dryness for Extra Tight Waves, Kinky Curls, Straight Pressed or Relaxed Hair. It is an excellent agent for color treated hair and for those that blow hair from wet to dry. Great partner to our Leave In Conditioner for that fabulous two strand twist! Check out our testimony section for a "how to" video demonstrating the use of the Olive Oil Hair Cream and Leave In Conditioner for the two strand twist style! It's all the rave!!

Leaves hair with a healthy shine while adding much needed moisture, vital nutrients and protection.

Blended Beauty Curl Styling Lotion

Blended Beauty Curl Styling Lotion

A leave-in styling lotion, and a moisturizing conditioner for medium textured curls. Tames and defines curls while moisturizing with aloe, shea butter and grapeseed oil. Leaves hair touchably soft. This lotion will moisturize, defrizz and give you definition, with soft hold all at the same time. For extra defrizzing and definition, use a little pudding on top.

Influenster College VoxBox 2012 Review!!!!

Hey loves!!!!

So remember a few weeks ago when I told you about this pretty cool and free program called Influenster... Well, after completing some surveys I was selected to receive the 2012 edition of the college VoxBox. So I got home today to find this little white box with my name and address on it. Being unsure what this small box could hold that would be vital to a busy college student, I was eager to open it. Upon opening the box, there is a little postcard sized breakdown of everything that is contained in this little box. The card gives the name of the product, pricing information, and a slight introduction to what each product is used for. So... Let's get into it!

Influenster College VoxBox 2012

So inside this little care package contained: a pack of imPRESS Press-on Manicure  in D030 Holla!; a NYC New York Color Show Time Glitter Eyeliner Pencil in Show Time Black; a pack of Necco® Tropical Wafers; a Pentel® EnerGel-X Campaign pen; and a pack of Energy Sheets® in mint boost flavor.

I'm very excited to start using these products and letting you all know what I think about them!

Stay Tuned...
xoxo

Influenster Review

So, I signed up for this program called Influenster. So pretty much you sign up (for free of course) and basically exercise your voice about certain products and things you normally do anyway. I mean honestly, we live in this world where if we don't like something it is known right then and there. There are perks to being apart of this website such as different boxes (you must qualify and be selected), but basically all you do is give your honest opinion about products you already buy and use; and you could possibly receive more things to try and review. So far so good, if nothing else it is a good time killer by taking the various surveys; but it is still early for me! Check back later for more updates! 

xoxoxo

Why Black Girls Truly Rock..

So while everyone is watching "Black Girls Rock" tonight, I decided to express why we truly rock. Despite the fact that as a gender we have been oppressed, and still in someways we are still being oppressed. We have taken something so negative, and so demeaning and continue to smile and leave others perplexed. From 1501 when slavery was permitted to happen, to the Civil Rights Movement, to right now in this moment embracing all the strides we have made as a culture. While the media would love for us to believe that we all behave like we belong on Bag Girls Club or the latest installment or Real Housewives, or Love and Hip-Hop; however there are everyday super heroins who make life a little more bearable for us common women just trying to fit in. I appreciate Beverly Bond for creating her organization that encourages young Black girls to love themselves and know that no dream is impossible to achieve. To showcase that what the media portrays is just a small sample; but that we have amazing women who came from nothing and live to help build up other strong beautiful women. Coming from a underprivileged background is no longer an excuse to sit back and think that our voices aren't being heard. Someone somewhere is waiting to hear our story and waiting to be inspired by what we have to say. Beverly Bond showed us that you don't have to be a millionaire, or be a movie star; you can just be a young girl from the inner city who has had enough and want a change. It doesn't take money to rock, you can rock with your words. Even if you think that no one is watching, there is always someone there, and even the smallest thing (a smile, a few kind words, taking the time to acknowledge them) could make a difference. In the past few months I have met some amazing women of color who definitely rock, making a difference, mentoring, educating, spending time. To show the world that we can grab the attention of everyone without being naked, loud, unintelligent, or drama-filled; shows our future girls that there is nothing wrong with embracing our intelligence and our God-given talents. For this we rock. Women like Corner Curl Girl, Diamond Sisterhood, and others will forever rock because of their commitment to young girls. 

Starting Fresh

While I have been on this natural hair journey for a few years now, this year I decided to do a big chop (for me anyway)! I went to a salon and asked for a short bob. While afterwards I loved how my hair looked, once I wet it I began seeing problems. For one, my hair was lopsided. Like one side is about 2-3 inches shorter than the other. My second concern was that I didn't have the same wavy texture I had grown accustom to, I now had this super curly hair. What was I supposed to do?!?!?!?!? After a long debate with myself, I decided to ride out my hair insecurities. While I have grown to love my curls, I have grown to learn more about this evil thing called shrinkage. During this time I have also become somewhat of a "Product Junkie," I would buy any and everything that someone suggested (trust me, I broke my pockets many times). I would say within three months I would easily spend hundreds of dollars in this product or that product, and this creme that is supposed to moisturized, etc. Needless to say, majority of these products did more damage than good. I also began to watch YouTube on a more consistent basis and started taking what products I used seriously. So I stopped buying my semi-cheap products and started replacing them with organic and natural products. Then, it was Shea butter, you had to use it if you were natural. Well, I quickly learned that Shea butter was not my hair's friend. I also began to invest in natural oils, and playing around with them to see what worked for me. So fast forward to now, My hair is almost at my shoulder and I am still learning what works and what doesn't for me! Sit back and let's take this journey together!