closed till i say so.
something has to change.
In Review: Thank God It's Natural Shea Butter Sampler
A couple of weeks ago myself and a few other bloggers were invited by author, Chris-Tia, of "Thank God I'm Natural" to try her new product line which is respectfully branded "Thank God It's Natural." I jumped at the opportunity to sample the line because not only am I a fan of the book but all natural products always tickle my fancy.
I was sent the Shea Butter sampler which contained the following products:
1/2 oz. of all natural organic shea butter
1.5 oz. bar of luxurious olive oil Wild Lemongrass soap
1 peppermint shea butter lip balm.
My first impression of the products was great! The items were pacakged very nicely and the the design of the labels are sleek and eyecatching. I also like the fact the Chris-Tia kept the products simple. They are almost like every natural's staple if you decided to use the universal products for your hair.
The Shea butter is simple, 100% natural with no extraness. I like that but I wouldn't have mind if it had a little bit of scent. An essential oil fragrance, maybe? Personally the smell of raw shea butter isn't my favorite.
I was very pleased with the Wild Lemongrass soap! I loved the scent and the lather it gave in the shower. Mosty likely I will be purchasing the full sized bar, it was fantastic! My mom and CharBaby are even fans.
Lastly, the lip balm I absolutely LOVED! I am a sucker for lip balms, I have a huge collection which is kind of obesssive. TGIN's balm is made with Shea butter, coconut oil and olive oil. It's peppermint scented/flavored and I really enjoy how it feels on my lips. The fact that it's smooth and hydrating makes it even better.
Over all I would highly reccommend trying TGIN's new line of products. They are simple and good for your hair and body! Not only that, the products are affordable.
Interested in checking out TGIN's product click HERE to shop.
Protective Styling: Curly Weave Maintenance Video
While wearing my curly weave install I plan on making a few videos to show you how I maintain the hair in a way that works for me. In today's video you will see how I prep my weave in the morning, along with the products I use. I must say, I am missing my bush ALREADY but I am very excited to see my growth and length retention 10 weeks.
xoxo,
Alex
Captured Curls: Jess AKA Mahogany Curls
I have been a fan of Ms. MahoganyCurls for sometime now. So, when she asked to be featured of course I said yes! I follow Jess on InstaGram and Twitter, her spirit is very lovely and calm. I'm sure you all who watch her on YT can pick up that amazing vibe. Below you can read about Jess's journey and you'll also find her links. If you are not following her via YT and other social networks you should be; she truly is a breath of fresh air. ENJOY!
xoxo,
Alex
Please, introduce yourself!
Hello Everyone! My name is Jessica and I am 25 years old, some of you may know me as MahoganyCurls from YouTube.
How did you fall into making YT videos and becoming a “guru?”
I decided to go natural in late 2008 and did the big chop in 2009. Hair care has always been a passion of mine. Learning how to care for natural hair just came to me naturally :). I decided to make YouTube videos to document my natural hair journey. I wanted to share my trials and errors with the natural hair community.
What is your current hair care regimen?
My current hair care regimen is a wash n go or "wet n go" depending on the time of the month. I cowash once a month with DevaCurl No Poo, apply my leave in of choice either DevaCurl One Condition or Tresemme Naturals, detangle my hair, and allow it to air-dry. Every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday I rewet my hair in the shower, allow the water to saturate my hair, massage my scalp a little and apply more conditioner, detangle, and go. That is why I call it wet and go! :) Every Thursday night I deep condition my hair and rinse it out the next morning. This makes detangling the next day a breeze!
Let’s talk hair type! A lot of naturals are against the hair typing system. Do you think learning your hair type can be beneficial during someone’s natural hair journey?
I am one of those naturals that do not care for the hair typing system. In the beginning of my natural hair journey, I wanted to know my hair type too. I even posted a video asking others what it was and tried to figure it out on certain hair boards. It was very confusing and in my opinion, it is misleading. It almost became an obsession. You know? Always trying to figure out what type I had. That did not last long. I told myself that it did not matter what my hair type is, I just want it to be healthy. Therefore, to answer your question, I am not sure, but I can speak for myself and say that it really did not help me. I just knew my hair was dry, it needed moisture, and I wanted it to be healthy.
What reaction did you get from friends and family when you first decided to go natural?
The reaction was mixed. Some family members were supportive and others were not. My husband actually did my big chop for me. Shaved my hair and everything! The same goes with my friends; I had many people tell me I was "bold." I did not care, I loved my TWA. Since my big chop, many family members and friends decided to go natural too!
Did you BC or transition and what made you finally take the plunge?
I did the big chop. I wanted to transition for 2 years but I became impatient and decided to do the BC two months after my last relaxer.
What makes you love your kinks, curls and coils?
I love the fact that it is what God gave me. Our hair is our crown, and I feel that every woman has her own unique crown. Our hair beautiful and we should embrace it.
Where can we find you on the web?
You can find me on YouTube http://www.youtube.com/user/MahoganyCurls and Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/loveyourtwa Twitter: www.twitter.com/mahoganycurls
Do you have any words of encouragement for young women looking to go natural?
Yes! Just do it. People may tell you that you will not look a certain way but ignore them. Do what is in your heart. Sometimes people will say discouraging things about going natural because they are afraid take that step. My little sister did the big chop and she is 16. I told her not worry about others and she is happy about her decision. We have to do things for ourselves and not others.
Anything extra you’d like us to know?
Thank you for allowing me to share my story with your followers!
Protective Styling: Kinky Curly Install *take 2*
Yay! I am weaved up again and I am so excited about it. Sometimes a much needed hair break is called for. I plan to have my install in for about 3 months like I did last time. Protective styling has come to be my best friend and I so happy that I broke down and started listening to my hair last year. I have good feelings about my hair journey and I am looking forward to September, which will mark 3 years curly for me. I am hoping to be close to BSL (bra strap length) by then. A few of you had questions about my install so I tried my best to answer them in a YT video. If you click the jump you will find the video below. Should you have anymore questions, feel free to leave a comment!
xoxo,
Alex
some dried racanculas and some pages from my old, un-updated, design portfolio.
i haven't looked at that portfolio for at least a year. i can't even remember when i had completed it.. 2009..? early 2010?...
i brought it out one night recently showing a friend.
and forgot i did this.
usually you never want to look back at old projects,
assuming that you will advance and do better in the future.
but it was odd looking at this- i didn't mind at all.
these days i have a big problem with forgetting things..
big tasks, small taks, etc.
i feel comfort in having 'things' around me.
...to keep reminding me that i'm capable of
or was once capable of making so much work.
some days i feel so drained that i feel like i can't do anything at all anymore.
how the hell do people throw things away..
