From Short to Shoulders

Photoshoot

2012-09-19T18:39:00.003-04:00

Ok you all, here are my photoshoot pictures. I made a video and posted it to YouTube. Lemme know what you think.

Random: Making Money Online

2012-09-11T09:26:00.004-04:00

Ive always been a go getter so I decided to research all the ways I could make money online. And I didnt sign up to random sites that promised to make me an over night millionaire-there is no such thing. Only a certain few make 4-5 figures with what im about to share but these programs can be a great way to earn extra income.

First things first: make a google Adsense account. Google Adsense is a program that connects to certain sites and allows those sites to places ads on your blog on your behalf. What really makes money is when those people who come to your site click on those ads. Make sure you blog about what you know, this is a sure way to get follower. For me, I have this blog but I also have Youtube, which also uses Adsense. In my opinion YT makes more money than a blog but you need a good following.

Another site I use is WebAnswers. This site allows you to make money just by answering questions. If your answer is chosen as the best, you get royalties for as long as the post is on the site. I think this is a very cool program and its easy to do. Just make sure you really know what you are talking about so you can get the best answer. Here is where to get started

All of these site I use are free, I never spend money to make it.

New Me

2012-09-09T20:08:00.001-04:00

So my photoshoot went well. Lately ive notice I can sit my laptop on my stomach-thats a problem. Ive decided to get healthy. I weight 155lb but im top heavy, thats not going to change. I mainly want to tone my legs, arms, and stomach. Summer is over now so I want to be two sizes smaller by May.

Sadly I dont have support from family. My mother things Im too small. I can understand this because all my life ive been 200lbs+. Im not healthy with all that weight but she cant seem to understand that. But none-the-less I plan tone my body for next summer. Ill start tomorrow(9/10/12).

My biggest weakness is soda and sweet tea. I cant totally stop drinking these drinks but I plan to cut back a lot. Typically I drink 3-4 sodas a day. They help me get through work and school but because I don't like sports drinks, Ill drink more juice and flavored water. What I crave is the sweetness so my goal is to find drinks with natural sugars instead of artificial sweeteners.

I also plan to join my local gym and start working out 3 days a week at first and then ill add more days when I feel I can handle that. I hate to work out and I love my junk food but I don't love my fat stomach and flabby arms. I want to do a 'weight in' every two month and hopefully that will be motivation.

So stay tuned to my (hopefully) incredible transformation.

Photo Shoot Tomorrow!!

2012-09-07T20:48:00.000-04:00

Im very excited to be apart of something wonderful everyone, a friend of mine is a budding photographer and Ive decided to help him by doing a promotional photo shoot for him. Ill keep you all posted with a how to vid about my hair and makeup on youtube and ill post photos. Also im going to South Carolina that day so ill post pics of that mini vacation. Stay Tuned!!

Michelle Obama's Hair at the DNC

2012-09-05T18:25:00.000-04:00

I have a new hair idol!! Last night I watch most of the Democrat National Convention, but one of the moments(non-political) that stayed with me was Michelle Obama's Hair. Her hair was stunning, so much body, and swag. It had a life of its own. Her girls and just as beautiful, its all in the genes people.

Dark & Lovely Review

2012-09-04T18:53:00.001-04:00

My review of D&L Anti-reversion serum that is made to keep relaxed hair looking relaxed for up to 6-weeks. Head over to my Youtube for more reviews

Sulfur Challenge 2012

2012-09-01T00:00:00.000-04:00

So I love a great challenge but i'm new to the world of using sulfur to make my hair grow so I decided to join a sulfur challenge on Long Hair Care Forum. If you read the first post in the challenge you will find recipes, as I stated in the second post, I will be using Njoy's recipe but I tweaked it a little to fit what I had on hand.

My Recipe:
1 tsp Sublimed Sulfur Powder
2 oz Jojoba Oil
3 oz Castor Oil
2 oz Extra Virgin Olive Oil(EVOO)
4-5 drops Rosemary Oil
4-5 drops Peppermint
*A little bit of the Rosemary oil and Peppermint oil goes a long way.*
Because the challenge starts 9/1/12 I relaxed on 8/24./12, 8 days before to give my hair a scalp a break. Sulfur will burn your scalp if you use it too soon after a relaxer or relax too soon after using it.

My Regimen:
Use mix 3 times a week at night
Cowash in the mornings after using mix.
Shampoo/DC twice a week
Moisturize everyday
I will still take my multivitamin and biotin

A few tidbits:
-Be careful about how much you use. No one wants oil running down their face so its best to do this at night and cover with a plastic bag to save your pillow. This also saves your jewelry.
-As far as shampoo goes I plan to alternate between my ORS Creamy Aloe shampoo(clarifying) and my Aphogee Balancing Moisture. Using a clarifying shampoo removes product build up.
-I will not be using heat during this challenge

What I Bought and Where:

Sublime Sulfur- http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000GCOLM0/ref=oh_details_o00_s00_i00

Amazon was the only place I could find with it but I read that you could order it from CVS Pharmacy.

Jojoba Oil- You can get this at just about beauty supply store.
Castor Oil- I bought mine from Walgreens.
EVOO- This came from Walmart and is the Great Value brand.
Rosemary Oil- I got this from my local GNC.
Peppermint Oil- Mine came from Walmart and this can be found at any store that carry food

Starting Pic-

Horrible Experience at ROSS

2012-08-26T14:46:00.002-04:00

My thoughts on makeup being sanitary.

Clarification of Lengths

2012-08-25T16:22:00.002-04:00

As of right now I am ear length. I relaxed yesterday and I am proud to say Im there. :)

My Celebrity Hair Crush

2012-08-24T00:57:00.001-04:00

Its ok and natural to have that one celeb who's hair you want to steal right of their head. My hair crush is Kim Kardashian. Kim K looks great whether her hair is straight or curly.

Im not big on layers but her's look great and there are lots of Kim K hair tutorials on Youtube if you want to get your hair looking just like hers. Hopefully soon I will be at her length and ill be able to rock the curls with my own hair. Until I will push myself and my hair.

Review of biotin

2012-08-21T23:12:00.001-04:00

Win Makeup From Eva Longoria

2012-08-21T20:27:00.000-04:00

Enter to win all of the L’Oreal Paris® makeup that Eva Longoria is wearing on the September cover of Lucky® Magazine! The prize includes this Magic Smooth Soufflé Blush in Cherubic, Infallible Eyeshadow in Glistening Garnet, Colour Caresse by Colour Riche Luminous Lipcolour in Pink Cashmere, Infallible Eyeshadow in Bronzed Taupe, True Match Lumi Healthy Luminous Foundation in Sand Beige, Infallible Eyeshadow in Bottomless Java, Infallible Never Fail Lacquer Liner 24H in Navy—all by L’Oréal Paris. Sweepstakes ends on September 3, 2012. Enter Here

New Product Alert

2012-08-18T11:55:00.001-04:00

Ok ladies since im a product junkie, yesterday I wasnt feeling my regular deep conditioner anymore. I wanted something new so I headed to Walgreens to search the shelves and I found my hair holy grail!! Im in love with Orangix Macadamia Oil Moisture Misk. I felt the difference ask soon as I put it on my hair. The directions say leave on for 20mins with a shower cap but I left it on for 45mins with a bag and a towel.

After rising it out, I kid you not, the first word out of my mouth was "damn". That was all I could say because my hair felt so silky and soft. So after i washed it out, added my leave in, a little bit of African Pride's Olive Miracle moisturizer lotion, and I sealed with Brazilian Keratin Shimmering oil also from Organix (Walgreens had a buy one get one free sale). I want to also note that I washed my hair before DCing with Organix Brazilian Keratin Therapy shampoo. I try to keep it in the family. Down below are the pictures of everything I used.

Garnier Fructis Fall Fight Review

2012-08-16T23:23:00.001-04:00

Hair Samples

2012-08-16T23:22:00.000-04:00

90% of what I review is from samples, If I like it, then I will buy it.
I thought this would help a lot of you out in case you want to try a product but you dont want to buy it.

Garnier Fructis Fall Fight
Garnier Fructis Triple Nutrition
Clear Scalp & Hair
Dark and Lovely Creme Serum

I will make more post when more sample become available.

Just In: Garnier Fructis Fall Fight

2012-08-14T23:55:00.003-04:00

My sample came today!! I can't wait to try this product and do a review on it. I think ill just do a review on the blog and not youtube. My hair is still shedding so I hope this helps my hair. Ill check back in in a couple of days with how everything went. Get your sample

"White" Products Can Be Used On Blacks

2012-08-13T01:44:00.000-04:00

I wanted to write this post to clarify something about haircare that was really brought to my attention today. I no longer look at which section my product comes from anymore. You know the ethnic haircare aisle is in the back of the store on the left. I only look at what ingredients the product contains. I use many 'white' brand products like Garnier Fructis. One of my favorite anti frizz product is Garnier Sleek and Shine Smoothing Milk. I was really surprised about how well this straighten my new growth and kept it straight. This lead me to other products on Garnier like their Strength & Length shampoo/conditioner. The first time I used it I had a revelation lol. My hair felt amazing. I used both the shampoo and conditioner together so if you buy these, buy both. This line is also cheap and most Sunday papers have coupons. I think maybe other of these product cost me $5.00. When my free sample of Fall Fight comes in I will try it and review it.

I just wanted to set the record straight about products being just for us. Some of the things that are marketed to us dont do our hair any good. A lot of it is whats killing our hair and is keeping use from growing it. Other products ive heard African American ladies use are Aussie, Tresemme, and Suave. I personally dont like Suave hairline but do what works for you. Remember, think about your hair.

Deep Condition Day

2012-08-11T11:40:00.001-04:00

So after using the HAIRepair and not liking how my hair felt, Ive decided to DC with my ORS conditioner. I always add jojoba and coconut oil to it and this time I added tea. Because I dont use heat, I have to DC for at least an hour but today, I have no where to go since its raining, so Ill do it for 2-3 hours. When I DC I dont use a shower cap, I use a plastic grocery bag since I can just throw that away when im done.

After my hair drys I will put the HAIRepair on my hair again. Im thinking I shouldnt have put it on my wet hair even though the directions didnt specify either.

Reviews For ORS HAIRepair/ Nexxus

2012-08-10T23:36:00.005-04:00

Beauty Haul

2012-08-10T19:51:00.001-04:00

Ok so ive had a few products on my mind and today I decided to buy a few of them. As of right now I
havent used any of these yet but when I do, I will review them on my youtube.

First product is ORS HAIRepair. I'm hearing very good things about this on the hair boards so much that people in other countries are trying to find ways to buy this product. I wasnt able to find this any where but at my local beauty supply store. Price $6:99

My next product is ORS Edge Control. I know this has been around for a while but ive never used it before. My edges always get out of control and now that my hair isnt bone straight anymore, I need all the help I can get. Gel and spritz isnt working for me now so I hope this does. This came from my local beauty supply store but you can find it at any local drug store or Walmart. Price: around $5.00

Next up is Nexxus Humectress Conditioner. I bought the one seen in the picture because all I want to do is try it not invest in it. If you are aware of Nexxus product then you know they are pricey. I bought this conditioner because I needed one to cowash with. This came from Walmart, price: $7. 98

Last is Revlon PhotoReady liquid foundation. My normal foundation leaves my face oily which is bad because I already have oily skin. So after looking at reviews I learned that mineral makeup is great but im not keen on power makeup. In the same reviews, many people mention Revlon Color Stay and Photoready. Today is decided to get the Photoready to try it out. I got this at Walmart and after comparing prices at Walmart, Walgreens, and Riteaid ive learned that Walmart is the cheapest for makeup and hair products. Price: $10.48

2012-08-10T19:19:00.001-04:00

Here is my hair rant about Gabby Douglas. Its crazy how mean people are to this child.

Why I Relax

2012-08-07T21:18:00.000-04:00

My blog is in no way bashing naturals because I've tried it. There seems to be a war between relaxed and natural heads. Now I've been relaxed all my life, I think I was 2 years old when I had my first one. I remember sitting in the chair for hours as my mom did my hair- I hated it!! I always put up a fuss when it was time for a relaxer. As I got older I started to see how mean children could be when it comes to appearance. I would get picked on because my hair wasn't straight enough.

Through out middle school and high school, I wore my hair in braids but its wasn't until starting collage that I realized it was OK to be nappy. That lasted for a few months. My hair wasn't even fully natural because I never did the big chop1. My roots got out of control and my hair started to shed- I had enough and finally relaxed. I don't think my hair has ever been through so much trauma before. Like I said, I'm not knocking naturals but it isn't for me or my hair. I do what is best for 'her'. If you follow my journey you will see its possible to grow healthy hair that is relaxed.

1- Big Chop: the process of cutting hair to the new growth to remove any trace of chemicals.

HHJ Glossary

2012-08-07T13:13:00.003-04:00

Here are some terms I may use through out this site:

Baggy

The practice of covering the hair at night with a plastic shower cap for the purpose of enhancing moisture. This method is thought to help reduce breakage, split ends and dryness.

BKT (Brazilian Keratin Treatment)

A chemical blow-out treatment used to temporarily smooth and straighten natural textured hair. Many systems incorporate formaldehyde. Not recommended for those who wish to retain their natural coil/curl pattern because such systems often cause permanent relaxation of the hair.

BSL

Bra Strap Length (Reference to length of hair)

BSS

Beauty Supply Store

Clarifying

The process of cleansing and removing a build-up of oils, styling products, tap water minerals and/or medications from the hair. Typically performed with specialty shampoos or baking soda rinses.

Cowash

The practice of cleansing the hair using an appropriate conditioner in place of a conventional shampoo. Preferred by many naturalistas as the predominant method of cleansing because of its ability to help hair retain moisture.

Deep treatment or deep conditioner. A moisturizing, strengthening and/or damage-repair product that is applied right after cleansing, and often allowed to penetrate for 15 – 30 minutes with the use of a mild heat source. Also used to enhance shine and manageability.

HHJ

Healthy Hair Journey

Henna

A plant-derived powder, when mixed with water to make a paste, is applied to hair, processed and rinsed out. It is used as a natural hair color-enhancer, strengthener and conditioner.

ORS

Organic Root Stimulator products.

source: http://www.asiamnaturally.com/glossary.html

My Healthy Hair Journey

2012-08-07T12:50:00.000-04:00

Hello all

I decided to create this blog to help women who are struggling with hair growth. On 6/6/12 I decided that I wanted to take care of my hair the right way. No more hair styles that damage my hair, no more heat, and I stretch my relaxers as long as I can. In my search I found the online hair forum www.longhaircareforum.com which is a great a site to get you started if you are clueless about how to get started.

I plan to type up a small glossary of terms that I will use in my post, It will make life a lot easier if you know some of the terms we use in the hair world. Also I will post my staple products that I use on a daily basis so that you can try them and maybe they will aid you in your journey.

One of my biggest problems was my hair was short. My hair style was much like a 'bob'. So my biggest fear was that my hair in the back would never catch up to the rest of it so my first thought was to cute it all off and start over. Im happy to say I didnt cut my hair because my nape is doing fine although its awkward during styling, im glad i took that advice.

My hair is relaxed so most of what Ill talk about will be for relaxed heads. I'm not sure of my hair type either.

My many hair styles before my journey:

My hair after 6/6/12: