itsmissnay

Product Review: Chagrin's Valley Ayurvedic Shampoo Bar

2013-12-01T21:45:00.002-05:00

Todays product review will be on Chagrin's Valley Ayurvedic Shampoo Bar.
One Word, Awesome !! This shampoo bar was everything I hoped it would be and more. I can already tell it will become a staple in my hair regimen. I was so excited to use this shampoo bar, that I took out my protective hairstyle I had in two weeks earlier just so I could try it. I specifically ordered this shampoo bar because I want to move towards a more ayurvedic regimen when it comes to my hair, well for now, so I knew this shampoo would be perfect. It had a whole lot of ayurvedic herbs that I knew my hair would love as well as other butters and essential oils great for promoting hair growth! The shampoo bar lathered really well, even after the first try. Normally- with normal liquid shampoos it takes two washes before my hair really lathers up. This bar had my hair ready to go in just one try. My hair felt clean, moisturized and not stripped. I will definitely be trying out the company's other hair shampoo bars when I run out of this one ! The shampoo bar was only $7.95 if I recalled and seems like it's going to last a long time. Also if you don't want to try out the full size bar like I did, the company offers sample sizes that literally come in the size of normal soap bars for like $2 or $3, so either way you're definitely getting more bang for you're buck !

I provided the link below so you can check out the website. Even if you're not into shampoo bars there are plenty of butters, teas, moisturizers and etc you can try out !

http://www.chagrinvalleysoapandsalve.com

Do you ayurvedic?

xoxo,

Big Chop X Transitioning: The Journey To Natural Hair

2013-11-19T14:51:00.004-05:00

What is exactly is NATURAL HAIR? I think this term varies from person to person. But we can all agree that being completely natural means being perm free. Notice I didn't say chemically free. To me, being natural means embracing your hair in its natural state without chemically changing the texture of your hair which a perm/relaxer/texturizer and any other hair chemicals used to make your hair straight or curly do. I think you can still be natural and play wit your hair when it comes to adding color, highlights, etc that you accomplish with the used of dye chemicals. Im not going to discredit anyone for being natural because they have color in their hair. In my head there are three types of natural haired people but that's for another post.

This post is dedicated to two of my friends who are currently transitioning from the creamy crack to the natural hair cult. Yes I said cult. What's the difference between transition vs. the big chop? My friend asked me. Well here you are:

The Big Chop

The big chop comprises of you cutting all your hair off. It doesn't mean skin bald but for the most part a substantial amount of your hair is gone. Most people big chop when they feel as though their natural hair has gotten to a length they can cut all their relaxed ends off, while other people big chop all their hair off because they want to start from the beginning.

Transitioning

Transitioning are for those ladies/gentleman who do not want to completely cut all their hair off, but want to gradually grow their hair out while cutting off the relaxed ends bit by bit. This approach is more for the person who is transitioning from the creamy crack to relaxed hair. Last time I checked you couldn't transition from natural hair to natural hair. But these days who knows?

At the end of the day, the goal is to grow healthy natural hair whether you decide to big chop or transition into your natural tresses.

Which method are you considering ?

Let's Talk Natural Hair

2013-11-19T14:24:00.002-05:00

Hair. Permed Hair. Straight Hair. Kinky Hair. Fine Hair. Coarse Hair. Curly Hair. Natural Hair. Hair is hair. Or is it ? Every year I reach a point in my life where I feel like doing something, extreme, different, far from average. July 2012 I had one of those moments. I big chopped my hair again for the second time. Why? Because I can. Well ok. Because I had been natural for a couple of years and although my hair was long (middle of back) & full, I feel as though I had robbed myself of really enjoying the natural hair girl experience the first time I big chopped. So I wanted to do it the second time and do it right. Im really not sure if there really is a right way to go natural but there were some things I wanted to experience like really experimenting with my tea (teeny weeny afro), following up with my homemade concoctions and really just enjoying the journey.

So here I am, a year and a couple of months later with a 26 inch brazilian weave in my head itching to play around with my REAL hair. Ive been wearing protective hairstyles off and on for more than 10 months now and I'm missing my hair. Im just weird like that. I love when my hair is braided, weaved up or twisted up but then I look at pictures with people wearing their curly fro's and experimenting with new products and I start getting the bug. Hence the reason for this post.

As I'm getting ready to take down my hair in about two weeks I already started doing my research on the hairstyles I was gonna try out again, products I was going to use, my updated hair regime and etc.

My Hair Now:

I thought cutting my hair, my actual hair pattern would change, idk why I though that, but it didn't lol. My hair for the most part grew up straight, but when it got back to that twa stage. My hair pattern kicked back in. Or should I say hair patterns because I have three -_-. My hair is beautifully curly in the back (smiles), tightly coiled in the middle/crown of my head and loose in the front. Like so loose it can be mistake for straight. Of all the patterns, the front is most hardest for me to deal with because it does what it wants when it wants. Im still thinking of a master plan to tame those wild roots. As of now I haven't noticed any split ends or knots, which is what I was dealing with before I cut all my hair off. So, so far so good. I plan on dusting the tips of my hair when I take it out because I think it's time for a trim. I think it's important to remember that in order to have growth retention, one must remember that the actual hair that's growing is healthy hair. Split ends cannot be repaired and will not go away unless those ends are cut off and the ends of the hair strands are moisturized. #ends rant.

What Next:

After my take out, I plan to do a henna treatment, incorporate herbal tea rinses in my hair care routine as well as clay treatments and experimenting with an ayurvedic routine. Im not sure how long I'll be rocking my natural hair out, but I have to start somewhere right. Ill be posting an updated/actual hair care routine on here soon so you guys know what I am putting in my hair and how I'm taking care of it.

Here are a few pictures from my take out about two months ago

Hair journey: One year and 2 months after my big chop.

#Worst Behavior X Pre-Birthday Festivities

2013-11-04T16:09:00.000-05:00

I'm not even gonna talk about how I've been lacking with my posts, but promise I'll do better. When you're in law school you just never know when you're gonna have time for anything.

Anyway, this weekend was GREAT ! I started my Saturday off with taking the MPRE in the morning, then after that running all over Houston getting things ready for that night. This birthday I wanted to do something different. I wanted this to actually go as planned & guess what-- it did ! I kicked off my night with a mini kick-back at my friends house and then hitting up Bowlmor lanes in Katy, TX. Everything was awesome ! From the people, to the music, to the food ! To me singing Kendrick Lamar at 3 am outside to nobody -_-. I couldn't have been more happier. It was important to me that everyone had fun, rocked out, and enjoyed themselves. Safe to say I can pat myself on the back for that. Check out some pictures from the jump.

Outfit Details :

My theme for the night was all black. I wanted to remain sexy and chic but still look great !

1. Crop top- Forever 21
2.Mesh Tshirt- Florever 21
3. Necklace- Forever 21
4. Leather shorts- Forever 21
5. Leather thigh high boots- Charlotte Russe

Safe to say Forever 21 served me good when it came to my ensemble !

Desiree had to ruin the picture with her feet :/

Just Another Wednesday x OOTD

2013-09-05T00:36:00.000-04:00

Today was a great day ! I woke up feeling blessed, looking good, living better (sings to self). No, but really today was great. I think it had to do with the fact that I finally got a new phone after being without one for almost a week :(. So I decided to snap a couple of pics of the outfit I wore today. It was around 95 degrees in Houston so it's still hot for me to do anything major in terms of fashion wise ! Sighs, I can't wait till fall comes to Houston. Anyways I kept it simple in a summer bodycon dress I got from Joyce Leslie from my recent summer trip back home to Jersey, as well as white transparent ankle strap heels.

xoxo !

Fall x The Leather Edition

2013-09-01T15:19:00.000-04:00

It's the day before Labor day and all I can think about are all the leather pieces I've been building and adding to my wardrobe and the different ways I'm going to style them this fall. Now don't get me wrong, I wear leather all year round, but there's just something about wearing leather in the fall that makes it just so....so official lol. Anyways, living in Houston I probably will not be able to wear and spruce up all my leather pieces the way I want to but I will definitely try even if it kills me. Here are a few ideas on what to do with those key leather pieces you may be eyeing this year. Remember you can still get that expensive leather look with faux/imitation leather. Who says fashion has to break your bank account? How are you wearing leather this year?

Fall x The Leather Edition by itsmissnay

H M jacket
$46 - hm.com

Leather vest
$31 - shelikes.com

H&M imitation leather pants
$39 - hm.com

H&M high heel platform boots
$46 - hm.com

H M vegan purse
$31 - hm.com

Gold bracelets bangle
windsorstore.com

Gold bracelets bangle
heatherbelleco.com

Asos hat
$19 - asos.com

NARS Cosmetics lip stick
beauty.com

Nas X Lauryn Hill Concert

2012-11-02T12:12:00.002-04:00

On Halloween night I had the chance to go to the Nas & Lauryn Hill concert that was at Bayou Place in Houston Texas as a pre-birthday gift. The concert was great. Jhene Aiko was the opening act, followed by Nas who did his thing on stage. Im not really a Nas fan but I did enjoy his set. Some of my favorites he performed were off his "Life is Good" album which dropped earlier this year, were "Bye Baby", "Cherry Wine", and "Daughters". He finally ended his bomb set with "One Mic", which happens to be my favorite song from him. After his set, we had to wait like what seemed like forever for Lauryn to grace us with her presence on stage. I really enjoyed her set although it seemed like she rushed some of the songs she sang and I would've enjoyed some of her songs to be original instead of straight live with the band and all the hoorah. Lauryn Hill also debuted her new spoken word song, "Black Rage" which was beautiful. I'm pretty sure you guys will hear it soon if you haven't already. Overall I had a fun time with my girls and wish I would've had time to take a lot more pictures. But enjoy the ones I did manage to take !

p.s. I loveeddddddd Lauryn's outfit. Will be recreating it soon as a DIY project ! :)

My emergency outfit, but it worked out :)

OBEY the SPIKES

2012-06-16T14:13:00.000-04:00

Okay. So boredom kills. Cant' you tell? Anyway I completed another DIY this weekend and I Just wanted to share it with you guys. I thrifted this Obey hat from the Buffalo Exchange near my house and decided to spike it up to give it a different look. So after a lot of hot gluing and bending and sticking I'm finally done. Hope you guys enjoy !

Have a great day guys !!!

Smooches !

DIY: African Print Shorts & Bangles

2012-06-13T12:32:00.002-04:00

This summer it's all about doing it yourself. From shorts to shoes to hats to jewelry, DIY is now in. I mean it's always been a do for me, but more people are catching on to the wave. I've had a couple of projects lined up for the summer in my DIY itinerary and I proudly bring you the first. I am a fan of incorporating African fabric into my home projects and these shorts as well as bangles I created are the first of many.

Items used:
-pair of shorts
-african fabric or fabric of your choice
-glue gun
-fabric glue
-scissors
-sewing kit or sewing machine - which ever's easier for you
-wooden bangles

The key to achieving this look is sewing the fabric onto the shorts. Using a glue gun or fabric glue to apply the fabric will not give you a long lasting result. In other woods, once you throw the shorts in the washer, the fabric will come right up.

I will be selling these shorts like these with other prints on my Etsy shop soon so I can't wait ! You can also email me @obiseluj1@gmail.com if interested !

Smooches !!

heART & Soul Poetry Event

2012-06-12T08:55:00.000-04:00

This weekend I had the chance to check out this poetry/open mic event that took place in Houston. After moving from the NJ/NY area, I've missed going to poetry slams, open mic's and such things of the nature, so I was very excited. The event took place in a little cozy coffee shop around the downtown area. Even though I was late, I was able to catch two performances and they were well worth the $10 I paid lol. I was happy when I found out that they actually host this event once a month. I will definitely watch out for this event this coming July.

heArt & Soul webpage
Check out photos below for what I wore to the event.

Smooches !!!

NYE Fashion Resolutions

2012-01-02T13:00:00.000-05:00

I stopped doing NYE resolutions a long time ago. Like really. We all say 'this year is gonna be different", "I'm gonna do this", "I'm gonna do that". And then two weeks later we revert back to way we were before. So this year I decided I'm going to work on updating my wardrobe and making it more me. I have a great closet don't get me wrong, but with all things, it can always be better. I want to look fab but not break my bank account (law school student woes). These fashion resolutions will be fun to keep and I know with a little digging, my wardrobe for Spring/Summer 2012 will HAUTE!

NYE Fashion Resolutions

1. Add more patterns - Patterns are a nice way to spice up your wardrobe and it shows your versatility when it comes to style.
2. Signature pieces- What's going to make me stand out from the crowd this year. Signature pieces. I mean pieces that are timeless and will take my outfit to the next level.
3. Bold pieces of jewelry- I have a few statement jewelry but not enough. So yes that is my goal. Bold em up!
4. Thrift, Thrift, Thrift- Being a law school student and not being able to work has really taken its toll on my bank account. So I plan to thrift as much as possible and only hit the malls when I need key items like jeans or things you just can't thrift lol.
5. Versatility with my Hair- Being 100% natural I haven't fully unlocked the potential of my hair. My hair is an extension of my personality and I really want to bring it out this year.

These are all I could think of that I really wanted to work on and I think that's just about right!
Stay tuned to my journey as I update you guys about my search !

'Tis the Season to be Thrifty !

2012-01-01T13:00:00.000-05:00

Ok. So I don't know if the title is still appropriate but I like the way it sounds so I'm keeping it. Anyways, I went thrifting about two weeks with my mom in McKinney and Plano, Texas and came across some fantastic finds. Every time I go thrifting I'm always grabbing blazers so I decided to switch it up this time. I was really looking for big grandpa sweaters alongside with nice silky ( i use this term loosely) button up shirts that would look good with high waisted jeans. I came across all these and more. From sweaters to skirts to blazers and blouses my shopping cart was full. All the while as I'm piling more and more finds into the cart, my mom is looking at me crazy and I'm reassuring her that I need all these and more. As we make our way to the register I'm silently praying to God that my purchases don't go over $100 lol.

Long story short, all my items came out to be around $65 with some items half off and nothing in my basket costing more than $5. Till date, I think this is my best thrift purchase haul to date and hopefully with more experience I'll be able to pick out more signature pieces that will make my wardrobe pop.

Take a look at the items i thrifted below!

my favorite blouse from this haul !

This blazer is from the Armani Collection <3...it's even written in Italian so you know it's authentic !

#TheSTRUGGLE

2011-12-28T18:29:00.004-05:00

It's been months since I've blogged. Moving to a new city, starting law school and adjusting to a new life has taken its toll on me. I don't have time to do the things I want to do, see my friends or even blog. Hours of my life are dedicated to my law books and studying and I guess that's the way it should be.

Although I've been busy I do have a couple of blog posts that I will be posting ! Hopefully I'll be able to blog at least once a week. Just to release some stress and do something non law school related for once lol ;-) !

1st Annual Newark Super Fest

2011-06-23T15:03:00.000-04:00

What's better then seeing a few of your favorite artists as well as DJ's and talented poets all in one place. Thinking. Nothing !!!. This July, precisely on the 9th, Newark will be hosting its first annual Superfest alongside with BET, Power 105.1 fm and other sponsors at the Newark Bear Stadium. Talents such as Miguel, Olivia, Joe Budden, Maino, J-Holiday, YC, Vado, Slick Rick the Ruler as well as Jersey artists such as Chad B, Arsenal the Rebel, DJ Frosty and others will be performing. Tickets for the concert are cheap, ranging from $30 for general admission and $45 for reserved seating. Not bad at all. What makes it all worth the while is that Jersey's own Hot 97 Heavy Hitter DJ Wallah will be djing the event for that evening. I don't think it gets better than that. Tickets are available for purchase at www.newarkbears.com/newarkfest

Frank Ocean x Chris Brown X Gangsta Cousin's

2011-06-23T14:42:00.000-04:00

If you didn't know over the past couple of days trouble has been brewing between music group Odd Future's Frank Ocean and Tyler the Creator with Chris Brown. Like seriously. "Apparently" it all started out when Frank Ocean and Tyler the Creator were performing and made a few comments about Chris Brown and how he beats women. Then last Friday evening Frank Ocean and Chris Brown shared a couple of words via Twitter until the Game came in to stop it. Well I came across a video of couple of guys going after Frank Ocean in LA and well the video speaks for itself. The guys in the video also claimed to be Chris Brown's cousin. I'm not sure if they really are his cousins but if they are, they need to stop. I couldn't even bring myself to watch the whole video because it just seemed pointless and plus the accents of the boys were annoying me lol o_o.

Tyler the creator & Frank Ocean Diss Chris Brown

Frank Ocean Gets Chased Down in LA By Chris Brown's "Cousins" o_O

Music Thursdays X New Alicia Keys

2011-06-23T14:29:00.000-04:00

It's been a while since we heard something new from Alicia Keys so while I was at work I stumbled across a song from Alicia Keys called Typewriter. As soon as I clicked play I fell in love with it. More so with the beat and the rhythm. The song is sultry and has a an olden day feel to it. In the beginning of the song she welcomes you to her "laboratory" and beckons you to a "window" so that you will be able to see what she sees. Apparently the song was recorded a while back around 1997 and will be featured on

her 10th Anniversary edition of "Songs in a Minor".

African American Festival X Meets Summer

2011-06-03T11:03:00.000-04:00

Nothing screams summer more than festivities ! Im talking extravagant parades and town hosted festivals. This Saturday, the township of Montclair, NJ will be hosting their annual Montclair African American Heritage Parade as well as festival. The parade begins at 10:30 while the actual festival will be held in Nishuane Park. Festivities such as live bands, delicious food, vendors and endless activities for you and your family. I will def be attending the festivities since I live i the area! ^_^

Step into some Jeffrey Campbell's

2011-06-02T12:33:00.000-04:00

These shoes scream out, Hot. Cute. Different. Fierce. This summer is all about looks, the clothes you wear and your shoes. Nothing screams "creativity" more than the shoes you wear to give personality to your outfit. Lately I've been really in tuned with some of Jeffrey Campbell's selections and they will be a new addition to my wardrobe soon. Although cute, the prices are a little steep, ranging from $100-$300 something although you can find them cheaper if you snag a great sale. Although the price range is a little hefty for a college student like me, I think they are well worth the price.

Beyonce + Best Thing I Never Had

2011-06-02T12:13:00.001-04:00

Everyone's been at that point in their life where they thought they really wanted someone but found out it wasn't just meant to be. Or better yet, they ended up the "best thing you never had" . This song really speaks to me and I thought I would share it. So far this is my favorite of the singles she's released as of yet...

"There was a time
I thought, that you did everything right
No lies, no wrong
Boy I, must've been outta my mind
So when I think of the time that I almost loved you
You showed your ass and I saw the real you..."

Listen here: Best Thing I Never Had

Davido Ft. Neato C - Back When

2011-05-26T10:25:00.000-04:00

I can't stop listening to this song ! I've had it on repeat for the past 15 minutes. Not only is it catchy but it sends a message. Davido talks about how when he didn't have money and a car, nobody wanted anything to do with him, but now that he does, everyone is all over him. Typical right? Oh yea, the musicians are also from Nigeria ^_^ !

Enjoy loves !!

African Rhythm Thursdays !!

2011-05-26T10:20:00.000-04:00

Keeping in touch with my African heritage is something I cherish and I never turn down an opportunity to enlighten others about the rich cultural heritage that Africa possesses. So I'm doing something a little different. Every Thursday I will post about 3 music videos or songs from African artists. African artists are coming along in the game especially those from my home country Nigeria ! So enjoy something different for a change.

One love, one Africa

Let's Color Block

2011-05-25T08:58:00.000-04:00

So apparently the new thing in is to "Color Block". Simply meaning, wearing colors that you would not normally wear, but still have them flowing at the same time. A lot of celebrities are now into "color blocking" and I must say this is one trend that I like. But let me just say, not everyone can pull this particular style off. It needs a certain fashion and color sense on the part of the individual who dares to brave this technique. Well I did and I got a lot of compliments, so obviously I did something right, even though I didn't know I was color blocking at the time o_O.

Here are a few examples of color blocking so you can see exactly what it is !

Nigerian Beauty on the Rise

2011-05-14T10:03:00.000-04:00

There's nothing I enjoy more than seeing African prints and being able to wear them. So imagine how excited I was when I discovered that my friend, Martina Damilola Adelakun actually made African inspired bow ties, necklaces and headbands and more !! ^_^

Martina Adelakun is a 20 year old Nigerian beauty on the rise and ever since she was 10, she's always had a passion for fashion. She has actually designed and styled many fashion shows but her heart lies in the business of fashion. While working, being a full time student and still maintaining her social life, Martina continues to persevere on her goal to make it to the top in the fashion industry.

Her skills range from designing to styling, image consulting and event coordinating. With her broad range of talents, it's only a matter of time before she blows up.

Her clothing line is called Damii_Lola, and for more info on how to inquire her services or purchase her designs, follow her on twitter @Damii_lola or email martinaadelakun@aol.com for more info!! She also does fashion shows for anyone interested in featuring her pieces.

Here are a few pieces I purchased from her all at AFFORDABLE RATES ! Literally !

New Motivation for Motivation?

2011-05-13T22:57:00.001-04:00

Kelly Rowland's new song Motivation had been buzzing the charts lately. So I wasn't surprised when I came across a remix version that Jeremih did. I love it. Click the link to listen !

Motivation Remix ft Jeremih

Africa Meets Vintage

2011-05-13T22:13:00.001-04:00

Summer's just right around the corner and I'm ready for it. But this particular summer is going be different. Lately I've been mixing a lot of my African native wear with some of the vintage blazers or pieces I've acquired over the spring and the result is amazing. Ordinary is so boring so I decided to switch it up. From rocking African inspired turbans to big vintage jackets with abstract patterns the results and compliments I'm getting are phenomenal. So over the course of the summer I will be posting different outfits inspired by African prints & Vintage pieces. Stay tuned and enjoy.