Creamy Dreamy Hair Treatments

Hey divas!

If you like to style your hair frequently, your tresses probably crave some much needed TLC. Hairsprays, bobby pins, teasing, braiding, curling, setting...these hair helpers can all wreak havoc if over-abused. Below, I have listed some of my favorite hair masque creations to add some va-va-voom to your locks. These can be used as pre-shampoo treatments (left on for 15 min.) or deep conditioners (left on for 45 min. to an hour).

The Green Banana - For super dry hair
2-4 tbsp hempseed oil (ceramides, smoothing, shine)
1 container of banana baby food (Thanks Hell's Notes! Bananas add moisture and shine)
1 tbsp of honey (moisturizing, nourishing, adds shine)

Cinnamon Sugar Cookie - For dry, slow-growing hair
1/4 cup of your favorite cheapie moisturizing conditioner (V05, Suave, etc)
1/4 tsp of cinnamon (lightening, stimulating)
4 tbsp of whipping cream (softens, strengthens)
2 tbsp almond oil (moisturizing, emollient)
1 tbsp of honey
*Please do a skin patch test, as some are sensitive to cinnamon



Rosemary Coconut Creme - For dull hair and itchy scalp
1/2 can of coconut milk (smoothing, adds manageability & strength)
1/4 cup of Suave Naturals Coconut Conditioner (oldie but goodie)
2 tbsp of coconut oil (shine, nourishing, softening)
5-10 drops of rosemary essential oil (excellent for hair growth)

Sour Power - For oily hair and scalp exfoliation
1/2 can of coconut milk
Lemon juice from 1 large lemon (gets rid of excess oil, tones scalp)
1 tbsp of olive oil (moisturizing, nourishing)
*This recipe may loosen curl pattern



Everything you need can be found at your local grocery or health food store. Do you have any hair mask recipes that rock your world? Do tell!

Break Out the Champagne!

Whether it's $5 Andre or Veuve Clicquot bust it out 'cuz its Valentines Day!

If you are ridin' solo, grab you up some chocolate covered strawberries, take yourself to your favorite restaurant, and hit up a singles party. Make it work ladies! You still got it and you should flaunt it. Wear a sexy perfume and vamp up the make-up. You might even meet the love of your life...or just an amazing shag for the night. Either way, be sinfully magnificent in your presentation at all times. Werk it.

If you are spending it with your beloved, try something unconventional tonight. Be it in bed or out on the town. Watch a live burlesque show together! Sounds innocent, but there is nothing like a few tassels and strategically placed feather fans to get the fire started. Try attending a whisky and chocolate tasting. Whiskey warms the spirit. This I know. And chocolate? Some do say it is better than sex, which you will be having a lot of tonight. This is not negotiable.

Here are a few of my favorite Valentines Day love songs:











Have a sexy day!

Bonus Post: Tips for Creating Vintage Styles for Kinky/Curly Hair

Woo Hoo! Found 'em!

These are my favorite YouTube tutorials on how to recreate retro styles on kinky, curly, or highly textured hair. It's about damn time!

Enjoy!










I ADORE HER ARTWORK!:

Thrift Town Haul: It's Sale Time!

I went on somewhat of a shoe frenzy recently and decided to take advantage of the various sales at my local hood Thrift Town. These folks have got marketing figured out! There is sale EVERY single day on different tag colors and they also have HUGE weekly sales that are announced on their website.

Lemme just give y'all some quick tips on shopping at Thrift Town:

1.Get there early! There is always a crowd...even at 9:00 a.m. Trust me on this one.

2.If you are easily offended by old smelling clothes, bring a mask. Every once in a while I will see a fellow thrifter rockin' one of these. Can't hurt right? The rewards are great if you can withstand the classic smell of used vintage goodness.

3.Have a freakin' ball! Don't take your thrifting too seriously or you will be in that mofo for 5 hours. Oh yeah, and every once in a while, try on a few things that you would normally be too shy to wear. You really do discover your true style this way sometimes.

Check out my latest shoe haul:











Elegant black shoes - Steve Madden

Cherry red shoes - Neutralizer

Vintage-inspired beige kicks - Merona by Target

For more info on Thrift Town sale info and locations:
www.thriftown.com

Happy Thrifting!

Yummy Homemade Facial Treatments

As spring approaches, I am definitely focusing more on my skin. As should you!
Valentine's day is creepin' up on us and most of us want that flawless glow to set our lover's heart a-flutter. Here are some all-natural treatments that you can try at home to treat your skin.


A drop of grapeseed oil + drop of aloe vera gel = a great balancing facial serum for irritated skin. The grapeseed oil tones and evens the skin while the aloe vera gel moisturizes and soothes.


A drop of coconut oil + drop of honey + a dot of amla powder = A wonderfully nourishing facial scrub that softens and brightens the skin. Wet skin first, and apply the scrub in gentle, circular motions, then rinse with warm water. You may also leave this on the skin for 5-10 minutes as a masque.


A dot of shea butter + a dot of olive oil = A fabulous night time moisturizer that reduces fine lines and wrinkles while keeping skin supple and hydrated throughout the night. I like to use this around my eyes to keep laugh lines at bay.


A dot of brown sugar + a dot of almond oil = A lip scrub to die for! Apply to scrub to dry lips and scrub gently in a circular motion for 1 minute. Rinse with warm water and blot excess water with a soft cloth. Use your favorite lip balm to seal the moisture in. I like to use this before I know I am gonna be lovey-dovey with my fiance. Works every time!

All of the ingredients mentioned above can be purchased at your local grocery store. The amla powder can be purchased online at ayurnaturalbeauty.com or at your local Indian grocery store.

Happy Monday!

Bonus Post:The Evolution of My Bun

F%^K YEAH!

I am sooo excited. My bun has finally grown up. lol.

Products I used to straighten for 2011 Bun:

Shampoo - Goldwell Kerasilk Ultra Moisture Shampoo (Thanks Moptop Maven!)

Deep Conditioner - Silk Elements Mega Moisture Treatment

Leave-in - GVP Concentrated Leave-In Treatment (Sebastian Potion #9 knockoff)

Sealant/Heat Protection - Creme of Nature Argan Oil Serum with a little bit of Vatika oil mixed in.

I am almost a year creamy-crack (aka perm) free! Natural hair rocks! That is all.

Observe:

October 2009..Couldn't even make a bun.


September 2010 Bun



January 2011 Bun


You can find the products mentioned above at the following stores:

Serum, Leave-In and Deep Treatment- Sally Beauty Supply

Vatika Oil- Local Indian grocery store or online at Ayurnaturalbeauty.com

Shampoo- Drugstore.com or your local beauty supply

Color- Reshma Henna found at your local Indian Grocery.

Happy Hair Growing!

Vegas Pictoral

Hey!

I just wanted to share some pics from Vegas while they are still hot. The trip went smoothly, but the weather was strangely similar to the Bay Area. I wanted it to be HOT so that I could at least show a little skin. I might make another trip up there to see my mum before she moves to Mexico...Yes, Mexico. I'm so jealous.

Without further ado, here are some pictures. Yup. You could tell I had some fun.


The "KISS" man and I. He hit on me after this picture was taken. lol.


My best friend on this trip: My wig! This is the token bathroom pic. Observe the TP in the background.


This is a necklace! I wanted one, but it was $20. Hayll no. Not even after 2 Heinekens.


This is the awesomeness that is the light show on Fremont Street. Aka The Fremont Street Experience

Hope you like! It's good to be back.