Is There Anything Out There?!

Yes, it's been awhile since I last posted, but a new vlog is up on the channel! Check it out here.

A lot has happened this year and I'm trying to get back on track. So bear with me. The hubby and I have welcomed a beautiful, baby girl to our family, and that alone has taken a lot of adjusting. Now I'm trying to get my mojo back and I'm starting with my hair. I'm not sure what curl type I have, but I'm assuming it is a type 4. I really want to wear my hair in a twist out. This style is something I have never perfected since going natural September of 2011.

So here's my dilemma. I have way too many products and want to try them all to see which ones work in my hair. I am tired of seeing videos of people with perfectly slicked back hair and super defined curls using products that are said to work for my hair type, only to be disappointed when I give it a try. I have challenged myself to find the perfect product for my hair that will help me achieve the styles I desire.

This is where I need your help. Click the link above to watch my video and leave a comment afterwards with your product suggestions. Also, don't forget to subscribe and follow my journey. Share the link with your friends so they can join in with us. Seriously, it is no fun creating videos for just myself. I would really like for you to tag along.

Protective Styles for the Fall and Winter

Yay! I finally have a second video posted on YouTube for your viewing pleasure! I kid ... somewhat.

Anyway, this Fall I plan to keep my hair in twists and wear protective styles until early spring. Ever since going natural four years ago, I have not been too successful in maintaining length. It always grows to a certain length and breaks off. By keeping my hair in twists and refreshing them, as needed, I can better gauge my hair's health and length retention.

If you have read my earlier posts, you are aware that I do not cut or trim my hair. This makes it even more difficult to maintain even lengths, but its a challenge I willingly accept. By not cutting my hair, I know when a product really works for me and the hair issues I face, such as split ends, thinning, breakage and heat damage.

My review features two synthetic wigs that I have been wearing for the past three weeks or so. They are similar, but different! One is Model Model's Moon Walk in a 1B and the other is New Born Free's Spring in 1B. Check out the video and let me know what you think below.

If you haven't subscribed to the channel, go ahead and do so! I will do my best to post something fresh every now and then. Also, check out my Kinky Hair board on Pinterest! I'm sure you will find a hairstyle to inspire your next look.

Ciao!

Tide PODS Free & Gentle Laundry Detergent

Today I have another bzz agent review: Tide PODS Free & Gentle laundry detergent! This box came right on time, seeing I was low on cash and out of laundry detergent. My husband and I prefer detergents with pleasant smells so I wasn't sure how we would like this unscented, no perfume detergent.

The pods came in individual packages with simple instructions printed on them. Use one pod for small loads and two for large loads. Of course there were the safety instructions, such as do not puncture the pod, eat it or give to small children. You also do not want to handle the pods with wet hands or the dissolving cover will release its cleaning goodness and all will be wasted.

For my first test load, I chose to wash a wet, week-old pile of smelly towels. If the pods worked on these then I would be satisfied. I placed a full load of towels in the wash with two of the pods. Easy! The towels were actually clean and fresh smelling, not perfumy, at the end of the cycle. Yep, I'm impressed. Of course, I threw them in the dryer with a scented fabric sheet (I know, I know ... but I like what I like).

I would recommend the use of the Tide PODS Free and Gentle for those who are interested in detergents that are dye free, perfume free, hypoallergenic and dermatologist tested. They cleaned my clothes just as well as my regular detergent without masking odors. Would I buy them? Maybe. I always buy what's on sale, so if there is a major sale or coupon ... I just might! #gotitfree #secondskincare

Summer is Now in Full Swing!

It is hot. Very hot. Summer is officially in full swing here in Alabama. After a week on vacation, I'm finally trying to get back into a doable routine of crafting. Supplies have been purchased and plans are being made! Not to mention all the planning for my business overhaul! Super excited, but a little nervous about ensuring I can pull this all off. My little patio garden is chugging right along. I planted another variety of lettuce this past weekend and also 5 herbs. I really hope to repot them soon into their permanent containers. I did have a setback with my cucumbers and black-eyes, resulting in some pruning and uprooting, but they are now back on track. The only downside is that I'm now without internet. Bummer. It's hard to run an online business when your internet is down. All of these storms have knocked out our wifi, so hopefully it will be up and running soon. Pictures, crafts and tutorials are forthcoming. Be on the lookout for an upcoming bzz agent review for Tide! Super excited to try out their Free & Clear Pods.

Head & Shoulders Moisture Care Review

I finally posted my first YouTube video! Be kind ... no laughing! LOL.

I'm so glad I was selected to try out the new Head & Shoulders Moisture products on behalf of BzzAgent and Head and Shoulders. #moisturecare #gotitfree I was sent full-sized bottles of the Moisture Care 2-in-1 Shampoo + Conditioner, Moisture Care Co-wash, and Moisture Care Scalp Soother. I have included my video review above. In case you do not have time to watch it (it's very short, about 9 minutes), continue below for my unbiased opinion.

Since I was not paid to give this review, I'll tell it to you straight. I love this new line. It claims to give your hair moisture and sooth your flaky, irritated scalp. It did all of that!

Shampoo + Conditioner
The shampoo did not leave my hair feeling dry and stripped. It provided enough moisture for me to detangle my dry, tangled hair. It also smells lovely and lathered quickly.

Co-wash
This co-wash is THE BOMB! It is thick and reminds me of cocoa butter. My hair was super moisturized while and after using this product. I didn't have to keep it on long to reap the benefits of it, either. I believe it will make a good deep conditioner and possibly a good leave-in. I will test it out and let you know.

Scalp Soother
I tried the scalp soother for a week before trying the other products. I did not feel the tingling sensation others claimed to feel; however, I did once I used the other products. It felt very mild to me, but pleasant. It smells SO good! I've applied it to my scalp some days just so my hair can smell like it! I think this product is good for continual use in order to reap the full benefits.

So there you have it! Go ahead and give it a try! I believe you will like this new line. I plan to continue using it for the next two months to get a more detailed opinion. I have already decided to add the Co-wash to my regular hair routine. Have you tried these products? Looking to try them? Let me know your thoughts.

Indian Healing Clay

Let me first say that I love clay masks. My first experience with clay masks was back in middle school when I tried the Queen Helen Mint Julep Masque. There's something about that feeling of the skin tightening and the brightness of the skin after rinsing the clay off that attracts me to it. 

Well, I've watched all the YouTube videos of others trying this Aztec Secret Calcium Bentonite Clay and thought I'd give it a try also. My first batch was made with apple cider vinegar. I followed the directions and advice of other users and packed it on real thick. I even rinsed it off in a glass bowl and dumped the residue outside to avoid it going down my drain. I waited a week before trying it again.

This time I decided to do something different. I noticed I was breaking out with pimples that were coming to a head. I don't know why. I was drinking more water than I ever have. I was exercising and eating right. But there they were. Big bumps with little white heads on my cheeks and chin. I decided to apply the clay daily to reduce the size of the bumps. I placed the clay powder in a cleaned salsa jar and added water. I didn't measure it out, but just eyed it. I added just a little more water to my mixture to ensure it will stay wet while in the container.

For the next four days I applied a thin, even layer of the clay to my face using my fingertips. I left it on for over forty minutes. I didn't worry about checking the time. The bumps went down and dried out. I didn't have any issues with the clay irritating my skin or causing severe dryness. My face actually liked it and responded better this time around. Now I have a jar of the mixture ready to go and keep it by my sink.