Monthly Archives: November 2012

Nov30

Final GOC Update: Mershauna (#14)

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by Mershauna of The Dancing Optimist

Man, where has the time gone? Two senior showcases and countless midterms later I am finally able to get a feel of having a life again. Sadly, my busy schedule has limited the frequency of my updates. I am, however, excited to hear about this new bunning challenge. I’m always down for a challenge lol. But, back to the subject at hand, my final update.

Hair
To be honest, I haven’t measured my length since October when I straightened my hair. My hair is past the bottom of my sports bra, so I have been retaining length.

I’ve stuck with twists to protect and stretch my hair. I’ve been wearing mostly buns since I dance everyday, so my hair has been protected. Recently I started experimenting with gels to keep my hair tamed and hopefully cut down on tangles, which cause me the most breakage. I’m really considering Donna Marie’s Miracurl Styling Gelly. All of the reviews I read said it was good, but had too much hold, which sounds perfect for my hair.

Health & Fitness
I have not been able to get to the gym. But when I have free time to workout, I tend to run. It’s not as bad as I use to think. The iPhone app Zombies, Run!, keeps things interesting. I managed to lose a few pounds also. I now weigh 133 pounds, which is a great feat for me. My diet has helped a lot with this. Eating more seems to be boosting my metabolism and the way I feel.

♦

Want to see where it all began with the first GOC? Find Mershauna’s entrée into the first GOC in June 2011 here.

Check out the rest of Mershauna’s GOC – The Sequel posts here:

Initial Submission
April-July Update

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Nov29

Wallis Fashion 30% off EVERYTHING Flash Event

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I forgot to tell you guys about the last big WallisFashion.com sale, so I had to tell you about this one! Through this Saturday, December 1st, EVERYTHING in the store is up to 30% off aaaaaaand it also looks like they are giving an additional 10% off your purchase with discount code: SALE 10 (don’t know if that runs through Saturday, but just google discount codes and try WALLIS10 too as that has worked for me several times!)!! Also, there’s FREE SHIPPING on all orders over $30!

If you don’t recall, this is the other reasonably priced online UK seller (Asos being the first ;)) from which I purchased that awesome leopard print skirt that I showed you guys here , here and here.

At the last big sale, I picked up this really cute peplum skirt and jacket … which fit, but will fit a lot better once I lose about 5 pounds (Operation “Get Right” is on Day 3 today; Ahhhhhhh here it go!!!).


Once I lose those 5 pounds, I’ll take it on a test drive and will share pics for sure!

Now, with this up to 30% off EVERYTHING sale, plus the additional 10% that you can get off all purchases with discount code: SALE 10, I’m eyeballing this black crepe waterfall jacket and black PU pencil skirt. I think these might be great holiday pieces that work well from day to evening too!

My only concerns? Will the waterfalls put a spotlight on my “ample” hips, which I’m aiming to camouflage and is that PU skirt LINED?!? I’m a sweater. This could be a reallllly bad look … and feel … if it isn’t. Hmmm, I guess I could always wear a slip though. PROBLEM SOLVED!! (Seriously, I just figured that out as I was writing this! LOL!!)

A quick note: Wallis has UK sizes with a conversion chart for the US. So, just make certain that you follow that! I’ve found that when I chose an honest US size (8 for skirts = 12 UK size and 6 for tops = 10 UK size) the clothes fit my 5’1″, currently … ughhhh … 143 pound, slightly pear-shaped, hourglass frame well.

Anywho, just wanted to share! Do you guys like when I share discounts and sales at the places that I like to shop? Hope so! Let me know one way or the other in the comments *hint hint* (If you didn’t figure it out, that’s my way of trying to get you guys to comment. It’s been quiet around here for weeks with the exception of that Ebonnet Giveway post!! *lol*)

ETA: Ummm … how about I ordered the PU skirt and forgot about it? It was at my door when I got home from work a few minutes ago!!! LMBO!!!

Perfect fit! I love it when a plan comes together!!

I should order it in the size 10 UK/6 US  too so that I have one for when I lose this weight! That’s what I did with the leopard print! 😉 Yeah, about that losing weight … time to get changed and hit the basement for C25K Day 2!

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Speaking of the holidays, what are you planning to wear for dinners and events? Is it already hanging in your closet or are you still trying to figure it out?

Nov29

Single Flat-Twisted Bun: My Turn!!

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I did it!! Remember this Single Flat-Twisted Bun Style Inspiration post from the other day? Well, my girl Rece of A Hair Story tried it after I text her a pic of it. Check out her results here. So pretty right?!?! So, I had to give it a whirl myself on Tuesday night !!

(I flipped my pic so that you could see the twist on the same side
as the inspiration photo.)

What do you think? It’s not perfect. I think I should have taken the flat twist further down the middle and then to the opposite side of my neck before making the twirly bun. But I didn’t think it was too bad for my first try, especially since I don’t really know how to flat twist well!! I would really love to try this on straight hair or a light blow-out! Anywho, here are a few other pics of my first attempt at the style!

And after taking these pics and posting a collage on IG … I proceeded to take it down and put it in a simple bun for bedtime!! LOL!!! I know ;)!! Anywho, the next morning I released the bun to do a little scalp massage with a hair thickening product that I’m trying (IF you follow me on FB, IG or Twitter, you probably already know what that is ;). If you don’t, you’ll have to wait until next week to discover what it is ;)). And this is what my hair looked like yesterday morning before I promptly and quickly bunned it with a hair fork for work, because I didn’t have time to try to do the style again!

 

 

I <3 ♥<3 ♥<3 ♥<3 big hair! Too bad I had to put it away! Actually, I can’t stand all this hair around my face during work. It’s too distracting. But, maybe this weekend she can come out and play ;)!

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So, have you tried any new styles lately? Are there any techniques that you are trying to master or learn?

Nov28

Final GOC Update: Madison (#38)

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Once again, I have to start out a post with an apology because I am absolutely horrible at giving updates. I’ve just been busy with school and now midterms have kicked in, so I’m trying my best to juggle everything.

Hair
My routine is a little different now. I did go ahead and get those ends trimmed n July and my hair really thanked me for it. It was much easier to manage and detangle, even though it barely looked shorter. My stylist gave me a dry Deva cut and I loved it.


March 2012


September 2012

She used Mixed Chicks to style it, which left my hair kinda dry. I went back to Shea Moisture. This time I’m using the African Black Soap Shampoo because I had some dandruff issues (it cleared it right up!), the Raw Shea Restorative Conditioner, the Anti Breakage Mask and the Coconut & Hibiscus and Anti-Breakage Milks. I got most of these in a CVS BOGO sale. They all work much better than the Curling Souffle and the Raw Shea Mask did for me. I also tried the beloved Curl Enhancing Smoothie a million different ways and I couldn’t find a single way that worked for me, so I had to return it.

I also bought some Curl Junkie in a CurlMart sale: the Cleansing Conditioner, Smoothing Conditioner, Smoothing Lotion, Curl Rehab and Curls in a Bottle. I love the Smoothing Lotion and Curls in a Bottle – they have become my HG leave-in and finisher. They’re on the pricey side for my budget, but a little goes a long way and my hair appreciates the love. The Smoothing Conditioner worked as well as the Shea Moisture Conditioner, so I probably won’t repurchase if it’s not on sale. The Cleansing Conditioner works well, but I’m sure I can find a cheaper co-wash. The Curl Rehab was okay, but I want to try the Banana & Hibiscus DC to compare.

I’ve also had a lot of success with homemade DCs. I blend a mixture of avocado, banana, plain yogurt, coconut milk, honey (or molasses) and oils (not all in one mix; just depending on what I have). Then, I sit under a heat cap for about an hour and then wash and condition as usual.

As far as styling goes, I tried to do more twist outs, but they didn’t look right to me. I guess practice makes perfect. I revisited the Argan Eco Styler Gel with the CJ Smoothing Lotion under it and really liked it! Much softer and no flakes, which I would get after day 3 with KCCC. I also did a lot of buns with the SM Milks.

The biggest change has been that I have become a sports anchor for my campus’s nightly newscast, so I decided to get my hair professionally flat-ironed. I would have liked to wear my curls, but I don’t know them well enough to where I can rely on a particular style or method so that my hair will look great on camera. Last month, I went to a place where I got it flat ironed and it turned out well, but the stylist was so rough with my hair. My scalp was a little sore from the pulling. I also felt uncomfortable with the use of a pressing comb and flat iron rather than just a flat iron. I like to know exactly what temperature is being used. On the bright side, I was able to keep it straight for a little over a month without reapplying heat! Yesterday I went to a new salon to which I will be returning. For about the same price, I got an all-natural deep condition with a steam treatment and the stylist blow dried and flat-ironed my entire head in 35 minutes. That has never happened to me in my entire life. She was gentler and only used natural products. In the end, it looked just as good, if not better, than the other salon’s, so that will be my go to salon for straight styling from now on.

♦

Check out Madison’s other GOC-The Sequel posts here:

Initial Submission
May Update

Nov27

Final GOC Update: Cassandra (#26)

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Hair
Wow. First, I wanted to thank you all for all of the kind comments throughout this six month challenge. I have learned so much about taking care of my hair from viewing Shelli’s site and the results don’t lie. My hair when straightened is about an inch short of BSL and shoulder length when curly. My edges has filled in more with daily use of my Castor Oil oil blend and I expect it to grow more. I’m still following the Curly Girl method and have a set regimen in place, which might be modified with the upcoming cold weather. If anyone has a CG-friendly moisturizer, please let me know. I’ve reached my hair goal and will be looking into finding more styling options other than WNG or Two-strand twists.

Health & Fitness
Overall, the weight loss journey hasn’t gone as well, but I’m ready to continue the challenge on my own. Since my hair is at a length that I am comfortable with now, I can focus more on losing weight. I didn’t make my 20 lbs weight loss goal, but I have lost a lot of inches. Even though I didn’t make my goal, I am still planning on purchasing the Garmin FR70 Fitness Watch with Heart-Rate Monitor. I will continue doing the Supreme 90 DVD, but I’m thinking of buying the Turbo Fire DVD to increase the workout complexity.

♦

To read Cassandra’s GOC journey from the very beginning, check out these posts:

Initial Submission
April Update
May Update
June/July Update

Nov26

Single Flat-Twisted Bun

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How frickin’ pretty is this? And, it looks kind of simple! I think it’s a two strand flat twist that stops around the nape and the remaining hair is twirled and “folded” into a bun. So, I had saved this pic to share on IG when one of our Hairscapades Bunning Challenge ladies, @Chelle32675 , posted THIS pic!!

I was like, “Are you kidding me?!?!” How awesomely serendipitous is that?!! And guess what? It gets even better! She didn’t see the pic I was planning to share, she watched this YouTube tutorial!

via Beauty by Lee (aka liquidlinerlover)

One thing that you may have noticed is that the bun is rolled under the flat twist, outwards toward the ear in the first pic. In Chelle’s pic and the tutorial, it is coiled on the opposite side, inward and over the flat twist. The cool thing is that this is a style that can be modified and worn on different length hair! It may look slightly different when done on short versus medium length versus long hair, but it looks lovely on every lady, I think.

Now, if I would get off of this computer and hop in the shower to wash this mop, I might be able to set my hair in a braid-out so that I can try to do this bun tomorrow morning! Hmmm … that may be an aggressive timeline … maybe tomorrow night! lol ;)!

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What do you think of this “Twisted Bun?”

Nov26

Bunning Challenge: Week Two Recap

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Last week was a short work week for me, but it involved a couple of road trips! First, Wei and I spent Thanksgiving at his cousin’s in the Poughkeepsie, NY area and then on Friday, we hit the road to south Jersey to visit my parents. On Saturday, we visited my grandmother, who lives about 30 minutes from my parents in south Jersey. Then, we finally hit the road home from there. I really should have taken more pics of the fam. Even brought the camera. It never made it out of my suitcase. So, all you get is a few phone photos!

This was a work day bun. Can’t remember if I wore it one day or two. It’s a simple roll and tuck bun. I know those flowers didn’t make it out of the door as they didn’t match my outfit. Instead, I wore a silver hair stick.

Prepping for my Thanksgiving Day big bun. My ponytail was too floppy and flat from being bunned since the prior Thursday. So, I spritzed it with a mix of water, Aubrey Honeysuckle Rose conditioner and AVJ to “pump up the volume.”


My Thanksgiving Day big bun. And, guess what?!?! I didn’t use a banana clip!! LOL! I just used a Goody Ouchless elastic and a few bobby and hair pins.

The spread!! Everything was soooo delicious!! We had turkey (of course), turnips, greens, rice and beans, macaroni and cheese, sweet potatoes and … brussel sprouts. Okay, can I tell you how I’ve despised brussel sprouts since I was a little girl. Little, nasty, mushy cabbages. My mom used to force us to eat one or two saying, “I know that they’re nasty, but they’re good for you.” And, for some reason, they’ve been serving them a lot as of late in the cafeteria at my job!! I just give them the gas face! But, these looked kind of good! And, I actually tried a couple!! And, they were good … though the peppercorn that I bit almost had me running scared of the veggies as I do NOT like super spicy food!! Turned out, Wei’s cousin added them because, “They look pretty.” LOL!! Anywho, I ate sooo much that I must have been at least 5 pounds heavier than I was in that first pic that was taken before we ate!! And, on another note, this was the first time I met most of the this side of Wei’s family and they were all AWESOME! I really enjoyed spending time with his cousins and especially the “little cuzzos” as he calls them ;). They were such good kids and so welcoming. It was really a fun time :)!

Okay, so this is a bad picture of my Saturday bun and that’s my mom’s freshly straightened hair in the foreground of the picture. My mom, dad, youngest sister, paternal grandmother, niece, middle sister’s dog and my parent’s dog were all present. But, again, no pics. I know!! Bad Shelli!! Anywho, on Friday night, we chilled, watched a marathon of “Say Yes to the Dress – Bridesmaid Edition” and Wei and I got hassled about when we were getting married and what type of wedding and my niece wanted to know if she could be a flower girl and my sister told her that she was too old and big and then my niece said she’d be a junior bride. Gotta tell you, watching that show reinforced my resolve not to have a big wedding. Them chicks CUR-RAZY!! Uh-uh. I ain’t got no time for that madness. Mind you, I know that my friends and sisters would never behave like them chicks. Seriously, I don’t understand how some of those women were even friends. I want to believe it’s just for the camera … but I know it isn’t. One chick’s sister was out of her mind … I really think she was a little slow … that girl was trying to wear a tiara and veil at her sister’s wedding! Said that “accessories” would make her feel special!! And, though they got her to take off the veil, chick kept coming out in bridesmaid dresses wearing the tiara. See for yourself here!! That chick straight-up CRAY-CRAY!

Okay, let me wrap this up. I stuffed myself some more on Saturday night when we got home with leftovers from my mom!

I need a detox man … ‘cuz I didn’t even take pictures of the desserts that I’ve been eating like a fool! But seriously, I’m on a mission to get a Vitamix blender for Christmas! Just gonna try to get everyone to give me Amazon GCs that I can use towards purchasing one!! ‘Cuz, I don’t know if you know, but I looked it up last week and that joker is EXPENSIVE!! Like, $400-$500 expensive!! Whew!!! (Hmmm … wonder if I could get them to gift me one for a wanna be bride weight loss challenge 😉 … ??!?! *lol*)

Alright, that’s it. I’m out. No wash day news or new buns, because I’m still sitting in the pre-poo that I applied yesterday afternoon!

Lata Gatas!!

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How was your Thanksgiving Week?

And, to my Hairscapades Bunning Challenge ladies, how’s it going?

Nov21

Save the Snow fo’ “Outdowrs”: Avoiding the Dreaded White Flakes

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Get it?!?!?! Like, “Save the drama fo’ yo’ mamma?” Anybody? Anybody? No? Alright, moving along. LOL!! So, I had to do this quick post to share a video that I just found via DiscoveringNatural.com. You see, I’ve often been asked or seen the question, “I get flakes when I apply [insert product names, usually leave-in, gel and/or styler]. How do I avoid that?” Well, I always mix the moisturizing styler and gel together in my palm first  (creamy product first, then gel) to make certain that they will blend together easily and smoothly. If they don’t and the mix looks like this …

Yeahhhhhhh, that’s gonna be a problem. Big chunks or “snowflakes” are prettttty good signs that the combo is no bueno and will leave me looking like I’m in serious need of some Head & Shoulders. #Ineverknewyouhaddandruff

So, without further ado, here is the video that demonstrates exactly what I mean!!

via TheCreativeLady

To learn more, check out Discovering Natural’s post, Hair Chemistry: Will These Products Mix Together?, where she experiments with several gel and moisturizer combos to find out which ones blend the best!!

And save the snow for where it belongs …

Ahhhh, miss BoyzIIMen and En Vogue!! What happened to talented R&B groups?

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What product combos have you found to be disastrous? Which ones are a match made in heaven?
Sharing is caring!!

Nov21

Final GOC Update: Gina (#40)

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Hair
Clearly i’m not good at updating *lol*. So I did end up getting my hair trimmed by Tameeka of Jadded Tresses. Came out great and now I think I can appreciate the power of a good trim. I’ve been keeping my hair in updos once I realized that I had enough hair to do so *lol*. Between that and twist-outs, I’ve been going with the flow of this grow out challenge. I kept up the regimen for the most part.

The product junkie in me got to try out Wen and fell in love with it. The shedding minimized some, but was still ongoing. I believe I figured out why!!!! My town has hard water and I’m sure that’s the cause of all this mess. So, I will be purchasing the Aquasauna shower filter that Shelli posted last year. My edges thinned a little, so I have been using JBCO even more than usual.

Overall I almost got to my goal of being able to have my hair touch the tip of my nose. So I’m happy! I’m where I wanted to be at my one year Nappyversary. I do see the growth and have paid even more attention to what my hair likes and doesn’t like.


Left: March; Right: September

I’m also scaling down on the amount of the different products I keep buying and trying. ETA: But, Gina FINALLY got a CurlBox subscription this past Friday after trying for MONTHS! PJ Powers Activate!!

My greatest accomplishment … wait for it……I made a puff!!!!! *LOL* My girlfriend, Monet, and Shelli kept reassuring me that I had enough length to make one, but I wasn’t trying to hear it *lol*!! Whoooppwhooppp Praise God!

Reward!!! Lol! I’m prioritizing and buying the filter instead of my Huetiful steamer. I’ll just get that for myself for the holidays *lol*!

Health & Fitness
Maintained my weight 🙂

Pray for me ladies! Smooches & God Bless!

♦

Want to see how far Gina’s come in a year? Check out her Big Chop Hairstory here!

And check out the rest of her GOC – The Sequel posts here:

Initial Submission
April Update
May/June Update