Monthly Archives: February 2013

Feb28

Nike Studio Wrap Pack: Yea or Nay?

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So, I’m a big fan of hot yoga. Started doing it in 2011, fell in love, bought a whole bunch of classes on sale, fell off, and just started going again this past Sunday after a long “hiatus.” Anywho, my sister (Shana again ;)) posted the pic on the above left on IG today. At first, I was like, “Nah. That looks like too much work.”

However, being the curious person I am, I had to investigate further. I found the following review post on RenewedFitness.org: The New Nike Studio Wrap and in it was this video:

via Wendy Lam


Hmmm … the wraps are not necessary? Maybe I spoke too soon …

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And they come with a wash bag too …

nike_studiowrap_laydown_14881FRICK!! Now I want a pair!!!

But, these jokers are $110 on Nike Store! So … playing the waiting game for the sissy to tell me when they are at the Nike Factory store at the outlets ;). The cover flat is more of a summer shoe anyway ;).

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Any other “Hot Yogis” out there? If so, whaddaya think? Would you give the Nike Studio Wrap a whirl?

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Feb27

Wash Day Shenanigans

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My sister tagged me on this pic on IG …Washday

crying-with-laughter

That’s a Bible in the front y’all!! You know sometimes we have to call his name when we’re trying to detangle this mess! “JESUS!!”

And before you start talking about the broccoli, pudding, chocolate sauce …

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#realtalk #truestory #truth #Imjustsayin

LOL!!

Feb27

Dry TnC with Small Perm Rods

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I was going to call this, “Curly ‘Fro: Take Two” (see “take one” here). However, this time it reeeeeally looked nothing like a ‘fro and turned out very similar to my old Twist n’ Curl (TnC) … so, yeah.

Anywho, as you know, last week I attended the CurlyNikki Curl Power Event. I decided that I wanted to try a hybrid of the MahoganyCurls and PGneiicey methods of creating a curly ‘fro.

I hit Sally’s on Tuesday night for more perm rods. My intent originally was to get more grey rods as I thought that I might not have enough. Instead, when I got to Sally’s, I saw the slightly larger pink ones and decided to get those as I wanted bigger hair than I achieved the last time. And, get this, the perm rods were on sale 2 for $3!!!!

CF_permrodsThe rods on the right are shorter, although the labeling is no different.
I got the shorter ones for my front as they only had 3 bags of the longer rods.

Once I got home, I got to work:

  • Started with dry hair that had been in twists for a day and a twist-out for a day.
  • Finger detangled dry hair in about 10 sections with my coconut oil whip. Y’all … this part took FOREVER, mostly because of my nape area which has been knotting and tangling badly :(. Once I detangled each section, I twisted it.
  • Starting from the back and moving forward, I applied a dab of Shea Moisture Raw Shea Restorative Conditioner and a dab of Eco Styler Olive Oil Gel to a small sections.

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  • Then, I twisted to about halfway down the length of my hair and set the whole length on a perm rod wrapped in end paper (the end paper prevents my hair from snagging and tearing out when the rods are removed).

All set and concerned ... "Please don't let me look like Soul Glo!!!"CF7CF10

  • I used a total of 28 rods, so only 2 1/3 bags of rods, to set my hair and it took THREE HOURS!! Ughhhh!!

As y’all know, as I was applying the product, my hair was looking soooo stringy. I had a flashback on CurlyNikki’s WnG experience with it. Remember that? If not, see here. F’reals … I was definitely afraid that I would end up looking like Randy Watson!!

randy-watson-sexual-chocolate-coming-to-america-thumb-473xauto-9693

Fortunately, all was right with the world when I removed the rollers and released the twists the next day :). So, here is the tale in pics and the final results.

(Click pics to enlarge and read full captions.)

Dry hair prior to detangling.
You can see the texture difference in this shot.
The back.
Encountered several of these horrid tangles and knots.
After I finished dry detangling with my coconut oil whip.
All set and concerned … “Please don’t let me look like Soul Glo!!!”
Released from rods, but still twisted.
Another angle.
The back.
That face is one of RELIEF!! Untwisted but not separated further.
WHEW!!!

So, I was very pleased, even though my hair didn’t end up being as big as I would have liked. I was really surprised at how soft of a set the Eco Styler Olive Oil gel provided!! I’ll be trying this again, but on damp hair with the smaller grey rods. But I won’t be doing that for a minute as my hair really needs a break from being worn down. The cold winter and all this friction from rubbing against my coat and clothes has been doing a number on my nape and I ain’t got time for all of that.

Oh, and as to day 2 hair? Well, I twisted it into four big twists on Wednesday night, so those Shirley Temple like curls didn’t last long. I had bigger waves … but, you know, I was feeling it!!

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Do you use Eco Styler Gel for styling? Which one is your favorite? How do you use them?

Feb26

Curly Nikki and Dark & Lovely Curl Power Event Recap

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I know, I know! This is overdue! LOL!! But, it’s been a work in progress over the last several days. The work wasn’t writing it … it was getting all the pics onto my computer (camera … which died at the event and cell phone), then re-sizing them and deciding which ones to include! As you see … I didn’t make much of a decision! I’m sharing almost all of them!! LOL!!

On to the night!! CurlyNikki sent me an early invite for VIP access to the media event prior to the meet-up. So, my sister Shana, Wei and I got there at 5 to find a swanky space, hors d’oeuvres, drinks, music, natural models, Dark & Lovely stylist booths, a green screen photo area, media and lots of lovely naturals. But, because it was early, we were able to easily move around, get seats, get pics with fellow bloggers and see Marsha Ambrosius’s arrival!! I even got to ask Marsha a couple of questions and record her!!! But, I need a space upgrade to load it here … so, you’ll just have to read my recap of it ;)!! LOL!! So, her hair was so fly, big, lush, wavy … I had to ask how it was styled. She said it was sectioned into about 8 and set into Bantu knots with a small amount of the Dark and Lovely Au Naturale pomade gel product!! I also had to say how much I loved her accent and she said that American accents are loved in England! Who knew?!?! LOL!!

Anywho, the event overall was so awesome!! Definitely the best CurlyNikki NYC event that I’ve attended!! The music, the food, the open bar (neither of which I partook in … I don’t drink and y’all know I’m working on this weight thing ;)), the whole thing was just so much fun!!

And with that … check out the view!!

(Click pics to see full-size and read captions!)

My new Kate Spade dress (Marshall’s), acquired specifically for this event and an emergency splurge as by butt was too big to fit in anything decent from my closet!! LOL! Oh and old Bandolino shoes!
NOT Sexual Chocolate hair!! LOL!!
Me and one of my road dogs, Shana.
Shana and Michelle of Radiant Brown Beauty
Shanti of Around the Way Curls
SHANTI!!! She’s so pretty!!
Giving face!! He had to try this a couple of times before he could keep a straight face!!
The fabulous Nicole Melton of Essence!!
The lovely Dark and … well … Lovely (lol) models. The pic does not do the hair on the left justice. It was AMAZE-A-BALLS!!
More gorgeous models.
MARSHA AMBROSIUS EVERYONE!! She was so sweet.
Marsha and Nikki smiling for the cameras ;).
The D&L Au Naturale commercial.
Gaye aka GGMadeIt aka Sweetdk1!!
Let’s get this party started!! (Okay totally snagged this pic from Tameeka’s FB page! Thanks Tameeka ;)!)
Do you remember the fab Jessica from the last CN NYC meet-up?
Her hair is growing so much!! And Tameeka hooked her up with some highlights!!
So LUSH!!!
It’s Miss Rizos!!
Check out her FAB nails!! I’m not a nail polish person, but LOVE this!!
I want her hair!! Gimmee some!!!
Shana and Nikki
You know who it is. lol
Laree … She had me dying laughing!!
Sharon and me!!
Sharon and my sis.
She did Toia B’s Twisted Frohawk w/Pompadour that was featured on CurlyNikki a little while ago!
The fabuloius Tameeka aka Jaded Tresses aka The Curl Whisperer.
She is SOFISTAFUNKING!! Fab!!
One of my favorite people, Michelle!!
Princess Linz!!! Such a sweetie!!
Sade of 1GirlBoutique!
Sade and her friends!!
It’s Kira (daughter of Michelle of Radiant Brown Beauty) getting her hair did by the D&L stylist.
The DJ with the mostest!
Shana with the banging DJ, Amanda Diva!
Me and my sweetie, Wei!!
Y’all. My baby was on it. He got TWO gift bags of 6 FULL-SIZE D&L Au Natural Products (Shana got the other one).
The thing is … Anti-Shrinkage? Y’all know I ain’t ’bout that life ;)!!
So yeah ….
I’m thinking, …
Giveaway? …. Stay tuned!!
Feb24

28 Day Fitness Challenge: Days 1-7

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day2Day 1 and Day 2

Not much in ways of mileage, but I am trying to build my endurance back up and work out the kinks muscle tightness. Did 25 min of walking and 5 minutes of jogging on Monday. On Tuesday, I did 7.5 minutes of jogging (five 1.5 min. jog/1.5 min. walk intervals).

day3Day 3

12 minute Kettlebell Full Body Blast with Lauren Brooks. I went to south Jersey on Tuesday night for the funeral for a member of my church family (RIP NaNa). But, I took my kettlebell and DVD with me. Couldn’t be missing days already. But yeah, 12 minutes. That’s all. Kicked my butt. My legs were sore immediately and the rest of the week. 

day4Day 4

Did five 1.5 min jog/run intervals again. I  increased my speed in last jog interval. But, I didn’t pick up any distance or burn any more calories than Tuesday. I think this was because my warm up started off slower. My thighs were tight and SORE!!

day5Day 5

Did 20 minutes on the treadmill and 10 minute Abs of Steel. I passed out after work on Thursday night!!! Between a sore body from resuming working out and the long day Wednesday (funeral in south Jersey and the CurlyNikki meet-up in NYC), I was DONE!!

day6Day 6

Did my old 20 minute 300 Calorie Treadmill Routine. It wasn’t pretty. I had to reduce speed for last half as my heart was coming out of my chest. How far they have fallen!! Anywho, it’s still a great short workout!! Check it out via the prior link, if you’re interested in a quick workout for those days you don’t have a lot of time! Also, a lot of people complained in the comments of the Fitness mag post that their treadmill only said they burned 160 or so cals. The treadmill can’t calculate calorie burn from interval training. It also is not accurate as there are various factors (sex, weight, height, muscle mass, metabolic rate, etc.) that are needed to accurately determine the number of cals an individual will burn with any given exercise. So, the 300 isn’t necessarily accurate either. These things rely upon averages and are not exact. If you’re not “average,” then they are just estimates.

day7Day 7

75 minutes of hot yoga (Vinyasa Flow) with my fave instructor, Colleen, at Younique Yoga. I didn’t do too badly even though I’m out of shape and haven’t been in forever!! I was even able to do a headstand and did it again when I got home!! It’s not perfect, but it’s a start!!

It’s been a pretty good week for my diet as well. I ate a little WAY too much granola yesterday, but everything I’ve eaten has been healthy. I’ve planned my meals for the most part, have been eating fruit, veggies, low fat/zero fat Greek yogurt, walnuts and have been drinking lots of water. I reduced my coffee from three cups a day to one cup in the morning to jump start me for working out (well, except Friday, when I needed a second cup!). Oh, and I’ve been getting in bed by 11 pm and waking up at 5:30 am to exercise in the morning prior to work!

And now, it’s time to hit the shower and clean this body and wash this hair (pre-poo has been “marinating” since yesterday!).

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Okay, how did you ladies who “signed up” for the 28 Day Fitness Challenge do week one? 

As for week 2, LET’S GET IT!!

Feb23

Far From Perfect

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tangles_straightpieces_breakageTangles, straight pieces, breakage, OH MY!!

These are pics of my hair that I took this past week. I share this just to show that my hair is far from perfect. I have fine strands that tangle and break, especially in the back where the finest, curliest and kinkiest (meaning it has a torque in addition to a curl)  hair meets the straightest strands :/.

I wish I could say that I was one of those lucky ladies with thick, hardy strands, who only see full length shed hairs on the bathroom floor, sink and shower. I’m not. I see short, shed and broken strands whenever I detangle my hair, even when I try to be as slow, gentle and careful as possible.

However, even though my hair breaks (this piece in the front though?! I was like, “What the hizzay happened HERE?!?”), I am still able to retain decent length and my hair looks and feels healthy overall. So, just wanted to share that you can retain length, even with fine strands and a little breakage. So, don’t get discouraged, though I know it can be frustrating (been there … stay there sometimes), because everyone’s hair isn’t perfect … especially  not mine!! And, you know what? It doesn’t have to be to still be beautiful!! 😉

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#thatisall

 

Feb22

Whew!!

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I wasn’t Sexual Chocolate!! LOL!! Just coming on here very quickly to share the results of the set from the other day for my ladies who don’t follow Hairscapades on Facebook or Instagram and were anxiously awaiting an update ;)! I’ll be posting more pics and details about the set and the Curly Nikki Curl Power event this weekend! So, stay tuned!!

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HAPPY FRIDAY!!

Feb18

A 28 Day Health & Fitness Challenge

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28dayfitnesschallenge_before Top left: August 2011; Bottom left: June 2012; Right: January 2013

Okay, it’s beyond out of control now. I’m really depressed about my weight. I have no energy, am achy, struggle to get dressed every morning because nothing fits me, and am stressed about life in general. I have picked up so much weight over the last year and weigh the most I probably ever have in my life. I really don’t know why I do this to myself *sigh*. I’m always back at the drawing board and I’m seriously trying to get married this year. And, I’m not shopping for dresses like this :(!

At the end of December/beginning of January, Christina of The Mane Objective wanted to collaborate on a MyFitness Pal Challenge. But, I just couldn’t get it together.  Now, the situation is even worse than it was then. That being said, I started a personal 28 day challenge this morning. I did this last year and called it Project Scale Down. I did pretty well, though I think I missed 2 days in the 28? Anywho, the challenge is to do at least 10 minutes of exercise every day. This morning, I got up and did 30 minutes on the treadmill before the work. Wei got up too and jumped rope while I walked/jogged (only 5 minutes of barely jogging though). I’m trying to start exercising in the morning as I’m always so exhausted and drained (mentally and physically) after work. So, Wei has said that he is going to help me by needling me in the morning. I really hate that … I kind of get ticked. But, I need it as I am not a person who likes to work out in the morning. That being said, this means I also need to get in bed at a reasonable time if I’m going to be waking up at 5:30 am to start working out by 6. Therefore, 11 pm is my cut-off at night.

So, I will be training with kettlebell, C25K treadmill, the Biggest Loser Cardio Max, maybe the Brazil Butt Lift (BBL) DVD series, and Tamilee Webb’s Abs of Steel. Oh! And hot yoga!! I am pseudo watching The Biggest Loser again … but I am not feeling this season, which bums me out as I was excited for Jillian’s return. OH!! But, I might be able to watch it for Francelina alone!! OMGosh, have you seen her HAIR?!?!?!

francelina-morilloLOOK at it!! *drool*

Y’all, I couldn’t stop bugging over her hair last week!!! Seriously, if she makes it to the makeover show and they straighten it ?!?! …. Oh, who am I kidding?!? If I had that much hair and someone was offering to straighten it for FREE?!?! Yeah, I’d be all over that. But, I’m sayin’ son!! She better make certain they use a heat protectant and low heat!!!! *lol*

Alright, back to the point of this post. So yeah, 28 day challenge. 10 minutes of exercise a day. And, I hit the grocery store tonight to stock up on my necessities (fresh fruit, frozen veggies, Lean Cuisines, almond milk, organic baby food, Fage Geek yogurt and some pseudo health granola and light popcorn for the snack attacks that I know are coming!!). Oh, and my job is sponsoring this new Health and Wellness initiative hosted by this site called Keas! It’s like a health Facebook page! It’s kind of wild. You can set personal challenges there, which include exercise, nutrition and stress reduction. You can also post status updates, pics, take quizzes and complete challenges to earn points towards “rewards.” It’s been going on a couple of weeks now, but I really just got started in the last few days and am still figuring everything out.

Okay, let me wrap this up as I haven’t eaten dinner yet and it’s almost 10 pm!! So, the last time that I really did this, I posted a brief work-out update after I completed my scheduled exercise plan each day. However, I don’t think I’m going to do that this time around as blogging is part of my problem. So, I’ll just periodically update you as I have in the past, as part of other posts.

2/19/13 ETA: I changed my mind. I am going to post updates daily!! But, they will be quick ones on Instagram with the hashtag, #28DayFitnessChallenge … I’d add Hairscapades, but it’s already too long ;). So, if you’re interested, play along and/or follow my progress on IG at @Hairscapades! 

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Any of you ladies want to join me in this challenge? You know studies show that those who get fit in groups stay motivated and lose more weight ;)!! 

Feb18

Happy Presidents’ Day!

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In honor of Presidents’ Day, have to share just about the funniest Presidents’ Day commercial that I’ve ever seen! Abe and George have never been so cool!!

“BLUETOOTH!”

Oh, and here’s another President for you. Kid President!! I’m really digging his message and agenda ;)!!

“Not cool Robert Frost.”

“I’m Shelli of Hairscapades and I approve this message.”

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Hope you all had a great day!!