I Finally Found It...

Yay....I found it....I finally found it....I found the Satin Covered Rollers today at CVS....Its Sponge Rollers Covered in Satin...Most of you know I have been looking everywhere .....I found it a the CVS a little further from my house...And it came with a free Hair Wrap....

Quick Look On Tonights Hair Routine

So quick run down on my hair......

After running a couple of miles on the treadmill and walking 1 mile ( I ended up working out at home because I couldn't get to the gym or track..Something is better than nothing).....I applied my deep conditioner...I mixed my GVP Conditioning Balm with melted Shea butter and coconut oil...Covered in plastic cap ...And then did my crunches , lunges, and squats....I then sat under my heated cap for 20 mins....I jumped in the shower and rinsed then co-washed with GVP Tea Tree Conditioner....And my new growth is thanking me right now...hahahaha...

I can really tell a difference in my hair ...My hair feels so much stronger now especially when wet....I'm so glad that I decided to add more protein in my regimen...And the Aphogee 2 min reconstructor as been heaven sent.....Now I'm going to back up off the protein just a little so that I don't end up with a protein overload...

Thanks For Being My Inspiration

Whew !!!!! Well I made myself get on the treadmill and I made myself deep condition right now....Honestly I have been doing a lot of making myself..Its so hard lately....Any Mother that has 3 or more kids can tell you its so hard to do anything for yourself...After doing home studies with one child, homework with the others, dealing with 2 teenagers in the house ....Let me tell you having four boys in the house ..Its never a dull moment...Not to mention my responsibilities around the house like cooking , cleaning , washing and my wifely 'Duties'.....By the end of the day I'm just tired....So then comes the make myself do something for myself...This is why so many mothers look up one day and find they have let themselves go.....

I wanted to say thank you to all of that constantly send me positive messages on my blog and by email....This is what keeps me going...Because I know all of you have faith in me and are watching me, cheering me on ..Gives me that extra push to keep going....It seems like whenever I get to the point where I'm ready to say forget it...That's when I get those emails that tell me to keep going and how I'm making a difference...

Thanks all of you for being my Inspiration...

Traycee

Bye Bye Shampoo

I have gotten way to many emails about this bonners soap...Even though I have the mixture posted everywhere....So I made a video...I hope this helps all my beginners..

Random....New Bangs

OK so ....It doesn't get very cold here in So. California....So I have been able to do my regular hair regimen....But let me tell you this past couple of days ...It has been cold....I know what we consider cold here is a joke to most of you but...Its cold enough to me....So I skipped my co-wash on Monday because it was just too cold ...I have just been spritzing my new growth with my Aloe Vera Juice Mix and moisturizing and bunning for the week...I'm going to make myself co-wash and deep condition today.....

I fallen in love again with bunning...Over the weekend I cut my bangs really short..So that I can have that certain look....It looks really cute with buns and pony tails...The best part about my bangs is that I only cut a very thin section of bangs....So as you can see in my pictures lately I can wear bangs....Or blend them in with the rest of my hair...These are just a couple of quick pics I took with my web cam

Don't Be Afraid To Do You

Well I changed the background color from red to white...Because I got a few emails saying that it was hard to read...So I changed it...

I'm sitting here trying to get mentally ready for the gym if that's even possible....I know as soon as the Hubby gets here he will be ready to roll....

I was talking to someone today who colored their hair and now has to listen to everyones opinion about it...

And its so funny because everyone always has opinion....And people have no problem sharing it.....

I liked your hair better the other color

Your gaining weight..

You shouldn't lose anymore weight..

Why don't you wear make up?

Why do you wear make up?

People always have an opinion.....

Who Cares....Life is too short to try to spend it making everyone happy...And guess what you can't ....Its impossible..

Sad part is the closer the person is to you...The more they think they have a right to share their opinion even though they weren't asked....

And I never could understand how a co-worker or associate shares when not asked and they don't even know you like that...

So when making decisions that concern a new look ....Do what makes you happy..Especially if the opinions are not coming from a spouse....Be yourself....Some will love it...Some won't ....But who cares as long as you do...The people that matter will respect you for being your self

God Bless

Traycee

Foods That Help Weight Loss

Well I have lost a total of 12 pounds since the first of the year with only 5 more pounds to go.....I did this by dieting and working out....Here are a few of my favorite goodies that helped me with my weight loss...I can't put everything in one post...But more is coming



Lemons

Lemon juice with warm water every morning before eating stimulate your digestive system....

Squeezing lemons in your water or on your food..will help digestive system.

Having a healthy digestive system is key to losing weight..A bad digestive system stops your body from getting the nutrients it needs to burn fat and can cause build up of toxins in your body ...That causes fatigue and depression....

Lemons are rich in citric acid ....Adding even a little lemon juice can improve your digestion and lower the impact of any meal on your blood sugar

Lemons are also high in Vitamin C...Sprinkling lemons on your foods and in your water does wonders

Tomatoes

Yep tomatoes...Tomatoes are not filled with a gang of vitamins and minerals, but tomatoes are rich in vitamin C and beta-carotene and several other carotenoids, citricmalic-oxalic acids that help speed up ..metabolism

Asparagus

Contain asparagine which is an alkaloid that stimulates your kidneys
Alkaloids directly promotes the breaking down of fat by your cells and it helps to remove waste from your body by breaking up oxalic acid, acid tends to bond to fat cells

Carrots

Carrots contain Carotene which is Vitamin A, Carotene starts a fat flushing reaction in your body and speeds process that your body washes out fat and waste. When the carotene turn into vitamin A in your intestines it will create a boost in your metabolism.

Strawberries

And my favorite Strawberries...Not only taste good but are filled with....FIBER...and Vitamin C....We all know Fiber keeps us regular. It also contains potassium

In studies Strawberries have been proven:
To increase a hormone that stimulates your metabolism and suppress appetite ..Slow down digestion of starchy foods, and control sugar...

There is more to add to the list....But these are just a few for now...

Tip

Stop eating so fast..Slow down and enjoy your food... It takes your brain 20 minutes to realise that you’re full. Take your time eating and the chances of you overeat

Reader Mail

Reader Mail..

Reader:

Hi Traycee . You give a really good description of your regimen on your page. But, could you be more specific with your weekly schedule. Thanks in advance

My Response...

Sure....Right now I'm bunning through the week and wearing braid outs Fri-Sun....

Monday : Co Wash

Wed: Co Wash/Deep Condition

Friday: Wash Hair/ Deep Condition (Pre Poo the night b4)

Moisturize , seal ends , and rebun nightly...

Thats it !!!!

Neutrogena Triple Moisture Silk Touch Leave-In....

Well like promised I revisited the Neutrogena Triple Moisture Silk Touch Leave-In....Its been a while so here is the link to my original review...I didnt like it at all...I used it as a leave in to air dry and the final results were horrible.....Most of you said that the Silk touch is better used as a daily moisturizer not as a leave in conditioner..

So I tried it again...This time I used it how all of you said to do as a moisturizer...I lightly spritzed my hair with my Aloe Spritz, then applied the Silk Touch and sealed with my Omega Oil Mix, then put a little shea butter on my very ends....

And at the end of the day I was left with the softest bun...All of you were right!!!!

Final Review

LOVED IT AS A MOISTURIZER .....HATED IT AS A LEAVE IN CONDITIONER

My Hair This Weekend

1. So last night I washed my hair with my Dr.Bonners Magic Soap Diluted Mix...

2. It was time for some much needed protein...So I next used the Aphogee 2min Reconstructor.....I left on hair with heating cap for 5 mins...Rinsed....I love , love the way this stuff leaves my hair feeling stronger yet soft all at the same time...

3. Next I applied my moisturizing conditioner....I ALWAYS FOLLOW UP PROTEIN WITH MOISTURE......I was running low on my Nexxus Humetress so I used the rest of it by mixing it with my GVP version of the Matrix Conditioning Balm and Coconut oil.....I applied in small sections making sure I got all of my new growth covered....I deep conditioned with heating cap for 35 mins....My hair feels amazingly soft.....I love it...

4. For a leave ins.....I first applied Aphogee Pro Vitamin Leave In Conditioner....Next applied Herbel Essence Long Term RelationshipLeave In, Next GVP version of CHI Silk InFusion...Last few drop of oil to lock in all the good stuff...

5. I then de tangled my hair in small sections ..Spreading all the leave ins and oil through hair...I use my Beverly Hills Nylon Bristle Brush...

6. I last braided my hair in six plaits and added rollers on the ends...Covered in scarf...And ready for bed now...

Quick Overview...

Wash

Protein

Moisture Conditioner

Leave Ins and Oil

Detangle

Plait and Braid

Total Time : 1 hour
Half of that time was letting the deep conditioner stay on hair..

Next....

Here are a few pics of the final look....As you can tell using my normal products to air dry...I got a much neater braid out ....With a lot more waves..( Much nicer and neater with no frizz lookin braid out than the one I got experimenting with the Wave Nouveau..)

One Of The Things I Miss The Most...

There is one thing that I miss so much since I started my hair journey....And no not Flat Ironing...Not Blow drying or Heat at all...But Brushing...Yep Brushing

I remember I would go to the beauty supply store and find thee hardest bristle brush...I remember the way it would feel so good on the scalp....I remember having the slickest buns and pony tails....

Then I remember all the split ends it caused me ......And I the feeling passes..hahahaha

An Apple A Day.....

I always remember the old saying ... A apple a day keeps the Doctor away..Well I think that there is a lot of truth to that...I have been doing some reading on different fruits and other foods to see the vitamin and mineral benefits...And when I did the research on Apples ...The benefits was never ending...

Here are a few...

Benefits Of Eating Apples

Low Calories and fat
Rich in Fiber
Link to reducing certain types of cancer
Contains vitamins and minerals
High in Water
detoxifying effects
help lower harmful LDL cholesterol
raise beneficial HDL cholesterol
Help control weight gain
lower the risk of heart attacks and strokes
prevents constipation
appetite suppressant
Contains some iron and potassium...

Remember Say NO to Juice and YES to Fruit...Juice is has more sugar, water, and extra calories ..

I even found several articles that say eating 3 apples a day triggers weight loss...

I use to love apples...One of my favorite snacks were apples and peanut butter or apples and honey....

I'm going to starting eating apples daily and hopefully it will help....Lord knows I need the fiber..

Just thought I'd share

Wave Nouveau Review

So I finally tried the Wave Nouveau Moisturizing Lotion Well ..Uh....Where do I start ?? hahahaha.... I Co-Washed with GVP Tea Tree Conditioner from Sally's in the shower...Then applied my Leave In Conditioner ( HE Long Term Relationship Leave In) ..Applied the Wave Nouveau and last some oil..Air dried in 3 braided plaits..

The next morning I un braided my hair and...Well....I my hair wasn't really dry...But it wasn't as soft and moisturized as usual....

So I said I will give it one more try....I went to the fridge...Got my Aloe Vera Spritz then applied Silken Child Silk Moisturizer, I applied the Wave Nouvea again...A little oil and rebraided ..While I cooked

When I took the braids down again it was a lot better...But I had to use my Aloe Mix, and Silken Child Moisturizer to make it work ..It wasn't moisturizing enough to air dry and moisturize with on my 4b Relaxed Hair On the Plus Side.....It created a cute braid out...

Will I purchase again....NOPE...But I will use up the bottle....But it just wasn't moisturizing enough for me personally..



Wave Nouveau ( Hated It)

Just A Few Habits Of Mine

A Few Beauty Habits Of Mine...

• I always wash my face before working out...This allows toxins to flow through my pores clearly without clogging my pores causing acne or blemishes


• I always put Carmax or Blistex Chap stick on before going to bed...Got to keep soft lips


• I get the best moisturized skin when I moisturize immediately after getting out the shower..


• I love nose strips ( I have large pores in my nose)...Self explanatory


• Lavender Oil ...I add a few drops in my oils and skin and hair products...Last longer than a lot of my perfumes


• Always getting plenty of sleep


• Drinking plenty of water


• Learning to trust God in circumstances and learning how to stop stressing about things that hasn't happened yet....( Stress makes you age faster, hair shed, etc.)


• Never staying out the gym too long


• Never sleeping in makeup


• I remove eye make up with good ol Vaseline...I have sensitive eyes..


• I treat my body like a temple .....I don't fill it up with a lot harmful substances...

Getting Stronger

Update My Fitness


If I ever had to make myself blog...Tonight is one of those nights...I am so so tired and sleepy...But I made a commitment to blog almost daily so here I am.....





I had a extremely intense work out tonight and I'm feeling it now....I can do more now and I feel stronger in my workouts....Best part is I'm watching my mid area shrink....I just need to stay consistent at this point...



I'm about to get some really good sleep you guys...I then worked myself into a comma...hahahaha

Umberto Beverly Hills Nylon Bristle/201

So I haven't been using my Conair Color Brush for a while now....I have been de tangling with the Umberto Beverly Hills Nylon Brush and my good ol Jilbere Shower Comb.....And I've heard this brush is the secret to the perfect Blow out (even though I don't do this...hahaha)

This has got to be one of the gentlest brushes I have ever used in life....Its light weight ...I love the contour shape and how it is flat...And its the bristles are very flexible and bends easy...Doesn't snag because it just bends with your hair..

They Claim:

What makes them unique? The outstanding natural boar and nylon combination: Boar bristles smooth and add shine while distributing natural oils to the ends without pulling or tearing the hair. Plus, the nylon bristles provide added control and gently lift hair at the roots. In true Umberto Beverly Hills fashion, this easy-to-use collection has a slip-free carved wood handle that makes hair styling a cinch – for professional quality results at home. ($9.99 - $14.99)

Sold At Target

Blessing

When I woke up this morning...I was in bed alone... I went into the living room to find my Husband and my youngest son cuddled on the couch...And the warmest feeling of love over whelmed me when they both looked up at me with a smile....I have been truly blessed to be surrounded by so much love...God always sees us through

I have been truly blessed in so so many areas of my life...All 4 of my boys bring something special in my life...All of them have been sent to me to make me happy....And the Husband was just the icing on the cake....

I have spent my whole life watching my parents minister and sacrifice their lives to help others ....I wonder is that the reason why my Sister and I are so blessed....Or is it because of the adults that we have become ....

Reader Emails.....(Protein

Reader :

I read on your blog that you have become a pescatarian (congrats); and I was wondering if that affected your hair in anyway regarding protein levels. I've recently become a vegetarian (2 mos) and I'm thinking about maybe incorporating some protein based conditioners to my regi...I had some issues with protein a while back *picture my hair falling out in clumps*. I know you recently started using Aphogee products again do you think this could be the reason you are having success with those products? Just wondering, thanks for reading!

My Answer:

I get more protein now then I did when I was eating meats....I get large amounts of protein eating foods like lentils, beans, nuts, seeds, fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and soy products, avocado, tuna, salomn, and I drink low carb protein shakes..... I'm able to you use more protein now for my hair...Because I just finished the Deep Conditioning Challenge...Where I was deep conditioning several times a week , plus I added the Shea Butter several months ago and I added glycerin to my aloe vera mix...All this = over moisturized hair..So I added in protein to balance that....

Reader:

hey traycee,
i just recently incorporated 'aphogee 2 min reconstructor' into my regimen and I was wondering how long do you leave it in? See I know that it takes 15 minutes for protein to penetrate the shaft and the manufactor instructions says for the max five minutes; and if its a bit over ten minutes was your results compromised? thank you in advance for reading thisGod bless

My Answer:

"know that it takes 15 minutes for protein to penetrate the shaft "

THIS IS NOT ALWAYS TRUE !!!!!!!!!!

Certain types of conditioners are made to pentrate the hair shaft faster than normal conditioner...

1 important rule to always remember with protein conditioners ..IS FOLLOW THE DIRECTIONS.... Now the Aphogee 2 min Reconstructor is nothing to play with...This stuff really works in 5 mins or less... If the Aphogee 2 min Reconstructor is left on the hair for 15 mins....You will start experiencing some serious problems...Breakage etc.. Hope this helps

Randomish..

So I'm sitting under the heating cap with my GVP Conditioning Balm and Coconut Oil...Fighting to stay awake ....hahahaha....

Even though I have been craving more heat in my hair regimen...I'm going to resist the temptation just a little bit longer.....I'm going to have to if I'm going to hit Hip Length soon ...So I've joined the K.I.S.S. Tough Love Boot Camp 2009 with the ladies of K.I.S.S.....And for those of you that have checked it out know..You only get 1 heat pass a month.....So I'm may use my heat pass every month...I'm going to flat iron for Valentine's Day and the next heat pass will be used for my birthday in March...

Some one asked me today how my hair survives with all the manipulation I do..Because of the co-washing during the week....But the truth is I don't do much manipulation at all....I co-wash in the shower and only detangle with my fingers...I don't comb or detangle my hair at all unless its on shampoo day and that is after I deep condition...I will brush my edges when I wear buns and that's it....This is something that does not work for everyone...I have heard horror story's from ladies that attempted the Low Manipulation thing....But it works great for me and alot of other women

GVP ( Generic Version Products)

OK...So I tried the GVP ( Generic Version Product ) ....I used GVP Version of Paul Mitchell Tea Tree Special Conditioner for my co-wash last night ...and LOVED IT..Conditioner feels so good on the scalp and my hair was immediately so so soft...My new growth felt amazing..

So after co washing I then tried the GVP of Matrix Biolage Conditioning Balm..That's a keeper too...I ran that through my hair then added some coconut oil and deep conditioned with a heating cap for 20 mins ...Both are keepers ..I will be stocking up on both of these through out the sale this month

Now the GVP Version of Paul Mitchell The Cream Hair Styler and Leave In conditioner was another story....

I air dried with that and only my mega oil mix ....The next morning my hair was a little on the firm side...And I wasn't feeling that..I like my hair to always be soft to the touch...Would I say its crap???? Not at all.....It did give my hair a awesome shine...But its all wrong for my braid-outs...I do think it would be perfect for when I do my fancy updo's to give it hold and shine with out using hairspray or gel..

Sally's Having A Sale

So I hit up Sally's Sale today....They had GVP Shampoo's and Conditioners 2 for $ 10...So I bought 4 bottles of GVP Conditioners (Generic Value Products)

I bought (GVP) Version of Nexxus Humectress , Matrix Biolage Conditioning Balm , Paul Mitchell Tea Tree Special Conditioner

Oh and I bought their version of Paul Mitchell The Cream Leave-in Conditioner and Styler (That wasn't on sale)

So reviews are coming....I can't wait to see if their generic brands come close to the real thing...One thing I have noticed is that the ingredients are amazingly so close to being the same...

I plan to use the GVP Paul Mitchell Tea Tree Conditioner for co-washing and the Matriz Biolage and Nexxus Humectress for deep conditioning

So if I like them I will be back to stock up ...The sale last the whole month of Jan.....

Here are a few other things that are on sale...

Products like

• Biotera 2 for $10


• Hemp Hydrating shampoo or conditioner 2 for $10


• Mane n Tail 2 for $10


• Motions Foaming Lotion 2 for $ 7


• Proclaim Spray-On Glosser 2 for $12


• Silk Elements Luxury Moisturizing Shampoo and Conditioner 2 for $8


• Proclaim Spray-On Glosser 2 for $12


• Olive Oil Sheen Spray 2 for $8


• Wave Nouveau $4.99


• Caruso Steamer Setter Save $6 dollars off with coupon

The list goes on and on...

Real Solutions Moisture Recovery Intensive Leave-In Conditioner

So at the market yesterday I detoured down the hair aisle of course to read product labels....Well this one caught my eye ...Especially since it has Macadamia Oil in it...And you know that's one of my new favorite oils...
I'm co-washing tonight when I get home from my evening run and give this leave-in a try....I will post reviews tomorrow

Real Solutions Moisture Recovery Leave-In Hair Conditioner, with Hydrating Macadamia Nut Oil

It Claims ...

Repairs and strengthens damaged hair from root to tip.

Macadamia Nut Oil adds brilliant shine and protects against heat damage.

Rich with intensive moisturizing properties.

Provides superlative conditioning benefits.

Repairs dull, dehydrating hair.

Real Solutions products are designed to optimize their natural effect with the least planetary harm.

Formulated with Certified Organic Extracts, Real Solutions can improve hairs health with long-lasting results, naturally.

Before you ask .....I could not find the ingredients on google...I'm about to typing it out manually ....So your going to have to do your own research this time...

French Braids

So the hardest part in working out ....Is trying to figure out what to do with your hair everyday....
I think I figured out another style to put in rotation....Two side french braids....And after working out you can take them down and have nice pretty loose waves.....This time after working out...I unbraided both sides spritzed my scalp and hair (Spritz is Aloe Vera Juice, Glycerin ,Rose Water)...Moisturized and then sealed with my Omega Mix Oils....Rebraided my two french braids and then sealed my ends with Shea Butter...On Co-wash days I can co-wash then rebraid in my 2 french braids ..Since I work out almost daily...

I have the option of wearing the waves tomorrow or cute french braids...I do want to buy some cute ribbons to match my workout clothes instead of wearing the rollers to hold the ends of the braids....

My Favorite Cardio Machine

So I went to the gym with the Hubby this evening....I got a really really good workout in ...But I was not able to finish because I had to get back to the kids and feed them...I was though able to burn a total of 819 calories...

The key to losing weight is too burn more calories than you consume...

653 calories of the 819 calories burned were from doing a hour on the Elliptical Machine....Yes 653 calories....This is one of the reasons why I love the Elliptical Machine...

Elliptical machines can give the most in-shape trainee a intense work out .....Running burns more fat and tones more muscles than any other exercise.... That's why it is a favorite to so many... Elliptical machine is the only cardio machine that compares to running on the treadmills or outdoors....You can skip the running without feeling guilty...Its less impact on the legs and knees...And it is the perfect workout when running outdoors has your knees and legs in extreme pain and still get close to the same or the same results...
Elliptical Machine is a cross between stair climber and treadmill...It also has Pre course settings

My True Colors

I have been getting so many emails asking did I add highlights to my hair or have I colored it....Because the camera picks up highlights..No color...

Actually this is the first time in years I'm rockin my natural color ....My last wash out rinse was in last March .....When taking pics in doors the camera's don't pick up everything...

So I took a pic with out any products in my hair and outside to show my natural color...I always grew up hating my dirty brown hair....Discovering oils has help me keep my brown hair shiny....

Stronger Hair

Other than reaching Hip Length by End of Dec 09 ....My main goal this year is STRONGER and Thicker hair...

December last month I started adding in more protein into my hair regimen...And I'm surprised to see a difference in my hair already...My hair noticeably stronger...Yet so unbelievable soft..All at the same time...Its wonderful....In the past before my hair journey I would always end up with a protein overload....But I have learned to listen to my hair ...And I give my hair what it needs..So I have been able to keep the balance (Moisture & Protein)...My hair is really getting stronger and I am so happy about that.....

I have been using the Aphogee products listed below about 2x a month and still giving my hair moisture, moisture, moisture...

Aphogee 2 min Reconstructor

Aphogee Keratin Green Tea Restructurizer

ApHogee ProVitamin Leave-In Conditioner

***I do not use the 2 Step Aphogee Treatment (that hardens) I don't need it.....Hair is way too healthy for it****

I also did a oil mix ..That I call my OMEGA Mix ...Because its high in Omega Fats and high in Protein...

My Omega Mix
Olive Oil

Coconut Oil

Avocado Oil

Macadamia Oil

Tomorrow I Will Feel Better

So ....My husband took me to the track today ...And I struggled through our work out...I mean really struggled..If it wasnt for him fussing at me and pushin me through it I wouldnt have made it through it....

When we finally finished I was feeling so down because I want the strength back that I had before my surgery...And I know if I don't step up my work outs I won't make my goals...

Back in the car I just felt down..And the General was on me telling me that next week he is going to increase my workouts..That's its going to get easier....That its time for me to step it up...Which he is only doing because I asked him to do it...So he is training me like he would train anyone else...

Make matters worse... My Big Brother came over to keep a eye on the kids and when I get back I find out we had a small earth quake ( That I didn't feel Because I was running)....So I was already feeling down and now I feel even worse because I wasn't at home....

When I do something for myself guilt always finds its way in...I told the kids I was sorry I wasn't home for them....

So I have showered , co-washed and ate a small salad as a snack before bed...I'm going to say my prayers and go to sleep ...Tomorrows a new day !!!!

After Work Out Hair

So today I was supposed to go to the gym...But my Sons (Ant) Asthma...Interfered with that...All part of being a Mom...So instead of the whole day going to waste...After my Husband got off work...We went to the track and ran a quick 2 miles ....Something is better than nothing..

Tonight after my run ... I took a 4 ounce baby cup and filled it with Vo5 Moisture milks Strawberries and Cream
And added about 15 drops of peppermint oil ...Mixed well..

I jumped in the shower and rinsed hair...I ran the conditioner through scalp and hair and co-washed...It felt so so good...I rinsed and added more and let it sit on my hair while I bathe...I used the Dr.Bonner's Magic Soap ( Tea Tree) to shower..I don't dilute it for the body....

Let me tell you between the Peppermint and the Tea Tree and steam from the shower...My sinus's felt great, my scalp felt great, and so did my tight muscles...

I rinsed hair thoroughly before getting out the shower ....40 mins later my scalp is till tingling.Its so relaxing.. I'm going to sleep so good tonight...

After getting out the shower I applied Aussie Moist Conditioner and my oil mix to hair and braided hair in 5 braids w/rollers on the ends..

Tip

Co-washing after workouts is the perfect way to keep scalp clean and hair moisturized...Our hair gets damaged from working out....Only because the sweat is very drying and sweat also contains toxins from our body..So keeping the scalp and hair clean is very important in keeping hair healthy while getting in shape

I personally when working out daily will Co-wash every couple of days..And spritz scalp in between that after workouts

Jan' 09 ...Updates

For those that read my blog regularly ..Already got these updates

Nothing Comes With Out Work

Nothing comes with out work...You know the saying No Pain , No Gain...And its so true with every thing in life...I haven't been working as hard as I should ...But my girl Kenisha has inspired me to get busy....

I'm still petite because I work out and I monitor what I eat and even drink...I'm naturally thick from the waist down (Hips, & butt)...So I have to stay on top of it....I'm blessed to have a husband that can personally train me ..Which is truly a blessing...I work out because I promised myself that I would never let myself go....So I'm constantly on top of it.....Its never ending...You really have to make up your mind that its a lifestyle

If I can stay on top of it so can you......Keeping the weight on from child birth is a choice..I choose not to keep the weight....

I get so many compliments saying that I look good to have four kids ....Thank you...I know all of you wont understand ....

But telling a women she looks good for having kids....Is like telling a girl over weight that she has a "pretty face"...Said alone is a big compliment but put together with the other statement takes the compliment away...

Anyways I'm back on the grind...Goal is not weight loss but toning up ...Flatter tummy and adding more size/muscle to my legs...

I took a trip to the beach with the Hubby and we did about 3 miles of cardio ...Then did about 30 mins on the stairs....Then tonight ...I will be hitting the weights at the gym

Because of emails requesting that I share more of my workouts and diet ...I will start posting about fitness more often with video demonstrations

Another Caruso Set...Pic Heavy

The Hubby and I partied in Holly Wood last night to celebrate his cousins birthday...We had a ball...I danced my heart out...hahahaha...I did a Caruso Set for the night....

Steps

Shampooed with my Dr. Bonners Magic Soap Mix
Apple Cider Vinegar Rinse
Aphogee 2min Reconstructor (left on 5 mins)
Deep Conditioned with Aussie 3 min moisturizing conditioner mixed with Macadamia Oil (45 mins under dryer)
Applied Aphogee Keratin Reconstructorizing Spray then Aphogee Leave in..
Then Nexxus Humectress on top of that..
Last applied Aphogee Gloss Therapy Polisher

Air Dried hanging down loose for 1 hour
Then sat under dryer with hair hanging down loose for about 40 mins till hair was dry

Then did my Caruso Set using the largest rollers ...

It felt so guilt free to style my hair because I didn't blow dry it nor did I flat iron it ( No Direct Heat )...But the results came out really good..

Lookin Good Sis....

For those that aren't a member of K.I.S.S. do not know my Big Sis Shunell...She was one of the most supportive people when I started my hair care journey...She let me take on the responsibility of keeping her daughters hair healthy..( I have all boys and she has all girls)...And their hair is doing amazingly well...

It feel so good to for once give my Sis advice and it helps her...Because being the baby Sis...She has always gave me the helpful advice...So its a nice change....She has completely trusted me ..And it means the world to me....She started her own journey I want to say about June....

She went from shoulder length to almost BSL already....I'm so proud of her....

And They Said I Couldn't Do It

I remember telling a couple of my friends last year that I was going to grow my hair out to Waist-length...And I remember them looking at me crazy and cutting eyes at each other (like I didn't notice).....They didn't have to say it but they thought it was a joke....Everyone I told thought it was a joke.....But that was OK...Because one thing my Father taught me in life is if you want something ..To go get it...Not to let other peoples expectations effect my dreams and goals...If you allow others expectations of you effect you ...Then you will only be as small or big as the expectations others place on you...No one should have that much control over your life

Now that I have reached Waist Length it feels so good because I set a goal and reached it with hard work and dedication ...As most of you know I have now set the mark for Hip Length....And the doubts has started again...Hip Length is a huge goal ..but so was Waist Length hair...I have never had either one before..Hahahaha...But faith is a powerful thing...The mind has so much power ...

So I have set new goals for 2009 and its going to be so much fun trying to hit the mark...I really can't wait to see how long my hair can actually grow...

2009 Hair Goals

Stronger Hair

Healthier Ends

Hip Length Hair

Hair Steamers

OK...I want one....I will be purchasing this sometime this month...Steam is a way healthier choice over heat...This can be used for deep conditioning and coloring...The steam helps stimulate the scalp, improve blood circulation, prevent hair breakage and hair loss....Perfect for chemical treated or damaged hair...

Everyone raves about baby soft hair after using this....Anything that has to do with conditioning the hair gets my attention...Can't wait to order this

Great Hair Things In 2008

In no certain order...

The most important things that got me to waist length in 2008

Natural Oils...(Coconut , Avocado , Macadamia)
Esstenial Oils
RedKen SmoothDown Butter Treat
Aussie Moist Conditioner and 3 min miracles ( great Cheapie)
Herbal Essences Long Term Relationship Leave In Conditioner
Aphoghee 2 min Reconstructor, Keratin Reconstructorzing Spray, and Leave in
Elasta QP Mango Butter
Shea ButterVo5 Moisture Milks
Honey
Silken Child Silk Moisturizer
Aloe Vera Juice
Glycerin
Rosewater
Dr. Bonners Magic Soap

Supplements
Spritzing
Co Washing
Braid Outs
Pre Pooing
Satin Pillow Cases
Moisturizing and Sealing Ends at night
Staying away from heat
Protective styling
Keeping my scalp clean of anything and everything
Damp Bunning
Caruso Sets

Your Long Locks

Long damaged hair is just plain ugly...

The problem with long hair gets split ends easily through styling and brushing...Because of its age

Long hair can be sexy ,fashionable, professional and chic when taken care of. Keeping long hair healthy takes a lot of work and dedication. Not so much styling the hair but keeping hair healthy...

Tips To Keep Your Long Locks Healthy

Long hair is very annoying when they sleeping ....Silk scarf to keep it smooth and natural throughout the night and prevent breakage , split ends, and tangles

Allowing your hair to air-dry for about 20 minutes before blow drying.. . It will cut down on your drying time and the amount of heat exposure your hair gets.

Long, healthy hair takes dedication and time.

Keep your ends moisturized to prevent dryness and split ends . When your hair is long the ends could be several years or older. Always moisturized those ends

As your hair to grows, the ends of your hair may look dead, By just taking vitamins will give them a fresh, healthy look.

Avoid hot water

Always de tangle starting at the ends working your way up...

When Shampooing always concentrate on scalp and let the lather of the shampoo work it way done to the ends

Last ....Never stack hair on top of your head to shampoo..