By Katrice
{Even my pooch is interested.}
I'm always trying to give a drive-by explanation of how I get my afro so chunky, so I decided to take the time to explain my process today. It's a little involved but if you have spongy hair or experience the crazy shrinkage I do, the end result makes it worthwhile.
First off, I wash my hair every 8 to 10 days usually on Sundays, depending on what events I have coming up. But, I'll describe what happens in a 10-day wash cycle.
What I use: Shea Moisture Organic African Black Soap Deep Cleansing Shampoo and Restorative Leave-In Conditioner.
After washing it and combing the conditioner through to detangle, I let my hair air dry. Once it's dry or almost completely dry, I add a small amount of Shea Moisture Reconstructive Elixir or Moroccanoil to it; and then finger part it in both small the medium sections — applying a small dab of Elasta QP Olive Oil & Mango Butter Moisturizer to each pre-twisted piece of hair before two-strand twisting.
Usually I leave it twisted for one or two days before taking it down maybe on Wednesday. The first day I take it down, it's a minimally stretched twist out. So, I twist it back up a couple more times through the week, only using Mango Butter once after the initial twist, to continue to stretch it.
By Sunday, the twist out is usually pretty full and stretched. So, from there, I just sleep with my satin bonnet on and start out Monday morning by taking a nickel-sized amount of Mango Butter and running it throughout my hair before getting into a steamy shower. The steam takes away the crinkled look of the twist out and lifts up any part that is leaning or hanging to a much more full fro. After that, all I do is cover it at night and finger through it in the morning. And that's it!
By Katrice
One of the things I've learned, probably the most profound realization I've come to, since I've been blogging is to protect my voice. I have to actively build it up and strengthen it, and be sure it's what guides me instead of what I hear and observe around me. It's not hard to lose you in all the fray. Every single person born comes into the world with a gift from God that was seeded in them for the world's betterment and so many of those gifts are never offered up; Some because they never actualize and others because we manipulate them into something else and take away their power. I sometimes can't even read other blogs or magazines because I start to second-guess and beat down my own voice and what organically comes from me to offer. And I used to feel bad about it ... as if I wasn't being supportive {which was not the case}. I will do anything to protect what I have to give. It's nothing personal; just self-preservation for my gift's sake.
By Katrice
There is power in focusing on the good. Learn to be grateful even when life isn't exactly what you want. And begin the work in your mind. I have found it nearly impossible to stay down once I start to count up all of the good that has come to pass. When you learn to encourage yourself, you can take the sting out of most circumstances.
By Katrice
I woke up this morning to the forecast of snow flurries in Atlanta. Blah. But, no worries ... spring is less than 20 days away and I'm already on the edge of my seat for warmer temps, longer days, flirty accessories and pastels, of course. Here's what's on my radar.
I've been dying to try nail wraps and just in time for spring, Essie has a sleek assortment of nail stickers that are simply yummy. There are 12 designs to choose from; I want them all. {$10}
I woke up this morning to the forecast of snow flurries in Atlanta. Blah. But, no worries ... spring is less than 20 days away and I'm already on the edge of my seat for warmer temps, longer days, flirty accessories and pastels, of course. Here's what's on my radar.
The FitBit Zip tracks your steps, distance and calories burned {and automatically syncs the data to your Fitbit account}. My friends at Verizon Wireless turned me onto this cute and efficient fitness accessory; Just the jumpstart I needed. {Click here to get $5 off your own.}
I saw these in black and thought they were cute and then noticed them nude — perfect for spring. Love. {$19.80}
C Wonder is spicing things up with the bejeweled effect on this faux snake skin skinny belt. I imagine this would be cute with summer dresses and cardis. Mental note made. {$68}
If I never strayed from the L'Occitane Shea Butter Hand Cream, I'd be just fine with it. But, there is Rose Des Champs and it's twice the charm. {$10}
