Product Junkie Rehab: Use Up The Stash.

In an effort to curb my product junkieism(yes that's a word...now) I am trying to use up what I have instead of buying something else. I realise that I may well slip and buy an item here or there - I already succumbed to a new organic conditioner this week (gah!!) - but I have the habit of stroking and smiling at my stuff and not wanting to use them (argghhh the struggle of a recovering hoarder).

Sooooo..... I am making a big effort to use up items I've had for a while, have very little left in the pack, bored with, have back ups for or have something of the same "type" on my wishlist.

Here's my current "Use up list":

I will post when I finish an item and maybe review it at the same time.
hmmmm I as I wirite this my bag of empties is calling to me.... I'll deffo do an empties post soon. I need to throw them out and clear space.

Wash Day - A tale of two sessions.

As usual life is running at an amazingly fast speed. I have hasd a couple of wash days which were both very different and not on "normal" wash day days.
As mentioned previously, I do like to have a record of wash days and hair styles/ routines so I can see what is working or even not working.


Wash Day 1 - Wash and Go

I wanted to try a different approach this time round, instead of having my wash day stretch all through the day and dry over night, I decided to wash my hair before bed and do an overnight Deep Conditioning treatment. I thought I could style my hair and let it dry in the day time.
In essence the same amount of time would be taken but the timings would be different.

I needed some protein so pre-pooed with Motions Deep Penetrating Silk Protein Conditioner, clarified with ORS Creamy Aloe Shampoo and used a blended tea rinse.
After removing the excess water I needed a super moisturising deep conditioning treatment so I mixed Kanechom Karite Butter Hair Moisturising Cream, Baba de Caracol Intensive Hair Conditioner (the snail slime lol), Avocado and Pumpkin Seed oils and some EO's. I s ectioned my hair into 4, applied the mix, put on a shower cap and scarf and went to bed.

Conditioners in mix and hair before rinsing out.

I thought the shower cap would be too noisy as I remember the plastic rustly sound being so anoying but I didn't hear it at all, It may be becasue it was an ordinary cap as oposed to the conditioning cap which is thicker. 
My hair felt amazing in the morning, really soft and springy.


I opted for a wash and go as I couldn't wait to try it out with my new Jane Carter Solution Creamy Leave In Styling Smoother (why do these hair stuff have such long names?!) a lovely "curlfriend" gifted me with it. I was sooooooo chuffed so lovely of her. I tried it out the very next day as a moisturiser and really liked it. It felt like it would be great in a w&g.
I teamed it up with my beloved Aunt Jackie's Curls and Coils Don't Shrink Flaxseed Gel. I realised that I forgot to add oil so I grabbed my Organics Kukui Oil Spray and carefully lifted the curls, spraying as I went. I left my hair to air dry.

Items used for Wash&Go and hair after applied.

The rain was falling on the school run which didn't help much. I ended up camerowing in two for my evening Church project.




Wash Day 2 - Blown Out

It's been ages since I stretched my hair out after washing. I still have the urge to straighten/flat iron my hair so decided a blow out with cool air may be a happy medium.


I started with an overnight pre-poo with Shea Moisture Coconut and Hibiscus Curl & Shine Conditioner.
Washed with my sulphate free L'Oreal Professhinnel Serie Nature Riche Macadamia Shampoo.
Tea rinsed with Nettle and a mixed blend and removed excess water.
Deep Conditioned with a mix - Capilo La Aplanadora Macadamia Treatment, *new*Aunt Jackie's Curls & Coils In Control Anti-Poof Moisturizing & Softening Conditioner (wow!! could that be any longer?!), JBCO, OCO, EO's.


When I rinsed out my hair it felt very soft and smooth. I allowed my hair to dry a little then applied leave ins - CHI Keratin Mist Leave-In Strengthening Treatment for protection. Shea Moisture Coconut and Hibiscus Curl Enhancing Smoothie. I detangled with my wide tooth shower comb, smoothed a little Organix Smoothing Shea Butter Liquid Glass Serum.
I used my dryer on full power but cool heat my mummy gave me one with a pik at the end so I used that instead of my own. The pik stretched my hair out much more than the tension method and my hair was smoother too.
When I finished I was amazed at my BIG hair! I wasn't trying to get my hair straight with the dryer so it wasn't sleek but it was super stretched! I couldn't believe the growth too. I've been keeping my hair in a curly state for so long the length is often hidden. Unfortunately to picture I took wasn't clear and quite dark*gah*
I was going to my weekly church project and felt my hair was getting in my way so flat twisted the front and bunned the back.


I enjoyed having my hair blown out and plaiting and twisting it was so much easier.


I twisted my hair up Saturday night so I could wear a twist out for church. I was curious how it would look on blown out hair. It was super fluffy. Not as defined as it is when twisting in it's curly state but definitely more stretched.

Fluffy Twistout on previously blowdried hair.

It was very nice receiving lovely compliments and encouragements to keep up with my natural quest lol. More of my length could be seen and a few friends were as surprised as me with my hair growth.
I will trim my hair very soon as the ends are crying. I realise that with this next trim I will be all Natural!! Whoahhhhh!!!

#Thehourhascome

Last weekend I had the absolute privilege to attend the live recording of Volney Morgan and New Ye and what an awesome evening it was!!
Now seriously, I knew it was going to be awesome, I knew there would be worship, energy and all out fabulousity and WHOOOOOO!! I was not disappointed, in fact the night was that and more.

From the start with an amazing dance group opening the night (I'll add their name asap) to the hilarious compère. Oh I was thoroughly entertained but it was far more than a happy feeling and a good night. The anointing was dripping off each and every person who ministered. The guest ministers were top notch.

I need to take a moment and mention the fantastic band!! My goodness they played with excellence, the skill of each musician was breathtaking.

New Ye have gone to another level..... no scratch that they have hoped, skipped and leapt for joy to another 20 levels! I am still buzzing now. I literally cannot wait for the DVD/CD to come out.
Every song was genuine, each one different but with the same vibe running through. There's something there for everyone from high octane, up-roaring praise songs to mellow heartfelt worship songs.... A-M-A-Z-I-N-G.

Volney Morgan and New YE

I am sooooo pleased and extremely proud of Volney and the group. I remember the early years and I know the hard work, sacrifice and dedication that has brought them to this achievement and I have no doubt will bring them so much higher.

I pray they continue to flourish and go to higher heights and deeper depths.


There are sooo many moments I can share, but I'll leave you with a taster of group member (and Volney's wife whoooooop)  Angel Ife Morgan singing a sweet rendition, please excuse the shaky footage, worship hapened *blush*

Wash Day - All Natural Products

My goodness!! I dropped of big time!!

I've had some personal stuff to deal with as well as the usual wife and mummy duties which have kept me very.... Let's just say busy.

I'm back with a wash day post that is a little different from my usual in that everything I used was natural.

I have wanted to try an all natural wash day for a while but it hasn't happened for one reason or another. I'd love to say I planned to do it this time but it actually happened by accident.

I didn't have time to pre-poo overnight so decided to do a hot oil treatment in the morning (another planned to do treatment lol) then with all the waiting and other frustrations I had to stagger the wash day process out, while moaning internally I thought "why not do an all natural wash day?" So... I did.

Right less chatter more details:


All Natural Wash Day!;

Hot Oil Treatment:

Coconut oil, last bit of Hairlicious and some new infused oil I'm trying.

Infused Oil

After Hot Oil Treatment

I put some hot water in a bowl, placed my jar of Coconut Oil and my applicator bottle with the other oils inside it and left them to warm up.

Meanwhile I sectioned my hair in four and finger detangled.

When the oils were very warm but not hot, I poured the CO into the app bottle and applied it to each section, massaged my scalp and twisting my hair.

I put on a shower cap and a scarf and pottered around while the oil did its thing.

The results were fantastic!! I will try to incorporate hot oil treatments into my wash days more often especially during the cold months to come.

Cleansing Paste:
Shikakai Powder, Rose Water and Orange Blossom.

Top left: Shikakai Paste. Top right: Tea Rinse. Bottom: hair after tea rinse.

I placed a couple tablespoons of the powder into a bowl and added the waters, I didn't do exact measures. I just carried on adding the waters until the consistency was to my liking.

I used the same sections and applied the paste to my scalp an hair. I allowed the paste to sit on my hair for a little bit and then using the balls of my fingers, I worked it into my scalp, then let the shower water run through my hair while I used my hands to cleanse,

It was an odd sensation but my scalp felt really clean. My hair felt very clean but not hard or stripped.


Tea Rinse:
Fever/Lemon Grass, Hibiscus, Star anise and Green tea.

Although tea rinses feature in my "normal" wash days I added dried hibiscus flowers to add to the natural theme. The mix smelt divine!
I allowed the rinse to stew for a few hours before I needed it, I took the bags and flowers out of the jar and added a little hot water so the tea was warm - this will ensure the hair cuticles remain open and the tea rinse can get to do it's job and the conditioner will be effective, rather than so cold that the cuticles start to close - and poured the tea over my hair gently rubbing my hair and scalp while it ran through. I gently removed the excess with my hands and then put a shower cap on my hair to keep it warm and moist and allow the rinse to penetrate, put a towel around my neck to catch the stray "dribbles"

Deep Conditioner Mix:
Amla Powder, Coconut Cream, Manuka Honey, Rose Water, Rosemary EO, Rose EO and Vitamin E Oil.

Left: Deep conditioner items. Right: Hair after conditioning treatment.

I mixed the ingredients in my bowl and mixed them together ugh! grain city!! I realised that I should have put the powder first and added the oils to it and a little of the rose water or honey and make a paste first. That way the mixture would be smooth. I normally do that when I use powders but I forgot this time and I paid for it. The mixture was grainy and I had problems rinsing it at the end.

I smoothed the mixture from root to tip working in the four sections. I twisted them and coiled the ends round. I covered my head with a shower cap and scarf and got on with some chores.

When it was time to rinse my hair felt so soft. I couldn't stop touching it as I mentioned the grains were hard to rinse out and I actually had to get back in the shower to rinse again. I honestly cannot remember if I did and ACV rinse.... I think I did so thought I'd mention it just in case *blush* If I did it would have been a little ACV in cool water poured over my hair while rubbing gently. If not then I did a final rinse with cool water.

Leave Ins:
Whipped Butter, Flaxseed Gel and Infused Oil 

Whipped Butter.

 My hair felt amazing. It was soft, smooth, shiny and my curls looked more defined than I can remember.

I applied the infused oil to my hair and working in sections, applied the whipped butter and used a little flaxseed gel, styled my hair in medium plaits/braids, putting more butter when I got to the ends. When the plaits were finished I banded them into two pigtails, oiled my hairline/edges and put a little flaxseed gel ontop, tied one of my thin and long silk scarves and but my bonnet on top. 




The Take Down: 

The Take Down. (please excuse my sleepy eye)

I decided to take my hair down in the car on the way to church, unfortunately it was slightly damp still and as I was in the car I didn't have my dryer with me so I just had to make do and deal with a little frizz. My hair was soft, fluffy and moisturised. It was also so shiny!! I realise I have said "my hair was Shiny" too many times to count but I was actually shocked that it looked like that. Wearing my hair natural means that the sleek and shiny look I had in my relaxed days has long gone. my hair can often look quite dull. I have to use oils or serums to give it a glossy look but this wash day has shown me a different side!

My braid out wasn't super defined - I think that's because my hair was damp when I took it down - but I liked the fluffy look. I had a few compliments which is always nice.

I really enjoyed my "All Natural" Wash Day and would love to do it again. I will have to see how my hair holds up during the week to get more of an idea.

Have you used natural products and/or treatments during your wash day? Got any hair recipes to share? I'd love to know.

Its been ages but I am linking up with the wash day experience. I can't wait to have a browse and nosey lol.

Just Chatting.

Oh wow, so blogging during August was a flop!!
And now September is halfway gone. Ugh.... life is hectic right now and it is becoming difficult to find time for blogging, vlogging and all the social stuff I enjoy.

Anywayy.... I am coming along with nothing in particular to say but just a chit chat.

I have been "knee deep" in Summer Holidays shenanigans. The boys are full of energy and we have had fun going to the park, hosting sleep overs, celebrating birthdays, entertaining, and all kinds.

The middle two boys have had their hair cut!! I am soooooo sad, well not sad sad but mummy sad I didn't want them to get their hair cut I love the long plaits and the cute buns. I put it off as they may change their mind and it will but the older of the two has wanted it for so long that I knew he was serious. When we (or shall I say Dad) promised that he would be allowed to cut it in the summer holidays, he younger of the two saw his opportunity and secured the same promise.
They both look sooooo diferent and I am still not used to it. I must say it is easier with two less hairs to plait lol, especially for school times now I just spray some oil and brush.

I  have continued with my walking and have seen a difference in my general walking stamina. I love to walk and love the feeling I get. The only worry is that now the weather is very wet.

My hair is thriving and seemed to have grown well over the summer - I will do an update post soon.

Well I'll be off now. I have a couple of things to do before midweek fellowship. Hopefully I can start to blog regularly now. Bye for now xxx

What? Over a month has gone?

Erm...... I really cannot have been away for over a month!! but the blog post date doesn't lie.

Life has been hectic to put it lightly. There's been so many things going on. Some great and some sad, some crazy and some boring but I'm here and my household are too so I give God thanks for that.

We've had Surgeries and a Bereavement which was very stressful and sad.
We've had new beginnings and parties, convention and a concert. ... oooooo and an Engagement!! whoooppp so happy for the lovely couple.

one of my top walks in one go

I have been taking part in JumpstartJuly which was a challenge to cover 5k "your way" I chose walking and have been doing great, I split my walks in two and I actually surprised myself as at the start I really didn't think I would do it but some days I excelled the 5k. I can tell the difference in my stamina and I feel kind of healthier. It also seemed to make my eating habits and choices much better. My water intake was good but I seem to have slipped a bit lately so will get that sorted sharpish.

Love the colour (please excuse my heat rash)

I put my hair away on a whim, I know I had been uhmming and ahming but one day I just did it and chose this reddish/burgundy/Mahogany colour which I surprised hubby with. I wanted my usual brown colour but the shop guy talked me into this and I don't know where the confidence to wear this colour came from haaaaa I just told myself it's a nice summer colour and went with it. I got some lovely compliments which is always nice,

Teachers Gifts

The end of term meant teachers gifts and I was so glad I had some coloured images from my Anya Teacher Stamp and a Tilda Stamp because I can't find my Anya and Magnolia stamps for the life of me!! We still have boxes screaming to be unpacked and my craft bits are all over the place.
I used the images to personalise some notebooks and put them in a gift bag along with a co-ordinating pencil, 4 ink pen, a girlie eraser, 2 choccies and a bottle of nail varnish. The Tags went onto the gift bags.
These were for Mello's Teachers and Assistant.

For Kylo I put a Yankee Candle Sampler and Kokolicious Face Mask Mix in a gift bag for his Teacher, Head Teacher and Assistant Head.
As he's leaving he asked me to get something for his classmates so I made sour cream container type packs and put either a mini bouncy ball or slinky inside. (wish I took pictures but it was late)



Summer Holidays are in full effect and I have a house full of energy full boys and sometimes a friend lol. I'm trying to come up with fun stuff but to be honest I have been using this week to catch up on much needed rest and chores. Next week will be the start of fun time for sure.

I'm also thinking of taking part in August Vlogging (can't remember the actual name) where I vlog each day...... I am thinking realistically though as I don't think I will get in front of a camera for long enough if at all with the boys around so I'm considering blogging each day instead.... oooer, even that may be a push but hey I can only try, I'll give it a good go as I've been away for so long.

Well the time is getting late.... who am  I kidding, it's gone late ;)  so I'll finish this catch up post here xxx

Lost week - protective styling.

Somewhere along the way I have missed a week where I put my hair on a protective style for the week... I don't know how but I thought I'd post about it as I like to have a record of what works (or doesn't as the case may be) on my hair.

As an avid blog reader and YouTube stalker... erm I mean viewer, I'm always on the look out for new tips, tricks and b/vloggers over the past few weeks I've come across a few ladies with super long hair who have their hair in protective styles for the majority of the time and a couple of them have a weekly routine/regime{n} of washing their hair then putting it into a protective style for the whole week. 

I've been wanting to keep my hair as free from as much manipulation as possible but as I'm not ready for my next long protective style stint I decided to give the week one a try.


Preperation:
 

After the whole washing and deep conditioning process, I reached for some smoothing leave ins (Herbal Essences Beautiful Ends Split End Protection Cream (I'm down to the bottom of my last bottle *sob* when it's finished I wont be able to get it again) and Paul Mitchell Super Skinny Serum) as I wanted my hair to air dry as smooth and stretched as possible.

Working in four sections I took out my wide toothed comb and soft bristle denman- it felt so weird using these in my hair as I've been only finger detangling for so long.
I parted my hair down the middle, put my hair in two ponytails winding the hair round itself and left it to dry. 
My hair was soooooo smooth, it reminded me of very early in my HJ when I wanted my hair as straight and smooth as possible to emulate my relaxed hair (what a change!)

Style:

I opted for some cameroes/cornrows (around 7/8 in total) and added a little extension hair in an ombré type effect. 

I smoothed the front down with some CURLS Passion Fruit Curl Control Paste and tied my scarf on.
In the morning I just took my scarf down and I was good to go!!

I pulled all the plaits/braids into a side ponytail. Some days I wound the braids round into a side bun.

Protective styling: Cameroes/Cornrows/Canerows

Maintenance: 
 
I enjoyed the freedom the plaits/braids gave me and I loved that it shaved so much time in the morning. I just used a little gel and paste each night and let it set overnight.
When my hair started to get messier, I had to gel in the morning instead but it was still so much quicker than styling my hair from scratch each day.

I oiled my scalp every night with my hairlicious and moisturised with the
Herbal Essences Beautiful Ends Split End Protection Cream when needed, I wanted a light moisturiser that wouldn't be too heavy nor cause excess build up.



I enjoyed wearing my hair in plaits/braids but may well leave out the extension hair next time round.