Sunday, October 11, 2015

Red Hair



OMG, I dyed my hair. I've always wanted to color my hair but I was worried about drying out my hair and breakage. I also worried about ruining my curl pattern.  But, I've always wanted red hair. Always. I didn't want just any red, I wanted what I like to call PHOENIX RED. I hope you can hear the drama and echo in my voice as you read 'phoenix red'. The last year has been the most challenging and painful; so, by the time I was ready add color to my hair, I felt like a phoenix who had risen from the ashes of turmoil and despair!!! (cue more drama and a slight echo)
I am happy to say that I am 100% obsessed with my hair. New hair means I would have to make a few changes to my routine. I started using Healing + Vitamin E Shampoo and Conditioner, by OGX. (CVS $7.99 ea) and the Renewing Argan Oil of Morocco Intense Moisturizing Treatment, by OGX. (CVS $8.29)

I have to say that I am really impressed with these products. The shampoo cleanses my hair without stripping it and the conditioner leaves my hair incredibly soft. In addition to leaving my hair really soft, the conditioner has excellent slip for detangling. The Argan oil intense moisturizing treatment is a wonderful bonus to the shampoo and conditioner. It promises to restore shine and softness while strengthening your hair. I feel like it's delivering on that promise so far. I love how my hair feels when I'm done washing it and the shine really is incredible.

For styling purposes, I am still in love with Shea Moisture products.


 I apply the Jamaican Black Castor Oil Reparative Leave in Conditioner (Target $10.99) followed by Coconut Hibiscus Curl Style Milk (Target $9.99) and I seal it with coconut oil. Of course, if you don't like coconut oil, feel free to use any oil of your choice. I then let my hair air dry and little manipulation and let the magic happen.

So far, I'm happy with my routine and I am loving my hair.

Random photo, just 'cause I'm feeling myself in this one. lol

                             

Saturday, April 4, 2015

"Don't worry, I didn't hit your car."

So this happened. While I was at work, one of my coworkers came to my desk to tell me that she parked very close to my car. So close, in fact, that she would not be able to leave until I left. She also said, "Don't worry, I didn't hit your car."

My initial thoughts were as long as she didn't hit my car it didn't matter. However, she parked so close to my car that other people cared. One person cared so much, she took a photo and brought it to my desk so I could share in her curiosity and outrage.

Before I continue, my car is the Volkswagen and hers is the awkwardly parked SUV. To which, I still don't understand how she pulled into her space like that because the way she parked couldn't possibly be recreated without damaging someone's car.

*kanye shrugs

Anyways, this coworker didn't just share the photo with me. She made sure to share this photo with anyone near by. And that's when it began. "Oh no she didn't!" "How could she be so stupid?!" "That couldn't have been me!"

While everyone else was going on about how they would cuss her out, fight her, report her to building management, and work to get her car towed and/or fined, I shrugged my shoulders and said I was happy that she didn't hit my car.

People stared at me in confusion and said it's the principle of the matter. They said I should be angry because they were angry even though it didn't happen to them. I said I'd rather be grateful for what didn't happen rather than get upset about what could have happened. I was told I was being too nice. She needs to understand what she did.

I didn't see it that way.

Sometimes in life we get so worked up about the could haves that we completely dismiss what is. In this situation, despite how close she parked to my car, she never touched it. There were no dents, no scratches and it wasn't impossible for me to move my car because I was parked on a corner. Negative what ifs do not deserve my emotions. They aren't real, but my emotions are.


 In my opinion, what didn't happen far outweighs
what could have.



Friday, February 20, 2015

Sprout!

I can't believe it's been two years since I've written on my blog. Especially since I really enjoyed writing on it and the feedback I received from friends, family and strangers. Many things have happened since then, but it has all happened for the purpose of growth. Aside from exploring with make up and skincare, I started a yoga practice and began a journey to take better care of my mind, body and spirit.

Last month, I read an article about growing food inside of your home, particularly celery.  I read that cutting the base of celery and adding it to a bowl of water will produce a brand new celery stalk. I thought that would be simple enough, so I added the base of a celery stalk to water. Low and behold, about one week later Sprout was born.

Watching this plant grow from water is amazing to me. I've never had a plant of any kind before. What amazes me is how this plant is thriving solely with water, and my love of course. I admit, I talk to Sprout everyday and tell it how beautiful and strong it is. That's how impressed I am. To me, Sprout is a lesson in strength. This plant is not thriving in it's natural habitat, which would be outside in soil and the sun. It's thriving in a bowl of water, indoors. I've faced some challenges that have definitely taken me out of my comfort zone and forced me to show myself what I'm made of. I was challenged to grow with what I thought wasn't going to be enough. That's when I realized I had exactly what I needed.






Sprout is a month old now and it just dawned on me that it's going to get bigger. Much bigger. Of course I'm going to move it to a bigger bowl or pot or something when the time is right. This is just another lesson in growth and preparing to move to bigger and better places as you grow. Who knew that celery would become one of my teachers?