1st Impression : Curl Junkie Curls in a Bottle & Assurance Smoothing Lotion (Leave-in)

Let me just say that I went to my old stylist and had highlights put in....well of course I had to get  a rinse over it because the highlights were screaming back at me from the Mirror!   Went with a Cinnamon Brown and Warm Brown mixture and somehow my highlights came back with a Wine color... Ok.. we will see how they come out when the sun is out!  You cannot see in the photos any color at all.

Well on to my 1st Impression of the Curl Junkie products mentioned in the Title. 

Assurance Smoothing Lotion (Leave-In/Rinse Out/Detangler) - Well I left it in and did not have to detangle but I took my wide tooth comb through to make sure that I covered my hair from root to tip.  It does not take alot of this to get the job done (for me) and says so on the bottle itself.  I liked the way it made my hair feel and the smell is very nice and not overpowering.  I used this product after rinsing my hair.  (Remember this is a 1st impression , I will come back by the end of week for a full review)

Curls in a Bottle (Lightweight hair styling product) - It is a light liquid gel and it immediately tamed and controlled any frizz and added shine, just like the bottle stated.  I was very impressed with the overall look of my curls/coils and that even with manipulation the curls were not frizzing.  This worked better than the anti-frizz serum I used by Garnier Frutise.  I definitely saw a big difference between using this product and the Eco styling gel.  For my hair texture and density, I was able to continue to rake and scrunch my fingers through without sectioning and have my curls/coils stay in tact. It had a pretty good Hold without feeling Crunchy and  No Frizzing. This product can also reactivate with Water... So Yay to possible multi-day WNG's.  My initial impression....Awesome!

These two products I will have to continue to try and maybe even mix and match with a few other products in my cabinet to give a full review of the interaction with other products.  For now, these curl junkie products together are fantastic.  These pictures do not give the full effect.   It is a very rainy day and I donot own an umbrella and my curls stayed fabulous! 

Both of these products are not super thick and what I am finding is that my hair texture (fine/normal to low density) does not like heavier products on my wng's but more on twists and updo styling.  I think that is why I love the Oyin Handmade Honey Dew for refreshing some of my styles.

I may have to try quite a few other items of the Curl Junkie line but for a good smoothing lotion/leave-in and a Nice Styler... I like these two products.   I will have to try the Curls in a Bottle with my OH Hair Dew to see if I get the same effects.  The Hair Dew comes in a larger bottle for less money and its Local... but I cannot wait for the next Curl Junkie Sale!   I bought this product through Amazon (Aveyou)... Next time probably straight from Aveyou or Curl Junkie.

I will post again on Friday along with my Weigh-in from my Weight loss journey.  Until then, Stay Blessed!

11 pounds loss and 13 more pounds to go

Well I weighed in today and my scales (old and new) says that I am at least 2 pounds lighter.  My new scale which is digital actually says about 4 pounds but it also says about 6 pounds heavier than my old scale. (of course I will go with the older...LOL).   Both scales I hate because it does not say more.   Although I have been walking at least 4 miles at least 5 times a week and most times 6 days a week, my Dinner meals have not been what they should be.   I have been trying to stay with a lower caloric intake watching my sodium, sugar and fat in my foods as well.  I can definitely see my body reshaping as I begin to tone, which may be the reason why the scale is not moving at the same percentage.

I will take Inches over the Scale Weight Anyday.   Its all about how I feel in and out of my clothes.   I know that eventually both will come together as the inches and the weight will even out.(at least in my mind).

This week I am going to go hard, and see if by Friday or Monday there is a significant improvement.   I have yet to take my measurements and keep a log of my inches loss.  I would also like to take before and after photos for Private eyes Only!

I have got to watch my Dinner meals and put most of my calories in my Breakfast and lunch meals and not to get bored and lazy in the evenings when I have nothing to do.   I have got to find something to do.  Maybe line dancing, zumba or get more miles in on the track.   I really donot like walking in the evenings because there are so many more bugs and heat/sun and more people.   I love the early mornings and I have made my way back to 530am -7am walks and getting those 6 miles in.   That is a great time and a great amount of distance/steps as I do a very brisk pace.   At least 700-800 calories burned!   That is also more calories I get to eat as well.   I have to keep my body out of " Starvation Mode".   I have no problem with the calories but I have to watch what I eat and not over do the sugar and sodium contents.

                                                           That is not a bald spot....LOL

MY HAIR?

My hair is still in a wash n go and I have been using the "Mixed Chicks" that I purchased last Tuesday.  It gives a bit of a different look to my WNG but hey until its all gone... I will be using it.   I cowash with the HE None of your Frizziness then I use the Mixed Chicks - Raking it with my fingers in at least 6 sections.   I then scrunch with both hands while leaning over and then scrunch with my microfiber towel to get the excess water and conditioner for faster drying.   The technique is working but gives a different look than the prayer hand technique.   I have noticed alot more curls in certain areas and the same coils everywhere else.



It seems like no matter how long my hair grows it still looks the same length when it dries.   I guess if I wanted to blow the roots,  I could get more hang time but really with the weather heating up, I don't want all that hair on my neck and stuff.

I did make a purchase of some Curl Junkie Curls in a Bottle ( a liquid gel) and some Curl Assurance Smoothing Lotion as seen on Denimpixie, Lolakinks and Coilyheadchick on YT.  I am still trying to find that right mix of stylers to where my kinky/coily/curls.  I Love Conditioners and that is Leave-Ins and Rinse -Outs.  My hair feels very soft and moisturized although I feel that I am not getting the extended wear out of my WNG's I tend to get with the Eco Styler and Hair Dew Combo.  We will have to see... it may just be because I have been letting the front hang like bangs.

I will keep everyone posted on the Weight loss journey and the Journey for the Perfect Regimen/Products .  I will definitely Post on Friday when I weigh in.   I am a part of a Lose 15 by June 4th challenge that was started last week on www.myfitnesspal.com and that is to lose about 2 pounds a week.   I know I can do it and welcome the challenge.   Til Friday....See Ya!

8 Pounds Down and Thank you warm Weather for the Wash N Go

Well I have loss 8 pounds so far and seeing my body reshape.  I have been still doing my walking but I did purchase some Sketcher's Shape Ups and I am just loving those sneakers.   They are very confortable for my arches and just great on the butt, calves, thighs and back.  Love Them!  I have been at this since April 2nd and I think I am doing a great job of dedicating myself to this regimen.   I am walking briskly at least 4mph at least 6 days a week and trying to stick to a low calorie diet, with foods I love with healthy portions. I have been doing my abdominal workout as well and I see the difference in my clothes as well as on the scale.

Now to my hair.  I have been doing a wash n go this week and this picture is day 2 of my wng.  I used HE None of your Frizziness ( I have rediscovered in my cabinet - Love it!) and a bit of Clear Eco Styler gel and Seal with grapeseed and/or castor oil.  My curls have great definition and lots of movement.  Shrinkage Is what it Is!  Loving the Elf Eyeshadow that I picked up from Ross this weekend for $2.99 with 8 shades and a shadow brush.  I also picked up 4 dresses and 4 blouses for a whopping $165.00 with tax included.

Yesterday I ordered my George Foreman Evolve Grill with 2 grill , deep dish pan and mini burger plates.  I will not have to turn my stove on with my New Aroma Wok and this grill.   Now I am looking for a good salad dressing (low fat) recipe and of course plenty of Stir Fry recipes.   This healthy eating and lower caloric diet is working on overtime and the Water Intake & Green Tea or Nothing for Drinks is Awesome.  I am sure I will reach or surpass my goal weight loss of 20 pounds by the end of May.   Lets See.

I will continue to give weekly updates at least on my hair and weight loss journeys.   Be Blessed and Have a great Day!

Working out and Wearing a Twist Out!

Good Afternoon,

Well I have been continuing with my Walking up to 4 miles per day and eating healthy low calorie meals and snacks.  I am feeling very motivated and I would like to reach goal by Memorial Day.

I have been wearing my hair in a twist out since Sunday with re-twisting in about 15 twists each night.  I am walking and sweating bullets in the morning and sometimes I will take a cool dryer before untwisting to ensure my hair dries.   Sometimes it is still damp but lately with the percipitation (rain/drizzle) then I am going to let it do what it do, which is swell and get bigger by the end of the day.

Today I have one side pinned over and I see that my edges are still a issue that needs continued nurturing.   I can see the short curlies coming  along but the volume and density is not quite there.   I will continue to do my castor oil and vitamin E along my edges to achieve the thickness and make sure that I do not pull that hair to tightly.



My scalp has been a little itchy and I bought some TJ Tea Tree Shampoo and Conditioner and I am hoping that it will sooth the scalp.  My shea moisture hall came in and I have to give it a bit more time to see if I like what I have bought. (at least it didn't cost too much)

Well Ladies and Gents I will get back to work and give an Update on Monday to let you know how many pounds lost and hopefully I can get a measuring tape and do my measurements as well.   I may not put them on here but I will put my weight gain/loss.


Have a great Week.

3 Pounds Lost and 20 more to Go!

Hi Ladies/Gents,

I am 1 week in to my work out regimen and reduced calorie nutrition plan.  My work out regimen consists of walking at least 4 miles in the morning for at least 1 hour.  I have been tracking my nutrition with www.myfitnesspal.com which provides based on height, age, weight what your daily caloric intake should be to reach your goal weight.

I have been getting up to walk in the mornings at 545am because there are traces of daylight that can be seen.  I will continue to move that time earlier and earlier so that I can get to my 1.5 hours of walking and 6-6.5 miles goal.  Once my weight is down at least 12 pounds I will begin some interval brisk jogging of the straights on the track and walk the curves to get more miles in on the track and get to a final 8 miles.  I plan on walking 8 miles on the weekend mornings because I can get more in than I can before work.

My job will be moving to the campus of UMBC by the 2nd week of May and we will have access to the fitness facilities and I am looking forward to that.  By then I am hoping to incorporate some weight training for toning and strength.  " I used to be Quite an Athlete", boasting Division I NCAA full athletic scholarship for Women's Basketball.   After 2 knee surgeries the BBall had to be put away for life.  My lateral movement is not as good as it used to be and I even had to put up my Tennis racket as well. (Sad Face).  I used to have a 6% body fat in college and now I am sure I am in the teens ( wishful thinking, LMAO).

I have bought a Wok and I am thinking of buying a George Foreman Evolve Grill-Bake Machine so that I can eliminate alot of unnecessary Calories and heating my house up this summer.  Right now I am very motivated to continue with a goal of successfully accomplishing my goal weight by May 25th.   Losing 2 pounds a week and eating a healthy nutritious diet will get me there along with my Exercise routine.

Please if anyone have great recipes for the Wok or low calorie good tasting meals please send them my way.  If anyone decides to join on Myfitnesspal.com please let me know so we can keep track of each others success.   Jazzwife, I know you loss quite a few pounds over the past year or so , so please give me some advice and motivation to lose and keep it off.    I have done it before , and know I can do it again and maintain.


Oh Yeah and the hair has been in twists, WNG's and Twist-Outs.  Natural is the best when getting your Workout on!

Have a great week and please give me a bit of feedback.   Thanks!

Wondering what to do to my Hair this Weekend

Yes another bathroom shot.  Just wanted to show my twist out after taking those 2 strand twists out of my hair.  I am really thinking about doing a total hair Morning on Saturday April 2 so that I can set a great set of twists for a twistout that will last through next Wednesday.  I really have nowhere important to go this weekend but if I get up early and get a good wash, condition , twist and dry, I should have a slammin' twistout for next week.  It is going to be kind of rainy or cloudy but I will just let the hair soak up the moisture.

The hair in the picture was not set the greatest in the twists and the twists were very very soft.  With the softness came the frizz and unkempt look so I decided to morph the hairstyle into the twist out.   I may even try a twist out with corn rolls .  

I have been wearing my two new pair of glasses all week and I am really getting used to them.  I am trying to make sure I accentuate the eye makeup without looking like a "drag queen" to make the eyes POP behind the glasses.

Next Weekend I have a Bowling Tournament in Richmond and looking forward to hanging with my friends down that way.  I may decide to stay an extra day and enjoy the area Saturday Night.   I really dislike the traffic going down 95 South through Richmond and will be getting on the road by 12 noon next Friday.  My daughter is going to Dog sit for me and I would hate to take up her weekend for both days.

I bought an Aroma 5 Qt Electric Wok today on Amazon and cannot wait to receive it should be a good addition to my kitchen and make cooking stir fry and veggies a breeze.  Looking forward to searing meat as well and maybe even some noodle dishes.   I wanna cut back and get this 15-20 pounds off.  I think cooking in the wok will be a great cooking tool in minimizing the calories.  Need to still get out and get moving but this weather has got me down.   I don't want to go out and get sick and the problem is that I am not doing anything indoors either.

Wish me luck in starting some kind of regimen this week.  Until I get my Wok it will be steamed veggies and chicken breast and Lean Cuisine's for lunch.

If anyone has any great , light calorie meals to share, please do so in the comments.
Maybe we can get a real support group going.   Have a great weekend!

CHI CHI SOPHISTICATION!: 6th Annual DC'S LOVE LOCS Natural Hair Expo.

CHI CHI SOPHISTICATION!: 6th Annual DC'S LOVE LOCS Natural Hair Expo.


For the DMV locals.  Another Natural Hair Expo April 16, 2011.   See you there!