A Gift to Myself

UPDATE: I received my bag a little while ago.  I couldn't be happier.  The quality is amazing.  The picture doesn't do it justice.  I will definitely be looking for another handbag from this line. :)

These last few months have been crazy for me.  I've been working really hard and trying to keep it real.  So I decided that since I need a handbag and I deserve a treat, I would find something.

I know what you're thinking.  I ran to the nearest Coach store.  No no no.  Not me.  That's just not my style.  Instead, I wanted seek something outside the box.  Then it dawned on me to turn my attention to Asia.  (This happens to me a lot lately.)  I found the most precious bag.  I think it is worth the price.  I couldn't be happier.  I saw it, and my brain exploded.  LOL.  Feast your eyes on my new favorite thing.

I don't know much about the brand except it's extremely hard to find.  I just happened to luck up on it typing in this that, and the other.  All I know is that I can hardly wait to receive my new baby.  I'll be sure to post pics when she gets here.  And stay tuned.  I'm finally going to relax my hair.  LOL :)

Permless in Kansas City

Because of my line of work, I've decided to hold off processing my hair.  I work with children, I sweat, I get in and out of pools....So I think that processing at this point is sort of pointless.  :)  However, I can just let my  hair go thirsty and turn into a big ole mess.

A few weeks ago on one of numerous trips to Wal Mart, I ran into a sales lady that recommended that I try this deep conditioner.  It's Garnier Fructis Sleek & Shine Frizz Defeat Deep Treatment.  So, because I tend to be a product junkie, I did.  It worked wonders on my hair considering the fact that I haven't relaxed in a few months.

It smells wonderful.  It also has this creamy texture that isn't too runny nor too stiff.  Most importantly, it made my hair feel super soft.  That's hard to achieve being so far post relaxer.  My hair was shiny, easier to manage, and I noticed a considerable reduction in shedding.  And to get all this for under 5 bucks was totally worth it to me.  So I would recommend this.

There is one con for this product.  If you have super thick hair like myself, it takes more product.  I hope you all have the same success with this that I had. HHG :)

Shampoo and Conditioner

I'm not one who typically buys the same brand of anything. I mix and match until I find the right combination.  But recently, I decided to go outside the box and try something different.

It's been around for a few years now, and I can see why.  I picked up Herbal Essences "Long Term Relationship" shampoo and conditioner.  The reason being that I loved the leave in condtioner that I can no longer find anywhere. (They always discontinue the good stuff!)

I love the way my hair felt after the shampooing.  It was super clean and it smelled amazing.  I followed up with the conditioner and just let it sit on while I showered.  I rinsed with water as cool as I could stand.  The result was fluffy, soft, shiny hair. 

The pros far outweigh the cons so far. I think as I continue to use it, I will develop a full analysis of how effective it is in preserving length, strengthening, and increasing growth.  Right now, this is my new favorite staple item.

Conditioner Bliss, Kind Of....

I finally got a chance to try the Silk Elements deep conditioner that I purchased a little while ago. And I must say that I'm impressed on some fronts and not so much on others.

This conditioner is creamy, smells wonderful, and is genuinely a good price for what it does. I loved the way it aided in detangling my several weeks post relaxer hair. However, I didn't get that slip I was looking for. I don't know if it's because my hair is so thick and well overdue for a relaxer or if I was not applying it correctly.

I will say this... The compliments far outweigh the complaints. As I said before, it detangled my hair very nicely, and I didn't see much shed at all after using it. Shedding is a bit terrifying when stretching. Overall, I am happy with it. Perhaps this product is more suited for hair that isn't so far gone, or I need to find another method for application. Either way, I'm not going to give up yet. I think this one has the potential to be a winner. :)

I plan to do an application of this product over the weekend like I would a relaxer going from root to tip, covering with a plastic cap, and sitting under my bonnet dryer for about 15 minutes. I'm certain it will yield impressive results.

Reviews and Updates

Hello Everyone! Sorry for all the delays. I've been working, had a car accident, and a super busy holiday. The good, the bad, and the ugly... It's been crazy. But now I'm back to so quick reviews and show some of the new stuff I've got. Let's do old business first.

I want to start with my reviews for the products I got for my birthday. I start with the Philosophy all in one wash. I was not impressed with it as a boy cleanser. It got me clean, but the scent faded quickly, and my skin wasn't as soft after use. However, it is a fabulous shampoo. It got my scalp super clean.

The Sephora facial moisturizer is great. It smells nice, it moisturizes without making the skin oily, and a little goes a long way. Twenty dollars may seem like a lot, but so little is need that it will last for quite awhile.

I still haven't tried the Make Up Forever makeup fixer. I think it's because I've taken a small hiatus from makeup. It's probably because it's not needed for my job. It's probably preferred I don't wear any for my safety....Long story that I can't discuss for legal reasons. :)

NOW...New Business

I picked up a new deep conditioner that I've been dying to try. It's Silk Elements MegaSilk Moisturizing Treatment. I haven't had used it yet for whatever reason. Still stocked up on products from the year before. But I'm really liking the smell and creamy texture. There will definitely be a review for this one, and I hope it's a good one. I have faith in this stuff. :)I got the Aquolina Pink Sugar Sensual for Christmas! It's just as good, if not better, than the regular Pink Sugar. I can't get enough of it. Shout out to my mother for being so generous and having paying attention to all the little details. She's awesome! :)

The Car Accident

I was in a car accident recently that was quite terrifying. The car is totaled, and I was hurt pretty bad, but I'm loads better now. I am following all my doctor's orders and trying to keep my stress levels down. It could be a lot worse, so I won't complain. Just thought I share that.

Any who... I will be trying that conditioner soon

I've Got the Blues

I love painting my nails. However, my busy schedule has prevented me from keeping them in my usual manner. And by usual manner, I mean rhinestones, glitter, and all things blingy. :) But I finally got my chance last week and snapped a quick pick.

I was inspired by a color I saw at Sephora that was only a shade lighter than the color used here. Same brand that I had at home actually. LOL. It put me in the mood for a sophisticated blue. And I must say that I'm delighted with results.

Birthday Goodies

One of my birthday gifts this year as it pertains to the pursuit of beauty was a small shopping spree to Sephora-courtesy of my mother totaling about 50 dollars USD. If you are a smart shopper, that can go quite far in a store like this. And being a master of bargains, I set my sights on a few key products that would benefit me this winter.The first item I got was this wonderful, creamy facial moisturizer made by Sephora. This product was 20 dollars USD which is a bargain for the amount that I got. It is oil ,paraben, and sulfate free. It supposedly contains a special moisturizing complex that rivals hyaluronic acid. In addition, it is supposed fight signs of aging. It looks promising. :) This will be perfect in fighting off the dry skin and damaging effects winter has on my skin.
Next on the list is this wonderful lip gloss set from Lorac. The bargain on this was outrageous. If I were to buy each color in the set individually, it would have set me back 132 dollars USD. This lovely gift set was just 25 dollars USD. The quality is fantastic. I had to try it as soon as I got in the car. LOL. It felt so smooth and moisturizing. It also has shine and shimmer that makes my lips look kissable and soft. I will not have any issues combating dry lips this winter with this.The last purchased item was this on-the-go version of Make Up Forever's Mist and Fix. I don't know much about this product. That's why I got the sample size. :) It was only 8 dollars USD. From what I understand, it's supposed to be sprayed on the face after makeup application. This will help the foundation and everything set. I have heard nothing but positive feedback on Make Up Forever products, so I have high hopes for this. I'm excited to try it.

Free Products

Because I am a member of Sephora's Beauty Club, I received a birthday gift at the counter absolutely free. It was a combination shampoo, shower gel, and bubble bath by Philosophy. Let me clarify that it is one product that does all these things. Befitting of the occasion, the scent is vanilla birthday cake. It smells delicious. I would like to include that the bottle for the birthday celebrators is different from the one sold in the store. However, the product is the same.

I also got free samples of Aquolina's Pink Sugar Sensual toilette spray. It's a more grown up version of the original Pink Sugar that I love sooooo much. The difference is that Sensual version is a bit more robust and more on the musk side. It's something that any woman could wear. It's one I would definitely recommend for a special night or first date. It will get you loads of compliments. I would also like to add that even though it is a toilette rather than a parfum, the scent lasts for 6-8 hours easily.

That completes my entry for today. I'll be back on a review for the moisturizer, mist and fix, and the shower gel. Have a fabulous remainder of the weekend. :)