Tuesday, December 20, 2011

Juices and Berries



It's no secret that I am in LOVE with Oyin Handmade. I think it's a great company, and I love what they stand for. About a month ago I made my very first purchase with them and I haven't had any regrets.

I would have liked to have used this on my real hair a few more times but because I only purchased the sample size 2oz bottle I used most of it when I was in kinky twists. I’ve only gotten the chance to use it on my real hair twice before I ran out. I probably wasted a lot of the product because I enjoyed the fruit smell it left behind so I used it more often then was probably necessary.

Here’s what the company says
"Greg Juice" has been one of our most popular products since its introduction - and "Juices and Berries" is the same oil-free mixture of vegetable moisturizers and herbal essences; The change? The fragrance... Juices and Berries is fragranced with the juiciest, fruitiest, brightest fruit scent we could find! Perfect for summer, or anytime you want to sweeten your day.
The therapeutic effects are the same as for Greg Juice - spring water, strongly infused with a variety of herbs known to help stimulate scalp health and encourage hair growth; vegetable ingredients for detangling, moisture and suppleness; vegetable glycerine for humectancy and shine; and an essential oil blend nutritious to the scalp.
This formula, like Greg Juice, is excellent for a daily pick-me-up on cornrows or twists. My sisters say it keeps their locs moisturized without weighing them down. And if I tried to detangle my hair without a bottle standing nearby, it would stand up and laugh at my comb. Many uses, this potion has. Cop a 250ml oz bottle and find out for yourself.

Ingredients

Juices & Berries contains: purified water infused with horsetail, lavender, nettle, roses, and chamomile; organic flaxseeds; aloe vera juice; vegetable glycerine; essences of lavender, sweet orange, ylang ylang; grapefruit seed extract; citric acid. It is naturally preserved with grapefruit seed extract and citric acid. Please use within 6-12 months, refrigerate for extended storage.

Here’s what I say:
I like to judge a product on 3 things.

1. Does it do what it says it’s supposed to do?


Simply put, YES! It keeps my hair and scalp soft and nourished without a greasy buildup feeling. I used this product as the company suggest right before my nightly shower and wow! My twists were moisturized like nobody’s business The only downside to this method is I did notice it cause my hair to frizz up more, but that’s with all products that contain glycerin so I knew what I was getting into.
I also have never tried to use it to detangle so I’m not sure If it works for that :/.


2. How well does my hair respond to it?

My hair seems to like this stuff. I’m not sure if I would like it over a creamier moisturizer when my hair is out because I have very dry, thick and coarse hair so I need something a little heavier for that, but as far as refreshing braids or twists it’s great.


3. Am I getting a good value for money?
For the regular size 8.4 oz bottle it cost 12 dollars +shipping. I think that is a fair price for what this product does and if you are not big on making your products at home, then it’s worth the money. If you do, however, like to mix your own stuff then I would say don’t bother because I’m sure you can make something just as good in your kitchen.


Final thoughts.
I like this product, it smells good and it does what it says it’s going to do. I wear my hair in twists a lot, so a leave-in spray is a must in my regimen. I would purchase the full size of this spray, but it’s not a HG for me.
I would probably only buy it if I need to purchase something else from Oyin to justify paying shipping. The reason behind that is because although this product is great, I can use and aloe/water spritz or a water/leave-in spritz or pick up something locally(i.e. shea moisture) for less money. I know I’m cheap! I’m trying to plan a wedding!

Anyway all and all I like juices n berries, I would buy it again, but it’s not a MUST HAVE for me.
Peace
So Much Love
Erika

Food For Thought: Sausage, Red Beans and Rice


Food For Thought: Sausage, Red Beans and Rice: I created this recipe in my mad search to find the perfect red bean and rice. Caleb is super picky when it comes to red beans and rice so...

Monday, December 19, 2011

Weekly Update 12//12-12/18

As Christmas gets closer, my free time has seemed to disappear. In the few spare minutes that I have really been getting into cooking, thus my new food blog! I have always had an interest in cooking but in the last few weeks I promised myself I would try at least one new recipe a week.

As far as my hair is concerned I have been pretty lazy but I did put in some "tiny twists"



I call them tiny twists because they are not quite as small as the typical mini twists, but they are smaller than small twists thus the tiny twist was born! I put them in because I didn't feel like doing kinky twists, but I wanted a style that I could wear with as little manipulation as possible.

It took my about 2 1/2 hours to do and I am hoping to get 2 weeks out of them. I even got a compliment on my hair yesterday at the grocery store so I am thinking this style will be a keeper.

I was hoping to kinky twist until Feb, but we are planing on taking out engagement picture sometime in January, so I definitely don't want to take them in kinky twists. I think these will be an awesome alternative if they last the whole 2 weeks.

Have a great week!
Peace
So much love
Erika

Sunday, December 18, 2011

Simple Sloppy Joes!!!




For this recipe and more check out Food For Thought

Saturday, December 17, 2011

Pink Champagne Cupcakes



For this recipe check out my Food Blog!

Check Out My New Blog!!

It's a cooking blog.

Food For Thought

I was torn on wether or not I wanted to include recipes on my main blog or not, But I decided it would be easier and more organized if I just started a new blog for cooking!

There isn't much on it yet, but I make baking cupcakes tonight! if your a foodie please follow that blog if not, don't worry I will Post pics on this blog when I make something new and you can check out the recipe if it interests you.

Peace
So Much Love
Erika

Thursday, December 15, 2011

My First Blowout!!

Hey Dolls,

This week I did my very first blowout! I was inspired by Glamazini. I wanted to take some length check pics, but I didn't want to flat iron. So when she uploaded this video I thought I would give it a try.

I used the Bee Mine Luscious Moisturizer and Grapeseed Oil and My heat protectant. I will warn you the Bee Mine is crazy expensive(about 19 bucks for 8oz) but they do offer sample sizes to try before you buy, and if you are a mixtress you could probably make something close. (i'll do a full review later but ya know)

Can I just say I am in love with my fro!! And My hair reverted right back to its original state, so the grapeseed oil is a keeper. I also was impressed with the Bee Mine! I have only used it the one time, so it's too soon to tell if its a new HG, but I am loving it so far.

Anyway enough of my rambling, here's the Video

Monday, December 12, 2011

Take Care

I'm in love with Drakes new album, and I have this song stuck on repeat.

Weekly Update 12/5-12/12

Hey Doll's,

I know its been a while since I posted, but its for a good reason, I am in the process of filming and editing My Terressntials Mud Wash detox. Today is day 5 and without giving too much away, I think this stuff is going to be a game changer for me!

Anyway, I think I am going to start writing weekly updates, just to keep you guys up to date on what's going on with me, my hair and wedding planning. So check back here every Monday for that.

Last week was pretty uneventful, I started the mud wash detox mid-week so I have been keeping a pretty low pro since my hair was going thru the ringer.

Wedding wise we are in the process of planning our engagement pics! I also started a wedding blog, but I think i'm just going to keep it for updates for friends and family so they know what's going on with the big day, and post planing ideas and pics on this one.

I also am going to start with fitness updates, I will just incorporate them into this weekly update, as I am only really interested in toning up, for the wedding/honeymoon
so it's not like I am expecting major transformations!

Ok that's all I wanted to say for now. Be on the look out for my detox video and have a great week!

Peace
So Much Love
Erika

Saturday, December 3, 2011

VS Fragrance Haul

Hey Dolls,
As you can tell from the title I did a little fragrance haul at Victoria Secret today. I love to buy lotion and body spray from them to layer under my perfum or just to wear around the house so that I can still smell good but not waste the expensive stuff!

I like to pick up scents in pairs, 1 body mist and 1 lotion(I prefer the ultra moisturizing hand and body cream, but they also make a body lotion, and body butter if you were looking for something lighter or heavier)


I normally buy from the Secret Garden Collection when they have those buy 6 for $35 sales. Basically if you buy 6 items from the line then you get a 7th free. Plus I had a $10 off coupon so I ended up getting my 7 items for $26! It's totally worth it considering these 7 thing will probably last me for about 6/7 months lol!

I try to pick scents according to season and what I think will work well my the perfumes in my current stockpile. That way I can layer them with similar notes and customize my fragrance so that I never quite smell like anyone else!


Anyway enough rambling here's what I got!
Wild Scarlet-- juice apple and lily (I put DKNY Be Delusions on my Christmas list)


Amber Romance--amber and creme anglaise(I love anything with amber in the colder months)


Sheer Love-- white cotton and pink lily(This is a very clean smell I figured it would work with almost anything or even be perfect for wearing fresh out the shower.)




Lost In Love--Brazilian orchid and Kiwi (I picked this up as my 7th free. I bought this fragrance in the summer and loved it so much I figured I would repurchase the lotion since I ran out, and still had half a bottle of spray. It smells the same but the older version had passion fruit instead of kiwi. The difference is subtle and I probably wouldn't have noticed if I didn't write this blog! I guess the floral is the main note so the fruit it is mixed with doesn't change the scent all that much.)

Fave Five: November 2011



Hey Doll's

Here is a list of my monthly Faves with pics and where to buy!!!

1. Naptural85

2.Oyin Handmade

3.CoverGirl Lip Perfection Lip Color in Shade Entwined(also can be purchased from walmart/Target/ drugstore)


4. Sinful Colors Sugar Sugar (Walgreens/Target)


5. Kinky twists

Monday, November 28, 2011

He Asked!!!



If you've been following my blog than you know that Caleb and I have been together for a while now. We started out in a long distance relationship, and we both decided that in order to give our relationship a fighting chance that we needed to be closer.

Well it worked!!!!!

I'm so happy

Natural Hair Diary: Month 9

Hey Dolls,
In the 9 months that I have been natural I have learned a lot about my hair. I’ve learned what it likes and what it doesn’t, but most importantly I’ve learned that my hair is good hair!
My hair has never been healthier than it is right now and I attribute that to using this first 9 months to actually get to know my hair. I have spent countless hours looking up ingredients, watching YouTube videos and combing through forums and blogs all that I could learn how to properly care for my natural hair. Now that I know how to achieve and MAINTAIN healthy hair retention and length should come naturally, please pardon my pun!
When I started my hair care journey with a relaxed head, I was so worried about growing my hair longer I jumped on every “quick grow bandwagon” imaginable and saw very little growth. So I knew that when I first BC’d that I would have to take a different approach to this whole healthy hair thing. If I wanted to one day become a hair inspiration for some elses journey.
This video is basically all the things I’ve learned in my first 9 months of my natural hair jounrey. Hope you enjoy watching what I’ve learned!

Friday, November 25, 2011

Yet Another Post about Kinky Twists!



I just wanted to share my fave new way of styling my kinky twists! it reminds me of


Anyway here's where the original inspiration came from:


I just tweaked it a bit because I didn't really like the swoop bangs with the twits but I might have to revisit this when I take the twists out, just gotta figure out how to acheive this look with shorter hair, but I think I can come up with a few things!

Tuesday, November 22, 2011

Winter Hair Regimen

This is long overdue But this is what I will be doing this winter to my hair! I will probably update this post once I get my Terresentials Mud Wash in but until then here you go!!1

This winter I plan to keep my hair in protective stlyes 90% of the time.

Here’s a quick rundown
1. Kinky Twists for 4-6 weeks
2. Let my hair rest for 1-2 weeks in between installations
a. Wash/co wash once a week
b. Wear hair in twists to for stretching 5 days
c. Enjoy hair in a low manipulation style for 2 days a week

Let me break it down!!

Here’s a video on my Kinky twist regimen:


While my hair is out in between installs :
WashDay Week 1:
DC on dry hair adding and egg to my condtioner for protein
Rinse
Clarify my scalp to remove any excess bulild up
Oil rinse
Apply a rinse out condtioner to remove any excess oils.
Apply leave-ins/ moisturizers and seal
Let hair air dry in medium size twists to prevent SSKS and to stretch hair slightly
Keep hair in twists 5 days were hair out 2 days(twist out, braid outs, puffs, bantu knot outs)
Spritz hair every few days to keep it moisturized

WashDay Week 2
Dc on dry hair
Rinse
Oil rinse
Co wash
Apply a rinse out condtioner to remove any excess oils.
Apply leave-ins/ moisturizers and seal
Let hair air dry in medium size twists to prevent SSKS and to stretch hair slightly
Keep hair in twists 5 days were hair out 2 days(twist out, braid outs, puffs, bantu knot outs)
Spritz hair every few days to keep it moisturized

WashDay Week 3
Video for kinky twist pre-install prep


Product Rundown*I’ll add links to product reviews as I write them*
= holy grails

Leave-ins
Kinky Curly Knot Today
Giovonni Direct Leave-in 
Oyin Handmade Hair Dew
Oyin Handmade Honey Hemp

Moisturizers
Oyin Handmade Whipped Pudding
Bee Mine Luscious

Spritz
Oyin Handmade Jucies and Berries
Bee Mine Juicy
Spray Bottle(Leave-in, H2O ,Oil)

Stylers
Eco Gel Argan Oil
Bee Mine Bee Hold Curly Butter
Oyin Handmade Shine and Define


Sealants/Oils

Oyin Handmade Burnt Sugar Pomade
Coconut Oil 
Conditioners(dc= deep condtion, ro= rinse out)
Bee Mine bee-u-ti-fu (dc)
Oyin Handmade Honey Hemp(dc, ro)
Yes to Carrots Daily Pampering  (dc,ro)


These are all products in my current stash, but most are just sample sizes! After using them up I will decide what I want to purchase full size bottle of and what I can live without.

Monday, November 21, 2011

Date Night



Just wanted to share a pic of my hair from our last date night! Obvii this was before I installed the kinky twists but it was on Caleb's camera so I didn't even know they existed until recently. It's really just a failed twist out turned into a puff with one of my fave hair accessories!

Peace
So Much Love
E

p.s. I ordered my mud wash!! yay me

Sunday, November 20, 2011

Naptural85/Terressentals Mud Wash

Hey Dolls,
Sorry I been MIA for the last few days but I've have been thinking of seriously re-vamping my regimen, which is why I've been holding off on posting my updated one! I think I might just go ahead and post my current reggy, since I've already written it, and update it along the way.



What has me considering this change you ask? NAPTURAL85! She Is the definiton of a natural! She only uses 100% natural and organic products, most of which she makes hershelf. She also uses terressentials mud wash, which thanks to her, the ladies on LHCF and google maps I almost jumped in the car and drove the 45 min to on of their B&M flagship stores! Not only is Napturals hair long and lush, but it's among the healthiest looking head of natural type 4 curls that I have ever seen!!

The only thing that stopped me is that I am currently rocking my kinky twists and I knew if i physically had the mud wash in my possession I would for sure be tempted to take these bitches out TONIGHT!

Anywho I will keep you ladies posted!

Thursday, November 17, 2011

Myth Buster: You Can’t Use Glycerin Based Products in the Winter!

I’ve always been a bit confused about the whole glycerin in the winter time thing. I usually just avoided it in the winter months because that’s what I have always heard, but my recent obsession with Oyin Handmade has caused me to question my thinking. I recently purchased a sample size of their Juices and Berries and I was worried that I couldn’t use t because it contained glycerin.

MYTH: Since glycerin draws moisture from its surroundings if you use it in the dry winter months it will have to take moisture from your hair!

FACT: Glycerol (or glycerin, glycerin) is a simple polyol compound. It is a colorless, odorless, viscous liquid that is widely used in pharmaceutical formulations. Glycerol has three hydroxyl groups that are responsible for its solubility in water and its hygroscopic nature. The glycerol backbone is central to all lipids known as triglycerides(wiki)

In lamens terms this means that glycerin has 3 water groups (oxygen and hydrogen atoms, as in the O and H in H2O) that all work together to draw moisture from the atmosphere. This is where the myth comes from because it’s reasonable to think that if there is little to no water in the air, it will take it from the next best thing, your hair. This would probably be the case if you were to just use glycerin alone, but if the product you are using is mixed with water then the glycerin has the water it needs to saturate itself thus leaving your hair moisturized! Just make sure that the amount of water is greater than the amount of glycerin(as is with the juices and berries) and you will be all set!
Still not sure about glycerin here’s a tip I picked up from Jamyla at Oyin * apply your favorite glycerin product/concoction just before you shower. The moisture from the steam will give you sensational moisture! Seal it in with your favorite sealant and volia you are good to go.
This hair myth has been offically BUSTED!!!

***Disclaimer all hair types don’t react the same to all products, Just like some products/techniques work for some it may not work for others give glycerin a try if it’s still not for you on to the next one!*****

Here are a few links that may also aid in your research:
The Natural Mane
Curly Nikki
Oyin Handmade

Saturday, November 12, 2011

APL by 2012

So this is a challenge on LHCF that I am going to join! Through out my journey to natural hair I haven't really been too concerned with length as much as I have been with over all health of my hair, but now that I am a year into it I really want to buckle down and focus on growth.

Here are the challenge guidelines(copied from LHCF)

Join the challenge by clicking "thanks" on this post and I'll add you to the list.
The challenge will officially begin on December 31, 2011 and run til December 31,2012.
The challenge is open to join at any time. No cut off date!
Post pictures with updates, PS ideas, and and anything else hair related that you'd like to share.
STAY POSITIVE!! We're all on a HHJ so let's lift each other up and help out whenever we can.
***Update Dates***




March 31st
June 30th
September 30th
December 31st

For challengers wanting to join, after thanking this post answer the following questions.


Good luck everyone!!!

~Current hair length--5 1/2 inches(NL)
~Relaxed/Natura/Texlaxed/Loc'd--- Natural
~APL goal month---Dec 2012
~Current Reggie and styling choices--- kinky Twits
~What do you plan on changing (if anything) to make it to APL? keep protective styling be more careful with detangling. Only wear my hair in stretched styles to prevent knots.
~Post a beginning picture

How I install Kinky Twists!!

Friday, November 11, 2011

Product Junkies Unite! Holy Grails, Staples and the rest!

Ok dolls I figured it would be interesting to do a post how I grade my products! I judge most hair products in kind of the same way I judge perfume, which is even if it smells good (or if my hair responds well to it) I probably wont repurchase it unless I absolutely LOVED it.

Now the reason I say that is because there is soooo many great products out there that I want to try I don't see the point in spending more money on something that I only like when something LOVE could be just a click away! Now some people will say that trying new products all the time is not being consistent to your regimen but I say products DO NOT MAKE YOUR HAIR LONG! Routines, Techniques and Knowing what YOUR hair likes and doesn't is what helps you retain length!!!

Lets be clear, I'm not saying go out and buy everything and rotate your products daily, i'm just saying that when I run out of something I only like i'm going to replace it with something else! Let me break it down...

I put all of my hair products into 1 of 4 categories

1. Products my hair hates!



I usually like to try a product 2 times before I put it into this category. I work hard for my money so before I give or throw it away I want to be sure there is nothing worth saving about it. If I still can't work it into my regimen then I usually just give it to my mom and sisters because between the 4 of them someone will probably like it.

2. Been there done that products


these products are generally the ones that I won't repurchase. These are the ones that my hair doesn't hate but they also are not ones my hair loves. I rotate them in weekly/monthly etc just to get my moneys worth but I wouldn't ever buy them again. On to the next one!

3. Staple products



These are products I really like. They are major players in my current product stash and I may or may not re visit them in the future. I get good results with these products but I still think the grass might be greener on the other side!

4. Holy muther' fukin' Grails



these are the only products that I will absolutely be re purchasing. My hair LOVES these products and I always get great results from using them. I will always have a bottle of theses products in my stash and even if I do from time to time try out other things I will always go back to them.

So you see there is nothing wrong with being a PJ you just have to be able to recognize the true diamonds in a see of coal and keep it moving!

Thursday, November 10, 2011

Kinky Twist:: part 1 DC and Detangle

I was inspired to do this little series by one of my beautiful transitioning cousins. Since I'm one of only 2 naturals in my family extremely large extended family questions about natural hair usually defer to me.

So i started to thing what tips would I give to a transistioner to help them along ,and my number one piece of advice is find a style that you like and that makes you feel like yourself. If you don't feel cute you won't want to last long in your transistion.
Kinky twists are a great protective style and the first video in the series is all about what to do before you actually install the hair.

Sunday, November 6, 2011

9 Months Natural!!!

Here is my updated length check!

Date Night Hair!





Here are Just a few pics of my hair from date night! It's growing so much

Saturday, November 5, 2011

I Will Tangle No More


I know I said before that the tangle teezer didn't negativly affect my hair, but that was like 3 inches ago! Now that my hair is getting longer I have been noticing fairy knots like crazy.

At first I was contributing them to my styling methods. I had a really lazy hair summer! So when I started noticing the knots and splits I trimmed my ends and I put my hair in twists.



I wore twists for about 5 weeks then I took them down and started right back with the Tangle Teezer. And again I started to notice the knots! So not wanting to think that it was the tangle teezer I scoured the internet looking for a soultion, low and behold I ran across a blog post about how the TT was known to cause SSKS(single strand knots)

So in conclusion I dusted my ends AGAIN and I put the TT aside for now. I plan on doing twists again soon as a protective style for the winter and also as a way to bounce back from this little setback. I am just trying to hold off on doing them until after my new products came in but we'll see!
Oh p.s I’m having a great hair day!!!

Thursday, November 3, 2011

Product Update.

I know I was supposed to come back with an updated hair regimen, but I am still in the process of re working my regimen for the winter months. So instead I decided to share with you what is currently in my stash. I say currently because I just made a itty bitty(Literally. I ordered a bunch of sample sizes) product haul from Oyin and Bee Mine.

*Side bar* I am in love with the idea of sample sizes esp. when I am ordering products online. It's the best way to find out what you like without spending a fortune on a product PLUS SHIPPING. Whats even better is I don't like it, i'm only out a few bucks and I don't mind so much letting it collect dust or even tossing it. I think more companies should offer samples. PLUS if I do end up liking the product I just get samples to travel with instead of buying those plastic travel size containers that I can never fill without wasting a TON of product! *steps off soapbox*

Anyway, I only have a few products in rotation because this summer I spent most of my extra money on building my make-up collection.(SMDH the budget is so tight I was forced to choose!) So what end up happening is I only replaced HG products and used up my stash from my PJ days.

I actually got some great results and my hair has been growing rather nicely. I guess thats why they are my Holy Grails tho right?



*products left to right* (** denotes HG)
**water&EVOO|**Coconut Oil|Eco Styler|**Direct Leave In|Soft sheen Carson Mango oil& Cupuacu Butter|
Not Pictured|ORS Creamy Aloe Shampoo|Deva Curl Heaven in Hair


I have basically only been co washing unless I have a lot of build up from the ECO gel, which is where the ORS comes in. I use the Direct leave-in on my wet hair before styling and seal with coconut oil. When i am wearing twists or I have my hair slicked back for a bun I will spritz with water and run coconut oil thru gently. I don't to much use the Mango Oil unless I'm doing my twists on dry hair/ or re-twisting for a twist out. I haven't decided if I am going to do a full on review. It's an ok product but it's really nothing special. And that is really all I've been doing. Now that my hair is starting to grow out I need to come up with some new styles!
Peace
So Much Love
E

Thursday, September 15, 2011

Sorry for the wait



I know I've been gone for far to long but I'm back. Laptop malfunctions and a stressful workload forced me to take a hiatus from blogging for awhile but I'm back and ready to go! Look for an updated regimen soon!!
Peace
So much love
Erika

Sunday, June 12, 2011

Birthday Pics!!!

Hey Dolls!
Today is my 24th birthday and to celebrate we went to Great Falls!!!! Here are a few pics from the day





Sunday, June 5, 2011

Date Night!!

Hey Dolls,

Caleb and I had a much needed date night last night. We went to Longhorn and then to see The Hangover 2. It was soooooo funny! It's definitely a must see if your not easily offended. Anyway Here are a few pics of the night.





The dress is from Charlotte Russe, 19.99 and the Shoes are from Burlington Coat Factory also 19.99. My hair is just slicked back and I have a fake bun on(separate post coming soon)!

Updated Hair Products!!!!!

Hey Dolls!!!
Sorry its been so long :/. I am still loving my natural hair, but here are some of the products I have been loving lately. Stay tuned for a length check and a regimen!!!

May Favorites :}

Wednesday, March 16, 2011

China Glaze Avalanche



Avalanche is a really pretty gun metal color with purple undertones. I love love love loved my SH gunmetal polish, but I’ve had it for several years and it was finally starting to run out so I decided to get this to replace it. I think I like this better than the SH, because of the purple tint it has. I layered of a white polish because it was kind of shear. I think you can get away with 2 coats I just prefer the way it looked with the white underneath.

Index 2 coats, middle on top of black, ring on top of white


Saturday, March 12, 2011

Switched!



Switched
By Amanda Hocking

Switched is very much a coming of age story about a young girl who always knew she was different, but never dreamed of just how different she was. Wendy and her brother Matt were raised by their aunt Maggie since Wendy was 6 years old, the year her mother tried to kill her. Wendy feels like she doesn’t belong, which most people attribute to the fact that her mother was a homicidal lunatic who refers to her as a monster , but the new boy in school, Finn Holmes, knows the truth.

Now Wendy has to decide what to do with her new found identity, and if she can leave the life and only family she’s ever known behind in order to discover her true self.

*SPOLIER* Stop reading if you don’t want to know what happens





This book is about trolls. NO really she’s a troll. I tried to give the whole troll thing a chance I really did, but I’m just not buying it. I can understand shying away from the whole vampire/werewolf thing but TROLLS? Beautiful troll people who live in palaces and take peoples kids eh/ not for me. Its not terrible, but I just can’t relate to Wendy, or any character in the book for that matter. Wendy is not really the Heroine I expected her to be, she is more or less a whiney brat and she doesn’t do ANYTHING. I can’t get behind her.

The book is the first in a trilogy but I’m not sure if I want to invest my time into another disappointing read. Mostly I feel like the book was kind of rushed. Hocking really didn’t really take the time to set up any character development or any of the settings. It was vague and left me wanting more.

Switched wasn’t all bad. I really liked the love story between Finn and Wendy. The whole princess falls in love with the help, gets me every time. I also liked the Queen. She’s a bitch, but a believable one. She tells it like it is, and doesn’t hold back. I wish she would have developed the relationship between Wendy and her real mother more,

All in all this book just wasn’t for me, and it sucks because I think that it’s a solid plot, but the execution was off.

Thursday, March 10, 2011

Hot Oil Treatment...

I got back from Texas Last night and my hair is dry DRY DRY SO hot oil treatment!

Hot Oil Treatments have been around and around and around for as long as I can remember. Actually hot oil treatments were one of the only things I was right prior to starting my healthy hair journey. I kind of forgot about hot oil treatments for a while, but this week on wash day I decided to give one a try... I loved it. It made my hair so soft and it felt so moisturized I think I am going to add it to my regimen maybe once or twice a month. It’s up to you weather or not you want to go out and buy store bought hot oil treatments. For me they are kind of a waste since I normally have 2-3 different oils on hand at any given time so I mixed up my own recipe.



Hot Oil Treatment

.5oz EVOO
.5oz Jojoba Oil
.5oz Castor Oil
5 drops of peppermint oil

*It doesn’t matter what oils you choose to mix for your treatment, but rule of thumb is always start with EVCO or EVOO*

1.Combine oils in an applicator bottle



2.Heat water in microwave safe bowl for about 2 minutes

3. Place applicator bottle filled with oil in hot water for another minute





4. Shake well and test the oil on your wrist(like milk for a baby bottle) if its not hot enough place oil back in water for another minute, or if it’s to hot let it cool for a minute then re test.

5. Once the oil is at a comfortable temp. apply oil either directly to the scalpor woth the pads of your fingers. It‘s really up to you just make sure the oil isn‘t scalding if you are applying it directly to your scalp.

6 gently massage oil into scalp and down the length of your hair.

7. Put on a conditioning cap and let sit for 10 minutes.(if possible let it sit longer I was just being lazy this week)

8. Rinse with warm water

Some benefits of Hot Oil
-imparts shine
-nourishes damaged hair and scalp
-helps relieve dandruff
-strengthens hair

Tuesday, March 8, 2011

Howdy

Hey Dolls,
Just a quick update! Im in Texas :). I'm here for business, not pleasure. I will be hope tmrw. My hair is in need of some TLC. I'm trying not to start with the bad habit's but It's kind of hard not to when traveling.

Better Late then Never

Saturday, March 5, 2011

Crackkkkkkkkkkk



So Crackle Nail Polish is all the rage in the nail world these days, but I remember Cover Girl use to make Crackle when I was younger. I guess it just goes to show ya, what goes around comes around. I think I want the Pink(Broken Hearted) and the Grey(Cracked Concrete).

OPI also makes a black one called Black Shatter, by Katy Perry and since China GLaze doesn't have black I might have to break down and purchase my first ever OPI color.

Peace
So Much Love
Erika

Wednesday, March 2, 2011

Water For Elephants



Water for Elephants is captivating look peek into the circus world during prohibition. The novel centers around Jacob Jankowski, a 90 or 93 year old man(he can’t remember exactly) living in a nursing home. The setting jump back and forth from present day to Jacobs early 20’s when his parents were tragically killed in a car accident during his senior year at Cornell’s Veterinarian program.

Jacob, suddenly alone in the world, unknowingly jumps on the train for the Benzi Brothers Most Spectacular Show on Earth. Luckily for him, an Ivy League trained Vet is just what the show needed. It is a story about first love, and friendship that transcends the circus hierarchy.

I really enjoyed reading this book. It shows that the author did a great deal of research on circus’ during that era’ and there are even pictures J . I never thought a book about the circus could be so interesting, but I would highly recommend reading it. I got to be a bit long in some parts in the end, but all and all I really liked this book. There is even a little twist in the end. If your looking for a good book I would say go grab this, and if that’s not enough they are turning it into a movie starring Edward Cullen himself *swoon.

Tuesday, March 1, 2011

Kerry Meet's Snooki

A different way to style Kerry Inspired by Snooki :)