Sweet as bubblegum

Thursday, October 11, 2012

My current hair care regimen: Agnes style!

So when ever seasons change, I start to get this questions A LOT: "What do you put in your hair?"

In the past, I would try to rattle my products off (as the persons eyes started to daze off because of the sheer number of products I was mentioning). This time, I decided to document my current regimen right here so that all who want to know can see all my products for the Fall.

How I actually do my hair hardly ever changes, either a wash and go (which I only do in the Spring and Summer or a warm Fall or Winter day) or my twisted braid out.

My products do however change to adjust for the change in temperature and humidity.

Below, I have my products (with pictures for all my visual learners!) listed in categories.

Enjoy!
hair, kisses, bubblegum
 ____________________________________________________________

Shampoo:

                OR

 









Detangling/ in shower conditioner:






      OR




 

 
 
Deep Conditioners (I ALWAYS put coconut oil in my hair when ever conditioning then layer on the conditioner):
 
Neutrogena triple moisture daily deep conditioner (I love the leave-in as well but I can not get with that price!)

Yes to Carrots conditioner (the only one you'll fine this gal using!)




Oils:

Trader Joe's ORGANIC VIRGIN Coconut oil (People please make sure your oil actually smells like coconut! The brand doesn't matter at all as long as it is virgin coconut oil)



Castor Oil (When it starts to get colder and your hair is feeling brittle, Use this to seal your hair ONLY when you are styling on wet hair. It is BEYOND amazeballs! Here's the youtube video I stole the idea from: http://youtu.be/eMZ0LYPbMro)




Styling products/ moisturizers:

Shea Moisture Curl enhancing smoothie (heaven with the Castor oil)



Carols Daughter Healthy hair butter (If you can get over the price...and the smell [it smells like a forest], you will realize that this product is RIDICULOUSLY moisturizing!!)
I have been using this a lot lately, actually I used it once this Sunday and I still have yet to re-moisturize my hair because of how great it feels 5 days later)




And that's all folks, I keep it relatively simple. These are the things I reach for constantly. If you would like to hear more about any particular product or see how I combine them, just let me know!




Monday, September 24, 2012

Fruit of the week: Kezia Loves her hair!


Name: Kezia Coleman
Age: 22
Years natural/big chop: 3 years!

Hi, my name is Kezia Coleman, and I am currently in a committed, lifelong relationship with my hair. I vow to treat it with respect. I promise to love it unconditionally; that does not mean I like it all the time, especially when it gives me bad hair days it gives me. Well, those bad hair days usually occur when I am too busy to spend time with it, and I do not show it enough tender loving care.
See, the relationship with my hair is just like any other relationship in my life (well, minus a lot of things, but bear with me…). As with any relationship, we definitely have our ups and downs: It sometimes surprises me and does something spectacular. Other times, it does not do what I want (which generally results in me saying, “I’m done. I’m going to get a relaxer”)!
This relationship began on July 22, 2009, the day of my big chop. The first day of the rest of my life.
I’ve since learned begun to learn how to love myself, my natural, God-given self, regardless of society’s standards of beauty. I am learning to wear my huge fro in the professional world. I was absolutely TERRIFIED of debuting my natural hair in grad school. I thought I was going to be confronted with stares and missed opportunities. Instead, I received acceptance and many requests to touch my hair >.< I do not look like many people at my school, but I am learning to be proud of my uniqueness.
It has not always been an easy journey, but most I am learning that the more I accept myself, the more others will as well. I do not have all the answers, and I still battle with my hair on a regular basis. Yet, I am looking forward to spending the rest of my life with my natural, irrepressible, yet beautiful hair. I absolutely love my hair, and it has taught me so much already! I am looking forward to learning much more from it!
Yep. My name is Kezia Coleman, and I LOVE MY HAIR!

Monday, September 10, 2012

Fruit of the week: Ravae is Finally Free!


Name: Ravae
Age: 22
Years natural: 22!  My whole life J

(I never wanted a perm.  I saw the damage it did to my sister’s hair and I didn’t want the texture of my hair to be forever changed!)


Hey friends!  My name is Ravae and I was ADDICTED TO MY HAIR!  

Last Sunday, I cut about three or four inches off of my hair, which may sound like a little bit, but was a huge step for me.  It was the first time I had EVER cut my hair, besides a small trim.  I have always been afraid to cut my hair; I just don’t like change very much.  I also alternate between straightening my hair and wearing it curly, so I was concerned about how short it would be when I washed it (can’t live without my ponytail!).  

Recently I moved to a new city, moved into a new apartment, and started a new job.  This transition made me realize that life is too short to be afraid.  And if I could do something as bold as starting a new life in a new city, then surely I could do something as simple as cutting my hair.  However, being the logical and anti-spontaneous person that I am, it took me a while to finally do it.  It was when I realized that my hair would be healthier if I cut it that I decided this was the best move to make and got off the fence.  

Once I got myself excited enough about the new “do”, I took the bold step and cut my hair.  While some people didn’t even notice (smh), it was a huge milestone for me!  As black women, we tend to hold on to our hair, to let it shape and define us.  So glad I let go!  I’m finally free!

 Ravae
  
P.S. Shout out to all my PG frennnzzz back home!  Miss yall!

My hair was so raggedy!  Hahaha eewwww!  What took me so long???

So maybe you can’t really tell the difference…haha! And why is that bump STILL on my face doe! Grr!

Fruit of the week series: an explanation

I have a new series coming up for this blog in which I pick the brain of people in regards to their hair and various topics relating to it.

After I post a piece covering the weeks topic, I will post a reflection on the topic and how it relates to the greater population.

To start this series off, I figured we should talk about letting go and this idea of attaching ourselves to our hair.



So let's start!


Saturday, September 8, 2012

A day in the life: Off to a wedding!


From top to bottom:
Gold collar necklace: ebay (about $3 no joke!)
Gold chain belt: thrifted
Red suede pumps: random shoe store
Navy blue dress: thrifted (it had a key-hole back which I of course got no pictures off!)

On the face:
Cover girl queen collection bronzer
Revlon just bitten balm stain (smitten used as a liner, filled in with sweetheart, and honey in the center of the lips)

Hair:
Check out the Twisted braid out with Carol's Daughter Mimosa Hair Honey

And I am out!
hair, kisses, bubblegum

Carol's Daughter Mimosa Hair Honey: final review

So I have to say, after reading and watching so many people rave about this product the only conclusion I can draw is that I used it incorrectly.

The take down:

 
Once I saw my braids the next morning, I could tell my results would not be the best. My hair felt damp (which happens when I use too much product in my hair. yikes) and it felt oily.
 
I was hopeful non-the-less but it just got worse.
 
[Excuse the over-exposure].
 
My hair had less definition that I am used to and was of course frizzy in the damp areas. I won't include a picture of my hair once I separated because it was horrendous (trust me). So after a quick outfit change, I threw it in a ponytail.
 
At this point I was (admittedly) cursing this very expensive product but I re-braided each night and got better and better results. The only problem I found was that in the Maryland humidity, none of the styles lasted. My hair went "poof" as soon as I stepped out of the house. Once it was stretched out enough, I was able to rock quite a textured blow out look.
 
I've used this product several other times since this review and I have decided that this is more of a finishing product. My hair looked better when I used other products and used the Mimosa Hair Honey to take my hair down (like above).
 
All in all, I'd give this product an ok....I think it is hyped up farrr more than it's worth but I can see the benefit in using it. 


hair, kisses, bubblegum


 
 

Wednesday, August 29, 2012

Sweet Spots: Churrascaria Tribeca (NYC)



This place may not be for half-empty pockets, but after that nice lil' paycheck and surviving a hectic work-week this restaurant is a great place to treat yourself. Two close friends and I went as a party of three and the bill was around $300 -- Expensive? yes. Worth the price? ABSOLUTELY

Those who know me well identify me as the ultimate frugal fanny; so the fact that I even promote going here speaks volumes on how much I enjoyed the experience. Churrascaria TriBeCa is the finest all-you-can-eat Brazilian steakhouse in the heart of New York City (they even have vegetarian options, pretty amazing). This restaurant is unbelievably attractive with its dim-lit decor and luxurious, but not over-the-top atmosphere. Waiters make their rounds of all the dining tables with different selections and delicious preparations of pork, beef, chicken, etc... If you want it, eat it! And if you're still busy devouring the last piece of food on your plate, you have the option to let the waiter pass. The serving system was really unique here -- I appreciated the attention to detail, and of course the constant flow of new food being delivered to the table was nice too.

We. Ate. EVERYTHING... Literally. And our stomachs were still full the next day. Churrascaria TriBeCa is a great place for a romantic date or a lovely night out (every once in a while) with family/friends. Highly recommended! Just make sure you save up first. $$$

P.S. -- Live Samba music as you dine on Fridays & Saturdays.

Location + Directions: http://goo.gl/maps/iuc38


Eat and Enjoy.


❤ Asia Preciosa




Dominican Salons - Affordable, Effective Hairdressing



Agnes is definitely the expert when it comes to all things hair-related. But i figured I'd try my hand at a post for those of us with mixed manes -- our hair is harder to manage than most people think, and we often overload with unnecessary products to calm down the crazy curls or frivolous frizz. Remember, these things cause more harm than good.

Coming from African-American and Hispanic heritage, I definitely have some horror stories when it comes to my hair. It wasn't until I went completely natural and ditched the chemicals that my tresses are the strongest they've ever been. The most recent phenomenon for up-keep with women of color has been the all-underrated Dominican Hair Salon. My Dominican cherry was popped a few years ago (don't judge me!) and I've been recommending these places to my friends ever since.

So what's the appeal? GREAT QUALITY FOR A LOW PRICE. I love my black folks (throws up solidarity fist) but seriously, the amount you'd spend to get your hair done at the salon in the hood still doubles, sometimes TRIPLES the amount you'd spend hitting up the Dominican salon down the street and around the corner. Most people don't realize that hispano-caribbean countries (i.e. Puerto Rico, Cuba, Dominican Republic) are some of the most ethnically diverse places in this world -- which means the spectrum of hair is quite broad. These Dominican hair stylists have mastered straight, wavy, curly, and even kinky hair to the point where you'll never need a relaxer again.

Hair color, wash & sets, weave, cuts, repairs/treatments -- they do it all, and you'll never pay over $100 for even the most expensive thing on the menu. My typical regimen when i go (usually once a month) is a Wash & Set with a Deep Conditioning Treatment ($33 total). The trick to their magic is drying your hair under high heat in a roller-set before blow drying and flat ironing, which means your locks are already tamed and predominately straight before styling even begins. When I tell you that I thought I saw Jesus the first time my hair was done? I'm not exaggerating. My roots stayed in tact and my hair was silky smooth for weeks. All the hair products stored in my room went right to the trash -- I didn't need them anymore, and you won't either. :)

Search for Dominican Salons in your area!


❤ Asia Preciosa






Sugar High: New Music

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    Shanell

    Nobody's Bitch

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    Flo Rida

    Good Feeling EP

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    Trey Songz

    Chapter V

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    Mikkey Halsted

    Castro

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    Dave East

    No Regrets

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    Machine Gun Kelly

    EST 4 Life

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    Drake

    Never Enough

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    Riff Raff

    Birth Of An Icon

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    French Montana

    Cocaine Everything

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    Rick Ross

    3 Kings

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    Rich Kidd Shiiiiiit

    City On My Back Vol. 6

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    Young Money

    The Summer Tape

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    8Ball

    Lifes Quest (Chopped & Screwed)

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    Yella Boy

    #MostWanted (Part 1)

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    Ya Boy

    Trappy Birthday

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    GLC

    The Anti Simp

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    Late Nights With Jeremih

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    Hit-Boy

    HITstory

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    Tabi Bonney

    Lovejoy Park

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    Sir Michael Rocks

    Lap Of Lux

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    Mia Rey

    Perfect Timing

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    Tone Trump

    The New Fresh Prince

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    Elle Varner

    Perfectly Imperfect

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    2 Chainz

    Based On a T.R.U. Story (Deluxe Version)