No More Creamy Crack

In January 2011 I decided to begin my journey going natural. "Going natural" means simply transitioning from chemically straightened hair to your natural texture. This is done by permanently stopping the application of relaxers/perms. This then allows the perm hair to grow out and to be completely free from chemicals. 

I transitioned for fifth-teen months, while transitioning I wore a lot of protective hair styles. The styles varied from full sew-ins, box braids, as well as senegalese twist. To be totally honest with you guys I was NOT comfortable wearing my hair out during the beginning stages. I applaud and give all women who rock their Teenie Weenie Afro's (T.W.A) a standing ovation for your confidence and courage during what, some may consider the hardest or awkward  stage of the process. There are so many emotions that go into the process on rediscovery yourself and becoming comfortable in your skin with your new look. Now I am not saying, for the record, women who relax/perm their hair are not comfortable in their skin, but being a person who's experience both sides of the fence I felt out of place in the very beginning stages. It's as if you are learning to walk for the first time, but as an adult. 

During my transitioning stage I took biotin the first fifth-teen months religiously. Biotin is said to help stimulate hair and nail growth with the hope of thickening hair in areas of thinning. Since I was a child I have always had very thin edges, but I have seen results from taking biotin. 

I wore my transitioning hair styles for about two months, but between hair styles I would get my hair trimmed. Once I hit a year and a half I decided to get the remaining relaxed hair cut completely off. At this point I still was not comfortable wearing my hair out. I then decided once I retained a certain length I would make the leap. I then began taking HairFinity. This stuff is like hair crack lol... In addition to taking hair vitamins I began drinking MORE WATER, adding more dark green vegetables to my diet, and doing plenty of research. I strongly suggest you do your own research. Everyone's body is different and what works for me may not give you the same results.

I didn't do a very good job documenting my hair journey in the beginning stages, but here are a few pictures from my transitioning stages to being totally, 100% natural! I am currently giving protective styles a break to learn about my hair what products work for me, styling, and everyday maintenance. One thing I am surely struggling with is SHRINKAGE!!! I am hoping once I learn what my hair loves and get it trained I won't experience as much, but if not I will embrace it lol..  It's not an easy task, but the result make it well worth it! 

Transitioning: Relaxed hair still removed 

2011

100% Natural :-) May 2012

Sepember 2013

November 2013

December 2013

My 1st two-strand twist

January 2014

HIGHLY RECOMMEND

I am not in no way, shape, or form a specialist of any kind. This solely is based upon my opinion and personal testimony of these products and the results I saw on MY hair. Please do your own research or consult with your doctor. 

Push up, Pull up, Snap!

Many women have experienced the overwhelming, yet frustrating process of bra shopping. I recently took a trip to Victoria Secrets to indulge in their Semi-Annual Sale and found AMAZING deals on bras and other items. While there a fantastic sale's rep assisted with my challenge of finding the best fitting bras. She truly gave wonderful information I thought would be beneficial to you ladies!

The back band of your bra provides about 80% of the support, the ideal fit should be firm yet comfortable. When your band is too loose this causes your breast sag. A band shouldn't stretch anymore than 2 inches from the body. If the band does the bra is not able to provide any support or lift. The breast's weight will be on the shoulders and cause discomfort.

The straps on your bra should be tighten so two fingers fit comfortably underneath. About 20% of your bra's support comes from your straps.

Many women find underwire bras very uncomfortable, but when worn properly it provides lift, support, and comfort. An underwire should rest against your rib cage with a soft cotton casing. Seamless bras look fantastic and are extremely comfortable to wear beneath a cute t-shirt, but wearing daily isn't the best idea. They don't provide the much needed support, it is suggested to alternate between seamless and seamed bras. Strapless bras should be firm around the rib cage. You may have to go down a  size for the band and up a cup size assure a proper fit.

You get what you pay for! With that being said, look at purchasing a bra as an investment piece! Bras can make a beak outfit and you definitely want your under garments to enhance your look. As frustrating as it might be there is a light at the end of the tunnel and when you put an outfit on you'll think it was all worth the headache. 

Our bra size can change several times due to puberty, weight fluctuations, motherhood, and age. It is recommended to get yearly fittings. 

My Fashion Cravings

L.OV.E

Within the past year I've drawn a strong interest in photography. I had the honor and pleasure of taking my best-friends' engagement pictures this past fall. Although I'm not a professional yet, I'm perfecting my craft every opportunity I receive. Here's a few of the priceless moments I captured.

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

 Love never fails

1-Corinthians 13:4-8

New Beginnings

I'm very sorry about not posting in such a long time, but I've recently relocated to Wisconsin. I had a hard time getting inspired as well as finding a friend with the free time to photograph me. I have some new and exciting things coming very soon as well as a **GIVEAWAY** stay tune :)

Thank you guys so much for the support :-)

 Dress: Re-Treads | Belt: Unknown | Clutch: Gifted | Watch: Target | Shoes: Bakers  

Inspiration

MY BIRTHDAY :)

On May 1 a star was born lol... I went to the Alhambra Palace to celebrate my 24th birthday with a few of my close friends. I had a BLAST I must say!!! The food was fantastic and the decorum was beautiful. What better way to celebrate a birthday then with those you love the most! 

Dress: H& M | Shoes: Steve Madden