Wednesday, March 21, 2012

15% Coupon Code and My New Etsy Shop Items!

Here are a few new items in my etsy shop. And please enjoy 15% off of your order by using the coupon code SPRING during checkout.

Blue Chrysocolla and Brass Earrings





















Pantina on Brass Triangle Earrings





























































































































































































Pantina on Brass (Tagua Slice Shaped) Earrings




























Me And My Natural Hair

It's been forever since I made any posts about my natural hair. In fact, I haven't posted anything since I told you all that I went natural. And that was over 2 years ago.  I have only shared some of the hair products that I like and the natural hair events that attended. Why haven't I shared anything in all this time? Well, I'm not a big fan of taking photos. And when I do take them, they always look awkward to me. So that pretty much keeps me from posting pictures of myself and progress of my hair. I do, however, have a few photos that I don't hate. So I will post them below with the approximate date.
Also, I don't have a rock solid regimen. I cleanse every 7-10 days (or as needed) and deep condition each time. Sometimes I pre-condition, henna, and try other treatments.  My go to styles are braidouts, twistouts, and I am still perfecting the wash and go.  My fave brands at the moment are Pura Body Naturals, Oyin Handmade, and Shea moisture. Though I am always trying new products and have plenty new brands on my to-try list.
On to the photos.

May 2009-When I decided I was going natural













January 2010




















June 2010
















September 2010-I twisted my hair for my cousin's wedding.































March 2011
















May 2011



















October 2011(photoshopped)





















December 2011 - Wish I had a powder puff handy when I took this one.
Othewise is like it. It was for Essence Magazine.
Braidout on moist hair. I can't remember which products I used.




















March 7th 2012 Braidout on damp hair




























































March 15th 2012 Braidout on moist, but not wet, hair






Tuesday, March 13, 2012

Finally! I Got Some Anita Grant!

Ever since I've been natural I've wanted to try Anita Grant's hair and beauty products. I hesitated to buy them because her company is based in the UK and shipping fees were more than I wanted pay. And besides, I have loads and loads of other products already, so I figured I could wait. Then  she had an awesome sale that offered free international shipping. I took this as my cue to give her products a try. Please note that I got all sample sizes and my total came to about $24 US. Also, I have not tried everything yet but I'll you know which ones I did try.
Here is what I got:



                                                        Rhassoul Deep Condish







From top l to r
I really like this product. I uses it on skin and hair. It's very smooth and creamy and smells great.
I used this for and few days and didn't love it. I give it another try though.
I really like this and would love a full size bottle. I used it on skin and hair. The scent is more woodsy than coconut and I really like it. 



Monday, March 12, 2012

I Got My CurlBox!

 On Friday I received my very first Curlbox. And if you've haven't heard of Curlbox yet, it  is a subscription service (similar to Birchbox) that brings you samples of products dedicated to kinky, curly, coily, natural hair.  And in order to order the box, you need to be on their mailing list and they will send you an email to let you know when subscriptions are open. And subscriptions do sell out fast-usually within 24 hours.  The Curlbox costs $20 and  I think it's worth it. Especially if you are like me and love to try new products but are on a budget or don't want to be stuck with full size products that you don't like.
Here's  my box:



























































Shea Moisture Argan Oil and Raw Shea Butter Soap (Full Size)
Not exactly for hair but I was happy to see it. And I have loved Shea Moisture's Soaps since before they were popular. I've been wanting to try this argan oil one














Mahogany Roots Olive and Avocado Moisturizing Hair Butter (2 oz)
I've never heard of this brand. They're products look pretty good



















Curls Gel-les'c (2 single use  pouches)
I've used a few Curls products before. Haven't tried this one though.

















Ouidad Moisture Lock Leave In Conditioner (2 oz bottle)
I got this in my Birchbox a few months ago. It's ok, I didn't love it though.




















Beautiful Textures Curl Control Defining Pudding (s sample packets)
I got the chance to go the the introduction party for Beautiful Textures. I have tried most of the line and they work ok for my hair. I have other products that I like better though.
















Curl Care by Dr. Miracle Shampoo, Conditioner, Leave in Conditioner (sample packets)
















Brown Butter Beauty Sweet Milk Leave in Conditioner
Happy to see one of my fellow Etsians (people with Etsy shops) in the Curlbox. I've been wanting to try this too. I've tried an oil and butter that I liked.




















Ultra Sheen Supreme Super Smooth and Hold Flat Iron Protection Spray
I don't plan on straightening my hair anytime soon so I'll probably give this to my sister who has relaxed hair.

















Lustrasilk Curl Max (Enhanced with Argan Oil)  Curl Activator Moisturizer and Curl Pudding (4 Sample Packets)
I know a lady who swears by curl activator.She says that it keeps her hair moisturized.  I'll see if works as well for me.

Wednesday, March 7, 2012

Influenster Love VoxBox 2012

Today I received the Love Vox Box from Influenster. If you've never heard of Influenster, here is a description (via their website) of what it's all about:

   "Community of trendsetters invited to share their lifestyles and show their influence to qualify for personalized product shipments, special rewards and exclusive deals from the brands they love. Members love testing the latest products, giving insightful feedback, and spreading the word on their favorite finds"

 The VoxBox is filled with products from various brands.  And members of Influenster (called Influensters), are encouraged to share their thoughts about the products on Influenster.com and social networks (twitter, FB, Blogs, Youtube, etc.,). And the more your share, the higher your chances are to receive other VoxBoxes. The boxes are generally themed, so the Love VoxBox was in celebration of Valentine's day.
Please note that there is no charge to be Influenster and VoxBoxes are sent, free of charge, to specially selected members.
Here is what I got:







Kiss Nail Dress-Fashion That Sticks - $6.99
I've tried nail decals before and I have never quite mastered them. I will give these a try though I'm not much for rhinestones





Stash Tea Herbal Tea Sampler - $3.50
Tea is always good. I've tried this brand pretty ok. 



Gillette Venus and Olay Razor - $8.99 -10.99
I was in need of a new razor. Thanks!




Ghiradelli Gourmet Milk Creamy Devotion - $2.99
Can't go wrong with chocolate. 



Truvia Natural Sweetner $3.99
A natural sweetner made with erythritol and rebiana.  I currently use stevia  as a sweetner. It took me a little while to get used to stevia but now it's pretty much all I  use (sometimes I do agave nectar). I currently use the Navitas Naturals Organic Stevia Powder. It's loose and the color is green. 

Monday, March 5, 2012

Extravagant Indie Giveaway! 10 prizes -1 Winner


In honor of Women's History Month, myself and 9 other women entrepreneurs have come together to create this awesome giveaway. The winner will win 10 wonderful prizes including jewelry, skincare products, gift certificates, and more. Also, each contestant can refer 1 friend and the friend of the winner will win some prizes too.
Here are the sponsors for this giveaway:



Smell Goods 98














 Jasmin Mitchell Jewelry













Deana's Jewelry And  Things











 Diapercakes by LaTersa
















 Eclectic Creations












Lunaversoul

















M.A.I.A Bey














Laurie Writes













Narah's Jewelry




Myla's Bags


Entering this giveaway is simple. Just complete the 26 mandatory tasks listed on the form below. There are also bonus tasks you can complete  that will help increase your chances of winning. Good Luck!
Please note:

  • You must have a Twitter and Facebook account for the mandatory tasks to count towards your entry
  • If you already like or follow one of the sponsors, please do not skip that task. Instead, simply enter your name (the one you use for that particular social network) and click enter. 
  • GFC= Google Friend Connect 
  • Open to US Residents
  • Ends 03/20/2012