Changes

One of the most difficult parts of creating a blog and a space for yourself is definitely finding a name. I look at so many blogs and they have awesome names (at least to me) and I honestly have not been able to name mine successfully. I think I have pretty much resorted to using my name. Which I did do, but then it still did not feel right. But then, Love Steph did not feel right either. So I went back to using my names. 

This blog is primarily about me, my life and experiences. I write so that I can help whoever wants to read. Hence using my name is easier to identify and refer to me, and then you know what this blog is about. Me, helping you however I can.

Wash Day Routine (6 STEPS)

In case you ever wondered about my wash day routine, it goes like this. 

SIDE NOTE:

I wash my hair close to every 2 weeks and cowash in between. I use the ORS Creamy Aloe Shampoo and then I always follow up with a deep conditioner, mainly my ORS Replenishing Conditioner with some coconut oil.  

SIDE NOTE x2

I only use shampoo when I use too much shea butter. 

1. I prepoo with coconut oil. I lightly detangle my hair with my fingers with the coconut oil in removing major knots and tangles.

2. Using warm water, I soak my hair and then using a quarter sized amount of shampoo, I massage this on my scalp only, focusing first on the dirtiest parts of my hair. I apply more shampoo as needed around the rest of my head. I try to make this process last for less then 5 minutes.

3. I wash this out slowly, ensuring that the shampoo runs along the length of my hair to cleanse it as well. I continue washing this out until all the suds are out. I then blot out the excess water with a t-shirt.

4. I mix my deep conditioner with coconut oil in a bowl, section off my hair into 4, and separate these 4 sections into 2 or 3 smaller sections, applying the concoction generously, especially on the ends and finger detangling. (Depends on the way my hair is or the style I'm going for later, I will use a comb). When each section is completely detangled and saturated with product, I twist it up and move on. I usually start from the back and work my way up.

5. I collect all my twists and I put on my shower cap, and let it sit for whatever amount of time I desire. But after 30-45 mins it should be fine.

6.When I'm ready, I rinse this out using cold water, while keeping the twists in. I then wrap my hair in t-shirt and allow it to soak up the excess water before I go on with my leave in conditioner and styling.

That's it guys. Six steps to clean and springy hair! Hope it helps.

Finished Results! 

JULY TRANSFORMATION

This is sorta a challenge to myself. Recently I've seen some interesting challenges where you adopt a certain thing or lifestyle, just for the experience. I believe these sort of challenges really do give you an idea and somewhat of a different perspective on the matter or lifestyle. It may be difficult too do a challenge that forces you completely out of your comfort zone, but, if you slowly ease into it, it may be easier.

I have been doing something of the sort. Preparing myself mentally for what I endeavour to do. So, I want July and August to be the months were I become totally glamorous. Glam everythangg!! My intention is to ensure my hair, make up, nails and outfits are very well put together and I look like a freshly printed $100 bill. Can I say I'm gonna Kim K myself out? Not so much. LOL

Anyways.

I believe one of the pros I can outright see is that I'd need to be better organized and procrastinate less. 

One of the cons would definitely be getting lost in the entire thing and losing my identity. 

But, I'm just doing it for fun. It's really not in me to be that way all the time and it would be nice to see what it is like. Who knows what the outcome will be. Right now I'm like a caterpillar in a cocoon. By the end of this I should be a butterfly, right?

So, let's start this transformation!

Natural Hair | Fav Products

I get this question a lot. What do you use on your hair? Well, let me answer you boo!

Water

Sounds cliche but our hair thrives on water and moisture. Be sure to give your hair plenty of water, washing it at least weekly. To re moisturize during the week I use a spray bottle filled with water focusing on my ends. I don't add anything to the water. It's simple plain ole water.

Coconut Oil
BEST THING EVER. Coconut oil is so good guys. Great for sealing in moisture, moisturizing, adding to deep conditioners, pre-pooing, heat protectant... It's a holy grail product. I may add olive oil to it, but it's definitely my go to oil. I use locally made coconut oil, since it's accessible for me and they work like a charm.

Shea Butter
Thank you to the Ghanian people for producing this wonderful butter. I usually use this for moisturizing and twist outs. I use it with the coconut oil, but try to focus the oil on my ends and the butter on my shaft. This gives incredible shine, keeps the hair soft and manageable. It's just awesome.

ORS Replenshing Conditioner
This right hereeeeeee...sent from heaven. If you're looking for an affordable deep conditioner which gives great moisture, shine and adds all the glamour and sparkle back to your hair, this is it. It is also really good as a base conditioner because you can easily add products to it to give it a boost. I usually add coconut oil to give it that extra pizaz.

Tresemme Conditioner
Famously known as 'the white conditioner'. I absolutely love this because of the size and affordability. The bottle is huge, it smells great and is awesome for cowashing. I absolutely love using this. I sometimes use it as a leave-in conditioner.

Shea Moisture Curl Enhancing Smoothie
Mine is all out, but! When I want an extra BOMB twist out or bantu knot out, this right here gives GREAT definition and shine. Guys, this is so good, but definitely on the pricey side. But it works like a dream.

Eco-styler Gel
Probably the best styling gel that ever existed in stores. This stuff is amazeballs. I've tried a whole bunch of them, but I gravitate towards the argan oil one because I love the smell. The hold is like...no other and the shine....ON FLEEK. I use this for wash n go's and stretched styles. It does have a slight crunchy feel, but it's easy to remove that feeling with a bit of oil.

Hope this was helpful!

Natural Hair Chit Chat #3

Today's topic is....dum dum dummmmmmm.... TEXTURE ENVY!

Before I begin, let me define what texture envy is. My definition is,

texture envy phrase: a term used in the afro-textured hair community to denote someone who is envious/jealous of the natural texture of someone else. I totally wish my hair looked like hers! The texture envy is real!

Now that the air is clear, let us just look at the issues that revolve around this. Since the natural hair movement swept the world, women all over are embracing their true 'natural' texture. Most people had no idea what their natural hair looked like due to years of chemicals and extensions. Of course they were excited to see the beautiful mass of curls underneath all those straggly relaxed ends. Everyone was accepting their various curl pattern, but early on in the game, there were people who had a preference for a specific type of curl pattern. That is the looser curl patten, where definite curls are visible. Most comments are usually, what do you do to make your hair look like that? OMG! I wish my hair was like that? Now, it is completely fine to admire the curl pattern of another natural. But, the problem therein lies when you aspire to change your natural curl pattern into the one you admire. Some people go as far as altering their natural hair and claiming it is of a different pattern. Another issue is that of acceptance. Naturally tight kinky hair is less accepted and apparently less beautiful than the looser curl. I do not have to tell you that is a lie.

The truth is, the natural hair movement is focused on the acceptance and appreciation of your natural hair texture. All hair is beautiful. It may be difficult to accept and appreciate. But you need not lie or have an overwhelming desire to have another person's texture to the extent where you hate yours. That's where the problem lies. We need to work harder on accepting and loving ourselves and then moving from there.

All hair is beautiful, so love yours.

Natural Hair Update

Natural for...
3 1/2 years

Current Length...
Brastrap/nipple length  inching unto midback length

Regimen...
Kinda sorta non-existent. I just do what I have to. No structure to it.

Who would have thought I would make it through the fire! It's been a long stuggle. One of the main struggles for me is dealing with the constantly changing lengths. I would perfect a style, be it a wash n go or a twist out and 6 months later, my hair is suddenly too long and it looks like a hot mess.  Can you believe this? That's one struggle I definitely did not expect. I had been stuck in the short hair phase for a bit that I did not realize that my hair was getting longer and I could do different things with it. 

Nowadays I mostly wear my hair in chunky twist out styles, buns and mini-twists. It has really been working for me and contributing to growth and health. I do forget to mositurize and deep condition regularly, which is bad, but I do try yo keep on top of it. Honestly this much hair requires crazy maintenence and sometimes my schedule does not allow me. BUT! I'm on a path of taking better care and achieving my hair goals!

Follow Me!

If you're a blog-a-holic like moi, you definitely wanna use Bloglovin' to help organize your favourite blogs and find other amazing blogs. The site is pretty damn awesome!

Follow my blog with Bloglovin

Musical Inspiration

If you have not heard about her, I suggest you stop reading this post and look for F-K-A T-W-I-G-S. 

Who is she? Only one of the most amazing artists our pitiful ears could be blessed with. Her work is definitely one of a kind. Hailing for the U.K. Twigs is as absolutely stunning. Her voice will put you in a trance and the melodies are just complicated but satisfying. The videos go above and beyond your expectations, like, who would even think to do this? Why is this sooo deep? What is she even trying to portray? Why can't I stop listening to this??? (The videos may freak you out! Viewer discretion definitely advised)

If you're into the Indie/RnB/music-you-listen-to-when-you're-high, you should definitely check her out!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O8yix8PZKlw

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3yDP9MKVhZc <<<Least likely to freak you out. 

Internet Shyness

I've always been a bit closed off from the world in general. For a part of my life, I was constantly afraid of being judged for my opinions, my writing, my style...pretty much everything that I believed embodied me. This shyness wasn't only one that existed in day to day physical interaction, but also surprisingly on the Internet as well. That may appear to be unusual since people are usually more courageous over the Internet. But interaction with people is the same to me, no matter the medium. 

How did I end up blogging or even being interested in blogging. It was like an online diary. I was aware that people could read it, but it never occurred to me that people could read it. It was just a way for me to record my feelings and develop my writing skills.

Somewhere along the line, the paranoia crept in. Call it the realization that my posts were being read by complete strangers AND my friends. The panic was surreal. I completely stopped blogging. I would visit my old blog and feel like I gave up on something so important to me. Ofcourse there were days I woke up feeling totally stupid for my anxieties, but other times, it was challenging. 

BUT!

I've decided to step out of the realms of my comfort. Push myself to be a little #Shameless like Shameless Maya on YouTube. Fear always tries to confine you to you these walls you have created. But after a while, you realize you're in your own way of success. All you have to do is tell fear step aside. It's always going to be nagging at you, some days it may overwhelm you, but you keep on fighting the good fight!

I mean, once I'm doing something I love, it cannot possibly be that bad.

Hello Summer

Hard earned vacation I believe yes.


After a semester of #TEAM5HOURSORLESS AND #TEAM4.0, I'm just really tired of school and the stress that comes with it. Don't get me wrong, I really enjoy having to overcome challenges, getting papers completed even if its an hour before the deadline. I actually get stuff done.

The absence of school has kinda sorta left a void in my life, which I intend on filling accordingly.

I'm ready to take on this summer, new challenges, meet new people. So far, my plans hover around completing extensive research for my thesis, beaching and hiking trips and travel.

HELLO SUMMER INDEED.

Project: Summer Time

I've tried to have a successful blog for months..years..forever..

I know blogging is mostly discipline and creating content. The only thing I seem to have time for is school and achieving my degree.
My shyness has really held me back from letting the world know.

So, I've embarked on Project Summer Time.

I think we need to constantly challenge ourselves and try things that force us out of our comfort zone. I'm clearly tired of residing there.

So, I ask to you come on this journey with me, as I give you the 4/11 scoop on my life from now til August 31st.

We can do it, yes we can!

Musical Inspiration

If you have never heard of SZA, you may be missing out on a lot. 

SZA is absolutely amazing. Her voice is calm and soothing and flows beautifully over skillfully chosen beats. The lyrics are on a different level of creative. It stimulates deep thought and meditation, and connects with your inner spirituality.It is an all around musical masterpiece in my brain. 

(Can you feel the girl crush?)

And she is gorgeous! Her hair (natural hair inspiration), her freckles!! She's like all over awesome. I just can't even deal with the awesome overload. 

I am personally not good with music genres, but you should give it a listen and determine if it is for you. It's like an indie-hip-hop/RNB type of vibe. 

Can you imagine her and Jhene Aiko together on a track.....HEAVENLY. 

Enough with the raving, check her out!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RXDOcZLmrKU

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jid9eVXPux4

Hair Update

Years Natural: 3 years

Texture: Tiny coils and loose waves

Current Length: Bra-strap length

Fav Products: ORS Replenshing Conditioner, Coconut Oil, Shea Butter 

My hair length goal is mid-back length to waist length. But right now, I'm doubting that. It's just so much to deal with, I may just cut it soon. *screams internally* Regardless, I'm getting better at perfecting this hair with twist outs and stretched out styles. When I'm at school I keep my hair in two-strand twists. Makes life mucho easy!

(yay for selfies!)

Sea Side

Everyone needs to understand my passionate relationship with the sea. I cannot swim, but I love the atmosphere. The sounds of the waves crashing on the sand, and if you listen carefully you can hear the sand particles washing against each other. It's beautiful. I honestly believe I belong on the beach.

 The following snaps are from Consett Bay, Barbados

Natural Hair Chit-Chat #2

The next topic under my microscope is: shrinkage.

(her comics are hilarious!! Check out her instagram: @yagazieemezi)

ALL women with a hair type other than straight, experience some sort of shrinkage. Women with afro-textured hair however can have up to 95% shrinkage. That is their hair appears to be only a fraction of what it's current length is. (Hair appears to be 5 inches long when it is actually 10 inches long)

I personally experience about 60% shrinkage and man, it is a struggle sometimes. The longer my hair got, the more annoying shrinkage became. Not because it concealed my length, but, my hair tangled and matted like never before. Wearing my hair is stretched out styles has been a lifesaver, a trick I learnt from HairCrush and Naptural85.

But, does wearing my hair in a stretched out style mean that I do not embrace my shrinkage?

As I stated, when my hair shrinks up, it becomes especially difficult to handle. Stretched out styles make it easier. I totally love my hair in a shrunken state. But the maintenance is simply too much.

If you or anyone you know struggles with shrinkage, please call 1-800-STRETCH IT OUT for an immediate relief from shrinkage.

Seriously though, stretching your hair out does not always mean texture hatred.

3 College MUST Haves

The day is quickly approaching. That day when we return to college or school or wherever you go to learn. The college experience is definitely and interesting one, and allows you to develop and grow as a person. If it is your first year in college, don't be shy. Widen out and meet people, join groups, be an active member. And of course do not forget to study!

I've compiled a list of items you will definitely need to be that cool college kid.
(Or any ordinary kid on campus lol)

Cool Sunglasses

You will need them on those extra bright days and sunglasses give you that extra cool look, no matter what you're wearing. They are also functional on those days when you wake up with only 5 minutes to spare before class and you just cannot get rid of these bags under your eyes because you have been studying all night to complete that project that you did not finish.

(your life will feel just like that sentence-never ending)

EarBuds/Headphones

This goes without saying. There will be days when you need to ignore the world and get lost in a musical fanstasy land. Or you may need them in the library to drown out the sounds of the people who just won't shut up. Anyway you look at it, headphones are a crucial part of a healthy college diet. 

(along with some super cool music)

Comfy Bag

The size and make of your bag totally depends on you. I currently love the sloucy backpack look, but messenger bags, tote bags or even more fashionable bags are fine. Just make sure it can take all your books, laptop, tablet and other necessities and still be comfortable for you. 

The things I left out like, a cell phone/MP3 player, clothes, shoes that kind of thing, I'm pretty sure you know you need those. This is just a simple list of the things I need!

Home Sick

The usual meaning of the word connotes that one is missing their home, probably because they have recently immigrated. I see the word in a totally different light that being, sick of home.

Vacation time has always been a time for me to relax and sleeeeeep (I love sleep guys). I've slept and relaxed so much at home that I am tired of sleeping and relaxing at home and desperately want someone to take me out! :(

Anywhere would  be nice. Anywhere but home, for at least a day.

Natural Hair Shadowing

The colours we choose speaks volumes about our inner personalities. Maybe some things we do because we mindlessly follow trends. But somethings we do because we know it will bring the type of joy and satisfation that we crave. 

With blue fingertips and hair everywhere, I slumped in front of the mirror to observe the masterpiece or disaster, whichever way you take it, I had created in my tresses. Ofcourse we all want that beautiful, vibrant colour in our hair, but the damage is scary. I avoid it like the plague. However, upon viewing Chime's video(YT:HairCrush) I was sold! I immediately wanted to have that vibrant blue in my fro. 

But as the story goes, I did not get the correct colour(for some reason my brain envisioned that the gold eyeshadow cream would look cooler, it did not). But my hands and hair was covered in this gold stuff, what was I going to do??

Luckily, I had an old eyeshadow palette lying around and I used a blue and purple shadow from it to create something I considered acceptable. Which it totally was! I totally felt like Blu from BGC12! 

I followed Chime's example and Tash Naturally's method, which was pretty simple. I threw my hair up in a high pouf thingee.

(if you look closely you see the gold)

Products Used:

Maybelinne Colour Tattoo in Bold Gold

(I recommend using the blue one)

Blue and Purple eyeshadows

Links!

http://youtu.be/HVummZC5990 -HairCrush

http://youtu.be/LU6EWH671BE -Tash Naturally

Natural Hair Chit-Chat #1

If you do not know, I have 'natural hair'. By that I mean, my hair is considered by soceity to be afro-textured. I consider my hair to be extremely curly, like mini-springs, kind of like a ball of mini-springs. If I reference to the hair categories that have been created, my hair ranges between 3C and 4B. That's my hair, And I love it.
The 'going natural' movement was everywhere. I'm not sure who started it, but, it began taking over the internet and the world. Women who had used texture altering chemicals such as relaxers were begnning to embrace the coils within. A move that was obviously not easy, but, their pride in their hair was greater than their fears.
I happened to be one of the people caught into the 'natural hair movement' and everyone was certain that I was crazy, until I cut my relaxed ends off and fully embraced whatever was underneath.

But I realized something unsual within our community. Slowly, divisions were building up and women were becoming increasingly accepting of a looser curl pattern and almost rejecting a tighter curl. Even if we had moved pass one obstacle,  we were being held back by another.

I think all hair is  beautiful. Straight, wavy, curly, super curly whatever. The condition of your hair depends largely on your health and how much care you give to your hair, no matter the texture.

Love your hair for the way it is. Obviously there will be days you wished your hair was longer, shorter, more manageable, looser or tighter. But that wish should only be temporary. The permanent love should be for your hair.

This is just the beginning of the hair issues. This mini series can hopefully help people and shed light on the issues facing us 'naturals'.

Beach Bum

When I sit back and think of the places I would like to live or spend the rest of my life I always visualize a beach. I am fortunate enough to live on a tropical island and of course Hollywood is not wrong for portraying all islands as beaches, palm trees and coconuts. I live about 15 minutes driving at 40 km/ph from the nearest beach. That's considered far in my mind, but then again, small island people mentality.

Teehee. 

Regardless, I love the feeling of sand between my toes, using sand as an exfoliate, tan lines, salty water. It's simply beautiful. I love the sweet calm beaches of the Caribbean Sea, but then love the voracity of the Atlantic Ocean beaches. The dangerous and unpredictable nature of the waves simply make me happy. But I can't bathe in them unless I'm searching for certain death with my inability to swim. Another myth busted! When I'm stressed a quiet visit to the beach always makes me happy. Grab a blanket, some sunnies, sunscreen, a few light snacks and drinks and vroom vroom! Beach time! 

Here are some pictures of some Caribbean Beaches I've visited ranging from St. Lucia to Barbados.