Natural Hair: Heat-Free Styles

Let's talk about this natural hair thing that's going on in my life at this moment. 

So, January 13th I decided that I wanted to go heat free for Atleast three months. Why? Well, I washed my hair and realized that my curl pattern was not anywhere where it used to be. Straightening my hair once and sometimes twice a week has put me in a bind. I can see many straight pieces and I know it's not healthy. So, I decided to find styles to wear while on this journey. One that takes little effort is the bun. 

Products Used: 

EcoStyler Gel: Green Jar

100% pure Jamaican Black Castor Oil

Miss Jessie's Leave in Condish

Toothbrush for those edges (don't judge)

Goodys bobby pins 

Human Braiding Hair 

Another go to style is Perm Rods &  Bantu knots. After a few days I usually pin them up into a pineapple. 

Sometimes I have an epic fail and will brush the curls out before pinning them up for a full fluffy look. 

Things I have learned when transitioning and on a healthy hair journey kick: 

1. Low manipulation- try styles you can wear for a few days. You don't have to brush or comb through your hair everyday. 

2. Dry your hair with a tshirt. This helps your hair from snagging and popping with a rough towel. 

3. Deep condition and make sure to keep your hair moisturized. 

4. Stay awwaaayyy from heat. 

What's your favorite natural style when going heat free? 

Confidence Boost: Healthy Hair

Can we say Whoop! Whoop! to a good wash, trimmed ends and a style I love on my natural hair. I've been having a hard time battling with my hair and styles for many months now. To be honest it has affected my confidence tremendously. 

Where it all began is when I shaved my head thinking I was Cassie. *don't side eye me* lol. But I must say I really loved the style. Until it was time to grow my shaved side out and I was lost on what to do with my hair. I have been wearing installs for a long time but in reality I had dealing with the proceeds if sew ins and everything that comes with it. 

I struggle with thin edges and I have such fine hair but one product I have to really mention in this post is SIMPLICITY OIL. It has really helped me out so much. It's a product created by a lady name Lisa and I came across it on Instagram. The product is made with oils such as Jojoba, Tea Tree and Coconut. The regimen I use on myself is to place about 10-15 drops around my edges and massage for a few minutes. I also use it just to moisturize my natural hair before applying heat or whenever needed. It does my weigh my hair down at all. 

I haven't had my natural hair pressed out since I've been transitioning and I must say I'm in love with this style. It boosted my confidence once I looked in the mirror at the salon and I couldn't thank the stylist enough. I must say that I won't be wearing weave for some time. 

What boosts your confidence when it comes to your hair and what kills it at times? Do you have any style or healthy hair tips? 

It's not that we are Inadequate

DIAGNOSIS: Failure to see things closer than they really are 

COMPLICATIONS: Frustration, Doubt, Fear, Negative Insight, Stress, Anger, Irritable 

INGREDIENTS: The Human Mind & Body 

TREATMENT: Renewing of the Mind:Faith, Prayer

Proper Health: clean eating and exercise 

Love: Give A lot of It

Happiness: Smile like you're in a Pageant  Confidence: Sprinkle some of that glitter from your veins. 

Many times we become frustrated in life only by what the keen eye expose to us, we limit our thinking and only see the current position instead of the mere total vision. It hinders and confuses our mental thoughts. At times we become inedeqate because of our impatience. 

A time or two or three or four in the past few weeks I felt like giving up in so many aspects. I'm such a critical person of myself and I must say others at times that it drains everything from me. My irritability radar and stress level has been at an all time high lately. 

But I ask myself over and over again, Why are you literally killing your positive energy with everything you have in you? 

I end up giving myself a pep speech but my actions still remain the same!! 

What good will that allow me if I'm not changing my thoughts with my habits? Life is tough but we have to realize that we are even tougher. We were designed and built with immaculate strength, with a purpose, and vision and as a masterpiece. 

We watch others and think if they can, I can. Or we say to ourselves how are they doing that; living their dreams, one step away from their true goals but we sometimes don't PROCESS the PROGRESS. 

We have to change our thinking, develop our habits, and chase down all that we want until it can no longer outrun us. 

These past few weeks for me has been a true challenge to my faith and I know that the upcoming weeks may just as well be too but another thing I know is that I'm going to take all I have to reach calamity, peace, and true vision! 

What about you? What challenges are you facing or have overcame? 

Lipstick & Love, Erica.... 

Beauty Faves

 I decided that it was time I share of my frequent beauty faves with you all. I have not really gave you all many beauty posts but I would like to starting sharing more since it is one of my favorite things to indulge in .

So my makeup routine everyday is usually the same. Last year I began breaking out which I had never suffered with any skin problems or acne but it came out of the blue and has been a challenge to combat ever since. I have started to become more knowledgeable of my skin and changing products frequently is one thing that I really do not do unless I think it may be of some help to me.  Revlon Colorstay is my absolute favorite drugstore foundation. It is medium to full coverage and feels very lightweight. It is inexpensive and lasts for a while. One con to this foundation is that it does not come with a pump. 

 MAC Pro LongwearConcealer is one product that I do not like to go without. I wear NC50 (I think) and usually apply it with my finger and then use my beauty blender to blend it very well. On those mornings where my eyes are puffy and my circles are see through I need this. 

 I stumbled across Milani Baked Blush at Target one day after just seeing a Youtuber applying it and I had to give it a try. It is more of a golden bronzer to me and I apply it over my MAC pink blush for a more highlighted look to my cheeks. 

 Now Now!! I can't forget about my Mineralize Skin Finish that I apply after my foundation. Because I have oily skin I use this as a finisher to keep me from shining and staying matte all day. I use the shade deep. 

What are some of your Beauty Faves??? 

Lipstick & Love, XOXO

Lipstick Liner: Chats

It's been a long Tuesday with these past days of bad weather and you know the daily twists and turns we endure each day. But I'm not going to complain because I made it through the day maybe a little bumps and bruises not in the figurative speech but heyyy I can still lay in a warm bed and rest. In life we have to be grateful and see the good in everything even when it doesn't seem like it. Because many people may be going through worst and would trade places with you and I in a heartbeat. 

Today I took a step and decided to make light of a situation that lingered for months. Just a few words to someone and a weight was lifted off of my chest. I have held grudges, stopped talking to individuals and things of that nature but it takes too much energy to water a negative situation than to just make light of it and then let it be. Actually when I think of it I took many steps to just smile and speak with individuals that I haven't spoke too starting with my Saturday outing. 

Sometimes when we are transitioning in our lives, when we are stepping into a new journey we don't even realize that the steps necessary to move forward takes looking back and fixing things before proceeding. It's like a hot air ballon you won't float to the top with a lot of baggage weighing the ride down. Your attitude determines your elevation. 

Dear Old Me,

There is a new me that has opened the door to new beginnings. 

Sincerely, 

You can't live here any longer. 

With Love, Lipstick & Laughter, XOXO 

Sunday Stress & Steam

The weekend has come to an end and all I've wanted to do today was ease my mind from overload and try to relax after a 30 minute run + 30 min workout and tacos. Doesn't really go together eh? Don't worry I'm still pushing towards clean eating and fitness. I really do need to slack up on giving in to my every craving. 

Anyway.... 

So I decided to take a nice steaming bath with my stress relief bath and body soap and Epsom salt. To put the Icing on the caking I definitely added my home & gardens candle. Relaxation after any long day or heavy mind can help with peaceful moments and just a little me time. 

As you all know I've been trying to combat my skin problems. I've always had really great skin but in 2013 it began to break out due to various reasons and I'm still experiencing problems. So I decided to try the at home facial steamer which consists of boiling water in a pot and adding your favorite oil. Once water has boiled move the pot to an area where you can place your face over it in a safe way for about 5, 2 minute sessions and then rinse with cool water and add moisturizer. I must admit that my face seemed refreshed and smoother afterwards. I will be trying this every Sunday and letting you all know the results. I have not been able to go to the spa lately and get my facials which seems to help out a lot. 

What products do you use or methods do you take to maintain healthy skin or combat problematic areas? What about easing your mind, anything you do to relieve stress? 

I hope that you all have a great start to an awesome week and a relaxing Sunday. 

Lipstick & Love, XOXO