Winter Wonderland...With Alice...And A Small Haul

Winter wonderland couldn't keep me in the house this time around! No ma'am! Some of the snow has melted...and we have yet ANOTHER storm coming. This might be their excuse as to why they haven't plowed. *rolling my eyes*

We ended up with 18 inches. Don't really see the necessity for anymore!

This is what I found outside my garage. Not sure what's the deal with the one windshield wiper...


Eat Me/ Drink Me!!! I've been debating on when I will get my Alice In Wonderland Book Of Shadows. It was never a question IF I would.

And sooo it "appears" that A. We're dealing with some renamed colors. & B. No matte. But look at this palette *pouty face.* It's divine!

From Urban Decay
"What a dream come true! When Disney called to ask if we would design a product for the launch of Tim Burton’s Alice in Wonderland, we were like, “Um…. Yes!” The result is this truly amazing (and seriously collectible) Book of Shadows.

Open the palette to reveal a pop-up scene of Alice in the mushroom forest. Her “drink me” bottle discarded, she staggers past towering mushrooms, only to cross paths with a very peculiar, hookah-smoking caterpillar. A large mirror rests behind the scene – you feel as if you are transported into the film itself.

Hidden inside a secret drawer are 16 best-selling Eyeshadows, given topsy-turvy names like White Rabbit, Jabberwocky and Oraculum. Alongside them lie travel sizes of Eyeshadow Primer Potion and two 24/7 Eye Pencils. From smoky neutral eyes to flashes of hallucinogenic green and purple, the looks you can create are as endless as the rabbit hole itself. Anyone who loves Urban Decay, Tim Burton, Disney, or Alice in Wonderland absolutely MUST have this palette. Even the Mad Hatter would say this Book of Shadows delivers it all."

Eventually, I'm going to need another camera because the pictures aren't as clear as they should be. These colors are more pigmented in person.

No base or primer for these swatches:


In this haul, I snagged:

• Alice in Wonderland Book Of Shadows
• Ralph Lauren Polo Blue Cologne
• philosophy - amazing grace Perfume
• Dior - J'adore Perfume (sample, you know how I do)
• Gucci - Envy (sample)
• Urban Decay- Heavy Metal Glitter Eyeliner - Glam Rock: silver (sample...that I didn't request. Sweet!)

De La Soul - Me Myself and I

It's About Time For A Take Down

Ok.........it's about time for these braids to come on out. I haven't been babying them like I should. I think the thinness is partly to blame. Oh an I lost one ON MY RIGHT TEMPLE. Aww hail naw. The weird thing is...I honestly have myself to blame. The hair didn't break off itself. I wasn't moisturizing my edges like YOU'RE SUPPOSE TO. I was also putting in my rollers a tad too tight. If that wasn't bad enough, I allowed my bonnet along with the stocking cap and/ or scarf keeping it on to rub my edges. Ouch! My fool self!

I couldn't help but notice that after my many washes and co washes my braids became frizzy...in a strange way, though. Whoooooooooo I also noticed that the knot that kept the braids in are dangerously close to my own hair. NOT a good look. I'm going to have to take extra care in removing these knots without cutting my own hair.

Taking braids out can take hours for some people. What I plan on doing is removing the knots in one day, co washing the next day, and style. Within the next few days the braids should have loosened a bit and are much easier to remove. When I'm ready to remove them I would add a detangler or conditioner so I don't tare my own hair out.

NEVER START WITH THE FRONT OF YOUR CROWN. I've always started in the middle (so if I have to stop I can just throw my braids in a ponytail. If I don't start with the middle I would start with the nape of my neck because it's much easier to hide. If I just don't feel like taking my own braids down, I can always get the braider/ stylist to remove them. That can cost around $20. Being that my hair is in the state that it's in now, I won't trust anyone to cut knots but me...or my husband (who knows I will loose the BEST part of my mind if he screws up!)

They were fun while they lasted but they got to go! Taming them has become more of a chore than a thrill. The frizz and the fact that they are so thin limits what I can do. Hell, I couldn't do my normal swoops, pin ups, curls, etc. No sir...I need more flexibility. These here braids are holding me back!

We aren't looking at an incredible amount of new growth but we have -some- progress.






Xscape - Just Kickin' It

Indian Style Part 2

I've been down this East Indian road before so trying new products wasn't the problem...its just finding them. I have one store (about an hour from me) that I have been able to snag random products. My only issue is...I don't know how long these items have been on the shelf. Some have no date or its coded. Some people have access to local stores or brave/ patient enough to order online...I'm not in that category! Stdy H8n.... I like to physically see -new- things before buying them and I am so impatient when it comes to waiting for orders. *rolling my eyes* My mail carrier is going to get a restraining order on me! LOL

Ancient Shikakai Oil 500ml (400ml + 100ml free) $5.99
Gift Of Nature
It cleans the hair, preventing dandruff.

Suggested use:
Apply Ancient Formulae Shikakai Enriched Herbal Hair Oil regularly on your scalp and hair. For best results massage gently into scalp with circular motions and leave it on overnight.

Ingredients:
Mineral Oil, Refined Vegetable Oil, Coconut Oil, Castor Oil, Oil Extract of Shikakai, Amla, Brahmi, Maka, Neem, Jatamansi, Perfume, Preservative.

Regular use may have the following action: Hesh Herbal Ancient Formulae Shikakai Herbal Hair Oil has a unique natural formulation containing Shikakai with other natural ingredients, which cleans the flow of sebum on your scalp preventing dandruff and hair fall, leaving your hair clean soft and healthy from root to tip. A blend of Refined Vegetable Oil, Castor Oil and Coconut Oil that coats every strand of your hair, Hesh Herbal Ancient Formulae Shikakai Herbal Hair Oil protects your hair from sun, dust, pollution, giving your hair and scalp, nourishment for long and lustrous, problem free hair.

*clearing my throat* This product has a shelf life of 36 months of mfd (Manufacturer Date.) Ummm there's no date on the box or the bottle. I can't stand the covert sh!t.

When reading about Shikakai, I always read about it in a powder form. Of course I could have asked my sons old PT but the last time I ran something past her, she starting going into these tirades. "Everything is becoming westernize" and so on. Humph. Its just not that serious. I'm tired of telling her that I'm not trying to fight the power with her, I just needed info. She's a doll!...but I'm good.

When I first laid eyes on it, I was a little reluctant because I'm not exactly sure how effective or how I should go about including it -in its oil form- into my regimen.

Dabur Jasmine Oil 200mL $6.99...but I found a tag that says Suggested Price US $1.79. Aint THAT about a B!t@h.

Keeps hair nourished, long and excitingly fragrant

Dabur Jasmine Hair Oil, nourishes hair, while providing a rich silky feel and a delightful fragrance of Jasmine flowers.

Suggested Use:
For best results apply 1 to 2 teaspoons (up to 10 ml.) of Dabur Jasmine Hair Oil into the hair and leave for a considerable time (ideally at least 1 hour). Then apply a good shampoo massage. Rinse. For best results apply Dabur Jasmine Hair Oil three times per week.

Ingredients:
Paraffinum Liquidum, Cotton Seed Oil, Sesame Oil (Sesamum Indicum oil), t-Butyl Hydroquinone (Anti oxidant), Fragrance.

Where do you buy your Indian hair care products? If you know anything about either product, don't be afraid to run it past a Diva in distress!

BTW, I ran into a very informative post about Dubar Coconut Oil. Take from it what you want...I got a lot out of it: http://clearlybeautiful.blogspot.com/2009/10/hot-oil-treatment.html.


Biz Markie - Vapors

Honey, I Love You

I loved the Naked Honey Skin Salve so much, I had to run back to CCO to get another one! I can't believe this was a limited edition. If you didn't know, this salve is part of the limited edition Naked Honey collection.

It's surprisingly light, not greasy at all, and it blend well into your skin. It has a very pleasant honey scent. Yum! I use it for my hands, cuticles, feet, nightly on my face, and OMG my lips. My lips get EXTRA ashy/ chapped, especially in the colder months. I put this on in the morning as a part of my primer regimen then apply my lipstick, glass, stain, or nothing at all. My lips are moist all day! This salve does not slip or run to your chin, either! No more cracked lips ruining MY good lipstick. smh No ma'am. My lips are so smooth.

"Formulated from organic beeswax, sunflower oil and other natural ingredients, this rich honey-scented and -flavored salve instantly moisturizes and helps recondition dry skin. Multipurpose. Use everywhere.

Limited edition.
1.41 oz.
By M·A·C."

This is officially my favorite MAC product! If you missed out on this, sorry for you! I plan on going back to CCO to see if I can get a 3rd and maybe a 4th jar. I have one in my bag (barely use it) and one at my vanity.

So who can go into a makeup store and leave with one thing??? I snagged a few other items:
e/s Bright Future
l/s So Scarlet
l/s/ High Top
Naked Honey Skin Salve
Mineralized Blush Grand Duo

Aloe Vera...Dwana...Dwana...Aloe Vera

I went to Dean's today searching for aloe vera. In what form...I wasn't sure. All I knew was that this is a highly recommended remedy for hair, skin, digestive tract, etc. I can't say that I'm ready for drinking it. I get REAL extra when I taste something nasty. Dramatic, to say the least.

Keeping my hair moisturized isn't as hard for me as it was in the beginning but I'm noticing my hair requiring a lot more than usual. My guess is that it's due to the winter. There has been a lot of talk about aloe vera and it's many uses for hair. Some people add it to their shampoo, conditioner, their leave-in, and included in their growth aides. What I couldn't figure out is who was using juice and who was using gel. Some people mention aloe vera oil but I didn't know THAT existed until I did extensive Googling.

I bought the juice and gel. I'm sure I'll find a use for them both.

www.warrenlabsaloe.com
George's says:
Since 1979
100% Fractionally Distilled From Aloe Vera Leaves
No Preservatives
Long Shelf Life
Pleasant Taste
Satisfaction Guaranteed
*No Refrigeration Required*

www.lilyofthedesert.com
Lily of the desert says:
Lily of the Desert’s original line of products contain the full range of naturally occurring aloe polysaccharides, ensuring that our customers receive the purest and freshest aloe, while also retaining the maximum benefits including digestive support, immune support, increased absorption, and inflammatory support.
*Refrigerate After Opening* I can't STAND anything cold on my scalp!

I also picked up Rosemary Essential Oil on a whelm...from what I understand it's an astringent. It will regulate or decrease oily secretions of the hair follicles. Ideal for strengthening dry and damaged hair. There's a product by Weleda. It's sold in health food stores as well as Vitamin Shoppe's. There's a whisper going on about that, too. If mixing rosemary oil is a bit too much than this is your guy.

How exactly do I plan to add these into my regimen? You'll have to stay tuned...no really, I'm not sure, yet. Rosemary sounds like a stimulating deep conditioner? I'm also researching lavender and sweet almond oil.

Mary J Blidge & wyclef jean-911
TEXT HAITI to 501 501 To Make a $10 Contribution or Text YELE to make a $5 donation Visit http://yele.org/ for more information. Come on family, it's just $5. It will go on you're cell phone bill and you'll never even miss it.

I Wish We All Loved One Another

We've got some difficult days ahead. But it doesn't matter with me now. Because I've been to the mountaintop. And I don't mind. Like anybody, I would like to live a long life. Longevity has its place. But I'm not concerned about that now. I just want to do God's will. And He's allowed me to go up to the mountain. And I've looked over. And I've seen the promised land. I may not get there with you. But I want you to know tonight, that we, as a people will get to the promised land. And I'm happy, tonight. I'm not worried about anything. I'm not fearing any man. Mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the Lord.

My First Haul Of The Year

When I went to MAC they were packed! I can't stand that. I need free range when I'm makeup shopping. I don't want to rub elbows or wait to view a selection. If that's what I was into, I would spend more time and money in Sephora...which is like a club sometimes!

I was able to view All Ages, All Races, All Sexes along with the other new lines but I'll have to return on a later date. Maybe I'll head back with a wish list in mind.

I snagged:

• 2 pro Palettes
• Contrast (e/s pan)
• Knight Divine (e/s pan)I've been fantasizing about THIS baby for a while.
• Love Lace (e/s)
• Lucky Green (e/s pan)

My next stop was to the Cosmetic Company Outlet. I LOVE that place. Do you hear me! Its been a minute since I've been there. Broke, chile.

From CCO, I snagged:

• Clarity (e/s)
• Flourishing (e/s)
• Love Knot (lust/g)
• Lucky Jade (s/s)
• MV1 perfume (my 3rd bottle because it's my favorite)
• Naked Honey Skin Salve
• Naked Honey Hand And Body Cream
• Sea Me (s/s)

This camera did NO justice for Lucky Green (first photo.) Sorry the pictures aren't so clear but hey...it is what it is.

Boyz II Men - Uhh Ahh