Gym vs Home Workout | Fitness Friday

This month marks my one year gym membership anniversary. *Throws Confetti* Belonging to a gym is a little luxury, a little social, and a little motivating. After all, you are literally putting your money where your mouth is. But, I'm not so sure that it works for my life. Today, I'm linking up with the awesome Ebony of Longing4Length, fiercely fabulous Britt of One&20, and stunning Nadege of RelaxedHairHealth to share my thoughts on the gym vs home workout debate.

I didn't fall in love with exercise until after I had my first child. Because I was a glorified single mom (my hubby was deployed), money was tight, and I was super self-conscious, I decided that working out at home was my best bet. I picked up some hand weights, a couple of DVDs, and got a subscription to Women's Health Fitness magazine then got to work. I lost about 25 lbs in 6 months. No magic diet pill. No starvation. No gym. Interestingly enough, I was able to stay toned and within my target jean size for nearly 2 years---when I got knocked up again.

After my second child, the weight came off with working out at home, but the toning didn't. I joined my gym last year to help. Two days of Spin class and a day of Pilates got me the toning that a craved in about 3 months, but the results have plateaued. Today, whilst I'm still in my target jean size, I yearn to be toned the way that I was before again. Here's why I think that my at home workouts work better for my lifestyle:

Variety: Believe it or not, but I'm totally intimidated by the gym. I trip over my own feet whilst walking---You'll never see me on the treadmill. Thus, only go to my gym for the group classes. I've gotten addicted to Spin and Pilates. Plus they're offered during a time that works with my schedule. The problem: I think that my body is used to the moves. When I workout at home, I never do the same routine. Some days I'll run. Other days I'm HITT training with my hubby. Then other days, I'm yelling at Jillian Michaels for kicking my butt via DVD. I don't feel limited or intimidated by my exercise choices at home. When I get bored with one thing, I go and do something else. 

Form: If you've ever been to a Zumba, BodyCombat, or Spin class, you know that the moves can get complicated and its hard to keep up. There are days when I struggle with focusing my form. Group classes are fun, high energy, and super motivational, but sometimes I feel distracted because there is so much going on. At home, I get to focus on me. I get to visualize the body parts that I'm working. I can stop when my form feels off. I can slow down and I can rewind.

Convenience: My gym is probably 2 miles away and takes 5 minutes to get to. Yes. That is super convenient. However, my hubby has a very demanding work schedule that requires my flexibility, my kids are active in after-school/recreation, and sometimes I just can't convince myself that class is more important than the mountain of laundry calling my name. When I workout at home, I don't have to choose. I can do the laundry and workout. I have a double stroller so when the weather cooperates, I strap in my minions and go for a run. Pilates ain't got nothing on running up a hill pushing a 65lbs worth of little people giggling "Mommy go faster!" Ha-ha! If that's not motivation then I don't know what is.

Does this mean that I'm giving up my gym membership? Heck no. What it does show me is that I can achieve the same if not better results from working out at home. I still enjoy being in a high energy, dynamic healthy environment. But now I understand, that I don't have to be in the gym 5 days a week to see my body change. Preventing my body from adapting to my workout routine, regardless of where said routine is performed is my wellness sweet spot. 


Let's inspire together! Create a fitness related blog post and link up every Friday with me, Ebony of Longing4Length, Britt of One&20, and Nadege of RelaxedHairHealth.  

Fitness Friday Linkup RULES

1. ​Follow your hosts: SavingOurStrands, Longing4Length, One&20, and RelaxedHairHealth via Bloglovin'
2. Fitness is the theme. Entries completely unrelated to the theme or linked to your homepage will be deleted---we not about that life!
3. Inspire the Fitness Friday contributor that linked up directly before you with an encouraging comment. We are each here to support each other and build a community of determined women and hair-friends. (Don’t worry, the chica ​who links up after you will do the same; So everyone gets love​!).
4. Share it! Your blog post must link back to this site so others see. We even made this nifty button which links back to the Fitness Friday page! Just copy and drop the code into your blog post.

<div align="center">
<a href="http://www.savingourstrands.com/" title="Fitness Friday"><img alt="Fitness Friday" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_2-w45KCdiv_tylvDT9nDmjcIep740ACQDanuVInisPAGEY7gFlpR9fiTi_AH0BX5Lt7KEoQN6KvHL5ourbd5Pbl9UefMBxM00vnbzlr7uvZqTpKoq4GuGXuLr_1ZCQo0REbugUNZVZ8/s1600/Fitness+Friday+Badge.jpg" style="border: medium none;" /></a></div>

Besitos!
KLP

An InLinkz Link-up

Training With A Professional | Fitness Friday

Tricep Start Push Down

I have been inspired by KLP and the other beautiful divas with their #Fitness Friday posts! I will be running with KLP in the "Runway 5k" at the end of March then the "Color 5k Run" the first week of May!! Ahhh ... So, I need to really get my body ready for these runs and keep my cardio up to stay healthy.

I dance professionally (modern/ballet) so I am constantly moving every week (about 5-6 hours of rehearsals :/). However, I admit that I can do SO MUCH more with my fitness. So, I am on a mission to workout the right way. Hence, my "Professional Fitness Sessions"! I am a lucky girl, however, with an awesome PERSONAL TRAINER BF! Woot woot!!

I figure that while I am training, I can share some of our workout sessions! Hopefully some of you will try out these moves! :)

Tricep End

Workout Session:
[A]    5-10 minute cardio warmup - I walked on the treadmill at a steady pace. I increased the speed slightly to get my heart pumping but definitely did not over do it!
[B]   Stretched out my legs - lunge stretch primarily.
[C] Bulgarian Split Squats - 3 sets of 10-12 with two sets being with a weight. I was not a fan of this, however I felt the benefits! He says the lower the better. Check out pictures!
[D] Machine Chest press - 3 sets of 10-12 - This was working my chest/shoulders and triceps. Keep your wrists straight!
[E] Lat pull down - 3 sets of 10-12 - we used three different handle bars (grips). Check out pictures!
[F] We finished with bicep curls and tricep push downs! Pictures! I realize that my biceps are not as strong as I thought they were!

From Left to Right: Bulgarian Split Squats from start position to end position; Lat Pull down with a neutral grip from end position to start (picture kinda backwards! lol).

What exercises do you complete in the gym!?

xoxo
Keyda

 

I'm apart of the #FitnessFriday club!

Solia Professional Ceramic Dryer vs Conair Turbo Styler | The High/Low Experience

Whilst, I'm a hair product connoisseur (that sounds better than product junky right?), I also love the thrill of finding a great bargain. Usually professional products are worth the money but sometimes, I wonder if the cheaper version would still get the job done. Thus the SavingOurStrands High|Low Experience was born. I'll review, compare, and contrast salon quality hair products versus their well priced affordable cousins to see which one does it best. First up---the Solia Professional Ceramic Dryer ($89.99) vs. the Conair Turbo Styler ($16.99). You can pick up both at Folica.com.

I purchased the Conair Turbo Styler a few years ago when my hair blower broke because it $16.99 and it had a nifty cool shot button lock. I most certainly didn't trust myself enough to purchase a high quality blower at the time (read: I didn't want to spend the money) because I dropped my old one entirely too many times. I also don't use my hair blower often enough to justify dipping into my savings. Still, I'm cheap and pretty picky (such a deadly combo right?). This is what I needed from my hair blower:

• Lightweight- I need to be able to hold it for extended periods of time with one hand.
• Lockable Cool Button- I only use hair blowers on cool so that it doesn't zap moisture from my hair.
• Fast Drying Time- I usually air dry because its easy and helps my hair stay moisturized. So, if I'm using the blower it's because I'm in a rush.

Thus far, I've loved everything about the Conair. It's certainly light weight (at about 2 pounds), the cool button works perfectly, and I can dry my hair (in sections of course) in 15 minutes tops. A few weeks ago, I won an awesome VeryBusyMama giveaway that included the Solia Professional Ceramic Dryer. This thing is pretty cool. It retails for $89.99 on Folica.com, has ceramic ionic tourmaline infusion technology (whatever that means), and has the same cool shot button lock as my Conair. I used it to to dry my hair before flat ironing a few weeks ago and it was amazeballs. Since, I've had a couple of chances to use it on myself and my 100% natural haired prima. It's super lightweight---it weighs about a pound, I leave it on the cool lock setting and it dries my hair (in sections again) with lighting speed. This dryer checks off everything on my list.

Both of these blowers are excellent. It was extremely hair to find complaints:

Ease of use: 
Although the Conair is slightly heavier, The Solia's longer nozzle makes it a little harder to use on my own hair. I found it fairly awkward for me to hold by the handle to tension dry my hair.
Winner: Conair Turbo Styler 

Drying Time:
Using both blowers with low speed, the cool lock setting and concentrator nozzle focusing on my roots only, the Solia dries my hair super duper fast. Each section (I divide my hair into 5 sections) takes about 2 minutes to dry.
Winner: Solia Professional Ceramic Dryer

Smoothness:
Now this is seriously getting nitty-gritty. The smoothness that I achieved with the Solia vs the Conair was what set these two dryers apart. I don't know if the ceramic or the ionic or the tourmaline (I still don't know what any of that mess means) has anything to do with it but the Solia left me with smoother and softer hair. My Conair usually leaves my hair feeling moisturized but just not quite as smooth.
Winner: Solia Professional Ceramic Dryer

Price:
Well it's obvious that the Conair wins this one coming in at a whooping $70+ less than the Solia. Considering that I don't use my blower often the Solia is most certainly a spurge in the price per use category.
Winner: Conair Turbo Styler 

In my not-at-all-professional opinion the Conair Turbo Styler is an excellent substitute for it's pricer cousin the Solia Professional Ceramic Dryer. I had to really dig deep for ways to tell these two apart. 


Have your say. Which hair blower would you pick?




Besitos!
KLP

How To Use A Ferrum Professional Styler On Natural Hair

I used the Ferrum flat iron, that I won from the VeryBusyMama giveaway #woot, a few weeks ago to straighten my hair. I loved how it didn't give me that limp straight hair that flat irons are notoriously known for, but I was really skeptical to see if it would work on a head full of beautiful natural curls. So when my gorgeously 2 years natural prima came to visit last weekend, I was amped when she asked me to straighten her hair. She only straightens her hair 2-3 times a year and hasn't seen the length of her hair in months. I showed her the Ferrum, explained that one side has one ceramic plate with a satiny fabric in place of the other ceramic plate, she looked at me with bewilderment. I told her that we'd grab my Solia iron too, you know, just in case the Ferrum didn't work. After everything was said and done, she was shocked at how silky straight, shiny, and soft her hair was. I used the exact same process to straighten her natural curls as I did my relaxed tresses. Here's what I did:

1. Freshly washed and deep conditioned: I've learned the hard way to never apply direct heat to dirty hair. Although my prima had just washed her hair, I noticed build up on her strands and flakes on her scalp. So I shampooed the front half of her hair with KeraCare 1st Lather Shampoo and then another lather with KeraCare Hydrating Detangling Shampoo for her entire hair. Next, I deep conditioned with KeraCare Humecto under a hooded dryer for about an hour.
2. Perfect Leave Ins: I like to use a moisturizing leave-in + protein heat protectant serum when I flat iron. I'm in love with It's a 10! Miracle Leave In, so using it on her hair was a no brainer. I'd usually reach for my Chi Silk Infusion, but I decided to give Sedu Anti-Frizz Polishing Treatment with Moroccan Argan Oil another try. I applied the leaves in sections while detanlging, then blow dried her hair on cool. Surprising the Sedu worked great! Even she was surprised at how smooth her hair was and that was before we'd flat ironed!
3. Comb/Chase Flat iron technique: Ladies & Gents Ferrum Professional Hair Styler prides it self on straightening your hair with less heat, more shine, and more moisture retention. That sounds a little too good to be true right? But after finishing the first section of her hair, I was pretty impressed. I coupled the iron with my Sedu Carbon Flat Iron Comb and worked in 1/2" sections. Surprisingly I was able to get her hair straight with one pass. Yep, ONE PASS. She said that her hair had the volume of a Dominican blowout without the extreme heat and manipulation.

It took me some time to get adjusted to this iron. You have to remember to place the ceramic plated side of the iron on the top of your hair and the satiny fabric plate on the bottom of the hair. My only complaint was the weird static that it created. I was able to kill the static with finishing drop of Sedu Anti-Frizz. It was annoying but not a deal breaker. The instructions suggest to use the iron on it's highest temperature of 450 for kinky hair. I absolutely whole-heartedly disagree. I used the iron on 300 for her 4a curls. She wanted straight hair---not burnt hair! No matter how much healthier this flat iron might be for your hair, it's still direct heat and you should totally use it very sparingly.

Do I love the Ferrum Professional Styler over my Solia Flat Iron? Meh...not yet. But it's growing on me but It is hard to justify the $189 price tag for something that I'll only use 3-4 times a year.

What kind of flat iron to you trust with your tresses?

Besitos!
KLP

Healthy Hairology Medley

Sunday Healthy Hairology Medley is the place where I share my favorite healthy hair related blogs, vlogs, and forum features for you each week. I mean, I can't really be the only person obsessed with all things hair related right? *sound of crickets* Ha-ha! Here's the best of the best from last week:

My Relaxer/Texlax Day Process healthyhairbyspecialk: Kendra has the most beautiful texlaxed curls. Her secret: a 7 minute application AND processing time. Check out her technique.

Does Co-Washing Really Really Clean Your Hair? thenaturalhavenbloom: I started co-washing last summer as a way to keep my hair hydrated and clean during the week. And I feel in love with it, but I've always wondered if my hair was actually clean. JC analyzes her own hair to see if co-washing really stands up to shampoo.

Kelis Has New Show "Saucy and Sweet" Premiering On The Cooking Channel urbanbushbabies: Who doesn't love Kelis? Her hair, her style, her food? Yes! Her show premieres Wednesday!

A Very Basic Guide To SEO For Bloggers shemightbeloved: Georgina has the beauty and brains. If you're a blogger, check out her guide to rocking SEO for your site. 

Have your say bloggers! I want to see what you thought was noteworthy! Create a post of your favorites and link up below!
 
Besitos!   
KLP

An InLinkz Link-up

Foods That Shrink Your Waist and Grow Your Hair | Fitness Friday

Sometimes, I wish that exercise was the only piece to maintaining a healthy strong body. Eating healthily is just as important. Fortunately for us hair obsessed chicas, there are tons of foods that help you shrink your waist and are rich in nutrients that will grow your hair. Today, I'm linking up with the awesome Ebony of Longing4Length, fiercely fabulous Britt of One&20, and stunning Nadege of RelaxedHairHealth to share my fave salad recipe (and side dish) that fuels my workouts and helps my hair grow. 

Chicken- Lean Protein
Our hair is made almost entirely of protein. Eating protein feeds your muscles and your hair zinc, iron, and B vitamins to keep your strands strong.

Spinach- Dark Leafy Vegetables
I, like many chicas struggle with iron deficiencies that can lead to anemia. Research has shown that low iron levels play a role in hair loss. Eating dark leafy veggies is one way to increase your iron levels, keep your body feeling energized and your hair follicles healthy. 

Almonds- Nuts
Nuts are a nautral source of the good fat that your body needs to stay healthy. Nuts are also full of biotin---known to contribute to thick healthy hair. Almonds are my fave!

Sweet Potato- The perfect side
My favorite side dish is sweet potato. But not that Thanksgiving kind with 3 lbs of sugar, 26 bags of marshmallows and bits of pineapple. I like my sweet potato baked with a touch of cinnamon. Your body loves sweet potato too. Its full of beta carotene which our bodies converts into vitamin A and produces the sebum that keeps your scalp healthy. If you have itchy flaky scalp---try upping your intake of carrots, pumpkin and apricots. Your body and hair will thank you!

I'm most certainly a chocoholic, but knowing that there are foods that will keep my body strong and my hair healthy, encourages me to eat more of the good stuff and just a little of the bad stuff!

Let's inspire together! Create a fitness related blog post and link up every Friday with me, KLP of SavingOurStrands, Ebony of Longing4Length, Britt of One&20, and Nadege of RelaxedHairHealth.

Fitness Friday Linkup RULES

1. ​Follow your hosts: SavingOurStrands, Longing4Length, One&20, and RelaxedHairHealth via Bloglovin'
2. Fitness is the theme. Entries completely unrelated to the theme or linked to your homepage will be deleted---we not about that life!
3. Inspire the Fitness Friday contributor that linked up directly before you with an encouraging comment. We are each here to support each other and build a community of determined women and hair-friends. (Don’t worry, the chica ​who links up after you will do the same; So everyone gets love​!).
4. Share it! Your blog post must link back to this site so others see. We even made this nifty button which links back to the Fitness Friday page! Just copy and drop the code into your blog post.

<div align="center">
<a href="http://www.savingourstrands.com" title="Fitness Friday"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKY_hGjahbRIRr4g7-3un0SFJBP1jmbbXOZlhyphenhyphenzLp12R72zJbrXSXR5iVm7ErIQRiErjT0fvJsKvt1z0sDO8TCjFSP5lYT7XZWuxRKkhYWdc1kvtdOzkcwEuMTH0Rcm7qc5Yoaw5tYEGY/s1600/Fitness+Friday+Badge.png" alt="Fitness Friday" style="border:none;" /></a></div>

Besitos!
KLP

An InLinkz Link-up

Fitness Friday

Fitness Friday is a fun community building linkup that encourages women (especially those of color) to keep their body strong whilst maintaining healthy hair. Losing weight, eating well, and growing long healthy hair isn't easy. It requires commitment, dedication, and loads of support. We're totally all in this together. Our bodies are our temples and our hair is our crowning glory.
Let's inspire together! Create a fitness related blog post and link up every Friday with me, KLP of SavingOurStrands, Ebony of Longing4Length, and Britt of One&20.

Fitness Friday Linkup RULES

1. ​Follow your hosts: SavingOurStrands, Longing4Length, and One&20 via Bloglovin'
2. Fitness is the theme. Entries completely unrelated to the theme or linked to your homepage will be deleted---we not about that life!
3. Inspire the Fitness Friday contributor that linked up directly before you with an encouraging comment. We are each here to support each other and build a community of determined women and hair-friends. (Don’t worry, the chica ​who links up after you will do the same; So everyone gets love​!).
4. Share it! Your blog post must link back to this site so others see. We even made this nifty button which links back to the Fitness Friday page! Just copy and drop the code into your blog post.

<div align="center">
<a href="http://www.savingourstrands.com" title="Fitness Friday"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH2AMT5pdXGwGoWpVBRe4ANb9q9lM5EbdvftdfMUGQAZQYOA_anTe8lbk0XHPPXekqima9l6SfDNvVhyacViW2UIPKgahgfjam63wJ-wN0nB402S2c5_nAxNuMtjeVOUU9TxclzImnTiQ/s1600/Fitness+Friday+Badge.png" alt="Fitness Friday" style="border:none;" /></a></div>

Besitos!
KLP

SOS Wash Day - 10 weeks post {Keyda}

Hola Chicas!

I had a good yet tragic wash day haha. I loved my process while incorporating some new products into the mix, however I was not a huge fan of my outcome. It was a roller set gone WRONG!

[1] Detangled with my fingers (since I had a braid out) then my magic comb.

[2] Pre-poo with a new essential oil mix on my scalp! I am very pleased to share that I purchased ARGAN OIL! Ahhh.. So, my mix is now argan oil/vitamin e with essential oils tea tree, eucalyptus, and peppermint.

Tea Rinse 

       I also placed JBCO on my scalp with Organix Argan Creme Conditioner on length/roots of my hair. I also placed CHI deep protein reconstructor on my ends primarily before sealing with warm coconut oil. Sat under heat for about 45 minutes. (could have stopped here!)

[3] DC with Organix repairing awapuhi ginger conditioner and Roux moisture recovery on length/roots of my hair. Sat under heat for about one hour. 

[4] Tea Rinse with Cc's natural Happy Hair Tea - As I looked at my hair, I realized...my hair has a tint of red!? ... My BF confirmed...a las..he likes it so all is well! lol We all know black tea slowly dyes your hair to black so it only makes sense! Still loves it! 

[5] So, here is when the tragedy begins... Leave-ins: Nexxus Hydra-light root life, and Aphogee Keratin and Green Tea spray

Then ... I decided to try the pony tail roller technique for my set. I have been seeing some bomb.com results on other blogs so I said hey! why not!? I did use end wrap papers and Aphogee style wrap and mousse.... 

My results

My issues: I DID NOT like my roots... maybe I tied to much hair but it was not as smooth as I would have liked. I liked the volume but it just looks BIG! 

Not-so tragic: My curls actually were not that bad and my hair was soft not hard while holding the curls. 

How was your wash day!?

xoxo

Keyda 

Braid Wrapped Bun | Pinspired

Pinterest is the ultimate to go unleash your inner creative foodie, unique fashionista, and intriguing abstract artist. Of course, being all things hair obsessed, SavingOurStrands has hundreds of captivating and cute styles for you to be inspired by when that bun gets too boring. So, I'm putting a little pep into my protective style step with a monthly series recreating PINspired hairstyles.

SIDEWALK ready

PINspired Sidewalk Ready Braid Wrapped Bun

1. Begin with detangled and moisturized hair. (My hair was previously flat ironed).
2. Create a deep side part then section from top of crown to ear. Clip out of the way.
3. Smooth the rest of your hair into a bun and secure with bobby pins.
4. Take the remaining loose section, braid going backwards, then wrap it around your bun. 
5. Pin until everything feels secure.

Here's the video from Kayley at Sidewalk Ready for my lovely visual readers:

Tips and Tricks:

1. Skip the mesh donut- I know, its very tempting to try this look with a mesh donut. But I promise you that you will not get the same "swirly" bun affect. If your hair is at least shoulder length (maybe even a bit shorter), you can pull this look off by twisting your hair around in a bun and securing with pins.
2. I can't braid- No te preocupes por eso chica! A double strand twist will look just as stunning. 
3. Do I have to back comb? Heck no! The best thing (and the worst thing) about textured hair is that we wake up with big hair. I'm not a back comber and you don't have to do it to achieve this look. 

What have you been PINspired by lately? Add a link to your fave below. (Even non-hair related links are allowed!)

Besitos!
KLP

An InLinkz Link-up

Your Healthy Hair On: Coconut Oil

If you're not using coconut oil somewhere in your regimen, your hair hates you. Okay. Sorry, that's a just bit dramatic. We both have a love affair with coconut oil straight out the jar for our hair plus a bunch of our favorite products have coconut oil in them. But everything about this oil is wonderful for your hair. Here's how we use it and why:

Pre-Shampoo: (Spectrum Organic Extra Virgin Coconut Oil)
How: Apply coconut oil to your hair before your wash as a pre-shampoo treatment. 
Why: Coconut oil has been shown in studies to be the only oil that prevents protein loss while helping hair retain moisture. It reduces hair porosity making it spectacular for chemically relaxed hair which is typically higher porosity. Washing your hair can cause hygral fatigue, which is a fancy way of saying damage caused by frequent swelling (absorbing moisture) and shrinking (losing moisture) of hair fiber.

Keyda's fave coconut products

Leave Ins: (Organix Coconut Milk Anti-Breakage Serum)
How:  Apply a coconut oil laced serum to your hair ends for a boost of strength.
Why: Your ends are the oldest parts of your hair and thus the weakest. Coconut oil prevents them from getting weaker by binding to the natural protein structure of your hair. We love serums with coconut oil. It absorbs easily, assists in detangling, and provides excellent shine. We've noticed that when we use Organix Coconut Milk Anti-Breakage Serum during the week, we don't have many of those itty bitty broken hairs on the bathroom counter whilst styling. 

Sealants: (DIY Hair Butter)
How: Apply a coconut oil based hair butter to seal in your hair's moisture.
Why: As with most oils, coconut oil coats the outer cuticle layer of your hair which increases the hair fiber’s pliability. It also reduces friction and static electricity between the hair fibers. Sealing with a hair butter containing coconut oil prevents moisture loss and moisturized hair is happy hair.

We didn't believe the hype until we tried it for ourselves and read the no-nonsense (but kinda boring) studies about coconut oil and hair here, here, and here.


If you use coconut oil in your regimen, share with us how and why. If you don't, we'd love to know why!

Besitos!
KLP & Keyda

Healthy Hairology Medley

Sunday Healthy Hairology Medley is the place where I share my favorite healthy hair related blogs, vlogs, and forum features for you each week. I mean, I can't really be the only person obsessed with all things hair related right? *sound of crickets* Ha-ha! Here's the best of the best from last week:

Avocado, Honey & Olive Oil Hair Mask goohairdiaries: Is your hair dry and crispy? Looking for an all natural conditioner to knock your socks off? Try this hair mask that is literally good enough to eat!

How I Create A Full High Bun Using Kanekalon Hair finallygrowing: Got some kanekalon hair laying around and 5 minutes? Let Courtnea show you how to whip your tresses up into a banging high bun.

5 Hair Practices I Need To (Re)Start longing4length: Even veteran healthy hair lovers get away from the basics. Read up on 5 long hair practices that Ebony is recommitting to.


I Got My Scalp Tested From A Trichologist tomesedition: Want a reason to wash at least once a week? Check out these photos from Tomi during a recent consultation with a trichologist (aka a hair and scalp doctor)

The Other Side of Relaxer Stretching belowthawaist: We've all heard of overlapping--applying relaxer to the previously relaxed parts of our tresses, but Abbi introduces us to the dark world of underlapping---When you don't apply enough relaxer to your roots. Here are your options if its already happened to you.

Corporate Curly allthingscurly: Want to navigate the corporate world with curly hair? Follow TaRee's lead and read her interview with Tawanna Parnell. Isn't her hair just gorgeous!

Have your say bloggers! I want to see what you thought was noteworthy! Create a post of your favorites and link up below!  

Besitos!   
KLP

An InLinkz Link-up

Why I Love My Straightened Hair

The last time that I flat ironed my hair, I was convinced that my straight hair was out to get me. It got stuck on the clothing hook in my car, while it was down, I just knew that a spider was crawling on my shoulders, and I was constantly getting weave checked---by my family-friends! I just couldn't wait to wash my hair. However, this go around, I'm so in love with my straight hair. Here's why:

Easier detangling: I split my hair into a couple sections, gently finger detangle to remove shed hairs then moisturize and seal. Omgosh, not spending 20 minutes detangling, moisturizing and sealing is so dreamy.

Easier styling: Hello, updos, buns, and braids. My hair did exactly what I told it to do. I didn't have to worry about my edges or having to use a ton of tension to smooth my hair.

Easier Oops Coverups: It's been almost 2 weeks since I last washed. Ewww....I've got some icky oily gross hair. But, I've got errands to runs and thangs to do. So I've been sporting this threw a cute satin lined wool floppy hat. Shh...don't judge me. I'm washing later tonight! I promise.

I'm sad that my straight hair is leaving, but I'd be lying if I didn't miss my big hair! What do you love about your straight hair?

Besitos!
KLP

What I Learned About Life, Lust, and Longer Hair in Spin Class

Sometimes it feels like losing that initial weight is easier than maintaining it. Today, I'm linking up with the awesome Ebony of Longing4Length, fiercely fabulous Britt of One&20, and stunning Nadege of RelaxedHairHealth to share what I learned about life, lust, and longer hair in Spin class. 

Post minion #1, I'd learned to crave working out---just for the exhilarating feeling of doing something to make me a better me. So, when I found out that I was preggers with minion #2, I was in the best shape of my life. From the jump, I knew that I had to change my "pregnant mindset" if I was going to stay that way. Eating for two didn't give me a pass to finish of a giant bag of Doritos in one siting (even if the baby wanted it). After consulting with my doctor, I continued a light version of my workout routine, remembering to stop when it was uncomfortable and not to get frustrated when my body wouldn't do everything that I did when I wasn't knocked up. I gained far less than I did with my first little one and it was actually easier to lose it the second go around. Even though the scale said that I was back at my pre-baby weight, my jeans didn't. My body wasn't as toned as it was before and I knew that it was time to try something different. I joined a gym (with an amazeball daycare) and fell head over heels in love with Spinning---not for its obvious cardiovascular benefits but for what its taught me about life, lust, and claro que si, longer hair. 

Life- You only get out what you put in: I can take my Spin class easy, or I can push myself to the limit, but I can't expect to get the same results. Putting in a 2 won't get me up that hill. Putting in a 2 won't get me the results that I want. If I want to put in a 2, I am literally wasting my time. Pushing past all of the excuses and complaining is the only way to get results. Spin is hard. Spin isn't really all that fun. Spin hurts like hell the first go around. But not everything that we do---in the name of being the best that we can be--is supposed to be easy, fun, or feel great. Yet the pain is always worth the reward.

Lust- Stop waiting for change to happen, go out and make it happen: You see that chica in the front row? You know the one with game face on, water bottle ready, fancy riding shoes laced up, 6 pack abs of steel, who doesn't sweat---she sparkles? Ohh...it's so easy to want all that and then some---maybe even to hate her a little on the inside. But wipe up your drool and shut down the hate---ALL that didn't happen overnight. Neither will my change. She's following the instructor's every direction. She's climbing her hill with max resistance. She's perfected her form. If I want it---I have to work for it. There is certainly plenty of room in the world for more than one fit chick.

Longer Hair- Consistency and commitment: There is no secret to a faster toned body or longer hair overnight. <collective gasp> Don't believe the hype. Don't believe the infomercials. Consistency and commitment are the keys to success in everything that I do. The most difficult concept to understand is that what I am doing right now---the bad habits that I'm coveting and won't shake---are my only obstacle. Yep. I said it. I am my most beautiful problem. Still not making time to deep condition? Sorry boo, that's not commitment. Constantly finding excuses not to mount that bike and max out the interval? Sorry boo, that's not consistency. My consistency in Spin class and commitment to caring for my hair requires me to get out of my own way so that my actions result in a stronger body and healthy longer hair.

Ay dios, I just love reading about fitness journeys. Share yours with us below! Be sure to follow all of the co-hosts before you link up and if you're interested in co-hosting Fitness Friday, shoot me a note teamsavingourstrands@gmail.com.
 
Besitos!
KLP

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