Mini Wash Day

*This mini wash occurred on Sunday 8/18.

My boring weekday hair- a variety of buns: low, high, and pulled to the side. My sexy weekend hair- big bouncy curls courtesy of bantu knots. I haven't really fussed with my hair during the week because my weekends have been super busy. Last weekend, my hubby and I traveled to Atlantic City for a little fun in the sun. I was worried that my hair would become a big old fuzz ball from the humidity and wind, luckily my knot cocktail of Jessicurl Too Shea! Extra Moisturizing Conditioner + Shea Butter + Shea Moisture Curl Enhancing Smoothie kept my curls looking amazing. 

I considered using a little shampoo this week because I wasn't sure if I would be able to get a good deep condition because of product build up---then the thought of jumping in and out of the shower made me shudder. I'll definitely shampoo next week. Here's how my wash day went:

Wash Day Products

1. Detangled- using my Magic Star Jumbo Rake seamless comb.
2. Extreme Deep Condition- with JBCO and my essential oil blend on my scalp and Carol's Daughter Monoi Repairing Conditioner on the length of my hair. Then I massaged coconut oil into my strands, covered with a plastic cap and relaxed under my heat cap for about 2 hours.
3. Tea Rinse- I rinsed the conditioner then with 2 green tea bags steeped in 2 cups of water. I applied my tea rinse using a narrow tip applicator. I let it sit for a few minutes and rinsed. 
4. Smoothing Treatment- Next, I applied a large dollop of Nexxus Hydralight Weightless Moisture Conditioner, massaged it in from root to tip for a minute or two then rinsed in sections. I probably manipulated my hair a little too much while rinsing because I noticed more tangles than usual post wash--Note to self not to do that again.
5. Air Dried- 90% with silk scarf.
6. Leave-Ins-  Herbal Essences Touchably Smooth Split End Protector and my kitchenista Tangerine Vanilla Whipped Hair Butter.

Results: 
Say it ain't so; Have I really found a product by Carol's Daughter that I like? Meh---I won't say it just yet. Ha-ha. But I do adore the soft, fluffy, strong hair that I was left with. My scalp felt clean in spite of not using shampoo and my ends look decent. After detangling and applying my leave-ins, I pulled my hair back into a low bun to finish drying. This week will be full of buns and of course my big curly hair will make an appearance this weekend! We'll be celebrating our anniversary in the city so y'all know that I gotta look cute! Ha-ha!

How was your last wash day?

Besitos!
KLP

Weekly Wishes

last weekend in Atlantic City

I invite you to make a positive wish, each week to combat a sucky part of life in an attempt to sprinkle the world with more positive pixie dust.
My wish this week is devoted to my husband. On this day, 5 years ago, I made scared vows to God for my husband. I promised to love and to cherish, to honor and obey, and do this all whether in sickness or in health. My husband means the world to me---but that doesn't mean that keeping these vows have been a piece of cake. In 5 years we've struggled through deployments amidst war with 2 little ones under 4 surviving countless sleepless nights while living in a few different states. Life in general has been messy and our marriage has been in a pressure cooker, to say the least. Even with all of the odds stacked against us---I can honestly report that I still like him. He'll never laugh at my corny jokes. I still like him. He'll never understand how I was an honor student geek with assorted piercings, a handful of tattoos and an unhealthy love for Shakespeare. But, I still like him. He'll never get why I'm totally obsessed my hair. Yet, I still like him; A lot. We may have been knocked down and kicked around by life---but here we are: still together--not because of anything special or breakthrough that we are doing--only because of God's Grace. I won't pretend to understand it all, however today, I stand ever so grateful for him. My wish this week (and forever) is that DJ and I continue to choose to walk together hand in hand opting for faith over fear and trust over doubt---because we'll never understand it all.

What's your wish this week? Big it big or small--speak it into existence!

Want more Weekly Wishes? Check out www.thenectarcollective.com.

Besitos!  
KLP

Sunday Healthy Hairology Medley

Here are a few of the weeks best blogs, vlogs, and forum features that we've found about the web. 

1. Pros and Cons to Texlaxing- JustGrowAlready: If you have an affinity for drama hair, then texlaxing is for you. Ha-ha. Your roots want this, your texlaxed length wants that, while your bone straight ends hate everything. Nonetheless, I love my big fluffy hair. Read why Jeni loves her texlaxed hair and the pros outweigh the cons.
2. Why do you flat iron the week before you relax?- Fancy Flair Lady: Stretched and detangled hair on relaxer day is a must! Here's how Kim prevents tangles and knots during self-touch ups.
3. Maintaining a Hemline: Turning My V Into a U!- Smooth Cuticles: My all time favorite hair cut shape is a neat U. Check out how Miss Tasia shapes her natural V into a blunt U and how you can do it at home too!

Besitos!
KLP 

{CLOSED} Dominican Product Giveaway!

We're sad to say that The Dominican Product Giveaway is closed. Congrats to Cynthia A.!

A HUGE hug to all of those who entered! We love you to pieces! If you missed this one, no te preocupes, we've got another giveaway scheduled to begin in a few weeks! Stay tuned for the details!

Thanks for all the love y mil Besitos!

KLP & Keyda



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[Review] Halka Baba de Caracol

Price: 7.99 for 16oz

Halka Baba de Caracol "La Orginal"

Purchased at: Amazon (also available in the beauty section of many Latin retailers)

Promises: This intensive hair treatment of silk amnio proteins and snail slime repairs and improves the appearance of your hair. Glycolic Acid exfoliates and removes impurities and dead cells thus rejuvenating the hair strand. Collagen regenerates hair follicles aiding the reproduction of new cells thus increasing hair growth. (Very loosely translated as this product's label is in Spanish.) 

Ingredients: Deionized water, Behentrimonium methosulfate, Soalkylamidopropyl ethyl dimonium, Dipropileno glycol, Cetil alcohol, Cetyl ester, Cropure Earth-snail extract, Lactamide MEA, Hydrolyzed wheat protein, Fragrance, Metil Paraben; Red 40, Yellow 5, Blue 1, FD&C.

Directions: Apply a liberal amount on clean, towel dry hair, massage scalp and leave for 10 to 15 minutes. Rinse Well.

My Thoughts: This is my #1 staple deep conditioner. I think that it's the perfect balance of protein and moisture. And it's quite magical on my tresses. Knots, snags, and tangles beware because Baba de Caracol will defeat you (and all yo cousins too!) My hair always feels like butter after I deep condition with it. The texture is very thick and provides tons of slip. The smell is lovely. The price is right. (I buy mine locally for $7.99.) The only con that I can think of is that my local retailer can't keep it on the shelves and I hate paying for shipping when I product online. But I just can't resist that incredibly soft, smooth, frizz free feeling after use. Be careful because I've noticed that some tubs list mineral oil in the ingredients. Do not buy this one! I'm not sure if the product is being up dated, but at my tienda, sometimes it has mineral oil and sometimes it doesn't.

Now---I know what you're thinking: Snail Slime? C'mon man. But let me say this first, snail slime is really only protein. That's not any different than the protein that you'd get from an egg. And you're not eating it, you're just conditioning your hair with it. I will admit, I didn't have a problem at all with the ingredients; nor was I shocked. I guess that I'm just used to Dominican products having a sassy twist to them. I have my entire family using this conditioner. We range from naturally straight tresses to super kinky curls and it works like a dream on all of our heads. 

If you haven't had a chance to try this product, you're in luck. We're offering it FREE in our Dominican Product Giveaway! Entry dets below.


Un mil besitos!
KLP   

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Mini Wash

I'm so happy to be back to mini washing. Jumping in and out of the shower several times in one day is pure torture. This week, I moisturized with my Kitchenista Loco Leave in of Herbal Essences Hello Hydration thinned out with Aloe Vera Juice. Meh---I'm not sure how I feel about it yet. But it wasn't a disaster. Ha-ha. I'm going to try a few more weeks and report back my results.

This week, I pretty much alternated low, high, and side buns. Saturday I attempted a bantu knot out. It was gorgeous while en route to visit my sister-in-law. Then, after about 3 hours, I looked in the mirror. BIG HAIR CENTRAL. I gave in and just pulled it all up into a high bun messy style. Heat and humidity- 1. KLP- 0. Gracias a Dios por buns. Later that day, I got stuck in the rain at a baseball game so I was glad that my hair was already up and tucked away. Rain- 1 KLP- 0. When I got home, I rinsed my hair and applied a little Matrix Biolage Hydratherapie Detangling Solution once my hair was about 90% dry. Omgosh, this stuff has the most amazing slip. Even though the directions said that it was a rinse out detangler. I thought that it would be great as a leave in. And I was right---until my hair was completely dry and completely moisture-less. So, I re-read the ingredients: BOOM Isopropyl alcohol. Wack drying ingredients- 1 KLP- 0 <hangs head>. I'm so not #winning right now. Ha-ha. Luckily, wash day was the next day. Here's how my wash day went:

Wash Day Products

1. Detangled- using my Magic Star Jumbo Rake seamless comb.
2. Extreme Deep Condition- with JBCO and my essential oil blend on my scalp and Halka Baba de Caracol on the length of my hair. Then I massaged coconut oil into my strands, covered with a plastic cap and relaxed under my heat cap for about 2 hours.
3. Tea Rinse- I rinsed the conditioner then with 2 green tea bags steeped in 2 cups of water. I applied my tea rinse using a narrow tip applicator. I let it sit for a few minutes and rinsed. 
4. Smoothing Treatment- Next, I applied a large dollop of Nexxus Hydralight Weightless Moisture Conditioner, massaged it in from root to tip for a minute or two then rinsed. I love Nexxus products and I was super anxious to try this one, but my hair just isn't feeling the love; I'm forcing myself to use it up so that I can make room in my stash.
5. Air Dried- 90% with silk scarf.
6. Leave-Ins- Bee Mine Bee Lovely Moisturizing Daily Conditioner to moisturize and Almond Oil to seal.

Naked 90% Air dried hair

Results:
#WINNING! My big fluffy soft moisturized hair is back! Baba de Caracol always does the trick y'all! I will never doubt this conditioner. And you can win it in our Dominican Giveaway. There's only one day left to enter!

How was your latest wash day?

Besitos!




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Weekly Wishes

I invite you to make a positive wish, each week to combat a sucky part of life in an attempt to sprinkle the world with more positive pixie dust.

Here's what I did to achieve last week's wish to give myself time and space to think happy thoughts- I recommitted myself to my Girlfriend's Book Club. We're reading Trusting God by Sharon Jaynes (and a few other extremely talented ladies). I had been slacking on my reading and playing catch up for weeks because conveniently something else would always come up when it was devotational time. (Funny how that happens right?) Well last week, I got caught up and I'm filling in my blank journal pages. 10 minutes of reflection and a cup of green tea---Yum! 

My wish this week is to trust that little voice inside of me that knows what she wants and has what it takes to get it---then ignore that LOUD voice that screams doubts, fears and insecurities. I get totally bummed out when I ignore my intuition to listen to apprehension. In the end--I'm kicking myself in the behind because I am BEHIND. It's time to get out and say out of the comfort zone. Cheers to getting comfortable in the world of uncomfortable!

What's your wish this week? Big it big or small--speak it into existence!

Want more Weekly Wishes? Check out www.thenectarcollective.com.

Besitos!

KLP 

linked up before you

Sunday Healthy Hairology Medley

Here are a few of the weeks best blogs, vlogs, and forum features that we've found about the web. 

Relaxed Hair Therapy-Simple Fixes for Dry New Growth: Dry, crunchy, tightly coiled roots are no joke. Not keeping your roots moisturized is a sure fire way to prevent retention and aid breakage. The two mortal enemies of stretchers. Read Miss Divachyk's 8 tips and tricks to fix dry roots. 

Naturally Curious-Twisted In Knots Side Bun: I love a good and quick protective style that I know I can rock on my fluffy air dried hair. Check out Miss Naturally Curious' 5 minute or less bun and I'm more than sure that this style will be inspiration for an SOS: Minute to Win it Style!

Kibbi Hair- The First Step To Longer Hair: Ms. Kibbi notes that the first step to longer hair is to set a concrete, measurable goal with a clearly defined time frame. The problem with some goals is that the time frame is so far off that they are hard to stick to. Read her take on how long you should commit to "mini-goals" to reach your ultimate lengths

Besitos!
KLP 

Don't forget to enter the Dominican Product Giveaway!

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SOS: Protective Styles (Minute To Win It)

Back by popular demand; A new Minute to Win It Protective Style! I love the "Minute to Win it" protective styling series because once you've mastered it, you can change up small pieces of the puzzle by adding a braid, a bun, or a tuck to create a completely different style! This style was done on third day bantu knot hair. 

Quick How to:

Bantu Knot Faux Bob

1. Detangle and moisturize your hair.
2. Split from ear to ear. Pull the back half of your hair into a quasi-roll or extra large pincurl. Then use a large bobby pin to secure the roll on each side. This technique creates the "faux bob" look.
3. Part the front section into a deep side part. 
4. Leave a few ringlets down to frame your face. Pin the rest back loosely.

Un mil besitos!
KLP


Don't forget to enter the Dominican Product Giveaway!

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The Bun Effect: Top 3

Here are my top 5 favorites from our Bun Effect series!

Jeweled Side-Swept Bun 
Quick How To: 

1. Moisturize and detangle hair.
2. Split hair once above ear and once below ear. Using this section in the middle of your head, create a french braid that runs from ear to ear.
3. Split the front section into a side part. Braid the smaller section on the left to the ends.
4. Sweep everything to the right and section with a hair tie.
5. Wrap ends into a bun. For more volume, use a hair doughnut. Like this one from Sally's. Place a jeweled hair accessory above bun for a little more pizazz.



Hidden Fishtail Roll 
Quick How To: 
1. Moisturize and detangle hair. (This style was created on air dried hair)
2. Create a side part then separate hair ear to ear. Clip front sections up and away.
3. Split back section in half. Fishtail/french braid the top half.
4. Pull the left side across the back of your head. Secure with a pin. Repeat with the left side.
5. Roll the reminding hair up into a giant finger curl then secure with pins on each end.

Side French Twist with a Twist 
Quick How To:
1. Moisturize and detangle hair. (This style was performed on air dried hair)
2. Create a side part then separate hair ear to ear.
3. Pull the left side across the back of your head. Secure with a pin. Repeat with the left side.
4. Divide the back into four sections. Grab the first section closer to your ear and create a large finger curl, then use a pin to secure. Repeat on the next two sections, staggering the finger curls. To create the side twist.
5. Double strand twist the remaining section then pull it across the top of your side french twist. Use a pin to tuck it into the opening of the curl on the opposite side.

We're considering doing a Bun Effect Phase Two Series. Anyone interested?


Besitos!
KLP



Don't forget to enter the Dominican Product Giveaway!

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August Wish List

1. Karen's Body Beautiful Hair Nectar Leave In Conditioner (full size): My my my, This leave in makes me smile, ladies. It's light yet packed with moisturizing power. The scent is amazing and the 2oz sample that I received at the Black Hair Kitchen Expo lasted for a month. Thus, the 17oz full size bottle that I'm craving should last for at least 8 months. (Is my math is right y'all?--I was an English major after all! #highereducation) If it can last for that long, then maybe that $24/bottle price isn't that scary. I think...
2. BaBylissPRO Nano Titanium Straightening Iron 1-1/4": I wouldn't even bother with this one until my homeboy Bobby (aka my 4 year old Solia Tourmaline Ceramic Ion Flat Iron 1-1/4") passes on to be in heat tool heaven. The stylist for my sorority sister's wedding used this on my hair. I asked her how in the world did she get my hair so shiny and she replied that the secret was in her BaByliss iron. Enough said. I want it! 
3. The entire Paul Mitchell Awupuhi Wild Ginger line- I'm still smitten over this line. With promises like Repair damage caused by heat styling, chemical processing and aging with the vital protein and intense moisture of Awapuhi Wild Ginger® and a few Allure "Best Of" accolades under it's belt, this Awupuhi Line sure seems to aim to please. Swoon and drool with me at www.awapuhi.paulmitchell.com. I've wanted to try this for months, I just need to make it happen!

What's on your wish list?


Un mil besitos!
KLP

Don't forget to enter the Dominican Product Giveaway!

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Wash Day

I don't know what the weather is like in your part of the world, but in mine--mother nature is confused! We went from 90°+ hot and humid to lows in the upper 50°s, cold, and raining. Summer's not over yet right? Did I miss the memo?

My hair has been on its very best behavior at 4 weeks post relaxer. I've kept my styling simple and sweet with variations of high, low, and side buns with an occasional braid for flare. Gracias a Dios por The Bun Effect last spring and the Minute to Win it series. Otherwise, I really would have no clue how to style my hair. Mid-week co-washing has kept my hair full of moisture---so much so that I figured it was time to hit my strands with a hard protein treatment. I've realized that I retain length and keep my ends healthier when I keep a balance of protein and moisture in my regimen.

  

Wash Day Products

Pre-washed detangled hair (post bantu knot curls)

1. Detangled- using my Magic Star Jumbo Rake seamless comb and a little grapeseed oil to aid in detangling.
2. 1st Lather Shampoo- I applied a half-dollar sized amount of KeraCare 1st Lather Shampoo to scalp using a narrow tip applicator bottle. I massaged into my scalp, careful not to tangle my hair then rinsed.
3. 2nd Lather Shampoo- I applied a sample (probably about a half-dollar sized) amount of Carol's Daughter Monoi shampoo to my hair again using a narrow top applicator bottle. I don't have much say about this shampoo, good or bad. I wasn't really impressed and I really don't care for the scent. 
4. Protein Treatment- I saturated my hair in Nexxus Emergencee then did some chores. It air dried for about 3 hours.
5. Extreme Deep Condition- Next, I stood under the spray of my shower for about 5 minutes to rinse the Emergencee completely. I deep conditioned with with JBCO on my scalp and a 3-1 ratio of Joico Moisture Recovery and Roux Porosity Control Conditioner on the length of my hair. Then I massaged my stands with , covered with a plastic cap and left it in overnight. It was so late that I didn't have time to get under my heat cap. :( I sure hope that I don't pay for this later.
6. Tea Rinse- The next morning, I rinsed the conditioner then with 2 green tea bags steeped in 2 cups of water, I applied my tea rinse using a narrow tip applicator. I let it sit for a few minutes and rinsed. 
7. Smoothing Treatment- Next, I applied a large dollop of Nexxus Hydralight Weightless Moisture Conditioner, massaged it in from root to tip for a minute or two then rinsed. I still don't have much love for this product. It makes me so sad because I heart Nexxus.
8. Air Dried- 70% with silk scarf.
9. Leave-Ins- Bee Mine Bee Lovely Moisturizing Daily Conditioner to moisturize and Bee Mine Bee Loved Hair and Scalp Moisturizer to seal.

Results: 
Meh. In my attempt to use up all of my samples and other assorted items that I've never truly cared for---my hair turned out blah. My strands were a little less fluffy as usual and the Bee Mine Bee Lovely Conditioner doesn't seem to absorb as well when my hair is damp. Very strange. Again--like most all natural products, I don't care for the scent. It's not bad---but its just not pleasant to me. I prefer lighter, sweet, floral or citrus scents. The only all natural leave in scent that I've loved is Karen's Body Beautiful Hair Nectar Leave In Conditioner and Koils by Nature Nourishing Hair and Body Butter (Heavenly Delight). I've learned to "sniff" past the scent of Jessicurl Too Shea! Leave in because it just melts into my hair and provides all of the moisture that a texlaxed girl could dream of. Bee Mine hasn't hurt my hair, but I'm not in love either. I just want to use it all up in an attempt to provide a complete review.

Any who, I'll be bunning until I co-wash mid-week then I might GO BIG with a fluffy bantu knot set! I didn't forget about those of you who asked how I maintain my curls. Your post is coming soon. 

How was your latest wash day?

Un mil besitos!
KLP

Don't forget to enter the Dominican Product Giveaway!

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Weekly Wishes

I invite you to make a positive wish, each week to combat a sucky part of life in an attempt to sprinkle the world with more positive pixie dust.

My wish this week is to give myself time and space to think happy thoughts. I'm a child of God; wife of one; mom of two; sister to three; and friend of many. Y'all, my life gets so loca that sometimes I feel like I'm constantly "doing" that I don't get a chance to just "reflect." Everyday this week, I'm penciling myself in some Happy Thought reflecting time. Five or ten minutes should do the trick to simply bask in all of the many blessings that I've received. 

What's your wish for the week?

Want more Weekly Wishes? Check out www.thenectarcollective.com.

Besitos!

KLP 

linked up before you

Sunday Healthy Hairology Medley

Here are a few of the weeks best blogs, vlogs, and forum features that we've found about the web.

BGLH- Easy Top Knot Tutorial: Simple and gorgeous two-strand twist big old bun. Expect a Minute to Win it post with this tutorial as  inspiration!

Relaxed Hair Health- Motivation Monday: Raising our own Standards & Expectations: How standards and expectations can run or ruin your day.

Loving MY Hair- Product Review: Shea Moisture Purification Masque: I've looked at this million times in the store, but I wasn't sure if I needed it. Thanks to Age's review; It's on my wish list.

Besitos!
KLP

Don't forget to enter the Dominican Product Giveaway!

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