DIY: Avocado Masque Recipe

Mash It Up - Avocado Masque

 1 over-ripe avocado
 1 egg yolk
 2 tbsp. olive oil

Optional ingredients may include lemon and 1 teaspoon of honey.

Mash it up! Dampen your hair and massage in the mix. Wrap your hair with a towel (or a plastic cap and a towel) and leave it in for 30 minutes or so. Rinse out the masque, and wash your hair as usual.

Take note...If you are allergic to latex, melons, peaches or bananas you may also be sensitive to avocados.

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The combination can be used as a sort of pre-wash clarifier since it has the ability to lift out dirt, excess oils, and product residue that shampoo may have left behind. An added benefit is that the natural oils in the ingredients replenish moisture in your hair, leaving it soft, full of sheen, and easier to manage. I couldn't ask for more, especially of ingredients that I have on hand at home.


Why Avocado?

There are 22 different amino acids that combine in various sequences to form all proteins. The human body doesn't produce all 22 amino acids naturally, and needs to consume foods with these amino acids to form protein. Avocado contains all 8 essential amino acids that our bodies do not create, and is therefore a "complete food" in terms of protein production.

Avocados are rich in heart-healthy monounsaturated fat, and this fat adds shine to the hair. The avocado is the best fruit source of vitamin E. And both vitamins E and C are anti-oxidants that help protect your strands from pollution and other environmental dangers. Folate (vitamin B9) is essential during pregnancy and may also contribute to hair health.

Olive Oil chaser...

Olive oil is often used as a base for hair treatments because of its vitamin E and healthy fat content. It is a great source of omega-6 and omega-9. And apparently without omega-6 in your diet, your hair will not be able to maximize your hair growth.


What else?

This recipe calls for egg yolks, another great source of protein, and adding honey (a teaspoon or so) will also provide its humectant properties to keep your hair moisturized. Adding lemon will also boost its impact as clarifier.


Source 1, 2, 3

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This Smoothie is Perfect - Recipe for Hair or Hunger...

I've been making smoothies almost every day for the past six months now, and I've used all kinds of fruits, veggies, herbs and seeds in the mix. But I had been hesitant to use a fruit that I know and knew had tons of health benefits...the avocado.

When I went on my Middle Eastern Adventure I tried an avocado and banana smoothie and fell in love! It was creamy, rich and delicious. At home I've made this smoothie with variations (with ripe mango or strawberries and adding coconut milk, chia seeds and leafy greens) and its been delicious every time. And every time I drink it, I think - if I added honey, this would taste even better and BE THE BEST DEEP CONDITIONER ever!

So drink this smoothie or use this as a deep conditioner:

1/2 a ripe avocado

1 banana

1 tablespoon of honey

1/2 cup coconut milk (I use unsweetened Almond Breeze or Silk) 

Blend thoroughly....feel free to add strawberries or mango to the drinkable mix. 

As a deep conditioner, use it after shampooing, apply liberally to the hair, cover with a plastic cap for 30 minutes or 15 if using a steamer or other source of heat, and rinse thoroughly.   

Image via droz.com

Here are some links to other, avocado rich recipes (most for hair, one for food):

- DIY: Avocado Masque Recipe

- Recipe: Soften My Strands Hair Masque

- Recipe: Hydrating Hair Masque

- 5 FANTASTIC Fodds for Your Hair Plus Recipes

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Product Review: Bee Mine Shampoo & Conditioner

Bee Mine Peppermint & Tea Tree Nourishing Shampoo

The Claim: Our all natural shampoo will gently cleanse but give you the strength, shine and manageability you desire. We've added essential oils of peppermint and tea tree to cleanse the scalp and stimulate growth. Along with a special blend of moisturizing oils, proteins & vitamins that will give your hair a sensational balance and beautiful appearance.

Price: $12.97 8oz

Ingredients: Coconut Oil, Organic Castor Oil, Palm Oil, Organic Jojoba Oil, Distilled Water, Soy Protein, Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein, Glycerin, Panthenol (Vitamin B Complex), Potassium Hydroxide, Guar Gum, Peppermint Essential Oil, Tea Tree Essential Oil & Fragrance.

Review: A had quite a bit of build up in the front of her hair. I hadn't washed her scalp in about 2 weeks and when I gave her 6 big cornrows I used a little too much ORS Lock & Twist Gel on the top of her cornrows. I thought for sure I would have to wash her scalp at least twice to get rid of it. I applied a little over a quarter sized amount of Bee Mine Peppermint & Tea Tree Nourishing Shampoo to her scalp and gently massaged with the balls of my finger tips. I massaged her scalp for about 5 minutes, focusing on the front where she had the build up. I rinsed with warm water and looked very closely at her scalp to see if it needed another wash, much to my surprise, it didn't! Her scalp was very clean, the shampoo removed all of the build up she had from the Lock & Twist gel. This shampoo had a nice, light scent.

Warning: One of our readers brought this to my attention when using lavender and tea tree products in boys (and some girls). This is unfortunate since it's a great shampoo. It seems to be a very rare case but it is always smart to be cautious! (Thanks Melissa!) So, this shampoo is probably best used on adults. UPDATE: After reading other reports, I think I will continue to use products with lavedener and tea tree oil. See other reports here (PDF) & here.

Bee Mine Avocado Cream Balanced Conditioner

The Claim: This nourishing conditioner is enriched with pro-vitamins, extracts & proteins that compact the cuticle layer of the hair resulting in nourished hair that isn't weighed down. It will leave your hair silky, soft, bouncy and more manageable.

Price: $12.97 8oz

Ingredients: : Aloe barbadensis (Organic Aloe) Juice, Lavendula angustifolia (Organic Lavender) Distillate, Anthemis nobilis (Organic Roman Chamomile) Distillate, Cetearyl Alcohol(vegetable-based emulsifier), Ricinus communis (Castor Seed) Oil, Avocado Butter, Avocado Oil, Stearalkonium Chloride, Phenoxyethanol, Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein, d-Calcium Pantothenate (Panthenol Vitamin B5), Panthenol (Vitamin B Complex), Tocopherol (Vitamin E), Kosher Vegetable Glycerin, Rosa mosqueta (Rosehip) Seed Oil, Salix nigra (Organic Black Willow Bark) Extract, Fragrance

Review: Thank goodness for Bee Mine Avoacado Cream Balanced Conditioner. I used this conditioner when I did the not so perfect/big no no thing. This conditioner, like the shampoo, had a nice, light scent. It had great slip which really helped me remove some of the knots and tangles she had. A little goes a long way, which is great because I only had 2oz. After detangling her hair, I put it in 3 big braids and let the conditioner sit for a few minutes, afterwards I rinsed the conditioner out while her braids were still in. I took her out of the tub, got her dressed, took down each braid and her hair felt amazingly soft. I could still smell the scent of the conditioner, which was nice! I applied our shea butter/coconut oil mix to three sections of her hair and banded it for bed. I definitely liked this conditioner.


Here's her wet hair after being banded for bed. I braided the ends. Her hair was very soft and smelled great!



You can purchase Bee Mine Products on their website.


Disclosure: The product(s) were sent to me free of charge from the company or PR agency for the purpose of this review. My opinions are my own and are not influenced by any other part.

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Recipe: Hydrating Hair Masque

Image via alternativemedicinedirect.com

If your hair is dry, and it is feeling a little rough, you may need to add some shine to your life. I've found another hair masque recipe that features two of the main ingredients from my previous posts - honey and mayonaise. This time a third power player has been added to the mix - the mighty avocado!

The avocado is your hair's best friend, or at least in its top 5 friend list. It is a great moisturizer and even fights against hair loss. It contains vitamin E which helps repair any damage to the scalp (which could otherwise slow or stop hair from growing as it should), and vitamin B is just an essential building block for hair growth. Overall it is an amazing moisturizer. Ancient Egyptians even used it for their strands. If you would like to be like the Egyptians, or just have a head full of shiny hair, try this masque. It might just bring your hair back from the brink...

This Masque is Giving Me Life!

1/2 Avocado (ripe)

1/4 c. Mayo

1 tbls. Coconut Oil

1 tbls. Olive Oil

1 tbls. Honey

2 oz.   Water

Mix until well blended. Thoroughly massage into the scalp, then massage into your hair from root to tip. Cover with a plastic cap, and leave on for about 20 minutes. Rinse with lukewarm water. Wash and condition as usual.

Source1, Source 2

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5 FANTASTIC Foods for Your Hair Plus Recipes

I want my hair to look effortlessly amazing at all times - with a strong emphasis on the words LESS & EFFORT. Having cute, easy go-to styles is one way to achieve this goal (see my e-book One Hairstyle, Thirty-one Ways for the afore mentioned styles), and another is to search for a diet that provides everything that your body & hair needs.

Here are five (5) fantastic foods for your hair...eat them and your hair will be even more fabulous!!!


Food: Hemp Powder

Hemp contains both omega-6 & omega-3 fatty acids. They are in the ideal ratio for human use, 3:1, and as such it is one of the best sources of essential fatty acids available. While its oil can be used for cooking, or as an ingredient in a wide range of beauty products, hemp powder can be mixed into smoothies or other drinks. Use it to prevent and dry scalp and brittle strands. Source

Food: Avocado

I've talked about the avocado several times, but I'll say it again...where there is an avocado, there is moisturized, shiny hair! The B & E vitamins encourage healthy scalps and the growth of new hair follicles, and therefore encourage thicker hair. Eat some delicious guacamole, and enjoy the results. Since the recipe calls for cilantro, you'll get a twofer! Source

Food:  Chickpeas??!!??

My dad's favorite side dish apparently helps fight grey hair. Had I known, I would have eaten more growing up, and may have been able to avoid having so many greys now. Or I can be positive and remember that I've eaten a lot of hummus over the past few years, so I may have limited the number of greys that would have otherwise been populating my scalp. Anyway, I digress, garbonzo beans are chock full of protein a key to ending hair loss and hair breakage. And they have manganese - a mineral that is known to prevent changes in pigmentation (b.k.a. going grey). Source

Food: Cilantro (Coriander)

Cilantro is a strong weapon against toxic metals that enter our bodies. The toxic elements cause dulling hair and hair loss by blocking much needed nutrients from ever reaching the scalp. This herb acts as a purifier. Add it to your diet by including some as part of your salads, or add it to pesto. Source   

  

Food: Lentils

Lentils are a great source of iron, and iron helps bring oxygen to hair follicles and in turn hair grows longer and fuller. If you want thicker hair, you want to have more iron in your diet, and that may mean increasing your lentil intake! Here's a lentil soup recipe. You might love it. Source 

Source of photos & some content

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Recipe: Soften My Strands Hair Masque

Doesn't her hair look as soft as a cloud?
Image via lucason.com

I've done a series of posts on hair masques over the last few weeks (search recipes if you don't see them on the blog), and today I'm doing one more! If your hair feels hard, this masque should bring some softness into your life. We've already expounded on the benefits of avocado, banana, honey, eggs, and oils but when you mix them together like this you will end up with hair that will feel as if it were made of the gossamer of angels...or at least softer than it did prior to applying the masque.

Soften My Strands

1/2 Avocado (ripe)
1 Egg
1 tbls. Olive Oil 
1 tbls. Coconut Oil 
1 tbls. Honey
1 oz. Water

In a blender, pulse the ingredients until creamy. Apply to hair and rinse out after 20 minutes.

Source

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Simple Hair Butter Recipes

I have been hearing wonderful things about hair butters recently.  I am a huge fan of Shea Butter based mixes, and have provided my basic recipe below. I'm giving estimates for the content of my recipe, since I generally do not measure the products before they are added and ususally go by sight based on my desired consistency. Feel free to add more aloe vera gel and oils in order to make it a lighter, thinner mix. In any event, here is my basic (and generally unmeasured) Shea Butter recipe:

Shea Butter (Body and Hair)

My Mix Looks Like This

6 oz. Shea Butter
2 oz. Aloe Vera Gel
2 oz.Olive, Grape Seed, or Coconut Oil
1/2 oz. Jojoba Oil
3-4 drops of Essential or Fragrance Oils (if desired)

Melt butterin a microwave safe bowl at 30-40% power at 45 second increments until softened to the point that it is malleable. (Most would suggest using a double boiler - as I've described in previous recipes, but when I make my butter, I am trying to do it as quickly as possible). Stir in Aloe Vera and your oils of choice. My recipe results in a fairly thick creme (as shown above). This recipe may be whipped if you melt the Shea Butter to the point where it begins to liquefy as opposed to being merely softened. Keep the mix in an airtight container. Click here for image source.

Mango Butter (Skin, Body, and Hair) 

I've also found a simple recipe for a Mango Butter based creme. I've read that Mango Butter contains antioxidants, and that using it as a moisturizer will result in younger and wrinkle free skin. It is supposed to fight stretch marks, assist in the healing of wounds, burns, and various skin problems. It is also known to provide UV protection. Here is an all around Mango Butter recipe to use as you wish!

11/2 oz. Mango Butter
4 oz. of Olive or Grape Seed Oil
11/2 oz. of Beeswax or Carnauba Wax pellets
1/2 oz. of Essential Oils

Melt the Mango Butter on low to medium heat and melt the wax pellets into the butter. Pour the liquid into a glass measuring bowl and add essential oil. Stir it together. If the mixture begins to harden prior to the ingredients being completely mixed, rewarm until liquefied. Pour the mixture into an airtight jar, and keep it out of the light when not being used. Use this light mixture as desired.
I'm looking for an Avocado Butter recipe (to share) because I've heard such great things about it. Do any of you have any Avocado based recipes? Do you have a favorite butter recipe?

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Product Review: Bee Mine Curly Butter, Luscious Moisturizer, & Spirtz

Luscious Balanced Cream Moisturizer

The Claim: Our moisturizer is enriched with pro-vitamins, natural proteins and healing butters that heal seal and nourish your hair and scalp. Beautiful hair requires a complete balance of moisture and protein to prevent breakage. This light cream moisturizer help to prevent split ends and strengthen hair from root to tip.

Price: $18 8oz

Ingredients: Distilled water, Hydrogenated Persea gratissima (Avocado) Seed Oil, Mangifera Indica (Mango) Seed Butter, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil (and) Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter), Persea gratissima (Avocado) Oil, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Emulsifying wax, Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein, Vitamin E Tocopherol Oil & Fragrance (Island Mango).

Review: I applied a little Luscious Balanced Cream Moisturizer to A's dry, detangled hair. This product had a nice, light scent It was very fluffy, it reminded me of whipped cream. It went in A's hair so smoothly, and left her hair soft and moisturized.


Bee Hold Curly Butter

The Claim: This shea butter and aloe based curly butter is packed with rich moisturizing nutrients to give you long lasting moisture and promote growth. It has a soft touchable hold that will help to defrizz your frizzes and give great definition. This Curly Butter is wonderful for twists, finger curls, puffs/pony tails and especially for laying down unruly hair. Great for naturals, relaxed, texlaxed, everyone.

Price: $12.97 8oz

Ingredients: 100% Shea Butter, 100% Aloe Vera Gel, Essential Oil Blend, Vegetable Glycerin, Rosemary Leaf and Chammomile Extract, Silk Powder and Perfume

Review: After sectioning off about half of A's hair, I started to do small, loose cornrows on one side. I applied a little more Luscious Balanced Cream Moisturizer to each section, then I applied Bee Hold Curly Butter to each section. The combination of the two was so lovely! The Bee Hold Curly Butter clumped the three strands of hair I was cornrowing together, so it made the cornrowing process very easy. My fingers slid down each section very easily. Her hair was well moisturized, and while I made the cornrows loose for our protective styling challenge, they still had great hold. When I got to the end of each cornrow I started doing the two strand sister twist method. This is when you twist one section clockwise, and the other counter clockwise, then you start twisting around one another. Her twists felt amazing and looked amazing! This product was nice and creamy, a thick consistency, but not too thick. The Curly Butter smelled like baby powder, A liked the smell, it was nice. Scents available: Coconut Cream, Unscented, Island Mango (Tropical Mango)

Juicy Moisturizing Daily Spritz

The Claim: Bee Mine Juicy - Moisturizing Daily Spritz is an excellent moisturizer for natural & relaxed hair. It is loaded with organic aloe vera juice, ayurvedic herbs and nourishing essential oils to stimulate the scalp and strengthen your tresses. Use daily as a mid day refresher bedtime moisturizing treatment.

Price: $12.97 8oz

Ingredients: Organic Aloe Vera Juice, Herbal Infused Purified Water, Organic Coconut Oil, Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Pure Glycerin, Ayurvedic Herbs, Select Herbs, Polysorbate 20, Essential oils of Tea Tree, Peppermint & Grapefruit, Vitamin E Tocopherol Oil, Fragrance, Paraben & Formaldehyde Free Preservative.

Review: Love Juicy Moisturizing Daily Spritz! I sprayed her hair with this after her style was complete, it added shine, and moisturized her hair even more. The smell (Island Mango) is amazing! I love the smell so much that I put off washing my hands for a little while because they smelled so nice, lol. Don't judge me! :P



Do you SEE the shine?! Love it!



This combination together is just amazing! If you're a Facebook friend then you saw my status, and I quote, "Bee Mine, where have you been all my life?!" I have not yet met a product that works so well on her hair style. Her cornrows and twist have great hold, they are super moisturized and soft, her hair smells great, what more could I ask for? This was another one of those times where I liked the product so much, that I immediately went on Facebook and in the CurlyNikki forum to post about it. I really think I have found the perfect twisting product. I would love to see how the Curly Butter works on defining her curls, because like I said, when I was cornrowing the product was really clumping the sections together for me.

If you would like to purchase Bee Mine products, check out their website! They also sell samples.



Disclosure: The product(s) were sent to me free of charge from the company or PR agency for the purpose of this review. My opinions are my own and are not influenced by any other part.

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Recipe: Lotion Bars are Solid Gold

Lotion bars are excellent travel companions, whether in a purse or a carry-on. They are conveniently sized and easily carried. Additionally, the ingredients in lotion bars are all natural, and are known to be both moisturizing and easily absorbed into the skin. Using these will prevent our largest organ from being covered with ingredients that we don't want on our hair or scalp.

Solid Gold Lotion Bars

Image from handcraftedsoap.blogspot.com

4 oz mango, cocoa or shea butter 
4 oz beeswax, yellow or white, or carnauba, soy, or candelila wax
4 oz jojoba, grape seed, avocado, or sweet almond oil 
2 tsps of essential or fragrance oils
Mold or molds of desired shape

Melt the beeswax in a double boiler, add your butter and allow it to melt down also. Add your oil(s). I've also seen recipes that include putting all of the ingredients in a crockpot (don't forget your liner), and leaving it on high until everything melts down. It should take about an hour. Keep an eye on your ingredients. Mix well, and stir in your fragrance or essential oil. Pour the liquid into molds for individual bars (lined muffin tins will work) or into a single mold that you will cut into bars after the mix has hardened. Allow 1-2 hours for the mixture to set before removing from the molds. 

To use: Rub hands over bar 1-2 times. Rub onto dry skin. You don't need much, and although it may seem oily at first, it will absorb into your skin in a few minutes.   

Sources: 1, 2

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Bee Mine BEE-U-TI-FUL Deep Conditioner Coming Soon! + Blog Updates!

As you all may know, I have been using Bee Mine Products in A's hair for over 1 month now and have been loving the results. You may have seen me rave over the Curly Butter and Luscious Moisturizer in one of the forums, love that combo for styling!

So I got word that Bee Mine has a new Deep Conditioner coming out! Whhhhaaat?! Honestly, when I originally visited their website I was a little surprised that they didn't already have a deep conditioner, so this is great! I immediately went to their website to see if it was there but all I found was the above image. Now, I'm not sure when it's coming out exactly, but it says Coming Soon, so........soon? lol If I find out the exact date it's coming out I will most definitely let you all know. Remember, code: BBB gets you 10% off a minimum purchase of $15. Only good until the end of June!

 While I was there browsing I scrolled down their main page and saw they have a new product called Bee Lovely Moisturizing Conditioner (pictured on the left, isn't the bottle cute?). Nice! They are also carrying larger sized products! (I saw a 128oz Gallon of their Avocado conditioner...that's A LOT! lol)

Incase you missed any of our Bee Mine reviews: here, here & here. Also, if you have been following our Protective Styling Challenge then you know several of the participants have tried some of the products as well, so check out those posts to read what they think of them!

On another note, because I don't want to make a totally different post, I will be having some updates soon!

Look out for the following:

• Style Gallery will be back up soon. This time I am going to make each photo a bit larger, and instead of adding all of them at once, I will add them as I post the styles. So all of the styles that are already posted on the blog will definitely be there! I will make the photo clickable so when you click it it will take you directly to the tutorial along with other pictures of the style.
• A lot of styles should be added soon. They are older styles (Alicia Keys Braids, X Cornrow, Veil Ribbon, etc), but if you're new to the blog (before the picture incident) then they will be new to you!
• A's Routine will be added soon as well as Lil Man's Routine!
• I am creating a FAQ section. So if you have any questions you would like answered don't hesitate to ask (through comment or email)!
• GIVEAWAY'S! I have a few things planned. ;) Be sure to always check back for updates!

I may have forgotten something, if so I will come back and edit. As you all know, I am always open to new suggestions and ideas so feel free to shoot me an email, I love hearing from you all!

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Product Review: Goin' Natural Morargan Gold RARE Moisture Butter and Moroccan Oil

Recently I was fortunate enough to receive some samples of the Goin' Natural Moragan Gold Rare Moisture Butter and Goin' Natural Moragan Gold 100% Moroccan Oil. The line also contains a Thermic Blend Solution for those using heat in their hair. All products are available on Amazon and other online outlets. My friend Camille tried the products during her styling routine and was kind enough to provide a review. Here it is below:

Pre-twists

Twisted

I used this product to two-strand twist my hair. I washed and conditioned my hair, then applied a leave in conditioner. I then let my hair air dry. (I don't like to twist my hair wet-it gets too messy). I used the Rare Moisture Butter to twist my hair and then the 100% Moroccan Oil to seal.

Smell

The  Moisture Butter smelled like a mixture of yummy mango and lemon meringue and was very pleasant. The smell wasn't overwhelming when first applying it to my hair, but it could still be smelled (slightly) on day 3. 

Consistency

 12 oz. available on Amazon for $16.79

The  Moisture Butter was like a moisturizing cream. It was not as sticky as my current curling custard. I appreciated that the product moisturizered my hair and didn't leave a sticky residue on my hair and fingers. Unfortunately it lacked some of the cohesive properties that bond my twists together. I had to re-twist several of my twists within just a few days because the product didn't bind my hair together as easily as the my current products.

Ingredients

Moisture Butter:  Shea butter, De-ionzed water, Coconut oil, Barbadensis leaf extract, Mango seed oil,  Argan oil, Avocado oil, Vegetable glycerine, Caprylate, and Fragrance. 

I appreciated that there were mostly all natural ingredients. However, I found the composition of the ingredients lacking. I felt that there wasn't enough Shea butter in this product. 

Moroccan Oil: Argan Oil

Overall Impression

Ultimately, I enjoyed using the Moisture Butter to two - strand twist and the Argan oil to seal my hair. However, a few days after twisting my hair, some of  my twists are coming loose and my hair is frizzier than usual. (It typically takes about 2 weeks before my hair starts to get frizzy when using the Kinky Curly). Instead of using this product to twist my hair, I will probably use it to moisturize my hair. 

3 oz. Moroccan (Argan) Oil

$26.97 on Amazon

I would consider using the Moisture Butter as a moisturizer instead of using it to twist my hair. The Moisture Butter works well with my daily routine - I dampen my hair every morning and use a little Herbal Essence Hello Hydration and then seal in the moisture with my mix of Shea butter, coconut oil, and olive oil.  

The Argan oil did provide shine, however it sat on my hair and left it greasy instead of being absorbed into my hair. Although I typically use Argan oil on my hair when it's straightened, it won't be part of my twist routine.

I probably won't use the Argan oil on a regular basis and will instead use my Shea butter mix to seal my hair.

For my twisting routine I give the products:

Moisture Butter-  7 out of 10
100% Moroccoan Oil - 4 out of 10 

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Recipe: Jamaican Callaloo and Saltfish

Last night was Jamaica night in Hartford, and although it was fun (you can see a photo on Instagram), it also made me think of how much I miss my Mom. So in honor of my Jamaican mother, my time at home, and West Indian Week, I've decided to provide a healthy recipe for callaloo and saltfish. This is a meal that can be eaten any time of day, and pairs well with a variety of side dishes.

For those of you unfamiliar with callaloo, it has been described as Jamaican spinach, although it is much more similar to collard greens in appearance and initial texture. A 1/2 cup serving has approximately 30 calories, 2 grams of protein, 4 grams of carbs, and 1 gram of fat. Some of its health benefits can be found here.

Tonight is Guyanese night, and in honor of my Dad, I will post a new recipe tomorrow.

Ingredients

• 3-4 cups of chopped fresh callaloo, or 1 can, drained
• 1/2 lb. saltfish (dried, salted codfish)
• 1 diced onion
• 1 diced tomato
• 1 sprig thyme
• 1 clove garlic or 2 teaspoons garlic powder
• 2 tablespoons of butter or coconut oil
• 1 tablespoon of black pepper
• 1 whole scotch bonnet pepper (do not chop) or hot pepper sauce to taste

Method

1. Boil saltfish in a deep pot of water for 45 minutes to rid of the excess salt. You can change the water or reboil if needed. Strip off the skin and break saltfish into small pieces.   
2. Prepare callaloo by opening and draining water from the tin. If you have fresh callaloo, wash it thoroughly and remove all seeds and flowers. Strip the translucent skin from the outer stalks and chop up finely.
3. Heat up two tablespoons of butter or coconut oil in a pot or a pan for which you have a cover. Sauté tomato, onion, garlic, pepper, thyme in butter or oil.
4. Add callaloo and pepper and stir in well, cover the pot or pan and allow to steam on a low fire for 15 to 20 minutes. Don't add water as it will cook under its own natural moisture. Give it the occasional stir every now and then.
5. When finished steaming, add saltfish and stir in.
6. Serve with hardough bread, fried dumplings, breadfruit, plantain, avocado, rice or boiled green bananas. Add hot pepper to taste and enjoy!
   

Source 1, Source 2,

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Chunky Two Strand Twists

For the last week of our Protective Styling Challenge I decided to keep it simple and do some chunky two strand twists in A's hair. I pulled it half up for the first day and added a bow. She has been swimming this week and they have held up fairly well.

Instructions:

• Start with completely (properly) detangled well moisturized hair (we used Bee Mine Luscious Moisturizer)
• Split the hair into two. Parting from the middle of the front of the head all the way back to the middle of the neck.
• Tie one side off with an ouchless ponytail holder to get it out of the way and begin grabbing large sections of hair. Parting with a comb is not necessary for this style. Add your product of choice to the section of hair (we used Bee Mine Curly Butter), split your large section into two and proceed to twist the two sections of hair around one another. Roll the ends between your pointer finger and thumb so they hold better.
• Continue grabbing large sections, adding your product of choice, and twisting the hair. Repeat on the other side until your style is complete.

As I stated, she has been swimming this week in our little backyard pool.



For now, her hair routine when she goes swimming is very basic.

Swimming Routine:

• Put hair into a lose ponytail while she swims.
• Cowash hair with Herbal Essence Hello Hydration conditioner after swimming. I actually used Bee Mine Avocado conditioner this time.
• Apply moisturizer/leave-in to wet hair after rinsing the conditioner. I used Bee Mine Luscious Moisturizer

Maintaining this style is very simple. Moisturize as needed and cover with a satin bonnet at night. Retwist any twists as needed with your product of choice. This style should last up to one week.

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Unknown chunky two strand twists

Diva Spotlight: LeeLee

Tell us a little about yourself & your daughter:
One of my daughter's many nicknames is LeeLee and she is 2 1/2 years old. She has a younger sister named Babydoll that is 6m and will be a feature Diva Spotlight as well. LeeLee loves when her hair is done and always says its beautiful. She loves anything and everything to do with princesses, yet she is still a wild and crazy one! I'm not sure of her hair type but I believe its a 3c.


Tell us about your blog (allthingscuteandgirly) and what inspired you to create it:
My blog allthingscuteandgirly focuses mainly on my daughter's journey to healthy, beautiful hair without the use of heat or chemicals. I am also broadening it up by adding a few things I like such as fashion, nails, make up etc. Pretty much all things cute and girly! Hence, the blog name. I first started the blog as a way to record my daughter's growth and my growth at learning as well but then it developed into something more. I love sharing what I've learned and want to show everyone that it is possible to take care of your little one's hair. All it takes is some learning and trial and error and you will get there in no time (:


What is your daughter's hair care routine?
We don't have a set routine where every day has a task. I shampoo and condition her hair once-2x a week depending on her style. Lately, since the protective style challenge I've been braiding her hair and leaving it in anywhere from 3-4 maybe 5 days and then taking it out and washing her hair. Then I repeat. This has been our routine for a few months.

What kind of products do you use on her hair?
For shampoo and conditioner I use Garnier Fructis Olive, Avocado and Shea which I LOVE! Shea Moisture curl enhancing smoothie and their curl and style milk. Bee Mine Luscious Balanced Moisturizer and Curly butter. Ecostyler gel, our shea mixture and glycerin mix. Sometimes kinky curly curling custard.

Have you ever used chemicals on her hair?
No, I have not and do not plan to. I love her hair the way it is and wouldn't want to damage it in any way.

Can we see a few of your favorite styles? 
Of course..

How did you learn to do all of this?
It will actually be a year next month when I decided to learn to properly care for her hair. I first found Happy Girl Hair through google. From her, I found Beads, Braids and Beyond and Princess hairstyles. I read a bunch of blogs and even watched YouTube videos. I also practiced and played in her hair A LOT!

How does your daughter feel about her hair?
My daughter LOVES her hair! She randomly at times says how beautiful and pretty it is. Just the other day she said, " mommy my hair is CURLY!!" She compliments me on my straight hair, too but I always remind her that her hair is as beautiful.

Can we see her favorite style?
I just asked her how she likes her hair so I could put up a pic and she replied, "no, I whip my hair back and forth! I whip my hair back and forth!" So I'm assuming when its worn out like this:

If you had to share one hair care tip, what would it be?
Don't get frustrated if you do not see results right away. Healthy hair is more important than length. When you find out what your hair likes and you stick with it and properly care for it, THEN you will see the growth. Also, STOP COMPARING YOUR HAIR (OR YOUR CHILD'S) WITH SOMEONE ELSES. All hair is different and need different care.

Please make sure you stop by and check out their blog, All Things Cute & Girly!

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Unknown braids, cornrows, diva spotlight, natural hair

Product Review: Belle Butters Unyevu Butter + Three Strand Twist Out

Tasha from Belle Butters sent me a couple of samples last week and I couldn't wait to try them! Yesterday I washed and detangled A's hair (Tiny Twirls shampoo, Little Penguins Smoothie) so we started off with completely clean hair. I decided to try the Unyevu Butter first because it smelled so yummy! By the time I started twisting A's hair, most of it was dry but there were some damp areas. I grabbed large sections with my fingers and applied a nice amount of the Unyevu Butter to her hair. I distributed the product evenly with a Denman brush, sectioned the hair into 3 parts and began doing a three strand twist. I did this until she had about 10 three strand twists in. This butter is thick but creamy and was easy to work into A's hair. The next morning I removed the twists and A's hair had lots of shine and felt moisturized but not greasy or weighed down. Her hair feels super soft. I really like this butter and I think it will also work fabulous on sister twists, mini braids, sealing ends, etc. I only had a 2oz jar so I was a little worried that I wouldn't have enough but I didn't even use half of the jar! A little definitely goes a long way.

Price: $12.00 4oz at Belle Butters

Ingredients: unrefined shea butter, raw pressed mango butter, refined avocado butter, apricot kernel oil, neem oil, sunflower oil, fragrance

Unyevu Butter

Here's our old three strand twist video tutorial:

Three strand twists the next morning

Aftre removing three strand twists

After separating the twists for a fuller look

After separating the twists for a fuller look.

Disclosure: The product(s) were sent to me free of charge from the company or PR agency for the purpose of this review. My opinions are my own and are not influenced by any other part.

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Unknown product review, three strand twists

My Trip to Colombia...

Botantical Garden - an artist created approximately 100
different hummingbirds and placed them throughout the grounds.

If you follow me on Facebook, Instagram , or Twitter you probably saw at least one photo of my trip to Bogota, Columbia....two months ago. I am finally ready to give a photo recap of my trip! 

Colombia is only 4% black, and apparently the black people are concentrated along the coast, so I didn't see many black women, but I took snaps when I could. In six days I saw so few black women that I can actually recall everyone's hairstyle. Some of the black women I saw had weaves, a few had extensions, one had locs, and one lady had a head full of two-strand twists ( I didn't take a photo because I was staring at her on the bus, and I didn't know that she would take kindly to having her picture taken.) I didn't get a real feel for how Colombians feel about natural hair, but I did find out that Colombian men  like to call out "Morena" when walking in close proximity. 

Looked like a press, but it might have been a relaxer...

I only saw two black women with Afros, and she was one of
them!I caught her in front of the National Museum.

We saw a lot of beautiful architecture....

A local hotel in the historic district of La Candelaria..

National Library 

Cobblestone streets

Near the hotel....

La Candelaria and La Plaza de Bolivar....including the President's residence and armed guards patrolling the building, and the entire militia stationed across the street.

The church was next door to the militia...

This building (and a lot of the historic area) reminded
me of the French Quarter

View of the courtyard

The Military Museum

We ate some local food:

I ate more ice cream in 6 days than I have ever eaten
in my life! I also fell in love with Colombian hot chocolate. 

Fruit carts are everywhere, and for a little more than $1 you can get a delicious snack of mango, pineapple, and papaya. The fruit pictured can come with different toppings. Plain with honey and lime squeezed on top is DELICIOUS.

Fruit with a creamy sauce and is
topped with cheese shavings

Roasted maize with a little salt and a lot of butter. 

We ate some traditional foods: Ajiaco - Chicken soup that includes chicken, two (preferably three) kinds of potatoes, corn, sour cream, capers, avocado and guasca. Guasca is a special herb that grown throughout the Americas and gives the soup its distinct flavor.

Ajiaco is on the left. I forgot the name of this soup that
combined sweet and savory flavors.

We also had a meal similar to this Bandeja Paisa:

Bogota is beautiful:

View from Mount Monserrate

Only 1 walking path, so when the horses and donkeys
are coming up, just move to the side....

A mound of strawberries in the middle of the street

Beautiful sunsets

  

Busy nights....

We also went to the Salt Cathedral of Zipaquira (potentially the 8th wonder of the world)...by train! The whole cathedral, and each station of the cross, are all carved out of a gigantic salt mine. It is AMAZING. 

How could I resist the chance to be backlit?
I felt like I was about to give a concert. 

We made it to some museums...

Gold Museum - can you see his outline?

Costume housed in the National Museum

All in all it was a nice trip, but if I make it back to Colombia, I'm going to the coast....

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Unknown international, travel