On the search

This is a random Shayna pic from a couple of weeks ago.  I had my hair pulled back in a loose low bun with a headband on (I'm currently in love with headbands).  My hair is an old twist out.  I think this is 4 or 5 day old twist out.  The only products I used were Cantu Shea Butter Leave-In Conditioning Cream, Flaxseed gel and good old H2O.   

Hey there lovelies~

My scalp itches, and I'm tired of it!!  I have set out on a serious search to find something to help get rid of this itch. Despite rants from some, Blue Magic did not hit the spot for me.  I'm currently looking into trying shampoo bars as recommended (for general hair health) by Mop Top Maven.  So, I'm on this website, and I'm getting a bit out of control.  I love it when I have so many choices to look through on a Saturday when I should be doing minute things like cleaning the house, buying groceries etc.  Anyhoo, I'm placing an order today, and I'll report back after I try one or two of the bars out (yeah, I'm ordering 4).   A few things about the shampoo bars that are appealing to me are:

1. No sulfates or harsh chemicals
2. Many are organic and/or vegan
3. These bars are designed to add moisture to hair and scalp (unlike many shampoos)
4. Several reviewers claimed to be able to stop using conditioners and leave ins once using these bars (hooray for less product)
5. Many reviewers (from African Americans with natural hair) raved about how easy detangling became after using some of the bars
6. They are cheap (relatively speaking, you know I hate shipping and handling)

I don't know that I'll turn into a shampooer (I currently shampoo sporadically).  I also don't know if I'll cut out conditioners or leave-ins.  I love the conditioner (Aubrey Organics Island Time) and leave in (Cantu Shea Butter Leave in Conditioning Cream) that I currently use, but we shall see what happens........Anyhoo, that's how I'm spending my Saturday and I have to say I'm loving it :-)

Tootles for now   

Have a great weekend!!!

Hump Day Happiness

image source

Good morning lovelies~ 

Today is hump day and I'm happy.  I've decided that each hump day I'll write 10 things that I'm happy about.  So, here we go.  Feel free to make your own hump day happiness in the comments section!!!

1.  The semester is just about over

2.  I woke up this morning which means I have a purpose

3.  I'm getting paid awesome bucks (in teacher world) to teach summer school

4.  My hair is pretty (which usually means it's dirty, go figure)

5.  I ran yesterday

6.  I get to sleep in next week (this goes with number 1, praise the Lord)

7.  I get to increase my work out time (this also goes with number 1, praise the Lord again)

8.  I'm turning into a health nut

9.  I have plans for every night the remainder of this week

10.  I saved $8 last night when I went grocery shopping

Tootles for now!

Why don't you wear your hair in an afro?

Image source

Hello there lovelies~

Recently a student was in my office and she asked me the question, “why don’t you ever wear your hair in an afro?”  I thought about it for a bit and then replied, “I don’t know.”  However, I found this to be a very interesting question so I thought I’d write a post about it.  Before answering the question I think it’s important to clarify what was meant by afro.  I asked her what she meant and she said blown out or combed out.  I thought that this was important to clarify because I have worn my hair in a “wash and go” and had people consider it an afro although I do not.  To me an afro is a style achieved by combing your natural hair while it is dry (which I do not do).  Now, to answer the question at hand.  I like the look of afros on other people, but I choose not to wear one for several reasons.  Personally, I like my hair to have definition which in my opinion afros lack.  Also, my hair is pretty long and therefore my afro would be big.  I think that I would be very self conscious to walk around with a big afro.  Also, I don’t like combing my hair while it is dry.   Combing natural hair is damaging, especially when the hair is dry (dry here meaning without water not without moisture).  As far as blowing my hair out, that just straightens it.  So, I guess the ultimate answer as to why I don’t wear my hair in an afro is because I don’t like it for me. 

I think that it’s interesting that people have gotten one image of natural hair stuck in their minds.  I guess this does bring up another question of what exactly is natural?  To me, being natural and wearing your hair natural are two different things.  If your hair is without regular chemical treatment then it is natural.  If you wear your hair natural hair without manipulating it with heat then you are wearing it natural.  However, to me, wearing your hair natural doesn’t mean that it has to be in an afro, nor does it mean that your hair can’t be manipulated and styled and your curl pattern altered.  Wearing your hair natural, to me, simply means that you don’t manipulate with chemicals or heat

So, there you have it, why I don’t’ wear my hair in an afro.

Do you wear your hair in an afro?  Why or why not? Is there a difference between being natural and wearing your hair natural? 

Let me know what you think……

Tootles for now!

DINKS



The niece and nephew looking cute and innocent (such good actors ;-)



Hello there lovelies~

I recently learned the acronym DINKS (double income no kids).  Now I’m sure that due to my disconnect with technology I’m among the last people under the age of like 40 to learn this acronym; however, once I discovered it, I loved it.  Now don’t get me wrong, I don’t particularly want to be a DINKS family.  For some odd reason I have always wanted a large family despite the fact that I’m not much interested in children under the age of one and refuse to babysit a child for more than a few hours if that child is not potty trained.  Not to mention the fact that older children (ages 2 and beyond) have just started growing on me in the last few years (my feelings about teenagers are still questionable).  However, this term did really get me thinking about our generation and wondering if more couples are choosing to be DINKS.  When I think of my friends/acquaintances that are married or in serious relationships, having children don’t seem to be much of a priority.  So many of my friends seem to be focused on careers, having fun, and enjoying their spouse that children just don’t play into the picture (at least for now).  I began to wonder what this shift in thinking (I don’t think many of our parents and generations before had this mentality) may be most likely due to.  The answer I came up with is IDK.  A few possibilities that crossed my mind include recession (children are expensive!), more opportunities for our generation, we’re now a more career driven society, longer life span (why rush kids if we’ll live to be 100?), and increased safety in older pregnancies.  Although I don’t want to be a DINKS couple I would like to hold off on children for a bit after I get married.  To me, it’s important to enjoy and get used to being a married couple before throwing children in the mix. 

Anyhoo, I just thought this DINKS thing was an interesting phenomenon that deserved a post. 

Let me know what you think, are we as a generation waiting longer to have children (or opting for none at all), if so why do you think that is?  Let me know!

Tootles for now!

Random updates

Random old Shayna pic with my hair in a twist out

Hey there lovelies~

I feel like I really need to write a post, but I'm not sold on what to write about.  Therefore, you get random Shayna updates.....

1. The Blue Magic:  So, I have not been using Blue Magic lately.  I didn't stop using necessarily because I didn't like it, but instead because I found Shea Butter.  Although I must say I didn't like the consistency of the Blue Magic I bought.  I felt like it was too thick and greasy.  So, I can't write a fair review on Blue Magic because I didn't give it enough of a chance, but if anyone who does consistently use it would like a review please do. 
2. Shea Butter in Florence:  I found raw Shea Butter at a local Beauty Supply Shop (hooray).  I will probably only go to this place if I'm in a jam.  The shea butter was $3.99 for 10oz.  Now this price certainly isn't horrible, but I can go to the flea market in Lexington and get 16oz. for $8 (with a little negotiating).  Or I can order online at Bars n Butters and get 1 pound (about 24oz) for $8.00 (plus S&H, I hate S&H by the way).  So for now I'm using up my 10oz (fast), and I'll probably order some from Bars N Butters for my next Shea Butter needs.
3. My face has become disastrous:  Idk why, but for some reason my face is rebelling against Florence.  Now don't get me wrong.  I'm no stranger to acne, but my face hasn't been this bad in a long time, maybe ever.  Anyhoo, I just started using ProActiv (I feel like I just went back to college) again until I find something better.  ProActiv will probably work, but it stings my face, stinks, dries my skin out and I want something natural.  If anyone has suggestions for good natural face products for combination skin (mostly oily) let me know.
4. The dating scene: Not happening for now...next topic.
5. My hair:  I had mini twists in for the past two weeks (three if you count the week I spent twisting).  The result of my mini twists was the realization that I'm not meant for mini twists.  I like having them, they're cute and convenient, but I always miss my hair.  So, now I'm back to my twist outs.  I just took the twists out Friday so I don't have much to report on my hair for now.
6. Blog world:  I've been a bit MIA with my posting, but I'm going to work very hard to write at least two posts a week this month (happy April by the way).  I've added some new blogs (two in my blog list, closet of a thriftonista and Naptural85's blog) to my reading list.  I met a girl here in Florence, Amy, who is pretty cool and I read her blog (pround patriot 07) and a blog I found through Amy's blog (A complete waste of makeup).  This last blog I just found today, but I liked this chick.  I feel inspired to go out and have fun reading her blog.  I haven't read CurlyNiki's blog in a while, but am quite obsessed with Naptural85's YouTube channel and blog.
7. Where oh where is Mop Top Maven?:  So, apparently MTM is a crook and con artist, but I still have her blog on my website because she gave good info and advice on it.  MTM hasn't posted in over a year, but I still often go to her blog for info. 
8. Life in general: Generally speaking life is great!  No big complaints here.  Although I did get a speeding ticket recently :-( but the ticket wasn't expensive and I was accidentally speeding (the speed limit had just changed from 55 to 45...oh speed traps). 

Well, I think that's all.  I guess I should feel pathetic considering I just summed my life updates up in 8 bullet points, but I'm quite happy with life, so so be it.  By the way, I was feeling inspired today so check out my revamped "about me" and "hair routine" blog pages.  Also check out my new 30 before 30 page.

I hope that everyone had a great weekend and has a fabulous upcoming week!!  Leave comments......let me know about your updates.....

Tootles for now