Shopapalooza

Top I got from Goodwill for about $3 paired with a pair of linen pants from victoriassecret.com.  My hair is a wash and go (really wet and go b/c I didn't wash with anything) using whipped Shea butter as my leave in. 

Hello there lovelies~ 

I hope that everyone is having a wonderful weekend!  Last weekend I decided to have myself a little shopping spree.  Why, you ask....because I like clothes, no special occasion.  Anyhoo, as many of you know I am all about thrifting these days, so, I had a shopping spree at Goodwill.  And boy did I rack up!  I bought....brace yourself.....2 blazers, 1 skirt, 3 tops, 2 sweaters, 1 little jacket, 2 dresses and a pair of jeans all for less than $50.  WHAT?!?!  I was so excited.

My thrifted buys and Miles.  From left to right, top row:  I got this cute floral dress, this little jacket (Ann Taylor) and the shirt underneath, this dress which I'll need to take the sleeves in a bit and pair with a belt and this linen blazer.  Bottom row: I got two green sweaters (one long sleeved (Banana Republic) and one short sleeved), this blue/white pin striped blazer, this weird striped zip up shirt (not sure yet what I'll wear it with), these jeans (The Limited) which are too big but so comfy and this paisley skirt (Liz Claiborne) that I LOVE.

 

I am still pretty new to the thrifting game, but I'm catching on quickly.  I have been a thrifter for about 1 year now.  Since my first wonderful thrifting experience I have bought clothes out of a regular retail store only once that I can remember.  Crazy, once in a year.  Unfortunately, I have yet to begin thrifting for shoes so I still pay real money for those, but I'm growing and learning.  I highly recommend that everyone get on this thrift train.  For any novice thrifters I have a few pieces of advice.....

1. Go with a buddy or two, preferably someone who thrifts a lot- sifting through all those clothes at a thrift shop in search of that one magical piece can be quite overwhelming, especially if you are not used to it.  So, get you some help.  Have a friend go with you so that you each can be on the lookout for cute buys for yourself and each other.
2. Be open minded- what is cute on the body is not always cute on the rack.  If you see something that is kind of cute, but not quite there try it on anyway.  You may be surprised how differently a piece of clothing can look on a body than it does on the hanger.  Clothes are an awesome way to express yourself and to have fun while you do it.  So, step out of your box for a piece or two and you'll be amazed at how moving from your comfort zone builds confidence and helps to free you.
3. Size doesn't matter- If you see something cute, but it's not your size try it anyway.  If something isn't quite your size this gives you the opportunity to get creative.  Perhaps you can adjust it yourself with a quick sew job (or take it someplace to be altered) or even better, maybe you can temporarily alter it in order to make it fit.  For shirts, jackets, skirts and slacks that are too large try adding a belt or scarf.  For tops that are too large try adding a safety pin covered by a cute brooch or flower.  For tops and jackets that are too small try layering so that buttoning/zipping isn't necessary.  For bottoms that are too small let them out (if they are way too small leave them in the store).  Just get creative with it.
4. Find inspiration- before going thrifting I recommend that you visit some youtube channels or blogs dedicated to thrifting to get inspiration (check out the "my thrifted closet" link on my blog list to the right).  Seeing all of the cute finds that other people get from thrift stores really motivates you to get out there and give it a go.  It is also fun to find a look from a celeb that you would like to recreate and see if you can find the right pieces to do so at the thrift store
5. Have fun!!- shopping should always be a fun and pleasurable experience.  If you get frustrated or angry just stop and go back another time.  Remember, the clothes you wear do not define the person you are.  If you aren't enjoying creating new outfits and extending your wardrobe then just stop!

So, that's all I have for today.  I hope that everyone has a wonderful and safe weekend.

Tootles for now! 

Hump day happiness

Good morning lovelies~
Here are ten things that I am happy for on this beautiful Wednesday.  Enjoy, and leave a comment to let me know what you're happy for!

1.  God woke me up this morning because He's awesome and full of love

2.  I have a job that I enjoy going to 

3.  I am getting started with my research

4.  Family and friends

5.  Cute pics of the niece and nephew (although I wish they would pop up in my email instead of my phone text inbox, hint hint)

6.  Miles :-)

7.  Tennis Tuesdays (knee still hurts, but tennis was fun anyway)

8.  Marlene's business getting started - if anyone is planning to begin a business and needs advice just call Marlene!

9.  Hopefully soon hearing about Breana's adventure on rooming with Sheila (nutso- in a hilarious way- older lady in her AKA chapter)

10.  My hair

Tootles for now!

Tips for transitioning

I did a flat twist twist out on my hair Saturday.  Sunday morning the results came out very nice.  The twist out elongated my hair a bit and I liked the length.  I bobbi-pinned the front back.  I do not like hair in my face.  To achieve this look I co-washed Saturday with Aubrey's Honeysuckle Rose and flat twisted with Shea butter.  Sunday morning I removed the twists and off I went to church.

Hey there lovelies~

A friend recently shared with me that she is making the big jump into the world of natural.  After learning this terrific news I felt inspired to share a few of my personal tips on transitioning.  Different people of course have their own opinion on the best way to transition.  Overall, there are two ways to transition:  one can either just start from scratch and immediately do the BC ("big chop") or one can transition slowly in order to gain more length before cutting her hair.  For those who are comfortable enough to just do a BC, I say GO for it.  If I had to do all over again I would have done the BC.  Doing a BC allows you to get familiar with your hair much more quickly and saves you the stress of dealing with two drastically different hair textures.  

For those of us who are bit less brave, here are a few of my thoughts/tips on transitioning.  I transitioned for about 10 months (this means that there was a 10 month period between my last relaxer and me getting all of the relaxed ends cut off of my hair so that my hair was completely relaxer free).  The length of your transition is very personal.  I have heard of people transitioning anywhere from 6 months to 2 years.  Obviously, the longer you transition the longer your hair will be when you get the relaxed ends cut.  However long you decide is best for you to transition be sure that when you do cut you are ready to cut.  Once you cut you can't put the hair back on (well, not your own hair, but there are always weaves).  Do realize that your natural hair texture will be different when you have relaxed ends still attached than once you have been completely relaxer free for several months. So, if you choose to do a long (in my opinion longer than 6 months) transition because you feel as though it allows you to better get used to your hair texture, note that the texture you are dealing with is probably different than your true natural texture.  

While transitioning there are several ways to approach the upkeep of your hair.  During my transition I mostly wore my hair straight.  Toward the end of my transition I wore twist outs as well.  Keeping two textures of hair (natural and relaxed) blended is a difficult task.  In order to keep my hair straight during the early transition period required me to "touch up" the roots about every other day or so.  While keeping my hair straight allowed me to work with my hair in a state that I was more familiar with, I was definitely not preserving the health of my newly grown hair.  I do not recommend keeping your hair straight during transitioning for longer than about 1-2 inches of new growth.  I recommend keeping your hair in protective styles while transitioning, or doing styles that mimic what you will do with your hair once it is natural.  For example, I recommend braids (but not too tight!), a sew-in, twist outs, braid outs, twists etc.  As you get closer to your decided time of chopping I highly recommend doing your hair in styles that you will also do once you are natural.  The quicker you begin learning how to manage your newly natural hair the better off you will be.  

Last, but definitely not least, do research while you transition!  As you are transitioning begin looking at youtube videos, blogs, websites, magazines, books...whatever you can find to get inspiration.  You will need inspiration to continue on your natural hair journey as well as education on what in the world to do with your hair once you have transitioned.  Some of my favorite resources are Naptural85 on youtube and blog and Mop Top Maven's blog (apparently she is a con-artist, but she still has good info on her blog, just don't purchase anything from her).  However, there are a TON of resources out there so use them!

So, my top 10 transitioning tips would be:

1. Choose the transition method that best fits you
2. Be sure to keep your hair moisturized (true once you are natural too)
3. Use products that YOU like-don't get caught up in what other people say, simply use other people's recommendations as a guide (also true once you are natural too)
4. Don't get caught up in understanding hair textures, this will change with time
5. Focus on keeping your hair healthy...growth will come (also true once you are natural too)
6. Learn as much as you can during your journey-learn from other people's experiences as well as from your own hair
7. Keep a journal-be sure to include pictures and to write down what worked well for you and what did not
8. Do styles that are more natural as often as possible
9. Develop a routine (also true once you are natural too)
10. Be patient!!!!
11. Bonus- Have fun!

Well, that's all I have for now.  Get going on your journey and be sure to share your experiences in the comment section along the way!

Tootles for now!

Live healthy, live happy.....

Me hanging out at my house.  My hair is a simple wash and go.  I wet my hair and put my homemade leave-in in, shook my hair and went about my business. 

Hello there lovelies~ 

Last week I checked a book out from the library called, "Ani's Raw Food Essentials" by Ani Phyo.  I have been interested in eating raw a bit more ever since having lunch at "Good Life Cafe" in West Columbia.  In early May my wonderful friends, Jillian, Terika, Sherika and I ventured to the good life cafe for what turned into a 7 hour lunch (oh how time flies when you're talking).  At this cafe all of the food served is raw.  What?!?!?  This was my first experience eating a completely raw meal, but everything that I had was delicious (I had a macadamia and spinach burger with melon salad and corn salad as my sides.  I topped it off with a cheesecake for dessert).  So, of course I became curious.  I couldn't believe that all this delicious food was made raw!

At the cafe a brand called "hallelujah acres" is sold.  So, I began my quest for raw food knowledge by googling hallelujah acres.   This is a community that supports a holistic lifestyle including a raw diet.  After reading up on this website I was convinced that I needed to begin a raw lifestyle. The supporters of raw diets believe in eating "living" food in order to ensure that you get all of the possible nutrients that your food has to offer.  It is well known that cooking/heating food changes the food's chemical make-up and usually removes nutrients (the longer you cook, the less nutrients your food will maintain).  Therefore, by eating raw food your body takes in all of the nutrients offered by your food.  The term "living food" refers to food that is not processed or cooked (ie.  a raw apple is living, apple pie is not living).  

So, as I read this all sounded good to me.  Supporters of raw diets believe that the enzymes in raw food help sustain longevity, fight off infection and diseases, support immune function, help to elevate mood and gives you increased energy.  Well, as my mother always said, I'm from Missouri, so I had to see it to believe it.  So, for about a week I incorporated raw food into my diet.  I didn't go totally raw, but about 90% of what I was eating was raw.  I felt GREAT!  I definitely felt healthier and more energized.  Unfortunately, I slowly slipped back into my old ways.  Immediately I could feel the difference in my body when I had a slip up and ate food that wasn't as good for me (and I'm not talking junk food, I'm talking cheese, dairy, cooked items).  So, I became a believer.  

Changing your whole lifestyle is definitely something that you have to do because YOU want to do it.  In order to change your lifestyle you must first be mentally dedicated.  So, I'm preparing myself to slowly but surely switch my diet over to at least 80% raw (that is my ultimate goal).  Reading this book is helping  a lot.  I will probably be a little while before I am even at 20% raw, but I'm getting there.  I decided that this time I want to do some research and really learn about what it means to be raw so that I can be mentally and physically prepared to dedicate myself to a new lifestyle.  I am SUPER excited!!!!  In reading this book I have already learned how to read produce barcodes.  A code with 4 digits means that the food was grown traditionally.  A code that begins with 9 means that the food is organic.  A code that begins with 8 means that the food has been genetically altered (ie. stay away).  

I will probably read a few more books before I get started big time on my raw lifestyle.  I plan for my next read to be "The Unhealthy Truth" by Robyn O'Brien.  The book is written by a mother who decided to gain more knowledge about the food, and more importantly the additives, preservatives, etc. added to the food, that goes into our bodies.  The author's daughter one day suffered a severe allergic reaction to eggs; this experience prompted this mother to investigate the "underworld" of food and government regulations.  I heard about this book from Naptural85, who is a great source for tips on eating healthier.  

Well, that's all I have for now.  I just got back from the grocery store and felt inspired to talk about eating healthy.  If anyone is up for a new challenge with me let me know.....

Tootles for now!

Hump day happiness

I know you've been waiting for the top 10 of the day so here they go.....

1.  I woke up this morning with a purpose 

2.  Wonderful family and friends

3.  DJJ graduation (so proud of the kids)

4.  A bit cooler weather

5.  Tennis yesterday (even though I hurt my knee which makes me feel like an old lady, I've never gotten a tennis injury before, I'm just not holding up like I used to)

6.  A new cousin, Patience Lynette Via

7.  Sloka

8.  Excited research students (now I just have to get research going for them to work on... :-O )

9.  Meeting a lady today who told me that I look 21 (I love old people they always think I look so young)

10.  A great weekend last weekend (fun at Krissy's house, baseball game, new church, more fun at Krissy's house)

Bonus:  Daddy's birthday tomorrow, even though I forgot to send a card (oops....)

Well, that's all for now!

Tootles

Finally figuring it out

Me on Tuesday before work.  I used the hair routine outlined in this post.  I don't know what that bar at the bottom is, that was not a part of my outfit!  By the way everyone (well, all the women) at work LOVED my hair.  Guess my Daddy was right, men like women with hair :-) 

Hello there my lovelies~

So, it has been one week and one day since I got my hair cut, and I'm figuring it out a bit.  Currently I am wetting my hair every day twice a day.  At night I do my normal mist with my water bottle.  In the morning I soak my hair in the shower, apply leave-in, shake my head, tie around the back of my hair (shaved part) with a scarf until I am ready to leave and that is all.  The routine is not hard but I am having to get used to "watering" my hair in the shower every morning.  This routine has helped restore the moisture and softness of my hair a TON.  This routine has also helped restore my curl pattern.  I am pleased again with the condition of my hair.  

I decided to make a leave-in to use each day.  I modified the leave-in recipe created by kimmaytube (I'll put the recipe below-you can find kimmaytube on youtube).  So, that is all for updates, I'm figuring things out and I still like my cut.  Yesterday as I was running here and there doing errands I realized how much more confident I am about my hair than I was when I did the first BC.  The first time I BC'd I was very self conscious about my hair, but this time I am not.  I suppose I just needed some time to get used to my natural hair and 5 years later I am.    

Nightly water recipe-I fill this water bottle and spray a bit on my hair each night.  I keep the bottle in the refrigerator.

In a spray bottle I put:

• Tap water-fill a large spray bottle (I got mine from dollar general) with tap water
•  8-12 drops of liquid vitamin B complex from vitamin shoppe
• 2tsps of vegetable glycerin (I get this from a local health food store)

Leave in recipe-I use this every morning on soaked hair.  I have not tried this on dry hair, but I think that it would work either way.  I will put the quantities that I use and kimmaytube's quantities in ().  No () means that I added this on my own.
This is enough to last me for about a week.  I place all the ingredients in an old container and mix with a spoon.  Before use I give a little shake in the container in case the oils have separated and use. 

• 6tsps of leave in-I use Aubrey Island Naturals (6tsp. I think she recommends any leave in)
• 6tsps of aloe vera juice-I get this from the Vitamin Shoppe (6tsps aloe vera juice or gel)
• 3tsps of Castor Oil-you can get this about anywhere (6tsps )
• 3tsps of Jojoba Oil-I get this from Vitamin Shoppe for a small bottle or health food store for a large bottle (6tsps)
• 1.5tsps of vegetable glycerin-I buy this from my health food store
• about 4 drops essential oil of lavender
• about 4 drops essential oil of rosemary
• about 1 drop essential oil of lemongrass
  

So, I realized that this week just flew by me and I forgot to do my hump day happiness, so here is my Saturday happiness:

1.  God thought enough of me to wake me up this morning

2.  Baseball game tonight

3.  Fun time with friends last night

4.  Miles

5.  My allergies not driving me up a wall anymore (although I am usually anti-medicine, thank God for Zyrtec and Flonase)

6.  Great comment cards from my summer students (all positive which is not what happened with the comment cards Spring semester)

7.  A new faculty member coming to the department (and he's young, hooray for the young professionals taking over)

8.  Romans 8-I have been reading this chapter a lot lately and love it

9.  My hair being moisturized and healthy

10.  My family (Miles included of course)

Hair cut update

Day 4.  I like it.  This morning my hair looked a bit better with some leave-in in it.  My terresentials should arrive soon, so we'll see if that helps add a bit of moisture.  I don't know what that weird line in the picture is. 

Hello there my lovelies~

So, it's day 4 of my new hair cut and I thought I'd give you all a quick update.  I still really like my hair cut.  The cut is a bit boyish and not exactly what I envisioned, but I still really like it.  I think that the cut fits me well. 

So far I have learned one big thing.  I still have no idea what to do with my hair :-/  Well, maybe I should rephrase that.  I don't remember what to do with my hair when it's short.  I have been trying to do my normal things (spraying with H2O at night, using Shea butter, co-washing once a week or less) and what I am finding out is that those things work for long hair but short is a whole different animal. 

So, my journey isn't going exactly as expected, but I'm still enjoying it.  I am getting to learn my hair all over again and being reminded of my true inner beauty.  I dont' think a lot of people like my hair, but I'm finding myself to be quite okay with that.  I am still the same Shayna I was last week and anyone who liked me last week and doesn't today......oh well.....that's their hang up not mine.  I think that's my new motto, "that's their hang up not mine." 

Anyhoo, this morning I did a lemon juice rinse (3 parts H20, 1 part lemon juice) and then co-washed with Aubrey Island Naturals.  After conditioning I put my Cantu leave-in in, shook my head (a remembered trick from the past) and let my hair air dry.  I liked the results, although my hair isn't as moisturized as I'd like. 

So, what do you all use for moisture?  Help a natural newbie (sort of) out. 

Tootles for now!

New beginnings-Take 2

Me today :-)

Hey there lovelies~

Today has been a wonderful day!!!!  For some time now I have been toying with the idea of cutting my hair, and today I did it.  I am so excited!!!  I love my hair cut.  My hair is shorter now than it was when I first did the BC.  In the 5 hours now that I've had my hair cut a lot has come up.  The first person in my life to see my hair was my daddy.  What were his thoughts you ask, "you know men like women with hair right?"  Hmmmm.....not quite the response I was looking for, but whatev.  Second person to see, my Granny.  Well, Granny, who is knockin on mid-80s, doesn't quite see like she used to and either didn't see or didn't have anything nice to say and therefore chose to say nothing at all.  For anyone who knows my Granny, it is probably not the latter of the two.  So, again, not the response I wanted, but hey, I didn't do it for them anyway right.

So then why did I do it?

1. I feel like my hair wasn't as healthy as it should be
2. My hair wasn't growing at a rate that I found acceptable
3. I have so much more knowledge now that I feel I should start my hair off with
4. My hair was getting to be a burden
5. It was just time for a change!

So, what will I do differently this time you ask.....lots of things.

1. I am going to keep a hair journal, pics included-and this time the journal will last and not be sporadic
2. I am going to love and maintain my hair right from the beginning-no getting lazy
3. I am going to use the most appropriate products-Shea butter, water, oils, flax seed gel, hair wash
4. I am NOT going to be a PJ (although I did order some terresentials hair wash last night)
5. I will have a hair routine that is easy and that works, and I will stick to it!
6. I will not be overcome, overwhelmed or defined by my hair

So, what have I learned from my hair cut so far?  My first lesson was that hair is hot (a haircut simply confirmed this suspicion).  My head is SO cool now-temperature and looks, but the bigger lesson has been that I am not my hair.  Okay, I know that is cliche for any India Arie fan, but it is so true.  I don't, as I shouldn't, feel like a different person because my hair is cut like a little boy.  If anything, I feel more me.  People will be more adept to see the true me-the me on the inside-than the superficial me-my hair, clothes, body shape, etc.  It is amazing how much emphasis some people place on their appearance and the opinion of others. 

So, what did I tell my Daddy?  "That's their hang up not mine."  I'm very comfortable with me and anyone who is not has the problem not me.  I have spent some time caught up in the things people say about me, but as long as I'm loving and living as God would have me to live, negativity is the other person's hang up (problem) not mine. 

So, more than anything, this decision was one full of reflection.  I feel led to reflect on who I am and what I have learned over the past several years. 

Please share with me what you have learned over the course of your natural hair journey.  I'm so excited to share this journey with you and can't wait to hear about your experiences! 

Tootles for now!!!   

Time for a fresh start.  I bet I'll be back at this length in three or less years!

Hump day happiness

Super late today, but here it is..... 1. Woke up this morning 2. Family time 3. End or summer I classes 4. Cooler weather 5. Bread pudding 6. A good run this morning 7. My new cousin Aiden 8. My Granny 9. The future 10. Lunch with Amy on Friday