Merry Christmas!!

Picture borrowed from web

Popping on to wish you all a very Merry Christmas!!

I pray you all had a great day. It's been a wonderful day here. I am tired from  all the cooking and entertaining but I feel really blessed.
Blessed to have family around, blessed to be able to have mummy around and for her and to have her and her lovely hubby here.
Blessed to have a place big enough, blessed to have enough food for everyone to enjoy.
Blessed that we were all together and in good health. I remember the horrid year when Kuppie was so ill at Christmas.

I am too aware that there are people who cannot say the same, Christmas can be a lonely time for some for many reasons.

May the Love, Hope, Peace and Joy of Our Saviour fill you and comfort you both today and forever xxx

Blogmas: Christmas Eve pt2

Wow!! How is it so late?!

The Gingerbread Cake finished baking and this time round it has cracks in the top, no matter, by the time I cut it into squares it'll be fine.

I made a quick icing to go ontop of the cake when it cools and on some of the cookies too.

I decided to drizzle the icing onto the cake while it was still hot to form a glaze.

It looks very shiny, I'm sure the opaque parts will dry/cool clear.

I washed my hair with my new bits I purchased earlier.

Ugh!!! I need my scalp to behave... NOW!! I was hoping to do a protective style for Christmas and winter in general but as my scalp is playing up its really not worth it.

While the deep conditioner was on my hair I finished off the window sill decors, put the Christmas tree lights on the tree and finished off in the kitchen.

I just finished wrapping the last of the pressies(gahhh why every year last minute?)

Now I'm gonna set my hair in a Wash&Go and let it dry overnight.

Blogmas: Christmas Eve

Whoahh!! Is it really Christmas Eve?! My goodness time is steaming by.

I thought I'd do a little Christmas Eve run-down like I did last year(it won't be as big though as the day's already gone lol)

So far I went out to the shops, picked up the last bits and pieces, last pressie, went to the hair shop quickly as my scalp is still giving me probs(I'll post more about that at a later date)

Came back home bearing goodies for the boys and sat down for a bit.

I went to season the mutton ready for tomorrow and gah!!! No curry powder?! How can I do curry mutton with no curry powder??!! Soooooo off I trodded to the shops but none of the local ones had any and the nearest supermarket (Waitrose) was already shut, so I ended up walking quite a way and thank goodness I saw a Co-op (didn't even know there was one there) and grabbed said curry powder and remembered milk, flour and couple forgotten items lol.

Hubby was outside our house so he kindly picked me up as by then I was pooped and achy, and back home.

Phewwww.....

I finished seasoning the meat and put it in the fridge.

I prepared dinner and afterwards cleared, cleaned and then it was time for the baking.

I made the dough for the Ginger Cookies, rolled into a ball and put it on the fridge to chill.

Next on to the Gingerbread Cake.

I made the batter and its in the oven baking -- wheeeeww 

Cleared up the mess, put ingredients away and utensils to soak (I find it easier in the long run if I clear/clean as I go.

Now I'll make some icing to go on top.

Winter Survival Part 1 - Why do I feel so SAD?

Picture Borrowed From Internet

First up sorry for the outrageous play on words in the post title.

It's no secret that I cannot take the cold, no way, no how. Myself and our middle son feel the cold the most in our household (as I type this I feel I am repeating myself lol, I'm thinking I may have moaned about the cold weather before) we just can't take the frost and chill brrrr.

Winter has it's good points and benefits but for many it comes with a condition called
Seasonal Affective Disorder - or SAD for short and also known as "Winter Depression"
This condition causes the sufferer to feel low, have a lack of motivation, problems getting out of bed and many more problamatic symptoms including physical ones.
The severity differs from person to person.

Even people who do not have SAD can feel down on winter days and need to find ways to pick themselves up so in this first part of my Winter Survival Series we will look at ways to survive the "Winter Blues".


Get some sun.
The lack of sunlight hours is the main culprit of SAD symptoms.
Although the frosty weather may cause you to hide under your duvet, brave the outdoors and get some natural sunlight. Not only will you top up your vitamin D but will help to increase the production of Serotonin - the hormone that controls sleep, mood and appetite, reduce the production of melatonin - the hormone that makes us sleepy and help the working of our circadian rhythm -the internal body clock.
If you are unable to spend time in natural sunlight you can purchase specially manufactured light boxes and/or lamps.

Picture borrowed from web

Get Moving.
Regular exercise is important for both our physical and mental health, it can help boost your energy levels, blood flow, immunity, self esteem and waste elimination.
The gym is often the first place we think off when we talk about exercising and it's brilliant for the variety of equipment and classes but if the gym isn't for you, for whatever reason, there's plenty of alternatives.
 Walking is a great choice as it is free, gets you outside (soak up the sun) gets the heart racing and tones legs hips and bum. If you are feeling energetic or are quite fit why not step it up a gear(no pun intended) and jog or run instead.
 You can also workout at home, weights and kettlebells are readily accessible or you can make use of exercise dvds, online classes and Youtube videos.


Be Social.
Isolation and loneliness can make the symptoms even worse. Being around others is great for your emotional and physical well being.
Spend time with people, talk more, go out -it doesn't have to cost much you cold even go on a joint walk and get some sun(see a pattern here? lol)
Organise a day or night where a group of friends get together and socialise.


Get Some Sleep.
Although insomnia and/or sleep disturbance can be symptoms of SAD, it is important to try and regulate your sleeping pattern.
Aim to get adequate sleep at night. Use sleeping techniques if you find it difficult to fall asleep or even to stay asleep.
Take opportunities to nap during the day if you haven't slept well the night before.


Talk It Through.
Anxiety and stress will wreak havoc on your health at the best of times but teamed up with the feelings of SAD you can begin to feel in despair. We often bottle our feelings up and keep them inside but this can be very harmful.
Try to open up to someone close and trustworthy, share your feelings. The old adage - "a problem shared is a problem halved" has a lot of truth to it.
Consider therapy whether individual or group. Writing things down also helps.


Keep Calm.
The worse thing anyone can say to me when I'm in a panic is to calm down! If I could be calm I wouldn't be panicked, but taking measures to keep calm really helps when low feelings arise.
Although medication can help there are alternatives that you may like to try for example herbal teas, bach flower remedies, essential oils and aromatherapy(always check these are suitable for your usage), massage.
Practical exercises such as breathing techniques, counting, closing your eyes etc will also work wonders.
Prayer and meditating on all that is good can calm even the most tumorous situations.

The Art of Distraction.
Sometimes it's hard to think clearly, things get on top of you and you just can't deal with everything. Day-to-day stresses, or difficult issues can become too much to bare.
It's helpful to find something that will take your mind of your problems, even for a short while.
Find a hobby, play a game, read a book, volunteer for a good cause. Anything that will get your mind concentrating on something else.

Picture borrowed from web

I hope this post was useful and also helpful, Even if you don't feel the "Winter blues" it may help you to identify if someone you know has.
If you do feel low, whether in the winter or any time at all, please don't suffer in silence. Seek help.

Product Junkie Rehab: Used Item

Whooop I have finished my first item in my current "Use Up List". You can see THIS post for more info (opens in new window).

The item is Moroccan Curling Perfection Defining Cream  by OGX(formally Organix)




Definition and ingredients from official site;
This luxurious cream helps sculpt, revive and define your curls to silky, frizz-free perfection-with an extra bounce.

Water (Aqua), Isopropyl Myristate, Cetearyl Alcohol, PVP, Argania Spinosa (Argan) Kernel Oil, Polyacrylamide, Ceteareth-20, C13-14 Isoparaffin, Laureth-7, Diazolidinyl Urea, Iodopropynyl Butylcarbamate, Fragrance (Parfum).

Information from shopping site(superdrug);


Features:
Exotic pure argan oil of Morocco tames fly-a-ways and helps protect hair from harmful styling heat and UV damage as it gives greater bounce and shine.
Benefits:
Moisturizing curling cream which instantly penetrates the hair shaft to revive and define frizzy curls.
Warnings or Restrictions:
Avoid contact with eyes.

Product Uses:
Apply cream to palm, rub hands together then apply evenly to surface damp, towel dried hair working through to the ends. Scrunch hair with hands and let air dry or use diffuser to create more volume.

My Experience/Review;
I purchased this item because I wanted to see if I could get a product that was by a well known and easily accessible brand and available from mainstream shops.

Texture:
The cream was thicker than lotion but thinner than butter and doesn't weigh my hair down. It feels silky, which may be due to the argan oil, and smooths easily into my hair. My hair has a good amount of slip with the cream in it and my curls were a little defined.

Fragrance:
Fresh, floral but not overpowering.
It has the fragrance of the other products in the line but is stronger.
The fragrance lingers on the hair but not offensive.

Value for Money:
Approx £6.99 for 177ml but often on offers - half price, 1/3 price, BOGHP, 3 for £10 etc.

Pros:
Can be found in mainstream shops (accessible and special offers)
Rich without weighing down hair.
No Coated feeling.
Pleasant fragrance
Fulfils purpose/claims - Defines curls, revives.

Cons:
Can cause build up if used too many times.
Hair didn't feel as moisturised the next day when used as a Leave-In after washing.

 
Would I repurchase?
Although It's not a staple or must have item for me, I would repurchase this item if I ran out of moisturiser or leave-in and couldn't get to a specialised hair shop.

OGX Moroccan Curling Perfection Defining Cream can be found in Superdrug, Tesco and some other shops that sell OGX products.

Blogmas 2015: Fave Christmas Goodies - Drinks

Its no secret how much I love Christmas. Everything about it just makes my heart sing.

I love "Christmasy" stuff and I know shops and companies can get very grabby during this season but I enjoy many of their offerings. Today I will chat about my fave drinks;

Egnog!! Ohhhhh I know so many people dislike the creamy yellow goodness that is egnog but I really like it. Here in the UK it's not available much and the only version I see is this cheap spiced milkshake carton with a "fake" after taste.
I keep saying I'll try to make some and I may well do this year.....not sure about the raw egg though.

Flavoured Lattes. Starbucks has to be my number one stop for a coffee treat. I don't go often at all. In fact since leaving my job where SB was two doors away, it's normally only a couple times a year and that's during the autumn/Christmas season. I LOVE their Pumkin Spiced, Egnog (surprise lol) and Gingerbread lattes.
I have a tasimo machine in which I make lattes and add my own flavours to save money, or I'll just make a flavoured coffee with my trusty kettle.

Guiness Punch. This isn't exactly a Christmas drink per se but because of all the naughty ingredients I don't have it often at all. I can't even remember the last time I made it, it could well have been last Christmas.

Flavoured Cream Liqueurs. Baileys Original has to be one of if not my fave "strong drink". From a young girl when on special occasions I was given a literal drop to taste to my teen years when I was lets say freer with alcohol it was my go to drink.
It seems to be at Christmas when all the different shops do their own version and add seasonal flavours. Marks and Spencers have gorgeous options like Gingerbread and toffee and pecan. This year they have introduced new ones - Chocolate Yule Log, Sherry Trifle and Tiramisu. I bought the Tiramisu one a few weeks back and it is lovely.
Tesco have a salted caramel one which I have on my list to try.

Mulled Rum Punch. A feww years ago, Marks and Spencers added this yummy addition to their mulled drinks and it was divine. The taste of mulled wine but with the full and warming taste of rum added!! I didn't see it last year in store but I had a bottle or two left over from the great discounted offers the previous year.

Port and Sherry. Much to my hubby's amusement I love a good port. He loves to tease me about loving an "old lady's" drink but I don't care lol. The full bodied drink is on my Christmas list and I use it during the year in cooking and baking. Sherry get's the same treatment both by him and by me but it has to be good quality one (I sound so snobby lol)




mmmmmm just thinking about these drinks is making me thirsty lol, well it's far too late in the night for any of the yummy choices above. It will be some water and bed for me.

Feel free to let me know your fave seasonal drink or even the drinks that are not necesarily seasonal but which you like to partake at this time of the year.

Blogmas 2015 - Chatter

Whooaahhhh!!! Are we really in December already?! I cannot beleive it's Christmas in 23 days!! 23 DAYS!! My oh my the year is nearly over. I will make a big effort to Blog everyday for Blogmas again this year.....being realistic I aim to blog as much as possible. Many of the posts will be Christmas themed but the aim for me is more to blog more often to make up for my huge blogging fail for months.

 

The frosty air and billowing wind has got me wrapping up in my blanket in the morning and dreading the walk to and from school! The bus at the halfway point to school and the journey back calls to me louder each day but I close my ears and carry on walking. I am still amazed at my walking! Today I have already walked 6.26km and got a top 25%..... I give thanks that little by little I am claiming my body back.



I can't wait to buy and put up our Christmas Tree!! It will be our first tree. In fact I can't wait to put up all the decorations and set up rooms and areas with festive decor. I love the Christmas season!!
The excitement is building lol.
I did a small decor shop this morning to add to the other bits I've been buying during the last month or so. I still didn't find anything to use as snow for the Christmas jars I have planned. I haven't seem anything locally so will have to have a think about that.

My eye caught the new Tim holtz sizzix houses and bell tower!! Ohhhhh they look fab and the houses would look great both in the jars and as decor pieces.... Sigh I wonder how much they are, I'm scared to look as my fingers may be too quick with the order button *hides face*


I have put the beef on to stew early today as I have sooo much to do after the school run, Orders to make and a Greek class in the evening! I am sooooo looking forward to learning Greek again.

Anywayyy chatter over. I must do some preparations to make later run as smooth as possible and cheer up Kuppie as he is a little grouchy today.


Have a great day xxx

Happy Homemaker Monday - 30/11/2015

I saw this from last year and it's taken me this long to get around to joining.
I have been thinking about my being at home/out of work a lot lately. In some ways I am much happier at home, my health is far better than when I was at work. The boys are much happier (one of the man reasons for leaving my job) I can spend time with hubby and work on keeping our marriage healthy too.

I'm trying to be the best me I can, in every area of my life, I find making lists, setting goals and taking part in challenges keep me on track and help me from getting overwhelmed.

My thinking is that Happy Homemaker Monday will help me organise my week and lots of fun also.

The weather:::

Windy, cold and rainy.

As I look outside my window:::

It's amazing how dark it is so early. It was sooo dark at 5pm today. 

Right now I am:::

Sitting on my bed with two boys (the oldest of which is teasing me) talking to hubby who has just arrived home from work.


Thinking:::

About making dinner and organising youth Christmas Dinner.


On my reading pile:::

His Baby Bond.
Daily Devotions: Walking Daily In The New Testament and Proverbs.
8 Reasons Your Life Matters. 

On my TV - programmes I'm loving:::

Empire
Blackish
Doctors 
Step It Up



On the menu for this week:::
**will add changes if any apply**
Monday - Chicken and Prawn Stir fry and Seasoned rice. (middle son requested Chinese so a compromise)
Tuesday - Cottage Pie. **Paella and Haddock fillets**
Wednesday - curry Goat and Rice. **Beef Stew with Butter Beans and Rice**
Thursday - Pasta Bake.
Friday - Pizza for the boys, Chicken Wraps for parents.
Saturday - Hot Dogs and Oven Chips or Wedges.
Sunday - Beef Stew with Butter Beans and Rice.
 
On my to do list:::

Chirstmas decorations (buy and make)
Buy hubby some socks.
Make a new cleaning schedule for Christmas countdown. 
Sort out planners. 
Sort out Christmas Elf and "Days Until"
Buy and decorate Christmas Tree 

What I am sewing, crocheting, knitting or creating:::

Christmas Decorations and Cards



Looking forward to this week:::

Thursday - Mid week church project
Friday - Youth Group
Sunday - Church 



Listening to - Songs I'm loving:::

I'm loving Noel Robinson's Outrageous Love album. Being at the live recording was awesome. I purchased the CD at a Prophetic Worship course where he was teaching one of the nights. The album is amazing and we all listen to it in the car when we go out. Each boy has there fave. I like all the songs but the ones that I play over and over are - 
You give me life.
Rain, 
Outrageous Love, 


From the camera:::

walking amongst the fallen leaves, golden and pretty.

On my prayer list:::


My Friend's Sister.
Thursday Church Project.
To enrich my relationship with God, to be closer and spend more time.



Bible verse, Devotional:::

Verse:
2 Chronicles 7:14 - 
If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.

Inspiration/devotion: 
I'm not sure who the author of the quote is but I saw it on instagram and it really resonated with me. As someone who is fighting low self esteem this was a right time, right now encouragement.

I'll add the link to the main blog when it goes live as my timezone is different.

***Edit ***
Here's DOASAHM's HHM Post

Product Junkie Rehab: Use Up The Stash.

In an effort to curb my product junkieism(yes that's a word...now) I am trying to use up what I have instead of buying something else. I realise that I may well slip and buy an item here or there - I already succumbed to a new organic conditioner this week (gah!!) - but I have the habit of stroking and smiling at my stuff and not wanting to use them (argghhh the struggle of a recovering hoarder).

Sooooo..... I am making a big effort to use up items I've had for a while, have very little left in the pack, bored with, have back ups for or have something of the same "type" on my wishlist.

Here's my current "Use up list":

I will post when I finish an item and maybe review it at the same time.
hmmmm I as I wirite this my bag of empties is calling to me.... I'll deffo do an empties post soon. I need to throw them out and clear space.

Wash Day - A tale of two sessions.

As usual life is running at an amazingly fast speed. I have hasd a couple of wash days which were both very different and not on "normal" wash day days.
As mentioned previously, I do like to have a record of wash days and hair styles/ routines so I can see what is working or even not working.


Wash Day 1 - Wash and Go

I wanted to try a different approach this time round, instead of having my wash day stretch all through the day and dry over night, I decided to wash my hair before bed and do an overnight Deep Conditioning treatment. I thought I could style my hair and let it dry in the day time.
In essence the same amount of time would be taken but the timings would be different.

I needed some protein so pre-pooed with Motions Deep Penetrating Silk Protein Conditioner, clarified with ORS Creamy Aloe Shampoo and used a blended tea rinse.
After removing the excess water I needed a super moisturising deep conditioning treatment so I mixed Kanechom Karite Butter Hair Moisturising Cream, Baba de Caracol Intensive Hair Conditioner (the snail slime lol), Avocado and Pumpkin Seed oils and some EO's. I s ectioned my hair into 4, applied the mix, put on a shower cap and scarf and went to bed.

Conditioners in mix and hair before rinsing out.

I thought the shower cap would be too noisy as I remember the plastic rustly sound being so anoying but I didn't hear it at all, It may be becasue it was an ordinary cap as oposed to the conditioning cap which is thicker. 
My hair felt amazing in the morning, really soft and springy.


I opted for a wash and go as I couldn't wait to try it out with my new Jane Carter Solution Creamy Leave In Styling Smoother (why do these hair stuff have such long names?!) a lovely "curlfriend" gifted me with it. I was sooooooo chuffed so lovely of her. I tried it out the very next day as a moisturiser and really liked it. It felt like it would be great in a w&g.
I teamed it up with my beloved Aunt Jackie's Curls and Coils Don't Shrink Flaxseed Gel. I realised that I forgot to add oil so I grabbed my Organics Kukui Oil Spray and carefully lifted the curls, spraying as I went. I left my hair to air dry.

Items used for Wash&Go and hair after applied.

The rain was falling on the school run which didn't help much. I ended up camerowing in two for my evening Church project.




Wash Day 2 - Blown Out

It's been ages since I stretched my hair out after washing. I still have the urge to straighten/flat iron my hair so decided a blow out with cool air may be a happy medium.


I started with an overnight pre-poo with Shea Moisture Coconut and Hibiscus Curl & Shine Conditioner.
Washed with my sulphate free L'Oreal Professhinnel Serie Nature Riche Macadamia Shampoo.
Tea rinsed with Nettle and a mixed blend and removed excess water.
Deep Conditioned with a mix - Capilo La Aplanadora Macadamia Treatment, *new*Aunt Jackie's Curls & Coils In Control Anti-Poof Moisturizing & Softening Conditioner (wow!! could that be any longer?!), JBCO, OCO, EO's.


When I rinsed out my hair it felt very soft and smooth. I allowed my hair to dry a little then applied leave ins - CHI Keratin Mist Leave-In Strengthening Treatment for protection. Shea Moisture Coconut and Hibiscus Curl Enhancing Smoothie. I detangled with my wide tooth shower comb, smoothed a little Organix Smoothing Shea Butter Liquid Glass Serum.
I used my dryer on full power but cool heat my mummy gave me one with a pik at the end so I used that instead of my own. The pik stretched my hair out much more than the tension method and my hair was smoother too.
When I finished I was amazed at my BIG hair! I wasn't trying to get my hair straight with the dryer so it wasn't sleek but it was super stretched! I couldn't believe the growth too. I've been keeping my hair in a curly state for so long the length is often hidden. Unfortunately to picture I took wasn't clear and quite dark*gah*
I was going to my weekly church project and felt my hair was getting in my way so flat twisted the front and bunned the back.


I enjoyed having my hair blown out and plaiting and twisting it was so much easier.


I twisted my hair up Saturday night so I could wear a twist out for church. I was curious how it would look on blown out hair. It was super fluffy. Not as defined as it is when twisting in it's curly state but definitely more stretched.

Fluffy Twistout on previously blowdried hair.

It was very nice receiving lovely compliments and encouragements to keep up with my natural quest lol. More of my length could be seen and a few friends were as surprised as me with my hair growth.
I will trim my hair very soon as the ends are crying. I realise that with this next trim I will be all Natural!! Whoahhhhh!!!

#Thehourhascome

Last weekend I had the absolute privilege to attend the live recording of Volney Morgan and New Ye and what an awesome evening it was!!
Now seriously, I knew it was going to be awesome, I knew there would be worship, energy and all out fabulousity and WHOOOOOO!! I was not disappointed, in fact the night was that and more.

From the start with an amazing dance group opening the night (I'll add their name asap) to the hilarious compère. Oh I was thoroughly entertained but it was far more than a happy feeling and a good night. The anointing was dripping off each and every person who ministered. The guest ministers were top notch.

I need to take a moment and mention the fantastic band!! My goodness they played with excellence, the skill of each musician was breathtaking.

New Ye have gone to another level..... no scratch that they have hoped, skipped and leapt for joy to another 20 levels! I am still buzzing now. I literally cannot wait for the DVD/CD to come out.
Every song was genuine, each one different but with the same vibe running through. There's something there for everyone from high octane, up-roaring praise songs to mellow heartfelt worship songs.... A-M-A-Z-I-N-G.

Volney Morgan and New YE

I am sooooo pleased and extremely proud of Volney and the group. I remember the early years and I know the hard work, sacrifice and dedication that has brought them to this achievement and I have no doubt will bring them so much higher.

I pray they continue to flourish and go to higher heights and deeper depths.


There are sooo many moments I can share, but I'll leave you with a taster of group member (and Volney's wife whoooooop)  Angel Ife Morgan singing a sweet rendition, please excuse the shaky footage, worship hapened *blush*

Wash Day - All Natural Products

My goodness!! I dropped of big time!!

I've had some personal stuff to deal with as well as the usual wife and mummy duties which have kept me very.... Let's just say busy.

I'm back with a wash day post that is a little different from my usual in that everything I used was natural.

I have wanted to try an all natural wash day for a while but it hasn't happened for one reason or another. I'd love to say I planned to do it this time but it actually happened by accident.

I didn't have time to pre-poo overnight so decided to do a hot oil treatment in the morning (another planned to do treatment lol) then with all the waiting and other frustrations I had to stagger the wash day process out, while moaning internally I thought "why not do an all natural wash day?" So... I did.

Right less chatter more details:


All Natural Wash Day!;

Hot Oil Treatment:

Coconut oil, last bit of Hairlicious and some new infused oil I'm trying.

Infused Oil

After Hot Oil Treatment

I put some hot water in a bowl, placed my jar of Coconut Oil and my applicator bottle with the other oils inside it and left them to warm up.

Meanwhile I sectioned my hair in four and finger detangled.

When the oils were very warm but not hot, I poured the CO into the app bottle and applied it to each section, massaged my scalp and twisting my hair.

I put on a shower cap and a scarf and pottered around while the oil did its thing.

The results were fantastic!! I will try to incorporate hot oil treatments into my wash days more often especially during the cold months to come.

Cleansing Paste:
Shikakai Powder, Rose Water and Orange Blossom.

Top left: Shikakai Paste. Top right: Tea Rinse. Bottom: hair after tea rinse.

I placed a couple tablespoons of the powder into a bowl and added the waters, I didn't do exact measures. I just carried on adding the waters until the consistency was to my liking.

I used the same sections and applied the paste to my scalp an hair. I allowed the paste to sit on my hair for a little bit and then using the balls of my fingers, I worked it into my scalp, then let the shower water run through my hair while I used my hands to cleanse,

It was an odd sensation but my scalp felt really clean. My hair felt very clean but not hard or stripped.


Tea Rinse:
Fever/Lemon Grass, Hibiscus, Star anise and Green tea.

Although tea rinses feature in my "normal" wash days I added dried hibiscus flowers to add to the natural theme. The mix smelt divine!
I allowed the rinse to stew for a few hours before I needed it, I took the bags and flowers out of the jar and added a little hot water so the tea was warm - this will ensure the hair cuticles remain open and the tea rinse can get to do it's job and the conditioner will be effective, rather than so cold that the cuticles start to close - and poured the tea over my hair gently rubbing my hair and scalp while it ran through. I gently removed the excess with my hands and then put a shower cap on my hair to keep it warm and moist and allow the rinse to penetrate, put a towel around my neck to catch the stray "dribbles"

Deep Conditioner Mix:
Amla Powder, Coconut Cream, Manuka Honey, Rose Water, Rosemary EO, Rose EO and Vitamin E Oil.

Left: Deep conditioner items. Right: Hair after conditioning treatment.

I mixed the ingredients in my bowl and mixed them together ugh! grain city!! I realised that I should have put the powder first and added the oils to it and a little of the rose water or honey and make a paste first. That way the mixture would be smooth. I normally do that when I use powders but I forgot this time and I paid for it. The mixture was grainy and I had problems rinsing it at the end.

I smoothed the mixture from root to tip working in the four sections. I twisted them and coiled the ends round. I covered my head with a shower cap and scarf and got on with some chores.

When it was time to rinse my hair felt so soft. I couldn't stop touching it as I mentioned the grains were hard to rinse out and I actually had to get back in the shower to rinse again. I honestly cannot remember if I did and ACV rinse.... I think I did so thought I'd mention it just in case *blush* If I did it would have been a little ACV in cool water poured over my hair while rubbing gently. If not then I did a final rinse with cool water.

Leave Ins:
Whipped Butter, Flaxseed Gel and Infused Oil 

Whipped Butter.

 My hair felt amazing. It was soft, smooth, shiny and my curls looked more defined than I can remember.

I applied the infused oil to my hair and working in sections, applied the whipped butter and used a little flaxseed gel, styled my hair in medium plaits/braids, putting more butter when I got to the ends. When the plaits were finished I banded them into two pigtails, oiled my hairline/edges and put a little flaxseed gel ontop, tied one of my thin and long silk scarves and but my bonnet on top. 




The Take Down: 

The Take Down. (please excuse my sleepy eye)

I decided to take my hair down in the car on the way to church, unfortunately it was slightly damp still and as I was in the car I didn't have my dryer with me so I just had to make do and deal with a little frizz. My hair was soft, fluffy and moisturised. It was also so shiny!! I realise I have said "my hair was Shiny" too many times to count but I was actually shocked that it looked like that. Wearing my hair natural means that the sleek and shiny look I had in my relaxed days has long gone. my hair can often look quite dull. I have to use oils or serums to give it a glossy look but this wash day has shown me a different side!

My braid out wasn't super defined - I think that's because my hair was damp when I took it down - but I liked the fluffy look. I had a few compliments which is always nice.

I really enjoyed my "All Natural" Wash Day and would love to do it again. I will have to see how my hair holds up during the week to get more of an idea.

Have you used natural products and/or treatments during your wash day? Got any hair recipes to share? I'd love to know.

Its been ages but I am linking up with the wash day experience. I can't wait to have a browse and nosey lol.

Just Chatting.

Oh wow, so blogging during August was a flop!!
And now September is halfway gone. Ugh.... life is hectic right now and it is becoming difficult to find time for blogging, vlogging and all the social stuff I enjoy.

Anywayy.... I am coming along with nothing in particular to say but just a chit chat.

I have been "knee deep" in Summer Holidays shenanigans. The boys are full of energy and we have had fun going to the park, hosting sleep overs, celebrating birthdays, entertaining, and all kinds.

The middle two boys have had their hair cut!! I am soooooo sad, well not sad sad but mummy sad I didn't want them to get their hair cut I love the long plaits and the cute buns. I put it off as they may change their mind and it will but the older of the two has wanted it for so long that I knew he was serious. When we (or shall I say Dad) promised that he would be allowed to cut it in the summer holidays, he younger of the two saw his opportunity and secured the same promise.
They both look sooooo diferent and I am still not used to it. I must say it is easier with two less hairs to plait lol, especially for school times now I just spray some oil and brush.

I  have continued with my walking and have seen a difference in my general walking stamina. I love to walk and love the feeling I get. The only worry is that now the weather is very wet.

My hair is thriving and seemed to have grown well over the summer - I will do an update post soon.

Well I'll be off now. I have a couple of things to do before midweek fellowship. Hopefully I can start to blog regularly now. Bye for now xxx

What? Over a month has gone?

Erm...... I really cannot have been away for over a month!! but the blog post date doesn't lie.

Life has been hectic to put it lightly. There's been so many things going on. Some great and some sad, some crazy and some boring but I'm here and my household are too so I give God thanks for that.

We've had Surgeries and a Bereavement which was very stressful and sad.
We've had new beginnings and parties, convention and a concert. ... oooooo and an Engagement!! whoooppp so happy for the lovely couple.

one of my top walks in one go

I have been taking part in JumpstartJuly which was a challenge to cover 5k "your way" I chose walking and have been doing great, I split my walks in two and I actually surprised myself as at the start I really didn't think I would do it but some days I excelled the 5k. I can tell the difference in my stamina and I feel kind of healthier. It also seemed to make my eating habits and choices much better. My water intake was good but I seem to have slipped a bit lately so will get that sorted sharpish.

Love the colour (please excuse my heat rash)

I put my hair away on a whim, I know I had been uhmming and ahming but one day I just did it and chose this reddish/burgundy/Mahogany colour which I surprised hubby with. I wanted my usual brown colour but the shop guy talked me into this and I don't know where the confidence to wear this colour came from haaaaa I just told myself it's a nice summer colour and went with it. I got some lovely compliments which is always nice,

Teachers Gifts

The end of term meant teachers gifts and I was so glad I had some coloured images from my Anya Teacher Stamp and a Tilda Stamp because I can't find my Anya and Magnolia stamps for the life of me!! We still have boxes screaming to be unpacked and my craft bits are all over the place.
I used the images to personalise some notebooks and put them in a gift bag along with a co-ordinating pencil, 4 ink pen, a girlie eraser, 2 choccies and a bottle of nail varnish. The Tags went onto the gift bags.
These were for Mello's Teachers and Assistant.

For Kylo I put a Yankee Candle Sampler and Kokolicious Face Mask Mix in a gift bag for his Teacher, Head Teacher and Assistant Head.
As he's leaving he asked me to get something for his classmates so I made sour cream container type packs and put either a mini bouncy ball or slinky inside. (wish I took pictures but it was late)



Summer Holidays are in full effect and I have a house full of energy full boys and sometimes a friend lol. I'm trying to come up with fun stuff but to be honest I have been using this week to catch up on much needed rest and chores. Next week will be the start of fun time for sure.

I'm also thinking of taking part in August Vlogging (can't remember the actual name) where I vlog each day...... I am thinking realistically though as I don't think I will get in front of a camera for long enough if at all with the boys around so I'm considering blogging each day instead.... oooer, even that may be a push but hey I can only try, I'll give it a good go as I've been away for so long.

Well the time is getting late.... who am  I kidding, it's gone late ;)  so I'll finish this catch up post here xxx

Lost week - protective styling.

Somewhere along the way I have missed a week where I put my hair on a protective style for the week... I don't know how but I thought I'd post about it as I like to have a record of what works (or doesn't as the case may be) on my hair.

As an avid blog reader and YouTube stalker... erm I mean viewer, I'm always on the look out for new tips, tricks and b/vloggers over the past few weeks I've come across a few ladies with super long hair who have their hair in protective styles for the majority of the time and a couple of them have a weekly routine/regime{n} of washing their hair then putting it into a protective style for the whole week. 

I've been wanting to keep my hair as free from as much manipulation as possible but as I'm not ready for my next long protective style stint I decided to give the week one a try.


Preperation:
 

After the whole washing and deep conditioning process, I reached for some smoothing leave ins (Herbal Essences Beautiful Ends Split End Protection Cream (I'm down to the bottom of my last bottle *sob* when it's finished I wont be able to get it again) and Paul Mitchell Super Skinny Serum) as I wanted my hair to air dry as smooth and stretched as possible.

Working in four sections I took out my wide toothed comb and soft bristle denman- it felt so weird using these in my hair as I've been only finger detangling for so long.
I parted my hair down the middle, put my hair in two ponytails winding the hair round itself and left it to dry. 
My hair was soooooo smooth, it reminded me of very early in my HJ when I wanted my hair as straight and smooth as possible to emulate my relaxed hair (what a change!)

Style:

I opted for some cameroes/cornrows (around 7/8 in total) and added a little extension hair in an ombré type effect. 

I smoothed the front down with some CURLS Passion Fruit Curl Control Paste and tied my scarf on.
In the morning I just took my scarf down and I was good to go!!

I pulled all the plaits/braids into a side ponytail. Some days I wound the braids round into a side bun.

Protective styling: Cameroes/Cornrows/Canerows

Maintenance: 
 
I enjoyed the freedom the plaits/braids gave me and I loved that it shaved so much time in the morning. I just used a little gel and paste each night and let it set overnight.
When my hair started to get messier, I had to gel in the morning instead but it was still so much quicker than styling my hair from scratch each day.

I oiled my scalp every night with my hairlicious and moisturised with the
Herbal Essences Beautiful Ends Split End Protection Cream when needed, I wanted a light moisturiser that wouldn't be too heavy nor cause excess build up.



I enjoyed wearing my hair in plaits/braids but may well leave out the extension hair next time round.

Review: Shea Moisture Coconut and Hibiscus- Curl Enhancing Smoothie andHold and Shine Mist.

Here's a video reviewing two of my fave hair products. I've been using them for the past 6 months or so and absolutely love them, I actually put off buying the smoothie for ages as the price put me off but I heard such great things and my hair was in its rebellious stage and needed a huge moisture injection, so.... I closed my eyes and picked it up.... 3 tubs later I have ended up picking up some of the other products in the line too. After I loved the smoothie so much, I was on the look out for a moisturising leave in/spray so decided to give the Hold and Shine Mist a try. Let's just say I'm now finishing my second bottle.
I hope you enjoy the Video and it's helpful.

Wash Day - wash and go with lots of pics.

Woooww!! We are in June already!! JUNE!! the year is half way through..... whoahhh.

This wash day I was able to style my wash and go and let it dry a little before I had to go to sleep. I also managed to take some photo's of each stage too.

I started off as usual with an overnight pre-poo of Raw Organic Coconut Oil, I sectioned my hair into four, applied liberal amounts to my scalp and hair from root to tip and bantu knotted each section then covered with my scarf.
When I took my hair down, I had the prettiest bantu knot out!!

Why does that happen when I'm gonna wash my hair? it looked like I had styled it, no worries it gave me an idea of how I can stretch/refresh my wash and go later in the week.
It was half term week so no school run meant I could go straight into washing my hair. I used my L'Oreal Professhinnel Serie Nature Riche Macadamia Shampoo - {Its nearly finished so I am thinking about what I will buy to replace it *sob* I love it so much, why oh why didn't I go back and get another one when they were available? If anyone has any moisturising sulphate free shampoo suggestions please do let me know x}

My hair is getting curlier week by week, My mum and family seem to remember me having curly hair as a child but I can only remember it being tough andhard to manage, by the time I was old enough to style it myself it was terrible as I really didn't know how to look after it and just wanted to relax it to be like the other girls who had straight hair and thought that I would be able to manage it better. Fast forwarding to my adult years, I do seem to remember that I used to leave the time between relaxing my hair for ages and my regrowth was curly but I thought it was because the relaxer ma have changed the way my hair grew (yeah I wasn't clued up lol) anyway.... history over back to wash day.....

tea rinse mix.

I rinsed with a tea mixture of sage, star anaise and "relax" and a few drops of chamomile eo. The tea mix stewed to a much darker colour and smelt amazing!! I will make mix to drink -minus the eo's.

Deep Conditioner Mix.

I wanted a moisturising deep condition so grabbed La Aplanadora Macadamia Oil, Kanechom Karite Butter Hair Moisturising Cream, Coconut milk powder, ORCO and added rose, rosemary, cinnamon and jasmine eo's.

I applied the mix to my hair in sections, bantu knotted, covered my hair with my gold conditioning cap and scarf and got on with my day.

Conditioner in hair.

In the evening I rinsed the conditioner out of my hair and did a cold water rinse (I must buy some ACV) and removed the excess water, rubbed some ORCO through my hair and then wrapped it up in a vest.

Hair rinsed out.

After my hair had dried a little, I took my leave ins and sat with hubby and watched a couple programmes while I styled my wash and go and left it to dry for a while.

Leave ins for wash and go.

 I think this was my most defined wash and go so far, I don't even know what I did differently lol. I do know that hair can "remember" the way you style it and recreate it in a way or maybe my hair is just happy when I leave it to curl up as it likes and leave the comb out of it. I am thinking of plaiting it up for a week though as I want to leave it alone. I will miss my curly fro I bet.

I allowed my hair to dry more before bed and the back was completely dry, the middle was a little damp at the roots and the front mostly dry.

Air dried wash and go.

I decided to band my curls to stretch them for the morning, I placed some gel at the front and tied it down with my scarf.
The next day I clipped one side up with a few hair pins and styled it with some fibres tied into a headband. My mummy returned from Jamaica so I went to see her, oh how I missed her while she was gone, I always do lol, I go to phone her and remember she's not in the country. It was lovely catching up and getting lots of hugs (yeah I'm a big baby) She really liked my hair and complimented me loads, awwwww.

Styled wash and go.

I'm joining in with the wash day experience again and can't wait to have a look at all the wash day posts.

Pentecost Sunday!!

Borrowed from internet - couldn't resist as my boys LOVE lego :)

Whooop Whooop!! Today is Pentecost Sunday! A day where we celebrate the day that The Holy Spirit came to us and the beginning of The Christian Church.

It's a time to appreciate The Holy Spirit, to give thanks..... to dance and sing, to praise and worship WHOOOOOPPPPP!!!

Three of my fave choruses to sing on Pentecost are:


Fire, Fire, Fire.
Fire fall on me.
Fire, Fire, Fire.
Fire fall on me.
On the day of pentecost,
Fire fall on me.
On the day of pentecost,
Fire fall on me.








Let the fire fall on me my Lord,
Let the fire fall on me.
Let the fire, from heaven, fall on me,
Let the fire fall on me.

When The Spirit of The Lord is upon me

I dance like David danced.

When The Spirit of The Lord is upon me

I dance like David danced.

I dance, I dance, I dance like David danced.

I dance, I dance, I dance like David danced.

OOooooo I'm starting to feel happy and cheerful just typing them out. laaa laaa laaa.

What a privilege to have someone to comfort us in our time of need, To empower us when we feel weak. To guide us when we are lost. To provide knowledge, wisdom and understanding.

To bestow gifts unto us and give us His fruit!! Oh Glory!!

I hope you have a fantastic day xxx