Beauty Haul: Shea Moisture, Argan Oil, Deep Conditioners & etc...

So a few weeks ago I did some much needed hauling. I bought products that I've been wanting to try since I've started this natural hair journey of mine. Below I'll just be showing photo's of the items I bought...the product name & where I bought it from/price. I'll be doing a review on each item/brand in the future (Once I've had time to really test them out).

Shea Moisture: Curl Enhancing Smoothie *Stocking up on*
Shea Moisture: Deep Treatment Masque
(I mentioned in my past post that they had their buy one get one 50% off At WalGreens. I bought one item for $9.99 *regular price* & the other for $4.99)

LEFT-TO-RIGHT:
One n' Only Argan Oil: Restorative Mask 
($8.99 With Beauty Club card from Sally Beauty Supply)
Silk Elements: Mixed Silk *Nourishing Deep Conditioner*
Silk Elements: Mixed Silk *Leave in Conditioner Creme'*
(The Silk E. products were buy 2 for $10 from Sally Beauty Supply)
ApHogee: Balancing Moisturizer
ApHogee: ProVitamin Leave-in Conditioner
(The ApHogee were buy 2 for $10 from Sally Beauty Supply)
I FINALLY PURCHASED THE BEAUTY CLUB CARD. I PURCHASE ITEMS FROM SALLY BEAUTY SUPPLY LIKE ONCE A MONTH. IT'S WELL WORTH IT. IT'S ONLY $5, YOU GET GREAT DEALS.

TRESemme': Heat Tamer Spray
(From WalMart for $2.98)

Suave Conditioner: Juicy Green Apple
(From Walmart as well $0.98)
Creme Of Nature: Detangling & Conditioning Shampoo
(I bought this last month so I don't remember the price, but it was no more than $5. It was on sale at Sally Beauty Supply)

Beauty Mixers/Meet ups: Hair, Bloggers, Makeup etc

I wanted to ask if anyone knew, or heard about any Southern Cali Mixers or Meets up regarding natural hair, beauty or bloggers in general the next coming months. If so please let me know. Leave a comment below. I'm thinking about having one next year. We'll see how that goes though :)

Ps.

I also have reviews, hauls, & more information about my hair journey coming soon. I've been slacking on those type of posts. Forgive me lol. I'm a working woman now. Thank you Jesus!!!

UP NEXT! A Protein Diet

Yes, you read it right. I'm going to try to start this protein diet tomorrow. I don't know how that's going to work seeing as aunt flow is in town & I tend to like to snack on things that I don't normally eat heavily. But then again, it would be a great challenge for me.


How did this come about? My mom was talking to my aunt yesterday & she said she's been losing weight. I jumped on the phone & into the conversation and asked what she had been doing. My aunt is known for trying out diets. She actually sticks to them 9/10 & this is one she's familiar with. Any who she said she was on the protein diet which is basically no carbs (Carbohydrates), and one cheat day. I'm still doing some research on it. I wanted to do a small cleanse before starting this, but I guess it depends on when I plan to start this.


I do plan on blogging about it just so I can keep track and share this with you all. I only plan to go a week. My aunt told her friend to try it out for a week and she'll see some results (weight loss, clothes fitting differently). And come to find out she did. Although it maybe different for every individual, I want to see what it does for me. I'm not big on diets just because people tend to fall off...but I actually want to challenge myself with this.


I also, want to incorporate a new workout plan. Some of you may have read my fitness challenge I did for two weeks last month. If not you can check that out HERE. I did pretty good.


Okay, so...I'll start this diet tomorrow (Monday Sept 12th). My exercise for this week will more than likely be me being active at work with the kids. When I'm cramping badly, I can't do much, & since I have no choice but to go to work I'll make the best of it.


-Protein diet tomorrow
-Keep track of what I eat
-Normal activity this week
-Next week incorporate a workout routine
Sounds bomb.com to me :)

Food	Protein grams
1 ounce meat, fish, poultry	7
1 large egg	6
4 ounces milk	4
4 ounces low-fat yogurt	6
4 ounces soy milk	5
3 ounces tofu, firm	13
1 ounce cheese	7
1/2 cup low-fat cottage cheese	14
1/2 cup cooked kidney beans	7
1/2 cup lentils	9
1 ounce nuts	7
2 tablespoons peanut butter	8
1/2 cup vegetables	2
1 slice bread	2
1/2 cup of most grains/pastas	2

I'm getting some of my information from WebMD (Which is where this table is from).


If you're currently working out what are doing? Working out at the gym, videos, walking? Also if you're on a diet what kind? I would love to know who's doing what just in case we could be of some support to one another.

SO SO SO SO irritated!!!

There are days when I just don't want to blog anymore...I'm more so referring to my beauty blog. For quit a few reasons...
All I'm going to say is that until people reciprocate what I do back, I'm not doing it anymore...
I work hard on that blog...
Time to clean my list up...
Have a good one folks!

Light skin/Red Bone: A Skin Preference? What?!?!

::Types in redbone in google search-images:: Hmm, all I see is pictures of dogs...Okay, so I was on Twitter (Like any other day) & some guy (Black male) tweeted that he loves light skins & @replied to the chick who happened to be what he thought was "light skin". 

My definition of someone light skin is an African American or someone mixed with AA who skin is light (I don't want to go back & forth on what the def. of a light skin person is because that's not the purpose of this post). Well, I've noticed that black males are calling those who are fair skin (Caucasians, Asians, non-AA women) light skin. But my observation comes from males from Oklahoma. Hmmmm. I've also noticed they mostly deal with chicks who are everything under the sun except black females.

Okay...going back to the title "preference". I get that. We all have a preference. But me being ME I'm not going to say I don't date black men all together for whatever reason (And I'm AA). But then again that's me. Okay, back on topic Ashley!!!


So like I mentioned, they have given other females who aren't AA/mixed with AA the title as being light skin and they (Caucasians, Asians, non-AA women) have literally RUN with it. So they are now #TeamLightSkin 0_o what?!! 

Next...Red bone...What exactly is a red bone? This name has came from the South I believe. I googled the word & from the photo I've taken on my phone you'll the "Definition" & how it came about. I mean just about ALL of the southern rappers say "A bad red bone"...red bone this, red bone that.
My assumption is someone that has a lighter skin complexion right? But WHO exactly (Race wise) would be considered a red bone? Again, I'm assuming the same for the whole "light skin" issue for this as well.


This all seems like pure ignorance right? Yea I know. I had to touch base on this because it's been bothering me. I know I couldn't have had this discussion on Twitter. Especially with the individuals who I've saw tweet this. 


It always seems like every time I have a intelligent debate, disagreement with a male on Twitter (Black males) they get mad & want to call someone out their name. I say grow some balls HOMEBOY!!!


I think I'm seriously going to ask these guys a few questions & report back with my findings. It's so disturbing how the rap industry will pull GROWN folks into this pure ignorance. The obvious isn't so obvious for everyone.
Am, I tripping? Am I the only one that sees something wrong with this? 
1st photo from: chimovement.com
2nd photo from: 24hourhiphop.com 

Product Review: Shea Moisture-Shampoo+Curl Enhanhcing Smoothie

I WAS SUPPOSE TO POST THIS LIKE MONTHS AGO -_-
I posted on my beauty blog "Shopping List Item: Curl Enhancing Smoothie" of wanting to purchase this item and I finally DID! Yes! Walgreens was having a buy one get one free deal (Bogo sale) until Saturday (April 2nd). I was somewhat broke and couldn't past up this deal, so I scrapped up some money and went down to make that purchase.

As I stated in the Share Your Hair Type: The Simplicity post (Which was basically a description of my hair)...Coarse!

RATING: 4/5

This is the Shea Moisture: Organic Raw Shea Butter Moisture Retention Shampoo

I'm not a big fan of the scent, but I like the way it makes my hair while working it into my hair/scalp. Depending on how much build up & product you had in your hair it may take the second time around to get your head soapy/foamy. It doesn't easily foam because of the ingredients that aren't used in this product versus other shampoo's we should stay away from as often. 

It does a great job of cleansing my hair :)

With the top on

RATING: 4/5

With the top off 

As you can see it's really creamy. It's semi-thick/clumpy until you dip your finger into the product. I love the scent. This as well as the Aussie leave in conditioner have really great scents & that's one of the main reasons why I use them.

I noticed that it helps with my curls. When my mom used it on the front part of her leave out hair (Which she presses *With a pressing comb*) she said she noticed the next day when she presses her hair that her hair is curly from the other of using this & that she found it difficult to straighten her hair. So it does what it says.

 I actually don't use it to enhance my curls. I just use it as a replacement of IF I had Shea butter to use on my hair, and then seal my hair & ends with an oil (EVOO). So this is MY Shea butter.

The purchase was so bitter-sweet at the time....but I'm glad I was able to make this purchase. 

Have any of you tried out any of their other products? I plan on going BACK to WalGreens this weekend because their having another BOGO sale (Not as good as the last). It's buy 1 get the other 50% off. So check it out.

My Theme Song(2): Ambitious Girl

So, Ms. Dr. Regina from Her Perfect Black Dress inspired me to do my own blog post on what my theme song was...I actually have TWO. Part 1 & 2. Check them out below :)

Change Of Plans: Employed...Better Relationship With HIM

I thought I share a little of the good news my way. I am now employed! Yes! God is amazing. I've been praying & meditating about so many things in my life. Just having a better connection with Him has opened my eyes.


The whole school thing didn't work out in my favor, & that's fine because it wasn't a MUST just something to do in the meantime. But I would have also benefited from it as well. Nothing is on the back burner just going forth with certain things first.


God had a different plan for me & that's fine, his way is the best way. We tend to map out & plan things in our lives but when we're thrown for a loop we usually don't accept it. Well, I'm accepting this with open arms & can't wait to see what else he has in store for me.

"Don't worry about anything; instead pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done"- Philippians 4:6

I deserve all the good that comes my way & much more. I guess having some...yes SOME patience is rewarding. There was a time I thought I wouldn't be able to catch a break. But it's my time to shine & take center stage. That's exactly what I'm doing.


My job...I won't talk about much just for ethical reasons. But, I am working with kids/mentoring. Getting paid to do something that I love. I also get the chance to be creative & learn quit a few things along the way for MY mentoring program for girls. Now that school is back in session, I have a few speaking engagements (HS, & Middle) at my Alma maters. How cool right? So, while I'm handling business I'll be recruiting as well.


All I can do is thank God for every blessing. It had nothing to do with ME. Sigh...I am living proof that if you stick by him & do good, he will bless you. 


Be a blessing to someone & be blessed. But never allow that to be your reason for receiving blessings in return...

"3 But when you give to someone in need, don't let your left hand know what your right hand is doing. 4 Give your gifts in private, and your Father, who sees everything will reward you"- Matthew 6:3,4

No need to let the whole world what you've done for someone else. Our kindness doesn't go unseen. Still reminding myself that... :)

"Jesus is My Daddy I'm Telling You"....

This was one of my favorite songs by Pharrell Williams AKA my Husband, my sophomore year in college...

Got me through it

Our Father, Which art in heaven
Im so grateful
Of all the beautiful things
That you are allowing me to see
Birds, Bees
The ability to do what I do
The opportunities
I know you love me now
And i think it's time
And my duty, to tell the world (jesus is my daddy im tellin' you, oh)

... don't let me fall
You watch for who im friends with 
I got tattoos, you forgive me
You know im so sensitve 
You know im chased by women
You know mt mind is drivin'
To you my heart is givin'...oowww 

[Chorus]
You're the greatest 
You're the greatest (wow wow)
you're the greatest (Jesus is my daddy im telling you) 
Your're the greatest
Don't let me fall

They don't understand
What you do for me (do foe me)
And nothing by my actions
They don't I believe (I believe)
Not talking 'bout what I wear
When i drivin' where i sleep
I mean the ability to hear, feel and sleep

[Chorus]
Thank you for my brothers
Thank you for my daddy (daddy) 

Thank you for my mother

So happy that she had me...

I'm tryna teach the kids there's more