Book Review: Princess Truly and The Hungry Bunny Problem

Kandy

Book Review: Princess Truly and The Hungry Bunny Problem

About the Author

Kelly Greenawalt is a wife, mother, and children’s book author living in La Porte, Texas. She and her husband adopted four children and fostered many others, creating a beautiful “rainbow family.” She has always had a vivid imagination and a passion for storytelling. Her first book, Princess Truly and The Hungry Bunny Problem, was written for her daughters after she noticed a critical shortage of books featuring smart and capable princesses, especially black princesses with gorgeous natural puffy curls.

Wow! I have to start by saying the illustrations by Amariah Rauscher are simply beautiful. Princess Truly's hair with the butterflies, sparkles, and her magical curls, are so very beautiful. Her curls truly light up the sky! When the book arrived I gave to N, and immediately she noticed Princess Truly's hair and it made her giggle to see how curls (like her's) can be magical. This story was very well written, N has read the book twice, and I read it to her twice. It was a great bedtime story, perfect for girls ages 4-10. The author Kelly is so wonderful to work with, and has generous offered a giveaway of 2 copies, to our facebook readers. 

If your not following us on facebook you will miss out. 

So be sure to click here and "like" our page.

 You can also find this wonderful book on Amazon be sure to check it out there.                                                                                 

     

Mixed Chicks Kids Review

Kandy

Mixed Chicks Kids Review

We have the amazing opportunity to review the Mixed Chicks Kids!

We liked the adult Mixed Chicks Line, so I was super excited to test out the Mixed Chicks Kids. 

The Claim: Finally, a curl-defining system for "us". Whether you're black, white, asian, latin, mediterranean, or any glorious combination of the above, you'll love the way these non-sticky, lightweight curly hair products leave your hair inviting to touch as they define and lock moisture into every curl. Be a proud part of our multiracial movement..."MIXED CHICKS" your curls! And yes, it not only works on wavy, tightly curled or straight hair but it also works on weaves.

Shampoo

Ingredients:  WATER, LAURYL  GLUCOSIDE, DISODIUM COCOAMPHOACETATE, SODIUM METHYL COCOYL TAURATE, DISODIUM LAURYL SULFOSUCCINATE, SODIUM PCA, GLYCERIN, CAPRYLYL GLYCO, CAPRYLO HYDROXAMIC ACID, CITRIC ACID, CITRUS AURANTIUM DULCIS (ORANGE) OIL.

Review: The first thing that I loved is that it is tear-free. Finally, we can throw J&J products in the trash. This is safe for the little ones who may get shampoo in their eyes. I had that happen too many times for my kids, especially my Son who doesn't sit still during bath time, accidents happen. But no worries, with this. The smell is pleasant. I didn't have to use much, about 3 squirts for his hair. With N, I had to pump more, but there is still plenty left in this bottle. Smells like oranges/citrus. I gave N a hot oil treatment, before shampooing, her hair did not feel stripped after washing.  

Conditioner

Ingredients: AQUA/WATER,CETEARYL ALCOHOL, BEHENTRIMONIUM METHOSULFATE, GLYCERYL STEARATE, GLYCERIN, SIMMONDSIA CHINENSIS (JOJOBA) SEED OIL, CARTHAMUS TINCTORIUS (SAFFLOWER) SEED OIL, PANTHENOL, CAPRYLY GLYCOL, CAPRYLOHYDROXAMIC ACID, ROSMARINUS, OFFICINALIS (ROSEMARY) LEAF EXTRACT, HAMAMELIS VIRGINIAN (WITCH HAZEL), EXTRACT, CHAMOMILLA RECUTITA (MATRICARIA) FLOWER EXTRACT, HUMULUS LUPULUS (HOPS) EXTRACT, PRUNUS SEROTINA (WILD CHERRY) BARK EXTRACT, CALENDULA OFFICINALIS FLOWER EXTRACT,  ARNICA MONTANA FLOWER EXTRACT.

Review: Pro: I really liked this conditioner. Con: I just wish the bottle was bigger. 

We go through conditioner very quickly, since I have to use so much for N's hair. A huge bottle would be excellent! N's hair felt really soft after rinsing it out. It also has great slip for detangling, but I was surprised there was no fragrance. I figured since the shampoo was scented this would be too. But no biggie.  

Leave In Conditioner

Ingredients:  Aqua/ Water, Glycerin, Stearalkonium Chloride, Amodimethicone, Emulsifying Wax, Methyl-Gluceth 20, Hydroxypropyl Guar, Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride, Cetyl Alcohol, Octyl Methoxycinnamate, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Oil, Carthamus Tinctorius (Safflower) Seed Oil, Oenothera Biennis (Evening Primrose) Oil, Silk Amino, Hydrolyzed Collagen, Caprylyl Glycol, Capryl Hydroxamic Acid

Review: After rinsing out the conditioner, I applied the Leave In Conditioner in sections. Then sealed with our shea butter mix. Then I twisted N's hair in about 25 twists all over her hair. I did not use any other styling product. The next day, I removed the twists and this is our results.

(click on pic to enlarge)

Look at her definition. Proof on how well these products work is in the pics lol.

Not crunchy, a soft hold, but yet really defined.

Tangled Tamer

Ingredients: Aqua/water, peg-12dimethicone, propylene glycol, polysorbate 20, Guar Hydroxypropltrimnium chloride, Glycerin, Caprylyl Glycol, Capryl Hydroxamic Acid, Fragrance

Review: The next day, I used this to refresh her twistout. I sprayed a few shots and had her shake her head. Then I fluffed her hair a bit, added a headband, and that was it! It's lightweight, so it didn't weigh her hair down. Smells good. I love how it is a spray, so that I don't have to run my fingers through her hair, which can mess up the definition. I know it says on the bottle that it is great for detangling, but it is too light to detangle for N's curls. So I stuck with the conditioner for detangling. Overall, we didn't really need to apply this product. The shampoo, conditioner, and leave in, and shea butter was good enough for her hair. But for those who don't like shea butter, then this is a good alternative.

Trimming Using The Search & Destroy Method

Kandy

Trimming Using The Search & Destroy Method

This was our 2nd time straightening her hair this fall. The first time, I wasn't able to trim her hair. So it's been over a year since her last trim. I decided to try a new method of trimming called the "Search & Destroy" method. 

A typical trim would be just trimming the ends of the hair off. But what about the hair throughout the hair shaft? We shed hair daily, and new hairs come in. We can't possibly trim all of it, since they are in all different lengths. Not all strands may reach the ends, so what about them? Well this method trims all of your hair from roots to tip. 

Take a look at this picture below. Notice the shaggy-ness throughout this section. Those are the hairs that we trimmed. 

Now, take a look of her hair, after the trim. 

Looks alot better, and she didn't lose any length. 

 Doing this method helps to keep your hairs length, and get rid of the slit ends. I did not trim to make her hair even. Below are two videos, on how to trim using this method. I did the exact same thing, as the women below. I was very surprised, at how much smoother the comb ran down her hair shaft, without snags.

-Have you ever tried the Search & Destroy Method of Trimming? 

Winner Of Blended Beauty Giveaway

Kandy

Winner Of Blended Beauty Giveaway

It's time to announce our winner of the Blended Beauty Giveaway! Thank you Stacey for hosting this wonderful giveaway, and thank you to all who entered! 

There can only be 1 very lucky winner (who wins 3 Blended Beauty products of their choice) and the person is.....

Click Here and look at the form below. 

African Threaded Corkscrew Twists with Triangle Parts

Kandy

African Threaded Corkscrew Twists with Triangle Parts

This week I saw this amazing style "African Threaded Corkscrew Twists" thanks to my friend Shauna. I instantly knew I had to give this a try. I went out the next day, to purchase the items we needed. (they are listed at the bottom) and since there wasn't school on election day, I took advantage of the break, and began this style. 

(click on photos to enlarge)

The Vlogger Nadine from GirlsLoveYourCurls has a excellent instructional video, which helped me create this style. So for those who learn better from visuals, please check out the video below. 

Now, ours didn't come out exactly like hers. I think it is due to N's hair type. But N's hair when damp/wet shrinks up, which helped it coil better. Sorry I'm jumping ahead. Let's begin with the instructional. 

I washed her hair Monday night. She previously had her hair flat ironed. I did our week 4 routine from our hair care regimen (click here to view week 4) Then I braided her hair, and let it air dry overnight. The next day, I unraveled, re-moisturized & sealed.

 1.) I began in the back of her hair, near her nape. I created a row of triangle parts. I added our styling products, and used a rubberbands to section off the triangle parts. (fyi: when I brought the rubberbands I had no clue they were brown lol, I was expecting black, but oh well lol.) 

-I went to Sally's Beauty Supply and purchased dark brown weave thread. To be honest using regular thread will work exactly the same. (**Lightbulb**maybe they are the same..idk)-

2.) Near the root of her hair, just below the rubberband, I began wrapping the thread. This was the tricky part, it was somewhat a pain to make sure the thread was secure. Keep wrapping multiple times until secured.

3.) Once the base was secured, I slowly wrapped the thread going down the section of hair. As I wrapped the hair, I found that "twisting" the section of hair as I wrap, helped create the coils. Sliding the hair upwards did not work for us. Also creating medium/large sections looked alot better than smaller sections. 

4.) When I reached the ends of her hair. I created a small knot in the thread, by making a simple loop, put the string in the middle of the loop and pull. 

5.) After the section was completed, I used our scissors to cut the remaining thread that was hanging.

6.) I repeated this process throughout the back section of her hair.

and this is what it should look like.....

(Tip) For those who may have finer hair. Creating this style on damp/wet hair, may be easier to create the corkscrew effect. Especially if the hair shrinks once dry. This style may look alot better once dry.

7.) In the front, I created simple cornrows that were slanted. When the cornrow lifts off of the scalp, I began wrapping the thread around that part, and continued with step #2-5.

I really love the coiled affect of this hairstyle. 

Products Used: 

Bee Mine Curly Butter (mixed with) Eco Styler Gel (for styling)

Dark-Brown Weave Thread

Brown Rubberbands

Maintenance 

Cara B Naturally Leave In (used daily)

Shea Butter Mix 

-Have you ever tried African Threading? If so, how was your experience? If you plan on trying it, please share your photos on our facebook wall, we would love to see. 

Online SpotLight: Chic Confections

Kandy

Online SpotLight: Chic Confections

My name is Fisayo, and I am a teenage entrepreneur. I am the owner of Chic Confections Hair Accessories. Chic Confections offers one of a kind hair accessories that are quality, stylish, and fun. 

Each hair accessory is carefully hand crafted. I love to express myself through fashion and you can definitely see that in each hair accessory. I take pride in each piece and I strive to make my customers happy. Get ready to be the talk of the town when you wear Chic Confections Hair Accessories!

-Don't you just love to see a young person doing their own thing?!! 
A few of you know that N wants to become a Entrepreneur when she grows up. She even dressed up with a blazer to look like a business woman last year. 
So I'm truly proud, when I see and hear, of businesses owned by young people. 
Now, if you take a look at her site she has tons of totally cute accessories! 
So for all of you accessory-junkies, you might want to click here lol. 
Thanks Chic Confections for being our latest Online SpotLight. 

-If you would like to participate & see your company in the next SpotLight. Click here for more details. 

Bee Mine Review Pt: 2

Kandy

Bee Mine Review Pt: 2

We were given another generous opportunity to review Bee Mine products. If you don't remember our first review, click here. We have already fallen in love with several of their products and wanted to test out the others.

Bee Lovely Moisturizing Daily Conditioner

Ingredients: Distilled Water, Chamomile Extract, Cetearyl Alcohol, PEG-40 Castor Oil and Stearalkonium Chloride, Cupuacu Butter, Organic Coconut Oil, BTMS (mild emulsifier), Organic Raw Honey, Preservative (Paraben & Formaldehyde Free), Fragrance (Phthalate Free).  On the new label it reads an incorrect preservative the correct preservative is Optiphen - INCI name (Phenoxyethanol & Caprylyl Glycol).

Review: First, it smells amazing! It has a creamy-thick consistency. It's great for daily use, but I found it to be a little too heavy for my son "Little L" hair daily. I believe the castor oil that is in it, may be the cause. N's hair loved it, especially after I sealed it in, with our shea butter mix. You can also use it as a co-wash, so I love how it's versatile. I have only co-washed once, but now that the weather is changing I may give it another go, and when I do, I will make sure to use this. 

Avocado Balanced Creme Conditioner

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

Review: After shampooing N's hair, I applied this conditioner in sections throughout her hair. I let it sit for 10 mins and it soaked right into her hair. I used our spray bottle to re-wet the hair a bit, in order to finger detangle. I even added a little more to help. It has decent slip, but I can see myself using quite a bit in order to detangle. But when I rinsed out the conditioner, her hair felt incredibly soft. N's hair needs a heavier conditioner. When I used it on "Little L" it was so easy to finger detangle. His curls literally slipped apart. I will continue to use this on him. His hair is a fine 3b, and hers is a 3c/4a.

Deja's Hair Milk 

Ingredients: Distilled water, Coconut milk, Organic Cocos Nucifera (Coconut Oil), Organic Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba Seed Oil), Butyrosperumum Parkir (Shea Butter), Emulsifying wax, Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa Butter), Vitis vinifera (Grapeseed Oil), Ricinus communis (Organic Castor Oil), Grapefruit & Peppermint Essential Oils, Vitamin E, Panthenol (Vitamin B Complex), Optiphen (Paraben free and Formaldehyde free preservative), Fragrance.

Review: Where do I begin...I freakin love Deja's Hair Milk. I used it daily on N's hair, and my son L's hair. I then sealed N's hair with some shea butter. (L's hair is too fine for shea butter daily) but it kept their hair moisturized for a few days, without reapplying. It is light and their hair soaked it up, which made the think (oh no, their hair is going to swallow it.) But it wasn't heavy, and it made their hair feel so soft! As with all of the Bee Mine products that I've tried, it smells GREAT.. They seriously have some amazing scents. 

Hair Growth Serum

Ingredients: 100% Organic Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, Prunus amygdalus dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil, Vitis Vinifera (Grape Seed) Oil, Select Ayurvedic Herbs, Sulfur Powder, Essential Oils, Fragrance (Phthalates Free) & Vitamin E Tocopherol Oil. 

Review: I have been using this daily for 9 days, didn't notice anything yet. It's a oil and melts into the hair, so it can be used a good sealer. I focused this on N's edges. Both of my kids have fine edges, they take after their Father and Grandfather. So I'm trying to thicken it up a bit. I will keep you all updated as we continue to use it.... 

Blended Beauty Review & Giveaway

Kandy

Blended Beauty Review & Giveaway

This fall & winter I decided that we would straighten N's hair more often. No particular reason, just to experience straight hair, and create styles that are easier to do on straighter hair. Also I needed to dust (trim) her hair. Since it's been over a year since our last trim. This time around we used strictly Blended Beauty products. Here is our review on the several products we used. 

Curl Quenching Conditioner

 Ingredients: Aloe Vera Water, Natural Conditioners, Witch Hazel, Capryl Isostearate, Glycerin, Rice Bran Oil, Polysorbate 20, Natural Preservative Optiphin, Rosemary Leaf Extract, Corn Protein, Wheat Protein, Soy Protein, Silk Powder. 

Review: I started by washing her hair with the Blended Beauty Soy Shampoo. After shampooing, I applied the Blended Beauty Curl Cleansing Conditioner, in sections throughout her hair. I wanted to do a semi-deep conditioning on her hair before flat ironing. N sat under the hooded dryer for 20 mins with the conditioner in her hair. Then I detangled her hair. Next I put her hair in several twists and rinsed out the conditioner. As I was finger detangling, this product helped to easily remove the knots. Combing was a breeze, the conditioner helped the comb to glide through her hair. I love it, and will be using it as a conditioner/deep conditioner often.

Straight Pearl

A natural leave-in moisturizing conditioner for relaxed and straightened hair. A natural way to condition and keep your hair straight longer, smooth down frizzies and touch up with and iron. Only a pearl size is needed for daily shine and moisture. Just rub it in the palm of your hands and smooth it throughout the hair evenly or where it's needed.

Ingredients: 

Aloe and Chamomile Water, Natural Conditioners, Capryl Isostearate, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Polysorbate 20, Perfume, Natural Preservative Optiphin, Rosemary Leaf Extract, Silk Poweder. 

Review: I applied this to N's hair right before flat ironing. I used it as a heat protector. It's slimy and I had to scoop it out. Then I applied it in sections, and you don't need much, only a dime sized amount. After I flat ironed the section of hair. It immediately made her hair nice & shiny. 

Straightening Glaze

A conditioning setting sprits for blow-drying, ironing or roller setting. Free of silicones. Detangles and softens while making straightening easy and quick, and helps block out humidity for longer results. Helps hair stay straighter, for longer. It's always best to heat-straighten with a light weight product instead of heavy one.

Ingredients: Aloe Chamomile Water, Polysorbate 20, Capryl Isostearate, Natural Conditioner, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Sunflower Seed Oil, Perfume, Preservative, Guar Gum. 

Review: I sprayed the Straightening Glaze on N's wet hair after we deep conditioned. Then I blowdried her hair to stretch it and dry her hair before flat ironing. I noticed while blowdrying just how silky and soft her hair was. Sometimes after blowdrying her hair can feel brittle, but that was not the case. It is very lightweight and I was able to get her hair pretty straight using the attachable pick on the blowdryer. 

(Final results) 

Now here is the best part...YOU can win your choice of 3 Blended Beauty Products! ..yup.. 1 (one) Lucky Winner will be able to choose 3 products!!

Enter the contest below
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