stocking stuffer's on a friendly budget

Secret Santa obligations on a cheap budget?  A dollar store and beauty supply to the rescue!  I'm sure you can find both in your neck of the woods.  And here's an arm full of goodies that make it to my buggy on the frequency!  I love a great clarifying shampoo and I grew up using the creamy Head & Shoulders.  It's supposed to relieve you of an itchy scalp.  Unfortunately it dries mine out further and I'm back to where I started!  This shampoo is a clear gel blue washes fresh and clean.  And your hair feels like it's been cleaned gently instead of harshly.  You'd never believe it costs a dollar!

Washing usually means I have an accumulation of products and want a gentle scalp massage.  That's where the scalp massager comes into play.  It has a handle, suspends from a string so you can hang it in your caddy, and it doesn't scrape your scalp like some of the pricier shampoo brushes, that often tangle your hair within it's fine bristles.  One dollar!

After a clean wash, I like to condition my hair.  White Rain makes an extensive line of conditioners.  Guess what?  A dollar!  My favorites are the apple, lavender, or coconut.  I have tons of it!

So far, three dollars!

After a clean wash, a gentle scalp massage, and conditioning, you need to protect its ends while you do that fly twist.  Here comes Shea Oil.!  Mega Care oils come in a variety, but you'll be pleasantly surprised that you can I get this at the dollar store or the beauty supply.  Did I mention, for 99 cents?

Hair Care under 5 dollars!  A great stocking stuffer, full service, tried and tested...Spark approved!

two years and going strong

My 2nd Nappiversary was actually on Nov. 29th.  It is the second year that I've been a Natural.  A true natural doesn't use any chemical straighteners on the hair.  I don't even believe dying your hair is natural unless it's Henna Coloring, which I may do sometime into the future.


I haven't even went brave and bold enough to press or add any heat besides hot water lathers and an occasional deep conditioning treatment under the bonnet.


I struggled through the first year, as I did a big chop that was more like a shaved head.  I really had no compass to lead me.  I used what had worked in the past and started to venture onto the internet.  There, I found a wealth of knowledge from some seasoned and new naturals.  I am so blessed to have discovered the wonderful world of natural hair and the women of YouTube: kimmaytube, kabrinam, CoilsKinksCurls, Nikkimae2003, beautifulbrwnbabydol, naturalstronghair, and so many others, whose informative channels have taught me so much on how to manage my hair.  So thanks to everyone.  The best piece of information that I received was to try products and compare to others.  In my journey, I've found some great products but I'm budget conscience!  I do not endorse and I am not paid to use or sponsor products.  Therefore, I am open to try   them all...YAY!  Until I'm compensated, I could very well go from doing a jigg over Carol's Daughter Hair Milk trio to pushing it aside for a cheaper, better product Organic Root Stimulator Smooth and Hold Pudding.


Some of my styling must haves are:

• Wide Tooth Combs
• Vent Brush
• Scalp Massager (at the Dollar Store)
• White Rain Conditioners (at the Dollar Store)
• Water
• Personal Care Dandruff Shampoo (at the Dollar Store)
• Creme of Nature conditioning shampoo
• Creme of Nature leave in conditioner
• Hawaiian Silky 14 in 1
• a wide variety of oils: olive, tea tree, shea, sweet almond, etc.
• Carol's Daughter healthy hair butter
• aloe vera gel
• Eco-Style Gels (especially the olive oil brand)
• Organic Root Stimulator Smooth and Hold Pudding

It was the best decision I ever made for hair and I only imagine the length and health it would have if I'd only stopped relaxing earlier, like 22 years ago.  Oh well!  Nothing ventured, nothing gained.  I guess it makes me appreciate these two years all the more.  

it's cold...but you don't have to catch one

You can't imagine how many friends and family request to know what to do about some cold or upper respiratory infection that has them near death and willing to sell a foot or locks of hair to rid themselves of either. I'm no soothsayer, but I believe in doing what it takes to get the job done, with as little of my time sacrificed.  It takes about 10 seconds and it's a preventive measure you'll grow to love.  Emergen-C!

A few years ago, when I recommissioned myself to good health and nutrition, I nearly was sidelined with frequent 'die offs' and colds, some of it is preventive.  I discovered Emergen-C.  Initially I was an avid fan of Raspberry flavor.  But now, my go-to sensation is the Acai Berry.  I drink it daily, mixing in a bottle of water and chugging it while working out, mostly.  Great stuff!  Get it!  I've found the box for as low as $6.99.