back to the basics

If you're anything like me, which is a post twenty-something lady who still seems to struggle ever so often with break outs on ultra-sensitive skin then don't fret.  I'm always challenged with my own, so I'm here to tell you that you are certainly not alone.  As a teen, there was nothing that took care of my skin better than these three ingredients: ph balanced soap, low-grade alcohol (like 50-60% Isopropyl), and a light natural oil (back then it was vegetable oil).

So for 2011, it's back to basics.  No exotic stuff, simply the regimen that worked when nothing else would.  Back then it was Neutrogena products. Today it's Cetaphil for me.  Then 50% alcohol from the Dollar Tree as my astringent.  And a light thin layer of Bio Oil to moisturize and seal the cuticle.  And treat myself to a facial!

Well, in the recent months I had been using MSM soap.  And for a while it seemed to at least control the break outs and for the first time in a year I felt I was ahead of the eight ball.  That lasted until winter.  And winter in Michigan is always the tell-tale of how well I doing to manage the free-radicals that seem to destroy my very sensitive combo skin.  Cleaning your skin is just one step in managing healthy skin.  You also have to keep the skin balanced, which means control the oils without over-drying.  If you have large pores, then you have to keep it from becoming too clogged.  I refused to get frustrated, because I've looked over pictures from the archives and found that I've had some rather beautiful skin over the years.  I definitely had moments of victories.  

My sister who has the most beautiful skin, post decades of struggles had introduced me to Cetaphil as prescribed by her dermatologist.  I rarely listen to anything those quacks have to say because I'd been there, tried that.  I mean folks, I'm a girl who started going to see a skin doctor way back in 7th grade.  Bless my Mother's heart.  She was committed to helping me with my struggles.  So I had been using all of these wonders that came from there and here.  Then finally one day my sister and I were out shopping and she was buying her facial bar, so I bought one too.  I didn't use it right away.  I placed it on the linen closet shelf and continued using my 'swear by it' MSM bar.  

A few weeks ago I pulled it out.  And low and behold, I love it.  I love how it feels on my skin.  Now Cetaphil makes several bars.  I believe the one I'm currently using at home and away is the Cetaphil Anti-Bacterial Gentle Cleansing Bar.  It's recommended for dry-sensitive skin.  As I've learned about my skin over the years, I've discovered that it's not as oily as I've been lead to believe.  In fact it's actually dry.  The oil that is produced excessively on the surface is a reaction to what's happening below it.  So in actuality I've been doing my skin a disservice by overly drying it out in the effort to cleaning it.  Same goes for hair, believe it or not.  

Because my Cetaphil bar retails around $2.99 I'd prefer to keep that bar solely for my face and any problem areas instead of using the Gentle Cleansing bar which can be used all over.

Try it.  You may like it!

protective style

Ok.  I pondered for weeks on whether or not to braid my hair for the winter.  It's not my first winter natural.  It's not even the second, but practically the third.  The point is, you know when you know that you're reaching boredom with trying to keep your hair maintained.  I love my natural locs and I really want it to be healthy.  I have been told that as it grows, it needs protective styling.  So I went out and spent a few bucks on some Kanekelon hair, cut the ponies in two, washed them, let them dry, and waited patiently for when the next wash would commence.

Yay!  So I have a pony tail full of box braids.  Not the thick kind, but small and manageable.  It took about three hours, really.  But it was so worth it.  I plan to keep it in for at least a month.  I'm aiming for three.  If I make it to March 19th, I'll be a nappy-happy fool!  We'll see how it goes.  The last time I braided my hair, I was in my first year of student teaching (1996).  I know.  It's been a minute.  Well, I'm loving it.  I've oiled it with my natural oils.  It feels so clean and fresh.  I'll post pics really soon.  Thanks to the ladies over on YouTube who inspired me to braid again.  It was so much easier this time than I remembered.  I'm learning!

This picture is a few weeks old...

best found secret of 2010...drum roll

Of all of the products I've used, tried, passed and failed upon the best kept secret keeper is one I have shared with you before.  And I have to give a resounding drum roll to Hawaiian Silky for making the 14 in 1.  As I've mentioned in earlier postings, this stuff is hair crack for the soft, sexy, luxurious curls on the low budget list.  Yes it's on my top ten.  It's hair magic in a bottle.  If this stuff worked it's magic and kept jheri curls fresh, de-tangled, moisturized and soft, imagine what it can do for chemical free hair.  WON-DER-FUL!  So as I toasted the New Year with family and close friends, I found my freshly untwisted two strand twist puff sensational.  People couldn't stop talking about it, touching it, and asking me if it was some other product line that gave such incredible results.  Hawaiian Silky...YOU ROCK!

happy holidays and welcome to a new...year!

Santa was good to me in 2010.  I wished for my 'hair crack' which is also known as Carol's Daughter Healthy Hair Butter.  Nothing serious, just an open winded air space wish, never expecting it to land on someones ear.  But obviously it did, and it wasn't just hair butter under the tree.

See what I mean!  I got an entire gift set.  The bag is absolutely adorable and you just can't have too many of those cute little contraptions to carry products on the road.  So the package included: 

• 1 wide tooth comb
• 8 oz Black Vanilla Shampoo
• 8 oz Black Vanilla Smoothie
• 4 oz Healthy Hair Butter

I'm already to go!

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.