Wash Day...

     

Yesterday I had to mentally prepare myself to wash my hair. Since I've  coloured my hair, I've changed a few things to my regimen.
I absolutely have to cleanse or refresh my hair at least once a week.

   

Here's what my wash day looked like:

Pre-poo

I only pre-poo when I use a shampoo or cleansing bar.
I used coconut oil to pre-poo for about thirty minutes. First I sectioned my hair in half. I  sprayed my hair with a little  water then applied the coconut oil. Besides the amazing benefits, coconut oil penetrates the hair in ways that other oils are not able to. It makes my hair soft and shiny that's why I use it mostly.

Cleanse

I washed my hair with Black African soap, the Dudu Osun brand. I've been using this soap since the start of my hair journey, and I love that  it clarifies my hair without stripping it. My hair always feels nice and soft after I use it.

Condition

Nature's Gate conditioner smells divine and is very thick. I left it on my hair for ten minutes then rinsed it out. I always condition my hair after washing.

Hot oil treatments
Again I used the coconut oil. Since  my hair is coloured, I've taken extra care to boost the health of my hair, by  doing regular hot oil treatments. This step ensures that  my hair stays  strong and nourished. I kept it on for thirty minutes and didn't rinse it out because I applied the deep treatment afterwards.

Deep treatment 
I used  the Shea Moisture hair masque afterwards, then covered my head with  a shower cap.  Some heat from my blowdryer to get the maximum effect and because I'm low porosity.  I kept the treatment on for an hour then rinsed thoroughly. It was my first time using this brand.

Moisturise

I used Carol's Daughter leave-in and Cantu growth cream. Here I detangled using the Wet brush.

The Wet brush is a magical tool! I've always had trouble detangling my hair but after using this brush for the first time yesterday I was stunned...

The bristles move and bend with your hair so that your hair won't rip.

My wash days vary depending on the state of my hair, and I also sometimes  like diy-ng my deep conditioning treatments. I don't always pre-poo and do a hot oil treatment- but my hair seriously needed to be revived, and coconut oil hits the spot😀

Side note - I received the brush with most of these products from the #ClicksCurls event.
 I  don't feel the need to buy  them (you know which ones I'm referring to) - even if I won the lotto😅 I have plenty of products in my stash that work the same, if not better...#nognooit. 

Share your wash day steps in the comments below.

Until next time - Magicals!

July Goals..

 Hello July! I'm  thrilled to see you... Can you believe that 2018 is halfway over?
 The past few months have been a bit crazy for me. I've been feeling kind of  frazzled - neither here or there (if that makes  any sense right now)😅

The one thing that keeps me going is my group and I'm thrilled that's it's moving along and growing day by day. I created this group as a  platform for women to learn and  grow but especially to form relationships. Feel free to check it out when you have the chance.

I'm going to be real, I'm not the most productive or disciplined person and I'm trying to change.
 But I'm looking forward to a fresh new month to jumpstart my creative flow.

So here's my July Goals.

Declutter my hair and beauty products. I've been really wanting to do this since forever. The word hoarder is an accurate term to describe my situation😅

Save some money this month. Draw out a strict budget and stick to it.  Every month I tell myself this but never do it. I've been eating out quite often so cutting back on this will save me quite a bit- which leads me to my next goal.
                            .
                            .

Buy my dad a new refrigerator. I want to get him one by Christmas.

Start reading my Bible daily again...

Blog consistently. This is one I'll be working hard on.

Eat  more healthier again. I've really slacked here.

Here's to a great July- What are your goals for the month?

How to take blog photos using your phone...

So you wanna start blogging and you think you need high end equipment? Uhmm- no gal all you need is right there in your hand- your phone!

 I've been using my phone to take pictures ever since I started blogging. I think that phone cameras are of such high quality nowadays, that you don't even need to spend a fortune on an  expensive camera.

Here's how I use use my smartphone for taking pictures.

Lighting is everything. Natural light is basically all I need to get a good shot. Close to a window or outside. If you outside turn the flash off. Take your pic under a tree or veranda. Try  to avoid the direct harsh sunlight.
     

Take lots of pics. Shoot  in different angles to get the best shot. For me this means arrange- shoot - rearrange and shoot again until I'm happy. It also depends what style and look you going for. Sometimes I place my stuff on the floor then stand on a chair and shoot in different angles. Try out as many possible ideas and angles  to get that perfect  pic...

Be steady and still. You don't want  blurry or grainy pics. This is the hard part for me but it's important because a steady hand gives you clear and sharp pictures.

Lastly I edit. I use VSCO and Afterlight photo editing apps.
I mostly tune the brightness, shadows, highlight and play around with temperature a little bit. Each photo is different. Play around with editing until you find what best suites your style.

Since I started to take the time to edit  my pictures their quality increased so much- I couldn't believe that it could make such a difference!

Do you use your smartphone for blog photos?

Durban Clicks Curls 2018

 I attended the Clicks Curls event on Saturday, at the Oyster Box hotel. I wholeheartedly  enjoyed myself.

This event is about embracing your natural hair and beauty. It's about how to take care of your coils, kinks or waves - a celebration😎
I think the Clicks Curls hair expo is fast becoming the champion of events for the natural community.

I had the pleasure of working my magic  at the AfroBotanics stall-

          

Working with beautiful and humble curlies are goals ya'll!

Aaand I finally  met the lovely Ntombenhle Khathwane, the founder of AfroBotanics!

Local and international hair brands such as Shea Moisture, Aunt Jackies, Hask and AfroBotanics plus Dark & Lovely were some of the brands featured.

There were some amazing giveaways and raffles 

 - I was envious of my friend, Tanya  who won a Carol's Daughter hamper!

  Besides going home with new hair goodies- I  get to meet new people as well as  my favourite bloggers and vloggers! 

I've been lucky enough to meet quite a few of my hair crushes...

There was a makeup -makeover stall going on at Sorbet- let me tell you, this queue was hectic hey...😅   who doesn’t want their face beat?

                             
I was impressed by Cosmopolitan- they featured a braid station.

Returning to natural is not a trend, it's an expression of how you portray your natural beauty, an extension of yourself and it's here to stay!

 Check out the video on everything that went down at the Clicks Curls event.
Don't forget to subscribe -and no you don't get charged for subscribing...lol😅

Where you at the event?  What's your thoughts on natural hair meetups?  Share your experience below.

Until next time
Stay Magical
Xoxo
     

Dealing with my addiction...

Howzit Magicals!

I have once again found myself a slave to the green monster…  I say once again because I’ve “quit” twice before -for a few months each time... 

  I have gone through stages where I want to give them up, go a day or two without them, then end up right back.
I've never cared for any other brands- I've got a love hate relationship with the green eyed monster😅

But seriously, I think that some of us have more addictive personalities and are always chasing the "monster" in one form or another. Addiction is something I always knew ran in our family. For me, it started as a boost to my crazy  mom schedule and life.

God doesn’t mail  you a letter with your name on it, saying it’s time to wean yourself from a certain habit...

 I ask myself is it the taste? Is it the energy? These Monsters longer energize, me they just keep me on a natural human level - I  swear they put something in these drinks to get you addicted.   

There's  something about the sound of opening a chilled can and the instant refreshing feeling you get as soon as you take that first sip. OMW! I really am addicted! 

So here's a list to determine if you're  addicted, (these all apply to me- so don't feel bad)

You know the shops that stock them and the prices too.
You get excited when they go on sale.
You plan your trips well in advance- your energy  drinks are ready and packed just in case there are no stores at that place you going to...
You start to buy them in packs...
You develop an unquenchable thirst that no other beverage can quench...
You drink one on your way to work every morning and sometimes are late because you just had to get yourself one!
You get stressed and irritated when you don't have one.
No energy drink = a crappy day.
 You lie about how many you drink a day - (I feel like an alcoholic hiding my drink)

If you ticked yes to at least two of the above then I suggest you start " weaning" yourself off of these buggers. I know it's not easy. In the past I would skip a day until I went 3 days without, then a week and from there I knew I beat it.  Oh but the excruciating headaches that come with it...

I could list all the health issues and side effects to help with the scare tactics but my post would end up way too long.

 For the sake of my health and especially for  my son, I'm pushing myself to stop.
 When I fell pregnant I made a vow that my baby will never see me smoking or with any kind of alcohol in my hand, and -he will never ever hear me swear or use vulgarity.  I stopped clubbing and everything  that came with it...

 It's a fact- children imitate what they see Aaand hear! I know for sure my son watches how I treat other people and how I deal with situations and my feelings. Children  soak in information like little sponges. So it's my responsibility to be a positive role model for all my boys.

You know- I cringe whenever  I see a child as young as ten, sipping energy drinks.😣
 Have you noticed how many young people are drawn to these drinks?  Could it be the cool names? Or the packaging that draws their  attention?  

Everywhere you look, someone’s got one in their hand, if only they knew the dangers. 

I really don't think you need to be terribly upset about it because you my friend have accepted you have a problem. Once you have accepted you have an issue then you have made the most important step in controlling your consumptio
I really don't think you need to be terribly upset about it because you my friend have accepted you have a problem. Once you have accepted you have an issue then you have made the most important step in controlling your consumption
I really don't think you need to be terribly upset about it because you my friend have accepted you have a problem. Once you have accepted you have an issue then you have made the most important step in controlli
Read this article about a teenage boy who died after drinking an energy drink, his heart couldn't take the high percentage of caffeine.

If at any time you see me with one, don't hesitate to remind me of the promise I'm making  to stop. I've been on a weightloss journey since forever and one of the reasons my weight has stalled is because of these "monsters"
Check out my progress so far.
I really don't think you need to be terribly upset about it because you my friend have accepted you have a problem. Once you have accepted you have an issue then you have made the most important step in controlling your consumption.

Energy drink addiction is serious people.

Are you addicted to energy drinks? Comment, like or share this post, if you found it helpful or enlightening in any way  #keepingitreal 😘

Be part and connect with an awesome community of beauties!

Stay Magical

Tresemme Keratin Smooth deep smoothing mask

Hello again!

I never knew about deep conditioners until I returned to natural. The times I went to the salon was the only time my hair got a treatment which wasn’t very  often- yikes😢

Seriously back then, deep conditioning was never a part of my wash day routine.

Deep conditioners  are  ideal for restoring moisture to dry curly hair. Provides deep nourishment that is so needed by damaged hair. Even if you think your hair is healthy, the change of seasons can play havoc with your hair.

So here's the thing- I've bleached my hair almost two months ago. My hair is thick and dry. Making sure  my hair is nourished and hydrated is not an option, especially if your ends tend to get that crispy feeling..

Imagine how overjoyed I was when Beauty Bulletin sent me the Tresemme Keratin smooth range to try out and review...

The mask instantly won my heart.
I deliberately make sure that my hair is a hot mess before testing out new  products.

The mask claims that it is an anti- frizz product, detangles, gives hair shine, leaves hair with a  soft feel and helps tame fly-aways.

After washing and conditioning my hair I apply the mask making  sure every strand is evenly coated. I used two shower caps to cover my head and left on for an hour.

I tend to leave masks on for longer than the normal time. I've used Tresemme conditioners from the start of my hair journey and I really love their signature fragrance

My hair was left feeling soft, light and moisturised. This mask has been a treat for  my hair!  It's a great option for dry or damaged hair.

The results I got - I would definitely add this mask to my staples and recommend it to other curlies.

Take a look at the video I did showing how I  use the whole range of products.

Hit the subscribe button and follow me for more hairspiration.

 Lets talk- what's your go-to deep conditioning treatment that you absolutely love?

Until next time Magicals
Xoxo
   

Avon's rotational anti-wrinkle night cream

Hieey everyone!

Confession- I think I'm a bit of a skin care product junkie...

 So when Beauty Bulletin sent me the new Avon Reversalist  Infinite Effects Night Cream I did the happy dance( in my head of course)😆

It's the world's first rotational anti-wrinkle night cream,  for dramatic results on wrinkles that gets better over time. It features some magical stuff like super-retinol and phyto+ complexes.
 Since I started taking better care of my skin  I've learnt  to look out for key ingredients when purchasing products. Retinol is one of them, it fades  dark spots and helps with skin elasticity so your skin is left brighter and smoother.

There's two phases.
Phase 1 - Use for 7 nights rotate. The Phyto+Complex  replenishes and prepares the skin.
Phase 2 - Use for 7 nights then rotate. The Super -Retinol Complex activates skin receptors to boost collagen and help to repair wrinkles.

It has a subtle refreshing smell. A luxurious feel it absorbs quickly into my skin.
Easy to use - comes in a pump which I like. I don't like the packaging at all-sorry Avon but you need to definitely change it.

The first week my skin was noticeably smoother. The dark spots were becoming lighter.  A few times I felt a tingle but nothing drastic.

It works well with my skincare routine. Be careful not to get some too close to the eyes, trust  me it can burn your eyeballs out!😅

Oh and the  little monsters on my forehead  are starting  to disappear!

You can get your hands on this night cream from any Avon representative for R279

Until next time Magicals
Xoxo

Cruelty free Woolworths BB cream and Primer

Hi there!

It's not a task to get your hands on affordable cruelty free beauty products.
I've been using the Woolworths BB cream and Primer brand for about two years now and they work well for me.
Firstly I'd like to point out that all my posts are not  sponsored. I seriously enjoy taking pics and writing about the products that I buy.

 Just so you know  I'm not a beauty diva or a make-up artist,  I'm not even close to that woman😆

Okay now let's get it on with- I'll start with the primer. A primer allows the foundation to behave and stay on longer.
Their primer has a silky feel. I like that I only use a little to cover my face. The BB cream blends in easier.
It's not sticky and is very light.

If you like a smooth  natural look then you should give this BB cream a try.
 BB cream is short for beauty or blemish  cream. 

When I found out they are tinted moisturisers I was eager to add it to my make-up bag.
Im not really a fan of  foundations ( although I do have a  good few) It's just that  BB creams are my go to. Aand I'm still a newbie to all this so BB creams are like playing it safe😆
I love that the Woolies brand  has SPF15,  something you'd appreciate when you reach a certain age... It evens out my skin tone perfectly and gives enough moisture to the skin. The coverage is light to medium and you can build on it.
 You really don't need to use powder over it- it comes in three shades only- light, medium and dark.
It's vegan friendly and suitable for all skin types😁

So do you prefer foundation or BB cream?

Stay Magical
 Xoxo
     

When you anything but "Fine"

Hieey everyone!

It's been a minute since I've been here, I've been trying to find some inner peace with some of the struggles I've been facing. Storms are part of the journey and it's reality.

I remember when I was little about eight or nine. My late brother and I sitting in the social workers office. These were regular trips that we hated.
 We dreaded those visits because we had to fake a smile and pretend to be happy.

"How are you?" She asked.
"Fine" we always responded.

Couldn't these people tell that we were anything but "fine"

Our foster parents drank heavily and weekends were a nightmare. I was always nervous and lonely and my brother was starting to get rebellious  from their violent tantrums. All we  wanted was to go home to our mother even though her alcoholism caused us to be with these people who acted like they cared for us.

Yet no one knew because we hid it well...

Years later I still hide my hurts and pain well.

"How are you?"
"Fine",  okay - God is good"

Why do we do it? Why do I do it?
Our marriages  are falling apart...
Our children are becoming wayward...
We struggling financially...
our parents are sick, our teenage daughters are falling pregnant...

"How are you?"
"Fine - God is good"

 We pretend and hide what's really going on inside? We have a mask for every role: a "mommy" mask, the "good neighbour" mask "church" mask and so on.
And why  do we put on masks everytime we step into the building called church?
Isn't church suppose to be a place of freedom and acceptance?
Maybe I don't like to appear weak. I'll be honest here,  I don't like the oooh- shame -sorry look I'll get...

This is what caused me to become depressed. It drained my energy as well as my spirit.

Taking off your mask doesn't mean you have to tell all your secrets or bare all - no; its about being bold enough to speak your truth.

Each and every one of us have a unique set of fingerprints, we all have a story and we all have a chapter we want to tear up and forget #storyofmylife

You know what? God is our true teacher. He allows us to go through  situations in our lives to humble us. He wants us to be real and to take off our masks in order for us to tell our stories.

 Your story can inspire others who are also going through the same situations, your  story can give hope, your story can change a life. No wonder  the enemy wants to keep us quiet and keep our stories hidden cos he knows that God can use us mightily...

After dealing with some issues and much soul searching  I slowly started taking off my mask. I stopped looking at my flaws and trying to understand the things I didn't have answers to.
The process is difficult but also liberating, I'm getting to the part that's just me. I've accepted my flaws for what it is. I stopped saying I'm fine because I'm not-
I'm grateful. I'm thankful. I'm hopeful.

Here's my question- why do you think people have a need to hide behind masks everyday?

Stay Magical
Xoxo

My favourite proudly South African hair products...

Hello everyone!

A few months ago I decided to make it my duty to support Black-owned businesses.

Keep in mind that most local hair brands focus on moisturising and creating healthy hair. Yes and they are made from all-natural ingredients too. Many are available in stores, I  buy my AfroBotanics from Clicks or Game stores.

Check out my proudly South African products that I love!

There will definitely be  more added soon.

What are your favourite local products that you use?

Until next time
Stay Magical
Xoxo