Afrobotanics Moisturising Leave-in Conditioner...

Hey everyone!

I did an Instagram post  today on the AfroBotanics leave-in conditioner. I thought that I should come on over here and give a review.
     

Leave-in conditioners are used after you shampoo and condition the hair.

The AfroBotanics leave-in conditioner is a moisturiser.
I've used this brand for quite a while now and I seriously love the kiddies range😆 too.
 Whenever I buy hair products -especially leave-in conditioners, I look for the ones that read "moisturising, hydrating, nourishing" These are formulated to meet the needs of my dry thirsty hair.
     

So the key players in this leave-in are Aloe vera, Coconut oil and Vitamin E which makes it great for hair growth and hydration. Aaand wait, because of these ingredients it protects against the sun and heat. 

             
My biggest struggle is dryness. I have  thick, thirsty low porosity hair and it needs alot of moisture to keep it manageable and healthy.

     

This leave-in is very thick, I sometimes  dilute it with water to use as a detangler or as a daily spritz. My hair is always left feeling soft and moisturised afterwards. It's perfect for everyday use and it's affordable. I get mine at Clicks stores. 

Have you tried out this leave-in conditioner?

Share this post if you found it helpful and follow me  to get more product reviews and tips...

Until next time Magicals!

My Instagram Flatlay Tips...

Hey there Magicals!

I've fallen in love with flatlay photography.
Here's a post on photo editing I did a while back that focuses on flatlay photography.



Flatlays are the trend of Instagram and it's a great way to showcase more than one item in a creative way.

A flatlay is  basically taking a picture from the top view. A flat surface is best.
I was drawn to the beautiful  curated photos that I saw on Instagram  and I knew I needed to learn that "art"

Here's the two ways I like to capture flatlays:

One is to tell a story or create a mood. The  picture below I created a mood of self care and  pampering. You'll probably picture yourself in a bubble bath  with scented candles...

       
The next one is centred around an object. In the picture below I made the hair product the main subject or focus.
     

Trying to get the perfect flatlay is not difficult but it can be a bit tricky.
I've learnt a few things I picked up  along the way.

Firstly before you throw random items together for your flatlay, you need to know what is it you  trying to convey. Every flatlay image is a story or a mood. Here's a flatlay I created showing my mood for that particular day.
     

Pay attention to the background of your photos. Keep it simple and clean. In other words less is more. No one likes a noisy flatlay. I use white because it brings out the contrast of the objects.
You can use colour background but make sure it's not distracting. You don't want to end up with an unflattering flatlay that's not clear.
     

Lighting is important to capture a bright picture. If the weather is not good I wait it out. Natural light is always  best that's why I shoot close to a window. Seriously, the best filter won't be able to make up for a dim grainy photo.

Try adding some colour or create a colour pallete. Most instagrammers are doing this.

Hopefully you got inspired to start creating some gorgeous flatlays. Also make sure to follow me on Instagram @Magicalmessyme
where I blog more on tips for blogging and photo editing Aaand hair product reviews😁

     


What are your tips for creating beautiful flatlays?

My recent haul...

Hieey there Magicals!

       

I must  admit that I'm quite proud of myself for cutting back on my spending😄 I wrote a post a while back on my goals, and this was one of them.

So here's what I recently bought, and if you follow me on the gram - then you already have an idea of what they are. Aaand if you don't follow me then you certainly  can  right here.

First up is my African black soap. Now, if you natural then you should already be familiar with this soap.
It's packed with all sorts of goodies for the hair and skin. Shea butter, lime juice, aloe vera and honey to name a few.

It lathers  well and clarifies good, but what I like about this soap, is that my hair feels soft and manageable afterwards,  without applying conditioner.
 Can you get why this soap is a staple in my regimen? Affordable, multi - purpose and does the job- BOOM!
       

Next up is the Garnier Miscellar water. I've read good things on this make up remover. I purchased it out of curiosity- (I mean most beauty bloggers are  raving about this baby) Sooo I got the  travel size.
It's a soothing water that lifts dirt from the skin without rubbing harshly. It doesn't need to be rinsed off.
I can't say much for now because I like to use a product for a while,  to give a full review of it. But so far I do like that it doesn't sting my  skin.

       

How gorgeous is this gel nail polish from Essence? I don't do nail polish often because of  peeling by the second day.  It's nice and thick so you don't have to  layer it  a thousand times.
I chose gel because it lasts a bit longer. I've got a few comments over at the gram that a clear top coat will make it stay on much longer.

     

I got this at Dischem for R29.99 - Clicks stores also stocks this brand😗

Lastly is the Essence translucent powder. I don't usually use powders often because I  have dry areas on my face. The few times I've used it, I noticed I had to double up on moisturiser.

  

Well that's all for now, let me know if you've tried these products out in the comments section. See more of the products that I use and review over at Instagram-

Until next time Magicals!

Carol's Daughter leave-in moisturiser...

Hey there Magicals!

Most of the products I'm currently using are from the  #ClicksCurls  event goodie bag.

I've used a few products  but I've been reaching more often for the Carol's Daughter hair milk leave-in moisturiser.
Now most of you know that I have thick, thirsty and  dry hair.
       
               
This product claims to moisturise, soften and nourish the hair.
The Carol's Daughter hair milk leave-in moisturiser is creamy and light. I seriously can't say much about the smell...okay
I'm disappointed😑 because I love me some yummy smelling hair products-
                 

I use this product as a leave-in and to refresh my hair after a few days of  wearing it out. I noticed it works really well on damp hair. It softens and gives a nice sheen to my hair, making it manageable.
         

Only downside is that it's kind of oily. You have to figure out the right amount- because,  it's light you'll think you need to add more.
It would be heavy for those with fine hair.

Have you tried out this product?

Magicalmessy Laetitia

Hieey everyone!

Hope ya'll had a super weekend, today I'm featuring a gorgeous curly from Cape Town. She's an entrepreneur and a natural hair enthusiast. Check out her natural hair journey she has lots of tips to share. Meet Laetitia.

     
Hey everyone. I am Laetitia, better known as Tisha. I am currently doing my final year Master’s at UWC in Biodiversity and Conservation Biology, I have a huge heart for animals and have a passion for nature and conservation.

Okay, enough about my studies I started my natural hair journey on 23 April 2017, I started transitioning after my sister’s wedding in February 2017. I could no longer handle the two textures and my perm rods just never worked probably because I was using the wrong products, anyway I big chopped my hair myself and I cut myself a boy’s cut. I have never applied heat on my hair since then and I love my journey thus far, evidently, I have been natural for 1 year and 3 months. I have mini-chopped few times during my journey due to issues with incomplete split ends but length is not as important as health to me so I don’t mind at all having an awkward stage afro forever.

        
What inspired me to go back to my roots… This might sound cheesy but it is my future babies. I have been struggling for years with breakage, split ends, etc. and I just decided that I need to take my hair more seriously and the best way to do that FOR ME is to stop applying heat and relaxer to my hair. I want my future babies to love the hair that grows out their scalps. I want them to be confident and content if they decide to wear their natural hair (once they old enough to decide).

  
I definitely had setbacks with my hair, especially with the incomplete split ends. At the time, I did not know how to properly take care of my hair, I used a comb to detangle my hair but this is now all changed and my hair has improved and is much healthier. I love my hair journey more than anything now, finger detangling changed everything.

My advice would be is to do it for yourself, no one else. Being natural is not easy you need to be emotionally and mentally ready for it. You will have bad days, days where you want to buy that pot of creamy crack. It will not be sunshine and roses all the time. Biggest TIP- do not think products will work for you just because it worked for someone else.
     

Another TIP is your hair porosity is THE MOST IMPORTANT characteristic of your hair and will tell you exactly what type and consistency of products you need for your mane. Evidently, it will save you time and loads of money!

My hair in one sentence: My hair is the blood that runs through my veins, it is beautiful and authentic.

 

My regimen has changed so much over the period that I have been natural. Previously my wash day would take almost an entire day. Now, I keep my hair detangled at all times and I keep it that way in preparation for wash day. My wash day sometimes starts the night before, where I apply coconut oil to my hair as a prepoo (yep, coconut oil is not all bad – it depends how you use it). Sometimes, I prepoo about 30mins before I wash my hair. I wash my hair while in sections (chunky twists) using ACV (cheaper & and it cleanses your hair just as a normal shampoo would) I pour 1 part ACV and 3 parts water and spritz this onto my hair, massage and leave in for about 5 mins and rinse. Repeat. I then apply my DC put on a plastic cap and then my heated conditioning bonnet. I then rinse with warm water, and then give a final rinse with cold water. I then apply the hair juice to soaking wet hair and scrunch it into my hair. I then part my hair into smaller sections and apply Shea by Design hair butter, I massage it into my hair and plait or twist it up as a protective style for the week.

   

I recently started my business called, Shea by Design. I sell Raw & Unrefined Shea Butter specially designed and handmade for any hair porosity & texture. I am a huge advocate for hair porosity because it plays such a big role in how receptive your hair will be to a product. I have two products for high porosity hair (extra virgin olive oil with castor/coconut oil) and two products for low porosity hair (extra virgin olive with avocado/almond oil).

     

The high porosity oils are thick oils and coats the hair strands in order to reduce the amount of moisture lost, whereas the low porosity oils are lighter oils and able to penetrate the hair strands and seal in the moisture that lopo naturals find so difficult to maintain. I researched and had polls on my page to determine what the customers prefer and in order to give them an option I decided to have two choices for each product.
   

I added some scent to the product to reduce the raw smell of the Raw & Unrefined Shea Butter, lavender and rosemary oil, the drops are literally counted from the glass bottle to ensure the scent is not too potent or too subtle. I have 250g of each these variants for R100 and 500g for R180, I also sell the Raw & Unrefined Shea Butter without any added oils in 250g for only R120 and 500g for R200 to order your welcome to contact me via  HYPERLINK "mailto:sheabydesign111@gmail.com" sheabydesign111@gmail.com or like our page  HYPERLINK "http://www.facebook.com/sheabydesign" www.facebook.com/sheabydesign. I also have a personal page ( HYPERLINK "http://www.facebook.com/curlytisha" www.facebook.com/curlytisha) on facebook, please share in my journey and I would love to share in yours.

Thank you for taking the time to read my post.

Meet Racquel...

We met on Instagram- I really like her calmness in front of the camera...when will I get there🤔 Anyways I finally get to feature this beauty that owns literally all the hair products that I can only dream of...
Meet Racquel
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1) Please share with us a little bit about yourself?

My name is Racquel Barth and I am a natural hair and skin care enthusiast. My blog

focuses on natural hair and I occasionally dabble in skin care.

I have spent the last eight years living and working in different countries across Asia

and The Middle East. Moving outside of South Africa, and my comfort zone, helped me

to accept who I am and most importantly accept my hair texture. Hair is so important,

and not having a salon to go to, pushed me to learn more about my hair. And that’s how

my hair journey started. I have been natural for five years, and it has been an amazing

journey. It wasn’t easy, but so worth it.

2) What inspired you to embrace your natural-ness?

I had been relaxing my hair for years, and one day it occurred to me that I used to have curly hair. And it made me think, what happened to my curls? Why doesn’t it curl anymore? And that is how my journey started. My damaged hair inspired me to embrace my natural-ness.

3) Did you transition or did you do the Big Chop? 

I transitioned for 7 months and then I big chopped. 

4) What is your regimen like? 

Step 1: Cleanse (Shampoo)

Step 2: Deep Condition for an hour.

Step 3: Apple Cider Vinegar and Rose Water Rinse.

Step 4: Apply Leave -in Conditioner and Detangle.

Step 5: Gel

Step 6: Natural Oil

5) Name your favourite products that you cannot do without? 

As I Am Curl Defining Jelly

Aphogee Curlific Curl Definer

Shea Moisture Jamaican Black Castor Oil Strengthen and Restore Shampoo

OGX Weightless Healing Oil Spray

I have different hair textures and curl types. At the back of my hair my curls are tight and coily (type 4). The middle of my hair has a looser type 3 curl, so I have a mixture of type 3 and 4. My hair has a mind of its own, as most curly hair does, it loves moisture and being free ( in a wash and go). 

7) Share your hair hacks or tips that have worked for you or any hair techniques you'd like us to know about.

Tip 1: Daily scalp massages will help your hair to grow.

Tip 2: Finger detangling works best for my hair, it also prevents breakage leading to longer hair.

Tip 3: A satin pillow care (Mr.Price Home) - it keeps your hair moisturized and hydrated.

8) How long are you blogging for? Tell us about your blog?

I started my blog four years ago and then I stopped blogging. I decided to revive my blog a few months ago. So, THECURLFACTORY.BLOG is only a few months old. On THECURLFACTORY.BLOG, you will find product reviews, and natural hair care and

skin care tips to help you along your journey. If you are thinking about embracing your

natural hair, transitioning to natural hair, or if you are already natural then

THECURLFACTORY,BLOG is for you. I love trying new products, and on

THECURLFACTORY.BLOG you will see products that are not yet available in South

Africa, so naturals are introduced to new products, and get familiar with them before

they hit the hair care shelves in South Africa.

I started THECURLFACTORY.BLOG, to share my knowledge and help women with

their natural hair. The THECURLFACTORY.BLOG is a safe place for women to ask

questions, and most importantly it is a place of knowledge and information. I have

acquired a lot of knowledge along my journey, and THECURLFACTORY.BLOG is the

place where I can share it all with you.

  

9) What inspired you to blog? 

I had a desire to share what I had learned along the way. And people asking me, “How do you get your hair like that?”

10) Tell us about your hustle/ projects that you working on?

At this point in time, my focus is The Curl Factory. I am working on growing my Youtube, Instagram and Facebook platforms. Producing great content and helping people who are on their natural hair journey.

Here are my social media handles:

My social media handles are:

Instagram:@RacquelCurlFactory

Facebook:@The Curl Factory

YouTube: @The Curl Factory

So much curls there! Head on over and connect with my girl, her blog is amazing.

Aaand if you'd like to get featured hola at me on  Instagram.

Meet MagicalmessyFredelene...

Hieey everyone this week I'm starting off with another curlfriend. I met her when she joined my Facebook group. She makes some amazing wigs!
She definitely dropped a whole lot of knowledge so be sure to read all the way to the end. Meet Fredelene...

1 Please introduce yourself?

1. Fredelene Coert

2 How long have you been natural?

2. I transitioned. My last relaxer was in June 2017. I had my big chop in March 2018

3 What or who inspired you to return to natural?

3. Nobody in particular. My hair felt and looked tired after about 2 decades of relaxer. 

This is my story:

"So Mom started relaxing my hair from the age of 9. I remember that I was going to be part of my aunt's wedding at the time and my hair was just not "looking" the part. So relaxer it was, but she did not know about the maintenance that came with it. Her baby sister would be washing, blow drying and cutting my hair and eventually I started maintaining my own hair during my teenage years with the help of a friend or two. 

By the time I could eventually afford Salon prices on a monthly basis, my hair had already seen the worst, from heat damage to breakage and grey hair were just multiplying because of all the hair colour that I used. 

I joined the gym few years ago and just felt like I am wasting my time by washing and blow drying my hair once or twice a week only to cover it in sweat the next day and having to repeat the same process. This also damaged my hair alot. I then decided that I am not blow frying my hair anymore and just to wash and air dry it. This also ended up in a disaster because my hair would just end up being hard and tangled up, which caused breakage. 

Last year July, I braided my hair because I just needed a break from my hair during Winter. When I took out the braids, I was not sure of what to do next and continued with another protective style from there. I then decided that I am not relaxing my hair and that I want to transition back to my original natural hair.

 My mom told me that I am crazy when I told her about me transitioning and my little sister told me that I am always experimenting. I told them that I will learn how to manage it and that it is high time that I embrace the hair that grows from my scalp, after all if my hair was suppose to be straight, I would have been born with it. I started searching for pages and groups on facebook and joined. I have been learning from these groups and was successful in my transition. I had my big chop in March 2018.  I am excited about my new journey and I am still learning. #Embracingmykroes"

4 Have you ever had a setback with your hair? 

4.No, not yet.

5 What advice would you give to someone considering returning to natural?

5. Research, Research and more research. It requires commitment, so you have to be mentally prepared and ready, especially if you have type 4 hair.

6 What do you love about your current 

journey?

6. My natural hair is all new to me. I like the texture and what my hair can do, it surprises me all the time. Whenever I wash my hair and style it in a different way, I look forward to the outcome. I have learnt that it is all about technique, the more attention you pay to the detail, the better the outcome of the style that you are trying to achieve.

7 Describe your hair in one sentence?

7. My crown, embracing my kroes. 

8 What are your favourite products that 

you can't live  without?

8. Cantu leave in conditioner and coconut oil has been my go to products since I started the journey and I still use them.

9)What is your regimen like?

9. Wash days for me is once, every 2 weeks now that its winter. Week 1, I wear a wig with twists or plaits underneath and on week 2, I  undo my twists/plaits and watch my hair make magic. I use the LCO method on wash days and repeat it after week 1 on my twists/plaits. I deep condition once a month. I do not dry my hair with a hair dryer, I air dry my hair. I can't  wait for Summer to try out some summer styles like wash n gos...

10) Do you have a side hustle that you'd like to share? business/ projects..
10. I make and sell wigs.  I'm always researching about hair lol. My next goal is to learn how to cornrow hair in  different styles. I practise on my daughter's hair.

You can follow me on facebook and instagram:

Facebook page link: https://www.facebook.com/crownsforqueens1/

Instragram: crownsforqueens1

Lovely stuff Fredelene hopefully I'll be wearing one of your lovely wigs real soon!

Like and share curlies if you found this post inspiring.

Meet MagicalmessyMarion...

Yay it's almost the weekend- I'm excited because I'm going away for the weekend!

Anyways back to the lovely curly- So this beauty is a go -getter with  beautiful curls. She was diagnosed with alopecia but she didn't  let that deter her. Check out her inspiring natural hair journey.

Meet Marion
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1 Please introduce yourself?

My name is Marion Hermans. I'm crazy but cute lol (Still a toss up between which is more dominant hehe). I am a mom to 2 beautiful boys and a wife to a handsome gentleman. I am a creative, and I  love teaching others. This passion has pushed me into a path of entrepreneurial bliss! I love to laugh and mess around. Laughter is the best medicine after all. :-)

2 How long have you been natural?

I've been natural since 2011 when I started growing dreadlocks. This was also the year I became a mom and gave up on trying to perfect my hair according to the world's standards. I had loads of stares, prejudices and comments about my dreads and what I chose to do with my hair. But... I laughed most of them off.

3 What or who inspired you to return to natural?

My sister. Our whole lives she never relaxed her hair. Not once did she consider conforming. And she wore her afro with pride and looked as beautiful as ever.

4 Have you ever had a setback with your hair? 

I was diagnosed with alopecia during my natural journey. This was the toughest thing to hear. My hair is my brand and it was hard for me to hear that these bald patches were going to be a permanent part of my life. The more I think about it, the more obvious it should've been when I was younger. But because I didn't have the knowledge back then, It definitely wasn't on my radar.
 I never really had hair on my legs or arms and I have very little eyebrows LOL. BUT, I thought I was just one of the lucky ones amongst my school friends who had to struggle with hairy body parts... lol.
 Since starting my natural journey, I've learned so much about hair and especially my OWN hair that I don't see alopecia as a setback anymore. It's just part of my life.

5 What advice would you give to someone considering returning to natural?

My advice is do it for the right reason. Not because it's a "trend" or because you want to look like someone you've seen on Instagram. Do it for yourself. You are more likely to have a fulfilling journey while on this path to natural hair and natural self. Your goals will be reached with the RIGHT motivation behind what you are doing.

6 What do you love about your current journey?

I love the freedom... to be me, to walk through wind and not have to fix/flatten my hair lol, the confidence to be carefree, the amazing souls I have met during this process. To be honest, I LOVE EVERYTHING this journey has laid in front of me so far :-)

7 Describe your hair in one sentence?

My hair is my OWN: I own it... and... I OWN it! ;-)

8 What are your favourite products that 

you can't live  without?
Everything from my kitchen lol. Store products: Buuya intense mask, My Natural Hair, the whole range except the curling cream. 

9)What is your regimen like?

A prepoo is always the start of my wash day. Followed by a cleanse with either bentonite or ACV. I always deep condition with each wash. And then style by plaiting my hair into a protective style for 2 weeks. The less touching, the better for my alopecia and me!

10) Do you have a side hustle that you'd like to share? business/ projects..

In 2017, I started a lifestyle brand called Marley Grey. I provide satin protection for hair (not just natural hair), accessories, as well as personalised hair care to the natural community. My products are mainly handmade and I try to be as affordable as possible for people from ALL walks of life. I collaborate with many other brands in order to build up sisterhood in South Africa.

Be blessed with big hair...

Marion Hermans
Director at Marley Grey

Email: marleygreylife@gmail.com
Facebook: Marley Grey Accessories
Instagram: Marley Grey
Whatsapp: 0720552574 (During office hours)

Like and share if you  loved Marion's feature and because sharing is caring:)

If you'd like to be featured too then join my Facebook group Magicalmessyme

Meet MagicalmessyKim...

Today I feature a gorgeous Durbanite, we first met in 2016 at "It's all Natural" hair event. She has a bubbly personality and a mane of thick hair.
 Returning to natural  had lots of setbacks for her, but this curly never threw in the towel. Read all about her relatable journey.
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Meet Kim!

Please introduce yourself?

I am Kim Houston. 

Born and raised in Durban KZN.  Originally from Wentworth now living in Parkhill. 

I am a mother of two beautiful princesses (8 & 1) and one in heaven. 

I am a wife to thee most loving, supportive, crazy and annoying husband. 

I am an avid naturalista..

2 How long have you been natural?

I started my natural hair journey with a big chop in 2003 when there was no good products available. All I knew was Pantene and Colgate egg conditioner. And then when budget allowed, kerastase treatments.

It was sink or swim.. 

All I had was conditioner, hair masks and gel. It was a roller coaster journey...

I gave in to the pressures of family and friends again and relaxed my hair in 2006/7... Later that year transitioned for a little bit and then big chopped again, I suppose I was not as comfortable in my own skin then, still trying to free or find myself and was a people pleaser even at my own expense.

I sadly relaxed my hair in 2009 when I got married ('for the photos'..  I know, I don't know what I was thinking! )  then started from scratch again in 2010 when my first daughter was born. 

I thought.. 

I need to be an example of self-love for her.. I learned to love and care for my hair and hers better too.. Still am learning.. You never stop learning your hair because it goes through different seasons and changes with the season... 

3 What or who inspired you to return to natural? 

At that time there was an actress that had such beautiful big curly hair, I marveled at her, India Arie,  Macy Gray and Kalis's hair.. They were my hair crushes.. 

And then I remembered listening to India Arie song 'I am not my hair' and I was like.. Yes! I'm gonna do it again.

Then in 2010 when my daughter was born.. I chopped it all off again and took my natural journey more seriously. 

4 Have you ever had a setback with your hair? 

Yes..  I am a lazy natural most days.. I tend to forget to wrap up my hair at night.. Trim my hair every 6 months or when I remember.. 

Only LOC it once a week when I wash it.. Co-wash twice if there is time..  Having a 1 year old is demanding.. So I end up with dry ends sometimes..  

5 What advice would you give to someone considering returning to natural?

Do it... 

Don't Over think it or Worry about what others will think.. This journey- Your Hair.. It is all about you and finding the confidence to Love You. 

The journey is rewarding

What do you love about your current 

journey? 

Constantly learning to take the compliments and ignore the negative comments and brainless stigmatized jabber about natural hair.. Accepting Myself with All My Kinks and Koils. 

7 Describe your hair in one sentence?

A Perfectly Imperfect work in progress.. 

8 What are your favourite products that 

you can't live  without?

The Perfect Hair Co-wash 

The Perfect Hair Deep Conditioner 

Afrobotanics leave in conditioner. 

Amara Avo Butter 

My Natural Hair Strengthening oil

And 

AfriTru Curl Power Gel. 

9)What is your regimen like? 

Very laid-back.. 

Co-wash twice a week. 

Deep condition once a week.

Oil once a week. 

Gel or leave in conditioner  daily or every 2 days for styling.. 

10) Do you have a side hustle that you'd like to share? business/ projects..

     

BUHLE is an accessory business I own. 

We offer Headwraps, bows, bow ties and headbands, our range consists of exclusively Ankara wax printed fabric. We also make little girl's outfits putting an African twist on the classic pinafore and circle skirt. Made from the best quality Ankara Fabric, sourced locally and each item is made by hand.

www.facebook.com/buhleteesandaccessories

So there you have it-  I hope you found Kim's hair  journey inspiring. Like and share this post if you totally did.

P.S. If you'd like to be featured here on my blog then join and connect with us over at Magicalmessyme Group.