London Girly Monthly Rundown

I have been buying…a few bits...finaaally got my hands on some Joni jeans from Topshop after almost a year of wanting. I have been purchasing some Spring/Summer bits...I purchased this light blue top which I am wearing in this video. I got a H&M bag, looked very Zara-ish to me so I got it for £12.99, similar one here. I really want to update my Spring/Summer nail polishes and lipsticks. I am a sucker for Barry M gelly nail polishes- cheap and long lasting and they have released 3 new colours! It was 3 for 2 at Superdrug so I got Huckleberry, Rose Hip and Pomegranate. I bought a cheap £1 lip pencil from MUA as I would like to try the Orange lip trend and I think it would look waay better with a lip liner.

I have been eating at…a few places and I have made healthy choices :). 

I also tried the Leggera Salmon Salad at Pizza Express it was lovely. 

Also had to make time for a cheat meal lol- kelewele, jollof rice and beef stew one of my fave dishes:

I have visited…the park...a few times. Especially as I am training for a run, so I have been running through the park and it has been fun! I actually went to BlueWater as well for the first time and it is huuuuuge! I need another trip back as there was no time to explore the whole shopping centre.

Next month I’m looking forward to…more shopping lol. I just want some ripped jeans...I tried these on but the ankle grazer look does not work on me at all. I also want to buy a jumpsuit.

Next month I hope to splash some cash on…clothes but also some homeware- I may do a haul video. But I do need some wall art and pictures my walls are bare!

Natural Hair Styles That Do Not Work For Me

Thanks BGLH for the inspiration as usual...although I have been wanting to film a video about this for quite a while. There are a few natural hairstyles that don't work for me and I'm sure some of you can relate.

1. Twistouts
They look so good on others but my twists unravel UNLESS I use perm rods. I can never do them the right size anyway :(

2. Perm rod sets
Only on a section of hair 
Otherwise...



3. Mini twists.
See no.1 and also I get halfway and I think I'm never going to finish lol

Hairstyles that do work for me:

Braidouts

Bantu knot outs
Puffs (my saviour!)

Buns (loveee)
French braids/flat twists

Top Tip : T Shirt Drying

Recently after shampoo washing my hair I have been using a t-shirt to wrap my hair in order to dry it. I generally always air dry my hair (I've blow dried 3 times since I big chopped). Instead of using a towel I use a t-shirt (after applying my leave-in) until my hair is about 60% damp and then I braid in order to stretch my hair.

Click here to read about the benefits of t-shirt drying

London Girly Monthly Rundown- MARCH

This is a bit late- oops!

I have been buying…not much AGAIN. I have been buying gym wear- soon my wardrobe will be 60% gym, 30% work and 10% for the rest lol.

I have been eating at…a few places, mainly Indian. I of course get my usual chicken korma unless I have a cold (which I did at the start of the month) it is a spicy chicken biriyani!

I also went for (another) afternoon tea for Mother's Day!

I have visited…the park...a few times. The weather has become a lot brighter and warmer and I have gone for a few strolls - it has been lovely!

Next month I’m looking forward to…SHOPPING! After a few family celebrations I FINALLY get to spend some money on ME!

Next month I hope to splash some cash on…clothes, clothes and more clothes! I may actually post a haul on this blog or do a video.

Natural Hair Style Files #6

Style: Braidout

Used: Shea Moisture curl enhancing smoothie

Lasted: 

Natural Hair Talk #4 Natural Hair Celebrities are they an issue or a help to the natural hair community?

I know it has been a long long time since I have posted any of these- but no issues really arose lol. This has just been something I have been thinking about recently since Nicki Minaj posted this picture on her Instagram:

She has previously posted a picture of her natural hair. As has Blac Chyna (rapper Tyga's girlfriend):

So has Vanessa Simmons:

NOW you know I do wear weave especially during the Winter (October-March/April) I stay weaved up because: I want to protect my hair during the cold months, it's COLD, I like to change my hairstyle, it's COLD and it does provide some ease for me during these months and it's COLD.

Back to the debate, in my opinion the main comments surrounding these pictures were as follows:
1) "They're mixed that's why they have long hair" OR "That's fake"

Pssh...we all know black women can grow long hair (which is kind of why I am surprised that people are so shocked at any of the pictures above)

2) Well they cover it up with weave anyway. What is the point in showing it off and covering it back up again? Never wearing their natural hair out just encourages the idea that straight hair is best.

Ignoring no.1.

Number two is interesting to me. At the end of the day, they are deemed as celebrities so I don't really blame them for wearing their hair straight or in a weave. It could be that the stylists are not able to work with natural hair (not making an excuse but it may be). Or that they wish to change up their style often and do not want to damage or colour their own natural hair. Or *sighs* it could be that it is 'easier' to deal with. It is strange, but I do think if they did wear their hair out (actually out the door at an event) young black women could be influenced to wear their natural hair more or think positively about it. Perhaps the fact they are covering it up could be influencing others to cover theirs up too. Look how many followers they have on Instagram- the power they hold over (some) people's thoughts and perceptions is huge! However we still have Solange, Erykah Badu, Marsha Ambrosius, Luptita Nyong'o annnd has it made much of a difference? But than on the other hand they are the minority NOT the majority. Maybe if more black women wore their natural hair out it would be seen as a norm rather than an other.

Is it fair that they should be passed (some of) the responsibility over young women wearing their natural hair or being proud of it? To be honest, the responsibility probably lies with the mothers of young women providing encouragement and advice and information.

Images from:

theobsessie.blogspot.com 

necolebitchie.com 

iheartsoutheuclid.blogspot.com 

rollingout.com -

Review- Shea Moisture Curl Enhancing Smoothie

Description: All-natural hair dressing moisturizes hair and imparts a shine and bounce to curls. Nutrient rich vegetable butters condition hair, restoring moisture, body and shine. Enhances curls, minimizes frizz and provides curl control. For thick, curly hair.

Ingredients: Deionized Water, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter), Cocos Nucifera Oil (Coconut), Macadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil, Persea Gratissima Oil (Avocado), Vegetable Glycerin, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Silk Protein, Ammonium Salt, Melia Azadirachta Seed Oil (Neem), Daucus Carota Sativa Seed Oil (Carrot), Sorbitol Esters, Panthenol (Pro-Vitamin B-5), Caprylyl Glycol, Essential Oil Blend, Lonicera Caprifolium Flower and Lonicera Japonica Flower Extract (Honeysuckle and Japanese Honeysuckle), Tocopherol (Vitamin E)


Thoughts: I purchased this product- wanting a styler, I have wanted this product for aaaaages! It is quite pricey- this was actually about £12.99 from Beauty By Zara which is cheap! Usually it retails for £15 and up (have you seen the prices on Ebay?!). Onto the review. The first thing I noticed when I opened the product was how much you get- it is quite a lot. Second, the texture it is really thick which is perfect for type 4 hair (as noted in the description 'thick hair'). Third, the smell which I don't really like- I don't think I am a fan of the smell of shea butter anyway. As for a styler it does work well I will post the video below but it could have more hold! The con is the price but however if you apply it on wet hair it is easier to distribute and you will use less product as opposed to applying it on dry hair. Overall I give it 4/5.
Ingredients/description from www.naturallycurly.com

Product Suggestions for an All-Natural Regimen

Hope it is helpful!

Also heyfranhey has a Youtube and Tumblr and an all natural regimen so you could check her out too

x

London Girly Monthly Rundown

I have been buying…not much, just mainly gym wear. I bought these and these. At the beginning of the month I purchased this dressy top as I am seriously lacking those (it's similar to this just long sleeved). Click here if you would like to see what hair products I bought this month

I have been eating at…Nandos! I took a trip this month and claimed my free whole chicken lol. I also had halloumi cheese, spicy rice and pitta.

I also went for an afternoon tea in Park Lane. It was delicious!

I have visited…the cinema (again!) to watch Wolf of Wall Street- it was 3 hours long (too long!), but entertaining. I also saw Dallas Buyers Club- again just over 2 hours but AMAZING acting!

Next month I’m looking forward to…a few celebrations! It is my brother's and mother's birthday and of course mother's day. Family time is always nice

Next month I hope to splash some cash on…a few lipsticks. I am looking for at least one Winter shade and one Spring shade. I may try the Revlon matte lip balms.

Natural Hair Style Files #5

I was inspired by many others to do a protective style, so I tried to a flat twist updo. This is only the second time I have flat twisted. I definitely need a rat tail comb for my defined parts!

Style: Flat twist updo

Used: A wide tooth comb for parting and hairbands for seperating, also Shea Moisture curl enhancing smoothie

Lasted: 3 days before I got bored and took it out lol

Mini Natural Hair Product Haul

I purchased the above products online as I did not have a moisturiser so decided to settle for the all-natural Shea Butter and I was running low on Aubrey Organics and I CANNOT be without this deep conditioner! I have been wanting to purchase the Curl Enhancing Smoothie for aaaaages and I am so glad I got my hands on it. The Shea Butter was from Amazon and the remaining products from Beauty By Zara. Here are some other peoples to purchase natural hair products.

London Girly Monthly Rundown

I have been buying…two pairs of shoes, these boots and these shoes from New Look. I have been looking for a pair of boots for everyday wear and a pair of shoes for work. I love both of them! Also I bought two pairs of glasses (thanks Specsavers) for 1- again one for weekends and one for work

I have been eating at…not many places. I have been eating at home mainly- in order to shift the excess Christmas pounds I have been eating really clean (no processed foods). 

I have visited…the cinema to watch 12 Years A Slave, Lupita definitely deserves an Oscar!

Track of the month...Ty Dolla Sign ft BOB- Paranoid. Such a catchy song- the video is weird as hell though!

Next month I’m looking forward to…a week off work :) and hopefully a new TV!

Next month I hope to splash some cash on…a TV and some furniture I'm going with a shabby chic look for my bedroom, so I'm looking at furniture like this

Coconut Oil is the truth!

Finally I managed to purchase some coconut oil!

The only oil I could get my hands on in the shops were "coconut oil"- not virgin nor organic just cheap. In order for this to be beneficial for hair I think it is important to purchase organic, virgin coconut oil. I managed to buy this from Whole Foods for just under £9. Whole Foods also sell Jason shampoo and conditioners, Giovanni products and other oils (grapseed, hemp seed, flaxseed, olive etc). So I may be back there soon- I really would like to use all natural products on my hair. I plan to use coconut oil to moisturise my hair (I know it is used to seal but I prefer to moisturise or seal with 1 product) every other day. Here are some posts from BGLH on the uses and benefits of coconut oil, here and here. This is part of my overall plan to improve my hair health and I will be posting an update or a post about my regimen soon!

Review- Organic Root Stimulator Olive Oil Smooth Pudding

Description: Organic Root Stimulator Olive Oil Smooth-n-Hold Pudding moisturizes, shines, and holds hair. Lightweight and ideal for smoothing hair and holding down ponytails. Alcohol-free formula won't dry out hair or cause flaking.

Ingredients: Aqua (Water), Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, Paraffinum Liquidum (Mineral Oil), Polyquaternium-11, Glycerin, Sodium Cetearyl Sulfate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Polysorbate-60, PEG-150 Stearate, Cetyl Alcohol, Ceteareth-20, PEG-20 Hydrogenated Lanolin, PEG-40 Stearate, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Oil, Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Oil, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil, Phenyl Trimethicone, PEG-12 Dimethicone, Oleth-20, Carbomer, Triethanolamine, DMDM Hydantoin, Methylchloroisothiazolinone, Methylisothiazolinone, Parfum (Fragrance), Benzyl Benzoate, Citronellol, d-Limonene, Eugenol, Geraniol, Hexyl Cinnamal, Lilial, Linalool, Methyl Ionone, CI 42090 (Blue 1), CI 19140 (Yellow 5).

Thoughts: I purchased this product- wanting a styler. Unfortunately I did not see the word 'gel' when I bought it. The product does provide a light hold for my braidouts but it is not moisturizing. Overall, there are better stylers out there especially for type 4 hair it is better to use a butter in my opinion to prevent hair being dry. Overall I give this a 3/5, I am glad I tried this but would not repurchase.

Ingredients/description from www.cvs.com and www.sallybeauty.com

Edge Control!

Recently I have noticed the left side of my edges have been receding. I’ve obviously put too much pressure on my edges either through puffs or my wig. I purchased this Jamaican Black Castor Oil (I always seem to lose mine!) for £2.19 at my local hair shop. 

I will be applying this to my edges daily. I need to get back on my hair routine ASAP because I feel my hair is not in good condition at the moment L

My Hairesolutions for 2014

Click here for a video of my favourite natural hair pictures (isn't it crazy a year ago I wouldn't have been able to do that on Instagram- advanced technology eh!). Click for my 2013 Hairesolutions blogpost!

How did I do on last year's ones?

2013 Hairesolutions:

1. To continue to try out new hair styles with my own natural hair and find a staple style: I achieved this. I've tried perm rod sets, flexi rods, updos, braidouts still haven't mastered the wash n go or twistouts. My staple (and easiest style) are an afro puff and a braidout.

2. To increase my *hair confidence* and actually start wearing (and enjoying) my natural hair out during Spring and Summer: I did this! I wore my hair out from April till October. This is my plan to wear my hair out 6 months a year (and wig for the remaining 6 months) although I may start wearing my hair the whole year round.

3. To actually do a giveaway! I've been blogging for too long not to do one: Erm nope not achieved this. I was kind of put of by youtubers stating to avoid doing this to avoid people just subscribing to win things. Also purchasing a house kind of put a stop to any surplus money for a giveaway.

4. To reach BSB by December 2013: Nope, two reasons this didn't happen 1) I've fallen off my regimen for the last 4-6 weeks 2) I trimmed my hair in August.

2 out of 4 ain't bad!

2014 Hairesolutions:

1. Stick to my regimen!
2. To pass APL (armpit length)
3. To use mostly (if not all) hair products with natural hair ingredients
4. To increase hair growth on my edges (post coming up!)

London Girly Monthly Rundown

I have been buying…Christmas gifts! Apart from that not much although I did make 3 cheeky purchases from MissGuided. This dress, this one and this playsuit for tonight. I really like this one, this is how it looks below:

I may purchase other colours in the future.

I have been eating at…not many places. I have been eating a few Christmas food items- a mince pie or too, Hot Chocolate, turkey, stuffing lol. But I have been increasing my time at the gym (and increasing my calories too!)

I have visited…Kew Gardens Illuminated Christmas Trail. Here are some pictures below:

Also just back from a quick 2 day spa break in Kent. The weather was crazy yesterday- gales and rain:

But I enjoyed the sauna :), it was nice to relax.

Track of the month...Tonga by Joey B. I love it!

Next month I’m looking forward to…I’m not sure I guess eating normally again lol.

Next month I hope to splash some cash on…nothing important, I may buy a TV unit (boring bleh) but apart from that I do not have my eye on anything except for some Shea Moisture products.

Natural Hair Style Files #4

Happy Christmas guys! Hope you had a great one. I told you I would be posting a lot. I'm back with a natural hair style (it's not lost as I just took this picture last week!) Look how big my bun looks. I used my tutorial here to do this style.

Style: Big Ol Bun with two flat twists

Used: A stretched headband from Primark and about seven kirby grips

Lasted: The evening...I wore this for the cinema

Where have I been???

So the blogposts have slowed and the Youtube videos have ceased. I’ve moved house (finally!) and purchased my first ever home. The process was slow, stressful, anxious and I never want to do it again (well at least for the next 5 years). I may do a video or blogpost on saving because I managed to save up for some of my deposit and my parents helped with the remaining. So I have been soooo busy at work it was ridiculous! Now I have a fortnight off work I will be filming and blogging like a crazy lady. So I will have some interesting upcoming blogposts and videos. Already got a hairstyle tutorial idea in my head and a 2 month update (time has flown!) on my wig to film. A blogpost wouldn’t be complete without a hair picture. So here is mine:

I have neglected my hair soooo badly and my edges are thinning due to lack of care *sigh*. I doubt I will even bother to do a length check in February because I feel this is a setback L. But I will be back! I want to purchase new products and do a wholleee new regimen. I love protective styling with my wigs but can’t help but think it is contributing to laziness which is contributing to me failing to keep up with my hair regimen. I will keep you posted on what I am doing with my hair to get it back to it’s healthy state and how it is working.

London Girly Monthly Rundown

I have been buying…a lot of homeware stuff. Hence, last month I did not buy much because I was saving up for this. If you don't know I have purchased my first ever home yaaaay! So I've been running round like a headless chicken in Matalan, Homebase (for paint) and Argos- all three shops which I really reccommend! I also placed an order at Wilko. Although tbh the house did come fully furnished...but you know when you want to put your own stamp on somewhere? Yep that.

I have been eating at…not many places. I did go to Birmingham for one night (spa and Christmas markets). I ate at Jimmy Spices which is a multi-cuisine buffet restaurant. I had Chinese, Indian, Japanese and Italian :)

I have visited…Birmingham: I loved it I would definitely return :)

Track of the month...Worst Behaviour by Drake. I can't remember the last time I liked a video just as much as the song. Video is below:

Next month I’m looking forward to…Christmaaaas! I am the BIGGEST Christmas lover lol. 

Next month I hope to splash some cash on…apart from xmas presents I really want to place an order with MissGuided. I decided for the first time ever to buy myself a Christmas present and gave myself a small budget of £50. However my trolley is currently almost £150. Help!