Petit Vour January 2015

I love subscription boxes. However, I've grown pretty disappointed with my Ipsy. I never get the things I would have wanted. Most of the products are things I'd never use and a lot of them don't meet the ingredient quality I desire. I don't cancel it because it's only $10 a month, but I'm bored. Eco Emi, my favorite subscription box, filled with natural and organic goodies is still great, but I came across Petit Vour on Vegan Beauty Review and wanted to try. I am happy with my first box. See photos below. 

52 Week Money Challenge Revamped

I posted on my Instagram that I would be doing several savings challenges for the year. The first up, is the traditional 52 Week Money Challenge. However, I revamped it to fit my own needs. I could not find any with 2015 dates, so I filled those in. Also, I changed it to bi-weekly for Fridays since that is when I get paid. Finally, I will be doing this challenge in reverse, so that the largest amounts are saved first. I will be making other versions of the spreadsheet (once a week, monthly, etc.) Let me know which ones you'd like to see. Additionally, many of you were interested in the $5000 plan. I will be uploading this with the 2015 dates. I have attached a link to a PDF version of the challenge. Let me know if you have any problems with the link.

52 Week Money Challenge Revamped

GlamGlow PowerMud DualCleanse Treatment Review

This morning I tried the GlamGlow PowerMud DualCleanse Treatment. I was hesitant because I heard not so great reviews about this for those with sensitive skin. However, the mud to oil property really intrigued me. Nothing like a gimmick to get people to buy. Lol. However, my best friend actually bought this for Christmas, so I had to give it a try. 

CV Skinlabs Rescue+Relief Spray Review

While looking up tips for wearing mineral makeup online, I came across this product on a blog. The blogger used it as a setting spray. I immediately looked it up because I am always looking for something for my sensitive skin, and it seems this product was created just for me.  

This product is free of the things I do not use I do not use in my face:

The ingredient list is amazing. Full of organic and soothing ingredients:

Product claims:

So it sounds great, but real question is, does it work? I'm here to tell you YES! This product has far exceeded my expectations. 

TND Bun Challenge Reflection and Simple Routine for Bunning Natural Hair

Having taken a short break from the majority of social media, I would like to update you all on the TND Bun Challenge that ended yesterday. Since I was taking a break, unfortunately I did not take very many photos. In addition, I didn't really go anywhere besides work, where I see no one, so I threw my hair up into a top knot, no gel, no scarf to slick my edges, I was just trying to make sure the hair was up and I was keeping up with the challenge. Needless to say, this style wasn't exactly photo material. Nevertheless, I did find the challenge to be very effective. My hair was kept stretched and my ends off my shoulders. I did not take a before and after photo, however, being that the challenge was only a few weeks I was not expecting to visually see growth or length retention. I do intend to continue incorporating bunning into my routine, although not consecutively, during the fall and winter seasons. Below is the routine I use when bunning my hair. It is a simple routine that can be done by anyone and modified to fit your specific needs. Hope you find this helpful.

Natural Hair Brunch Affair

As I have been natural for almost 5 years now, I've settled in so much so that I've grown somewhat bored with "natural hair events". I mean, ultimately I'd like us to get to a point where natural hair is so normal that it doesn't have to be talked about so much, but I know that day isn't likely to come anytime soon. Nevertheless, the enthusiasm I've had for the movement has diminished. I love my hair more than ever, but I don't always feel the need to shout that from the rooftops. Mine is a quiet, yet genuine love. And while the product junkie in me always will want to try new things, and I still scour YouTube and Instagram for style ideas, it'd been a while since I'd attended a "natural hair meetup" My good friend Ashley (@deepimpact403) encouraged me to attend the Natural Hair Brunch affair hosted by the sisters behind the Instagram page Natural Hair Does Care. Having followed their page, and never wanting to turn down brunch, I decided to bite the bullet and pay the $45 to attend. I must say that it is was $45 well spent. 

Winter Is Coming...

Winter is coming... and so are cracked skin and dry lips. And while you may be tempted to pull out the Chapstick, there are some alternatives to consider.