Wash Day - 25/02/2013

     This Snowing, frosty weather has had my scalp going crazyyyyyyyy. I was trying to hold out until Saturday which would have made 2 weeks since my last wash/deep treatment/roller set but I could not take it any more. The scalp at the front of my head has descended into a pile of large crackly flakes. If you know me I am not about that dry, flaky head looking life. 

     To wash my hair I used my Avon Advanced Techniques 360 Nourishment Moroccan Argan oil Shampoo. I had separated my hair into two parts front/back after de tangling  I applied the shampoo to the front of my hair and then massaged it into my scalp. After what I deemed a sufficient enough time I rinsed the shampoo from the front f my hair. I then applied shampoo all over my hair and proceeded to wash my hair in its entirety. 

     After rinsing the shampoo from my second wash. I applied my  Avon Advanced Techniques 360 Nourishment Moroccan Argan oil Hair mask (deep treatment conditioner) working from the ends up the hair shaft. I also applied some of the hair mask/ deep treatment conditioner to my crown and around the edges of my hair. After combing that through I covered my hair with a plastic bag (I think it was from tesco) and then wrapped the entire concoction with a large towel to trap the heat. After 40 minutes (aka 1 episode of Blue bloods, check it out great show) I rinsed the hair mask/ deep treatment conditioner from my hair.

     I then applied some of the  Avon Advanced Techniques 360 Nourishment Moroccan Argan oil Conditioner throughout my hair and then rinsed it out. Next I towel blotted my hair sprayed it with my Infusium 23 Maximum body Formula leave in conditioner, followed by my Doo Gro Leave in Growth treatment  (aka my bootleg Aphogee Green Tea  and Keratin Restructurizer, check it out ingredients are nearly identical, plus it is half the price and has more in the bottle), then my Matrix Sleek Look Iron smoother (Heat Protectant). I de-tangled my hair and then blow dried it on low heat, then I applied some Hairveda Almond Glaze to my scalp and massaged it in for about 2 minutes. I asked my little sister to flat iron my hair for my using my vidal Sassoon 2 inch ceramic hair straightener. 

     After allllllllllll of that I applied some ORS Deep moisturising Hair lotion into my palm and mixed it with a bit of Almond glaze, a few drops of Almond oil and applied that all over my hair. This morning my hair was suuuuuuuuuuper soft and lovely. 

Notes

  - I am still going heatless/no heat for 2013/ airdry/ roller set, I flat ironed my hair to do a length check, since I had not done one in such a long time. Currently my hair is at the #2 line on my length check t shirt. 

 - The DOO GRO Leave In Growth treatment comes in a pop top bottle.  What I have done is to decant it into my EMPTY Aphogee Green Tea bottle, this decanting products into spray bottles give them a much much much longer life.  see picture below.

Almond Glaze my review -->  Almond Glaze

Organic Root Stimulator Deep Moisturising Hair Lotion my review--> ORS Olive Oil Hair Moisturiser

Almond Oil --> Almond Oil (I need to check this out, because the website says it is Almond and Wheat Germ Oils, But the label on the packaging lists Almond Oil as the only ingredient.) 


Hair Stats
Current length: Line #2 on my length check t shirt
Last Relaxer: February 2nd 2013
Next Relaxer: April 27th 2013
Short Term Goal: line #3 on my Length check T-shirt by June 2013
Long Term Goal: Bra Strap Length by December 2013
Wish List: Phillip Kingsley Elasticizer, Grapseed Oil
Recent buys: Almond oil 

What to Wear to Work: Hand bags

This is going to be a fairly short post. A hand bag for work should be in a neutral colour if one thinks Black is too boring then try (Navy/Tan/Grey/Cognac/Camel) it is my own personal belief as well as that of my mentor. Your first hand bag for work should definitely be an investment piece, therefore you should be willing to spend a bit more. That extra cash that you are spending enables you to go for quantity over quality. It is better to have 1 good bag that lasts a long time, than 20 cheaper bags which do not stand up to the wear and tear of your every day life. 

      When it comes to handbags for work there is only 1 bag which I would recommend to anyone, especially my recent graduates. The Zara Braided shopper 3 years going and still a best seller!!!! Yes I own one of these and I love it more and more with every use. The one I own is blue however it comes in Black and Tan as well, which makes it suitable for a work day hand bag. I am soon to invest in the Black as well as the Tan, hey a good thing is a good thing. 

Zara Braided shopper 

     This bag is made from 100% Buffalo Leather. It is  fairly large (I won't lie) quite roomy and spacious inside, it fits a 15.3 inch laptop inside with a lot of room to spare. The dimensions are 16.2 x 20.4 x 9 inches. If you like the shape of the bag but prefer something a bit smaller. Zara also offers the Mini Leather Tote bag which has the same shape as the Braided shopper but smaller dimensions 16 x 16 x 5 inches. I would be the first to admit it is not the most fancy bag in the world, but when you are going to work, your bag should be functional and not fashionable. Sometimes less is more, dressing for work is one of those times. 

                   Zara Braided Shopper A/W 2011

Notes 

Please be advised that upon further research (I went to the store and tested out the mini shopper, aka I packed it up with some of the stuff I normally carried in my Braided shopper after putting in my purse/coin purse/makeup bag/water bottle the mini shopper was full and looking very bulky.) I can inform you that the Zara Mini Tote is for those among us who TRAVEL VERY LIGHTLY. If you are the type of person who likes a handbag which can carry your whole house and the kitchen sink, the Braided shopper is the way to go. 

I have found a few other bags which I can suggest as handbags for work, if one was not too inclined towards the Zara shopper.

Clarks Trade Point - "A classic Tan lather shoppper style bag which can be work on the shoulder and goes with everything." Clarks --> Trade Point by Clarks

Clarks Tora Hill - "This fashionably chic womens bag features subtle tailoring and soft leathers. Painted edges and Clarks branding to finish the look, and its versatile styling means it can be carried with grab handles  or work on the shoulder or across the body." Clarks   --> Tora Hill by Clarks

River Island has few offerings as well the three bags below are my top picks  

River Island Black Leather Bowling bag - "Black is always in style and in the form of this bowler, you've got your everyday bag sorted! with chic structured design and two strap lengths, this bag is super functional." River Island  -->  check it out

River Island Cream Metal Edge Leather Bag - "Every girl needs a luxe leather bag in her collection so try this Cream metal edge leather bag with zip front detail, two handles and zip fastening." River Island   --> check it out

River Island Grey Structured Leather Bowling Bag - "Polish off you look with the Grey structured leather bowler bag. In super functional size without sacrificing on style - this features gold tone hardware and two short straps." River Island  --> check it out

For the really good stuff aka designer look, leather bags without the designer price tag, my search took me to Marks and Spencers. Yup this Institution is still bringing fashion and quality to the masses. These bags were my top picks 

Marks & Spencers Autograph Leather Faux Snakeskin Design Shopper Bag  ---> here

Marks & Spencers Leather Crocodile Skin Tote Bag --> here

Marks & Spencers Autograph Leather Capston Stud Bowler Bag --> here

Marks & Spencers Autograph Leather Faux Snakeskin Design Tote Bag --> here

Marks & Spencers Leather Crocodile Skin Print Bowler Bag --> here

"Fashion fades by Style remains eternal." - Yves Saint Laurent          

Thanks for reading my lovelies.

xx      

A Review: Avon Advanced Techniques 360 Nourishment Moroccan Argan Oil (hair care range)

       These are the three products which I own from this range (hair mask, shampoo and conditioner  I opted not to purchase the hair oil since I had a bottle of Argan oil in my stash. After my run in with the Ojon Miracle Elixir serum (whatever they want to call it) I am just not on the oil hype. Give me some organic cold pressed Almond oil/Coconut oil/Olive oil from health food shop, my pocket and hair will both thank you.  I know that Argan oil is supposed to be one of those cure all products of the hair care community. However I find that many products sporting the Argan oil tag are full of silicones. 

     I too wanted to try the Morrocan Oil products but at an average of £20 a product, with 5 products in the core range. To my and my pocket that was a bit steep for a product which could not be tried or tested. (Someone needs to tell Morrocan oil to make a sample kit including the shampoo, conditioner, and both the restorative and hydrating masks). Enter stage left while I was browsing online I went on the Avon website to peruse the offers and came across the launch of the "Avon Advanced Techniques 360 Nourishment  Moroccan Argan Oil" hair care line. Immediately I was intrigued and after a few weeks I ordered some products through my Avon lady. 

     The products themselves were not overly expensive,I bought the 250ml shampoo, 250ml  conditioner for £1.10 each and the hair mask for £2.50. Yup three full sized products for less than a fiver. Now I was not prepared to be blown away or anything, I mean it is Avon we are speaking about here. In the end I was more than impressed. The shampoo had a pearlescent colour but the formula was opaque like a good shampoo should be. It cleansed my hair, but did not strip it or leave it feeling like I had not washed it. My hair felt nourished, not hydrated but nourished. Next up the hair mask this had a nice thick formula, as one would desire in a hair mask but it spread  well, and coated my tresses. When I detangled my hair using my shower comb it gave good slip and I was pleased. I left this on for 40 minutes and then rinsed. After this I applied a blob of the conditioner and combed that through as well. The conditioner has a slightly less thick formula compared to the hair mask, but it complimented the hair mask well as a finishing product. 

I must say that even the packaging design I was very pleased with. Kudos to whomever designed the bottles they are very eye-catching and sleek. The bottles which have a slightly inverted shape fitted quite well in my hand.

The results: My hair felt great, I was pleased with the results of my wash day experience. 

The Price: On these products are amazing. Great quality for the price point. On offer you could purchase the entire line for less than £12. Full priced all four products still come up to less than £20. 

Cons: Like the Morrocan Oil range the Avon Advanced Techniques 360 Nourishment Moroccan Oil hair care line does not sell a sampler kit.

Pros: These are great products, price, product, packaging and availability these products are winners. 

Would I purchase? - yes
Would I recommend? - yes
Would I buy full priced? - yes 

Wash Day

     

     I am 4 posts away from my 300th blog post. whew Sometimes I wonder about post number 1 and now here I am post number 296.

     Wash day was fairly simple I shampooed twice using the Matrix Total Results Repair Shampoo, my hair felt soft after. Next the Matrix Total results Repair Deep Intensive Mask was applied, combed through and left to sit for 3 minutes (like the instructions said) then rinsed off. My hair felt funny like it was a bit stripped (this could be due to the fact that I did not apply the regular conditioner after Rinsing off the mask, it could have possibly injected some moisture back into my hair) so ORS Deep Moisturising lotion was applied and combed through, followed by ORS wrap/set mousse. My hair was roller set and I went under the dryer. I came from under the dryer and took out my rollers, the curls were soft and full. I oiled my scalp with Bontle Hair food, massaged my roots  and then my curls were pinned into a style. 

Now I know some people might be thinking didn't she post her hair routine the other day and these products were not listed. This is true.

 I purchased these products in June of 2012, when I had my hair done at Cococheno Hair Salon. I was instructed to use the mask only once a month since it is a protein based line, meaning that I would have to alternate it with another line of hair products. I only had this line of products at the time and I used them consistently for about 2 or 3 washes, in turn they made my hair feel very stripped. I have not thrown them away (I am not about that life) I intend to use them until they are completely finished. What I will do is use them as the stylist suggested and only use them once a month, alternating with my Avon Morrocan Oil products (don't sleep on AVON the Morrocan Oil line has been very very good to my hair)

Hair Stats
Current length: Just past should length 
Last Relaxer: February 2nd 2013
Next Relaxer: April 27th 2013
Short Term Goal: line #3 on my Length check T-shirt by June 2013
Long Term Goal: Bra Strap Length by December 2013
Wish List: Phillip Kingsley Elasticizer
Recent buys: None

Wishlist

 Wishlist 

Just a few things I have my eye on,so I have started counting my sheckles 

Joules welliebobs link

No7 Cleansing Brush link 

Botanics Hot Cloth Cleansing Balm link 

Ecotools Bamboo Bronzer Brush link

Maybelline Master Shape Brow in soft Brown link 

Eylure Shape and shade Brow Pencil and Tamer Dark - Medium Brunette link 


PIXI glow tonic 

Rimmel scandal eyes black/blue eyeliner

Clinique Take the day off cleansing balm

Dior Miss Dior Cherie EDP 30ml 

Emma Hardie Amazing Face Natural Face Lift and Sculpt Moringa Cleansing Balm link

Peter Thomas Roth Max Strength complexion clearing pads link 

*Nuxe Ultra Nourishing Lip Balm link 

 *La Roche Posay effeclar face wash

 *La Roche Posay effeclar toner

 La Roche Posay effeclar duo

 La Roche Posay effeclar k

Avene Cleanane K 

Avene sunscreen


xx
Miss Mai 

Current Favourites

     Since it is too late for January favourites I have made an alternative list. These are the things which have been getting me through the month of January.

My godson  (yippie, yahoo, yay yay)

Longchamp le Pliage Tote 

MAC Studio Fix + powder in NW45

Leggings (the are not pants but they do keep me warm)

Merlot

Sanctuary Brightening facial hot cloth cleanser 

Sleek blush in Flushed

Mascara

Brita Fill and Go water bottle/personal filter

Joules Wellington boots (great for combating the snow)

Vaseline Cocoa Radiant Body Butter

Jergens Oatmeal Body Cream 

Dove Go Fresh Grapefruit and Lemongrass deodorant

Ralph Lauren Romance perfume (Birthday gift)

Emporio Armani Sunglasses (Birthday gift)

Chanel CoCo Mademoiselle perfume (Birthday gift)

Chai Tea 

Amaretto cake 

Nivea essential care lip balm (dark blue cover) been using this since 2001 and still going strong. been going through this like nobody's business, due to the horrible weather we are having in Nottingham. 

Rizzoli and Islies (these two women are a hot mess incorporated, but the show is great, lol)

Scandal (you just need to watch, too much to explain)

 Flashpoint (cute men who do police work, good show I got drawn in by the eyecandy *shrug*)

Blue Bloods  It's about a family of Irish Americans who have made Police work the family business family, fun, love and old fashioned family values. (I remember when this first came out I though ANOTHER show about New York City REALLAAAAAAYYYYYYYYYYY. I have been getting into it and I just love the family lunches on Sunday.) 

xx
Miss Mai

Reading List

   
      One of my friends said to me last week that I am always involved in a project. Here is my new project for the blog book reviews. Sometimes reading the words of others helps to put things into perspective. Alternatively they provide inspiration or form a base for introspection. 

Letters to a Young Sister - Hill Harper Currently reading (re-read)

The Richest Man in Babylon - George s. Clayson

The Magic of thinking big - David Schwartz 

Who Moved My Cheese - Dr Spencer Johnson (re- read)

The Law of Success in Sixteen Lessons - Napoleon Hill

How to Win Friends and Influence People - Dale Carnegie

Guide to Budgeting -  Dave Ramsey

Personal finance for Dummies - Eric Tyson 


xx
Miss Mai

Relaxer Update - February 2013

   

     Prior to Relaxer: On Monday 28th January I oiled scalp with Hairveda Almond Glaze, and moisturised edges and nape with Elasta Qp Mango Butter. Some hairs around the front looked a bit straggly, but that could have been due the fact that the relaxer was due. Overall hair did not feel bad, length of hair looked pretty healthy and shiny. The back felt a bit gummy in texture  when I applied the Mango Butter so I opted out of a full moisturise and seal. My next deep condition after my relaxer was will include a protein treatment. On the Friday I oiled the ends and length of the hair using the Proclere Argan oil serum  and finger combed there was no manipulation of the hair between Monday and Friday.  

     I relaxed my hair at 10 weeks post on February 2nd 2013. My hairdresser relaxed my hair using the Organic Root Stimulator lye relaxer - normal. She applied the relaxer in 4 sections, starting with the back right section. Application of the relaxer took about 10 minutes overall. The smoothing process took another 10 minutes. My hair was neutralized using the Motion Neutralizing Shampoo, then deep conditioned using the Organic Root Stimulator Replenishing conditioner. I had a small trim, (no scalping) my leave -ins were applied ( Doo grow leave- in growth treatment, ORS rich moisturising lotion and ORS wrap foam lotion) and then roller-set. After my hair was dried it was very shiny, moisturised and full of body. 

My Doo Gro leave in growth treatment DECANTED into the Aphogee Keratin and Green tea bottle.  

xx