March Haul

This was just a quick run through my local health food shop Holland and Barrett, they were starting their Easter deals. 50% off  whooo hoo yes I love a good deal, it is not a sale unless it is 50% or more off.

Flaxseed oil tablets, Sweet Almond Oil

Yes  love a bargain both of these were 50% off and I scooped them up.  

 These tablets will come in hand when my Cod Liver oil finishes.

The Almond oil will do my hair and scalp well during the Spring and summer months.  I bought two of these because Almond oil is something that I use very regularly on my hair and skin. Purchasing two of them while on offer is basically giving me twice the amount for my money. My marginal perpetuity to consume covers these because they will be used up in 3 months.( a lil bit of econ for ya)

This I found while i was purchasing a pastry at my local supermarket. It was on clearance for 50p (regular price £3.50) I thought it would be quite nifty to have to give my shoes a quick touch up. It is quite small, easily portable, I could put it in my bag and take it around with me. Or keep it in my drawer at work, you never know when a quick shoe shining might be needed.


xx

Words from Another - Audrey Hepburn

I believe in pink. I believe that laughing is the best calorie burner. I believe in kissing, kissing a lot. I believe in being strong when everything seems to be going wrong. I believe that happy girls are the prettiest girls. I believe that tomorrow is another day and I believe in miracles.

Audrey Hepburn

Soap and Glory

Soap and Glory is a brand which has been around for a few years. The quirky packaging and catchy product names have made them a hit, not to mention they are not too badly priced. These are few of the Soap and Glory products in my life. 

The Righteous Butter Body Lotion, I also had the Righteous Butter Body butter in my collection but that has long finished. This is a light weight moisturizer which absorbs quickly into the skin leaving no greasy residue. Did I mention that it is famous for smelling exactly like Miss Dior Cherie EDP?

The easiest way to describe this is "a spray on body shimmer" this is a light spray oil which contains reflective particles. I usually apply this over the righteous body lotion( or any other moisturizer which I am wearing) on nights out.

I have mentioned this before , last year in my spring scents post. It is still alive and yes that is the same bottle. This is a body mist with a citrus fragrance, great for the late spring when the weather starts heating up properly. It is also good if  you are just tired of the cold weather and need a pick me up. 

Love and Light

xx

Wash Day

I detangled my hair using my Conair shower comb, then parted it into 4 sections. 

Then I applied my Elasta QP Intensive Breakage Treatment to each of the four sections, saturating as much of the hair as possible. I applied the serum working  up the hair shaft from the ends. Covered with 2 plastic bags, a large towel waited 40 minutes (aka watched 1 episode of Rizzoli and Isles).

 Rinsed out the Elasta QP Intensive Breakage Treatment Serum, shampooed twice using the Avon 360 Nourishment Moroccan Argan Oil Shampoo. 

Followed up with a deep conditioner blend ( 2 large spoonfuls of Extra Virgin Olive Oil, 1 large spoonful of Sweet Almond Oil, 4 large spoonfuls of Avon 360 Nourishment Moroccan Argan Oil Conditioner (NOT the treatment masque) and 1 large spoonful of Mazuri Hair Mayonnaise Steam treatment.) 

 

Applied to my hair paying close attention to my edges/nape/ends. Then covered with  1 plastic bag and the towel again for 40 minutes (aka another episode of Rizzoli and Isles.

Rinsed out the deep conditioner, then applied my leave ins. Infusium 23 Maximum Body Formula Leave in Conditioner, Doo Gro Leave in Growth Treatment,  Matrix  Sleek Results Iron Smoother, combed through, then applied a bit of ORS Deep Moisturizing Hair Lotion on my ends. (In that order)

 


Dried hair using T shirt method, then finished off using blow dryer with heat settings turned off. (yes your hair dries, if you do this)

Applied Hairveda Almond Glaze to my scalp, combed my hair into a pony tail and covered with my satin scarf.

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: None 

http://miakhymai.blogspot.co.uk/2013/02/a-review-avon-advanced-techniques-360.html

http://miakhymai.blogspot.co.uk/2012/01/review-hairveda-almond-glaze.html

http://miakhymai.blogspot.co.uk/2011/11/hair-fave-organic-root-stimulator-olive.html

http://miakhymai.blogspot.co.uk/2013/02/wash-day-25022013.html

Love and Light

xx

April Magazine Freebie 2013

Marie Claire UK has teamed up with the the people at Neal's Yard to bring to the public the plight of the Bees. This is the Bee Lovers hand cream and is currently available with the April issue of Marie Claire magazine, also this cream can be purchased along with accompanying products at Neal's Yards tors and online. It has a slightly citrus scent and is a tad bit greasy, so be sure to use a little at a time.  

Haul

      These are just a few things which I have picked up over time between December/Christmas/January sales/February, nothing fancy just mostly life's essentials 

Dove body wash l-r Go Fresh Nectarine and White Ginger, Shea butter and warm vanilla, Almond with Hibiscus, Creme Mousse Body Wash  Brightening, Nourishing

 Dove body washes these were all on 50% off so I stocked up on the scents which I had not tried before. (There is a new go fresh one I spotted in Sainsbury's, cannot wait til these are used up to get my mitts on that one!!!)

l-r Garnier Clean Sensation, Sure Radiant, Linen dry, Dove Invisible dry, Original

Superdrug were selling the Garnier Deodorants for 50% off so I purchased 1 to try, do not sleep on these ladies and gentlemen they are really lovely. Boots were selling the Sure 150ml at £1 per bottle in the last 2 weeks of December so I purchased 2. These dove deodorants I was gifted by lil sis for Christmas.

Garnier wipes l-r Rose, Sensitive, Aloe 

 I originally bought 6 packs of face wipes  during the half price sale at Superdrug. If you read this blog you know I love Garnier face wipes. I think they are the best ones on the high street. I bought these in December, this post is going live in March, lol some of them got used up along he way. 

 I love love love body butters. These are a selection from boots which they  bring out every year with the Christmas Gifts. I just love them because they are so handy, small and portable. The set is usually £10 but I purchased it in the after Christmas sale in January for £5, £1 each, can you say bargain. This would be ideal for anyone who is planning to travel or go away for a long weekend. 

Body butter Selection from Boots 

No7 Beautiful Skin Cleansing Brush

The High Street Clarasonic. This I bought in February while it was on offer for £15 (original price £24.99).  I have never used a Clarasonic but after using this I would def invest in one. Comment below if you would like me to do a review. 

l-r black, navy, mocha, moss and chocolate

Primark Body Shaper leggings -------> 3 things 1. these have a very high level of elastic, 2, they keep you very warm, 3 they keep your body very firm and smooth. These have been keeping me warm while I bum around the house. On very chilly days I layer them up under my sweat pants or lounge pants. 

xx 

Spring Beauty Clean Project 10 Pan 2013

     The time has come to get rid of a few things. I am by no means a hoarder or a product junkie, but I do like choice.  At any one time I usually have 2 shower gels/body washes in rotation, sometimes three. This has lead to me having a few half bottles/ tubs of products which I have decided to use up. Today I might smell like water melon, tomorrow I might like to smell like a mango, on Friday I might desire to smell like a rain forest or what ever concoction these various, deodorants, body sprays, shower gels or body creams would have me believe. 

      This is my version of a spring clean, there is nothing adversely wrong with these products. I have no reason to just throw them out, hence I have imposed a project 10 pan (even though there are more than 10 things on this list). I will NOT be purchasing any new beauty products or cosmetics until everything on this list has been used up. By my calculations that should take me 2 months.  update (I think to fully use everything I will extend this til the end of May.  I  have not bought any beauty products, since starting this project 10 pan apart from the two bottles of Almond oil.)

Spring Beauty Clean Project 10 Pan List:

Darcy's Botanicals Sweet Cocoa Bean curl smoothing Cream (1/4 bottle)  

Avon Light moisturizing gel cream (4/5 tub)   gave this to my lil sis.

Almond Glaze (1/5 tub)  finished 

Origins Oil Cleanser ( 1/5 bottle)  finished 

Elasta QP Anti-Breakage Serum (1/5 bottle)  finished 

Radox Cherry Shower Gel (1/3 bottle)  finished 

Botanics Brightening Night Cream (1/2 tub)

Soap and Glory The righteous Butter Body Lotion (1/4 bottle)

Afroveda B. A. R. E. (1/4 tub) update (about 3 uses left 10/04/2013)

Sk:n Vitamin Rich cleanser for Oily skin (2/3 bottle) update (1/2 bottle on 10/04/2013)

The Body Shop Tea Tree Cleansing pads (nearly full container) update (1/2 full container on 10/04/2013)

Clean and Clear Brightening Lotion (1/3 bottle)

Matrix Total Results Conditioner (1/4 bottle)

Matrix Total Results Intensive Treatment (4/5 tub)

Nivea Sunblock (1/2 bottle)

Love and Light

xx

Review: Joules Print Wellies - Navy Stripe

What Joules Say:

     From festivals to farmyards, Joules wellies have making a splash all over the land for years. For women’s traditional wellington boots with a twist, look no further. If you’re after a bright, printed patterned welly, you’re in the right place. Our prints include floral prints, stripes, flying pheasant prints, dog prints and many more. All are classic, practical and made for you to stand out from the crowd in style. Our new Premium Welly Collection includes glossy wellies, zip back wellies and even lace-up wellies, all truly individual and in a handcrafted shape for ultimate comfort and flexibility. They all have a new tread pattern for enhanced grip and a new rubber lining for extra strength and durability. Our new Premium Wellies also come packaged in a beautifully crafted box. Our famous Wellibob ankle boots are also brilliant for keeping feet covered in style. 

What I say:

If you live in England or any of the British Isles you should own a pair of Wellies. In between the rain, hail, sleet and snow I must declare my love for my Joules Wellies. These are my second pair of all weather boots and though I have had Hunter wellie dreams. I am in love with my Joules Wellies. I was trying and trying to hold out from purchasing new wellies but after my last pair of wellies split in the back after 2 years of good service (I literally wore them every day between december 09 - March 10) I decided to take the plunge and just buy these since office had them of offer for £25 reduced from £45. Well my wellies did not come packed in a "beautifully crafted box," but they did come with a plastic draw string bag. At first I was a bit stunned at the bag but then I thought this bag would be quite useful even more so than a box. If there ever is a time where I need to carry my wellies I do not have to worry about getting mud, dirt, snow or water on my clothing. 

All in all my only complaint is that the draw string bag be a little bit stronger. I have not worked my way to committing to a welly bag as yet, therefore I would like a few ore uses out of my drawstring bag before it starts splitting. 

Would I buy full priced? - Yes
Would I repurchase? - Yes 
Would I recommend? - Yes

Stay dry my lovelies 

Let's talk: Hair Relaxed or Natural

There are a lot of persons who begin their process to healthy hair, often thinking that there are miracle products which will help their hair to grow long and luscious. There is no miracle product or drug which will make your hair grow overnight. Consistency is King. For you me or anyone to grow long and healthy hair it takes a conscious, consistent effort.

Trim: A healthy hair journey begins with a starting point. This starting point for anyone relaxed or natural is a trim. A trim is between 1/4 -1/2 inch of  hair. Depending on overall hair damage, there might be a need to trim more hair off. Split ends cannot be saved or salvaged, they need to be cut off, in order to save the rest of the hair shaft. 

Products: There is no need to buy the entire store, STOP IT. You need a clarifying shampoo, a moisturizing shampoo, a protein treatment, a moisturizing treatment, a moisturizer and an oil/serum (to use as a sealant).

Water: water is essential to hydrate your body and helps to carry the nutrients around your body via the blood stream, since your hair feeds from your blood. Be sure to steer away from hidden sugars in drinks (sodas, soft drinks, flavored water) Plain water is best for hydration. 

Food: A good staple diet, can help aid hair growth. Be sure to steer away from hidden sugars in food such as sugary biscuits and  sugary yogurts. Plain Greek style/Natural set yogurt is the best for someone who is looking to improve their overall health ie hair and skin. 

Method: A CONSISTENT effort is needed in the process of aiding hair growth. There is no overnight remedy  Moisturizing and sealing hair must be a consistent effort. I am not saying that you should moisturize and seal every day. Everyone's hair is different, and as the old saying goes DIFFERENT strokes for different folks. I moisturize and seal my hair twice a week in the summer and 3 times a week in the winter. This works for me. 

Protective Styling: This is where you style your hair in ways which keeps your ends protected, ie buns/rolls/updos/plaits. 

Low Manipulation: Avoid excessive combing/brushing of the hair. Personally unless I am heading to work/a social event. I do not comb my hair unless it is to moisturize and seal, 90% of the time my hair is tucked away. 

Exercise: Exercise is good for overall health and can help to aid hair growth. PLEASE NOTE I am NOT saying that if you go to the gym this month, NEXT month you will be like Rapunzel, with long flowing locks. 

Nighttime: When caring for ones hair at night a Silk scarf is best, Silk Bonnet or a Silk wrap. These can be purchased at any place which sells good hair products. Covering ones hair is important to protect during the night, but if you are covering with a cotton scarf or a stocking foot, that is doing more damage than help. INVEST in a Silk wrap or a Silk pillowcase. 

Relaxer: Everyone is not an 8 week girl ie sometimes one does not need to have a relaxer every 8 week as regulation. If you have been keeping up with REGULAR and CONSISTENT hair treatments, you might be able to stretch your relaxers out til 10 or 12 weeks even longer depending on hair texture and growth pattern. **There are some people who may need a 6 week touch up, but again this depends on hair growth pattern and texture.**

February Favourites 2013

Avon Advances Techniques 360 Nourishment Hair Care Range Shampoo/Conditioner/Deep Treatment

Emporio Armani Sunglasses

Converse Clite Ox Colbalt

Kleenex Tissues (got to love the 4 ply)

Kurt Geiger Ballet Flats

Dune - for their after sale shoe service

Zara Rose EDT 

Soap and Glory Mist you Madly Body Spray

ORS Deep Moisturizing Hair Lotion

The Richest man in Babylon - by George Clayson  I cannot even tell you how good this book is.

Cod Liver oil Tablets

Mac Studio Fix + Powder

Almond Oil

My woolly hat (it has been freezing cold)

xx