Updated Hair care regimen August 2011 to January 2012

      This is my updated hair care regimen, mainly due to the new products introduced to my haircare regimen. I had not planned to start using Elasta QP products, what happened was that my aunt forgot that she had these products (mainly due to the fact that I was in Antigua all summer and not around to bug her about her hair) and bought a completely new set. So being the Economic student that I am, I asked her for them and she said yes I could have them, These products consisted of the Elasta QP Stop Action Shampoo, and the Elasta QP Intense fortifying conditioner. 

       I had been using these products on her hair for roughly 8 months so I knew that the Elasta QP products were a good line to use. Later I was gifted with a Elasta QP Shampoo for Relaxed Hair and a Elasta QP Mango/Olive butter. In December after being pleased with the results, I purchased the Elasta QP Breakage control serum, this is also a great product. The shampoos in the Elasta QP range maintain a ph of 4.5 - 5.5 so they are not overly drying to my hair and all off the products are full of vitamins and lovely oils such as Avocado, Coconut and Olive oil. 

My regimen as far as my wash day still remains the same I detangle my hair thoroughly using my wide toothed shower comb and comb all my hair back so that it is in 1 direction. 

- Next I run water over my hair in the shower for 2-3 minutes. 

- Then I apply the Elasta QP Stop Action Shampoo for the first lather. (I use a mixture of 50% water/ 50% shampoo this helps the shampoo spread better and it is not just a glob of product in 1 place. Also you save money, because the products last longer) This is a clarifying shampoo so it will gently remove all of the product buildup from my hair. I massage the sides of my scalp then the back and the front. Then I rinse.

- For the second wash ( I only wash my hair twice ) I apply the Elasta QP Shampoo for Relaxed Hair (here I also use a mixture of 50% water / 50% shampoo, sometimes I make it or 75% shampoo / 25% water). Again I massage the sides of my scalp then the back and the front, then I rinse the shampoo from my hair. 

- Next I blot my hair with a clean towel, and I apply my deep conditioning treatment "Elasta QP Intense Fortifying Conditioner + 2 tablespoons olive oil" mixed together to my semi dry hair. I cover with a 2 plastic bags and wait 30- 60 minutes. I usually watch a tv show during this time. My natural body heat allows the conditioner to work, penetrating the hair shaft. 

- After rinsing out the deep treatment I blot my hair 90% dry using a clean towel and I apply my leave in conditioner Infusium 23 maximum body formula (75% Infusium 23 + 25% water). Then I apply my Aphogee Green Tea and Keratin reconstructor spray.  Then I comb through with my wide toothed shower comb. 

- Next I apply my Matrix Biolage Sleek Look Iron smoother "heat protection spray" (yes the same bottle from August 2010, it is still going strong) and I comb that through my hair.

-  Then I blow dry my hair in sections. If I am going to flat iron my hair I will add some Fantasia IC Heat protection serum to my hair after blow drying comb that through my blow dried hair and then flat Iron my hair. 

- To maintain my hair between washes (I was washing my hair every two weeks at this point) I would moisturize my scalp using Olive oil. I would moisturize and seal my hair using Elasta QP Olive / Mango butter, Or my Elasta QP Olive/Mango butter Mega Mix and seal my ends using olive oil. 








** Due to the fact I started stretching my relaxers from 8 weeks to 12 weeks. I began to use the Hairveda Almond glaze on my scalp/ new growth during week 6 -12 of my relaxer stretch. See my review on this product here http://miakhymai.blogspot.com/2012/01/review-hairveda-almond-glaze.html

Also other things I have been doing include half heat--> blowdrying but not straightening (flat ironing) my hair. Blowdrying my hair with NO heat. Basically I keep the heat setting button off but I use the speed setting so I get cool air but no heat. Keeping my hair in french braids and pinning up my ends. Also I have been occasionally spraying some leave in conditioner on my hair, just here and there one or two sprays to keep moisture levels up. 


Love your tresses
Miss Mai 

R.I.P Whitney Houston

   Sometimes when we think that we are alone god is there. he carries us in the  times that we forget to look to him, for answers instead of depending on material goods.  Instead of seeking comfort in others who are not spiritually saturated we forget to pray. God is always there we just need to look to him. 

   From the woman who told us to "dance with somebody who loves us" the song to remind us to always always always keep our faith strong and look towards our heavenly father.

Hair oils and serums

On Ojon Restorative Hair serum

What they say ------> On contact this highly concentrated multi tasking serum fortified with pure Ojon oil, natures hair - repairing golden elixir, plus exotic Rouge Olefiera penetrates the hair shaft to help strengthen weak hair against breakage , fix flyaways and tame frizz. It helps restore brilliant shine and softness to dull, damaged hair. Adds suppleness and manageability. 

This hair serum, which promised such lovely things on the website, including boosting the properties if a few drops were mixed with the Ojon Damage Reverse Conditioner. As we all know Ojon products are not cheap at all, but I decided to go out and splurge on myself and in essence my hair. The products arrived and the first thing I did was Check the ingredients list. The first ingredient listed in the hair serum is Sweet Almond oil, then a few ingredients down the list I see a few silicone's, Methyl Trimethicone, Phenyl Trimethicone, Dimethicone (Dimethicone is a silicone polymer known for creating a  glassy effect, doesn't rinse off easily if it is not in its water soluble form - Dimethiconol, and if it builds up it eventually dries out hair)  after that I see, Avocado oil, Palm kernel oil, Macadamia seed oil, Jojoba oil, Orange oil, Bergmont oil. Now this hair serum is marketed as being made with pure Ojon oil, not Almond oil and then Ojon oil is somewhere down the ingredients list at #7. The first ingredient listed in a product is in the greatest amount. So in essence this is an "Almond oil serum" with "Ojon oil", some other oils and a few silicones to "fill" the product out. This is not good enough, for £10 I could have gone to my supermarket and bought these oils and made  my own serum, enough to last for an entire year. The packaging says to use before heat styling, ok lets run with this. Avocado oil has a smoke point of over 400 degrees, if you use pure Avocado oil on your hair that right there is your heat protectant,plus Avocado oil is mega full of fatty acids which are great for adding life to your hair.  A bottle of 500ml pure cold pressed Avocado oil at my local shop ---> £5.99 

Next thing in this rant is this Argan oil business. I'v been using Argan oil since 2009, both in products and on its own.  For those of you who have been with me since the beginning of my hair journey, the Biolage Matrix Colourtherapie Products that I used previously, those were Argan oil products and they worked VERY VERY VERY well on my hair. The line consists of a Shampoo, Conditioner, Deep treatment and a hair oil, at the time when I was purchasing the oil it was made from Argan oil and Olive oil. (oils alone noooo silicone's) Fast forward and now everybody and their step cousin has an Argan oil  hair oil. It's the miracle product, that does wonders and parts the oceans. 


On Argan Oil Hair Treatment 

I purchased the Argan oil hair treatment from Proclere Professional, back in September, thinking that in January/February this would be good for moisturizing and sealing my hair. How wrong I was, this is another product which is full of silicone's and additives the packaging says that it is "formulated to rejuvenate and nourish dry damaged hair" the first three ingredient are silicone's, Cyclomethicone, Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethiconethe 4th ingredient in Argan oil and the rest ingredients are additives. This oil is in no way moisturizing your hair, which is what alot of persons believe that it does, all silicone's do is coat the hair shaft to give the illusion of smoothness. If you hair is damaged probably from heat styling, this product will not help you, because you should not be using heat tools on your hair anyway. 

Would I repurchase either of these products nope they will be lasting me for a long time.  I will be making my own hair serum to nourish my hair please and thanks.

** These oils are great for styling your hair and adding shine which makes you hair look healthy. I did not buy the Morrocan oil version of the Argan oil because that one too is chuck a block full of silicone's. If I am going to pay for a product full of petrochemicals, I will be purchasing the cheapest petrochemicals I can find, VO5 hair elixir here I come. 

be more product savvy

Review / Hand bag essentials L'Occitanes Shea Butter hand cream

I love this stuff, hence why I own 3. This thick and creamy hand lotion is uber moisturizing, but absorbs easily with no greasy residue or silicone feel to it. A definite heavy hitter in the hand cream arena with multiple awards and accolades to testify to this fact. Plus the chic and stylish packaging makes it an attractive addition to your other handbag essentials. Pick one up if you have the chance. 

L'Occitane Shea Butter hand cream 30ml £7.50 ( as pictured above, also available in large sizes)

Positive words of discouragement

     I think that at times in being positive, people are still negative. They say things intending to be nice or in their minds supportive, but throw in ad libs and by lines which are very f**King negative. These things my aunt refers to as positive words of discouragement.These add ons usually begin like this ----> people who do those things, "think" yadda yadda yadda, or "if you go do that make sure, for" yadda yadda yadda." Look make up your mind you are either supportive or not supportive. End of the day even if it is only an attendance certificate, people work hard and they should be allowed to be proud and celebrate, because that is an accomplishment. I keep saying over and over we need to celebrate the small things,so that when the big things come they can be taken it in stride. 

Be truly supportive

Miss Mai

xx

Quote of the Day - Actor Jeremy Irons offers tips on how to save cash.

"I wear old clothes . I do not buy new clothes unless I really have to." 

I love this quote, to me it a very refreshing and common sense approach to saving. Especially in these times where many persons  find themselves strapped for cash but are lead by feelings of consumerist behavior, materialistic values, jealousy and greed. Too many persons are blindly keeping up with the "Joneses."  Rather worst they are in competition with people who are not even aware there is a race going on. It is okay to wear those shoes, dress, shirt or skirt over and over, and if it is good enough for Jeremy Irons it is good enough for me. 

Words for Wednesday

"Forgiveness of others comes only when you can let go of your own hurt. The more complete the release, the more sincere the forgiveness." 

Are you waterproofing your Leathers?

     Yes that is the title of this blog post.  Bewteen reality tv, youtube, blogs, fashion magazines and just general development of my style I have become a bag lover. I LOVE the look of  a nice handbag. I have quite conservative tastes so most of the bags I like tend to be of a simple design and made from leather.

      I ventured into the realm of luxury bags with help from my roomate in 2009 and purchased a leather day bag from Dune named the Mission bag, it was the hot bag for the season and with some help I only paid 50% of the cost price for it. Since it was leather and I come from an old fashioned "polish your school shoes every Sunday night kinda family." I went looking for something to polish my bag with and I was introduced to "Tarrago shoe cream". Shoe creams cleanse, protect, nourish and condition fine leathers of any kind or colour including smooth, grained or delicate finishes. Helps leather to resist stains.  

     Fast forward to 2012 and after inquiring about leather bag care at one of my fave shops Zara. I was informed that 1. they wouldn't get the bag in question wet, 2. The do not sell products to care for leather bags EVEN though they sell such ITEMS and 3. just go to the shoemaker and they would give me something to use. After a failed trip to Timpson, I went to Jones the Boot maker where I was given a thorough education about leathers leather care and how important it is not only to keep fine leathers covered from dust, but It is also imperative that we waterproof them. "Leather is a skin and just like our skin it is important to keep it nourished and moisturized in order to prolong its life. It is also important to keep it waterproofed so that the material becomes resistant to rain, reason being if the material gets wet and dried constantly eventually that will cause the leather to become hard and dry." He did his do, but he was trying to sell me 3 products and I am not that dedicated especially after using my one stop shop shoe cream for these past few years. I was on the Mulberry website browsing and saw that they had some care products. Enter Collonil Classic Leather Gel. 

 "Collonil Classic Leather Gl is a solvent free gentle gel to improve the water resistance of certain leathers. It can help leather to resist dirt and moisture. This leather gel can be used on Natural leather, Printed leather, Pebbled leather, Soft spongy leather, Glazed goat leather, Soft Buffalo leather, Glossy buffalo leather," *taken from the Mulberry Website*

Picture of this item here http://www.mulberry.com/#/storefront/c5745/4706/category/

The product itself says

- Highly effective waterproofing gel.

- Suitable for any product made from leathers, nubuck, suede and textiles. 

- Provides long lasting waterproofing to all materials

Directions

- Wipe area with a damp cloth to remove surface dirt.

- Apply gel evenly

- Once dry polish the leather with a cloth

- Use as often as necessary. 

So there I have it my 1 stop shop product. We all like nice things, but in order for them to remain nice we must take care of them. Leather bags are items that should last a really long time as ling as they are provided with adequate care. the leather needs to be cleaned, polished and nourished. So I will waterproof my leathers, will you?


For my American readers you can purchase this product here on Amazon and it is quite a substantial amount of product at a great price. #envious 
http://www.amazon.com/Collonil-Leather-Gel-200ml/dp/B000SQU44S/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1327365517&sr=8-3

Hands up if you didn't know that Goat leather existed?

Have a great day my lovelies. 

Review - Hairveda Almond Glaze

     So it was week 9 in my 12 week stretch and my new growth was live and in living colour.  Normally I use coconut oil on my scalp, but I found that it was not working. I do not know if it is the weather  if my roots are just thirsty, or the stretching but my scalp was just dry. No matter how much coconut oil I put on it. My roomie suggested that I try "Hairveda' Almond Glaze Natural Hair Pomade", since I had had such good results from using the "Hairveda Whipped Creme Ends in the summer". I knew that almond oil was very rich and moisturizing, since I had been using it on my skin for years, but I had never tried it on my hair. I was game because as we know dry, flaky scalp is not cute. she gave me a tub which she was not using it had in about 1/4 of product left.  

The packaging reads Almond Glaze Natural Hair Pomade Grease. apply to hair as often as needed to help soften and smooth newgrowth, twists or braids. Helps with creating sleek styles with natural type 4 hair. Ingredients include Almond oil, Almond butter, Castor seed oil, and beeswax.

    So I do my do, I used it to oil my scalp, first thing I must say about this product is that it smells Gorrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrgeoussssssssss. It has a very light consistency, and it spreads well, think of  whipped butter. After using this my hair felt soft, was very pliable and shiny.  My scalp was moisturized and it was about 4 days before I saw the need to moisturize again. I loved the results from the first application, but I was a bit skeptical that maybe I was making it out to be more than it was. So I tried a few more times and got the same results. 

     I love this product, I consider it very useful especially if like myself you are stretching out your relaxers. I believe this product would be most beneficial to those with relaxed hair from around week 7 or 8 when the new growth really comes in. Going forward I plan to use my pure coconut oil on my scalp from weeks 1-7 and then from weeks 8-12 oil my scalp using the almond glaze. 

Product reviews on the hairveda whipped creme ends and the hairveda green tea butter will follow soon.

Happy New Year

Happy New Year guys I hope that you put your words into actions so that your wishes can be achieved.  "A Goal without a Plan is a Dream."


xx
Miss Mai

My goals for the Year 2012

     Every year around this time you get the question "are you making any new years resolutions?/ what are your new years resolutions?" I hate new years resolution, honestly I think they are a bit pathetic, especially when you have a really god memory like I do and you are aware that this person has been making the same resolution for the last 3,4,5 years running. Lets not forget the one person who wants to be healthy and starts a diet that doesn't even last til the end of January. 

    

      I prefer goals, they are easier to attack and you wont get the feeling of being over whelmed since you can put them in a list and break them down into categories and subsections. Last year I only had 1 goal which was to be consistent with my Hair Regimen which by now most of you can see that I have been quite successful with. For 2012 I have decided to make a list of goals that I would like to achieve for the year. 

my 6 month Goal - Learn to swim by June 2012


Hair - Wash my hair every 10 days, ie the 10th, 20th, 30th of every month.
       - Grow my hair out to full armpit length
       - Relax hair only 4 times in 2012 march 31st, July 31st (or thereabouts) October 31st and December         31st


Finances - Save 25 from each paycheque
              - Place 25 into my credit union account every quarter in 2012


Spiritually -  Keep a still tongue in 2012


Education - Attend 3 academic workshops this term
                - Graduate in July 2012 




xx

BlogMas Day 19

     Ok ok ok I have been missing in action (somewhat) but I have not forsaken you my loyal readers. I had two assignment deadlines to meet last week and some job interviews, in the end sleep deprivation got the best of me. Also I did a deep treatment on my hair last friday (I am currently 10 weeks post relaxer right this minute) then I blow dried it straight with my heat setting on 0, and the speed setting on 2.  a post about that will come later. 

   BlogMas day 19 was wet, rainy and freezing cold. For some reason an Arctic front  has descended upon the UK and it is freeeeeeeeezing cold on so many different levels. I ventured out to the supermarket yesterday to pick up a few essentials (bread, milk, toilet paper) and I was dressed like the abominable snowman. I had on my  long coat which reaches mid way down my shin, a fleece under that and my knee high Wellington boots. Days like yesterday make me just wish I had a Harry Potter teleportation device because a beach, a bikini and a Antiguan Smile is sounding would be so good right now. Now I am off to play my Christmas music playlist on my itouch.

Hang low the mistletoe, I'm going to get to know you better, this christmas

xx

The State of the Union

We get so consumed with our elected leaders and all the things we think they should be doing. Sometimes I think we get sidetracked and subconsciously handicap ourselves. With a little collective effort we can get as much done as what we want our elective leaders to accomplish.  Do not wait for leaders:do it alone, person to person. - Mother Teresa 

My Winter Beauty Essentials

     Hello there I thought with the weather turning you guys would be interested to see what items I think are vital to me at the moment. It is a mixture of products some skincare, others are bodycare and some makeup. 

Nivea Essential Care lip balm  (the one with the dark blue cover) - the first item on the list is a lip product, with the weather so dry at the moment, lips are so easy to get chapped. I have been purchasing this for over 10 years. It is an oldie but a goodie, plus it's recession proof (aka very affordable). It is such a good product for me to quickly put on my lips to keep them moisturized and it is small so I can easily put in it in my handbag or my cosmetics case/makeup bag.

Palmers Shea Body Butter - this is another product which is very winter proof and recession proof, with the central heating and the cold air outside, I have been using this to keep my skin supple and away from  *the ash*.

Purell Hygienic Hand Rub - winter is the feeding ground for colds and flu, I have been using this hand sanitiser to keep myself germ free.what I love about the Purell sanitiser compared to others on the market, is the fact that it does not dry out your hands. 

Lotus Olbas oil Vapour Release Tissues - *whatyouknowaboutthat* yes its winter so runny noses come with the territory. I have been using these tissues to keep my nose dry, but also to keep my sinus passage clear. These tissues have been sprayed with tiny capsules of Olbas oil, so when I am going to use them I just crush the tissues up to release the oil vapour. Then I breathe in the vapours as I blow my nose.

 Boots Anti -Viral Tissues -  they claim to kill 99% of the cold and flu virus, cannot hurt I use them interchangeably with the Olbas oil tissues. Essential for the random runny nose.

Wet ones Be zingy Antibacterial Wipes - these are great, the original wet wipes, I use them on my hands, face or body as needed, and the citrus scent is great for the winter when everything is so blah. 

Shower Creams -  now I know that there is a great debate going on regarding shower gel and if it gets your body as clean as soap does. However I love shower gels/body washes.  For the winter I have been loving shower creams, shower creams are like shower gels/body washes but they have in more moisturizers and less sulphates ( the ingredient that causes the bubbles/lather). Products which contain less or no sulphates are less drying on the skin. The ones that I have been using are Original source Shea Butter and Honey shower cream (I have gone through 2 bottles already), Original source Vanilla and Raspberry shower cream ( this smells good enough to eat, reminds me of cupcake toppings), The Body Shop Shea shower cream, and The Body Shop Coconut shower cream.

Soap and Glory Some like it hot body softening Thermal Scrub - its an exfoliator, with all these layers upon layers, I make sure to keep my skin smooth by exfoliating twice a week. 

 Cowshed Cowslip soothing hand cream - Got to keep away the ash, I use this hand cream to keep my hands moisturized. As you know the hands are the first to show signs of aging , I am keeping them looking as young as possible for as long as possible. lol

xx

Miss Mai

The Story behind the Glory.

    Depression and many other mental illnesses affect many people of colour. However these illnesses often go untreated because of the stigma attached to mental illnesses within the black community. Read and share my friend Ritas' poignant Post about her battle with Depression. 

http://12images.wordpress.com/2011/12/13/being-a-loner/#comment-238 

Beauty Tag: Whats your fragrance?

Hey everyone this is a tag that has been going around the beauty community, so I decided to jump in and liven things up a bit. enjoy 

1. Floral, Fruity, Warm, Spicy or Food smell?

I love Floral scents, there is something about them, that is so feminine which I am just drawn to. 

2. Body spray or Perfume?

Perfume, for the longevity, body splash for versatility and portability. They both have their uses. (no to body spray)

3. What is your all time favorite perfume?

Gucci 2 by Gucci , though Ralph Lauren Romance comes a close second. 

4. What is your favorite Body spray? (splash)

Go Fresh by Dove green tea and cucumber body /splash, it is such a refreshing scent. 

5. What fragrance are you wearing right now? 

Go Fresh by Dove green tea and cucumber body splash

Hope you enjoyed the post, 

xx

BlogMas Day 12

    Woke up to rain, rain rain, went to uni, for a quick visit, that took me 1.5 hours walking to and from, so basically that was my workout for the day. Went over to a friends house to catch up with her after her trip. Came home  gathered some books and started making a reference list for my assignments. Christmas Day is on a Sunday this year, for some reason I don't think Christmas is as sweet when it falls on the weekend. 

xx

BlogMas Day 11

BlogMas day 11 was a chill day, finished folding more clothes, tidied up my room some more and rested up for the week ahead. Still not feeling the Christmas Spirit though. 

Words from another... T.I

"I do not know how to deal with boys, and the federal government has taken all my guns." T.I. 

Three Rules for Living

For the Lord gives wisdom Proverbs 2:6
To succeed in life you must do these three things 
1. Decide what is IMPORTANT.
2. PRIORITIZE your time.
3. Learn to MOTIVATE yourself.  "David encouraged himself in the Lord" Samuel 30:6
 To succeed in life you must learn to encourage yourself, pray and build yourself up.

Words from another ... Warren buffet

Have a dream and back it up with Faith. 

If you have a dream in life you must pursue it. It's your vision for what your life should be. What's important is that you must first have the vision then back it up with an unbelievable amount of faith. 

Hair Update

      My last relaxer was in September after a 3 month stretch, I am exactly 8 weeks post relaxer. Stretching my relaxer for 3 months instead of 2 months definitely  worked in my favour hair wise. I was able to see more clearly,  how much length I had retained when I took length check pictures. So I have decided to stretch my relaxers for 3 months at a time from now on. In 2012 I will only be relaxing my hair 4 times, compared to the present where I  relax my hair 6 times (every 2 months/8weeks) a year. At the moment I am in university, so I do not know how this might change later on when I get a full time job, but with everything in life we change and adjust. I have been wearing my hair in protective styles roughly 80% of the time. I did try bunning but combing my hair every day to put it in a bun is not the one for me, most days my hair is in two plaits and pinned up. I am 8 weeks post relaxer with alot of new growth, my hair is really thick. I have not seen anyone with hair as thick as mine on youtube or any hair blogs, For these persons whom I have seen their hair types and textures might be conducive to bunning every day, but  for my hair type it cannot work. Also after week 6 in my next stretch I wont be using coconut oil to moisturize my scalp/new growth anymore, instead I will be using Hairveda's Almond Glaze. I have a sample that I am using at the moment and this stuff is great. it keeps my new growth moisturized and helps it to lay down flat. I am going to try it a few more times though to make sure that it is not a fluke. If it works then I will be purchasing a full sized jar of it. I wont be using it on my freshly relaxed hair, because it is slightly thick and would just weigh my hair down, also it would be a waste of the product. I will begin using it from roughly week 6 to week 12 when the new growth is prevalent. I haven't had much shedding during this stretch, I am experiencing slight  breakage you know the little drabs from the ends, but that should be sorted out with a protein treatment, so I am not panicking or worried. My shower comb has been great during this time, along with my 2 other wide toothed combs.  

     I am undecided when to relax my hair lol, at first I wanted to relax my hair on the 31st December so that I would be fresh for the new year. However we don't have classes til the 16th January, and I don't want to show up the first day of class, which is a Monday with my head looking stale. Exams are from the 2nd January til the 14th of January so everybody usually looks a hot mess inCORporated during those two weeks.  Next problem is that My birthday is the 25th of January, and I usually get my hair done fresh for my birthday, that would mean me relaxing around the 21/21nd January. I have narrowed  it down to next relaxer being anytime between the 16th -22nd January.

BlogMas Day 10

     BlogMas Day 10 was a good day. My mommy came to see me (cheers to that), she stocked me up on some groceries, snacks and even brought some food that she had already cooked (the woman even brought seasoning). The cooked food came in handy after a a whirlwind 2 hours folding clothes and cleaning my room, for her arrival. It got me to thinking, though everyone's relationship with their parents are different. There is just something about my relationship with my mother that is different, maybe its because we are so much alike or the fact that I am her first born. I tell her I want to move to another country halfway around the world and she says "ok, you will be fine." While everybody else is being uber negative, she is just cool with the idea, she already knows that I am going to be fine. 

     I remember when Jennifer Lopez was speaking about starting her career and she had one time called her mother crying, saying she couldn't make it etc etc and her mother told her this is what you want to do, so go be successful at it. I just think no matter what you Goals/targets/ambitions you have in this world if your mother is supporting you, you have already made it half the way. 


xx 
Miss Mai

A mans view on helping men to understand the transition from relaxed to natural hair.

     I'm still laughing so there isn't much of a summary to go with this. This video is a has some good points on how to get your partner to understand, what you are doing to your hair and how it will benefit the overall, texture and appearance of your coif. Alot of people think relaxed hair all you need to do is put in some relaxer  and then it's da dun dun, similarly alot of persons believe that just because they are natural they can be running around looking  ashy headed  or they put lots of hair colour in their hair, or flat iron it all the time without heat protectant. Hair both relaxed and natural requires care and attention in order to maintain optimum health. Plus there is nothing wrong with educating your brother/father/man/husband about black hair care, it could be a way to increase intimacy or just build up some communication. Also it would stop you getting the looks like you are speaking spanish when you are talking about trying something new to moisturize and seal.      
     I have found that men do appreciate the effort that is put into maintenance be it hair, fitness or health even more so when they understand what the different processes are, and how different products work. Type 4 hair in the building. lol lol watch the video guys.

xx

Miss Mai

BlogMas Day 9

BlogMas day 9 aka Friday aka the beginning of the weekend.  Before the weekend arrives  there was work to do. I hit up the library again, did some stuff, (Economic Issues in International Business is a great class) went home and had a nap. After I woke up I caught up with my tv shows that I has missed during the week. 

xx

BlogMas Day 8

BlogMas day 8 was a bust. I went to work and got caught in a torrential downpour on my way home. 45 minute walk home in hard rain, equals me looking like a wet fowl. Lots of sneezing coughing and blowing of the nose ensued. The end

xx

Products I am using right now: Hair

Products that I am currently using at the moment in my Winter Hair Care Regimen

Washing
Elasta QP Shampoo for Relaxed hair 
Elasta QP Intense fortifying Conditioner (deep Treatment)
Ojon Damage Reverse Restorative Conditioner (deep treatment)

After washing - Leave ins
Infusium 23 Maximum Body Formula Pro-Vitamin leave in conditioner
Aphogee Green tea and Keratin Reconstructor (protein spray)
Matrix Biolage Iron smoother (heat protectant)
IC fantasia heat protection Serum (heat protectant) ------> if I am going to blow dry my hair and then flat iron it I will use this then blow dry, after blow drying I will apply the ic fantasia heat protection serum comb that throughout my hair to distribute evenly and then flat iron my hair.
IC Fantasia heat protection serum (heat protectant) ---> If I am going to blow dry my hair alone I will apply this after my leave in conditioner and protein spray in place of the iron smoother,  comb it through then blow dry my hair. This is also very good if you are air drying, it helps to keep the hair tangle free.   

Moisturizers/Sealants 
Coconut oil for scalp
Elasta QP Olive/Mango Butter (moisturize)
Organic Root Stimulator hair moisturizing lotion(moisturize)
Olive oil (seal)

Triple kick (sample of lush R&B hair moisturizer + sample of Hairveda whipped creme ends hair moisturiser + some Elasta QP mango butter + 1 spoonful olive oil + a little bit of ors hair lotion = Triple kick.  I did this because I had a sample of the Lush R&B moisturizer and though it smelled lovely and the shop attendants had told me of the great value of it, the sample was tiny, I would have needed 3-4 more samples to be able to moisturize my entire head. So I just threw  few things together and mixed them up. 

BlogMas Day 7

    BlogMas day 7 was one of those days where it was so cold I could not even think. There was a outside and turn around and go back to bed that ensued. It was freezing cold and I was not going anywhere, dreams of sunshine and short shorts floated in the air as I drank some Twinings Lemon and Ginger tea. All was not lost, I read a few chapters and looked up some information for one of my assignments, drank some more tea. Did some research and generally stayed warm. The Christmas spirit hasn't hit yet in a major way, only one house has decorations up on my street which is kinda sad, but on the other hand I understand why. Most electricity providers in the UK are going to increase the prices they charge by 20% in the new year, so people are trying to keep costs low. 

xx

The State of the Union

The State of the Union "Live your life like a Mission, not an Intermission" there is no Act 1 Scene 2 cut to the second part, you are the main character  act like it. K.L.S

BlogMas Day 6

     Today the stress has really started to pile up in terms of these assignments, the typing up and the double checking. Tuesday is my long day at uni so I go awol since I literally have classes from 9am -5pm. I took packed lunch with me roasted chicken & potatoes, some carrots thrown in for good measure. Of course being outside in the British countryside (my university is in the middle of nowhere and borders a highway) means that since I walk to uni, I am usually  at the mercy of the elements, needless to say I got to class looking a bit windswept. Trying to decide if windswept is better than "surfer girl"  which is how one of my roomates describes my everyday look.  lol I took some product photos after I got home, so I will be doing some product reviews soon. In the evening there was a little get together with a few friends and some Long Island iced teas -----------> You cannot go wrong with girl talk and happy hour. lol 

xx

Miss Mai

BlogMas Day 5

BlogMas Day 5 was very uneventful, I went to uni  since I had Lectures. After lectures I went to the library for a while to do some reading for assignments. This is the second to last week of the term so the lecture was lacking a few bodies, but the library was packed. It will be even more packed next week since deadlines are coming up. Then I went to Sainsburys to get a few bits and bobs. For those who don't know Sainsburys is a supermarket in the UK. I walked home after my trip to the supermarket. Put some chicken to defrost to cook later and at the moment I am eating some crackers with cream cheese and smoked salmon. 

BlogMas Day 4

December is here, yippieeee. For those of you who know I asboluetly love Christmas, I'm already playing my hristmas songs, and playlists disturbing the peace, but I don't care its Christmas. This year I am doing #BlogMas it started on you tube with several beauty gurus doing videos every single day til Christmas day aka December 25th.  Yes I am 4 days late but better late than never right? So since I am a Blogger (who knew) I will be  doing a blog every day til Christmas.

   To start BlogMas I will just let you know what I am doing. At the moment I am laying in bed tired as hell. Yesterday was a marathon day of standing up. I did a relaxer, deep treatment, colour and full head weave on a friend. We started about 1 in the afternoon and didn't finish til after 10 at night. So now I am bone tired and in bed with my cup of  tea. Twas a hard day lovelies.

Happy sunday to all

xx

Miss Mai

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The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People.

The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People is a book written by Stephen Covey. In this book he presents an approach to being effective in attaining goals by aligning yourself with principles of character, these principles he describes as "The True North." Covey coined the idea of what he calls the abundance mindset/ abundance mentality, this concept feeds on the idea that there is enough to go around. All the success and resources are there to be shared with others, similar to the  ideals of the Eastern world  where everything done is for the gain of the collective. Covey compares this mindset to the scarcity mindset which he believes is based in destructive and unnecessary competition, this is founded on the idea that if someone wins then automatically everyone else has lost. Here the mentality is very western individualistic ( me, me, me, mentality nothing is done for the greater good). According to Covey individuals who suffer from a scarcity mindset never consider the fact that everyone may have a positive outcome from a situation. 

Independence or Self-Mastery

The first three Habits surround moving from dependence to independence (independence being the state of self mastery)

Habit 1: Be Proactive

Summary: Take initiative in life by realizing that your decisions (and how they align with lifes principles) are the best primary determining factor for effectiveness in your life. take responsibility for your choices and the subsequent consequences that follow. 

Habit 2: Begin with the End in Mind

Summary: self discover and clarify your deeply important character values and life goals. Envision the ideal characteristics of your various roles and relationships in life. 

Habit 3: Put First Things First 

Summary: Plan Prioritize and execute your weeks tasks on importance rather than urgency. Evaluate whether your efforts exemplify your desired character values,propel you towards your goals and enrich the roles and relationships that were elaborated in in Habit 2. 

Interdependence

The second set of principles are concerning interdependence, how you work and communicate with others.

Habit 4: Think Win-Win

Summary : Genuinely strive for mutally beneficial solutions or agreements in your relationships. Value and respect others by understanding that a "win" for all is ultimately a better long term resolution than if only one person in the situation had gotten their own way. 

Habit 5: Seek First to Understand, Then to be Understood

Summary: Use empathetic listening to be genuinely influenced by a person, which compels them to to reciprocate the listening and take an open mind to being influenced by you. this creates an atmosphere on caring respect and positive problem solving. 

Habit 6: Synergize

Summary: Combine the strengths of people through positive teamwork (good section for managers, supervisors and team leaders to read) in turn this helps to achieve goals no one person could have done alone. Get the best performance out of a group of people through encouraging meaningful contribution, and modelling inspirational and supportive leadership. 

Self Renewal 

The last habit refers to self renewal:

Habit 7: Sharpen the Saw

Balance and constantly renew your resources, energy, (spirit) and health yo create a sustainable, long term, effective lifestyle. 

Overall this book was an excellent read and definitely an eye opener, The principles are very easy to understand and implement in everyday life,with a bit of practice I should be on my way to being a highly effective person. 

Sigh

I get tired of fighting by myself, sometimes I want someone to fight for me. I pray and keep the faith, but sometimes I want someone here with me on the battlefield. Holding my hand, or even going before me as the first line of defense, leading the charge. I want you to fight for me, because I get tired of fighting by myself.

xx

Review: Organic Root Stimulator Olive oil, Oil moisturizing Hair Lotion (hair fave)

Wheew well that was a mouthful and yes that is actually the name of a single product, lol Here is a photograph. 

     I love love love this stuff. I definitely recommend it to all my girlies both relaxed and natural. The first two ingredients are water and coconut oil so this is a product which is def up there in the moisturizer category. It is very thick and rich which is especially good for cold/freezing climates when thicker conditioners and moisturizers are needed. This is also great for persons who live in hot or humid climates, all you have to do is use it in small amounts ---> a little goes a long way. 

     Also you could thin out the formula by squeezing approximately 1/2 the bottle into a container and adding 2  large tablespoons (the big one) of olive oil yes that same olive oil you have in your kitchen cooking with. Store in a cool space out of direct sunlight) This thinned out formula works great in the summer time for my relaxed hair, when I want my hair moisturized but not clumped down with products. This hair lotion is fairly CHEAP so this is what I call a recession proof product. Unless your hair absolutely HATES this there is no way you can go wrong.