Forgive me my fellow curvies

I totally forgot to post about the Onestopplus.com Black Friday Sale, where you receive 25% off of order $75 or more. Blame it on me more worried about Operation S.C. (Santa Claus, but shhhhh lol).

(image courtesy of http://www.onestopplus.com/Plus-Size-Clothing.aspx?DeptId=11542)

Happy Black Friday folks...deals, deals and more deals

I am currently on my 2nd Sugar-Free crack in a can aka Red Bull, just trying to get physically motivated to do some early bird shopping at Toys 'R' Us because yeah Santa needs to get some good deals in for Christmas. I'm trying to get her of course a big ticket item, and then some other items. The stocking stuffer ones will be on Christmas Eve. Sorry I LOVE Christmas Eve sales, and that's usually when I get some good things to put under the tree. This post is the beginning of my journey, which I plan to edit with my haul from the Land of Geoffrey the Giraffe. Let's see how well I am can shop for $100. :-) Okay I can see the sun, so let me get some type of workout done before I turn that blickey into Supermarket Sweep. lol (for the "old heads" check the video; my bff/ AJ's Godmother and I said we were gonna turn that place out)

fading rihanna.wmv

One of my favs from Miss RiRi...might actually have to buy this album (coming from someone who does not buy albums lol).

Happy Thanksgiving everyone! *community service project included*

(Image courtesy of http://www.clipartguide.com/_pages/0511-0710-2218-2561.html)

Don't mind Tom he's been protesting all week for people to have steaks and roast beef this year instead of deep frying him (or his family). I wanted to take the time out to wish everyone a very Happy and Blessed Thanksgiving! Take the time to be thankful for all of what has been given to you, and try to share that cheer with others. I didn't see that many angry children yesterday so I didn't get a chance to pass out my lollipops (I usually do that when I'm on the Metro), and wish them well. People do it to my daughter whenever she has a tantrum/meltdown. I call it my way of giving the gift of silence for my fellow parents. lol 

Of course I missed my opportunity to get out of bed in time to find somewhere to volunteer my time, but I do wish to at least donate my time around this time of year particularly around Christmas. If anyone wants to join me in assembling boxes please let me know. I have not found a location that will be putting together "Packages of Love and Hope," but if need be we can always use someone's basement to put together these packages. If you are interested please do not hesitate to contact me via this blog by posting a comment. Of course if there is a location that comes up I will definitely post an address of either a site where they are assembling, or where the assembly will take place. IF you do not wish to donate your time, or if you're a distance away from the Washington Metropolitan Area there are two ways that you can assist in this project. You can either donate by clicking on the "Let's Go Shopping" tab above and purchase non-perishable items that can be used to assemble these packages, or you can click the donate button (the one I use to ask for kind donations to sponsor this blog). To differentiate where the payments are to be allocated please write in the comments section of your donation "PACKAGES OF LOVE AND HOPE." There will be visual evidence of the assembling of the packages, and hopefully I can get other bloggers in the area to participate in this project.  

Again Happy Thanksgiving everyone, and if you happen to be a party animal please be safe out there!  

Black Friday Deals

I have been seeing Black Friday deals since....September (yeah I know I call it "stuff I wish I had the funds to buy" shopping lol). Here are a few sites that you might want to check out, or if you want you can always just click on the "Holiday Gift Suggestions" tab featured here on this website. As always if you're doing any type of online shopping I highly recommend using RetailMeNot.com (I even have the codes on the side column just in case you want an easy reference) to get the best deals on these already low prices.

 

Better than the "old school" version we used to use that required that unsafe light bulb feature. Can be found on Amazon.com under their current Black Friday sale. http://www.amazon.com/dp/B003I85V00/ref=gs_htljs or http://www.amazon.com/Black-Friday-After-Thanksgiving-Sale/b/ref=bf_180roto2010?ie=UTF8&node=384082011&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=left-4&pf_rd_r=1EE6SPKDC1WDNKFPHZFA&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=1278758302&pf_rd_i=2322789011

*these coupons expire on Wednesday the 24th, so better get a move on!*

BJ's is even in the game! lol

HURRY UP AND PRINT THESE ADS!!!!

Holiday Hair

So, we all know that the holidays are among us, with the kick off being Thanksgiving. This is around the time that you want to be your most presentable for the various parties, family gathers, and of course for when you're going out for a night on the town. Here are some suggestions, and I know me I'll more than likely be rocking my twist out with the sides pinned back. I would do some flat-twists in the back with a twist out bang.
 You cannot go wrong with a good ol' chunky twists fro-hawk, courtesty of fellow blogger NikkiMae

You can find her @naturalchica.com
Then of course you could just do a nice flat twist out, like KCCM (Kinky Curly Coily Me)

I love a short weave that lays nicely, and fits to frame the face perfectly.

Braids are always a go to, especially if they're easy to maintain aka pat, spritz (moisturizer), add some oil and you're out the door. We all know the flexibility of microbraids, and here are some simple hairstyles that require less maintenance to get your diva on.

The curly roller set, something that I did on a regular when I did not want to do my hair.


Then of course there is always the classic bun

Who said you even have to wear your hair out. Vlogger yophiful shows us various ways to look fly without having to go through so much effort. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tdU9tulY0ds

Goal by 12/28/2010 is to be 20lbs lighter

I keep losing an average of 2lbs a week, and I'm like if I can be anything closer to a solid 16 I need to lose another 20 lbs. Yes this weight loss is so I can start off my 2011 on the right healthy foot, but it's also to so myself that I can do it. I have lost a total of 8.8 lbs, and hubs was like "oh yeah you can do it, and I just might do it with you." Grant it I can tell a difference in my fatigue level, and I have started to build up my endurance but I want a more definite goal. So, you know what lets say another 20 lbs to top off my 8.8 loss. Does anyone else care to join me in this challenge? It can and will be done! *shakes free fist*

Daily Deal from Starbucks

Starbucks is giving away daily deals starting December 1st, and all you will have to do is send a text to 24993 saying 12DAYS. *Boom* You get a reply text back stating you have been entered in the 12 Days campaign/whatever you want to call it. If you are interested in ending the text messages just send a text message to the same number that says STOP. If you haven't figured it out, my lifeline is all about get as many freebies or trying not to spend as much as possible (because I mean I am still a student on a TIGHT budget lol). 

I wanna scream tooooooooooo!

 Especially like the guy in the audience (like he knew he was gonna get something great for his mama or for himself).

One day I would like to host a giveaway, and get everyone to react the same way. I guess that will just be via the coupons and Amazon deals I try to post on here. :-)

It's falinter! (Fall/Winter) And I'm tired of these weaves that look

Drier than the leaves that fall on the ground! I understand that you are protecting your hair, or you want a style change but that does NOT mean that you're supposed to neglect your investment. If you go out of your way to pay your hard earned money to order hair (or go to your neighborhood BSS), and then search out the best person to install your weave, why are you not protecting it????????? I used to take random pictures of busted weaves because that just makes no sense in just wasting your money. I know some women even reuse their abused hair extensions. WHY?!?!
Okay so honestly I will not go too hard on you ladies (can't say gentlemen because even the gay men I know keep their hair TIGHT!), but I will try to give you ladies some pointers and will even post some vlogs from some youtubers.
1) BUY HIGH QUALITY WEAVE, there is nothing like the wind blowing, and all you see if what looks likes this

2) Please do not use heat on your hair everyday...if you do not do that for your natural hair, please respect your weave the same way. Better yet get your weave installed in layers that can fake a wrap.


3) You smell that...yeah it's your scalp asking you to remove the gunk, and to dry it completely so it won't get that mildew/sweaty smell. Here's another vlog by AkiyaKelly



4) Blend, blend blend!!!! I cannot stress this enough! When I used to wear weaves (sewn in or quick) I always had to make sure my hair blended because I could not be embarrassed with a ratty looking weave that did not blend with my natural hair. That is just dreadful!




Well ladies I hope this helps, and yes it's cold out here please if you can wrap your hair in a silk scarf. Make sure if you can, moisturize and seal your weave at night time. Stay beautiful!!!

I'm actually making progress

After having a set back on my 2nd weigh in, I have officially lost 6.4 lbs and it's getting easier to know what I can and cannot over indulge. I will always have a thing for lattes, that is just a given, but whenever I was getting my extremely decadent ones for breakfast it was always just that breakfast (why have a Peppermint Mocha with whip AND doughnut when I could have it venti with a few extra pumps). I have now scaled back on the ventis, and made them grande size with a bowl of oatmeal (well I make my coffee at home because I get to control what's going in my cup). Now that the holidays are approaching it's about how I'm going to enjoy my favorite foods without blowing my loss. I do plan on adding more exercise to my program using my good ol' internet connection to get some free access to Free full length videos on Exercise TV, or if I don't feel like pulling up my internet at like 5 in the morning cut on the TV with my OnDemand workouts. If you don't have cable, which I honestly don't blame you, and you use a program like Netflix there are also exercise programs on there. I'm a big fan of the kickboxing, dance and pilates workouts. Hmm sounds like almost back in high school, except I was in the cardio kickboxing class, did jazz/hip-hop dance classes, and weight lifting to tone. I'll be darn if I'll be stuck eating an AJ portion of macaroni and cheese! lol Here are suggestions for those who are trying to not feel guilty while piling on the sweet potatoes (yuck can't stand those casseroles with the little marshmallows and all of that brown sugar). I even said that I was going to make a revamped string bean casserole, so I can have something less hogmawed out (yeah my family is southern down to the chitlins lol).

As promised

I added another tab specifically dedicated to buying gifts for the holidays. I am someone who celebrates Christmas, but I do know there are people who are of other religious backgrounds and I don't want them to think that I am singling them out from the celebration. There are people who are even atheists who don't celebrate Christmas or Hanukkah, but celebrate Kwanzaa. I included gift cards because these (according to my experience) are also good for mailing gifts to those who are not able to come home for the holidays. Grant it you probably can't get to a Chili's in Iraq, but you can use an iTunes gift card to download books, movies and music while protecting your sanity (remember hubs is a War on Terrorism vet so he came to mind when picking out gift cards). I also added movies that were "family" friendly, and some that were just for when you want to get a giggle or two. I tried to make it as one stop shop as possible, and that even meant including the infamous slippers/underwear combo (okay I said underwear to be funny I will not help you pick out drawers). lol

Holiday Giveaway

Nope I'm not hosting a giveaway ( at least not yet, I just don't have the funds for it ya know), but All You Magazine is having a holiday sweepstakes giveaway.  All You Magazine's Holiday Sweepstakes
I just wanted to pass along the word, and hey if you happen to be a winner pass an anonymous gift card this way as a thank you present. lol (I'm kidding enjoy your gift!)

Did somebody say FREE????

Free appetizer from Ruby Tuesday's! Perfect for when you're hanging out with your friends during the Thanksgiving/Black Friday/Cyber Monday holidays (some RT spots have wi-fi so you can nosh and sip while seeking out those great bargains). All you have to do is go to Ruby Tuesday on Facebook, click like, and there's a tab that will direct you to getting a free appetizer. Within 24 hours you receive a coupon for your appetizer. Woo-hoo right? lol
*shameless plug for the blog* I currently have coupon codes to the left of the page, which will help you (my audience) out with at least doing some online shopping. I will also add another widget to my A-Store (located under the "Let's Go Shopping" tab), that will at least guide you to better priced high ticket items. I know times are moderately rough, and usually Amazon has some nicely priced items with an occasional free shipping thrown in.

For real if you make my butt look like this I'll buy 5 pairs of these jeans!

So, while looking around on "the book" I ran across one of the many ads that I see on their front page. Fashion to Figure...and yes if you're curvy you need to look at this site! Of course this wasn't the ad, but it was one of the first that saw on this website's home page. So, being on the fluffy side of curvy I had to give this site a once over since I can tell that I am losing some inches (would be more if I actually took that time to do my pilates as planned), and I might need to find some nice clothes to purchase in my new size. So, here are some items that caught my eye, and you have to keep in mind that I am looking for items that can be worn for work and "play".

Chiffon Blouse

Color:	Ivory Ivory
Size:	Pick a Size1X2X3X
Style:	B16156
Price:	$26.00
Quantity:

• Open shoulders
• Dolman sleeves
• Satin banded bottom hem
• 97% polyester 3% spandex
• Hand wash
• Made in USA
• Measurement on size 1X - 31" long from shoulder; 50" bust
• Available in women's plus sizes 1X - 3X
• RETURNS ARE FREE AND EASY 

Animal Print Kimono Dress

Color:	Multi Colored Multi Colored
Size:	Pick a Size1X2X3X
Style:	31097-38P
Price:	$38.00   $24.99
Quantity:

• Self tie belt
• Stone details on front
• 92% polyester 8% spandex
• Hand wash
• Made in USA
• Measurement on size 1X - 35" long from shoulder; 44" bust
• Available in women's plus sizes 1X - 3X
• RETURNS ARE FREE AND EASY

French Terry Dress with Belt

Color:	Grey Grey
Size:	Pick a Size1X2X3X
Style:	7389M
Price:	$36.00
Quantity:

This ultra comfortable French Terry Dress is perfect to wear with leggings under a long cardigan. The waist belt accentuates curves while the high scoop neck and longer length makes it a cute hassel-free dress option. Pair with leggings and boots for an easy, comfortable look.

• Fit:True to size
• Attached cotton belt
• Thick band hem
• 35% polyester 60% cotton 5% elastane
• Hand wash
• Made in USA
• Measurement on size 1X - 38" long from shoulder; 32" bust
• Available in women's plus sizes 1X - 3X
• RETURNS ARE FREE AND EASY

 Of course there are more to choose from, but I don't want to load up the post with pix. :) So, please check them out if you're interested. They're on my watch list, and hopefully I'll be able to post something about a sale in the near future (hint hint).

My hair officially did the men on film

"Hated it!" When I used this to co-wash this week. My curls/coils/kinks did clump, but they clumped into a nice wiry/dried up mess. Some people might have have better luck with it, but I on the other hand no dice. I could have used those $3 to buy a bottle of my Suave Humectant, or better yet another bottle of Hydralicious (yum, perfect winter time conditioner too). I'm not going to throw it away (waste not want not), but I will pump it up and add some sweet almond oil, an egg, a couple of drops of rosemary oil and some shea butter to turn it into a nice deep conditioner. If I could find my bottle of castor oil I would use that in place of the sweet almond oil since it's heavier. Oh well at least I know not to buy it again, but I knew better because every time I have bought a product solely geared towards curly hair it leaves my hair feeling like a haystack. *le sigh*

What I really feel like doing/not doing today

I'm bored supposed to be in the middle of writing a 5 page paper that some people were complaining about how can you cram in so much information in so much little space (I complained about the 1st paper because it was 3 pages long, with 5 pages worth of information), and also writing about which platforms to choose from that will work with my current company (ummm I'm a temp and substitute teacher so yeah lol). So, that has me coming up with the list of what I want/don't want to do this afternoon/evening.
What I DO NOT want to do

• I don't want to write these papers...like seriously I want something hands on dagnabit, and writing a paper is not going to assist me with knowing how to design a website.
• I don't want to sit here and watch these old movies that hubs is picking out. We pay a perfectly good cable bill with ALL OF THE MOVIE CHANNELS, and grant it I like Netflix but I also like picking out movies too.
• I don't want to sit in the house tonight...shoot it's cold and I need to be active
• I don't feel like eating a healthy meal, even that will derail my weight loss process, but w/e I don't want to! lol

What I DO want to do

• watch reality tv, without him hemming and hawing about me getting my VH1 fix of foolishness and Jersey Shore fix (I'm so behind this season it is so crazy)
• sit on twitter and look at the latest cat fights/celebrity gossip...I might not post it on here, but I sure do like the stuff that people stress about on twitter
• sitting in someone's natural hair care class, and maybe even learning how to do some of these braiding styles outside of youtube because Mama needs some side gig money, ya dig? 
• eating some doubles with plenty peppa, with some conch fritters on the side and an extremely large glass (something like the size of the glass a Hand Grenade comes in)of GOOD rum punch. Highly caloric, but oh so satisfying
• Go to the movies...I can't say how long it's been since I've been to a movie theater, but that's because it cost me just as much as buying 2 days worth of groceries, or 2 days of going back and forth on the Metro (yeah this assignment costs me about $12.40 a day..lol I know Metro has you coming and going)
• giving myself a mani/pedi...I'm feeling girly so sue me :-)
• bake this caramel cake because I have been eying this recipe since LAST week lol, but haven't because temptation is a mofo in this house Mama's Caramel Cake
• take a nap! I feel like I need to recharge my batteries from this week.

Wow looks like my wants list is a little longer than I expected....HA! Who am I kidding, I really don't want to do what is expected of me, and I am passing my classes with pretty nice grades...it's just I want to have some plain simple fun! But since I just let out a big yawn, looks like I'll be in the club in my dreams lol. And yes when I wake up I will make that oh so healthy pot of Turkey Spaghetti that I planned on making this weekend, while attempting to write up my rough draft for one of my papers. *rolls eyes and pouts* Now if someone could be so kind, and FexEx me some conch fritters from USVI or the Bahamas I will be your friend 'til the end (I swear I will!!!)....oh yeah and add some rum to that order. ;-)

Product Review on Redken Curl Wise 14

Product Description: Regulate frizz  volume & define coarse curls Formulated with Redken's New Curl Care Complex Contains protein & antioxidants to minimize color fade & shield from environmental damage Blended with Mango Butter to impart intense moisture Reveals healthier & more manageable curls.
 Ingredients: Aqua/Water, Dimethicone, Propylene Glycol, Cetyl Alcohol, PVP, Isoceteth-20, VP/Eicosene Copolymer, Stearyl Alcohol, Phenoxyethanol, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Carbomer, Triethanolamine, Chlopehnsi, Parfum/Fragrance, Disodium EDTA, Limonene, Linalool, Mangifera Indica Seed Oil/Mango Seed Oil, Tocopheryl Acetate, Citral, Hydroxypropyltrimonium, Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein, Butylphenyl Methylpropional, Benzyl Benzoate, Coumarin.
Price: depending on where you purchase the most expensive I have seen it was for $46 on Amazon, but I have also seen it as low as $11.99. I suggest going to either Amazon.com or Bizrate.com to find a good price if you don't mind purchasing it online.
Rating: 4/5; hair needs to be sopping wet and moisturized and sealed so you can get the shiny curls and coils as promised. The volume is reduction was there I guess, but I have a lot of fine dense hair so I guess that's why I'm always fluffing my hair whenever I use this product. 

Okay well I was rummaging through my hair box...okay one of my many hair boxes, and was looking for an alternative for something besides the hair pudding. Not that I fell out of love with it, oh  heavens no! I just wanted another alternative, and wanted something that wouldn't take as long to dry on days I wanted to wear my hair out (hey I haven't had the time to do my twists life won this go around lol). So, I ran across this product  thought shoot what's the harm in it with the exception of it make my hair a big ol' helmet.  Well I will say I am not upset my overall results, but I will say I will NEVER use this product on hair that has not been moisturized and sealed. In this vlog (hehe I'm goofy so sue me) you can see that it's a little dry looking, but any other time I moisturize with SheaMoisture hair milk and seal with either sweet almond oil or castor oil. Which usually leaves my hair with a nice sheen before even applying my styling product. I promise I will give a better review, but I wanted to do it since today was my 3rd day using the product. I co-washed with HETT (Totally Twisted, which was my first time using this product), applied the Curl Wise while my hair was sopping wet and then called myself drying it with a t-shirt (like I've been doing this week). Well I did curly girl no-no, touched it while it was still wet even while filming the video. My hair is still damp in sections, but I did want to at least share my experience even with frizzy not so smooth hair. Yup the facial expressions are priceless, but what can I say sometimes I'm animated. :-) I need to get started on my papers, but I'm now sleepy again. (darn it! *snaps fingers*) *Oh btw I honestly am confused about my hair type, but I will say that I am primarily a 4a with some sections being 4b and 3c (my crown zig zags and spirals in all kinds of directions). In any other reviews for products  I will at least try to show you what my hair looks like soaking wet.*
Hope it helps! I will be posting the less expensive product in my store listed in the tab "Let's Go Shopping!"