The Big CHOP

YES I did it again!!!!

I usually cut  my hair during the summer, living here in Sunny Florida next to the beach my family and I  spend a lot of time at the beach or the pool so to have less hassle I usually cut my hair really short, but this time it's a little different. This time I cut it and  I will not be  relaxing it. Now that's truly  different. I have not been natural in years!!

The reason I decided to do this was not because my hair was damaged or I'm against realaxed hair or anything.  I have been on a weight loss journey or  what I like to call it  just get more healthier journey and I am determined to not only have healthy hair but a healthy body as well. So far on this journey I have discovered some great tasting healthy foods and as well as some VERY challenging workouts! LOL!!

So cutting my hair was a no brainer, and  I LOVE IT!! I know there are going to come days when I miss my hair. Especially when I see someone rocking a fly style!! But I am ready! I am learning to love my natural hair again .

Now let me say this: Will I still weave my hair every now and again? YES ! I love versatility .

I already know there will be a lot of wash n go style, just because I love that style. Documenting the ups and downs the good and  the frustrating times will be all part of this new journey I am embarking on.  Let's go through this journey together!!
Shout out to all my NEWLY BIG CHOP SISTA'S!!
Let's do this!

Have a blessed day!!

The Life Of.........

For some of you that don't know YES!!! I am a  S.A.H.M. = Stay At Home Mom!!


Before becoming a Domestic Goddess/LOL!!! I was a single Mom and a hairstylist, owner of my very own mobile salon. Then I met my husband, got married and almost immediately got pregnant! LOL!!
 During my pregnancy I discovered that I had 4 fibroid tumors along with a growing baby which my doctor immediately put me on complete bed rest which in turn got me a front seat on the "High Risk Pregnancy List". So that meant no hair styling, no makeup applying for me. My husband at that time was an owner of a auto repair shop and became the only bread winner in the household. He was excited about the pregnancy, me being home relaxing and trying to keep our bundle of joy inside the oven as long as possible!
After my son was born I continued to stay home. Was it hard? YES!!! Because I was used to being very independent. Coming from being a single mom I developed the attitude of "If I don't make it happen it's not going to happen!!" But after a few years(3 to be exact) I came to grips with it and now would not change it for the world.
I realize the joy I get from watching my children grow up is priceless and it creates a bond that is unbelievable.
Although I loved being a hairstylist,and a makeup artist nothing tops the best job of being a MOM!!!
My husband has always been admitt about it and loves it and is willing to do anything to make sure we can continue this lifestyle.
The reason for this post is because I feel I am not giving you all that I have to offer. I'm not running around styling hair and applying makeup to clients on a daily basis anymore. I am dropping off and picking up kids from school, being a wife, going to dance practices and recitals, cooking, cleaning, helping with homework,  volunteering at  my son's school , going to PTO meetings, doing DIY projects and running a home business!!!
Blessings and Beauty will show you all of that and then some. The Life of a "Stay At Home Mom" to a school age kid as well as a college student.
It's sometimes crazy and  chaotic but its MY LIFE and I LOVE IT!!

Have a blessed day!!!

Protecting your hair while Swimming

It's that time again when we will be visiting the pools and beaches often. Truth be told living here in Florida swimming can be done all 12 months and I love it!!! But for majority of the country this is not so.
We are always talking about protecting our skin but sometimes fail to leave out protecting our hair. There are several steps that can be done to assure you that your beautiful mane will stay healthy while showing off your summer body!!!
Here are some steps to take:

1. Wet hair with clean/tap water before getting in the pool or ocean.

Your hair absorbs approx. 30% of its own weight, so if your hair is full of clean tap water it will decrease the amount absorption of chlorine in the pool or salt in the ocean water.

2. Apply a serum that is silicon based to your soaking wet hair.

This will create a barrier from the elements.
** If you must put on a swim cap make sure its silicone lined in the inside as well.  I usually do not recommend swim caps because they can be too tight and pull the hair out when putting them on and while taking them off.**


Now that your hair is protected get in the pool/ocean and show everyone your Olympic style strokes!! LOL!

When you get out of the pool/ocean there are just a couple more steps to take.

1. Rinse your hair with tap water.

2. Shampoo  your hair.
If you are done swimming for the day shampoo & condition your hair with a shampoo that contains phytic acid. This shampoo will remove the chlorine or saltwater that was able to penetrate the hair shaft.

One example of this type of shampoo is ION Swimmers Shampoo.  Its 100% Vegan & Sulfate free, and protects from Sun damage and Chlorine damage.

3. Condition your hair.

Use a very moisturizing conditioner . One that I love is Awapuhi  Ginger conditioner by Ogx. This conditioner softens the hair and moisturize you hair and stimulates your scalp.

And let's not forget to apply a leave in conditioner as well.

There is also a leave-in conditioner by ION called ION Swimmers leave-in conditioner.  For my blondes out there it protects your hair from having that green tint to it that sometimes chlorine can leave behind. It's also 100% Vegan! (this can also be sprayed on hair before entering the water for extra protection).
This is a  great leave in that helps with detangling and will rehydrate your beautiful mane!

So now you can swim freely!! Be safe out there!!!

Have a blessed day!

Benefits of Scalp Massages

We are always talking about how we want our hair to grow, but did you know scalp massages are one of the best ways to get that hair growing?!! The kneading pressure actually warms up the skin and opens the blood vessels which increases the flow and boosts circulation.

Here are some of the benefits of massaging the scalp:

• Promotes hair growth by stimulating the hair follicles
• Improves circulation
• Loosen dead skin/dandruff off the scalp
• VERY Relaxing!!!
• Strengthens hair from the root

When you are giving yourself a scalp massage their are various oils that will make your massage not only relaxing but has add benefits to scalp health.

Castor Oil is great for thinning areas.

Peppermint Oil is not only a natural cleanser but increases circulation.

Chamomile Oil is great for itch dry scalp

 Scalp massages can be done with your fingertips but there are various types of scalp massagers on the market today. My favorite one is called the Scalp Invigorator!! 

This is a vibrating scalp massager with soft silicon grips. It has such a good grip and handle  that can be used in the shower on those shampoo days!! (that way you don't have to worry about dropping it)

This can be purchased at www.mylifemyshop.com

Once you start giving your self scalp massages you are going to wonder why wasn't I doing this before!!. LOL!!!

Give it a try  I know you won't be disappointed!!!

Have a blessed day!!