5 Tips for Healthy Summer Hair

Clarifying Shampoo or Swimmers Shampoo:
After swimming at the beach or pool use a clarifying shampoo. Clarifying shampoo's will remove any minerals(sea salt) metals(chlorine) left behind on your hair as well as any product buildup.  You should also use a Swimmers Shampoo if you have beautiful blonde hair or blonde highlights.  Sometimes the chlorine from the pool water will leave a greenish tint on your hair. Swimmers shampoo contains phytic acid which will remove the green tint on the hair.

Avocado Oil Rinse:
 Similar to a hot oil treatment but this method is done in the shower.  After shampooing hair and scalp apply Avocado Oil from the roots to the ends. This will seal moisture into your hair.

Moisturize:
Moisture is needed to beat dry hair.  The best type of moisturizer during summer months to use are water based products.
A few examples  of water based products:
Africa's Best Kids Organics Detangling Hair Lotion
Giovanni Direct Leave - In
If you do not have any of these products don't worry mix Aloe Vera Juice, Avocado Oil and a little water in a spray bottle. This works like magic!!!! This is my favorite summer moisturizer!!! Spritz this  cocktail onto your hair. Your  hair will be moisturized and sealed!

Co-Wash:
Shampooing the hair is not always the best due to time constraints and also shampooing can strip some of the very moisture we are trying to hold on to.  So Co-Washing is an awesome option.
Co-Washing is applying a moisturizing conditioner to your wet hair then rinsing it out.  This method will retain moisture while gently cleansing your hair.
Some of my favorite co-washing conditioners are:
Ogx Coconut Water Weightless Conditioner
Alberto V05 Moisturizing Conditioner ( I know its very cheap but its excellent for co-washing because it will not weigh your hair down)

Air Dry:
Stay away from direct heat!!! The beautiful sunshine and heat will dry your hair with a less damaging effect.

And out of all the tips this is the most important of all.............
STAY HYDRATED!!!!!! 
WATER, WATER,WATER !!!!!!!!
Our diets play a major role in how our hair and skin thrive.  So make sure you drink up or none of these tips will be beneficial !!!

Have a blessed day!

From Stay At Home Mom to Trophy Wife!!!

I was asked recently what do you do??, and without missing a beat I said "Oh I'm a Stay at Home Mom". This all started when  I was picking my son up from school. As I walked away I heard one of the Mom's say " She's a TROPHY WIFE!"  I turned around and said" YES I AM!!" Her face turned beat red and she looked afraid as if I was going to slap her. I then smiled and said" Thank you for the compliment and with hard work you can become one too!!"and walked away.

 I know some do not like the term "Trophy Wife". Some  may go on to say I am not his property, I am my own person and no one owns me. And yes all of that is true. But first lets just think about this for a minute.  
When I see Trophy Wife I don't view it as a negative. First lets break down the term: TROPHY! 
The word Trophy is defined as a cup or other decorative object awarded as a prize for a victory or success.
Then I think ..... well what  is related to a Trophy. A trophy is something that is wanted and something someone works hard to obtain. It is also valued and cherished. And the recipient of  a trophy is honored to receive it. The recipient shows it off and is very proud of it. The recipient also protects it from harm, they may shine it up and many times just sit back and admire its beauty and grace.  So to me those are not bad qualities to be compared to.

Well lets not stop there I decided to do a little  research to see what do people say is a "Trophy Wife", many said:

• A young, attractive woman married to an older, more powerful man
• A woman who marries for money and sits at home all day looking pretty
• Usually a young woman, not necessarily a gold-digger, who is married to a much more older man with power, wealth.etc 
• The woman who got ahead on her looks by marrying a “sugar daddy” 

Then I said okay yes I am young and attractive(not to toot my own horn but Toot Toot/LOL) Yes my husband is older than me(19 yrs my senior). He is powerful. (really who wants a weak man). I didn't marry for money but I was well aware of the fact that when I married my husband he could afford to take care of me. When we met he was an owner of a very lucrative  auto & body shop. Well yes I do make it a point to look pretty not just for him but for me. I believe a woman should keep her hair done and dress nice and neat. No one wants to look unattractive; when you make it a priority to dress your self neatly, do your hair and apply a little makeup whether its the whole glam factory or just a little lipstick or lip gloss  your self confidence raises making you feel more attractive, not only to others but most importantly yourself!

I have worked really hard to obtain the success that I have and is on the path to making even bigger strides and accomplishing more things. My husband is my biggest cheerleader and always telling me you can do it!!  And yes he did have  to work hard to even go out on our first date. I knew my worth and was not just going to waste my time (even as little as a 3 hr date) on someone I didn't feel deserved my time. I am valued and cherished, my opinion means a lot and is heard.   I am a college graduate with a degree and a  professional license holder for 2 states.  I am the owner and partner of VanGwyn Enterprises ( trucking company) Blessing and Beauty(beauty consultant/blogger) Feeling Beautiful(  mobile beauty salon). Do I have to do hair and makeup to pay my bills?? NO!!! I do it because I love it and love empowering women.  With just organizing the outside I get to watch  something beautiful bloom on the inside. When they leave my chair they have raised they confidence level to a new high they start to believe they can change the world and yes I believe they can!!!   Yes I do hair and makeup on why terms: I say Who, When, Where, & How much? 

The term “trophy wife” has taken on a new, more upscale meaning. Men are finding that the most attractive and sexually desirable women are not brainless beauties whose sole function is to look good and stay quiet, but women who are making good money and are in positions of power. 
So yes I am a " Tropy Wife"!!!

Have a blessed day

DIY Clarifying Shampoo

Homemade Clarifying Shampoo
1 tspn of Baking Soda

 Shampoo

few drops of Tea Tree Oil


The reason this recipe works is because baking soda is alkaline which soften the sebum(oils) allowing the shampoo to cleanse the scalp. The tea tree oil is an antiseptic which kills bacteria and unclogs the hair follicles.

After cleansing your scalp and hair you can follow up with a moisturizing treatment. This will leave your hair soft and manageable!!

Have a blessed day!

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!!

4 Amazing Moisturizing Conditioner for Relaxed Hair

For all of my Relaxed Hair Diva's our hair can get really dry making a moisturizing conditioner very important. I am always in search of the next best Conditioner. In search of something that is going to make my hair smooth and moisturized. So off to the drugstore I go....

Here are my Top 4 drugstore Moisturizing Conditioner

Pantene Pro-V Truly Relaxed Hair Moisturizing Conditioner:
 Leaves your hair so soft & manageable. Great  for detangling.

ORS Olive Oil Replenshing Conditioner:
Very moisturizing! Great slippage!! Can also be used as deep conditioner!

Aunt Jackie's in Control Moisturizing & Softening Conditioner:
Great for new growth when stretching your relaxer.

  Ogx Weightless hydration Coconut Water Conditioner:
Do not weigh your hair down! Leaves hair moisturized. Smells great!!

So anytime your hair needs a little moisturizing try these great conditioners. You will not be disappointed!!!

Have a blessed day!

5 Blushes for BEAUTIFUL BROWN SKIN

I know Blushes for brown skin!!! Some feel we don't need blush or why would I apply blush??? I don't want to look like a clown with this big red circle on my face. No my beautiful bronze goddess it's not going to make you look like Bozo the Clown and yes we too can "Rock the Blush" as well. It's all about picking out the right shade for your skin tone.

Here I have listed 5 out of many of blushes I believe will work brilliantly with all array of beautiful brownness that we share.

The first one is goes without mentioning really. If you have been wearing make for a while I know you have heard of this first one. 

MAC Blush in Raizin : This reddish-brown tone blush is a oldie but goody. Not too loud and awesome for beginners. This blush gets an honorable mention because it complements so many shades of brown skin tones.

MAC Raizin

Next one is so beautiful and is approved by the ULTIMATE MAKEUP ARTIST Sam Fine!!! LOL

Nars  Taj Mahal: A beautifully golden orange shade. So breathtaking!!

NARS Taj Mahal

Milani Baked Blush in Red Vino: This awesome blush has just enough golden sparkles that will make your cheeks pop!

Milani Red Vino

E.L. F.(eyes lips face) HD Blush in Encore : This Vitamin E enriched blush can look very alarming when first seen but don't let that alarm you. A little will go along way!!! This can be applied after you apply your foundation and before you set your face with your powder. This will make it last longer (for all my oily sista out there). This vibrant color can be blended gently  in a circular motion. Just give it a try I know we try to stay away from pink but this one we can rock!

ELF Encore

Bare Minerals Ready blush in " The Natural High": This golden peachy tone is very buildable and easy to blend.

bare Minerals The Natural High

And last but most certaintly not least is my favorite

Black Radiance blush in Raspberry: This looks absolutely marvelous on deep skin tones. The deep red tone is very pigmented and long lasting.  This may not be very easy to find because black radiance is not sold everywhere but I guarantee once you find it the price alone will put a smile on you face!

Black Radiance Raspberry

These beautiful blushes will only add color to your beautiful bronzed face. So don't be afraid try them out  makeup is all about expressing your self.

Have a blessed day!!

High Porosity?? Low Porosity??? Which one do you have????

Lately I have been seeing a lot of products coming on to the scene talking about the "porosity of your hair". I was like "Umm that's interesting. Do they know what "Porosity" means? And if they do know Do they know why they their hair has low or high porosity level??  And most of all Do they think these products will change it?

First things first lets go over what "Porosity" means. Hair porosity is the hairs ability to absorb and retain moisture.  There are 3 levels: Low, Normal, High.  The degree of porosity is related to the condition of the cuticle layer of the hair.
Hair that has a compact cuticle is naturally resistant to being penetrated by moisture which is called hydrophobic.
Hair with raised cuticle layer is easy to absorb moister is called hydrophilic.

Hair with low porosity(hydrophobic) has a hard time with processing chemical services so it requires a more alkaline solution. An alkaline solution will raise the cuticles allowing for saturation and processing to be done to the hair.
Hair with high porosity(hydrophilic) is usually hair that has been over processed. So less alkaline solutions with a lower pH level is needed.  Because the hair is so porous it will not retain any moisture it has absorbed.
Now that you know what porosity is lets do a porosity test so you can find out which one you have.  There are 2 tests that can be done.
Test #1
You can check from 4 different areas of the head.

• hairline
• temple
• crown
• nape

Hold the hair strand securely and run your finger along the hair strand.  If the hair feels smooth then your hair cuticles are compact,dense it is resistant(low porosity)
If if feels slightly rough it is porous.
If it is Very Rough, Dry, or Even Breaks it is highly porous and Over Processed(high porosity)

Test #2

• Fill a glass with water
• Take a couple of strands of clean hair and drop them in the water
• Wait 2-4 minutes

If the hair sinks immediately it has a High Porosity.
If it raises back to the top it has Low Porosity.
If it floats somewhere in the middle it has  Normal Porosity.

Now that you did  all of that and you know what your hair porosity level is here are things you can do to manage and or  improve your porosity level leading you to a healthy hair journey.

If you have discovered you have High Porosity hair:

• Routine hot oil treatments are very important and necessary for you.
• Leave - in conditioners, protein treatments are a must.
• Try to use creamy thick deep conditioners
• Eat a protein rich diet.*Remember we are what we eat! What you put inside affects what grows outside.*

Clues for high porosity hair:
Really quick drying time
Dull hair / lack of shine
Over processed
Tangles easily

If you have discovered you have Low Porosity hair:

• Deep condition your hair with heat. ex: Sitting under a hooded dryer, dryer bonnet, or warm towel is your best friend!!
• Use clarifying shampoo's to remove buildup

Clues for low porosity hair:
Does not retain moisture
Does not hold styles
Product easily buildup on surface of hair
Hair butters leave hair feeling oily

So do you need products specifically geared for your porosity level? NOOOOO!!!!!
All you need to do is make a conscience effort and make the products you have work for you.  Don't over process your hair with different chemical services( relaxer and/or color) and heat damage.
Listen to your hair and give it what it's asking for.
This will always lead you to healthy hair.

Have a blessed day!
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5 Gorgeous Lipsticks for Beautiful Brown Skin

Lipsticks on our skin whether we are cafe au lait, mocha, butter pecan, or deep chocolate can be very beautiful.  There is no limit to what we can do we can choose colors that are Neutral,Classic and even  go B-O-L-D!!. We can wear them all!!!
Here are just a few to try:

1.If you are looking for something neutral that can be worn anytime than Teddy Bear by Milani is the one to get!  This lipstick is a beautiful cool tone nude. Even though it is a matte it is still very moisturizing leaving your lips soft and smoothe.

Teddy Bear

2. Another nude that looks absolutely stunning on darker skin is by Dior Nude in Twill. This lipstick has a caramel shade tone to it.

Twill

3. Nothing says"Classic" like a red lip. Allow me to introduce to you Dior's Blazing Red.  This lipstick has a bright red hue with a orange undertone. So classic and elegant.

Blazing Red

Now that you got your nudes and a classic red that every women should have now lets step on the wild side and get a couple of statement colors that will make everyone say" Who's that Lady?!!"

4. Let me suggest Givenchy Le'Rouge in Mandarine Bolero.  This is a awesome tangerine shade lipstick.  Wearing this lipstick you must let your lips do the talking and your makeup be the background singers. With the great lip liner you are ready for the world!!

Mandarine Bolero

5. Another statement lipstick but on the opposite side of the spectrum is Cyber by Mac.  This deep purple will make be make your confidence level soar to the next level!

Cyber

All of these beautiful lipsticks look gorgeous on our beautiful brown skin, so get out there and explore the wonderful world of color.

I believe all women are PRETTY without makeup - and can be PRETTY POWERFUL with the Right Makeup!!!

Have a blessed day!

Oscars 2016 Best Makeup

This year Oscars 2016 Best Makeup goes to Kerry Washington

Kerry Washington looked absolutely Beautiful last night!!! Her sexy tousled ponytail and simply gorgeous makeup was just outstanding! She is such a classic beauty!
Neutrogena could not have chosen a better representative for their products. She always looks so elegant and beautiful.

First Kerry skin was prepped with Neutrogena's Hydra Boost Water Gel.

 Using Neutrogena's Healthy Skin Liquid Foundation in Cocoa.

Then her cheekbones was contoured with a flesh toned blush to top it off on her lips was  neutral shade lipstick.

 Then to top it off on her lips was  neutral shade lipstick. 

Bringing together a Elegant, Classic, Gorgeous look.
She looked totally stunning!

Congratulations Mrs. Kerry Washington for a "job well done"

Have a blessed day!

My 2016 Oscar Favorites

I know there was so much controversy around this years Oscars but the hair stylist and makeup artist in me could not keep myself away. I love the red carpet, checking out everyone beautiful gowns, hair and makeup.

But before I get into who were my favorites  I want to say "Congratulations!!" for winning their first Oscar.  This goes to the hair and makeup team:  Lesley Vanderwalt, Elka Wardega, Damian Martin for winning "Best Hair and Makeup" for George Miller film Mad Max: Fury Road.

Now some of my favorites on the red carpet was Charlize Theron wearing Diore' Haute Couture

Charlize Theron

Lady Gaga wearing Brandon Maxwell

Lady Gaga

Priyanka Chopra styled beautifully in Zuhair Murad

Priyanka Chopra

And of course my girl Kerry Washington looking  beautiful as always rocking Atelier Versace and shoes by Gianvito Rossi

Kerry Washington

Now I can not leave the men out. There was some handsome men strutting down the red carpet as well.

Kevin Hart rocking Dolce & Gabbana

Kevin Hart

Chadwick Boseman wearing such a classic look by  Giorgio Armani

Chadwick Boseman

And this handsome young man named Abraham Attah who was wearing Dolce & Gabbana

Abraham Attah

Now I loved  Abraham classic tuxedo suit but that was not the only reason he landed as one of my favorites for the night, The most amazing thing that I believed that should have  been talked about  was that Abraham Attah wore TOMS shoes! Okay Vanessa so what's so special about that? Well by him wearing TOMS shoes they will be donating 10,000 pairs to his home country of Ghana!!! 

Now that I believe is Awesome and Newsworthy!!!

Have a blessed day!