Product Review: Shea Moisture Conditioner + Curl Enhancing Smoothie + Strengthening Elixir

I made my way to Target and killed some time perusing the beauty isles. I heard a lot of buzz about Shea Moisture, but I never had a chance to try it out until now! I decided to pick out three products to see how they worked before going crazy and buying everything under the moon. I settled on the Strengthening Elixir, the Raw Shea butter Restorative Conditioning Milk and the Organic Curl Enhancing Smoothie! Here is my review:

Shea Moisture Raw Shea Butter Restorative Conditioning Milk:
Target Stores, $9.99 -  12oz
Product Claims:
Moisturizes and repairs dry, lifeless, over-processed and damaged hair. 

Product Ingredients:

Contains de-ionized water, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea butter)*, Argan oil, coconut oil*, Behentrimonium chloride, essential oil blend, vegetable glycerin, emulsifying wax, sea kelp extract, Panthenol (vitamin B-5), avocado oil, Lonicera Caprifolium (honeysuckle) flower and Lonicera Japonica (Japanese honeysuckle) flower extract, Tocopherol (vitamin E) and Daucus Carota Sativa (carrot) seed oil. *Denotes certified organic ingredients.

Product Review:
This stuff was absolutely AMAZING. Hands down my favorite of the bunch. I used this as a leave-in and added about a dime size amount per 2-inch section of hair and it was heaven for my strands. It made my hair soft, shiny, manageable, and offered slight curl definition. I give this a 10 out of 10 when it comes to moisture, as it is definitely hydrating enough for highly textured hair.

Would I buy this product again?
Most definitely; for $10 I will definitely keep this in the "leave-in" product rotation! 

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Organic Curl Enhancing Smoothie:

Target Stores, $9.99 - 12oz

Product Claims:

Detangles, conditions and defines curls while restoring body and shine.

Product Ingredients:

Nucifera (Coconut) Oil*, Isopropyl Myristate, Sugar Starch, Silk Protein, EssenQal Oil Blend, Melia Azadirachta (Neem) Seed Oil, Caprylyl glycol, Sorbitol Esters, Algae Extract, Hyssopus Officinalis Extract, Salvia Officinalis (Sage) Leafand Equisetum Arvense Extract, Daucus Carota Sativa (Carrot) Seed Oil, Lonicera Caprifolium (Honeysuckle) Flower (and) Lonicera Japonica (Japanese Honeysuckle) Flower Extract, Tocopherol (Vitamin E).

Product Review: 

I have to admit I was a bit skeptical because most curl creams just don't work for my hair unless they are formulated with Polymers to offer hold and volume. I threw it in the basket anyway, and used this product to twist my freshly shampooed and conditioned hair. I didn't use a leave-in conditioner underneath this product because the ingredients listed could offer moisture and curl definition. 

Once applying the product, I did notice some curl definition, but not enough to use for a wash and go. If you have more of a defined curl pattern, the Curl Enhancing Smoothie could really help those curls pop. - My hair was definitely smooth, extremely soft, and manageable once applying the Smoothie; and most importantly, this helped my twists stay twisted. My only qualm with this product was that I had major shrinkage, my twists were barely shoulder-length.

After untwisting my hair the next day, my hair was still hydrated, soft, and shiny. I love that this product didn't leave my hair crunchy, greasy or covered in film, a definite plus! 

Would I buy this product again?

I'm honestly not quite sure. Although the performance was stellar, my hair was much shorter than normal [because of the shrinkage].

Before Shrinkage...

After Shrinkage.....

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Strengthening Elixir:  

Target Stores, $9.99 - 4oz

Product Claims:

Our intensely moisturizing and penetrating all natural treatment helps repair damage and dry hair.

Ingredients:

Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Bu@er) Oil*, Argan Oil, Vegetable Squalene, Carrot Oil, Macadamia Nut Oil, Isopropyl Myristate, Avocado Oil, Castor Oil, Sebacic Acid, Sea Kelp Extract, EssenQal Oil Blend, Lonicera Caprifolium (Honeysuckle) Flower (and) Lonicera Japonica (Japanese Honeysuckle) Flower Extract, Tocopherol (Vitamin E). *Denotes Certified Organic Ingredient.

Product Review:

I usually don't purchase oils from haircare companies because I find that a lot of times they are cut with cheaper oils like Sunflower and Corn Oil, however I was impressed with the ingredient list in this product so I threw it in the basket. The only "non-natural" ingredient in this product is Isopropyl Myristate which really just cuts the greasy feel of the product, leaving more of a satiny finish. 

I sprayed this on my hair after my twists were complete and the immediate result was uber shiny hair. After about an hour or so of my hair absorbing the product, my hair was ultra soft, silky, and still very, very, shiny! - I like that I can get the benefits of Shea Butter without having to use it in "butter form"; for some reason Shea Butter just "sits" on top of my hair, leaving it more greasy than anything. The Shea Oil that is used in this elixir is better suited for my hair. Also, because of the lightness of this product, I would also recommend it to those that wear their hair pressed, or in roller-sets. This Elixir can help fortify your hair protecting it from heat damage and loss of elasticity from mechanical damage [combing, brushing, blow drying], it can also impart shine, softness and body. 

Would I purchase this product again?

Most definitely, this quickly earned a spot in my "staple product" list.

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"Living is easy with eyes closed. Misunderstanding all you see...."

(www.themaniamania.com, weheartit.com)

Title: "Strawberry Fields Forever"- The Beatles

"I want to be strong. I want to laugh along
I want to belong to the living
Alive, alive, I want to get up and jive (...)
I am on a lonely road and I am traveling
Looking for the key to set me free (...)
I want to have fun, I want to shine like the sun
I want to be the one that you want to see"

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New Items In Stock + Restock On Sold Out Items

 - Cape Town "Blue" Earrings

I added a few new items to the shop! This is the last collection until the Spring line drops in Jan - For those that are thinking about placing Holiday orders, please place them no later than Dec 15th to ensure an on-time Christmas delivery. For my international clients, please place them no-later than Dec 9th. All orders placed during this time will include free gift-wrap! 

Sidebar: I picked up some new hair products yesterday. whooo chile.  Review tomorrow!

 Tunis Turquoise Earrings

- Cape Town "Red" Earrings 

I also restocked all of the sold-out items, so snag what you want now because the quantity is limited [about 15 items per style] until after the Holidays. Over the course of the week, I also plan to update each style with me wearing each piece. 

- Baule Bead Earrings 

- Prospect Bracelet | Spotted Jasper + Pyrite 

- Africa | Beaded Hoop Earrings 

- Accra Bone Chandelier Earrings 

>> To view more new pieces, visit the Frank & Myrrh boutique by clicking {here}

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Epicure: Chicken Pot Pie

This dish may not be that pretty, but don't let it's primitive look fool you. This recipe was absolutely delish. There were literally no leftovers. Poor pot pie never stood a chance. - I found this recipe on allrecipes.com while on my rainy-day comfort food kick. What I love about this dish is that you can completely customize it by adding your favorite veggies and spices! I think I will add corn, spinach, and squash to the next one. Feel free to customize it to your liking! 

The recipe listed is my modified version, you can view the original recipe at AllRecipes.Com {here}

Chicken Pot Pie {Adapted from All Recipes.Com]

Ingredients:

1/2 pound skinless, boneless chicken breast halves - cubed

1/2 cup sliced carrots

1/2 cup frozen green peas

1/4 cup sliced celery

1/2 cup potatoes

4 tablespoons and 2 teaspoons butter

4 tablespoons and 2 teaspoons chopped onion 

4 tablespoons and 2 teaspoons all-purpose flour

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/8 teaspoon black pepper

1/8 teaspoon celery seed 

1/8 poultry seasoning

1/8 teaspoon garlic powder

1/8 teaspoon garlic salt 

1 can of chicken stock {for boiling the chicken and veggies}

1/2 cup chicken broth {for making the gravy}

2/3 cup milk

2 (9 inch) deep dish unbaked pie crust [one for the bottom, one for the top]

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C.) 
2. In a saucepan, combine chicken, carrots, peas, potatoes, and celery. Add one can of chicken stock to cover, add salt, pepper, garlic powder and garlic salt to taste. Boil for 15 minutes. Remove from heat, drain and set aside.  
3. In the saucepan over medium heat, cook onions in butter until soft and translucent. Stir in flour, salt, pepper, poultry seasoning, garlic powder, garlic salt, and celery seed. Slowly stir in chicken broth and milk. Simmer over medium-low heat until thick. Remove from heat and set aside. 
4. Place the chicken mixture in bottom pie crust. Pour hot liquid mixture over. Cover with top crust, seal edges, and cut away excess dough. Make several small slits in the top to allow steam to escape
5. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes, or until pastry is golden brown and filling is bubbly. Cool for 10 minutes before serving. 

 
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Fashion & Beauty Ethos: DIY Black Tie Mani

Something about this mani reminds me of a woman's tuxedo. The black adds a bit of masculinity, while the lace pattern gives it a dainty feel. This took little-to-no time to complete [20 minutes to paint and design], and the design is very forgiving in case you happen to mess up a little bit. - I used a toothpick for the design because it is much easier to control versus those long, thin, nail art brushes. 

Tip: When making the diagonal stripe, start from the cuticle area, and drag the brush down in one stroke. Don't lift the brush off the nail until you reach the end. This helps you make a straight line.  

You Will Need:

Base Coat: I used Essie Base Coat

Mauve Base Color: I used O.P.I "Barefoot in Barcelona"

Black Accent Color: I used Rimmel "Black Satin"

Black Striping Color

White Striping Color

Top Coat

Toothpick

Apply base-coat; this is important when using black, as it helps prevent staining. 

Paint your nails with your base color, then draw a diagonal line with your black nail art polish

Fill in the lines with the black polish 

With a toothpick, make a half-circle near the base of the black polish

Make the tiny half circles all the way down the base of the black polish

This is what the finished lace pattern should look like

Using your toothpick and white nail art polish, add white dots near the base of each arc

Seep each nail with top coat and you're good to go!

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What Energy Are You Bringing With You Into The New Year?

 [source]

The jealous friend, the possessive friend, the non-supportive friend, the pot stirring friend [who usually calls you just to gossip], the self absorbed friend that only wants to call you to vent, or brag [it is never about you]; are you bringing them into the New Year with you? The New Year marks a paradigm shift for many of us, and it is a great time to clean house; replacing the people in your life that sustain themselves by sucking the energy out of others.

I was guilty of keeping those people around me for quite some time and it did nothing but drain my energy, and leave me envious of people who had substantial, meaningful friendships. I had become one of those people I hated. A friend collector. Friend collectors are generally people that have about 550,000 friends associates; but no real friends. God, there is a difference.

Friends should never leave you feeling empty, feeling used, or feeling down. Sticking around because of "x" number of years you have been friends isn't a good trade off; considering all that you lose in the process. Energy is just as valuable as time. Like attracts like. It's no coincidence that the depression, unhappiness, and insecurity I felt at various points in my life attracted other people that were no better off than I was at the time. It became a domino effect. A vortex of negativity that manifested in every decision I made, and every new "friend" I gained. One day I asked myself why none of my friends were happy. It was a "circle" of constant drama, that played out like the juiciest episodes of Days of Our Lives. Maybe I attracted those people because of the Laws of Attraction, maybe I befriended them because no positive-minded people would spend more than 5 minutes in the room with me before realizing I was battling some serious issues, and didn't want to be the host in which I could suck their energy. Either way, a change needed to happen. 

Just like that, I cut them off. It was lonely those first few months. No one to talk to on the way home, no one to talk to while I was in line at the grocery store. It was the loneliest, yet best time I could have ever spent with myself. I realized in the end that those friends were distractions from the issues I was running from. After giving myself a number of tune-ups and realigning with my true self, I started to attract people that were a mirror of me. I was better off at that time, which meant that my friends were too.

--

Cleanse your aura around you and you will attract individuals that live off of the vibrations of joy versus the parasitic friends that live by sucking energy. - That positive force-field of friends you create will help you attract more experiences and emotions that are in line with your vibration. Let 2011 be the year you let your light shine, and walk in truth with like minds. 

What energy are you bringing with you into the New Year?

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Tone, Tighten, & Brighten Your Complexion With White Willow Bark!

 [source]

Herbs, natural oils and Aloe Vera have pretty much replaced all of the commercial products in my arsenal of skin care products. They are easier on my skin [no more peeling and redness], easier on my pocketbook, and much more effective. With the right combination of ingredients, you can have four-star spa quality facial treatments at home several times a week. Here are a few of my favorite White Willow Bark treatments that are formulated to help brighten those dark areas, firm up the sensitive areas around the eyes, and tone your skin which results in an even; smooth complexion. 

White Willow Bark is an excellent additive for those with extremely oily skin, and those that have issues with acne, blackheads, whiteheads and inflamed skin. White Willow Bark contains high amounts of Salicin, which is the mother of Salicylic Acid [Salicylic Acid is derived from Salicin, and is used in most skin care products formulated to eliminate acne].  

White Willow Bark Facial

Ingredients

4 ounces of distilled water

1 tablespoon of White Willow Bark 

1 teaspoon of Kaolin Clay

1/2 teaspoon of honey 

To prepare treatment: 

Bring water to a boil; add herbs, then remove from heat. Allow herbal infusion to steep for about 10 minutes. Cool. Strain mixture through a fine sieve or cheesecloth. Add Kaolin clay and honey to strained mixture, and mix well.

Instructions for use:

Massage entire amount into the skin and neck area. Allow to sit for about 10-15 minutes, then rinse with cool water.

Recommendations: 

Use once weekly for acne prone skin; use bi-weekly as a preventative treatment for normal-combination skin. This facial can be used to clear up body acne as well. 

About this formulation:  

• White Willow Bark: Acts as a powerful antiseptic, anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory agent clearing acne, imperfections and dark spots. 
• Red Kaolin Clay: Kaolin Clay helps control oily skin, and the sulfur found in Kaolin Clay helps eliminate acne.<--Don't use Red Kaolin Clay if you have sensitive skin, use White or Rose Kaolin instead. 
• Raw Honey: Raw Honey doubles as a uber-moisturizer-extraordinaire and anti-bacterial additive that is very beneficial to your skin!

White Willow Bark Toner

Ingredients

1 Tablespoon White Willow Bark

4 ounces of distilled water

1 teaspoon of Aloe Vera Juice/Gel

To prepare toner:                                                                                                                                       

Bring water to a boil; add herbs, then remove from heat. Allow herbal infusion to steep for about 10 minutes. Cool. Strain mixture through a fine sieve or cheesecloth. Add Aloe Juice {or gel} to the strained liquid. Pour into clean, spray bottle. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
                                                                                                                                                                     
** You can also add 1/2 teaspoon of White Willow Bark extract to your shampoo for those with dandruff, or psoriasis. You can even add 1/4 teaspoon of the extract to your favorite bottle of liquid body wash to combat body acne! 

Where do I find these ingredients?                                                                                                          

• You can find Red Kaolin Clay & White Willow Bark at select Health Food stores, or; you can find them online here: {Mountain Rose Organics} and here: {From Nature With Love}
• Alternatively, you can find the extract here: {From Nature With Love}  

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