Thursday, May 30, 2013

Inspiration: Dare to be Shameless

SHAME: a negative emotion that combines feelings of dishonor, unworthiness, and embarrassment; capacity to feel unworthy
SHAMELESS: not feeling shame, untroubled or unaffected by shame, especially in situations where others would be ashamed

Have you ever been 'shameless' about anything in your life? Just gone all out, no looking back, giving it your all, shameless?
I'm sure you have.
Now think...was it something of worth...Did it change anything with you or your life? Make you better? Make you more of yourself? Help you reach a destination? Or was it just pointless?

Many things we do in life we do just because. No reason, no back story, just something to do. But to do something in your life that sets you on track for who you are suppose to be, what you are suppose to do, and ultimately catapults you into the position of being YOU...that right there, that's something.

I am currently a YouTube and blog junkie. Through me searching the web, watching tons of videos, reading tons of blogs, I come across some interesting things. The most interesting thing or person that I have came across so far is 'Shameless Maya'. This woman is so inspiring to me! Her story is amazing, so is her work and her shameless-experiment.

When Maya stared her 'Shameless Experiment' - April 2012

Tuesday, May 28, 2013

Flat Stomach: Week 5 Update

Just keep pushing...Just keep pushing.
This week was another hard one, geesh. I really had to push myself and encourage myself.
Why is it getting harder? I thought it was suppose to get easier?

If you read my post from last week, you know that I had a lazy week 4. So this week I really needed to push to not only get back on track, but regain my momentum.
Of course it was a slow start. I missed the first day of my work out week (Monday). Smh. Not looking good, lol.
Tuesday I was good. Up at 5, not 4:30 but at least I got up.
Wednesday is when it got bumpy. Baby girl woke up just as I was about to exercise so I had to go take care of her. This caused me to miss my morning exercise. I didn't want to skip another day though, so I exercised that night.
Same thing happened on Thursday and Friday, evening exercising.
Plus side to evening exercising, I get to sleep a little later. And I do enjoy my sleep.

This coming week, I'm changing to evening exercising. I hope the change will be good and keep me from getting bored/distracted/lazy. I also purchased some wrist/ankle weights that I am going to begin using. I loved my toned arms when I was in high school. I use to make sure I did extra arms in weight training and I had tons of sleeveless top. Nowadays, if I am wearing a sleeveless top, I take care to hide or minimize my flabby arms on some way. If not, they tend to look larger than my head...no joke. Nope, not cute.

Last, but not least...my current weight. I am actually dreading this because I am scared that my slacking has decreased my potential loss. Or even worst, made me gain weight.
The last time I weighted myself (6 weeks ago) I was 186.
My current weight is:

Ugh...3lbs. At first I was disappointed. I almost didn't add it to this post, smh. Then I told my sis, she immediately reacted positively. I expressed my sadness, she laughed and said "Honey, you lost weight!" No matter what, its a step in the right direction. To see those numbers getting smaller and smaller!
Seeing my weight also let me know that I really need to get stricter with my diet. I think I need an actual plan....winging it is no longer cutting it.
New plan of attack coming soon!

Nicole Charnel


When your trying to lose weight, how often do you weigh yourself?


Monday, May 27, 2013

Recipe: Grilled Quesadillas

On my way to pick up my loves the other day and got a craving for quesadillas. Strange, I know but stranger cravings have happened (I mean, I have been pregnant twice; cravings are real, lol).
But I didn't want just any ol' quesadilla...I wanted a Red Robin Quesadilla. Yes...
They are filled with gooey cheese, seasoned chicken, onions, mushrooms, bacon, n peppers...YUM!
Unfortunately, Red Robin no longer serves these pockets of delicious-ness. So my 2nd option, create my own! I may not be crafty but I can definitely do some DIY on a stove or grill.
So the rest of the ride, I planned and created my recipe.

Grilled Quesadillas



Friday, May 24, 2013

SPS: Marley Twist

For some naturals with HIH (Hand in Hair) syndrome, protective styling can be hard.
HIH- Hand in Hair. Its a disease that causes you to always be manipulating your tresses.
Definition from CurlyNikki.com
Though it keeps you hair in one style for a loner period of time, it can be very beneficial for your hair.  When your hair is having little to no multiplication, it will undergo less wear and tear. Allowing it to retain more length, gain and maintain strength, and stay in a healthy state. As long as you take care of it properly, of course.

So the first style I did for my SPS: Summer of Protective Styling is Marley Twist.

Alex from The Good Hair Blog
I am in love with this look! Long twist in a big bun, how can you go wrong with that?
Twist and braids are so flexible, this makes them a great choice for protective styling. So when I came across these Marley Twist, I couldn't wait for the chance to get them in my hair. And since I decided to do this Summer of Protective Styling, I knew this had to be my first style.

Thursday, May 23, 2013

Summer Protective Styling

When I was younger, one of my favorite things about summer was my mom let me get braids in my hair. Whether they were box braids, crochet braids, cornrows, pixie braids; it didn't matter to me, I was just excited to get my hair braided. Then summer end came, time for school again and I had to take my braids out. It was sad, yes, but the plus side was I got to see my hair growth. My hair was always significantly longer.

Protective styling did that! Of course, I never thought of it that way. But my mother (who was a licensed hair beautician before she was a teacher) knew best! Giving my hair a rest from the ponies and pig-tails and barrettes allowed my hair to grow and strengthen over the three months of summer. I love my mom...
Anyway, looking back on a time in my life where my hair was at its healthiest, I am going to adopt this method for my current natural hair journey.

Protective styling all summer long! Three months of box braids, marley twist, faux buns, and more!
This will benefit my hair in the above mentioned ways, health and length retention. But also it will benefit my lifestyle. I'm all about the quick and easy. So even though it may take a few hours to install some styles, they will allow little to no time when styling each day.

So I'm looking forward to styling for the summer! If you have any ideas or style suggestions, let me know.
Stay tuned for my first SPS: Summer Protective Style!


Nicole Charnel


Tuesday, May 21, 2013

International Natural Hair Meetup Day: May 18th

This weekend Natural Brownies attended our first natural hair event! YAY!
And we loved it! It was so much fun.  Meeting other naturals as excited as we are about this journey was the best part.
The event was international, so cities around the world were having events.
Check out facebook and the website for some pics!
And below, a few pics I took.

Nicole Charnel

Natural Brownies: Journey to Natural Hair Blog
Jessica's Blog: Perfectly Imperfect Me


Monday, May 20, 2013

Flat Stomach: Week 4 Update

Week 4 equals LAZY WEEK.
Ugh, I can't believe what I did this week...or what I didn't do, smh (that means shaking my head, mom).
I didn't exercise this week...AT ALL.
Yea...I know...uh huh...yup...go ahead, let me have it. I deserve it, lol.
I don't know what happened...well I do a little bit. Part of it was just pure lazy, part was lady issues (sorry gents, lol), part of it was pure exhaustion, and part I was in my feeling in a bad way! SO MUCH!
Whatever it was, I am totally regretting it. And whats worse, I encouraged my awesome (ratchet) brother to start Insanity with me and then I didn't even get up with him! Tragic, I know.
Only plus is I kept with my healthy eating. Prayerfully, the lack of exercise won't allow me to gain weight, just maintain...we shall see.

Anyway, break over...back on my grind!
For those who follow me on IG and Twitter know I am totally feeling my results thus far. My legs look AMAZING in some tights or skinny jeans, lol. And my stomach is noticeably flatter, just not where I want it to be. So onward and upward to that epic body that I want!

Nicole Charnel


P.S. I didn't weigh myself because I felt like I didn't deserve the reward of seeing my weight drop in numbers. Reward to weight yourself? Yes! I love seeing that number drop! So next week for sure.

Sunday, May 19, 2013

Recipe: Lemon Grilled Salmon

Spring is here (with Summer temps, lol) so that means more time will be spent outside. Which ultimately means, GRILLING SEASON HAS BEGUN!
Grilling always seems like an adventure, even though it is the same as regular cooking. Now your just outside with a different type of stove.
And cooking, well I'm all over that! I mean, you gotta eat! So you might as well eat good! And quick. I just love how my cooking skills have evolved to the level where I can easily create a delicious meal that takes no planning and can be done with a baby on your hip! LOL!
I owe all skills to watching Food Network and Cooking Channel everyday for the past 10 years, literally. You can learn so many tips and tricks just by listening.

So here is a quick recipe that I used this past Mother's Day. It was a big hit with my mom and the rest of the fam.

Grilled Lemon Salmon

What you need:
Salmon - 4 servings (skin or no skin)
Olive Oil (type of your choice)
Lemons - 2
Garlic Salt (or regular if you don't like garlic)
Pepper
Old Bay Seasoning (optional)
Trader Joe's 21 Seasoning Salute (optional)

Image from previous blog post


  • Using a bit of aluminum foil, make a sheet-like square in which you will use on the grill to put your fish on. I mostly do this so the fish won't stick or fall through the grates.
  • Slice lemons medium thick. 
  • Spread lemons out on aluminum foil and coat with olive oil. Place this on the grill to get some color on the lemons.
  • While lemons are cooking, season the salmon with a little olive oil and spices. Season to your taste.
  • Once lemons are a bit brown around the edges, remove them from the foil and set aside.
  • Place salmon on aluminum sheet (skin side down if you they have skin).
  • Put grilled lemon on top of the salmon.
  • Cover grill and let cook for 12-15 min or desired done-ness.
  • Remove from grill and serve over lemon noodles or plain rice.


I loved this recipe! It was easy for me to think up and to execute. The fish was moist and flaky and lemon-ney, lol!  I will definitely be doing this one again before the end of the summer. Let me know if you gave this recipe a try and you like it (or didn't).

Nicole Charnel


More recipes to come!

Friday, May 17, 2013

Naturally Damaged

Heat damage is REAL!

And I didn't know this until I started to go natural, real talk.
I mean, why weren't the hair stylist telling me about this? I have been natural for 9 years, since I graduated high school in 2004. But the problem is I have been flat ironing my hair, every week for those years.
And I didn't know about heat damage. So how high was my flat iron?
I didn't know about properly moisturizing my hair. So how often was I suppose to deep condition?
I didn't even know about heat protectant! UGH!
Just a little frustrated...

So I go natural and I start to read and research and watch hair videos, read books, read blogs...
Then I hit the kicker...the thing that makes me want to just shave my head and start all over...
Chime Edwards (a natural hair blogger and a personal hair crush of mine) says there is no coming back from heat damaged.  You can, of course, take care of your hair, nurse it to a healthy state, but if it is truly heat damaged (straight, dry, natural but no curl) then the best you can do is CUT IT OFF.

Jaw-dropped, head fell, night over, smh.

Ok...but wait! Some naturals have done protein treatments and regained their curl! I mean, I am natural, won't that work for me? (<-- DENIAL)

After more research, I found out just why EXACTLY, down to the science, my heat damage hair is un-save-able.
Kala G. from The KG Lifestyle put it in great terms in one of her hair videos. She says, heat damaged hair is where the cuticle (or outer layer) of your hair strand has melted and has damaged your hair strand. It is similar to when you get a relaxer. There is no going back.
Quick hair lesson: Your hair strand are made up of two layers, cuticle and cortex. The outer layer, the cuticle, protects the inner layer, the cortex. More on this in the future or check out The Natural Haven: Science And Natural Hair.
So now I am at this point where, yes, I cut off a bunch of my damage but I still have more left. I can see them in my wash-n-go's and I feel them whenever I do my hair. Plus they don't be acting right!
The frustration makes me want to just cut them off...but maybe I can just maintain them till I get a bit more length...ugh.

Ladies, if you are in the same boat as me...natural but damaged, lol...there may only be one solution.
Smh.
Heat damage is real...

Nicole Charnel


Would you cut off all your heat damage and start over?

Wednesday, May 15, 2013

Product Review: Shea Moisture Raw Shea Butter Deep Treatment Masque

A great deep conditioner is a must-have in any naturals hair arsenal. Whether your repairing your hair or moisturizing your healthy hair.
Here is another deep conditioner that I have heard a lot about and wanted to try as soon as possible.

Shea Moisture Raw Shea Butter Deep Treatment Masque


Product Overview (directly from Target website):
      The Shea Moisture organic raw shea butter deep treatment hair masque contains a rich blend of argan oil, vegetable glycerin, sea kelp extract and avocado oil. It has shea butter extracts, which deeply moisturize and repair damage to your hair and scalp. Also helps protect your hair from heat and styling damage. Ideal for all hair types.

Benefits (directly from Target website):
      This rich treatment deeply moisturizes and repairs hair, while providing a protective barrier for the hair from heat and styling aids.

My Opinion:

      I liked the price of this product, usually between $8-$12. Very budget friendly. It also smelled good, to me. It has a shea butter and argan smell. Very natural and clean, which I like.  Another plus, the organic ingredients. Good if you are all about the ingredients.
      However, the result after use were not great with me. I have heard plenty of rave reviews but I just wasn't impressed. The first two times I used it, my hair was ok, not super soft but manageable  The third time I used it, my hair was almost straw-like. Like it was stripping my hair. The last time I used it, it was worst. Smh. I put it down after my hair turned out so dry that I had to use an additional conditioner.
      Even though it didn't turn out well for my hair, there could have been reasons why. One, too much protein or not the best kind for my hair. Also, I could have left it in too long. The directions say 5-45 min. The longest I left it in was overnight, but all other times no more than 45.
      All in all, I wouldn't recommend this product to someone who has my hair type and a possible protein issue. However, there are plenty of other great reviews for this DC so don't knock it till you try it!

Nicole Charnel


Do you like Shea Moisture products?

Monday, May 13, 2013

Cheers to the Busy Weekend

Whew! Glad that's over, lol.
This past weekend was crazy busy!
My Mom and Dad got married, again! LoL, Reaffirmation of Vows.
In addition too all the normal weekend things; cleaning, laundry,church, hair, more cleaning, lol.
Plus Mother's Day, too much. Which ended in cooking on the grill.

Grilled Lemon Salmon, recipe coming soon!
And through all that...I have no pictures, smh!
I can't believe I didn't take a bunch of pics. I have like two, lol.

My hair and makeup for the wedding.

But I guess that is what the life of a mother of two is like.

On Mother's Day
Focus was on them...which I don't mind at all.

Nicole Charnel




Check out my Weight Loss Journey here!


Exercise Equipment

For some reason, your children always need something.
T-shirts.
Socks.
Diapers.
Formula.
GEESH!
So now that I am a mom, I have weekly trips to Wal-Mart, yea. No matter how many list I write and planning ahead I do...weekly trips, smh.

      Anyway, last time I went, I ventured over to the fitness area. I didn't need anything but I was thinking about getting some body slimmers.
      I have been watching a lot of YouTube videos; woman are sharing their weight loss journey and how they have lost their belly fat. And a lot of them mentioned they used body slimmer to help.
I remembered my dad had a stomach slimmer so I didn't need to buy one of those. But I also saw, thigh slimmers.
      Now, I happen to love my thighs, real talk. They are big but they curve just right. LoL! And they help give me that coke-bottle-look. I don't really want to lose them all together but slimming them down a bit is fine with me. So I purchased these...


      I also saw some wrist and ankle weighs, I might try them too. Once I lose what I want to lose and then need to tone up. That's how I'm suppose to do it right? (Idk, lol, another question for a trainer.)
Anyway, I think I am going to start tracking my inches. Just to see what the effects and benefits of these slimmers are.

Nicole Charnel


Do you use any body slimmers?

Saturday, May 11, 2013

Flat Stomach: Week 3 Update

Week 3 of total weight loss journey, eating right and exercising!
Week 4 of Insanity workout complete!


I am so frickin' proud of myself! I can't believe I have made it this far already and have stuck with it!
I am not athletic.
Not a fan of sweating.
And definitely don't like loosing sleep but I have been doing this for 4 WEEKS!
WHOOP, WHOOP! GO NICOLE!
It has even started getting harder to NOT exercise, lol. I mean, I actually feel bad if I don't .
Even if I am dead-tired in the morning, I may sleep past my 4:30-workout alarm BUT I will hustle to exercise that afternoon.

I am constantly feeling a difference in my body. Besides the fact that my knees crack as i walk up the stairs, lol, I am no longer out of breath when I reach the top. Yes, child. This thing was real!
I also have to wear a belt with my pants, love that! And curves are just looking better n better! LoL!

Next week I will be weighing myself again, finally. There's just something about actually seeing the numbers decrease. Last time I weighted myself was 3 weeks ago and I was 186lbs. Being in the 180's felt good but I am sure 170's will feel even better!

Nicole Charnel


Have you started your fitness journey yet?

Thursday, May 9, 2013

Product Review: Beautiful Textures Rapid Repair Deep Conditioner

5 months into my natural hair journey and I am already falling into the trap!
The 'product trap'! Yup.
Hi, My name is Nicole and I am a product junkie.
Hi Nicole.                   LoL

My reasons for being a product junkie are simple. One, I have no clue what works for my hair. I have to try to figure it out. And two, as long as I don't break the bank, I am good! LoL!
So since I am a product junkie, I decided to be productive about it and do reviews for the products I try.
Hopefully I can help someone who, unlike me, doesn't want to try a whole bunch of products to figure out what works best for them and their hair.

Rules for my Product Reviews:
Each assessment is based off how the product worked for my hair only. For more information on my hair type, click here or check out my other blog.
For each product I review, I will have used the product for at least a month and used it with other products in the same line to ensure the best results.
Unless noted, my product reviews are not sponsored.

Now that the technicalities are out of the way, lets get to it!

The product is Beautiful Textures Rapid Repair Deep Conditioner.
Product Information (directly from website):
      Achieve amazing manageability and styling versatility for Curly, Wavy, Kinky-Coily or Frizzy hair. Get soft defined curls, bodacious bouncy spirals, and smooth silky tresses with this Intensive Moisture-Rich Formula for mixed textured hair.
      Enriched with Aloe Vera, Coconut, Olive, Soy, Argan Oil, Shea and Mango Butter

Benefits (directly from website):
Restore Hair’s Natural Moisture Balance
Control Damage from Transitioning, Heat, and Color Treated Hair
Restore Elasticity to Prevent Breakage

      Dryness and breakage prevent healthy looking hair growth. To help ensure your hair has a fighting chance against daily styling stresses use Rapid Repair Deep Conditioner to help strengthen, rebuild, protect and hydrate.
      Rapid Repair Deep Conditioner allows you to embrace more versatile styling options, while protecting your hair from the inside out. To achieve softer, more defined curls, healthier looking elongated coils and simply silky smooth hydrated hair use this feather lite deep penetrating conditioner.

My Opinion:

      I LOVED this product! I have tried about 4 different deep conditioners and this is by far my favorite.  Starting with the basic senses, it smells lovely. The mango and the coconut come through the most. The consistency is that of a heavy cream. More like mayonnaise, not like whipped butter.
      The application is easy, due to the consistency. It coated my strands (I have thick stands) well because of the thickness.  This product also has good slip. Easy to finger detangle (which I do, I rarely use combs).
      As a result of the great ingredients, my hair was super soft and strong after use.  I could also tell a difference in how my curls looked. Before they were limp but after use, they were back to popping!

This product I give 5 out of 5 stars and would recommend it to any of my curl-friends!

Nicole Charnel

Tuesday, May 7, 2013

Addiction: Pinterest

Yup...yet another addiction.
I shouldn't be allowed to try awesome things such as this!
PINTEREST...why am I so late?!?!
I am so in love with this!

Shoes.
Nails.
Gift Ideas.
Fitness Tips.
Hot men (lol).
Natural Hair Styles.
Recipes.





There is so much to learn and create and buy! YAY!
I have to thank (and blame) my friend Shanika for suggesting I give it a try. Now I am addicted and planning to give some awesome Mother's Day gifts thanks to all the DIY projects, lol.

Nicole Charnel


CHeck out my pinterest! http://pinterest.com/nicolecharnel/


Monday, May 6, 2013

Cheers to the Long Weekend

It wasn't long because it was more the the normal two days...long because it just seemed to drag out.
What weekend drags? Normally you blink and the weekend is over, right.
But not this time. Hours seemed to multiple, Saturday was two days, Sunday morning was Saturday night...
Plus side of this drawn out weekend: I feel like I got a lot done.
My usual weekend tasks (shopping, cleaning, lounging, lol) plus a few extras, the park being one.




D had a blast, of course. And Natta-Boo slept through the whole thing, lol.

Down side to a drawn out weekend, your mind has too much time on its hands.
And too much thinking, is always bad for me...but we will save that for another post.

Nicole Charnel 

She went grocery shopping with me, it wore her out. LoL

Saturday, May 4, 2013

Flat Stomach: Week 2 Update

Another week down and I am still feeling motivated.
WHOOP, WHOOP! GO NICOLE!

      I feel like I am already to the point that I crave the workout rather than dread it! Although the mornings are still rough, I usually bride myself to get out of bed. How do I do this, you may ask? I think, if I am still tired after I exercise, I will just call out of work, lol. So far so good though, haven't had to call out yet!
Even though my body is tired after my workout, I still feel energized.

      This week I also bettered my food choices and added Green Smoothies to my diet. And they are addicting and delicious!

      They not only make me feel better, health wise, they also help me make great food choices. If I start the day with something healthy, I tend to crave healthy things and what to continue with that. Don't get me wrong now, I still crave my Magnum bar and a slice of pizza, lol. But less often! If you haven't already, you should try one! I will make sure I do a post on my recipe.

      All in all, a great week! I am feeling even better and enjoying this new healthy life style.  SN: I haven't been tracking my actual weight because my main focus is a look, not a number. The last time I weighted myself was two weeks ago. But I will be sure to let you all know know my weight after a month, my week 4 update.

Nicole Charnel


Friday, May 3, 2013

Shopping: Beauty Haul

Hey dolls!

      So my new haircut induced a mini shopping spree, lol. I mean, come on! I needed some hair accessories to accent my stellar cut, right! Plus, now that my hair is 100% natural and healthy, I also need some new hair products to try out and better my relationship with me and my hair.
Yes, this is how my brain works, lol.
So on the way home from my hair appointment, I made two stops; Sally's Beauty Supply and Claire's!

This is what I copped from Sally's...


      As always, when I shop, I go for the sales first. Especially with my natural hair products. Since I am just starting my journey, I am trying a lot of different things and products so I can see what my hair likes the best. But of course, I don't want to break the bank so I gave myself some rules.

  1. I cannot buy a new product until I have used all or the majority of the previous product.  This saves me money because I am only buy new product every month to month and a half.
  2. If there is a sample for the product I want to buy, try the sample first.  Samples are usually $0.90 to $5.00. Huge savings when the original price of the product is over $15.
  3. Try to buy product that is on sale.  This will still let me have variety seeing as different products go on sale at different times.
      So far, I have been doing a great keeping my rules...but it's only been a month, lol. We shall see.
Anyway, the Naturally Silk Elements products were on sale 2 for $12. Great sale, originally $8.99 or $9.99.
I purchased:
      I have like to purchase my products with in the same line because I think the creator intends them to go together. So for me to really test out how well they work, I need to test them together. 
I also purchased Eco Styler Olive Oil Styling Gel. It wasn't on sale, however, it was only $6 and I REALLY wanted it, lol.
After I have used each product for a month, I will probably do a review. Be watching my natural hair blog for that.

This is what I got from Claire's...


      OMG...I love Claire's...and for so many reasons! They always have sales on their earrings. Which, for a person with 9 holes in their ears, that is amazing. Plus they have something for everyone! Edgy, chic, classy, sassy. Whatever your style, you can find something at Claire's.
      So of course I got some earrings. I can't wait to wear those peacock ones! And that red bow, yes. My favorite is, of course the pink bow. Yes, it is obnoxiously big but it is so me! I will post the pics when I wear these gorgeous accessories, just check back or follow me on instagram.
      The sales at Claire's was irresistible  All hair accessories were 'Buy One Get One 50% off'.  The earrings were 'Buy Two and Get One Free'. This assisted my spree, lol.

All in all, a great random shopping trip.  I currently have a goal to update my style and to fit it more to my personality, become a true fashionista! Check back for more hauls!


Nicole Charnel








Thursday, May 2, 2013

May, A Challenging Month

I never thought of May this way.
As a challenge...but it seems many of other people do!

The Abs Challenge
The Squat Challenge
The Green Smoothie Challenge
The Weight Loss Challenge
And these are just the ones I have seen these last couple of days or prior.

My first thought, people are bored, lol.
But really it is more like people are trying to be better! To better themselves so they feel better ABOUT themselves!
I love that! Mostly because that is what I am doing, lol. But also because by doing these challenges and sharing them with others you are holding yourself accountable and possibly inspiring someone else.
Think about it...it's deep, lol.

So what challenge should I choose for myself?
Well it definitely has to be a photo challenge, since I think of myself skilled in iPhone-photography.
And it would be nice if it had to do with natural hair, since it is a current obsession.

As I was reading one of my favorite natural hair blogs yesterday morning, the perfect challenge fell right in my lap!
The Curly and Fit May Photo a Day Challenge by Lexi With The Curls


This challenge combines both natural hair, photography, and weight loss!
Plus there is a possibility of being a giveaway winner!
Done, sign me up! LoL!
Follow me on Instagram to see my pics and watch me reach my goals.

Nicole Charnel


What challenge are you joining in on this month?



Wednesday, May 1, 2013

Natural Hair: Impulsive Haircut

Hey dolls!

So....I CUT MY HAIR! *gasp* YAY! *applause*

If you follow my natural hair blog, you know that I have been struggling with breakage. And my hair has been feeling extra dry, even though I DC (deep condition) every week.  I have been doing so much research on hair breakage, trying to apply what I learned to my regimen, and it just wasn't getting better.
So on an impulse (out of frustration and impatience, lol), I chopped off my damage and split ends!
And since I love a lil' flavor, I got it cut in to a style, a 'bob' of sorts.

And hour after cut, air dried

I am so in love with it and so happy I did it!

First twist-out

Takes a max of 25 mins to twist for a twist-out, previously and hour.
And 10 min to retwist for the night (only two flat twist in the front and a couple singles in the back, not all my hair is retwisted), previously never done because I had no patience for it, lol
The short styling time really helps with my lifestyle, two kids and daily exercise, so convenient.
And since it is all natural, healthy hair, I can rock a wash-n-go if I have no styling time. Convenience x2!
And it is just plain GORGEOUS!

Vanity is real! LoL!

3rd day hair, still defined twist
100% natural, no damage, all curl, all NICOLE!

Nicole Charnel