Monthly Archives: March 2014

Rosewater Flaxseed Gel

Hi Maicurlies,

I have mentioned the benefits of Rosewater for Hair and Skin and in honor of Rosewater (which I LOVE) I have been experimenting. What did I do? Rosewater Infused Flaxseed Gel (FSG)! Verdict? I LOVE it!

Apart from that delicious Rose smell I love the moisturizing effects I get from the gel. I normally make FSG with either plain distilled water or distilled water and Aloe Vera Juice (AVJ) and my hair does feel moisturized from it but the Rosewater seems to give it that edge!

So after weeks of experimenting (I have to do trail and error for a few weeks before I announce anything) I can say I absolute love incorporating Rosewater to my gel!

This is the recipe I use:

2 cups of Distilled Plain Water
1/2 cup Rosewater
1/2 cup Flax Seeds – (use less seeds if you want a thinner gel)
1 teaspoon Grapeseed oil (use any carrier oil of choice)
1/2 teaspoon Glycerin (optional – not everyone hair likes Glycerin)
10 drops Lavender Essential Oil (use any EO of choice)

I manage to get 3/4 cup of thick FSG with this recipe. If you do not like your Gel to be thick you can use less flaxseeds. While the Gel is thick I do not get any flaking or crunch (if I use too much gel and my hair does feel a little “stiff” it goes away once I scrunch my hair.)

I have a video demonstrating how I make my Rosewater Infused Flaxseed Gel on YouTube and as always have linked it here on my Video Page. I also have my “original” FSG recipe listed on my Blog here. I love experimenting so I am sure that Rosewater Infused Flaxseed Gel will not be my last experiment but I must say this is going to be my staple.

Have you used Rosewater in your FSG? If so, what is your recipe and how does yout hair respond to it? If not, how do you make your DIY Gel?

Thanks

Maicurls

Desert Trip

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Hey Maicurlies!

So last weekend I was out of town camping with a big group (there were several hundred people) for a desert rock trip. I love being outdoors and I am the kinda girl who likes to wear comfortable clothes while camping.

I do not go “over the top” when I camp because what is the point right? I always wear pedal pushers and take shorts as well. I take an extra top and in case it gets a little nippy (which it can especially in the desert) I take a hoody or sweater.

I love being outdoors what about you?

Desert Trip by maicurlz featuring a leather bracelet

Thanks

Maicurls

Natural Hair On The News

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Good Morning Maicurlies,

So before I start I have to say 2 things: 1. I came across this video thanks to a lovely natural head on Napturally Curly Hair Forum and 2. this is “old” and might be “old news” for you. The video was shared in one of the forums and I have never seen it before even though this it is from 2010!

So the first video shows how going natural affected 3 women, in that, they decided to go on their own personal natural journey for different reasons.

The little girl at the end of the video is too cute!

The second video is a follow up of the story showing the feedback and response from audiences who watched the original story.

I have to say while this might be “old news” the core of the story is still alive and well so I had to share. I do not want to mention the name of the lovely lady who shared the video (respecting her privacy) but Thank You lovely lady! 😀

Have a fantastic day Maicurlies!

Maicurls

Tips & Tricks for Longer and Stronger Nails and Lashes

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Good Afternoon Maicurlies,

I am a little obsessed with researching, reading and learning more and if you are looking to grow stronger, longer and healthier nails and lashes then you want to keep reading.

My nails seem to grow for a bit and then get a little weak on the sides so I end up having to cut them. Now, do not get me wrong I am not looking to grow claws I just want to have stronger nails. When it comes to my eyelashes I do not have the fullest or longest lashes and I am completely incapable of using fake lashes! So based on my research I found natural remedies that can be used for both and you probably already have the ingredients at home!

Vrigin Coconut Oil

Castor Oil

Vitamin E Oil

For Lashes

Virgin Coconut Oil or Castor Oil
Vitamin E Oil (optional)

Nails

Virgin Coconut Oil
Vitamin E Oil (optional)

You might have noticed that I am a little obsessed with containers and therefore I had to use my little containers for both my nails and my lashes.

Coconut Oil Nail Strengthening “Polish”

I use an old nail polish bottle (it use to hold clear nail polish) that I first cleaned with a little nail polish remover, kept in the bottle for 2 days. After 2 days I poured the nail polish remover out and then cleaned and disinfected it. After the bottle is dry, all I do is pour a little bit of Virgin Coconut Oil and add 1 capsule of Vitamin E Oil for extra strengthening.

Note: You do not have to put the oil in a nail polish bottle you can just put a drop or two of Virgin Coconut Oil on your finger tip and rub it onto your nails.

The more frequently you use it the more effective it will be and it is best to apply the oil onto clean, dry and bare nails (no polish.) Leave the oil on for a minimum of an hour (without washing your hands) it would be best to leave it on overnight, applying before you go to sleep. If you plan on applying nail polish after you do the treatment make sure to remove any trace of oil BEFORE you apply your polish otherwise the oil will ruin the polish.

Coconut Oil or Castor Oil strengthening and moisturizing “mascara”

I use an old mascara bottle (it use to hold clear mascara) that I first cleaned and disinfected. It is easier to clean the container of an old clear mascara as apposed to a black, blue, brown etc. After the bottle is dry, all I do is pour a little bit of Virgin Coconut Oil and add 1 capsule of Vitamin E Oil for extra strengthening. You can use castor oil which is said to be even more effective but I found it difficult to get the oil in the small opening of the container because the oil is thick.

Note: You do not have to put the oil in a mascara bottle, you can just put a drop or two on your fingertip and run it across your lashes. Regardless of what you use DO NOT GET OIL IN YOUR EYES! You also can use this for your eyebrows in case you have over plucked them over time or have really thin eyebrows like I do!

The more frequently you use it the more effective it will be and it is best to apply the oil onto clean, dry and bare lashes (no mascara.) Leave the oil on for a minimum of an hour (without washing your face) it would be best to leave it on overnight, applying before you go to sleep. If you plan on applying mascara after you do the treatment make sure to remove any trace of oil BEFORE you apply your mascara otherwise the mascara will run and you know what that will look like!

Thanks

Maicurls

From the office to a light night out

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Hello Maicurlies,

I sometimes meet up with friends after work (especially when I have been in the office for hours!) In cases like this, instead completely changing your outfit in your office bathroom, you can always plan ahead and wear something you can easily modify from the professional office look…to a fun light night.

While I generally do not go out during the week (I have to admit I am not longer in my mid or late 20’s anymore :() on the rare occasion I do meet my friends during the week. Nights like that are not “crazy” therefore I do not want to get too “dolled up” for it. A nice top, trousers, a pretty pair of earrings accompanied with the right shoes and bag can be all you need.

So before heading out the office (or your car), take off your jacket, swap out the shoes and pick up your clutch bag and you are good to go!

Hope you dig this look as much as I do!

Office to a light night out by maicurlz featuring wide leg pants

Maicurls

Exercise Program 4

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Hi Maicurlies,

Dumbbell With Water And Towel – Image courtesy of Naypong / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

I have two workout plans up: my 1 Month Mixed Cardio & Weight Training Program as well as my 1 Elliptical Workout Program. In the Mixed Cardio & Weight Training Program I have a mix of high impact Cardio and weighted exercise moves for strength. I created it “slow” at first and then increase the repetitions and length of each repetition. The Elliptical workout is tough (at least it is for me.) I have increased the amount of time spent on the Elliptical machine to 45 minutes for the first two weeks and 50 minutes for the remaining two weeks. You can opt which body part (legs or arms) will be the driving force on each day and can also use weighted wrist or ankle bands for extra resistance.

And to conclude, I have decided I want to try something a little different because I am a little bored with my Elliptical Machine. For the next 10 weeks I will be doing the Focus T25 program! Yeah baby! I have already done 2 days of it and let me tell you…it is NO JOKE! Read more about this and the above mentioned program here.

Thanks

Maicurls

Butters…Butters…Butters

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A wonderful Afternoon to you Maicurlies!

Today is going to be a Butter day! Chances are that most of you have used some or all of the ingredients below at some point:

Unrefined Cocoa Butter
Unrefined Mango Butter
Unrefined Shea Butter

I have not (shock horror!) I know, I know. I’m probably one of the very few naturals that have yet to try butters. In my “defense” getting my hands on them in my area is IMPOSSIBLE! I do not know why but I just can not find any! So my solution? Purchase some online. I have never been a fan of purchasing things online though. I am the kind of shopper who likes to physically see and touch products. But, seeing as I had this HUGE and I mean HUGE itch to try some whipped butter mixes I gave in and ordered some.

I have a little bit of information regarding Cocoa, Shea and Mango butter in my Natural Ingredients For Skin page and the Natural Ingredients for Hair page. I will be going more details about each separately in a few weeks because (drum roll please…) my order arrived!!!!

The company I used to purchase the butters is called Sheabutter Cottage. The owner is a natural head (I love supporting the cause) and I love the concept and feel of her company. In case you are looking to purchase Butters, take a look at the site, they have a number of different Butters and so so much more! Sheabutter Cottage actually donates 10% of your purchase towards the ‘Helping Hand Programme‘ (great concept) and their products are also Vegan friendly and not tested on animals (once again I love this!) Apart from butters, their products range from accessories, oils, herbs, essential oils, soaps, wooded products the list goes on. For now I can only tell you about my experience purchasing the butters because I have yet to mix and try them (that will be Part 2.)

For someone who is extremely nervous about online purchasing I have the say that Ms. Wood (the owner) was AMAZING! I hounded her with messages and she responded back to every single one. She went above and beyond to put my nerves at ease and the ordering process was really simple.

Since the company is in the United Kingdom I had to get overseas shipping. The shipping price was not too “cheap” but they never are so that is something to take into consideration when ordering abroad. I was told to expect my package to arrive roughly 21 working days after it has been sent , mine actually arrived 17 working days after being sent! It is always better to get packages earlier than expected right? Let me tell you I was impatient and kept counting the days LOL.

When I got the package I was super excited! This is what it looked like:

The fun part? Opening up each container and inhaling the gorgeous natural unrefined scent of each.

Cocoa (left) , Shea (bottom right) & Mango Butter (top right)

Unrefined Cocoa Butter

Unrefined Shea Butter

Unrefined Mango Butter

Here are the links to Sheabutter Cottage webpage as well as their Facebook page.

I want to EAT ALL of the Cocoa Butter it smells soooooo good…like chocolate!!! Shea Butter has a definite nutty smell to me (not necessarily bad but strong) and Mango Butter has a slight scent to it. I can not point my finger on it…it does not have a “Mango” smell but it has a hint of a “green” smell. I don’t know the word for it but it smells healthy like a vegetable type smell (if that makes sense.)

I am in the middle of finalizing my first mix. I am the kind of person who needs to do a TON of research before I mix anything. I also want to ‘test’ the butters for a little bit before I give a verdict on the results. I am so excited!!!!

Please Note: I have not been ask/endorsed by Sheabutter Cottage to mention the company or their products. I paid for everything I received myself.

P.S: There are a number of other companies you can order butters from of course. For those of you in the United States you might want to look at Butters -n- Bars (a popular site in the natural hair community.)

Thanks

Maicurls

Featured on Going Natural Video Diary

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Good Afternoon Maicurlies,

I am a member of Going Natural.com and I was asked to make a Hair Dairy of my hair journey by answering a few questions (I mentioned this a few months ago). Well, I went online last night and noticed that my video is up on their page! I just wanted to say Thank You to Miapress (Social Media Manager) of Going Natural.com for featuring my story on the site. Take a look at the video here and please do take a gander at all the natural heads, videos and posts on the site there is a terrific collection of inspirational stories, models, information, images and much more!

Thanks

Maicurls

Accessorizing My Hair – Video on YouTube

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Good Evening Maicurlies,

I am trying to get my act together and record more videos/write more posts (I am sorry I have been M.I.A I will do better!)

I do have a few things lined up so to get the ball rolling I made a video on how I use ribbons to accessorize. I already made a short post about the ribbons I bought (with the intention of using them on some dresses) but never explained how I “dress up” a simple chunky twist:

Like this:

It really is a simple style and does not require a lot of explanation but I always “learn” by seeing and doing so I figured why not record a video right? As always I have the video up on my YouTube Channel and here on my Blog’s Video Page. I will write a quick post on the step by step process as well.

Do you use ribbons to accessorize? I would love to hear from you!

Thanks

Maicurls

Rosewater For Natural Curly Hair

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Hello Maicurlies,

Today is another “ingredient feature” day! And the subject is going to be Rosewater! I honestly do not know where this absolutely beautiful product has been all my life but I am so happy to have met it! (Just by writing about it puts a smile on my face and reminds me of that beautiful intoxicating smell!)

Right lets get down to business shall we.

In Asia, Africa and the Middle East, Rosewater has been a popular natural ingredient that has been used in cuisine and for health. It should come as no surprise then that companies around the world have started to incorporate Rosewater into different beauty supplies and hair products are no exception (with good reason!)

Below are some of the reasons why I use Rosewater (and why you might want to try it out!):

It is known to help revitalize the quality of your hair due to Its natural moisturizing and nourishing properties.
Rosewater is effective in treating hair loss due to the fact that it helps to simulate the scalp.
There are no artificial additives or chemicals (if you purchase pure Rosewater) making it a ‘non-toxic’ product! (Just make sure you are not allergic to Roses.)
Should you suffer from mild scalp irritations or dandruff Rosewater can be used to help sooth irritations.
It leaves your scalp feeling ‘fresh’ and your hair smelling great!

How to use Rosewater:

You can add it to any of your DIY products e.g. Leave-In conditioner, Flax Seed Gel, Deep Conditioners etc. Remember to use a preservative and store the product in a fridge if you are going to mix Rosewater with Oils (in large quantities and want to keep it for a few weeks) otherwise stick to making smaller quantities frequently.
If your Shampoo tends to dry out your hair you can add a little Rosewater with the shampoo – it will moisturize your hair by reducing the “dryness”, soften, give your hair shine and your hair will smell great throughout the day!
You can mix equal quantities of Rosewater and Glycerin together to help moisturize your scalp by using it as a “massage oil”. (Rinse it off after 30 minutes – 1 hour.)
If Glycerin is not your friend, then you can use any carrier oil e.g. grapeseed, jojoba, almond oil etc with Rosewater and use it as a “massage oil” for your scalp. (Rinse it off after 30 minutes – 1 hour.)

I would love to know if you incorporate Rosewater into your routine!

Thanks

Maicurls