SUMMER PLAYLIST

Who doesn't love a good playlist? Well its certainly not me. I love listening to good music, I literally have a playlist for everything be it spring cleaning, cooking, traveling, gym, hanging out with myself the list is endless but my favorite playlist is my summer playlist, flowers are blooming and birds are singing and flying high in the sky, its smells like rain and the late night summer breeze feels like a slice of heaven.

I for one listen to my music in seasons and I absolutely love love listening to a good playlist, well that is until I get new music and I start all over again. Allow me to say this, spring move over, summer is here!!!!!!!!!!! :D :D

HUMAN HAIR EXTENSIONS 101-HOW TO KNOW IF YOU ARE BEING SOLD ANIMAL OR HUMAN HAIR

Human hair is in demand and some people are willing to pay any amount to acquire it.
With so many retailers to choose from it is so easy to be scammed and while some retailers have no knowledge the hair they are selling is not entirely the best quality they often overcharge the consumer then they pocket the profit while you are left with nothing but a ball of cheap hair.

There are a lot of pop up companies everywhere nowadays twitter, Facebook,Instagram you name it. Many people purchase virgin hair extensions on a regular basis but do you ever stop and ask your retailer in depth about the hair you wear?While reading this you will come to realize that a lot of retailers are overcharging consumers and some without knowing the real deal in what they are buying simply pay up all in the name of beauty. I did a breakdown of the grades below for your easy understanding:

HUMAN HAIR GRADE
Knowing the grade of hair you want will help you determine which one is best for you, based on the style you are trying to achieve and the minimum length of time you can expect to keep the hair. 

The are three grades you need to know of, that is 5A grade ,6A and 7A. 

The cheapest grade being 5A. This hair can last up to at least three-four months with proper care and maintenance, it can be died to a medium brown color (meaning if you plan on dying it blonde or any lighter color you might not achieve that color or you will damage the hair itself if you try color it that light)

6A grade is the perfect hair to purchase as its standard both in quality and price,  it is human remy hair that can be dyed up to a very light brown/blonde color This hair can last 6-8 months with proper care and maintenance. This hair a more natural flow to it due to the aligned cuticles (like its growing from your scalp lol)

Note:Remy (also spelled as remi) means that the cuticle layer of the hair extension is still intact. The hair has been collected from donors and processed into extensions with the cuticles facing in the same direction. 

7A grade human hair remy extensions is more expensive,best in quality and thickness. It can be dyed/bleached to a platinum blonde color. With proper care and maintenance it can last up to a 12-14 months.

TIPS when buying human hair:

-Ask for the hair grade and hair type
-Ask your retailer how the hair was acquired,cleaned and fabricated-this is very important as it will help you determine the quality of that hair
To sum it up ask questions you feel like are important because the last thing you want is to purchase animal hair,stolen hair or let alone hair acquired from dead people. Also note the way its advertised, if they use pictures from the Internet then you should require a sample before you purchase as that could also be a sign that its too good to be true.
Kindly note I plan on retailing human hair soon so be on the lookout for that and let me know on the comments section what you would like me to sell or expect me to sell.Or you can find me on my facebook and twitter pages too. Happy October Guys! Mwaaah

Happy reading. :)

SUNSCREEN 101 : FACTS YOU NEED TO KNOW

As tedious as this may sound its really important to wear sunscreen. I for one love wearing sunscreen basically because I don't want to get wrinkles before my time :) seriously though I am scared of getting old and getting skin cancer. I also abhor the tan lines I get on on my feet after going out into the sun wearing exposing shoes (sandals and pumps are the worst).  My cousin likes making fun of me when I apply sun screen on my feet but that hasn't stopped me at all. I still dunk every part of my body in sunscreen baby LOL.

The first time I bought sunscreen I went for SPF 50 even though I didn't really understand what it meant, I guess I just loved the idea of a high SPF. I used to think that the amount of SPF indicated the amount of protection my sunscreen provided which I now know is wrong.

Before I go further lets break down the acronyms of sun protection first, because most of us don't really know what they mean.

• SPF - Sun Protection Factor-standard protection one can get while exposed to direct sunlight
• UVA - Ultra Violet A (long wave)-responsible for  premature aging
• UVB - Ultra Violet B (short wave)-responsible for sunburn and cataract

SPF GIVES YOU AN IDEA OF HOW LONG YOU CAN STAY PROTECTED WHILE EXPOSED TO THE SUN.

For example:

SPF 15 gives you 150 Minutes (2 and a half hours) of standard protection which means if you are in direct sunlight for extended periods you will have to reapply your sunscreen after 2 and a half hours or so. 
SPF 30 = 5 hours
SPF 50 = 8 and 1/2 hours and so on

Therefore its important to be aware of your SPF and exactly when you applied it so as to keep reapplying if you are to remain exposed to the sun for a while. Don't be fooled when it comes to sunscreen, the key goal it to keep re applying it to get maximum protection and its wiser to apply it prior to exposure maybe 30-15 minutes before you go out into the sunlight. 

If you don't use sun screen because your beauty product has added sunscreen you are doing it wrong, sun screen in your beauty products is not enough you still need to apply sunscreen for maximum protection. Purge your old sunscreen for maximum protect as they tend to loose value over usage or they just expire like any other product be sure to check the expiry date of your sun screen.

Some sunscreens brands say they are "water proof" and this is deceiving because its not entirely true, as you sweat or swim some of the sunscreen is lost.

Key word to look for when buying your sun screen is "BROAD SPECTRUM PROTECTION" as this means it protects us from both UVA and UVB rays. 

UVA rays are the strongest as they can pass easily through clouds and clothing, they are also responsible for aging and skin cancer. 

UVB rays cause sunburn,cataracts and they also contribute to skin cancer.

Some people only think of sunscreen during spring and summer but that should not be the case as it has to be worn all year out. Do not mix sunscreen with your moisturizer as this weakens the protection factor it has. And just because you wearing sunscreen doesn't mean you shouldn't wear hats and glasses. Just make sure your sunglasses have UVA and B rays protection to protect your eyes from getting cataracts.

Its hot and people expose more skin because of this but do try by all means to wear long sleeved clothing to minimize exposure if its possible. 

For example

•  long pants and a short sleeved top and vise versa
• a summer dress and an umbrella or a wide hat

When driving do apply sun screen because sun rays do penetrate through glass too. 

Bottom line is we need the sun in our day to day activities but we can't ignore the harmful factors it also brings therefore its only wise to prevent and protect ourselves from the harmful rays. Buy your children some too they need it, stay away from the sun when its at its peak, stay under the shade,invest in an umbrella if you don't own one, re apply sunscreen frequently, protect every exposed area, yes even your ears are important. I promise you your skin will thank you in the long run.

I spend my precious time researching and writing great articles for you guys therefore your feedback is highly appreciated. Thank you.

Happy reading :)

SWEETIE IT'S NOT YOU ITS YOUR EYEBROWS

Brows can make or break your overall appearance. It's all about getting the perfect shape for your face. I have seen some of the craziest eyebrows around and honestly its sad. Its like people still live in the stone age. Come on! people look around,shops sell brow liners of all colors, ever wondered why?

 And am guessing that you probably still use black eye liner because you think your brows are black. right??
Well, you are wrong, your brows are not black, they are brown, which means its only right to use brown brow liner for your brown eyebrows.

Our faces are not proportioned the same, and brows come in different shapes and sizes therefore its wiser to work around your natural brow shape. Often times people over trim and tweeze their eyebrows in quest for the perfect brow please NOTE: Thin eyebrows make you look older. They age you.

Some of the sisters ignore the brow equation and draw any shape they feel like in hopes of looking prettier I suppose? Well mark my words "ENHANCE NOT DISGUISE" A different brow shape will only make things worse, God gave you your brows based on your face shape so unless you getting your face reconstructed why would you reconstruct your brow shape? LOL

THE BROW EQUATION

Then we have those that "think" they know how to do their eyebrows but they don't blend out their concealer or they draw them too close to the nose bridge. They get the brow sculpting idea but their eyebrows look like they were pasted on their faces.If your brows don't grow that close together why draw them that far? And blend in that $h*t please. *excuse my French* LOL.

Below is a list of the tools you need to get the perfect eyebrows.

1. A spoolie/eyebrow brush
2. Any brown eyeliner
3. Concealer (one or two shades lighter than your complexion)
4. Concealer brush (I prefer using angled brush)
5. A tweezer (if your brows are not tweezed/waxed/trimmed *ok you get it*)
6. Brow gel (For those stubborn brows)

I personally, outline my brows half way to the end and I blend inwards to get that ombre look. The inner brow I just brush my hairs upwards to give my brows a little dimension. Also be careful when filling in, heavy brows scream fake from a distance. So the idea is to enhance your natural brows.

Then I use concealer to shape and sculpt them, the trick is to blend it in to avoid harsh lines around your eyebrows...

And voilà you have the perfect eyebrows............

BROWS ON FLEEK!!

Please note this is not how everyone does their eyebrows, this is what works for me and you are welcome to try other ways to do brows. Thank you..

Happy reading :)

#beauty

MAGIC WEIGHT LOSS PILL??????

Is there really such a thing??????????


I wanted to write "weight loss quotes" but thats boring right? besides you probably wouldn't have clicked on the link right? but now that I have your attention there is something I want to remind you. Something we all tend to forget, something really really important, something you might also be doing wrong. I know I am doing it wrong :D are you?

Truth is there is a magic weight loss pill, we all know it in fact we all have it we just don't want to let it do its work on our body. Keep reading you will find out just what I am talking about, besides its not rocket science its logic.

Before I go any further let me remind you that today is choose day. Today, choose happiness over sadness, positivity over negativity and love over hate. Choose to be different, dare to love yourself, dare to say no to junk. 

 Here are five important quotes you should always remember if you are trying to change your lifestyle. (in other words loose weight) :p

Please note I spend my precious time to make all this for you guys, please rate,share,subscribe and comment below. Your feedback is highly appreciated. Thanks :)

Your truly Dixie.....

HOW TO MAKE A CROCHET BRAID WIG - GO RED OR GO HOME

BEFORE CUTTING

Wow! What hair is that? Is it human hair? Where did you get it? So I have been getting a lot of those recently, ever since I made a crochet wig. I decided to come out and show people that its really a wig. Spell it WIG! :p please note,I have installed crochet braids before and even then people wanted to know more about my hair and what i did to achieve the curl pattern and all the other shenanigans in between LOL. My previous crochet installation was great but the curl pattern did not last very long and re-curling my hair every two-three days was a hustle for me plus I do not know how to cornrow so a crochet wig saved my life, literally it did. Now I don't have to go pay someone else to cornrow my hair just so i can get crochet braids. :) :D

AFTER CUTTING

Since this was my first experience doing a crochet wig I used kanekalon hair because its cheap and affordable so even if it did not come out the way i expected at least I did not waste cash on hair I might never use.

It took me 4-5 hours to install a full head but after curling I realized I had some blanks which I had to fill in. (Tip:its always wise to pre-dip the hair) The curl pattern is more defined and as you install you fill up spaces you might miss out if you install the hair straight.

The final product was at shoulder length (see first picture) but I cut it into a fringe because the weather is just too hot. I really love this wig but I think it will work really great during winter and the part about making a wig is you get long lasting curls without re-curling over and over again.

FINAL PRODUCT

To create your own wig you need the following:

a.mannequin head (very important)
b.hair extensions (I used one pack of super star and one and a half packs of one million braids)
c.wig net (see mannequin head)
d.perm rods (If you want curls)
e.latch hook needle/bobby pin (to crochet the extensions onto the wig net)
f.pins (to secure the wig net onto the mannequin head)
g.a pair of scissors
h.bowl/bucket with hot water (for those who are curling the extensions)  

PRE-DIPPING HAIR BEFORE INSTALLATION

ALMOST DONE-CREATE PARTING SPACE

PARTING SPACE TO CREATE A MORE NATURAL LOOK

FEELING MYSELFIE

All in all I will definitely create another crochet wig using a either marley braid or afro kinky hair. This saved me alot of money and in future all I have to keep buying is hair extensions and wig nets.

Do you like the crochet wig or not? Please comment below and let me know what you think.

Happy reading!!!! :)

MY FAUX DREAD JOURNEY

Hey guys! I have been quiet for a while now right? How have y'all been? Ok so I have been really busy but all thanks to faux dreads, my hair was the last thing on my mind. They are so easy to manage, literally all I did every day was wake up and brush my hairline with a little hair moisturizer and an old tooth brush. I LOVE FAUX DREADS!!!!!!!!. I know I wanted to die after I spent 5 days doing my hair but it was worth it and I will definately do it again. 

And the comments I got for this hair do are amazing. Best part is as it gets older it becomes even nicer. To recap here are some of my fav snaps I took. :) 

NOTE:I am officially a faux dread addict. I will definitely try it with kanekalon fiber and some hard dread or even soft dreads. I kept this style for 2 months and I simply maintained it by applying some dermatol hair food to my scalp twice weekly and for the dreads I used a Revlon moisturizer (got it at game discount store), mostly because the moisturizer smelled nice.LOL :D I would advice not to use hair spray on the dreads as it will make your clothes and pillows really dirty from all the hair spray besides the goal is to make it look natural so oil will only make it look shiny and synthetic. Last week I installed a friend of mine and she is gaga about it. It only took us 12 hours to install them but it was worth it. She looks amazing! The versatility of the style and just the natural look it gives you is out of this world.You should try it too.. :p

NOTE: I am not readily available to do hair at the moment, if you want to do your hair (faux dreads only) you can comment below or email me @ DixieBW and I will let you know when am available. For now I just share hairstyles you can try out. Happy reading :)

5 REASONS WHY I KEEP GAINING BACK WEIGHT

Lets face it, loosing weight is easy the hardest part is how to keep it off . I recently stumbled upon my old food diary and it made me aware of a lot of things I did wrong back then and still doing them wrong to this date. I picked out top five mistakes that I think are the major reasons why I am yo-yo dieter.
1.THE SCALE IS MY WORST ENEMY
Weighing my self is like the last thing I want to do ever. Whenever I feel my jeans getting tighter I try my best to avoid the scale because I hate the stress and the guilt I get after. But its a bad habit because I end up gaining even way more weight so against all odds its always better to know the truth.
TIP: Wednesday is the best day to climb the scale as its in the middle so as weight fluctuates the most accurate results are likely to be on Wed.Just like a pH scale right?LOL
2. I DIET
Believe it or not dieting is not good for weight loss because it provides temporary results. It works no doubt about it but as soon as you stop dieting you going back to your old routine. No one can survive on a low-carb diet or a veggie diet all their life therefore DO NOT DIET.
TIP:Loosing weight is a lifestyle change so its better to teach yourself how to eat better and make healthy choices instead. 

3. I REWARD MY SELF WITH FOOD
Have you ever had that feeling where you feel like you can indulge a bit since you lost weight? If the answer is yes then this one is for you. While its OK to reward yourself for the hard work its a bad idea to resort to food as a reward.
TIP:Buying a new pair of skinny jeans or a little black dress instead is way better than rewarding yourself with the enemy.

4.I DEPRIVE MY SELF SOME SLEEP
After loosing weight its a must to go clubbing and dancing to show off the new body right? Wrong! Its actually bad to cheat your sleep regime and stay up late. Staying up late increases unhealthy eating and you become hungrier at night as sleep deprivation increases the hunger hormone before you know it you are fat again.
TIP:Aim for 6-8 hours of sleep each day your body will love you for it.

5.I STOPPED DRINKING WATER 
Whenever you are loosing weight, you are told to drink as much water as you can as it flushes out all the toxins and harmful substances that make you bloated and heavy. But its common for some of us to start thinking that its OK to indulge in sodas and skip on that glass of water which is really stupid and useless as it leaves us heavier instead.
TIP:Time your water breaks or keep a bottle/jar of water next to you  that way you don't forget to drink water.

BONUS POINT:
This is for those who are on certain medications. I am currently on prescription medication due to my headaches and a lot of meds are best known to increase appetite and trigger weight gain. So whenever you start new medication ask your doctor about the side effects and see if he can prescribe anything else. Your health comes first so do not stop taking your meds because you are scared of gaining a few extra pounds rather try and find a solution to the problem.
TIP: Google your medication and find ways to counter act the effects.

Happy reading...

I tweet @Chise_dixie
Facebook: Tshediso Dixie Chise

WHO KILLED CHIVALRY??MEN OR SELF-DEPENDENT WOMEN??

Seriously people!!! Come on.. It is actually sad that people still try blame gender equality and self-dependent women for killing chivalry. 

Gone are the days where men were the sole providers of their families. The nuclear family is dead and gone...While we still have a few nuclear families left, most of the families are not all nuclear, we have half siblings,step siblings,step parents and all. For some we are raised by single parents and extended families due to circumstances beyond our control.

Ladies now work high paying jobs just like men to sustain their families and while girl power is taking the world by storm some of the male population is switching the roles by being dependent on women.

Before I proceed any further let me define chivalry:

1st def: the medieval principles governing knightly conduct.

2nd def: very polite, honest, and kind behavior, especially by men towards women.

3rd def:The combination of qualities expected of an ideal knight, namely courage, honor, courtesy, justice, and a readiness to help the weak.

The way I see it both genders are equally to blame. We live in a world where people have turned to using others for their own benefits. While guys have turned to serenading a lady just to get into her pants,ladies also agree to go on stupid dates with a guy they don't even like to score a free meal in a fancy restaurant just so they upgrade their social status and some ladies have taken it upon themselves to chase around men they want, I am talking about the very same sisters who complain how their man never spoil them and all. Sister how do you expect a man you pursue to spoil you?You asked him out remember?? And some women give it up on the first date, gosh whatever happened to to self worth..Just because he bought you dinner and flowers doesn't mean he is a keeper. Dig deeper know his real intentions and test his ability to commit before you give it up. Ain't nothing wrong with abstainence. Don't sell your soul over a pair of heels or those expensive dinner he takes you to, you are priceless.

Back in the days guys used to be genuinely nice and kind but society has made the "bad-boy act" so acceptable that the nice guy is not nice anymore he is labeled as the "the player,the smooth talker, the ladies man". And some guys put up with the nice guy act just to get what they want from a lady.
Worst part about this is most assume that a gentleman is a guy that is chivalrous to his lady , no-no-no-no-no a REAL gentleman takes his sisters out shopping, pays for his mum's spa treatment not only his girlfriend in other words he takes care of all the women in his life. I personally am self dependent because I was raised by a single mom, she taught me that one does not need a man to get things done around the house but that does not mean she wanted to live without a man, she just worked with what she had while waiting for her prince charming. 

Despite my self-dependence I too want to find a real man who will give me the power to be a house wife (seriously I don't want to wake up everyday and go to the office) because he can provide for our family. Because he knows that even though I can provide for myself I do not need to, as he is there. For I am his rib, his number one fan, his baby, his female hitler, his sweet heart. (Lemme not get carried away here L.O.L)

Men of this century have somehow got it into their heads that women who are independent emasculate them while the real truth is they are intimidated by their success. An independent lady pays her own bills because she does not have a real man to do that and until a real man comes along she will not stop. All women really want is a guy that gets them, the type that says "hey I know you can afford to buy yourself dinner but let me do it for you because I am your man" mark my words "Your man" . N.B a real man does not go around buying every girl he meets dinner. He finds the one lady he fancies and then spends time with her hoping to get to know her more.

The social media era also has totally turned the tables around, instead of taking a girl out on a date and try to get to know her a guy would rather stay up till late going through her pictures and blowing up her inbox with messages telling her how "hot" she is. And because she lives in the society where beauty is quantified by the amount of likes she gets on her pictures she does not realize that she is being objectified instead she texts her B.F.F telling her about the cute guy thats in-boxing her.

On the other hand men easily objectify women with their sexist attitude, they wink and wolf whistle when a beautiful lady passes by and the idea sits well with them. They drool at a woman like she is a piece of meat and make explicit remarks without hesitation. Women on the other hand graciously perceive these remarks as modern complements.  There is a huge difference between a real compliment and a back hand compliment. Ladies its ok to want a man that takes care of you and that does not make you a gold digger, guys that only want to go out with independent women are just broke ass immature boys who don't want to spend a single penny instead they want to live in a fancy house,drive a fancy car,wear fancy clothes and eat free food paid for by an independent lady.

Perhaps self-dependence somehow is abused?Men are at the controls of a very strong puppeteer they act nice they are told its an act and when they act bad they are all called dogs. You can never get it right. Chivalry isn't the same to all of us.My own definition of chivalry is the act  of a gentle man and a lady to work together towards a common goal and  that is creating an environment which suits them both without exploiting each other. 

Ladies and Gents times have changed and chivalry is not dead it just evolved.Men can now relax a bit because they trust their partner is strong enough to cope with or without them and we as ladies should not spoil guys in order to receive love in return, remember he is not your son but your man. A real guy will see the need to take care of you even though you can do so yourself. A real man will have the audacity to ask you out on a real date and get to know you better. Its that simple.!!!!!

Happy reading!! :) Am always watching :)

Follow me: twitter @chise_dixie
Facebook: Tshediso Dixie Chise
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BRUISES AND BONES HEAL BUT THE MIND WILL NEVER FORGET-STAND UP AGAINST DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

I hate to be the one writing about this. I hate seeing this picture with all my heart, I hate having to talk about this because she is not the only one going through this in fact most women around the wold are struggling with domestic violence and are afraid to speak out but I see the need to raise awareness to every one out there because it can happen to any one of us. Kindly note this is a picture of a very close friend of mine, she gave me permission to write about it and she also trusted me enough to tell me what had happened to her.

When I received this picture yesterday I literally looked at it several times before I responded, you can only imagine what an animal would do this to another human being. The pain she must be going through all because of love. The physical and emotional scars she will live with for the rest of her life all because of a self obsessed monster who doesn't know what to do with his hands. No one deserves to be hurt like that and I love her for being able to speak out about this.She did not need tell the whole world but she took a step to speak out and that is good enough because surely the monster who did this will be punished accordingly.

We have all been victims of domestic violence one way or the other. Some of us were raised by violent parents,some of us were/are in abusive relationships and some of us are not even aware of the abuse until its too late. In my past relationship I was emotionally abused by my partner so one way or the other I am also a victim. I may hate talking about this but I love this post because I have the power to write about it. Like I said "the mind will never forget". As funny as it may sound arguments are a normal thing in many relationships but if the argument leaves you in tears because your partner insulted you or called you hurtful names, its abuse.

I personally have been called names and told how I was not worthy of marriage. The painful part is the fact that he used everything I confided in him against me, he called me illegitimate for growing up without a father and the same monster who did not value me would serenade me and apologize after insulting me like that and I would stupidly forgive him but he forgot one important thing, he forgot that every day I become a little stronger and a little wiser to walk away from him. Even though I do not have the bruises and scars to prove it, I can proudly say I am finally free, free from all the emotional abuse. I am stronger,wiser and no one can stop me from speaking out.

Being insulted or hit by your partner even once is unacceptable, and its even worse when he blames his rage and abusive character on you. No human being has the right to hit or insult another human being. I would like to apologize to all the good men out there and encourage them to continue doing good and not let abusers like these ones tarnish the male specie. To all the sisters out there never make excuses for your partners anger issues. Walk away while you still can, speak out if you have to, see a counselor, or something. We are all beautiful from the inside out and no one has the right to make us feel otherwise.

 STAND UP TO DOMESTIC VIOLENCE NO ONE HAS POWER OVER ANOTHER'S BODY AND MIND, SINGLE OR MARRIED!!!

FAUX DREADLOCKS

Truth be told faux dreadlocks have been around for quite a while now but it only struck me when I saw Nicki Minaj and recently Zendaya graciously rocking the look. Since then I just knew I had to get the look no matter what. Please note "faux" is pronounced as "fou" alot of people struggle with this so if you one of them please note it. :) 

I did the big chop last summer on my birthday and I was getting bored of the short hair so much, fortunately faux dreads came to the rescue. Since I plaited myself it took me 4 and a half long days to complete this hair do. *went to hell and back, literally I wanted to die.* But the thing about faux dreads is you do your head twice *that is why I took a long time to finish* First you plait braids or twists underneath and then wrap the braids again to get the loc look.

I wanted to save some bucks with this one so I used normal kanekalon braid for the braids underneath and then wrapped them with some afro kinky hair which I actually recycled from my old hair do.So I spent zilch since the kanekalon hair was a half used pack from way back. Ha ha..You can use any hair you want really but kanekalon worked best for me maybe because its not too soft nor too hard?

If you do not want to use synthetic fiber you can use yarn instead and the good thing about yarn is its light weight and cheaper than kanekalon fiber plus it has a wide range of colors. The tip is to leave your front perimeter hairs out to reduce hairline stress or you can make loose connections that way your edges are not under stress.

My faux dread looks has grabbed a lot of attention and while its great there are a few things you need to note about synthetic faux locs:

>It wise to keep a minimal length as synthetic fiber is heavy plus if you plan on going waist length be prepared to manage the length so a manageable length is advisable to save you all the hassle and hairline stress.

>Choose a decent color. Faux dreads are a protective style so if you plan on getting them,a decent color that blends in almost anywhere you go is advisable as you might be stuck with them for 2 months or even 3, with regular wash and moisturizing of course.

>Pick a texture close to your natural hair. Well this depends on what your going for, I prefer the natural look over fake look so just because its  fake locks does not mean you can not slay it like its growing from your scalp. So a natural texture makes them look more presentable and appealing.

Be sure to be only the lookout for my next review on the style. I will tell you my yays and nays of this style.

Happy reading...

DEALING WITH SCARS AND STRETCH MARKS

Are you also sick and tired of "over the counter" lotions and lotions and creams that claim to get rid of stretch marks? No only are they futile they are very pricey and waste both our time and money.

For those who do not know stretch marks are a form of scarring on the skin as a result of rapid growth or rapid weight change.Stretch marks are better treated when they are fresh, with time stretch marks will heal but they leave a silvery white lines on your skin.These silvery lines are hard to treat and require expensive procedures like laser and surgical treatments but you don't have to worry because home remedies are a better option as they are cheap readily available in most homes.

 I put up a list of cheap affordable remedies that are popularly used but note that results will vary as we all have different skin types. These will not work if you do not hydrate so make sure you always apply moisturizer to your skin and drink lots of water.
Here is what you can try:

1.Consume vitamin K nutrients

Vitamin K prevents scars on the middle layer of the skin (dermis) so regular intake of this vitamin will help reduce and prevent scarring thus you will not have stretch marks. Vitamin K is present in green vegetables like cabbage,cucumber etc.

2.Sugar and lemon juice scrub

Sugar is one of the cheapest home remedies you can find. Mix a 1-2 tablespoons of sugar with 2 tablespoons of lemon juice, or you just can add enough to make the sugar moist but don't add too much liquid as the mixture will become runny Gently rub twice daily on the affected area for a good 5-10 minutes and wipe off with a clean towel or take a shower. To save time make the scrub in a larger quantity and store it in the bath room that way you always apply it before you bath.

3.Oats scrub

Oats is a popular cereal in most kitchens so for those who do not like oats here is what you can do with it. Mix 2-3 tablespoons of oats with some hot water(not boiled) then apply a thin coat to the stretch marks, make sure you apply it while its still warm as this will open up your pores and wait till for at-least 5 minutes then wipe with a damp cloth or take a shower and apply some hydrating moisturizer after.

4.Raw potato juice

Ingesting fries may be bad for your waist but raw potatoes are very rich in vitamins and minerals which restore our skin cells. Grate a raw potato and squeeze out the juice then apply it over the stretchmarks until it dries off the wipe off with a damp cloth.

5.Olive oil,castor oil and tea tree oil

Especially if you have itchy stretch marks, wash the affected area with warm water and massage with any of the oils above to reduce more stretch marks from forming and also reduce the existing ones. You can create your own special oil by mixing the oils together or just using any of the oils to moisturize your skin.

6.Egg whites

Egg whites are rich in amino acids and protein which will help reduce the appearance of stretch marks. Separate the egg and loosen up your egg whites with a fork then apply to stretch marks daily for at least two weeks. For better results you can do this twice daily until you get desired results.

7.Lemon and glycerin scrub

Mix two parts (2 tablespoons) of glycerin with one part (I tablespoon) of lemon juice and apply twice daily to affected area.

8.Aloe Vera

Aloe vera is the most effective stretch mark remedy and it is used globally. Raw aloe Vera is the most effective of all so cut a leaf and squeeze out the juice and store it in a nice container and rub daily to affected area for a minimum of 4 minutes and wipe with a damp cloth

Other useful remedies and tips you can try include the following

• rub vicks or vaseline on the stretchmarks
• avoid scratching the stretch marks when they are itching
• drink water regularly (8-10 glasses daily)
• eat foods that are rich in vitamin c, protein and zinc eg, milk,citrus fruits and fish
• apply cocoa butter or shea butter regularly
• apply apricot paste on to stretch marks twice daily
• Use folic acid to reduce the appearance of stretch marks

Please note that it might take time to see results so do not give up. Please follow and share.Happy reading.

photo credit: <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/51035767928@N01/106229129">7 different items from No Name on 1 plate</a> via <a href="http://photopin.com">photopin</a> <a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/">(license)</a>

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photo credit: <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9197427@N06/1441386334">It looks so harmless</a> via <a href="http://photopin.com">photopin</a> <a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/">(license)</a>

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THE FAULT IN OUR DIETS

In the constant battle to shed pounds I too have tried some of these crazy fad diets hoping they will work as people claim and every time i always fail. Worst part is I gain more weight after trying these diets. What is the magic to eating right and not gaining weight?

 I have kept a food diary for like 3 years now and trust me you will be shocked at what you put into your mouth in just a day. Less is actually more in terms of eating. When you combine all that you have been eating all day it amounts to a lot of food.I am an extreme snacker. I always have something to chew in my bag but all the bad snacking makes me heavier so I decided to turn the tables and snack wisely.

Here is what works for me:

1.Replace your sugary cereal with fruit

I started off by cutting completely my cereal intake.I replaced my cereal with fruits now i have fruit with milk for breakfast every day. I just dice them and add milk. This small change has actually made me eat fruit everyday without even noticing it.

2.Replace your store bought juice freshly squeezed juice

We are encouraged to take juice instead of sodas to keep healthy but sometimes these store bought juices have more sugar that is bad for us. Rather than loading up on these making your own juice is better. You can purchase a juicer or use a blender to create your own flavors and medleys with the fruits of your choice.

3.Snack wisely

I love crisps and if i could I would own a crisp shop, lol but crisps are bad, even if the label says 'lightly salted' or 'baked not fried' that sh*t is bad for you. I found a better replacement, sweet potato chips,rice cakes,pop corn and beetroot chips actually curb your crisp craving just as the potato crisps do and i also snack on biltong but do not overdo the biltong as some biltong manufactures add too much salt.

4.Eat something before you eat out at a restaurant

Every time I eat out I end up making unhealthy choices, the reason being the menu is enticing and that double cheese burger with a side of fries look so succulent you can't resist. So before you leave a fruit or a snack will reduce your hunger therefore you are more likely to order something healthier when you get there.

5.Drink water

This line is probably getting so old because the emphasis is to always drink water. One thing people do not realize is that half the time they think they are hungry they are just thirsty. Water has a lot of benefits we oversee. Even at the restaurant while waiting for your food, instead of loading up on soda, ask for a free glass of water with ice, its good for your body and your pocket.

6.Eat 6-8 times a day

There is a lot of conflicts on this one but eating small portions actually fools your stomach into thinking its eating enough. While some may prefer eating three huge meals a day, its not always good for you. Eating in small portions actually adjusts your tummy to feeling full with just a small serving. If you eat huge portions your tummy overstretches and adjust to the big portions. Even if you have been eating larger portions its not too late to start eating small portions,with time your tummy will adjust.

7.Drink green tea (hot/cold)

Green tea is a very refreshing drink and the best part is you can have it hot or cold. Instead of buying sodas or manufactured ice tea there are so many recipes to make your own ice tea, its also good for both your body and your pocket.

8.Eat wiser after 7 PM

Going to bed full is one of the reasons why we struggle with our weight. So I try eating my supper before 7 PM at least if I have to eat something after 7 PM I try making a more healthier choice like having a bowl of soup, a fruit or a glass of water. I also chew on minty gum when i feel hungry after 7 PM and the mint ruins my craving as it has an aftertaste in my mouth.

9.Only buy what you need

Most of the time I go to the grocery store I end up filling up the trolley with all the junk snacks on sale and try convince myself I need them when in actual fact am just buying them because they are on sale. I type a list of what I have to get before i go to the store that way Its harder to buy impulsively.

10.Don't punish yourself

Despite all these healthier options I sometimes break the rules a little so do not punish yourself for eating fat cakes and fries for breakfast instead move on like it never happened. In fact give yourself little treats once in a while, trust me your body will adjust and make these habits your daily routine.

Kindly note that  I am not a dietitian or a nutritionist. I just shared with you what works for me. And doing all the above does not guarantee healthy eating or weight loss.I do this almost everyday and I have noticed the following changes: I eat less now, I have a lot of energy, I feel lighter and not bloated, My face is great (no more breakouts), I crave healthier snacks now.

I work hard at sharing these tips with you so please appreciate by following me or commenting with more tips I can try. Thanks for reading.

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photo credit: <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/19762676@N00/3167902393">mint tea & recipe</a> via <a href="http://photopin.com">photopin</a> <a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/">(license)</a>

photo credit: <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23837844@N05/3318469505">Apple</a> via <a href="http://photopin.com">photopin</a> <a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/">(license)</a>

8 HOTTEST 50 SHADES OF GREY QUOTES SAID BY CHRISTIAN GREY IN THE MOVIE

First of all we all agree that Christian Grey is hot right? Please don't hate the guy is rich,hot,sexy and rich, yes you read it right, I wrote rich twice. lol. And the fact that he fell for a simple and down to earth chick like Anna makes us go gaga over him right? In simple terms what am trying to say is Christian Grey is a gentleman in public and a master in the bedroom.So here are some of the hottest quotes from Christian Grey that totally took my breath away.


1. Later's baby 

2. F*ck the paperwork

3. I don't make love, I f*ck...hard

4. Sarcasm is the lowest form of wit.

5. Am fifty shades of fucked up Anastasia.

6. Anastasia, I've told you. There's something about you. I can't leave you alone. I'm like a moth to a flame.

7. I'd rather planned on having you for dessert.

8. I'd give anything to know what you're thinking right at this moment.

For some reason I can't explain, I am crazy about these quotes. The movie is awesome but If you haven't read the novel I will advise you to read it!!!!!!! Please note I am not a critic or anything I was just sharing with you what I loved in the movie and feel free to add more quotes if you like. :)

Happy Friday to you all :) :)

5 BREATHTAKING GIFTS TO GIVE YOUR PARTNER THIS VALENTINE'S

What is the perfect gift to get your better half? One question but different answers to it. We all express love differently but one thing we all love is to be original. Since tomorrow its valentines day I gathered up my own list of perfect gifts to get this valentine's day.

1. A pet

Getting your partner a pet is the most amazing thing. Its like giving them a guardian angel to guard over them when you are not there and you get to take care of that pet together like your own little baby so if you have been planning to get a pet for your special one now might be the chance. The best part is you can adopt a instead of buying one.

2. A gift voucher

Some of us are bad gift buyers so a voucher is a great idea as it gives your partner total control over their gift or if you are not sure what to get for them this year still it will save you the trouble of buying something they might not like.

3. A subscription to the local gym/cooking class

If your partner loves to go to the gym or bake or dance or whatever it is they love, you can surprise them by paying for subscription/classes. It will also show them you support their interests and to make it even more interesting you can attend couples classes together that way you get to share and do the things you both enjoy.

4. A road side assistance tool kit

There is nothing like the perfect gift and the handy gifts are the best. Getting a tool kit for your partner or teaching them how to change a flat is by far my favorite. If your partner does not own a car you can opt to get them a tool kit for their bicycle or a tool box to use around the house for handy work. But be sure to get these if they do not have them or you can upgrade their tool boxes instead of buying the whole kit.

5. Cook for your partner

Instead of taking your partner out to a lavish place you can do it the old way. Stay indoors and prepare a meal for them. One can never go wrong with a simple candle lit dinner and a slow song playing in the background.

Wishing each and everyone of you  a great valentine's day.

I <3 YOU ALL..

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