3 Things That Inspired Me To Go Natural

Hey there Curlies!

I'm really excited about this post so let's dive in! I'm finally at a point in my life where I'm happy with my curly crown.  So below are the top 3 things that inspired me to go natural.

1. Needing a change

This picture was taken a few days ago :)

When I decided to go natural I was transitioning from a season in my life I wasn't truly happy with.  Before making the physical choice to go natural I had to make the mental choice; and that took a very long time to come to terms with.  I was so set in my ways of straightening my hair day in and day out, that no matter all the warning signs, and how much my mother nagged about the damage I was causing my hair I couldn't stop, because for so long I thought I wouldn't be accepted if I didn't straighten my hair. I cared more about my perception of what other's thought, that I wasn't being true to myself.  Thankfully my life took a turn for the better.  The people who truly cared for me started encouraging my transition and I began to build the confidence I needed to just be me.

2. Curlista/Naturalista Influencers

This was definitely my second step in recovery thank you Youtube & Instagram.  After getting to a place where I decided to accept the crown of curls God blessed me with. I did some research and  realized there were other girls who had the same struggles as me at one point in their lives and then overcame them.  Alba from SunkissAlba,  I feel, is the godmother of all curly girls in our social media generation.  She had all the goto videos, tips and tricks.  I watched and continue to watch her channel faithfully because she was my virtual cheerleader.  I also enjoy watching Hifelicia and SweetSandy on Instagram.  It is truly inspiring to see these girls use their platforms to encourage other curly girls to embrace who and what they were meant to be.  Curly hair is so unique, fun and versatile.  It's something to be proud of, not something to be embarrassed of or try to change to please others.

3. Becoming a Product Junkie
(this was the fun part)

This one is totally a selfish reason, but I found an excuse to buy and try new products.  

What girl in her right mind would give up an opportunity like that? 

I went on a product shopping spree and tried everything and anything tailored to wavy, curly and coily hair.  I was beginning to nourish the relationship between my curls and I.....  I was wooing my hair lol.  I spent A LOT of unnecessary money at times, but I was willing to try and do whatever it took to make my curls happy.  I am giggling while writing this because of how ridiculous it sounds but its so true.  Over the last two years I have found products there is no way I would EVER put in my curly crown again and also my holy grail staples (which I ALWAYS have in stock) lol

I can honestly say I'm happy.  I am happy because I am comfortable in my own hair.  My curly crown is crazy at times but I wouldn't have it any other way.  It is part of who I am and I refuse to hide it.  

I am Confident & Curly.

Thanks for taking the time to stop by, I hope you enjoyed reading this as much as I enjoyed writing it.  What motivates you to embrace who you are? (Curly girl or not. ALL are welcome)

Mia

January: A Month in Review

Have you ever taken the time to sit back and reflect on the day or week you just had?

Today, I want to take a moment and reflect on January 2017 the first month of this mostly unwritten year.  I believe it is so important to take time to think and process the things that have passed to be able to figure out what worked and what didn't.  Where I struggled and where I saw victory.  Reflecting on my actions and decisions gives me the tools I need for the future.  I am not the same woman today I was on January 1st 2017  because thanks to taking the time to reflect I now know exactly how I want to proceed this month to make it a productive one.

Last month started with a bang for me.  I was determined, It was a new year and I had all these projects I wanted to conquer and the drive to achieve them but then life happened.  I have been struggling with some chronic health issues which has been tough. Last month I felt like I was grieving the person I used to be because everything had come to a head and I didn't realize that all of these projects/goals were taking a toll on my health and I wasn't able to juggle everything at the same time.  Not only did my goals for 2017 suffer but my home life and work life did too.  I had to take some time to have a big cry and get all of my frustration out of the way.  I do not accept defeat easily and I am so thankful for the support I had from my loved ones (especially my husband) in encouraging me to take time to sort things out to see where I was and how to move forward.

I was slowly letting things slide and that was super frustrating to me.  Every day when reviewing my planner there were so many things left undone and I was so discouraged. The last week of January I was able to start piecing things together and make progress.  I realized that my goals had become a burden instead of being something enjoyable. I was scrolling through the fitness page I am a part of and stumbled upon a recommendation for The Purposeful Home Podcast.  This series has only started and has already helped me so much. The girls that host the show give steps on how to achieve your goals with a purposeful mindset. That is exactly what I needed. It was a huge reset button for me in a good way. I realized it was okay to leave some things undone for the time being and how to rearrange my priorities to get the right things done. I am slowly learning how to live my life with purpose and how to do everything with purpose. They encouraged listeners to pick a phrase/word to define their year instead of setting resolutions. Something that transcends into all aspects of your life. This was a new concept, but it really got me thinking.

It was super easy for me to come up with my word/phrase because it seemed to have been popping up everywhere in my life this past year and at the start of 2017. I chose the word COMMITTED. Only because as much as I am a lists person and like to get things done when I say I will.  I also need to be able to give myself the appropriate amount of time and not be so hard on myself when things don't work out as planned.  My race now is very different than what it used to be and I have learned to accept that and am attempting to live within the season of life I am going through.

So if there is anyone sick of failing at their resolutions or the goals they have set. Take a moment to reevaluate how your approaching your goals and truly examine if that method works for you.  If it doesn't don't be afraid to branch out and look for other ways.  What's important is that you don't give up.  I sure wont!

Anyone that has made it this far and read the whole post, thank you.  I know it's a bit of a ramble but I truly hope this is able to impact a life and encourage you to pursue your dreams this year.

Thanks for stopping by.

Mia 

January Empties

Today I decided to do a product empties post to keep you updated on some of the products I have been loving. Hope you enjoy my January Empties!

1. L'Oreal True Match Foundation

This foundation has been my holy grail for about 5 years now.  I love the lightweight duey consistency.  The shades I tend to go back and forth between are W6 and N7-8 depending on the time of year.  I would highly recommend this foundation because not only does it give me great coverage, it's affordable and comes in a vast variety of shades with warm, cool and neutral tones.  L'Oreal has prided itself on being an extremely inclusive drugstore brand with a match for everyone. During summer months I love to go for the N7-8 Lumi foundation because it gives my skin that added healthy glow.  During the colder months I tend to go for the W6 true match because it not only gives great coverage but it dries down to a beautiful matte finish. The longest wear time I get with the foundation alone is no more than 6 hours.  When I prime and set with powder I tend to be able to get a good 8-9 hours out of it which is perfect for work and any sort of weekend activities. I love that it is a buildable foundation. I don't always love a full face on so it's nice to have a product I can adjust and enjoy everyday.   

2. Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water

I will preface this by saying this is the only Micellar Water I have tried so I am not sure how it compares to others but I have absolutely been loving it. This cleansing water does exactly that, it cleanses and removes the layers of makeup on my face after a long day of work preparing it for my nighttime skincare routine, or first thing in the morning freshening up my skin before applying my makeup.  It thankfully doesn't have a strong scent and does not sting my eyes which for me are huge because I have pretty sensitive eyes and enjoy a product I can use all over my face without worrying about a negative reaction.   

3. Bath & Body Work's Champagne Toast

Typically around December I go to Bath & Body Works for one specific product, this lovely candle.  It is extremely fragrant  filled with scents of champagne, wild berries and tangerine zest. It will fill up the whole house in a matter of minutes.  It is not overpowering by any means but is an inviting happy scent if that makes any sense.  It's my feel-good-give-into-winter-candle and is one of the few products that makes this season bearable for me long after Christmas has come and gone, thank you New England life! Unfortunately it is only sold during the late fall/winter season so I try to load up on 2-3 candles every year so that I am not left wanting.

4. Shea Moisture Fruit Fusion Coconut Water Weightless Masque

This is the first product in this Shea Moisture range that I have tried and I was genuinely pleased.  I loved using this for my curly hair as a deep treatment mask when I took those extra long showers and pampered myself.  Not only was the scent light and fruity but the product itself was super moisturizing and had great slip and added a great deal of softness to my hair when it was time to detangle and get out of the shower.  I absolutely enjoyed this product and will be repurchasing very soon.

So there you have it, a few of my favorites from last month.  What were some products you enjoyed during the start of the new year? Leave your comments or blog post links below.

Thanks for stopping by.

Mia