Changing Gears!

Hey B&L's! So glad to back to my normal schedule...somewhat but I am going to be changing up my blog-mosphere a little. I'm looking to shake things up and make this a worthwhile venture.

LOL...not trying to charge for anything!! We've heard enough of the $9.99 a month blues. Anywho, I'm going to be doing contests, give-a-ways, quotes of the day, interviews, and more! All this while still blogging about my passion for longer healthier hair!

So think- product reviews, freebies, interviews, HAIR CARE, + more??? and all for FREE???

You know what to do...stick around and get the word out about Browne & Lovely!

I have a mission and once I'm set .... I'm set!

Take care Ladies..will be posting later today!

♥Stay Browne, Stay Lovely♥

Quick hair update!

Well, sorry I haven't posted in past couple of days...drama filled weekend!! First our car shut off in the middle of traffic...then no one would help hubby push until our Pastor and her husband and another elderly gentleman stopped to help us>>>turns out the car was out of fluids???. So yeah, we've gotta get that leak fixed ASAP...then my baby boy (4, will turn 5 on Halloween! so he's not really little) broke his arm today*sigh*I just feel so bad for him...it's hurting and you fellow mommies know how that is! I feel my children's pain!!

Okay, now back to the topic...I pre-pooed with garlic oil....and boy did it STANK...yes..STANK. I hated it. I then washed with my V05 Moisture Milks (Passion Fruit) and did a deep condition with Silk Elements Mega Cholesterol w/ 3 tblsp of honey (thanks to Ashley from KISS for the honey tip!). I DC'ed for at least 2 or 3 hours (got lazy) but my hair was wonderfully soft!! I also did a brief steam treatment within those hours of DC'ing. I used Aphogee Pro-Vitamin as my leave in and Nexxus Heat Protectant since I blow dryed. I moisturized and sealed with Wave Noveaou (sp?, thanks Sunshyne & Melyssah for the great tips) and EVCO.

I've decided that I will alternate my heat whenever I do major washes. If I decide to flat iron, I must air dry. If I decide to blow-dry I won't flat iron. That helps for me since my hair is poofy when I just leave it without any type of heat or style.

Till next time.....

Stay Browne, Stay Lovely

HHG!

Hey, you got some money??

Disclaimer: None of the sites listed asked me or paid me to mention them in this post. Just want to make that clear for anyone who reads and thinks that I am "hatin" (i can't stand that word) and trying to promote for profit. I'm not, this is merely my opinion and since this is my blog...I will state it freely as you can state yours also!

Well, that seems to be the hot topic to dish about at the moment about a certain hair board. I'm not here to cause trouble (actually I am) but I just want to take a moment to examine the situation. It seems that one of our most popular hair networks (Healthy Textures) will now be moving and the enrollment fee is $9.99 per month (yes, per month) or discounted at $99.99 for the entire year.

*sigh*I'm not here to knock anybody's hustle...to be totally honest, Healthy Textures was the first hair network I joined. I will be upfront...I didn't really feel as though I fit in there. I never had the admin on my friend list nor felt comfortable enough to ask too many questions. Anywhoo, I still got a GREAT load of info from other ladies and everyone on my friend list was uber friendly.

Back on the topic, I congratulate her for stepping her site up and getting that paper...but the real question is....Is this a reasonable price? Answer: Hellz no, it's not reasonable.

Long Hair Care Forum charges $6.50 for the year (which I plan on joining tomorrow) and have a wealth of info that will definitely get you started. For me to pay 10 bucks per month is sheer foolishness.

10 bucks for the year (reasonable, would definitely do it)
per month (me+10 bucks per month= me being a fool)

I am a loyal member of a few other sites (I will list below) and they are totally free! Not to mention all the blogs I'm currently following....*sigh* what people do to pull a profit. But good luck with that, I'm staying where I am!

Now, those of you that are K.I.S.S members, remember to donate (much better than a ridiculously imposed fee) and help keep it free. Traycee is a wonderful person and has done great things with K.I.S.S. so let's do our part and donate what we can!

I'm also a member of The Coarse Hair Diaries and another up and coming site....Hairlista's...by fellow blogger Sunshyne! Let's support these sites and keep them up and running. They are warm, friendly, and giving sistas so whatever you're looking for you can find it over there.



HHG to all!

Stay Browne, Stay Lovely!

Golden Mart Beauty Supply--ONLINE!!!

Alright B & L's, I've definitely stumbled upon a great site...Golden Mart Beauty Supply. While scoping out over on HT, I ran upon this in a post (sorry, I clicked outta the page and can't remember but credit to a HT Poster!!!) and decided to check it out. It like an online BSS just like the popular local shops!

There are sooooo many products to choose from...half-weaves/wigs, ponytails, products, and more! There is a wide selection of popular products (see pictures below) and hair accessories. Since I haven't actually purchased from this site yet, I will not go on record to say how the shipping/customer service is(kind of makes no sense huh??) but I will be in the near future for a hair challenge I've developed for myself. From what I saw on HT, she made a great purchase and didn't have any complaints. I'll definitely head back over there to see who posted the name of this site.

I thought this would be a great site for those of you like me, who can't find products that we want to try in our areas. More than likely it is on this site, if not...I shall keep looking till I find it!

Golden Mart Beauty Supply

http://www.gmbshair.com/

Just click on the links underneath the brand name of the products (on their site) to see what they offer for each line! These are just a few of the popular lines I know people are using or looking for.

Elasta QPDesigner Touch Dr. Miracle's

Stay Browne...Stay Lovely!!!

Air Drying...The Puffiness Factor

Would you like to convert to the healthier option of air drying vs. using direct heat? I'm sure we all do but some of us have that dreadful poof factor that occurs every time we try to air dry our hair! Since I had this same problem occur several times I have a few tips that may help those of you that are in the same situation as me.



1. Use a pomade on your hair before drying. This usually works for me but it also weighs down my hair if I use to much and the key is hiding my ends!



2. Air Dry using a protective style....such as bantu knots, roller sets, or braid/twist outs.



3. You can use anti frizz products and rinse you hair with cold water.



These are just a few tips to help you get through! Remember the key to doing this successfully is doing something with your ends! That always works for me and I have the puffiest hair when I air dry without a regimen! Hope this helps someone out there and if you have any suggestions please leave them in the comment area...you may help someone out yourself, including me!!



Happy Hair Growing!

Shopping on my B-Day!!

Hellooooo B&L's!!! Well many don't know but today is my B-Day (hooray for another year!!!) and I got a wonderful surprise from my mother! I got my Shea Cashmere Body Lotion and Shower Cream plus a cute little stuffed sheep to stand guard for me ;O). So in honor of my special day I decided to do a braidout or twist out today. Now I am currently in the process of washing, conditioning, etc..right now but as I sit with the shower cap I wanted to do a quick post.

I went and did a little shopping to get me a leave in conditioner. Shouts out to all the wonderful KISS Sistas that gave me sooooo much helpful feedback. I ended up buying Aphogee Pro-Vitamin Leave in Conditioner and Neutrogena Silk-Touch Leave-In. I love Aphogee products and I just began using the NTM products and they work good thus far so I just wanted to give this stuff a shot. Oh yeah, got me some Scuncci headbands also. Check them out at Walgreen's...I got 6 assorted bands for $3.29!!

I'll post some pics of the hair later but for now enjoy the product pics and information tid-bits! HHG!

Pictures





Product Info

ApHOGEE Pro-Vitamin Leave-In Conditioner is a deep penetrating, leave-in conditioner that fortifies limp, lifeless hair creating superior body.

Panthenol and Mucopolysaccharides combine to penetrate the cortex to strengthen and increase fullness. All hair types will support hair styles better. Low pH (5.5) seals the cuticle to detangle and enhance color and highlights. With Pro-Vitamin Leave-In Conditioner perms will spring to life. Essential for those using styling tools or dryers. May be used daily, before styling or setting.

Product Benefits:

Adds Body and Texture
Stops Frizz and Seals in Moisture
Protects Color and Curls
Alcohol Free
Directions:

Wash hair with Aphogee Shampoo and towel dry. Spray or pour 1/4 to 3/4 ounce of Pro-Vitamin leave-in Conditioner onto hair depending on length and thickness. Comb thoroughly. Hair should be evenly damp, but not over wet. Blow dry on low heat setting or air dry naturally. Style as usual.

Ingredients:

Water, Polyquaternium-11, Amodimethicone, Panthenol, Hydrolyzed Hair Keratin, Hydrolyzed Glycosaminoglycans, Sodium collagen Amino Acids, Cocoyl Sarcosine, wheat Germ Fatty Acids, Linoleic Acid, Linolenic Acid, Arachidonic Acid, Sorbitol, Wheat Germ Oil, Jojoba Oil, tocopherol, Sulfur, Tallowtrimonium Chloride, Citrci Acid, Polysorbate-80, Nonoxynol-10, Aminomethyl Propanol, Dimethicone, Copoylol, Acetamide MEA, PPG-2 Methyl Ether, Fragrance, Quaternium-15, Methylparaben.





NTM Silk Touch Leave-In Cream




Description:

• Professional Developed to treat extra dry or over-processed hair Softens, smoothes and conditions hair for exceptional manageability


• This silky leave-in cream melts effortlessly into strands, moisturizing while diminishing flyaways and frizz with lasting humidity protection


• Hair stays naturally soft and touchable all day - no flaking, heaviness, or stickiness


• The advanced formula helps improve hair quality with every use


• Contains UV filters


• Three naturally derived extracts penetrate to help moisturize each layer of the hair strand


• Olive penetrate to the center


• Meadowfoam seed helps moisturize the middle


• Sweet almond wraps the surface


• Made in USA

Shea Cashmere by Bath & Body Works

OMG!!! I just went to Bath & Body Works and this stuff is soooooo guuuuddd!!! I love the smell, it feels great against my skin, and since I absolutely love TrueBlue Spa Products...this is the right stuff. I happened to run up on this while on my lunch break and yes..I'm getting some on Friday (payday for some of us!). It has a smooth vanilla smell (so if you hate vanilla, this may not be for you)and creamy to the touch. There's a product description for the body lotion and some pics listed below. They have several different products so go on over the Bath and Body Works to see all descriptions! Go and try some first cause you might just find some of their other products (I have a good one stashed below!!) that appeal to your senses also!








Wrap yourself in cashmere. This ultra-moisturizing body lotion is infused with soothing cashmere extract and rich shea butter to leave skin supremely silky. The perfect everyday luxury, it absorbs quickly to nourish head to toe, leaving skin addictively soft and lightly fragranced with a creamy vanilla scent that's both fresh and comforting.
Domestic.

Revolutionary spa formula combines rich, moisturizing African shea butter with luxurious cashmere extract to envelop skin in supreme silky softness
Absorbs instantly to nourish skin and deeply hydrate with no after-feel
Creamy vanilla fragrance evokes warm, soft, luxurious comfort
Not tested on animals


This is another one I tested while there!! This one smells great too! (for all of you that haven't tried this yet!)

Black Amethyst

Relaxer Prepartion

Ok ladies .. Here's a great video from my favortie Youtuber Guru Ateya!!! I've looked up some information about taking special care of your hair before relaxing your hair. I got some information over at Associated Content from Audrey Sivasothy. She wrote a wonderful article describing a method you can use (IF YOU CHOOSE). I know there are someout there that may not agree with this method but you can use this if you want. I think that the video Ateya posted is a great example of this method as she states that she's getting a relaxer next week. Check out the video at the end of my post!

Check out Audrey's complete article by clicking the link below:

Getting Ready to Relax? Preparing Your Hair for a Relaxer Chemical Straightening
Want to learn how to prepare your hair for chemical relaxing and straightening? Here are some tips and a three step hair preparation game plan that you can use!
View more »

Shea It Ain't So

Well, it is...my unrefined shea butter has arrived!! I must say Traycee, you were so right! This stuff is great. It so smooth and creamy without blending with any other oils. I love this. It's great for your skin, hair, etc. I will definitely be incorporating this into my new regimen, which I will introduce on October 11!!

I am in the process of getting my hair into a healthier state and I think that sealing my ends with shea will help me soooooo much. My hair gets rough during the winter so a lot of protective styles and this butter will help me cope with the cold weather that is about the come this way.

I got a couple of pics of how my shea butter looked when it arrived and some I whipped up with a couple of my favorite oils!

If you're interested in purchasing, go over to>> www.keepitsimplesista.ning.com (join, if your not a member..it's a great site) and click on the link Traycee has provided or go to>>> www.unrefinedsheabutter.com

Miss Jessie's..Is it worth the cost?

I guess I can't really "review" this product since I decided against ordering it. Now I've heard people rant and rave about how great these products are but then I've heard others say it's a waste of time.

Now Since I've started my transtioning phase, I've been pretty open to try new products to get my NG more manageable and when a co-worker suggested this line...I was pretty excited. I've been having a tough time with transitioning and I have always heard that Miss Jessie's is some gooooood stuff. Only problem is>>>> Why the debil does it cost so much? I mean, I was getting ready to order the 20z sizes of Curly Hair Pudding and The Buttercreme. Those two together totaled around $16. When I went to check out, the shipping and handling took me up to almost $30!!!!!

With that being said, I'm going to try another route and Miss Jessie's isn't on my way...LOL... I would give it a try if I really felt that it would make a difference. Going on a hunch, might I add that costs $30 bucks, just doesn't convince me. Check out their site at www.missjessies.com if you want to see some of the great work they've done at the salon and even order products! IT may not be an option for me but it may be for someone out there.

So to all of you out there who love Miss Jessie's..more power to you!!!

Peace & no hair grease...always butters (LOL..I know that made absolutely no sense)

Luv u Guys!