Deep Conditioning with Organix Hair Mayonnaise

Hello Divas!!!

This Diva has some DRY hair. I have been returning my hair to its natural state...I cut off all the relaxed bits and have been chemical free for 12 months now.

I forgot how dry my hair is, especially since I don't use petroleum based grease to 'moisturize' my hair and scalp any more.

Anyway I decided to try out the hair mayonnaise because I know my hair needs some protein as well as moisture. I am going with the overnight deep condition because I am feeling a bit lazy and I have to go out tomorrow.



I applied the hair mayonnaise LIBERALLY to my dry hair (which has not been washed in 6 days) and covered it with a plastic cap. Then I tied a scarf over that to keep the plastic cap in place so I do not mess up my pillow while I sleep. I will wash out the hair in the morning and use a light conditioner on it.

Wish me luck!!! I will let you guys know how this method of deep conditioning works, compared to the 10 minutes after shampoo method.

Oh and if you wish to buy the product you can use the link above by clicking on the image. That will take you to my Amazon store and I will get a commission if you do. Of course you can always go directly to Amazon and NOT use my link...either way let me know if you use the product and how it worked for you.

Trying To Clean Out My Closet

Hello Divas!!

I am attempting to clean out my closet AGAIN to make way for some fresh fashion. I am not a girly type girl and I feel very comfortable in jeans and a t-shirt or a polo shirt.

I have been wearing the same clothes for a LONG time now and I think I would like to get some new items. I did manage to get one or two pieces on sale or clearance but I really would like to do a total overhaul of my closet.

I tried the hanger method but never went through with it. The hanger method is where you
-turn all of your hangers backward
-wear something
-wash items and place them on hangers facing the correct way
-after a predetermined time (usually 6 months) anything on a backwards facing hanger needs to go.

Of course if you have winter months you may need to extend the time but I have clothes that I have not worn when it was hot nor when it was cold. I got rid of a few of them but I just did not get rid of all.

My plan now is to go cold turkey and just strip things off the hangers. Once I have removed EVERYTHING from the closet I will go back through and do a Love it or Leave it method.

If it is an item I Love then it will go on a hanger. If I am not madly in love with it then it will go into a sorting pile and may end up not being a part of my wardrobe moving forward.

Up To A 20 Second Plank Now

Hello Divas!
I have been working on my daily planking schedule and I am pleased to report that I am up to a 20 second plank today. I was scheduled for a 15 second plank so I am a little above schedule but this is great.

I just want to be able to at least do the minimum number of seconds on the schedule and if I can do more then that just means I am getting stronger!

Modified Plank Schedule

Hello Divas!

I heard that planking is a great way to firm up your abs and I have seen a few plank challenges going around.

I decided to do my own modified challenge for the month of December as follows
Day 1: 10 seconds
Day 2: 10 seconds
Day 3: 10 seconds
Day 4: 10 seconds
Day 5: 15 seconds
Day 6:15 seconds
Day 7: 15 seconds
Day 8: 15 seconds
Day 9: 20 seconds
Day 10: 20 seconds
Day 11: 20 seconds
Day 12: 20 seconds
Day 13: 25 seconds
Day 14: 25 seconds
Day 15: 25 seconds
Day 16: 30 seconds
Day 17: 30 seconds
Day 18: 30 seconds
Day 19: 30 seconds
Day 20: 35 seconds
Day 21: 35 seconds
Day 22: 35 seconds
Day 23: 40 seconds
Day 24:40 seconds
Day 25: 45 seconds
Day 26: 45 seconds
Day 27: 50 seconds
Day 28: 50 seconds
Day 29: 55 seconds
Day 30: 55 seconds
Day 31: 60 seconds

If I can go a little bit more on certain days I will try to do that but my goal is to at least do the number of seconds that I have listed.

Planks are easy to do in the comfort of my own home and that is easy to do soon after I wake up.

Wish  me luck!!!

Tired of Counting Calories!

I am so tired of counting calories and not getting anywhere. I am not motivated to exercise and I will do it every other day for about a week and then I give up.

I punch in my calories into the little app on my phone...but then I run into problems where I eat something that is hard for me to figure out the calories. Like home made macaroni and cheese.

Or a tuna and mayo sandwich that I made myself.

I am also terrified of becoming diabetic so I have decided to try to eat like a diabetic to help prevent going down that road.

This entails making a few easy changes like just using less sweet stuff. I have already started by NOT buying ice cream and cookies and eating more fruits and vegetables.

It also entails making a few hard changes like actually sticking to my exercise plan. It really should not be THIS hard to walk on a treadmill for 20 minutes every other day....ESPECIALLY when the treadmill is right across the street from my apartment.

This new plan means I just eat better....I know what I need to eat, I just don't do it. So no more counting calories because I find that too restricting and I just don't want to keep up with it.

Here's to a healthier me!!!!

Think Of Water And Exercise As Food Groups

Hello Divas!

I found the title "Think Of Water And Exercise As Food Groups" on page about eating better and I thought that was an awesome way to think.

Now it can be a little silly to think of non food things as food groups but I think the main point was to get you in the mindset of having Water and Exercise every day...just like you have food every day.

If you make a conscious effort to include both Water and Exercise on a daily basis while you are making your food choices for the day. Exercise does not have to be a full out 60 minute cardio session every day but it must be conscious and mindful.

So far it has been easy for me to include water in my daily routine but it has not been so easy to include exercise. Now that it has begun to snow I dread being outside so I don't even think about going to the gym.

I know that I can exercise at home but it just seems to be more motivating to go out to the gym because I find any excuse to NOT to it when at home.

So now I need to include my exercise food group and I should be on the path to a better me.

Fashion For Less

Hello Divas!!

I know we all love a good new purchase and we also love saving money. Look what I scored recently at a STEAL of a deal.

Yes I got this great little purse for only $6.

That is right SIX bucks!!
It was on clearance..but that does not make it worth any less right. I love the stripes and it is just a great little side purse...it holds everything I need and then some more.

I recently emptied it out so I could use another purse but I will do another roundup where you can see all what it holds.

I am baaaaack Divas

Hello Divas!

I have been out on a hiatus these last few days. Work and school have been CRAZY busy and there are no signs of a slowdown ahead.

I have been swamped and sadly I did not make time for you all but I am back now and I promise to do better.

Here's hoping we all stay fashionable and coolly elegant...and as always be the fabulous diva you were meant to be!

Great Sale and New Shoes

Hello Divas!!!

I just went shopping today and got a nice little surprise. I mentioned earlier that I wanted to save money by only shopping the sale racks but I got an even better discount than I was looking for.

I was able to get these black and silver zebra print wedges for $6.99...original price $12.00. These are just fun and funky and add a little bit of a heel while being very easy to walk in. The silver looks AWESOME against my foot...and actually looks better than the gold, which my eye was drawn to earlier.

These black and gold metallic flats were $9.99...original price $14.00. They are VERY flat and the gold gives a bit of sparkle to the black and adds a touch of elegance.

And finally I got these pink and purple flip flops for $4.99 total...original price $8.00. I plan on using these as house slippers since I do not like to walk around the house barefooted. They also come in handy when you stay at a hotel, as I recently did.

I Need A Pedicure!!!

Hello Divas!!!

I hate to polish my own toes even though I like doing my fingers. I just think that I can never get my feet to look like the professionals do...even though it really is NOT in my budget to get a pedicure every month.

I actually got one in February and then one June and I just felt SO pretty and happy.


I was going to get one one in July because it was my birthday but then I have no idea what happened. Now with wearing sandals all day long I think my feet look sad and I would love to just sit back and have someone do my toes!

I normally just get the white tips shown above but I am looking for something to change it up a little bit now.

My school colors are black and red so I was thinking maybe something with red in it would look cute.


I do not want just a solid color like what is above because I think that looks like I could do it myself.
 
I also do not want something that is very complicated or multicolored like this one above either.

I was thinking maybe something like this one above but with a brighter red. Or I might even go off the red story and just get something that is over the top girly and fun like this one below.






Either way I need to decide really soon!

Trying The Weight Loss With RunKeeper This Time

Hello Divas!!

I have been off and on the weight loss and exercise trail multiple times over the last year. I recently decided to do some type of exercise every day for the month of July.

My goal is to get something done every day, even if it is only 5 minutes of yoga.

I downloaded the RunKeeper app to my phone and beginning on July 1st I have been walking a mile outside every day. I do something else on the off days, like indoor aerobics or yoga so it has been good these last few days.

I am not able to run yet...I tried a little on the second day and hurt my knee so badly that I was in pain for a while. I am content with walking a mile every morning before breakfast as that is a good start for someone who does not exercise at all.

I log my calories as well and hopefully I will be able to keep up the healthy habit for the entire month..then it should get easier to do more in the upcoming months.

Tunics: How To Pick The Best One For You

Hello Divas

I love tunics as I think they can be VERY forgiving!!! How do you pick the best tunic for your body shape and comfort level?

If you are plus size you may want to look for tunics that have light and flowy sleeves. These give you more freedom to move and help to hide the belly.

If you  have a big bust you may want to look for a tunic that has embellishments to draw attention away from your bust. You may think that the design will draw the eye to unwanted places but it actually distracts the viewer and forces them to focus on the design and not your bust line.


What I love most about tunics is that they are so versatile..you can wear them with anything and look as dressed up or as dressed down as you wish. Plus they allow for lots of airflow...which is a big issue for those of us who sweat a lot.

Summer Sandals: More Strappy Types

Hello Divas

Summer time means breaking out all of those cute shoes and the strappy sandal has always been a BIG must have for me.

I love straps even though I don't really like the over the top gladiator styles that some people are sporting. Like this!!!


What is this mess?

In any case, make sure to get  a pedicure before prancing out in your sandals because there nothing cute about messed up feet in cute shoes.

Beauty Tip: Play Up Your Lips

Hello Divas!!!

With summer heat right now and your makeup melting off your face the last thing you want to do is pile a heap of it on.


Well you can still draw attention to your features by playing up just your lips.  A rich coral shade works with all skin tones and it is really easy to do.


You don't have to go all Gwen Stefani with the bold red...but you have a few options to choose from to bring out your inner diva.

As you can see it works well on light or dark skin and gives just enough color without going overboard!

Another Girl Crush: Gretchen Rossi

Hello Divas!!!

You know that one of my guilty pleasures is watching the Real Housewives of (all the cities). I have a favorite on each show and my latest girl crush is Gretchen Rossi from the Orange County housewives.


She is so cute...she looks like a human barbie doll and I can't stop laughing at her crazy ways on the show.


Anyway Gretchen you are a true diva and all of us love you!!!


Yes she wears a lot of makeup....she may or may not have had work done...I don't care.

She is rocking whatever she chooses to do and I say if you do it go big and look great!

Yellow Sandals On Sale

Hello Divas!!!!

I love a good sale and I just got a pair of cute sandals for a great deal. You can get these sandals at Payless for only $19.99 as they are on sale right now.

I thought the color was a little bit off when I saw them in the box but they look AMAZING on my skin so I got them.

They also had them in orange which I really loved but sadly I could not find my size. I think I would also love this style in teal as it would go with almost anything and I really don't have much with yellow right now.

I am proud of myself because I am incorporating more color into my world now and I think that having these yellow shoes will force me into getting yellow clothes.

I just need to keep shopping the sales and clearance racks to make sure I don't spend too much with my new taste in shopping.

Extreme Makeup: Fun or Foolish?

Hello Divas,

I have seen some extreme make up recently and wanted to get your take on some of those looks. First up is studded lips likes these
More of the high fashion shows were featuring models with studded and rhinestoned lips on the runways. I think that is fine for a show but would you really wear this on a night out?

Next up is super pointy nails. I don't get what is attractive about having talon like nails like these.
But many people seem to like them. I just think they would be very uncomfortable to use on a daily basis..especially if you wear contact lenses!

What do you think of the extreme make up and would you wear any of it?

Scentgasm: Armani Code

Hello Divas!!!

Time for a scentgasm...with Armani Code for women.

This would make an excellent gift for that special woman in your life so check it out when you can.

Shoegasm For the Day: Teal Pump

Hello Divas

It is time for another shoegasm!!!

Check out this cute teal pump available at Nordstrom's.


What more can you ask for? You get
-cutouts
-a fun color
-cute slingback
-comfy style

Check out Nordstrom's today and snatch up one in your size.

Sunglasses Under $20

Hello Divas!!!

The summer sun is out in full force and it is time again to take a look at sunglasses. You don't need to spend a lot to get some good sunglasses now and here are a few under $20 that should make you look like the fabulous diva you are.
These are available from Sungglasswearhouse.com for $13.95

If the animal print is not your thing then you might want to take a look at these pastel colored ones from pinkice.com for $12.99


  I actually got the sunglasses I use every day from Walmart and they were less than $20 and suit me just fine!!!

Jaded On Jaded

Hello Divas!!!

I have been really in love with some of the pale green nail polish looks that I have been seeing everywhere. I just got a professional pedicure and I was feeling cute so I decided to give myself a manicure.

I got a bottle of polish in Jaded and proceeded to paint away.

Now I have truly hideously shaped nails but this manicure just beat me. The first thing that threw me off is that the brush is one of those flat ones. I am not accustomed to the flat brush so that might have been part of the problem.

The other issue that I had was the polish seemed to be thick and gluey in texture..maybe it was a bad bottle or maybe that is the particular formula but I had a hard time putting it on. I actually had to put on three coats because there were lumps and see through spots in different areas.

This color does not go very well with my skin so I am only leaving it on for tomorrow and then I will change to something else.

I am not happy at all with this polish and I will get rid of this shade.

Cleaning Out The Closet

Hello Divas!!!

Have you heard of the saying that when you buy something new you need to go ahead and get rid of something old?

This is so you don't end up getting too much stuff and amassing clutter. This is the theory that you reach an optimal number of 'things' that you can have and then you need to lose something every time you make space for something new.

I decided to go through my closet and I found a few things that I really needed to get rid of. They were items that:
-are too small
-have not been worn in the past 9 months since I moved into my new apartment
-are ripped
-are stained
-are things that I just hate

I went through and found  about 7 tops that should not be in my closet any longer. I pulled them all out and asked my room mate if she wanted any of them. She sifted through and took about 4 of them.

I also found two pairs of shoes that just had to go. One of them was a very cute pink pair of peep toes that I had only worn twice but that hurt my big toe. I have very flat feet and my feet sometimes slide around in shoes a bit when when I walk and that makes them uncomfortable.

I also had a pair that I had worn a few more times but they also wiggled a bit so she took those as well.

I went shopping today, on the sales and clearance racks of course, and ended up buying four tops. I looked at a few shoes but I was not feeling any of them and I am not in a rush to buy shoes anyway.

I am glad that I got 4 cute tops for summer as I will be taking classes over both summer sessions and I would like a few new things since I have been wearing the same clothes for almost a year....and I don't have THAT many.

The included pic is the back of one of the blouses I bought...so as you can see it is nothing spectacular but it is simple and cute.

Floaty Summer Tops

Hello Divas!!!

We are now back into the warm weather...yaaaaaaay, and this means it is time for all the HOTTEST fashions available.

I am in love with floaty, flirty summer tops and wanted to share a few with you.

These are so cute and some of them look long enough to be worn as mini dresses so get creative!

I love a few that look a little more dressy for the days when I have to teach. When I stand in front of my class I want to look a little more professional so I might wear something a little more like this.

It looks classy but is not too stuffy.
What are your ideal floaty tops for summer?

Clearance Deals!!! Gold Sequin slip on

Hello Divas!!!

I just saw this AWESOME deal on clearance today. If you rush over to JC Penny you can snag these cute gold shoes for $7.

Yes $7!!!


They were $25 originally so this is a great deal. These shoes look comfortable and classy and they are easy to slip on like sneakers but they look dressy and cute.

I need to run to the mall tomorrow to see if I can find a pair in my size!

Smooth N Shine Olive and Tea Tree conditioner review

Hello Divas!!!

I am currently in the process of transitioning my hair from relaxed to natural. This means that it needs a LOT of tender loving care because it is really fragile right now.

I have been trying a few deep conditioners to see how they will work out. I need something that adds in moisture and strength so that my hair can make the transition well.

Today I tried out the Smooth N Shine Olive and Tea Tree Oil Deep Recovery Conditioner. The directions say to work it into clean, wet hair and leave on for one minute, then rinse out.

I am doing deep conditioning treatments so I am leaving it on for longer. I washed and rinsed my hair then put the conditioner on and covered the hair with a a plastic cap.

Sometimes I will apply heat to the covered hair to help the deep conditioner work or I can leave it on without heat and just go do a few things like clean the house so that my body heat can work its magic.

I did not really like the tingly feeling when I put the conditioner on but that was due to the tea tree oil. It was not unpleasant, I just don't really like the minty feeling on my head. When I first put the product on my hair it did not instantly soften the tangles.........I went ahead and finished my shower and went back to comb through and it worked a little better.

It still did not glide through as easily as the coconut oil conditioner but it was still better than some others that I have used.

After taking the plastic cap off and rinsing my hair out the wide tooth comb was able to glide through the hair  with no problems. My hair feels nice and soft and the tangles from washing came out easily. I am pleased with the results of the conditioner even though I don't like the minty feeling.

I will use this conditioner in the future because it really works!!!!

I Sweat A Lot!!!

Hello Divas!!

I have received a few comments on the popular posts about my dark armpits. I also got some direct messages on this topic as well.

Many readers asked why I don't just stop using antiperspirants (and deodorants) because they contribute to my dark underarms.

Well my title says it all.

I sweat a lot.

Not just a little bit.

A

BIG

GIANT

LOT.

I can start to sweat straight out of the shower from just walking across the bathroom and into my bedroom.

I sweat even when it is cold and I have goosebumps.

I just sweat all the time.

If I don't use antiperspirants I will sweat even more so that is just not an option for me right now.
I even sweat when using the clinical strength antiperspirant.....although it works the FIRST day.

I was given this gel thing that was supposed to help reduce the sweat but it did nothing. I attempted to not wear antiperspirant when I shower at night and then only apply when I shower in the morning.

All that happens is I wake up sweaty!

So unless someone who sweats a lot finds a way for me to stop sweating then I will continue to just have nasty black armpits.

And no I cannot afford Botox shots in my armpits!!!!

Crazy Shoes

Hello Divas!!!

So women's shoes have been getting crazier and crazier. One of the latest trends is the heel-less high heel....if there is such a thing.


I just saw these shoes and there is a a video showing someone actually walking in them. Click on this link and scroll down to the right and play the video.


These shoes are INSANE and I really do not think they can be safe for walking but if you like them then grab your pair today. Personally I think they are a fashion DON'T!

Cut Back On Salt To Add To Your Years

Hello Divas!!

You hear all this talk about how sugar is bad for you...and in excess it really can do some damage. What we don't often hear about is how bad too much salt can be as well.


Check out Bob Greene's blog for how to cut back on salt in five easy ways.

Wraparound Watch Sale

Hello Divas!!

Today's fashion sale is a wraparound watch from Lulus.com





This gorgeous watch is on sale now for $25 and adds a touch of class and elegance to every outfit.

The studded stars add a bit of edge to your sweet look and give you a little bit of a daring look to any outfit.

This is a fun watch and it is a great price so why not check it out today!!!!

Brandi Glanville's Dresses

Hello Divas!!!!

If you watch the Real Housewives of Beverly Hills you MUST know about the crazy Brandi Glanville.

Recently she has been in the news again for some of her revealing dresses. Brandi is quite a character and I must say that I just LOVE her!!!

She wore this to the Oscars and caused a stir.
Now honestly I am NOT a fan of THIS dress. The part around her bust looks awkward but the rest of the dress is amazing.

Then she got in trouble for wearing this.
Now this one I adore. Yes it does reveal some cleavage....ok a LOT of cleavage but it looks great.

The color is HOT and if I looked like that when I was 40 I would rock it too.

Do your thing girl.....there are people who hate you and then there are those of us who LOVE you.

Brandi sometimes says things she should not say....but hey we all do. The thing I love about her is that she is STRAIGHT up with what she says. She does not fake things to tell people and that is refreshing.

Do One Simple Beauty Ritual Every Day

Hello Divas!!

It can look like it takes a lot of work to look great every day and sometimes it does. But you can make your beauty routine take a little less work if you take the time to do one simple beauty ritual every day.

Teeth
Divas have great looking teeth and one of the easiest ways to get that look is to whiten your teeth. I personally use Crest Whitestrips every year to whiten my teeth and the results last all year long.

I get the strips a few months before my birthday in July and I apply them every other day until the box is used up. I get beautifully whiter teeth for only a few minutes every day and then I don't have to think about it for the rest of the year.

Skin
One thing I do EVERY day is to make sure my face is clean before I go to bed. Even if I have been lying around in bed all day (and took a shower in the morning) and don't shower before bed I will wash my face before I hit the sheets.

I also make sure to MOISTURIZE before going to sleep so that my face stays nice and moist while I sleep. This allows for deep penetration of all the skin goodies in my face cream and I wake up with dewy, moist skin.

Nails
I have horrible, flat nails that break and do not grow at all. I do not wear fake nails and since nail polish seems to flake off my nails in two days I opt for clear polish.

I make sure to reapply my nail polish every three days and completely take it off on the weekends to allow my nails a time to rest.

Be A Fabulous Diva On A Limited Budget

Hello Divas!!!
We all want to look great but sometimes that is not the easiest thing to do because we have limited funds and unlimited wants.

You don't actually have to spend a lot to look great. You just need to make very wise purchases and spend the money to get quality where it counts. You need to invest in a good, well made bag but it does not have to be expensive.

I got a bag similar to this one at Sam Moon for under $40 and it serves as my everyday bag. This bag has taken a lot of hits but it still looks good. It is fashionable enough to look nice when I am all dressed up to teach but it also is casual enough to not look out of place when I am wearing jeans and a blouse to go go class.

I am not really into purses but I was told a lady needs to have at least one nice purse and I think this does well for an everyday bag.

This bag is the perfect size to carry one or two textbooks if I need to but it is not too big so I don't feel like I am carrying a giant purse around all the time.

Another thing you can do is to shop the clearance racks when looking for clothes.


Most people seem to forget that the clothes on the clearance rack are the same clothes that were on the regular racks just a couple of weeks ago.

There is nothing wrong with waiting a few weeks for the clothes to go on clearance so that you can pay less. I will ALWAYS head to the clearance racks when I enter a store because I would rather pay $10 for a blouse that has been out for two weeks than to pay the full price of $35 the day it hits the store.

You will still look great....just a little later than the rest of your friends. The only problem with shopping the clearance racks is that you may not get the size you want or the color that you want because of the timing of the clearance.

I say don't worry about that..there are TONS of clearance racks to look through at other stores and you don't need to have every single item that comes out.

Goddess Dress Alert

Hello Divas!!!!

I love goddess dresses and you should too...since they make you look like, well a goddess.

This one is simply amazing and looks great for a formal event.

And this is a little more casual without looking too much like a costume!!

Bold New Basics!!!

Hello Divas!!!!

I know we all think of the basics as being plain colors like black and white or even beige. It is time to shake up that way of thinking and introduce some bold new basics.

Patterned pants.
Patterned pants may just be the new basic when paired with a neutral top.

Try to match one of the tones in your pants with the shade of the top used...but try to stay clear of using a black top all the time.

Nautical stripes.
Stripes have always been in style and they are back in a big way this season.

Looking Good Is About Your Surroundings Too

Hello Divas,

Many Divas think that looking great is only about the way you look, the clothes you wear and your makeup and accessories.

That is all good but looking good needs to spread to your surroundings as well. Does your home look good?

I know some Divas who look great in person but their bathroom counter looks like this

This is not really appropriate because it is just messy and it is not the best look for a lady of class.
Or does your bathroom look more like this one?

There is a place for everything and everything is in its place, making things easier to find and having a generally neater appearance. Having a neat bathroom also makes it MUCH easier to get ready in the morning because you do not have to deal with a lot of clutter and you can easily see where everything is.

Blazer Time

Hello Divas!!!

I recently attended an event where the dress code was business casual. This means I did not need to wear a full suit but I did need to dress very nicely because we were having dinner with prominent leaders in the business community.


I ended up wearing a blazer that I borrowed from a friend but this got me thinking that I needed to get a blazer of my own.

I think a blazer adds an air of elegance and professionalism without coming across as stuffy like a full suit jacket.

I am definitely on the hunt for a few blazers myself and while I want a black one that I can pair with everything I would love a red one since I like bright colors.