9.05.2013

Hair Repair 101

Hey everyone! I know I haven't posted in a long, long, time and I'm so sorry! I promise I haven't forgotten about this blog!

Let's get right back to it!

Recently, I got purple streaks put in my hair. I love them, but the fact that my hairdresser had to bleach my hair first means that my hair is FRIED. Like, I haven't even had it this bad before.

It's been almost two weeks, and I've made a lot of progress. I still need to be really careful and persistent with the treatments, but my hair feels a little bit less straw-like and breakable.

It kills me, because my natural hair is actually really healthy, and I totally messed it up! It is going to take forever for the broken strands to grow back, too. :(

But I'm gonna take extra good care of my hair, and I'll let you in on my tips!!!


1. I've talked about this product line before, but I'll bring it up again. I literally swear by it; it's the L'Oreal EverCreme Intense Nourishing shampoo, conditioner, and leave-in conditioner. I use all three every day, and ever since I started using that line about a year ago, I have noticed a huge difference in the smoothness and elasticity of my hair. I still have a lot of coarse hair, but it is much less unruly than it was with any other hair products, and trust me, I've tried a lot.

2. Coconut Oil is the next best thing I have found for my hair. I started using it about a month or so ago, and I immediately noticed my hair feeling softer and healthier. What I do is scoop a lot out of the jar, turn upside-down, and smooth the oil down the length of my hair from my scalp towards the ends. After that is saturated, I'll smooth some over the top layer of my hair, focusing on the ends, and the roots of my hair at the back of my head. These are my problem areas, so obvious you should cater the process to fit your hair. I put my hair up into a top bun with a clip, put a shower cap on, and leave it for an hour. You can use a hair dryer to really help the oil to absorb--blast your hair, with the shower cap on, for about 10 minutes.


When you wash it out, you will notice that there is some residue. You can shampoo again, but if you don't need to look particularly nice, I would leave it in. I promise it won't look as greasy as you think! Condition like normal, and when you hair dries I promise you'll be stunned! I do this about twice a week.


3. Organix Hydrating Macadamia Oil. This deep conditioning treatment is a newer addition to my routine, and I use it every other day on the days I don't use coconut oil. After you wet your hair, you smooth it into your hair and leave it for 5 minutes (while you shave, for example), and rinse. It also makes your hair feel soft and luminous!

4. Heat Protection. So, as weird as it sound, straightening my hair actually makes it look less fried. Since my strands are such different lengths now, it looks better when they are all going in the same direction, which they don't do naturally. So, in order to keep my hair from getting fried again, I use two main products to beat the heat: Organix Extra Strength Moroccan Argan Oil and Got2B Guardian Angel Flat Iron Balm. The oil is seriously amazing for giving your hair movement and shine, and the "balm" (its a spray) is new to me, but seems to really protect my hair from damage.


5. Vitamins! Okay, you've most likely heard of Biotin before. Biotin is a vitamin that is most commonly used to support hair and nail growth. I know it works, because I have tried it multiple times, but it also makes me break out every time I try it. So, that isn't really an option for me, but a simple multivitamin can still give your skin, nails, and hair the vitamins and minerals they need.

6. Water is so important! I know you've heard it a million times, but it is so, so true that drinking lots of water helps you in so many ways. As far as your hair goes, it just increases it's general health, helping it to grow in stronger and healthier than before.  It also helps me to feel focused, more energetic, and also it clears up your skin!

8.28.2013

Check out my new blog!

Hey everyone! I have started a new blog, just for college students! It will be all about life in college: what to wear, how to study, how to deal with stress, and even things like how to deal with boys and greek life!

I'd love for you to go check it out, I'm really excited about it!

Click on the picture below to pop over!



Thanks guys!

6.11.2013

Follow Me!

People, I have a twitter! I realized that I've never told you guys about it. So....FOLLOW ME! :)


Take Control!

Ladies! Get ready to feel inspired. My goal for this post is to rally the troops to make the world of man/girl interaction a better, more equal place.



Let's face it--things are not equal right now. Think about how much more guys can get away with in a relationship then girls can. I'm not saying we aren't ever hard on guys--God knows we can be, but think about the flirting phase of a relationship. Does the guy not control the game? Do you not have to act EXACTLY the way society tells you to? Isn't asserting yourself not allowed?

I mean, let's be real. There are times when you want to text a guy 600 times asking why you aren't good enough. Yeah, its crazy and counterproductive, but you've had that urge. And why the hell shouldn't you? Because it will shatter your perfectly crafted image of demure subservience?

F*ck that sh*t!

I'm not saying send all the things that pop into your head, because restraining orders won't help anyone, but you know what I mean. Like, if you want to make the first move, make it! If you want to tell a guy you want more from the relationship, do it! If you want to tell a guy that he is a self-obsessed, womanizing douchebag that isn't even that hot, go for it! We can take back the power! We just have to stop being so concerned about coming off as dainty, meek little girls.


You've got an inner beeyatch, and you know it. Let her out to breath once in a while! Find an assh*le, and give him a piece of your sassy, empowered mind.

We always blame our heartbreaks on the guy. And by no means am I saying they aren't at fault. But ladies, we have to stop letting them do that to us! We have to own our love lives and take control of the situations we get into with men. You don't need to have more power than the guy, but view yourself as an equal to him! Because guess what? YOU ARE.



Alright, that's all for my little rant. I hope I got through to someone.

lots of love,

neena

6.10.2013

Another Change.


Hey, everyone! It's been over three months since I've written. There are a lot of reasons for that, but basically, I've been changing.

I'm still me--I have the same personality, same friends, same dreams. But I am trying to connect to a more spiritual version of myself. I have made a lot of mistakes in the past year. More than I care to think about. And I've come to realize that I'm on a road to nowhere. Something has to change. 

I'm not sure exactly how I'm going to handle it, but this blog is going to become more devoted to finding yourself in the insane world and less focused on beauty, celebrities, and so on.

As women, we need to be each other's support system. We have to be there for each other. There is no other option. So I am here for you. I am going to open up to you--I'm going to put everything out there. Not because I want everyone to know my dirt, but because I know I'm not the only one going through a tough time. Of course, I don't mean I will give you the dirty little details of my life, but I won't be as reserved as I have been in the past. 

Please, spread the word to your friends and family that might benefit from a place to go and read about other people's experiences with the same issues they are facing.

It can be the difference between...you know.

As always,

neena

2.27.2013

Today's Fitness Motivation

The word of the day is:

There is no point in getting fit if you aren't going to be consistent! You can do a super intense workout once every two weeks and I promise you you won't see significant results. You have got to aim high!

You can do it!

xoxo,


2.24.2013

OSCARS

OH MY GOODNESS THE OSCARS.

Obviously, a big part of the night is the discussion over what everyone is wearing. These are a few of my favorites that I saw!

1. Jennifer Lawrence in Dior
It is hard not to love JLaw with her intense relate-ability combined with her knack for consistently wowing us on the red carpet. Her dress tonight was so gorgeous, starting out simply enough and then erupting once it passed her hips. Do you know what I loved the most about her outfit, though? The long pearl strand hanging down her back. That was the icing on the cake for me.



2. Sally Field in Valentino
Sally knows how to age gracefully. She has been beautiful through each phase of her wonderful, talent-filled life, and yet I was still surprised by how perfect she looked tonight! That gorgeous red hue was perfect for her coloring, I think, and the bottom of the gown just killed me as it fluttered behind her.



3. Catherine Zeta Jones in Zuhair Murad
Oh my God. This gilded nude dress made me go blind for a minute, and in the best way possible. She looks like an Oscar herself! It had a very 20s-esque feel to it, with the exception of the neckline which was slightly reminiscent of the '50s bodices to me.



4. Maria Menounos in Romona Keveza
THIS BITCH. She always looks perfect. It's those damn Greek genes. Seriously, have you ever met an unattractive Greek? But that is beside the point. This dress makes me want to scream, it is so amazing. The color, the shape, the ACCESSORIES. Ahhhhhhhhh I am legitimately swooning over this dress.



And the Man of the Night goes to....



Bradley Cooper.

Apparently, Kristin Chenoweth got so frazzled at one point before the show that she lost her shoe in the vastness of her dress. Bradley Cooper, being the teetotaler gentleman that he is, bent down, lifted up her hemline, found her shoe, and put it on her foot for her.

CINDERELLA, ANYBODY?!?

In addition, when JLaw fell on her was to accept her award for best actress, Bradley immediately showed up with a hand outstretched to help her back up. She didn't utilize his offer, but still. He wins all the award in my book.

xoxo,