INFLUENSTER REVIEW: Quaker Banana Nut Bread Soft Bar!

You know what? There's no need for me to babble on about here, all you need to know is, I had to wrestle Quaker's Banana Nut Bread Soft Baked Bar away from my hubby!!!! Supplied as part of the INFLUENSTER Summer Vox Box, IT IS SO GOOOOOOODDDDD!!!! 

Like, I really could not get enough. It smelled so divine, & I kid you not - this thing is tasty!!!! I wasn't sure that I'd like it, but it wasn't dry and just heavenly. For real. I was wishing they'd put more in the stash! I'm currently drool, I mean dreaming about it as my well-mani'd fingers race across this keyboard. Nourishing, tasty & wholesome. Great for a quick snack fix, and hitting the spot right where you need it! I won't go hungry with this tasty treat around....for me, it even beats ice cream!!!!

Go get yours.....I'm loving mine!

INFLUENSTER: Sally Hansen Magnetic Nail Color Review!

I love me some nail drama, & Sally Hansen sent the best early Christmas gift EVER!!!!!!

I'm telling you, I got the Magnetic Color in Graphite Gravity in my Summer Voxbox, & all heads were turned to my little hands. (I made sure of it by talking with them, ha ha)!  Seriously, it's so simple & fast to use and finishes like I just left the nail shop! It last more days than usual (I forgot the count before I switched up) and I snagged compliments everywhere my hands went.

The price (retain $8.99) is so worth it; I never got tired of wearing it, especially because it is so long wearing. Anyone who knows me, knows I love Sally Hansen products - so affordable and worthy of my little chickadee's!

If you have not tried this polish, TRY IT asap - your fingers will adore you for it!  Rock it like the SUPERSTAR you are!

INFLUENSTER: Summer Vox Box!

Good day, Lovebuckets!!!

I have had the pleasure of test running a box full of awesomeness from INFLUENSTER'S Summer Voxbox!

It's an extremely toasty Dallas summer, & I was pleased to get Hawaiian Tropic Silk Hydration.  This lotion suncreen smells so good, and really does feel silky smooth. I loved it so much....I had to try it out on my urly hubby, who enjoyed it too! I love the way it makes my skin feel; with my head hanging down I will admit sniffing my hands and arms over & over until all the scent is gone when it's hugging my skin!

I was a wee bit nervous about the next one, because you all know I don't let just any product quench these curls! But I must say, the Clear Scalp & Hair Therapy Nourishing Shampoo & Daily Conditioner was pretty good to my curls. I do not normally use shampoo, however this product is non-drying & extremely cleansing. I love that the scent isn't too strong, and if I baby my coils as I normally do, I am not left with a tangled helmet!

You know what? I had to wrestle Quaker's Banana Nut Bread Soft Baked Bar away from my hubby!!!! IT IS SO GOOOOOOODDDDD!!!!  Like, I really could not get enough. It smelled so divine, & I kid you not - this thing is tasty!!!! I wasn't sure that I'd like it, but it wasn't dry and just heavenly. For real. I was wishing they'd put more in the stash! I'm currently drool, I mean dreaming about it as my well-mani'd Sally Hansen fingers race across this keyboard.....

.....because you know I love me some nail drama, Sally Hansen sent the best early Christmas gift EVER!!!!!! I'm telling you, I got the Magnetic Polish in Graphite Gravity, and all heads were turned to my little hands. I made sure of it by talking with them, ha ha!  Seriously, it's so simple & fast to use and finishes like I just let the nail shop! It last more days than usual (I forgot the count before I switched up) and I snagged compliments everywhere my hands went. If you have not tried this polish, TRY IT asap - your fingers will adore you for it!

Now, I was uncomfortable writing about my last goodie, but hey. I'm over it. The good folk over at Proctor & Gamble included a pretty awesome Always/Tampax survival kit, containing, liners, pads & such in an adorable (& discreet) pink/purple pouch. I have always been an avid user of Tampax, because it makes me feel very secure and accident free. I absolutely refuse to use anything else. I can't imagine my little world without this specific brand - seriously. As someone so active, protection is paramount. And I get that with this brand. I am elated that I could test something I've already come to know & love. This was a no brainer. I will never trade in my Always!!!

There you have it- Lovies!  I hope you can try some of these summer goodies. What have you tried this summer?

Dear Fear: Meet KICK ROCKS!

"You are already a teacher...you just haven't accepted it."

Ouch.

So those are the words my hubby spoke to me yesterday in response to the absurdity that had just escaped my mouth. See, this week, I've been gripped by a little pointy-headed somebody known on the streets as FEAR. It's so silly too, considering this is something I've been wanting and praying to do for years.

I don't know about you, but I kinda regard Christ For The Nations as like, one of the most awesome worship institutions on say, the planet. Every since I ventured into an understanding of surrender, sacrifice and submission unto GOD...it was on & I've wanted to be in the house!!!! Crazy, right? I mean this coming from a girl who used to laugh hysterically at Hillsong commercials back in the day.

"What's wrong with them? Lifting those hands like that. If they KNEW how they looked!!!" Mmmm, hmmmm. Guess who is lifting her hands every time she gets now??

I digress.

Ordered Steps is my heart and we try to touch the heart of GOD every time we dance. CFN has such crazy, no holding back, expressions of adoration of GOD that it was my dream for us to share OUR hearts with them. That opportunity came last year when we ministered at a children's conference at my own church home.

She kept smiling at me. Unfamiliar face, but familiar in spirit. So pleasant & seemingly blessed.

I had no idea she was from CFN & would soon be extending an invitation for us to share with their children!! Awesome GOD!

SccreeeeccccHHHHHHH!!!!!

Put on the brakes. You want me to, uummmm - speak? Now, dancing was good & plenty, but er-aah......I have to open my mouth, too!????

Guys, it's been beating me down. I've changed the script so many times until even I'm confused. I even asked my hubby to take my place or script it out - which he pleasantly & swiftly refused. (Thanks, babe).

"But I am not a teacher!!!" I cried.

"You are already a teacher...you just haven't accepted it." came the reply my delicate hears tried hard to pretend they hadn't received.

So back to work I went, writing & re-writing......fake & FAKER. It just was not me.

GOD's presence woke me early this morning, reminding me that this is a subject I've got. They are asking me to teach about WORSHIP. Now, that's something I do know a bit about.

I mean, I've been focusing so much on impressing the INSTITUTION we've been invited to that I allowed fear of failure allow me to forget what's most important: The children. Not to mention, I am a worshipper, & they are definitely having me speak on what I know.

So, I'm ditching my contrived notes for an outline & telling fear to kick rocks! After all, worship is letting our"self" disappear & allowing GOD to be GOD.

And He is more than enough!!!!

In continual praise,

cj

INFLUENSTER REVIEW: Sheer Cover Duo Concealer Review!

Check them out at: (http://www.sheercover.com)

Great day, everyone!

After seeing it on television for quite some time, I had the great opportunity to test drive Sheer Cover's Duo Concealer in Medium! Let me tell you, I've got a lot of life's "blessings" etched into my little canvas, and am always looking for a good concealer to knock out some of the extra blessings on my face. My family (on Mom's side) inherently obtains dark bags underneath our eyes at some point in our lives....it is so infuriating! Not to mention, I have some leftover trauma from past battles with acne, which I apparently came out on the losing side of.

Sheer Cover is very lightweight, easy to apply & has a coverage that is great for my little imperfections that are not so, uh - let's say prominent (ie - DARK). But for the areas that only need a quick spit shine, this concealer duo is the business!!! I love that it comes in two shades that I can easily mix, it's fast & easy which are all things I love in a good - no great blemish bouncing product! A little goes a long way, so it makes the cost quite worth it if you're on a budget like me.

If you've tried it, or give it go, please keep me posted. It works great for me & is good enough for me to try other Sheer Cover beauty products!

INFLUENSTER Spring BEAUTY Vox Box!

Hi, Curlie-Pies!!!

I have been uber excited about the INFLUENSTER Spring Vox Box!

To kick things off, I received the Bathy & Body Works Fine Fragrance Mist in Sweet Pea. Whoa! The main thing I adore about this fragrance (actually, ANYTHING by Bath & Body) is that it doesn't box my nosrils! The scenet is light, airy & makes me feel extra pretty somehow, lol! Seriously though I can't get enough of wearing it - it's definitely on the re-purchase list.

AVEENO BODY WASH - Yes ma'am, I have always loved this brand & was excited to try it! It's one of the better wash products I've tried recently, not too filmy and leaving my skin soft.

SHEER COVER DUO CONCEALER - Sheer Cover is a light, convenient way to hide nature's little "hello's" on my skin! The product does not leave a cakey feel; I received it in medium, with two shades easily blendable to fit my coverage needs. Now, because of the light formulation, I must say it doesn't keep my undereyes from looking like I just stepped out from Ultimate Fighting (these bags are death, I tell you!) but I love it on those minor imperfections I haven't been able to wish away.

And last, but least, INFLUENSTER went ol' school on us & put in some.....CHAPSTICK LIP SHIELD! BAM! Love it! See, I truly only use Vaseline & Elf Lip Gloss to keep my pucker soft, but Chapstick has never done me dirty! The taste is good, and my lips are soft all day. I have always & will always continue to love this beauty staple.

　

If you are a Blogger, sign up for INFLUENSTER today - it's the best way to stay up on what's new & enjoy being a girl!

There's 2 sides to every FRIZZ,  ~ natural dancer

INFLUENSTER REVIEW : Sally Hansen Nail Strips in Frock Star!

"Cool nails!!!"

Those two little words uttered by my boss during our team meeting sealed the fate of the following review....and I am excited about it!!!

INFLUENSTER, the country's leading consumer product testing community was kind enough to bless me with it's Spring Beauty Vox Box, which housed Sally Hansen's Salon Effects nail strips in FROCK STAR. (The name alone makes me feel all kinds of cute).

I've been kinda coveting these little dandies for a while since I am typically , literally on the go & don't have enough time right now to invest in nail-arting my little knubbs - which used to be a passion of mine. And since I'm a smokey-eye during the day, white-wearing after Labor Day rule breaker kinda curly girl, the brightness & glitz of the strips sold me immediately! Nails are surefire attention-getters, & I've got permanent red on my cheeks from blushing so much at the compliments I've been getting on this "polish".

Now, even though there is no drying time involved here, I would suggest if you haven't used the strips before, set aside a few good minutes to review the iinstructions & FOLLOW THEM. I am a great polisher....however I am not a fantastic applicator. Seriously. Not even understanding that, but - I digress.

The strips are easy to adhere to the fingers, easy to cut (one strip covers two of my nails so why waste any of it) & because of all the happy colors, you can't even tell I didn't quite get the tips as awesome as I have seen other ladies do. But since I have plenty left over, I'll shoot for perfection again until they are gone!

At a price of $9.99, the Sally Hansen Salon Effects nail strips at first seem a bit...pricey. The thing is, they are long lasting, and you can double up your stock by cutting them in half during application. You know me....I love saving where I can!

Not to mention, my team gave my mani the seal of approval.

　

Have you tried these strips?

　

There's 2 sides to every FRIZZ ~ natural dancer

Feel The Burn!

Hi, Curlies!

This has been some week...and it's ONLY Wednesday! The tornadoes hit our city of Dallas yesterday, and I am praising GOD for His safety & protection! And guess what? Today is a gorgeous, sunny day! Gots to love Texas!

So, I wanted to ask ya'll about something that's been irking my hide for like, EVER. Wondering if it gets you all, too. Some folk complain about their less than stellar "kitchens"....but my SIDEBURNS are straight whack!

I mean, no matter how much I cut, mend or shellac these bad girls, they are always misbehavin'! I even resorted to using some Edge Control combo'dwith Pink Eco, Clear Eco and Fantasia IC to no avail. They are always poppin' & NOT in a good way! (Ok - seems as though I'm screaming with all of these esclamation points; but this is what I have been reduced to, dear curly friends).

The more I cut them, the faster they grown. Unruly, unsightly, and out of order. But if I take them completely off, I look an even hotter mess.

Uuuggghhhhh. Just can't win with these bad seeds.

So what about you? How do you deal with "The Burn?" Is there a way to tame them? Why are they so disrespectful? And most importantly: WHY, WHY, WHY???!!!!! Lol.......I still ove my coils, though.

There's 2 sides to every FRIZZ,

natural dancer

The Frizz of It! Ampro Pro Style Olive Oil Gel Review

Good afternoon, Curlie-Pies!

So there's this product that acted like it had some good home training when I bounced it off my CURLS, that turned out to be a holy grail for my mom's pressed hair! Can you believe that? An all around natural gem!

The good folk over at Ampro sent some Pro Style Olive Oil Gel to rock against my frizzies and I have to say, this one is golden to my coils. It is light weight, absorbs easily into my strands, does not have an overpowering fragrance, and didn't flake on me. My only con would be because this little ditty is so lightweight for my stubborn, spirals I had to reapply a bit more often than I've grown accustomed to. (I already have such a bad case of Hand In Hair disease...I don't need any extra help, lol!). But I love how it doesn't build up & how great my hair looks & feels with it.

But here is the kicker: Mom also tried it to lay down a bit of frizz on her silver, heat treated mane - and her straight strands LOVE IT! Because the formula is neither wet nor goopy, Pro Style Olive Oil did not force her straight strands to revert and even added a beautiful shine to it! She is actually going to buy up some at the store because she doesn't want to run out! One of my natural dancers also used the gel to lay down the kinks in the front of her puff with great results! Seems this is a keeper for our little group.

Now, I also received the Shine N Jam product, which is best for a light hold, probably on curls that do not revert or frizz with ease. For instance, in my day to day activities (work, yadda yadda) I can rock the jam. But if I DANCE with it, my curls will have a great time laughing in it's face!  What can I say? My beloved coils....tough crowd.

So there you have it curlies! This is a winner for me! If you try it, let me know how it works on your mane.

In the meantime, wish me luck. I'm trying the condish on styling this week. Day #1...and I'm scarrrreeeedddd (Mr. Brown voice)!!!

There's 2 sides to every FRIZZ,

natural dancer

Look Who Is A Year Old!

Greetings, Curlie-Pies!!!

Well, there's been quite bit happening around the Natural Dancer household, so I had to take a step back to get some things in order. But rest assured, GOD is yet still blessing & openng many doors for me through dance, & now....SPEAKING. (More on that later). But I'm back in the frizz business (lol) & let me tell you - I hit my one year mark! I am elated to still be on this journey & I am never turning back!

The one thing I really had to get used to is people touching my hair. Many ask now, so I really appreciate that. I've come to realize, however that curious folk are not the issue...it's my own daggone hands, lol! I can't keep my hands outta my hair. I'm always absentmindedly stretching a curl or fluffing. I'm going to get better though. Well, at least I'm going to TRY, ha ha!

The best thing I've learned? Let it do what it do, baby! My coils simply aren't happy if I try to force them into being what they are clearly NOT. But I have joyful hair.....meaning it makes me smile.

So this is a photo of my one year 'fro. The right side of my hair is always longer than the left, & has already reached BSL. The rest is on the way, woo hoo! Oh, & I created my first real bun....then immediately HATED it. The next day I shook my spirals loose & rocked a stretched curly 'fro.

More to come - I pray your 2012 has been AWESOME!!!!

There's 2 sides to every FRIZZ,

natural dancer

You Had Me At Hello!

Great day, Curlies!

I just wanted to share a quick picture of my coils right before Ordered Steps Productions' 6th Anniversary Celebration this weekend! We had a mighty blast, indeed! Gospel Artists from all over Dallas/Ft. Worth came to share their gifts with us....the ladies were elated (and downright giddy)! We packed the house, which melted my heart because it was such a fantastic outpouring of support.

OSP was schedule to dance one piece. It was a new one, "I Am" by Kirk Franklin. Whoa, that song speaks to me! Anywhoo, this was a shot of me in my two pigtails trying to stretch my coils right before the event started I have Shea Moisture Curl & Style Milk to define & the Curling Souffle with a touch of Eco Gel to hold down the frizz. I was loving my bangs, too. (I used clippies to stretch those babies dow). My hair is soft, shiny & so bouncy. I heart this combo for real.

We had a wonderful time! That was Saturday & my 'fro is still rockin' today.

Let's make it a great week!!! (Uh oh....ARE THOSE CROW'S FEET??!!! UUUGGGHHHHHH)

There's 2 sides to every FRIZZ,

natural dancer

Putting the Test to the FRIZZ: Beautiful Textures Product Review

Great day, Curly-Pies!

The nice folk over at Beautiful Textures sent me some of their new line of natural hair goodies to bounce off my coils so I can share my thoughts with you! Now, this line (available at Sally's retailing between $5.99 - $7.99) promises "amazing versatility" for mixed textures: i.e., curly, wavy, kinky-coily & frizzy strands. I've seen some great reviews on Beautiful Textures, so I gave it a whirl, too.

Ok, so we already know that no two curls are alike, right? Even those taking up housing on our own noggins. My coils are tight, perfect ringlets that don't succumb easily to much styling/techniques. So my satisfaction is solely based on the look & feel of my wild, loose coils. That said, my strands immediately did not take to two of the products: Rapid Repair Deep Conditioner & Tangle Taming Moisturizing Shampoo. Yeah....my curls tangled during the wash process. They haven't done that in ages. Now, so many other people praise the shampoo for its de-tangling properties, but that wasn't my experience. Again, my tight coils just weren't pleased but others may encounter great success with it. I will say, though both products let my mane SOFT. Loved that little surprise.

Here's what my hair ADORED from the line: the Moisture Butter Whipped Curl Creme & the Curly Control Defining Pudding. I used them separately & together. (Beautiful Textures encourages mixing of the products for various results, which I dig as well). Can I say the aroma of these products is.....Heavenly? OMG - I could not stop smelling them! I bounced them off my spirals in a WNG (my go to) & also a gasp....braid out. Now, my braid outs are always frizzy, so it was no exception here. On my second round, I dabbed a bit of my SM Curling Souffle for more hold & I loved the combo. The Beautiful Textures gives a light, bouncy, fluffy finish to manageable, touchable hair. Gotta admit, I couldn't resist whippin' my do around! Oh, yeah I also had much hang time too, which can be a blessing & a curse if you worry about your ends rubbing on clothes.

So there you have it, Curlies! There's lots of other yummy things to try in the Beautiful Textures line. And like I mentioned earlier, it all depends on what your curls like. If you give it a go, please let me know what you think. Specifically, the shampoo & deep conditioner which didn't work for me. All in all, I think this is a good intro to a new line; I'm interested to see more curlies use it. (Btw - please ignore the strings hanging from my new headband...I was in a rush to wear it & didn't cut them off yet.  :)  )



There's two sides to every Frizz,

natural dancer

Showing Some Love: Shea Moisture Curling Souffle

Hiya, Curlie-Pies! So, I really wanted review this product because it has been one of the most polarizing new natural hair goodies we've been introduced to in a minute! I mean, curlies either adore it or hate it....but whichever team you roll with, the feelings expressed are typically strong! Admittedly, I purchased mine back when it came out (last summer), immediately shelved it, & only recently developed a love for it. Because I learned how to use it. The Shea Moisture Curling Soufflé kicked up quite a bit of noise when it was introduced to the natural universe last year. I'm saying, some curlies swore by it, others returned it to the store. Because of my sheer love of Shea Moisture products in general, I didn't take it back to the store - even though my spirals weren't smitten with it upon the first use. The consistency (like unfinished Jell-O) definitely takes some getting used to. Now, because I can at times behave as a product junkie (not in purchasing products, but choking my curls with product) I went about my initial application ALL WRONG. I mean, I just scooped up a big ol' handful & went at it! FAIL. I was left with a cute, but gloppy mess on my noggin. Yuck. MAYBE, if I read the instructions more carefully, I would've paid attention to the little notice saying not to do what I had just done. It took forever to dry, it was sticky and just, ugghhhh. So I put it away months ago. Recently though, I revisited my old foe, and paired it with the SM Curl & Style Milk. I went very light with my application, and POW! Can't (pronounced cai'nt) nobody tell me nothin', lol! Seriously though, my curls are shiny, bouncy, defined, have major hold without the crunchy or sticky dramatic situation I had the first go around. I am receiving so many random compliments on my coils, it's unreal. I really do love this stuff indeed, and it's worth every dollar (even though this little baby costs a buck more than other SM products). I can rock my curly fro for at least a week (pineappling & such at night) and my crown still has a nice sheen & minimal frizz. Shoot, I tried a conditioner only WNG the other night & had to call the Soufflé my rescue from the frizz monster the next morning! It wasn't BAD, per se, but the Soufflé made it a little more polished, you know? I spayed some water, quickly shingled & it was on & poppin. Not to mention, I didn't have to wait for my hair to dry through the Whiteout time (when the condish or styler is clearly sitting on top of our heads, waiting to take up residence in our bed of curls). So there you have it, Curlie Pies! $11.99 at Target, Walgreen's or other retailers who carry SM products. A teeny bit actually travels far through the most stubborn of curls! I love it & encourage curlies who've decided they hate it to try again utilizing a different technique. You just may see a difference. I know I did! There's 2 sides to every Frizz, natural dancer

When A Curl Freezes Over!!!!!

Great day, Curlies! Well, well, well.....look what we have here. Could it be? I mean, really? Really. That I, (of whom is about to celebrate one year of natural glory next month), little ol' ME, who kicked, screamed & pouted most of my journey about this very sore subject - has suddenly turned a new curl to an old foe? Well, mark your calendars with today's date because it is officially the day a curl has frozen over & I am declaring my admiration of....SHRINKAGE. Yep, you heard (er, uh- read) it right, Curlie-Pies. Suddenly, Natural Dancer is all about the shrink. Sort of. How did this happen? So glad you inquired! Simple: Winter clothing. If my coils didn't have the massive shrinking situation going on, I'd have to strap them on top of my noggin every day. And since I have yet to master a decent twist -out, bantu knot, cornrow (you get the point) I like to let my spirals fly free & kinda crazy for variety. Hence, my new love for the shrinking flowers because the ends do not fall prey to wooly sweaters, scarves & such. So, my curls are happy. And if they're happy, I'm happy. I'm all about the JOY, you know? So what about you, curlies? Do you love on your 10-20% hang time? Are you protective styling? And finally, are you making changes to your 'do this year????? There's 2 sides to every Frizz, natural dancer