How To Update Your Winter Wardrobe

Have you noticed that spring clothing is slowly creeping into stores while bulky winter fashions are severely discounted and on its way out?  I don’t know, maybe it’s me, but I find it incredibly difficult to buy spring clothing when there’s snow piled high on the sidewalks and the thermostat reads -25C.  Just saying.

But when I want to freshen up an outfit in the in-between seasons, I usually purchase some accessories.  This time around I didn’t go the usual route and buy a bunch of necklaces; I decided to purchase a couple of scarves to upgrade my look. 

The Infinity Scarf

I bought a thick, sunny hued infinity scarf from Purple Cloth Creations (psst....she’s a super talented artist who has made tons of scarves, hats and hair accessories).  Honestly, it took one look and I knew I had to have it. The colour was sooo vibrant and cheerful that it almost made me forget that it was wintertime....okay, I can’t forget, but you know what I mean. lol

all bundled up in my super warm scarf!

Since this scarf is very thick and warm, I wouldn’t necessarily wear it with an outfit.  I chose to wear it with my winter coat on those blustery days when you want some added warmth.

kickin' it casual with my less bulky scarf

The other scarf is a thin, grey and black zebra printed scarf.  It’s great! It’s not too bulky so I can wear it with a blazer, a cardigan and even a casual dress.  This scarf is very versatile.

I normally stay far away from scarves because I don’t have a long neck, but the scarves look great on me. I can adjust the length so I don’t look and feel swallowed up by the scarf.

What are some of your new winter purchases?

Michelle

Must-have app: MyNetDiary

I love my iPhone, but I think I love my apps even more. They quickly provide me with valuable information; they are entertaining and they are insanely helpful.  Seriously, I was once trapped in a locked office building and I used one of my apps to get out.  True story!

The reason for this entry is that after Christmas I decided that I needed to control my sweet tooth and start eating properly again. (Read: having a piece of chocolate everyday is not a good look!)  So I decided to use the MyNetDiary free app to keep my eating habits in check. 

The app allows you to enter everything you eat—from breakfast to dinner, including snacks, and it breaks down what you ate by calories, fat, sodium, sugar etc. You can also plug in your weight and your measurements if you would like to lose weight.  The app provides you with info letting you know how many calories you can have to reach your goal weight.  I love it. It definitely makes me think twice about scarfing down that last piece of leftover Christmas chocolate, or having a rice cake!

I’m trying my hardest to be truthful and input everything I eat.  Wish me luck!

Pssst....since I’m app-obsessed, expect a monthly blog entry devoted to one of my must-have apps.

What’s your fave app?  Leave me a comment and let me know!

Michelle

My hair routine for winter

picture taken from talkingpretty.com

I love being a naturalista.  But in order to keep my locks looking lovely, I have to take care of it.

Last summer was the first time that I wore my hair naturally for an extended period of time (read: without extensions).  Like all girls new to natural styling, I had to learn how to style my hair and come up with a regimen that worked for me.  The results were great (okay, not all the time.  Sometimes my hair looked like a hot mess!)  But on the days that it looked amazing, I couldn’t help but flaunt my afro all over Toronto! 

However, anyone who chooses to wear their hair unprocessed knows that the harsh, nippy winter weather robs our hair of moisture and natural hair NEEDS moisture.  The best way for me to avoid having brittle, dry coils, is to wear my hair in a protective style. 

* Protective Style (noun or verb): it's any hairstyle that when created, shields the hair from a variety of elements and harmful situations. This includes extreme weather, both hot and cold, to prevent the hair from drying out, as well as stress caused to the hair follicles from daily styling and manipulation. 

The protective style  that I chose was the two strand twist with extensions (pssst...my trusty old look).  Before I had the extensions put in, I lovingly pampered my tresses.  Here’s my routine.

Step 1

I detangle my hair using Suave naturals Tropical coconut conditioner. I divide my hair into about 6-8 sections and lightly mist each section with water.  I slather my hair with conditioner and comb through my hair until it’s completely detangled.

Step 2

I rinse out the conditioner, and apply a mild shampoo. I actually don’t have a fave, but I am using Organix Renewing Moroccan Argan oil. It’s mild and the scent is nice.

Step 3

Rinse out the shampoo and I deep condition my hair.  I’ve gone through all types of conditioner- inexpensive – expensive. To me, they all work the same. I’ve used HerbalEssence Hello Hydration with olive oil, and I am currently using Avalon Organics Revitalizing Conditioner which feels great.

I keep the conditioner in for about 30 minutes, and then rinse out.

Step 4

I lightly towel dry my hair, twist it into sections and let it air dry. At times I blow dry (which some believe is a no no).  I started using a heat protectant when I apply heat to my hair.

Step 5

I moisturize my hair. I start with my leave in- Shea Moisture Raw Shea Butter Restorative Conditioner. Work in some coconut oil, and then add a creamy moisturizer. I use Shea Moisture Organic Coconut &Hibiscus Curl Enhancing Smoothie.

After all of that, my hair is ready for my protective style

After I’ve worn the protective style for a month or longer,  I take out the extensions, deep cleanse my hair (steps 1-5) , and wear it naturally for 1-2 weeks.  After that, the process begins again!

What’s your hair routine for winter?

* Definition taken from Naptural85.com

Michelle

Happy New Year!

I hope this year brings you good health, happiness and prosperity!

My 2013 Resolution

I’m not much for making resolutions.  It’s waay too much pressure to commit to something after I’ve consumed ungodly amounts of alcohol on New Year’s Eve! lol

So, instead of having a New Year’s resolution, I usually create a list of the things that I would like to achieve for that upcoming year. 

This year however, I’m making a slight change to my tradition.  This year I plan on creating a list of the goals I want to achieve, but I will also write down how I plan to achieve them.

To me it makes my goals more achievable if I can consciously construct a plan to accomplish them. 

I would love to share with you my goals for 2013, but I gotta keep them to myself for now. 

Hope you’re able to attain your hopes and desires this year. Good luck!

* graphic taken from wondrouspics.com

Michelle