Mix It Up

Tried a mixture of prints and layers today for work. Do we like?

• button up - thrifted
• long sleeved top - Walmart
• cardigan - Walmart
• belt - Forever 21
• jeans - Walmart
• boots - Forever 21
• rings - Forever 21

Where The Light Is

More blurry pictures, YAY! I promise I'll get these pictures under control! For now, just enjoy the fashion!

• blazer - thrifted
• tee - Target
• necklace - Tracy Lynn Jewelry
• black skinny jeans - Rave
• pointy flats - Walmart

Short & Sweet

Found the title of this post to be very appropriate because not only did I experience EXTREME shrinkage with my twist out today but I could only shoot a few pictures before my camera died on me! Enjoy this very short and sweet post! Love you!




Very cool zodiac bangle!

• top - Target
• skirt - Forever 21
• belt - thrifted
• bangles - Rugged Wearhouse; Body Central
• leggings - Walmart
• boots - Bamboo
• ring - Icing

Arctic Blast

There is snow and ice on the ground and it's freezing outside! (Finally!) My OOTD for work:








Nail color of the week!

• polka dot sweater- H&M
• button up pjs - Walmart
• black jeans - Rave
• boots - Walmart

Now getting into Lazy Sunday mode! Have a good afternoon!

Is That Jarima? What Happened To Her Hair?

*hums "I Am Not My Hair" by India Arie*



It's been exactly one year since I've started wearing my hair naturally curly and it has been a long, frustrating, challenging, life changing, beautiful journey.

Jan 2011

Jan 2012





Now, be aware that I never did a big chop because I had already been perm free since June '09 so I didn't feel it was necessary. Sometimes I feel like I should have only because my hair had suffered SO much heat damage that it would have been better to just start over but I'm a scaredy cat and the thought of cutting my hair clean off scared the fear of Jesus into me. I ended up having to cut a lot of my hair off in May '11 since there was SO much hair that just wouldn't grow but still not enough to call it a "big chop". There was a lot of research that I did not do before going natural, which is also something I regret doing because I would have saved my hair a long time ago, had I done the grunt work.

I went natural for 2 reasons:

1. Health. My poor hair couldn't take anymore heat damage. It's a miracle it hadn't completely fallen out because I was abusing it. I flat ironed my hair every single day, I never conditioned it, and sometimes I wouldn't even sleep with a scarf on. I knew the best way to save my hair was to take the straightening method out completely.
2. Self love. When I was younger I battled the fact that I was black for a long time. Going to school and only being friends with white kids because they were the only ones that were nice to me. The black kids wanted no part of me so I wanted no part of them, least of all, the racial similarity. Adding to the fact that all I saw on TV were white baby dolls, white barbies, primarily white TV shows, etc. I was so envious of the white race. They looked so beautiful and I look so....black. I look back on those times and I cringe! How could I have hated the biggest and best part of me?? The fact that I wear my hair in it's natural state further helps my journey to self love because at the end of the day I am a black woman and I love it.

Different methods of styling:
Wash N Go

Braid Out

Bantu Knot Out


And my go-to style: Twist Out


Some of the products I used:




I don't really use some of these products anymore but the ones I swear by are:
Pampa EVOO
Hollywood Beauty Castor Oil
Coconut Milk Anti-Breakage Serum
Olive Oil Eco Styler Gel
Bio Infusion Deep Conditioner
Shea Moisture Curl Enhancing Smoothie
Bio Infusion Leave-in Conditioner
Mane N Tail Shampoo & Conditioner
Suave Conditioner

The product that did NOT work for me at all was Cantu Shea Butter products. I felt like they just sat on my hair rather than penetrate it. Will not be using ANY of their products again.

Shea Moisture is the business but it tends to leave my hair a bit greasy after a day or two.

I love Eco Styler Gel but the packaging lies! I definitely get flakes in my hair just by the end of the day!

The Bio Infusion Hair Hydrating Creme was "enh". It didn't make or break my curls so I wasn't running to the store to buy it again.

The Shea Butter Oil just smelled funny. No thanks.

A HUGE thanks to these ladies for helping me through my journey:
Kaytee
Natural Belle
Iamsonotmyhair
jerseystylezz
Naptural85

The journey definitely isn't over! I have so much more to learn and I can't wait to share it with you!

Lovely Lady

Went to lunch with a few friends from work today











Pretty epic bantu knot out

• top - Urban Outfitters
• jeans - Walmart
• belt - thrifted
• boots - Walmart
• rings/earrings - Forever 21

Headed to Buffalo Wild Wings for a late lunch and drinks






Meet Haley!


And Zoe!


Also, tomorrow is a very exciting day for me and I can't wait to share it with you! Until then, sweeties! Enjoy Hump Day!

This Night Belongs To Us

Spent another weekend in NY for RJ's birthday! I met some really great people and, as always, had an AMAZING time! First we went out for dinner at Bourbon St. then to a bar named The Saloon. Next was a place called Yotel and last, Blazing Saddles. Eventually I had to flag RJ at 3am and tell him it was time to go home, I canNOT hang! Until next time, NY!

• top - Express
• jeans - Walmart
• wedges - Rugged Wearhouse
• feather necklace - Forever 21
• clutch - Express
• jacket - Target

Birthday boy!


Took a picture with this weird yak/moose thing


Me and Rini


My new bestie "White Jay" down there, haha!


Nothing like drunken pictures to a remember a great night!