My Graduation!!

Hi Guys, as of Tuesday, I am officially a Law Graduate!!! After four long years filled with sleepless nights, late night shifts in the library, puzzling essay questions, makeshift meals, carrying heavy books, library fines, boring lectures, jokes, excitement, friendships and an amazing year abroad spent in Amsterdam... I can proudly say that I successfully made it to the end and graduated!!! Glory be to God!! My University experience is definitely one that I will cherish for life. It was during these four years that I learnt the most, not just academically but about life too. I entered University a teenager and came out a woman. 

Canterbury Cathedral

As you can probably imagine and even possibly relate, deciding what to wear for graduation was no easy task. I needed a dress that was of a respectable length being that the ceremony was taking place in cathedral, which is not as easy as it sounds when you measure in at just over 5 ft 9. My heart was set on wearing white from the beginning, as it provides a great contrast to the black gown. I tried on several dresses with little luck until I entered the shop that never fails me, French Connection. To accompany the dress I decided to buy versatile heels that I could wear not only for the ceremony but for many occasions. Stilettos were a no-no for me because of the cobbled floor and weathered stones leading to the cathedral.... a broken ankle was not on my agenda that day. I managed to find heels from Aldo that fitted the bill.

How to wear my hair for graduation appeared to be the biggest challenge. I contemplated straightening it but having not used heat on my hair for over two years, I decided not to. I've seen pictures of other naturals wearing braidouts and twistouts that looked lush but having not personally mastered the technique, I opted for a low bun. A low bun that was not low enough. In the end I put the hat on first and did my bun around it. This was no problem for me, I was simply happy to be there.

May this only be the beginning of my journey and may your dreams and wishes also come true.

Review: Shea Moisture Coconut & Hibiscus Curl & Style Milk

Promises: This moisturizing style cream detangles, conditions and controls curls while restoring body and shine

Directions: Apply as a no-rinse moisturizer and styling cream to damp, towel dried hair as needed.

Ingredients: Deionized Water, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter)*, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil*, Sugar Starch, Silk Protein, Essential Oil Blend, Melia Azadirachta (Neem) Seed Oil, Caprylyl Glycol, Sorbitol Esters, Algae Extract, Hyssopus Officinalis Extract, Salvia Officinalis, (Sage) Leaf and Equistum Arvense Extract, Daucus Carota Sativa (Carrot) Seed Oil, Lonicera Caprifolium (Honeysuckle) Flower (and) Tocopherol (Vitamin E) Hibiscus Flower Extract *Certified Organic Ingredient

Verdict: I love this product!!! I purchased the Curl & Style Milk because the Transitioning Milk that I love so much was out of stock. The consistency of this milk reminded me of a thick lotion. In comparison to the Shea Moisture Transitioning Milk, the Curl & Style Milk is thinner in consistency. The directions advise to apply the product to damp hair, however I find that using a product with a water-like consistency to my hair when damp works better. I use the Curl & Style Milk to to seal after I moisturise with S Curl... they go together like Bread & Butter!! I find that sealing with hair milks and shea butter works a lot better for my hair than sealing with oils. If you find yourself moisturising & sealing your hair frequently each day, I suggest you try a hair milk or a butter such as shea or avocado as a sealant. Along with the first hair milk I tried from Shea Moisture, I have no faults. The product lives up to its promises, it helps to define my curls/coils and reduce frizz. The scent is subtle but sweet, it smells good enough to eat. A little goes a very long way, depending on the length and density of your hair it could last the best part of a year. The ingredients are amazing and the price is reasonable. This was purchased for me from the US by my mother, she paid $11.59 from Beauty Spot. For my US followers, you can purchase this for $9.99 at Target. For my UK followers, it is not so easily available. One of the cheapest UK stockist is PAKS at £12.99. I would definitely recommend this product to anyone. For those wondering whether I prefer the Curl & Style milk to the Transitioning Milk, I would have to say, it's a draw. I love them both!!

Have you the tried the Curl & Style milk or any other Shea Moisture product?

Newly Natural: How I've Been Styling my Hair

Hey beautiful people *waves*. I've been natural for just over 3 weeks now... not long at all but it feels great. As the McD's campaign says, I'm Lovin' It. The ease of not having to deal with scraggly ends is nothing short of refreshing. It takes me little to no time to style my hair, I'm actually surprised at how quick it is. My friends must be so tired of me, I'm consistently sending them pictures of how I've chosen to wear my hair on that particular day. I guess that's what friends are for aye... and of course that's what this blog is for. Without further ado, this is how I've been styling my hair over the past few weeks, I'm loving the versatility, let me know what you think.

100% Natural

Hey Guys, I finally did it!!! I cut my relaxed ends off. I'm now 100% natural. I know I was going to wait but I looked in the mirror before washing my hair on Sunday and decided IT WAS TIME. I haven't had the chance to enjoy it yet because I have three deadlines next week (pray for me). Despite that, I can officially say I love it. At first I didn't feel much, I literally cut my relaxed ends off with little to no emotion. I guess it hadn't sunk it yet but when I took out my chunky plaits today to go to the library, I looked in the mirror and couldn't help but feel great!!! I set out to transition for 2 years despite the naysayers, I went through the bad hair days and the extended detangling session and I finally reached my goal *moonwalks*. I feel like a new person. I love everything about my hair, shrinkage and all, and believe me my hair shrinks a lot. 

It may sound cliché but my transition has taught me so much. I have learnt about hair care, about the importance of a balanced diet and exercise. Through the knowledge I gained, I was able to help others. I have learnt how supportive people can be both my personal friends and internet friends. I have learnt to disregard the negativity. I have learnt to be patient. Most importantly I learnt that true beauty comes from within. In life it doesn't matter what people think of you, what is important is what you think of yourself. My natural hair journey has begun, my goal is to maintain healthy hair and with the health, growth will come. 

Big thanks to all of you that supported me through my transition, I really appreciate it :). Anyone who is transitioning, don't give up, you can do it. If you haven't done so already check out my 2 years post relaxer post to see what my hair looked like before. A video will be uploaded in due course (need to edit it).

P.s. posts are going to be few and far between until the 28th May, the day of my last exam. 

2 Years Post Relaxer!

I am officially 2 years post relaxer!!!!! 2 whole years since I last relaxed my hair!!! I'm still in a state of shock. I hit the two year mark on monday but I was unable to really appreciate what it meant because I had a 5,000 word paper to write. It has officially sunk in. *happy dance* *moonwalks*

  

I can't wait to end my transition or maybe I can ? Not really sure. I have quite a lot of relaxed ends left which makes thoughts of ending my transition a wee bit daunting. On the other hand I'd love to style my hair without feeling restricted by my two textures. I'd love to just wear my hair out. I've been wearing buns for literally the whole 2 years. I've missed hair framing my face. I've missed being able to use my hair to cover the cheeky little blemish that occasionally decides to seek refuge on my face. I've missed tucking my hair behind my ear. The little things ay. 

I've decided for the chop date to coincide with my last exam at university in about 2months time. That way it can be symbolic. I want to share the experience with you guys so I'll definitely record it. In the mean time here are some pictures I took of my hair today :).

Check out my hair at 1 yr post relaxer to see the progress.