Natural Hair Chronicles: Flexi Rods

I've been "natural" for the last 6 years and I am most definitely, positively NEVER going back to relaxers! I'm trying to get my mom to get on board the natural hair bandwagon too, but as with most things, it is hard for some of these old heads to do something different than what they're used to.

My hair is naturally wavy and as much as I love wearing my hair in its natural state of curls and waves, I have struggled to find ways and products that will keep my hair from getting frizzy. The notoriously humid St. Louis summer weather also does nothing to help this pursuit. However, I've recently been trying new products and new tools that are giving me hope of a longer-lasting, more manageable way to wear my hair curly. My most recent adventure was yesterday when I tried flexi rods for the first time. I used the Goody Spiral It Out flexi rods.  Here's a look at how that went:

Step 1: Wet or Wash your hair and pat it dry with a towel. I had recently washed my hair so I decided just to wet it.

Step 2: While still damp, detangle the hair by combing/brushing.

Step 3: Add product. I used the Shea Moisture Yucca & Plantain Anti-Breakage Strengthening Styling Milk. I put a quarter-sized amount into my palm, rubbed my hands together and smoothed it all over my damp hair from root to ends.

Step 4: I then took a smaller section of hair and rubbed Carol's Daughter Mimosa Hair Honey onto my finger tips and smoothed it on each tress as a sealant for added shine, moisture, and to further prevent frizz. I then took the flexi rod and starting at the end, coiled my hair around the rod going all the way the hair shaft to my root. The skinnier blue rod for tighter curls and thicker purple rods for bigger, looser wavier curls. I then "locked" the rod by bending each side so that the rod was in the shape of a "C".

I repeated this step with all of my hair. There were 20 rods in the pack and I used all but 2 rods.

Step 5: With my hair still in the rods, I blow-dried my hair on high heat for 30 minutes, shifting between hot, warm, and cool temperatures. Cool air at the end locks the style in place.

Because I did this before church yesterday, I was rushing to finish the blow-drying. Big Mistake.

Step 6: After a total of 40 minutes, I unraveled my hair from the rods. My hair was about 85% dry. Another 20 - 30 minutes, and I think my hair would have been completely dry. I decided to take my blow-dryer and add the diffuser attachment and diffused my hair for about 5 minutes more without the rods. That helped a lot, while still keeping the curls in place. DONE!

Still wet in some places

The end result: I'm pleased with how it turned out. I definitely like the curl definition and silkiness of my hair. I think next time I use the rods, though, I'll use more of the thicker rods. My curls were a little tighter than I planned, but I'm still pleased. I've also gotten a lot of compliments on how it looks.

Finished Product after diffusing

Side Note: I have to show off the outfit that I wore to church yesterday! I got these pants on Saturday from Old Navy. Guess how much these pants were? $.97!!!!

Without using the rods, I've fallen in love with Miss Jesse's Originals Jelly Soft Curls gel. I was unsure if it was a good idea or not to apply that with the rods, but that gel is my absolute fave for soft, voluminous curls. Just apply a couple quarter-sized dabs into palms and work into damp hair. Then scrunch the hair with your hands, and then blow-dry with a diffuser and you're done! SO EASY! This is how my hair looked after doing that:

I also recommend Carol's Daughter Hair Milk Refresher Spray on day 3-4 to get the curls back, when you don't want to get your hair completely wet again.

I hope that these tips help you on your natural hair journey. It can definitely be a process finding the right products and techniques to getting the styles that you like while transitioning, but I promise you, it's absolutely worth it in the end! I'm never going back to the creamy crack again!

Review: Wet Hot American Summer: First Day at Camp; Awesome Come-back for a Cult Classic

I have fond memories of seeing Wet Hot American Summer with my friend Elizabeth Toal during my freshman year at Stephens College in 2001. We saw the movie at the RagTag Theater, a small local theater in downtown Columbia, Missouri that showed off-beat, artsy, and indie movies. The movie had us crying and laughing out loud. Another gentleman who was sitting in front of us was also dying laughing. The rest of the audience did not find it as hilarious as we did but I'm truly happy that this film grew enough of a cult following that Netflix and the entire cast from the movie decided to create a TV series as a prequel.

Wet Hot American Summer: First Day at Camp takes place 8 weeks before the 2001 film takes place on the first day of camp (the film takes place on the last day of camp). The TV series is just as quirky, raunchy, and campy as the original movie, with a lot twists and turns and new characters introduced who were not in the movie (i.e. John Hamm, Michael Cera, Jordan Peele, and Jason Schwartzman). There are lots of allusions to the movie in the lines and sequences that are used by the cast (ie Victor constantly running away from someone), and even in the ultra-cheesy theme song from the movie "Higher and Higher". We see how Ron and Gail met, who Lindsay really is, how Katie and Andy started going out, and perhaps the most important thing, the story behind Gene's talking can of vegetables. I LOVED IT! I love how all of the original cast signed on, even with so many of them being huge stars presently (ie Amy Poehler, Bradley Cooper, Elizabeth Banks, Paul Rudd, etc).

 I feel kind of sad for Michael Showalter who played Coop, who was notably the only actor who looks physically different (he's put on a few extra pounds, but what do you expect in that it's been 14 years since the movie came out). This is an excellent 8-episode season that hopefully won't be the last time we visit the summer of 1981 at Camp Firewood. And hopefully we won't have to wait 14 years for its return. I can't wait for the next season!

Unboxing: Target Beauty Box Review

Over the last few years, it's been pretty hard to miss the popular trend of subscription boxes. There are subscription boxes available for anything from fitness products to natural hair products, and from beauty products to pet products. There is something for everyone! I have tried Birchbox in the past and have been getting Ipsy bags for the last year (and love it!). However, I recently became aware that Target from time to time offers occasional"Target Beauty Boxes" which include a variety of beauty products and makeup items at the low price of $5! The Target Beauty Box is available for purchase on Target's website, www.target.com with FREE SHIPPING. In support of back to school/college, Target recently sold two Beauty Boxes, which sadly, have sold out. They must be really popular because they just became available for purchase 2 weeks ago. The two recent Target Beauty Boxes are "Honor Roll" and "Head of the Class". Here's a look at these boxes and what they contained:

A few minor bruises during the shipping on the corners of the lids, but no major damage and good presentation.

The boxes both featured the items wrapped in lime green tissue paper, and featured the name of the specific box that was purchased (each are $5 and you can buy one or both). The box title cards also each featured coupons for $3 off of a $15+ purchase of cosmetics, skin care, or hair care products to be made at Target. I can't wait to use them!!!!

Head of the Class 

Contents: 

• 3-pack of Goody Ouchless Hair Elastic bands (Love these!)
• Yes to Cucumbers Soothing Facial Towelettes
• 2-in-1 Pumice Stone
• Hollywood Fashion Secrets Fashion Tape (I can't wait to use these!)
• Wet 'n Wild Max Volume Plus Mascara
• Covergirl lip gloss
• Herbal Essences Wild Neutrals Dry Oil Spray

Honor Roll

Contents:

• Bath Sponge
• 3-pack of Goody Ouchless Hair Elastic bands (You can't have too many of these, I'm just saying.)
• Olay Fresh Outlast Body Wash in "Cooling White Strawberry Mint" (It smells divine!)
• Covergirl Outlast all-day makeup primer (I'm so excited to try this!)
• Nyx Butter Gloss in "Strawberry Parfait" (Which is one of my personal favorite lip gloss brands!)
• Burt's Bees White Tea Facial Wipes 
• John Frieda Luxurious Volume 7-day Treatment (I'm leery of this one but anything's worth a try right?)

As you can see, the Target Beauty Boxes feature a large quantity of products with a lot of variety. The included coupons are also an added bonus and were an unexpected surprise. I highly recommend the Target Beauty Box, and hopefully I'll find out when the next one/s is/are available. I became aware of these by chance after a friend I follow on Instagram announced that they were available. I would recommend following the Target Style Facebook page for more updates.

Out and About: 7/17/2015 - 7/21/2015

Just sharing a few fun events and activities I participated over the past week.

Friday 7/17/2015: Missouri Botanical Gardens Lantern Festival

A lot of fun even though it was super hot that night (95 degrees). Me and the homie Devin went. The lanterns beautiful and massive! I highly recommend you check them out before the exhibit leaves. The Lantern Festival ends August 23, 2015. Here's some pics:

Tuesday 7/21/2015: Muny "Into The Woods" and Winslow's Home

This was an excellent show! The incredible Heather Headley did a superb job in her portrayal of the Witch. It was packed in that it was opening night for the show but fortunately the weather last night was perfect, not hot and not cold. I didn't drip a single bead of sweat the whole night which is unheard of for a mid-July evening. I wasn't complaining. Of course I had to contend with certain groups of obnoxious people, a young group of college students and a group of 40-something-year-old women. The whole show I kept saying to myself "we get it, you know all of the songs..." Annoying but we got through it. Also, before attending the show, I had my first encounter with Winslow's Home, a very special and unique restaurant on Delmar in U City. I wrote a review of my experience there on Yelp. Be sure to check it out! I highly suggest their Winslow's Burger, chocolate chip cookie (possibly the best chocolate chip cookie I've ever had), and their Goat Cheese Cookies (which were soooooo good!).

Pics from Winslow's Home:

Pics from The Muny:

Balling on a Budget: Summer in the City Part Deux

As promised, I have returned with a new list of more fun (free or close to free) events taking place in our fair city of St. Louis. In case you missed my last installment, here is the link. Whether you are organizing fun events for you, you friends and family, or a date, check out these options.  Feel free to comment if there’s an event that I have missed. Enjoy!

 

10^th Annual “Let Them Eat Art” (LTEA)

When: Friday July 10, 2015 6 pm to 11 pm

Where: Historic Maplewood, MO

Price: FREE

What is it: This is a street festival that features live art demonstrations, music, food, and drinks specials. This year LTEA will offer a selection of the STL 250 Cakes courtesy of the STL 250 Cakelovers who will be kicking off the festivities with a Cakewalk parade down Sutton Blvd. at 6:30 PM. Attendants can also see Dan the Pancake Man and enjoy activities with Shakespeare Festival St. Louis and CAM (Contemporary Art Museum). For more information go to: http://mo-maplewood.civicplus.com/index.aspx?NID=147

STL Summer Fest by Alive Magazine

When: Friday, July 10, 2015 5 pm to 10 pm

Where: Downtown St. Louis/ MX District on Washington Avenue

Price: FREE (or VIP Admission for $50)

What is it: This is a street block party that will feature over 40 local vendors, street performers, and live music. RSVP at for free general admission or RSVP for VIP admission to enjoy a private lounge in The Laurel Apartments' chic 6th floor garden, complimentary drinks, appetizers, The Laurel tours and access to an exclusive giveaway for $150 in MX restaurant gift cards! To get more information about the event and to RSVP follow this link: http://www.eventbrite.com/e/stl-summer-fest-tickets-16802155700.

Art Hill Movie Series

When: Fridays in July: 7/10, 7/17, 7/24, 7/31 at 6 pm

Where:  Outdoors on Art Hill in front of the St. Louis Art Museum in Forest Park

Price: FREE

What is it:  This is a free film series, in which movies are shown on a big screen at the bottom of Art Hill. This year’s theme are anniversaries. On Friday July 10^th, the movie is Back to the Future which is 30 years old, July 17^th is Jaws which is 40 years old, July 24^th is Clueless which is 20 years old, and July 31^st is Sound of Music which is 50 years old. There will also be an instructor-led Art Lab held each week to help patrons tap into their creative juices. Blankets, lawnchairs, outside food and drink, and well-behaved pets on 6 ft leashes are welcome. There will also be food and drinks available through food trucks and the Art Museum’s Panorama restaurant and café. For more information: http://www.slam.org/filmseries/

Forest Park Concert

When: Tuesday, September 15, 2015 at 7 pm

Where: Art Hill in Forest Park

Price: FREE

What is it: Conductor David Robertson will lead the St. Louis Symphony orchestra in an evening of classical favorites and highlights from the 2015/16 season. Some of the music to be performed during the concert include the Star Spangled Banner, Bernstein’s Candide Overture, and the Flying Theme from ET.  Blankets and outside food are allowed. The evening will be capped off with fireworks at the bottom of Art Hill. For more information: http://www.stlsymphony.org/forestpark

Parties in the Park

When:  2^nd Wednesday of the Month from 5/13/2015 through 9/9/2015, from 5 pm to 8:30 pm

Where:  Downtown Clayton on Central Avenue

Price: FREE

What is it: Parties in the Park is described as an “open-air cocktail soiree”. It is basically an upscale outdoor block party for professionals. There is food, drinks, and live concerts. Admission is free but outside food and drinks are not allowed. For more information: http://partiesinthepark.org/

3^rd Fridays at Third Degree Glass Factory

When: Every 3^rd Friday of the Month, from 6 pm to 10 pm

Where: Third Degree Glass Factory, 5200 Delmar Boulevard, St. Louis, MO 63108

Price: FREE admission (Fees for making piece of art/jewelry)

What is it: Every third Friday evening, the glass studio opens its doors for glassblowing and bead-making demonstrations,  instructor-led glass –craft activities, food, music, and shopping. At 6pm guests can sign up to participate for the guided activity on a first-come first-serve. Through these demos, guests can make jewelry, paperweights, tiles, and more at a fee.  Completed glass art projects will be available for pick up the following Wednesday. For more information: http://www.thirddegreeglassfactory.com/thirdfridays/

And This Just In: I just found out about Music at The Intersection, which is Grand Center Arts District’s newest summer music festival. Starting July 17, Music at The Intersection will bring together 50-plus bands in eight venues for free concerts throughout Grand Center, starting in Strauss Park. Concerts will be held on Friday evenings, July 17, August 14 and Sept. 11.

Honorable Mentions and Upcoming Events: Food Truck Friday (2^nd Friday of every month from 7/10 through 10/2), Twilight Tuesdays (coming back August 25^th), Festival of Nations (August 29^th and August 30^th)

 

 

SLAM Underground 6/26/15

Last month I attended my first ever SLAM Underground and it was awesome! SLAM (St. Louis Art Museum) Underground is a FREE monthly event that features games, prizes, DIY projects, a DJ, live music, cash bar, and art. The event takes place at the St. Louis Art Museum on the last Friday of the month, from 7 pm to 10 pm. Every month there is a different theme. The June edition's theme was "Garden Party" as it showcased the museum's newly unveiled sculpture park.

A few of the activities that my friend Devin and I enjoyed while there included sketching a sculpture, playing garden games (like Plinko) for small prizes, and making our own paper lantern. Here is my sketch of this sculpture at the museum.

I would show my lantern, but I definitely needed more practice. I don't want to toot my own horn or anything, but mine was a mess! And I was covered in glue after it was over. Make sure you go to SLAM Underground, if for no other reason than to see one of the main galleries of the museum turn into a jumping dance rave. All that was missing was the glow sticks.

I think it's awesome that the St. Louis Art Museum is trying something new to draw attention and increase its buzz. This is a great way to do it, and is great for a creative date night, a family outing, or a girls/guys night!

For More Information go to http://www.slam.org/Visit/underground.php