Speak Life

Last week I was blessed to have a few women pour into my life. Although my days were laced with peculiar events and emotions, it was because these women spoke life over me that I was able to keep my focus where it needed to be.

One of those women followed up with a gift––the necklace and earring set I'm wearing here. Among her encouraging sentiments, she told me to remember my creativity, and to wear it whenever I needed reminding that I'm special.

It meant the world to me that these women took the time to speak life over me, particularly at the time I needed it most.

Who can you speak positive words of encouragement, gratitude, and life over today?

xo | din

jewelry | Leslie Danzis
scarf | LOFT

dress | Romeo & Juliet

heels | Franco Sarto

Rainy Dayz and Curlz

 

Remember how my mom gave me my dream 'fro last week? I was excited to make the most of it, so when I woke up the next morning and saw it was pouring rain, I made sure to bust out my largest umbrella. I was not about to let one strand go flat on me! Thank goodness for my waterproof boots and cozy mittens to keep me warm and dry! Like my rainy day look?

xo | dré 

coat | H&M 

boots | Hunter 

mittens | Lululemon 

[ Product Review: ] Carol's Daughter Mimosa Hair Honey & More!

It is not often that I find a major difference in the way my hair looks when I switch my hair products. Often it's whether or not the product can keep my dry, brittle hair moisturized or not. Usually the answer is not.

However, when I started using products by Carol's Daughter (discovered courtesy of Instagram), I was instantly pleased. Created in NY, these products are also affordable and a nice change to my more expensive favorites.

On a recent trip to Targét to restock on Mimosa Milk Honey, I was unsuccessful. Surely like every other curly haired girl I panicked. Finding a product that works is few, expensive, and far between, what was I going to do?! I took a peek at the other available products from Carol's Daughter and made my best guess. Let me tell you, a week later and I still believe I hit the jackpot.

Read further to check out my reviews on products by Carol's Daughter:

1. Mimosa Hair Honey & Sacred Tiare Leave-In Conditioner

The combination of Mimosa Hair Honey and Sacred Tiare Leave-In Conditioner truly transformed my hair. To achieve my curls, I twist my hair each night in bantu knots. Before I do so, I apply the leave in conditioner which acts as the perfect detangler. Then, as I'm sectioning and twisting, I add the hair honey to my scalp and work it through my hair's ends. (If I'm washing my hair, I apply the leave in, then let it air dry for a good 40 minutes before I start adding the hair honey.)

The result is a full curly fro. The thickness of the hair honey (and whatever other science is going on) expands my curls, so they're loose. It's definitely a fun look I've enjoyed!

2. Marguerite's Magic Hairdress & Mirabelle Plum Leave-In

Lately my hair has been drier than normal. The water where I'm at is extremely hard on my hair and I haven't installed my filter showerhead yet. So, I went to Target with a mission to pick up more hair honey. As I mentioned earlier, it was unavailable!

Reluctantly I gave in from sticking to what I knew (and debating if I should visit another Target) and chose the item that read closest to what I needed, Marguerite's Magic Restorative Cream. The Sacred Tiare Leave-In was also missing, so I looked to another option. A biotin leave in for weak and very dry hair called Mirabelle Plum intrigued me, so I went with it.

After a wash, I proceeded to my regular routine. I found the Mirabelle Plum to work just as well as a detangler (a breath less than the Sacred Tiare in my opinion), and the restorative cream to have a strong, distinguishable fragrance. The result? My scalp is no longer dry, my hair is moisturized, and I can honestly say I'm happy with my curls.

Why am I happy? My hair goals are to have longer loose curls. With this combination, they are tighter, but not dry and unruly. I can see the definition as they're not as manipulative as when I use other products. This combination has surely done some magic on my hair! God bless you, Ms. Marguerite!

I definitely recommend all four of these products. They are currenlty 20% off at Target.com, so grab your Redcard and use the code DEAL20 at check out.

Shout out in the comments below! What are your experiences with Carol's Daughter?

xo | din

crazy/fun/hair

While I was in WA, I visited Sharon's Hair Studio in Yakima. I needed Sharon's special touch to add a little umph to my natural curls. And by umph, I mean triumph because it was becoming increasingly aware to me that managing my natural curl was causing too much headache. [ And despite Excedrin's great qualities, it wouldn't fix this. ] I am definitely pleased with the turnout and, now, actually look forward to seeing what my hair wants to do in the morning!

Of course, I had to have dré get in on the action, so she styled after the perm rods came out. [ If you're an 80s baby like me, then you probably know why I was holding my breath. ]

Soon, sleep deprivation started kicking in and the crazy started coming out. Hence the pics I snapped being goofy. The flash really lightened my hair. I've been wanting to get to a blonde, but it's a gradual process.

I really like it, though. Let me know in the comments below what hair color you'd suggest!

xo | din

'Merica

My favorite Avenger is Captain America (do you like code name: drédin on Facebook? you can see my Halloween photo there!). I'd been looking for the perfect Captain America t-shirt for awhile now and fortunately I found this one at everyone's fav store-- Targét. You won't really find me in jeans, so I paired it with this bold skirt. Like the Captain, I hate bullies; so I've got the blazer that means business, and the booties to enforce it.

xo | din

blazer | Express

tee | Marvel

skirt | H&M 

booties | Dolce Vita

Crazy Hair Don't Care

As you've seen, I've gone natural letting the wild coils fly free! I'm still trying to figure out what to do on a daily basis because it's never the same on a daily basis! And for the sake of sharing, I took a few [ gasp! ] selfies! Take a look....

The Cut

Sometimes, the best hair cuts happen at midnight. Don't be fooled by my tired expression! After dré lightened my hair, she blew it out before the cut.

The Twist

I wanted to have curly hair so I twisted it. Okay, I could get used to this...

The Curl Invasion

There's been a bit of moisture in the air and when water and curly hair meet-- Honey, I shrunk the...

The Undecided

Simply that. My coils started tightening up, but I still attempted to have definition.

The Invert

I softened my natural curl by using my blow dryer and fingers. Then, I did small twists and separated in morning.

So there you have it. My hair chronicles. I can only imagine what it'll do tomorrow! What's your hair up to? Do you have a #CrazyHairDontCare attitude like me?

xo | din

Hair Rx

Curly hair, meet your match!

I have worked with curly hair of many different textures and shapes, and consequently have used a variety of curl products. Although there are several that I like for different reasons, I currently have a new love!

Intense Curl Cream by Moroccan Oil seems to have the perfect balance of everything a curl owner needs! The product has a thick, creamy texture, which gives the hair shine and control, and yet it's not so heavy that the hair looks greasy and weighed down. It's full of vitamins and the product line's signature argan oil to keep the hair hydrated.

Photographed below is my daughter with her beautiful curls! Anyone that knows her, knows how wild her hair can be (which I love! ), but with this product, her hair has fabulous definition and shine!


 Product is available for resale at Gene Juarez Salon and Spas.

XOXO Dré