[ 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

January 2015 Outtakes

Happy New Year!! Brunch with some of my fav DC Metro Girls!

I began and ended January the same way-- brunch! In fact, at the same restaurant...wearing the same hat. Who knew this look would be my January staple!

On the other coast, dré began the year partying it up with her hubby in celebration of their 9th anniversary. Whether it was fashion, beauty, or lifestyle, here's one thing we learned--

And, boy, did I have to rely on this wit quite a few times this month! Take peek below to revisit all the other fun things we've learned so far this year!

All that glitters really is gold! | Read more

Mani Mondays have been a huge hit with our readers! We're so glad because nail polish is one of the easiest style pick-me-ups. Did you have a favorite?

See the transformation of this diehard fan here!

As you know, today is Super Bowl XLIX! With all the excitement over our home football team-- the reigning NFC Champion Seattle Seahawks-- returning to defend their title, we were quite inspired to show our 12th man spirit! Revisit those accessory, nail, and hair posts to get inspired for the big game today. Can we say Re-Pete?!

Speaking of hair, do you think dré will ever settle on one hairstyle? If you answered "no!", then you are a true code keeper! And aren't we all grateful for it! Hmmm...wonder what style she'll choose next.

Who wore it better? See dré's hair transformations here.

There was more than just beauty and fashion on the blog last month. In fact, our fashionable lifestyles transitioned into interior decorating AND life enhancement.

Hudson and Crane is a new mercantile store in Washington, DC. Super trendy, super affordable, and lovely owners to boot!

Check out this AWESOME new mercantile store in Adam's Morgan, DC | Read more

On Second Thought will save you from making embarrassing text messaging mistakes! | Read more

Have you ever been played for a fool by autocorrect? How about accidentally messaging the wrong contact? Whatever your text messaging horror story is, the new app On Second Thought has got your back! Now that's a new style of communication we can all believe in!

Ending the month w/ new friendships! Simply Susan, Heather Rebecca Wilson, Sol to Soul

It's really hard to believe that January went by that fast. Can you even imagine how this month will feel being that it's only 28 days? Say whaaat?!

Well, don't get caught unprepared! Make sure your lip gloss is poppin' and your wig is tight! Then check back--right here-- for more style inspo!

Thanks for reading!

xo | din

December Outtakes...Ciao 2014!

As the world focuses its eye and goals to 2015, I'm taking one more look back on our year of blogging. Take a journey with me as I revisit 8 of my favorite posts. (Of course there were so many that I loved, but considering the time it takes to get glittered up for NYE festivities, I narrowed!)

The year started off with a cover story featuring Joan Smalls. I was thrilled to feature Joan not only because she's gorgeous, but because of her resilience to rise to where she is today. Although Joan is no longer holding the #1 spot, she's still as present in the industry as ever. Read more.

Now, I can't talk about the #1 spot without mentioning the back-to-back NFC Champions! Earlier in the year we showed the 12th woman how to get game-ready, and then we cheered our Hawks to a Superbowl victory! Working in the nation's capital, I crave the west coast. So, if you're like me and missing home-field advantage, then revisit the post for style tips + music video to get you pumped.

If there's one thing you would have gathered this year, it's that we love the sun. Even home-field advantage couldn't tamper with our incessant craving for warm weather. Especially if that craving meant going all the way to Dominica to satisfy--which dré did in March! Read more.

That wasn't the only major move dré did this year. Can we talk about the many hair transformations? Just take a look at the chop that happened in May below. She straight up said, "Cut My Hair Don't Care", and it was one of the best looks all year! Revisit dré's hair journey here.

One thing that I loved this year was playing with light. If you look back through our posts, you can see how our various discoveries of radiance transformed our images and overall post themes. One of these was "Georgetown" (above). Rediscover this look in historic Georgetown here.

Speaking of light, I found it again in "Love, Now Trending". This look was created for my two friends' wedding reception in July. The theme was garden party, and I couldn't resist adding this flirty back-slit top to my ensemble. Love was definitely in the air; catch it again here.

Oh, and remember that time when dré made VOGUE.COM? Yah, that happened a few times this year, too. It was crazy and so much fun! Relive the backstage moments here.

And to round it out, one of my favorite reds of all-time was found this year! Such a classic that I hope OPI never lets it go! Although I'm not a soda drinker, I must say that sharing this beautiful lacquer with your bff is worth popping a bottle for! Cheers to my favorite red again here.

These were my favorite 8 of 2014. Now let's take a look at what your top 3* were this year:

1. Marita
2. Cut My Hair Don't Care
3. My Personal Canvas
*Top trending posts as calculated via the buzz.

Thanks for reading in 2014!

xo | din

See You In The New Year!!

Life in Indigo

It took me a little while to nail down #5 on my To-Do-Before-30 list. It wasn't until I was scrolling through Pinterest and saw a woman with a purple 'fro that I decided that's what color I was going to do. (Of course, I consulted with Dr. Dré first!)

So here it is, still too dark to notice on first glance, but the lighter strands are no longer. In fact, the most common reaction from colleagues (after having already seen me a few times) has been "IS YOUR HAIR PURPLE?!"

It's new, fun, and a bold way to kick of my to-do list. Wouldn't you agree?

xo | din

Oil Wonders

Matrix has just released a product line on the market called Oil Wonders. I was extremely eager to try it out, and let me tell you, I LOVE IT! ALL of it! 

My oldest daughter needed a haircut recently, so when I finished cutting her hair, I styled her with the products. She has naturally curly hair that is somewhat fine, and the products smoothed her hair to perfection, without weighing it down.

Here is a list of the products and what to expect from each one:

MICRO-OIL SHAMPOO

• Infused with Moroccan argan oil

• Shampoo for gentle cleansing & nourishment

• Provides softness & shine

OIL CONDITIONER

• Infused with Moroccan argan oil

• Provides lightweight conditioning

• Restores manageability for touchable softness & shine

INDIAN AMLA ~Strengthening Oil

• Provides 4X the strength

• Renews fragile, weakened hair for restored strength 

• Enhances softness & shine

AMAZONIAN MURUMURU ~Controlling Oil

• Tames hair for 72 hours straight

• Controls, provides smoothness & tames rebellious, unruly hair 

• Enhances softness & shine

EGYPTIAN HIBISCUS ~Color Caring Oil

• Restores color vibrancy with 75% more shine

• Enhances softness & shine

SHAPING OIL CREAM

• Shine & shape in 1 step

• Infused with Moroccan argan oil

• Nourishes and shapes hair in one quick, easy step for enhanced softness & shine

• Creates natural movement & definition 

FLASH BLOW DRY OIL 

• 2X faster blow dry

• Infused with Moroccan argan oil

• Enhances softness & shine

• Reduces blow dry time

Again these are absolutely incredible products that not only work well, but smell amazing. I encourage all to try them and let me know what you think!

xo | dré 

A Little Darker

I'm in Seattle this weekend for the Rock'n'Roll half marathon! I'm just about to head over to the expo and register. Wish me luck!

Now about my hair. I decided to take my color a little darker and I styled it nice and chic today. Like it?

xo | dré 

color by Sharon Gause | Sharon's Hair Studio 

Short to Long

It's been just over a month since I cut my hair off. Although I've been thoroughly enjoying my new look, every time I come across a photo of my long locks, I miss how it looks. Then it hit me. I have clip in extensions! Remember, I just did a how-to post recently that I used a couple of tracks for? 

Now I can have it all! Short and sassy for my typical every day, and long and sexy for those days I want to change it up.

If you wish to add length and/or fullness to your hair like I did, look for human hair clip in extensions. This will allow you to use heat styling on them, although it is best to do that minimally to perserve the integrity of the extensions.  

xo | dré 

Cut My Hair Don't Care

7 years ago, I cut my hair crazy short. Since then, it's not only grown past my bra strap again, but it's also been dark brown, blonde, brown,  blonde, light brown, platinum blonde, blue, gray, dark brown, ombré, purple, blonde, blonder, pink, red violet, and FINALLY chocolate brown!! In that order! Content with my color (for the moment), but sick of the length of my hair, I yet again was in need of a change! 

Monday night I could not take it anymore, so I combed my hair around to the front and clippered it off. It was liberating! However, it did need to be doctored up and given a little TLC by my mama. She was teaching out of town, but the moment she got home, I was at her door step waiting to be saved! 

I'm all ready for spring and summer with my fresh cut, dress, and booties! I'm loving my new hair! What do you think? I think mama did good ;)

xo | dré 

dress | Mossimo 

booties | Shiekh 

bracelets | gift

polish | Essie Chills & Thrills 

haircut by Sharon Gause | Sharon's Hair Studio

Starthir

Yesterday was my cousin's big day! Kelly (the Matron of Honor) opted to go for Kristen Stewarts luscious waves. I absolutely love her choice! Rather than doing a twist on one side, we decide a braid would be more fun for her. I snapped a quick photo of her at the house and then one of her all decked out at the wedding. She's so dreamy!

The weather wasn't so fantastic, but that doesn't mean a girl still can't be fabulous! My big fur kept me cozy and my husband brought our trusty umbrella to keep us dry! 

After the ceremony, the weather dried up, and I was able to get some shots of my dress. The blossomed trees were so beautiful! I'm glad we got to hang out ;)

xo | dré 

fur | Vancouver Flea Market 

dress | material girl

heels | Carlos by Carlos Santana 

clutch | Seven

bracelet | BCBG 

earrings | Forever 21

polish | Essie | Chills & Thrills and I'm Addicted

lip color | jordana candied coral

Hair Rx: How to Give Yourself a Braided Headband

Just when you thought you were running out of ways to style your hair, I've got something new for you~a braided headband! This one has a little spin to it. It's not french braided across the top. Want to replicate it? Watch the video and see how it's done!

xo | dré

Hair Rx

Want bangs, but don't have the guts to cut them, or the patience to grow them back out? Dr. dré has got you covered! Watch the step by step tutorial below, and find out how you can give yourself faux bangs, for those days where you just need a change!

xo | dré