It's Only Natural..."Long Braids/Twists for Summer"

There's just something about the summer that makes me notice that braid and twist extensions are everywhere. I know that these styles are worn all year...but in the summer, extensions, for some reason feel way more fitting to wear. There's a casual beauty to braids and twists that are emphasized by the laid back style that accompanies hot summer days and warm summer nights. Long or super long (the trend of the moment), thick or thin, box braided, kinky or Senegalese twists...my eyes are just constantly overwhelmed by the natural inspiration of hairstyles that fill my summer world. Solange even brought back the long braids that she rocked ever so well last summer :

Solange and her Poetic Justice braids
photo: instagram- @mydamnstagrams

I am rocking long twists in my hair for a few weeks, but currently have them up in a low bun and pompadour, which I shall be taking down over the weekend for a little style change ;).  The thing about braids and twists are yes they give you a bit of a break from tending to your own hair everyday, but care must be taken as well :

- Avoid getting extensions that are too heavy or too tight. The risk of damaging your hair is greater and it becoming weak from the extra weight and strain can occur.
- Shampoo and condition your hair and the extensions once every two weeks. This can not only help to keep hair clean and moisturized, but also can help to loosen the braids or twists after they first have been added to your stands.
-Dry your hair with a towel to help soak up most of the water, then use the trick of a T-shirt to soak up the rest of the excess.

- Extensions protect your natural hair, but can also absorb some of your hair's natural moisture, so remember to spray water on the extensions to help penetrate your hair as well as investing in some braid oil spray, but try to avoid those with mineral oil.

- Care for your scalp and oil it as per usual to your own routine.
- Try and sleep in a silk bonnet or on a silk pillow. Rubbing your hair on cotton pillowcases are still not a good idea for the hair regardless of the extensions.
- Don't keep in braid or twist extensions for longer than 2-3 months. If kept in any longer you can risk the chance of your hair locing.

Take a look at some of these braid and twist extensions that I saw while looking at other sights for a little hairspiration this summer :

photo: via - hi-imcurrentlyobsessed.tumblr.com

photo: via- aroundthewaycurls.tumblr.com

Another Solange pic for good measure :)
photo: mydamnblog.com

The Life and Times..."Mimosas and Smiles"

This past Sunday, I went out for brunch with some of my favorite girlies and had a great time. We ended up on the Lower East Side and met up at Macondo, located at 157 E. Houston St. The decor was cute and eclectic, while the food was beyond delish!! They also had a special for flavored mimosas: $11 for 2 hours of unlimited refills (who could say no to that?!) I devoured the Huevos Rancheros, which was soo good, while my friends had a few other items off the menu. The food was so good that for the most part, I forgot to take pictures of it, but I did take pics of the amazing mimosas as well as some snaps of my friends and I:

Guanabana-Elderflower Mimosas: yummy!!

MunaMoon and Sital

Huevos Rancheros: and I ate the entire dish!!

Nicole and Sital

MunaMoon and I

Well Looky Here..."Prints, Studs, and Such"

Here are some cute looks on LookBook this week:

Love the heels!

Neutrals are always an easy, beautiful summer choice...its all in the details

The Life and Times..."A Family Day Festival"

About a week ago...I found myself in Lake Quassy, CT at an amusement park with the fam, for the 15th annual Merritone Family Fun Day. First of all, I had no idea that this amusement park existed...much less could be found in CT, but it was a pleasant surprise. Roller-coasters and water rides were everywhere as well as my favorite treat of Cotton Candy!! The festival takes place on the amusement park grounds and proceeds go to helping out the hospitals and schools in Jamaica. Always feels good to be part of a cause. I sat back and took in all the sights and events that were around me (despite the crazy rain that occurred on and off all day) and had a great time with my family! I also scored me some really cute earrings to add to my jewelry collection. Here are some pics of my day:

Free Gifts that had the crowd running...

Hand-Crafted jewelry

The beautiful earrings I treated myself to :)

Product Junkie..."Free Samples from Miss Jessie's"

No...your eyes are not playing tricks on you...the title is for real!! I was perusing Miss Jessie's website and was completely caught off guard by the header for free samples, but I'm gonna assume that I'm really late on this, lol! When I first started going natural, Miss Jessie's was my go to brand for all my styling product needs and while I loved the products...the prices were my biggest turn-off. It was one of the reasons that while I still buy some of the products from time to time, why I stopped buying it as often as I used to.

photo: missjessies.com

The option of scooping up free samples is perfect for those who want to try out new products from Miss Jessie's or want to try their products for the first time, without the commitment of buying a $7 for a 2oz container. With the choice of up to 3 free samples, its a win win situation.

My favorite product as of right now is the Super Sweetback Treatment. It leaves my hair very moisturized and easy to comb through and has the sent of Bubblelicious Gum!! And while the 16oz can cost a pretty penny, this is a great alternative to getting to know the product. If you are still looking for a reason to try products from Miss Jessie's...then this is the perfect time!!

Style Profile..."Melody Ehsani Jewelry"

Jewelry Designer Melody Ehsani

The amazing creations by Melody Ehsani are on fire and I AM IN LOVE!! I've known that her jewelry designs have been around for a few years and has a strong celebrity following, but I am truly captivated by the current available lines that are all over her website. Big, bold jewelry is the MO that Melody lives by and I can't fault her for it...you know what they say...the bigger the better!! Her designs range from gun rings to pineapple earrings and she even does custom creations!!

Pow Gun Ring

Style Profile..."Loafers and Flats"

I am constantly on my feet at work...whether it's running around solving a problem or just helping out my staff, so my go to shoes for the work week are often flats. I love heels...but they just aren't convenient for my everyday lifestyle. Flats can be just as amazing and beautiful to wear and can add the right amount of pop to your outfit if you select the perfect pair. I always have to update my collection since I wear my flats down in .5 seconds, sooo I have an eye out looking for a new pair at every moment. This season...flats, loafers and cigar slippers are the popping up with amazing colors and designs. From vibrant yellows and greens to polka dots, spikes and embroidery...all perfect for the ending of summer and the upcoming Fall!! Stores like the Gap and Steve Madden are bringing out some great finds and I am about to cop as many of them as I can..you know...for work purposes of course :) !! Here are a few that I love:

Studlyy Flats: silver
photo: stevemadden.com

Calf Hair Loafers
photo: gap.com