MANIC PANIC EQUALS EPIC FAIL

As you can tell by the title I've tried something and failed. If you know what manic panic is then you know I tried to color my hair. I took the leap of faith a while back at coloring my hair. I started with what I thought would be an Auburn color which ended up becoming a brown color. I was okay with that because I hadn't seen color in my hair in so long I didn't need such a drastic change.

Since then I have realized a few key points in coloring my hair with box dyes. Like number one, the developer really helps in processing the color to be what you want it to be or at least close to. Needless to say I have experienced my fair share of coloring my hair. Brown, Auburn, Red and now.....

Purple...yep purple. I know I know you might be thinking WHY WOULD YOU DO THAT? I will say the purple wasn't going to be a BRIGHT purple or neon purple, but I was going for noticeable. Not crazy. I slept on it for a LOOOONG time and finally decided to go to Sally's and purchase the manic panic. I had a picture of a Natural hair woman who had the same purple I wanted. I took my photo and headed in. I picked my color which was Ultra Violet and my color bowl and checked out. I couldn't wait to get home and try my new color. I decided to do a test section to make sure I liked the color and that it turned out the way I needed it to. 

Before I show you the results I would just like to inform you that I did have color already in my hair. It was a really bright red that faded into a blondish brown color. Here is a pic of what my hair looked like prior to me attempting the purple.

Again, it was already colored so I assumed that the purple would latch onto that and it would be alright. I would also like to say that Manic Panic is a Semi-Permanent which I don't know if it makes a difference but I thought I'd throw that in there. So here is my first attempt at my test section.

First of all when I dyed it my hair looked jet black. It wasn't until I grabbed my camera which has a flash that I even saw color. So needless to say I was NOT happy. This doesn't look anything like the color I was going for. I threw my hair in a ponytail and headed back up to Sally's once I arrived the clerk and the manager tried so very hard to convince me that my hair was purple and it looked great. -__- lies lies lies....anyways they also told me to try it again and this time add conditioner to make it lighten a few shades. I knew this trick and have heard of it a few times so I decided to try it. Back home I go, add my conditioner, add my color and wait another 45 minutes to an hour...even though the jar says 30 minutes I like to push the envelop sometimes.

Here are my results

Yep...you guessed it. No difference. 

HUGE EPIC FAIL......(I still love you Manic Panic but you're just not for me)

So I did what I knew I could do. I pulled out my trusty red and slapped it on. I think I am meant to be a red head anyways :) I love the color I just wanted to try something new. Loreal Execellence Hi-Color Hi-light for dark hair only and I get along so very well!!

My end result....LOVE

What do you guys think? Do you have any hair coloring horror stories....share with me

DISCLAIMER: I was not sent these products nor paid for this review. I paid for these products with my own money and the review and comments are of my own.

IT'S MY BLOGIVERSARY!!

That's right...you read that correctly. September is the anniversary of my blog. I have officially been blogging for an entire year. It's amazing when I think back on when I first started. The friendships I have made, the friendships I had that are now stronger. I know more than I knew back then, I am not as nervous to get out there and say what I need to say, and most of all my tenacity, ambition and drive are at full force. Waiting for the next opportunity to talk about my blog, share with the world, and help one beautiful man or woman at a time. It's liberating, it's exciting, it's what I was meant to do.

I love talking about the things I talk about on my blog. I love when people stop me in the street and want to know how I got my hair to look a certain way, how they love my lipstick and want to know where I got it from, when they ask me (what may seem random to some but interesting to me) questions. That is why I started the #asknapturalista segment to my vlogs. Doing this makes me happy, it makes me feel awesome that I am helping others with my knowledge in certain areas. 

I owe all of this to my amiga. If it wasn't for her persistence, her belief in me, her love for me and our friendship I would have never stepped into the blogging waters. She could see something in me that I couldn't see in myself, and still does. She's helped me grow, she's helped me realize my potential and I am so grateful, and appreciative of her. I have to give credit where credit is due. Without her there would be no Songstress or Napturalista. There just wouldn't be. So thank you amiga for believing in me and guiding me through the path, thank you for your continued love and support. <3 <3

Thank you to my new and old friends that I have made along the way, I appreciate you being there with and for me. I appreciate the love and support. I look forward to the new friendships I will make in this next year and I look forward to hopefully attending some conferences as well. 

I'm not where I want to be but I sure am well on my way!

HAPPY BLOGIVERSARY TO ALL MY FELLOW BLOGGERS/VLOGGERS OUT THERE THAT ARE CELEBRATING THEIR BLOGIVERSARY THIS MONTH!!!!

ASK NAPTURALISTA

Hey beautiful people

Hope you all are well. I've been away a lot longer than I planned and I apologize. I have been really focused on growing my YouTube profile and my Facebook page with this whole re-vamping thing. I have really exciting news I have reached over 100 likes on my Facebook fan page. Its actually 137 to be exact lol. My goal was to reach 100 in three months and I started actively promoting it in August. I am happy about this goal but my goal to reach 50 subscribers on my YouTube is not going as well but I am still hopeful.

I wanted to let you guys know about a new segment in my videos that is called Ask Napturalista. Ask Napturalista is basically like a Dear Abby section to my videos. You can ask me anything dealing with natural hair, makeup, beauty, weight loss, healthy living, relationship, kids etc. Simply post your questions here, on my Facebook fan page, on my Twitter or Instagram, or on my YouTube page and I'll answer them in my Ask Napturalista segment on my YouTube page. I do not mention names so if you send them to me in a private message your name won't be used, I simply just ask the question and answer it. So far its been fun and I have received a lot of questions but would definitely like to receive more. So if you would like to participate I would love to have you. 

Lastly, thank you all for your continued love and support as I transition and further break into the blogging/vlogging world. I love you all so much. Please take a look at some of my #asknapturalista videos and if you haven't please don't forget to check out the Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and the YouTube 

Until next time<3 <3

IT'S IPSY TIME!!

Hi lovelies,

A few months ago, I was sitting at my desk, putting on my makeup, and my old boss recognized that I was pulling makeup out of a Target bag. She asked "where's your makeup bag" I said "I don't have one...I need to get one, DON'T JUDGE ME" we both laughed and she proceeded to tell me about this subscription company where I pay $10 a month and they send me a new makeup bag every month with a few products in it for me to try. 

A new makeup bag every month? You mean I don't have to carry around a Target, or Walmart or grocery bag anymore full of my makeup? (I know SUPER ghetto...DON'T JUDGE ME) I was so excited to hear about it. And my old boss even gave me some of the makeup bags she got. I was intrigued for sure.

I guess not that intrigued because, I didn't jump on it right away, it wasn't until July, I heard about the company again, I decided to check it out. I answered the questions they asked, signed up and was now an official ipsy subscriber. I couldn't wait for my August Glam Bag as they call it, and ladies and gentlemen here it is!!

How pretty is that? I was beyond excited to receive my glam bag. 

Here's all the goodies I had inside.

NYX - Rouge Cream Blush

Pixi - Lash Booster Mascara

Michael Todd - Charcoal & Jojoba facial scrub

Urban Decay - Anarchy lipstick

Pacifica Natural Skincare - BB cream...

Here's a close up of the lipstick (top) and blush(bottom lighter pink)

Needless to say...I'm sold. I loved everything I received and I was super excited.

Check out my reaction in my "It's Ipsy Time" YouTube video

Check out www.ipsy.com for more information and as always thank you for the love and support.

~N

RE-VAMPING/RE-BRANDING

Hello beautiful people,

I have decided to go a slightly different direction with my blog/vlog. Not straying off too far, but actually falling into my niche. I will still talk hair, still talk healthy living (ie. working out, meals etc) I will also be adding in beauty and some plus size fashion will be in there as well.

I am so excited to go through the re-branding process. I have a graphics artist in the process of creating my new logo and banner...CAN'T WAIT, I am in the process of getting a dot com, some business cards and so much more. This ish is serious!! LOL 

My new name is not that different than my current name but its different. All shall be revealed soon and I am so excited I just wanted to share with you all.

Thank you for the continued love and support and baring with me through it all. I really appreciate it :)

Peace & Blessings

~N

CHRONICLES OF CROSSFIT

Hi my lovelies,

I know it's been a LONG while since we last chatted. I have so much exciting news to share but that will come in a later post. Right now, I want to chat with you about Cross fit...the exercise.

So for the past 3 months I have been working out Monday-Saturday at 5 am except Saturday's I try to sleep in a little but I am usually at the gym by 10:30. Anyways, I have been very consistent, I have even had some people that came on board with me and wanted me to motivate and encourage them so that's what I did. I have several workout partners and we all meet to workout together. 

About 4 weeks ago my gym was offering a bootcamp class. Small, intimate class with about 8 of us. It was a one week free class and then ended up turning into 2 weeks. I was actually bamboozled into signing up for that class. I had no intention on taking a class just wanted to workout on the machines, do some free weights and a little circuit and that be that. But nope one of my friends/workout partner decided to sign me up. So I did it, I took the class and finished it. 

Before the class was over, my friend was telling me about a "Circuit" class that was being offered through her church, she said "I think I want to do it" I said...You should tell me how it is. A week later we started round 2 of the bootcamp class. While we were in class my friend proceeds to tell me how she "signed me up for the circuit class" WHAT???? Lady are you serious...I don't want to do a circuit class... Anyways, I asked her when she was going to tell me, she said "Tuesday"...the class started on Wednesday...SMH 

Fast forward to the first "circuit" class. I found out the class was outside, in the heat...thankfully it was by the water but still. IT'S HOT!! As I am in the middle of typing a Facebook status I find out that the "circuit" class I was at was actually a CROSS FIT CLASS!!!! OMG I think I died really quick and came back to life. Have you seen me?? I can't do Crossfit. Ugh...I was so annoyed. I finished the class. I think I died again but I did finish it. 

I went back despite not wanting to, I pushed myself to go. The second class....well lets just say I was defeated.

Check out my video below to see what I'm talking about, and check out the video below that to see how I was bamboozled into doing the "circuit" class.

Have you ever been bamboozled into doing something? Please share

Thank for your support 
SS <3

HOW I WAS BAMBOOZLED (It's further into the video but keep watching I promise its funny)

NEXT LEVEL!!

Hello Beautiful People,

Long time no see, I miss you all and I thank all my loyal people that check on me and keep up with me through Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.

I wanted to give you guys a brief update about me and what I have been up to. I am still trying to work out a schedule that will allow me to blog more so that I may get some new material out to you guys. 

My blog is a mixture of so many different things, hair, fashion, beauty, cooking, traveling etc. and I want to showcase all of that as much as I can but I don't think I have a specific niche...or do I? 

Well anyways, long story short I have just recently started vlogging also known as Video Blogging. I have created my own personal YouTube account and I have a couple of videos posted all ready (Intro and a couple of hair tutorials). I have always wanted to do it, but for whatever reason was too nervous, scared or didn't think I was good enough, but when I went to The Craft of Blogging Workshop a few weekends ago I was so inspired. No better time like the present to get started so I got started :) I want my vlog to be an extension of my blog. I am definitely excited about this new journey and of course I hope I can maintain and be successful with it. 

So I ask you, do you guys have any tips for me? What do you think about Vlogging and would you want to see me do it? What type of topics would you like for me to discuss or would want to see me do? 

And, for you techy people or those of you that have AWESOME cameras, what type of camera would you recommend for me to do my videos? (I am looking for the more of the point and shoot kinda cameras, so I can take photos and do videos...a girls on a budget lol) 

My YouTube video

It wouldn't let me post my introductory video so here is a part 2 of the hairstyle I did :) 

P.S. I welcome constructive criticism 

SS <3

GET YOUR MARCH ON!!

Hola my beauties, Happy Wednesday!

I am coming to you today tear free…well kinda since my last post :)

This one may be a tear jerker but for good and sad reasons….sorry.

Strap in we are going on a March….

Okay so almost 11 years ago, I was blessed with the opportunity to carry a beautiful baby boy. I was blessed to carry him for 5 ½ months. I felt his every move, I felt his kicks, I felt his flutter. It was the most beautiful thing I could ever experience. 

Just before approaching my 6^th month, I went into labor. At the time I had no idea what I was experiencing, but there were cramps (contractions) fluid leaking (water broke) and a lot of grunting (pushhhhhing). In the hospital I ended up giving birth to an angel named Malachi. (Ma-luh-kai for pronunciation)

However, God saw fit to take my angel back to Heaven with Him. On May 26, 2002 I became a mother, but on that day I also had to let go of my child. It was one of the worse moments of my life. My son died in my arms, he was so beautiful, he was so tiny, and he was mine. Whatever, the reason God saw fit to take him I have accepted and have moved forward with my life, but never forgetting the beautiful blessing I was blessed with if even for a short time.

The pain never really goes away, and when I see little babies I remember my son, when I see children around the age he would be I think of my son, and when I hear his name, I wonder what my son is doing and what he would be like if he were alive.

Because of this, I chose to honor my son and his memory every year by participating in the March of Dimes (please click link for more info) The March of Dimes is an organization that helps and supports families that have had premature babies and also help women have full term pregnancies so that they do not have to experience what I experienced or so many other women I know had to experience.

A blurb from March of Dimes

“When you walk in March for Babies, you give hope to the more than half a million babies born too soon each year. The money you raise supports programs in your community that help moms have healthy, full-term pregnancies. And it funds research to find answers to the problems that threaten our babies. We’ve been walking since 1970 and have raised an incredible $2 billion to benefit all babies.”

This is why this organization is so near and dear to my heart. I want to spread the word about this organization and my personal story. I am not a sales person so I am not going to ask you for money. I do ask that if you can find it in your heart to support me and this amazing organization I would GREATLY appreciate it. By support I mean spreading the word, sharing this post, sharing my personal Malachi_Angel link around so people can get involve, or if you are in the So-Cal area and would love to join me in the 5K walk that is happening on Saturday, April 27^th, 2013 at Balboa Park you can also sign up by clicking the link above. If you do feel led in your heart to donate then you may do so online, and remember it is safe and confidential and it is tax deductible. That’s always a plus!!

Thank you for letting me pour my heart out to you, my beautiful readers and thank you for always taking the time to read my post and support me.

Peace & Love

SS <3

Please watch this video if you can!

March for Babies 2013 

MANIC MONDAY

Disclaimer alert: Please do not send me messages or comments saying I need therapy or need help in general. And please don’t think I have gone crazy or anything. These are my deep dark private thoughts that I am willing to share publicly. I have gone through so many trials and tribulations in my life and if my story can bless, encourage, or help someone I chose to tell it and I shouldn’t be reprimanded for doing so. 

With that said good morning and happy Monday to all you beautiful people out there. What a weekend huh? How was yours? Mine was filled with tears, tears and more tears. Even as I am at work, typing this blog tears are streaming. I have hit a rough patch but at the same time it’s a revelation. I learn more and more about myself everyday, I learn the good, the bad and the ugly but that’s what life is all about right? Growth, maturity, and a new level of understanding..Yes? Well I got a bunch of that this week. I try to live a drama free life, because I don’t deal well with it. I don’t like it, its pointless and a waste of time. In spite of all that I was saturated in it this past week, but yesterday I had a meeting with a friend, and we decided on going to the beach. The beach is my calming ground. I love the ocean, the sounds, the sand, the beautiful creation that was made. I haven’t been in a while so it was a nice place to be especially with everything that has been going on. 

As most of my readers know I have experienced a significant amount of loss in my life. The most recent being my mother, and most of my readers know that I am not close with many of my family members. With that said I had a conversation with another friend Friday evening and I was telling her how I would call my auntie, my mother’s sister because I hadn’t talked to her in a while. And as I was talking to my friend I was telling her how the conversation would go, I told her it would start off with a question that would go something like this: “What the hell you want?” then I proceeded to tell her how the rest of the conversation would go: “You know I don’t like talking on the phone, what’s wrong?” “Don’t we talk enough on facebook?” to “Okay, are we done? I’ll talk to you later”. To my NOT surprise as I called my aunt Saturday afternoon that is EXACTLY how the conversation went, and without hesitation I told my aunt exactly what I told my friend, we both laughed about it.  

*Backdrop on my aunt* Before you think she’s some mean crazy lady you have to understand her. She has never been a phone person; she is VERY rough around the edges and not sentimental at all. She keeps her wall up, she doesn’t allow anyone in, and if you do get in your only get surface things, you will never ever get all of her for fear of being hurt, wounded, let down, or disappointed. So she keeps this hard exterior and is the type of person that society would label as “keeping it real” or “hardcore”. My aunt talks on the phone for a living which I understand completely, I do as well and the last thing I want to do is pick up the phone when I get off of work, however, if my family is calling I will answer since we are 3,000 plus miles away from each other. I guess I am the only one that sees that. 

As, I already stated my family and I aren’t close, but my aunt is a little piece of my mom and I am all she has from my mom, so my aunt is a very special woman to me. Because of the conversation I had with my aunt later that evening she posted this as her status on Facebook: “I hate talking on the phone and I have always been that way. I want my niece Nikki Godz-Princess to know. I love her with all my heart and soul; she is all I got left of my big sister. And i never mean to hurt your feelings by rushing u off the phone. I am always concern about u and will always have ur back! I love you.” This touched my heart to the core. I cried because I rarely have moments like that come from my aunt. Even as I am re-reading it I am crying. It meant a lot for me to know how she really feels about me. Call me sensitive, dramatic or whatever you want but when you’ve grown up thinking this woman has hated you all your life, its nice to get a glimpse of something different. 

As I was having a conversation with my friend yesterday at the beach I was sharing with her the conversation I had with my aunt, and the FB status and of course I began to cry. It was then that I started to realized that I want my aunt to be Debra, and she will never be Debra, I want her to love me like Debra, hug me like Debra, I want her to talk to me like Debra would, care about me and my well being like Debra did. Share with me her dreams and aspirations like Debra did. Know just the right things to say like Debra would.  I look for Debra in her. I long for Debra in her. I need Debra in her. And I realized she can never be Debra, she is not Debra. She can only be Jackie, because that is who she is, that is who God made her. She is my mothers SISTER….NOT my mother. I never realized that was what I was doing or that, that was my expectations of my aunt. It hurts more than I can say that I put those expectations on her and on myself because I was always so sad and disappointed. I miss my mother so much but I have to let my aunt be my aunt and understand I can’t look for Debra in everyone. God gave me my mother for 20 years, He saw fit, that, it was enough and took her home to be with Him. I don’t understand it I don’t get it, but I know it is not my place to understand or get but to except it, do what I have been placed on this earth to do and make her proud of me!

The life I have been given has not been an easy one. Experience the loss I have experienced, experiencing the abuse I have experienced, the lack of self confidence I have experienced, the suicidal thoughts I have experienced, the suicidal actions I have done, the pain that I have felt, the hurt I have gone through it as all been for a purpose. Some of the purpose is still unfolding, some of the purpose has been unfolded but like I said in the beginning, if my story can help, encourage or bless someone I will shout it from the rooftops! But one thing I do know is that out of the ashes, beauty always rises. I’m still rising…..

Thanks for reading my very lengthy post (sorry) and have a wonderful week my loves

SS <3

Manic Monday 

HAULIN' SUNDAY

Hey Lovely's

So I don't do Haul's per se however, I've always wanted to.

So I am gonna show you guys some of my favorite things I just got. 

Today at church I was blessed with a little gift basket from a friend, full of great things. Here's a peek at the gift basket.

I feel in love with this basket, great earrings, and my personal favorite, this beautiful sparkly fan. Also known to me as my "church fan" simply because I remember the older women at my church growing up always having those types of fans. 

Here are some photos of the earrings and a ring that I received as well.

After service, before lunch at Olive Garden. (YUM-O BTW) I stopped off at my local shoe store. I haven't been shopping in I don't know how long. Actually I should say I haven't purchased anything for myself in I don't know how long. I got these awesome wedges and I love the design. They look better on then in the picture but still I am so happy.

Along with the shoes of course I had to get a purse. Why? Because shoes and purses are my thing...smh I might need to seek additional help LOL

Then it was off to Wal-mart, I just needed to pick up some concealer to conceal these dark circles under my eyes, and I walked out with much more than I intended. Does that happen to anyone else when they go shopping?? Geez.....

Anyways, I saw this pretty pink lip-gloss and figured I would try it. It is from NYC. It is their new 8 hour wear City Proof Lip gloss, in the perpetually hot pink shade. Its kind of sticky which I am not a huge fan of. I like more of the glide and slide gloss. However, it is long lasting and I like the color. What do you guys think, how does it look on me??

That's all for this Haul. I hope this isn't the last :) So tell me...how was your weekend? Did you do any shopping or getting anything? 

Thanks for allowing me to share my haul with you and thanks for stopping by 

SS <3

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