Now at Target: SoCozy HUSH Collection for Sensitive Scalps

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of SoCozy. All opinions are my own and not edited by the sponsor. 

If you've been tracking us Lovebirds on our Instagram Stories the past couple weeks you've been seeing all of our spring break adventures and with the sun coming out slowly but surely here in Boston we're excited for it to warm up! This definitely means more frequent baths are in order and just like his big sister while Grayson absolutely loves bath time, getting his hair washed can be hit or miss. 

Enter SoCozy. 

3 Steps to Prep Your Daughter for Her First Salon Visit

Wednesday's post and a few others from my Instagram feed in December shared a peek of Nia with straight hair. She's 5 years old and her hair is natural like mine. She's watched me change my style over the years and while she's been curious about how I style my hair, she's always been sensitive about actually having her hair done, even when brushed as an infant. Now is no different, so I was nervous when she asked last year to have her hair "flatted." When a fellow Wellesley alum here in New Hampshire suggested Simply Erinn's in Cambridge, MA I went for my own appointment, saw young girls getting their hair done, inquired about an appointment for my daughter and was left feeling confident so I booked her an appointment in time for our family's Thanksmas trip to Texas. It would be Nia's first salon visit (apart from just hair braiding shops) and her first trim - it was a big deal!

Here are 3 important steps I learned from our experience to help prep your daughter for her first salon visit:

Ahhhh Friday (& A Winner!)

What a day! If you follow me on Instagram you saw I had a rough day, but thankfully I'm all set now. Grayson was a sweetie, and I'm especially thankful to our babysitter who came over at a moment's notice to help me out so I could go to urgent care. 

With our trip to Dallas next week to visit my parents I need to stay in good health, and I'm feeling much better already. Thank you to everyone who reached out with well wishes today!

Anyway, we have a fun weekend planned! I'm heading to our local kids' resale shop where I can donate a food pantry item and for $6 get a "all you can fill" bag of clothing. I hear it gets packed FAST and sells out so I'm gonna try my best to get an early start. After, I'm heading to Boston for Sweetgreen's blogger brunch before a much-needed hair appointment at Simply Erinn's. Can you believe it's been 2 months since my big chop? My hair is growing like a weed! 

I'm debating keeping it short or growing it out. We'll see...

After that tomorrow evening we're heading to our local Christmas tree lighting and parade. The weather's thankfully been pretty mild here compared to last year, and I'm hoping we ease nicely into Dallas weather (it'll be in the mid-60s there next week!). 

Sunday we have church followed by taking the kids to the Jingle Bell Express where we'll get to take a special "train" to a local farm and return to the Children's Museum of New Hampshire for some play time. 

It's going to be a good weekend! 

Oh and one other thing I'm obsessing over right now:

Source: re-grammed all over Instagram!

Did you watch it? 

The memes are something else! This one is hands down my fave:

So so true. And of course the ignorance abounds, but it's funny, if anything. 

Anywho...

On to the winner of my Instagram milestone giveaway: 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Congrats Nora! I'll be in touch shortly so you can receive your prize. 

I'm backed up on posts as usual and have some more giveaways planned. Fun times around these parts, I promise!

As always, follow along on my Facebook page and Instagram for stuff that doesn't get posted here. 

Have an awesome weekend! 

Did you watch The Wiz Live? If you missed it check it out here! You're welcome.

 
 

What My Husband Said When I Cut My Hair

Disclosure: I received samples to facilitate this review; all opinions expressed are my own. 

It's been a long time since I've given an update on my natural hair journey and since a major chop happened over the weekend I wanted to share more details on what's been going on. . . 

Since weaning Grayson when I went away on my cruise with my mom back at the end of May, I noticed my hair has been falling out. Like A LOT. I have a history of borderline discoid lupus which manifests itself in hair loss (more on that here) and since it's triggered by stress and I've had a lot of it over the past few months coupled with hormonal changes, my hair just hasn't been thriving. 

I got a recommendation from a fellow Wellesley alum for Simply Erinn's in Cambridge, MA and went a few weeks ago in preparation for my 35th birthday quick jaunt away as well as another commercial I was filming and while there Erinn was very honest with me and told me I needed to do a clean cut and start over. I was also concerned about my grays in the front. Now I don't think anything is wrong with gray hair, but mine is so sporadic now that when it fully grows in I'll embrace it but for now it just looks messy. 

Pre-cut wash & go with these products

I went in on Saturday for my cut and color and made it clear that I didn't want my hair too orange or too red (I CAN'T STAND that orangutan orange that seems to be running rampant!). While I typically get jet black, a color my mom wrongly thinks is too harsh, I decided to go lighter this time around. Erinn and her team did an amazing job! They evened me out, and it feels so freeing to have those awful stringy ends gone. (And I think a bunch of you agree since I got overwhelming feedback when I posted this pic to Instagram and Facebook!).

To be honest, I was a bit nervous about how Uka would respond to my hair cut. Leading up to it I had been showing him pictures from natural hair accounts on Instagram of cuts that I like so when I showed up at home and he saw my hair and burst out into the theme song from A Different World I too laughed, but took it as a good sign. Mr. Lovebird is supportive of anything that helps me feel more confident! 

From here on out I just plan on growing it and having it trimmed and colored regularly. This is definitely the shortest I've gone; prior to this cut this was the shortest (I LOVED that cut via Reggie at The Hair Lounge in NYC!). I'm taking care of my hair by adjusting my nutrition (thanks Shakeology!), continuing with PiYo at my local Y and have been consistently taking my vitamins. Since college I've taken a mix of a multi-vitamin plus something for my hair, skin and nails. I read a blurb in InStyle about models swearing by biotin and silica and the importance of taking each separately instead of rolled into a supplement so you can get the appropriate levels. While the silica brand I preferred has been discontinued I kept up with biotin although I took a break when pregnant and nursing. 

I recently gave a quick hint at another biotin supplement I was taking and since I just finished the bottle I wanted to share a bit more about it! It's Ultimate Hair, Skin & Nails by Seabuck Wonders and has omega-7 as well as biotin (5000 mcg). What attracted me to it was that it's  USDA certified organic and vegan and while I'm not vegan, the extra precaution I know that goes into the product made me trusting of it as a supplement. Just because I stopped nursing doesn't mean I'm not careful about what I put into my body! Since it has sea buckthorn oil in it, there's also the bonus of the properties that it provides:

• The berries found in the Tibetan mountain region are known for their Omega fatty acids, including the rare Omega-7 which promotes healthy and moisturized skin, hair and nails at a cellular level
• While the oil is in the capsules, it can also be purchased and applied topically, but internally it supports a healthy gastrointestinal and digestive system
• It supports proper inflammation response throughout the body and supports the body's natural lubrication system

I was provided with a 30 day supply of 60 capsules (2 per day) and while consistency is so important, I haven't noticed a visual surge of hair growth (hey I just cut it!), plus I know from my regular biotin experience that it takes about 3 months to start seeing improvement after consistent use. If I'm going to take biotin anyway, then Seabuck Wonders is an easy choice for me to make!

To learn more about Seabuck Wonders visit their website as well as follow along on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Have you ever done a drastic style? What did your spouse say to you?

 

Summer Beauty Giveaway: KISS Handle-Less Hair Dryer

Disclosure: I received a complimentary KISS Handle-Less Hair Dryer for review purposes. All opinions expressed are my own. 

Happy summer friends! If you're wondering if I've had the baby yet, click here for the answer.

Now that that's answered let's move over to a fab summer giveaway sponsored by KISS!

Check out this video for more details and enter below:

The KISS Handle-Less Hair Dryer retails for $29.99 and comes with 3 attachments. Ceramic tourmaline with a cool, hot and medium setting it really gets the job done quickly without using too much heat - something I'm very concerned about.

I've enjoyed how lightweight and cool to the touch it is and Nia, who usually cries when I do anything to her hair, didn't even complain when I used this for about 7 minutes to loosen her curl before heading to our local hair braiders.

KISS has generously given me one Handle-Less hair dryer to give to a lucky Harlem Lovebirds reader via the Rafflecopter below! The giveaway starts today and ends on Sunday, June 29 with the winner announced on Monday, June 30. Open to U.S. residents only. Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Be sure to follow KISS on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for the latest product updates!
 

Optimum Amla Legend Style Society with Tracee Ellis Ross & Johnny Wright

Disclosure: I received a gift bag as an attendee of the Optimum Amla event; all opinions expressed are my own. Images without watermark were provided by event photographer Diane Bondereff.

I was introduced to Optimum's Amla product line last year featuring Cynthia Bailey and was recently invited to learn about the latest products in the line from Tracee Ellis Ross, daughter of Diana Ross, and Johnny Wright, celebrity stylist whose clients include Michelle Obama. 

Bloggers and hair enthusiasts gathered at this intimate event held at the stylish Dream Downtown. As I'm still on my natural hair journey and learning which products work best I appreciated the ability to ask questions and determine which products from the line I'd like to try. 

The best part? Models were on hand to show how the product was put to use as well as samples passed around to smell and feel the texture of the product as well. 

As a premature graying woman, I was especially interested in the Miraculous Black Oil Dull Defying Haircolor (SRP $8.99). I've never colored my hair while pregnant and actually stopped coloring my hair over a year ago when I decided to stop relaxing my hair and went cold turkey on chemicals. Seeing the gorgeous, jet black tone on the models made me want to color again, so I asked Johnny about the safety of the Amla hair color. In response, he told me, "Girl you better cover those grays!" and threw me a box assuring me it was perfectly fine. With no ammonia (my #1 concern) and only 4 minutes to color I'm definitely taking this with me on an upcoming salon visit!

The Oil-Infused Styling Ritual was also introduced:

 

• Optimum Amla Legend Enchanted Finish Hold + Polishing Spray – Optimum’s first waterless hold + polish spray moisturizes and sets styles while providing timeless hold and lustrous shine. (SRP $6.99)

• Optimum Amla Legend Treasured Temple Edge Tamer – Smoothes frizz and flyaways, provides all day humidity and resistance and frizz control. (SRP $6.99)

• Optimum Amla Legend Lustrous Body Blow Dry Mousse – Oil-infused conditioning for flexible hold with silky texture. (SRP $6.99)

When a fellow blogger asked Tracee about a recommended Alma Legend travel regimen especially to hot/humid climates my ears perked up due to my upcoming trip to Puerto Rico. 

Yes, Tracee was very enthusiastic about Amla!

Tracee gave a quick rundown of which products to take and how to use them including her #1 tip to use the Amla Body Filler Cream to moisturize the hair while it's wet being sure to focus on the ends as well as sealing with the Rejuvenating Oil.

I follow Tracee on Instagram (and you should too!) - you *must* click here to see the killer shoes she was rockin' at the event!

Thank you Optimum for the opportunity to learn about the new additions to the Amla Legend product line which is now available in mass, drug and beauty supply stores nationwide!

Have any of my readers experienced the Amla line? Which Amla products would you like to try?

Announcing: Blow-Out, a Stylish Full Service Salon

Remember when I posted about the best hair salons in NYC? Although I wrote it mid-2012 it was my most-read post of 2013! While I'm not a hair blogger I still get lots of hair questions, and I'm excited to share an update on one of the salons from that post . . . 

Blow-Out, formerly Image is Everything, moved and re-launched with a grand opening party last month organized by The Vanity Group, which did an amazing job! It was the weekend I wrote about 4 parties in 2 days, and I almost didn't make it to Blow-Out's due to the awful storm that night but with my sister and her friend in tow, we were all glad we did! Based on the turn out and the vibe, you never would've guessed Snowpoclypse was occurring outside.

Ariane and Carleton with the amazing cupcakes provided by BCakeNY

Blow-Out offers their signature blow-out bar as well as services for natural and chemically treated hair. They also provide tanning and hair removal services. I love the diverse staff and clientele, and with its new location near the Grove Street PATH station it really will be easy for people to come in from the city for service. It doesn't hurt that the decor is on point either! The salon is poised to stand out here in Jersey City.

With Romel, my stylist

See those comfy pods in the background? I look forward to many a pedicure!

Congrats to Londell Wright (center) and
Lee Rodoquino (left) on the opening of Blow-Out!

To see the full menu of services and schedule your appointment at Blow-Out visit their website and be sure to follow on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram! If you go, please let them know I sent you.

2013: Transition Accomplished!

A certain someone home on winter break has been commandeering the laptop, so I'm finally logging on to post the final results of my transition to natural!

I had originally planned to take 2 years to transition via extensions but decided to cut it a year short last month after seeing the progress my hair has made. I've come a long way!

Here's a few snapshots of my hair this year:

This was last month getting my last extensions taken down, remaining relaxed hair cut out and my natural hair blown dry, pressed (edges) and flat ironed:

I'm very thankful to Reggie and his team at The Hair Lounge that the health of my hair was maintained especially my edges. I've seen so many women post-extensions that have no hairline to speak of and this was definitely a concern of mine. Hooray for edges!

Here's a video of two natural styles provided by The Hair Lounge and by Romel at Blow-Out (formerly Image is Everything) - I reviewed both salons here:

Thank you for following along on my hair journey, and I look forward to experimenting with more styles and techniques throughout 2014!

It's My Birthday: Transitioning Update Pt. 2 (And a Gift for You From The Hair Lounge)

Pt. 1 is here.

Today I'm 33 (and it's my mom's birthday too!). To celebrate I got a hair makeover yesterday and am excited to share my new look!

Thank you to Reggie, owner of The Hair Lounge, for such a fabulous style as always! Annnnnnd he has an exclusive promotion for Harlem Lovebirds readers: 

Book your hair appointment for Oct. 1, 2013 - Oct. 31, 2013 and receive a 10% discount on your hair services just for being a Harlem Lovebirds reader. To book, feel free to register online at www.thehairloungenyc.com or call the salon, (212) 465-2554. 

Don’t forget to mention Harlem Lovebirds when you book!

Promotion discount valid only on bookings between Oct. 1, 2013 - Oct. 31, 2013. 

Treatments and extensions not included. Promotion not valid with any other offers.

**Update** Here are more pictures as promised:

(And happy first day of fall too!)



P.S. We're spending the day at a couple of children's birthday parties (similar to last year!), but looking forward to mine and Mr. Lovebird's belated birthday/anniversary celebration in Las Vegas next month!

September '13 Transitioning Update Pt. 1

With all my Instagramming about my hair I thought it was timely to do a quick vlog about what's going on; I've made a change to my original transitioning plan. 

Check it out:

 

P.S. I'm in the salon chair at the time of this post excited to get a new look just in time for my birthday this Sunday!

September, I Love You Already

One weekend down, and I already know this is going to be an amazing month (and not just cause it's my birthday!). It was a beautiful weekend here in NYC, and I only wished it could've been this nice for Labor Day Weekend. 

Maybe next year . . . 

Here's what we were up to:

Mr. Lovebird caught mid-yawn. I knew it was gonna be a long day for him; mama had work to do so they had a fun-filled day!

I am the biggest skeptic of these cart escalators and the first time I mustered the courage to use one of course my cart full of GoGo squeeZ for an event at Whole Foods got stuck - it was only a few minutes though so I'll give it another try.

Sometimes it's the only thing you need

Celebrated Virgo season with an awesome view, my sisters on the left and Melissa, the birthday girl (aka my Wellesley lil sister) on the right

Yep, time to give my scalp a rest for a couple weeks; I hope this turns into an OK a beautiful twist out this week right before we leave Friday for an out-of-town wedding. GAHHHH! And yes, a full transitioning update is in order...

Oh yes! This morning I marched this silly lil monkey off to her first full week of school (btw the rug was pulled from under us when we found out the first day of school that they're moving in under 3 weeks; thankfully she'll have a bigger classroom, and it's still walkable!):

Is your September off to a good start? 



P.S. I haven't forgotten about Hi Virginia - we've had some wonky laptop issues if you couldn't guess by my recent Twitter gripe. I'm workin' on it!

Lovebirds' Summer Beauty Review: Honey Curls Hair Honey Oil Blend

Disclosure: I received a sample of Honey Curls' Hair Honey Oil Blend for review purposes. All opinions expressed are my own.
 
See that picture up there on the far right in my Summer Beauty collage? That's my Lil Lovebird giving Honey Curls Hair Honey Oil Blend a try. The oil is just what it says - a mixture of several luscious oils:

• Canola seed oil
• Sweet almond oil
• Jojoba oil
• Meadowfoam seed oil
• Wheat germ oil
• Shea oil
• Borage oil
• Olea Europaea oil
• Coconut oil
• Karanji oil organic

When Honey Curls reached out to me to review the Honey Oil blend I appreciated that there aren't any parabens, sulfates, petroleum or artificial ingredients in their products. When the oil arrived it was in a tall flask - it was a generous amount that I've even found beneficial to use on my skin especially because it has a neutral smell.

I decided to use the Honey Oil Blend in two ways on my Lil Love Bird's hair:

1) As an enhancement to her conditioner during her weekly wash

I love the sheen the oil helped give her hair and the manageability to create this style 

2) As a baggying/overnight oil treatment

I applied the oil to her hair and worked it in - it was completely saturated

Before bed - it did not stay on the whole night (she abhors anything covering her head!)

The next morning

Overall I have to say I preferred the #1 method - Nia's hair soaks up pretty much anything I put in it and at her age it's hard to keep a cap on in addition to the baggy (if you can't tell by the look on her face!). Since I'm still transitioning and wearing extensions, the oil is too heavy for me to use now, but when I'm done with my transitioning journey at the end of '14 I look forward to revisiting Honey Curls for myself. 

Interested in trying Honey Curls Honey Oil Blend? An 8oz bottle can be purchased on their website for $20.

Have you tried baggying? Which oil treatments work best on your hair?