Monday, November 25, 2013

Black Friday Sales!!

Hello Ladies: 

It is that time of the year already..... BLACK FRIDAY SALES!! 

And let's be honest, who doesn't like a good sale?  Well, here they are... the sales you were waiting for: 

Beemineproducts.com

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Foxymango.com
 

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Babybighair.com

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Mixedchicks.net


PER MIXEDCHICKS' FB ANNOUNCEMENT:  

"BLACK FRIDAY SALE! On Friday, November 29th, the entire site is 20% off! That means you can stock up on all of your faves from the Adult, Kids and Men's haircare lines including our best-selling Leave-In Conditioner, Deep Conditioner and our newest addition Spring Hair Bands! 

In order to enjoy our 1-day Black Friday sale - you must enter the promo code: BlackFriday before you checkout. This sale is only available on our website MixedChicks.net and will only be offered for 1 DAY - November 29th 2013! "

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Blendedbeauty.com
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Honeycurls.com


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Curlformers.com

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Carolsdaughter.com

                         



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Shop the Annual Friends & Family Event. 
Enjoy up to 25% off your order. Now through 
December 3, 2013 at 11:59PM PST


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3sistersofnature.com




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 These are regularly priced at $36, on SALE for $18 plus monogram! 


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Friday, November 15, 2013

"Things I'm Most Thankful For Contest"






There are so many things to be thankful for during Thanksgiving Day. 
 
I decided to do this contest because one of the things I’m most thankful for is for the support and loyalty of all my readers.  This is us, Caramel Curlz & Swirls, saying “thank you” for following our social pages and blog.  Also, I wanted to do this contest because sometimes in the mist of the everyday hardships, we forget to be thankful for the little things we take for granted.  The main purpose of this contest is for us to think about all the challenges and all the accomplishments we have acquired during the past year.  To be able to acknowledge every single blessing regardless as to how small and to be truly grateful. 

What I’m most thankful for?  How hard is it to pick just one thing?

I’m Thankful for my children:  I am thankful for having happy and healthy kids; although my son has had many accidents and ER visits during his first years of life, and Ms. Bree had hearing problems, speech problems, pneumonia and she was hospitalized for a week followed by surgery. 

I’m Thankful for my marriage: I am thankful for having a husband who pushes enough because he knows that is exactly what I need in order to succeed; I am thankful for a marriage that with time has  become stronger and continues to get stronger every day;

I’m Thankful for my job: I am thankful for a job that allows me to be there for my children when needed, and for a boss that understands that family always comes first.

I’m thankful for our financial stability: I am thankful for the income my husband and I make, which allows us to provide shelter for our family, food for their tummies and family activities which is a lot more than I had growing up.

I’m thankful for all the love and support: I am thankful for the unconditional love and support I receive from my husband’s family. 

I’m grateful for every single one of you who follow us every day, share pictures, tips and advice.

I am thankful that my mother is alive, although she is not part of my family and has continue to refuse been part of it, nevertheless, I am thankful for the choice I made when marrying my husband all those years ago which led us to have this beautiful family together.  I may not have my mother to share all my blessings with, but I am thankful for every person in my life who love me and comfort me when I need to be comforted. 



   
Remember, for a chance to win $50.00 (via Paypal), all you have to do is submit your family photo (it does not have to be a professional photo) and describe the things you are most thankful for!  The contest will close Thanksgiving Day and the random winner will be chosen and announced the day after Thanksgiving.


Here are some of the entries: 





I am thankful for my family, for the love my man has not only for me but for our daughter. I'm thankful to God for allowing us to wake up every morning and live our lives the way He would like us to live. I don't know how my life would have been if I didn't have my daughter or hadn't met my boyfriend over 7 years ago. But I'm so so thankful that I did and I wouldn't change it for the world. I am also thankful that we were finally able to get our own place midway through this year, so that we could finally be a family together and live our lives together. 

Mia, Barron and Zaleea 




What I'm most thankful for?

 I was given the most precious gift! The life a wonderful boy born with a brain bleed, clubbed feet and severe sleep apnea yet you'd never ever be able to tell there's anything wrong with him. He's been trough so much, with a series of casting to correct his clubbed feet and surgery to remove his tonsils and adenoids in hopes to help him sleep better and get rid of sleep apnea but it didn't work it's still severe. He currently has 3-5 appointments a week for speech, physical and horse therapy weekly and regular feet and well baby check ups. I'm thankful for the patience, ambition and courage God has given me to be able to handle all we have too. It's not hard dealing with it all as a single mom but my parents and the rest of my family are amazing and are always there for us!!

Monica Gonzales and son.





I'm so thankful for the people in this picture that God has richly blessed my life with. Coming from a broken home myself, and never seeing any woman in my family have a successful marriage or relationship. I grew up thinking people never stayed, and that they always leave. Until I met met my husband and got to spend time with his family. Just seeing how his father adored his mother, and showed open affection baffled me. My husband told me as a teenager when we would spend time at each others houses that I was it for him! That he wanted to marry me and it would be for life! He proved himself then, and still to this day he is treating me like the queen he calls me:) Our sons have even caught on and started calling me that also. So thankful that our sons will grow up under this example.



Korrie Kelly & Family






















Monday, November 4, 2013

Tutorial: Simple Two Strand Twists


Hello Ladies: 

This is a very simple style and the reason why so many mothers love the Two Strands Twists style is because of it's flexibility; the fact that it's a great protective style, it looks great on toddlers, teenagers and even adults.  

The smaller the sections you use to do the twists the longer they will last, at least, that has been my experience when I do my daughter's hair.  




The tools you will need:

1.  Styling products: 
    a.  Spray bottle with your favorite mix;
    b.  Curly Butter or your favorite moisturizer;
    c.  Eco Styler Gel;

2. Rat Tail Comb  & Hair Clips for sectioning;

3. Rubber bands  


95% of the time, Ms. Bree's hair is banded for at least a day prior to styling.  After washing her hair I moisturize it by using Bee Mine Luscious Moisturizer.  This process makes sectioning the hair easier since it keeps her hair detangled and it also keeps her hair moisturized.   

I did not have the need to use my wide tooth comb but it's always wise to have one handy, just in case you encounter a tangle/knot.  

Step 1:  Using the tail part of your comb part the top section first.  Start the line right above the right ear straight across to the left ear; clip the hair out of your way using a hair clip. 

Step 2:  Now, you are left with the bottom part.  Part a smaller section of hair by using the tail part of your comb (parting from left to right). 

Step 3:  Part a small section (like doing box braids but in this case you are doing box twists); spritz a little bit of water or your favorite mix (we do not want to get the hair to wet but you'll want it damp);




Step 4:  Apply your favorite moisturizer or butter starting from the roots to the ends. Then apply a little bit of Eco Styler Gel to the section, again, from the roots to the ends of the hair;

Step 5:  Secure the section by using rubber band;

Step 6:  Split the section in half and twist the right section before you bring the piece over to the left piece, then bring the right piece over the left piece and continue until the entire section is twisted.  

OPTIONAL:  You can use rubber bands to secure the ends until the twists are 100% dry, or you can use barrettes or beads to finish the twists. 

Step 7:  Continue to make the sections and repeat 3, 4 & 5 until the entire bottom section is twisted.   





Once you are finished with the bottom section, it's time to get the top section done.  

Step 8:  Spritz water or your favorite mix on the top section; apply moisturizer or your favorite butter and secure the hair with a cloth cover band;

Step 9:  Divide the hair into equal parts, this will help you create twists that look the same in thickness; 

Step 10:  Repeat step 3, 4 & 5.  



I styled her hair Saturday Morning and these pictures were taken Monday night. is you can see in the above picture, her ends looked dry.  

I moisturize her ends and scalp as needed.  To moisturize her ends I simply damp her ends with a bit of water and apply a dab of Bee Mine Luscious Moisturizer and coil her ends using my index finger. 







STYLE UPDATES

4th Day Twists:




This was my first time using rubber bands at the base of her twists.  It is important to constantly check for any bumps around each parting line and around the hair line.  

Should you spot any stress bumps, immediately undo the style and massage the scalp with jojoba oil, and give the scalp and hair a break.

After wearing her twists for a few days, I decided her hair had enough and I removed all rubber bands and unraveled the twists.







Friday, November 1, 2013

Cover Page Beauty: Introducing Korrie Kelley

Hello lovelies...
Welcome to our Cover Page series... Today I am introducing you to an amazing lady who slowly transitioned and is now loving her natural hair! 



Let us begin this wonderful interview, can you tell us your name and which state do you represent?
   My name is Korrie Kelley and I was born and raised in Mississippi!!!

How long has your natural hair been free of relaxers/texturizers or any type of chemicals? Did you transitioned or did you do a Big Chop?
    I started transitioning in June of 2011!
    I was too much of a chicken to do a BC (big chop) so I just started growing out my relaxer, and cutting the relaxed ends every two months. It was so neat to see the curls popping out all over my head! I had no idea what my curl pattern was! It was fun:)




Goodness, look at all that hair, I love the color, tell me Korrie, What made you go back natural?
   
   My cousin did the big chop a few years ago, and watching her hair come to life really inspired me! It changed her also..gave her a certain confidence that she didn't have before. I liked that!

We all know how important it is to establish a routine, what is your routine? how did you come up with it?
   
    Trial and error!!! A lot of Youtube watching and book reading. Kind of gathering different info, and then seeing what worked for me. My wash and go routine is pretty easy. I am a believer in sectioning my hair. I used to free fall it when washing, but the knots and tangles increased so I had to re-evaluate what I was doing. I started out sectioning in the beginning and had to go back to that. I co-wash every 5 days with either Tresseme naturals or As I am coconut co-wash.
    Right now I'm experimenting with several different products for my page, but I do have some favorites that are re-ordered regularly. Kinky Curly knot today is an awesome detangler/leave in, Kinky Curly curling custard is a must for my wash and go's. For sealing I use jojoba or sweet almond oil. I'm loving twist outs right now, and I really think my hair is growing because of it so my musts for those are the Bee Mine Curly Butter!!! IT IS AWESOME!!!!!



I love jojoba oil and it is not secret that I love BEE MINE Natural and Organ Hair products.  Tell us, what products are currently working for you? 

      Tresseme Naturals has amazing slip, and it's my must have for a co-wash. As I said above the Bee Mine Curling butter! I'm in the process of getting and trying more of their products so stay tuned....



We all have experienced hair challenges at a certain point in this long journey, have you faced any challenges when it comes to styling your hair? How did you overcome them?

    In the beginning yes! I did not like the two texture thing with transitioning, it was a pain! Now, I've kinda gotten a good routine going. Learning to be patient and thoughtful with my hair..not rushing, pulling or snagging. TLC goes a long way!
Tell us, what is your favorite hair style? I love wearing my hair wild and free! 



What is your "To Go" Style??
    
     My husband loves it like that and also, when I wear my hair in a low, romantic looking ponytail with tendrils framing my face and how can I forget, I love a high bun (pineapple)



At the beginning my daughter was not "in love" with her hair but her feelings have completely changed now, how do you feel about your hair now?

   I LOVE IT!!! I hate that it took me this long to wise up! I feel more confident, free..just plain ole me:) Best decision ever!!! Have this HUGE accessory to ROCK now!
I received awful awful hair tips, and I'm glad I didn't follow any of them, tell us, what is the worst tip anyone has ever given you?

    To be honest, I haven't gotten any bad tips. I really just do my own thing, and the people around me just love what I do :)




I remember, one of the best tips I ever received was from a stranger at a store, what was the best advise you have been given?

       Everyone's hair is different. Learn and listen to what your hair needs. It will tell you. That is so true too I have found. Also finger detangling! Being comb free for a year now!

Some of our readers may or may not know this, but you own a Facebook Fan page under the name of "Korrie's Korner"; what is the main objective of your page, and what inspire you to create it?
      My objective is to encourage women to embrace their naturalness and God given beauty. Since I was a teenager I always helped my friends with their hair, make up or skin care needs..just kind of grew from there. I love helping women feel good about themselves! It's my passion:)



Do you have any advice that you would like to share with our readers?

If you're thinking about going natural GO FOR IT! Be patient and to give your hair lots of love. It’s not about whether or not you have “good” hair. We all have good hair! Everyone is different and that is what I love. Be unique. Embrace your “youness”.

Thank you Korrie for this amazing interview, the fabulous tips and the beautiful pictures.  Your hair is beautiful!  

Make sure you check her page out Korrie's Korner.  And don't forget that you can save on your next Bee Mine Product's purchase by using our code: 





You can see our Bee Mine Natural and Organic Hair Products' review here: Bee Mine Natural & Organic Hair Products- Our Review


and you can see Korrie's product review here: Bee Hold Curly Butter 

If you want to be part of our Cover Page Beauty Series email us at caramelcurlznswirls@yahoo.com