Love Your Curls Giveaway #2!

Good Morning!

The winner of our last giveaway has been selected, CONGRATULATIONS DIANNA! 

Now it's time for our next giveaway!!

This is a very simple and fun giveaway, but first you have to head over and LIKE our Facebook Page: Caramel Curlz N Swirls

HERE ARE THE DETAILS

****GIVEAWAY TIME! GIVEAWAY TIME! GIVEAWAY TIME*****

Please read the rules carefully, the name of the participants who submit the correct answer will be added and only one winner will be selected.

RULES:

LIKE this image;
SHARE SHARE SHARE this giveaway; and
COMMENT below with your answer.

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Well ladies and gents, it's that time again for our annual Black History Month.... let's do a Fun Trivia!!

Today's QUESTION is:

Who doesn’t enjoy a fresh scoop of ice cream on a hot day? This gentleman invented the ice cream scoop making it easier for people everywhere to enjoy their favorite treat. He studied at a seminary, worked as carpenter and then became interested in mechanics. He was first black man to receive a patent in Pittsburgh.

Who was he?

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Do you know the answer?  Great... go to our Facebook Page and follow the rules!! 

GOOD LUCK and hurry, this ends TODAY at 11:59 PM (EST)

A "BEE MINE" Family Appreciate Sale!!

One of our favorite hair product is having a

Family Appreciation Sale!!

Details: 

Use Code: TAKE20

 with a minimum of a $35 purchase 

worth 20% off now through ending really soon.

Make sure you take advantage of this great sale! 

(I know I will...)

Natural Hair Care: Daily Tip #8

Hello and welcome back!! 

Our friend, Keianna, owner of Chi Chi Sophistication Natural Hair Studio has a really good tip for today: 

Daily Tip #8:

"Using rubber bands on natural hair is not a crime.  However, they must be installed  and removed correctly".

Here is another tip, soak the rubber bands in oil (i.e., olive oil) for a few minutes to prevent them from pulling and breaking your hair.  I buy the tub of black rubber bands at the Hair Supply stores.. the tub usually lasts me approximately a year it contains 500 rubber bands.

I only use rubber bands to secure the end of a braid or twist.  

We hope today's Natural Hair Care Tip was  helpful!!  If you missed any of our previous Daily Tips, you can find them here: 

Natural-Hair-Care-Daily-Tip #1

Natural-Hair-Care: Daily Tip #2

Natural-Hair-Care: Daily Tip #3

Natural-Hair-Care: Daily Tip #4

Remember to Connect with

Website: Chi Chi Sophistication Natural Hair Studio

(240) 754-7239

Dark & Lovely Au Naturale Products on Sale at Walgreens!!

After dropping the kids off at School this morning, I made a quick stop at Walgreens to obtain a few things I needed for my office.  

Imagine my surprised when I discovered these amazing Dark & Lovely Au Naturale products were on sale! 

I love love Au Naturale by Dark & Lovely and I've recently ran out of the Leave In Conditioner. If you missed our product review early this year, you can read it here: Product Review: Dark & Lovely-LOC Line.

With this BOGO sale, you are basically paying $4.99 for each product!!  Here is a list of the products that you can find on sale:  Walgreens Dark & Lovely Au Naturale BOGO SALE

Needless to say, I grabbed all the Leave-Ins they had... 

If you are a big fan of Dark & Lovely Au Naturale, now is the time to stock up on all your favorite products!!! 

Natural Hair Care: Daily Tip #7

Hello and welcome to our Natural Hair Care- Daily Tip Series by our friend Ms. Keianna owner of Chi Chi Sophistication Natural Hair Studio.

What a great tip! 

I always have my combs at hand along with my Creme of Nature Leave In  and I rub oil (jojoba oil) on the palm of my hands before I begin to unravel each braid (or twist).

Always be mindful of the edges and try not to keep the same style for far too long.  (extremely fuzzy braids = lots of tangles and pulling)  

Give your hair and scalp a break for at least a couple of days before your braid (or twist) your hair again.

Braid in different directions every time to prevent long term damage.   

We hope today's Natural Hair Care Tip was  helpful!!  If you missed any of our previous Daily Tips, you can find them here: 

Natural-Hair-Care-Daily-Tip #1

Natural-Hair-Care: Daily Tip #2

Natural-Hair-Care: Daily Tip #3

Natural-Hair-Care: Daily Tip #4

Remember to Connect with

Website: Chi Chi Sophistication Natural Hair Studio

(240) 754-7239

Natural Hair Care: Daily Tip #6

Hello and welcome back!! 

Ms. Keianna, owner of Chi Chi Sophistication Natural Hair Studio has this tip for all of us:

"What does it mean to use a Clarifying Shampoo?"

Great tip and thank you for sharing this important tip!! 

It is very important to use a clarifying shampoo, especially when you use heavier products, styling gels or butters.   If you hair and scalp feels "slimy/sticky", then it's time to use clarifying shampoo.   

Here is a list of a few good clarifying shampoos for your natural hair: 

Kinky Curly Come Clean Clarifying Shampoo
Mixed Chicks Shampoo
Shea Moisture Deep Cleansing Clarifying Shampoo
Pantene Pro-V Truly Natural

And here is another tip: 

When using a clarifying shampoo, consider doing a "Pre-Poo Treatment" before you shampoo your hair or follow your washing session with a "Deep Conditioning Treatment". 

Shampooing while necessary, can dry the delicate strands.  Doing a treatment before or after the shampooing process will help with the retention of moisture.  

We hope today's Natural Hair Care Tip was  helpful!!  If you missed any of our previous Daily Tips, you can find them here: 

Natural-Hair-Care-Daily-Tip #1

Natural-Hair-Care: Daily Tip #2

Natural-Hair-Care: Daily Tip #3

Natural-Hair-Care: Daily Tip #4

Remember to Connect with

Website: Chi Chi Sophistication Natural Hair Studio

(240) 754-7239

(Affiliate Links are included in this post)

Natural Hair Care: Daily Tip #4

Hello and welcome back! 

Our friend, Keianna Johnson is ready to share her Natural Hair Care Daily Tip:

"Reading hair product labels can be a daunting task, especially when uncle of determining what is good or bad for the hair. 

When reading labels, the first five ingredients tell the truth of what the product is made of.  If Petrolatum and/or Mineral Oil are in the top five of the ingredient list, that product isn't good for natural hair." 

Great tip, thank you Keianna for sharing!!  

One of the first tips I was given when I started caring for Ms. Bree's hair (approximately 4 years ago) was to look for (as many of) these ingredients on the label:  Water, Shea Butter, Aloe Vera (juice), Oils (i.e. Almost, Coconut, Jojoba, Avocado, Castor, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Tea Tree), Honey and Vegetable Glycerin.

We hope today's Natural Hair Care Tip was  helpful!!  If you missed any of our previous Daily Tips, you can find them here: 

Natural-Hair-Care-Daily-Tip #1

Natural-Hair-Care: Daily Tip #2

Natural-Hair-Care: Daily Tip #3

Remember to Connect with

Website: Chi Chi Sophistication Natural Hair Studio

(240) 754-7239

Natural Hair Care: Daily Tip #3

Hello my naturalistas!!

Today, Ms. Keianna, owner of Chi Chi Sophistication is sharing a very important tip.  

  It's very important to remember that braiding your curly tresses too tight can be damaging to your hair. 

  In some situations, braiding to tightly can cause a simple headache, tenderness on the area, redness of the scalp, however, there are very severe cases where the hair follicles are damaged  causing permanent hair loss.

   The best way to prevent permanent damage to your beautiful curly hair, make sure you quickly loosen any tight braids, braid your hair in the opposite direction from your last style and make sure you don't ever keep your hair braided for far too long.

Missed Ms. Keianna's last two Natural Hair Care tips?? Easy, read them here: Natural Hair Care: Daily Tip #2 and Natural Hair Care: Daily Tip #1

For more information about ChiChi Sophistication Natural Hair Care Studio 

visit www.chi-chi-sophistication.com

A Recap and This Month's Protective Style!

Hello my beautiful people!! 

This is a recap of the last week of May.  I know, I know, I have been unplugged and "MIA" for a few days but it was good to just relax at the beach with our kiddos.  No phones, no Ipads... just lots of sun and fun with our children.

Well, May is gone, gone, gone and June has arrived!!  I can't believe school is officially over and summer vacation has started.

Although school was over on May 20th, 2016, Calvary Day Summer Camp program, which by the way is our children's favorite summer program, didn't begin until June 3rd.

Therefore, our kids had to spend a few days with Grandmother and Papa so that we could work and make the last minute preparations for our Annual Myrtle Beach Vacation.

Basically our children were only gone for four days (Sunday Night 5/22 - Thursday 5/26th) but it was far too long for this mama! They may try my last nerve but the reality is, they are all mine and I do feel a little bit lost without them.   

This mama was supper happy when they arrived home late Thursday night.   Unfortunately, I was unable to accompany my husband to pick them up because our new puppies needed supervision.  Yes, wait until I share my "Boxer Puppies Post" with all of you!

Little man arrived back home just in time to receive a very important piece of mail.  We posted a quick video sharing the news on our Facebook Page.. click: HE MADE HONOR ROLL!!  

I must confess that I do worry about him and his grades.  I see a lot of me in him when it comes to "math" and we did struggle a bit a couple of times through out the year.  While I have to learn how to "NOT" stress him and me about his studies, I am glad that we have established a routine for those nights when he has to be at practice and/or games.

Having a plan and putting that plan into action has saved a lot of headaches and his grades. Otherwise I truly believe his grades would have suffered at great deal.  Stay tuned because I will share tips and ideas on how we prepare them for the next school year and how we are able to have good grades even when they play sports three nights at week.  

June's Protective Style

Because the warm and dry days have also arrived, it is time to style Ms. Bree's hair into a protective style.   This style also worked perfectly for our Myrtle Beach Vacation.  

I used the following products in the following order (on freshly washed and conditioned hair): 

Blended Beauty Curly Cake Shaker;
Creme of Nature Argan Oil; 
Blended Beauty "Down & Out"; with 
(a bit of) Eco Styler Gel with Argan Oil. 

Using the Eco Styler Gel allows her braids to last a bit longer.  It also helps with a more defined "braid out" if she decides she wants to rock her hair out for a few days before restyling.  

The practicality of this style is amazing.  I was able to easily co-wash and moisturize her scalp as well as her ends after every trip to the water park and beach. 

TIP: Remember, it is imperative to co-wash and moisturize their curly tresses every time they spend time at the pool or beach. Too much sun and chlorine can be damaging to their hair.

Now, stay tuned because we will be sharing wit you our Father's Day Gift Ideas, Ms. Bree's Recital, Billy's 2016 Baseball Season, Our Family Adventures in Myrtle Beach, and we will also be sharing our tips on how to prepare them ready for the next school year!!!  

  

Check Out Our New Code From Twist Braid Snap

Welcome back everyone!!! 

We have some amazing news to share with all of you!!  We have a brand new coupon code from our sponsor Twist Braid & Snap

Use our coupon code "CARAMEL" and you will receive 20% off everything at www.TwistBraidSnap.com (except sidewinders).  Coupon Code is only good through April 7th, 2016 and cannot be used in combination with any other code. 

Twist Braid Snap started with a goal of providing a variety of children's hair accessories at a great price. Their children’s hair accessories include hair snaps, ballies, barrettes, headbands, hair beads, including the squeeze beads and more.  Whether you have curly, wavy, straight, thin, thick or course hair we have the perfect hair accessory for you.  They stock a full line of children's hair accessories.  

AND WHY STOP THERE... they also have shirts !!  Below are the links to the shirts they have available now for purchase, but they are only available for the next few days, so make sure you place your order NOW!  

To order this amazing shirts click on the links below: 

https://teespring.com/keep-it-natural

https://teespring.com/natural-hair-diva

11 Beautiful Hairdos for Your Easter Celebration!

Hello there my beautiful people!! 

Easter Sunday is March 27th and let's be real here for a second.  The way time is flying by and the way our schedules are always busy, Easter Sunday will be here before we know it.  

With that in mind, we have compiled a few quick and simple styles that will help keep your little one's curly mane under control.    With these styles you can spend more time decorating eggs or preparing those special baskets every kid loves to receive at the end of their egg hunt!  After all, our little curly babies deserve to feel as fresh and beautiful as a spring sunny day.

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#2

#3

#4

#5

#6

#7

#8

#9

#10

#11

This look is a great way to wear their curls out but still keep them under control.

Be sure to let us know which looks is your favorite in the comments below!!

The Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV)

Hello Everyone and welcome back! 

After posting this picture on our Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages, we received a few messages asking us about ACV and its benefits.  Therefore, we decided to write this quick post about the benefits on Natural Hair, Weight Loss & Health. 

   I finally decided to give this "old" recipe a try, mainly because one of our biggest struggle is "thirsty hair", especially during the cold and dry days.  

    It is important to remember that using Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) without adding plenty of water on your curly strands may damage them.      Therefore, make sure you mix the Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) with plenty of warm water.

    I added 2 tbs of Vinegar to 16 oz warm water.  Now that Ms. Bree's hair is short, it is a bit difficult to estimate how much solution or product is needed.  Needless to say, I didn't use the entire 16 oz.

   If you have anything left, don't worry, you can save the mixture to be used at a later time. 

  

     As you can see, Ms. Bree was not very happy about the strong odor.  I must agree with her on that!  It was a bit strong and even her puppy found it a bit "interesting", so interesting that she wanted to lick Ms. Bree's hair.  But thankfully this only require from 10  to 15 minutes to work!  

Here Are A Few "Benefits of ACV" For Natural Hair: 

1.  The acidity of the Apple Cider Vinegar rinse will help maintain the pH balance of your curly tresses and it can remove buildup at the same time without stripping the hair of its natural oils. You may use Apple Cider Vinegar in lieu of a clarifying shampoo but make sure you choose an extra moisturizing conditioner so that your curly strands get all the moisture they need.

3.  Apple Cider Vinegar will help treat clogged hair follicles due to bacterial infection that creates crusty flakes on the scalp. 

4.  Apple Cider Vinegar can help stimulate better circulation to the hair follicles, which strengthens the hair roots and promotes a healthy hair growth.

5.  Apple Cider Vinegar has antibacterial and anti-fungal properties that help treat itchy, dry scalp. 

6. Apple Cider Vinegar rinse can also help in closing your hair cuticles, which will keep moisture in your hair and minimize any frizz. 

It's important to remember that ACV is in acidity, and like with every product that contains high acidity levels, you must be cautious on how often you use it.  The over use of this ACV mixture can lead to the degradation of your hair shaft.  

ACV HEALTH BENEFITS

Korrie, owner of "Korrie's Korner" shares how she uses Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV):

I posted this a month ago on my Facebook page!  How many of you stuck with this and are you experiencing the benefits from it?

Starting a day early for my challenge group. My first healthy habit change is going back to drinking 1 tbsp of acv and 8oz water every morning and evening. There are so many amazing health benefits to this. Here are a few:

1. It helps lower triglycerides which in return lower the bad cholesterol.

2. It helps your body maintain a healthy alkaline pH level. (This is my main reason for taking. I have a lack of energy and get a little of female infections sometimes due to a low pH level. This happens from having too much acid in your body which is my problem.)

3. Overall detoxification. It detoxifies the liver. Helps stimulate cardiovascular circulation.

4.This miracle vinegar helps to break up mucous throughout the body and cleanse the lymph nodes. Believe it or not, research suggests that apple cider vinegar can help with allergies because of its ability to reduce mucous and sinus congestion. When reducing the effects of allergies, it can also help stave off sinus infections and their related symptoms, such as sore throats and headaches.

5.This vinegar is rich in natural enzymes that can help rid your body of candida—yeasts that are attributed to thrush in humans. Candida also is blamed for creating symptoms of fatigue, poor memory, sugar cravings, and yeast infections. (I have issues with this as well.)

6. Reduces heartburn. It might seem like an oxymoron, but it really does help.

To follow Korrie simply visit her Facebook Page: Korrie's Korner!

I've been drinking Dr. Oz's Swuimsuit Slimdown Drink for four days now.  

Drinking it before each meal reduces my appetite which leads me to eat smaller portions, my cravings for sweets (especially chocolate) have decreased and it has also helped producing a regular bowel movements. 

I can't say for sure if it has helped with any cholesterol issues as I don't have any.  However, I'm hoping my lovely husband will give this a try.  Of course that will require a lot of persuasion on my behalf!  

As I said before, ACV contains high level of acidity and just the same way it can damage your hair if you use in excess or undiluted. ACV can damage your tooth enamel as well as your throat's tissue if is not diluted before you drink it.

    

We hope you give this a try! 

Quick Updo Style for Today!

Good Morning Everyone!! 

Ms. Bree 's style is a simple and quick Updo.   Perfect for days like this, when "time" was definitely not my friend...  

  

Cornrowed her bottom half ;

and smoothed her front section;

Then brought both sections together into a simple small bun.

I didn't use any Bun Shaper Foam or sock, just carefully twisted her hair into a bun;

secured it with hair pins.

This style is only for the next couple of days.  I will fix her parts and finish the style this weekend!! 

Have a wonderful day.... the week is almost over!!!