Beauty

I don’t even know when or how I learned to braid. I know for a fact my mother didn’t teach me, because she couldn’t braid that well. I suppose I taught myself at a young age. My doll’s hair use to be LAID.

Being an only child can get lonely.

When I got to college one of my old roommates knew how to braid hair as well. She taught me how to braid with extensions and it was on an popping from there. We would tag team on doing micro braids. She’d take one side and I’d take the other. Let’s just say we made quite a bit of pizza and shopping money.

I actually enjoy braiding hair. It’s calming, unfortunately, I don’t always have the time to do intricate styles on Addison so when I get a free moment I like to put a protective style on her. Recently I gave her some box braids to give my mornings a rest. I’ve had people ask how I braid so I thought I’d do a quick tutorial video.

Let me say, this tutorial is not for beginners. You will need to know how to braid hair a little. The key to braiding with extensions is to keep the hair right at your fingertips, that will keep the braid nice and tight. I know it sounds easier said than done, but with a little practice you can do it!

In the video, I highlight how to hold the hair and the simple process that connects the extensions with the real hair. I hope something in this video helps. If you become a braiding guru after watching this, holler at me and let me know!

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Thank you to PURENEW for sponsoring this conversation on skincare. All opinions are mine.

My makeup arsenal is about as basic as it gets. I like makeup, I really do. I don’t own much of it but I can pull together a decent look with the bare basics that I own, you know foundation, blush, primer, eyeliner etc. etc. etc.

In the past few months, I’ve become more concerned with my skincare. Okay, more like obsessed. I’ve started getting facials once a month and I’ve nailed down a skin care routine that is really working for me. It’s a mixture of Yes to Coconut products, the Mario Bedescu glycolic cleanser, a serum I picked up from Marshalls and Dermalogica. It’s a motley crue, but it works.

All of these products are topical, but as with anything from self love to clear skin, it all starts within. PURENEW, a fusion of the word pure and renew is a line of  vitamin supplements developed to help improve your skin from the inside out. I’ll be the first to tell you that I am quite certain I don’t get all of the nutrients my body needs from the foods I eat. PURENEW supplements use premium ingredients and are backed by clinical studies and control standards enforced by the FDA to give your body and your skin an extra boost of nutrients to nourish your body on the inside and out.

The beauty (pun intended) of PURENEW is the products are optimized for skin health based on age related issues. So, since your girl is knock, knock, knocking on 40 the Professional Skin Clear I’m using is aimed at reducing wrinkles and promoting clear skin by increasing collagen and boosting moisture. Totally different from being in your 20s and 30s when the focus is on pores, fighting fine lines and dark spots.

A regimen of a healthy diet, lots of water and supplements where needed can help you feel and look your best. Always make the best decision for you. For more info on PURENEW be sure to visit their website.