Professional Hairdresser Experience

I keep forgetting to put this post up.

A while ago my dad (step-dad), treated my mom, sister and I to a day of pampering. It came out of nowhere! No special occasion or event; he simply surprised us. My dad’s literal words were “Do you have to work Saturday?” I replied and then it was set. We all met at the salon and got the works (mani/pedi/hair).

It had been a long while since I’d been to a professional stylist as I do my own hair. However my dad was so sweet as to do this I viewed her Instagram page and went to the appointment knowing exactly what I wanted. I wanted the one style I was usually too lazy to do myself: flat iron!!

I’m no fanatic but I do treat my hair with special care before applying heat so I was extremely excited and nervous about my experience. I knew I couldn’t let a new person cut/ trim my hair plus I’d already done it so I declined that part. She started off by explaining the process, telling me about the products and saying something I’d never heard before. She told me I had a lot of hair but it was fine. I was shocked. I was always told how thick my hair was so this was news to me. However when I started thinking about everything I knew it made total sense. Curly it looked like it went on forever but straight or wet most of it seemed to disappear and that was why. Other than that shocking info the rest of the experience was as if I did it myself with regards to the care and attention given.

The results as well as the first wash after the service are above. I waited because I wanted to make sure there was no heat damage then I forgot… All in all it was great experience and I would (will) do it again!!

PS – The only reason I didn’t include her contact info is because I didn’t ask. If you’re curious then message me on Instagram and I”ll share

Self-care

Things have changed. I’m working, failing at being primarily plant-based and other stuff. Most noteworthy has been my mental health. I debated mentioning this but decided it could help my son when he’s older. I hope he realizes there is nothing to be ashamed of, embarrassed about or fearful of because it can happen to anyone. Before I start, I’m not taking anything as I don’t think it is that bad however if you do need help do not hesitate to seek a professional. In my case, I sought comfort from my family.

It started when I was having a hard day. I wasn’t sleeping, everything went from great to horrible over the smallest things and I didn’t seem to enjoy anything. By all accounts, I thought my depression was coming back. I feared not being able to handle everything with a smile on my face. Embarrassed that I lacked endurance because all of this took place in only a few months. And I was ashamed of not being able to balance everything perfectly. Holding everything in was turning me into an emotional monster.

One day I decided to blurt it all out no matter how crazy I thought it made me look. I was nervous as I’d built up a terribly dramatic scene in my head. Thankfully all went well. My husband comforted me and reminded me that taking time for myself is important. Actually following through with what we discussed was extremely hard since I’m not good at relaxing…

Step 1 – Logging off

I stopped checking social media which included watching vlogs. I started comparing my life to the ones I saw which isn’t fair because most only put up the good stuff and even “regular” moments seemed to look shiny compared to my own.

Step 2 – Getting the basics done

I knew there was no way I could relax if I didn’t clean my house to my satisfaction and check off certain things on my to do list for work. I’m the type of person who has to have clean, organized space or my mind feels cluttered. I stopped fighting and used my first (and second) day alone to do just that!

Step 3 Relaxing

I never thought I’d be able to do this! Technically I’m writing this post, working, making grocery list, light cleaning (I truly enjoy cleaning) and planning my return to healthy lifestyle changes. But I am truly relaxed (for me…). Like previously stated, I enjoy getting things done and though I should’ve continued to do nothing it just isn’t in my nature.

Was my time alone perfect? No. Was I relaxing the whole time? Nope. Did I enjoy myself? Absolutely! I may have times when my emotions go haywire and I don’t enjoy anything but now I have steps to get me back into the right head space. I also have people I can talk to that will help me come back down off of the emotionally dangerous ledge. So here are my keys to success*:

identify the problem(s)
talk to someone including a professional if necessary
make a plan
follow through

*this is not medical/ professional advice; this is what works for me 🙂

New Job – Studio Manager

I’m working now!!

I’ve been contemplating getting a part-time job for a while now but every time I applied for something I’d get a queasy feeling in my stomach. When I decided to push fear aside and go for it I had 2 opportunities at once not to mention a few temp agencies seeking me out. The job I ended up accepting was the one I didn’t even apply for. A friend recommended me and that how I got it! I won’t go into specifics but I didn’t get the queasy feeling so I knew it was right for me. I am not going to say who I’m working for until I ask if she’s okay with it first but I love my new job.

I’m a Studio Manager for a small business. I organize, maintain and help with the day-to-day stuff. This particular industry is very new to me but will help with something I have desperately wanted to do. Hopefully she’ll allow me blog/ vlog about my experience with the service I want! More on this later 🙂

I feel good about the work I’m doing because it is familiar and different. I was having a very hard time in the beginning balancing work and home life but I’ve gotten into a groove; not a routine but a good flow. Some days I am thrilled to be at work enjoying the change of pace from my SAHM life. Other days I feel like a horrible neglectful parent/ wife and those days are extremely difficult emotionally speaking. Being a SAHM for almost 3 years has been strange yet rewarding but I’m looking forward to all my new adventures as a working mom.

Lifestyle Change – Pescatarian/ Vegetarian

abundance agriculture bananas batch — Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

I’ve been considering being a pescatarian or vegetarian for a while but never fully committed. Now I feel inspired to give it a try. I’m not going to commit to a specific duration because I’m hoping this will be a permanent change. I know myself and the people I’m surrounded by so there will be challenges but in the end everyone will be supportive (or tolerant).

agriculture basket beets bokeh — Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

I plan to read the Meatless Machine chapter in the book 4-Hour Body by Tim Ferris. He was spot on helping me lose weight (though I’ve fallen off the wagon and burned it…) so I trust this source to get me started with all around health and nutrition for my seafood only journey. I still plan to transition to full vegetarian but I feel pescatarian is a more realistic goal for now. I’m not a huge fan of vegetables. So the first thing I need to do is research recipes in order to make my meals edible. Once I get that down I’ll start trying new things. Any advice or helpful tips would be more than welcome.

Thanks in advance!

Travel Dreams

*No Frills Post*

I’ve always been fascinated by people adventurous enough to live abroad. I wanted to move when I was fresh out of high school but I didn’t. I wanted to move when I got married but again I didn’t. I’m a mom and still have those desires but this time I wouldn’t want it to be permanent because I want my son to be able to grow up around his family (unless an opportunity was too good to pass up!).

My questions for anyone reading this: How did you do it? Did you plan for years? Did you just go for it? How did/ do you feel? What did your family/ friends think? Does anyone visit you? Do you go back home? What has your experience been? Any advice for a mom that wants to see the world?

I have a desire to show my son the world so he can experience life outside of the United States of America. I want him to be brave enough to be an explorer and know that mommy and daddy have his back. I want him to visit different places and know he can live any where he chooses especially if he has space for his parents (LOL)! Most of all I want him to widen his view of the world and know the world is big and small at the same time because while the space is huge the human experience happens everywhere and everyone has a story to tell.

P1000731

Day Trip – Monterey, CA

Hubby surprised us with a day trip to Monterey! It was a complete mystery until we were about 1/3 of the way there. Then I found out while navigating. Even though I was getting over a bad virus and hubby felt awful, we had a great time. Here’s what the view looked like 🙂

PS – I might continue to update with pictures because I don’t have all of them

Putting It Out There – Career/ Business

I’ve often wondered how reviewer/ product testers get in contact with their favorite brands in order to get sponsored. I’ve looked into a few things on my own but not many end up being real. I am here to ask for advice from people capable of pointing me in the right direction. I know all information comes with BUTs because no one can guarantee a company will have any use for what I can provide; detailed reviews and suggestions for improvements but any useful advice would be very much appreciated.

Drum Roll please:

Target Corporation – This has been a favorite of mine for years and I frequently refer to it as my happy place. 2 of the 3 other companies mentioned were discovered at Target. The Starbucks inside are an added bonus.

Just started using big pack of wipes; I normally use the paper masks

Yes To, Inc. – Specifically Tomatoes. I love their sheet masks but I can’t use them as often as I like so I am not positive they work so much as I enjoy using them during my Spa Day.

Out of wipes so this is just an empty package 🙂

SheaMoisture – Favorite products African Black Soap: Clarifying Mud Mask, Body Wash & Clarifying Facial Wipes; Raw Shea Chamomile & Argan Oil Baby Head-to-Toe and last but not least Jamaican Black Castor Oil Strengthen and Restore Leave-In Conditioner. They also have makeup I would love to try.

Need to restock my oils because this is all I have left

NOW Foods – ALL THE OILS!!! I’m kidding I haven’t tried them all (though I’m working on it) but I am obsessed with a lot of them. I’ll name my top 3 there are a lot: Sweet Almond, Jojoba and Grapeseed/ Avocado (these I use interchangeably).

There you have it. It is now in the universe and even though I will not give up in pursuing these brands I’m hoping someone with the knowledge I need finds my space and points me in the right direction. Also this is not me saying I wouldn’t be open to other brands especially ones with natural ingredients, fair trade practices or local businesses. I’m simply saying this is a list of companies I currently use/ go to.

PS – I’m counting this as a digital Vision Board because lets face it it would be a dream come true to have my favorite brands find my corner of the internet.

Movie Date

Thursday I talk to my mom who tells me they want the mini for the weekend. We happily agree and make arrangements. We knew we were going to see Black Panther but decided the mini was too young to attend based on what others were saying so this was the perfect opportunity to see it.

Friday we buy our tickets in advance in order to get decent seats; YAY seat selector!

Saturday is finally here. It’s cheat, movie and kid-free day!! Yes I only count Saturday as kid-free because we dropped him off Friday and would be picking him up Sunday. I’m thinking what could go wrong?! We already bought our tickets, my hair was pre-poo’ed and we had snacks ready to eat. All was going as planned. While hubby relaxed and snacked I started on my hair. This is when it all went down hill. I was getting ready to dry my hair when the plug to my dryer fell in water (no worries I’m fine). I started to panic because this is the only dryer that is both fast and straightens. I could either find an alternate or panic. Well I multi-tasked and did both.

I panicked, decided my hair couldn’t be fought and came up with a plan B. Plan B was detangling, moisturizing, braiding in 4 big braids and covering it with a knit hat. I was only a quarter of the way done when I saw the time and knew I had to go so we weren’t late. I put all the items above in my backpack purse, picked out my knit hat and ran out the door. I had to finish my hair and put on makeup while in the car and before anyone else could see me. First I set up all the products then realized it was horribly unsafe to put all the products out as one could roll under the brake and prevent us from being able to stop. After re-positioning everything I got to work. Right as I was parting my hair, I look up to see a homeless man staring directly at me either wondering what I’m doing or thinking I’m insane. Light is green and we’re off. I’m now in a showdown with my edges and finally success! I win 🙂 As we enter the parking garage, I’m freaking out because my brows already struggle under normal conditions and I could only imagine what horror the light would reveal once I entered the theater. Turns out I did a decent job but I put on my sunglasses just in case.

Finally we sit down to enjoy the movie; EARLY might I add. The movie was both visually appealing and spoke to me in a way I didn’t expect. Even hubby thought the story line was one of Marvel’s best. I’m torn whether or not to do a full on movie review as I am sure there are tons out there but I might do a His/Her review anyways. All in all this was a very amusing yet emotional movie date.

Wig-ing Out pt 2

I wasn’t sure what to call this but making it a part 2 seems fitting. In the original “Wig-ing Out” post, I mentioned purchasing the same wig in a different color and I did😁

I made a brief video overview (link below) but I included pictures of the wig packaging because I accidentally deleted my original video. There are also pictures of the Red Velvet color so you can see the slight differences.

BS206 1B

1st Wig which made me want to repurchase

Note: Red seems softer than black. Black had short pieces at the top which resembled hair that was broken off; best way I can think of to describe it.

I hope this helps anyone interested in this wig!

Watch my quick wig review on YouTube at Journey to Mommy; link below.

While this post isn’t sponsored by anyone, I was able to buy it with gift cards I accumulated through taking surveys. I still worked for the gift cards but it wasn’t part of regular income.

Sick Day

I don’t get sick days or vacation time as a parent but I do have help occasionally. My mom came over so I could take care of myself and rest. She even brought me a care package.

While her visit was a welcome surprise, I knew she wouldn’t be able to do that the whole time I was sick. On the other days, I was extremely grateful for my son’s love of books. His favorite books change but on that day the winner was Dr. Seuss One Fish Two Fish Red Fish Blue Fish or as he refers to it Fish Fish or Two Fish.

I was especially pleased he felt like “reading” to me since my throat was sore and going out. He picture read to me until he was distracted but it was adorable to watch. I capture moments like this to remind me not every moment is epic some are just sweet memories you hold in your heart.

April's Universe

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