Hey there! 

So in the midst of the last week of the semester and finals next week, I have completely ignored my hair and kept it in a bun all week. Yesterday I finally had some time to wash and deep condition so I did just that. My hair was begging for extra moisture so I even sat under the dryer for 15 minutes with the treatment (which I never do). While sitting under there I remembered 1) how much I DO NOT miss the heat and 2) that I was at my 6 months mark!  For a girl that sat under a dryer, blowdried, and flat ironed her hair weekly thats a long time. In six months my hair has changed so much and I can't wait to see how it continues to flourish

 I could not find a picture from June when I stopped straightening, but trust me it was  just as "wavy" and awkward as it was in August when I went to Miami. The first two months were rough because I couldn't figure out what worked and what did not (I still can't sometimes) but it has gotten a lot easier and I am learning something new every month.

Toodles!

Gift Guide 2015

Hi guys! 

I don't know about anyone else but as soon as thanksgiving starts rolling around I get really anxious about Christmas gifts and making lists. Despite trying to plan, I always end up getting someones gift last minute (sorry whoever you are this year). I've put together five gifts for guys and gals that are sure to be a hit and won't break the bank.

Hope you enjoy and happy shopping!❤️

 1.  This Ralph Lauren wallet is currently on sale at Macys for under $30. Last year I gifted Adrian (the boyfriend) a wallet with his initials engraved, a picture of his grandmother, and some gift cards in the slots!:)

2. Robes have easily become my favorite gift. I love to personalized things, so I have personalized robes as well for my brother and boyfriend. This robe is on sale for $20 and is originally $50.

3. Because cologne is ALWAYS a good idea. You can choose any scent, the Bvlgari one smells so good!

4. This is something I've never gifted but a really good idea for your guy. You can find this Decanter Set on sale right now at Macys for under $40.

5. You can't go wrong with a game!Just make sure you get it for the correct system.

1. If anyone is reading this and wondering what to get me..now you know! You can order this Keurig from Amazon and get it just in time to wrap and put under the tree.

2. Because who doesn't love jewelry. This ear pin/ cuff look is super cute from Kate Spade

3. If she's into makeup she will loveee Jaclyn Hills highlighter.

4. These shoes are so cute and affordable (under $40)  from Lolashoetique

5. More Kate Spade goodies, a small cross body bag that will fit all the essentials.

Toodles! 

Rizos in the City

Hola! 

This past weekend I attended a small event, Rizos in the city hosted by Miss Rizos herself. Miss Rizos, also known as Carolina Contreras, is a beautiful Latina (inside and out) who is the founder of Miss Rizos blog and Salon in Dominican Republic. Her salon caters to woman with curly hair in DR and focuses on beauty, identity, and empowerment. They offer all kinds of services a curly girl can dream of from haircuts and finger coils to protective styles and wash and go's! It's amazing that a salon like this exist, especially in a country where natural hair is not encouraged or deemed beautiful. 

So much hair in one selfie! (and I love it!)

I had an amazing time with my cousin and cannot wait to visit Miss. Rizos salon very soon! 

We All Grow NYC!

Hi!! 

So the last weekend In October I went to the city that never ever sleeps, NYC! I went to New York for my first ever Blogging conference and it was amazing. Honestly I was very hesitant about going because I'm very new to blogging and thought I wouldn't benefit from it, boy was I wrong! There were so many inspirational woman there mentoring, laughing, and present in the moment. 

""

The best part about how many times Ana Flores said this was that she truly believes it. Her positivity and encouragement was felt throughout the entire event!

Although I enjoyed and learned a ton from all of the mentors, Lisa Price (President and Founder of Carlos Daughter) stuck out the most to me. Hours into the event I was still nervous and she said to us all "It's ok to be a messy awkward work in progress". That hit home for me, a messy (very) awkward work in progress is exactly what I am right now and it was nice hearing that from her. 

 Inspired by Dia De Los Muertos, Vive Mejor put together this delicious treat table for us to enjoy during one of the networking breaks! 

Emmelie De La Cruz from The Branding Muse, Enid Hwang the community manager for Pinterest, Marie Chalita from Vanidades USA and Cosmopolitan en Español, and Zuania Capo from Vivala were amazing Mentors who gave us some insight on what they do and tools to be successful. 

I am so thankful for Ada Rojas from Gypsy in the City for really encouraging me to go to the conference. I had an amazing time and met so many beautiful women who really inspired me. Im looking forward to attending events similar to this one! 

5 Tips to Thrift Shopping

Hi!

Surprise surprise a post that is not about my hair! Lately I've had the urge to go to Goodwill a lot and it probably has to do with the fact that none of my jeans fit anymore:( I enjoy thrift shopping because I always find good stuff for even better prices. I have purchased a handful of name brand items in mint condition (and sometimes even new) for less than ten bucks! Thrift shopping is fun but it takes some patience to get use to and "master".

Here are 5 simple tips I recommend to making thrift shopping easier:

1. Dress comfortably- Don't wear your tightest jeans and heels; you won't want to try anything on and be uncomfortable . 
2. Have an idea of what your shopping for- Go in with a plan to find sweaters or black pants for example. Narrowing down what you want to shop for will cut down your time there. 
3. Bring a set amount of cash- This will help you stick to just buying what you planned on and not overspending 
4. Be on the lookout for special sales- I got an extra 25% off my purchase just by showing my school ID!
5. Wash everything after bringing it home (duh)- This one is kind of a no-brainer. Wash any clothes before wearing it just to keep things sanitary. 

*The leggings and grey jacket I have on in the bottom left are both from goodwill:)

My current favorite hair products

Hi! 

These past three (almost four) months have been a bumpy road. I am getting better at managing this curly hair but still learning. When I first decided to go heat free I purchased some essentials based on my research: sulfate free shampoo, silicon free conditioner and some type of leave in. As the weeks went by I hated my shampoo and didn't care for my conditioner. My cousin introduced me to Trader Joes tea tree tingle shampoo and conditioner and I LOVE it (thanks kp). I've bought products that I see curly girls raving about and some are great while others my hair hated! Below are some of my current favs...

WASH/CO-WASH: 

• Trader Joes Tea tingle shampoo
• Trader Joes Tea tree tingle conditioner 
• DevaCurl No-Poo Decadence
• DevaCurl OneCondition Decadence 

DEEP CONDITIONER:

• Aussie 3 Minute Miracle (from walmart) 
• Silicone Mix  (I have used this even before going heat free. I don't know if it has silicone but...I kind of don't care. It works for my hair)

STYLER: 

• Shea Moisture Curl Enhancing Smoothie (here)
• DevaCurl Supercream Coconut Styler (THIS is my favorite)
• Eco styler alcohol free gel 
• Curls Passion Fruit Curl control paste  (aka edge control)

OILS:

(I use these as a mixture on individually for pre-poo)

• Castor Oil
• Coconut Oil 

Y ese pelo malo??

Hi Guys!

Balancing a school, life, and a blog is hard stuff and I have A LOT to learn from my favorite bloggers who manage to do it all so effortlessly. I want each and every one of my posts to be genuine and for my readers to enjoy. My 22nd birthday just passed and I got a Macbook Air and a DSLR camera so Im ready to brainstorm and deliver! I hope to be blogging more frequently, please feel free to suggest any ideas :)

The term Pelo Malo is so normal the Hispanic community its uncomfortable. Why is everyone ok with saying it? Will it ever stop? Beauty to hispanic woman is HUGE and (almost) always has a universal definition. Beauty is fair skin, pin straight hair, and a small waist. Hair and weight is a big one in my family. My mother who is a hairdresser always encouraged me to straighten my hair because it was "easier" and my cousin is discovering her natural texture at 24 because my aunt permed her hair at a very young age. I do not doubt that our mothers love us, but I do know that their standards of beauty are deeep rooted and have affected us in ways they do not imagine.

My cousin who just came from Dominican Republic is still mentally there, and I am sure will be for a very long time. For the past two days she has wondered why my hair isn't straight and why I was wasting time watching youtube videos on finger coiling instead of getting a roller set. Today, she finally asked me when do I plan on fixing my "Pelo Malo" and I wanted to flip. I wanted to tell her my hair was not bad and it didn't need fixing. My hair is beautiful (even though its at an awkward stage right now). No my hair does not need a perm nor a flat iron, it needs a satin pillow to avoid breakage. Luckily, I practiced some self control and didn't flip because she didn't deserve it. Last time I was in DR my hair was straight at all times so I totally understand her "concern". Curly natural hair in Dominican Republic is not something you see often (unless its in-between salon visits). I told her I was staying away from heat and recovering my natural curly hair....she didn't care. She walked out my room saying I need to get my pajon (fro) under control.   SIGH....

She will be living in my house and I hope this "bad hair" will grow on her but I don't expect it to. The perception of beauty she has is very different to mine, and even my mothers who is now natural herself (go mami!). A lot has changed since I was growing up, curly hair is encouraged and even celebrated in my family. I still love my cousin weather or not she accepts my decision to go without heat. After all its my hair and I only need approval from myself.

Miami Trip

Hi Guys!

I've been a little MIA because I was getting ready to go on vacation and then was gone! Last week I went to Miami with Adrian (my boyfriend). This will be our third vacation together in the last six years and they just get better! I took a ton of picture and wanted to share a few with you guys. We stayed at the Riviera Suites on 20th and Collins and loved it.

The day we arrived we headed straight to eat, the beach, and then Fat Tuesdays!

                                                We visited the Everglades and posed with this baby alligator:)

      We spent a lot of time at the beach and just in the sun in general because adrian really wanted to     get as dark as I did. After the segway tour my shoulders were DONE and could not handle the sun anymore; so while Adrian laid out to catch up with me I hid under and umbrella for shade.

All I ever wanted was everything......

Still an Undergrad??

Hi guys!

So while I was brainstorming for my next post I thought I would just start writing about what first popped up in my head,surprisingly it was school. I am 21 years YOUNG and still an undergrad student. When asked, "what year are you in" or "when do you graduate" I instantly reply, "I should've graduated this year". I am starting to notice NO ONE cares when I was suppose to graduate. Those who have graduated, and even those who have yet to, always reply by saying " it's fine, don't rush". This is probably the biggest piece of advice I hear from people. I definitely get angry at myself sometimes for not graduating on time but then I remember there really is no rush. A lot of young adults graduate and then have no idea what they want to do with that degree. I'm not excluding myself from that group of clueless undergraduate students, but I have chosen to look at it on the bright side.  Eventually, I will graduate and my mom will be the happiest woman on this planet. I get some pressure from her but not nearly as much as I thought I would. She encourages me to go to school, love my career, and live a happy life.  Where I am going and how I will get there is far more important than how fast I make it and I constantly have to remind myself of that. 

(btw I appreciate those who have read and commented on my first blog post, muchas gracias! If you have not, I forgive you and now is your chance to catch up ;) )

My Hair Journey

Hi guys! It is only fair that my first blog post be about what I am going through at this very moment: transitioning from VERY damaged hair to naturally curly. This is one of the hardest things I have done thus far in my life (i'm a little dramatic just fyi) but I am proud of myself for not giving up. I am Dominican and have naturally brown curly hair that (use to) weigh the rest of my body down. Up until Freshmen Year in High School my hair was very long and I almost always had it straightened because the curls were too much for me to handle. Sophomore year the day after my Sweet 15, I cut 16 inches off my long luscious hair into a very short bob. That was great but my hair was SO thick I looked like dora :( My hair grew quickly but I became addicted to cutting and was constantly cutting inches off whenever I was bored (I really should have found a hobby!) Meanwhile I was still blowdrying and flat ironing my hair WEEKLY.

Fast foward a couple years, I graduated High School in 2011 and remained cutting and straightening. December 2013 I got really bored apparently and cut my hair into a pixie. That is the shortest my hair has ever been but I do not regret it. A pixie cut is something I had been contemplating and obsessing on Pinterest for a year and woke up one morning and did it. But guess what I kept doing after the pixie cut though??? You guessed it...Straightening my hair!

I got bored again with black hair and got ombre this year in March. Yes all the heat was damaging but bleaching my hair was the last straw.  After two bleaching sessions a couple weeks apart my hair was screaming for help. Early June 2015 I bought some essential hair products, washed my hair on June 12th determine not to put it in rollers. It's been almost two months and I've been rocking my natural hair.Now I know two months does not seem like a lot but for me it has felt like an eternity. Embracing my natural hair has not been easy. I still love my hair straight and am slowly learning to love my curls again. I have good hair days and REALLY bad hair days but thats ok, I'm going with the flow;)