Gel Talk: EcoStyler

EcoStyler Pink styled wash and go

Talking Gels: No, gels don't actually talk but I like to discuss them from time to time. I like to use gels AND products that are alcohol free. I always noticed that even when I had a relaxer the moment the beautician used some sort of alcohol laden product, my scalp would begin to itch and within days my hair would be dry (unmoisturized). My personal, natural journey and product snobbery led to my discovery of non-alcohol based gels such as EcoStyler. There are others but I just wanted to talk about this one for a moment. It is alcohol free and they have several versions. Some include olive oil, argan oil and other healthy ingredients. One is even meant for those active in sports. They come in a variety of colors- green, crystal, blue... I have previously tried the green, yellow and crystal. They were cool for my twists and wash and gos but I didn't LOVE them because my hair didn't need as much hold or was often too crunchy after use.

Then one day, I discovered that EcoCo (the maker) has a facebook page - find it here: http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Ecoco/216194538402548. And on that page, they note the best use for each gel. Lo and behold I found that the "crystal" I'd been using was for porous hair. My own hair is "low porosity". After reading a bit more on each I suspected that pink was for me as it has less hold (meaning less crunch for me) for my hair which spirals on it's own. I searched high and low for it on the ground here in Columbus and was only able to find green, yellow and crystal at the suggested retailers and beauty supply stores (Sallys, Walgreens, CVS). Then one random day after the recent power outage, I went grocery shopping at Giant Eagle. Something told me to look in the cosmetics section and voila! There it was! I have been using it rather faithfully every since and it really does work for me. And might I add that EcoStyler gel is very affordable at about $3-$4 for a 16-oz jar (there are 8oz sizes too). There's something for everyone in this gel line. I'm really looking forward to trying their NEW Crazy, Sexy, Cool Curls line (partially because it borrows the name from an album title of one of my favorite girl groups- the first curlie who names the group wins a free jar of Eco Gel from me!). Give it a try!

Getting Back In the Zone

Life often comes at you fast; speedily bringing lots of distractions that derail your plans to change aspects of your life. The distractions I’m referencing take you further from, versus closer to your goals and dreams.  What should be temporary disruptions have somehow lasted much longer than they ought. In my case, it’s been things like:

•  Personal issues
•  Power outages
• Vacations
• Potlucks/Team Events
• TV
• Other People’s Poop (You down with OPP?)

I like to think that I’m always evolving. I feel as though God has given me many gifts and talents and I’m at my best or simply “IN THE ZONE” when I’m using them. This is just one reason I became a Zumba instructor. But I realized recently that despite my heavy workout regiment, I’d been neglecting my eating goals. I’ve had a goal to lose 30 pounds for the last year. I’d like to finally accomplish this by December, 2012. But starting over every week, or few days has pushed me further away, or at the least- caused me to become stagnant.

I’ve also had a goal to get my blog and crafting going again. I enjoy writing for entertainment purposes but I also find it therapeutic to share my poetry, photography and crafts. Still, I regularly find reasons to ignore the pen and my desk that holds everything I SAY that I love. I put off or ignore the great words, crafting ideas and articles that formulate in my head randomly during the day and at night. It has become insanity at its best.

Procrastinating has become a major problem and it has not come with the type of losses I want to achieve. Like I mentioned above, I find myself starting anew over and over. But this time, I’m declaring it will be different. To kick start this endeavor, I will either write or craft for at least one hour every day/night (starting today/night!). To keep things exciting, I will pick up my camera and start a random photography project based on my interests. I will NOT take the easy way out with my phone or Instagram.

Egg whites with asparagus and mushroom

Additionally, aligning my meals with my fitness regimen will become a priority. Water will again become my BFF in a bottle. My loved ones will have to understand if I decline dinner at places where I struggle (you know- the ones with complimentary, bread baskets- lol), eat before I come to an event, or only indulge occasionally. Hopefully, some of them will join me.

I’m on a journey to stop avoiding success. And it starts with THIS MEAL and THIS BLOG. Let’s go.

Once upon a time...

Once upon a time, I had a blog. I was quite excited about it as it provided a way for me to share everything I love... and then life happened. Deaths, graduations, vacations and family adjustments have caused me to do everything but log onto my computer. Feeling overwhelmed prevented me from actually composing something worthy of your eyes/ears! But the page kept calling. Ideas kept coming and eventually I got it. I was born to write, to explore and to utilize every single talent the creator has given me. It took several tries and epic battles with procrastination for me to get it back together and get started again. So... I'm back! For real. Happy Sunday everyone! New post tomorrow.