Hi Dolls,

One of the current hair trends is Conditioner Washing also known as Co-washing. There are a few versions of this and beauty product companies are cashing in. Sulfate-free products is another trend that people use prior to co-washing. Speaking of sulfate-free shampoos, today's number one seller is a Sulfate-free shampoo, these products are free from the harsh chemical known as sodium lauryl sulfite, ammonium lauryl sulfate, or sodium laureth sulfate. This chemical is basically a cleansing chemical that is pretty harsh on your hair, it also causes the bubbles that we associate with cleansing. So less bubbles, less harshness equals yes you have guessed it a more expensive shampoo. There are several choices in your local store and even more on line. Carol’s Daughter, John Masters, Aveda. L’Oreal, Pantene, you name it practically every company is selling sulfate-free shampoo. There are so many choices in shampoos yet people are following the trend of Conditioning Washing.


Conditioning Washing the actual term was coined by Curly Girl Method creator and author of Curly Girl Lorraine Massey. The Curly Girl Method is a curly girl’s step-by-step guide to beautiful curls. Curly and wavy hair has a tendency to be drier, so the hair needs more moisture to be stronger. Hence using a shampoo that has harsh chemicals that dry your hair would be counter-productive to strengthening and growing your hair. Co-washing consist of using just conditioner to cleanse your hair. Some conditioners have a cleansing agent in them similar to that of an antiseptic which allows your hair to some degree to be cleansed. Now if you are putting oils, gels, lanolin, mousse, and anything in your hair that creates a barrier or coats your hair, co-washing may not keep your hair healthy. Co-washing will rinse some of those products away, however it will not clean it as well as a shampoo. For example, many shampoos are formulated with a low pH. The acidity of shampoo raises the hair cuticle, making it easier to remove dirt and product buildup. Shampoos also have detergents that clean the hair and scalp. So yes in considering if you would like to co-wash your hair you have to consider your hair texture, your hair style, and what type of products you use to maintain your hair. A person with a dry scalp or someone who is prone to dandruff may not choose to co-wash your hair because your scalp may not get the appropriate care with this method.

As an experiment I have chosen to co-wash my hair, I used a Chi Sulfate-Free Shampoo and then use Neutrogena Leave-in conditioner on a daily basis, when I am ready to cleanse my hair I will use Pantene’s Co-Washing Conditioning Cleanser or something recommended at Sally’s Beauty Supply. My goal is to make my hair stronger and grow it longer. So if you are considering “Co-washing” your hair consider what type of hair you have and what your goals are, what ever your choice I wish you a happy hair journey.

XOXO

Nikki

Hola Dolls,

Summer is coming... and I don't know about anyone else, but I want to look my best this summer! So with that being said, some major habit changes must come into play.  The first and most important is with our diet! Below are two  supplements that have helped me lose a few inches and gain energy at the same time. 

Benefits of Maca

Maca has gained a reputation for helping balance hormones and reverse hypothyroidism. It is an endocrine adaptogen, meaning that it does not contain any hormones, but rather it contains the nutrients necessary to support normal hormone production. 

Having a problem with stamina, infertility and your sexual libido? Maca powder is great to combat that! A root vegetable native to Peru, MACA is filled with many vitamin and nutrients that support the body's natural immune system naturally. I have been taking maca powder in the capsule form for over 2 weeks now and I have definitely seen the difference in my stamina during exercise and I have slimmed down in my stomach which is always a plus. I don't know if maca powder will do this for you, but it has helped to suppress my sugar cravings. 

GREEN TEA EXTRACT

Benefits of Green Tea Extract

Green Tea Extract is a great supplement for those needing extra energy and to jump start a slow and sluggish metabolism. This stuff is so good, Dr. Oz even gave it the thumbs up. Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), the active component of green tea, is now on scientists and doctors radar as a potential weight loss aid.

I personally took Green Tea Extract in 500 mg capsules twice a day as directed. It did help my energy levels, but I didn't stick with it, so I really don't know how good it is. Hopefully you ladies can comment and let us know your success/horror stories on Green Tea Extract. 

Thanks for reading Dolls! And as always stay dolled up! 

XOXO,

Paper Doll 😘

Hello Dolls!

  Do you have any physical goals?  Would you like to tone your body up but cannot find the time to work out or go to the gym?  As for me, my job is mentally draining.  Within my day to day I must prioritize in order to get the most important things in my life accomplished.
    I like working out and I have physical goals that I'd like to accomplish.  However, working out and exercise continues to get pushed to last on the list.
     Here are some tips to get you motivated.  First of all, before you begin to exercise muscle you must exercise your mind.  The first step is to mentally prepare.  This is done by gaining a mental perception of what you want out of a work out and how you plan to get it.
     Identify your target areas.  Got love handles or a stomach you'd like to flatten?  Would you like to tone your arms and legs?  There is a wealth of work out videos, information available in books magazines and the internet.  YouTube has an array of free videos that will suit your needs and tickle your fancy from dancing to rigorous workouts. Still not motivated? The solution to you dilemma is much easier than you think.  It takes a few basic movements to burn calories by getting your heart rate up.  Find 15 minutes out of each day.  Then use the above information to choose a work out that best suits your goals.
     Can you wake up early enough to start your day with 15 minutes of physical exercise?  Any form of exercise whether it's stretches, yoga postures, or light cardio, or even light weight training will do much to amp you up for the day.
     What about after work?  A good way to release tension, stress and beautify yourself could be those 15 minutes that other wise you'd spend watching television.
     We all know that exercise is a key to a healthy body and a great physique.  But exercise has been linked to a better sex life.  So keeping fit only helps maintain or revitalize performance and satisfaction in the bedroom.
     Over all ladies those who exercise regularly feel better about themselves and even report higher levels of satisfaction in all areas including the bedroom.  How's that for motivation?
     So ladies the information is at your finger tips the rest is up to you.  Stay beautiful and stay motivated!

XOXO

Nikki

Hi Dolls,

     Physically men are attracted to different things that may initially grab their attention.  But the person you are on the inside is what is most attractive and what really matters to the right man anyway. Sometimes women are the worst critics of oneself, however the things that a woman find most appealing about herself are the things that once a man gets passed the surface, won't matter as much as who she is personally.    This woman went on to say some absurd things, even after it was suggested to her that her topic of conversation did not leave the best impression she continued to say some absurd things. Now many men will entertain this particular woman, however as far as longevity she may have a lot of short dates. To a real man of substance and I must make that statement in order to differentiate from a man that is not, he is looking for a woman that he finds stimulating in more than a physical manner.  Because a man without a purpose may in fact go for a woman merely by physical attraction but with no specific purpose beyond what is physical has intentions to seek in a woman what he finds considerably more stimulating beyond the initial physical attraction.  Something to which he is drawn.  This could include but are not limited to needs and wants of a man shown through qualities or characteristics from which the woman displays whether learned or natural. This is a woman's essence, her substance.  It is who she is what she stands for and what she will not.  It is evident in the way she presents herself.  It speaks in her demeanor and confirmed in her speech.  It comes from her heart.  A man of substance looks for it and is drawn to it.  It's who you are and what makes you a real woman.