tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-92168302050743589182024-03-05T11:03:32.119-05:00Dolce's ClosetDolce Dawnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11046794499988273021noreply@blogger.comBlogger446125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9216830205074358918.post-27130765660924454102021-01-18T06:34:00.002-05:002021-01-18T14:06:28.324-05:00Out With the Old...<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbxybRrqW8e22nP_Khsal2ItrLKZnUwBjSPk1O_fBazZUqJNkRDck0gM7QdMfsIMuoPI_ix6SyOo1X1n8biSHgc0VwouydoTJ9au_8qDSb69oaDUyHLW4V9qRaaHosFo06I3EREunJB3Oc/s2048/400BEB32-889E-4228-A43D-0255648F5F9F.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbxybRrqW8e22nP_Khsal2ItrLKZnUwBjSPk1O_fBazZUqJNkRDck0gM7QdMfsIMuoPI_ix6SyOo1X1n8biSHgc0VwouydoTJ9au_8qDSb69oaDUyHLW4V9qRaaHosFo06I3EREunJB3Oc/w400-h300/400BEB32-889E-4228-A43D-0255648F5F9F.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><p>Hey, guys! Happy 2021! How’s everyone doing? Hope everyone is doing and feeling fine. Me? Oh, I’m doing well. Been kinda busy with work and stuff, shopping for groceries online, keeping track and organizing my personal stash of hand sanitizers at their assigned stations of use, washing and drying and washing again seven days’ worth of masks for daily wear, dressing up everyday only to stay behind closed doors quarantining for weeks on end... You know. The usual.</p><p>I’ve also been maintaining my locks and keeping on schedule with the care of my hair, which is a once a week thing. And in the midst of all this normalcy, it just so happens that last week my old time blow dryer conked out on me. Well, sort of. I plugged it in, it didn’t come on. I tried several times - no go. I called myself being clever by switching outlets - no blow. As a last resort, I sent up a feeble plea from my lips to God’s ear and went back to the original outlet to try again and... it finally came on. I proceeded to dry my hair, but took the cue that the old clunker was living on borrowed time. So, two days later, I up and bought a new one. An Infiniti Pro by Conair.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtVEgMeSVP6EbXauCak2jgUfzShgQIuejbUjnUFlbYpHx78jtDY8SFG8TPUzwqkbPil3_LQ7vugg6Xce9Ch6-6Aat8uCKvz2mSnqDmV8dH3eS98CzMbGgedesbTIbLqG1JMLVnEPRCSAhf/s2048/126C0C00-C0AC-46BD-8B11-DFBBF88788AF.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtVEgMeSVP6EbXauCak2jgUfzShgQIuejbUjnUFlbYpHx78jtDY8SFG8TPUzwqkbPil3_LQ7vugg6Xce9Ch6-6Aat8uCKvz2mSnqDmV8dH3eS98CzMbGgedesbTIbLqG1JMLVnEPRCSAhf/w400-h300/126C0C00-C0AC-46BD-8B11-DFBBF88788AF.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin3nj7kYAt87nPidTYjgHTrdDwxth8DSUbHR7mNg6zCqqMSus3rUCDhcROTJTcggmHgVSCrJXmCUJR77_ryVmDULnSoJQJFTiVthsmXZJdT0oh2ayJlpo4y36Xvm5fCdxjbLubeWsqWRUd/s2048/F7131BF1-1248-4A2B-8763-34836AAE316C.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin3nj7kYAt87nPidTYjgHTrdDwxth8DSUbHR7mNg6zCqqMSus3rUCDhcROTJTcggmHgVSCrJXmCUJR77_ryVmDULnSoJQJFTiVthsmXZJdT0oh2ayJlpo4y36Xvm5fCdxjbLubeWsqWRUd/w400-h300/F7131BF1-1248-4A2B-8763-34836AAE316C.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyWkz6Rr8-LLDocFIhs2qT9LRRGO5_6UcKi085zM46qIan4EvAkmwzhDrQD-Jde-p7HrTPHVxTJ2qcSTL2sz61EcUrg4Ghw91y6t0DqugN-7JQsGbHcVRiZOWIeQVuf9LA9PgGKRn247pw/s2048/EDFFF21D-76BE-4B44-898A-DC199B0C3E9E.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyWkz6Rr8-LLDocFIhs2qT9LRRGO5_6UcKi085zM46qIan4EvAkmwzhDrQD-Jde-p7HrTPHVxTJ2qcSTL2sz61EcUrg4Ghw91y6t0DqugN-7JQsGbHcVRiZOWIeQVuf9LA9PgGKRn247pw/w300-h400/EDFFF21D-76BE-4B44-898A-DC199B0C3E9E.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>The Conair Infiniti Pro is quite the upgrade from the basic dryer I have been using. After tumbling down the rabbit hole of terms and technology that current blow dryers now boast, I decided on this iteration of Conair’s ceramic infused offerings based on its favorable Amazon reviews. Not only does it use ceramic technology, which uses infrared heat to uniformly heat strands from the inside out and quickly dry hair with minimal damage, but it also relies on ionic technology to mitigate frizz and ensure a smooth and shiny result.<div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg21JorU88HqzonTjohWJe0cjc7YE7fgJT3pEWqkjoMnHad3mFWJXFAcSngm432HZVWmxf8y-PejAdXnsRMLKZ4wB8OMprIk4tErgAiA1oP06PA3hS_O9hIgwY3yNS0j0TpoQK3uxk_AaCi/s2048/548231BC-CCC9-4653-8740-2D2CB56FFF12.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg21JorU88HqzonTjohWJe0cjc7YE7fgJT3pEWqkjoMnHad3mFWJXFAcSngm432HZVWmxf8y-PejAdXnsRMLKZ4wB8OMprIk4tErgAiA1oP06PA3hS_O9hIgwY3yNS0j0TpoQK3uxk_AaCi/w300-h400/548231BC-CCC9-4653-8740-2D2CB56FFF12.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwxL5cYe3xQp8OoEsGt93EdPlNlduKXCTdaVsY6-T3M-opTSbypBnkAyi2M9dLiqtALTSU8P8gMYpn2l7fjttOuhUNnMcZU6KwxItSFOipTVemm31M109gYrviji6HMjqeMstDtZB9HNfy/s2048/723402A8-59FA-47C9-B7D8-34C69F433607.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwxL5cYe3xQp8OoEsGt93EdPlNlduKXCTdaVsY6-T3M-opTSbypBnkAyi2M9dLiqtALTSU8P8gMYpn2l7fjttOuhUNnMcZU6KwxItSFOipTVemm31M109gYrviji6HMjqeMstDtZB9HNfy/w300-h400/723402A8-59FA-47C9-B7D8-34C69F433607.jpeg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(Nozzle)</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP5aYF4fCWC5u2tCIkf2bKrwRgQ76g2IXDgztEG8yaAF20CdkjNyDEDq2UvG31M4aYWJlsBa3Y7LdtiG37GWhQR2FOiz8zBPYelCA9ZI6fohB_Ue1dOZVBNhjIX8ioWwy5ZMgdXS2KuPQv/s2048/E669EAC8-713B-46CB-A7B3-A52B68C9AA1B.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP5aYF4fCWC5u2tCIkf2bKrwRgQ76g2IXDgztEG8yaAF20CdkjNyDEDq2UvG31M4aYWJlsBa3Y7LdtiG37GWhQR2FOiz8zBPYelCA9ZI6fohB_Ue1dOZVBNhjIX8ioWwy5ZMgdXS2KuPQv/w300-h400/E669EAC8-713B-46CB-A7B3-A52B68C9AA1B.jpeg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(Removable filter)</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc9ygw5gDB3LogsXgYw2hrAXD8IlKn1Ks5aboC9pabcioxywy7YP14tq9ZCvl360_gAA40569scAJHLkm-CMG3Lxg8ivDFPO3GPmnr4SRAWMcy8THo5Fh9Z-nbyhpi8hxYFYatcTF6jihyphenhyphen/s2048/B809DED1-66CB-4C3A-B568-1ABCA78AAAD2.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc9ygw5gDB3LogsXgYw2hrAXD8IlKn1Ks5aboC9pabcioxywy7YP14tq9ZCvl360_gAA40569scAJHLkm-CMG3Lxg8ivDFPO3GPmnr4SRAWMcy8THo5Fh9Z-nbyhpi8hxYFYatcTF6jihyphenhyphen/w300-h400/B809DED1-66CB-4C3A-B568-1ABCA78AAAD2.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div>In addition to the standardized buttons that control the temperature as well as force of the blower, it also has a cool button and removable filter on the back which, with proper upkeep, can prolong the blow dryer’s motor and the overall life of the machine. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYhWEecRBJRtNQoXNubsZzscxGkLlMzo1_7k2fyiGLf_Kg68QypXzwaNUsjDwcsx600FmG2wCmVzo0CCiQQ8CxX1UXP8lgQYhyphenhyphenJdSs99aItg8H__NpWqUYP9P_QWfluvEDBk9310TkyajX/s2048/0AB50093-2020-4F5C-B033-A8A50729C172.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYhWEecRBJRtNQoXNubsZzscxGkLlMzo1_7k2fyiGLf_Kg68QypXzwaNUsjDwcsx600FmG2wCmVzo0CCiQQ8CxX1UXP8lgQYhyphenhyphenJdSs99aItg8H__NpWqUYP9P_QWfluvEDBk9310TkyajX/w300-h400/0AB50093-2020-4F5C-B033-A8A50729C172.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimjE2iEkzfEmixExXjRwGtRzQvd_OOa_k8EV08qaJdp_qRBSCspChOlT_VaDCsyP80SZPnhGPfI7S2offjTBkOVbVxKG3156QnND-bZfgU_1zuYV4wsirKHGn1y6l9vj1XMGnKlf_SMGz_/s2048/BE4082F2-83EE-4E0A-8AE4-3502F784091E.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimjE2iEkzfEmixExXjRwGtRzQvd_OOa_k8EV08qaJdp_qRBSCspChOlT_VaDCsyP80SZPnhGPfI7S2offjTBkOVbVxKG3156QnND-bZfgU_1zuYV4wsirKHGn1y6l9vj1XMGnKlf_SMGz_/w300-h400/BE4082F2-83EE-4E0A-8AE4-3502F784091E.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div>The Infiniti Pro also comes with two attachments - a concentrator for smooth styling as well as a diffuser for textured looks - each attaching to the small nozzle towards the front of the blower. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5Bzpa-iNlt0EUFgx179L34ieTbuILbSjE2NVCWtQ6bFaJn7dhP3abMUcMwcSdAgXUe2xZSelJPySp9JoZhXohlrZCNr7L_NCMIbiYqRTSybM73X-eLtWbz3BRvQP4f-OLTjCKiD25yIfk/s2048/12A1D55A-1609-4253-B092-FB816BAF9F34.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5Bzpa-iNlt0EUFgx179L34ieTbuILbSjE2NVCWtQ6bFaJn7dhP3abMUcMwcSdAgXUe2xZSelJPySp9JoZhXohlrZCNr7L_NCMIbiYqRTSybM73X-eLtWbz3BRvQP4f-OLTjCKiD25yIfk/w400-h300/12A1D55A-1609-4253-B092-FB816BAF9F34.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>And so, as of the writing of this piece, I have yet to give it a whirl. But wash day is swiftly approaching and I must say that I’m excited to try this out. Again, it is a step up, after all. In the world of Hanna Barbera, it is The Flinstones vs. The Jetsons... and I’m finally stepping up my game as far as my hair drying goes. So we’ll see. We’ll see how much better all this technological advancement turns out to be and whether it actually will make a difference - if I’ll SEE a difference. I’ll definitely let you guys know and talk more about it on my YouTube channel. But until then, I just wanted to give you guys a quick update on my recent upgrade.</div><div><br /></div><div>So HAPPY NEW YEAR, guys... (and all that jazz)! The new year is already leading to new things in my life and I am totally here for it! #Letsgo<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div></div></div>Dolce Dawnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11046794499988273021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9216830205074358918.post-82782071444731311692020-09-14T06:17:00.000-04:002020-09-14T06:17:22.030-04:00Getting My Studio Fix - MAC Studio Moisture Cream<p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgynwvhj5Fcwm_9v6mZ2bfdXdilY3fI96bf5kBsPe_h8xnPohBK43nKgGLrhPjL-HY0hlqE22icGBphLypxIzPFLmSS7YxF277A8AOyHATE_zKvi1MTWPzgjnqj2CVoMbvcYDc8r6Fo6gYm/s2048/5D0F86AB-AB8D-4D3B-9F37-634BD66D49F1.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgynwvhj5Fcwm_9v6mZ2bfdXdilY3fI96bf5kBsPe_h8xnPohBK43nKgGLrhPjL-HY0hlqE22icGBphLypxIzPFLmSS7YxF277A8AOyHATE_zKvi1MTWPzgjnqj2CVoMbvcYDc8r6Fo6gYm/w400-h400/5D0F86AB-AB8D-4D3B-9F37-634BD66D49F1.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>Hey, guys! It’s been a moment, but I’ve been on a reconnaissance mission of sorts to find a decent moisturizer for my face. For those who are in the know, I had been relying on Ole Henriksen’s vitamin rich concoction for quite a spell... but it ran out and I wanted to try something new (you know me - wink, wink!). So off I went (virtually) to find a decent substitute and decided to take a chance on an offering by MAC - their Studio Moisture Cream to be exact. I’m halfway through the jar as we speak, which is not necessarily an accurate reflection of my enthusiasm for the product. But let me explain...</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiJMJeL3qdCOuzjc4isg6QtHT7hibN3oRdWjiT9PRTcg-EHaU8NE5Qv6YOIt5gh1K19EoC0bgMcaxM96eSgSrTM0PnyGk1vFJjOMuyEz03Ta2pOOSN-jWLuy7NXPweNMY1GJSbzRIPF8Ud/s2048/346450B5-CB4C-4F00-8A20-013051B089D9.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiJMJeL3qdCOuzjc4isg6QtHT7hibN3oRdWjiT9PRTcg-EHaU8NE5Qv6YOIt5gh1K19EoC0bgMcaxM96eSgSrTM0PnyGk1vFJjOMuyEz03Ta2pOOSN-jWLuy7NXPweNMY1GJSbzRIPF8Ud/w375-h500/346450B5-CB4C-4F00-8A20-013051B089D9.jpeg" width="375" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM3TzV1yoC_HiKyeqBSID5MUY9MWEblp9irDoTilZv10VHALVQ3meLYo8JdOBz87vZGqfZnMzpnFMhO83-UZvMJkV6_-JZdFPTQdD3RloHnwL0JPn9C6TQ10qu8AC1fOWbz7CxXKZX7jAI/s2048/01911B1B-45F0-4B00-A9BC-95462341C1BA.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM3TzV1yoC_HiKyeqBSID5MUY9MWEblp9irDoTilZv10VHALVQ3meLYo8JdOBz87vZGqfZnMzpnFMhO83-UZvMJkV6_-JZdFPTQdD3RloHnwL0JPn9C6TQ10qu8AC1fOWbz7CxXKZX7jAI/w375-h500/01911B1B-45F0-4B00-A9BC-95462341C1BA.jpeg" width="375" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHpY-eHQi3UTrqx80uZzvxidijtxYA3QJj21fDuhD_FSTbEydNFJFBqMpn5GfLjnHIW3vEmhxHJqcwOjlnZf13RJQCSpmBwMpYhW-UycZdCOeiFUk3pj6WiVQ5n5zlz3hJ3eTZiFKWRVtq/s2048/E31A59D8-F641-4953-83B7-CE9967E349C4.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHpY-eHQi3UTrqx80uZzvxidijtxYA3QJj21fDuhD_FSTbEydNFJFBqMpn5GfLjnHIW3vEmhxHJqcwOjlnZf13RJQCSpmBwMpYhW-UycZdCOeiFUk3pj6WiVQ5n5zlz3hJ3eTZiFKWRVtq/w375-h500/E31A59D8-F641-4953-83B7-CE9967E349C4.jpeg" width="375" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;">Studio Moisture Cream is just one of the moisturizers in MAC’s well stocked, but highly underrated skincare line. From lightweight to hydration heavy, the selection of face creams is pretty respectable for a company better known for its eyeshadows and blushes than skincare. </span></div><p>I knew that I wanted something light enough for summer, but enriching enough for fall as well. So after scanning the inventory and reading the accompanying reviews, I decided it would be SMC that I would take to the dance.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij8XcKOlZyUbdwFCSInDYM7-yUSqwxNdP9Y9YW1tklEaXj4w_SHJJbF3yL8kRTWLascdpc1vtS7ZRjVVq91JDOeMC7-2Sa-lbUrmT0MUtGlGCqRGm729jLNrNorHqZkcwDB9yxG9_UL1ir/s2048/871153C8-BB23-42C4-9B36-073FB5376898.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij8XcKOlZyUbdwFCSInDYM7-yUSqwxNdP9Y9YW1tklEaXj4w_SHJJbF3yL8kRTWLascdpc1vtS7ZRjVVq91JDOeMC7-2Sa-lbUrmT0MUtGlGCqRGm729jLNrNorHqZkcwDB9yxG9_UL1ir/w375-h500/871153C8-BB23-42C4-9B36-073FB5376898.jpeg" width="375" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibnuvVSon0XtvM7xmSGlMeBjN8i9Xu8Xzq87cKi76c10eBIpEpb28d9jfO-h2DaL511BaEzVc4fvvwVIQNfrn4UXmPZ1K6p-kYLAK22rxTxWvColzjGiMviFzWLZwf2rNcyb-ExPrnxuu5/s2048/53098C05-66FF-409F-8991-4A3981AC7D11.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibnuvVSon0XtvM7xmSGlMeBjN8i9Xu8Xzq87cKi76c10eBIpEpb28d9jfO-h2DaL511BaEzVc4fvvwVIQNfrn4UXmPZ1K6p-kYLAK22rxTxWvColzjGiMviFzWLZwf2rNcyb-ExPrnxuu5/w375-h500/53098C05-66FF-409F-8991-4A3981AC7D11.jpeg" width="375" /></a></div><p>Arriving in an eggshell hued, logo embossed box, the 1.7 oz. jar itself is pretty straightforward in design - consisting of an opaque white with a contrasting black, rubberized lid. But it’s what’s on the inside that really counts...</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu-prv4F1YbsvD148Bdn1_qhFczdO32V7s9v8etwbKC4cJjFYZfdj-MOQ0AocELOONFp6nW-pNhDLe959RO-eu2IDPxiuopTBtWTvBobZ0KmGYXzqvdOknS-HyavnC3ApNLy9XzoaOwzxp/s2048/ED7E9FA1-6560-4D7D-B53D-B9AE8EA404BB.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu-prv4F1YbsvD148Bdn1_qhFczdO32V7s9v8etwbKC4cJjFYZfdj-MOQ0AocELOONFp6nW-pNhDLe959RO-eu2IDPxiuopTBtWTvBobZ0KmGYXzqvdOknS-HyavnC3ApNLy9XzoaOwzxp/w375-h500/ED7E9FA1-6560-4D7D-B53D-B9AE8EA404BB.jpeg" width="375" /></a></div><p>Off-white in color, the Studio Cream has a nice consistency - thick and stable, but not too dense feeling. Almost pudding-like. And it has a light, docile fragrance, so those sensitive to smells should not find this off putting at all. It spreads nicely, too. Again, it has a light feeling when applying to the face with no shine or greasy residue to speak of, which I found to be nice since my face does not like “heavy” at all. My face did feel moisturized; however, it is noticeably lighter than my Ole and I feared that it perhaps wouldn’t be moisturizing enough as a result. And so I tried it both day and night for several weeks to see how my skin would fare.</p><p>The first couple of weeks went OK. I had no breakouts and my skin felt hydrated enough. I thought, “Hey, I think I found my new moisturizer!” But my excitement quickly waned as I started to experience a small, sporadic bump or two on each cheek. Though benign, it still gave me pause and I figured I would have to go back to the drawing board. And then they stopped.</p><p>Fast forward to now and all I can say is that I like it enough to finish it, but not sure if it is THE ONE. I haven’t had any more breakouts as of recent and my skin does feel good, but... I’m not over the moon about it, you know? I guess it’s doing its job, even though I have an occasional dry patch here and there after applying, but... *sigh* I dunno. And it is this ambivalence that has fueled me to keep looking. </p><p>So keep looking, I shall. I already have my eye on the next contender and will be sure to give you guys the scoop once I get the full deets on whether my skin approves... or not!</p><p>MAC Studio Moisture Cream can be found at Nordstrom and MACcosmetics(.)com, and retails for $33/1.7 fl oz.</p>Dolce Dawnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11046794499988273021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9216830205074358918.post-71820496539692454112020-04-06T03:53:00.001-04:002020-04-06T16:57:32.316-04:00The New Normal<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Hey, guys...<br />
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Last Monday, after being cooped up for two weeks straight, I woke up around 6:15am with full plans to get to the nearby grocery store by no later than 7. I had ran out of ice-cream and needed to re-up because... priorities.<br />
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When I got to the store’s underground parking lot, I saw that the elevators to the main floor were blocked. I followed the crudely printed signs that pointed to the stairs and proceeded up towards the street where I was met with a somewhat significant line of people at the entrance of the automated doors of the store. I sighed then took my place at the back of the line. Approximately six feet behind the last person at the back of the line. Thankfully, the line looked a lot worse than it ended up being. I didn’t count the exact amount of time, but sooner than I knew it, the whole lot of us were being ushered into the store one by one. <br />
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Inside, no crowd, but enough of a head count for so early in the morning. Some donned face masks while others went bare. I was part of the latter; however, I did take a produce bag and fashion it into a “glove”, so I could quickly navigate my cart to the aisles I needed and then quickly leave. <br />
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When I got home, I stripped down naked right at the front door and left my packages on the floor while I grabbed my bottle of rubbing alcohol from my bathroom as well as dish detergent. I doused a paper towel with the concoction and proceeded to thoroughly wipe everything, and I mean EVERYTHING, down before putting it away. Food, credit cards, keys... nothing went un-wiped. When I was through with the wiping, I jumped in the shower and scrubbed. After showering, I laundered everything I wore to the store, including the hat I wore to cover my hair. Then and only then did I relax.<br />
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Two days ago, I fashioned a makeshift face mask out of an old scarf and two ponytail bands after seeing the quick and handy tutorial on Instagram. Took me less than five minutes. Very happy to have it. Another piece of armor for the battle...<br />
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And now I’m just sitting here... all dolled up with nowhere to go. But I’m so thankful that all my family and friends, including you guys, are here and accounted for. So blessed to be here myself. Hopeful that this tide will soon ebb. Encouraged that it most certainly will. <br />
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Strange times we’re living in, huh? But I guess this is our new normal. <br />
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Strange times indeed...Dolce Dawnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11046794499988273021noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9216830205074358918.post-49011504138323793052020-02-24T02:05:00.000-05:002020-02-25T23:26:18.917-05:00In Living Color...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Hey, guys! Well, I’m not going to beat around the bush. Going to get right down to the nitty gritty, the meat and potatoes, the... well, you get my drift. I am starting a new adventure and I would love for you all to come along with me in my journey. And to think that it all began with a simple request...<br />
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One of my dearest readers requested that I make a video talking about my relaxed hair. Actually, she had asked before. But I played it off, thinking, “I can’t do videos. I don’t have time. Who would watch anyway?” And, “What would I say?” Well, they say that persistence pays off and when she asked this last time, the idea began to marinate. The ask sat differently with me this go ‘round and as my temerity grew in stature, I thought, “Maybe, just maybe, I could really do this.”<br />
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And so I recorded. And edited. And deleted. And researched. And edited some more. And now here I am. I am throwing my hat into the vast digital playground that is YouTube. Yes, guys, I am posting my very first video on the Y to the T.<br />
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How do I feel, you ask? Kinda naked, to be honest. But like I said in my first vid, this should be fun. I gotta have fun while doing this or else it’s not going to work. And so that’s my goal: to have fun and enjoy while sharing IN LIVING COLOR! <br />
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So I’ll be posting my very first ever, EVER video tomorrow - this Tuesday, y’all! Wonder how tall I am? Tune in! Wanna know if I sound like a man or not? Watch and find out! <br />
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Finally, I’d love to give a huge shoutout to my reader who gave me the nudge (OK, multiple nudges!) to do this. Thank you! And thank you to each and everyone who has ever read my blog, subscribed and/or interacted with me on this platform. I truly appreciate it and hope that you find this additional venture just as interesting. And, yes, this YT thing will be in addition to and not in lieu of my blog. At least for now.<br />
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So let’s do this, y’all! The channel is <b>Dolce’s Dial.</b> I repeat, the channel is<b> Dolce’s Dial</b>! Or look me up by name, <b>Dolce Dawn</b>. Tune in this Tuesday and get dialed in! Be there or be square! #Holla!<br />
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(Psst! Here’s the link: <a href="https://youtu.be/We01zZU52W0">https://youtu.be/We01zZU52W0</a>)Dolce Dawnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11046794499988273021noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9216830205074358918.post-47319606914967883702020-01-13T01:38:00.000-05:002020-02-01T18:09:38.697-05:00Operation Restoration: Thickness <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Hey, guys! Just a quick update here - and it’s a good one! My hair is definitely starting to look and feel like my hair of old. I’m gaining length, my strands feel more “solid” and... it’s thicker, y’all! Woo-hoo!<br />
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If you’ve been following my Restoration chronicles then you know that I’ve been working assiduously trying to bring my hair back from the brink of extinction. I trimmed the ends religiously. And it grew in length. But lagged in numbers still. <br />
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And so I trimmed. And it grew and got a little thicker... but, much to my dismay, still had yet to fully fill in as I had quite a noticeable gap of missing hair right smack in the middle. <br />
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On top of all that, I had breakage near my nape - which I knew was there, but I had avoided addressing for whatever irrational reason that had populated in my pretty little head.<br />
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And then it happened. The heavens opened and God stretched out his powerful hand and gently pulled the rest of my struggling, missing strands down to reach the rest of my hair and voilá - thickness!<br />
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Okay, that’s not exactly what happened. What had happened was... I finally had enough growth to where I felt I could duly address the incessant gap and made what I’m hoping will be the last big chop to my hair; I cut my hair all the way up to where the gap was and now my hair is thick throughout. <br />
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OMG, guys - I finally have thickness, y’all! Did you hear me? Man, listen... Look at this ponytail! Do you all see this? Do you?! No more see-throughs! Not a thin, crazy strand in sight! And now I truly have a clean slate on which to start my length building on. I am so pumped, y’all... I mean, I can’t even properly explain it. But I feel good.<br />
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So there you have it. I’m starting off the new year (happy belated, guys!) with a brand new attitude, a more streamlined vision for my life... and a new, FULLER head of hair to boot and I am juiced! It’s taken almost a year for me to get back to this point, but I’m here. Count it all joy! <br />
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The comeback kid is in the building, y’all! And I can’t wait to see how much (and how fast) we can grow. Who’s here for waist-length? Alrighty then... LET’S GO!<br />
<br />Dolce Dawnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11046794499988273021noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9216830205074358918.post-68191666223746979522019-12-09T01:24:00.001-05:002019-12-26T00:10:25.840-05:00Hair Love: Moroccanoil Luminous Hairspray <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMGeyKrjTohEQPfFwPlBl2DYX2zzAUEZQ-OiR03LdKlBJwuYW-E_UcHks02i_OeBMWAMRO3Yw5iTYetg4yTsuhqQAyTzod5G0Wg0EiCDhZ1q_qGT_sZq0aRoSMeHy_IuF_6QdoCq805Ylx/s1600/EC4FEFDD-939F-47A9-8AEC-DF52B1AE3439.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMGeyKrjTohEQPfFwPlBl2DYX2zzAUEZQ-OiR03LdKlBJwuYW-E_UcHks02i_OeBMWAMRO3Yw5iTYetg4yTsuhqQAyTzod5G0Wg0EiCDhZ1q_qGT_sZq0aRoSMeHy_IuF_6QdoCq805Ylx/s400/EC4FEFDD-939F-47A9-8AEC-DF52B1AE3439.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div>
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Hey, guys! I promise you that I was NOT on a hunt for another hair product - because I WASN’T! Buuuut I got curious. I had already had a full blown fawning session over their <a href="https://dolcescloset.blogspot.com/2012/12/hair-love-moroccanoil.html" target="_blank">hair serum</a> some moons ago, so I naturally became intrigued by some of the other offerings in the Moroccanoil lineup. More specifically, their hairspray. So when I happened upon it while perusing a site online, curiosity grabbed me by the collar, one thing led to another... yadda, yadda, yadda and now here we are. The travel sized version is what I bought; however, I already know that the full-size can of their Luminous Hairspray is ultimately what I will end up with very soon.<br />
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Moroccanoil is well known for their argan oil-infused goods and their Luminous Hairspray is no exception. Along with boasts of humidity resistance and frizz control, it provides a flexible hold while imparting a mirror-like shine. It comes in two different holds: Medium and Strong. I inadvertently bought the latter, but I’m glad for it as I already have a moderate hand when it comes to styling sprays and it ended up serving my recovering strands well. </div>
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At first I thought that the argan oil in the spray would way my hair down and cause a problem, but I must say that I was pleasantly surprised and well rewarded for the gamble with full, bouncy curls that held well after styling as well as throughout the week. It gave my locks a nice shine, too. </div>
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Now I will say that although I absolutely LOVE the smell of the hair treatment serum, when it came down to the hairspray — not so much. At least not during the initial application. When it first comes out the can, it smells a bit off from the signature sweet fragrance that is signature to the brand. Almost like it has turned or something. But once it has settled, it’s fine and dissipates after day one or so. So if you’re sensitive to smells then this (and perhaps the brand) may not be for you as the fragrance is very pervasive. I, on the other hand, don’t mind it. </div>
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As I mentioned earlier, I have their hair treatment serum, which is great. But this Luminous Hairspray right here? It is awesome! A staple in many salons, their Luminous Hairspray - as well as many of their other products - have garnered quite the following. And I’m slowly but surely starting to see why. </div>
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Moroccanoil Luminous Hairspray can be found at Sephora(.)com and Amazon(.)com, and retails for $10/2.3 oz. (mini-size) or $24/10 oz. (full-size). </div>
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Dolce Dawnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11046794499988273021noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9216830205074358918.post-62638986462917334232019-11-25T00:42:00.000-05:002019-12-26T00:11:28.553-05:00Rapunzel, Rapunzel...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Well, not quite... But I wanted to give an update on the status of my hair. And it’s a good one. My hair is steadily gaining density as well as length and I am pretty keyed up about it.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgijYZBrhxe5t8wPAd8EtfpNwWEtiCKrfGVMzSLZiRaWasJCg1QH8K9XQxhVfqzNBzHb_scbCFWsuiSQmpniGsK5xWugEjqaUFNQazsCnusXF7akiaT_9oBXTgZ7rXo4I1rCmN-rRjb6Pa0/s1600/10E2BA29-AE40-46DA-90FE-B71046DD6BD5.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgijYZBrhxe5t8wPAd8EtfpNwWEtiCKrfGVMzSLZiRaWasJCg1QH8K9XQxhVfqzNBzHb_scbCFWsuiSQmpniGsK5xWugEjqaUFNQazsCnusXF7akiaT_9oBXTgZ7rXo4I1rCmN-rRjb6Pa0/s400/10E2BA29-AE40-46DA-90FE-B71046DD6BD5.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div>
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Per my last post, my hair was inching past shoulder length, struggling a little with the gap I had dead square in the middle. Even with that, I was progressing. But I was also getting a little impatient with the process. Amassing volume was one thing while length was another. And I was more than a tad frustrated with the lack of the latter. So I decided to be more mindful of how much I was cutting and, instead, started to focus more on length.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj7yfwlg2AogtFXjI73tsbB3lk_iiREAnOz1dvLJlYJZgAg-74fli0nmpnYay7lXtqapkiAUb8p8_GkGxM292QDh2Yt5FaP9z8boBKAAEoPhWwmqZk_azKaPIST2LOV0yYGBaYyDrYVMx0/s1600/14031706-6838-4C28-AFCE-31F9DC7BC3A2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj7yfwlg2AogtFXjI73tsbB3lk_iiREAnOz1dvLJlYJZgAg-74fli0nmpnYay7lXtqapkiAUb8p8_GkGxM292QDh2Yt5FaP9z8boBKAAEoPhWwmqZk_azKaPIST2LOV0yYGBaYyDrYVMx0/s400/14031706-6838-4C28-AFCE-31F9DC7BC3A2.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div>
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Well, I must say that I have seen improvement, which makes me happy! Do you see it, too? My hair is dropping (i.e., my hair’s weight is shifting to the bottom) due to its growth.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTxfEYzKwC-7Qp2BzN8g4rPWp1Aw1EItZrpHWBt8hnwDj0Hpr2ZK5Qpf873ngSk7dK8dfRGvZBBCyn5uxj1CAv6V9E1Suz9vCoEfQnyjOf9AKCPVm4EtEM5Jf9G_QbaHxjGw5VfLF6H3Rs/s1600/365AD518-EEEB-452C-8408-5514DDF881C1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTxfEYzKwC-7Qp2BzN8g4rPWp1Aw1EItZrpHWBt8hnwDj0Hpr2ZK5Qpf873ngSk7dK8dfRGvZBBCyn5uxj1CAv6V9E1Suz9vCoEfQnyjOf9AKCPVm4EtEM5Jf9G_QbaHxjGw5VfLF6H3Rs/s400/365AD518-EEEB-452C-8408-5514DDF881C1.jpeg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(Before)</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfcPxo7RdVcVtvQFTtraDtOB2JrHnpUoAFopHU7VKOkWsnKki6yEZE0vkdMVWRoM-TDoI3cEga9CUfzLUxN6cX43gDvRVsZB3FhpvYFJC72TFfpVjUE3vcpVZmIYourfQIZCI1v3n9T-Q5/s1600/341EB942-B930-45ED-8B37-E6BE50D5BB0A.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfcPxo7RdVcVtvQFTtraDtOB2JrHnpUoAFopHU7VKOkWsnKki6yEZE0vkdMVWRoM-TDoI3cEga9CUfzLUxN6cX43gDvRVsZB3FhpvYFJC72TFfpVjUE3vcpVZmIYourfQIZCI1v3n9T-Q5/s400/341EB942-B930-45ED-8B37-E6BE50D5BB0A.jpeg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(Now)</td></tr>
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You can see the difference in my curls; they’re now fuller, longer.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikSXBjmv4BoaE428H2ZYSK9gBkxFbVI5f_F9fk5CSm-FA_QUwC-zuY7NXw5B6GWjUEXp1rOPRZLyyeRTlKJXJCJ-i5HCweghI3teUV-MtKAV86OaiYt33CnxGy2be4r6_GfOyreStxfWsn/s1600/F5D913F1-15C3-4548-8948-CB85A6F4A091.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikSXBjmv4BoaE428H2ZYSK9gBkxFbVI5f_F9fk5CSm-FA_QUwC-zuY7NXw5B6GWjUEXp1rOPRZLyyeRTlKJXJCJ-i5HCweghI3teUV-MtKAV86OaiYt33CnxGy2be4r6_GfOyreStxfWsn/s400/F5D913F1-15C3-4548-8948-CB85A6F4A091.jpeg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(Before)</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbyoBaY0od6PQTbUrpH9Bgu8_A4wSY5p4RD2d9qNv7m7qxLnU9EMMlxLaKud0oydSGZrb_i0jx_hXFfiqCJNk9SmVO_3keYK1CIQCzBg2JR0xApJdruFb06JGVb4yY1jJMY0qJYqlPxDLJ/s1600/B178960C-2932-4FD1-A83F-F824C3448BE9.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbyoBaY0od6PQTbUrpH9Bgu8_A4wSY5p4RD2d9qNv7m7qxLnU9EMMlxLaKud0oydSGZrb_i0jx_hXFfiqCJNk9SmVO_3keYK1CIQCzBg2JR0xApJdruFb06JGVb4yY1jJMY0qJYqlPxDLJ/s400/B178960C-2932-4FD1-A83F-F824C3448BE9.jpeg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(Now)</td></tr>
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And the patch near my temple is filling in nicely as well...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX7CoiTAoIr-7E9FPzY3q4HSGtRx4YGCNXhFwP3bKlbJ8lyipJy9caJ5V_CzYGy_YBParhItSWukh_gde0IjlCq2yWKJM0XBXkm7GCGarQdZftKERbzJQCUPOjpiKkgKIP8fVnSrcByAcB/s1600/96C8B1E6-F680-47FC-9B1C-274790CE8024.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX7CoiTAoIr-7E9FPzY3q4HSGtRx4YGCNXhFwP3bKlbJ8lyipJy9caJ5V_CzYGy_YBParhItSWukh_gde0IjlCq2yWKJM0XBXkm7GCGarQdZftKERbzJQCUPOjpiKkgKIP8fVnSrcByAcB/s400/96C8B1E6-F680-47FC-9B1C-274790CE8024.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM18s6TKXouq0LUInOq9ILaR5IfMS-FCIk6GCKrBjua02xs5Bm1wBwq3w_eeSW9R7Q6KJas5ZhQwwGOdl2y3bXYb2UiIuKSF71Z2mZ8MvLRSXHEU6WiLW4geREa9CvI37DW2Q3zE7Nl0lG/s1600/A2F333A2-DDC6-4DA7-83C1-4E178FDA685F.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM18s6TKXouq0LUInOq9ILaR5IfMS-FCIk6GCKrBjua02xs5Bm1wBwq3w_eeSW9R7Q6KJas5ZhQwwGOdl2y3bXYb2UiIuKSF71Z2mZ8MvLRSXHEU6WiLW4geREa9CvI37DW2Q3zE7Nl0lG/s400/A2F333A2-DDC6-4DA7-83C1-4E178FDA685F.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div>
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There’s not too much more I can say that the pictures don’t already convey. I’ve been sticking to my usual hair care regimen, but I should also tell you that I’ve been pulling (more like tugging) on sections of my hair to help its progress. I know, I know - it sounds crazy! It may be a placebo effect, but I’ve been “tugging” for years and I really think it aids in stimulating growth. *SHRUGS*<br />
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Anywho, I like what I’m seeing.<br />
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I like how I’m feeling.<br />
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I’m starting to feel like my former self.<br />
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And that feels good.<br />
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<span style="color: white; font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">good. </span><span style="color: white; font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Well, I must say that I have seen improvement, which makes me happy</span><span style="color: white; font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">I’m seeing. </span><span style="color: white; font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">I feel like I’m returning to my former self. </span><span style="color: white; font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">I feel good. </span><br />
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Dolce Dawnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11046794499988273021noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9216830205074358918.post-82181137020835956492019-07-22T09:44:00.000-04:002019-11-26T18:26:41.884-05:00Operation Restoration: Length<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG2WKBHCBarFlWVCObKr_Lb6L7-foU67-UqWH53xtR7ytff9sqZV8UmwO9BRjacg94cX1miLio403WckYaJFwUApwsNUDO3TFmRLDtD7F6wuXV7ryjjtjO8QnsVV7C8DqQc_YewxmwPUjt/s1600/0D554FA7-8B6F-4DFB-AA8F-84295260CA17.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG2WKBHCBarFlWVCObKr_Lb6L7-foU67-UqWH53xtR7ytff9sqZV8UmwO9BRjacg94cX1miLio403WckYaJFwUApwsNUDO3TFmRLDtD7F6wuXV7ryjjtjO8QnsVV7C8DqQc_YewxmwPUjt/s400/0D554FA7-8B6F-4DFB-AA8F-84295260CA17.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div>
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Hey, guys! My hair is definitely getting thicker and I’m so happy about that. I really have been taking my time in caring for it and my healthy hair efforts are paying off. But I gotta tell you that I’m growing a little impatient. I want more length. I need it. Like, NOW! So let’s get right down to the nitty gritty: I’m officially turning over the hourglass and kicking off the next installment of Operation Restoration - my official hair care routine for growth. It’s time to grow some hair, y’all.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSCMrxkyl5-I23fAyrQqwASRjscgvPh8Yjm5NpyAT1AEh1CvJa_OK7MA1t21IwMd58E3w_PtTORhvkpMU4kE4GYsTsK6N4D3do6lgQAVL9cNEfiuAKtHLwe9b37MmL4XadmCvPBTEy9AVW/s1600/8E28D28F-3F4B-403F-93BD-6EFD75503716.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSCMrxkyl5-I23fAyrQqwASRjscgvPh8Yjm5NpyAT1AEh1CvJa_OK7MA1t21IwMd58E3w_PtTORhvkpMU4kE4GYsTsK6N4D3do6lgQAVL9cNEfiuAKtHLwe9b37MmL4XadmCvPBTEy9AVW/s400/8E28D28F-3F4B-403F-93BD-6EFD75503716.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEen904NnkpnNVqLW_GpSmOtE7ERuicCMsFT0k7kMLRMFq5svcK5T4X-OLw2TviD0v6-nq3PdwFmGQdt-VKwMLpFkcVryftrBp-sECowBhju9_7QBXH4MSNqtVFJDCMZLBVnJxOQaOZbXq/s1600/5AFC1E1D-4544-4A64-8ED8-BE8587414CA8.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEen904NnkpnNVqLW_GpSmOtE7ERuicCMsFT0k7kMLRMFq5svcK5T4X-OLw2TviD0v6-nq3PdwFmGQdt-VKwMLpFkcVryftrBp-sECowBhju9_7QBXH4MSNqtVFJDCMZLBVnJxOQaOZbXq/s400/5AFC1E1D-4544-4A64-8ED8-BE8587414CA8.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div>
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After washing and blow drying my hair, I was somewhat dismayed by what I saw. The “hole” in the middle of my hair that I talked about in my last post seemingly got bigger. I mean, I knew that some evidence of it would be there since I had previously cut just shy of getting rid of it totally. But the gap should not have grown, at least by my calculations. I mean, what gives, right?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDC0rADJ6B1UyPtpR2Xi2KJQNTmzeQgcjjMJlMDonE8EufeHwdnw8WlN9bhrsxLlTsbSVbVXfZ6YWE9YOwgzKxmq2CiFyshoGslbnlXA-6vVmkCDeP-jTZWPd-QDqL9rm-21y-G0fcz-fH/s1600/6B7953FC-5467-4143-AB51-774FBE8BDDC3.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDC0rADJ6B1UyPtpR2Xi2KJQNTmzeQgcjjMJlMDonE8EufeHwdnw8WlN9bhrsxLlTsbSVbVXfZ6YWE9YOwgzKxmq2CiFyshoGslbnlXA-6vVmkCDeP-jTZWPd-QDqL9rm-21y-G0fcz-fH/s400/6B7953FC-5467-4143-AB51-774FBE8BDDC3.jpeg" width="298" /></a></div>
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Well, turns out I did NOT do my due diligence in checking out and caring for the underside hair above the nape of my neck. These hairs are always prone to breakage since they come most in contact with items such as wool sweaters and neck jewelry that can ensnare strands, thus sabotage growth. And this is where the gap has found its home on my head. This is its origin.<br />
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I should have just cut it. I should have at least paid attention to it and at least trimmed that section. Well, "shoulda", "woulda", "coulda"... but didn't. But "can" and "will" as of right now...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx7jTaTE-0KDFA1Sfxn7qKAOSJrX9qUsNgCeaKmtz_lKzXyTay1lWYM33Ijc2FbIh5JOqgrjc9LrMZOiehXXAd98UP-wKAyfRROLD_AAtMJ4dEbe3-BkV8W3310iUJrwQ3ajRqk24ollsz/s1600/AC7A7531-AABE-438F-A7B1-59AFF3E56661.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx7jTaTE-0KDFA1Sfxn7qKAOSJrX9qUsNgCeaKmtz_lKzXyTay1lWYM33Ijc2FbIh5JOqgrjc9LrMZOiehXXAd98UP-wKAyfRROLD_AAtMJ4dEbe3-BkV8W3310iUJrwQ3ajRqk24ollsz/s400/AC7A7531-AABE-438F-A7B1-59AFF3E56661.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div>
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And so I gave myself a mini-chop, cutting about an inch/inch and a half off, which basically accounts for all the new growth I gained. Like I said before, I'm trying not to cut too much off because it's hard for me to wrap it at too short a length. It just won't stay wrapped around my head. It already takes me close to 15 minutes as it is with this length as I have to finagle it and then hold my head at an awkward angle just to keep it all from cascading right back down again. But really, it's the number of hairs that I need to gain most. And as you can see, my hair IS thickening up, so there's that...<br />
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And then I curled and styled it.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKFylbdsIrAxwB9z6r6ubWg9miURpOrG5Gz-VrgngLU228FhkKlmlwb48kiMsIsrZLPJw79m_tjFInkv1TZUMZHyyvn-DpPZnBpVibGMYSnQfMR3aNKswncom0u_45DudBRAF30m_4MlC9/s1600/9CFA3653-CBAA-4736-A8B9-1B8455AAC9EF.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKFylbdsIrAxwB9z6r6ubWg9miURpOrG5Gz-VrgngLU228FhkKlmlwb48kiMsIsrZLPJw79m_tjFInkv1TZUMZHyyvn-DpPZnBpVibGMYSnQfMR3aNKswncom0u_45DudBRAF30m_4MlC9/s400/9CFA3653-CBAA-4736-A8B9-1B8455AAC9EF.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div>
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And now here we are...</div>
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You know, watching your hair grow is like... well, watching your hair grow! It's a frustrating, laborious wait that seems to take FOREVER! Oh, and one misstep and it's back to the starting blocks. It's never the length that you want <i><b>when</b></i> you want it... but then it shows up. And that's the part I'm soooo looking forward to. I want it to show up and show out, you know? And I know that it will because it has before. </div>
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I am super laser-focused on getting everything I lost back - and then some. Time to turn the page and start the next chapter of this operation. Gotta get this length poppin'. And it's coming, y'all. I just gotta keep plugging away at it. It. Is. Coming.</div>
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Dolce Dawnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11046794499988273021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9216830205074358918.post-22421820254049600702019-06-03T01:52:00.000-04:002019-06-04T00:00:13.501-04:00Operation Restoration: Volume<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSKI7MErJPTanSG-0YMC8W8htP6Y-LZsldKu633BedY8lPQ2HwNw38EEp9uqwcPdIpUVqV9l2zAg55YDRjdWJotUSjzrw-UOt92QA3bLuod0zxWss45HQfKIpoqHoGyNrTv9yu8gE-j03L/s1600/74AAF74F-162F-4F28-86A3-065B84853186.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1140" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSKI7MErJPTanSG-0YMC8W8htP6Y-LZsldKu633BedY8lPQ2HwNw38EEp9uqwcPdIpUVqV9l2zAg55YDRjdWJotUSjzrw-UOt92QA3bLuod0zxWss45HQfKIpoqHoGyNrTv9yu8gE-j03L/s400/74AAF74F-162F-4F28-86A3-065B84853186.jpeg" width="283" /></a></div>
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Hey, guys! So I’m not even gonna beat around the bush. Operation Restoration is still going strong and I gotta quick update for you that I wanna share if you’re ready. Are you ready? Well, alrighty then! Let’s go...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh76b-wObr1Kl9PZQ3jBD04J7B9Ee7Mio7GfJpr_kpiM1K9kSDSo7k8p08wDkFdpo1CVqe7JlPxfgt4tzdxvr7Glfx5XZomgL9XwNh2EI_VjpJpBg84KzAGEDe-rMl_QlwGcuohEqjh-qkb/s1600/EAA452C1-EF30-42EA-93FB-AB3197385178.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh76b-wObr1Kl9PZQ3jBD04J7B9Ee7Mio7GfJpr_kpiM1K9kSDSo7k8p08wDkFdpo1CVqe7JlPxfgt4tzdxvr7Glfx5XZomgL9XwNh2EI_VjpJpBg84KzAGEDe-rMl_QlwGcuohEqjh-qkb/s400/EAA452C1-EF30-42EA-93FB-AB3197385178.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div>
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After washing, blow drying and flat ironing my hair the other day, I noticed immediately that the “hole” in the middle of my hair where my hair was missing has gotten smaller - which elicited a huge smile of relief to spread across my face. I’m not totally there yet, as you can see, but my hair is growing in nicely.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkgQQXc-7JIuiiqiZpeTBP8UIZ6BbYhA9DpqGJ4_hBgjeu-PB9NNkQ3MxiOXCsuhsPPIXAgMrS2Cb_DHugQ6AL5XAUYj3C7jIc3XbetY6MkeuubE1B3jjFnC1BecXrjLIKzoCsSOuMooja/s1600/05455A75-6360-439D-953D-CCF4692A5BD4.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkgQQXc-7JIuiiqiZpeTBP8UIZ6BbYhA9DpqGJ4_hBgjeu-PB9NNkQ3MxiOXCsuhsPPIXAgMrS2Cb_DHugQ6AL5XAUYj3C7jIc3XbetY6MkeuubE1B3jjFnC1BecXrjLIKzoCsSOuMooja/s400/05455A75-6360-439D-953D-CCF4692A5BD4.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div>
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I have noticed over the past few weeks the shedding subsiding and a closer look at my "hair gap" has left me confident that I have successfully staved off the significant breakage that has plagued me since last we spoke.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhosbQzP7y7fLiYLy_WPfHc_yJEjBLXYsuBS42Su8sP_hSnQr-cadb-1fAntZ5TqWqDOJSUnnkcWub7Cy2wBU9RTy7ZXeHytEHbuGjUz2OPTbIooJKLwHiu_k0u_eS_FobcUHw-oK2r9UWc/s1600/1FF76F46-2AAC-453E-885F-B0F7A0F23E41.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1420" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhosbQzP7y7fLiYLy_WPfHc_yJEjBLXYsuBS42Su8sP_hSnQr-cadb-1fAntZ5TqWqDOJSUnnkcWub7Cy2wBU9RTy7ZXeHytEHbuGjUz2OPTbIooJKLwHiu_k0u_eS_FobcUHw-oK2r9UWc/s400/1FF76F46-2AAC-453E-885F-B0F7A0F23E41.jpeg" width="355" /></a></div>
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Using the gap as a guide, I cut my hair as close to its fullest point as possible, cutting just shy of getting rid of the gap completely. Believe me - there's a method to my madness. I am trying to keep my hair at this length simply because it's easier for me to handle as far as styling, wrapping it at night, etc., but recognize that there may be one more chop on the horizon needed to completely regain its thickness before setting sail for longer length. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_Og3TQfEEoXUbjEeNQnqo8Anf2zYCvxms4wr55ecPYF0oUgpiva_5emkFm_ml8-6XKA_Mq5lUB9PVUWXcKlWuhOlD-WxEjPQHo-O1Dju3IDspbIEVhsoJFr_aUZ6zQRR0cVXbfAZdi0vZ/s1600/B71149CE-F502-4E5E-8CB9-8CB83C1777D6.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_Og3TQfEEoXUbjEeNQnqo8Anf2zYCvxms4wr55ecPYF0oUgpiva_5emkFm_ml8-6XKA_Mq5lUB9PVUWXcKlWuhOlD-WxEjPQHo-O1Dju3IDspbIEVhsoJFr_aUZ6zQRR0cVXbfAZdi0vZ/s400/B71149CE-F502-4E5E-8CB9-8CB83C1777D6.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div>
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But I must say that I am loving the fullness I currently have right now. I can <i><u>feel</u></i> the weight coming back onto my shoulders. I can also <i><u>feel</u></i> the increased volume of tresses on my head as I bounce and walk and turn. And guess what? It feels so good, y'all!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-hFpsQ2fcYFL4FBUOnjTCSQ5mZObxmLFerNRqgzJ-sJ-o5URJRtLJHu7P2BiJcesVqnsWvmJAgOHEFdkZaihfjjs3H1f2EkH34vHzrTCjaXStyOddmp6ZGBP8DbKMF98720eE4JugYUw6/s1600/1B67990B-9A2B-49B6-B38C-C72472D60F4E.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-hFpsQ2fcYFL4FBUOnjTCSQ5mZObxmLFerNRqgzJ-sJ-o5URJRtLJHu7P2BiJcesVqnsWvmJAgOHEFdkZaihfjjs3H1f2EkH34vHzrTCjaXStyOddmp6ZGBP8DbKMF98720eE4JugYUw6/s400/1B67990B-9A2B-49B6-B38C-C72472D60F4E.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div>
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I am feeling more and more like my old self, guys. Like I said, I'm still in the process, but everyday I feel better and better. And I can see the fruits of all my laboring. Besides my skin clearing up (gotta update y'all on that soon), my hair has gained much needed volume. Been trying new products (a few for my face and one for hair) and, ooh-wee, I am loving them! Dare I say it, but I'm starting to have a little fun with it all now, just like the old days. <br />
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So the final report: no length gained, however, the volume has been turned up, up, UP! I am totally encouraged and ready to step into the next phase of the operation, which is coming sooner than later. Gotta be paaaatient... remember? #WINNING <br />
<br />Dolce Dawnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11046794499988273021noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9216830205074358918.post-12115079688782108282019-03-18T02:10:00.002-04:002019-06-03T23:58:36.399-04:00Operation Restoration - Maintenance<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwu_0gf7vB5gcUdU06ddQ1XInpBWCMQwLTRp1OG4gDEwDuyeOV2gAVoEZg2kMXitYohFGTNnAxSCcqngBrs27GG6gjw7Q0HjI8coPpwoe6FYPKU_J5fOhQx-uqwSEFDSViEBWvYDLSQ3jE/s1600/IMG_3866.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwu_0gf7vB5gcUdU06ddQ1XInpBWCMQwLTRp1OG4gDEwDuyeOV2gAVoEZg2kMXitYohFGTNnAxSCcqngBrs27GG6gjw7Q0HjI8coPpwoe6FYPKU_J5fOhQx-uqwSEFDSViEBWvYDLSQ3jE/s400/IMG_3866.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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Hey, guys! So I wanted to give you all a quick update on how my hair has been doing these past few weeks as I become more entrenched in "Operation Restoration" (my all-out/all-in plan to regain the health and length of my hair). It has been quite the struggle, I must say, but I've been steady in my implementation of said plan - focusing first and foremost on regaining its density via a stringent diet of trims and cutbacks until its thickness has been restored.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8zjVXi9KiRBOlVIflhQ-PNvyeLaltBfNeqiedO2dVf2oORa3CISde9LMRhhRKrcsCrael9S8jBkgqRWNWV5kbeqSMRIp08nK8WPCa7Dl7RRZjfH-6pZalyvuWsDRCqyTH3Dc9NsDfNUn3/s1600/IMG_3853.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8zjVXi9KiRBOlVIflhQ-PNvyeLaltBfNeqiedO2dVf2oORa3CISde9LMRhhRKrcsCrael9S8jBkgqRWNWV5kbeqSMRIp08nK8WPCa7Dl7RRZjfH-6pZalyvuWsDRCqyTH3Dc9NsDfNUn3/s400/IMG_3853.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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I haven't changed too much, including the products I use and the schedule in which I use them. I still wash my hair once a week and use the same shampoos/conditioners I've always used along with the Olaplex I recently added to my regimen to guard against breakage.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLjH6BcWxeui4CUhdlChC1pyqLnXAcA0xD7CQwNaPdx9k0qT06OQ1ayJmPRdxz52L1nGcqEnRT9M1KRMUca1z4PGiTnwBpzMLEp0hrfh3Z5FyC_JJeip1cnaIJ8PKa81KmayzNb-kJCrXD/s1600/IMG_3864.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLjH6BcWxeui4CUhdlChC1pyqLnXAcA0xD7CQwNaPdx9k0qT06OQ1ayJmPRdxz52L1nGcqEnRT9M1KRMUca1z4PGiTnwBpzMLEp0hrfh3Z5FyC_JJeip1cnaIJ8PKa81KmayzNb-kJCrXD/s400/IMG_3864.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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Next, I trim, trim and trim some more. As you can tell, my hair has a ways to go as far as it getting thicker; you can clearly see the white of my tank through the back of my hair still. And so I cut it, maintaining the same length every time I snip so that the shorter hairs can eventually catch up to the longer ones, allowing my hair to become more dense.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSpoJeP_0OBJQfKJxvWOGNVjt8Cu68KGBxTCcIHo6Xcxu6R5dVa6ieyyPcghkuOFzP8osTKw7sfEEZmVPDR1S7OiTqlq2kIkq2P257G8Kxz6KIlHElZht1wrzABrzZvtIiZ_rfeLKs77m-/s1600/IMG_3910.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1497" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSpoJeP_0OBJQfKJxvWOGNVjt8Cu68KGBxTCcIHo6Xcxu6R5dVa6ieyyPcghkuOFzP8osTKw7sfEEZmVPDR1S7OiTqlq2kIkq2P257G8Kxz6KIlHElZht1wrzABrzZvtIiZ_rfeLKs77m-/s400/IMG_3910.jpg" width="373" /></a></div>
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Consequently, I have no new gains - as far as length - to report. My hair, in fact, appears to be the same length as when I initially chopped it off. But it lays pretty nicely after I curl it with my flatiron, keeps a nice sheen and feels good, too...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0cDvGCeU974_JLrueDLa7Wx2SvEWaGDYBR-L27dCmmd6QjKQgS4WoIc9Fcm1-NHSSiZxLCtab_1Y7LYwdsmocoAH20BGLjyO8kP10A58SxnY_ag2lbeOnhE5mdgN8RL3BGisy8I3pli9m/s1600/IMG_3918.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0cDvGCeU974_JLrueDLa7Wx2SvEWaGDYBR-L27dCmmd6QjKQgS4WoIc9Fcm1-NHSSiZxLCtab_1Y7LYwdsmocoAH20BGLjyO8kP10A58SxnY_ag2lbeOnhE5mdgN8RL3BGisy8I3pli9m/s400/IMG_3918.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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BUT... I've been having some major breakage recently. Now, for the record, I did stop using the Olaplex for two washings because I thought it was making my scalp slightly sensitive. It wasn't burning or anything drastic like that. I just... hmm... I guess I thought it was feeling a little tender after weekly use and I wanted to be careful. AND while I did have an occasional smattering of small broken ends here and there while using Olaplex (too modest to even cause concern), it does not even compare to what I had experienced without it. In fact, during all my adult days of taking care of my hair, I've NEVER had breakage like what you see above. For me, this is not normal. Nor acceptable. And so back to Olaplex I go until my hair gets back to normal.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4LT-zBFnM9mOpXvuTjVq6YM2d50jM_b5FFO1YTgkj22x1Xj70Ytn8MUVFym1eD0yc6dBOR5Cm8C_45ZlYtOpXE0zPZqeAP-NZShrEisDfVT7Zx8swknG0lL2gLb2_UQxVwq0r_nmF4lpo/s1600/IMG_3875.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4LT-zBFnM9mOpXvuTjVq6YM2d50jM_b5FFO1YTgkj22x1Xj70Ytn8MUVFym1eD0yc6dBOR5Cm8C_45ZlYtOpXE0zPZqeAP-NZShrEisDfVT7Zx8swknG0lL2gLb2_UQxVwq0r_nmF4lpo/s400/IMG_3875.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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Welp, that's my update, guys. Not much gained as far as length, but slow and steady will win this contest. It's not really a "contest", I know. But you get my point. Once I tackle the thickness issue (or lack thereof), then I will address length. And I feel encouraged. I know I'll be back to form soon enough. Just gotta be patient. Paaaaaaatient.... <br />
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Operation Restoration moving right along! Dolce Dawnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11046794499988273021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9216830205074358918.post-79894492889503556132019-01-21T07:24:00.001-05:002019-01-21T07:24:52.150-05:00Through Thick and Thin<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Hey, guys. You see this plant? Do you see how thick it is? How robust and full the leaves are? How densely packed and healthy it looks? Well, that's how my hair USED to be. Thick, healthy and full... just like this rubber tree plant.<br />
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But then things changed. My health took a slight turn and, despite the continuous care and devoted effort, my hair fell out. My once thick mane turned into an emaciated mess. Hard to manage and style resistant, my tresses and all that I worked so hard to gain - the length, shine and overall condition - literally went down the drain. My full head of hair was no more... just like this rubber tree plant.<br />
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It was quite shocking. It IS quite shocking, I should say. Patchy. Uneven. Incredibly thin. Totally unrecognizable. I mean, those who are familiar with my hair story know that I had an incident where a girl burned my hair off with a super hot, unchecked Marcel curling iron before, causing the majority of my hair to go down my shower drain while washing it the week after said incident. So losing my hair in such a devastating way is not necessarily <b><i>new</i></b> to me. But that was EONS ago. I've gained so much haircare knowledge since that time that I just <b><i>knew</i></b> that I would never, ever go through anything like that again. And, lo and behold, this happened...<br />
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And it's one thing for your hair to be burned off mid-strand - at least it's still tethered to your scalp. But it's a totally different animal for those strands to FALL OUT. Bald spots and thin patches usually cannot be remedied simply with a short haircut. No - more often, one must seek a more creative, concerted solution for hiding a scantily clad scalp. I have a visibly small patch above my right temple and don't dare wear a part on that side anymore.<br />
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And so I've started the process all over again. I have cut my hair to right below my shoulders and operation "Grow Back" (eh... it's not the official name, but will suffice for now) is in total and full effect. Objective: to grow my hair longer, stronger and better than it was before... or, at least, than it is now. Thin sides and bald patches be damned!<br />
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When I started my hair journey years ago, its length was just past my shoulders. I paid close attention to caring for it properly and it flourished. And now what was once old is now new again. I am starting from scratch, practically from the same point length-wise, but with an additional hurdle to clear. And that's OK. It has to be. I mean, it is what it is. And the same dedication I employed all those moons prior, I am pairing it with a pound of patience so that I can return my "crown" to its regal glory. And I will be chronicling my process of reinstatement right here... every step of the way. #operationgrowback #operationrestoration #herewego #yesIcanDolce Dawnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11046794499988273021noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9216830205074358918.post-90619172979501769652018-11-12T07:19:00.001-05:002018-11-12T07:19:30.524-05:00B-Girl and B-Boy Do It Again<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Hey, guys! Well, it's that time of year again - my BIRTHDAY! Yes, time does certainly zoom by and this year was a small, but significant, celebration that involved a dash of shopping and a huge dollop of food (courtesy of B-Boy, of course!). But instead of laboring through all the particulars of the former, I'll just focus in on the latter. So I've put together an abridged synopsis of the day's culinary events if you're at all curious. And judging from the fact that you're still reading this, I'd venture to say that you are...<br />
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The day started out early with a hearty breakfast at a well known local eatery (Roscoe's, anyone?) where I ordered my usual when in attendance: a leg, wing and two waffles. B-Boy ordered something similar that I now cannot totally recall, but it did include a waffle as well. My chicken was piping hot and surprisingly well seasoned. I say surprisingly because I don't really consider their fried chicken to be all that great, but just OK. My waffle, on the other hand, was the polar opposite as it had arrived the luke-est of warms, hovering just a hint above butter melting status. I didn't complain, though. I muscled through it. However, when I asked B-Boy about his dish, he replied with the same disappointment. Even the extra waffle he ordered after finishing the first round of waffles arrived at a bland temperature. I'm beginning to think that perhaps it may be this particular location's (they have several) issue with quality control as this is the second time he and I have had this problem with our food. At least I HOPE it's an isolated issue. Either way, we weren't going to let this influence the day and so we pressed on...<br />
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We zigzagged through the city and hit up a couple of retail spots to, you know, treat moi to some treats. Some colorful thangs and some cute thangs... You know - birthday treats. Gifts. Thoughtful gestures. Anywho, as dusk settled onto the horizon, he surprised me and pulled up to the Sky Zone Indoor Trampoline Park. I had never been, but the initiated already know that I'm totally down for new adventures as this particular venue has large trampolines on which you can play games like dodgeball or shoot hoops OR simply bounce around until you run out of steam. Sounds cool to me, so we went in... and when I tell you it was a madhouse in there, please believe it. <br />
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Kids running, screaming, falling, crying... Little kids, big kids, medium kids... It was ten times worse than Chuck E. Cheese! (Yes, THAT bad!) After inquiring at the front desk, we were told that general admission (the kids) would be ending soon and then it would be "adults only", complete with DJ and strobe lights. Sounded cool. Waiting around 45 minutes wouldn't be too bad, right? Well, we sat around on their hard red bleachers for about a full five minutes before hunger compelled us to give up the fight and find sustenance instead. So we made our way outta there and shimmied over to my fave spot... my birthday staple... <br />
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I remain unapologetic in my overt affection for The Cheesecake Factory as I always enjoy the food there and absolutely L-O-V-E cheesecake! I mean, this noshery never disappoints, which is why it remains my "born day" staple. Now, we had made plans earlier to go to a different restaurant, but we were so far out because of Sky Zone that it just made sense to go to CCF since it happened to be in the vicinity (#YAY! #WINNING!). And so we ate. First on the menu for me was a tropical smoothie made with mango, raspberry puree and coconut milk. #YUM<br />
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Now, we did order an appetizer - fried calamari - but it had no chance of getting its picture taken as I immediately tore into it as soon as it made port at our table. And when the main dish finally came out - a robust serving of truffle honey fried chicken over mashed potatoes and asparagus - I mean, I completely lost myself and almost forgot to document the tasty victuals before quickly disappearing from my plate. But somehow I managed to put my fork down, if not for a brief moment, to do my due diligence.<br />
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And since it was my birthday (as well as just about every other patron's in attendance that night), they brought out a complimentary mini-sundae, complete with birthday candle, and - YES - sang their version of "Happy Birthday" to me. <br />
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But who the heck goes to CCF for a sundae?! I certainly do NOT! And so my night of eats did not - COULD NOT - end there and I took home a slice of their celebration cheesecake. A layered decadence of vanilla confetti cake, strawberry/chocolate/vanilla mousses, cheesecake and cheesecake icing, it's quite a collection of confection. One that I had never tried before. But I'm so glad I did because it is sooooo good! #DOUBLEYUM!<br />
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And just look at who was able to tag along for the festivities as well! B-Boy brought my two babies to celebrate with me! He's been taking care of them while I've been in "hustle mode" and seeing them in person made my heart sing. #JOY<br />
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Yep, so my birthday this year was pretty cool. But it usually is. I made a bunch of plans prior to the day to go here and do this and there and do that, but ended up doing something more casual and laid back. And you know what? It was good. Seeing my babies? Good! Spending time laughing and yucking it up with B-Boy? GOOD! Eating good food and good dessert the entire weekend? GOOD-GOOD!<br />
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No matter what, I always ring in my birthday like it's a major holiday, even if it's just me flying solo. Life is way too short and every year/day/hour above ground is an absolute blessing. No day is promised, which is why I like to make an extra effort on my day. And besides - birthdays are fun. At least mine are.<br />
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So with an emphatic shout, I'd like to send a resounding Happy Birthday to me! Yepper! And may I have many, MANY more...Dolce Dawnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11046794499988273021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9216830205074358918.post-69634218051201717962018-09-24T01:09:00.000-04:002018-09-24T01:09:16.880-04:00The Comeback Kid<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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First I had to get my bearings after taking the big step of moving from one place to a totally different place. Then, not long after, my laptop's battery pretty much imploded, causing it to herniate from its underside and render it useless. My trusty camera - old, but faithful - started to glitch (I have no idea of its status right now since, out of tremendous frustration, I haven't picked it up in months). My phone - the alternate source of my picture taking and alike - was having memory issues and had grown senile in its recall of data and temperamental in its diminishing use of space. In between there's been some other mishaps and one-caboose train wrecks... and then, of course, my health got wonky. <br />
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But just as soon as I was ready to take a timeout from everything, something happened. Well, some <i>things</i> happened. I got a huge gale in my sails and started to right the ship. I have comfortably nested in my new place (well, I have a few more things to tend to, but I'm almost there!); my friend has loaned me their laptop until I replace mine (yay!); new phone (yippee!) and new camera (coming...). And best of all, I FEEL BETTER! My energy bar is flashing green - hovering around 80% - and I'm working hard towards my goal of 100. <br />
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So what does all of this mean? Well, I'm back! Umm... I guess I shouldn't say I'm back because I never really left. But I got my mojo back. Yeah, that's more accurate. My mojo is back and I'm ready to get back into the swing of things, including my writing and other creative pursuits. I have officially turned the proverbial corner. I am starting to feel like my old self again. And guess what, y'all? It feels darn GOOD! #ComebackKid #WINNINGDolce Dawnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11046794499988273021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9216830205074358918.post-45288551534373357642018-08-06T02:48:00.000-04:002019-12-26T00:14:23.229-05:00Hair Love: Olaplex No. 3<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnv2_NJ6uDeCS0hXTX8Zb2P6iY3WokV1VXin5VaYBejNY4dqx9m0NgvaIdGqwvMCHztlAm_Whdl8pm04w-VCqjhQdtJiekInlUU67NNEQPV2WStKkU_gj5ioZKfnolDFZZtXIfJNKuT7xN/s1600/IMG_3519.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnv2_NJ6uDeCS0hXTX8Zb2P6iY3WokV1VXin5VaYBejNY4dqx9m0NgvaIdGqwvMCHztlAm_Whdl8pm04w-VCqjhQdtJiekInlUU67NNEQPV2WStKkU_gj5ioZKfnolDFZZtXIfJNKuT7xN/s400/IMG_3519.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Hey, guys! Well, as you know, I've been going through some things as far as my health is concerned. This includes changes in my skin, nails and - more noticeably - hair. My hair had been shedding at a rapid rate, leaving what was left on my head looking an emaciated, patchy, unruly mess. I decided to keep with my hair staples since I knew they had always done well for me. And once I had gone back to the subtle heft of my "old faithful" Lacio Lacio, the unruliness subsided (my hair would actually stand on end after washing and would NOT lay down). But I did decide to add one more element to the arsenal. I wanted to reinforce the diaphanous groups of strands that I had currently and ensure the strength of the ones that would be coming in. I wanted something that was straight forward, no fuss and no mess. I had heard about the product from hairstylists on Instagram and, after reading the glowing reviews on Sephora's site, decided to give it a try. It's Olaplex Hair Perfector No. 3... and it's garnered quite the following.<br />
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The makers of Olaplex No. 3 would like to impress upon its consumers that it is NOT a conditioner, but rather a hair treatment that literally builds the bonds of hair strands, making them stronger and more resilient during potentially damaging chemical, thermal and mechanical processes. It is also touted as an effective breakage reducer, thus improving the overall look and feel of stressed out tresses. Created by a team of science-oriented industry professionals, including chemists, the Olaplex line numbers from 1 to 5 - the first two being solely available to salon personnel; the latter three being offered to laypersons and at-home hair technicians alike.<br />
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Although No. 3 comes in a petite 3.3oz bottle, a little goes a long way. Paraben- and sulfate-free, the milky white elixir, of which you only need a dollop, spreads nicely over wet/damp strands... from root to tip. It does have a light smell, but it's not intrusive nor does it linger after washing. I leave mine on under a shower cap for about 15 minutes and then wash it out.<br />
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Now, again, my issue has NOT been breakage, but extreme shedding/fallout. I haven't had an onslaught of split ends or damage to my actual hair, so I cannot directly speak to its claims of correcting those issues. However, I CAN attest to the way it makes my hair feel... or not feel. It has not been heavy, keeps my hair shiny and complements my rotation of products perfectly. I do believe it has helped to keep my new growth intact and free of breakage, as well as my ends not feeling fried when I upped the dial on my flatiron the last few sessions.<br />
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So do I like it? Why, yes. Yes, I do. Do I feel it lives up to its claims? Well, unless I'm under the heavy sedation of some type of placebo effect, yes. Yes, I do feel like it lives up to its claims. At least the ones I have personally experienced. And the litany of stellar reviews on Sephora's site as well as from the many salon professionals that use the Olaplex system cannot be denied. So, yes, Olaplex Hair Perfector No. 3 is number one in my book. It has been quite helpful in my road to recovery, hair-wise, and it's not bluster when I say that it has earned a permanent place in my product roster when my ordeal is over, said and done.<br />
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Olaplex Hair Perfector No. 3 can be found at Sephora and Olaplex(.)com, and retails for $28/3.3oz.Dolce Dawnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11046794499988273021noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9216830205074358918.post-41226799962510755082018-04-02T02:46:00.000-04:002018-04-02T02:54:46.639-04:00Changes...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Hey, guys. You know, it's really important for you to be in tune with your body. You may not immediately notice little changes here and there, but should be aware enough to pick up on signals your body is trying to send you - both the subtle and the loud. Sickness often presents itself in the hair and nails and when I noticed a huge change in the former, I grew very concerned. Over the past year, I noticed that my nails had become brittle and were breaking constantly, but chalked it up to me doing dishes bare-handed combined with the water being harsh, perhaps. Annoying, but no biggie. However, it was when my hair started falling out that I really started to become alarmed. I would comb my hair and the comb's teeth would be filled with an inordinate amount of hair. I would run my hands through my hair and multiple strands would fall to the floor. My hair had become wiry, wouldn't lay down after styling and, after months of shedding, THIN! I could actually see through my hair! That's when I <i>really</i> started to panic. What in the heck was going on?!<br />
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Well, my Google fingers went into overdrive and I soon had my answer. The painful leg cramps, chronic fatigue, pale complexion, constant hankering for ice, my hair thinning and falling out... dizzy spells. It was all adding up. And there it was - my answer in black and white. I had anemia: a fairly common condition that is not fatal, but it can be extremely disruptive and serious if not addressed.<br />
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Anemia is when your red blood cells do not have enough oxygen-carrying hemoglobin in it. A lack of hemoglobin or healthy red blood cells leads to a lack of oxygen being properly distributed throughout your body, including your organs. Hemoglobin needs iron to maintain a healthy status in your cells. Therefore, an insufficient amount of iron can cause iron-deficient anemia (which is the type I have). So I need to up the ante when it comes to my iron intake and have taken a double-fisted approach with regard to getting better.<br />
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I've slacked on my vitamin intake for the past couple of years, so I re-upped on my multi-vits and have now added iron pills to my regimen to keep a steady course towards recovery. These iron pills are small and I take them with orange juice as Vitamin C is recommended to help with iron's absorption.<br />
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I have also taken on the challenge of imbibing a hearty teaspoon of blackstrap molasses every night before I go to bed for good measure. Not only is it high in iron, but it also has potent amounts of potassium and other minerals that are super beneficial. Now, I'm not gonna lie. The taste of this dark, thick elixir is one that could be duly called "acquired", but I take this, too, with a swig of OJ to help get it down and I think my taste buds have now adjusted.<br />
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So there you have it. I've been on this iron-rich regimen for almost two months now and I am slowly seeing improvement. I no longer have muscle cramps or the other symptoms, and my hair shedding has significantly slowed down. But my feelings are still a little hurt. I don't know how long it's gonna take for my hair to rebound and get back to its full glory, but I'm doing my best to be patient... and am ever so thankful for it not being a more serious issue.Dolce Dawnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11046794499988273021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9216830205074358918.post-61863539495814886782018-03-05T01:33:00.000-05:002018-03-05T01:35:50.079-05:00Manic Monday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Hey, guys! I know... I know. It's been a while. But with all the changes I've been going through, only NOW have I had some time to carve out and post. This past year has been pretty cray-cray. And there really seems to be no end in sight anytime soon...<br />
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You already know (per my previous post) that I took a huge leap of faith and made a big move towards fulfilling some life long goals, right? Well, lemme tell you that ever since I made that decision things have been real hectic and... well, bananas. It seems to be par for the course, though. You get the gumption (finally) to make some serious, life-altering maneuvers only to have your forward progress threatened by a seemingly constant stream of confidence draining situations. To put it short - I've been through some thangs.<br />
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Since moving, I have had to start from rock bottom. Now I already knew this would kinda be the case, but I didn't realize the contrast between "knowing it" and "living it" would be so stark. Add in all the unexpected stuff that naturally pop up in life and you have the perfect emotional maelstrom that left me second guessing myself and my entire situation. I've met some shady people (nothing new) who tried to distract me from my goals, my face has been breaking out (have no idea why), had some financial hiccups, broke out in hives all over my torso and arms (surprise! I'm allergic to spinach now!) and I'm currently dealing with a health issue that's causing my hair to fall out (YES!!). Oh, and that's just the tip of the proverbial iceberg.<br />
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And now it's Monday. (UGH!)<br />
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Now, I don't wanna give you the impression that it's been all bad for me because it hasn't. I've had some really good things happen, too. But this whole "stepping out on faith" thing thus far has been very trying. I promise to give you guys more of an update a little later as well as dive back into the "fun and frivolous" soon... But I wanted to peek my head in here and let you guys know that I'm still here, still out here grinding.<br />
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Thanks for being so patient with me, y'all. Just trying to get my groove back... one step at a time. <br />
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<br />Dolce Dawnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11046794499988273021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9216830205074358918.post-6698505796555299432017-03-03T05:36:00.000-05:002017-03-03T05:40:20.060-05:00The Road Less Travelled <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Hey, guys! Have you ever dreamed and plotted and planned for something for so long that when the time finally presented itself for it to be implemented you were almost caught off guard? Have you ever hyped and cajoled yourself into taking a huge leap of faith only to be confronted later by two lead feet when it finally came time to jump? I had been intimating for awhile now about making some seismic shifts in my life... but I'm not even going to front: when the moment ultimately arose for me to put my words to action, I got knots the size of golf balls in my stomach. Nevertheless, I persisted... and made my move. Literally.</div>
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And so I'm sitting here - excited, exhausted, but eternally enthused. I am not even going to attempt to unfurl the lengthy testimony of my long sojourn (both mentally and physically) from "here" to "there". Nope. Not gonna. At least not right this minute. Instead, I'd rather bask in the success of my arrival and rest in the comfort of having accomplished said feat. It's just one bullet point on a fully loaded journey. I'm making strides and - step by step - promises I made to myself are being kept. But I can't rest on my laurels now; I've got to keep going. I've got so much left still to do. And so many more promises left to keep.<br />
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And miles to go before I sleep. And miles to go before I sleep...</div>
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Dolce Dawnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11046794499988273021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9216830205074358918.post-72252143978835567952016-12-23T03:43:00.000-05:002016-12-23T03:43:48.231-05:00Jollyrific<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Hey, guys! 'Tis the season to be jolly, right? Well, I'm quite jollyrific right about now. I absolutely love this time of year - the food, festivities... gathering of friends and family. Yes, I adore the holidays the fall and winter seasons usher in. But you knew this already, didn't you? Of course you did. So let me get right to the meat and potatoes:<br />
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I want to thank you guys, once again, for lending me your ears and eyes and taking an interest in the assorted bag of topics that comprise my blog. Whether it's a quick glance or a brief comment, I appreciate and value every interaction. Writing can be a very isolating and lonely endeavor, but finding and holding a steady audience - no matter the size - can give one a much needed boost of inspiration and motivation. And I'm no exception. So, from the bottom of my heart, thank you! Thank you! THANK YOU!<br />
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I also want to extend to all of you a hearty wish that your holidays be festive and filled with love and joy! This has been quite a year (and that's putting it mildly!). But 2017 can and <i><b>will be</b></i> the start of something new if you claim it. Therefore, name it and claim it NOW!! Don't sully your queued up blessings with stinkin' thinkin'. Scrub the slate clean and claim every last one of them with authority! Do it now!<br />
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So, in closing, the word of the day is "jollyrific". I'm feeling really good - quite happy, in fact - and jollyrific is the only way I can properly sum up just how good I'm feelin' and what I wish to pass on to you. Now, does "jollyrific" have an alphabetical assignment in Merriam-Webster or any other dictionary? No. I totally made it up (at least as far as I know). But you knew this already, didn't you? Of course you did. Ahh... you guys know me so well! So let me get back to the meat and potatoes:<br />
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Have a JOLLYRIFIC holiday and a happy, JOLLYRIFIC new year!! ENJOY! Dolce Dawnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11046794499988273021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9216830205074358918.post-58107705319909302322016-10-28T03:34:00.001-04:002016-10-28T03:34:54.562-04:00Serious Playtime<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Hey, guys! O-M-G... I have been so busy, y'all, it's not even funny. It's been a full court press, head wrecking game of grown woman chess - not checkers - over here and I desperately needed a break. And guess who aptly deciphered what must have been thick S.O.S. smoke signals emanating from the overworked gears in my head? You guessed it: Birthday Boy (aka B-Boy; aka my Ace Boon Cum Laude!) So we hit the streets... and milked my reprieve, albeit a small one, for all that it was worth!<br />
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OK, so it's official - we canNOT resist going to Target at some point during our outings. I honestly think he's more addicted to the retail giant than I am, but I am more than happy to be his co-conspirator. Is it the sales? The red stickers indicating the sales? The long aisles of stuff on sale? I dunno. But we enjoy it. And while perusing said aisles I happened along some interesting finds...<br />
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Now you all know that I'm not a huge fan of e.l.f., but this Runway Ready Lip Palette does look good! It really does. I didn't buy it... but it did look good.<br />
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Have you guys seen this already? Sonia Kashuk's tribal motif brush set must have been out for awhile (or not sold as well as expected) because it is currently on clearance...<br />
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... along with its matching brush holder. I wasn't too impressed by the combo - looked a little cheap to me - so I kept it moving.<br />
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Oh, my goodness. When I saw this, I immediately cracked up. A dog shirt/costume that says "Rufferee"? Too cute. I'm not into dressing up my furbabies for Halloween, but this was so cute that I had to take a picture of it and share!<br />
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And then we got serious. B-Boy and I moseyed into a couple of furniture stores and got swept away by the innovative displays as well as the plush textures and tones that filled the showrooms. <br />
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I absolutely LOVE this bedding ensemble! From the headboard to the comforter to the fur throw to the mirrored tray... my eyes filled with big red hearts as I let my mind fill to the brim with wild thoughts of taking the entire display home with me fully intact.<br />
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I do love color, but I kept finding myself being drawn in by the chic simplicity of the vast gray and silver tones that were in abundance in the store.<br />
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And so it has begun. And it seems to begin earlier and earlier every year. It's only October, we haven't even had a whiff of the traditional Thanksgiving turkey and stores already have their Christmas wares setup for pre-holiday consumption. Wow...<br />
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Twinsies!! Shhh... don't tell him I said that. But we were wearing the same style of sneakers - white leather Converses - and I just couldn't resist. If he knew, he would roll his eyes. But that's OK. What he doesn't know won't hurt him... or irritate him, for that matter! #WINNING! #TWINNING!<br />
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So there you have it! And now I'm back to the grind, but I'm so happy for the break from all the hectic-ness. I know that's not a word, but it's OK. We're all friends here and you guys get the gist of what I'm saying. I needed a day of play... and was quite elated that it came with a less than reluctant playdate! #YAYMEDolce Dawnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11046794499988273021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9216830205074358918.post-43414202886370063662016-09-02T03:23:00.000-04:002016-09-02T03:23:06.078-04:00My First Aloe <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Hey, guys! Well, if you follow me on Instagram then you know I've sorta kinda been on a serious health kick. I've always been health conscious and tried to be nutritionally aware, however, I've stepped it up a few notches, incorporating a wider variety of veggies and other nourishing notables to my daily regimen. Which brings me to my latest indulgence - aloe. Potently packed with a myriad of vitamins that almost run the full alphabet, including A, C and E, it also boasts skin hydrating, immune boosting as well as body detoxifying powers. If that's not enough, it's also a competent antioxidant and antibacterial agent. For the initiated, all this may be old news. But for the rest of us, this ACE of a plant has an impressive resume that is hard to ignore any further. And so I bought my first aloe vera leaf... and prepped it for consumption as well as topical use.<br />
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Built like a shark's fin with spiny sides, the aloe vera leaf (single) usually comes sealed at its base. Not knowing how to pick one out, I just grabbed the one that felt the fattest around its mid-section and didn't look too beat up. <br />
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Next, I cut the leaf into three parts, cutting both above and below the meatiest part of my plant - the middle.</div>
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I then placed all three parts into an empty bowl with the exposed sections down so that the yellow sap of the leaf can drain out. This yellow substance, or the latex of the plant, is layered just beneath the aloe's "rind" and contains aloin, which can act as a natural laxative and cause irritability to both the skin (if you're sensitive to latex) and stomach if ingested. Therefore, to avoid any "issues", it's best to let as much of it drain out... especially if you plan on incorporating it into a drink or meal. </div>
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At this point, also, you may notice a smell, which I would describe as a slightly sour green onion, if that makes any sense. It is pretty pungent as it filled up my entire kitchen and even started to creep upstairs. But I wouldn't go so far as to call the smell repugnant even though I have heard it referred to as "off-putting" and "foul". So if your nostrils are super sensitive, keep the area well ventilated (i.e., open a window... or two). </div>
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Once fully drained (I let mine sit for about an hour), you are ready to fully expose and extricate its gelatinous core.<br />
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Using a sharp knife, I cut the thorny sides and then peeled the top layer right off. Next, I slid the knife between the remaining skin and flesh, completely freeing the diaphanous "fillet" inside.<br />
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In addition to the uncovered "meat" of the plant will also be drippings of the ooey-gooey gel, which is not tacky/sticky at all and coats its entire innards. <br />
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After gutting the leaf completely, I put the contents into a blender and whipped it a few seconds until it turned into a foamy liquid.<br />
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Finally, I put the elixir into a air-proof container and placed it in the refrigerator. Still sporting a frothy "head", this aloe vera juice is now ready to work its medicinal magic and - from start to finish - it didn't take much time to prepare at all!<br />
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I even managed to spare a chunk to put into my veggie/fruit-filled smoothie (which turned out totally delicious, if I do say so myself. And I do!). #WINNING #YUM<br />
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So there you have it! I am thrilled to have finally tried aloe vera out; it has proven to be a subtle addition taste-wise to my power drink and I am trying it out on my skin as we speak. Will it be for me the so-called medicinal panacea that many aloe adherents tout it as being? Well, I don't think I'm looking for it to be. But if it can and will boost my health in any type of way then I'm all for it. Therefore, I look forward to reaping all of the benefits from this green-leaved gem... and can't wait to see the results from using it on my skin! Dolce Dawnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11046794499988273021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9216830205074358918.post-64538252756204732542016-07-29T05:02:00.001-04:002016-07-29T05:02:12.194-04:00Hair Love: Theorie Grapefruit Shampoo & Con <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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OK, I've got one more from the list of Theorie products I've tried and adored. And with this one... I really hit the mother lode! I'm going to totally do away with the verbal pomp and circumstance (you guys already know that I'm head over heels for just about everything Theorie) and get right to the nitty-gritty. Seduced by the duo's resume, I indulged - once again - and procured a bottle of their Grapefruit Revitalizing Shampoo and Conditioner. And - once again - I'm in L-O-V-E! <br />
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Grapefruit Revitalizing Shampoo and Conditioner are a superhero twosome designed to fight the damaging effects of free radicals on normal to chemically-treated hair while imparting softness, moisture and incredible shine. Armed with the antioxidant powers of grapefruit extract as well as Gingko biloba leaf extract and grapeseed oil, the rich conditioner plays the perfect foil to the gentle cleansing - but equally emollient - shampoo; working in tandem, they deftly hydrate strands without leaving them feeling or looking overwhelmed and flat. Did I also mention that they're paraben- and sulfate-free? Yep. Oh, and they come equipped with pumps. Yeah, so there's that, too... <br />
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At the risk of sounding redundant, I have to tell you that I am deeply smitten with this shampoo/conditioner combo. Oddly enough, despite its moniker, I didn't find either to really smell like grapefruit. Now that's not a complaint at all, just an observation. The fragrance, however, is quite pleasant, not at all heavy and dissipates quickly. Since I began using the Grapefruit Revitalizing duo, I have NOT - I repeat - HAVE NOT had ONE BAD HAIR DAY! Not one! My hair feels nourished, soft and has brilliant shine! Between Theorie's Grapefruit and their <a href="http://dolcescloset.blogspot.com/2016/05/the-theorie-of-everything.html" target="_blank">Argan Oil</a> line, I prefer Grapefruit because I feel that my hair is a little lighter... that the Argan oil made my hair feel just slightly more subdued. Both are great, but I feel that Grapefruit better suits my hair. <br />
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Well, there you have it! I have completely bought in and completely sold out for Grapefruit! I'm not letting anything else touch my tresses and will not deviate from this haircare line. It is no exaggeration when I tell you that Theorie has some of the best products I've <i><b>ever</b></i> tried! My search is O-VA, my curiosity sated! I don't have to and will not look any further; I've found THE one(s). And it feels soooo good! #WINNING! <br />
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Theorie Grapefruit Revitalizing Shampoo and Conditioner are available at yourtheorie(.)com and retail for $26 each (13.5 fl. oz.) or $36 each (28.6 fl. oz.).Dolce Dawnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11046794499988273021noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9216830205074358918.post-46869749757232104622016-07-01T03:05:00.001-04:002016-07-01T03:05:36.012-04:00Hair Love: Theorie Heat Shield <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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OK, guys, I think I may be on the verge of becoming slightly obsessed. Ever since trying out some of Theorie's products via a trial pack, I've been wanting to try more, more, MORE! Yes, it's been quite an awakening for me. I have taken the proverbial "red pill" and discovered a whole new world of hair products that not only work extremely well, but also deliver on everything that they promise... and more! Theorie is the truth, Ruth! I'm just sayin'... <br />
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So, without further chit-chat, let me introduce you to my latest find, the latest addition to my ever-growing Theorie collection. It's their Heat Shield Thermal Spray... and it is FAB-U-LOUS!<br />
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Heat Shield Thermal Spray is a styling dynamo from luxury hair brand Theorie. Formulated to guard hair against possible damage from heat styling tools, it also claims to calm frizz, enhance moisture and shine, prevent color fading, nourish and strengthen strands as well as provide long-lasting style... even in the face of humidity. Bold assertions, indeed. And guess what? Enriched with Gingko Biloba extract and silk amino acids, this spray delivers on every one! Its simple nozzle disperses a lightweight mist of citrus-smelling goodness that enhances the hair in every way promised. I even went out in sauna-like, heavy humidity and my hair was not altered in the least - not one strand! This stuff is AWE-SOME! I'm just sayin'...<br />
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So there you have it! I am deeply in amore with this spray, guys. I've been using it in lieu of my CHI Iron Guard and my hair feels and looks like spun silk. Not that the CHI spray wasn't doing me right - it was. I just found a new love that's lighter, "sticky-less" (not a complaint, just an observation) and leaves my hair shinier, I think. And it smells heavenly to boot! Nothing heavy, just an unobtrusive, ethereal scent that quietly dissipates after a day or so. Oh, and the bottle is HUGE! Bigger than a handful, longer than a hand's length, you get a good bang for your buck with this one. I LUV IT! It is the bee's knees, okay? And I can't wait to explore more items from Theorie's haircare roster. I'm just sayin'! <br />
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Theorie Heat Shield Thermal Spray is available at folica(.)com and yourtheorie(.)com and retails for $26/6 fl. oz.Dolce Dawnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11046794499988273021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9216830205074358918.post-12074025534691397322016-05-27T05:07:00.001-04:002016-07-01T03:31:53.954-04:00The Theorie of Everything <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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OK, so you guys know how I was searching for a new flat iron and, after a few tries, finally fell in love with a digital dynamo called Quantum by beauty brand Theorie, right? Well, so enamored am I with my new hair tool that I began perusing some more of their products online - most of which have no less than five stars, by the way! Super impressed by their products' ever-growing list of accolades, I decided to put my proverbial toe back in the water... AGAIN! Yes, yes, y'all... I am trying out more hair products. (Don't roll your eyes or give me that look - I know, I know!) Anywho, for the initiated, you know the drill: cats, curiosity... MEOW! So, without further ado, let me get to my first roundup. It's a trial-sized assortment of goodies curated from their Argan Oil line called the Argan Oil Ultimate Reform Collection - Discovery Edition. <br />
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Tucked away in a faux cowhide pouch, the Argan Oil Ultimate Reform Collection - Discovery Edition contains five pickings from their line of products infused with a symphony of nutrient-rich oils, including frankincense, grapeseed and the headlining Moroccan Argan oil. <br />
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The Argan Oil Ultimate Reform Shampoo and Conditioner boasts a one-two punch of hydrating power while imparting a brilliant shine to dull tresses. Housed in dark amber bottles with twist off tops that deceivingly look like pumps, this paraben- and sulfate-free duo works hard at restoring hair to its highest degree of health and lustre all while leaving strands with a silk-like finish. Oh, and it smells of sweet citrus to boot!<br />
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The Argan Oil Ultimate Reform Hair Mask comes in an ample packet and is formulated to address severely damaged, unresponsive hair. From root to tip, it provides a shield of hydration to thirsty strands, helping to guard it against breakage and rehab it to its ultimate state of vibrancy.<br />
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Rounding out the hair products in this sample collection if the Argan Oil Ultimate Reform Hair Serum, a luxurious elixir formulated to amp up the moisture as well as protect from the rigors of heat styling and boost shine. It, too, has a juicy citrus smell and comes in a frosted amber bottle equipped with a dropper top to help control the dispensing of the serum.<br />
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And as for the fifth and lone body product of bunch, the Argan Oil Ultra Luxe Body Cleanser is as much an indulgence for the skin as it for the senses. Imbued with the same scent signature to the Argan line, this gentle but thorough wash leaves skin feeling generously soft, supple and well moisturized. It contains all natural ingredients and is free of harsh agents such as sodium lauryl/laureth sulfates.<br />
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So there you have it - my first go 'round with some of Theorie's products! I figured I would whet my appetite with this convenient sampling and then take it from there. *sigh* I know, guys... the girl can't help it, though. I like trying new stuff. Especially hair stuff, so I'm really looking forward to seeing how these goodies fare on me. And when I've tried them out, I'll be sure to be back and give you the full skinny!<br />
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Oh, and P.S. - Do you know that after I mourned the slow demise of my beloved HAI flat iron and after being told by the online retailer I originally bought it from that it was discontinued that they now have it RESTOCKED and are SELLING IT (albeit for a couple dollars more than priced previously)?! See, it just goes to show you that you really have to be careful who you speak to because not all customer reps are well informed. OK, maybe the rep made an honest mistake, but she was pretty adamant when she told me. I was shocked to see it on their site recently! But no matter; everything worked out in my favor because I found an iron I'm totally enamored with and - dare I say - is on par if not <i><b>better</b></i> than my HAI. Oh, well. All's well that ends well! #WINNING!<br />
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The Argan Oil Ultimate Reform Collection - Discovery Edition is available at yourtheorie(.)com and retails for $28.<br />
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<i><b>**UPDATE: 6/30 - </b></i>Well, you can color me impressed,
y'all! Not only did the shampoo and conditioner deliver on its promises
of hydration and shine, but the serum came through as well. I was
scared that the latter would leave my hair feeling heavy because of its
oil content (truth be told, my hair doesn't really like oils), but the
serum served as the perfect complement to the 'poo and con. I really
like the combo; altogether, it didn't really wear my hair down until my
natural scalp/hair oils started to kick in around day five, leaving me
with a strong desire to wash my hair a day or so earlier than my normal
seven-day schedule. My hair looked good, though. I haven't tried the
Hair Mask yet because I don't feel my hair needs it right now, nor the
Body Cleanser, but look forward to using them both. All in all, I am
loving these products and can't wait to try some more from this brand! Dolce Dawnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11046794499988273021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9216830205074358918.post-49223559206040581232016-05-06T03:27:00.002-04:002016-05-06T03:34:02.712-04:00Hair Trials: Theorie Quantum<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It took Goldilocks three tries of porridge before she found her spoonful of "just right". After failing to find a fitting flat iron to replace my ailing one on the first two tries, my optimism for finding one at all had quickly grown anemic. In my last post, it was apparent that I was already weary of the process; I started to question my standards - even my sanity! But I trudged on... and, behold! Just like the aforementioned fairytale heroine, three ended up being my magic number as well. Yes, I have finally procured my "just right" and I am so happy! So, without further ado, let me tell you all about it. It's the Quantum Flat Iron from Theorie... and I absolutely LOVE it!<br />
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Quantum is the latest collection of high-performance styling tools from prestigious hair care brand Theorie. From shampoos and conditioners to blow dryers and curling irons, Theorie has an illustrious stable of innovative products that deftly marry technology with luxury, and this fabulous beauty is no exception. The Quantum Flat Iron is a 1" stunner that boasts quick and safe heat styling via its ceramic infused titanium plates. In addition to its "stay cool" hard body and chrome-like trim, it has a rotating, heat-resistant woven cord, comes with its own canvas travel pouch, and has two color options: white or black. I opted for the latter. <br />
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Its slate gray plates are super smooth and fall completely flush when pressed together, allowing for constant contact with strands while straightening and easy, snag-free styling.<br />
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In addition to all the other bells and whistles, this flat iron has a digital touch screen and actually chimes when the iron has reached the desired heat (which goes up to 450 degrees F) as well as locks afterwards in order to keep from inadvertently adjusting the temperature during use. Pretty cool, huh? Quantum also has an auto shut-off mode that engages after 60 minutes of inactivity. Yep. This flat iron puts the "c" in cool...<br />
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And just how did it perform on my hair? OH. EM. GEE. My hair was so soft, so shiny, so curl-tastic - I LOVED IT!! See, this is exactly what I was talking about! I'm not cuckoo after all! This is exactly what I was looking for: an iron to give my hair the ultimate shine and Quantum did precisely that! I am so over the moon with this iron, y'all! Like, for real! Oh, and did I mention that it comes with a LIFETIME WARRANTY? Um, no, that wasn't a typo. Lifetime, y'all! Who does that? I mean, really - who? I've never even heard of such a thing as far as any type of appliance goes, hair or otherwise. Wowzers...<br />
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So there you have it! The third time was the absolute charm for me and I'm so glad that the search is OVAH! I have a brand new "beloved", y'all! Theorie's Quantum Flat Iron has earned a special place in my heart (and on my head!) and has exceeded all my expectations. I have finally found my "just right". #WINNING!<br />
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Theorie Quantum Flat Iron is available at folica(.)com and yourtheorie(.)com, and retails for around $225. <i>(However, folica usually has site-wide sales, so keep your eyes peeled and at the ready if you're at all interested!) </i> Dolce Dawnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11046794499988273021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9216830205074358918.post-75797791631283554512016-04-22T04:16:00.002-04:002016-04-22T12:14:22.337-04:00Hair Trials: Sedu Revolution<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Welp. Here I go again - round two in my search of a suitable replacement for my current battle-weary flat iron. So let's get right into it, shall we? Based on the majority of positive reviews it garnered on the hair product website Folica, I decided to roll the dice on a sleek beauty with ceramic plates: the Sedu Revolution.<br />
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Hailing from the Revolution line of styling tools from hair/beauty brand Sedu, this flat iron is a certified looker. Its beauty lies in its simplicity. Housed in a charcoal gray, soft-grip skin, it is equipped with a heat-resistant, swivel cord and boasts ceramic plates infused with tourmaline, a black gemstone that reports to tame static and frizz. This particular version comes in two different sizes: 1" and 1.5". I chose the latter.<br />
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The broad, jet-black plates are super smooth, which make for an easy glide across the hair. <br />
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And although the plates do float, they do not exactly line up flush when pressed flatly together. This may be because the "floating" plates tilt from side to side like a see-saw instead of depressing straight up and down like most irons.<br />
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It has a temperature dial that ranges from 140 degrees to 450; however, the numbers aren't precisely aligned with the divots on the dial, so one must approximate their desired temp. Situated next to the dial is the on/off button, which blinks red when the iron is first turned on then steadies when ready to use. And it has a 60 minute auto shut-off mode. A feature that's handy for those who need it, a potential pain in the butt for those that take longer than 60 minutes to do their hair. <br />
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OK, so what's the verdict, you ask? Well, it does straighten. Hmm... maybe I shouldn't say "straighten". Perhaps "flatten" is the better term since I felt like it made my hair flatter than I wanted and didn't leave it with any real bounce or body. My hair was just kinda "blah". Also, it didn't impart the kind of shine my HAI iron does. I used it with both the CHI Iron Guard as well as my Paul Mitchell serum, but failed to get the desired results with either.<br />
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You know, I'm starting to feel like I'm crazy. Am I asking too much from an iron? Am I being way too picky? Am I cuckoo/delusional for thinking my HAI is so great or is my HAI flat iron some type of styling anomaly? I don't think so. I really don't.<br />
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Now, I know that styling products can affect styling results, but I'm resolute in finding the right iron that'll work well with the products I already own instead of having to invest in a whole new lineup in order to accommodate a new iron. And so I'll keep looking. *sigh* I have another one that I wanna try out, but I have to admit that, at this point, I'm a little discouraged. But I'm gonna give it a go... and will be back with a full report when testing is completed. Fingers (and toes) crossed!<br />
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Sedu Revolution Professional Styling Iron is available at Folica(.)com and retails for $130 (both the 1" and 1.5"). Dolce Dawnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11046794499988273021noreply@blogger.com0