How I wash my hair.

Time to say goodbye to my "Solange" hair

photo by PK Designs

Good morning everyone
The week is almost done. I started taking my hair out yesterday and I must admit it feels so great. I've always experimented with my hair in the past, from twist, relaxers, dye, weaves and wigs I love them all. Now that my hair is almost out I'm planning on letting it breath for a while before doing anything to it. I will let it breath for at least 4wks just because my braids where chunky. I wish i could do my braids back to back but nah. Time for a new do. I promised myself if I will play with my hair and when I turn 40  will chop it all off. This is my regimen for my hair.

what you'll need
Comb
shampoo
conditioner
towel
blow dryer/ flat iron/air dry
style

what to do (common sense)
Comb through your hair to entangle it then use the correct water temperature soak your hair by rinsing it around for at least a minute. A little goes a long way. I learned this when i was little i didn't understand why it was too much foam lol But anyways put a small amount of shampoo on your hands and massage it on your scalp area. While massaging make sure you are using your fingertips. I used to mount my hair on top of my head and ended up with a tangled mess. to avoid this claw you fingers just like a comb. Conditioning is a must never skip this part. Apply conditioner on hair and leave it on for at least 10 minutes (this is the time I make phone calls, fix a treat lols) After a few minutes rinse your hair with a warm water and end t with cold water. yes cold water for your face it closes your pores but for your hair it adds shine...Dry you hair with a towel by scrunching, and patting lightly. I try not to use heat on my hair regularly but since my hair has new growth i will blow dry then flat iron it for styling. And that's it make sure you add some oil. I love the Moroccan oil. I love it, it's pricey but great for your hair. Always think quality first and educate yourself on what you put in and outside your body.

I hope this tips help what is your hair washing regimen? 
XO Patra

Would you propose to a guy?

hey everyone,
I wish you could see the excitement in my voice woot woot woot ...Yes I've been gone!!!! And I know it has been a while since I blogged, How have you been???? Me??? Thanks for asking Hahahahah  I have been busy with African lime light. this site is the shhhhhh...yes shhhh the best hahaha. I listen to none stop music read everything from music, fashion and latest news...That's where I have been.

theurbandaily.com

With all seriousness we joke about the "marriage" topic a lot. There are women out there that know exactly what they want and aren't scared of  showing it. Lets say you have been dating this special person for quite some times. When is he going to propose?, I'm I overreacting? These questions circle your head. Why the rush? when i asked myself this question the two things came to my mind were
1. Time is ticking and if she is thinking of having a child the time starts now.
2.She doesn't want to be with anyone but you.

Maybe there is another reason but to me if I were to propose it would be because I'm in love with you and would like for you to be part of that. Being old school I prefer for the man to take the lead.Ahhhhh!!!! the ring!!! ahhhh I can't wait for him to say "Patra can you please kindly make me the happiest man by doing me the honor of being my WIFE?"
ME: Ummmmm like totally :)....wait wait is that a diamond???....dude I told you I wanted a pearl...why? why? why?!!!!!!!
DUDE: Is that a yes?
ME: F---  NO!!!!  I said pearl!!!! did you watch blood diamond ugh!!!!!!!!.....

lol anyways i'm serious I don't like diamond because of that movie. I love pearls, look at the bright side we will spend more on our honeymoon wink wink!!!

So.....let's have this conversation do you think it's appropriate for a woman to propose or it's a deal breaker?

Xo Patra

look what i got from ebay

Hello hello,
As most of my friends know I'm addicted to EBay.com. Yes addicted. i started to shop on eBay a little over 2 yrs ago. To me eBay is a market you can simply get anything and sell as well. so today i will be sharing with you guys my purchases.
I  got a 12 ring clothes shawl, scarf,tie, belt hanger Since I have lots of scarfs (obsessed)
And I also do a lot of travelling ironing clothes can be a hustle so I purchased this mini steamer. It comes with two heads a small on as on the picture and a big one for a faster seaming process. I love it and it's one of my best purchases. I also use it to steam my face lol.

This is Heaven I'm in love with this just makes storage easier.
$6.99 plus free shipping
Location: Hong Kong

This mini steamer is portable and easy to use
it only cost me $19 plus free shipping.
Location: China

when it comes to makeup a good makeup brush is key. I purchased these in black and loved. the seller emailed me with a special one "Pink brushes" so i dedicate these to the cancer society. sometimes all i wanna do is look at it yea they are just beautiful. My next will be to get the Red ones. Yes I love shopping. Here are the brushes the "pink" edition. And i couldn't skip to get the lashes, eyeliner and eye shadow.

I love them. Didn't tell you they are good to look at :)
$11.99 plus free shipping
location: Tokyo

yes 60 pairs minus the glue:( (no biggy) i purchased them before and I had to have more
$5.99 and $3.99 shipping and handling not bad considering i get 60 pairs..
locaion:Hong Kong

These eyeliners are magic. Most eyeliners don't pop but these they show very well and a little goes a long way.
$3.39 plush free shipping
Location: Hong Kong

36 color which comes in mineral, gel and glitter I'm in love
$26 plus free shipping
Location: Hong Kong

My other order was a earrings i love accessories and own the whole of Target. I'm very serious. a girl can never have too much shoes, bags and accessories :). i got these retro earrings and i love love them. I also got these beatify ul cuffs

these are my new pears...i had to change it up a bit
$0.99 EACH plus free shipping
location: Hong Kong

ahh pettles...so elegant
$0.99 plus free shipping
location: Hong Kong

I love these i want the blaco on but i got 3 of the tan ones. will be wearing tonight :)
$1:89 EACH plu free shipping
Location Hong Kong

gold tone multi chain and some pearl drop necklace. it's cute
$1.29 free shipping
location:Hong Kong

And did i mention you can also buy clothings. yap yap these are my fashion finds

Thes jeggings are soft and comfortable
$5.29 plus free shipping
Location: Hong Kong

uh..love'em or hate'em these LEOPARD BLACK SPIKE HEELS PLATFORM STILETTO PEEP TOE OPEN SATIN SEXY (hahahaha) they are beautiful. i'll be waring them tonight.
$14.95 and $6.95 shipping i spent hundreds on shoes this was jaw dropping.
Location:Los Angeles, CA, United States

The back

front
2 piece bikini
$7.99 plus free shipping
Location: Hong Kong

this V neck dress fits like a glove. i had orrigionally goten it for my sis but hse ended up not linking it. I'm wearing it tonight :)
$11.39 plus free shipping
Location: Hong Kong

 This is pretty much what i got and i must admit i love eBay and will continue to be a loyal customer. I hope you guys give it a shot and make sure you click on free shipping because 90% of the time they charge more for shipping.
till then..

XO Patra

How to go natural.

When it comes to hair we need to take good care of them.a few weeks ago i did a blog entry on how to keep you hair healthy. Today I will give you guys a few tips on a different way o keeping your hair healthy and it's  going natural. The first thing is to refrain from using lots of heat, harsh chemicals such as relaxers and perms.
When people think "natural hair" they think curly wavy or an Afro. this is very true you can also style your natural hair just as much as you can style a relaxed hair.

How do I get started?

• Cutting all your hair and getting a fresh new growth helps. this can be a slow or fast process because sometimes your hair doesn't grow back or fast enough. If you are not emotionally attached to your hair this might be the route to go. However i don't recommend.

trim your hair at least every 6 weeks
dawnali.com

• If you are not down with cutting your locks trimming works. trimming off your relaxed ends at least every 6 weeks helps. This will not only keep it healthy but it will give it a body and volume. This is the stage that you need to stay away from  chemicals so deep conditions and less heat will be the best tools to maintain your locks.

get your hair braided in cornrows or box braids.
vissastudios.com

wig it up. this gives you the option of changing hair whenever.
blackamericanmoney.com

you can weave it up. if done with an expert and the proper care it can last up tp 3-4 months.
madamenoire.com

• If you think this is a little too much to keep up with there are other solutions. wear wigs, extensions and weaves/saw ins or braids . This is by far the easiest no heat on you hair and manageable. The good thing about them is that they come in every style and length and getting an expert to do is the best idea.

These are my few tips because I've been practising them for a while and I love it. I hope you guys find it helpful and share your tips on going natural. I also have a quick favour to ask of you. if you can join me in helping a friend win the natural hair competition. you can do so by clicking on the link below. The process is two seconds: 1) Go to the page, 2) Like the page, 3) Click the "Vote" link on the left, 4) Scroll down to the 7th Contestant, That's her You can vote from as many email addresses as you have.

 https://www.facebook.com/WorldNaturalHairShow?sk=app_143103275748075&app_data=dlt-1

Good luck honey i hope you win, you deserve it
model: Folasade Pyne
Photographer : Quazi King
Location: Brooklyn, New York.

thank you everyone till then.


XO Patra

top pictures.
www.hairstylesdesign.com
bellysoulgourmet.tumblr.com

XO Patra

fashion finds "thrift edition"

My love for shopping is maybe a little sick but im pretty good at talking myself out of buying them. online shopping, over the phone shopping, street vendors, vintage, and most of all thrift shopping. the difference between thrift shopping oppose to going to a store is that 99% of the time no one will have what you have.

Back in High School I'd go to school dressed like everyone and yes it was a little frustrating. With my shopping habits came creativity. I found ways of transforming a basic outfit by accessorizing it with scarfs, necklace, replaced buttons and so much more. It was more unique, so me, and different. This was my way of standing out and that was my first affair with vintage. I established relationships with the street vendors and they'd notify me of new arrivals and clearance. Do I miss going to the stores nah not really because I still shopped on line.
Last week I was in Maryland and asked my boyfriend if he could take me to a thrift store. Luckily he new where one was. It was huge lots and lots of cute stuff  oh my........ x mas all over again :). Iwas thinking leather so I grabbed a leather skirt and the top wasn't hard to find. Here is a look of what I got. all under $8 because they had a clearance. Talk about a bargain. This is what I call look for less but it sure looks expensive.

top $3.99

skirt $5.99

Platform wedges borrowed from a friend

I paired the leather skirt with a button up shirt. You can't really see the detailing on the collar but it has a stitch pattern around it. since leather can be a little tacky the soft pearl top(blouse) to softened it. i'm the queen of accessories but like I said the top spoke for itself there was no need of over accessorizing. The look would be described as rocker meet chic. I hope you all love it and I will be doing more "fashion finds and outfits of the day" 

Where do you guys shop at?

XO Patra

Applebees someone?

Hello everyone so....my boyfriend and I went out for lunch at Applebees the other day. This is not my first time there but this time around it was different. Upon arriving we wating for at least 15 minutes before we could be attendant to. Not so good considering it was a date (thumbs down on their part).
as the waiter directed us to our sit everything was thumbs up from there. as the regular routine " what can i get you to drink" I always get my drink with the meal because I found out I drink too much and there's never room for food.I ordered a refreshing iced sweet tea and he had a sierra mist with a slice of lemon.

sweet tea and sierra mist

As many of you guys know Apple bees has the 2 for $20 plus an appetizer deal. we went with the mild Boneless Wings (should've stuck with the BBQ wings) they were good though.

As we enjoyed the apetizer 10 mins into it our lunch arrived i coud smell it from a distance. i had the Bruschetta Chicken my favorite meal and Ayo had Chicken Fettuccine Carbonara which looked so beautiful. we enjoyed our lunch the waiter was awesome checked on us regularly. Are we going back ummm yeah :) Over all we had a blast .this time im taking my girlfriends with me.

Boneless Wings

 Bruschetta Chicken

 Chicken Fettuccine

 what is your favourite meal at Applebees?
source:http://www.applebees.com/
XO Patra

My facial routine

photo:http://ecosoulintellectual.blogspot.com/2011/01/investment-2-shayna-odom-of-spa-on-go.html

Our faces go through so much, make up, sweat, break outs and so much more. With me it's all of the above. I started getting my eyebrows done in high school and a year ago I noticed I broke out a lot. My quick fix was to stop getting them just because i thought i had an allergic reaction to it. What you eat can also affect your skin. My photographer friend suggested that I should refrain from eating mayonnaise. In my head I'm like "uh i don't remember having any allergies" so what doesn't kill you makes you stronger right? I gave it a shot and amazingly it worked i slowly saw results. The last thing is not cleaning your face. With my crazy schedule I'd come from a photo shoot straight to bed. cleaning your face should be a routine practised EVERYDAY. If you are bawling you get facial as much as you want. For me I get them once a month. I will share with you guys my regular regimen for those days I do it myself.

What you'll need

1. facial cleaner
2. facial scrub
3. face mask
4. face moisturizer
5. wash cloth

Instructions

1. If you have make up on remove it then wash your face, ears and neck area with a facial cleanser.
2. With the facial scrub gently rub using your fingers in a circular motion all over your face. this is the time you spend focusing on the areas that need more attention. focus on your forehead, around your nose and wherever necessary. Rinse it off with warm water.
3. Most face mask have direction on how long it should stay on. i use the Proactive facial mask and it can be used up to 3x a day and over night. (over night is my preference)
4. This part shouldn't be skipped. steam your face to open your pores. There are so many different was of doing this my choice is using a wash cloth. dip your wash cloth in warm water or the temperature you can resist. squeeze the water out of it and press the wash cloth on your face. repeat this as desired. during the day time i always rinse of with cold water to close my pores after the steaming process.
5.  Since I always sleep with my mask on I skip this part. Moisturizing is the last step. gently apply your facial moisturizer over your face and neck

That's it simple and cheap I hope it helped. Do you guys have any other tips on keeping your skin healthy?
Have a great a happy black history month everyone.

XO Patra

Are you ready for Valentine's Day?

Roses are red, violets are blue and, yes you guessed it right Valentines Day. when you think of Valentine's Day we think of chocolate, flowers, and mostly the color "Red" or maybe  pink. . Truth be told it doesn't matter how you celebrate it, it's s day dedicated to Romance. from sexy little things (lingerie) dinner dates, candy what to do before and i don't care about the after (Shhhh.....), i have a few tips that may help.


look the part-the difference between ladies and gents is that it takes us longer to get dressed. Since this is a special occasion try to be organized by making sure you got you outfit ready. maybe your going shopping, do it now and if you are a fashionista well, you always make a piece in your closet look new. Is it a day date, night or after hours? Whatever it is dress the part. If you are meeting your date for a day date here is a piece that is ralaxing, romantic and it shows you tried but not too much.

this is a simple skinny jeans paired with a loose top giving room for lunch, as far as accessorising less is more. make sure your lips are moisturised for that "kiss"

Night look- you are more likely to go to a fancy dinner or clubbing. comfort is key. you want to look glamorous. This next piece is a twist of glam and edgy put together. Since it is February it's chilly out side grab your trench or any warm article of clothing you choose. you don't need too much accessories in this look. your best accessory would be your smile.

after hours- I'm sure after this long romantic day you'd wanna be more relaxed. Try a sexy piece from victoria's secret. Enjoy your  candy hearts and pink cupids.

images: make your own sets at polyvore.com

Xoxo Patra

Healthy hair

Hey everyone,
I promised that I would blog at least once a week. unfortunately that didn't work out. with work and school I've been a little occupied. I'm back though and today we will be talking about healthy hair. Our hair goes through  too much heat (blow dry/flat iron),bad dye jobs (coloring),  too much styling, harsh shampoos, ponytail holders, tangled, exporsure to the sun and too much washing. In order to keep your hair looking healthy and long you must always get a trim.

my hair was bouncy and healthy in this pic

everyone has a prefrence when it comes to their hair length. wether you hair is long or short it is your responsibilty to keep it healthy. A lot of us hold on to our long hair because we have the fear of trimming. but ask yourself this would you rather have a skinny ponytail or a thick healthy ponytail? According to my hair stylist hair must be trimmed atleast every 8 weeks but if you have a damaged hair the first 6 weeks for check up. I love my hair an im never pissed if my hair stylist says "patra you need a trim" im always like "do what you gotta do". ive seen a lot of skinny ponytails and I dont want to put my hair through that. so trimming is a neccesity ladies and gents
What we use on our hair determines the growth. too much heat (blow drying/ hot combs/flat ironing) is not great for our hair. and if you are the type that is addicted to try to use them twice a week. When flat ironing or blow drying my hair i always use protective products to prevent the heat from burning my hair. use leave in conditions and always wrap your hair when going to sleep.
shampooing is also a huge factor. whenever you shampoo your hair you also have to condition it aswell. Try not to wash your hair on a daily base because you are washing the natural oils out. Atleast once a weak and if that's not great there are dry shampoo. it is a powder that you put all over your hair and keeps your hair clean aswell. i havent used it so i don't have a review for it :( .....

these are my few tips if you guys have any ideas on how to keep you hair healthy do share. till then Xoxo

Life and scenery

Henna me up.

on the back

      Growing up my mother would decorate brides to be and brides maids with henna. I always enjoyed watching them glamed up. She new how to highlight so she'd ask you what you want, dark, medium  light, or combination :). to be honest i always thought the darker the henna is the more attention you get.  The good thing about henna is that it's not permanent. it lasts for at least three to four weeks. one may choose to re-apply or create your own design. Won't it be fun to have an original henna  all the time? Yes i love original :) 

The history of henna. Many people identify henna with the middle east, Egyptians(Africa) and the Hindus. This is so true. Henna was used on special occasions ONLY. Now its trending as a fashion statement. Which is awesome because you don't need a license and it's easy to learn Good thing is that I haven't heard of any problems or allergic reactions. yes ts a skin stain (dye) but there haven't been reports of infections. I like needles only at my doctors office so tattoo is not my cup of tea. Henna is pain free and that is what i will be into this spring -summer. More like my new obsession along side Solange. Here some of my fav pics.....

on the hand and this is an example of applied henna

on the foot before and after. for a darker dye you'd have to leave it on longer.

As you can see there's so much you can do with henna. i hope you enjoyed it and hopefully it will inspire you to create  unique designs, but if you like tattoo hey no problem beauty is pain. :) till then

xx Patra

photo credits:http://www.fash4.com and http://henname.net

Solange and Beyonce's updates

I want me some chunky Solange braids

         When it comes to fashion/ hair my go to girl is Solange Knowles. for those who don't know who she is, she is Beyonce's baby sister. I first fell in love with Solange when I saw her in the tribal dress. Wether she is rocking a short do, natural do, braids, springy coils, or the mini or huge fluffy fro she always stays and looks chic. I've always been inspired by her edgy Bohemian styles and of course like I mentioned the tribal attires she has been rocking. This super star is not free to express her fashion and that's  we (I) love her.

Here are some of my fave hair styles and fashions as well.

the "super short but natural" hair do,

the springy bouncy curls/coils,

and her fashion is beyond this world

     photo credits Essence.com, cocoandcreme.com

till then Xx Patra

Beyonce and Jay z welcomes baby Blue Ivy.

Ever since Beyonce announced her pregnancy paparazzi have been hunting for pictures, bloggers and editors hungry for details and of course I on the other hand was happy for her. As tabloids circled about whether her baby bump was real?, was there a surrogate mother? and many more. A lot of Beyonce's fans supported her through this hard and tough journey. is there a conspiracy or all these theories are correct?
well to answer that question whether you want to believe it or not Beyonce put to bed a beautiful baby girl ( Ivy Blue Carter) on Saturday. The meaning behind the name is  is uncertain but it certainly is a conversation starter. According to tabloids the name has already sparked a few conspiracy. There's rumor that the name Blue Ivy proves that the couple are members of the Illuminati. And some other stupid sites say that the name is lucifer's daughter when spelled backwards. really? (no it doesn't)
 whether its true or not Jayonce are well known and deffinately loved by their loyal fans. one thing is that baby Blue  has lots of fans as well  and many of us want to know what she looks like, how much she will rank in her first cover and is B going to have more babies. Well since Jayonce are private couple it'll be hard to know it all. one thing for sure is that the royal family is complete and many blessings to them.

Xx Patra