Goodbye Blog Family!

Dear Blog Readers,

I can not begin to tell you how truly grateful I am that I was able to connect with so many of you during the time of Robyn's Nest. I have enjoyed this journey more than you will ever know.

You helped me transition from my relaxed hair to this amazing head of natural hair that I now rock faithfully... everyday!!! You helped me (& hubs) answer a lot of the questions we were faced with about pregnancy planning. You helped me to maintain my healthy weight through all my crazy cravings and everything else! Most of all, you helped me realize that I do have limitations and that I am not 'invincible' when it comes to IH. You showed me that it is okay to expose my weakness and cry mercy when I just can't go any further. You showed me compassion and so much love... I am truly grateful to all of you.

With that said, this is officially the last post I will submit on Robyn's Nest. There is no easy way to say goodbye! I feel so connected to so many of you and it feels like I am dropping off the face of the earth by 'unplugging' myself from the blog world.

Before I go, I must give some final updates:

• Pregnancy - we are not pregnant. We actually have put family planning on the back-burner and we have shifted our focus more on us and enjoying our time as husband and wife. I think we deserve it (don't you!?!), we had a rough go at the pregnancy planning thing.
• IH - my family has given me some great resources and I'm now exploring other options (other than the meds) to keep this condition under control.
• Weight - still maintaining my healthy weight... it's the meds!
• Hair - still loving it! I plan to just keep growing it out and continue to experiment with styles. Can I just add that going natural was one of the best decisions I have ever made!

Okay, well I guess that's it. Thank you so much again to all of you for being absolutely amazing readers... this blog would have been nothing without you!

Hairstyle: "Lion's Mane"

Where does the time go!?!? I was seriously enjoying my 'bed rest', huh!?!? Hubs was so right... I needed it!

I finally tried a blow-out braid-out (BOBO) and loved, Loved, LOVED it!

How I achieved this look:

• co-washed with HEHH & HETT
• dried hair with a t-shirt
• deep conditioned with Parnevu and sat under my Huetiful Hair Steamer until it turned off (approx 10 -15 min)
• detangled with wide tooth comb (in sections)
• rinsed out conditioner and dried hair with a t-shirt
• applied SSTSF leave-in
• formed about 6-7 mini puffs
• used hand held (w/ comb attachment) to blow dry each section using Elasta QP Design Silk thermal styling spray, Elasta QP Design Foam and Mizani Supreme Oil.
• braided each section into about 3-4 braids, using a small amount of Mizani Butter Rich for each braid (ended up with 20-30 braids).
• allowed hair to dry (set)... I left the braids in for about 1 hour.
• unraveled the braids (with Mizani Supreme Oil on finger tips) and styled (used a headband to pull the hair back and formed the "Lion's Mane")

Note To Self: This is a great trick to get Big Hair!!!

How I maintained this look:

• braided hair every night and slept with a silk scarf.
• unbraided hair in the morning with Mizani Supreme Oil on fingertips and styled.
• Day 4 I started puffing it! Loved that too!

Hey Guys!

Hubs put me on mandatory bed rest... he said I do too much! So, I have been going to work and coming home and basically going straight to bed. He has been holding down the house and I am truly grateful for that!

Today, I told him it has been several days since my last post and that I had to check in with you guys to let you know what's been going on. He said, "Okay cool, but don't try to get on there and schedule the rest of your posts for the week" (Ha! He knows me so well). Let me tell you my husband NEVER puts 'his foot down', but he was adamant that I take this time to rest and I am going to be a 'good wife' and listen.

I plan to get back on line next week and update all of you... I found some great tricks with my hair and some great info regarding IH!

I hope you guys have a wonderful remainder of the week and to all the mother's... Happy Mother's Day!!!

Huetiful Hair Steamer

"I can make that with a tea kettle, garden hose, salad bowl and some duck tape!" ~ Hubs

It finally made its way to my home... my very own Huetiful Hair Steamer!!! Not only am I a self proclaimed product junkie, but I am also a lover of all things conditioner... I always have and will always be a 'conditioner lover'!

So, when I saw the reviews and heard the claims, I could not wait to have my very own steamer, but as many of you know we are still on the debt diet and I had to save my weekly allowance before I could buy one. I can not tell you how happy I am that I did!

Either you have already heard all of the claims or you can do a simple search on you tube and find several great reviews; however, I do have to add my 2 cents and say that I really didn't experience the benefits from this steamer until AFTER I detangled and rinsed out the conditioner (many ladies rave about the ease of detangling and that's why they love the steamer... not me!). The detangling session was exactly the same for me, but I was absolutely amazed when I rinsed out the conditioner, dried my hair with a t-shirt and looked in the mirror... WOW!!!

My hair was so shiny and healthy looking... then I touched it and was even more amazed! My hair felt soft and my teeny tiny 'coilies' were just as springy as ever! After I styled my hair (braid out w/ Mizani), it was even more apparent that this steamer really took my deep conditioning session to another level!

I don't know what else to say about this steamer, except...

I LOVE THE HUETIFUL HAIR STEAMER!!!

Conair Pro Soft Bonnet Attachment

"I can make that with some aluminum foil and duck tape!" ~ Hubs

For those of you who are like I was and can't stand being confined to one spot of your home while sitting under your hooded dryer waiting for your hair to dry... have I got some great news for you!!!

I tried the Conair Pro Soft Bonnet Attachment and now know that there is hope for versatility and mobility while your hair is drying! Success! I really like this bonnet attachment, you just attach the hose (that has a secure elastic band) around your hand held blow dryer and allow your hair to dry (in any location of your home or several locations).

I'm not in love with this dryer, but I like it a lot. I think I just don't like dryers in general, so I'm having an issue with the whole concept; however, if I have to use a dryer, this would be my 1st choice!

ECO Styler Moroccan Argan Oil Gel Review

Well, this review is going to be super short and sweet...

...I will NOT purchase this gel again. Why!?!? I had crazy flakes and I honestly have no idea why.

I have never been an ingredient guru, but with these results it made me compare the ingredients of ESOO and ESMAO and I'm completely baffled!

When comparing the two gels, there are only 2 ingredients that are different!?! I do understand that just because the same ingredients are used it doesn't mean the same percentage of each are used per formulation; however, with it being the same brand, one would think the ingredient percentages would be pretty similar... right!?!? I just can't figure this one out.

Eco Styler Olive Oil Gel

Ingredients

Water, Carbomer, Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein, PVP, Glycerin, Triethanolamine, Sodium Hydroxymethylglycinate, Polysorbate 20, Tetrasodium EDTA, Olive Oil, Fragrance, Blue #1, Yellow#11, Love and Pride.

Eco Styler Moroccan Argan Oil

Ingredients

Water, Carbomer, Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein, PVP, Glycerin, Triethanolamine, Sodium Hydroxymethylglycinate, Polysorbate 20, Tetrasodium EDTA, Argan Oil, Fragrance, Yellow#11, Love and Pride.

I Still Have A Voice!

I've been quiet lately... real quiet! I have learned that one of the many side effects from the meds actually messes with my cognitive abilities... I am having an extremely difficult time speaking without getting lost in my words.

This is very difficult for me, because the one thing I love to do is talk! I find myself so embarrassed and humiliated that I have just about given up on speaking (unless speaking to loved ones who know my struggle and understand) or I will skip my meds (which is a terrible solution).

I find myself extremely grateful that I still have written word. When I write, you can't tell that I am stuttering or stuck with my words. It feels good to know that I still have a voice!

As I go through another rough road, please know that I don't type these posts for sympathy. I simply type about the ugly truth of IH (or Pseudotumor Cerebri) to help someone who may be going through the same thing and/or help raise awareness. It is also truly healing for me to just get it out.

I thank God for giving me a voice that can still be heard stutter free!

Signature Style w/ Flexi Rods

I tried my Signature Style with flexi rods and really, REALLY liked it. Finding a "go to" style that really works for you is a life saver! That is probably the #1 thing I can say I have benefited from with trying several different styles... it really pays off when you find one you love!

How I achieved this look:

• co-washed (HETT) and deep conditioned (Jessi Curl WDCT, using the heat therapy wrap for 30 minutes)
• dried hair with t-shirt and applied leave-in (SSTSF)
• sectioned off hair and started rolling on the flexi rods (using Elasta QP Feels Like Silk Liquid Gel: Tip - less is more with this product, I had to learn that the hard way and mesh end papers)... trying to ensure the hair was nice and smooth and secure around the flexi rod.

• sat under the dryer for 1 hour (can you believe it!?!?) and it was so late that I decided I would also sleep in the rods (not the best night sleep, but not the worst either... you really have to find that comfortable spot and stay there!)
• removed flexi rods in the morning (it's crucial that your hair is completely dry before removing).

• I didn't apply anymore product to my hair after removing the rods, because honestly, it was coated enough.
• started pulling the curls apart into smaller sections, trying not to fluff too much to help eliminate frizz.
• styled my hair (using ESOOG and bobby pins to secure the sides).

• I decided to pull one side higher than the other and allow my little bangs to hang (Ha!). I was loving my little bangs too!

This style is definitely here to stay!

Frugal Fashion: Tip #1

Find A Good Cobbler!

cob·bler/ˈkäblər/Noun

1. A person who mends shoes as a job.

I can not stress the importance of finding a good cobbler! My cobbler saved my life (over exaggeration!) You will be amazed at how much use you can get out of your shoes when you invest the time in finding a reasonably priced, yet qualified cobbler.

While shopping the clearance racks, I have turned a cute size 8 (that was on sale and too small, but I couldn't live without them) into a perfect size 8 1/2 after my cobbler stretched them out. Or the shoes that were marked down because they had a few scratches... hmmm, after my cobbler got a hold of them they were a beautifully polished brand new pair of shoes!

Your cobbler can also help mend the heels of your favorite pumps and/or soles of your favorite flats, so you can get many more months (or years) of wear out of your shoes.

Find a good cobbler... you won't be disappointed!

Real Conversation: Episode #1

Hubs: What do you want for dinner?

Robyn: Oh, I don't know... I'm not really that hungry.

Hubs: Okay, I'll make a salad.

(Please Note: My husbands salads are like none other! They typically consist of the following ingredients... sautéed shrimp, chicken breast, crab, bacon, cheese, cucumbers, carrots, walnuts, almonds, cranberries, apples, salad dressing and oh yeah lettuce!)

Robyn: Yum! That sounds good, maybe I'll eat some of your chicken breast.

Hubs: Cool. Hey, would you please add olive oil to our next grocery order (I love that he loves that we order our grocery's online now!!!)

Robyn: Oh, I have some olive oil in the bathroom.

Hubs: *says nothing* just looks at me with this very perplexed look on his face.

Robyn: What... I use it on my hair!

(We both burst out in hysterical laughter!!!)

Hubs: What don't you use on your hair now!?!? I bet you will start using Crisco next.

Robyn: If the natural hair community can find some benefits from using Crisco, you better believe I will try it!

(We both burst out in hysterical laughter again!!!)

Miesha - Weight Loss Success Story

Meet Miesha Roshawn, a woman who learned to overcome self doubt and has lost over 1oo lbs and still losing... a truly inspiring story!

What made you decide to lose the weight?

I had two main things that got me started. The first one was going to visit my boyfriend for the first time (we met online and hadn't seen one another in person) in New Orleans in August 2009. The second was watching my auntie Desiree fight then lose her battle with stomach cancer at the age of 43 in November/December 2009. Seeing her go from healthy a year prior, to fighting for her life triggered something inside of me. I promised her that I would do it and I've kept my promise to her. I also still have that same man in my life. He met me at my heaviest weight, watched me shrink and loved me through the ups and downs unconditionally.

What regimen/diet did you use? How did you measure success?

I didn't use a specific diet although I have done WW, which I think is a fantastic program ifyou're cluless about tracking your food intake and portion sizes. I planned my menu and stuck to it. I cut out fast food, junk food, juice/pop and went strictly to whole grains & lean proteins. I did (and still do) allow myself treats. This keeps my cravings at a minimum. I also cut alcohol out of my diet while I was specifcally focused on reaching my goal. I only drank water. Primarily all I drink now is water. I measured my success by scale and non scale victories. Dropping sizes and losing inches does wonders when the scale won't budge!

What was your workout routine?

Initially I started slowly, committing myself to 30 minutes of a DVD 3 x a week. I upped my time and days, eventually getting to 45- 60 minutes 6 days a week, sometimes 2 x a day! Believe it or not I did it without a trainer or gym memebership! I am a FIRM believer in strength training as well as cardio. I don't have the bagging and sagging that often comes with extreme weight loss. I paced myself the entire time. I have to say that Chalene Johnson's Turbo Fire is my #1 workout system. I'm also a huge Jillian Michels fan. Her strength training DVDs have done wonders for my body!

How much weight did you lose?

As of today I've lost 110 pounds.

How long did it take to lose the weight?

15 months.

What was the most difficult thing to overcome?

The hardest thing for me to overcome was self doubt. On the days when I felt like I couldn't go any further, I dug deeper. I pushed myself past all of the pity parties, trust me, there were many!

What was the reaction of your family/friends?
They are all so very proud! They saw the changes long before I ever did. I couldn't see it. For people that knew me prior to my weight gain, they see the person they used to know. For people that have recently met me, they don't believe that's how I looked a year and half ago!

What are you currently doing to maintain your healthy weight?

I'd still like to lose another 15 pounds so my workouts and lifestyle remain the same. My current schedule is 3 days on, 1 day off with my workouts. I am focused more on strength training now than I was when I started.

What advice would you give someone who would like to lose weight, but they are unsure how to get started?
Sit down with yourself and have a serious conversation. Ask yourself why you are doing it, then figure out your plan of action. Write down your attainable goals, your non food rewards and set a date for when you'd like to reach your goal weight. Even if you don't hit that date specifically, you need a finish line for your race. I also kept a vision board in my home. Having the visual reminder kept me focused on the many reasons why I couldn't stop going.

Any additional information you would like to provide (weight loss tips, favorite recipe, your own blog address, etc...)? Make yourself your top priority and change your entire lifestyle. Weight loss is more of a mental struggle than a physical one. Keep negative people out of your circle! When I told people how much weight I wanted to lose they told me I would look funny...oh well, I'll just have to look funny! Trust and believe I'm getting the last laugh!

Read more about Miesha's story:
http://msmiesharoshawn.blogspot.com

Nine West Handbag & "Wench" Giveaway *Winner*

CONGRATULATIONS!

Aisha

Please contact me (secure link) with your mailing address and I will ship your Nine West Handbag & "Wench" to you asap!

1st Annual North American Natural's Cruise!

The amazing ladies of Showing My Roots are hosting the 1st Annual North American Natural's Cruise. I just found out about this cruise and the great news is that it is not too late to sign-up!

I am so going and I'm rallying the troops! What a great way to get people together to educate, discuss and celebrate natural hair. The cruise is open to everyone... naturals, transitioners, natural enthusists, family/friends and anyone else interested in enjoying 5 days of relaxation & fun!!!

For more information, please contact showingmyroots.naturalhair.sd@gmail.com

Will I see you there!?!?

ECO Styler Moroccan Argan Oil Stlying Gel

Please make it stop!!! You already know I want to try this gel, right!?!?... not because my olive oil gel has let me down (not at all... I love that gel), but simply because it is something new and all I keep hearing about are the amazing results people are getting from Argan Oil... What is a girl (product junkie) to do!?!? Urgh!!!

Will someone please just scream, "NO ROBYN, DON'T DO IT... YOU STILL HAVE A GALLON OF ECO STYLER OLIVE OIL GEL IN YOUR CABINET (insanity!)"

Have you tried the Argan Oil Gel? What did you think?

Q&A - Product Failures

Question: Many people talk about the products they love, but what products DID NOT work for your hair?

Answer: Can I start by saying that this is what I get for straying away from my beloved Mizani Butter Rich... even if it was only for a second.

So, what is this nightmare you are witnessing!?!? This is actually a braid out using Organix Coconut Milk (shocked!?!? yeah me too!) Let me explain. I've heard people talk about using coconut milk as a moisturizer/styler and because I ran out of my Mizani I went for it (never again)!

The first day actually ended up looking okay, but what happened after day #1, I couldn't even begin to tell you!!! All I know is that this is what I ended up with after unraveling my braids the morning of day #2... scary!!! I can't even explain this one ya'll! What is that mass sitting on top of my head!?!

Other products that did not work for me: KCKT & KCCC (uncontrollable flakes); Miss Jessie's Curly Pudding (to stiff for my liking); Neutrogena Clarifying Shampoo (my hair felt "squeaky" clean... literally!); Kinky-Curly Spiral Spritz (yuck!); Donna Marie Miracurl Curling Gelly (purple flakes... what!?!?).

What didn't work for me, may have worked for you... I'm just sharing my experience.