So with everything that’s going on I have found myself in need of a lot of self care, and not just my beauty/skincare routine. Recently I’ve been practicing other forms of self care like journaling. I enjoy writing which a main reason why I started this blog. I have some many journals for different things. At the beginning of the year I started a manifestation journal, I have a creative writing journal, a journal for my ideas, and another for my thoughts. It’s mostly like I sleep with these journal now. Overnight before bed and sometimes throughs out the day I am sitting in bed and find myself journaling about EVERYTHING in my head.
Here are 10 journal prompts that I think will be a writing muse to every blogger or writer.
Before you leave, enjoy more cute photos from my latest branded photoshoot at Moo Tea (Duluth, GA) with Ariel from Ariel Views Photography .
Listen, quarantine life is bored. Even as a work from home entrepreneur, I am bored out of my mind. I like to be on the go. This is day 6 of me being in house. With all the madness going on right now, my work load is light. So, I have a lot of time on my hands. To occupy my time I thought I’d try a Youtube tutorial.
Blankets are one my favorite things. I have a collection of throw blankets and quilts. So I thought it would be fun to make a blanket to cuddle with during all this madness.
I found some chucky yarn in my craft stuff so I decided to try to hand knit a blanket. I watched a YouTube video to get me started (click here). Once I got the hang of the technique, I sat back and watched a few episodes of All American on Netflix to relax while I knit. I wish I could do a DIY/ How to blog for y’all but it’s a little to complicated to explain. If you’re interested in making your own hand knitted blanket, just watch the video I linked above.
For this project I used 3 bundles on Roving Yard that were 78 yards each. I randomly found this this yarn on sale for $5 (regularly priced $16.88) a bundle at Walmart. The label said it was great for arm knitting or crochet projects. I think I just bought it cause I’m a collector of craft junk and thought that I’d use it for something one day. And look, I did!
It’s been a while since I’ve written a empty product blog, but I’ve been collecting empty products. And I have a lot of them, so this is going to be a long post. Go ahead and grab you a snack while you read and escape the madness of this coronavirus outrage for a moment.
Taliah Waajid Green Apple & Aloe Nutrition Curl Definer
It’s something about this thick creamy curl formula that makes my curls more defined and my twist out longer lastings. One of the major benefits of this product is being able to use it daily without producing a overwhelming amount of product build up. The green apple nutrients in the formula helps strengthen and balance pH levels for optimal hair and scalp health. This curl definer is definitely a hair essential for me now.
Taliah Waajid Green Apple & Aloe Nutrition Apple Seed Oil
This apple seed oil give my hair life! So, this oil is a major key when it comes to doing the LOC method for a wash n’ go. It really sealing the deal to help hold your product in place to give you them popping’ curls you desire. I love that this oil is some nutrient rich with sweet almond oil, avocado oil, organ oil, and bergamot oil. I’m a little heavy handed with applying oil to my hair on a daily basis, because I hate dry looking curls. So, I should have purchased more than one of these 4 fl oz bottles. I like the screw top tip on the bottle so that you can apply product directly to your scalp. I personally don’t ever apply oils directly to my scalp, I like to pour it in my hands first and finger comb it into my hair. I think this bottle lasted through 4 hair styles, so about 4-5 weeks before I was completely out of it. This is a product I don’t mind spending my own money to purchase and re-purchase.
As a small business owner myself, I try to always support black women owned businesses whenever I can. These 2 items were my first introduction to this brand and I’m hooked. I recently posted a video on my Instagram using these products and the CEO saw my video and loved it so they sent me a few more products to try. Blessings!
I purchased both Taliah Waajid products at the Curls, Kinks, and Coils Festival in Atlanta, GA they were $10 each.
Shea Moisture Coconut & Cactus Water Pick Me Up Lite Masque
This hair masque has become one of my favorites to deep condition my hair. It just really leaves my curls feeling amazingly soft and smelling fresh. You really don’t have to let the product sit in your hair super long to see results in your curls. The directions say to leave it in for 5 minutes then rinse with cold water and if you follow those steps you will see a softer distance in your curls. I wish it came in a larger package size than 8 oz. I think I get like 3 to 4 usages out of this 8 oz. jar because I’m really heavy handed with applying product to my hair.
This conditioner is great during the summer or hotter month of the year, when you just want to wet your hair to refresh your curls overtime you leave the house. I mostly used this product to refresh curls from a wash n’ go every other day. I think the coconut oil and coconut milk ingredients helped my curls remain smoother and softer longer. If I’m being honest I hate the packaging, the label design is cute and fresh looking. But this “pump” is horrible. The finger pump is super hard to press. It literally takes 2 hands to pump product out and when you’re in the mist of doing your hair, you’re hand are already slippery. It’s really annoying. Also the straw inside the bottle is too small for such a thick formula, so at a certain pump its slow pumping out. At one point, I added water to the formula to loosen it up a bit so that I can use the rest of the product. I don’t plan on repurchasing this product until they change the packaging.
This conditioner is another on that is great for the summer months. I found it to be very greasy and the formula was super thick. It made my curl feel a little stiff, I like it when my curls shake and move when I move. But I did find benefits in using this conditioner during the times I was going swimming multiple times a week. we all know pool water can be damaging to natural hair, but this conditioner help protect my hair from breaking during pool session. Just like the other product I mentioned, I hate the packaging. There is a corner of product left in the bottle that I’m just over trying to get out of the bottle to use. I feel like I’m throwing product away but I’m sick of trying to force it out.
Shea Moisture Coconut Custard Make it Last Wash N’ Go Shampoo and Conditioner
Aside from my HATING the packaging of this duo, I love love love the Make it last/ Wash n Go line. The I feel you, you couldn’t tell me my wash n’ go styles weren’t popping’ this summer, honey! I can’t wait for this heat to heat so I can start back rocking my wash n’ go style. I think the plant peptides in the formula really works to coat every curl on your head for the best results you’ve experienced in a wash n’ go. I literally hated doing a wash n’ go style before being introduced to this product, Now, I can’t get enough of this entire product line.
Each of these products were sent to me by Shea Moisture in my SheaBassador monthly boxes.
Aunt Jackie’s Curls & Coils Coco Repair Deep Conditioner
Curl friend, you should be using s deep conditioner every time you wash your hair. You don’t have to let it set for hours, but at least 5 to 10 minutes overtime you wash your hair. This repair creme not only smells amazing but really nourishes my curls from roots to ends. It’s very affordable and effective. I think I purchased this from Walmart for $5 or $6 and I was able to use it at least 5 wash days.
Pantene Gold Series Hydrating Butter- Creme
Honestly, I loved this butter creme formula when I first bought it. But after using it maybe 2 times I was then introduced to other curls creams and this one got kind of pushed to the back of my product shelve until I was out of all the other stuff again and needed a curl cream to style my hair. I was actually surprised that Pantene had a natural hair product txt I actually enjoyed using on my hair to do a protective style. I purchased it in Kroger for less than $10. I would re-purchase this product eventually.
Carol’s Daughter Wash Day Delight Water-to-Foam Shampoo
This is a natural hair game changer! if you have not tried this shampoo, please go buy it and try it. I was a little concerned about trying it when I first received the product but after using it the first time I fell in love with it. The packaging is perfect. the screw top lid really helps your apply the product direct to your scalp so that you are able to really cleanser your scalp from all the product residue and build up. I received this product free in a Voxbox from Influenster.
Camille Rose Lavender Shaken Hair Spirtzer
This spritzer is a hair refresher and detangling spray. It became apart of my daily rotation of products to refresh my curls. I love the bottle design, the spray trigger is super easy to use with 1 hand to spray directly onto your hair. I purchased this product during the World’s Natural Hair show last year and it lasted a fairly long time considering how often I used it.
Victoria’s Secret Tease Parfum
I’m not a big fan of expensive perfume. Honestly, I’ve never owned a expensive perfume. All of my scents come from Victoria’s Secret and Tease is my favorite scent. I love that they have these roll on sticks. I literally keep this thing in my purse for on the go moments.
Biossance Rose Vegan Lip Balm
This lip balm is extremely hydrating and leave my lips feeling like satin and looking luscious and kissable. I apply lip balm like every hour of the day, so this little tube of product didn’t really last a complete month. I received it from a VoxBox from Influenster, but I don’t think I could afford to purchase it at regular costs.
The Honey Pot Company Normal Foaming Wash
I’m so glad the honey pot is now a part of my life. This feminine wash the perfect wash for me. I’ve been needing this all my life and didn’t even know it. The formula is foam and plant based. It has allowed me have a well balanced pH level all month long. I love the label and packaging, its great for travel and the pump is easy to handle with one hand in the shower. I think 1 bottle lasts me at least a month and a half, sometimes 2 months. I have re-purchsed this several times, just so I have stock of it so I never run out when I need it most. the first time I purchased it, I was in Target for $8.99 but when I went back a month later to purchase it again, it was sold out. So I started ordering all my honey pot essential directly from their website.
Aveeno Positively Radient Micellar Gel Cleanser Makeup Remover
I’m a sucker for micellar water and gels. So this cleanser has been my go to cleanser for a while now. When talking about skincare and what I use on my face, I am always telling people about this product. I have been in love with Aveeno skincare products for a while now. I plan on re-purchasing this after I use my other Aveeno cleanser. The brand actually gifted me this product to try and review back before the summer.
Shea Moisture Coconut & Cactus Water Quench & Refresh Body Scrub
If you can remember, my February blog posts were all about exfoliation. It is super important to exfoliate your skin. The refresh body scrub is gentle and made with your skin in mind. I use this scrub before and after I shave or wax to keep my skin feeling smooth and free of ingrown hairs. This product will be a essential in my body scrub rotation.
Shea Moisture Tranquility Candle
I received this candle in a SheaBassador box and it has become a key player in my weekly self care routine, It smells amazing and I’m sad it’s all burnt out because I don’t think you can buy it anywhere.
White Barn Black Tie Candle
Hands down my favorite candle scent ever. Every year when Bath and Body Works hosts it’s annual candle sale, I’m sure to get as many of this scent as I can. It’s a seasonal scent but I love to burn it all year around.
Keeping your face clean and clear is simple. You just have to make it a habit to provide your skin with a few things it needs to maintain its health and beauty. Here are 5 tips that I have found to be very helpful when it comes to my skincare routine.
#1 Drink Water
What goes into your body affects your skin. Drinking plenty of water will help keep your skin clear of breakouts and rashes.
#2 Keep your hands away from your face
Your hands are full of germs transferred from all the things you touch throughout the day. Make it a habit to not touch or scratch your face.
#3 Wash your face daily
Washing your face everyday helps avoid breakouts. Find a gentle cleanser that will help clean your pores. I recommend use a cleanser once a day at night or in the morning. Then washing your face again later in the day with just a wash cloth and cold water.
#4 Use a toner
Toner have so many beauty benefits but most of all it help restore your skin over time. So if you are experiencing breakouts, pimples, and dark marks try using a toner everyday and watch how your skin improves overtime.
#5 Treat your skin to a mask
A clay mask or sheet mask makes all the difference in radiant skin. I have made a habit of using a clay mask or hydrating sheet mask once a week to keep my skin poppin’.
Tell me (in the comments) what others tips to do you suggest?
I have applied to be a part of the #SephoraSquad 2020. I need your help to advance to the next level of this program. Please click here to leave a testimonial about my skincare content and why you love my blog.
Also, I’m still in the running for the #SallyCrew for Natural Hair. If you haven’t already click here to head over to Sally Beauty’s instagram account and let them know why you think I am a bomb influencer and will represent their brand and partners well.
So, I am applying to be on of the next #SallyCrew influencers for Sally Beauty for textured hair.
I came across a advertisements about the #SallyCrew and felt like I would make a great Sally Beauty influencer. One of my goals is to work with different brands that I believe in and actually use their products as a consumer and influencer.
Sally Beauty is a place I got to shop of all of my hair supplies like brushes, clips, satin hair ties, and other hair care essentials. I was even recently introduced to their COL-LAB makeup line.
Here are 5 reasons why I should be a #SallyCrew influencer for Sally Beauty.
#1 I share my HONEST experience using different natural hair brands and trying new trends to give useful tips for natural hair care.
#2 I have a organic following from the natural hair community and have become a natural hair influencer
#3 My brand “Passionista” has inspired women to rock their natural hair and be confident while doing so.
#4 I don’t just have Instagram friends, I have a community of curl friend online and in real life to talk all things curls with
#5 I AM THE BOMB, because God made me that way!
Okay, Plassionista! I need your help. If you want to see me be on of the next #SallyCrew influencers, please clip on the Instagram links below and leave comments using #sallycrew and tagging @sallybeauty letting them know why you like my natural hair content or why you’d like to see me represent their brand.
Today I want to share with you one of my secret weapons as a business owner.
For those of you who don’t know, I am the owner of The Passion Palette Events & Marketing. I started by event planning and marketing agency a little over a year ago, after having it as a side hustle for about 4 years. I also recently started treating my blog as a business because I want to enter the world of being a paid influencer. As you may imagine, this is a lot for any one person to manage on a day to day basis.
I was so happy when Boss Made Planners, LLC. reached out to me about the 2020 launch the Boss Made Business Planner. I have been using this planner all month and I am in love with it. Not only does it have a 12 month customizable calendar but it also has other sections to help you manage and maintain your business. So I can keep track of different things like new product brainstorming, project task list, client information and projects. It’s honestly amazing.
Check out my unboxing and first impressions of my Boss Made Planners.
Go ahead a order your Boss Made Business Planner today or gift one to your favorite Boss Babe. Go to bossmadeplanners.com and use offer code PASSION for 10% off your entire purchase.
I have a prayer journal, manifestation journey, and a journal for my thoughts and ideas. But sometimes I find myself writing down my thoughts and affirmations on random slips of paper that I find laying around. I think it has become a form coping for me. And there’s no greater feeling than finding a old slip of paper or journal from years ago, re-reading it and seeing the growth, change, and answered prayer in your life.
I recently started a prayer box for my conversations with God. Today, I’m going to share with you how to make your own.
Materials you will need: A wooden or tin box, spray paint, stickers or vinyl design cuts, makers, and note cards.
I used a circular tin I picked for a dollar at Micheals during the after Christmas sale. I didn’t like the colors of it so I decided to paint it.
STEP 1: Paint the outside of your box any color you’d like.
Then, I used my Cricut Explorer Air 2 to cut out some crosses and saying to add to the outside of my box. If you don’t have a cricut machine you can just use stickers, markers, or paint.
STEP 2: Decorate the outside of you Prayer Box and Lid.
Next, I decided to write my favorite scripture inside the lid of the prayer box.
STEP 3: Write your favorite scriptures and affirmations inside of the prayer box, for your eyes only.
STEP 4: Add a pin and notecards inside.
STEP 5: Begin writing down your prayers.
I pray that this prayer box brings to closer to God and help you see the growth and change he is making in your life. I’d love to see how your prayer box designs turn out, post a picture on instagram and use #passionxDIY to share yours with me.
Valentine’s Day is tomorrow! If you haven’t planned anything for you and your boo, don’t worry I have a few date night ideas that you’re sure to enjoy.
#1 Dinner and a Silent Movie
Spend some time in the kitchen with your boo cooking y’all’s favorite meal. Then pick a movie neither one of you have seen and watching it on mute as you have dinner. See what type of conversation you spark from watching a silent movie.
#2 Late Night Snacks Under the Stars
Grab you’re favorite snacks and some blankets and pillows, go outside to a stary around after dark and spend some quality time under the stars.
#3 At-Home Sip N’ Paint
You can find a instructed painting tutorial on YouTube, guided just like the Sip N’ Paint experience. Just purchase your canvas, acrylic paint, and brushes. If you and your boo are advanced in the craft department, try painting Portraits of each other.
Tip: Shop in Five Below for your supplies. I found a 2 pack of 8in x 10in canvas for $4 and a paint brush set for $5. They have table easels as well.
Before you go enjoy these Valentine’s pictures I took at this beautiful magically place I found called The Tree Room in Athens, GA.
🎤Singing 🎤 “ Do you know what today is? It’s my Blogaversary, my blogaversary!!!!”
Hello Passionista ✨
I can’t believe it’s been 4 years since I publish my very first blog post. I’m so grateful that I’ve been blessed with the creative ability to share my passions with Passionista’s all over the world. Looking back on my journey I wish I would have started blogging a lot earlier.
Once upon a time, I was very fearful of being talked about and picked on. I used to let the words that people say to me get under my skin and alter who I was as a person. You could have called me a people pleaser. Looking back on my teenage years and college life I missed out on a lot of things because of fear. I feared what the social response would be from my peers, friends, and family members. I thought I had to do what was deeded socially correct all the time. Which caused me to stuff my big personality into a box, and not authentically be me.
But the person I have become today doesn’t give a damn about what anyone has to say about Khadijah. I have learned to be comfortable being me. I’m wild, passionate, somethings loud and different from others. Those were all things that I used to hide and be ashamed of. But I had to find the strength within me to get pass my fear and be my best self.
What did it take?
Honestly, I don’t know where this strength came from. I noticed that I was always unhappy, never satisfy with anything. I began to dwell on that. I came to the conclusion that I’m wasn’t living my life to my fullest potential by not allowing my light to shine as bright as my personality. Through my faith I had to find a way to be comfortable being me. It’s always going to take work because I’m a work in progress. I still struggle with some anxiety around what people will say about me. At the end of the day, I only have one life to live. It’s up to me to live my best live everyday. I truly believe that, faith over fear brings blessings. So, everyday I strive to embraced every part of who I am and strive to be better then next day.
A Passionista is a women with big ambition and a success mindset who pursues happiness and serves others by turning her passion into a paycheck. She’s not just passionate, she is fearless, determined and full of inspiration. Nothing gets in her way. Are you a Passionista?
To my loyal readers: Thank you for come back to my little space in the internet over and over again. Thanks for relying on me as a resource for all things skincare and natural hair care. You guys inspire me more than you know.
To my new readers: Welcome! I’m glad you discovered my little blog. I share my passions for skincare, natural hair care, DIY projects. Don’t forget to subscribe and come back every Thursday for new blogs.
Wash day is my favorite day of the week. I love the process of washing my hair. It’s just something about cleaning my hair and refreshing my curls that makes me all happy inside. I have my go to favorites for shampooing, conditioning, and deep conditioning, but I like to try new product from time to time.
I recently received a bottle of Carol’s Daughter latest natural hair product, the Wash Day Delight Water-to-Foam Shampoo. This shampoos contains Aloe and is free of sulfates, parabens, silicones, and artificial colors. It is a liquid formula that provide easy access to the scalp. I love how the product is packaged. The bottle has a twist up and down cap that allows you to open and close the spout for the product to easily flow from the bottle to your scalp. When washing my hair I like to focus on cleaning my scalp and let the conditioners work its magic on the ends. So this is the prefect solution for my wash day routine. I did notice that this shampoo stripped my hair. I don’t mind a stripping shampoo, because I deep condition after every wash. But I understand why some people dislike stripping shampoos (depending on the texture of your curls). I feel like the water to foam formula really put the sassy back in my curls. After shampooing with this formula and doing my deep conditioning process I decided to do a wash n’ go style. My curls felt really hydrated, look fluffy and lasted longer than they ever have before.
Watch how I used this shampoo for the first time…
I’ve used this shampoo twice and I still have half of a 16.9 floz bottle left. So I would say I think I’m going to get 4 to 5 good washes out of this bottle before I’ll need to head out to the store to purchase my next bottle. If you wash your hair once a week like me, I think 4 to 5 usages from a shampoo is a good value.
I received this product complimentary from Influenster, in exchange for my honest review.
