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Open Letter of Love to All Moms – My Mother’s Day Gift to You!

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We are just a few short days away from Mother’s Day and I can’t help buy reflect on my first Mother’s Day 11 years ago.  It seems like the time has flown all too quickly and the minutes of the day just drift away like they are non-existent.  Looking back on what I’ve learned and what I’ve accomplished gives me a sense of pride.  I always knew I wanted to be a mom, but I never knew how rewarding it would be for me and how much I loved this job with all my heart.

My boys are growing so quickly and I have learned after becoming a mother that sometimes a little acknowledgement, peace of mind and inspiration go a really long way.  I wanted to take the time to write a letter to all moms – new, soon to be and those with years of experience.  This is my Mother’s Day Gift to you and I hope you enjoy!

My sons
Luke, Kevin and Isaiah – 2011

Dear Moms…

1. As much as we wish it would, time stands still for no one and father time ticks and tocks the days and nights away.  While our days may be filled with challenges, they may also be filled with laughter and delight.  Take the time each day to stop and think about the things you are grateful for.  I keep a gratitude journal specifically for this reason.  It allows me to reflect back on other days and remember the memories that we often times soon forget.  Remember that each day is filled with some form of happiness… there is always sunlight at the end of a storm.

2.  It’s okay to want a little “me” time.  I’m still trying to grasp the concept myself, but at least now I have accepted that wanting some time to myself does not mean that I don’t love my children.  It just means that I need a break sometimes.  Even if this means you are gonna vegetate in front of the computer, online window shop and have a glass of Vino… so long as it gives you a moment to yourself – hey, that’s great.

Kevin Kaeo
Kevin 2008

3.  Don’t feel bad about wanting to capture every moment on camera.  Your children will thank you later, trust me.  My three sons grew up in front of a camera and I snapped away at every moment and tried to capture as many memories as possible.  Even with a camera attached at the hip, I found that some of their earlier years were missed because I was caught up doing other things.  It’s okay to stop and tell someone you need to take a photo, it’s okay to capture the moment for your memories.  Snap away and always have a camera on hand.  You don’t want to look back at the past and realize you missed something because you were too busy with something else.

4.  Each parent has their own set of advice for new or soon to be mommies.  It can be difficult to hear sometimes and I know that I struggled with this (still do), for a long time.  If it’s something you can use in your life as a momma, then incorporate it into your own.  If you can’t use, do not worry – just move on and thank the person who gave it to you.  Parents sometimes forget that each child is their own individual and what might work for one child, certainly will not work for another.   Do not feel obligated to make someone’s advice work for you – even if they say it will and you know it won’t.

Luke
Luke 2010

5.  This one might only pertain to moms of twinnies… but needless to say, it had to be said.  Please please do not tell a mom of twins (new or otherwise), that you know exactly what they are going through because your children are just 10 months or a year or so apart.  IT IS NOT THE SAME.  I won’t tell you how many verbal arguments I have gotten into with parents over this.  Having two children exactly the same age (twins) is not the same as having a child just a year older.  By the time you have your second child (or the child born a year after), your first child is already starting to feed themselves, talking, walking, etc.  It is not the same experience as two infants or children the same age.  Many can argue the fact, but as a mother of twins, it was absolutely difficult for me to deal with and it was the cause of MANY arguments with other people.  Does that mean that you are less than I because I am a mother of twins – OF COURSE NOT, but they are not a comparison or similarity by any means.

6.  It’s okay to splurge on yourself once in a while.  I’m pretty lucky in that I have a husband that consistently reminds me that it’s time to buy myself something nice, otherwise, it goes on the back burner and I completely forget.  Choose out something from your wishlist and if you can swing it, get it.  Ask your hubby for a Sephora Gift Card (hint hint) and pick up that new perfume or lipstick you’ve been eyeing.  The choices are endless and I want moms to know that it’s okay to want to spoil yourself once in a while.  It’s too often that we forget about ourselves and are always thinking about others, so it’s okay to have a little treat now and then.

Isaiah
Isaiah – 2010

7.  A child’s smile can warm your heart.  But, don’t let that fool you… that doesn’t mean you have to give-in and give them anything and everything they want.   Sometimes structure is key and I know it has been very essential in raising my children.  There are many out there that will say you are being too harsh… but don’t let them affect how your raise your child.  They are your children after all – not your aunts, sisters, mothers, brother from another mother… they are your children and you set the rules.

8.  Your are a strong woman!  It takes more than just physical strength to handle the job of a mom.  You are not only strong physically and mentally, you are courageous, creative and a complete genius.  Don’t let anyone else tell you otherwise!

family

9.  Before having your first child, no one ever tells you that it is a 365 day a year job, no days off, no weekends – no holidays… no pay. lol We don’t get a lunch break, no vacation time off and there is no worker’s comp either.  It has made me appreciate my mom more after having children.  While I knew that my mom was a very hard worker and she kept our family afloat, I truly had no idea what it was like until I stepped into this role.  My mom also made it all work with less than half of what my family has financially.  My siblings and I are all healthy and grown up and I am proud to have learned so much from my own mom.

10.  This is an important one!  After having children, sometimes we lose that sense of sexy.  I know after having my boys, I gained twice my weight and I was not feeling very pretty.  Gaining weight after childbirth is not the only thing that makes us not feel beautiful.  Emotions are running wild, we’re tired, we don’t want to put makeup on and pajamas are our best friend.  All these things add up to feeling frumpy and blue and that doesn’t even include the women who suffer from postpartum as I did.  When someone pays you a compliment, believe them.  For a long time my husband would tell me how beautiful I was and I thought to myself… “what’s wrong with this man?  Who in the world is he looking at?”  I still think that way sometimes.  But when your husband tells you are your beautiful – believe him.  This is not an easy concept for many and sometimes we just don’t feel beautiful.  But beauty is much more than looks and a woman who can survive on two hours of sleep and no food in their belly and still be able to cook a whole meal for the house, pay the bills and make sure each child is happy and healthy – well… she has a beauty within that most only dream of having.

My boys

So, at the end of the day – we are here on this Earth because of our Mothers… well, our Dads too.  Most of us are who we are because of these women and those who are mothers, well – we are strong, stealth ninjas with a heart of gold.  At the end of the day, our lives are no longer our own and times can be tough, but there is one thing I know about being a mom… it is the BEST, MOST REWARDING JOB IN THE WORLD and I wouldn’t give it up for anything.

To all the mommies out there, new, soon to be and those that are experienced just know that YOU ARE BEAUTIFUL!  Wishing you all a wonderful Mother’s Day!

xo

Signature Honey

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5 Things No One Tells You About Turning 35 – Beauty At Any Age

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NOTHING TO DISCLOSE

 

When I was in my 20s, I remember thinking… “drat, my 30s are just a few years away!”  It’s not that I was afraid of getting older, but I always assumed that my life couldn’t get any better than 20.  Boy was I wrong, because my “Dirty Thirties” came into my life and I’ve been loving and enjoying it!  Now that I’m 35, I have learned so much about who I am as a person and kind of embraced my love for life, instead of always wondering about what others were thinking of me.  With my knowledge of proper skin care and techniques, I am happy to say that I am not only happy in the skin I’m in, but also excited to be the age I am.  However, if I had to turn back the clock – there would be some things I wish people would share and divulge with me to prep for my thirties.  There are 5 Things No One Tells You About Turning 35 and while each person may have their list of things, here is mine.

no makeup selfie

How’s my no makeup selfie? (pictured above)  Let me be straight up and honest with you – if you live with me, near me or know me, this is my every day look.  I leave the house like this to go shopping, run errands and everything in between.  Hair in a bun, bare face (with exception to my serums, moisturizer, SPF, lip balm) and a hoodie or t-shirt.  Unless I really feel like dressing up or have some place special to be, besides Mascara and some form of lip product, this really is my every day all day!  Five or more years ago, you couldn’t catch me leaving the house if I didn’t at least have a powder or mineral foundation on.  I was not only self conscious of who I was and how I looked, I also would have constant breakouts.  Which leaves me to my #1 thing no one tells you about turning 35.

1.  Embrace your skin – love your skin – take care of your skin.  A few years ago I wore foundation often, eye makeup, primers, etc. for years before I was diagnosed with severe Eczema in 2013 and was told by my Dermatologist that I was not taking care of my skin.  “Not taking care of my skin?” I said, “How is that even possible?  I use all the best products on the market today!”  I didn’t realize that the cosmetics I used on my skin to hide my imperfections were causing my reactions and I was breaking out and having flare ups because of it.  Now two years later, foundation free, and I’m happy to say that besides my little break outs from my monthly friend, my skin looks good and feels great.  Skin care really is EVERYTHING to me and while I don’t necessarily invest in all the expensive products (I don’t find the need to sometimes), I find that as much love that I put into my skin care routine and my skin, the more love I get back from it in return.

plus size fashion

After having three kids, two of which are twins – every part of my body went array and even five years later of a consistent battle with my weight, I can honestly say I will never get back to that size 8, 125 lbs. that I used to be.  While it saddens me sometimes, I know that my size doesn’t define who I am as a person and I’m still proud of who I am.  My number two thing that no one told me about being 35…

2.  Society does not define who you are as a person – YOU do!  I have always been the type of person that considered myself a leader, but after having my children and putting on my weight, I did feel a little insecure.  Let’s face it – who doesn’t?  I’m constantly working on my body and being healthy, but I’m doing it for ME, not for society, not for people who think I need to lose weight and certainly not for any other reason but to be healthy and happy.  I walk or run two miles a day, five days a week and feel GREAT.  I’m still a plus sized gal, with scars from my stretch marks, surgeries and thunder thighs that would stop traffic, but I feel good.  The stereotype of being a plus size girl no longer bugs or bothers me.

glam makeup look

3.  Embrace Your Inner Glam Whenever and Wherever.  Red lips?  Smoky eyes?  I think that if you are feeling a glam look that day, even if you are just rocking it out around the house, do it!  I remember being told in my 20s that using makeup is all about going to the club (mind you I live in a small town and hardly anyone dressed up), but that is not the case… wear it when you feel like it.  I went to the grocery store using a red lipstick and bold winged liner and was asked by the cashier if I was going somewhere special.  My response:  “Yeah, to pick up my son from school!” Red lips are not just for the red carpet.  Like a smoky eye, red lips are used whenever and where ever you feel like it.  Embrace your inner Glam Diva.

bold makeup selfies

4.  Bold, Colorful Makeup is Beautiful!  Makeup is a form of expression, creativity and whatever else you want to call it.  I posted a look a few weeks ago where I had been wearing Barbie Pink lips and neon eyeliner (pictured above – lower right) and was told that it looked great.  Sometimes, while a neutral makeup look or none at all is my choice for every day – I love to pull out the bright bold lip colors and eye shadows that I love.  Purple lips?  Bold, colorful smoky eyes? Candy Yum Yum Neon Lips?  They are okay to use and have fun with.  Makeup is about self expression and art!  It’s fun, funky and I like to wear it now and then.

beauty at any age

5.  Wrinkles, Gray Hair (oh – did I mention I have both of those?) and anything else which would normally define age, does not make you any less beautiful.  YOU ARE A BEAUTIFUL PERSON – EMBRACE IT!  Due to some crazy genes, I started to develop gray hair in my early twenties (if not sooner) and since I was a smoker in my late teens, early 20s (so glad I quit at 24), I developed wrinkles – but that doesn’t mean that I am any less beautiful.  Sometimes we forget that beauty is at any age, any body type, any skin type, any person and we put so much pressure on ourselves to be the best.  The truth is, we are all beautiful – no matter what.  Our lives and futures are not determined by how we look or what we put on, but the impression we make in people’s lives and the path and legacy we leave behind.

“When I leave this World, I want to be remembered as the person who made everyone feel great about themselves and the one that gave them inspiration to persevere, not just the person who taught them how to do a smoky eye.” – Honey

My legacy would be that you don’t have to give up anything.  You can be chic but have a sense of humor, you can be sexy but comfortable, you can be timeless but fresh. – Michael Kors

So what does beauty mean to you at your age?  What tips would you give yourself if you could turn back the hands of time?  Stop on by and check out my dear loves from The Beauty Blogger Collaboration and see what they have to say about Beauty at any age.

xo

Signature Honey


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What’s On My Phone? Samsung Galaxy Note 4

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{AFFILIATE LINKS INCLUDED}

There is absolutely no hiding it, I am an android lover.  It has been said in various posts and videos in the past that as much as many have tried to get me to convert, I just can’t do it and am a huge fan of the Android base system and what it has to offer.  As if that was not enough, after owning the Samsung Galaxy Note 2 previously, I just couldn’t see converting to iPhone either… Recently, I upgraded my phone to the Note 4, and it is my technological best friend.

What's on my phone?

Being in a technology world, it comes as no surprise that I use many of my phone and computer features as a part of my daily routine and overall work base.  I whole-heartily believe that you must “disengage” yourself from technology often, but I also run my entire world through my phone and sync it directly with my paper planner so my lifeline for certain things can be found here.  It’s ingenious if you think about it, years ago when I was still carrying around my funky button phone, there was no such thing as an app and now – there are a plethora of them available at the touch of a screen.

So what apps are important to me.  Be sure to check out the video below where I walk you through each aspect of what is on my phone.  Click here to watch directly on YouTube.  It’s a long one, so grab a cup of joe and enjoy.  Not into long videos?  Well, do not worry – I sum it all up for you below.

 

Most of the applications on my phone are geared towards production or productivity.

Blog, Productivity and Tasks apps:

  • WordPress – I blog through WordPress.Org and use this app to write up drafts for my site as well as manage images, etc.  A handy app for blogging on the go.
  • Trello – One of my favorite apps for organizing anything.  This is a free app that you can use to organize a schedule, project, or anything you can think of and share with others so they can add and remove from your task list.  I use this for project planning and for party planning and I love how easy of an interface it is.  Interested in checking it out?  Click here.
  • Evernote – Similar to Trello but different, if that makes any sense.  Evernote is what I use on the go when I can’t access WordPress.  It allows me to type out notes or a full letter or post if I want and save for a later date.  I save images, task lists – anything you can think of and can sync via my phone, tablet and desk top as with Trello.
  • Wunderlist – Yes, I may be in a task list overload… but this app is my go to for grocery lists and even listing ideas for posts and videos.  I love that I can break it down easily in it’s own little folders, sub folders, etc. and check them off once I’m done.  It’s simple and again, works through my desk top and my phone/tablet allowing me to be able to access on the go.  This has been my go-to shopping buddy.
  • Scanbot – I use this to scan all of my documents into PDF form, includes receipts too and saves to the drives I request.
  • DocuSign – I use this app to sign documents easily using my built in S-Pen.  You can then email to the recipient or save.

Favorite Dining, Review, Travel and Realty Apps:

  • Open Table – My absolute favorite app for booking reservations.  I use this app for looking up reviews as well.
  • Urban Spoon – Another cool app for looking up reviews and menus on restaurants.  I have been using Urban Spoon for years and have utilized it not only in my home state but many places across the US.  It is a life saver when in a pinch and you have no idea what or where to eat.
  • Uber – A fun taxi app.  I haven’t used it yet since I haven’t been traveling lately, but I will soon.
  • Yelp – I use Yelp often and if I’m not featuring a restaurant or establishment here on my blog, you know you can find my review on Yelp.
  • Yellow Pages / Yellow Book – Who needs to pay for 411?  I love that the Yellow Pages app is easy to use and quick.  Find anything you need from pizza to a hotel or a pair of socks at your finger tips.
  • Kayak – Have you seen the commercials?  This app makes booking travel very easy.
  • TripAdvisor – Look up reviews of your favorite destination resorts, etc. and find the cheapest rate for travel
  • Expedia – A long time favorite… I will always use this for discounts on airfare, travel, etc.
  • Zillow – An easy interface for looking for houses in the area you want to purchase.
  • Realtor.com – Find your dream house with this easy to use app.
  • Trulia – one of my favorite realty apps besides Zillow – this app will allow you to see what is available for purchase in the Realty market.  Since my hubs and I are always on the hunt to buy our dream home, Realty apps make it simple.

Shopping Apps:

Everything from Amazon to Etsy and don’t forget Sephora.  I have shopping apps at the click of the wrist.

shopping apps
Social Media Apps:

Of course, Social Media is an important part of blogging but in general my way to stay in communication.  Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and Instagram are some of my daily used apps.

socia media apps
Finance apps:

Everything from Credit Score apps to PayPal, I find that balancing your Finances or just looking them up is a great way to stay on top of your task at hand.  Looking for an App to help manage your finances and get you prepared for Tax Season, Mint is a great one.  Oh – and Credit Karma really is free!  After paying a ton a month for another Credit Score company, I’m so glad I finally found Credit Karma.

finance apps
Food apps:

Everything from recipes to menu planning, if you follow me on Instagram or here on the blog, you will know that I am a major foodie.  While creating my dishes from scratch is what I strive for, I love trying new recipes that I can find in some of these applications available.  Yummly and Food Network In the Kitchen are some of my favorite recipe apps.

Food apps
Workout, Health & Fitness Apps:

Tracking my water intake daily, my period and my work outs are all easy thanks to some fun and easy to use apps that I have found available.  S Health is my favorite and came standard with my phone.  It tracks where I go via GPS, how long of a walk or run I have done and even plays music for you.  A great app for those looking to get healthy or stay healthy.  Interested in joining a community where others encourage you?  I think MyFitnessPal is a great one.  Looking to track your woman cycle or all the monthly stuff?  Check out MyDays.

health fitness apps
Game Apps:

I’m not gonna lie, I’m addicted to these Games listed here… don’t judge! hahahaha!  I want to know your favorite games, comment below and tell me!  FarmVille 2, Trivia Crack & Word Crack have been a few that I have been addicted to lately.

games apps
Music Apps:

Music feeds my soul and if you have been here on my blog a while, you would know this.  Each application has its purpose and I enjoy each one.  However, Pandora, Spotify and iHeartRadio are surely some of my favorites.

music apps
Photo and Video Editing Apps:

I’m always downloading and checking out new Photo and Video apps to try.  However, a few of my favorites that I use consistently are:  Magisto, Flipagram, PicsArt, Afterlight, Moldiv and Aviary.

photo video apps
So, that is the round up of my most used apps.  Of course, I do have my Google Apps which I use consistently like Gmail, Calendar, Drive, Hangouts, Google + and Docs.  Overall, even if I go old school with my planner, my phone works side by side with what I do daily and it is my go-to for everything most of the time.  Applications on my phone keep me organized and on task and they also help to keep the kids busy as well with apps like Netflix or YouTube Kids.

I hope you enjoyed this break down of the things I have on my phone.  I love my phone – it’s versatile, does what I need it to do and works for my lifestyle so the apps I download must be able to do the same.  Don’t forget to check out my video (click here) to get a walk through of everything available on my phone.  What applications do you find are necessarily to keep you on task?  What are your favorite things on your phone at the moment?  Comment below and let me know what apps you love.

Signature Honey

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Too Blessed To Be Stressed – RESCUE Pastilles Natural Stress Reliever

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While I’m a stay at home mom, I’ll be the first to admit that it’s a job that most people underestimate.  It’s a job I love and I take pride in but it’s 24 hours a day, 7 days a week with no days off.  You’re on call all hours of the day and night and as much as the job is rewarding, it can be trying and stressful.  But, I love being a mom!  Come on now, look at those three adorable faces… they keep me busy, they keep me on my toes, but I wouldn’t trade it for anything in the whole world.  Because I’m constantly on the go and busy being a mom, I am always looking for ways to help with the stress.  Here are a few steps and tips I can give busy moms like me going through the same.

the boys

1.  Positive Affirmation – First of all, know that you are just too blessed to be stressed!  I know, I know – this is easier said then done… but if you take a few seconds and actually say it out loud… “I’m too blessed to be stressed” you’ll be amazed at how good it will make you feel.  Saying positive affirmations out loud is a great way to empower yourself.  When I’m feeling stressed out and overwhelmed, this helps me in a pinch and works quickly.

2.  Breathe – As simple as this one may seem… no one really stops to think about it.  When a person is under stress or feeling stressed, their breathing pattern changes and they can often start taking on small, shallow breaths – which in turn can add to the symptoms of stress and make it worst.  This is otherwise known as a form of hyperventilation.  By controlling your breathing you can help to improve the symptoms.  Slow, controlled breathing can help to relax your body, muscles and can also lower your blood pressure giving you increased energy as well as the feeling of calm and well being.

3.  Exercise or Stretching – I find that sometimes just a long, good stretch will get the blood flowing in my body, give me a boost of energy and help me to get focused.  It’s a proven fact that when you exercise, your body releases natural endorphins in your body giving you a boost of self confidence and even happiness.  I will be honest, this is the one thing I need to incorporate more into my stressful days, but when I do – I have the feeling like I’m “unstoppable” and I can concentrate better for a solution to help with the cause of stress.  Overall – I’m much more relaxed and feel less stressed.

4.  Jam out to your favorite music while driving – This may not be a stress reliever if you live where there is heavy traffic, however – I find jumping into my car, opening the windows and sun roof and just listening to my favorite music helps to relieve a lot of stress.  Sometimes we underestimate how helpful belting out our favorite music makes us feel.  I love driving down a country road, easy listening songs on the radio and clear my mind.  It works, try it.  If you find yourself in heavy traffic – try putting on your favorite music and just sing along – you’ll be amazed at how fast you’ll calm down and how quick your drive will be.

5.  The last tip for conquering or relieving stress comes in homeopathic form.  RESCUE Pastilles is a natural stress reliever in a chewy pastille lozenge.  I especially love that these are available when I need them and are non-habit forming.  Just simply chew on one when you feel stressed or could use some relief.  They are travel friendly and I have one in my purse at any time to help when needed.  Active ingredients help you to focus, have patience and give you a balanced mind when losing control.

Rescue Pastilles

Keep a canister of RESCUE Pastilles in your purse in case you need it while on the go… and get natural relief in the form of a lozenge.  I find that while I’m out and about, I experience a lot of anxiety if I’m rushed or have to deal with large crowds when I was not expecting to.  Having RESCUE Pastilles in my purse has been a lifesaver.  I have the one flavored like Black Currant and it tastes pretty good.  Keep one around the house if you are looking for a quick way to provide stress relief.

Rescue Pastilles

RESCUE Pastilles has been trusted for generations and comes in a variety of forms to fit your busy (and sometimes stressful) lifestyle:

    • RESCUE Pastilles
    • RESCUE Sleep Liquid Melts
    • RESCUE Pearls
    • and more

RESCUE stress relief products are available now at CVS, Walgreens, Whole Foods and Sprouts (in the U.S.) or where ever you find natural products.  RESCUE is developed by a doctor and since it is non-habit forming, it allows you to help keep stress at bay without side effects.  RESCUE products are affordable and can be found for under $10.  I especially enjoy taking one of the lozenges pre-workout to help me relax and just buckle down in the grind.

Rescue Pastilles

Want to try RESCUE?  Click on the Printable Coupon and Buy 1 Get 1.  Try RESCUE for yourself and see how it will fit in your every day life.

So – while keeping stress at a minimum is not an exact science, sometimes it’s the little things that help make it all better.  Let’s face it, we live in a complicated world filled with stressors that can often damper any positive thought or situation, but learning to deal with stress and help relieve it, helps not only in our day to day – but in life.  What do you use to relieve stress?  Is RESCUE Pastilles something you may try?

Signature Honey

 

I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.

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Don’t Hide Your Curls Away – Love Your Curls With Dove Quench

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This post was sponsored by Lunchbox.

When I was a little girl, I had really long curly hair.  Since I got my curly hair from my dad, I remember thinking that I was so out of place since my mom’s hair was straighter than mine and I had this misconception that I was supposed to look like my mommy.  My mom wasn’t quite sure how to take care of curls and my dad, well – he thought pulling it back would be the best option to keep it tame and out of my face.  It tangled all the time because no one in my family really knew how to care for them and detangling was something I dreaded.  I cried sometimes, hating the hair I had and praying that God would make my hair straight overnight.  For years I struggled with this head of curly hair, so much so that if you look at some of my childhood photos, my hair is pulled back and out of the way.

Love Your Curls

It was a rare occasion that I left my hair down and flowing and that routine followed me well into high school and years after graduation.  I always looked at all the girls who had straight hair and thought to myself that their hair was so pretty straight and so easy to take care of.  Dancing Hula was the only time you would catch me with my hair down and out and I hated every minute of it and couldn’t wait till my performance was over so I could pull it back. When taking my high school senior portraits, my mom wanted me to wear my hair down since she thought it was beautiful, I did so – but hated every minute of it.  After graduation I discovered a flat iron and really put stress on my locks by straightening my hair constantly.  My husband always encouraged me to leave my hair down and love my curls, but it was such a struggle. About 4 years ago, I finally decided that… it’s time to stop hiding my curls away.

Love Your Curls

Now that I’m well into my thirties, I have realized that I need to love my curls and embrace them.  It’s taken me most of my life to figure this out and I encourage everyone to not only love their curls, but love the skin you’re in.  Part of the reason I wasn’t too happy with my curls is that they became frizzy quickly and I had no idea how to care for them.  After years of trying a plethora of hair care products, I finally found some that are made specifically for curly hair.

Dove Quench

I have used Dove beauty products for years and the Sensitive Skin body wash is a holy grail in my household.  Having tried Dove hair products before, I knew I would enjoy this line, but didn’t realize how much exactly.  Dove Quench Absolute is a new hair care line for the curly haired gals.  Dove Quench is a part of Dove Advanced Hair Series and is great for perfectly nourished hair plus 4x more defined and natural curls.  The product line is affordable for anyone to buy and provides your hair with the moisture needed to pamper and quench your curls.  After the first use, I noticed my curls were much more defined and held their curl through the heat and wind that Hawaii has been experiencing lately.  After using this product line the last couple of weeks, I am proud to say it will become a household favorite.  My hair smells so nice and looks beautiful.

  • Dove Quench Absolute Ultra Nourishing Shampoo – I was a bit apprehensive in using this product at first since seeing that one of the main ingredients in this product is SLS (Sodium Laureth Sulfate).  I’ve done my best the last few years to eliminate sulfates from my hair care routine because it had dried my hair so badly but was VERY impressed with how my hair felt with this product.  My hair felt really soft and moisturized and though I do not shampoo my hair every day – with consistent use I noticed it still had not dried my hair as other products with SLS have done.
  • Dove Quench Absolute Ultra Nourishing Conditioner – This product had a different consistency then what I had been using when it comes to conditioners.  It doesn’t have as much slip to it as other products I have used but isn’t overly thick like a masque either.  I use conditioners to detangle my hair while in the shower, so I was impressed with how easily this product moved through my hair and allowed my hair to move easily through my fingers.  After rinsing and drying my hair was soft and left silky like I had used a mask.
  • Dove Quench Absolute Intensive Restoration Mask – My hair is absolutely in love with this stuff that I’m finding it hard not to want to use it every time I wash my hair.  My hair is soft, manageable without needing to detangle.  It seems like my tangles almost fall out of my hair when I apply this and run my fingers through my locks.
  • Dove Quench Absolute Supreme Creme Serum – This pump is nice, but it can be a pain when your hands are slippery since you need a little more pressure to get the product out.  However, the product itself is thick and since my hair is so long, it took a lot of product to work through my entire head of hair.  Having used other types of curly hair products in the past, I was worried that my hair would feel crunchy, sticky or weighed down but none of that happened.  I love to apply this to my hair when it is damp and then leave in my pineapple bun overnight to release beautiful, smooth curls in the morning.  If you are someone who uses gel or mousse to hold your curls, this is not it… but will work well together to keep your curls nicely formed.

Love Your Curls

Do you have a curl story?  Head on over to Dove’s Website and share your Curly Hair Story.  You could be included in their e-book of Curly goodness, so be sure to check it out.  Everyone who submits a story will get a copy of the e-book.  Also 5 lucky winners will receive a Dove Prize Pack that includes hair products and other awesome goodies.

If there is one thing I wanted to get across with this post, it is that I want women and girls around the World to love themselves, love who they are and love their curls – no matter the size, the length or the type of curls, they are a part of you and YOU ARE BEAUTIFUL!

Signature Honey

This post was sponsored by Lunchbox.  All content and opinions expressed here are my own.

Love Your Curls

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