Hair, Coupons, and Outfits Oh My!

  

So, I just realized its been a lil over a month since I last posted something. I've been a hermit like all month I guess. Anywho, as you can see in the first couple of pics I've taken out my braids. What you see is 6 months of natural growth since my big chop in July. Whoo hoo! I experimented with some twist out's and even did a wash and go which I am still currently rockin :) I'm loving the verstility. Also I finally purchased a binder for my coupons! If any of you are an extreme couponer like me, I'd highly recommend you purchase a coupon binder. I bought the 3 ring binder at Walmart for $3.47 and purchased the pages (Baseball card holder pages) for $4.48 a pack (35 pages per pack) not too bad right? This last picture is a lovely young lady named Amber. I saw her shopping in Forever 21 earlier in the week. I was walking past her and saw a glimpse of this outfit and just had to get a pic of her. I'm just glad she didn't think that I was crazy for taking her pic lol... I was soooo inspired by this outfit, its laid-back yet it makes a statement... literally :)

 She's wearing-

Graphic Sweater- Forever 21

Headband- Forever 21

Skull Leggings- Love Culture

Boots- Thrifted

Purse- Sanrio

I love that her shirt reads "Do everything, regret nothing". That's kind of how I live my life... regretting nothing that I do. 

Bring in The New Years In Black

 

For those who know me, know that I love anything BLACK! 

Silvina- Black Sweater Dress

Dots- Black Elastic Belt

????- Cuffed Faux Fur Wedge Bootie

Products Of Choice

 

So here are the "Staple" products that I use for my hair (From Left-Right: Water with Aloe Vera Juice, Kinky Curly Knot Today, Eco-Styler Moroccan Argan Oil, IC Fantasia Olive Oil Styler Gel, Shea Moisture Deep Treatment Masque, Shea Moisture Curl Enhancing Smoothie, Shea Moisture Curling Souffle, Shea Moisture Curl & Style Milk.

Water is the most important product or element for all Natural's :) I choose to put Aloe Vera Juice in my water bottle because, my hair sucks at absorbing moisture and keeping it in. It gets extremely dry very easily. The Aloe Vera Juice helps lock in moisture in my scalp, thus locking in moisture to my strands. Plus it makes my hair really soft ^_^ You can purchase Aloe Vera Juice at Walmart in the medicine aisle. 

Shea Moisture is one of the best Natural products that I've ever invested in. Not to mention it's one of the cheapest natural hair products on the market (Compared to Miss Jessie's) The curl smoothie is a great moisturizer and curl enhancer! I use the deep treatment masque when I'm deep conditioning my hair after a Shampoo. The curling souffle is not bad. It gives great hold and nice curl definition. My only negative comment is that since it is all natural and has Agave Necter it can leave my hair and hands sticky.... No bueno :( The Curl & Style hair Milk is a great sealer for moisture and detangler. You can buy any Shea moisture products at your nearest Target and Walgreen stores.

Kinky Curly Knot Today is a great detangler also enhances curl pattern while detangling. 

You can also buy this product in Target.

Eco Styler is great Wash-n-Go styler to use. It's perfect on those days where all u wanna do is just rinse your hair, glop some gel in, shake it and go! The only negative about this product is after a while it can flake so use in moderation. You can find this Gel at any Beauty supply.

IC Fantasia is another great gel, but I use it only for my twist-outs. It has great hold and gives great definition. Also when I take down my twist, I really don't have to separate them because the gel does it for me... It gets 2 thumbs up from me. This can be purchased at any beauty supply. 

 

Oils! As you can see I use many different oils.

Coconut Oil, Castor Oil, Almond Oil, Grape Seed Oil, and 100% Virgin Olive Oil. I also use Jojoba oil, but I was temporarily out of it lol. I purchased all of the oils at Whole Foods. I recommend getting the store brand cause Whole Foods can be a little pricey. I have an oil bottle that I use where I have all the oils combined. Its one of my most natural moisturizers that I use after washing or just through out the week.

Christmas Nails

  

I did these nails on my own from a couple of YT tutorials that I watched. It's actually pretty easy, takes a good bit of patience. It didn't come out as good as I had wanted it to since I was in a hurry, but for a first time I don't think it was that bad :) Unfortunately these nails popped off like 2 days after wearing them. So I definitely will be re-doing these before the holidays are over.  

Styles and All

All of my different styles with my Poetic Justice/ Solange Knowles box braids :) My hair has grown mega fast with these braids... It ain't even been a full month and my natural hair is frizzing and pokin out the braids like its been in there for like months.. I'm not complaining cause I wanted faster growth. Now do to a special occasion I def need to get it re-done. I just hope I can get it done by the same person, cause I really don't wanna subject myself by letting someone else do my braids and do it too tight (In the salon)

Random thinking

I really should be going to bed, but i'm up talking to my loserface. Trying to get his butt on skype, but he's being hardheaded as usual lol. My Bff Angie is getting married in march Woot Woot! We've been talking about this day since we were 12. She's the only best friend that I have that has been genuine, loyal, and hasn't stabbed me in the back over a stinky tail dude. I'm so excited to be the Maid of Honor at her wedding. Never been in a wedding, so this shall be an interesting task. Can't wait till March 16, 2013. Anywho speaking of skype, i got to thinking about my Ol' Ovoo friend Merlin.. I wonder how he's doing? Welp I should be gettin ready for sleep soon, gotta be at work early in the morn. Christmas candy cane nail art coming soon!

The Beginning

Greetings Bloggers and Blog viewers!

This is my first blog. I really don't know what to say.... Surprising for those who know me. I can say that I will be sharing a lot of my personal style and fashion (Hince the name DIY-va). I'm a Diy-er, thrifter, and extreme couponer.. The drastic changes that are happening in my life have made me into the person that I am today. I'm also a Natural woman, and I also plan on showing different hairstyles for my fellow natualista's out there. I love doing nails as a hobby, so I might be showcasing some of my designs as well. This isn't my first time blogging. I actually had a blog site with Xanga back in the day. Hopefully I can inspire any and everyone with what I say and do. Through God, I feel capable of doing anything I set my mind and heart to :)