winter

Fall and Winter TBR

I have met my reading goal for this year already so now I’m taking a little more time with books and will be getting into a little more non-fiction to finish out the year hopefully. Some of the books have yet to be released so they may actually carryover into next year depending on if I’m able to get my hands on them. What are some books you looking forward to diving into during the cool/colder months?

Fiction:

The Talented Ribkins – I saw a review this book last year on YouTube and it has been on my TBR every since. I was browsing my local library and saw they had it so I will be picking that up soon.

My Sister, The Serial Killer -this book isn’t set for release until November but I am excited to read this one. The cover looks amazing and premise is interesting to me. –

Praise Song for Butterflies– after doing some research this a re release for Bernice L. Mcfadden. I’m slowly making my way through her works but I this is one I want to read sooner rather than later.

Whiskey and Ribbons– I have seen wonderful reviews for this book. I started reading it this summer but they kept talking about snow. I decided to put this down until it gets cold so I can fully appreciate the cold weather and coziness I think I’m supposed to feel reading this book.

 

Non-fiction:

Becoming– Michelle Obama’s memoir the cover is beautiful and that is enough for me. It will also be released in November.

The Warmth of Other Suns– my sister told me about this book last year. I ordered it early this year but once I saw the size I knew a book like that it could be overwhelming for me to read. I’m waiting on the audio copy from library but I may just end up purchasing the audio because I don’t want to continue to put this one off.

All the Pieces Matter: Inside Story of the Wire– I have a confession I have never finished the Wire series. However I love reading behind the scenes or how events are put together.  I want to really to read this one because the Wire is a piece of pop culture.

This definitely isn’t a complete list of what I will be picking up but just some books I’m excited to read the latter part of 2018.

shallow focus photography of books on bookshelves
Photo by Jesse Yelin on Pexels.com

Coming Up

Summer is winding down I was able to accomplish four items off of my summer bucket list. I can truly say I had a great summer. I took a few vacations got to put my feet in the sand. I also read some great books and watched some wonderful movies. The biggest thing my son started his freshman year of college!

Over the next few weeks I will be sharing some seasonal blogs about books and beauty the things I love I hope you are enjoying the content.

leaves hang on rope
Photo by Designecologist on Pexels.com

Winter Natural Hair Routine

textile-3106934_640We still have a few weeks left before Old Man says good bye so I thought I would share my routine for anyone who maybe struggling with one during this harsh winter.

  • Shampoo: I wash once a week with shampoo to make sure my hair is clean because I tend to use heavier products to keep the moisture in my hair and protect my hair from the cold wind and temperatures. You want to get all of the old products and oils off your hair and scalp to avoid build up which can become drying and make your hair appear dull. So I shampoo vs co-washing.
  • Deep condition: Deep conditioning is important year around but even more so in the winter because of how cold and dry the air can be inside and outside. I use my hot head for an extra boost to get the product penetrated into my strands.
  • Leave-in:  Always use a leave-in! I know this may seem crazy but I prefer the spray leave-ins in the winter because I do use heavier styling products this prevents extra build up. Also if you read the ingredients on the spray leave-in they contain better oils and wates or aloe juice that sometimes aren’t in the cream leave-in.
  • Style: I alternated between wash and go, twist outs and protective styling. I will typically check the weather for the upcoming week( my wash day is typically on Saturday). If the majority of the week will be below 50 degrees I do a protective style ( bun or flat twist pinned up. Temperature over 50 I go with wash and go or twist out. I always sit under the dryer post styling to help my style set and products better penetrate vs air drying.
  • Night care: For twist outs only re-twist twice during that 5-7 day time frame other nights I will pineapple my hair taking care to tuck my ends under. Wash and go will pineapple but also cover with my satin bonnet. Protective style I will just wrap a satin scarf around my style and go to bed. I like to cover my hair because the heat can be extremely drying on the hair and skin. I always sleep on a satin pillowcase so the nights I don’t have an extra layer of protection I’m not worried about my hair drying out to bad. comb-350077_640

I hope this helps anyone looking for some steps to help with your winter natural hair routine. The ultimate goal is making sure your hair is has plenty of moisture and your ends are sealed against the cold and wind.  I have linked a few of my favorite products to use in each section.