Sponsored by Hair Food. All opinions are my own.
In 2020, I started a process of self-love and accepting my curls. When I was young, I was very self-conscious about them. I felt I didn’t look professional or pretty enough.
I stopped straightening my hair, I got my first curly cut, and I switched all my hair products.
I switched to Hair Food because it is free of sulfates, parabens, dyes and they are cruelty free. They also give my curls the hydration they need.
You can also see my other curly articles here:
But recently, something in me has changed. I don’t want to be defined by my curls. My natural curls are a part of me but that’s not all that I am.
- I learned that my curls are beautiful, professional, and versatile.
I learned that I don’t need to straighten my hair to fulfill the standards of beauty.
I’ve learned how to take better care of them. I started thinking of what I put in my hair just like I think of what I eat. I love how Hair Food contains superfood ingredients (like coconut oil, aloe, mango, avocado, etc). And so many of you have been compliment how long and healthy my hair looks…this is it! This is what I use.
I’ve learned to pay more attention to what my hair needs.
For example, if I feel it needs a bit more of a “deep clean”, I’ve been loving Hair Food Tea Tree Oil & Lavender Water Purifying Shampoo. Tea tree oil is an amazing ingredient and the lavender just makes is the perfect scent.
And for the days I feel it needs a bit of extra hydration, I love the Avocado & Argan Oil Hair Mask. I especially use it if I use heat and KNOW my hair needs a bit of pampering!
I definitely want to start playing with my hairstyles more- either straight or curly- and not because of one is better than the other, but because it is FUN!
Click here to shop my favorite products mentioned above.
Sponsored by Hair Food. All opinions are my own.
I started fully embracing my curls over two years ago; and I get questions about the products I use and my journey every time I do a Q&A! So, I want to go ahead and answer all your questions.
Hair Food has been part of my hair routine for almost two years for several reasons. I love that Hair Food is free of sulfates, parabens, and dyes! I also love that all of their products are cruelty free + they truly work on my hair. I can’t recommend them enough! I only partner with products I love and I would recommend to my offline (and online) friends.
Secret #1
I wash my hair once a week. This is what works for my hair type and curl pattern the best.
So that weekly wash is SUPER important, and I must use products that keep my hair nourished and hydrated.
My current go-to: Hair Food Avocado & Argan Oil Shampoo and Conditioner, which is part of the Smooth collection. It smells amazing and it hydrates my curls!
If I have to wash my hair more than once a week, I skip the shampoo and only use the Hair Food conditioner. I apply it from the roots to ends and I massage my scalp. Many curly girls do this to hydrate their hair even more. The reason: the massage/friction stimulates and loosens any dirt or product residue!
Secret #2
Ok, let’s talk styling!
When it comes to styling, I’ve realized that the less quantity of product I use, the better!
After washing, I comb my hair (always starting from the bottom up), and I apply gel to hold my curls as much as I can. I apply generously and scrunch it!
Then, I use a microfiber towel (or an old t-shirt) to “plop” my hair. This is going to help your hair dry faster and without frizz!
Secret #3
99% of the time I let it air-dry, if I’m in a hurry I’ll use the diffuser, but it is something I don’t do often!
Because I am being totally honest, I do use a curling iron to curl some pieces around my face or if there are any strands that are feeling a little rebellious (always use a heat protectant). I do this because a big part of my job is to be on camera or video. But if we are not recording anything, I try to avoid heat tools completely.
To break the curls from the gel, I run my fingers through it while applying Hair Food Avocado & Argan Smoothing Hair Oil. I love this product when I travel, I always take it with me because it makes my curls so shiny and pampered!
Secret #4
Let’s talk SLEEP and how to make sure your curls last throughout the night.
If your hair is long enough, try the PINEAPPLE technique, where your hair is loosely gathered at the highest point of the head. This helps maintain the volume and curl pattern.
I try to avoid regular hair ties as much as possible as they break your hair a lot- I learned this the hard way! My recommendation is using spiral hair ties or a clip.
In the morning, sometimes I spray a bit of water to bring those curls back to life- and a little bit more of the Hair Food Avocado & Argan Smoothing Hair Oil!
Now it’s your turn to share a secret about your curls/hair with me!
Click here to shop my favorite products I mentioned at your local Walmart or on Walmart.com!
Wow. It’s been 8 months and I’m finally sitting down to write a bit more about my second pregnancy. I wrote Nico’s birth story within a few weeks, it’s definitely so different with the second kid- whenever, I have a moment, I just try to spend them with either of them!
Here is the pregnancy announcement, from a year ago (oops! I am so sorry). I really miss writing in this blog!
But before I write about Leo’s delivery…let’s start from the beginning.
Leo wasn’t 100% planned as Nico. We have always wanted two kids, but the pandemic started when Nico was about 1.5 years old, and our planned shifted a little bit. *You can also read here "are we ready for baby #2?" from May 2020*
By August-September 2020, we stopped being as careful- like if it happens, it happens! A three year old difference felt good. Nico would be *hopefully* in school, and a bit more independent.
I found out I was pregnant right around Halloween 2020, and oh boy I was surprised! There is a funny story actually. In October 2020, I was hired to create content for a pregnancy test company. It was purely for their usage, I didn’t have to be in the pictures or post them in my social media. The company sent me several pregnancy tests + ovulation kits. I thought “oh well, whenever we really want to try for Baby #2, I already have these ovulation kits”.
After Halloween, I had a feeling I was pregnant. I just KNEW it! (with my previous pregnancies, Nico and the miscarriage, I also KNEW!) So I went ahead and took one of those tests I had in my vanity..and it was POSITIVE! I started freaking out and I texted my manager asking if the tests actually worked or they were made to say positive (as they had to show positive in the pictures). They 100% were real tests, and we started joking saying that gig brought “fertility vibes” into my life.
This time, it was different. I told all my friends as soon as I found out. And I told my parents as soon as the pregnancy was confirmed by an ultra-sound. I had a miscarriage in 2017, before Nico and I was so scared throughout Nico’s pregnancy that I did not enjoy it. I learned that I really wanted to tell the people I would also share bad news with, people that have been there for me unconditionally.
Long story short, I had a lot of issues with my health insurance (“the American dream”, sarcasm included). So it took a while for my OB to see me.
By the time I was 17 weeks, I started bleeding after working out. I was working out a lot before getting pregnant, so I wanted to stay active (with little modifications, of course). We were shooting a reel and I noticed the bleeding and I started to freak out- because that's exactly how my miscarriage started in 2017...and this time, I had SEEN the baby, I knew he was a boy, and he had a name.
I cried uncontrollably the whole trip to the emergency room- and because of Covid, I had to enter alone. I started crying even more thinking of all the women that had received bad news in those rooms ALONE- without their partners, without a hand to hold. That made me even more upset with the Covid situation, as I kept scrolling on my phone and everyone seemed to be partying out and about.
Thankfully, the baby was perfect. It was my placenta that was very low (placenta previa) and that's why I was bleeding. So I had to be in bed-rest for two weeks: I couldn't carry my 2 year old, workout, do any lifting, etc. I was told to reach out to a high-risk doctor.
The next day I saw my doctor, the midwife that also delivered Nico. He was horrible, he scared me saying what you SHOULDN'T tell a pregnant woman. He told me I would need a c-section, that I might need blood transfusions, that there were a lot complications, that they might need to remove my uterus.
It was really scared, I would hold Nico so close thinking I was just told I could die in birth. Obviously I changed doctors immediately, and my new doctor (Lorena Tinoco and her partner) were absolutely amazing, they explained everything to me and they would just check the placenta every time. It slowly started migrated towards the top of the uterus.
Around 25-26 weeks, I was out of the danger zone. I started doing pre-natal yoga and walking. and I could carry my toddler, it broke my heart every time we wanted me to hold him and I just couldn't.
Spoiler alert: I did have a great delivery (more on that later), vaginal delivery with no complications.
So if you have been diagnosed with placenta previa in early pregnancy- stay hopeful! Everything will be okay!!
*Sponsored by Hair Food. All opinions are my own.*
It has been an honor partnering with Hair Food for almost a year. I’ve found some of my current favorite products and I know I’ll continue using and including them in my hair routine.
One of the many reasons I’ve loved this partnership is that the Hair Food products are free of sulfates, parabens, mineral oils, and dyes- which is the first thing you should do when bring back your curls back to life!
Here are all of my tips!
This was very hard for me at the beginning. Society has taught us that volume is bad, that curls are unprofessional, and that it is easier to just “straighten your hair”. This is definitely easier said than done, but it is beautiful how I healed, as my curls “healed”.
It doesn’t have to be a full week between washes, just add an extra day here and there.
This one has been hard for me because of the constant photoshoots, I feel my hair needs to lock as good as possible. So, I try to ONLY curl the strands that are acting up and being rebellious.
Now let’s talk about EXACTLY what I do:
1) WASH:
I only wash my hair once a week because that’s what works for me. When I wash it, I like using Hair Food’s Apple Cider Vinegar Hair Rinse. I use it instead of my shampoo, leave it in for 3 minutes and my hair feels like new.
If I need to wash it earlier than a week, I sometimes skip shampoo and just use the Manuka Honey & Apricot Moisturizing Conditioner. I massage my scalp with it and just rinse!
2) GEL IT OUT
After getting out of the shower, I use a gel to make sure my curl holds its shape as much as it cans. I apply it generously from roots to ends and I scrunch it. I regularly let it dry BUT if I’m in a hurry, I’ll use a diffuser (not my fave as I’m really avoiding heat).
3) BREAK THE CURLS:
At this point, my curls are tight, and I like going in and break them with the Hair Food Avocado & Argan Sulfate Free Smoothing Color Safe Hair Oil. It adds another layer of hydration, and makes my hair looks extra shiny!
4) A BIT OF CURLING:
Yes, I know I said to avoid heat tools as much as possible BUT it’s okay to curl some strands. I regularly just do the top layer or a few strands around my face to frame it better. I make sure to use Hair Food’s Coconut & Argan Oil Heat Protectant as it protects your hair from heat damage up to 450 degrees!
And that’s all I do!
Tell me about your CURL ROUTINE!
You can shop all the products by clicking here and hopefully you’ll love them as much as I do.
[Sponsored by FabFitFun. All opinions are my own]
Last season, I loved sharing my honest review about FabFitFun’s Spring Box. I loved all the products and I couldn’t wait to receive the Summer 2021 box!
Let me tell you about my favorite’s this season (these are available to all members to pick from). Most of them came at the perfect time as I was looking for them- just what I needed!
Oh wait, I’m loving how different the boxes are each season! But what I appreciate the most is the commitment to sustainable practices, all the Kraft boxes are 100% recycled!
- Milly Jewelry Case: this is such a cute jewel case, and very compact for traveling. Right now, I added my current favorites so I have them in hand whenever I need to.
- Nectar Sunglasses Blue Light Blocking Glasses: don’t ask me why but I would always forget to get a pair of Blue Light blocking glasses and I’m excited to see the difference- as I truly spend a lot of time in front of the computer. The style is also super cute.
- Scentuals Vitamin C Serum: I’ve been wanting to add a Vitamin C Serum to my routine for a while and I’ve actually heard great things about Scentuals. You can use it morning and/or night to hydrate and plump your skin!
Like I said, Annual members choose all items but if you want to try just one box: FFF will surprise you with an item - like this Mented Cosmetics Liquid Lipstick in The Berry (such a gorgeous color!!)! or these Kate spade new york Workout Socks with grip on the bottom that I am excited to try when I go back to barre after the baby is born!
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You MUST try it! These were just some of my picks, but as you can see, some products are worth more than the entire box (absolutely worth it)- and it is great if you love discovering new products and brands!
If you want to try it out, I have a little surprise! Get $10 off your FabFitFun box by using the promo code NANY!
*Sponsored by Hair Food. All opinions are my own.*
At the beginning of 2021, I shared here on the blog how exciting it has been working with Hair Food for almost a year. You can check out the other post where I am sharing my routine and a smoothie inspired by their kitchen-crafted recipes full of superfood by clicking here.
I love that they are free of sulfates, parabens, mineral oils, and dyes- they work amazingly for my hair type and curl journey. It has been such a fun partnership and I get to try the new products, and these are a few that won’t leave my beauty cabinet for a while!!!
- Helps bring hair’s health back into balance.
- Helps exfoliate scalp to remove buildup.
I use it instead of my shampoo and apply it directly to my scalp and hair and leave it for 2-3 minutes.
2) Hair Food’s Coconut & Argan Oil Heat Protectant Blend.
I really try to avoid heat as much as I can, but from time to time I have to curl a few strands around my face AND once every few months, I straighten it with a flat iron.
I spray section by section before applying heat and it protects your hair from heat damage up to 450 degrees and gives it a healthy shine.
3) Hair Food’s Avocado & Argan Oil Smoothing Hair Mask.
Every time I feel like my hair needs extra hydration, I go for this Avocado & Argan Oil Smoothing Hair Mask. I leave it for 5 minutes, rinse it, and then I feel like new!
4) Hair Food’s Avocado & Argan Sulfate Free Smoothing Hair Oil
If you use any gel to hold your hair, I really recommend using a drop of this hair oil to open up the curls and break the hold. I really like it because it helps me prevent frizz and gives it a shine kick!
Have you tried any of these?
You can shop them by clicking here and hopefully you’ll love them as much as I do.
*Sponsored by QVC and ShopStyle Collective. This post includes affiliate links. All opinions are my own.*
Last month, I told you all about how we started a little gym corner after getting an amazing deal on this compact treadmill from QVC.
We still have so much to do around the house and my bedroom is definitely nowhere done. However, I’ve been eyeing some pieces to spice up my vanity and there was this mirror with multi magnification and storage, it also comes in silver but rose gold is more of the vibe I’m going for. I also really liked that the base has a storage perfect enough to keep my daily makeup organized.
Talking about daily makeup; if you have been following for a while, you KNOW how much of a fan I am of IT Cosmetics. If you are looking to try the brand, this 5 pc Collection is a great way to get a few new every day favorites. Also this Lip Serum Treatment Trio is absolutely amazing for hydrating your lips- and the pigments are great for that natural youthful looking look.
I also saw this amazing deal for a Micro-Dermabrasion Device that I couldn’t pass- it is from a brand called 7LS and exfoliates outer layers of the skin to improve the appearance of lines and pores. The bad news, I forgot I cannot use it yet (the skin is just extra sensitive during pregnancy). So I might either gift it to my mom on Mother’s Day that’s coming pretty soon…OR wait until July and make sure the baby glow stays!
Since this little desk also works as an office for zoom meetings, I also got this cute and versatile black blazer! You can also find more colors and sizes HERE.
What are your vanity essentials?
Remember you can check out some of the amazing deals at QVC (from home to beauty and fashion, and everything in between), and use the following codes: OFFER ($10 off purchase of $25+ for first time customers) and HELLO10 ($10 off purchase of $25+ orders for second time customers).
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