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Volumizing Products for Fine Curly Hair

by Rochelle October 28, 2019

My favorite volumizing products for fine curly hair plump and thicken it. Sharing my personal favorites is necessary because so many of you ask what products will make your hair bigger. So stay tuned as I share the shampoos, sprays, lotions, mousses, creams, and fibers that give me my best hair days.

Before starting this list let’s disclaim that what may work for one person may not work for another. Different curl types, color-treated hair, and other reasons can factor into this. Some products might be too heavy or too light for your curls or maybe you don’t want to use certain ingredients. In these instances, trial and error is your best friend during your product search.

Shea Moisture Dragons Blood Sham & Coffee Cherry Volume +

SheaMoisture Dragon’s Blood & Coffee Cherry Volume + Shampoo & Conditioner

This lightweight formula is designed to plump up flat, thinning hair. It’s a gentle sulfate-free formula that contains dragons blood, coffee cherry, shea butter as well as black currant and borage oils. The shampoo surprisingly made my hair feels soft and had great slip. Many shampoo’s of my past haven’t always offered those two factors.

The conditioner is also light but still moisturizes well. It’s perfect for finer curls and a good prep for your stylers so that your curls are weightless.

Aveda Volumizing Tonic

A newer product in my curl arsenal is the Aveda Volumizing Tonic. This spray contains certified organic aloe and wheat amino acids to build body and add shine. It’s intoxicating scent is because of Aveda’s pure-fume™ mixture of jasmine, rose, certified organic clove and other pure flower and plant essences.

While the hair is still damp, I spray a generous amount of this into my roots. Then to make the curls weightless, I pair a volumizing mousse to add lift and body. For maximum volume, a blast from the blowdryer with a diffuser attachment adds maximum volume.

Not Your Mother's Curl Talk Curl Activating Mousse

Not Your Mother’s Curl Talk Curling Mousse

While on the subject of mousses, a hot ticket item is the Not Your Mother’s Curl Talk Curling Mousse. This particular one is free of alcohol, parabens, dyes, phthalates and now even silicones. It keeps your curls moisturized and defined but very soft with a light hold. It also provides humidity control and it’s safe for natural and color treated hair.

Mousses give curly hair a ton of volume which just makes the hair look thicker than it actually is. This is one of those products that I just love because it gives me 2nd day hair on day one.

Hask Biotin Boost Thickening Cream

This next product WAS my favorite until learning it was discontinued. It’s still available on some websites (as of now) which is the only reason to include it. The Hask Biotin Boost Thickening Cream is amazing because it is one of the only creams that clumps my curls together to make them look thicker. It contains biotin, collagen and coffee and it’s free of sulfates, parabens, phthlates, gluten, drying alcohols and artificial colors.

The cream formula is lightweight and used prior to my styling cream and after my leave-in conditioner. However, this favorite has a short timeline so if anyone can find a replacement, please comment below!

OGX Moroccan Sea Salt Spray

One rule that curly girls have been taught is too not use products that dry out the hair. However, rules are meant to be broken which is why I’ve incorporated a sea salt spray into my routine.

An affordable option is the OGX Moroccan Sea Salt Spray. It has a beautiful beach-like fragrance and contains sea salt for texture and sea kelp for moisture. However, don’t get too excited because it will not moisturize your hair. This is not a product that needs to be used daily or in large amounts to be effective but it works well to make your hair look full fast.

Plan on deep conditioning one to two times per week if you plan to use sea salt sprays. In my experience, using it on 2nd or 3rd day hair that already has a cream buildup has worked best. Spray this from the mid shaft area down to your ends while the head is flipped upside down and do some light scrunching. Once it air drys, your hair will get major volume.

Some also like to use this on damp hair but just be sure to detangle well prior to using it. Using it in conjunction with a moisturizing curl cream has shown the least drying results but I still prefer using it on old hair.

Toppik Hair Building Fibers

Lastly on my list are Toppik Hair Fibers. This is one of my best kept secrets because people constantly comment on how my hair looks so thick but it’s all lies! This is a scalp, edge, and part concealer that looks so natural. It will fill in your thinning areas, conceal hair loss, provide a root touch-up between coloring and makes fine hair look thick and full.

The product itself is made of keratin protein that attaches itself to your existing hair to make it look thicker. This also washes out easily and it’s wind, rain, and perspiration resistant.

And that completes the list of my favorite volumizing products for fine, curly hair. Please comment below and share your personal favorites with me!

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How to Use Hair Oil on Fine, Curly Hair

by Rochelle October 20, 2019

How many of you with fine, low-density curls have noticed that using oils makes your hair greasy and weighed down? Well don’t feel lonely, my experience has been the same. There is a time and a place for each oil and I’ve broken down how to use hair oil on fine, curly hair.

Pre-Poo’s

Pre-poo’s are treatments that are applied to the hair prior to using a shampoo or conditioner. Oils, masks, and other treatments are perfectly fine for this technique. Although coconut oil is heavy and greasy on finer textures, it’s a great pre-poo for detangling. It has so much slip and makes tangles melt away.

To use apply a generous amount of coconut oil to your hair then finger detangle gently. Follow up with a clarifying shampoo to remove the excess oil, then apply a hydrating conditioner.

Intensify Deep Conditioners

When adding oils to deep conditioners, there are plenty of oil options. However, be careful of the ratio of oil to deep conditioner. If the deep conditioner is the last step too much oil will leave your strands weighed down.

Great oils to try are argan, brassica, sweet almond, and jojoba oil. They are on the lighter side and are better options for fine, curly hair. Another tip is to focus the deep conditioner/oil mix on the mid-shaft area to the ends so that volume isn’t sacrificed.

Hot Oil Treatments

Hot oil treatments can be used for a variety of reasons. They can help with dandruff, frizz, and a loss of moisture. They’re available in pre-made packaging or you can make it easily at home.

When using them on finer textures, my favorite trick is to apply them on the mid-shaft area of the hair working down to the ends. In addition, applying them prior to shampooing can avoid the heavy weighed down look. Some of my favorite oils to DIY with are grapeseed, argan, apricot, almond or lightweight blended oils.

Hair Oil for Dry Ends

Whether your ends are damaged, color-treated, or splitting, using hair oil can help heal them. Lightweight blends like Innersence’s Harmonic Healing Oil absorb quickly without feeling greasy and have an intoxicating herbal fragrance. Best of all, it’s multi-purpose and you can use it on your skin and nails.

Scalp Massages

Scalp massages stimulate blood circulation and promote healthy hair growth. When focused on growth, an oil like the Tropic Isle Living Red Pimento Oil is my go-to. It’s on the heavier side due to the castor oil but just a few drops for the scalp massage have offered amazing results!

For all other scalp massages, it’s easy to make blends using a carrier oil and specific essential oils. Jojoba or argan oil are great lightweight options that you can blend with a few drops each of peppermint, tea tree, and/or rosemary essential oil.

To create a batch to leave by your nightstand, purchase a glass dropper bottle and fill it with the carrier oil and several drops of the essential oils listed above. Before bed, add a few drops to your hands and fingers and massage for 5 minutes.

What are some of your favorite hair oils for fine, curly hair? Share your favorite oils and the way you use them down below.

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Hot Oil Treatment on Fine, Curly Hair

by Rochelle October 11, 2019

If you have fine, curly hair, you may avoid doing a hot oil treatment. They can weigh down your curls and not in the good way. However, my fail-proof method helps hydrate, seal, add shine and reduce frizz on my own curls. Here’s how I do it.

My Secret Method for Hot Oil Treatments

Doing a pre-poo hot oil treatment has been the best solution for my curls. By doing this, you are able to rinse more of the oils during your shampoo. It also results in less of a chance of flat, lifeless hair when it’s dry.

Best Oils for Fine Curls During Hot Oil Treatments

With fine, low-density curls, there are certain oils that work better than others. My favorites are grapeseed oil, jojoba, argan oil, almond oil, and apricot oil. They don’t leave my hair feeling coated like many of the heavier oils out there. There are also lightweight, pre-made oil blends like the Darshana Natural Indian Hair Oil which.

Darshana Natural Indian Hair Oil for Hot Oil Treatment

The Darshana Natural Indian Hair Oil is a blend of sunflower, coconut, orange peel, olive, apricot, castor, and grapefruit. It also contains a ton of extracts. This ayurvedic formula smells delicious with the orange peel as the first fragrance note noticeable. .

How to do a Hot Oil Treatment on Fine, Curly Hair

Start by pouring a small amount of the oil into a glass mason jar. Place it into a pot of boiling water for just a minute or two.
Because this is a pre-poo, apply this prior to showering and shampooing the hair. I like to start on wet or damp hair so I give it a quick rinse under the sink.
Next, apply the heated oil strategically below the mid-shaft area and ends. You don’t need to apply a lot for this to be effective. If you want to apply this to the scalp, use a small amount (half a teaspoon). Give yourself a quick scalp massage.
Another option is to apply a deep conditioner in the area from your roots to the mid shaft. This will ensure that all of your hair some love.
Next, put on a disposable shower cap or wrap a plastic bag around your head. Give yourself 30 minutes so that everything penetrates and then return to your shower and continue with your wash routine. I personally shampoo just my scalp area, rinse well, follow up with a conditioner, then rinse it all out.

Post-Treatment Styling Suggestions

I like to stick to lightweight stylers on the days I do a hot oil treatment. I prefer spray style leave-in conditioners, foams or gels best to avoid my hair from getting weighed down.

My results from a hot oil treatment consistently give my curls shine, less frizz and nourishment. Share your favorite ways to do a hot oil treatment plus your favorite blended oils down below in the comments.

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Curly Hair Products Under $5

by Rochelle October 4, 2019

Finding affordable curly hair products is not an easy challenge. Especially if the focus is organic and natural ingredients. However, if you’re willing to let some of the ingredients slide, there are plenty that do a fantastic job of defining, moisturizing, and smoothing out frizzy curls. Check out this budget-friendly list of 5 curly hair products under $5.

Herbal Essences Hello Hydration Conditioner

Herbal Essence Hello Hydration Conditioner

This affordable conditioner has tons of slip, a great coconut scent and made detangling so easy. After a co-wash with this there was noticebly less shedding. Additionally, it’s paraben, gluten and mineral oil free, color safe and infused with coconut extracts. Herbal Essence Hello Hydration Conditioner $2.99

Aussie 3 Minute Miracle Moist Deep Conditioner

An old time favorite is the Aussie 3 Minute Miracle Moist Deep Conditioner. It always had a way of making itself into my product rotation as a teenager then again after restarting my curly hair journey.

It contains aloe, jojoba oil and sea kelp it’s amazing because it provides quick moisture to my thirsty hair. For someone as limited on time like myself, 3 minutes is about all I have to contribute to deep conditioning. Aussie 3 Minute Miracle Moist Deep Conditioner $2.99

Garnier Fructis Sleek & Shine Intensely Smooth Leave-In Conditioning Cream

Garnier Sleek and Shine Intensely Smooth Leave-In

Another oldie but goodie is the Garnier Sleek and Shine Intensely Smooth Leave-In. Retailing at $2.99, this is designed for frizzy, dry, unmanageable hair. It contains argan oil and their Active Fruit Protein which is a combination of citrus protein, vitamins B3 & B6 and fruit and plant-derived extracts.

Eco Styler Professional Styling Gel Olive Oil Curly Hair Product

EcoStyler Olive Oil Gel

Love it or hate it, EcoStyler gel made the list. The jumbo size has never been necessary in my eyes but the 16 oz is more than enough and retails at only $2.99. The olive oil variation applies sticky at first but after air-drying it doesn’t flake, feel crunchy and made my curls tight and springy. The only con was the scent but that was personal preference.

Creme of Nature Perfect Edges

An edge control with color? Sign me up! If thinning edges and gray hair are some of your problems, this is a quick and temporary solution. My normal go to has been Toppik Hair Building Fibers but it’s a bit pricier.

A helpful tip for edges is to apply further away from the hairline then move closer. This ensures that it gradually gets lighter like a natural hairline. Creme of Nature Perfect Edges can be applied with the fingers, a toothbrush or brush. Retails at $4.59.

Share your favorite curly hair products under $5 down below in the comments.

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9 Amazing Stylers for Fine Low-Density Curls

by Rochelle September 25, 2019

Having topics that benefit the finer textures are an absolute necessity on this blog. That’s why I decided to list these 9 amazing stylers for fine, low-density curls. All of these have been tried and true and are on a constant rotation in my current curly hair routine. Check out my favorites below.

Not Your Mother’s Naturals
Tahitian Gardenia Flower & Mango Butter

The Not Your Mother’s Naturals Tahitian Gardenia Flower & Mango Butter Curl Defining Detangler is an affordable leave-in and detangler for curly hair. It’s hydrating, adds shine, has major slip, and detangles your curls so easily. In addition, it’s free of sulfates, silicones, parabens, silicones, parabens, phthalates, gluten or dyes. This is something I’ve purchased over and over again and quickly becoming one of my favorite budget-friendly brands. The ways that it works best are as a leave-in detangler as well as a second day refresher.

Hask Biotin Boost Thickening Cream

Sadly, this holy grail product of mine is being discontinued so it’s not easy to find. If you are lucky enough to snag it, stock up! This is made with biotin, collagen & coffee and the cream formula is lightweight. What makes this amazing is that it clumps curls together to give visible volume. In my experience, applying this after my leave-in conditioner and before my styler works best. Watch this to see the before and after.

The Mane Choice Herbal Tonic & Soy Milk Softening Milk

A newer addition to my curl collection is the Mane Choice Heavenly Halo Softening Milk. It’s not easy finding cream stylers for fine, low-density curls that don’t weigh it down the hair and include wonderful ingredients. It does contain a variety of oils but surprisingly it doesn’t weigh down the hair. The formula has great slip and softens the hair so it can be used as both your leave-in and a moisturizer. Some of the other benefits are that it soothes a dry scalp, promotes hair growth and strengthens & nourishes the hair.

DevaCurl Styling Cream

The O.G. styling cream that never leaves my side is the DevaCurl Styling Cream. It is truly my one and done product that is the MOST dependable. This is for those that like soft and touchable definition, want to add moisture, and frizz-control. Best of all, DevaCurl’s products are always 100% sulfate, paraben, silicone free. This can be used alone as well as in layers by starting with a leave-in and/or adding a bit of gel on top for more hold.

Not Your Mother’s Curl Talk Curl Activating Mousse

Don’t sleep on the mousse! If you have curls are fine and low-density a mousse can help give you day 2 or 3 volume on day 1! The Not Your Mothers Curl Talk Curl Activating Mousse is very popular with curly influencers and for good reason. It gives the hair lift and volume, the hold is lightweight, it offers humidity protection, controls frizz and it is paraben, silicone, dye, and alcohol free. I typically just use a lightweight leave in and follow up with the mousse and that’s it. In my experience, adding gels or creams defeats the purpose and weighs the hair down.

DevaCurl Light Defining Gel

For overall definition and hold, the DevaCurl Light Defining Gel does the job. This soft hold gel makes the curls shiny and defined. Not a crunchy curl in sight! When I need a wash and go to last longer than a few days, the DevaCurl Ultra Defining Gel is the alternate. Both gels have a formula that is non-sticky on the hands.

Innersense Refresh Dry Shampoo

Many wouldn’t consider a dry shampoo as part of their stylers for fine curly hair. Why? Because most dry shampoos are sprays or powders and leave the hair more dry, or sticky or a residue. The Innersense Refresh Dry Shampoo is very innovative because it is a foam formula. It uses witch hazel & rice starch to absorb oil and organic honey to add shine and body. This is super helpful for the day after you’ve done a scalp massage with oils. If you don’t have fine, curly hair than this may not be a necessity but if oil-based scalp massages are causing flat roots, this is the product for you. Another great use is to use this after experimenting with new products that are too heavy for the hair.

Creme of Nature Perfect Edges

Fine, curly and low-density hair has a reputation for looking see-through, scalpy and thin. Luckily, this edge control covers many bases by offering temporary color, filling in thin edges, and covering grays. A must-have item for slick ponytails and updos.

Innersense Harmonic Healing Oil

Lastly, is my favorite oil the Innersense Harmonic Healing Oil. It’s great for the hair, skin, and nails and a blend of many oils like safflower, evening primrose, macadamia seed, tamanu, hazel seed, orange flower jojoba seed and rosemary. As a treatment, massage a few generous pumps to the scalp and ends. Leave it on for 20 minutes, then follow up with a shampoo and conditioner. Your curls will feel softer and more manageable. It’s lightweight formula also adds shine, smells fantastic and doesn’t leave the hair coated.

And that completes my list of my favorite stylers for fine, low-density curls. Share your personal favorites down below in the comments.

Watch the YouTube video here: https://youtu.be/8KsgPD_QXY0

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Simple Wash N’ Go for Busy Moms ft. Innersense Beauty

by Rochelle December 4, 2017

Since having my son, simplicity has taken over in my beauty routines. It’s truly a treat when there’s time to deep condition, apply a face mask or polish to my toes. Needless to say, if I find a hair care system that’s quick and easy, I’m all over it. Recently, Innersense Beauty launched their I Create Lift Volumizing Foam and it sounded like the perfect styler for my simple wash n’ go and new busy life.

Why Innersense Rocks

Innersense has a great reputation for clean ingredients making it perfect for all hair types. However, it’s especially perfect for pregnant and nursing women concerned with what they are putting into their bodies. In addition, Innersense is cruelty free and always formulated without phthalates, ethoxylates, sulfates, silicones, 1, 4, dioxane, parabens, petro compounds, propylene and butylene glycol, PEG, MEA, TEA, MIA, artificial dyes, synthetic fragrance, gluten, or GMO’s.

Shiny Bouncy Curls using Innersense

Wash N’ Go Must-Haves

Innersense Hydrating Cream Hair Bath: This deeply hydrating cream shampoo is enriched with sage essential oil and tamanu to help balance the oil on the scalp. Nourishing emollients soften and smooth the cuticle. The silicone-free formula leaves hair bouncy, without residue.

Innersense Hydrating Cream Conditioner: This silicone-free emollient rich conditioner moisturizes dry, coarse hair. Certified organic monoi oil and aloe strengthen the hair follicles, smoothes cuticles, and fights frizz while orange flower delivers beautiful shine.

Innersense I Create Lift Volumizing Foam: This lightweight styler adds texture, boosts volume, and defines curls. It’s formulated with a blend of certified organic ingredients, aloe vera, honey, frangipani and lavender orange flower oil.

simple wash and go for busy moms

My Three Step Wash N’ Go for Busy Moms

Step 1

Begin this wash n’ go by thoroughly saturating your curls with water. Add a small amount of the Innersense Hydrating Cream Hair Bath into the palm of your hands and work into a light lather. Apply to the scalp and spend a couple minutes massaging the hair bath into your scalp with your fingertips. Rinse well to remove all traces of the hair bath. If the buildup is heavy and time allows it, repeat the process.

Step 2

Next, apply a generous amount of the Innersense Hydrating Cream Conditioner to your curls from midshaft to the ends. Detangle using a wide-tooth comb, or shower brush. Leave it on the hair for 5 minutes to deeply moisturize and use that time to complete the rest of your shower process. Rinse thoroughly and blot hair dry using a soft T-shirt or paper towels.

Step 3

Lastly, add a few pumps of the Innersense I Create Lift Volumizing Foam into the palm of your hands and rake it through sections of your curls. For extra definition, twist individual curls with fingers and then scrunch with both hands. Add more foam as needed and let it either air-dry or use a blow-dryer with a diffuser attachment. Once hair is dry, gently shake out the roots and scrunch to break up the cast. Use a pick at the roots to add more volume.

If you’re new to motherhood and still trying to get the hang of things, share your simple wash n’ go for busy moms below in the comments.

Watch the video here:

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My Postpartum Hair Loss & Shedding Story

by Rochelle November 2, 2017

As many mothers know, during pregnancy, you will be blessed with luscious, full locks of hair that will make you do a double take. Unfortunately, you are likely to lose a large portion of it after delivery when your hair returns to its normal growth cycle. My postpartum hair loss is in full effect since having my son. It didn’t start until about 10 weeks postpartum but it’s important to share my story to help the other mothers or mothers-to-be out there.

Why does postpartum hair loss happen?

The normal hair growth cycle begins with the anagen phase (the growth phase), the catagen phase (the transitional phase), and the telogen phase (the resting phase). It is at the end of the telogen phase that a new hair shaft will surface resulting in shedding. The increase of estrogen during pregnancy causes the hair to continue growing and the hairs that are supposed to shed remain in place which gives the appearance of fuller, thicker hair.

Postpartum hair loss happens because when your hair returns to it’s normal growth cycle, all of the hair that was supposed to shed suddenly sheds all at once. If you shed 100 hairs per day normally but don’t shed any for 9 months, do the math and imagine whats to come in your postpartum future. What I’ve learned is that it is totally normal and eventually your hair will return.

My postpartum hair loss story

Around 10 weeks postpartum, I noticed an excessive amount of hair coming out of my Wet Brush while detangling. Although it was expected, it still took me by surprise. Some might cringe over this next statement but I started collecting the shed hair to document my hair loss. The image below shows the average amount of hair loss I experienced from each wash day.

Postpartum Shedding

Along with the hair loss comes the emotions. How much hair am I going to lose? Will it ever grow back? What you don’t know is that over time, I’ve developed a thick skin because of a previous bout with traction alopecia. It’s haunted me for years from wearing weaves and high manipulation styles.

Postpartum regrowth plan

My main concern, even more than my hair appearing thinner, is preserving my edges. They definitely were hit hard and are now noticeably thinner. The one good thing is that during all of my time on YouTube, I have learned to bring them back from the dead. Some of those things include:

Continuing with my prenatal vitamins
Keeping my scalp clean by using a clarifying shampoo
Deep conditioning my hair once a week
Using a Q-Redew handheld vapor wand to open up the pores on my scalp
Including essential oils like peppermint and rosemary in my shampoo & stylers to promote growth
Nightly scalp massages using a carrier oil and a couple drops of essential oils (peppermint, rosemary & tea tree are my favorite)

Postpartum Hair Loss

A new technique that I’m going to include is the use of a derma roller. A derma roller is a handheld device that has hundreds of tiny needles and is commonly used to produce collagen on the skin. It is also said that its use can help stimulate hair growth. With my fear or needles, it sounds like the last thing I want to try. However, if it works it will be so worth the pain!

My postpartum hair loss case hasn’t been terrible considering my history. It’s now been 6 months postpartum and it has definitely slowed down. There is a noticeable improvement on my hairline and hair overall. In total, the experience lasted about 3 months and I’m finally feeling like myself again.

image of postpartum hair loss

What are your favorite ways to speed up your postpartum hair growth? Share with me down below in the comments…

Video: MY POSTPARTUM HAIR LOSS & SHEDDING | MEET MATTEO | DISCOCURLSTV

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Simple Baby Wearing with the Lalabu Soothe Shirt

by Rochelle August 25, 2017

*My Lalabu Soothe Shirt was sent complimentary of Lalabu.  All opinions are honest, my own and I’m so excited to share them with you.*

As a first-time mom, it can be overwhelming to learn about all of the necessities one might need. One of my favorite and must have items include the Lalabu Soothe Shirt for simple baby wearing. I found this extremely helpful during my sons first few weeks of life because not only did I underestimate my need to multitask but I felt this amazing bond with my son. One of my favorite features of the Soothe Shirt is that you can start baby wearing at 7 lbs. which is something I couldn’t do yet with my other baby carrier.

More Lalabu Soothe Shirt Baby Wearing Features

According to the Lalabu website, additional features include:

Shirt Features

Easy-to-use pouch calms newborns
Built-in nursing bra makes breastfeeding convenient
Inner mesh panel provides cool breathability
Pouch extender grows with baby
Made in the USA

Nursing Bra Tidbits

No need to wear a separate bra
Two fabric layers for extra coverage
Soft elastic band provides support
Shirt covers stomach while nursing

Keeping him close to my heart in Lalabu

When to Start & Stop Baby Wearing with the Soothe Shirt

There is a start and stop date when wearing the Soothe Shirt. Babies should not be lighter than 7lbs or heavier than 15 lbs. In these photos shown my baby is almost at his max (13lbs) which is a bittersweet moment for me. It’s been so enjoyable carrying him around within the convenience of a tank top but he’s reached his weight limit.

Lalabu Soothe shirt is for babies 7-15lbs.

Where to Find a Lalabu Soothe Shirt

The Lalabu Soothe Shirt comes in Pure Black, Simple Grey, Calm Blue, and an SWL (So Worth Loving) Special Edition. There’s even a Dad Shirt so fathers can experience the beauty of baby wearing. For more information and to shop the Soothe Shirt, please visit www.lalabu.com

mother holding son in a Lalabu soothe shirt

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RECLAIMING MY TIME WITH JORD WOOD WATCHES

by Rochelle August 18, 2017

My timepiece was sent complimentary of JORD Wood Watches in exchange for my review. All opinions are honest, my own and I’m so excited to share them with you. Be sure to keep reading to learn more about a JORD giveaway available only for a limited time!

Woodwork has a special place in my heart. Perhaps it’s because it reminds me so much of my home growing up. Our living room had vintage wood paneling and much of the decor was hand-carved wooden figures from Jamaica. These memories have helped mold my appreciation for wood pieces and it shows within my personal style. That’s why I have an instant attraction to my JORD Wood Watch. It offers style, simplicity, and a unique look different from my other timepieces.

JORD Frankie Series Zebrawood & Champagne

My beautiful Frankie Series Zebrawood & Champagne piece is a minimalist’s dream featuring natural Zebrawood, a simple face with gold accents, and sapphire crystal glass that looks stylish dressed up or down. I can also rest assured that all of JORD wood watches are made from sustainable, raw materials that are ethically sourced from natural and exotic woods. Want to know the best part? For a limited time, I’m teaming up with JORD to give away $180 in store credit to one lucky winner. The winner also receives free sizing and shipping. In addition, JORD is offering a $25 dollar coupon code valid only during the giveaway for all of you bargain hunters. (Use Coupon Code: DISCOCURLS) See below to enter!

Beautiful timepiece dressed up or down

This limited giveaway begins now and ends Friday, September 1st, 2017 at 11:59 p.m. So don’t delay! Enter now for your chance to win! Click here to enter now.

JORD Frankie Zebrawood & Champagne

What are a few of your favorite sustainable clothing and jewelry brands? Do you own a wood watch? Spill the beans and tell me about it down below in the comments…

image of lord wood watch

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Pregnancy & Postpartum Update Weeks 36 & Beyond

by Rochelle July 27, 2017

So, I’m a little late for this update but better late than never, right? The reason being is that my water broke earlier than anticipated (although it’s totally normal week 39) and postpartum life has been a whirl wind ever since. Luckily, I’ve created some free time to update you via the blog and through my YouTube channel. Here’s how it’s going…

Pregnancy Weeks 36-39

The last weeks of my pregnancy were when things started to get a bit uncomfortable. Shortly after I started maternity leave, it started getting harder to walk. The extra weight made my feet start to swell more than before and I couldn’t walk or sit for long periods of time. In total, I gained 40 pounds with the last 10 happening during the last couple of weeks. The majority of my maternity leave was spent at the beach since flying to a destination was no longer an option. Also, my appetite was insane! You know those giant plates of food you get at Cheesecake Factory? Well, this girl was clearing them and made room for more.

Pregnant Fun In The Sun!

Notice the heading ends at week 39? As I said before, week 40 never happened because my water broke. Fortunately, at 39 weeks it’s still considered the safe zone for delivery. At about 1:30 a.m. while in bed sleeping, I felt what I thought was a giant baby kick. It woke me up but didn’t concern me. My husband arrived shortly after from work and that’s when I noticed the slow leak was happening. Although still doubtful, my instincts told me to go to the bathroom and that’s when I noticed a little bit of blood. My internal alarm went off and soon enough, we were off to the hospital.

Finally, around 8 pm my little man arrived (It’s a Boy!!!). He didn’t have a name for a couple days but we settled on Matteo and he’s literally a dream come true.

Want to read my previous pregnancy updates? Click here.

Postpartum Life

Postpartum life has flown by, except for the first month…that first month felt like it went really slow. We had a full crew awaiting our arrival that included my mother, sister, and in-laws over a span of three weeks. With all hands on deck, my husband and I were able to have meals prepared for us, take a shower, and get a nap in here and there.

Our days consisted of feeding, soothing and staring down our newborn with breaks in between to ice between my legs and spray myself down with Dermoplast. The nights were obviously sleepless but we were prepared for that. Although we were blessed with the extra help, it wasn’t a reality until they left and my husband went back to work full time, leaving me home alone with our son.

Dermoplast & Diapers & Pads, Oh My!

Postpartum Difficulties

The most difficult part of the first 6 weeks was breastfeeding. My expectations of breastfeeding with ease and saving money on formula quickly diminished after I left the hospital. While in the hospital, Matteo wouldn’t latch so it was advised to use nipple shields which helped tremendously. We took home a breast pump to help stimulate milk production but discovered I had a low milk supply.

Even with the pumping, every nursing tea, fenugreek, mother’s milk supplement, and oatmeal bars, it was still low. Supplementing with formula was a must so I continued to pump while adding whatever I could to the formula. After 6 weeks, only drops were being added to the formula bottle and it was getting to be too stressful. My favorite thing about breastfeeding him was the bonding but we manage to still bond over a bottle.

I only dream of producing this much now!

Our recent challenges now focus on sleep. When you’re sleep deprived you want so badly for your child to rest, not only for their benefit but for yours! Sleep training will eventually be on the agenda but for now, sleep research is the focus. The book, “Healthy Sleep Habits, Healthy Child“, has been helpful although I am still unsure if I will use the methods. At a minimum, it has given me perspective on why babies do or don’t sleep and how that affects them in the future.

Overall, being a mother has given me purpose and fulfilled a gap that has been missing in my life. Sure, my personal life has come to a halt but the trade off is so worth it! That balance will eventually return so in the mean time I plan to enjoy this thing called motherhood!

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