Hair Envy ♥

By Katrice 

I often see women in passing with hair styles that make me immediately envious. But, not in a bad way ... envious in a totally good way. I have no problem with walking right up to them and saying, "I love your hair!" I was surrounded by women who fit that bill last night. So many styles, so little time. I did, however, manage to meet the ladies with two of my favorites ... 

I spotted her very relaxed two strand twist out as soon

as she walked in the door

(Just about eight big twists, she said.)

Her fresh transition into natural - cut

(This was literally a brand new 'do)

About Town

By Katrice

If you're like me, your schedule is packed full of the events you want to attend and places you want to be this spring. Warm weather makes every invite and option for outdoor dining more appealing, and you want the selection in your closet to be equally as fantastic. This season is all about standout colors and light-weight supple fabrics. Thank goodness there's no shortage of options on the racks to take you from flirty and feminine to edgy chic and everything in between. Hope you're in the mood for shopping. If you're not, consider this a bit of the legwork. 

Pink Lace Dress, A/wear $66

Home Body

By Katrice

I love being at home. Just finding things to do without leaving is easily my choice pastime, most days. Until the other day, I hadn't put much thought into what it is about being around my apartment that I fancy so much. Then, I got a Feng Shui tip about the color yellow in my Twitter feed, and I was immediately intrigued. According to feng shui enthusiasts, colors can create an optimal environment for encouraging harmony, creativity, success or balance in the home based on two specific categories, the Yin (cool) and the Yang (warm). Having money problems or want to increase abundance in all areas of your life? HGTV's Stephanie McWilliams suggests using any color in the blue, red or purple color spectrum in far left corner of your room or home to boost your prosperity. I've been surveying my space, and I don't have much of that color scheme. But I have decorated, predominantly, in wood colors -- tones of brown and green. 

My affinity for being here is starting to make sense.

Fab Find: Embellished Photo Holders

By Katrice 

My aunt has a wonderful knack for finding some of the most unique home accessories. I consider myself a savvy shopper but she always gifts darling pieces that reflect your style and also give character to whatever space you're decorating. Her latest discovery: Rhinestone covered picture holders. I love them! 

Just need to decide whether I'll enjoy them at home or at the office. 

Think Delicate

By Katrice

I generally gravitate towards a few trendy pieces of jewelry each summer and I have especially enjoyed the more recent gaudy style of rings and necklaces. It all feels very ornate and bit like playing dress up. But, my overall accessory style tends to  be pretty delicate. I love dainty sterling silver and white gold chains and can be found wearing my stackable eternity ring most days. When I want to update my pieces with a certain theme, Forever21 is always a reliable destination for whatever I'm envisioning. 

Tribal wrapped bangle, $4.80, Elephants Around Necklace, $6.80

 Boysen Beaded Elastic Ring, $6.80, Elephant Tribute Necklace, $5.80

Rose Bloom Ring, $3.80, Owl Bobby Pin Set, $3.80

Ornate Ball Necklace, $7.80, Layered Cross Necklace, $5.80

Bajan Living

By Katrice

I woke up early yesterday morning to soak up the sound of the Atlantic Ocean outside my window. Barbados had been my home for just a few days and it was a profound signature of my time on the island. I imagine the lull of breaking waves the very reason for Barbadians' complete mastery of relaxation. And it draws you in. But, the ocean really is just the beginning of the Barbados experience. The sights, the sounds, the flavors ...  One taste of the Bajan experience, and you'll be planning your next trip back before leaving.

Miss Jessie's: Natural Luxury

By Katrice 

You won't find another product more widely adored for natural hair than Miss Jessie's. It's that simple. Just ask any woman walking by you with kinky curly hair what she's using and she'll likely tell you it's one from their luxurious line of curly hair solutions. It really is "the best darn makeover ..." period. As if I needed another reason for me to love living in Atlanta, I discovered Miss Jessie's at the same time as I happened upon one of the best boutiques in town for natural girls -- Urban Bella. I thought it the best day in my natural hair life until I heard that Target would be rolling out the Miss Jessie's line in March. My tweet that very instant: A natural girl's dream! Well, it's finally here. Enjoy!

If you're in Atlanta, Miss Jessie's founders Miko and Titi Branch will be doing consultations at the World Natural Hair Health & Beauty Show April 10-11th from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Fab Find: Liz Claiborne Shopper

By Katrice 

If you haven't already become a Value Village convert, I have one more incentive for you to rush on over there and take advantage of their ultra cosmopolitan selection. My friend Kamille's latest find caught my eye as I was walking past her office yesterday and made me want to upload a blog post straight from my Blackberry. Yes, it was that fab. 

$3.95, Value Village

The stylish working woman's version of Hermes Birkin Bag

Afro Bliss: Qhemet Cocoa Tree Detangling Ghee

By Katrice 

I received a 5 oz. container of Qhemet Cocoa Tree Detangling Ghee in an event gift bag a while back, and have finally gotten around to using it. I promised a product review after trying it in conjunction with my normal twist out routine. So, here are my thoughts.

The product: Cocoa Tree Detangling Ghee promises to restore manageability, softness and elasticity to normal to very dry hair; smooth cuticles, improve combing ability and reduce breakage. 

What I liked: The product says it can be used for simple detangling on damp hair; and as a leave-in conditioner, which is how I intended. And it really does detangle to the point of a smoothness that I haven't noticed with any other conditioner I've used. I could actually comb through my thick afro with very minimal hair shed in the process. The white residue that coats the hair can be misleading, but no worries. When it dried, my hair had a wonderful sheen, and was amazingly soft and pliant. (Tip: Follow directions for the amount needed; I believe I used too much.) 

What I didn't like: After styling, my hair turned out frizzy in most spots and defined in just a few areas. Generally, if I use a leave-in conditioner prior to a dry twist out, the individual pieces are extremely defined when I take them down. The frizzy areas were dull and quickly lost definition as I manipulated pieces of my hair. (Tip: If this happens when styling with a new product and you're in a time crunch, fill your bathroom with steam and allow it to even out your 'fro so that you don't miss a beat.)

Bottom line: It is a great moisturizer for when I'm intending to keep my hair in an afro. But, I won't be able to use it for twisting styles. The one challenge many people with naturals experience is keeping our hair moisturized. So, if for nothing else but moisturizing, it may be a worth a try. 

Bonus: The 5 oz. container is just $5.50 on the Qhemet website, if there isn't a store that carries the Qhemet Biologicals line near you. 

Chic Diversion

By Katrice

People ask me all the time if I ever wear anything other than heels. Not too long ago, the answer was "no." That was before I discovered my first pair of ultra chic flats -- red satin ballet flats from Old Navy. (They weren't actually my first pair of flats, but I wish they had been.) They were a fun staple in my wardrobe last summer. I paired them with skinny jeans, white linen capris, army green khaki shorts ... a black a-line skirt and crisp white ruffle blouse. And they are so compact that I could throw them in just about any bag, if I knew I'd be out for a long day. Thanks to Old Navy, those slippers were easily my best purchase of that season. So, I decided to find a few more to change things up a bit for this spring and summer. I'll still be living in my favorite sandals, but I won't feel any less fab when I come down a few inches. 

Old Navy, 19.99

Mossimo for Target, $12.99

Classified, $9.99

Classified, $9.99

Leather clogs, American Eagle, $39.99

Walmart, $9.99

Payless, $12.99

Groove, TJMaxx $12.99

Relax and Replenish

By Katrice

There's something about a warm breeze and vibrant blooms that make me want to indulge in a rejuvenating pampering session. I can't think of anything more blissful than a pomegranate polish and massage completed with a steam bath. (If you visit the Four Seasons Spa in Atlanta, it's a must.) But, there is more bliss to be enjoyed at some Atlanta's best kept secrets. Is there a better way to welcome the spring? I don't think so.


I have enjoyed a great many services at the Spa on Paces and can say without hesitation that whatever service you choose here will be memorable. My favorite: the Organic Oxygen Facial


Honey Massage and Skin Therapy is my go-to oasis when I'm on the south side of town. For a one-time fee of $65, you become a member with exceptional discounts on services. A 80-minute swedish massage is $49 anytime with membership.


The International School of Skin and Nailcare is my secret treasure. Well, not so-secret, actually. If I'm thinking of enjoying one of their cheap but chic facials, I better call for an appointment at least two weeks in advance, most times. But, it's well worth it. A Classic Facial (50 minutes, including exfoliation and steam) is just $17.


Happy luxurating!

Off the Rack

By Katrice 
I could find a handbag in TJ Maxx even if I had no desire to be purse shopping. Thus, the fabulous gray studded Revolution number that captivated me while I was strolling through the best TJM I've shopped (Sandusky, Ohio). It is always my first stop, in any city, for the moment's perfect carryall. This time was for someone else, but equally as exciting. The look -- easy-going and eye-catching. Clearly, it's all about the studs.

The handbag that started it all

by Revolution