Merilyn Hair Diary - Part 2

Howdy? How you been? It's a while since the last post. I've been postponing this for a while. January got a toll on me chile. I got sick and stayed in bed for the better part of two weeks and got recovering in the last week. Then I got a bad cold in this ending week that is just subsiding. But we got to keep strong. Jesus is alive people. We shall conquer all. Can I get an Amen?

Anyway, I digress. My hair took a back seat for a while but I kept it in bantu knots because I couldn't stand going to the salon. Head scarves are a best friend. That friend that runs to your side at 2am if you need her. In the moment of sickness, I came up with a headscarf style that I'll demonstrate one time.

I didn't do much with my hair but I oiled it every chance I felt strong enough. And the idea about finger combing, genius. I'm loving the fact that no one minds our hair styles that seem uncombed nowadays. Piece of cake for me.
I washed it last Sunday, then didn't oil it and washed it come Monday morning because I was heading to the salon. I know that's bad but I didn't want the salonist washing it or saying it's too 'hard' for braiding.

Good news is I didn't take a whole half hour on blow-dry like I did the previous times I had been to the salon. My hair is tough. I'm yet to know where it ranges in comparison to other people but it takes a while to straighten it.
This time it took a few minutes and I'll give credit to the frequent oiling and finger combing to detangle it. I'm liking the feeling.

To the oils, I'm currently using castor oil, coconut oil, olive oil and nice and lovely avocado oil.

I have braids on for like the next 2-3 weeks so I'll see how it feels after I've removed them. I'm planning on a weekly 'oiling' with the braids on..
I'm also eating as healthy as I can. Diet matters too. And I'm downing at least 2 litres of water a day.

Catch up soon. Now I can get back to the game. January slowed me down but it didn't stop me.

As Always,
@thestylechief

Merilyn Hair Diary - Part 1

I undid braided lines about five days ago and I'm letting it rest and breath for a while.

It's actually nice to let hair sit for a while after unbraiding with the curls. If your scalp is not that itchy you could let it sit for like two days (or more) which is great for busy people who have little time to spare.

I let mine sit for a day then washed it. It's not that long so I thought it won't look so good walking around town in it just yet. Maybe when it's longer I'll do it.

I used to wash hair with the hottest water the shower could let out. The myths about cold water were scary. Lol. People actually say cold water will shrink your hair. But in real sense cold water preserves moisture in your hair while hot water strips moisture out of it. I didn't know that. I didn't oil it as frequently.

A hair dresser matters as well. You got to have one that is good enough to advice you on things. Not keep things about your hair to themselves and watch it go downhill.

So I decided to take the responsibility in my own hands and take care of it. And I embarked on research. And I'm liking it. So far.

I've been oiling it every two days (don't know if it's too much yet) and oh my goodness, it's becoming softer. The steel wool hair is disappearing. I'm super happy.

My hair sheds badly when I comb it. Apparently, I came across a blog called craving yellow and the owner has amazing hair!! Apparently she combs it once a year. Once people!! Lord!! So in taking advice, I'm putting my fingers to work and letting my combs rest for a while.

So far I'm happy with a week's work. Let's see how it goes.

As always,
@thestylechief

Merilyn Hair Diary - Background

            "Hair brings one's self-image into focus, it is vanity's proving ground. Hair is terribly personal, a tangle of mysterious prejudices." - Shana Alexander

I started keeping my hair on 6th January, 2014. This is a significant day that I'll come to explain about one day.
It's been two years now. I've tried all braids, a weave once, dreadlocks for three months. You name it. I've had enough of it and I couldn't cut it. To make matters worse, a hairdresser once cut a sizeable chunk in the middle while undoing it and didn't tell me until I visited a different salon and it was pointed out. This has reduced my hair confidence by three quarters!!

I'm wondering whether to cut it to be in size with the shortened patch or just ignore it.
Another thing, my hair is as coarse as steel wool. Combing is a hustle. I could go for days without combing it just to postpone the pulling and untangling. And the shedding. Hunni!
So most times when it's not plaited I opt for headscarves which le mister does not like. So I have to get the act together and make my hair presentable enough to walk around without covering it.

I'll be the first to admit, I've been lazy to go past the shampoo and water routine. It tangles, I wash it. It's too dry, I wash it. Anything, I wash it. I've been washing it too much. Which I thought was good for it, but it was hair suicide.
I'm glad I know better from the research I've embarked on and I'm glad for the things I've learned.

According to my resolutions post here, I got to get it to be better than it was before. Take this journey with me as I do a hair diary post once in a while just to keep stock of it all.

Hoping it will be great.

As always,
@thestylechief

MerilynReverie 02 - 2016 Resolutions

Howdy y'all?
It's been a while and seems like forever since the last post - which was last year!! 2015 is gone.

I took this week to think of things I would want to achieve this year. Not to pressure myself but put them down to act as reminders.

1. Get a solution for my stubborn hair
My hair is at it's 'stubbornest'. It's never been this hard to handle and I really regret the day I relaxed it which forced me to shave. Then I decided to grow it back. Now it's at an awkward stage. It's unproportional. I don't know how to handle it. But I'm not giving up on it yet. I'm employing some tricks I'm learning and I'll brief you when we get results. So we'll be talking hair a lot this year.

2. More turban experiments
If you follow me on social media then you've seen I love my turbans.. Every time I undo my hair, I tie turbans for a week or so before I get it braided again. My mum likes it but le mister doesn't. Lol.

3. Learn a few make up techniques
I think I'm the only one who knows the least about make up.. Face cream and lip gloss is all I do. I got to be all round and I'm aiming on learning every small detail about this sector. Posts on this coming soon too.

4. Learn on Nail Polish
To be honest, I can't give myself a proper manicure. Not only that, I don't apply polish that well. I can do a great job on the toes, but not that great on the fingers. I prefer to go without on the finger nails but I got to get this right!

5. Maximize on my closet
Styling can transform one outfit to fit different occasions. I've got lots of accessories and I want to maximize on using them. Scarves and necklaces. Earrings.. The whole lot. I'll do posts on this to help you maximize on yours as well.

6. Exercise
This must be the number one cliche resolution considering how many people mention it every beginning of the year. I'm just lazy on it. I've got a skipping rope. A bike and a neighborhood I could cycle in but all I do is sit and read novels all the while. I've got to plan my time well to accommodate all things. Amen.

7. Drop the stock take posts
I don't feel like they go with my blog and I just decided to discontinue them. I'll do any posts unrelated under this #MerilynReverie.

8. Wear heels more often
Yes. I'm a flats kind of girl. I last wore heels on Christmas day. They are gathering dust on the shoe shelf and I got to do something.

Bonus :
9.Keep supporting Manchester United. Enough said. See you on the style streets. Be smart. Be fashionable. Be classy.

The Style Chief.

Stock Take - December - 05

The year is over. Goodness. A lot has happened in 2015. But we have a lot to be thankful for.

Reading : I made a mistake of bringing only one novel upcountry - which I was reading here.  I have been reading newspapers and counting days when I'll lay my hands on the stack of unread books I left behind.

Watching : Nothing. Literally nothing.

Googling : Rather being on social media most of the free time.

Drinking : Lots of soda. Every body just buys them in excess on Christmas and when you visit you get a bottle and they can't take no for an answer. Sigh. I've had enough to take me through months.

Eating : Meat. And I mean loads and loads. This is something I've also had enough of.

Listening : To Fourfiveseconds by Rihanna n Kanye. I'm loving it.

Obsessing : Over my family. I love them. Glad to be with them. We've had a good laugh for the days we've been together.

Wearing : T-shirt and jeans. Upcountry ain't no joke with farm work. Loads of chores to do. Loads. By evening you are so worn out sleeping ain't a second thought.

Thankful : For all God has done for us in 2015. Thankful for my wonderful man. We've come from far to this day and we don't take it for granted. He has blessed us. And we can only believe for a better 2016.

I wish all of you my wonderful readers a prosperous 2016.

Much love,
MDA.

Packing for Travel

I did a post on dressing for travel here and thought it would be a good idea to help people pack. Yes. Pack. I see you. Three suitcases for a three day four night stay. Let them fit a suitcase and a handbag. Yes. One. A sizeable one. How so?
1. Destination.
Where are you going? What's the main pass time activity? Game drives? Sitting by the beach and sight seeing the town?
If it's game drives, the weather might be fair so we rule out heavy sweaters. Bring light ones for the evening chill. Bring a pair of neutral boots (can be paired with most outfits) for the game drives and two pairs of shorts. A maximum of four tops is okay just to allow you some variety while at it.
For the beach settings, get you three bikinis at most and a sizeable towel. Not one that occupies half the suitcase. And two pairs of shorts. You could wear your bikini under your shorts. And these shorts double up as your sight seeing outfits. You need to bring light shoes here. Maybe a pair of sandals and some sneakers/rubbers.
One night gown is enough.

2. Occasion
Will you be attending any special event while at the trip? Consider a light outfit. Not layers and layers of material that make up your event dress. If it's more than one occasion, be smart and bring a neutral pair of heels that will take you through all events.
Keep the accessories neutral as well. And make up  you only need. Not the whole of your dressing table.

3. Personal Stuff
Mostly oils. Body oil, sunscreen, make up you need, lip balm in your handbag, etc.

Bring only things you need without going through what ifs. What if I need this top and I don't have it with me? No. (Anybody read the Shopaholic series by Sophie Kinsella? Becky? Don't be her.) Be decisive and you'll have less stress over your trip.

The purpose of a holiday is to relax and have fun. Have that in mind and you'll be happy.

Enjoy yourselves this Christmas.

As always,
MDA.

Stock Take - December - 04

Christmas is tomorrow!! Unbelievable. But I'm part of the less enthusiastic crew. Wanting to get it done with and go back to normalcy. Sigh.
Live from upcountry (Mwingi), here goes the stock take for the week that was:

Reading : I've managed to read Twenties Girl by Sophie Kinsella and currently reading Stolen by Lesley Pearse. Twenties Girl is super hilarious. Enough said. I wish I could have finished Stolen but preparing for Christmas is no joke. Especially running errands with a deadline. Sigh.

Watching : Soaps. Especially between 5-7pm weekdays. I don't know when I went against my word on not getting addicted to the Soaps again. Lol. No willpower.

Googling : About authors. Every day I discover a new author and I just want to know more about them.

Drinking :Green tea.

Eating : Chapati. Christmas ain't Christmas without these. I finally cooked them after more than two years. I'm happy that I still got it!!!

Listening : To good for you by Selena Gomez. First time listening to her song and I like it.

Obsessing : Over my handbags. Just that.

Wondering : What's all the obsession with star wars? It used to be game of thrones (which I have unapologetically not watched and will not) now it's this. Sigh. What is this??

Wearing : Brown skirt, jungle green vest. And topped up with a headscarf. Upcountry chores need cover up.

Knowing : That I have all the power in my hands and God's guidance to tune my 2016 to my favour.

Merry Christmas to y'all!!!!

It's not too late to send presents.. I'm taking books and all their accessories.

As always,
MDA.

MS07 - Gents and Shoes - Part I

"Shoes are always the most important thing for me because they are who you are. They change the way you walk, the way you move. " - Tom Ford

A man's shoes are a big part of his outfit. They contribute a huge percentage to how the outfit combination will turn out. You can't afford to get these wrong. Your style is on the line here.

This is a huge category so we focus on dress shoes for today.

1. The Oxfords

These are the oldest in the business. Still timeless. Still fashionable. Still making a statement. They can be dressed up (formal wear) or down (casually). All in all they make a statement. For the formal wear, it's best to stick to the dark brown and black leather.

How do you differentiate the oxford shoe from the derby shoe?

The difference is in the lacing.The oxford shoe has a closed lacing (the facing is stitched on under the vamp).

2. The Derby Shoe

Dressing for Travel

It's the Christmas season. The time when most people go on holiday. But getting your dressing all wrong from the time you leave the house could be a headache for you.

How do you dress up for the journey itself? 

1. Be fresh in the morning. 

A good night's rest means a lot on a traveling day and it has to be part of the preparation for the travel. Get your caffeine if that's what you do every morning as a change of routine will be bad for you. 

2. Light/Simple make up

 Go easy on the make up. You don't want to be feeling all uncomfortable as this could be a long and sweaty affair and minimal to zero visits to the bathroom to powder your nose, touch up the lipstick et cetera. Keep it easy and comfortable.

3. Light dressing

Forget the trench coats(in rain or in cold). Otherwise layer up on light sweaters and scarves that you take off easily ones it's hot. Light outfits occupy less space as well so if you are taking them off, they could easily fit into your handbag or carry on bag. Now envision trying to force a trench coat into a handbag.. Get the picture? Good.

Also let the clothing be loose. Tight ones get  a little uncomfortable after a while and our goal is to travel in as much comfort as we can.
Stick to dark colors when traveling. Black is especially good as it will hide spillages of any kind or marks or any crumbled spot. 

4. Low and light shoes

Go for ballet flats. Or better, go for sneakers. These will give your feet comfort as you wear them with socks to ensure minimum strain to your feet. They are also good in case you have to stand for a long time or have to wait at the terminus for hours (you never know. It's better to be prepared).

5. Accessories

Go easy on the earrings. If possible go for studs as opposed to dangling ones. These could get caught in your hair, clothes and will be a distraction and maybe a bother while you are trying to carry your bags. 

6. Hair

It would be best to keep your hair off your face. And tie it up if possible. Just to minimize interference. 

7. Essentials

Keep your essential stuff (phone, passport-if international, ticket, diary and other miscellaneous stuff) in your handbag. This is for easy and fast access in case those things are needed .You can keep your lip balm in here as well and leave space for the scarf and sweater mentioned up there.

Hope this is of help. Now done your sunglasses and walk with your head high. Wish you are relaxing Holiday.

As always,

MDA

#MDAReview - 'E' is for Evidence - Sue Grafton

200 pages.
24 Chapters.
The main character is Kinsey Millhone. Private investigator in California. Aged 32. Divorced twice.
It's almost Christmas. Kinsey works part time for California Fidelity. An insurance firm. And she is investigating a fire that happened at Wood/Warren - a company whose warehouse burned down.

Stock Take - December - 03

Diving right in :
Reading : Since last post, I've read Seven up and Notorious Nineteen by Janet Evanovich, Then 'E' is for Evidence by Sue Grafton and today I've finished Remember me by Sophie Kinsella. I feel that Janet and Sue Grafton have a common writing style and their characters are really alike. A bounty hunter vs a private investigator. Both live in sorry apartments. Don't have much. They eat sandwiches for dinner. Don't shop groceries. Etc. Got to do a book review soon.

MS06 - Of Men And Watches

"I have a weakness for watches. I have to stop myself from buying more." 

- Tom Jones

Time is gone when a watch was made for the sole purpose of telling time. Nowadays a watch is seen as part of a person's personal style. It will be judged the same way your socks, ties, shirts and shoes are judged. Accessorizing perfectly.

You have to be good enough to choose a watch that goes from work to play or choose a watch for every occasion.

We focus on choosing a watch for the occasion:

1. Practicality : Where will you wear it. You will not wear a diamond engraved Cartier watch outdoors while hiking or running. You will most likely go for a rubber one with a compass feature, etc.

2. Special Occasion : The diamond engraved Cartier watch will be perfect for special occasions where you need to dress up once in a while.

3. Matching Jewellery : Referring to our first post on this series, we mentioned matching of jewellery. So this is also a factor to consider when choosing which watch to wear.

Down to business now:

Stock Take - December - 02

Reading - This week I read Sizzling Sixteen (by Janet Evanovich), then started on Fresh Disasters by Stuart Woods which didn't get my focus away from Janet making it impossible to read it. I fortunately came across two Janet books on Tuesday and I'm now reading Seven Up by her. The good part is I snagged a Harry Potter book for a cool hundred bob. A clear win on that one. Can't wait to land more. Life is good in the bookworm world.

Watching  - Basketball wives sn 3 and 4. Repeating it since I watched back in 2012 (or is it 2013) but needed a refresher. Lol.

Googling - About Watches for my next men episode on the blog. Catch the previous ones MS05, MS04, MS03, MS02 and MS01.

MS05 - Men's Socks

"A man is a success if he gets up in the morning and gets to bed at night, and in between, he wears a comfortable pair of socks" _ Bob Dylan

The basic rule of thumb about socks used to be (or rather, still is) The color of your socks should match the color of your trousers. Black socks, black pants, grey on grey, etc. Which is an okay look for the corporate business setting but too dull for adventurous dressers. 

In this era, socks have evolved from being basic feet covering garments to being king of the whole outfit. They are no longer the insignificant accessory that you used to put on without a second thought. Now we have big brands coming up like the happy socks. 

This is not to say that people are still not getting them wrong. Especially now that they are colorful and

MerilynReverie 01 - Discovering Me

"You will either step forward into growth , or you will step backward into safety." - Abraham Maslow

In the journey of self discovery, things change, and interests as well. We embrace diversity, the want for global appeal, etc.

In my case, I thought I could have a blog (mylynmoulds) that showed my personal style but I was not satisfied with that. 

I took that blog down. I then started another one (D'Africanmama) which was going well but I felt like

Stock Take - December - 01

Reading : This week I have read, Pretend you don't see her by Mary Higgins Clark, High Five by Janet Evanovich and I am currently reading Ten Big Ones also by Janet Evanovich. Janet does it for me. I can visualize Stephanie Plum and I have decided never to watch the movie made from the first book in the series to avoid disappointment. I want to keep my mental images. 

Watching : Nothing out of the normal programming. I have got a few series from the movie shop and I'm all set for the weekend.

Googling : All about men for my #MenSeries posts. I am discovering interesting things.

MS04 - Matching Ties and Shirts

 “Looking good isn’t self-importance; it’s self-respect.”– Charles Hix

The tricky act of matching ties and suits depends on several factors, the major one being color , pattern and tonal variation.

Rule of thumb that applies to most of these situations, the tie's color(whether plain or patterned should be a contrast to the shirt color); make sure one item pops more than the other.

1. Pattern

You can pair a patterned tie with a patterned shirt as long as the patterns are not the same.  e.g. if the shirt has a small check, let the tie be a large stripe or large check, and vice versa.

A horizontal patterned shirt should be paired with a vertical patterned tie and vice versa.

Stock Take - November - 04

Another week is gone.. And dare I say December is in the corner.. As in so near we can already see it's shadow.. Oh my goodness.. The year is over!

It's sunny today.. Rainy as hell yesterday.. Hope tomorrow will be sunny.

This week's stock take:

Reading : Done reading Three To Get Deadly.. And Plum Lovin (a between the numbers novel) super hilarious. Stephanie plum pretends to get married just so that they could get her sister Valerie and boyfriend/baby daddy married.Don't want to spoil it for you in case you want to read it. Then I read , Hot Six  and Twelve Sharp all by Janet Evanovich. And this morning I've started on Pretend You Don't See Her by Mary Higgins Clark.

MS03 - Tie Colors, Their Meaning and Your Personality(2)

”A well-tied tie is the first serious step in life.” – Oscar Wilde

This is a continuation of the previous post on ties.

7. Orange tie

 This is a happy color. Almost a wild card. Shows you are enthusiastic,energetic, open-minded and adventurous. But could also be read as egocentricity and dominance. It's the perfect tie for creating a memorable first impression. 

MS02 - Tie Colors, Their Meanings and Your Personality

"Neck ties satisfy the modern man's desire to dress in art" 

- Harry Anderson 

Most professional men wear ties. In some offices it is mandatory to wear a tie. Most men stick to the same color or different shades of the same color. Others wear different colors depending on occasion. 

What does this all mean?

1. Red Tie

This is referred to as the power tie. It means business!!! It's a reaffirmation of strength, authority and dominance in the professional world. It is associated with passion, love and it is attention -grabbing. 

It is a bold look that will make you the center of attention so if that is not what you are going for, tone it down to a darker shade of red. It is best paired with a light shirt and a dark suit.