Strange again to be back here saying farewell to another year…but so it goes. I decided against putting together a year in favorites, because frankly…it all resembles last year’s list, so definitely check that out. This year I’ll be ringing in 2012 home, watching Bridesmaid’s, baking, cooking and appreciating what a rollercoaster of  a year it’s been.

I think like a bajillion other folks, this year began with more than a handful of promises to do better, feel better and accomplish more than in previous years…but  typically something else happens. Something more resembling many of life’s lessons that you’d give your right leg to ignore and never repeat. This is me vouching for me….but even if it is hard to count all of 2011 as Joy, I’d love to embrace it as the year I learned the most, grew intentionally…and experienced the beauty of being present in every moment.

I began journaling again, turned 3-0, finally attended a few of those events that leave me with butterflies, became inspired, rediscovered a love for sharing & baking, understood the true nature of Good Neighbors, took a dive and made a video,  became a Cover Girl, made a list of goals,  overcame an old fear, lost a beloved one, gained an angel, lost a job, reclaimed a few lost dreams, watched Her fall in love, made some new friends, ventured outside the box, squashed a few myths, realized just how far we’ve all come in our journeys , attended a blogging conference, realized a once unattainable dream and believed.

No resolutions in this corner except the continuous goal of living with purpose. I am grateful for this here space to share with you guys my jests and stories on this journey. Incredibly humbled that you read, support, converse, e-mail, fan, like…whatevs. I’m grateful for you, inspired by your continuous kind words…and aim to break down a few more walls to bring you more awesome.

If you are closing this year out with confetti & a BANG…Salut! If you will be joyously saddled between a sofa and blankets noshing on cupcakes & dip…Cheers! I’ll be right there with you…but let’s make plans to meet back here again next year;)

This really is that time of year where many of us focus a bit more on preserving the moisture quotient in our hair, and hopefully the hair pantry this winter is fully stocked with the absolute essentials?! Yes…no? Maybe?

The transition to more winter friendly hair products really doesn’t have to be an over-thinking process, particularly when you’re aware of which areas in your routine to pay a bit more attention to. Deep conditioning is probably thee numero ONE area of any curly girl’s routine that gets the most tweaking and experimentation…& probably for good reason.

Deep conditioning should be the corner stone to any gals hair routine…simply because you’re able to reep the most benefits that lead to healthy hair. Set your strands up with the most nutrient rich, balanced conditioner on a weekly basis & you’ll never look back. A few weeks ago I added a heavy duty conditioning oil to my arsenal of DC’ers and instantly knew I’d found something special for FRO & I to adore!

I wasn’t formally introduced to Welda Rosemary Oil until aimlessly roaming the aisles of Whole Foods several months back, yet knew it was something special just based on the claims alone. A natural conditioning oil treatment formulated with Rosemary Oil & burdock root to help soothe the scalp and able to restore moisture to hair and improve overall manageability….I was instantly sold.

When a product requires just a little to get the job done, it’s always a keeper. With only a few drops added to hair when deep conditioning, your hair will instantly see results. You’ll notice hair with more shine and softness you thought only reserved for the creamiest of condishes! The oil almost instantly penetrates once applied and works best when leaved on anywhere from 15 minutes to an hour. Try sitting under a heating cap and hair should feel like buttah!

I fell head over heals for this treatment and incorporated it to several areas of the hair routine. Because Rosemary Oil has amazing antibacterial benefits for the scalp, I apply small portions to the pads of my fingers and massage onto the scalp when wearing a protective style or prior to untwisting and rockin a twist-out. The smell is refreshing without being overpowering and because it’s incredibly versatile it’s great to add to some of your favorite deep conditioners for maximum effectiveness.

If you’ve tried Rosemary Oil in the past, you’re already privy to how awesome it is! What oils or deep conditioners are you using this winter?

With 2011 quickly coming to a close and most of us reflecting on prospects of 2012, I couldn’t think of a better person to exemplify how we should all live our lives no matter the season or place. I came across April’s blog several weeks back and immediately was drawn to her positive spirit, strong desire to experience life’s adventures on her own terms…but most of all her willingness to share those adventures so that other’s could feel inspired enough to create a path to their own journeys. A brown girl traveling cross continents is oddly treated as a rarity these days, but it’s always exciting to see those who defy those tired standards.

Where did the idea for The Absolute Travel Addict come from? How do you maintain the passion for what you do with the blog?

After deciding not to go to get an MBA, I really started to work on changing my mindset and pursing my interests and passions. I started traveling more and more. Once I got back from one trip, I was already thinking about where I would go next. I was constantly searching for great fares and how to travel for free using loyalty points and mile. It’s an addiction, hence the name Absolute Travel Addict. Every amazing experience and person I meet on the road and everyone who reaches out with questions or shares how I’ve encouraged them to do something new is motivation to keep doing this.

Tell us how you discovered your sense of self while traveling? When did it happen?

It would definitely be the 6 weeks I spent in South Africa in 2005. I was on an independent research trip and spent my time traveling around the country learning more about the impact of the Bantu Education system on students interested in engineering education and careers. In South Africa I reconnected with who I was at the core and really internalized how similar we are as a human race. It made me fully realize the power I have as an individual and potential I was yet to harness. And though it sounds cliché, this trip was another reminder of all the many things I am thankful for and often take for granted.

What’s been the reaction from foreigners while traveling? Are they surprised?

It really depends on where I travel. It’s not uncommon to get stares and photos snapped when they think you don’t see them. Thankfully I’ve never been grabbed or pulled on, which seems to happen quite frequently in some places. The worst stares for me surprisingly were in Buenos Aires, Argentina. And I don’t really know why because there were people that looked liked me that live there. Maybe it was the hair? Who knows? It’s sad that many people are surprised to find out I’m American. They assume I’m not because I’m traveling outside of the United States, a black female, usually travel alone and not afraid to connect with people.

Other than lugging around clothes and basic essentials, what of importance do you carry with you while traveling? Why?

I typically have my Flip cam, Nikon DSLR, Droid 2 Global and laptop because I’m somewhat of a tech nerd. I like to stay connected and try to share my experiences in real time. My phone’s GPS has helped me navigate foreign cities and helped me get un-lost a handful of times. I also keep a small notebook to jot down thoughts or notes about specific place I visit or person I meet.

What aspect of living this life brings you the most joy?

It absolutely warms my heart to connect with new and interesting people on a truly personal level. People not concerned with where I went to school, what care I drive, where I work or how much money I make (or don’t make). It is amazing to see how much you have in common and how easily you can connect with someone who speaks a different language and has lived a life which seems to be a complete 180 from yours.

Any advice you’d give to women who aren’t yet motivated to step out & see the world?

If you don’t have a passport, get one now! You never know when an opportunity to travel will arise and you should be ready. I recently won a trip to the Bahamas and since I had my passport, I was ready to go 2 days after notification of winning. A passport is good for 10 years, so you have plenty of time to pick a destination, plan your trip, save and go! Having a passport and getting out and exploring the world can be an amazing and life altering experience. And, given the competition in the global market place, having international experience makes you more marketable professionally.

Any favorite discoveries/revelations made while traveling?

One of the biggest revelations is that I really prefer to travel alone. It’s really difficult to find people who like to travel the same way you do. I found myself wandering off from friends to do things I wanted that others weren’t interested in. For more of my revelations while traveling, check out my list of 7 travel truths.

What’s your source of inspiration for being natural (going natural)?

I have really fine hair. It grows long, but when chemically treated it just looks a sad, flat mess. I would keep it cut short and layered to bring body and volume. I finally just decided to stop relaxing my hair and enjoy its natural state. There are so many natural woman who have inspired me to keep going, especially the natural hair bloggers and bloggers out there and amazing stylists Aliah at 2-SWAG in Atlanta and Carole at Mahogany Hair Revolution in Los Angeles.

What styles do you rely on while traveling? Favorite products?

When traveling, I typically started with some style of twists and end up rocking a twist out and wash and go if the trip is extended. On my last trip to Jamaica, I had my twists interlocked at the roots and patiently waiting for my air to loc. As of late Shea Moisture Retention shampoo and the Coconut hold and shine moisture mist are all I use on my hair when on the road.

Explain your idea of the self-defined woman today & where do you hope to be in five years?

I think Maya Angelou sums up my idea of a self-defined woman in one of my favorite quotes.

A woman in harmony with her spirit is like a river flowing. She goes where she will without pretense and arrives at her destination, prepared to be herself and only herself. ~Maya Angelou

Fives years from now, I hope to be a woman totally in harmony with my spirit, still exploring the world and making a difference in other people’s lives.

 Favorite quote that’s made an impact on your life?

Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines, sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover. -Mark Twain

Any projects, collaborations you’re currently working on that you’d like to share?

I’m a huge supporter of the Passport Party Project, an initiative started by Tracey Friley of OneBrownGirl.com that gifts passports to teen girls ages 11-16. I would encourage you all to check out the site and see how you can help give girls a world view.

This year should be another great year in travel. I’m excited to spend the first quarter of the year abroad and have a few projects that I’m working on to help people set and achieve their travel dreams. For more information, you can subscribe or connect with me through the following:

• Travel Blog: AbsoluteTravelAddict.com
• Facebook: Facebook.com/AbsoluteTravelAddict
• Twitter: Twitter.com/AbsoluteADT

I haven’t deviated much from a handful of my go-to products over the past few weeks, but what with all the excitement over this past Black Friday, a girl’s PJ spirit was brought back to life! My list was short because I’ve since grown pickier since the ubber haul days, but at the top of that list is always a few hair goodies from the Curl Junkie line. This go round I immediately dropped the Curl Assurance Smoothing Lotion in the cart and waited anxiously to use! Thankfully, I didn’t have to wait long – order was shipped next day and I was able to get down to experimenting pretty quickly!

I’d heard raves about this leave-in conditioner all over the Tubes, and knew it was a keeper after Elle’s review, and just after applying it to one itty bitty section of hair a few weeks ago, I completely understood why! This. stuff. is. awesome. Sauce!!

Curl Junkie has consistently put out great leave-in conditioners, yet this beats the rest if you’re looking for a something especially slippy to help detangle and moisturize your strands. I’m talking serious slippage that trumps a lot of the previous favorites. With Slippery Elm Extract at the top of the ingredient list, you need a fairly small amount to help untangle and smooth out tough knots.

Apply alone onto wet damp hair, or under your favorite styler and hair is incredibly moisturized. I used it mainly to twist the hair prior to rocking a twist-out, and was able to prolong the style for a good 7 days.  For the price ($20) you get a hefty 12 ounce bottle which is bound to last more than a few washes.

Perfect for the winter months when hair tends to get excessively dry, tangled and thirsty for moisture, this makes a perfect addition to the PJ rotation. And, this one’s a definite ‘sniffer’..i.e. can’t resist the temptation to run back to your bathroom cabinet and sniff the jars of your favorite hair products...yep. The smell reminds me of something sweet, sugary yet subtle…nothing overpowering.

I generally do not have a problem reaching 7- day hair when sticking to my nightly routine, though this was especially sweet because of the lack of frizz and great definition. The weather here in NY has steadily gotten colder, so looking forward to using this during those especially brisk days.

If you’ve tried the Smoothing Lotion, let me know your thoughts! What do you use to keep the hair moisturized during the winter?

It’s been a long time coming for this particular review, but after coming home from an impromptu trip to the grocery store and mumbling under a few breaths about how truly cold it’s gotten in the past week or so…I just knew it was time.  Winter is finally here and I’m sure a lot of us are already searching for products and devices to help keep our natural hair moisturized, healthy and safe from the harsh weather.

The goal is to do a pretty thorough review based on my experiences using the steamer, though if you have any questions about usage, how to assemble etc., please reference the incredibly useful video posted below or the operational manual. Still have questions? Pop them in the comment section & I’ll do my best to answer!

And much like you guys, I’ve been following the rise of the hair steamer within the natural hair community over the past year or so, but decided to invest when the lovely folks behind Huetiful landed here in my backyard of Brooklyn, right at the Karen’s Body Beautiful Store. I scored the gem at a pretty discount, managed to bite fingers for a about two weeks before it was finally shipped!

So here’s what you get!

• Main Unit
• Hair Hood + Water Drain
• Bracket (used to connect the hood to main unit)
• Facial Steamer (comes at an additional cost of $19.95)
• Huetiful Spa Band (used to trap condensation once under the steamer $4.95)

The assembly process is thankfully a no brainer, so onto the good stuff. What does the steamer actually do for the health of natural hair?  Like most heat treatments, this works to lift the top layer of the hair cuticle allowing deep conditioners to penetrate the hair shaft more effectively. The steam hydrates your coils, replenishes any lost moisture and according to the product claim’s, works 5 times more effectively than deep conditioners alone.

The entire process is fairly easy with a simple on/off switch along with what I think is the defining feature, the Ozone option. While purchasing the steamer at the KBB store, I had the chance to ask the President & Founder, Ken Burkeen how it benefits the hair. Now, if you’re a gal with sensitive scalp issues…time to perk up! The Ozone feature essentially targets the scalp more effectively for a deeper cleanse, riding it of any buildup, freeing the area of potential bacteria and allowing for a clean slate. This was the kicker for me, and honestly the only reason I would have invested in a steamer. Scalp health is sooo very important when you’re what I’d call an ‘at home natural.’ A lot of my hair care stays within the four walls of my apartment, therefore it’s a must for me to cover ALL bases, and the scalp is always the best place to start.

Things to consider:

Important not to overfill the max line. Slowly add your water to the top of the main unit, paying attention to the line mark. The steamer will not work if your cup runneth over for safety reasons. An overflowing boiling cup of liquid is not cute.

The steamer has it’s own built in self-timer which runs for 18 minutes, so grab a magazine, favorite book and chill for a bit. Once you’re done, wait a good 10 minutes before emptying the spout underneath the hood. If careful, the remaining liquid should not be too hot. Try to have a small cup or bowl underneath to catch

Tips & Tricks:

1. Make sure your ends are able to fit under the hood of the steamer. Trust me, once the device gets going, there’s good enough coverage to cover the entire head. I find the best way to do this is to use duck clips to secure hair on top of the head.
2. I’m a fan of the whole ‘spa process’ and always think, ‘why not go the extra mile?’ Adding in a few of your favorite essential oils like lavender, tea tree or peppermint  can be very beneficial to the scalp. Try just a few drops to start so the aroma is not too overwhelming. My favorite addition during each steam treatment is rose-water. Hair feels incredibly soft afterwards, and the smell is divine! So calming.
3. **Important to make sure the cup is securely fastened and not lose. The best way to test this is to pay attention to how the steamer acts once it’s fully up & running. The only area where steam should be escaping is under the hood. Noticing steam coming from the main unit? Definitely want to start over for a more effective treatment.

What Kind of Conditioners to Use for a Steam Treatment?

The Huetiful line comes with it’s own deep treatment system, which is available for purchase through their site, though using some of your favorite deep conditioners work just as well. Favorites to use include the Anita Grant Rhassoul Clay treatment, Shea Moisture’s Balancing Conditioner or any cream based product that you can leave in the hair for 15-30 minutes.

Using the right DC can really make or break your steam treatment, so pick carefully and go with Holy Grails, tried & true’s or favorite at home mixes that always get the job done. The end result should be softer more manageable hair that’s easier to detangle. Long term results? You should see a decrease in breakage, split ends, dry hair & an overall increase in hair’s moisture.

Final Thoughts:

No doubt this is an investment for most naturals, but one I think makes a big difference in your hair’s overall health. Starting at $114.95 you get a 45 day money back guarantee, one year replacement warranty should certain parts go awry, and great customer support.

This video is an awesome intro to the steamer:

Click here for more videos on how to assemble the steamer & Trouble Shooting Tips. Itching for a sale? Stay up to date by visiting their Facebook Page which is where I scored my discount tip!

Overall I’ve loved the benefits of using the steamer. Because it’s table top, it fits right into the corners of my small BK apartment, & I’m able to pull it out about twice a month when FRO needs some extra love. I’d recommend the steamer to those who truly want to invest in their routine, or who simply enjoy the at home spa experience…seriously, nothing beats it!