Secret To My Hair Growth

"Is that all you?" - everyone

I get so many questions about my hair -- if that's my natural color, who does my weaves, why I get weaves when I have a lot of hair, what I'm doing to get my hair growing so fast. I am answering all of these questions here. 

Yes, it's my natural color! I used to get random people asking me, "what box number do you use?" I was always soooo confused by this question because for the longest time I did't realize what they were asking me. haha You can imagine the look I would give them in response. My hair color is auburn and, luckily, I have natural blonde highlights here and there (depends on the sun's mood really). This is actually one of the reasons I get weaves -- to play with color without having to dye my hair. I've never dyed my hair before. So I literally have "virgin hair."

I started getting weaves just for fun, but then I realized how much my hair was growing when I kept it braided up for a month or two at a time. It was growing healthy because I wasn't subjecting it to styling and heat. So, I decided last summer to do this to get my hair to grow long again. My goal is to grow it to the bottom of my chest. Right now, it hits the top of my chest. It's getting there! 

There are so many types of weaves, but when I am trying to get it to grow, I do a braided sew in. I go to Joy at Just Weaves in Inglewood. I get asked that a lot. I tag her in my hair posts, but I still get a lot of questions about it. haha I am linking her website here.

I have also spent a lot of time researching which vitamins will actually help me and have added them to my daily routine. Like all things -- you have to stay consistent. It won't work for you if you do not take these vitamins everyday. I will list the links to these vitamins below. 

1. Hairfinity

2. Cod Liver Oil Capsules

3. Prenatal

I take a lot of vitamins daily (probably over 10 a day lol -- I officially am my grandparents), but those three are the ones I take to specifically target hair growth. The cod liver oil capsules and prenatal have so many other health benefits as well, so it's a win, win. 

The Meaning Behind My Tattoo

"If you like it so much, write it down and keep it in your purse!" - my grandma

That's what my grandma told me when I showed her my tattoo! *insert eye rolls and roaring laughter here* I get asked all the time what my tattoo means and how I chose the placing. My tattoo is my last name, Makhlouf, written in Arabic. 

As i've mentioned before, I am half Black and half Palestinian. Legally, my last name is Young, but I honestly go by either last name and I typically will hyphenate the two. I've talked heavily in my I'M JUST PRETTY (can be found in the Self(ie) section) post about my struggles with my identity. I was never Black enough for my black side and, because my last name was American, I was told I wasn't really Arab or wasn't really a Makhlouf by my Arab side and friends. That really hurts because I identify equally with both and I actually grew up predominately with my Arab family. 

I was raised on pita bread, lebneh, hummus and Al Jazeera. It doesn't get much more Arab that that! lol. I was so desperate to fit in and be taken seriously by the Arab community. So, there are many reasons why I chose to get this tattoo in particular. Growing up, my life centered around my family and was/is a major influence in the person I am today. I say this all the time -- being Arab (especially in today's America) is a lifestyle and plays a role in my every day. I have always loved the Arabic language -- it's sound, its poetic nature and it's beautiful curvy script. I am just flat out in love with being Palestinian. So, perhaps part of me chose to get it to prove a point (I showed them, huh?), but as I get older, it is so much deeper than that. I am proud of my people, I am proud of their strength and I am proud of my culture. It's that simple. 

I got my tattoo when I was about twenty-two and I spent a couple of years debating it -- it wasn't a spur of the moment thing (I think about things for years before I actually do it because, well, it's permanent!) To this day, I do not regret it one bit and I love showing it off in my flirty, open back tops. 

I chose to get it on my side because as much as I think tattoos are cool and edgy, I also love the purity of a woman and think there's something really beautiful about a woman's body and skin just the way God made it. I knew at the point I got married that I didn't want tattoos to be an accessory to my wedding dress (or really any elegant dress or look). I love the placement of my tattoo because I can flaunt it easily when I want and I can cover it when I choose. It's versatile in that sense. Some people don't even realize I have it. 

It's special, it's meaningful and it's part of me ... literally. 

27 Lessons

Some lessons can't be taught; they have to be learned.

I'm 27! I honestly can't believe I am 27. Time really does fly. I feel like this past year was so pivotal for me -- I have really surrendered to the universe & God and genuinely feel like I am moving into my greatness. There is a life that I want to live and I finally feel, energetically, that it's my time to grab it. There is no way I would be where I am today if it weren't for the lessons I have learned thus far but mainly this past year. So, in the spirit of turning 27, here are 27 lessons learned during 26.

1. Take breaks. It doesn't mean you're slacking. It just means you're taking care of yourself so you can continue to grind.

2. People can only love you to their own capability of the word. Not everyone was shown the same kind of love growing up and everyone views love differently. What you perceive as love may not be how someone else perceives it and vise versa. So you can't always expect someone to love the way you do.

3. A good friend isn't determined by how many years you have known them. I have felt like I had to hold onto certain friendships because we were friends since we were kids, but that's not true. Some people are meant for your life for the long haul and others are just meant for a season. It's hard, but sometimes it's harder holding onto the unhealthy relationship.

4. Your parents mean well and love the crap out of you even if they don't know how to relate to you all the time.

5. Just because it doesn't happen overnight doesn't mean it won't happen.

6. People are put into your life for a reason.

7. Trust yourself. You know more than you give yourself credit for.

8. Instagram isn't real life. Well, sometimes it is, but it's a pretty, edited version of it.

9. The journey isn't always perfect, but the purpose is. Never doubt the path God is taking you on. He knows what's best for you because he already wrote it.

10. Imperfect photos are always better.

11. Be you -- people love authenticity.

12. No matter how much time, time does heal all.

13. You're not everyone's cup of tea and that's OKAY.

14. If you have to question them, they probably aren't your real friends nor have your best interests at heart.

15. It doesn't matter where I live because home is where my family is.

16. Relationships aren't always rainbows and butterflies, but your love is.

17. Don't buy clothes with the intention of fitting into them later. It's a trap.

18. Less really is more.

19. You always forget about the things you buy, but you never forget experiences and trips taken.

20. It IS possible to have too many purses.

21. There is such thing as constructive criticism and the people who genuinely give it to you really do love you.

22. Green tea helps with digestion.

23. Patience will get you a lot further in life.

24. You can't wear crop tops everywhere even when you reallyyyyyyy want to.

25. A few quality leggings are way better than a ton of Forever 21 leggings.

26. God never leaves you behind.

27. I don't just want a Bentley and a big house. I want peace of mind and total abundance.

A Matter of Time

Timing is everything.

I know, I know -- everyone says that. And I know, I know -- it's hard to accept. It's hard to let go of wanting to control everything in your life.

If you want to make God (The Universe or whichever higher power you believe in) laugh, tell him your plans.

This past year, through my blog, my work, my personal life not seen on social media, I've learned to just be patient. I've learned to let life happen because if you just keep plugging away and moving towards your greatness, whatever life offers you will be exactly what was meant for you. 

If my life went by "my plan," my blog would have successfully launched last year, I'd be living in my dream home by now, I'd probably be married and have a cute lap dog I don't really have time for. Although I am launching my blog this year, am still living at home and am not married, I am so grateful for everything I have learned in this past year. I've never energetically felt a shift in my life so strong as I did in the transition from 2017 to 2018. I have completely surrendered to God & The Universe. Ironically, now I look forward to the moments that will stretch me and force me to grow because I have always received such amazing outcomes from them. 

This is my beginning - I have officially (re)launched! I am so excited to share my new sense of self with you all because well, it's time! I felt it was only appropriate to launch this newly remodeled Blazers & Bralettes with this beautiful piece from Jord Watches so you can also enjoy your time. xx

I have partnered up with Jord Watches to give one of my special followers a watch of their very own! *hand clap* I am always looking for unique accessories - who doesn't want to stand out? I'm obsessed! 

click to enter giveaway

All photos are taken by Nicole Balsamo.