Product Review | Madam CJ Walker Beauty Culture

Hi Curlies!

I was chosen by NaturallyCurly.com to review some new products! These are by Madam CJ Walker's great great granddaughter! Madam CJ Walker was pioneer in hair care for black women in the 1910s. I was excited to try these out. As much as wanted to like all the products some were a hit and some were a miss for me.

Wonderful Pre-wash Protein Treatment

I applied this to my dry stretched hair in sections and then wore a plastic cap for 15 minutes like the instructions said.  It did not feel slippery on my dry hair; seemed to do nothing.

Pros:

Rinsed out well. Provided slip during rinsing out and softened my hair.

Cons:

Loud flowery perfume smell that did not fade.

Ultra Moisturizing Co-Wash

I applied this to my hair and scalp in sections.  Soaked into my hair.  No lather.  Lightweight creamy consistency.  Product did feel to give my hair slip yet I was able to de-tangle with ease using a shower comb.

Pros:

Lightweight. No lather.  Good slip for detangling.  Rinsed out well.  Hair was squeaky clean.

Cons:

Loud flowery perfume smell.

Wonderful Deep Conditioning Masque

I applied the Wonderful Deep Conditioning Masque to my hair after rinsing the co-wash.  I applied it in sections.  Soaked in my hair quickly; no white residue.  Provided slip so that I could finger comb it through my hair.  It rinsed out well and I had defined curls after wards.

Pros:

Good slip. Soaked in my hair fast. Rinsed out well.  Soft defined curls.

Cons:

Loud flowery perfume smell.

Ultra Moisturizing Detangler

I applied this out of the shower in sections.  Provided no slip at all; did nothing for my hair.  I kept thinking, “what is this supposed to do?”

Pros:
none

Cons:
No slip. Loud flowery perfume smell.

Defining Butter Creme

I applied this to my hair in sections and then did large two-strand twists.  This creme provided slip; I could finger comb before twisting.  However, my twists were crunchy feeling. After untwisting my hair it was well defined and soft.

Pros:
Provided slip. Shine inducing.

Cons:
Crunchy hair.  Loud flowery perfume smell.

Scent and Shine Coconut Oil

I applied this to my hands while taking down my twists.  It has semi-sticky feel; I washed my hands after taking down my twists.

Pros:
Lightweight

Cons:
Semi-sticky feel. Flowery perfume smell.

Edge Control and Shape Paste

I applied this to my edges after twisting my hair and secure with bobby pins then tied with a silk scarf.  I left my hair soft and smooth.  Shine was okay.

Pros:
Lightweight. Non-sticky. Hold without crunch.

Cons:
Flowery perfume smell.

Devotional | You may have a plan, But the Lord will direct your steps!

On Monday, I will start my new position in AISD as a Technology Design Coach!  If you would have asked me 4 years ago where I'd see myself in the future; I would not have mentioned in an Ed Tech position.  God leads where you need to be not where you want to be!

Even the position I am leaving, is something I didn't think I was qualified for but God had other plans!

This journey has been 4 years in the making and it is just recently that I realized God has been leading and guiding me the whole way!

It all started in the Spring of 2013 I was extremely unhappy on my campus and to top it off my principal removed me from the instructional coach position without good cause.  I was also going through financial and health issues as well.  I was going through a major storm that I will write about later!

I was looking for open positions and came across one titled Math Curriculum Technology Specialist.  The word technology scared me but I knew mathematics and I love curriculum so I applied.  I went into the interview thinking my lack of technology skills would be evident but I answered all the questions.  I left not really sure if I'd get spot and not feeling confident.  I got the call form HR in late June saying I was recommended for the position and I gladly accepted.  God said I was qualified!

Although I was loving this new position I was still fearful of being removed from a position again and I felt I needed another certification; something that would be outside the classroom.  I leaned toward administration (principalship) because I would still be involved in curriculum and instruction and I felt I needed help being a leader.  I looked into the highly recommended program and was heartbroken to find out that it started in the summer; however I worked during the summers.  I inquired about this with the program director and she confirmed I would need to take off work 2 weeks in order to begin the program.  With my hopes dashed, I started to look at online principalship programs.  Nothing seemed to fit for me so I just gave up and let it rest.  Then out of the blue the principalship program director sends me a flyer advertising their new fall enrollment which would not involve me taking off during the summer!  I was elated and so I applied and was accepted; I knew God was working like He'd done before!  I felt like he was leading me to this.

Now to him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us - Ephesians 3:20

The program was amazing; more than what I expected!  I have learned so much about myself.  I discovered what my strengths were and that I am a good leader; my previous positions did not let my strengths shine through and that lead me to believe I was not a good leader.  I was allowing others and circumstances to define me instead of God and through this program God showed me my strengths and built up my confidence.

In August of this year, I was informed that the math curriculum tech position (the one I am leaving) was being eliminated and I would be placed in a position for school year 2016-2017.

After passing the principal certification test, I started applying for assistant positions and nothing.  Crickets. The one interview I got didn't even happen; the interviewer was very unprofessional.  I waited 40 minutes and was never called back to interview.  Crazy!  I was dumbfound; I just knew my math background would be the selling point.  Boy was I mistaken; I was putting my faith in my credentials instead HE who gives the credentials.  This was not the time for an administration position for me.  I began to question everything...did I misunderstand God's guidance?...was I focusing on what I wanted and trying to make it God's will?  With all these questions in my head I consistently prayed Psalm 32:8...

I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will guide you with my eye.

A new department was formed in the district for technology integration.  I was encouraged by more than one person (three actually) to apply for a position.  I was hesitant because it would take me away from my loves...math, curriculum, and instruction but I felt this was where God was leading me.  I gave the fear and anxiety to God and applied for a position.  I got the position as a Technology Design Coach.  I'll actually be helping design and shape this new department and it feels right.  God reminded me that years ago I said I'd like to be a STEM/STEAM academy director or an administrator on a STEM/STEAM focused campus.  I truly believe HE is lining things up for me to have the experience and credentials for a position just like that!   

A man’s heart plans his way, But the Lord directs his steps - Proverbs 16:9

I thought I had it all planned out; get certified then go directly into an administration position.  Well God is taking me on a different path and I am so excited about my new position and what He has in store for me! 

For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope - Jeremiah 29:11