My Hair Routine

Time and time again I'm getting complimented on my hair and people always have so many questions like, "Is it natural?" "How did you get it so long?" and "How do you keep it so healthy?"

First things first. Yes. =) My hair length is natural. The colour is not but it is very similar to my natural shade.

As for the next two questions, I've never really known how to answer them. I just let it do it's thing and wash it a few times a week haha! 

With so many people asking about my hair I decided why not make a post so people can refer to it if they want after they ask me questions. So let's get started.

First things first...When it comes to my hair I'm actually quite lazy. I go days without brushing it. Why? Because I can't be bothered. I throw it in a pony tail or a bun and I go on with my day.

Same goes for washing my hair. I wash it a maximum of 3 times a week, sometimes less. Now before you start saying "Ew" Hold on a hot minute and let me explain this. Haha

I have really thick hair. Now combine that with thick strands and the length, I'm going through shampoo and conditioner like crazy. It gets expensive, especially since my hair care products are not exactly cheap. 

My hair will start to look oily after 3-4 days and that is when I wash it. I shampoo right when I get into the shower and massage my scalp and hair for 2-3 minutes. I like to think the longer I take the cleaner my hair will be but I never have the patience. So, moving on. I rinse that out (Obviously) I wring out my hair to make sure all the shampoo has washed away and then I get my hair wet again. This is when I apply conditioner. A little conditioner with extremely wet hair goes a long way (Also reduces a wax build up on your scalp which can cause dandruff and other conditions) On that note, I never apply conditioner to the top of my head unless I'm dry, but the back on my head and the rest of my hair gets the product.

So at this point I let the conditioner sit in my hair and during this time I finish my shower. I don't need to explain that part do I?  Alright. 3-5 minutes have passed. I skip the whole rinse and repeat thing. Who has the time? Seriously...Who actually has the time for that!?

Boom. I'm out of the shower! Yay! (I hate showering. takes way to long and I see it as an inconvenience but I do it because well I have to lol)  I'm perpetually lazy so I wrap my hair in a towel and climb into bed and watch a few cat videos or online shop for up to 45 minutes. Then I brush my hair.

Yeah, I know.. "Brushing your hair when it's wet is sooo totally bad for it." Guess what? I don't care. I HAVE to brush my hair when it's wet, if I don't I'll have insane knots and as I mentioned above, I'm lazy. Don't have time for that. So I start brushing my hair, I brush my bangs first and then I split my hair on both sides and brush from the bottom to the top. 

Once all the knots are gone I fluff my hair so it's not all stuck to my head. At this point I'll add in a heat protector. (If I remember. I usually forget) Now I blow dry my hair. High setting on high heat. I dry my hair the same way I brush it. Bangs, bottom, then top. About half way through I'll switch the hair dryer to cool and finish my hair that way. 

I never completely dry my hair. I dry most of it but I leave a little bit damp in the length because A) I've been drying my hair for a half hour, my arm is tired. and B) I don't want to damage the hair that's already dry even more. 

Next I brush it and style it, this means moving my bangs to one side and smoothing out the lions main I just created. 

That's pretty much it. that's all I do.  

Sometimes if I notice my hair looking dull I will run a small bit of coconut oil through my hair. It adds a nice natural shine and makes my ends look extremely healthy.

If I'm in between trims and my hair is looking rather rough, I wait until I know I'm showering the next day and before bed I take a generous amount of coconut oil and saturate the last 3-4 inches of my hair in it. I put it in a secure bun, go to sleep and rinse it out when I wash my hair the next day. This gives my hair a beautiful shine and adds great softness.

As for haircuts, I cut my own hair. I stopped getting my hair cut professionally when I was 15 due to some awful experiences. Anyway,  DO NOT TRY THIS UNLESS YOU KNOW WHAT YOU'RE DOING! Seriously the last thing you want is to make a mistake you can't fix. I'm self taught and took a hair cutting course in high school. With that being said, obviously  I'm not a hairstylist and I don't have the education of one but I do know enough to trust myself and my scissors. I'll trim an inch or two off my hair whenever coconut oil stops giving my ends the results I want when I saturate them.

I love my hair and try to maintain it as best as I can. Maybe my routine will help you achieve goals you have with your own hair! Let me know! =D <3

                                      Xxoo - Katie

One Year Of UselessKatieTips!

So this post is going to be a bit different from my usual posts. I just realized that I've had my blog for an entire year!! So I've decided to make a post to share with you a few things I've learned during this past year with quotes and just some random thoughts here and there. So if this isn't your type of post, you can exit this window. I promise I wont be mad. If you're looking forward to reading this then hold on a quick second. I promise I'll get to the body of this post right now.

"Develop a healthy relationship with food. If you're hungry, eat. If you're full, don't eat. Eat vegetables to be god to your body, but eat ice cream to be good to your soul. 
Take pictures of yourself frequently. Chronicle your life. Selfies are completely underrated. Even if the pictures are unflattering, keep them anyway. There will always be mountains and cities and buildings, but you will never look the same as you did in that moment in time.
Your worth does not depend on how desirable someone finds you. Spend less time in front of the mirror and more time with the people who make you feel beautiful.
Close doors. Don't hold onto things that no longer bring you happiness and do not help you grow as a person. It is okay to walk away from toxic relationships. You are not wear for letting go.
Forgive yourself.. We all have something in our pasts that we are ashamed of, but they only weigh us down if we allow them to. Make amends with the old you and work every day to become the person that you've always wanted to be." - Tina Tran

I'll be honest, when I first seen this quote on Tumblr and didn't want to read it but for some reason I did anyway and didn't regret reading a single word. Every part of it I can relate to and I think most of you can too. It really reminded me that, Yes! I'm allowed to be happy, and happy I will be.

Allow yourself to be happy without worrying about the opinions of others. This took me a long time to figure out and the second I realized that I don't have to hide my happiness, my life changed. 

Embrace change. Even though this can be the hardest thing you'll ever do, I promise you it's worth it. I moved across the country to get away from a few people and a bad situation and I'm telling you. It feels amazing to be myself and to no longer be judged!

Love a family that loves you back!
No more wasting time on people who don't care about you and only say nice things to you to make them look good. You should NEVER feel ashamed about the person you are and No one should ever let you feel that way.

Always be yourself!
If you can't be yourself somewhere then why are you there? Why waste your precious time on something or someone that doesn't allow you to be yourself? Surround yourself with places and people that truly love you for all you are.

Be apart of something that you truly love and believe in.
Whether this is a family, religion, or work, Love it. and be apart of whatever it is because YOU want to. Not because it would please everyone else. As a people pleaser I struggled with this but moving away made it clear that the people I was associated with would only be interested in me if I conformed to what they thought was best.

Do something for yourself.
For the past 4 years, I did nothing for myself. I slaved to make someone happy who just didn't want to be. I constantly put myself second to everyone and was punished for even thinking about doing something for myself. You can't live like that! You have to stand up for yourself and realize how you deserve to be treated. Find people that appreciate you and all your efforts but also encourage you to be your own person. 

 Surround yourself with people who are happy and want the best for you.
I slowly started to distance myself from the people who didn't care about me and started hanging out with friends again. It was my Friend who showed me how people who love one another should be treated, just how much love I deserve, and how loved I really am by the people that truly matter. Jamie and Craig, I can never thank you enough for all the talks, tears and downright honest moments we've shared in the kitchen. You two are what kept me going when I was broken and I love you so much for that. <3

Don't hold on to heartbreak.
Okay, Cry. That's okay but I've learned to just let it go. I've learned that sometimes no matter how hard you try, not everything I meant to be. It's not worth it if it's not natural. Let it go and move on

The best things happen when you're not looking.
you have a routine, Yeah. so do I. You follow it everyday and nothing changes.
Until one day everything you thought you knew confuses you. He comes along and makes you smile. He doesn't know that you were crying only minutes before and he doesn't know anything thing about you but he thinks you're nice and he wants to know more. He doesn't pry or force you to share, He lets you be yourself and it turns out he likes who you are. He likes your laugh, your jokes, your smile, and your thoughts. He is perfect.

Let yourself love again
Even if it's 4 months or 10 years after your last relationship. Go for it. Indulge yourself in complete bliss. I did, and I've honestly never been this happy before. I think some of this happiness is because I've set myself free from the people who only wanted to hurt me. Now I'm confident and my future is so clear!

I'm dating someone.
I know some of you reading this are a few of those people who love to judge me and have been for the past 4 years and that's fine. Continue if you must. What you think about me is none of my business. Just keep in mind that you only know one side of the story. It's always going to be that way and I'm okay with that. As for my new relationship, I'm happy. I've spent the last couple months working and talking to him during all my free time. He's made me realize what I deserve and not just in a relationship but in daily life too. He knows things about me that no one else know, he understands, listens and cares. He is genuine, creative, honest, and smart. He compliments my life like no one I've ever known before and I know he will be in my life forever. Luis, you make my life brighter and you've always had my back. You never break your promises and you always ask how about my day. You remember the little things and you appreciate them just the same. The little things you do add up quickly and I really want you to know just how much I appreciate your time and effort in our relationship. You truly are my greatest blessing and I'm forever grateful for you. Thank you for showing me what it is to be happy again. There is no one better for me than you!

Alright. I know this post has been all over the place. I just had to type and say what I needed to. 

Be yourself guys and never settle for less than you deserve. Be happy, smile and love.

Please don't ever hold back from what you want and what you love. Take control. This is your one life and I believe you shouldn't waste any more time being sad or confused.

I love you guys, thanks for reading

                    Xxoo - Katie

30 Ways To Use Coconut Oil!

So if you follow nutrition, beauty, and any health trends then you've probably heard about coconut oil and the million and one different ways you can use it. I've gathered 30 of my favourite uses to share with you

1. Tanning Oil
How can you go wrong with a natural tanning oil? Especially one that smells so good!!
2. Butter Substitute 
Spread some on toast/crackers and enjoy!
3. Lip Balm
Coconut oil is a fast moisturiser and gives quick relief to dry and chapped lips
4. Cooking oil
Coconut oil is a much healthier option for those of you who like fried food and the flavour is quite satisfying but also much different then vegetable oil.
5. Make-Up Remover
Apply a small amount on to your finger tips and gently apply it to your face and wipe away with a a cloth and warm water
6.Mouthwash
this is perfect for me since I don't like the taste of regular mouthwash
7. Natural Deodorant
Coconut oil has natural antibacterial properties so it helps to stop odour.
8. Shaving Cream
Warm the oil in your hands and apply to the area that needs to be shaved! Rinse well and you're done!
9. Massage Oil
A natural long lasting and moisturising alternative to store bought massage oils! (Add a few drops of essential oils to really make it unique and even more beneficial to your health!)
10. Cuticle Oil
Apply daily to your cuticles for healthy and strong nails!
11. Acne Treatment
A natural antibiotic that can kill the harmful bacteria on your skin that causes acne
12. Energy Booster
Consuming coconut oil is said to boost mental alertness and over all energy! Try adding some to your coffee!
13. Cold Sores
Applying a small amount to the sore a few times a day is said to speed up the healing process!
14. Bath Oil
Add coconut oil to your bath water for a fresh scent and extra soft skin!
15. Popcorn Topping

Add some melted coconut oil and some salt to your popcorn for a fresh and addicting taste!
16. Wounds
Apply coconut oil to minor scrapes and scratches. Remember, coconut oil has antibacterial properties so this is great to add to your first aid kit if you don't like using peroxide or rubbing alcohol.
17. Sore Throat
Swallowing a bit of coconut oil will create a soothing coating in your throat which quickly eases discomfort!
18. Detangler
warm a bit of coconut oil in your hands and lightly apply to damp hair then comb away!
19. Removes Rust
apply to rusted surfaces (knives, scissors) and leave on for about 3-4 hours, wipe off and the rust should wipe off with it!
20. Tattoo Moisturiser 
Apply to new tattoos to help them heal quickly!
21. Eyelash Enhancement 
Frequent mascara wearers will most likely have dry lashes. Apply coconut oil to your lashes every night and in about two weeks you will start to notice they look fuller and longer!
22. Minimize Heartburn
swallowing a teaspoon of coconut oil can help reduce the discomfort of heartburn very quickly!
23. Salad Dressing
Use the oil as a base and add some vinegar, and whatever spices you choose, mix and add to your salad! Enjoy!
24. Fade Age Spots
Apply coconut oil to any age spots you may have to reduce the look and reverse signs of ageing.
25. Face Moisturiser 
Wash your face and apply a small amount to your face for soft and supple skin
26. Tame Frizz.
Warm a small about of oil in your hands and lightly apply to hair for a polished and sleek look.
27. Cat And Dog Treat
Feed a small amount to your furry friend to help enhance their coat and rid them of dry skin
28. Add To Beverages
Add a small amount of coconut oil to hot chocolate, and smoothies for a bit of extra flavour and a few extra health benefits!
29. Aids In Weight Loss
It's been said that coconut oil can help speed up your metabolism if you eat some everyday!
30. Teeth Whitener 
Swishing coconut oil around in your mouth for 2 minutes a few times a week is said to whiten your teeth and help keep your mouth clean!


So there you have it! 30 uses for coconut oil! As always, if you try any of these or have any additional uses for the oil let me know because I love reading all your tips and tricks! 
Hope you all had a fantastic week! 

                                                                 Xoxo - Katie




   

6 Tips To Get Through A Break Up!

Breaking up SUCKS! But it's something we all have to go through sometime or another. So here are 6 tips that I find can help you get over your break up and help you move on!

Social Media
This might be the most dangerous place to be while going through a break up. Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram are the internet's hottest places to be. Everyone has an account on one or all of these social media's so figuring out what he/she is doing is so easy it's scary! My advice is to just STAY OFF SOCIAL MEDIA! You're going to see something you don't like and it's going to drive you mad. give your self 4 to 7 days without social media. Time to yourself is good anyway!

Friends
Friends are here for a reason so don't forget about them! They generally know you best so confiding in them will be easy and comfortable and they probably know just what you need to make you feel better and will help you through every stage of the break up! 

Be Sad 
Giving yourself time to be sad is crucial. Give yourself a two week time frame and say "Okay. This sucks but I have to deal with it."  That two week time frame is your time to let it all out and heal. It's also a good time to figure out your next move.

Write About It
There hasn't been one time in my life that I was unhappy at myself for writing something down. whether it's a song, poem, journal entry, or a letter to him/her you'll never send, just write it down. Writing is a no judgement zone. No one can interrupt you and make you feel bad for the emotions your having, because you're probably feeling a lot of them at this point. It's a great release. and sometimes looking back at the writing can make you happy because you get to see where you were and how far you've come when you read it.

Break Up Hair
So I've done this once before and two of my friends do it every time they go through a break up. They either cut their hair or colour it. personally I cut 4 inches off. Changing your hair can be kind of scary and it's not for everyone but it's nice in the sense that you no longer look the way you did in the relationship. new chapter new you!

Keep Busy
Don't sit in your room all day and night crying and eating brownies. Do that during your two weeks of being sad period. focus on trying new things, making more time for the things you love. do what you can to make sure the break up is not the only thing you're thinking about. 


Break ups suck but the hurt won't last forever. every break up leads you closer to the one you're suppose to be with and every relationship will teach you something about yourself or the world. so yes be sad but be hopeful and open minded for the future. the best things are yet to come! Hope these 6 tips help you out should you ever need them! Let me know what you think in the comments below!


                                                                     Xoxo - Katie