What Influenced Your Current Hairstyle?

Hair is such a hot button topic. We are trained from birth to think of our hair in negative or positive ways. When you were little were you told you had "good hair"?  Did you cover up your "bad hair" with a sheet pretending it was long and flowing? Sadly, as adults, we are still dealing with the drama and conciesly or unconciesly passing down our feelings about hair to our own kids.

Your mama thinks it should be long, you like it short. Your man likes it straight. Your girlfriends think its cuter, curly. You want to rock a fierce fro but think your boss will hate on it (and you). Will corporate climate's allow for loc's in the boardroom? There are as many options for your hair as there are negative opinions about it .

When it's time to change up your tresses, how do you go about deciding on a style? Do you lean on your bestie or let your mate take charge? You want to go natural but, are your co-workers over your shoulder pressuring you back to the relaxer?

The pressure to fit the status quo is daunting to say the least. Couple that with our desire to be seen as beautiful by, yourself and, those around us. It's a wonder more of us aren't found crying our eyes out in the beauty supply store with loc'ing cream in one hand and a flatiron in the other... Ultimately, you are the one looking in the mirror every day. It's you that has to love, or at least like, what you see!

So my question is....What's a girl to do? How did you come to your current style? What influenced you to wear your hair the way you do? Leave a comment below.

Help Tamar Decide

You Decide! Should Tamar 

Brave out 

the loc transition or

 Rock a Lace Front ?

Tamar needs to make a decision. She made the commitment. She's loc'ing her hair. The problem is she doesn't like how loc's look during that first 6 -12 months known as the "transition stage". So she wants your opinion. Until she's more comfortable with her hair's new style.....

Go to our website and Vote in out Web Poll... Click on

You Decide! Should Tamar 

Brave out 

the loc transition or

 Rock a Lace Front ?

http://www.platinumspadiva.com/Hot-News--.html

Spa Diva/Mom Diva: The Month Of Love!!

Spa Diva/Mom Diva: The Month Of Love!!: On of the oldest commandments is to "Love your neighbor as you Love yourself". Pretty simple right? Hardly. How often do we find that balan...

The Month Of Love!!

On of the oldest commandments is to "Love your neighbor as you Love yourself". Pretty simple right? Hardly. How often do we find that balance? As a busy Wife, Mom and Entrepreneur I know the "as you love yourself" part is extremely hard. Many of us ascribe to this sentiment but have a difficult time applying it.

It's very easy to do the love your neighbor part. How often have we canceled the Mani/Pedi appointment or forgone our doctors visit due to a child's school function or a busy week of business calls and meetings? Missed any hair appointments or gone without sleep to meet deadlines or bake cupcakes for your child's kindergarten class?

While those things we make priority are extremely importing isn't the ONE doing them just as important, if not more so? Guilt leads us to let others wants, needs and desires become more important than our own and can cause us to get off track. That's what I mean. Where is the "love yourself" in all of this? 

When the New Year came in some of us even resolved "This is the year! I'm looking out for me, número uno... The Head Diva in Charge!" How's that working out for you? Did you swing too far in the other direction? Are you feeling a little selfish? Are your husband and family members looking at you like you've gone loćo? 

If mama's not happy no one is. I grew up hearing that and boy is it true. If we don't take the time to renew, refresh and rejoice ladies, we will burn out!!! We can become cranky, bitter or depressed. If we're giving it all away without recharging our batteries nothing is going to get done. So take a minute for you. Its OK. Its more then OK! Here are 3 simple things you can do to bring yourself, and your life, back into balance.

1) Renew: Take time every day for prayer, reading, meditation and spiritual growth. Allow yourself to be centered and guided to a place of balance. There are a million things clamoring for your attention on a daily basis. This time is needed to get your priorities in order. Take the time to let God help you order them so you can accomplish great things.

Mama was right. Eat your veggies and drink plenty of water. Exercise, go raw or just give up fatty foods. A balanced diet is essential to a balanced you. If you can't get your full 8 every night, grab a nap whenever you can. Sleep deprived is not sexy!

2) Refresh: give your skin a face lift. This cold weather on the east coast wreaks havoc on us. We need to take time to exfoliate dead skin and hydrate what's underneath. DIY, natural sea salt scrubs with organic skin nourishing ingredients like coconut, olive and almond oils are perfect to revive your skin.  moisturizing natural shampoo bars will bring your tired tresses back to life without chemicals and toxins. You'll love how you feel and so will he.

3) Rejoice: those cupcakes got made and your hair & skin look great! When you find balance and are no longer neglecting yourself, celebrate!!!!!

It's OK girl. Do the Diva Thang! Break away for a movie or a romantic night out with your sweetie!! Or get yourself a nice piece of jewelry that will remind you to take care of your self. You deserve it!

LOVE your neighbor as YOU LOVE YOURSELF! This is part of the greatest commandment ever given for a reason!! Enjoy the month of Love and make it last a lifetime... Just remember to Be You... Naturally!!

 ~The Spa Diva
www.platinumspadiva.com
Follow us on Twitter@platinumspadiva
Like us on Facebook

Info On My Products

Check out my commercial... Here's the link.

Spa Diva/Mom Diva: The Holy-Days

Spa Diva/Mom Diva: The Holy-Days: I know I'm late with this post but things have been quite hectic around here. My wonderful amazing husband threw his back out the week befor...

The Holy-Days

I know I'm late with this post but things have been quite hectic around here. My wonderful amazing husband threw his back out the week before Christmas. And the day before the Christmas service at church, that we organize and put on together. I had to run all of the day of stuff... by myself... (insert google eyed screaming emoticon). God was really with us that day. While I was making sure things ran as smoothly as possible, without my partner by my side, he was home by himself in excruciating pain without me. Thank the Lord for painkillers. They took enough of the edge off over the next week so that he was able to heal some, and stand up a few days later. He was also able to participate in the Christmas festivities, which was a blessing to us all. I on the other hand become more and more frazzled.

There were school recitals and holiday parties to attend as well as all the preparations for the family and friend who were coming over on Christmas. Plus we went away the day after Christmas. My mom came as well which was wonderful. She really enjoyed her time with her grands. By the time New Years rolled around Hubby was up on his feet but I was dead on mine.  It was one of the hardest periods in my life. I was so worn out and drained I barley had enough energy to say Happy New Year when the ball dropped on TV. I spent the next few days trying to recover. I was actually able to get in a nap twice over the first 10 day of 2012. That was a real treat for me. As much as I need to nap, I have a 2 year old at home who never wants to anymore. By the time I get her down I barley have time grab a snack or prep dinner before her brother comes home.

An important lesson was learned though. I need to ask for more help. That's a big deal for me. I grew up with a great deal of responsibility and don't always know how to let some of it go and trust that it will all get done. Add the that all of the things that we're going on during holiday 2011 and you can see why I was a hot mess. Glad its over and I can make new plans for the coming year.

That's Right... I Did It!!

I fixed my washing machine. All...by...my...self!!  Can you tell I'm proud? Hehehe...

My darling, then 2 year old leaned in the open washing machine door when I was preggers with my youngest and broke it. If I could tell you the myriad of emotions I had that day. So many tears were shed.

For one reason or another we never got around to getting it fixed and it sat in the corner of my dining room. It mocked me every time I went to use the pay per use laundry room in the building.

The sad thing is it was really simple issue to fix. The part only cost about $20 and it took me less than 20 minutes to replace it.

I have since washed 2 loads (with my homemade laundry soap) and I am ecstatic! I still have to do the comforters and such in the building machine, but that's OK. If only every problem could be solved this easily.

The Results

Ok. So I used the laundry soap I made. I must admit I was a bit sceptical, which is strange because I am an advocate of homemade natural, low or chemical free products. you see, I have small kids. They make BIG stains.... and their cloths get extra dirty. They roll around on the floor and spill stuff on their cloths. So I'm sure you can understand my pause.  The thing is the homemade concoction worked great. My cloths were just as clean as if I washed them with a name brand product. There were no added laundry boosters or  pretreating because I wanted to to have a base line. Even the whites looked good. My husband, remarked that the laundry felt softer as he was folding it (yes, he helps with the laundry) and I didn't add any fabric softener either. All in all it was a very pleasant experience and I will definitely be using the homemade stuff that cost about $2 to make verses the expensive stuff in the grocery isle. Next I'm going to make some and add different essential oils for fragrance. I love being in control of how I smell. :)

Soap Notes

So I made laundry soap the other day... from scratch. It was pretty cool. I have always been interested in making things in my kitchen. I love the notion that I can control the ingredients and personalize my creations.
Since my daughter has such sensitive skin I try to control what comes in contact with her skin as much as possible. I've always created things by hand. I love cooking and I make natural soap and body butters for my whole family as most of you know, so this was just an extension of that.
It was pretty easy as well. Took about 20 minutes to make a 2 1/2 gallon batch and it cost about 6 bucks. I love the ease and the convenience, too. All I did was grate a bar of laundry soap, melt it and add Borax and washing soda to 2 gallons of water.
I'll let you guys know how it turned out when I do laundry this week ;).

Buzz and Chatter About The Platinum Spa Diva Be You... Naturally Line

This is a Screen Shot of Comments on www.platinumspadiva.com

How To Use The Platinum Spa Divas "Laven-Diva Tea Tree Shampoo Bar & Hot Oil Treatment"

 

1. Wash hair thoroughly with

Laven-Diva

Tea Tree

 Shampoo Bar

Rinse and repeat

Rich lather removes build up without harsh chemicals

2. Pour warm oil over hair.

Wrap hair in damp towel or sit under

a heat cap for 15 to 20 minutes.

3. Gently rinse hair with warm water to remove excess oil.

Style as usual

Questions & Answers

My clients often have a plethora of inquiries regarding my soaps, scrubs and creams. Their questions run the gamut of my start in the industry of natural body care products to the specific ingredients to their effectiveness and use on children.  Therefore, I am dedicating a series of blog posts to clarifying my intention in creating the Platinum Spa Diva line, the attention that goes into each creation, and my dedication to providing a holistic product. 



The Platinum Spa Diva line was an outgrowth of my desire to soothe my children’s severely dry skin and eczema. After discussing various treatment options with their doctors and researching recommended remedies; I became frustrated with my lack of success.  I was saddened when I discovered that the recommended products we're filled with steroids and/or ingredients that have been banned from use in other countries. I refused to believe that subjecting my children to potential harm through the use of these “treatments,” was my only option. In truth, we have all used these products; without a second thought.  I will be the first to admit that not being able to pronounce the name of an ingredient on the label of a cream that promises to work wonders has been no deterrent for me.   Yet, when I became a mother and needed to attend to the needs of my children it became a necessity to unearth the meaning of these mysterious words. Before I became a mother my life in the spa industry included working as a 
Licensed Massage Therapist and former Spa Director.  

Having preformed hundreds of skin treatments, selected skin care lines, trained staff and developed service menus for several companies; I felt prepared to put my practice and purpose into developing a product I could be proud to put my name on. The products had to be effective, meet my needs of healing and nourishing my children’s delicate skin, and be accessible to all skin-types and genders.

Thus, the Platinum Spa Diva, Be You... Naturally skin and hair care line was born; from necessity, experience, and a desire to serve others. The line is made with all natural and organic, ingredients such as Shea, Kokum, Olive and Coconut Butters and Oils as well as Jojoba, Carrot and Tea Tree; and is chemical free. All the ingredients in the Platinum Spa Diva line are easily pronounced. I’m extremely selective. No... Really... Picky... (Like send my food back in a restaurant, twice {well, maybe three times, picky}). If it's not right, I don't want it. I am intoxicated and inspired by scents, such as lavender, coconut and sage. Scents that feel clean; The Platinum Spa Diva line reflects this personal passion.

Each woman has her own essence. She has a scent that is uniquely her. I created an extraordinary scrub & cream line that can be customized to reflect a womans perfect fragrance; reflective of who she is and who she wants to be.

That's part one of the "who I am and why I do what I do series". Next we'll look at the hair care products....
Smooches!!!

~The Spa Diva
www.platinumspadiva.com
Follow us on Twitter @platinumspadiva
Like us on Facebook.com/Platinumspadiva

Organization

My big boy's step-up ceremony was this past Friday. *Beaming Mommy Face* :)! I was going tweet & blog about it during the ceremony but the posts would have been something like: 

"Today is a very special - there he is!!! He looks so cute!! Hi baby!!! Where was I, Oh yes today is a very special day. We're about- He's in the blue room, mom. Yes, his class is next. Ok Focus!!! - He's getting his certificate, *sniff-sniff*". 

So basically trying to document in the middle of the ceremony would have been a waste of time. Now that I am clear and focused I did want to share some thoughts I had last week while readying the four of us for the event. Organization... I was bombarded with the need for more of it in my life in recent months. This realization crystallized two days before the ceremony when I needed to pick out outfits for me and the kids, make sure my hubby had what he needed and get the address and directions to all the relatives and friends who wanted to come and get my son's graduation present, a blue scooter. Mind you I was still trying to convince the school that the weather report showed no rain on the morning of the ceremony. We didn't want them to move the event indoors and exclude all of the extended families from attending. (Mind you I had all my friends praying that God would hold back the drops and HE DID!!!! Yeah God & thanks friends!!!!) I was googlie eyed from trying to juggle everything by the time we got there. I wanted to share about a few areas and what I am doing to be more organized in my life.

Family: As my big boy embarks on his first day of kindergarten and my baby girl moves on to an early head start program, all I could see were days of mad dashes to get out of the house on time with coats, hats, lunches and matching shoes for everyone. Frankly, I was a bit overwhelmed as organization is not my strong suit. Then God in His mercy had "The Generous Wife" share an article from "The Confident Mom's" blog called Steps for success. The post had great practicals on how to set up a morning routine and really prep the night before so everyone leaves with their shoes on. One of the tips that really resonated with me was having one calendar for everybody. This is such simply yet important point that it can almost be ignored, but I needed to really decide to embrace it. It's so easy for me to fly by the seat of my pants and catch things as they come in my googlie eyed way.  I don't always handle change well and having some clear practical’s helps me to navigate, especially in emotionally charged times. 

Personal ministry: In order to really embrace the above commitment to organize my family I have to first organize myself. I have to make sure that my times with God are clearly defined and that I allow enough time daily to hear what He is saying to me by reading the bible and meditating on scripture, express my own needs through prayer and be at peace, through submission to Him, with what's to come. This will allow me to better see the direction he is leading me and be more willing to follow Him. I have a lot of responsibilities on my plate and if I slack off in this area everything else falls apart.

Business: Another piece in the Mo McCullough puzzle is Platinum Spa Diva, My Custom Hair & Skin Care line. As things get busier for me I need discipline to do the not so fun stuff like putting my bills in order, doing inventory and handling my correspondence. I would much rather do the fun stuff I love like making products and updating my social pages and my blog. The truth is my lack of attention to some of the former and eventually caught up to me and cut into my fun time. No bueno ;(!!! Once both kids are in school I will have more defined days and I will have to treat myself like and employee with deadlines, working lunches and such for part of the day so I can do the fun stuff like create products and communicate with y'all. 

My inner Diva: In all the hustle and bustle I forget about her. I get so caught up in the day-to-day stuff of being a mom, cleaning up spills and wiping noses that I forget to check in. I forget my mascara and honey lip balm. I don't set time to get inspired and do things I love to do. I love to read. I can pick up a good novel and finish it in two days if I have the time. Haven't had the time to do that in a while, but I do have a library card that I need to dust off. There is a woman that I have long admired and at times been very intimidated by. I don't know her name nor have I met her but her character and legacy have long been an inspiration for many reasons. She was a woman who prepared for her family and employees, and then she followed through on the plans, saw a return on her investments and was admired by those around her. She is known as the Wife of Noble Character in scripture. The blueprint of her life and how she came by that name are found in Proverbs 31:10-31. I'll be spending many more days trying to imitate the diva in her. I hope I can get it a little bit right. I want to leave that kind of inspiration for my little ones one day. 


~The Spa Diva
www.platinumspadiva.com
Follow us on Twitter @platinumspadiva
Friend us Facebook.com/Platinumspadiva.com

40

I've had a lot of amazing & interesting thing happen this year! I turned 40. I was actually very excited about that milestone. One of my good girlfriends turns 40 soon and she seemed to dread it, but I feel like it looks good on me. My life is going in a great direction. (beaming Diva face) My son was accepted into a Gifted & Talented program (beaming mommy face). My husband started filming his second film project (beaming ok, well you get the picture). I launched my business Platinum Spa Diva. We filmed 2 new commercials for my line (both of which I had the privilege to write and direct (hubby is a great teacher). I've also lost about 20 pounds. I feel so much better. Healthier. Stronger. The only fly on the proverbial ointment is that I'm loosing my mind. I can't seem to remember anything. If I go into a room to get something I can't remember what it is by the time I get there. I must log in about 3 miles a day walking from room to room looking for things!! Not to mention the time I spend running behind my kids. If I keep this up I can cancel my WW subscription. If this is the beginning of old age I guess I have to deal with it. I just need a note pad so I can remember what I'm suppose to be dealing with...

~The Spa Diva
www.platinumspadiva.com
Follow us on Twitter @platinumspadiva
Friend us Facebook.com/Platinumspadiva.com

Father's Day Weekend Adventures

So this weekend was amazing. My amazing husband took the kids while I held my first Platinum Spa Diva "Spa Party" on Saturday, and it was so much fun. I was able to show of my product line, preform a couple of beauty treatments and share some information on chemical verses natural products. The Hostess, "Song Diva" aka Gida was so much fun to work with and the ladies in attendance were a hoot. (I promise to post pictures and video soon). When I got home the kids expressed, in their own unique ways) that I had stayed out to long!! I thought I was gonna get a timeout! Sunday morning was even better because we were able to help encourage the dad's at church with these AMAZING pastries called Cakeballs for Father's Day. There made by this wonderful little company called "Cakeballs by Destin". Fantastic!! You have to try them. Then, my family and I were able to join participants at the Eric Bowles "Stop the Violence" Basketball Classic at Each One Teach One park on 130th street in Harlem. My kids were able to spend time with their "Pop-Pop" and be shown off and only grandparents can.  During the game they held a moment of silence and prayer for Tysha Jones. She was from that neighborhood. Tysha was the teenager killed on the boardwalk in Brooklyn last week. This made me so sad and scared for her family and our kids. I get so angry sometimes because this world has becoming so violent. Does anyone have non-toxic, kid friendly, lead free child size bubble wrap so I can wrap my kids up. I'm not making light of the situation. Just trying to use a little humor because we're so vulnerable in this area. I'm going to open it up to y'all. What can we do to help stop the violence that is stealing and destroying our youth? I don't want us to loose another baby for foolishness. Thoughts?

Diva Mom, Wife, Business owner, etc...

I wear a few hats in my crazy life. I'm a stay at home Mom to 2 wonderful, bright inquisitive kids. A boy, 4 and a girl 20 months (going on 20 years) old and 2 cats, Missy and Flubby (so named by my 4 year old). I am married to my absolutely best friend Bob and I run a home based business where I create skin, hair and foot care products (www.platinumspadiva.com) check it out (and order some stuff!!! I have to pay for college!!!!!). I am also very active in my church and love spending time teaching women about the Bible and helping couples strengthen their marriages in Christ. As I start out in the Blogesphere I can't help feeling a bit like Julie in "Julie and Julia". It's that movie about the woman who blogs through her year long adventure cooking all of the recipes in Julia Child's book "The Joy of Cooking." She learns a lot about herself in the process and grows up a bit, too. Before she pushed send on one of her first posts she she mused "is anyone out there listening?" All sorts of insecurities and fears creep up when you do things like this but, like most other things in my life that frighten me, big or little, I'm doin' it!!! I'll share about my adventures trying to be a great wife, mom and business owner while staying on the right side of Jesus!! Hope y'all can relate to my crazy and enjoy the ride.... Is anyone listening??? Anyone???? LOL!!!!!