Nzuri At a Glance

Mrs. Leola Anifowoshe and Natural Chica

Although I attended Nzuri Natural Hair Festival in 2011, this is the first time I participated as a blogger.  I must say, I really enjoyed myself. I met some wonderful people and got a LOT of valuable information. The weekend started off with the Pre-Event VIP Party hosted at Aloft Hotel Galleria. The atmosphere was great and the attendees were dressed to impress.The weekend to follow was INSANE!!! As I arrived at Reliant Center for the event, the entry line had already begun to form. These people were waiting for the doors to open as early as 9 a.m. Their wait was not in vain. I had walked through and taken a tour of the venue before the doors were opened and was tempted to do some pre-show shopping. Vendors upon vendors were in the building selling their wares ranging from apparel to jewelery to art and a number of other goodies slated for the naturalista. Let's talk entertainment factor.  Not only did the Nzuri models show out at the VIP party, they showed up on Saturday bringing all kinds of face on the stage in the Nzuri Next Top model Competition. The entertainment continued on Sunday as well including Little Miss Happy Head and Little Mr. Handsome Man and Full Figured Foxy Competions. There isn't enough time in my day to cover all the happiness that resulted from attending this event. I will be posting more in depth coverage soon. This is finals week for me, but it is a must that I share all I can so you can see Nzuri through my eyes.

Kucheza Ngoma Dance Company

Mahisha Dellinger of Curls, Sponsor of  Nzuri Fest 2012

Photo by Dionne Murphy

                   

A few Nzuri Bloggersphere Participants

I Can't Deal...

We all know that life has ups, downs and so many different turnarounds.  You fall in love and it falls apart. New job; hired. Hate the boss; fired. I could go on, but you get the idea. Things are constantly changing. I started my blog with the intent to inspire those looking to lose weight and learn to maintain their natural hair. In the midst of it all, I went through some things. I was determined not to let my breakdown fall short of a breakthrough.  While I was looking for a way to get my head above water, God was there all the time saying, "I got you!" In the last year, I have had so many amazing opportunities and met so many amazing people it is surreal.  It all started with a volunteer opportunity with the Nzuri Natural Hair Health and Beauty 2011.  I was just beginning to embrace my natural hair and I wanted to learn all I could about what God gave me. The first thing I learned was that the sisterhood in the natural community was real! I mean there was no mean mugging or eye rolling going on in that place.  Everyone was smiling and just as eager to learn and share as I was. The entire weekend was filled with education and entertainment that I haven't seen anywhere else. Vendors? Yes, and plenty of them. Why can't I deal? The excitement of being an official blogger for this year's festival has me on edge! Wanting to have the perfect outfit and make sure I say the right things in addition to coming out of the background (which is where I usually am most comfortable).  I would have never imagined being a part of something so huge, but now I'm living it.  Don't be afraid or apprehensive about anything God has placed in front you. Step in with an open mind and an open heart. I am so blessed and grateful!

For tickets to attend Nzuri Natural Hair Health and Beauty Festival 2012 visit:

www.naturalhairfestival.com

Cyber Monday Scavenger Hunt

Hello all! You know I've been posting repeatedly on here, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram about the upcoming Nzuri Natural Hair Health and Beauty Festival. Why? Because I am overly excited about what is to come during the event.  I know we all like free stuff, so here's your chance to win a ticket to the festival. On this blog you will find the Nzuri logo...SOMEWHERE. Between 12 a.m. and 11:59 p.m. EST November 26, click on the logo and enter your information in the form.  This is no joke! You will have a wonderful time at the festival. It is filled with great information, entertainment, shopping, classes and workshops galore!

Are You Really Ready for Nzuri?

The much anticipated Nzuri Natural Hair Festival is fast approaching and I want to know if you're really ready for what's to come? Why should you make plans to attend? What is there to do once you're there?  I attended last year's event initially as a volunteer. My volunteer experience turned into so much more! I met so many wonderful people, saw hundreds of beautiful natural hair styles, shopped, attended classes and workshops and watched many different forms of entertainment.  Whether you're natural, contemplating natural or just want to be informed, this hair festival is the place to learn, meet new people and experience the love of the natural community. On Friday, December 7th, Nzuri will host a VIP Party. Show up and show out! I will definitely be in the building. General admission to this event is $20, however, if you bring a toy, you get in for only $15!

 The Nzuri Natural Hair Festival will open the doors at 10 a.m. on Saturday, December 8th. For more information on the VIP Party and the show and to purchase your tickets, please visit www.naturalhairfestival.com.

Nzuri Natural Hair Health and Beauty Showcase is Right Around The Corner!

It's that time of the year again! The holidays are fast approaching and in just a few weeks, the 2012 Nzuri Natural Hair Health and Beauty Festival presented by Curls (www.curls.biz)will be hosted at Houston's own Reliant Center. Last year's show was so much fun and this year's show is destined to be even better!  From the Pre-event party up until the end of the festival, everyone is bound to find something they will enjoy. There will be a host of vendors, different classes and workshops for just about anything related to hair, health and beauty, model competitions, a fashion show and so much more! Some of our favorie natural hair bloggers and vloggers will be on hand as well. You can purchase your tickets NOW at www.naturalhairfestival.com.  Admission is ONLY $10 if you purchase online or $15 at the door.  Children under the age of 12 are FREE! Don't forget to purchase an All Access Pass to attend as many of the free workshops as you choose and check out some of the paid workshops (not included in the All Access Pass) that peak your interest. I simply cannot wait to see all of you there!!!

Scunci UpZing Hair Accesory by Conair

Okay y'all, I have a new favorite thing!!! I received a hair accessory from Natural Resources Salon to try and I absolutely love it!  The UpZing is a wonderful piece that combines two hair combs, elastic bands and beaded bling. I initially saw it worn by Wu Gambina of Naturally Happy Hair when I first started attending natural hair events and blogging.  Tamika Fletcher of Natural Resources Salon was my next hair crush and has been seen wearing a number of up-do's that always look fabulous. That goes to show how versatile the product is.  Whether you have long, short, medium or any other length hair, you could create a style all your own.

Not only was I able to create this style in 5 minutes, it was also SUPER EASY! I washed and deep conditioned my hair and towel dried it. I then applied Earth's Nectar Monoi Hair Milk (which smells simply divine especially if you like coconut).  I then used my finger to part the front section of hair to create a "bump". Next, after making sure my bump was secure and exactly how I wanted it, I placed one comb of the UpZing on the right side and pulled it over the crown of my head  and secured it in the same position on the left to smooth out the sides . I then pulled the remaining hair back into a side bun adding Marley braid hair to achieve a fuller effect.  

Earth's Nectar Monoi Hair Milk

I am looking forward to seeing all the different natural hair styles that can be created with this product. I know I'll be trying more!

Naturally Happy Hair's Natural You Mixer

I'd attended these mixers before, but for some reason, I was more anxious and excited this time around.  I planned well in advance to be sure I had all things in order so I would NOT miss this event.  Babysitter...check. No work or school...check  Hair twisted the night before...check. All that went out the window the day of the event, hair was all wrong and my oldest son had to watch my 2 year old, but I still managed to pull it together to get to the Ensemble Theater to mingle with my fellow naturals and offer help where needed.

Naturally Happy Hair

Upon entering the building, I was first greeted by Wu and then Crystal.  It was 5 o'clock and the mixer wasn't scheduled to begin until 6 but, there were already people there collecting their swag bags and shopping with vendors.  Chari of CIC was the first vendor I ran into and I quickly let her know that I would be placing a custom order very soon.

Chari T's Inspirational Creations

Riyike Faleti of Jewels by Anike was also a vendor at the event.  Her beautiful pieces of abstract jewelry are to die for! In addition to Chari and Ri, Dope Crochet, TatusWelle, Jewelry Creations by Astella 19, Jhari Designs, and Ear Cookies by Drea were also vendors.  Each and every one of them had beautiful pieces on display.

Jewels by Anike

I had come prepared to work in whatever capacity I was needed, but I was able to get in for a few minutes during a couple different demonstrations.  I missed Markeita Pruitt of Touch of Heaven Salon but as usual, I heard she was great.  I was able to sit in on a presentation made by the Paula, owner of the fabulous new shop dedicated to curly girls (and guys) Tendrils and Curls.  She not only made me eager to get over to her shop, but that lipstick she was rocking was coaxing me outside of my comfort zone. Not everyone can wear bright reds, but she wore it and she wore it well!

Soul Sister

I believe NHH hit the nail right on the head when they asked Georgette Whaley, Soul Sister, to emcee this event.  She was definitely in her element! In a room full of people where seats went quickly and many were left standing due to the growth of attendees with each mixer, she kept everyone involved and engaged.  Truly a natural (no pun intended) at her craft, she can pick up a mic and and make you feel like you've known her for years.  As a part of the discussion panel, she along with Markeita of Touch of Heaven Salon and  Valencia of Moore unique Dermatology gave valuable information and answered questions relating to any and all natural hair issues.

It was evident when the event was over, no one was really ready to leave.  NHH is continuously growing and their fan base which was around 100 strong when I joined a little less than a year ago has now reached over 6,200 fans on Facebook alone.  These ladies continue to be a positive force in the natural hair community and I am excited to see what's next for them.  Congratulations Crystal, Wu and Tierra on ANOTHER great event!

Welcome to Houston: Kim Coles Celebrates You!

Beauty, brains, natural hair, relaxed hair and comedy:  That was the line-up for the great night I was so fortunate to be a part of. I sent my R.S.V.P. well in advance because I truly did not want to miss the event.  Of course I had on some stilettos and by the end of the night my feet were sending out their own S.O.S.  The event was hosted at Natural Resources Salon by owners Tamika and Monique.  As always, Tamika was looking like a million bucks with her gorgeous mane and ruby lips.  Monique was graciously helping serve food and trying to blend in to the background but her pretty face and T.W.A. made her hard to miss. 

AND NOW... the moment we had all been waiting for: THE Kim Coles. She stepped into the room looking as if she stepped out of the latest issue of Ebony.  Simply beautiful.  Often celebrities aren't as down to earth and friendly in person as they are on the television screen.  This was not at all true in this case. Ms. Coles exuded not only beauty and confidence, she IS comedy.  Throughout the evening in between the great food and cocktails, quick style demonstrations and general information, she was without effort entertaining.  

At the close of the event, Ms. Coles received a Cowboy hat as a gift and officially became an honorary Texan.  The bloggers who were in attendance were given the opportunity to have a Bloggers Round Table with Ms. Coles. She told us she has been natural since December 2010 and a lot, if not all, of her inspiration came from watching YouTube videos and following natural blogs. Her natural journey was not a publicity move. It was for her own self -awareness and self-love.  Ms. Coles admitted to getting in trouble with her publicist for giving the "exclusive" of  her natural journey to AfroBella.  She wanted to keep her journey within the natural hair community. When asked by Consider Me Lovely's Rocquelle "What makes your body fabulous?", Ms. Coles responded by saying, "It houses my soul, it holds me".  In the end, Ms. Coles message was "Live Your Life Out Loud!" She encourages those considering going natural or those already into their journey to seek advice from professional natural hair care salons.

You can catch Kim Coles co-hosting a new show called Are You Normal America on OWN beginning June 4th and she also has a guest spot and hopefully recurring role on the new show The Soul Man featuring Cedric the Entertainer on TV Land which is also slated to premiere in June.

Up Next...

Coming Soon: 

Welcome to Houston: Kim Coles Celebrates You

Nappy Love Houston: National Natural Hair Meet-Up Day

Brunch with EDEN

Join Me for a Drink?

I can't stress enough the importance of drinking water!!! Anyone who desires to lose weight must first have the right mindset and be committed to lifestyle change and second you must develop healthy eating and drinking habits. I promise there is no case out there worse than my past caffeine addiction. I lived and breathed Sonic. Two large Dr.Peppers on the way into the office, one Route 44 at lunch and one before I made it home.  Of course I had a bag of Sonic ice and canned Dr. Pepper at home.  So, it really doesn't get much worse.  When you become serious about the results you desire, you will change your habits.

Start slowly and incorporate change as often and as much as you can handle it.  The ultimate goal should be obtaining a healthy weight and maintaining it.  I started by exchanging one of those Route 44 sodas with a Route 44 water.  Of course it wasn't very tasty initially, I liked soda.  After a few days, I got used to it and when you begin a fitness regimen, your body will crave water making it even easier to down at least half of what you need in a day after a one good 30-60 minute cardio workout. 

Hello Everyone! SO glad you're here!  I hope you all are having a great week.  I'm busy trying to create a video so everyone can see what I am doing to lose weight.  I'm also going to try to post more often.  If you ever have any questions or advice for me or anyone reading this blog, please feel free to e-mail me at diaryofatwistedsistah@aol.com.  I would be happy to post them to the blog provided they are positive.  I've posted another entry in Getting To the Root.  I hope I can help somebody through sharing my experiences.  Y'all my head is not the business tonight.  I put a silk scarf on it and called it a day.  I'm really contemplating a cut...

I'm Baaack!

Hi everyone! I missed posting last week as I was preparing to head to Atlanta for the World Natural Hair Show. I'm back in Houston and have so much to share. I had so much fun alongside Naturally Happy Hair. I'll be posting on Getting to the Root on Wednesday and hopefully, I'll finish and upload my very first YouTube video by the end of the week. Thank you for your support and know you're more than welcome to share your knowledge. Until next time, stay TWISTED!

Good Evening Everybody!  I am counting down the days until I make the trip to Atlanta next week. I am so excited to attend the World Natural Hair Health and Beauty Show!  I am going with a purpose and that is to gain knowledge from other natural women and learn how to better take care of my
God-given temple. I know it's more than a week away, but I've already started packing. :-) Hopefully, by next Thursday I will have lost a couple more pounds.  I've been working hard and eating well.  I really hope it shows on the scale.

Umm...Flexi-Rods

Good evening everyone!  Today was a beautiful day and I rejoiced and was glad in it!  Spring is upon us and that means warmer weather, shorts, sundresses, sandals and up-dos. I have been playing around with flexi-rods and actually tried sleeping in some last night.  A word of advice: DON'T DO IT!  First of all, sleep and flexi-rods don't belong in the same sentence.  Second, just DON'T.  I twisted the right side and put the rest in rods. Yeah, it came out cute, but at the end of the day my curls were gone and the only remnant of my rod set was my sore scalp.  I'll settle for a twist out for the remainder of the week.  On another note, I will be posting on my "Getting To The Root" page on Wednesdays with the most recent post at the top.  As always, until next time STAY TWISTED!

Good evening everyone! I hope you all had the chance to watch Oprah's Lifeclass tonight.  T.D. Jakes said, "At any age you can still ignite your purpose by finding your passion."  What is your passion and are you lining yourself up to fulfill your purpose?  It wasn't until December of last year when I decided to go completely natural (no chemicals/no heat) that I realized how one small change can trigger change in so many other areas.  I've always believed things happen for a reason, there are no accidents or miracles.  Everything we go through in life is a lesson and it is up to us to whether we learn from it or fall by it.  When you line yourself up with the right purpose and the right people, you will see things begin to fall into place.  I have always been a person of solitude but in December, I stepped outside my box.  I met so many wonderful women who were doing so many positive things. Things I never knew I would be interested in. I was afraid. I questioned my motives. I couldn't give myself permission to be content in the space I was in.  I stepped back, took a deep breath and asked myself, "Why not?"  Why not do something for you? Why not spend time enjoying your life?  I made a decision that day to take part in my own life. It's okay to think about the things you want for yourself and take necessary actions to fulfill them.  The alternative is living a life of mediocrity and never reaching your full potential. I want all that's mine and I won't stop until
I get it! 
 

On another note, I will be posting a new chapter in Getting to the Root on Wednesdays. I am now going to sign off so I can wash and condition my hair. Tonight I'll two strand twist with Miss Jessie's Curly Pudding.  Until next time, stay TWISTED!!!

Up and running...

Good evening everyone!  I'm officially publishing my blog tonight!  Let me first say that everything I write is true and in no way am I trying to evoke pity from anyone.  I hope by reading my "Getting to the Root" posts, someone will be able to work through their own issues.  My journey started with owning my natural hair but it is developing into so much more. I'm slowly peeling back the layers to get to know the woman I was created to be. My goal is to inspire someone to get to know themselves and accept their flaws while owning every ounce of their beauty.

Good Evening Everyone!  I have a giveaway in progress on my Facebook page.  All you have to do is go "like" my page and post a comment stating what you love most about yourself.  The winner will be selected on Friday and will receive their choice of a Miss Jessie's product or a beautiful train case.  Go check it out!!!


 www.facebook.com/twistedsistah

Good morning everyone! I hope all is well. As for me, I'm recovering from last night's workout. I worked every muscle I could, ran on the treadmill and did Nightclub Cardio Circuit training. After all that, I had to go push my mother's car out of the drive-thru of the local fried chicken shack because it shut off right before she pulled up to the window. While I was sweating and burning up fat, this lady was trying to get some chicken. The day before, she was surely talking about how serious she is about losing weight. Imagine my surprise when I received the call to come get her...from a grease pit. What's important is not that she fell off, but that she gets back on and tries again.

A diary isn't a diary if you don't include the good and the bad. With that said, someone made a comment that if a woman is single with kids she is "baby mama" material but not wife material. My initial reaction was anger because I am a single mother of 3. Taking a step back, I realized although ignorant, this person was entitled to his opinion. I also realize that as women, we set the standard for the way we are treated. There are situations in life that don't go as planned and maybe your happily ever after won't be with the father of your child(ren). It takes a real man to step forward and care for someone else's children as though they're his own and it speaks volumes of his love for you. Don't settle for anything less than you deserve simply because you want a warm body next to you. Whether you're single, married, divorced, separated...whatever, love yourself first. If you love who you are, someone worthy of you is going to love you as you are.

Thank you in advance for congratulating me on my 6 pound weight loss. :) I don't know how, I just know it is so. I've cut out almost all soda and drink mainly water and diet green tea. If I'm craving a Diet Coke, I'll have flavored sparkling water instead. Now, as for this Shea Moisture...no ma'am and no sir. It is not what's up...at least not for me. I had to go back to my Miss Jessie's. I used equal parts of the Curly Pudding and Stretch Silkening Cream on a twist out last night and as usual it looked fabulous this morning! Who wants this Shea Moisture? It's a great moisturizer but it made my hair look a H.A.M. and not the kind you cook on Christmas.

I got a Shea Moisture Curl and Shine Kit today. I'm going to use these products for one week to see what it does for my hair. Meanwhile, I am really struggling with not eating at least 3 hours before bedtime. Hopefully the cravings will soon subside 'cause a glass of water is nothing like a big bowl of Blue Bell.

People can tell a woman she's beautiful daily and most women, including myself, will find a way to negate it. Oh, but let someone say she's ugly or fat and there's going to be a serious problem. Embrace your beauty. You may never be model size but you should be your own definition of perfect. I know I'm not hard to look at but I need to lose a little of this sexiness. Besides, I'm not quite ready to stop turning heads. :)

I set my hair with Miss Jessie's Curly Pudding on flexi-rods and let it air dry. The results were lovely but it is definitely a one day do.

Nappy hair don't care! I am not two-strand twisting, braiding or anything else tonight. I did wash my hair with Miss Jessie's Super Slip Sudsy Shampoo and it feels marvelous. I parted my hair according to the style I will wear tomorrow and put it in two ponytails. In the morning, I will do flat twists on one side and set the other side on flexi-rods. We'll see how it turns out.

Exercise!!!

Exercise is vital to any weight loss regimen. 30 minutes a day is an excellent start. Switch up your routine so your body doesn't get accustomed to your workout. I tried advanced Tae-Bo and almost had to press charges against the instructor. I swear I thought she was gonna kill me. If you're not ready for advanced, stay on your level...or stay close to the exit so no one notices you crawling out the door.

I've been quite the busy bee for the last week.  I haven't worked out more than twice since my last post. These things do happen.  Life doesn't always go as planned.  I haven't been sticking to my healthy habits as much either.  I have, however, been eating breakfast which makes it easier for me to stay away from carb cravings mid day.  Although I knew long ago that when going through stressful times I eat, I wasn't concerned because I didn't over-indulge. This time I did and I paid dearly. Everyone should also keep in mind that changing your eating habits is wonderful, but you can still have too much good stuff.  Now, this hair...I've been pulling it back in a ponytail.  I haven't straightened it in three months.  As a matter of fact, I haven't done anything except wash it in the past few days.  The more you manipulate your locks, the more prone you are to breakage. Moisture is the key! I'm in love with Miss Jessie's products.  I'll be posting my pics tonight and hopefully my measurements tomorrow.  Until then, stay TWISTED!!