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