CHARLESTON NATURAL HAIR EXPO-RECAP

Hey Loves,

I attended the Charleston Natural Hair expo on June 22, 2013 with 5 of my friends.  We decided to make it a road trip and make the 7 hr drive there from Virginia.  I suggest anytime you can do a roadtrip with a few of your girlfriends, do it! It's so much fun; and you get to split the expenses amongst all of you!

Anywho, we loaded up my 7-passenger truck and headed out.  The first night, Friday June 21 we met some of the bloggers (who would be speaking on the panel the next day) at a restaurant/bar named Tsunami.

@msvaughntv

@meechymonroe

Me, wearing my RiRiBoy lippie by Rihanna ;)

(necklace from Forever21)

The next day was the expo and it was really nice! There was a number of great vendors, good food, a blogger panel to answer questions and even makeup demonstrations given by Alex Butler (@themuaalex).  

Here's what I wore; something comfy!

Pam of @koilsbynature

The blogger panel

panel consisted of Chary of @charyjay; Vaughn of @msvaughntv; Meechy of @meechymonroe; @themuaalex; Rochelle of @blackonyx77

That night, there was an all-white soiree' at the same location of the expo. There was a cash bar, VIP section and the decor was super glam!! Take a look...

My dress came from janenorman.co.uk

 Rochelle of @blackonyx77 My first time meeting her--such a sweetie!

And finally, Sunday we meet with most of the bloggers again before heading out to a place called Magnolia's.  This place had the most amazing dish--Seafood over grits which consisted of lobster, scallion, and shrimp over grits. If you are ever in Charleston, SC make sure you visit there ;)

So, bottom line, if you ever get a chance to attend the Charleston Natural Hair expo hosted by Ebbie of @naturallyejhalo (MrsNaturallyEJHalo on Youtube) make sure you attend. You won't regret it!!

RIRI (Hearts) SUMMER COLLECTION LAUNCHES TODAY JUNE 18, 2013

Ladies, get your laptops, iPads, computers, and cell phones ready.  MAC Cosmetics is launching Rihanna's RiRi (hearts) Mac Summer Collection Today at 12noon EST in the U.S.!

I will definitely be online trying to get my hands on the collection. Since I experienced the long online wait when ordering RiRiWoo, I know what to expect. 

The lipsticks will be $15 each, the Powder Blush duo in Hibiscus Kiss will be $26 and Lustre Drops Liquid Highlighter in Barbados Girl will be $20.


The collection will be available exclusively online at maccosmetics.com.  Internationally, the collection will be available June 20th, 2013.  Start getting in line (online) now because I'm sure everyone will be on this one!!

Get Ready ladies & Gents!!! ;-D

How To | Moisturize Dry Natural Hair

Often times I'm asked what products I use to moisturize my hair or ways to moisture dry natural hair.  So I figured I would do a post on tips to keep your hair moisturized; especially, during those dry Summer days!! ;)

TIP #1: Incorporate honey into your deep condition regimen.

Whenever I find that my hair feels extra dry I do a deep conditioning treatment.  I usually make my own mixture, however it's perfectly okay to use a pre-mixed deep conditioning treatment and add honey to it.  You can find that at any Beauty Supply Store (BSS) or chain store such as Walmart or Target.

Here is what I put in my homemade mixture: note** I don't measure 

• My favorite conditioner (I typically reach for Herbal Essence Hello Hydration, Giovanni or Tresemme Naturals Conditioner
• Organic honey
• Jojoba oil
• Extra virgin olive oil (evoo)
• Castor oil  
• any other oils I feel is necessary or like (optional)
• IF you need protein, you can also add an egg (optional) <--- Only add egg like once a month. Too much protein can cause breakage**

Mix well, then put it in your hair in small sections to ensure all your hair is getting covered.  Put on a plastic cap followed by a heat wrap, towel or other thick fabric to make sure the heat stays in.

Leave in for at least 30 mins, rinse and continue with styling as usual.

TIP #2: Mist your hair often with water.

Water is THE best moisturizer for natural hair.  You can buy a spray bottle, fill it with water (tap water is fine) and even add a little of one of your favorite oils (such as EVOO) and mist your hair throughout the day.  This is especially good on days where you will be out in the sun a lot.  

Water hydrates your strands and will keep them from feeling dried out.  Do away with the myth that, "Water dries out your hair" WRONG!!!

***TAKE NOTE: Water will cause your hair to shrink so if you are going for a look where you want more length, save this option for a later time***

TIP #3: Co-Wash In-between Shampoo Washes.

If you are one to feel it necessary to cleanse your hair with shampoo on wash day, then make sure you follow up with deep conditioning afterward.  In addition, in-between your wash day, co-wash your hair.  For example, if you choose Sunday as your wash day, make Wednesday the day you co-wash.  This way your hair is getting that extra moisture from the wash in the meantime.

Co-wash means to wash your hair using only conditioner.

Just know, you can never wash your hair too much!! Water is your BFF now that you're natural :) 

TIP #4: Use Water-based Moisturizers.

Many hair companies are coming out with products geared solely toward natural hair.  You see them laced on shelves in your everyday chain stores. For example, Dark & Lovely has been making hair products for several years and now they have come out with a line strictly for natural hair called Dark and Lovely Au Naturale' Products.  This is just one example of several.

Now that you have a gang of products to choose from, make sure you are choosing the 'moisturizer' that is water-based.  This means, the 1st or 2nd ingredient should be water, (agua).  If water isn't one of the first two ingredients, then it's not a water-based product.  

Styling your hair with a water-based product will ensure that your hair is getting some additional moisture. This could also mean when you re-style your hair at night, you may not have to add more product ;) #WIN

TIP #5: Seal, Seal, Seal (in Moisture)

After washing your hair, before styling, seal in the moisture (water) by adding oil to your strands.  Oil will seal in the water, keeping your hair hydrated and moisturized. 

Using oil alone will do nothing but oil your hair; NOT moisturize it, causing your tresses to feel a greasy mess.  The oil will sit on top of your strands and not penetrate so if you are using oil alone you are not benefiting your hair.  

My top 3 oils to use for sealing are Jojoba oil, Castor oil and Extra Virgin Olive oil.  All 3 oils can be found on sites such as these:

GNC www.gnc.com
Mountain Rose Herbs  www.mountainroseherbs.com

----------------------------- There are many other ways you can keep the dryness at bay but these 5 tips should give you a good head start in making sure your hair feels soft and moisturized.  I use each of these steps on my own hair so I'm speaking from experience!! :) 

Remember, keeping your hair moisturized is one step toward retaining length.  

Try it! Your hair will love you for it!! 💜

Be sure to let me know if these tips have helped you.  Or feel free to comment and let us know how you keep your hair moisturized!!

Peace n Blessings

NC~

AFRICAN PRIDE: THE ULTIMATE BEAUTY SOCIAL

 I woke up Saturday (June 15th) morning excited while getting dressed because I knew I would be attending a fab event in Washington D.C.  African Pride sponsored a tour in different cities and invited a few bloggers & vloggers to join their intimate beauty social event. I was elated about being invited to attend along with some of my local blogger buddies! 

So, we made the 4 hour drive to D.C.; along with a few bumps on the way and made it with enough time to participate in the discussion, sip on a mimosa, eat and mingle!  That says it all, right!! But wait,   the attire was 'Cosmopolitan' so it allowed us to dress super chic while there.  Everyone looked so cute!

Best part, I even got a chance to meet the beautiful Erin Bailey of Scandalous Beauty  She has a beautiful spirit and very humble personality! Check out her blog!

Take a look at some of the pics I took throughout our day!

A few pics of my hair ;) 

LOVE my blogger friends!!  Check our chic 'Cosmo' looks ;)

Follow @myAfricanPride on Instagram to see which city they will be visiting next! 

EVENT ALERT!!! GLAM NIGHT OUT-SUMMER SHOPPING EXPERIENCE

NaturallyGlam presents Glam Night Out

Summer Shopping Experience

This is event is said to be one of the biggest Glam Night Out events hosted by coordinator Jonna Blakes.  I've been to a few of the Glam Night Out events in the Hampton Roads area and I've always had an awesome time! 

This event will include unique designers and vendors, yummy drinks and loads of mingling and networking!!!

If you live in the Hampton Roads area of Virginia or will be in the area make sure you come out. Check out the details below ⥥

When: August 3, 2013 6p-10p (EDT)

Where: Ted Constant Center (Big Blue Room)

 Norfolk, Virginia

Go to Naturally-Glam.com for more details

ISABEL MARANT for H&M- Available November 14th, 2013

I'm so excited about the collaboration H&M is doing with Parisian designer Isabel Marant!! I've been wanting a pair of her long standing sold out popular Marant sneakers for a long time now! And now I'm anixous to see what amazing pieces H&M will be selling from Marant's collection. 

 

Isabel Marant's designs has a fun boho, urban, and rock n roll feel.  That's my kind of style!! I always tell people that I don't have one particular style that I follow. However, Isabel does an amazing job at designing pieces that can go into my everyday wardrobe ;)

 

Marant's Fall collection for H&M will be released and available online and in 250 stores wordwide on November 14th, 2013.  The collection will feature clothing and accessories for women and teenagers, as well as her first ever collection for men. 

 

Check out H&M here ---> www.hm.com

 

Share what you love about Isabel Marant as a designer or pieces from her collections!!

 

 

ISLAND PRE-VACAY HAUL-JAMAICA!!!

Hey dolls! My hubby and I will be taking a trip to Negril, Jamaica in August and I decided to pick up a few items to take on my trip. I wanted to share what I purchased with you guys!! Let me know what you think about the items I have. I hope to do a look book and/or vlog showing us on vacay. Enjoy!! ;)

What's your favorite piece??

PASSION FOR FASHION: BLOGGER CLOSET SALE

On June 29, 2013, I, along with a few other bloggers, will be hosting the 1st Passion for Fashion: Blogger Closet Sale in the Hampton Roads, Virginia area. We will be selling a variety of styles & sizes straight from our closets--including, clothes, accessories, handbags and Shoes!!  From Vintage, to Modern, to Trendy!!  Also, light refreshments will be served *wink*

Check out the flyer below for more details! The event is FREE to attend!!

When: June 29, 2013        Where: Sassy's Dream Image Boutique        Cost: 0
                                                            2041 N Battlefield Blvd. Ste 105
                                                            Chesapeake, Va. 23324

Featured Bloggers will be:

Ashley of CurlyCubaminican.blogspot.com

Lawanda of facepaintnfancyfeet.com

Jonna of Naturally-Glam.com

Samara of StyledChic.net

Come join in on the fun!!! ;)

I'M GOING TO JAMAICA!! YAY!!!! 💜

So I was Finally able to book a trip for my hubby and I to go to Jamaica in August!! I'm So excited, I can't wait!!! We've been married for 8 years now and didn't have a wedding (only a very small ceremony) nor a honeymoon so it is out first trip to an island.  We are going to Negril, Jamaica & from the look of the resort it's Beautiful!!! Take a look...

I have done quite a bit of shopping in preparation for my trip so I'll definitely make sure I upload some pics of what I bought and/or do a Haul on my YouTube Channel.  

Take a look at some of my items on my Instagram page @naturallycreole

Let me know if you would like to see a haul vid ;))

THE NATURALISTA HAIR SHOW FEAT. NATURAL CHICA

Hey Ladies & Gents! 

It's that time to introduce an awesome event that is coming to Silver Spring, Maryland on July 28th, 2013.  This event is sponsored by Alikay Naturals (a.k.a. Blackonyx77 of Youtube).  The event will feature keynote speaker Natural Chica of the blogger panel!!  I have a feeling this is going to be a good one!

This event is hosted and planned by Naturally Me Media and N Natural Hair Studio

Here are some things to consider:

• Stylists are still needed for the Natural Hair Competition part of the show. There will be two competitions, one for loose hair and one for Locs.  The winner of each competition gets $500!! Click this link for more information on how to enter as a stylist.

• VOLUNTEERS are still needed. Volunteers will be required to do one outing of passing out flyers prior to the show.  Volunteer will receive a free t-shirt and product bag for their show participation, along with a FREE ticket.  If you are interested, go to https://naturalistashowvolunteer.eventbrite.com/

• The early bird tickets are SOLD OUT, however, General Admission tickets are starting at $15 and VIP tickets are $30 (which include guaranteed seating during out blogger panel & VIP seating for the Crowning of the 2013 N Hair Stylist and N Loctician and access to the VIP lounge!!

• A June Model call will take place for the final Photoshoot before the show.  The theme will feature a Bright Modern Summer theme-- which will be filled with funky colors, distorted jeans and pippin nail designs! 
• To enter you must do the following:
• Follow on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook, as well as, subscribe to the Youtube channel.  
• Take a picture of yourself dressed for Summer and reply on Instagram with hashtag #iAmN to @TheNaturalistaHairShow
• Winner will be chosen Monday, June 17th, 2013!

• The Blogger panel with Natural Chica will occur at 1pm, before the show officially starts, and will have limited seating.  Guests will need to register for this part of the event after purchasing tickets.  Go to this link to register ---> http://www.naturalistabloggerpanel.eventbrite.com/

Special guests will be in the house, classes will be available and Ustream will be available for those who aren't able to physically attend!!

TO PURCHASE TICKETS CLICK ON THIS ---> LINK <--- BUY TICKETS HERE

SUMMER 2013 TRENDS ☀

Trends--Trends--Trends! 

Although you may not be one to follow every trend you can't help but to notice the current bold trends that have come about for the Summer months! Specifically, monochrome, gladiator sandals (flats & heels); Stripes; the color orange and midi rings.  I love each and every one of them! 

What about you? What trend is your favorite?

ORANGE FEVER! ♥

The color orange has been intertwined in every bit of fashion for the Spring and Summer seasons.  You see it in clothing, nails lacquers, accessories and even shoes! It has become the Newness that's has taken over!! I'm loving the #trend; so I decided to put up a style card displaying how I would incorporate this cheery color!

The colors Blue and Orange are very complementary to each other.  However, personally, I would also pair orange with purple or mint, but that's just ME! 😁 

Tell me how would you style the color Orange???