Bimbe 2011

Every year Durham, NC has a Cultural Arts Festival known as Bimbè, this has been going on for 42 years. I have attended every year that I have known about it. This year the turnout wasn't as huge as it usually is because of the threat of rain and thunderstorms. It's a great event to attend because 1) it's free 2) the crowd is diverse and 3) LOTS of vendors. This year the final act was Rob Base and Big Daddy Kane but unfortunately we had a lot of events that day and were not able to stay until the end to see them perform.

After watching a few of Alicia James' videos I was inspired to try a new look with my hair and I am happy that it actually came out exactly how I wanted it. I think that Alicia James' hair is beautiful (as well as her singing) and I love when she wears her hair big and full but not necessarily defined by a twist out.

To achieve this look I parted my hair down the middle (my hair was previously in a bun) and did two plaits on dry hair. One on each side of my head. In the morning I just removed the plaits and fluffed.

 Here's a clip of the performance pictured above:

What a weekend!

Originally the trip to Atlanta was planned as a girlfriends/ladies weekend. It just so happens that the majority of the group have natural hair and the natural events in Atlanta that weekend was a plus for most of us. So outside of shopping and eating we attempted to attend some natural hair events.

Curly Girls Rock - 04.29.2011
The turnout for this event was amazing and it was held in a cute little space. When we arrived (right around 6:30) the line was wrapped around the building. My theory is that most of the attendees knew about those awesome goody bags and really wanted to get there on time so that they would get one. Once inside the setup was nice there was a DJ in the back corner, tables and lounge chairs, and vendors setup in  the back with hair and make-up services. Overall this event seemed to be pretty well organized for it to be a first.

So, what did I not like? Well it seems that "mixer" means different things to different people. In our group that attended one of the ladies was pregnant. We assumed that this event would truly be a mixer with samples, vendors, and networking; she would have been fine attending if that was the case. The setup inside was more like a club. The music was loud, it was dark, and bars setup. I actually noticed a few pregnant ladies and some older individuals and quite a few of them looked uncomfortable. We were about to leave but finally found an area for our friend to sit. I don't club so I felt really uncomfortable (I mostly attend Homecoming events once a year and even those are held in hotel ballrooms). That was really my only complaint - the club atmosphere. After the giveaways were called we left and it was actually still light outside. I was really concerned about my friend more than getting my money's worth. I would have never suggested the event to her if I had any thought that it would be "clubby."

World Natural Hair Show 2011
There is not much to say about this event because - WE COULDN'T GET IN. Boo! According to some tweets I read, over 65,000 people showed up on Saturday. We stopped to ask for assistance on where to park and two different officers told us that the Fire Marshal was shutting down the event for the day because there were too many people in the space. So, if you got in please leave a comment below on what you thought about the event. Looks like I will definitely be attending the NC Natural Hair Care Show in June. I gotta get  my fix somehow.

Inside Curly Girls Rock 2011

Line outside Curly Girls Rock 2011

Curly Girls Rock goody bag

Traveling to Atlanta...

The events we went through to get here could have been stressful if it wasn't for good friends and a sense of humor. Shout to the awesome pilot that landed the plane so smoothly, shout out to the guys a Enterprise that took care of us and hooked us up with an awesome car, and shout out the to the hotel for having some super soft pillows, beds, and free breakfast, LOL.

--

Yesterday started my mini-vacation full of friends, food, shopping, and natural hair events. Walking around Atlanta I have noticed somewhat of an equal balance of naturals, relaxed, and weaves. Although I am #TeamNatural, I am more pro-healthy hair. I love diversity because I believe it is what makes us unique and keeps the world interesting. 

To prepare my hair for the weekend and traveling I shampooed and did a protein treatment on my hair with ORS Replenishing Pak.Then I applied a leave in and did two strand twists with a light oil and SheaMoisture Curl Enhancing smoothie. Flying with two strand twists was so much easier than trying not to smash my hair or worry about the weather doing unpredictable things to my style. Placing a hat on top of the twists makes for a presentable and protective traveling look. So easy...

Traveling 2-strand Twists

How is the natural scene in your city/town?

&

Do you have any traveling tips to share that make the experience a little easier?

NC Natural Haircare Expo 2011

If you missed it last year, you have a another chance this year to catch the expo June 11 & June 12.

If you went last year, what did you think about it?

ACTOR’S EXPRESS CELEBRATES CARNIVALE AT ITS ANNUAL FUNDRAISER

Hello Divas!

We made it to Friday! Whoohoo!  I hope you enjoy a weekend of relaxation and peace.

Actor's Express, a 23 year old theatre company located in West Midtown Atlanta, is having their Annual fundraising gala on Friday, February 18, 2011 at 8pm.  Actor's Express is dedicated to offering original voices and new perspectives that reflect Atlanta’s diverse and evolving community. At the center of AE’s mission is a commitment to new work and emerging artists. 

This year's theme is Carnivale.  Guests will be transported to Rio de Janiero as they are greeted by dynamic street performers and slip into a vibrant world filled with dancers, live music, interactive gaming booths including palm readers, tarot cards readers, a photo booth and more. A decadent VIP area will raise the temperature to sultry South American heights with burlesque performances by Minette Magnifique. The evening will also include cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, a raffle and a silent auction. Funds raised at Carnivale will directly support Actor’s Express.

 

Sounds fabulous right?  Well this fundraising event is fabulous and affordable!  Actor's Express is offering different pricing options for all budgets, Samba will be $60 and includes Carnivale entry for one, two drinks and two booth tickets. Next, is Ipanema for $90 that grants Canivale entry for one, unlimited drinks, entry to VIP area and five booth tickets. Last, is Bossa Nova for $150, which gives patrons Carnivale entry for one, unlimited drinks, unlimited booth tickets, entry to VIP area, one raffle ticket and one ticket to an Actor’s Express production. Tickets are available online at www.actors-express.com, by phone at 404.607.SHOW. 

Check it out!

Toodles!

 

 

body beautiful: Free Physique 57 Classes Courtesy of Bioré

happy friday beauties-- i'm so excited to share the following news with you! first of all, i have wanted to try a Physique 57 class since hearing about it over a year ago. it's a program born in nyc and celebs like Kelly Ripa, Zooey Deschanel and Karolina Kurkova love it.

i just received word yesterday that Bioré Skincare is (happily) bringing this exclusive program (currently only available in nyc and los angeles) across the country! this is your opportunity to discover firsthand the ultimate Physique 57 workout and the new ultimate cleansing experience with Bioré Makeup Removing Towelettes for FREE.

after arriving at the Physique 57 class, participants will receive a Bioré Makeup Removing Towelette to remove their makeup-- these cleansing cloths promise to remove even the most stubborn makeup without leaving behind a greasy residue, ensuring a clean start to every workout. a Physique 57 instructor will then lead each class through the program's signature muscle-defining arm exercises, intense thigh and seat sequences, waist-chiseling ab moves and fluid stretches that create a long and lean dancer's body.



here are all of the details!

what: sign up to experience a dynamic exercise method designed to rapidly transform your body, learn how to reduce your chances of getting post-workout blemishes, and receive a free sample of Bioré Makeup Removing Towelettes to use. all sessions are absolutely free.

how: to reserve your spot, please register for the class at biore.com/usa/physique57tour. walk-ins will be welcome, if space allows. attendees will receive a sample size of Bioré Makeup Removing Towelettes and a coupon towards a future purchase.

if for any reason you're unable to attend a class, you can sign up for the chance to be one of the lucky winners to receive a Workout Essentials Kit, including the Bioré Makeup Removing Towelettes, a Bioré-branded exercise ball and mat, and a Physique 57 DVD.

when: Biore will offer 3 classes in each of the below cities:

9/20 – New York (kick off with Physique 57 co-founder Tanya Becker)
9/23 – Miami
9/28 – Seattle
9/30 – Portland
10/5 – Chicago
10/7 – Austin
10/13 – Philadelphia
10/14 – Washington, DC
10/19 – San Francisco
10/21 – San Diego (i'll be there for the 6-7 pm session!)

i really hope you'll take advantage of these opportunities-- it's always so great to do something good for yourself, your body and your skin!

sign up here.

xo

Fun Fridays! MACs, Fun Events & More

Hello Hello Divas!

I am back! Where was I? Lost without my beloved MAC Ibook G4. I know its time to get a new one, but I just can't part with it just yet. My power cord went kaput and I have been without a computer for 4 days! So I am so sorry for the delayed posts, but I will certainly make it up to you guys! Here are a few updates on events that have passed or coming up that I know you guys will enjoy!

Last Friday, I attended the VIP Grand Opening of the new Carol's Daughter store in Lenox Mall, Atlanta, GA. I had the amazing opportunity to interview Lisa Price, the visionary and owner of Carol's Daughter. I did film it on my mini VADO pocket cam. As soon as I figure out how to download the video, I will post the interview asap. I did purchase the Almond Cookie Fragrance and it is insane! Love! It is my new signature scent! Yummy!

Lux, The Salon in Grant Park, Atlanta, GA, is offering $10 blowouts or styling services if you have a job interview! Talk about helping a girl out during the recession! LOL! This service is called "First Impression Style" and is only offered on the day of your interview. Proof of interview is required. Lux caters to all ethnicities and hair types and provides a wide range of hair care services. Visit their website at www.luxsalon.biz for more information.

If you love handbags like me you are going to love this new handbag club! Smacking Fab Bags is an online community and handbag club that delivers a brand new fabulous handbag to its members every month! The membership fee is only $45 per month! The bags are of the latest styles and truly divalicous! Check out their website here at www.smackingfab.ning.com.

I had the amazing opportunity to attend a Sneak Peak shopping event at a AJ Wright discount shopping store. You guys know how I love discount shopping! AJ Wright is like a mini-TJMAXX but with better prices! I mean I found a Ralph Lauren Men's Polo Shirt for only $12.99! Check back on Saturday for a review of my shopping experience and see all the fab products I purchased with only $100!

Love ya and Toodles!