Nothing Good Comes Easy: Mini Twists

Every time I start a set of mini twists on my hair, I get to a point where I experience deep regret and consider removing the few twists that I have already placed on my head. This "install" was no different. I had only gotten through the first section at the back of my head, when that familiar feeling crept in, but fortunately, I plodded along and finished in 4 hours. When I got to the end of the last twist, I breathed a sign of relief with the satisfaction that I will not have to mess with my hair for at least 1 week. Whoever said "nothing good comes easy..." must have been talking about mini twists :-)

As far as the details, I washed my hair the day before with (...insert random Shampoo & Conditioner here...I'm usually not picky). I wore my hair naked for one day and allowed it to dry and stretch slightly in a puff. The next day I separated my hair into 6 sections  (3 in front, 3 in back) and started twisting "freestyle" using a little Organic Root Stimulator Smooth-n-Hold Pudding on each twist.

 

I'm really happy with the result. My body will thank me for it this week as I have no excuse NOT to go to the gym. Toodles!

Natural Girls Rock...Review and Outfit

Natural Girls Rock is an event organized by Natural Girls Rock LLC. I was soo excited to attend this event with a friend (1/14/12). The event ticket was $15 and it was slated to begin at noon, so I picked up my friend and headed to the venue. We got there at just after noon, parked and joined a small queue that was already forming at the entrance of the venue. 

After waiting for about 15 minutes in the cold (low 50's), 2 gentlemen came out of the venue and shouted that anyone who is parked across the street will have to move their cars. Well wouldn't you know I was one of those people :-/  . So I moved my car and made it back to the line where we continued to wait. We didn't get into the venue until about 12:45pm. Needless to say, most people were not happy; some more obvious than others (if you know what I mean).

Instead of me giving you the "play by play," which would be pretty lengthy...I figured I'd do Pro's and Con's instead, so here we go.

Pros:
1) Awesome Hosts-YouTube's 'Whoissugar' and 'MsVCharles' were hilarious and quite engaging.
2) The event encompasses more than just this annual event. It offers membership in an organization that continues engaging with its constituents year round.
3) Hors d'oeuvres were delicious and plentiful.
4) Adequate number of vendors present.

WhoisSugar and MsVCharles interviewing the gentlemen.

Hors d'oeuvres and pamphlets

Cons:
1) No signage for parking.
2) 45 minute wait in the cold.
3) No apology for late start or wait outside.
4) The words "lunch" and "hors d'oeuvres" were advertised interchangeably as being included in the ticket price. I expected lunch, based on the part of the advertising that I saw (ticket), but only hors d'oeuvres were served. It's important to note that those words (lunch vs. hors d'oeuvres) do not refer to the same thing.
5) Venue separated into 2; only main stage received instruction/ information about what was happening or available.
6) I didn't see any raffles that were open to the whole population and goodie bags were only available for VIP ticket holders; this also was not made clear prior to event.
7) Presenters with the "same 'ol, same 'ol" content.
8) Music was so loud that no one could talk to each other.
9) Not enough seating.

So...I was disappointed to say the least, especially since the ticket that I paid for was $15. I have been to free events where I walked away with a bag full of goodies and I ate and drank and was very entertained. I purchased the ticket because I had heard good things about the Natural girls rock events, so I assume the previous one(s) must have been better organized.  The event has great potential; they have a lot of support from companies, a strong mission and a strong following by committed naturals.

As far as suggestions go, any event hosts need to be careful that they deliver on what is promised (especially if it is not free). Make sure that your advertising is clear and consistent throughout. Arranging or informing attendees of parking is very important. Start on time! Ask your constituents what they want to see/ hear prior to your event, instead of assuming. Please don't turn an event into a strict marketing ploy. I understand that this is a business (and it's important to operate as such) but do not be so "business-like" that you disregard your customer's needs and come off as pretentious. My perception of the purpose of the organization in question was to celebrate everything about those women who choose to wear their hair natural...recognizing that we are so much more than just hair. The event did not live up to that for me. As of today, I'm not sure if they will see me again...but on to the outfit.

I wanted to be comfy because when you attend events you never know how long you may be on your feet. This lead me to black skinny jeans (Celebrity Pink-Macy's), black wedges (Ross Dress for Less) and a sheer blouse from my fave thrift store. I'll give you a closer look at the bag and shoes in just a sec.

These wedges are quite comfortable and at $16.99, I'd say that was an awesome buy. The handbag is by Fox Racing company. It sports gold hardware and an embossed fox-print all over the front. I couldn't bear to not add some color to this outfit and I thought the Fox bag would accomplish just what I needed.

The Natural Girls Rock event was over at 5pm, but my friend and I both agreed at about 3:30pm that we had had all that we could stand and left. Since we were already out, we made it a day and picked up some cupcakes from CamiCakes (If you live in ATL or FLA and you haven't tried CamiCakes, you should be ashamed of yourself) grabbed lunch at a Lebanese spot called Cafe Agora (try the Istender Kebab), then sat in Starbucks and caught up on the new happenings in our lives since we last saw each other. It was a good day after all.

104pinkpearls

I couldn't let the day pass by without acknowledging that today is January 15th 2012, also known as Founders Day for Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc.

I did a post here that paid homage (sorta) to my Kappa brothers so I couldn't possibly leave my own sorority out of the Founder's Day festivities. Here's what I'm working with...

I so very much wanted to wear something that was cute and prissy and classic, as might be expected but I decided instead to go for something that incorporated both "soft" (lace, pearls, pink) and "hard" (leather, denim, black) elements. No one ever was called temeritous by doing what is expected and by golly, temerity is what I want here.

 I hope my post today serves as a simple reminder of the occasion, but also a reminder that despite a common sorority, workplace, religion, race, culture, nationality (whatever you want to substitute in there) we are all still individually unique in ways that matter to so many people. Never believe that you need to fit a standard that others have ascribed to you. Life is about standing out not being afraid to stand out, while understanding that you are still very much a part of many whole entities.

Cheers (Non-Alcoholic, lol) to 104 years of serving others. Happy Founder's Day Sorors! P.S. Please don't mind my puppy...she's soo nosy sometimes! :-)

Details: 
Pink Floral Bra-Victoria's Secret-$15.99 (annual sale)
Lace Long Sleeve Tee-Dots-$10.00
Leather Vest- Wilson's Leather via thrift store-$9.99
Skinny Jeans-Old Navy (Diva)-$15.97
Pink and Black pumps- HerStyle via Plato's Closet-$10.00
Pearls (2 strings)-Forever21-idk
Long gold and pearl clock neclace-Forever21-$8.00
Pearl earrings-idk
Class Ring
Pink and Green chair-Ross-$99.99

Nautical Jungle

Today is Founder's Day for Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc.  I jokingly told a 'Nupe friend' last night that I would represent for him and wear red today. Somehow, when I got to my closet I gravitated to the crimson and chalked it up to the fact that I apparently am a stickler for keeping promises (or my fave blazer happens to be red, lol).  Either way, I emerged in an outfit that is truly 'me.' I swear, the blazer is so easy yet polished, it's such a closet must-have for anyone. I guess that's why it's also my favorite thing to purchase. But anyway...so I grabbed my red blazer and instantly went the nautical way by layering it over a navy and white striped button-down.

Next thought was (of course) Navy pants, but I wanted to look a little more unexpected so I switched out the Navy for Brown. My Leopard print purse succeeded in livening up the whole look. Oh! and check out my Wrist Candy! Adding the stacked wooden bracelets was my way of throwing a little bit of what I like to call my Neo-Soul into the mix.

The Details:
Blue and white striped button down-Thrift Store, $1
Red Blazer-Thrift Store, $5
Brown Slacks-Thrift Store, $1
Nine West tan boots-Plato's Closet, $8
Animal Print Handbag-Christmas Gift :-)

Wrist Candy-
        1st, 3rd and 4th- Beauty Supply Store, $1 each
        2nd- Forever 21, $6