2nd Annual This Hair of Mine Blogiversary

SUNDAY, AUGUST 11TH, 2013

SAVE THE DATE!!!

Hey guys, it's been a long time huh?!  This summer has been super busy with vacations, family time, working out and genuinely enjoying life.  The hair kinda took a back seat to all this fun, but not to fear...I know what's coming up soon and I know you'll want to be part!  The 2nd Annual This Hair of Mine Blogiversary is right around the corner...and if you came out last year you know how much fun we had!

This is one of the things I've been looking forward to over the past few months, but it's taken me a little longer to get the wheels set in motion.  Like last year, I'm most excited to gather a great group of ladies to celebrate the beauty of natural hair in a chic setting.  There will be giveaways, swag bags, light bites and drink specials, and vendors from whom you can buy all sorts of great things...overall it's going to be an awesome time.

The setting will be the Zanzibar Lounge, located on Westheimer just outside of the Galleria area.  The time will be 3p-6p, and this year there will be a VIP/RSVP ticket list.  Due to the overwhelming turnout last year, I decided this would be beneficial in order to maintain a great comfort level in the venue.  For those wishing to obtain one of the limited VIP swag bags there will be a small cost associated with it but I will be giving away several VIP tickets prior to the event.  I want to keep this event as low cost as possible, but just know you'll be getting a whole heck of a lot for your ticket purchase! 

I look forward to seeing your smiling faces at Zanzibar to help me celebrate what an awesome natural hair community we have!!  More information will be coming throughout the week so stay tuned!

If you are interested in being one of our great sponsors or vendor for the event please send inquiries to lisa@thishairofmine.com

International Natural Hair Meetup Day is HERE!!!

I'm SO excited to be in the city of Houston today...why you ask?  Well today is

INTERNATIONAL NATURAL HAIR MEETUP DAY!!

 

 

Houston is blooming with activity to celebrate, with not one, not two, but THREE events that I'll be attending.  The first event is hosted by Tierra Nicole and Touch of Heaven Salon at the salon. 

 

 

 

The next event is hosted by Tendrils and Curls, and will feature special guest Melesande Rhodes, owner of Afroveda. 

 

 

 

Last but not least, the official International Natural Hair Meetup Day event is being hosted by Houston's own meetup groups, Nappy Love Houston & Naturally Happy Hair.  This fantastic event will be held at the SHAPE Community Center tonight.

 



 

 

I will bring you a recap of all the events I am able to attend today, and hopefully I'll see some of y'all out there too!!

Post World Natural Hair Show...the HAUL video!!

I'll preface this by saying I didn't make it around to all the vendors...I don't know how I missed a few of my faves but despite that I think I did pretty good!  The line to get in definitely had an impact on our experience, but I still managed to pick up a few things ;)  Check out my haul video below!!

 

 

Did you go to the World Natural Hair Show this year? What did you buy?  What was your favorite experience?  Do share!!



WNHS...Here I Come!!!

 

 

 

I'm on the way to the World Natural Hair Show at the Georgia International Convention Center...stop me if you see me, I'll probably just be buying some stuff lol!!  Oh, and I'll be at Sage Naturalceuticals after the show, Koils by Nature and BeautifulBrwnBabyDol will be hosting a fab event there too from 2-6pm :)

 

Follow me on Instagram/Twitter at @BigHairBrwnEyes while I'm out and about!!

World Natural Hair Show...Will You Be There?!?

It's that time of year again, where the product junkies make strategies and over companies bring their best sales to the Georgia International Convention Center.  The World Natural Hair Show is, without a doubt, the BIGGEST natural hair show, expecting in excess of 40,000 attendees over the 2-day extravaganza coming up April 26-27.  Let me see if I can put it in words for you, based on my experiences, and share why I think everyone should go at least once in their life.

MY EXPERIENCE

Last year was my first time at the WNHS...talk about a serious popping of the metephorical cherry!!  I didn't total how much I spent, but I spent A LOT...a whole hell of a lot more than I anticipated.  First off I'll say this is like no other natural hair event you've been too, at least not one I've been to.  Women from all across the United States, and I'm sure internationally as well, are drawn to the WNHS for one thing or another, and it's literally a huge melting pot of beautiful, ecclectic, pure amazingness all rolled up into one.  You see, when there's that many people in one space you are bound to find some inspiration...there's just no possible way you can't find something (or someone) that interests you!

BRAND INTERACTION

There will be over 200 vendors under one roof, and you can find everything from hair products to accessories, clothing to jewelry, stylists and salons, even health and wellness companies are represented.  You have the opportunity to meet the owners and faces of many major brands...they know the importance of being visible for their customers and that says a lot to me!  Brands can be built here...or broken here...so that's one thing that makes WNHS stand out from among the sea of natural hair shows & expos.

Check out my video below to see just why I'm so excited!

 

 

 

 

I'll see y'all in Atlanta on Saturday, April 26th!



EDEN BodyWorks New Product Line!!

I've been scoping a ton of new products lately, but none is more exciting for me than the newest product line from EDEN BodyWorks.  The Coconut Shea Collection officially hit the ground on April 1st, and will be in select Walmart stores beginning May 1st.  The product line includes a Co-Wash (YES!!!), Leave-In Conditioner (YES!!!), Pudding Souffle (Oh yea!), Curl Creme (YES!!!) and an Edge Gel...now tell me you're not as excited as I am about these new products!!  

     

Now you guys know I've been a HUGE fan of EDEN since I first discovered the line last year, and the Jojoba Monoi line quickly became on of my favorite go-to brands.  When I heard about the newest products my hair immediately said COCONUT + SHEA = LOVE!!  I am beyond excited and have heard tons of great feedback about it already!

Make sure you follow EDEN on social media too and let them know how much you love the new line...Instagram/Twitter @edenbodyworks...Facebook...and on their website.  They are great about running sales and specials on these platforms so you'll be the first to know if you're following them!  In the meantime, check out the official press release below! 

Unveil Your Inner Style Maven with the New EDEN BodyWorks

Coconut Shea Collection

  

Atlanta, GA (March 2013)

– The search for the perfect styling aid is finally over.

Introducing EDEN BodyWorks’ Coconut Shea collection, a new line of products that

will change the way you manage your hair. Infused with pure coconut oil and shea

butter, the Coconut Shea collection will make maintaining fabulous hair appear

effortless.

The budget-friendly and easy-to-use products were formulated with all natural

ingredients to deliver performance and pampering for your tresses. Creating the

coveted “just left the salon” look, EDEN BodyWorks’ Coconut Shea Collection consists

of five must-have offerings:

Pudding Soufflé: A lightweight soft hold styling formula perfect for setting, twisting and

defining hair. Great for elongating and stretching curls. SRP: $8.99 (16 oz.)

Leave-In Conditioner: A creamy detangler used to soften hair and improve

manageability. This sulfate-free formula is safe for color-treated, chemically treated,

curly, or straight hair. SRP: $8.99 (8 oz.)

Co-Wash: A no-suds, moisture-rich, sulfate-free cleansing conditioner that leaves hair

silky, soft, and frizz-free while removing build up. Ideal for those seeking daily

hydration without the concern of drying hair out from excessive shampooing. SRP:

$8.99 (16 oz.)

Curl Crème: Eliminating curl shrinkage and fly aways, this humidity-resistant

formulation refines and separates curls and waves while providing maximum hold.

SRP: $8.99 (16 oz.)

Edge Gel: Smooth and tame hairline edges with an emollient rich, frizz-fighting

formulation that eliminates unruly tresses. SRP: $8.99 (6 oz.)

“Our new collection has something for every woman and every texture, no matter

how she’s rocking her tresses,” said Jasmine Lawrence, EDEN BodyWorks Founder.

“Curly, straight, locked, or cropped, Coconut Shea by EDEN BodyWorks was

designed with

your style in mind!”

To celebrate the launch of the new Coconut Shea collection, EDEN BodyWorks will

be hosting “Style with EDEN” events throughout the Spring and early Summer 2013.

An invite-only affair, “Style with EDEN” will feature live demonstrations by some of the

most talented women in the hair and fashion industries.

The EDEN BodyWorks Coconut Shea collection will be available at

www.edenbodyworks.com

on April 1st, 2013 and in select Walmart stores on May 1st,

2013.

For additional information on EDEN BodyWorks and updates on the “Style with EDEN”

tour stops visit www.edenbodyworks.com, “like” the brand on

Facebook or follow us

on Twitter and Instagram (@edenbodyworks).

About EDEN BodyWorks:

EDEN BodyWorks provides natural products that integrate wellness and beauty

inspired by nature to restore and maintain the body’s original design. Founded by

Jasmine Lawrence, EDEN BodyWorks™ was developed to address the consumer

demand for all natural products that really work. Unlike most products that are purely

cosmetic in nature, our products actually deliver on their promise; guaranteed. Our

products contain no alcohol, no petroleum, no mineral oils and no sodium sulfates.

Weekend Rundown | African Pride and Beautiful Textures Events

I had such a jam packed weekend and it was completely awesome!!  I got the opportunity to attend not one, but TWO events hosted by top hair care brands African Pride and Beautiful Textures!  These private events really gave us the opportunity to learn more about the brand itself, as well as the new products that are coming to market.

African Pride made Houston the second stop on its Ultimate Beauty Social tour.  During the brunch, attendees were treated to healthy options for both food and hair!  We got the chance to learn about the long-standing brand, check out the newest additions to their line, and network with some of the top bloggers, businesses and media in the Houston area.  They brought in special guest hosts The Science of Black Hair author Audrey Davis-Sivasothy, Natural Hair Rules blogger Tamara Floyd, and Live Life in Style fashion & style blogger Shalanda "Shasie" Turner to facilitate a great Q&A session.  But we can't forget about the main reason for bringing us all together...THE PRODUCTS!!

I got to bring home the new & improved Miracle Cream and the brand new Silky Smooth Edges from the Olive Miracle line, as well as the Bouncy Curls Pudding from the new Shea Butter Miracle line.  They've also added a new Detangling Shampoo, Leave-In, Buttery Cream, Silky Edges and Growth Oil in this line, and I really can't wait to see how this does on my hair so I can try the others!!  And what's even better is the price...you can find most of these products at your favorite retailer for under $5!  Check the video below for my recap and a peek at the products.  To keep up with the tour you can follow @MyAfricanPride on Twitter, and remember to use hashtag #UltimateBeautySocial to stay in the loop on the next stop!

 

 

Later that evening came the chance for an intimate dinner in celebration of the newest products to come to the Beautiful Textures product line.  This super affordable line ($7 bucks!!) is coming out with 3 new products: Curl Definer Mousse, Edges to Ends, and Curl Definer Custard.  We got to go home with the first two products and I must say I cannot wait to try the mousse!  I've been dreaming of a rod set so I think it'd be great for that style.  I've seen the Beautiful Textures in Sally's before and I'm so excited I get to try the newest products from the brand. 

 

 

 

What I really loved about this event was the interactive nature in which we were able to ask & answer questions, discuss hot topics within the natural hair community, and be open and honest about our own personal hair struggles as well as triumphs.  You can follow the the Beautiful Textures brand using their Twitter/Instagram handle @lovinmytextures and by using the hashtag #TeamTextured.

 

And make sure you're following me across social media: Twitter/Instagram >> @bighairbrwneyes, Facebook >> This Hair of Mine, and YouTube >> LisaMsLisa

 

I'd also like to send a big thanks out to The Garner Circle, the PR team for both African Pride and Beautiful Textures.  Nicole Garner, CEO of the company, was beyond sweet and did a fabulous job bringing the brands to the city.  Houston is well on its way to being a stronghold in the natural hair care industry, and I can't thank her and her company enough for giving us this wonderful opportunity.

 

Oh, and stay tuned for reviews of these new products ;)



Happy April Fool's Day!!!

...well, we're not quite the Fool's in April but I'm excited to start a new month fresh :)

Easter was great!! I got to spend some time with my family, celebrate my niece's first birthday (although it technically isn't until the 13th, but this was the perfect opportunity to celebrate with everyone!) and of course give thanks for everything that's happened in the first quarter of 2013.

Now that we're on to the second quarter of the year, I feel like it's the perfect time to get summer ready.  Sure, I can shoulda/coulda/woulda all day long, but I've finally admitted to myself it's time to get right.  I'm sure I'm not the only one who feels this way, but I'm excited to do some things differently.  Weightloss.  Simplifying my life.  Organizing my household...you name it, I'm gonna try to get 'er done! 

And by organizing my household I'm mainly speaking about my product obsession..and that's just what it has become.  I will be doing a massive clearing out of my stash to prepare for the World Natural Hair Show in Atlanta later this month.  Last year was my first experience and BOY let me tell ya...I learned a lot and am SO looking forward to working on my "strategy of attack" lol!!

So stay tuned...lots to come from This Hair of Mine!

Fro Fashion Week | The Recap

I can't tell you how much of a blast I had at Spring 2013 Fro Fashion Week...with this being my second trip it felt like a reunion this time around.

Check out the pics I posted on my Facebook page...if you're not already a fan you should be!!

Fro Fashion's Night Out

Fro Fashion Week, part I

Fro Fashion Show

Fro Fashion Week, part II

The Fall 2013 edition of Fro Fashion Week is heading to NYC and if you're in the area please, come closer...YOU DO NOT WANT TO MISS THE OCCASION!!  Tarin puts on a fantastic event so don't say I didn't tell ya!!

'Fro Fashion Week is HERE!!!

FRO FASHION WEEK IS HERE!! 

 

Ever since I got back from the Fall '12 edition of Fro Fashion Week, I couldn't WAIT to get back to Atlanta for the Spring show!  This year is going to show up and show out with the Acid Rain theme, featuring some of the hottest styles and trends of 2013.  I am TOO excited to be back in the city!!

 

The festivities kick off with a Google+ Hangout on February 26th.  Here Tarin Boone, Fro Fashion Week coordinator, will be joined by the fabulous stylist Diane Bailey, FFW executive producer Val Smith and YouTube sensation CharyJay to give us a sneak peek on what to expect at FFW Spring '13

 

 

 

Wednesday, February 27th will be hosted by NikkaShae of Oh! Nikka and Kerrie Cooke of Virtuous Styls.  You'll be able to mix and mingle in the the super chic Envy Boutique, while shopping and enjoying the sights in Little Five Points.

 

Thursday is a special day for Fro Fashion Week!! Not only is it the last day if the month, it's also Tarin's birthday and the I Love Me! children's event!! Held at the Smyrna Community Center, this event is a joy for kids to attend and build their spirits!  I attended this one last year with my sister's goddaughter and we had an absolute blast!!

 

 

I think I'm the most excited about the Dinner with CurlFriends event, held on Friday March 1st.  Jenell Stewart of KinkyCurlCoilyMe.com will be bringing her fabulous dinner party in the great city of Atlanta during Fro Fashion Week.  I've been a fan of hers for some time now and I can't wait to meet her!!

 

As you can see, the weekday events are going to be some really great ones!! It's beautiful in the city, a bit chilly for my Texan taste, but nice and clear so pack a jacket and scarf!  I'm excited to see the friends I made last year, and hope to make even more this time around.

 

Let me know if you're going to here in Atlana for Fro Fashion Week!! I'd love to see ya there :)

Essence.com Top 50 Natural Styles of 2012

Check out some of the top 50 Natural hair styles of 2012 on Essence.com.  I'll be posting some of my own favorite looks from 2012 this week, plus I'll share a recap of the natural hair events I attended in 2012!!

http://photos.essence.com/galleries/street-style-50-most-sizzling-natural-dos-2012

So Long 2012, Hello 2013 :)



I'm here! I'm here!! Happy 2013 to each and every one of you...I can't put into words how awesome you've helped make my 2012 and I have no doubt this year will be the best it can be.  I turn THIRTY on January 23rd...it's creeping up on me...YIKES!!! I'm still trying to figure out how I want to celebrate but I definitely want to do something nice :)

I'm not too big on making resolutions, but I do have some things I want to do better, especially when it comes to my hair.  I need to make the time to deep condition weekly, or at least hot oil treat weekly; I also need to protein treat monthly or every 6 weeks.  I've done a LOT with my hair over the latter half of 2012, including very minimal of what I just mentioned above and I can definitely tell.  I think I've been over-conditioning, so I'm not going to be sleeping with conditioner anymore and will increase my protein treatments to combat that.  Also, I feel like I'm going to go back to wearing twists more during the week, as more of a protective style.  Wearing my hair out a lot of the time, especially during this cold weather hasn't been great either!  And I'm scaling back my product purchases....and I'm going to ATTEMPT to use majority of my stash before the April WNHS.

And yes...I will probably cut some of my hair...not all off, but at least a few inches.  I want more shape and volume and dammit I'm going to get it!! (I feel like CurlyNikki and her desire for volume and big hair!!)

Anywho, I'm really going to focus on me this year...I've been slacking in some areas that I need to snap back on.  Saying no to certain things, staying more organized, trying to progress as a person.  I'm still single too, so maybe God will bless me with a great guy at some point in time ;)  I've also been, but I want to continue to spend more time with my family.  Although it was a tragedy that brought us together at the end of the year, we don't need it to keep us together. 

I'm ready for a great year, how bout you!!