Wednesday, September 19, 2012

CURLKIT / My Shades of Brown (September Issue)

Happy Fall !!


As you know with a new season comes new hair regimens and lots of Fall fun. I don't know about you ladies but I happen to like Fall weather but this will be my first fall with my newly natural hair..I am now 7 months post big chop (will post a picture soon). I am excited/anxious and have been researching the possibility of Fall/Winter hair issues such as dry ends, lost of moisture due to hats/cold weather/snow/rain. But I am still looking forward to the next chapter in this hair journey as I am committed for the long run! 

 What better way to start a new hair care regimen than with new hair care products, received my Curl Kit for September and a New Curly girls subscription from My Shade of Brown (details below):




   CURL KIT REVIEW

September Curl Kit box included the following products



Not Your Mother's Knotty to Nice De-Tangler spray.. I actually like this spray, its definitely good for day 2 and day 3 hair as a refresher. It also features Brazilian Keratin which is good for your hair as well and it smells pretty nice



To powerfully remove frizz, define curls and smooth waves, let your hair feast on all-natural Royal Jelly, the nutrient packed super-food that feeds the Queen Bee in her hive. Packed with 17 amino acids plus vitamins A, B, C, D, and K, the Royal Jelly inMoisture Rich Conditioner works with Jojoba Seed Oil and Green Tea antioxidants to deliver luxurious shine and ultimate softness while defending hair from heat and humidity. 

All natural: No harsh, irritating chemicals like alcohol, sulfates, petrolatum, parabens or phthalates. 






Queen Helene Royal Curls moisture rich conditioner was not my most favorite product, but it was good as a leave in when doing my two-strand twists. However the product for my hair texture just didn't provide much of a different result then what I would get using VO5 conditioner. So I am not a big fan of this product, but that could change as I hear ladies say as your hair grows in length products that didnt work on the TWA may work wonders on longer tresses.



  • Provides Shine To All Types Of Curly Hair
  • No Waxy Residue Or Build-Up
  • Creates Soft, Shiny Curls
  • Enriched With Argan Oil
  • Alcohol-Free Formula












It leaves a bit of a sticky film, I didn't particularly care for this one, I used it as a styling cream for a Wash N go, but it left a bit of sticky feeling. Smells good.


This Shampoo and Conditioner left my hair soft, however I find it works wonders on my son's hair which happens to be locked. Nonetheless I would use this product again.


MY SHADE OF BROWN

A new hair/body box which features 4-5 items per box. This is fairly new line to me and I had a chance to reach out to founder of the My Shade of Brown glam box for $10.00 a month. They are now 7 Beauty boxes in and have been featured on Essence.com; Huffington Post, and many vloggers have reviewed past boxes shipped.

***Any ladies who sign up between now and September 30, 2012,  you can receive your first My Shade of Brown box for $5.00. This promotion ends on September 30, 2012


Below is my Mini-interview with Meki founder of the My Shade of Brown line & the items in the September Box. I found that every product in the box was something I actually liked and would use. Ladies be sure to check her out:



Your Name:  Meki Adefris

Where did you come up with the concept behind My Shade of Brown?  

Subscripton beauty boxes were becoming popular and I felt that there wasn't anything out there that addressed my needs and wants, so I thought that this would be a great way to provide a very specific service to women of color who love beauty, while also providing a vehicle for the many brands out there targeted for us a chance to reach a wider audience and get their products into the hands of women who want to try beauty, skincare and hair care products for women of color. 

What items do you feature?  

We've featured, cosmetics, nailcare, skincare and haircare and soon we hope to branch out to some lifestyle brands.  As we continue to grow, we'll have more to offer!

Why is your box different than some of the others out there? 

Well, for one, we are the only beauty sampling box specifically made with women of color in mind, so whether it's a well known brand - Carol's Daughter, Jessiecurl, Ada, or a smaller indie brand Nourishea, Amazing Botanicals, Lamik Beauty, they have products that were made to address the needs of women of color (offering a wider shade of colors for makeup and for hair, addressing the many textures and variations of womeon of color)

When do items ship?

 items ship first week of every month

Do you have Natural hair?

 I do, but, I also wear my hair straight a lot and I've also been know to rock a weave every now and then, I also color, so does that count?

How long have you been Natural?

 hmmm, that's tricky, I've only relaxed my hair a handful of times, that being said, coloring has a very "relaxing" nature on my hair, when I color, my hair straightens a bit, believe it or not!  So I guess, that's bigger question, does coloring your hair, still count as natural?

Any Advice for women who are struggling with their Natural hair, thinking about going natural, and/or transitioning?

Embrace yourself whichever way you decide to go!  It will be a much easier journey transitioning if it's something you really want to do! And with so many products out there now, you don't have to go at it alone!  But also realize it may not be for everyone and that's ok. The goal should really be healthy  hair, right?  
 

Facebook : My Shade of Brown Beauty
Twitter: @MYSHADEOFBROWN
Website: My Shade of Brown Beauty


Items in the My Shade of Brown September Box:





Great lip balm, nice moisture, doesn't leave your lips extra greasy.  I found this was a good primer under red lipstick.

HqO Body Lotion provides long-lasting protection against dryness and chafing.  


I like the HQ lotion brand. It is nice and moisturizing without being greasy. I have a child that suffers from Eczema and this worked wonders on his skin. I am going to purchase this in a larger size for the whole family. I find this will be good for the coming Winter months




Great Deep conditioning treatment. I have liked Jessi-Curls products and have used the shampoo and shea conditioner in the past. So never any complaints about JessiCurls





















Ada Cosmetics Bronzer in Copper
This has become a new staple in my daily eye makeup. I am not a big fan of bronzer only because I find minimal is best especially when I am in a rush. I have used this as a bronzer and as an eye shadow and its lovely. Doesn't rub off easily  and works well on my complexion.


Also in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month be sure to look out for some PINK items with some of the proceeds from the CURL-KIT going to Susan Komen foundation.


****CONTEST GIVEAWAY ENDS THIS SATURDAY...ALSO IF YOU GO TO LUCKY LUCY PAGE BE SURE TO MENTION PRINCESS NATURELLA SENT YOU TO BE ENTERED IN THEIR GIVEAWAY THAT IS GOING TILL THE END OF OCTOBER 2012..GOOD LUCK ALL!!****

Thursday, September 13, 2012

FASHION WEEK...OUT ALL NIGHT!!


FASHION WEEK is almost over in NYC..however s it was fun to hang out and although I hate to see it go..I can say I cannot wait for some really good sleep. Round-up of NYC events I attended along with some of the highlighted Fashion Spring 2013 fashion line ups I have fell in love with below:




Thursday 9/6/12: The ladies of CHIC N' KINKY Hosted  Naturals night out at Pranna lounge in NYC It was a night of hair talking, music and social schmoozing among  hair crushes and all those loving fashion mixed with the fusion of Natural hair (pictures below) :





FRIDAY 9/7/12- Jenell from KinkyCoilyCurlyMe hosted along with Chary-Jay of Chary-jay.com a Fashion blogger meet-n-greet for all. The fusion between Fashion's hottest looks and some of the fiercest natural hair in the NYC-Tri-state area created a night of hair & fun. Hosted at MarX (pictures below):












 Me and my cameo appearance up-top in black...Fun Times

Thank you ladies for hosting such great events!!

Tuesday, September 4, 2012

NY FASHION WEEK...NATURAL HAIR STYLE..



Its Fashion Week in NYC !!
SEPTEMBER 6th-13th 2012
If you are like me a TRUE FASHIONISTA, with a flair for looks and runway attitude then you will definitely want to check out NYC'S Fashion Night Out....

 There are events going on all over the city and the opportunity for those of us who can't afford the Big tent ticket prices for Runway looks can still hang with A-listers and rub elbows with celebs and Fashions hottest designers...








FASHION NIGHT OUT click here for --> Fashion night out

Listing all the hip and happening events from live DJs and refreshments at the Joe Fresh Flagship stores in NY, or hit up Diane Von Furstenberg for Drinks and giveaways in the meat packing district (10th Ave & 14th street, Chelsea NY) Whatever may tickle your fancy you can find it all, search by category or by neighborhood...

Not into the hipster scene...then check out this Natural's Night out event @Pranna NYC :



****YOU MUST PURCHASE TICKETS FOR THIS EVENT  here****
Tickets are $10.00; and will be on sale at the door not sure if they are more but check it out


Abbey Dawn by Avril Lavigne Fashion Show

Monday, Sep 10 6:00p
at Style 360, New York, NY
Rocker and designer Avril Lavigne will join New York Fashion Week with her Abbey Dawn Spring 2013 Collection. By Invitation Only.


And many more...




And now some sneak peaks from some of SPRING 2013 Collections:

Rachel Roy Spring 2013





Koncept Korea Spring 2013 


I will also be helping out at an event happening Sept 7th @ Marx in the city...will blog about the nights events soon till then Stay Stylish and Fab!


Friday, August 31, 2012

The Never ending Hair Journey..life After the BIG CHOP!!

THIS HAIR JOURNEY IS NO EASY ROAD TO WALK!!!

I don't know about you ladies but often I watch and look at what most call "Hair Porn", websites, blogs and Vlogs set up to promote, advocate and give hair tips/advice on how to take care of natural hair, or how to deal with transitioning. If any of you ladies who Big Chopped earlier this year like myself may now have come to realize that this journey in reality is a long and tough journey....


Its amazing how YouTube videos often reflect women's hair journey that consist of a montage of hair through the stages of growth which  is about 5 minutes long...reflecting their hair from the Big Chop to the lengthy healthy Kinks, Coils, and Curls they now are proudly sporting...But that 5 min. clip Never seems to account for the reality of this journey...the long journey of growing back the hair you chopped off. 


I don't know about any of you but there are times that I think about...for a moment the old me and the permed soft silky wash & sets of yesterday....Don't get me wrong I am in it for the long run...My hair is much more healthy and the lack of head sores from perming after a week of patting my head till I felt like I patted 6-7 brain cells out my head is a benefit I am not willing to give up just yet. 


However for just one moment can I just say...No matter how many hair smoothies, conditioners, vitamins and scalp massages....The hair journey is a long and winding road!! 

I mean not to sound impatient but when you see pictures of Natural Celebs who Big Chopped and 7 months later they look like their hair grew overnight (I'm sorry but wigs are a bit misleading) I start to question my little Hair Follicles, as to what is wrong with them...



Solange's hair journey




So ladies not here to discredit the natural hair journey...But I think it is important to discuss the good, the bad, and the HAIRY...hahaha  

What do you find the hardest to deal with on this hair journey?
Comment below.

***UPDATE*** Lucky Lucy was so impressed with the amount of love they have been receiving that we will have 2 LUCKY LUCY Winners...Be sure to visit the post below to enter Giveaway Good luck ladies


Tuesday, August 21, 2012

Hmmm a special treat...BODY DESSERTS By LUcKy LuCY & GIVEAWAY!!!!





Over the Summer I have been hitting up quite a few natural hair meet-ups in the NYC area...and one of the meet-ups gave away samples of this heavenly HELLO GOOD MORNING Body Scrub; Body Lotion; and Body wash. To say the least once I got home and hopped in the shower and poured the HELLO GOOD MORNING body wash onto my loafah I was in love !!











The company (who launches August 2012) is known as LUCKY LUCY Body Desserts. They feature natural high quality body desserts that smell delicious, almost smell so good you may think you can eat them!!! 

The Scent I have fell in love with is the HELLO GOOD MORNING set, the scent is a mixture of a vanilla and citrus blend light yet sweet and citrus that reminds me of fresh lemon meringue pie.


Below is the story of LUCKY LUCY BODY DESSERTS, founders Nicole and Tara gave me a peak behind the doors of LLBD. With the official launch of their brand days away this August 2012 

READ THE DETAILS BELOW:

    Co-Founders Tara & Nicole hailing from Jonesboro GA came up with the concept for LUCKY LUCY Body Desserts from a disappointed Grandmother. Nicole's grandmother Ethel Lucille aka "Lucky Lucy" was fed up with highly priced products that often were over-priced and left minimal results. From this Lucky Lucy Body Desserts was born.

    Both Nicole & Tara are Naturalistas and promote products that reflect all natural hair & body care as the best approach to be beautiful inside and out. 

     "Lucky Lucy Body Desserts came from wanting each person that brought the product or sampled something from our line to be treated to something that was unique to each person. When you're eating a dessert it is a treat and something you enjoy, that is what we want everyone to experience" Says Nicole.  

     The Name Lucky Lucy also comes from Nicole's grandmother Lucy, " Lucy is Nicole's grandmother's name so we figured that Lucky just went along quite well with it, as we were lucky to come up with such an awesome concept that beautifully married creativity with health." -Nicole 
      
    The natural concept was derived from Tara's grandmother Ms. Lillie, who is a doctor. "If you had a cough or a rash she was known to describe certain herbs to remedy your illness". Thus collaborating the creativity of one grandmother and the ardor of health from another birthed the perfect product Lucky Lucy Body Desserts. With Tara's grandmother Ms. Lillie on the concept team, they were able to customize products that caters to their customers needs, thus reflecting every one's uniqueness.







The products Scents that will be featured are :
  • The Lady E collection
  • Hello Good Morning
  • Bubblin' Brown Betty
 Each Set contains a body wash aka "Shower Pleaser", A lotion Souffle made with Goat's milk (it is great on skin, no greasy feeling just smooth buttery skin), and a Body Scrub aka "Body Buffer".

Prices will range from $11.50 - $14.50  for 8oz sized products

And lastly Tara & Nicole  as I mentioned are both Natural hair ladies; Tara 6 years and Nicole 2 years. I asked the ladies what advice and/or tips did they have for women who are thinking about going natural, are newly natural, or transitioning here are their thoughts:

" Be excitingly creative and have massive amounts of fun because there is no right or wrong way to personify your personal style. As we say in the LLBD factory "Don't let society dictate the truly beautiful YOU!! Closely read the labels and confidently know what works best for your skin and hair type. If your not sure drop by Twitter and FB and we will honestly try our best to help you." -Nicole & Tara



***** GIVEAWAY*****


I will be giving away Lucky Lucy Samples!!!  Enter the GIVEAWAY Below via RaffleCopter;a Rafflecopter giveaway





If you cannot access RaffleCopter  or choose not to use rafflecopter:


*Like Lucky Lucy Body Desserts LLC Fanpage Like  


* Subscribe to Princess Naturella blog


* Leave a comment on Lucky Lucy Body Desserts Fanpage "I cannot wait to try Lucky Lucy Body Desserts!!"


Leave a comment below once you have done all the above. Please Note this is for those who are subscribed and choose not to use rafflecopter. 


                                       




                                       **GIVEAWAY ENDS SEPT 22, 2012 **


Winner will be notified by email so be sure to include your email address.
***UPDATE***LUCKY LUCY IS ALSO RUNNING A GIVEAWAY UNTIL OCT 30
BE SURE TO LIKE THEIR PAGE ON FACEBOOK & LEAVE A COMMENT STATING THE NAME OF THE PERSON WHO REFERRED YOU FOR ANOTHER CHANCE TO WIN...TELL THEM PRINCESS NATURELLA REFERRED YOU...GOOD LUCK!!






       












Sunday, August 19, 2012

Can Natural hair really make or break your love life/relationships??



 Waiting in line at a Starbucks I ran into an ex who I have not seen since going natural, and the meeting seemed almost surreal...I always viewed him as the "one that got away" and upon our exchange of greetings and momentary shock, a few "oh wows", "look at you"; " I can't believe its you"  I was shocked by the next question by Mr. Ex which was "why did you cut your hair? you always had such pretty long hair", the look on his face showed he was shell shocked and at the same time a bit disappointed. 

I didn't know how to respond and the only thing I could think of was " I had a Brittany Spears moment and just cut off my hair one day" (gasp).  When there were so many other valid and poignant reasons that I cut off my permed hair.  We chit-chatted for a few more moments about people we knew from our past exchanged Facebook information and I bee lined out the Starbucks faster than you could say Sonic The Hedge Hog.

 This encounter however made me realize how some men embrace a natural sister with open arms while other men view natural sisters as "not their type".  But then I could never understand what does that mean? I mean how could hair have that much power when it comes to what men are attracted to in the opposite sex.  Most music videos and shows depict women with long permed tresses sashaying in platform heels, pencil skirts, and crisp button down white shirts.  But the reality is there are many women who have natural curls, coils, kinks, rocking closely shaved heads, to beautiful afros. Could it be men are brain-washed by images that depict black women one way only to see women in the real world embracing their natural hair and find it unacceptable?

After this brief encounter with Mr. Ex I realized that despite his surprise at my naturally textured hair I to caught myself thinking about perming my hair for a split second only to feel more accepted by Mr. Ex. 


So I wonder and would like feedback from you Naturalistas out there, has going natural caused you to lose love relationship(s) with a significant other(s)? Being natural do you find your love life has become better? Or Do you find tumble weeds and dusty empty western streets define your non-existent love life?  (provide feedback in Comments below).







FOUND THIS ON YOUTUBE...WATCH AND COMMENT IT IS QUITE INTERESTING PIECE ON MEN AND THEIR  VIEW ON NATURAL HAIR




Saturday, August 4, 2012

Summer is almost over.. Last minute Summer fun...Leggo!

Can you believe the summer is almost OVER?! that means for many return back to school, normal work weeks, and fewer days left to catch some sun and fun ...But why not enjoy whats left of the summer?! A few events listed below may even require some light traveling (weekend gateway anyone?!) Hope you enjoy and send Summer 2012 off with a hearty farewell :
Mad decent block party

Block Party open to all ages held in various parks/public spaces

***NOTE*** You Must RSVP For the event...click on link above and please arrive on time as Venue's are expected to fill up. First Come First Serve basis.

AUGUST 5th, 2012 they will be in Brooklyn










The Ladies from AROUND THE WAY CURLS & THOSEGIRLSAREWILD.COM , Are hosting a Hair event in PHILLY PA!!! It is definitely an event to check out, and not to mention its an excuse to get away for the weekend. Check out the silly, yet fly ladies of AROUND THE WAY CURLS & THOSEGIRLSAREWILD.COM and click on the link below to RSVP. The event will feature raffles; giveaways; drinks; and gift bags...Tickets are $15.00 and I know that it will be great. I attended their CURL DAZE event a while back and it was fun.



Also check out the ladies on their blog and tumblr


I Love Free Parties has been around on Facebook for sometime now (Shout out to Host Matt Cuba), they have been known for their list of free parties, concerts, and venues all around NYC. They have a Launch Party tentatively scheduled in Aug 10 2012 in NYC. To find out more and to score Free tickets visit them on Facebook

FreeNYCConcerts







DINNER WITH THE CURLS FRIENDS....

Hosted by

If you are newly Natural Or transitioning or not even sure if you want to go Natural, Dinner with the Curl Friends is a way to meet other women/men who are natural; Transitioning; or thinking about embracing their natural hair. The event is for members only (you can sign up via meetup.com) there is a $5.00 registration fee but it is fun and informative. There are Prizes/giveaways and some great goody bags for attending; also all of the ladies are fun and genuine its always a great event.
Dinner With the Curl Friends (Pink & Black Affair) (to RSVP for event; they are held once a month)


You can also check out Mrs. Jenell who hosts the events on her blog and other social media outlets:
Blog -Kinky Curly Coily Me!
Facebook- KinkyCurlyCoilyMe


Also Linked Jenell's Youtube info and one of her videos below:






                                                         HairsACure

Another event and a Page I came across on FACEBOOK is  HAIR'S A CURE


The page promotes healthy hair growth and hair health for women who are survivors and those battling breast cancer. The event is scheduled to be held in CHICAGO however it is an event that is happening in OCT, 2012. But since it is in Chicago any one interested in going it will talk about and promote natural/healthy hair and will have giveaways and prizes as well.

Even if you cannot attend I plan on making a donation as a percentage of the proceeds go to creating the HAIR'S A CURE FOUNDATION