Weekend Recap: Memorial Day Weekend x Linganore Take 2

Memorial Day weekend never disappoints. The weather has been perfect - which is rare - so I made sure to make the most of it. I spent the first half of the weekend catching up with family, and used the other half to get out with friends. Ashleigh and I returned to Linganore Winecellars for their Caribbean Wine Festival, (along with her future hubby) and it's pretty safe to say that it will probably become an annual tradition to kick off the summer right. Last year I fell in love with the raspberry wine, but this year it was all about 'Indulgence' (pictured) a sweet red wine with hints of chocolate. Take my word… highly recommended. 

Other highlights from the weekend:

poetry cyphers

honorable mention for the mango sangria

poolside lounging

countless inside jokes

the avengers II

somebody's uncle getting down by the grill

and epic potato salad

all in all I had a great time.

Hope everyone enjoyed their weekend! Five more days 'til The Roots picnic.

 ;)

My First Time Trying New Illustrator Software

I tried out a new illustrator for the first time a few days ago, and I'm hooked. It took a little getting used to.. but I think I did pretty good for a beginner. Excited to see where this goes. I love trying new mediums to express my creativity. It's my favorite way to spend my free time. 

Updated: '40(ish) Days of Curls' Product Overhaul

I've been saying I was going to do an updated product overhaul for a while now. My last one was almost two years ago (horrible, I know). Now that I'm well into my natural hair journey I pay much closer attention to what I choose to use in my hair, and I'm even more selective because my hair is color treated (alcohol is a no no). These products have worked wonders on trying to maintain my hair's health as well as regaining length that was lost in my transition. (I use the word transition lightly because I've always been natural.. I use it to refer to the time when I stopped heat abusing my hair every two weeks and switched to wearing my curls first time.) I arranged the products in the order that I use them, and the coconut oil can be used as both a pre-poo and to seal ends.

From l to r:

LouAna 100% Pure Coconut Oil

III Sisters of Nature Cleasing Co-Wash with Coconut Milk 10oz

Pureology Perfect for Platinum Conditioner, 8.5 Ounce

It's a 10 miracle leave -in Plus Keratin 10oz

Shea Moisture Jamaican Black Castor Oil Strengthen, Grow & Restore Leave-In Conditioner 16oz
Mixed Chicks Leave-In Conditioner - 33 oz

Not pictured:
Natural Argan Oil (also used as an end sealant) 

Inspire the Tribe.

Dove x Love Your Hair Campaign



I've only truly started embracing my naturally hair within the last two years. Take a look at where it all began here. (and  I love that Dove is making a campaign about loving and embracing who you truly are. Now, even when I get the urge to straighten my hair it is short lived.. it just doesn't feel like who I am anymore. I love my big curly unruly mane and I wish that I would've began loving it sooner.

 

Come out to The Black Love Experience hosted by one of my favorite boutiques in DC, Nubian Hueman, on Feb 8th.  Use House of Mimi promo code below for a discount, and I'll see you there!

( SIDE NOTE: I've been painting, I've been painting.. stay tuned. PS. I still want a steak - 22 days in. )

"You Are Black Gold, Black Gold"

This weekend reminded me that I'm not a "scene" type of person

 

...fun though.



Floral Kimono x The One Year Anniversary of My Golden "Crown"

I've been natural my whole life, but it wasn't until recently that I began to fully embrace my hair in it's natural state. I'm coming around on the one year anniversary of giving up being a slave to my flat iron and straightening my hair every other week ( flashback to when I began my journey here. ) While I've lost some length due to my color change, I've learned what works/ doesn't work for my hair, gained more defined curls and fallen in love with the effortless beauty that is my golden "crown." 

It feels good to be completely comfortable in my skin.

I'm now in the process of attempting new ways to wear my hair in this state. Anyone who knows me knows I bore easily ( I'm surprised I haven't taken a bottle of blue black dye to the head by now, but stay tuned ) and I'm excited to try twist outs, Bantu knots and various other ways to style my 'fro. 

If anyone has any natural hair sites that they'd like to recommend, leave them in a comment below.   

( SIDE NOTE: I couldn't wait for Spring to pull out this beautiful floral kimono - one of my favorite trends for the coming season. )

Flashback: Founders Day 2014

People are always sending me pictures super late!
Flashback// Founders Day 

Bowling night

Jan 15

Behind the Scenes: A Hair Story in America

Shoot with @Rouge_Jungle. I'll post the pictures as soon as I get my hands on them. I was once again reminded that I'm entirely too awkward and silly (and short!) to ever take the whole modeling thing seriously, but it was fun!

Link

oh, what a night.

NYC

happy birthday Kim!

excuse the picture quality.. I really need to start carrying my camera places.

I Hate You So Much Right Now

Halloween this year consisted of big hair, hot pink hair shadow/spray, a phony septum piercing and a bustier; and it was all cooked up in less than 24 hours. Thanks to my boo Tiff for the idea. I was channeling a unapolagetic vibrant haired Kelis circa 1999, the "Caught Out There" era. Needless, to say, I had fun with it. Flashback to the video below:



too many pictures to post

this was the most fun I've ever had in Miami

currently, having a "real life" intermission until I fly back out next week for the fourth