Welcome to All Tressed Up!

'A' is for Asparagus

kenyada@alltressedup.net (alltressedup) — Wed, 15 May 2013 15:16:29 +0000

While contemplating how to carry on with the blog, I received a message from a trusted source inviting me to sample the new asparagus dishes at Noodles & Company. Be certain to try them soon because these dishes will only be available while asparagus is in season (during the Spring season).

I invited by Gemini Twin to come along and together we sampled a few dishes where asparagus was the featured ingredient. Before moving into the experience, let us first delve into the benefits of asparagus.

What is asparagus?

Believe it or not some of us are unable to identify a vegetable if we saw it. I will admit that at some point, asparagus was one that I could not identify. Now easily recognizable by its spear shape, I have learned to welcome this vegetable into my diet. While I have yet to cook it myself, the day is coming soon.

Health Benefits
According to the Michigan Asparagus Advisory Board, asparagus is “…a nutrient-dense food which in [is] high in folic acid and is a good source of potassium, fiber, vitamin B6, vitamins A and C, and thiamin.” In addition to these positive characteristics, asparagus also boasts a few anti-carcinogenic properties as well. This is key in a world where we often have to question the integrity of our food growth practices.

Beauty Benefits
Taking a look at the high levels of nutrients in asparagus, we have already learned from past posts that vitamin A is also nicknamed the beauty vitamin and can be found in more of your orange-colored fruits and vegetables. We are talking increased skin elasticity and more with vitamin A! The high level of folic acid (a B vitamin) alone aids in proper cell growth, protein use and production. Hair and nails are primarily comprised of protein! Start from the inside and reap the benefits completely!

Meal Ideas
Thanks to the folks at Noodles & Company, we explored some wonderfully creative meal ideas utilizing asparagus. Some are actually rather simple and can be easily duplicated (somewhat that is) at home.

Truth Series

kenyada@alltressedup.net (alltressedup) — Tue, 14 May 2013 16:12:15 +0000

A few weeks have passed since the Truth Brunch hosted by Lady Kinnks was held. While it may seem biased to say because I was a speaker, the event was a success! Check out these posts from Lady Kinnks and Whimsoulcal for a full recap of the event.

Participating in the event was just the beginning! You see, I have been struggling with this concept of blogging about natural hair. Although I absolutely adore natural hair, I cannot help but bear witness to the hurting spirits of my sisters. As a natural hair care professional, I encounter women who are in a variety of places in their natural journey. Insecurities are revealed. Health scares and concerns are revealed. So much is shared as I pamper these women that I feel obligated to speak louder and more deeply about this natural journey.

Narcissism is alive and well. There are more parades of ‘pretty people’ than enough. I am tired of chemically laced ‘swag bags’. New crutches emerge each day. Now, back to the post…(just had to vent for a second).

Blogging only about hair, style and what is pretty was never the goal of the blog – it has always been to educate with a bit of flair. Well, it is about to go down, folks! I am tired of seeing this natural journey being pimped, pushed and more.

The Truth of the Matter

kenyada@alltressedup.net (alltressedup) — Tue, 16 Apr 2013 15:20:54 +0000

Hello Beautiful People! It has been quite a while since you’ve last heard a peep out of the All Tressed Up crew. I’m writing to share what exactly has been going on. In addition to being a newlywed, your girl has simply been frustrated. ‘By what’, you ask? Well, that is one fantastic question!

Can I just say that I am tired? I am tired of the hair typing, the ‘curl envy’, the marketers and dare I say it…all these daggone meet-ups and expos! I carefully pick and choose the events I attend because I personally cannot deal with the surface level activities and what comes off as mere photo opportunities and money making ventures.

Any novice or expert marketer can tap into the wants and needs of this industry by doing a simple online search and perhaps engaging in conversation with a few folks. Understand that you, whether newly natural or a veteran natural, are a target.

Myths and untruths are being pushed online. Products are being called natural that absolutely are not. Once trusted companies are modifying their formulas in order to increase shelf life and make it in big name stores. So much is happening and we don’t even know it! It all boils down to that dollar dollar bill, yall!

I admit that I have drafted this post more than once and got carried away each time. This time, I am going to cut it short and simply invite you to attend the Truth Brunch on April 20, 2013.

At this forum, we will dine and discuss the truth about this natural hair phenomenon – from biology to facts to products. Your panelists include Angela Baker of The Holistic Academy, Nadira Chase of Adiva Naturals and myself. Together we will debunk myths, provide fact (as well as some opinion), and of course hear from you!

Facilitated by Lady Kinnks, you will have the opportunity to provide insight on a number of topics and/or issues that affect the ‘natural woman’ as well as acquire fact and perspective from active industry practitioners in the areas of biology/wellness, natural hair care and chemistry/product creation.

Come prepared to get real with yourself and a few other sisters!

Tickets can be purchased online at kinnks.com/Richmond or at the All Tressed Up salon. Tomorrow is the last day to purchase tickets online!!!!

Details
Date: Saturday, April 20th 11am
Location: M Bistro
Cost: $30; includes brunch, Mimosas, open and honest conversation and reflection

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Protective Styles for 2013: A Natural Diva Necessity

kenyada@alltressedup.net (alltressedup) — Fri, 18 Jan 2013 20:59:52 +0000

If you are in the Richmond, VA area or are able to make your way to the capital city, you will definitely want to attend Protective Styles for 2013: A Natural Diva Necessity.

During the winter months, the wash-and-go may no longer be your style of choice. You may even get a little discouraged with the changes in your hair. What better way to ease your mind than to indulge in a protective style? Protective styles can be create with or without the aid of extensions.

This event presented by Karen Wilson Natural Beauty, features protective styles by several natural hair stylists in the Richmond, Va. area including Karen Wilson Natural Beauty, Braids and Dreds, Ria Scott, Luv Urself, Styles by Atira and...All Tressed Up! Awwwwww sooky now!

Yessssss!!! We've got ourselves a spot on the list, yall!

Check out the video!

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Here are the details about the event:

Date: Saturday, February 2, 2013 1 - 6pm
Location: Trinity Family Life Center
Cost: $20 in advance/$25 at the door

Purchase tickets online

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Guess who is a lead press supporter for 'Fro Fashion Week?

kenyada@alltressedup.net (alltressedup) — Fri, 11 Jan 2013 00:41:53 +0000

I am! I am! I saw the notice that my girl,Tarin was in need of press supporters and a sister just had to apply! Well, the feeling was mutual and this little blog call All Tressed Up was accepted to become a lead press supporter.

For those of you who are new to this phenom known as 'Fro Fashion Week, I encourage you to check out the website and view a few of my past write-ups about the event.Tarin puts on one fabulous event that is unlike any that I have attended.

Although, I will not be able to attend live and in person, I'll be bringing you the scoop as if I were there! For your inside scoop on 'Fro Fashion Week, visit us regularly!! You will not be disappointed! You can expect product deals, contests and more!

Thanks for the opportunity,Tarin and I look forward to hearing all about the festivities. Keep up the great work!

Stay tuned....!

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Wedding Fashion!!!

kenyada@alltressedup.net (alltressedup) — Fri, 04 Jan 2013 22:38:26 +0000

The decision had already been made to elope. My vision was classic, vintage and chic. What better way to accomplish these goals but to go to the thrift store!!! I chose to focus on Goodwill and the craft stores to achieve the look I wanted on a limited budget.

The Suit

I envisioned a pencil skirt in winter white and/or cream. While perusing Goodwill, I found exactly what I was looking for. I literally screamed 'Shut Up!' when I pulled it off the rack. The woman beside me was laughing at me. LOL! The ticket price was $19.99 for a two-piece skirt suit! I got to the register and the price was $10! I paid ten dollars for my wedding suit, yall! Win!

I realized that the skirt did not fit in that lovely pencil skirt way, so I took it to a local seamstress who altered it perfectly! Because of my quick turnaround time and because the skirt was constructed so well, the fee was $35.

So, the total cost of my wedding suit was $45.

The Shoes

Now, this is where the budget got pushed a bit. I went to DSW and as usual, walked straight to the clearance rack. Guess what?!?! The leopard print shoes I wanted were right there!!! The texture was actually furry. I was hooked.

I paid approximately $35 for my shoes.

Wedding Makeup!!!

kenyada@alltressedup.net (alltressedup) — Fri, 04 Jan 2013 21:52:41 +0000

There I was contemplating wearing makeup or not. If I chose to wear makeup, I would have to ask someone that I didn't know. Ugh! The honey and I were eloping and I just couldn't let the secret out! This was not going to work. I've had a few folks do my makeup that have done a great job. Decisions, decisions....

I debated coming up with a story about a photo-shoot, but then I just felt bad about lying to my girl! Well, I finally decided to let the cat out of the bag to ONE person - Charlene T. Easter of Epiphany Beauty. She got me right for my very first news appearance and I just love her!!! (You already knew that, though!)

We fleshed out the details over the phone and this Makeup Artist Extraordinaire did her thing! She got me right in about an hour (actually less than that) and I got foundation, lashes and of course I had to have a red lip!!!! I love a red lip, yall!!!

Recap: Goddess Body Wellness Live Program

kenyada@alltressedup.net (alltressedup) — Wed, 02 Jan 2013 20:24:41 +0000

If you don't know by now, I love me some Angela Baker who is responsible for the Goddess Body Wellness Live program! I had been feeling a little 'blah' and needed a 'pick me up'. I am usually a pretty positive and upbeat person, but I noticed some random attitude and just some feelings of being 'off'. I made the decision to do this infamous cleanse again!

The process

Consume raw fruits and vegetables for twenty-one days. No dairy or artificial sweeteners, people! What I love about this cleanse is that although optimal results are achieved with the strict raw fruits and vegetables, Ms. Baker makes an exception. Your food choices must be raw or organic. Not bad.

In addition to the food, you must drink either distilled or alkaline water as well as the herbal tea blends. The kit you purchase contains three custom herbal blends that will be steeped as a tea and another herbal blend to bust that belly. It is literally called 'Belly Buster' and can be mixed with water, or a juice of your choice.

The experience

In addition to me feeling 'blah', I also endured the cleanse in order to add exercise to my routine and to become more disciplined in food preparation. I will say that this time was much more challenging than the first time because of my workload and responsibilities. I will tell you that the first tea of the day is designed to 'clear your mind' and allow you to focus. That has helped me to reevaluate my goals and align my actions with my priorities. Oh yes, much has changed.

Sure, I cheated a couple of times. I told you this time was challenging. I confessed my cheating and my girl just pushed me harder - a much needed push.

Ingredient Profile: Amla

kenyada@alltressedup.net (alltressedup) — Mon, 31 Dec 2012 20:03:02 +0000

It is not uncommon that after reading an ingredient list that we stumble upon an ingredient that makes you go "Hmmm". Well, the ingredient that has triggered my curiosity is Amla (or Indian Gooseberry).

In my quest to nurture my natural beauty from the inside, I thought you may benefit from the findings. As we approach the new year, I thought it may also be a great idea to actually engage in an Amla experience.

Native to India, this vitamin C rich fruit is filled with antioxidants and is highly regarded in Ayurveda. Let's begin exploring the benefits of Amla from the inside out.

Health Benefits

Anti-microbial
Blood purifier
Decrease bad cholesterol
Increase good cholesterol
Antioxidant
Immunity Booster

Given that the Indian Gooseberry is native to India, how can we benefit from this highly nutritious and healing fruit? In Ayurveda, mixing the juice of the Amla fruit with honey is considered a health tonic. Considering its naturally bitter taste, the honey sweetens the experience.

Tip: Drink one glass of Amla juice daily

KeraCare: Twist & Define Cream

kenyada@alltressedup.net (alltressedup) — Fri, 28 Dec 2012 22:09:36 +0000

Well, it looks like there are a number of lines that are expanding their offerings to the natural haired diva. Have you noticed the uptick? Marketing is amazing, isn't it?

Being in a bind both financially and time-wise, I stumbled upon this product in the local beauty supply store. I can remember using KeraCare products when I used to provide chemical services. Let's begin the review.

Fragrance

This product has a perfume-like fragrance. It reminds me of a musk.

Consistency

The texture is not has heavy as a butter, but more like a light cream.

Functionality

The product appears to absorb pretty well and does not leave a visible residue, which is great. I tried this product on a client who requested a twist-out. This was a first time product for us both. The tag line on the product reads, "For silky shiny twists & twist outs". The product held true to the tag line. I noticed a very slippery, almost Jheri Curl-like feel at the end. I am very open with my clients and shared this observation with her.