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Upcoming Natural Hair Events: Memphis & the Mid-South

misslycia — Thu, 10 Nov 2011 02:54:50 +0000

As you have probably seen by now, in advertisements, television and on the street, natural hair is making a big splash everywhere….a long awaited one!

It’s not a trend though, natural hair is here to stay. I am thrilled to see young women embrace their natural beauty, and older generations rediscover it. In recognition of this movement, there are many natural hair events being held all around the country. Here are just a few in the Mid-South:

The Buzz About Natural Hair

Presentation by salon owner and author, “The Hair Deva”. She will share advice and insight on the topic of natural hair. Men and women are welcome to bring any questions and share their own natural hair experiences. Guest stylists, demonstrations and hair consultations will be available at this event.

Saturday, November 12, 2:30 – 4:30pm (Free and open to the public).
Raleigh Branch Library, 3157 Powers Rd. Memphis, TN 38128

Girls Night In, hosted by Yvette of Natural Divinity Salon

Come chat with fellow naturals, get manicures, enjoy wine & cheese, and more! To RSVP, call (901) 435-6421

Saturday, November 26, 5:00-9:00 p.m.

5070 Raleigh LaGrange, Suite 14, Memphis, TN

FCA Naturals Hair Expo

Come see vendors, product samples, live raffles and receive lots of healthy hair information.

Saturday, December 17 2:00-5:00 p.m.

Forrest City Civic Center

1335 N. Washington St, Forrest City, AR

And finally don’t forget about “A Winter Retreat” sponsored by yours truly, All Day Natural, Saturday, December 3rd! Stay tuned for a detailed list of vendors and presentations. I look forward to seeing you all at these and future events.

Until next time, make it a great day!

Do you plan to attend these events? What natural hair events are happening in your area?

Introducing Eco-Emi: Special “Green” Delivery!

misslycia — Wed, 09 Mar 2011 16:02:34 +0000

Friends, I could not wait to share this feature with you. A few weeks ago, I was reading the natural beauty blog The Glam Organic Goddess when I stumbled upon this innovative find. Eco-Emi, a subscription service in which you get samples of “chic, eco-friendly” products delivered to your doorstep each month.

I rejoiced when I saw this…what a glorious idea (especially for a sample lover like me!) I ordered from Eco-Emi right away and received my box of natural goodies a few days later. Like a child on Christmas morning, I shrieked with delight at the surprises in the package: food (remarkably tasty herbed rice), beauty (Winterberry Lip Gloss–I am wearing it today!) and home (a sinfully sweet vanilla candle which burns in my bedroom).

I wanted to find out more about the creator of this innovative idea. I present to you, Christine, founder of Eco-Emi:

1. What was the brainchild behind Eco-Emi, and what inspired you to put the idea into fruition?

There were a number of reasons I started Eco Emi. I have been shopping organic for years and had already spent the time and money sorting through the good and bad of the Eco world. I had so many friends who wanted to go green, but had no clue where to start and were tired of buying products that did not work or taste good. I would often be asked by friends if they could go shopping with me so that I could show them exactly what to get.

I also worked for a very short time at an all natural health foods store, and I noticed all of the samples were tucked away under the counter or in storage rooms. I asked the owners, “Why aren’t we handing these out to customers?” They simply said they did not want to give out free products, only wanting customers to purchase the full-sized products. The problem is, however, that nobody wants to purchase a full-sized product that may cost more unless they know they will love it. Basically, companies were spending a great deal of money on samples they were being tucked away never to reach their customers.

I also had a dog who was my best friend and basically my child. I lost her in May of 2010, and natural, organic, clean products were the only thing that made her better. She passed away because of the horrible medicines the veterinarians had put her on without my knowledge, only to find out later I could not take her off of them….What stuck with me is that the minute I cooked my dog real food–no more crummy dog food–she was miraculously better. What you put in your body will shape your future, period. Most people keep this on the back burner until something bad happens, but depending on the situation it can often be too late to rewind many years of careless health choices.

After searching and searching, I realized what I wanted just did not exist. Then I sort of just said, I am going to create this. It was important that the name was chic and trendy, but fun and meaningful. My dog was Emilia, but I always called her Emi. I knew I wanted Eco something and Eco-Emi just fit so perfectly and had a lot of meaning to me.

2. I can see from the beautiful gift wrap and the quality of the products that you are very conscientious about the integrity of every Eco-Emi package. How do you choose which products to select for Eco-Emi?

I was very picky about the products I wanted to send out to my customers. This is truly the heart of Eco-Emi. I only want to send out what actually works and tastes great. I use EVERYTHING I send, and I always try out any products I had never used prior before agreeing to put these into my Eco- Emi box. Customers are looking to us to supply them with truly great products that are clean and earth, animal and people friendly. Bottom line: if I do not like it, it’s not going in.

3. Many people may not realize the extent to which what we consume, both in and on our bodies, impacts and our mental (and spiritual) health. Can you share your insight on this connection?

The only thing you can do to live every day is eat and drink. This is the number one source of nutrition and health. Unless you are eating and drinking organic and or wild harvested products, you are continuously putting loads of foreign chemicals, fillers, preservatives, hormones and other nasty poisons into your body….On top of this, when you use [toxic] lotion, makeup, and if you breathe in candles with lead wicks and chemicals and so much more, its endless and disgusting. You do have control over your own body, and at home you should be shopping cleaner to give your body what it needs to stay healthy. You can spend a tiny bit more on healthy, clean food, or you can spend loads more on medical bills and toxic medicines-its your choice.

4. In one of the sections on your site, ”Why Go Green?” you emphasize the importance of “taking control of your own life.” What advice would you give to those who are on the journey towards a more natural lifestyle?

My advice is to read and learn as much as you can… I think you need to just research everything. If you pick up a shampoo bottle and cannot read the ingredients, why the heck would you use it? If you a stranger handed you some shampoo bottle with no label, would you use it? Probably not, but for some reason is having the label that has a bunch of bizarre things you can’t understand any better? No! This goes with your food, drinks, everything.

It is your right to understand what those ingredients are and what they do. So research everything you can and if you look for the organic symbol a lot of the work has already been done for you.

If you want to live a better life, then please look at what you are using every single day. Start to take those first small steps towards a greener, animal friendly, earth friendly life and take care of your body. You only get one shot with it.

Thanks for sharing your inspiring story, Christine!

What steps are you taking towards living a cleaner, healthier life?

What “green” products have you wanted to try?

New Orleans Bound: Gulf Coast Natural Hair Care Expo

misslycia — Sun, 20 Feb 2011 16:53:41 +0000

Pack your bags, my friends! We are getting ready for the Natural Hair Care Expo Eight State Tour! First stop: New Orleans!

With the theme, “Bayou Beautiful,” the Gulf Coast Natural Hair Care Expo in New Orleans is hosted by Malaika Cooper of Dread Headz and Dwana Makeba of the natural hair salon, Beauty on de Bayou. This event will showcase the unique styles and flair of the Gulf Coast, with workshops and vendors galore!

I will be there and of course, I will share with you all pictures and reviews from the event. I am also going to sample the tasty offerings of the local (healthy) eateries while I am in town. Stay tuned for Healthy Travels: Gulf Coast edition. I don’t know if I am more excited about the hair or the Nawlins’ food.

If you see me at the expo, be sure to come say hello!

Are you planning to attend the Gulf Coast Natural Hair Care Expo?

Coming to a City Near You in 2011: Natural Hair Care Expo!

misslycia — Wed, 26 Jan 2011 03:49:42 +0000

Hair Care Workshops. Style Demonstrations. Artist Performances. Holistic Health Seminars. Natural Beauty Classes. Product Samples. Fashion Shows. And more…

Where, do you ask? The Natural Hair Care Expo, which will be held in eight cities around the country this year.

And guess what? All Day Natural is co-sponsoring the Tennessee Natural Hair Care Expo! It will be held in Memphis, Tennessee on Saturday, July 16, 2011. (I know its early, but I wanted to make sure you all mark your calendars now. ).

There will be something of interest to everyone. More details to come. For more information or any questions, feel free to e-mail me at misslycia@alldaynatural.com.

*Update* Find out more about the Tennessee Expo on the website:

www.tnnaturalhaircareexpo.com

Check out the other cities on the Natural Hair Care Expo Tour below.

Have you been to the Natural Hair Care Expo before? Do you plan on attending this year?

Happy New Year!/Blogger Love

misslycia — Thu, 13 Jan 2011 18:25:08 +0000

The object of a new year is not that we should have a new year. It is that we should have a new soul.

- G. K. Chesterton

Hello friends,

I hope that everyone is enjoying the beginning of this beautiful new year. Over the last few weeks, I have engaged in a lot of reflection and contemplation on the months ahead. I thought about making New Year’s resolutions: to exercise more, volunteer, save money, journal, the list goes on and on. Then, I decided to make things more simple. This year, I will be committed to growth, spiritually, mentally, and physically. Part of that commitment requires that I remain open to change, both for myself and others. I am excited about what this year will bring. I embrace with loving arms what lies ahead.

Blogger Love

For those of you who are also on the path to improve your well-being, here are a few treasures that will help you on your journey. As the first installment in what will be an ongoing series, I want to share with you some of my favorite websites in the areas of natural hair, nutrition, and wholistic health. Happy Reading!

Become a Healthier You

The mission of Evelyn Parham’s dynamic blog is to “inform, inspire, motivate and educate” people on topics including healthy living. On her site, Evelyn very candidly shares her own personal journey, which makes it very easy for readers to connect with her. A great resource to those starting on a healthy lifestyle (or those of us who need encouragement along the way!) is Evelyn’s 10 Important Keys to Become a Healthier You.

Hair Like Mine

Created by one of the founders of the natural hair blog Leave In the Kinks, this photo site “highlights the beauty of tightly coiled hair.” I absolutely love the fact that Hair Like Mine showcases images of beauty that we do not always see in mainstream media. The pictures of the ladies on this site are absolutely…stunning, but you don’t have to take my word for it. Check it out!

Choosing Raw

I cannot remember how I came across this food and nutrition site, but I am so glad that I did! The creator, Gena, is a Certified Clinical Nutritionist, with a focus on plant-based dishes. Her meals are mouthwatering (check out the tantalizing pictures), and the recipes are surprisingly easy! Want to see for yourself? Try her recipe for Vanilla Almond Milk. You will not believe how amazingly simple it is.

What changes do you have planned for the year ahead?

Upcoming Event: Holiday Living Foods Feast

misslycia — Sun, 28 Nov 2010 21:58:00 +0000

Hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving and you all are enjoying the start of the holiday season! To continue the spirit of celebration and good eating, I am hosting a “Holiday Living Foods Feast” on December 9th. (What are “live foods” you ask? I’ll share a post on that topic this week. )

If you’re in the Memphis area, please come by and bring a friend. Hope to see you there!

Holiday Living Foods Feast

Thursday, December 9th, 7:00 p.m.

Whole Foods Market

5022 Poplar Ave., Memphis, TN

Come sample tasty live food dishes, including entrees, salads, and desserts! Learn healthy tips for entertaining during the holidays and enter to win a special gift.

Please bring a dish to share or $5.00. Spread the word and bring a friend!

For more information or any questions, please contact misslycia@alldaynatural.com.

Upcoming Event: Natural Hair “Mingle & Swap”

misslycia — Sun, 17 Oct 2010 16:14:21 +0000

As I was going through my things recently, I discovered just how many products I have collected for my natural hair. My closet has been overtaken by conditioners, lotions, butters, oils. I just love trying new products, but I don’t always finish them because I also like to make my own or the needs of my hair change. Instead of more storage space, I decided to organize a gathering, where all of us “recovering product junkies” can meet to trade our new or “gently used” products…and just have fun!

Although I would love to see all of you there, this event is for my Memphis Naturals. For those who live elsewhere, I encourage you to check out natural hair meetups or organize a product swap in your own city. It is a great way to meet other naturals and conserve resources, as well as your pocketbook.

Natural Hair “Mingle & Swap”

Friday, November 5th, 6:00 p.m.

Caritas Village, 2509 Harvard Ave
Memphis, TN 38112

Bring your new or “gently used” hair products to trade. We invite you to come share your natural hair tips or advice with others. There will also be giveaways to some lucky naturals!

Bring a friend, and come to swap, mingle and eat (Caritas Village has an awesome cafe!).

Any questions or need additional information? Contact me at misslycia@alldaynatural.com.

Hope to see you there!

A Taste of the Rainbow

misslycia — Wed, 06 Oct 2010 00:56:34 +0000

Sometimes it’s important to work for that pot of gold. But other times it’s essential to take time off and to make sure that your most important decision in the day simply consists of choosing which color to slide down on the rainbow.

~Douglas Pagels, These Are the Gifts I’d Like to Give to You

Hello dear friends!

It has been a looong time, and I have missed you so. Please forgive the lack of updates to the blog. I took a hiatus to recharge, emotionally, spiritually, and physically. I think it is important not only for your physical health, but for your mental well-being to take some time for introspection…and just to enjoy life!

I am fully refreshed and have SO much to share! You’ll see lots of interesting features in the next few months here. In the Healthy Travels series, we’ll explore the sights, sounds and tastes (mmmm!) of Panama, where I spent some time this summer. I have some reviews and pictures from my stateside travels too! For my chefs-to-be, I have been experimenting in the kitchen lately again, so look forward to some “exotic” recipes and some twists on traditional favorites. Lastly, but most importantly, stay tuned for inspiring features on some dynamic people who exemplify natural living.

I am excited about presenting these stories, but I also can’t wait to hear about the natural journeys that you all have taken too!

Welcome back, readers!

P.S. I promise not to leave you so long next time.

North Carolina Natural Hair Expo: Natural Extravaganza!

misslycia — Sat, 26 Jun 2010 19:30:18 +0000

Last week, I had the pleasure of attending the North Carolina Natural Hair Expo. Held in Raleigh, this was North Carolina’s First Natural Hair Expo, and hopefully one of many successful ones in the future. The brainchild of Malaika Cooper and Martone Evans, these ladies produced an extraordinary event, replete with workshops, vendors and an outstanding fashion show. (I will have features on these dynamic ladies soon on the site!)

When I walked into the Convention Center, I remarked to my friend that I had never been in the company of so many beautiful natural-haired people in one place. Breathtaking! I couldn’t wait to share some pics and stories of the mesmerizing people I encountered….

Tomoka’s Twists

This pretty lady makes hair accessories and jewelry. I recognized Mimi from her previous features on a myriad of natural hair blogs. What a joy to meet this talented woman! She brought so many dazzling creations to the Expo, making it a daunting task to decide which one to choose. (I finally choose the DNatural hair twist made from dark wood beads.) I love it!

Check out Tomoka’s Twists website here.

Pretty Natural Divas

I am a huge fan of these natural beauties’ website…and their awesome shirt collection! With such proclamations as, “Natural Beauty and Brains” and “Go Natural. Go You.”, these ladies represent the natural landscape with unabashed pride. (I am in the middle–the real divas are to my left and right–the ones with the dynamic tees!)

You can read more about them and peruse their shop here.

Koils by Nature

I am always excited about sampling natural products (and supporting small businesses), so I was thrilled to meet Pamela, Owner and Co-Creator of Koils By Nature, an all natural hair and skin care company. Pamela shared her philosophy for her product line, to create products with pure ingredients that were affordable. Natural hair care products that don’t break the bank? Yes, I’m an instant fan! Although all of the Koils By Nature products looked (and smelled!) enticing, I decided to try the Herbal Soothing Lavender & Eucalyptus Gel. (I will post a review for you all soon.)

You can see other offerings from Koils By Nature here.

Nyenzo Bath & Body

If you’re in the Triangle area, be sure to check out Dionne of Nyenzo Bath & Body Boutique. I enjoyed talking with Dionne, who was full of energy and a vast knowledge of natural products. I purchased some unrefined shea butter from Nyenzo, imported from Ghana. You can see her collection of soaps, lotions, and other goodies at her online store here.

All in all, I had a blast at the show. Thanks to Malaika and Martone for their extraordinary efforts. Can’t wait for the next show at a city near you!

Did you make it to the North Carolina Natural Hair Expo? What natural hair shows do you have in your area?

All Day Natural Featured on Savvy Brown Blog!

misslycia — Tue, 08 Jun 2010 13:52:45 +0000

Recently, I had the pleasure of featuring Ms. Savvy Brown on All Day Natural, where she shared her jewels on “living green” on a budget. Now, I am thrilled to be a guest blogger on Savvy’s site, sharing my views on healthy eating and alternative medicine. You can check out the interview here. Be sure to show Ms. Savvy some All Day Natural love!

If you are coming here from Savvy’s site, welcome! I look forward to getting to know you and hearing your stories on living a healthy, natural lifestyle.