Curl Prep's Mommy & Me Mixer

Hey Kinkies!  So, I was totally excited when I heard of the Mommy & Me Mixer that was going to be here in NJ.  I'm constantly thinking of ways to spend quality time with my daughter and do extraordinary things.  I'm also continually teaching her about natural hair care.  I just knew that the March 2012 Mommy & Me Mixer would be perfect for us... especially when it was decided that she would be a model for the event!

During the event, the beautiful owner of Curl Prep, Candace Kelley, gave ideas for Mommies and their natural princesses to do together (some of which I already so) and also did a demonstration of using her Sweet Buttah, which I previously reviewed.  Janae and I had an awesome time and I was more than happy to also help in the Q & A session that occurred.  It was a awesome event and I can't wait for the next one.

Here's a few pictures of my princess as well as the beautiful Candace Kelley!  

 Now my princess is getting a braid demonstration from the owner of the shop...

 

 Natural beauties...

This young lady made the cute bow that's in Janae's hair.

 

My real-life Niknam... in NJ...

 

 Suzanne (Douglas) and Candace... both are so beautiful.... and have amazing spirits!

 Suzanne and I...

We truly enjoyed ourselves at the Mommy & Me Mixer.  I had the chance to finally meet Candace in person.  I was really excited about meeting her after having the opportunity to read her book as well as do a review of one of her Curl Prep products (Kinky's review of Sweet Buttah).  I'm totally looking forward to seeing her again this summer!  Stay tuned for more photos!

Feel free to also check me out on Facebook, Kinky Kinetik and on Twitter, Tweet Kinky.

~Keep it Kinky~

Wordless Wednesday: She Makes My Heart Smile!

Feel free to also check me out on Facebook, Kinky Kinetik and on Twitter, Tweet Kinky.

~Keep it Kinky~

Because I Tried It - Birthday Chronicle

Hey Kinkies.  So, I was given the opportunity to review a few products outside of the normal products that I review.  I must say, this item that I am reviewing is something totally cute.

A Birthday Chronicle is a personalized mini-newspaper front page that is sized 8.5 x 11."  It is a great gift to give someone for their birthday or to have made once you, or someone you know, has a baby.  The Birthday Chronicle includes the person's name, date of birth and other newspaper headlines/stories from the year of your birth.

What's your first impression of the Birthday Chronicle Kinky?  Although one may easily look up events that occurred the year they were born, having a personalized keepsake is definitely a nice touch.  I thought this was a cute gift as it can be printed on any paper you want (as it is emailed to you) and you have the option to frame it or add it to a photo album/scrapbook.  I intend on adding the one that I had made for my daughter to her already big collection of cards, first foot prints, school work, etc.  It's just another item she can use to reflect on her childhood and her life as she grew up.

Of note, the Birthday Chronicle that you order will not come with markings (blacked-out squares) as above.  However, for confidentiality, I blocked out my daughter's last name as well as part of her birth date.  I'm sure you all can understand!  

Where to buy: Because I Tried It

Feel free to also check me out on Facebook, Kinky Kinetik and on Twitter, Tweet Kinky.

~Keep it Kinky~

Disclaimer: I was sent this product for the purpose of a review and I was NOT paid to do this review. The above review/opinions expressed was based on MY experience using the product. Kinky Kinetik is not affiliated with Because I Tried It and is thereby not responsible for your experience with the product.

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Hey Kinkies, It's My Kinky Knowledge Giveaway!!!

Hey Kinkies.   As you know, I recently read and reviewed  "If You Love It, It Will Grow!" If you missed it, you can check out my review here -->   Kinky's Review of "If You Love It, It Will Grow!"  

You've probably seen Dr. Phoenyx Austin (and her hair) mentioned on a few other popular natural hair blogs. Well, she just recently released a book titled "If You Love It, It Will Grow!" A Guide To Growing Long Afro-Textured Hair.  Many women are raving about the book - calling it a "fun, down to earth, and very informative read" for women who are looking for a straightforward and educational guide on growing healthy, stronger and longer afro-textured hair.  Dr. Phoenyx’s book is available on DrPhoenyx.com, Amazon, and Barnes and Noble. So grab your copy and tell your friends!  

Oh and I have one more announcement... 

Dr. Phoenyx has also gifted one free Kindle copy for a very lucky Kinky!  Want your chance at winning?!?  Okay, so here's the details:

The giveaway will start at 1030pm on 3/26/12 and end at 1029pm on  4/1/12.  To enter, just send all of your friends to Kinky's Facebook and/or Twitter page.  They MUST like the FB page and/or follow Kinky on Twitter and they MUST tell me who sent them.  The Kinky with the most people to follow/like Kinky will win the book!  (I do keep track).  This giveaway is for both my Twitter and Facebook followers.  You do NOT have to have both Facebook and Twitter to enter to win; however, if you do, it increases your chances of winning if you have your friends follow on Facebook and Twitter!  My links are below... 

Of note, you do not have to have a Kindle to be able to view this book.  You can download the app on your Android phone or iPhone/iPod Touch/iPad as I did.

Good luck Kinkies - and remember to leave an Amazon review of Dr. Phoenyx's book if you purchase or win a copy.  She loves getting feedback from readers!

Feel free to also check me out on Facebook, Kinky Kinetik and on Twitter, Tweet Kinky. 

~Keep it Kinky~

Product Review - Pooka Pure & Simple

Hey Kinkies.  I'm back with another review.  (The kinky crowd goes wild).  This time I'm reviewing two products from Pooka Pure & Simple, which is located here in NJ!  Given that she's in my hometown, this made me even more excited to review this product (not to mention the recent feature in Black Enterprise magazine!!)

What's In Pooka Pure & Simple's Products?

Nectar Hair Oil & Treatment: Avocado oil, olive oil, rosemary oil, lemon oil, lavender oil, peppermint oil,  fragrance, lavender buds, rosemary leaf, and lemon peel.

Shea 'n' Olive Hair Butter: Shea butter, olive oil, beeswax, rosemary oil, lavender oil, and fragrance.

What's your first impression of Pooka Pure & Simple Kinky?  Before I get into my thoughts, I want to comment on one thing that I don't usually comment on in most of my reviews - that is the packaging.  The inside of the package was filled with shredded paper and potpourri.  It also smelled soooo good and looked totally cute!  I wanted to comment on this as you can tell that effort was put into the packaging.

As for my thoughts, I love the Nectar for me and my daughter's scalp massages.  It was an excellent feeling of the oils penetrating my scalp!  As you will see in the picture below, the nectar was truly infused with lavender buds, rosemary leaf, and lemon peel.  The smell is also great.  

As for the Hair Butter, I liked it more on my daughter's hair (and her dad's) than I did on mine.  Don't get me wrong, it did aid in styling my hair; however, my hair was a little frizzy.  I'm not sure if that was on my part or not as I did detangle and try to comb through my hair with conditioner on it.  I do have some of the butter left and may retry using it as I'm not sure it was at the fault of the Hair Butter.  The 'beau' took the Hair Butter for himself to use (he has a low cut with waves) so I'm not sure I will get it back to re-review.  Yup, he just went on and claimed it and replaced it for another product that he was using.

Anyways, here are our pictures... Me and my daughter's hair was shampooed with an Ayurvedic shampoo bar that I have not reviewed.  I used the products on my daughter's air-dried hair, while it was used on my wet hair.  For my daughter's hair, I spritzed her hair with water and then applied the Hair Butter.  On my hair, I did the same for the parts that were dryer than I wanted them to be.  As for the Nectar, it was applied to directly to our scalps and used for the scalp massage prior to styling.  On a daily basis, I would spritz our hair and use the Hair Butter to seal in moisture.

 Front and back views...

As you can see, it worked really well on my daughter's hair.  On my hair, I did a few jumbo twists as I wanted to rock a big twist out.  Here's a few of my pictures...

 

I did not like the twist-out much (frizzy) so I pulled my hair into a puff...

Here's a bonus pic of the beau's waves while using the Hair Butter... the Hair Butter did NOT cause or enhance his waves.  They did; however, nourish them... I say this as I do not want someone to use this product and expect to have waves like his... sorry, won't happen!

Well that's my take on it.  I'm more excited about reusing the Nectar than the Hair Butter.  Again, if I can get my hands on it again, I will post an addendum to this post... the key word is 'if.'  There are a few other products that I am interested in trying from their skincare line.  If I do have an opportunity to do so, I will definitely keep you all posted.

Where to buy: Pooka Pure & Simple

Feel free to also check me out on Facebook, Kinky Kinetik and on Twitter, Tweet Kinky.

 ~Keep it Kinky~ 

Disclaimer: I was sent this product for the purpose of a review and I was NOT paid to do this review. The above review/opinions expressed was based on MY experience using the product. Kinky Kinetik is not affiliated with Pooka Pure & Simple and is thereby not responsible for your experience with the product.

Hey Kinkies, It's An "I Love My Sister" Giveaway!!!

Two things:  One, my sister's birthday is this week and two... I'm hosting a giveway for Sister's Keeper!!  In the last few days, I posted reviews of two products from Sister's Keeper - So Chic Styling Butter and Hair & Body Souffle.  If you missed them, read here --> So Chic Styling Butter and Hair & Body Souffle.  Both of these products are great and here's your chance to win one!!

This contest will run from 3/19/12 - 3/25/12.  A winner will be randomly selected and has 24 hours to respond.  In order to be eligible, you MUST like Kinky Kinetik on Facebook, follow Kinky's blog (via the follow option at the top of the page or GFC on the right side of the page) and like Sister's Keeper on Facebook.  Optional entries are also available.  The entry information is below.

Product Review - Sister's Keeper (So Chic Styling Butter)

Ok Kinkies.  So you may have already seen my review on Sister's Keeper's Hair & Body Souffle.  If you missed it, you can read it here --> Kinky's Product Review of Sister's Keeper Hair & Body Souffle.  In that review, I did mention that I would also be reviewing their So Chic Styling Butter.  So, without further ado...

What's In Sister's Keeper's So Chic Styling Butter?

Brazilian nut butter, shea butter, coconut oil, vegetable glycerin, castor oil, quinoa oil and fragrance oil as an option.

What's your first impression of  So Chic Styling Butter Kinky? I think that it did great on our twists.  I had tried it on my daughter's hair a few weeks back, as I was teaching myself to flat two-strand twist, and I was pleased with the results.  As for me and my hair, I recently used it and again was pleased.  The styling butter was applied to our wet hair, which was shampooed using a shampoo bar that was previously reviewed.

So chic styling butter is smooth, it is not as thick as some pomades and other butters that I have used.  Also,  it isn't whipped.  The best way for me to describe is by comparing it to actual butter that has been sitting out at room temperature.  It is a bit soft yet solid, but not a firm solid.  As for the scent, think of cinnamon... it kind of reminds me of the gum 'Big Red.'  As I did not request for scent to be added, I believe that this may be the normal scent of the styling butter.

Here are the pictures of my daughter's hair styled with the So Chic Styling Butter...

Her held up pretty well and lasted for a week.  

As for my hair, I did not like the results, to no fault of the actual product.  I had attempted a twist-out and it resulted in a twist 'ouch.'  Here's a picture of my hair with the twist-out.  Although I did not like how my hair came out, I did want to show how conditioned my hair look after using the styling butter.  It definitely sealed in the moisture!!

I tried to save my hair and do some twists in the front and back with a bun in the middle...  

As you can see, my twists were really defined and set well.  They also had a bit of sheen/shine to them.  

In my opinion, this product works best on wet/damp hair.

Here are the twists on the back of my hair... I started to separate them for a bit of fullness.

All in all, the So Chic Styling Butter wasn't a disappointment.  If you want to use it to lay your edges down, I would recommend that you dampen your hair, put on the styling butter, and then use your satin and/or silk scarf to tie it down either overnight or while you get dressed.  Using this product on dry hair won't really be effective.

The thing that I like best about Sister's Keeper products is that they are not made from just the normal shea butter, jojoba oil, castor oil, glycerin, etc., they have a few other 'exotic' butters and great oils that aren't found in some of the other products that I have seen and/or reviewed.  I even found myself using the access styling butter left on my hands as a skin butter, rubbing it into my arms and hands, despite it being made for hair.

Given the results as above, I'm even more interested in using the remaining Hair & Body Souffle on my hair... I'm sure it would work great.

Where to buy: Sister's Keeper

Feel free to also check me out on Facebook, Kinky Kinetik and on Twitter, Tweet Kinky.

 ~Keep it Kinky~ 

Disclaimer: I was sent this product for the purpose of a review and I was NOT paid to do this review. The above review/opinions expressed was based on MY experience using the product. Kinky Kinetik is not affiliated with Sister's Keeper and is thereby not responsible for your experience with the product.

Product Review - Love, Jasmine (Hair Mist)

So Kinkies, my type 4 hair needs moisture DAILY... sometimes I may even need to moisturize twice a day.  A lot of other naturals make their on spritzers with glycerin, essential oils, Ayurvedic powders and/or leave-in conditioners.  For the most part, I use water; however, I would prefer something with a bit of added benefit to moisturize my hair.  This brings me to the Hair Mist from Love, Jasmine...

So, you know that I have previously reviewed a shampoo bar from Love, Jasmine.  If you missed it, you can read it here --> Kinky's Product Review of Love, Jasmine's Shampoo Bar.  Now, I'm doing a review on a new product that she will be debuting soon... :-)

What's In Love, Jasmine's Hair Mist?

Distilled water, NataPres, vegetable glycerin, jojoba oil, aloe vera oil, olive oil, almond oil, grapeseed oil, and argan oil, aloe vera butter, citric acid, coconut water, vitamin E, witch hazel, jasminum officinale, fragrance, and potassium sorbate.

What's your first impression of Hair Mist Kinky?  While water is good, this is great for me due to the 'extra ingredients'  I love the fact that there's oils and other ingredients, such as glycerin, that are known to do good by our natural hair.  This Hair Mist is great for when you want to be lazy, like I am at times, or you don't have the time or energy to seal in your moisture and go through your entire daily hair regimen.

I used the Hair Mist to revive my hair when I did a twist-out.  In the mornings, and a lot of times at night, I would spritz this on me and my daughter's hair for our daily dose of moisture.  It didn't make our hair sticky and it definitely moistened our hair and scalp.  The smell is ok, it reminds me of a flowery scent.

I normally like to have a few pictures showing my hair 'done up' with the product that I am reviewing; however, given that this is not a product used to style hair and it shows clear on hair/won't really show in pictures, I opted to only put the picture above of my hair after misting... While the picture doesn't show much,  I figured someone would want to see it.

So I think that the product is good for those that want a bit more added benefits to their daily moisture spritz, beyond just using water.  It's the perfect alternative for those that can't, don't and won't make a spritzer, yet want 'something' more than just water.

Where to buy: Love, Jasmine

Feel free to also check me out on Facebook, Kinky Kinetik and on Twitter, Tweet Kinky.

 ~Keep it Kinky~ 

Disclaimer: I was sent this product for the purpose of a review and I was NOT paid to do this review. The above review/opinions expressed was based on MY experience using the product. Kinky Kinetik is not affiliated with Love, Jasmine and is thereby not responsible for your experience with the product.

Product Review - Sister's Keeper (Hair & Body Souffle)

Bump being your brother's keeper... I'm my sister's keeper!!  Who's going to help guide her sister's (Kinkies) in a direction of awesome, natural products?  ME!!  Hence being my sister's keeper...    :-)

Anyways Kinkies, I had the opportunity to review two products from Sister's Keeper.  This review will focus on only one of their products (Hair & Body Souffle).  My review of their So Chic Styling Butter will be posted soon.


What's In Sister's Keeper Hair & Body Souffle?

Mango butter, avocado butter, chamomile butter, essential oil blend, vegetable glycerin and fragrance oil as an option.

What's your first impression of Hair & Body Souffle Kinky?  First off, I do NOT like the fact that I could not eat this souffle!!  I chose the chocolate cream pie scent and my oh my was it heavenly!!  The souffle is whipped (I've falling in love with whipped butters) and smells just like chocolate.  While the souffle can be used on dry skin, I used it mostly on damp skin, after showering.  I think that you can achieve better results that way as it is used to lock in moisture.  The butter literally melts in your hands and glides on smoothly.

Other than the fact that I could not eat the product, and could only sneak whiffs of it here and there, I think that this is an awesome body product that the entire family would love.  My daughter loved going to school everyday feeling smooth and spelling like chocolate.  Of course, I felt the same when I used the souffle.

As for the couples, if you are looking to indulge in a couple's massage, I would HIGHLY recommend this to not only set the mood but also soothe your body and senses.  ;-)  It is very aromatic but not over the top.

The picture below is of my arms.  Both arms are dry, the one on the right has the souffle applied.  

As you can see, there's some, but not too much, shine.

I haven't had the opportunity to use the remaining souffle on my hair (again, it is for hair and body) as I can't stop using it for our bodies!  So not only are you ensuring that you're not 'ashy' and making sure you're sealing the moisture into your skin, you're getting some great benefits from both the oils and butters that were used to make this souffle.  Overall, I'm pleased with it.

I can't yet guarantee that I will post a review of it on my hair as I can't keep it off of my body... especially when I follow it up after using their black soap!

Where to buy: Sister's Keeper

Feel free to also check me out on Facebook, Kinky Kinetik and on Twitter, Tweet Kinky.

 ~Keep it Kinky~ 

Disclaimer: I was sent this product for the purpose of a review and I was NOT paid to do this review. The above review/opinions expressed was based on MY experience using the product. Kinky Kinetik is not affiliated with Sister's Keeper and is thereby not responsible for your experience with the product.

Kinky's Konnektion With Haus of Swag

Haus of Swag 

Owner: Toni Grant of Brooklyn, NY

Product(s) sold: Tees, tanks, accessories and greeting cards


Toni, how long have you designed and sold clothing and accessories?  My background is fashion, from styling to merchandise management. My first ever real fashion styling job was with hip hop producer, Timbaland in 1998 - a dream job to say the least.  A lot of what I learned started from my being a student at FIT in NYC.  I was a jack of all trades, I side-hustled and fashion styled on the weekends doing small gigs for commercials, videos and prop-styling.  An opportunity to do a small film for HBO presented itself and I quit my day job to focus solely on my passion for fashion.  I'm a native Texan and when my mother took ill, I relocated back to Houston to help care for her in 2003.  I lost her in 2005.  She wouldn't have wanted me to sit around and feel sorry myself so I started an online boutique, and we are now in our 7th year phase and still going strong by the grace of God. I'm what you call a serial entrepreneur, but the focus is always fashion.  Haus of Swag was born from a literal dream in 2010 and here we are - repping for the sisters steady grindin' - keeping it street but sweet! 

In thinking back, before getting started in your career, what made want to design your own clothing line?  I can remember as far back as child I was always deconstructing my doll clothes or creating my own designs for paper dolls because I hated what was being produced.  In grade school, I was the 'Punky Brewster' type with mix matched socks, big tops and patent leather 'boy' shoes.  I took a box that a pair of Esprit shoes came in and made it a purse. I just never wanted to look like the other girls and I was comfortable enough with myself to not care about being laughed at or ridiculed; and the only box I fit into was the one that looked a little distorted and weird.

I wouldn't necessarily call myself a designer, more-so a remixer (maybe I'm running from the title), but my passion has always been in some form of fashion, the art of it - the aesthetics.  Hey, I took design at FIT and was promptly kicked out of the program so I certainly wouldn't disrespect any designer for their hard efforts. Since starting off as a fashion stylist first, specifically when the title or career name was unknown in the early 90's, I knew I had a flair for what was dope and I didn't care if I was dressing a mannequin, it was what I wanted to do.

Haus of Swag just felt so good.  I started to sketch bad black chicks with big hair in super fresh gowns, sexy designer shoes and so on.  Every sister can't afford high-end designer clothes, some can't even afford to look nice because of whatever circumstances and so I had those sisters in mind when the t-shirts came into play.  I figured they could have the best of both worlds in a fashion tee; they could see themselves represented - and all of the clothes they dream of having in their closets would be worn by the 'dope girls' on our t-shirts.  It just made sense. You never see these tees with US on them in mass market places such as, Target, Kohl's, Macy's or high-end places like Neiman Marcus or Sak's Fifth Avenue.  We need this so bad, we want to feel good and look fly, our t-shirts represent that void.

Haus of Swag is not my first go at design. I started a clothing line called Junk-N-Da-Trunk back in 2003 (insert all jokes here - LOL) but I lost the trademark.  I poured everything I had into it, finances and all - I was devastated.  Had that not happened, I don't think I'd be here trying again, and again if I have to - I simply love what I do.

Please name all of the items you currently sale.  Haus of Swag currently retails fashionable tees and novelty goods, namely custom hand crafted leather and wood earrings or what we like to call 'ear candy.'  In addition to these items, we also carry fashion greeting cards by Sweet Design Studio located in London.

Do you create any of your items?  If so, what is your inspiration?  I am the head designer for Haus of Swag and I create each and every design.  I get inspiration from so many things from runways to street fairs - but most designs are in my head and when I dream, oddly enough - they come alive. I can't take all the credit though, I have a team of people behind me who help me do what I do.  A strong loving husband who puts up with me and allows me to wake in the middle of the night to sketch and a super dope graphics partner who gets those crazy sketches and turns them into the lovely pieces of artwork that you see on our tees.  Our marketing partner's who are really my unpaid sisters are my go-to girl's. While I might be the creative force, I am nothing without the love of these human beings.  I know it's sappy, but a major part of my reality and I'm thankful to them and for them.

My inspiration comes from the sisters who made it possible for me to be here - I'm inspired by their tenacity, pride and love of self. My Mom, Billie Holiday, Angela Davis, Diana Ross, Betty Shabazz, Nina Simone, Lena Horn and so many other new school queens like Erykah Badu, Lauryn Hill and Esperanza Spalding. Oh my god, I am a Chaka Khan groupie, if every tee could look like her - my goodness.

The designer in me is inspired by big hair, street fashion mixed with couture flair and funky colors.

Fashion designer Patrick Kelly once said, "I don't design clothes for the Queen, but for the people who wave at her as she goes by"  - I couldn't have said it better myself.

What's your favorite piece to design and why?  Gosh, I wish I had a favorite piece but I don't.

What is it that you want women to feel as they are wearing your pieces?  Our goal is straightforward, we wanted to depict women of color in a celebratory, non-mainstream sort of way.  We want women who rock our tees and accessories to feel confident, fashionable and empowered.  Sisters should celebrate their power, not suppress it - even in something as expressive as a t-shirt.  A lot of times we design what we know sisters are wanting to say but somehow can't always express.  It's in those oooh's and ahhh's, winks and high-fives that we get whenever we encounter our fabulous customers.  It's extremely motivating and it gives us a sense of clarity that we are creating a 'feel good' product. 

Since you make your own accessories and clothing line, do you buy from other lines that also make clothing and accessories?  Yes, we obviously buy our tees from high quality fashion t-shirt suppliers.  And, we have an amazing assortment of which we buy our custom accessories of which we are proud to say are all black women in business. We STRONGLY believe in supporting other entrepreneurial sisters, in a lot of ways it is the key to our survival. Our leather custom pieces are mainly from: Ancestor Vintage, KarmaSoul International and Xpozher Accessories - and all of these sisters are in Houston and can be found on Facebook or their respective 'etsy' pages. Our hand painted wood earrings are custom and designed specifically for Haus of Swag by way of BOABW (Beauty of All Black Women) House who is also on Facebook as well as the 'etsy' marketplace. 

Regarding what you wear on a day to day basis, do you wear other clothing lines that sell similar items to that of which you sell?  I wear 'cool'.  If I think it's cool, I'm going to rock it out.  I certainly am an emotional dresser, I dress the way that I feel.  God forbid someone would bump into me on those days when I 'ain't' feeling it, because they'd be like, 'I've been hoodwinked, THIS is what has a boutique or designing t-shirts - HA!"  Honey, it would be like the scene from The Wiz when they discovered Richard Pryor behind those curtains. It's like a beautician without her hair did.  I have my days, and yep, I'm such a tomboy - denims and stiletto's.  And certainly yes, I wear other lines that sell similar items, I am a t-shirt collector and I love tees! I'm guilty of spending too much money on designer tees from Alexander McQueen, but I'll also rock a tee from Dirtee Hollywood or Minoritees. There is room for everybody in any arena to do what they find attractive to them. When I travel, I like to find funky tees in those little hidden coves of boutiques and vintage finds. I also love concert and artist tees!  I've always been a t-shirt and jeans kind of girl which is why the frame of what I'm doing is in my lane, but I still feel lucky to be doing it and take nothing for granted.

Do you have plans to branch out and make/sell more items than what you already sell?  Of course. We are getting so much love and are humbled that we have received requests as far away as South Africa with regard to wholesale inquiries.  We will be spreading the love soon to other domestic boutiques and thus branching out internationally.

Where can people purchase your items?  Haus of Swag; they can also become a fan of ours on Facebook at Haus of Swag

Hey Kinkies, check out some pictures below of the items sold at Haus of Swag, which by the way stands for Sisters With A Grind!  Like Toni, I LOVE tees and will rock them with jeans and flip slops or some heels.

Haus of Swag definitely puts effort into their packaging.  From the totally cute red bag it was delivered in, to the wrapping with cute ribbon made into bows.

Here I am rocking one of their haute shirts!  I'm feeling supa natural!! 

And of course... I love hip hop (hand painted earrings)!

Lastly, here's a few more items from the Haus of Swag that I absolutely love!!

Feel free to also check me out on Facebook, Kinky Kinetik and on Twitter, Tweet Kinky.

 ~Keep it Kinky~

Product Review - Ouidad (Double Detangler)

Hey kinkies!  So, we all know that we have to do some form of detangling of our hair.  Whether it be a finger detangle session, or one where we are using a wide tooth comb.  I do the bulk of my detangling on shampoo day, while in the shower, and with product applied.  This is the only time that I really use a comb in my hair.

Given that I normally shampoo, detangle and style me and my daughter's hair on the same day, I like to use a detangling tool that will detangle as much hair as possible, in the least amount of time as possible.  That brings me to the Ouidad Double Detangler.

I have been given the opportunity to review the Ouidad Double Detangler.  In the pictures below, you will see a shower comb (pink), a detangling comb (black, yellow and red), and the Ouidad Double Detangler.  Normally I would use the shower comb and/or the detangler comb.  

What's your first impression of Ouidad Double Detangler Kinky?  I really like it!  You can see how big, and wide, it is as compared to the other two combs pictured.  The teeth of the comb are longer than the  other two combs that I normally use.  It definitely allowed me to detangle more hair at one time, than I normally would be able to.  Also, given the double comb feature, it did cut my detangling time down.  Even when I had to do my daughter's hair, it was really easy. 

Given how the Double Detangler detangled my hair, I'm interested in seeing how it would do my hair in preparation for a wash and go.  Based on other reviews that I have seen, as well as the information noted on the Ouidad website, it is supposed to define curls and eliminate frizz.  I can definitely see it working great to define the curls.  I will definitely continue to use this in place of the combs that are also pictured above... in fact, as of the posting of this review, I used it twice on both me and my daughter's hair.

I would still suggest that you also use a good detangler/conditioner and detangle your hair from ends to roots.

Where to buy: Ouidad Double-Detangler

Feel free to also check me out on Facebook, Kinky Kinetik and on Twitter, Tweet Kinky.

 ~Keep it Kinky~ 

Disclaimer: I was sent this product for the purpose of a review and I was NOT paid to do this review. The above review/opinions expressed was based on MY experience using the product. Kinky Kinetik is not affiliated with Ouidad and is thereby not responsible for your experience with the product.

Hey Kinkies, It's A St. Patty's Day Giveaway!!!

Some try to find shamrocks, 

And others may go to the pub.

I'm giving one lucky Kinky,

A mint sugar and salt scrub!

St. Patrick's Day is coming up and I am happy to announce that one lucky Kinky will be given the scrub pictured below.  

Now, if you follow my blog and me on Facebook, you would have seen the product review I did on Fempowerment Tees' scrub.  If you missed it, read here --> Kinky's Product Review of Fempowerment Tees.  I love body scrubs and I'm sure my Kinkies do too.  Want your chance to win one?  

This contest will run from 3/11/12 - 3/17/12.  A winner will be randomly selected and has 24 hours to respond.  In order to be eligible, you MUST like Kinky Kinetik on Facebook, follow Kinky's blog (via the follow option at the top of the page or GFC on the right side of the page) and like Fempowerment Tees on Facebook.  Optional entries are to also follow Kinky on Twitter and tweet the giveaway.  The entry information is below.

Interview With Ashlea, It's Brave That She's Shaved!

So, I love interacting with Kinkies.  Whether they are loc'd, rocking a TWA or just started on their natural journey.  Next up is Ashlea, she rocks a low cut only and I couldn't wait to talk to her about it.  Let's get started...

For those that don't know you, please introduce yourself and tell us how long you have been natural.  Hello.  My name is Ashlea Perkins and I've been natural for exactly one year.

Who, if anyone, influenced you to go/stay natural?  It's something that I've always wanted to do, but was too afraid...  After seeing how cute Chrisette  Michelle looked with her natural hair, I knew I had to do it.

If you were not previously natural, did you transition to natural or did you do a big chop? Yes, I did the Big Chop.

So you love to wear your hair shaved, why?  Why not allow your hair to grow longer?  It's super sexy and it exudes confidence and dealing with long, natural hair can be a task and I'm not ready for that.  Well, I can understand that Ashlea.  It definitely is work!  I love your color by the way... it fits you nicely.

So, have you gotten any negative feedback as a result of wearing your hair shaved off?  My mom hated it in the beginning (LoL) but other than that, no.

What's your regimen?  Don't have one...

In thinking of a celebrity, who is your hair inspiration idol?  Like I said before, Chrisette Michelle gave me that extra push.

Although you love to rock your fade, would you ever consider growing your hair out? Mmmmmm no!

What's your favorite accessory that you feel compliments your low cut fade?  I'm addicted to bold earrings, they're my signature!  :)

Thank you very much Ashlea.  It was great getting to know you.  I secretly want a low cut; however, not sure how I would like it so for now, it's still a contemplation.  As for Chrisette Michelle, her cut definitely encouraged me to think about it too.  Unlike you, I'm still living with a short cut in my fantasy world whereas you are rocking it... and doing it fiercely!

Below is a picture Ashlea sent me in February 2012.

Feel free to also check me out on Facebook, Kinky Kinetik and on Twitter, Tweet Kinky.

 ~Keep it Kinky~

Product Review - Fempowerment Tees BitterSweet Sugar and Salt Body Scrub

Hey Kinkies.  Not only do I want great hair, I also want smoother (and clean) skin.  I was given the opportunity to review a sea salt and sugar scrub from Fempowerment Tees.

What's In Trina's Sea Salt and Sugar Scrub?

Real lemon juice, coarse sea salt, coarse brown sugar, natural raw honey, vitamin E, essential oils, sesame seed oil and sunflower oil (As per the card sent with the scrub.  The ingredients on the site differ to a degree).

What's your first impression of  Trina's Sea Salt and Sugar Scrub Kinky?  I like the scrub and what it does; however, I don't like the scent.  It is definitely something that I would consider using monthly as a treat for my skin.  Before use; however, I would recommended that you stir the scrub with your (clean) finger or other clean object.

I used the scrub on both me and my daughter during our Mommy and Me spa day at home.  We both felt great afterwards and our skin felt smooth.  The intent of such scrubs are to exfoliate the skin, removing dead skins cells in the process.  I feel that it did just that.  Because of the coarseness of the salt and sugar, it may feel a bit rough when you are applying it but the end results are totally worth it!!

Given it has oils and raw honey, it does smell 'natural.'  With that said, we didn't particularly care for the smell; however, it's not so strong that it would make you not want to use it.  My daughter said it reminded her of the lavender castile soap that we use.  I can see how she compares the scent; however, the soap scent (to me at least) is a bit more pleasing.  As scent is of importance to some, I felt it was appropriate to indicate my thoughts on the scent.  Overall, I think the product works well and the proof is below.

Here's a picture of me ashy, and dry (before shower), and me after using the scrub in the shower...

I definitely will use the remaining scrub I have left as I really like how smooth our skin felt afterwards.  I think that it worked great on the sole and heel of my feet.  The picture above shows me fresh out of the shower, no oil, butter and/or moisturizer applied.

As it does have oils in it, please be careful when you use this as the tub will feel slippery (and possibly dirty).  

Where to buy: Fempowerment Tees

Feel free to also check me out on Facebook, Kinky Kinetik and on Twitter, Tweet Kinky.

 ~Keep it Kinky~ 

Disclaimer: I was sent this product for the purpose of a review and I was NOT paid to do this review. The above review/opinions expressed was based on MY experience using the product. Kinky Kinetik is not affiliated with Fempowerment Tees and is thereby not responsible for your experience with the product.

Product Review - Curls of Joy (DB Sweet Cocoa Bean Curl Smoothing Cream)

Curls of Joy is an online boutique that specializes in products for curly hair.  Darcy's Botanicals Sweet Cocoa Bean Curl Smoothing Cream is a new offering at Curls of Joy and I was fortunate to have been given the opportunity to review this new product.

What's in DB Sweet Cocoa Bean Curl Smoothing Cream ?

Distilled water, cocoa butter, sweet almond oil, BTMS and cetearyl alcohol, caprylic/capric triglyceride, pathenol, phenoxyethanol and capryly glycol, cetyl esters, fragrance, hydroxyethyicellulose and algin.

What's your first impression of DB Sweet Cocoa Bean Curl Smoothing Cream Kinky?  I was surprised that I liked it as I wasn't full expecting to (didn't know if it would be to thick on my hair).  The cream is not too heavy/thick and it is a whitish color.  You can smell a bit of the cocoa butter but it is not overly scented like Palmer's (which I actually love the scent of).  When I used this product on me and my daughter's hair, our hair was wet.  For my daughter, I gave her two ponytails with a zigzag part.  As for me, I did a banding.  I think that this product would work best on wet or moistened hair (water spritzed on it) and then  apply the product.

I was surprised that it did leave my hair soft and manageable.  I caught myself touching my hair in amazement at how soft and moisturized it appeared to be.    I used the Sweet Cocoa Bean Curl Smoothing Cream daily on our hair.  I used it to fix my daughter's ponytails in the morning and nightly to retwist my hair after my original banding style.  As for pictures, first up, my daughter...  of note, I don't have a picture of how my daughter's hair was when I took her two ponytails out but I would like to mention that her hair was soft and defined.

Here is my daughter's wet hair, cream applied.

 Here's my daughter's ponytail holders.  I smoothed her hair with my hands and the product only.

I think that the product worked great on her hair.  She definitely had some shine.

As I mentioned earlier, I banded my hair.  It was about 97% dry when I had to take the bands out as I had to go to work.  I didn't make a big deal about the spacing between each band so you will see that my 'waves' are a bit uneven.  Oh, there was some frizz too (since my hair wasn't fully dried).

Here I am with that 'this banding better work' look...

 It came out okay.  As mentioned above, it wasn't fully dry and had frizz.  

It DID give me some cute waves though.  ;-)

 I had to do something with my hair so I bunned up the back and did a twist in the front.

The back view... peep my waves! 

 Here's my hair after being stretched for three days.  Again, I used water and the  Sweet Cocoa Bean Curl Smoothing Cream nightly and twisted into chunky twists.

 I'm loving big hair.  Here's my 'supa natural' hair on the seventh day.

Overall it was okay, I'm not displeased with the product.  I think it's a good addition to the styling portion of the Darcy's Botanicals line.  I have a few more of her (Darcy's Botanicals) products that I will be reviewing soon.  I'm looking forward to doing the reviews so stay tuned!    

Where to buy: Curls of Joy Use coupon code Kinetik10 for 10% off of your purchase at Curls of Joy.  This code expires on 3/31/12.

Feel free to also check me out on Facebook, Kinky Kinetik and on Twitter, Tweet Kinky.

 ~Keep it Kinky~

Disclaimer: I was sent this product for the purpose of a review and I was NOT paid to do this review. The above review/opinions expressed was based on MY experience using the product. Kinky Kinetik is not affiliated with Curls of Joy and/or Darcy's Botanicals and is thereby not responsible for your experience with the product.