Where I've Been... What I'm Doing.

Aside from the review that I posted the other day, you haven't heard much from me in a little over six months.  Well, let me tell you that LIFE has been happening to me and FINALLY things are turning around!

Why Is Her Hair Longer Than Mine? We Went Natural At The Same Time!!

I don't know how many times I've heard or saw this question.  I would definitely have my MacBook Pro if I was given $5 for every time I heard it!  LoL.  Have you asked this question, whether to yourself or out loud?  What was your answer?

Chatting With Candace Kelley About Life, Acceptance, and Supernatural: The Play

Hey Kinkies!!  

So most of you may recall that I went to an event last summer called Supernatural:The Event.  I had an amazing time there and was able to see Supernatural: The Play at it's debut (and was able to meet Kim Coles - yayness).  Well, the play is coming back to the East Coast and I had the awesome opportunity of chatting with one of the playwrights, Candace Kelley.

So just to tell you all a little about the play, Supernatural: The Play, which now features Kim Coles, is funny and insightful while exploring the lives of seven women who are forced to confront their definition of beauty in an image obsessed world, leading them on a natural hair journey and finding themselves.  Some are describing it as the Vagina Monologues - but about hair.  Since it's debut in 2012, Supernatural: The Play, has resonated with theater-goers through tears and standing ovations for its universal themes of self-acceptance, triumph over tragedy, and redefining BEAUTY!

Tips [And Tricks] For A Kinky Valentine's Day

So Kinkies, Valentine's Day is right around the corner and we all know that not only will the restaurants be PACKED, gifts may be costly, and you may have to attempt to do outdo last year's Valentine's Day experience.  I have some [kinky] ways to spend Valentine's Day with your loved one, whether on a budget or not, that will have your significant other remembering the experience for years to come.

Happy Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. AND 2013 Inauguration Day

Today I posted on my Facebook page: "Happy Dr. Martin Luther King Day and Inauguration Day Kinkies! Isn't it apropos for this year's inauguration day to be on the same day that we observe MLK day? I would say YES!!"

New Year... More To Look Forward To!

The day is a little over halfway over and I've already cried, talked to some people that are very important to me, and reflected on this past year.

Inspired Yet Fired!

I'm sure you have all heard by now BUT in case you haven't... let me fill you in!  The beautiful Rhonda Lee's, no relation, employment was terminated due to her respectful, and what I would consider appropriate, response to pure stupidity.   

My President is STILL BLACK!!

It's 12:41PM EST and at this time, we're still waiting for Mitt Romney to concede. Word is that the arrogant being (and I'm being VERY nice) only wrote an acceptance speech.  Funny thing though, reportedly he and his running mate, Paul Ryan, didn't even win the states from which they came! 

Don't Worry... I'm Coming Back

Aww man Kinkies.  I have missed you all so very much and I'm thankful that you all stuck around for the long haul.  You know the saying, life happens...

Where's Kinky?!?

Ooooooooooooooooooh.  

Emmmmmmmmmmmmm. 

Geeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee. 

Kinkies!

I know y'all are like "where you at?"  You know, in the voice of ANY person in a Boost Mobile commercial.  I must admit, I miss blogging and I am totally behind on things with my blog; however, work and the projects at work, have me working crazy hours, barely having enough time to think, let alone sleep!  I'm not complaining though, I'm very thankful that I have a job!  I just feel as though work is keeping me from the things that are important to me... like you all!

Thanks for your patience though, Kinkies.  I will be back soon with blog posts, product reviews, and maybe even some giveaways!  :-)  I also have to update my blog, before posting more reviews, as I ran out of storage space with all the pictures I have... In due time though...

In the interim, make sure you check out what I have already posted and email me any ideas of posts that you would love for me to blog about!  I will try to check in on Facebook and Twitter as much as I can... don't want you all to forget about me!  ;-)

Stay blessed Kinkies!  Love you bunches!  XOXO

~Keep it Kinky~

Girl Clothing Item's For Sale

Hey Kinkies.  I have a bit of a shopping problem and my daughter is definitely spoiled blessed when it comes to clothing and more.  So much so that she doesn't wear a lot of the things she has!  I'm posting items from her closet that she has never worn and they still have the tags on.  If you are interested in purchasing one or more of the items pictured below, please email me at kinkykinetik@gmail.com with the item(s) you would like.  Items are not considered sold until payment is received and the item is marked as 'sold.'  First come, first fashionable. Prices, size, and brand/store are noted under each item.  Payments MUST be via paypal ONLY.  All orders will be shipped via USPS, unless you are in the Essex County (NJ) area and we can meet up.  Shipping may be discounted, depending on how much is ordered (example, buy all pants, shipping discounted).  No refunds/exchanges!

*****

Old Navy magenta cable knit sweater - size L (10/12) - ticket price $24.94 - my price $30 (including shipping)

Faded Glory racerback tank - size 7/8 - ticket price $5 - my price $8 (including shipping)

Old Navy khaki skinny corduroy (thin) - size 8 - ticket price $24.94 - my price $30 (including shipping)

Old Navy brown skinny corduroy (thin) - size 8 - ticket price $24.94 - my price $30 (including shipping)

Old Navy gray skinny corduroy (thin) - size 8 - ticket price $24.94 - my price $30 (including shipping)

Old Navy purple tee - size 8/M - ticket price $6.50 - my price $9.50 (including shipping)

Old Navy purple tee - size 8/M - ticket price $6.50 - my price $9.50 (including shipping)

Old Navy pastel striped 3/4 cardigan - size 8/M - ticket price $16.50 - my price $20 (including shipping)

Old Navy purple striped 3/4 cardigan - size 8/M - ticket price $16.50 - my price $20 (including shipping)

Mudd purple see through top (needs a tank under it) - size 7/8 - ticket price $30- my price $30 (including shipping)

Kohl's brown shirt with scarf - size S (about size 8) - ticket price $25 - my price $25 (including shipping)

Old Navy coral/yellow polo - size 8 - ticket price $9.50 - my price $13 (including shipping)

Mossimo (Target) - size 7/8 (M) - ticket price $9.99 - my price $13 (including shipping)

Target pink/black tights - size M/L - my price $4.50 (including shipping)

The Children's Place magenta tights- size 6-7 - ticket price $7.50 - my price $9 (including shipping)

Pink tights with hearts - 4-6yrs - ticket price $1.99 - my price $5 (including shipping)

Target sparkle black tights - size M - my price $4.50 (including shipping)

US Polo Ralph Lauren boots (FYI: these are NOT knock offs) - size 3 - ticket price $75 - my price $90 (includes shipping - the box and boots will be heavy and needs to be sent in a big box)

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

~Keep it Kinky~

So, I'm Natural... Do I HAVE To Use 'Natural' Products?

Survey says: It's your hair, it's your choice!

Now, don't get me wrong, I strongly encourage the use of products that are all-natural.  Why?  Because they not only aid in the health of your hair but it also affects the overall health of your body.  Remember, the products that you put on your hair, skin, and scalp ultimately end up in the blood stream.

So, is using natural products the way to go?  In my opinion, YES!  I suggest using products that are, for the most part, natural, limited in the amount of chemical additives and synthetic ingredients.  So Kinky, are you talking about all of the products found at beauty supply stores, online, and big stores like Target and Walmart?!?  No, I'm not talking about those 'natural' products full of synthetic ingredients.  I'm also not talking about those products that are targeted towards us naturals, yet don't have an ounce of a 'natural' ingredient in it (and if it does, it's not in the top five ingredients).  I'm not talking about the over-priced 'natural' products with ingredients that you can barely read, let alone pronounce.  I'm talking about the natural products that come from the earth.  The butters, the herbs, some oils...  Those are what I encourage others to use and what I strive to use for me and my daughter.

With that said, I know that there's some naturals, male and female alike, out there that still swear by the mineral oils, the sulfates, the parabens, the silicones, the TEAs, etc.  And your thoughts Kinky?  Do you (and your research) boo!  As long as you are aware and thoroughly informed of what you're using, how you're using it, and the potential effects, then all I can honestly say is, to each their own.  Certain gels, shampoos, conditioners, and stylers have the aforementioned types of [not so good] ingredients in them.  Are there alternatives to them?  Yes.  Should you try those natural alternatives?  Definitely!  Is it a guarantee that your hair will come out the same way if you start using all-natural ingredients?  Possibly (I refuse to make that guarantee and then y'all blame me saying, "Kinky told me X.Y. and Z...").  So, take a chance!

This is not a ploy to have certain companies shut down as they don't truly make all-natural products.  I'm also not here to publicly bash certain brands.  I just want to say: be warned Kinkies!!  Just because the label says it's natural, or organic, doesn't mean that it is!  Hell, feces are natural, would you go around using it in your hair?  (I truly hope that no one answered yes or even thought about it.).  Now, that may be an extreme example in some eyes, but you get the point right?!?  [insert nodding in agreement here.]  Good!

I know that I touched a bit on what some consider natural (or unnatural) in my blog post called You Ain't Natural.  However, today I just wanted to elaborate on the use of certain ingredients while living your 'natural' lifestyle.   I say do your research and make the decision ON YOUR OWN of what products you will use in/on YOUR hair.  If you're like others who ask me what to use, please understand that I would  suggest the all-natural alternatives for continued, long-term use.  However, please continue to use your discretion with what you use on your hair, your skin... Please also understand that what works for one, may not work for another.

I hope it helps!

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

~Keep it Kinky~ 

2012 NNHMD

Hey Kinkies... so, National Natural Hair Meetup Day was yesterday, May 19, 2012.  You all know that I just HAD to attend a meetup.  They didn't have any here in Jersey.  They did have one in Brooklyn as well as in Manhattan; however, I drove from New Jersey to Long Island (over an hour drive) to support my sis, Daphné, AKA Une Autre Naturelle.  I previously featured her in an interview.  You can check that out here.   I must say that overall, I did enjoy myself.  With the exception of a few things, I think overall the meetup was successful.  The price of this event was $30.

The event had 50 attendees, mainly from Long Island or other parts of New York.  Besides Joy of Curls of Joy, I was the only one from NJ.  I was one of the first 25 attendees so I got the REAL swag bag that contained a few full sized products, some samples, and a magazine.  There was also a few fliers and cards placed on a table with coupon codes.  

Okay, so we like our dessert before dinner right?  Ok... let's talk about the good.  I liked the intimacy of the event.  There wasn't an extremely big, chaotic crowd.  The swag bag, for me at least, was great, and the giveaways (over 30) were awesome.  While I am a little bitter (LoL) that I did not win from brands that I have been wanting to try (Little Penguins, Pura Body Naturals, and HairVeda, just to name a few), I did win from a brand that I already know and trust, Sister's Keeper.  I think the giveaways (hair products, t-shirts, and accessories) were AWESOME!!  It was all thanks to Daphné!!

Unlike some events, this one had FOOD as it was hosted at a restaurant called Mirelle's.  The Caribbean style lunch was great... the fruit wasn't all that sweet but the plantains made up for that!  Yummy in my tummy was the appetizers and the meal that followed!   

There was an awesome Q & A session with Marlene of Doris New York Hair Care Products, as well as a hair styling session with Darcel of Natural Roots Hair Care Inc.  Both of these ladies rocked it.  (Of note, I will be doing a review of some products from Doris New York Hair Care Products.  Stay tuned for that.)  Marlene was there selling hair products and there were also two accessories vendors.

The event ran from 1pm to 5pm, which wasn't bad... I think we all had enough time to enjoy ourselves.

Oh, I brought my daughter.  I had previously promised her that I would take her to the next meetup that I went to.  She had the opportunity to help out Daphné and listen to hair talk.  I think it was a great mommy/daughter day!

The bad... Besides this one rude waiter that worked at the restaurant, and got on quite a few people's nerve, there was nothing bad I could really think of.  Hmmm... wait, there is... the product swap!

Now, I saw some decent brands on the table... and I bought two of three products valued $15 - $20 and were almost full (that I paid for, just no longer wanted/needed).  I also bought a huge container of gel.  You were allowed to bring/swap up to three items.  You were given a ticket and you were supposed to come to the table when your name was called.  Well, I don't know what happened with that as people were just taking what they wanted, appearing to leave with more products than they were supposed to (if you brought only one, you should have taken only one), and there was no fairness to it.  I'm not fully sorry to say this but uh, if you are coming to swap products, how are you taking something expensive, yet leaving some cheap Dollar Tree gel and $0.97 Suave shampoo for others?  Although I understand why you would not want those products, why would you even bring that?!?  I just don't feel as though it was considerate of others.  Products were supposed to be at least half full, yet one jar clearly had about 15-20% in it and some of the jars/containers were dirty, had hair in/on them, and totally NOT presentable.  I assume the guilty parties didn't care about all of that, DESPITE the email that clearly said to ensure that products are clean and half full.  They were just happy to have hit the jackpot.  There was definitely talk about it immediately following  the swap and a few ladies were not pleased with this part of the event.

Anywho, this has nothing to do with the host or the event itself; however, I am going to be 100% honest with how I feel about everything as a whole...  It took me a little over an hour to get there and a little over an hour to get back.  I wasn't feeling that; however, I guess that was on me because I chose to go show support.  I didn't expect my return time to double that of my arrival time.  I kinda wished that I bought tickets to another event so that I could have spent the whole day in NY and took part and another NNHMD event.  Maybe then I would have had the opportunity to meet more Kinkies, network more, and possibly miss all of that traffic!  O_o

All in all, the event was a success and I am very glad that I came.  I would definitely attend another event hosted by Daphné, as she did a FANTASTIC job.  She's so sweet and lovable!  Who knows, we may be able to partner on it together!  ;-)

Well Kinkies, that's my thoughts on it.  Thanks for reading and please check out my quick slide show of some of the pictures that I captured...

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

 ~Keep it Kinky~ 

Guess Who's Now On YouTube...

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

~Keep it Kinky~

NJ National Hair Care Expo

Hey Kinkies!!!  I have been anticipating the NJ NHCE for months.  Although I wasn't feeling 100% like myself, I made myself go out to this event.  After all, I had workshops to attend, networking to do, Kinkies to meet, and perhaps a few things to buy!

I had mixed feelings about the event in general.  Overall, I enjoyed myself as I felt that it was my duty to ensure that I do so.  The weather sucked outside; however, it was amazing energy inside!!  I talked to a bunch of people and built, what I hope will be, lasting relationships!

Okay, so we like our dessert before dinner right?  Ok... let's talk about the good.  There were soooooo many accessory vendors there that you could have racked UP!!  If anyone knows me, they should know that I LOVE me some accessories!  I did not shop too much though, some prices were totally not worth it.  In addition to the vendors, there were a few classes that you could also attend.  Based on the schedules provided, I attended the classes that seemed more beneficial and of interest.  Not only did I takeaway knowledge for myself, but I have some takeaways to also share with my Kinkies!  

The first session that I attended was No More Eczema.  As people of African American descent, some of us may suffer from allergies as well as eczema.  Although the intended speaker was not present, Malaika-Tamu Cooper stepped in and gave an abundant amount of information to us.  She talked about what we can do to prevent certain blood disorders, how we can treat and possibly cure ourselves from eczema, and how one can tell of the medical issues that another may have, just by looking at them.  She and I also had a personal interaction and I must say, I thoroughly enjoyed it and will never forget it!!

The next session I attended was Caring For Your Natural Hair.  Oraje was the speaker (pictures of him are below).  Oraje's spirit and personality blew me away.  Not only is this chemist (and stylist) VERY informative, but he's very personable!  He talked about his own product line as well as pH, caring for color treated hair, the need for a filter when shampooing hair, and much, much more.  It was the place to be!!  If  I didn't take anything else away, I took away this: stay away from those dollar store shampoos!!  #message!

The final session I attended was called Happy Healthy New You.  A gentleman by the name of Consir led this session and talked about when, how, what we eat affects our body and well-being.  Although I knew some of what he talked about, I did gain further knowledge and his message allowed me to put more things into perspective.  I definitely have to look more into what he teaches.

Due to socializing, I was not able to attend the Chemical Suicide session as intended.  In addition, due to my need to leave the event earlier than planned, I was not able to attend the session called Jewelry Making. 

The in between...  There appeared to be more vendors of clothing and accessories than hair products.    While I do love accessories, I think it would have been more appropriate and beneficial to have more vendors of hair products.  I'm not sure if the sellers of 'natural' hair products were either busy, didn't want to pay the vending fee, or what, but they should have come.  I was happy to see Pooka Pure and Simple there, who I previously did a review for, as well as ShidaNaturals, and Design Essentials (I so want to try products from the latter two).  On the flip side, it was accessories galore there!  Jewel Afrika Designs, Toni Daley, Sarenzo Beads and Loc Soc were there.  I'm so mad at myself as I wanted to get something from Toni Daley (remember I did a giveaway for her) and I didn't get a chance to.  I have my daughter to blame for that one!  ;-)  

The bad... This is something personal and I guess I need to get over it but uh, I paid $25 plus, web processing fees, to attend this event.  A few weeks before the event, the price dropped to $15.  Now, I was told that since I paid $25, I would get a VIP bag.  That, unfortunately, was not the case.  I met a lady there, who paid nothing, and attended all of the classes.  I saw some people checked for wrist bands, while others weren't.  Talk about getting over on the 'system.'  So, I've decided to never again purchase a ticket for an event until the week of, or before, the event.  I feel as though I lost out on my $10 (which I could have used to buy something).  I was thankful that parking was only $5 and not the $40 the sign noted to be.  I know I put it above, but I will mention it again: there should have been more hair products there.  Other than that, I can't think of anything 'bad.'  Oh wait, yes I can: PRICES!!  Usually when you come to events such as these, prices are lower than noted in the store or website.  Unfortunately, some prices weren't all that low.  I think it goes back to the vending price (as discussed with a vendor who came from out of state).  She was upset that she only made $50 when she had to pay to vend as well as pay for a hotel, gas, and food.  I can definitely understand her frustration.

But again, I had a blast and interacted with a bunch of people.  I swapped contact information and was actually able to meet other fan page owners, business owners and my very own Kinkies!!  All in all, it was worthwhile!

See my pictures of some of the event below.  I should have done more snapping and less talking.... NOT!

Me with Sara of Sarenzo Beads

 I thought she was just too fly!

 Dope shirts!

 The beautiful Tameka of Jewel Afrika Designs.

 Oraje and The Golden Child (too cute).

 Monique of Cotton Kinks & Coils.

 I loved her hair (the stylist).

 The beautiful Cara (a friend of Tracey's).

 The also beautiful Tracey.

  The talented Toni Daley.

 Some dudes doing spoken word.

 The beautifully-spirited Joi of Loc Soc.

 The adorable Teneele of Wires 'n' Thangs by TeneeleMichelle.

 Oraje working his magic on a natural sista.

 Oraje styling The Golden Child.  Totally loved them!

 The awesome beauty  Jocelyn behind Purposeful Beauty.

 Shida of Shida Naturals (I could have sworn we took a picture together).

 Vendors...

 and more vendors...

 and some MORE vendors...

 ...yeah, those are vendors too...

 ...accessories... and a vendor...

 Here's some totally cute earring holders.

 Pooka Pure and Simple.

 Vendors again...

 Hahaha.  I got a picture!!  (insider with Candace).

 He and his cousin were selling jewelry as low as $2.

 Here's some of the $2 jewelry.

 There were A LOT of accessory vendors.

 From shea butter to knock off bags... it was THERE!

 Dopeness!

 The totally cute Golden Child.

 Yeah, I LOVE this shirt and had gotten SOOOOO many compliments.

 The stuff I came home with... I was good (and on a budget).  

Shout out to the people who I talked to that distracted me from making a bunch of purchases.

 And now... it's time to go to bed.  I'm beat!

I hope you enjoyed reading and viewing my pictures, almost as much as I enjoyed the event myself.  I kind of regret not taking more pictures.  It's o-tay as I will always have my memories!

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

~Keep it Kinky~