It's a Hawk... A Mohawk That Is!

I recently went home to Texas to visit my family for the Thanksgiving holidays. Aside for the obvious reasons (i.e family, friends, food and fellowship) I also love going home because my older sister  Rochelle gives me a much needed break from doing my own hair. Officially she is only the second person including my experience at Curltopia who has styled my hair since I've been natural. 

Because I had a very talented person at my disposal I decided try a look that I could never achieve alone. It is very challenging for me to make straight parts, so I typically opt for styles that does not require a part. I also have not mastered the ability to create cornrows. So with that said I present to you the evolution of a style I absolutely love created through a collaboration between my sister and I. Thank you Rochelle for taking on the massive challenge that is my hair!

It's a Hawk... A Mohawk That Is!

If you are natural, do you find that you go to the hair salon less now?

Disney Live! Mickey's Music Festival Debut's in Atlanta

If you are ready to treat your entire family to an awesome show run don't walk to get your tickets to the all new stage show Disney Live! Mickey's Music Festival debuting right here in Atlanta! My family and I will be at Phillips Arena grooving to Disney's greatest hits from blockbuster movies,  Aladdin, The LittleMermaid and Disney/Pixar's Story remixed to rock, pop, reggae, hip-hop, jazz and country, among other jams so there is something for everyone!

Disney Live! Mickey’s Music Festival, featuring an all star line-up of more than 25 Disney characters,   begins with audiences watching a state-of-the-art video projection of the frenzy backstage which spills onto the stage as Mickey welcomes guests to his concert tour.  Soon thereafter, they will be transported to a new world of hip hop beats, dizzying acrobatics, flying carpets and magical transformations with Aladdin, Jasmine and Genie.  Underwater is where the crowd will meet up with Ariel, Sebastian and their nautical pals to groove to the reggae rhythm.  And, family and friends will stomp to the beat as Woody, Buzz and Jessie teach them how to boogie rodeo-style.  Anyone can be a member of the band as giant-sized balloons fall from the ceiling in one scene and then in the next, Disney characters are dancing in the aisles.    

ATLANTA

Where: Philips Arena 

(One Philips Dr., 

Atlanta, GA 30303) 

When: December 16th (ONE DAY ONLY!!!) – 1:00pm or 4:00pm

Ticket Prices:                                $15 -$70

To order tickets by phone:            800-745-3000

Online:                                           www.ticketmaster.com

Disclosure: I will receive complimentary tickets to this show in exchange for posting about it. As always my opinions are my own.

Holiday Giveaway: Ultimate LeapFrog Prize Pack

I am so excited to share this giveaway with you, because we love all things Leap Frog . If you are like myself and have little ones between the ages of 3-9 this is the giveaway for you!

Holiday Giveaway: Ultimate LeapFrog Prize Pack

Hosted by StuckAtHomeMom.com, Night Owl Mama, In the Kitchen with KP, Cheap Mama Chick, Suburban Coupon Mom, Busy Momma Loves To Save and many wonderful bloggers!

Get your children ready for a lifetime of learning with educational games from Leapfrog. The Ultimate LeapFrog prize pack for your child ages 3-9! Open up a world of learning with game cartridges and downloadable Apps for the LeapFrog LeapPad2 Explorer and Leapster Gs. The LeapPad2 was rated #1 Kids Learning Tablet and in the top #20.

  Ultimate LeapFrog Holiday Prize Pack Includes:

• LeapFrog LeapPad2
• Leapster Gs
• Leapfrog Brave Game
• Leapfrog Leapschool Math Game
• Tag with Human Body Discovery Pack.

LeapPad2 and Leapster Gs offers a world of learning at your finger tips:

• Ultra Ebooks
• Game Apps
• Learning Video Apps
• Creativity Apps
• Digital Ebooks
• Flash Card Apps
• Foreign Language Apps
• Just for Fun Apps
• Expansion Apps

Along with the LeapPad2 Explorer learning tablet and Leapster Gs you'll also get Tag with Human Body Discovery pack. Your Child will enjoy learning all about the human body and nutrition facts while playing with a 2-sided chart and game board with this LeapFrog TAG Interactive Human Body Discovery Pack! Use the #1 selling TAG Reading System to bring this human body chart to life. Prize will go to One (1) Winner. Open to U.S Only must be 18+ to enter. Only 1 Person per household may enter. **Please Note: Prize is not guaranteed to be delivered by Christmas but sponsor will do their best.**




a Rafflecopter giveaway Disclosure: No compensation was given for my participation in this event. As always all thought are my own. Details supplied by host. Prize will be supplied by sponsor and mailed directly to winner. Please read all rules on rafflecopter before entering.    

Bloggers Wanted: The Ultimate LeapFrog Prize Pack Giveaway Event

Ultimate Leapfrog Holiday Prize Pack Event

Hosted by: StuckAtHomeMom.com and TheNightOwlMama.com

LeapFrog Prizes:

• Leapfrog LeapPad2
• Leapfrog Leapster Gs
• Leapfrog Brave Game
• Leapfrog Leapschool Math Game
• Tag with Human Body Discovery Pack

 

Event date: Nov 17th, 2012 to Dec 3st 2012

Free Blog Event! Sign-up here, BLOGGERS WANTED

Signature Style- Super Stretched Flat Twist Out

I believe my search is finally over I have found a signature style that I LOVE! This Super Stretched Flat Twist Out method gave me full and shiny loose curls and even better second day hair!!!

Step 1. Start with freshly washed hair and set using Curlformers (conditioner+oil). Wore in a curly ponytail for 2 days (not necessary).

Step 2. Flat Twist Hair in 10 sections (4 front +6 back) add conditioner and oil to re moisturize if you waited several days before twisting. Pin back each twist to stretch hair while it sets.

Step 3. Allow hair to set overnight/ 8hrs+. Untwist hair carefully to avoid freeze.

 4. Shake and Go.

I preserved this style by re twisting the front 2 flat twist only and putting the rest in a loose high ponytail. 

What is your signature style? Why do you love it?

Zoo Atlanta Programs and Camps Galore

Zoo Atlanta has made venturing out into the crisp air all worth it. In spite of what you might have thought the zoo is a great place to be when it is cool outside the animals are more active, it is less crowded and Zoo Atlanta has a ton of activities, programs and camps to make your trip a memorable one for the entire family! Scroll through the list below to see all the activities coming up in the month of December and reserve your spot today!

REGULAR ACTIVITIES

The season’s wildest holiday gifts

Give the gift of REAL LIVE FUN with a Zoo Atlanta Family Gift Membership, now available in a convenient gift card. Give a loved one a full year of stewardship of a favorite species with a Rare Care Sponsorship. Offer the youngsters on your list a chance to participate in award-winning programming with an Education Program Gift Certificate. Surprise your favorite animal lovers with a Wild Encounters reservation, or visit zooatlanta.org for more ideas for the year’s most appreciated gifts. Order gifts online or learn more on zooatlanta.org.

Wild Encounters: Special holiday availability!

Looking for an adventure during winter break or the year’s most original gift? Wild Encounters are open on weekdays by popular demand this holiday season.

African elephant Wild Encounters

Daily, December 19 through January 3

1:30 p.m.

Go behind-the-scenes to meet and feed one of the giants of the African savanna during an exclusive up-close-and-personal encounter. No programs available on Christmas Day. Visit zooatlanta.org for reservations and details.

Giant panda Wild Encounters

Daily, December 19 through January 3

11 a.m.

Meet and feed one of the Zoo’s world-famous black-and-white bears during an exclusive behind-the-scenes opportunity. No programs available on Christmas Day. Visit zooatlanta.org for reservations and details.

Komodo dragon Wild Encounters

Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays

12:45 p.m.

It’s lunchtime for the world’s largest lizard species – and you get to help! Go behind-the-scenes to meet and feed a Komodo dragon. Visit zooatlanta.org for reservations and details.

EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS & CAMPS

Winter Safari Day Camp

December 20, 21, 26, 27 and 28; January 2, 3 and 4

Kindergartners through 5^th graders bundle up with the animals for a wildlife adventure during winter break. Highlights include Zoo tours, animal encounters, hands-on learning and much more. Registration and details are available now on zooatlanta.org. Reserve your spot or learn more on zooatlanta.org.

Adventure Cubs SINGLE DAY: Panda Playtime        

December 5, 8 or 11

Toddlers ages 2 to 3 and their adult caregivers learn more about China’s national treasures and the giant pandas atZoo Atlanta in this single-day alternative to the popular Adventure Cubs series. Book a program today onzooatlanta.org.

Tusks at Dusk Deluxe NightCrawler

December 8

Discover the world of the largest living land mammal – the African elephant. Spend the evening learning about these majestic creatures with hands-on activities; crafts; observations through night-vision scopes; and much more. Wake to guided tours in the Zoo, a behind-the-scenes peek at the elephant barn, and the exclusive opportunity to feed one of our pachyderm pals! Book a program today on zooatlanta.org.

Stroller Cubs: Panda Parade  

December 12 or 15

Bring your little one to learn more about giant pandas during a special program tailor-made for infants to 2-year-olds.Book a program today on zooatlanta.org.

HomeSchool Academy

December 12

Join Zoo Atlanta for an afternoon of learning and discovery designed specifically for home school students. The HomeSchool Academy is a unique program allowing students to explore animal and science concepts in a fun, interactive environment. Programs are grade-appropriate and include games, activities, Zoo tours and animal encounters. Book a program today on zooatlanta.org.

My Sistas Big Chopped- What Now?

Michelle                                                       Rochelle

You read right these to lovely ladies are my sisters. And you are not seeing double they are twins. I finally did something before my "big" sisters I went natural 2 plus years ago and my sisters were inspired by moi to do the same. So as you can see Michelle and Rochelle have both recently big chopped (cut off the remaining portion of their relaxed hair). Although they are individuals and big chopped a few weeks apart, their experiences were eerily similar. They both called/text me to let me know it was done and followed up with a picture as evidence. Their facial expressions gives you a clue as to what happened next, they both were un happy with their hair and asked in so many words "What Now?"

I went on and on about using XYZ conditioner  or ABC gel and applying it sopping wet hair, and I am pretty sure all they heard was wank wank wank. LOL 

Michelle                                                                                                     Rochelle

Within less than 24 hours of doing their big chops both Michelle and Rochelle opted to wear their hair similar to the pics seen above by adding extensions. So until their hair is at the length they want or they find the product they like or that perfect hairstyle my beautiful sister will do like so many others naturals do and wear  their hair in a protective style that they feel accentuates their 

beauty! Remember each persons big chop or natural hair journey is uniquely their own, unless your TWINS, so don't feel pressure to follow a certain path embrace what works for you.

Just in case you were wondering I was smiling when I big chopped. 

How was your big chop experience? Where you comfortable wearing your hair in it's natural state initially?

$100 Holiday Cash Giveaway!

Welcome to the $100 Holiday Cash Giveaway Event, Hosted by Atl Deal Finder!

Special thanks to our Co-Host, Krystle of Home Jobs For Mom!

What would you do with an extra $100 this holiday season?

One lucky reader will receive $100 PayPal Cash!

All you have to do is follow the instructions on the RaffleCopter below. Complete any or all of the fields to enter.iveaway runs from 11/8-11/20 at Midnight. Open to US Residents, ages 18 and older. The winner will be chosen on 11/21 and will have 48 hours to respond to the announcement email before another winner is chosen.

Good Luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclosure: I received no compensation for this publication. All opinions shared here are mine alone. Your Unexpected Beauty is not responsible for sponsor prize shipment.

Wordless Wednesday- I Got Their Backs...

I got their backs literally and figuratively!

All Tied Up!

Let me start by saying I love my natural hair, but there are definitely a few downsides to wearing your hair in it's natural state. If you go on any natural hair blog/vlog you will hear someone raving about the latest and greatest product that added so much moisture and shine to their hair and while moisture and shine is great what about the rarely spoken of evil that comes with natural curly/coily hair. SINGLE STRAND KNOTS!

Natural Curl Pattern

My natural hair creates very tight coils so tight in fact that it coils back onto itself and makes a single strand knot. When I first started down this journey and would run my fingers down the shaft of my hair I assumed the rough patch I would encounter meant I had split ends. So I would trim my hair and amp up my moisturizing and sealing routine. Than 2-3 months later I would find myself running my fingers down the shaft of my hair again and hitting the same rough patches and the process of trimming etc. would start again. It wasn't until I read an article on CurlyNikki that I took the time to look a little closer and realized what I was dealing with were not split ends but knots on my strands. Now what!

Curlformers

I began to do twist or bantu knot outs instead of wash and go's, but I became laxed in that department and reverted back to wash and go's on occasions. So not only am I doing twist or bantu knot outs faithfully I am stretching my hair prior to styling it as well. There are several ways you can stretch your hair, but my method of choice  is to use Curlformers. So stretching my naturally  SUPER coily hair can and does reduce the occurrence of single stand knots while the twist or bantu knot outs give my hair back a curl or a wave that although not my natural pattern are stylish none the less. *wink*

Bantu Knot Out

Do single strand knots haunt you? What is your method for keeping them at bay?

$100 Holiday Spending Cash Giveaway!

Who couldn’t use some extra spending cash this season? ATL Deal Finder is hosting a giveaway for $100 CASH just in time for Black Friday! Giveaway will run Nov. 8th – Nov. 20th . Stay tuned for giveaway entry opportunities!

************************

BLOGGERS WANTED!

Bloggers, here’s a great opportunity to increase your blog traffic, Facebook likes, Twitter followers and other social media traffic! Sign up HERE to join this giveaway for FREE! Page hosts and Co-host opportunities available. Plus, the blogger who refer the most people gets a FREE Co-host spot!

SIGN UP HERE!

Scandal "You're Ornamental, Not Functional"

Image courtesy of ABC

It's been a couple of weeks since one of my favorite shows SCANDAL had it's season premiere, but there was a phrase in that episode that has really stuck with me. The scene in which President Grant (Tony Goldwyn) and the first lady (Bellamy Young) were arguing after a press conference in which she over stepped her boundaries. “Your opinion doesn’t matter,” the president said. “You’re the first lady. Your job is to plant gardens and decorate rooms and let them blog about your clothes. You’re ornamental, not functional.” 

"You're ornamental, not functional" really resonated with me, it made me sit back and evaluate my role in the lives of my loved ones, friends and acquaintances and their roles in mines. I have come to realize that I give far too much weight to the length of time someone has been in my life vs. the value they are currently bringing to my life and I to theirs. And I therefore have allowed relationships to linger far longer than they need to. 

That is not to say that I feel that my relationships are all about what I can get out of them. It's important that I remember that sometimes I may meet someone in order to be a blessing or a positive influence on their life, and that I  may not benefit from their presence in any significant way. If neither party is benefiting from a relationship be it love, friendship, emotional or support what is the point of putting my energy and time into it. I say there is no point and my energy will be better geared towards other more "functional" relationships in my life. 

I realize Scandal is a television show and should be viewed as entertainment, but I believe that a lesson can be learned or a gentle reminder can come from anywhere. So with all that said I am working on playing a more functional role in the lives of those I value and being more aware of those who are merely ornamental in mines. 

Image courtesy of ABC

Are you playing an ornamental role in someones life? Is there someone in you life who is merely ornamental?