Eric Roberson: Mister Nice Guy

If you have an appreciation for delicately-crafted soul music, then you will love independent artist, Eric Roberson aka ERRO! He always delivers great music and I cant wait to listen to his new album, "Mister Nice Guy", I just purchased five minutes ago.  I've never been disappointed in any of his eight albums.  "Still", a single from his last album, was Grammy-nominated and you will absolutely see why after checking out this video.  Please support this musical genius!

Fun Times: Ledisi feat. Timothy Bloom Concert

"Sometimes we put walls up not to keep people out, but to see who cares enough to break them down" -Unknown

One of the best moments in life are created when great friends come together and just BE!  I am truly fortunate to have people in my life who allow me to be me without reason.  One thing that stands true is once you liberate yourself of all fears and let your light shine, you subconsciously allow others around you to do the same.

Yesterday, my friends, Shay and Nikki,  and I went to the "Pieces of Me" Concert with four time Grammy-nominated artist, Ledisi and Grammy awarding-winning songwriter/singer, Timothy Bloom performing.  The concert was EXTRAORDINARY to say the least...Ledisi is a true inspiration and I truly see the passion within her when she sings.  She was real! For a moment, I felt like one of her homegirls from around the way.  I loved it.

Timothy Bloom opened for Ledisi and he REALLY did his thing!  He has the hit single entitled "Til The End of Time"  featuring V. Bozeman (this girl is bad!)  Here is the clean version of the video.

I am soooo proud of Tim especially since I went to high school with him and we always knew his voice would take him far.  I remember him performing in talent shows and serenading us with his voice on the bus.   Seeing him perform last night was surreal.

However, what really made the night were the unforgettable moments that sprinkled throughout the evening.  Everything from catching up with one of my dearest friends while sipping Mai Tai, trying on leotards at American Apparel, spotting 30 bucks on the floor at Belk's (cha ching!), to sneaking backstage to check out our old high school buddy Tim! Sneaking backstage seems to be a hidden talent that Shay is well-versed in.  We're definitely NOT groupies, lol...its just exciting sneaking into places where bodyguards and laminate badges can't hinder you!  I truly believe life is what you make of it...You have a choice to either live your dreams or dream your life!

Winter-Prepping Your Hair

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Ladies!!! The winter months are slowing creeping along and will not shed mercy on our hair, especially if you wear your hair in its natural state....so lets visit some DOs and DONTs in order to preserve our beautiful tresses!

1.) DO use Moisture, Moisture, Moisture!!!  Beef up the length of time you leave in your deep conditioner. I use Aubrey Organics Honeysuckle Rose Moisturizing Conditioner.  After applying this product, put on a plastic cap and wrap a towel around your head to promote heat! After one hour, rinse product out with cold water and then make sure to use a quality leave-in conditioner.

2.) DON'T go to bed with your hair "out"!  Every night I section my hair into 6-8 parts, lightly dampen each section with water, then apply a water based moisturizer to seal in moisture. During winter, I use Qhemet Biologics Amla & Olive Heavy Cream or Carol's Daughter Hair Milk: The Original Curl Definer (this works great for curl definition and moisture).  I braid or twist each section and then tie it up with a satin scarf. This method locks in moisture at night, so that in the morning your hair is well moisturized.

3.) DO stay well hydrated!  What you put inside your body is just as important as what you put on the outside.  My diet includes drinking a gallon of water a day...(and yes, I drink it straight from the container, lol).  The composition of our hair strands consists 25-30% of water.  Therefore, lack of water consumption can leave your hair dry and brittle no matter what you apply to the outside.

4.)  DON'T allow scarves, sweaters, and wool coats to rub against your fragile hair strands!  When wool fabrics rub against our hair, it leaves the cuticles of our hair open which inadvertently leaves our hair prone to dryness.  It also snags at our hair causing breakage which impedes hair growth.  Instead, put your hair up and away from your coat collar/scarf or line the collar of your coat with a fashionable silk/satin scarf.

5.)  DO use protective styles!  Contrary to what some may think, protective hairstyles can be very mod and trendy! Ninety percent of the time, my hair is kept in protective hairstyles.  I save the more dramatic/big hairstyles for nights I go out :) Braids, two-strand twists, and vintage buns and rolls (check out this link here for retro protective hairstyles) are the way to go this winter! The goal is not to leave the ends of your hair exposed to the harsh elements.  Remember this very simple equation (see below) which preserves hair and promotes hair growth during those cold winter days!

MOISTURE + PROTECTIVE STYLES= HAIR GROWTH!!!

I absolutely love Janlle Monae inspired hairstyles...so classic, yet edgy and funky!  Great style alternative for the winter.

RANDOMNESS ALERT!!!!

Speaking of Letting Go yesterday....check out one of my favorite songs from Ms. Monae

 

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