Baltimore Natural Hair Expo

Hairstyle Wrapup!

Queens check out these cute hairstyles done by Sheny Nefer of Sheny Nefer Natural Hair Care Salon in Brooklyn, NY.  Sheny Nefer is a Natural Hair Care Salon that specializes in locs, braids, twists, hair restoration, unique loc styling and more.

 

Want to book an appointment? 

Email: shenynefer@yahoo.com

Office: 718-443-6361

Stay Blessed & Happy Locing!

The New Working Enviornent

I had to share this video I found on The Coil Review's website; they are showing the stark contrast of what black women look like in today's business world. Honey, its true and reflective of what I am seeing! How about you? Do you need anymore proof that we are changing society's views on what our beauty is? I love The Coil Review!

Loc'd Beauty of the Week

   Ivory

The Loc'd Beauty of the Week is the fierce, and beautiful Ivory.  Ivory is a natural hair stylist, and entrepreneur of natural hair care products.  

 

 Visit her here http://braidzanddreadzbyivory.com/

 

 This is a Queen, and I love what she is doing for the natural hair community! 

Stay Blessed & Happy Locing!

Loc'd Ladies in Charge

 

Carleen Brice

Carleen Brice is author of the novels Orange Mint and Honey (which was optioned by the Lifetime Movie Network)- a #1 Denver Post best-seller and Essence Magazine Recommended Read - and Children of the Waters, which One World/Ballantine released in June 2009.

She also wrote Lead Me Home: An African American’s Guide Through the Grief Journey (HarperCollins), and edited the anthology Age Ain’t Nothing but a Number: Black Women Explore Midlife (Beacon Press, Souvenir Press). Her book Walk Tall: Affirmations for People of Color sold over 100,000 copies and was in print with traditional publishers for 10 years. It is now available from iUniverse.

In 2008, she won the Breakout Author of the Year Award from the African American Literary Awards Show and in 2009 she received the First Novel Award from the Black Caucus of the American Library Association. She is a finalist for the 2009 Colorado Book Award in literary fiction, and is a two-time finalist for the Colorado Book Award in nonfiction (for Lead Me Home and Age Ain't Nothing but a Number).

She lives in Colorado with her husband where she gardens and works on her third novel, Calling Every Good Wish Home. 

LIFETIME MOVIE NETWORK’S Sins of the Mother becomes second highest rated AND SECOND MOST WATCHED original movie in network history. Film based on Carleen Brice’s novel Orange Mint and Honey.

 *Info found on http://www.carleenbrice.com/bio.htm *

Check out one of the scenes from this powerful movie! Trust me the book is better!

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Connie Briscoe

CONNIE BRISCOE has been a full-time published author for more than ten years. Born with a hearing impairment, Connie never allowed that to stop her from pursuing her dreams…writing. Since she left the world of editing to become a writer, Connie has hit the New York Times, Chicago Tribune, Washington Post, Boston Globe, Boston Herald, USA Today, and Publishers Weekly bestseller lists.

*Info found on http://www.victoriasanders.com/connie-briscoe*


Stay Blessed & Happy Locing!

Good Ole' Vinegar Rinse!

Ni'cola Mitchell & I

So this weekend I went to my dear friend Ni'cola Mitchell's book release party for her newest release the Appetizer; when you're not his main course. Honey we had a blast! She is a dynamic writer, with vision, and an equally great friend. She is my mentor, and guide on this book journey I am taking. 

So before I went to the party, my mane needed mucho attention ok? I mean my scalp told me it was time to shampoo. So I did it the favor and shampooed plus a vinegar rinse. I rinsed what seemed like forever however, I still retained that smell. It was so pungent, and loud! I don't care how much I rinsed, and I was self-conscious that I would smell like a damn jar of pickles! I'm sure I did, but noone seemed to make funny faces, nor say anything rude to me about it, perhaps they did behind my back! LOL

Anyway, it is now Monday and the smell is gone. I guess it takes a while for it to fade away. So let this be a lesson, don't do a vinegar rinse right before you go somewhere special! LOL

Stay Blessed & Happy Locing!

Purple Friday!

 

Have a great Friday Queens! Remember the importance of water and moisture for your locs. Do not over-saturate, just dampen, and mist lightly with natural oils. Have a blessed day & a relaxing weekend.

 

Stay Blessed & Happy Locing!

Giveaway Winner!

 

 Your such a Vivrant Thang! 

Vivrant Thang is the winner of the Baltimore Natural Hair Care Expo!

So you will be receiving your 2 tickets to attend. The only thing I require is that you take a few pics and send them in to me (especially since I can't go, sniff sniff).

Send me an email with your mailing information to road2queendom@yahoo.com 

Anyhow, I hope you enjoy yourself, and learn a ton!

Now this is for you boo...

To all of my beautiful Queens, have a Happy Valentines Day. Treat this day as a reflection of self love. Not a day of, "I hate this day, I am single." Treat yourself, and possibly your friends. Spread love to those who show you love everyday. Be blessed & thankful!

Stay Blessed & Happy Locing!

Loc'd Beauty of the Week

 

The highly intelligent, undeniably beautiful, and talented 

Wahida Flower

 

This young lady is a model, music buff, online host for Allhiphop.com

 

She is also an artist, I love her work!

 

She is a wonderful example of a Queen, and more than deserves to be our Loc'd Beauty of the Week!

Visit here:

MySpace 

Twitter

Stay Blessed & Happy Locing!

Twist Out

I needed a cute fix for today so I did a quick twistout last night. The crimps aren't as deep a I would like them to be but what could I expect from an overnight twistout? Plus, I think this style really makes those with shorter locs pop! So anyways here it is...so simple:

 

I spritzed my locs with water, and sectioned it into like six sections.

 

Made my bantu knots, which aren't comfortable to sleep on by the way!

 

Here is teh result, umm okay I guess, but maybe I should have used some sort of product then left them in longer, or sat underneath a dryer. I'm happy nonetheless!

Stay Blessed & Happy Locing!

Stupid is as Stupid Does...the further Misogyny of Black Women

As if we don't have to deal with enough...as if we aren't fighting with our "own" over how they portray Black women. As if we aren't fighting with our own women, over how they portray themselves in the limelight and media.  We are fighting a battle everyday! For our rightful place. Our rightful place in society, media, love, business, etc.

Black women, these words should not astound nor surprise you. You probalby say, or rap to the words in the above picture everyday. However, do you think about their meaning? Do you understand the implications of your actions?

Listen to the Talk Show!

Hit the play button above to hear the blog talk radio show with Denise Bolds, MSW along with Lori Johnson, author of A Natural Woman, and me as we discuss natural hair and the black woman. We were later joined by the beautiful and extremely talented natural hairstylist Malaika Cooper (who was our Loc'd Beauty of the Week last year).


We discussed everything to natural hair in the media, men on natural hair, what prompted us to go natural, etc.  It was a blast! Provide feedback on your thoughts.


Stay Blessed & Happy Locing!

Aloe Vera Gel

UPDATED**

I am too certain that I have blogged on this before, so if I haven't here it goes again. I shampooed my locs yesterday (you know it was at the gym, lol) as usual and so now I guess I will retwist. Only because I want to use this little bottle of 100% organic Aloe Vera gel I picked up from the health food store. Let's see if it can do the trick and tame these wild locs and make them all nice and neat (the way ya'll like to rock them).  But before I go and post the results I posted my before pic and the consistency of the gel.  Read below and find out all the goodness Aloe Vera gel can bring.

She Bangs, She Bangs!

Barbara from St. Louis ( I love St. Louis by the way) wrote me and wanted to know how to cut her some bangs. Gladly Queen no problem, read on:

Gather your materials first; cutting shears, and a water bottle.  Get in front of the mirror and select how much hair you will like to make into your bang ( I have 20 locs). Then with your water bottle squirt the locs that are to be cut.  Make sure your other locs are sectioned off. Do NOT cut your locs all at once. For me, I cut maybe 2-3 at a time. You want to pull the locs down and leave cut them 2 inches longer than you actually want them. Why? Because your hair will experience shrinkage, and you don't want some jacked up bangs like I did the first time I cut mine (giggles).  Okay, that's it! Nothing to it, oh yea send me a pic so I can post you honey!

Whoop whoop, lemme hear it for the bangs one time! LOL


Stay Blessed & Happy Locing!

Readers Speak Out

 

So if you scroll down, you will recall the post I wrote on Vanity Fair's new magazine cover, and spread about the so called "New Women of Hollywood."  Of course the actresses they chose were all white, and this caused a huge uproar, which we haven't heard as much of a peep from them.  So, over the course of the past week I have read on various websites that if we are bothered by the cover we should just get over it. I find this odd especially since this is coming from African-Americans. Let me just say this, you may not be a Vanity Fair subscriber nor do you think this has any bearings on you but I beg to differ.

This has everything to do with media perception about what is "Hollywood, and beautiful." You should be bothered! Why do black folks just stand by and allow crap like this to happen, then claim it doesn't affect them .Well guess what? It bothers our actors and actresses who can't get jobs in Hollywood.

So below you will find the letter that reader Zayna wrote the editor, and I for one am glad and proud that she did! We need more concerned people! I appreciate and applaud your efforts.

I'm Worn Out

So, I am worn out seriously! I am in dire need of some rest, and relaxation. However, I cannot have any R&R since I have to get prepared to get this book out. I mean, who knew so much was involved with the process of putting out a novel. Just wanted to keep you in the know so you won't be asking, "Where is Writing Addict?"

I am here, getting ready to drop a bomb ass book in your lap!

Don't forget to mosey on over to the fanclub sign up so you can get the book at a discounted price for the fan club members!


Stay Blessed & Happy Locing!

Loc'd Beauty of the Week

 

The beautiful Brazilian beauty Ronique

 

She has luscious free formed locs! I think she is adorable!

  

She is naturally beautiful and she posses a majestic smile. We here at On the Road to Queendom are proud to showcase your beauty Queen Ronique!

Stay Blessed & Happy Locing!

Is Vanity Failr Playing Fair?

 

Did anyone catch the post about Vanity Fair on Yahoo yesterday? 

  

They claim this is the new Hollywood....umm there are a few inconsistencies here people. Maybe this is the new Hollywood in their eyes, but we are really and definitely missing some people or should I say some color in this picture.

Reader's Emails Answered

 How to DE-Beyoncefie your Teen Girl!

 Dear Writing Addict,

I just want to say first that I love your blog and I appreciate how you are supporting us loc'd women. Well I am in need of support right now. I am a mother of a 15 year old teen-aged girl who abhors my locs! In fact she constantly mentions to me how I need to take them down and get a relaxer. She said I should wear the popular styles that are out right now. In fact, I think she is embarrassed by my hair.  What can I do to show her that natural hair is beautiful? That locs are my crown of choice?

Signed,

Un-Hip Mom
Tulsa, Ok

Save the Date

As part of Black History Month, Join Denise Bolds, MSW along with her guests: Author of “A Natural Woman” Lori Johnson and Writing Addict – Director of the popular blog: 'On the Road to Queendom' as we discuss natural hair and the black woman; there will also be a surprise guest. Black women and their hair are the topic of many discussions and the subject of many movies and books. Today natural hair for the black woman is more mainstream; but still possesses stigmas and is not readily supported in the media; what message does this present to young black girls? Ms. Johnson’s book ‘A Natural Woman’ focuses a romance around natural hair that is HOT.

On the Road to Queendom is a blog spot that CELEBRATES natural hair and provides wonderful information on natural hair, salons, trends, diversity and most of all women celebrating their natural hair. The motto of On the Road to Queendom: “Out of loc'd hair comes freedom...naturally to be beautiful, naturally, to be yourself" A wonderful way to ‘top’ off Black History Month. A 90 minute show that is going to EMPOWER! Grow Natural! It’s Within YOU!!!

Tune in Queens and join me call in also (347) 857-2381, it would be great to hear from you. 


Stay Blessed & Happy Locing!