The Event: The Midlands Meet Up

I hope the name of my Blog United KinKdom, gives a clue towards how passionately I feel about supporting the growth of the natural hair community in the UK, but a quick look at the Events Page will show you that whilst in London I may be spoilt for choice, events happening else where are pretty scarce.

The Midlands Meet Up was a rare outa-London experience and a fantastic opportunity to get to know other ladies from else where in the UK

Not only was I impressed by the Shoreditch-esque colourful creativity of the Custard Factory, where it took place, I was also relieved at how easy it was to find, located just down the road from the Bus Station.

It’s the second year in a row that Lorien Lori has organized the meet-up and this year vendors included BeUnique, Black & Brown, Evelyn Products, Mahogany Naturals and The Goody Box UK, as well as accessory stalls.

The day was co-hosted by Super Fab Rae and featured a full rota of presentations, workshops, demos and even some poetry and a pop quiz.

Hair care hints and tips came from Joycelyn of Afrocenchix, and Lola of Lolas Curls while Sister E (The Calabash Hub), Tope (Mahogany Naturals) and Kadian gave audience members the opportunity to take part in head wrapping, hair styling and make up demos.

The day closed with a series of raffle ticket give-aways and extra prizes being given for most creative hair and style, and those of us who didn’t win anything were still lucky enough to receive one of Lorien’s fantastic goody bags containing a complete travel-size kit of Kera Care Natural Textures products as well as a few other samples. Before the end of the day there was just enough time for some music and socializing, and even a cheeky G&T by the poolside.

I couldn’t help but do some unintentional” natural spotting “on both the coach journey to and from Birmingham. Realizing that I was the only Black female with natural hair made me think even more about the importance of natural hair events, particularly for women outside of London where the Black population is often lower and consequently the chances of spotting a “natural” Black female is significantly reduced.

Going natural can be a major change, but the support and encouragement of others can play a pivotal role in helping women to find the strength and reassurance they may need to love their natural hair. I really hope to see a few more events like the midlands meet-up popping up around the UK.

I’ll be back soon with updates from the Beautiful Textures Launch, but remember to look out for the jubilee of hair events in June.

Crystal Afro

More about → The Event: The Midlands Meet Up

the best FRINGE FOR YOU

IF YOU'RE TOYING WITH THE IDEA OF GETTING A FRINGE...

here's some inside info that will make your decision a success...

If you have a SQUARE FACE {like Nicole Richie}:

WHY A FRINGE WORKS: A long, eye-grazing fringe that is tapered on the sides can add a soft element to square face shapes.

WHAT TO ASK FOR: A heavy fringe like this needs to hit the right place, otherwise, it can easily overwhelm your face. Ask your stylist to snip your fringe just below the brows, leaving the heaviest pieces on the sides so they don’t mask your eyes. The centre strands can be feathery as a little forehead peeking through is ideal.

If you have a ROUND FACE:

WHY FRINGE WORKS: A gently arching fringe can compliment soft, feminine features.

WHAT TO ASK FOR: A fringe can make a circular face appear even fuller, so the right cut is key. Request a graphic, curved shape, which will flatter your bone structure—and be sure the fringe is thick. Wispy versions won't have the same impact.

If you have a HEART-SHAPED FACE { like Reese Witherspoon}:

WHY FRINGE WORKS: A heart-shaped face can be a little top heavy so a sideswept fringe can have a balancing effect and draw the attention down and towards the eyes.

WHAT TO ASK FOR: A layered, feathered fringe. The shortest pieces should hit the arch of your eyebrows; the longest should meet the outer corners of your eyes.

If you have an OVAL FACE:

WHY FRINGE WORKS: Nearly any fringe works with an oval-shaped face, but these airy, pin-straight ones accentuate the prettiest parts of the face without feeling bulky.

WHAT TO ASK FOR: Ask for a fringe that hits between the brow and the eyelash and is longer on the edges - that way, you can wear them swept aside or straight with a middle part.

If you have a HIGH FOREHEAD {like Claudia Schiffer}:

WHY FRINGE WORKS: A swingy fringe like this has a two-fold effect: The thickness works to conceal the forehead while the gradual angle opens and widens the face.

WHAT TO ASK FOR: A heavy sideswept fringe that start in the centre of the forehead and tapers diagonally to a cheek-grazing length. Be advised: This fringe starts behind your natural hairline, but that's okay. Because it's so substantial, you'll need the extra weight.

{Source: Instyle}

More about → the best FRINGE FOR YOU

The Model: Marina Nery

Salvadoran Model

signed to Ford Models

More about → The Model: Marina Nery

happy WEEKEND

HAPPY WEEKEND...

love the Mana girls

XXXX

More about → happy WEEKEND

PALEO BBQ

Hey peeps, I've been MIA since going Paleo this last month. I have a few pictures of the sort of thing I've been making and eating:

Grilled Vietnamese Pork Patties with Avocado on Organic Baby Kale Salad mix

Grilled Prawns, Vietnamese Pork Patties, Avocado on Organic Baby Kale Salad mix

Roasted Eggplant and Zucchini.

Since going GF, I thought I had it hard.  Then a few weeks ago when my GP said that I should avoid those simple carbs and suggested upping the cardio to 4 times a week because of my whacky hormone levels (due to Hashi's, cycling hyper and hypothyroidism)...to regulate my insulin levels, he cautioned me that my baking may have to be put on the back-burner for a while.  He told me to give it a go for a month.

Well, I've stuck to it.  I'm running (outside even!) and doing strength-training and I feel good.  Still GF primarily but the other day when the kids had roasted corn and were all telling me how sweet it was, I resisted!  It's certainly GF, but it isn't Paleo as it's a grain.  

The bbq is my friend...and so is olive oil and coconuts!  The Vietnamese Grilled Pork I made is an adaptation of my favourite meal:  Grilled meat and veggies on rice vermicelli (called "bun")...minus the vermicelli of course.  I just grabbed a bag of organic greens, chunked up an avocado and topped it with the grilled meats and seafood.  For the nuoc cham, I used freshly squeezed lime juice and fish sauce (diluted with water) and a touch of honey.  The veggies were grilled simply with olive oil.  The meal was very yummy and it'll be one I'll repeat again and again.  So this meal was delicious, GF and Paleo friendly! 

Working up my nerve to make a Paleo dessert with dried fruit, coconut and whatnot.  Still debating on what that would be like.  Thinking I need chocolate so maybe a brownie of some sort?  Will keep you posted!

More about → PALEO BBQ

Graduation Cap Candy Pops {New & Improved}

It's graduation season, so when I first tried making my Homemade Peanut Butter Cups as Graduation Caps, I thought they were pretty tasty. Eating them, however, without making a total mess... not so easy.

Then, it occurred to me... Put them on a stick! And use different flavors of filling. So, when I paid a visit to my old friends at the local TV station, that's exactly what I did.

But I didn't feel like I got a chance to fully explain it all, so this post is a better explanation (hopefully).

What You Need:
12 oz. bag of Chocolate Candy Melts or Chocolate Chips*
Lollipop Sticks
Mini-muffin pan
Mini-cupcake liners
Food-safe paintbrush
Colored Tootsie Rolls (Buy in bulk if you want a specific color. I wanted yellow and the bag had one yellow one. Just one. But you could also use Starburst candy or licorice ropes.)
M&Ms
Filling:
- Marshmallow Cream & Crushed Graham Crackers
- Homemade Peanut Butter Cup Filling
- Cooled Chocolate Ganache
- whatever else you can dream up! Icing? Fruit? etc...

*Note: I use a combination of Wilton's Light Cocoa and Dark Cocoa Candy Melts. If you use chocolate chips, you will need to either temper the chocolate, or try to keep the treats refrigerated. You can also use any other color of Candy Melts to match with your school's colors. 
Click Here to Read More>>

More about → Graduation Cap Candy Pops {New & Improved}

Giveaway Sponsored By Karizma Inc **last 2 days**

Giveaway closes sunday!!

Yes another GIVEAWAY! I know I'm spoiling you! 

this weeks giveaway is sponsored by Karizma Inc

For the chance to win an item from the Karizma Boutique visit karizmainc.bigcartel.com and pick out your favourite item, comment below on the Item and why you love it! the lucky winner gets their chosen piece! 

 plus if you want to get your name put into the hat again LIKE Karizma Inc on facebook and comment "second chance" 

Karizma Inc. was founded by Lakisha Roby, a designer, stylist and long-time style enthusiast. Inspired by her sassy and chic grandmother, Roby incorporates her love for edgy, vintage and earthy aesthetics into Karizma’s designs to give forward-thinking women an accessory line to call their own. Roby studied Fashion Design at The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale and has worked in fashion retail since 2004 and as a Merchandiser since 2006. Alongside her grandmother, Roby's style icons are Lisa Bonet for her vintage-bohemian style and Solange Knowles for her vintage-punk style.

Karizma Inc. specializes in intricate, forward-thinking designer earrings, necklaces and hair accessories, with special attention paid to detail, to assure that each piece is as unique and individual as its customer. Whether it’s from the Voodoo Collection, the Unbuttoned Collection, the Afro Punk Collection or any future collections, Karizma’s inventory is guaranteed to be at the forefront of fashionable and innovative accessory lines. Karizma Inc. can be found at karizmainc.bigcartel.com. 

More about → Giveaway Sponsored By Karizma Inc **last 2 days**