Giveaway #1: Jamila Henna + Indigo

 [source] 

In gearing up for my healthy hair challenge, I decided to order some of my favorite products and I ordered a few extras for those that win this giveaway.  I use Henna to strengthen my hair, and I use Indigo to color my hair a dark jet black color. 

Jamila Henna is safe to use on relaxed, natural and transitioning hair, as it contains no added chemicals. Indigo is also safe to use on relaxed, natural and transitioning hair, and is purchased from a trusted source [Henna For Hair]. 

To enter:

Leave a comment with a quick blurb on what issues you have experienced along your hair journey! That's it.  Three winners will be selected at random this Friday, and each winner will receive 100grams of Jamila Henna, and 100 grams of Indigo.

Interested in dying your hair jet black? 

You Will Need:

Henna

Indigo 

[I use two boxes of each because I have pretty thick hair and would rather have more than enough product to cover my hair liberally]. 

Distilled Water

The Process: 

You will first need to apply a Henna application. The quickest, easiest, and fuss free way to do this would be to just apply water to your henna mixture until it reaches a thick, muddy consistency.  

1. Add henna powder to a plastic bowl

2. Slowly pour in distilled water while stirring

3. Once the mixture has gotten to a thick, muddy, consistency, cover and store in a cool place for about 24 hours. 

4. Apply mixture liberally to your hair, cover and allow to sit for about 2-3 hours. - Do not manipulate your hair too much over this time. Manipulating it can cause a mass of tangles and knots. 

5. After 2-3 hours, rinse with water until you rinsed out most of the Henna. You can then rinse the remainder of the henna out with the aid of conditioner, OR you can immerse your hair in a tub filled with water. Either the above methods are effective in removing the tiny flecks of Henna.

6. Once you have thoroughly rinsed out the Henna, it's time to mix your Indigo. 

7. In a new clean bowl, add Indigo to your bowl

8. Slowly pour in distilled water while stirring

9. Once the mixture has gotten to a thick, muddy, consistency; you can apply it to your hair! No need to wait, this stuff releases color immediately. 

10. Apply it the same way you applied the Henna. Make sure you apply this mixture from the roots to the tip for nice, even coverage. 

11. Allow the Indigo to sit for about 1-2 hours for a rich, black tone. For even darker tones [like jet black], leave it on overnight. 

12. Rinse with water until you rinsed out most of the Indigo. You can then rinse the remainder of the Indigo out with the aid of conditioner, OR you can immerse your hair in a tub filled with water. Either the above methods are effective in removing the tiny flecks of Indigo.

13. Now it's time to condition your hair. Deep condition [with heat] using your favorite deep conditioner. This restores healthy moisture levels in your strands, making your hair supple, and full of body.

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And The Winner Is....

 [source]

Thank you to everyone who entered the Pangaea giveaway!!! - The winner is: ARABA, who said: 

oooh, so so pretty! I know I will rock the HECK out of the white and aquamarine hoops with a neutral outfit (black and white or gray to let the color POP) and the curliest, fluffiest, roundest afro I can manage. *Runs to twist hair in preparation*

I hope you have twisted your hair chica! LOL Drop an email to nikole@themoptopmaven with addy and name! Until next time [I have a super christmas giveaway planned. Stay tuned]

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Win A Huetiful Steamer! + 5 Easy DIY Treatments

 [my hair after the steam treatment]

Remember that steamer I reviewed {here}? Well Huetiful is giving away 5 free steamers just in time for the Holidays! Remember this steamer is specifically designed for the unique needs of curly and wavy hair. It helps strands retain moisture 5x better than deep conditioners alone, opening up the cuticles of your hair to allow any conditioner you choose to penetrate better and work more effectively, bathing your hair with warm ozone enriched mist to replenish moisture lost from chemical treatments, and reducing breakage and split ends caused by dry hair. 

Here are the terms and conditions:
1. You may only complete and register once.

2. One winner will be randomly selected each day for five days; starting November 15th. 

3. You must provide a valid email address for receipt of the Huetiful Hair Steamer.

4. You must complete the 4-minute survey to be eligible. Survey can be found >>here<<

Once you have won a steamer [keeping my fingers crossed], play around with some of these easy hair care treatments: 

• Add 2-3 drops of Rosemary Essential Oil to the water you will use for steaming. This will increase your shine. 
• Add 2-3 drops of Tea Tree oil to the water you will use for steaming. It helps correct scalp issues like psoriasis and dandruff
• Mix 1/4 cup Honey + 3 tablespoons Olive Oil for an ultra hydrating deep conditioning treat
• Mix 1/4 cup of your favorite creamy conditioner with 2 tablespoons of Aloe Vera juice for an extra kick of moisture and nutrients your hair will thank you for!
• Mix 1/4 cup Honey + 3 tablespoons of Castor Oil, this makes a great conditioner or pre poo treatment on highly textured, curly hair.

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Giveaway: Pangaea Hoop Earrings + New Items Added

I wanted to show my appreciation for all of the unwavering support of my launch! Up for grabs is a pair of Pangaea Hoop Earrings. These are the top sellers in my shop, and a favorite of many. - They are made with vintage sequins, brass washers, and set on 14K gold wire with 14K components [jump-rings] and ear-wire. 

I have collected vintage sequins for more years than I care to admit because I love the structural feel of them when used in large, unconventional groupings. I hope you find as much joy in wearing them as I did in making them! 

Eligibility Requirements:

• Open to ALL readers [US and Abroad] 
• Contest will run until 11/28/2010 - 11:59PM
• Leave a comment telling me how you will wear your hair with these earrings!
• Like the F&M update page on Facebook by clicking {here}! 

---- 

I added a few new colors to the shop! - They are available for purchase {here}

 Pangaea Brick &Wheat

Pangaea White & Aquamarine 

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Giveaway Winner Announced!

Thank you to everyone who entered our giveaway and left words of wisdom for those taking care of their relaxed, transitioning or natural hair! The winners were chosen using random.org, and they are:

Natural: "Indigo." 

Transitioning/Relaxed: "Sewing Stardom" 

Please send me an email with your name and address to claim your prize! If you didn't win this time around, stay tuned as there are more fabulous giveaways lined up in the near future!

[photo source]

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Sponsored Giveaway: Wasijuru Silk Scarf!

This week we have a fabulous giveaway sponsored by Wasijuru!! Looking for a scarf to compliment your TWA, spruce up your pony, or make the perfect accent piece to a twist-out or braid-out? Enter this giveaway! I love supporting African American artisans, and this week we have another talented artist who named her collection after her late grandmother.

When asked about the collection she stated:

After cutting her hair in 2008, the designer searched stores for quality, chic, yet affordable scarves. The search proved futile, a niche was discovered, and the WASIJIRU line was born.

WASIJIRU is named after the designer's late grandmother and translates to "self confidence" ... or "believing in one's self". This line accentuates the natural confidence in a woman where it counts the most ... her hair.

Up for grabs is a silk hand-rolled scarf that can be worn numerous ways! The contest will run until October 11th 11:59PM PST. Here are the eligibility requirements:

• Answer the following question in the comment section below: How do you wear your confidence?
• You must be a subscriber to the blog
  

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Giveaway for Naturals + Transitioners

Happy Friday! - In celebration of my feature on Essence.Com as one of the 10 Black Fashion Bloggers To Watch, I decided to sponsor a giveaway! I appreciate all of you that read the blog, tweet about it, tell friends about it, email friends about it; word of mouth is definitely a powerful thing. The support that I have received since the beginning has been amazing, and I thought I would give back by offering a giveaway that includes some of my favorite things.

I have diverse readership on the blog that spans from natural to relaxed, to transitioning. So to celebrate that diversity there are two distinctly different prizes. - This contest will run until: October 17th 11:59 pm

There will be two winners; Our natural winner will receive:

• Keracare Hydrating Detangling Shampoo
• Keracare Humecto
• Miss Jessie's Curly Pudding
• Jilbere Seamless Shower Comb

Our transitioning or relaxed winner will receive:

• Elucence Moisture Balancing Shampoo
• Elucence Moisture Balancing Conditioner
• Miss Jessie's Curly Meringue <--This works EXCELLENT on relaxed/transitioning hair
• Jilbere Seamless Shower Comb

To enter;

• If you are natural answer; "What is the single most important piece of information you can give to someone who is just starting out on their natural hair journey?"

• If you are relaxed answer; "What is the single most important piece of information you can give to someone to maintain a healthy head of relaxed hair?"

• If you are transitioning answer; "What is the single most important piece of information you can give to someone that is thinking about transitioning?"

• You must be subscribed to the blog [Right hand side, you will see a box that says "follow with friend connect" - hit the follow button and voila!]
• Don't worry if you have the same answer as others before you! 

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Sponsored Giveaway: Casa Di Culture

 Up for grabs is the Day Dreaming In Paris shirt [white shirt]; available in small-x large

This week's giveaway is sponsored by Casa Di Culture; a brand committed to sustainable production methods while telling stories that transcends through cultural boundaries. 

More about the brand:

Casa di Culture, the brand for the modern nomad, was created in 2007 by three sisters who, after traveling to over 25 countries and 6 continents, decided to create a label that represented individuals who view the world as their meeting place, music their language and culture their religion.

The product line includes screen-printed t-shirts and baby onesies, natural beauty products, rare teas, and handmade accessories (jewelry and scarves). Each Casa di Culture design has its own story that mixes aspects of ancient cultures into modern society.

When asked about their business practices, Casa Di Culture states:

CdC is also committed to social responsibility and ethical practices. Using only PVC-free inks on all screen-printed items, recycled packaging and promotional material, and 100% organic cotton textile when possible. 

Up for grabs is the Day Dreaming in Paris shirt as pictured above [white shirt]. Sizes run from small to extra large. - The giveaway will run until October 4th 12:00AM PST. 

Eligibility Requirements:

• Subscribe to the Casa Di Culture newsletter [located here]
• "Like" the Casa Di Culture Facebook Page
• Answer the following question in the comment section: "Why would you like to win the Day Dreaming In Paris T-Shirt?" 
• Remember you must also be a subscriber to this blog 

Check out some other amazing pieces currently for sale in the Casa Di Culture store:

Stay Connected With Casa Di Culture:

http://www.casadiculture.com

http://twitter.com/casadiculture  

http://www.facebook.com/casadiculture

http://blog.casadiculture.com/

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Sponsored Giveaway: >> Peace Images

 Up for grabs is this beautiful choker! 

I was hooked when I first spotted Camille's line Peace Images; I remember spending about an hour perusing through the 100 + pieces of jewelry on her site; and was thrilled when she graciously accepted my proposal to sponsor a giveaway! 

Here's a little bit about Peace Images as told by Camille:

Jewelry is art. I use my "peaces" to tell stories, spark interesting conversations, spread love, teach lessons, or compliment ones spiritual beliefs.  I've been in business for 2.5 years under the constant support of my fiancee. Love moves mountains, and that is the message in all of my "peaces."  Love for yourself and your individuality; you culture,your kinky hair, your curvy hips;  I use symbols and materials that remind us of the greatness from which we came; ankhs, feathers and African fabrics are just a few of the elements I use to create.  I do not feel shackled by trends, but will indulge from time to time. I intend on creating until the universe tells me to stop.

Camille on her new collection;

I just released my Fall collection, "Black Ego;" 17 new "peaces" ranging from earrings, to rings, and everything in between. I worked on it for months, including having to finish the line during a move from San Diego to Los Angeles. I put a lot of blood, sweat and tears into it. It shows. I'm proud. Check out the lookbook here

 Check out the requirements below detailing how to win this cool choker!

Here are the eligibility requirements:

• Leave a comment answering the following question: What is your definition of a "fierce black woman"? 
• Must be a subscriber to the blog

Giveaway will run until SEPTEMBER 27TH 11:59PM PST. - Winner will be announced on Sept 28th. 

 

Here are a few of my favorite pieces from her line available for purchase in her shop:

Stay Connected With Peace Images

Main Site: http://peaceimages.bigcartel.com

Etsy: http://peaceimagesjewelry.etsy.com

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/peaceimages

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/peaceimages

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Sponsored Giveaway: Rachel Stewart Jewelry

I love supporting trendsetters in our community that stay true to themselves whilst creating their dynamic blueprint. Rachel's adornments are unique, handcrafted, and most importantly Recessionista-friendly.- Oh and the hair? You know I love the hair!

Just a little over a year ago, Rachel Stewart began fashioning accessories and hasn't looked back since!

On how she started: 

"I started making jewelry a little over a year ago, I started with making peacock feather earrings and selling them on my blog. They got a lot of attention so I figured I would try to make more things and since then I've evolved and the business has really taken off. I hope to venture into purses and shoes in the next few years."

On her philosophy:

"I love making jewelry that speaks to ME. Major jewelry designers don't have us in mind when it comes to jewelry, we really need to support each other."

Up for grabs is my favorite piece from her collection, Rachel Stewarts Afro Disco Earrings [$40 value]! Here's what you need to do in order to be eligible:

• You must be a follower of this blog
• Like Rachel Stewarts Facebook Fan Page
• Answer the following question in the comments; "In your opinion, who had the most memorable afro [its ok if you pick the same person as another commenter]"

The giveaway will run until September 20th 11:59 PST

Here are more of my favorites from her shop!

[1] Fit For A Queen II - $33

[2] Red Peacock Feather Earrings - $16

[3] Soul Glo Earrings - $36

[4] Young Gifted & Black Earrings - $35

All of Rachel's amazing photos are snapped by Chris Charles of Creative Silence Photography

Find Rachel Stewart Jewelry on the web:
http://rachelstewart.bigcartel.com/
https://twitter.com/RStewartJewelry
http://targetqueenjewelry.blogspot.com/
http://targetqueen.blogspot.com/
http://fuckyeahblackmen.tumblr.com/

 

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Giveaway: Bee Mine Be Hold Curly Butter

 [source] 

Three lucky winners will have a chance to get their hands on one of my favorite products Bee Hold Curly Butter!! All you have to do is tell me why you want to try it, and how you plan to use it! Click here for my review on this product!

I will use random.org to generate THREE winners! This giveaway will run close 11:59 September 13th - <this post for the list of winners! The rules are simple, one entry per person, and you must be a subscriber of the blog.  Good luck to all of you!!

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Sponsored Giveaway! Courtesy Of Brace Yourself Boutique!

We have a few sponsored giveaway's for you this week, so let's start the first one off on a positive note! This giveaway comes courtesy of Brace Yourself Boutique, and it is right up my alley! I always talk about the power of thought and positive affirmations, and now you can wear them on your wrists as a constant reminder!

The winner will receive one bracelet of her choice [options are: Peace, Love, Joy, Faith]!  - The giveaway is open to all subscribers of the blog, and will run until August 23rd 11:59PM [winner will be announced 24th]

About The Artist:

My Story:  I started designing jewelry in 2000 due to the lack of "boho" or untraditional designs in retail stores. I could never find what I was looking for, so I decided to start designing my own jewelry.  While wearing my designs many of my co-workers and girlfriends took notice and began asking me to make jewelry for them as well.  So I began taking custom orders, frequenting bead stores, collecting various beads, and designing when the mood struck me.  I soon had several designs filling up my studio and I had no way to get rid of them.  In May of 2007 I decided to participate in my first marketplace to sell my jewelry.  The marketplace was a success and soon after Brace Yourself Boutique was born!  I've since participated in numerous marketplaces, trade shows, and craft fairs.  I've also created a seasonal women's shopping soiree'  (Sip n' Shop, Girls Night Out) to showcase women designers, and business owners.

My Inspiration:  I'm inspired by many things...seasons, travel, love, fashion, nature, and daring, funky, and bohemian chic women.

My Mission: My goal is to create funky, colorful, and untraditional bohemian style jewelry that goes beyond the changing trends.  I like creating pieces that are timeless, and can be worn today or 10 years from now.  

My life:  I am a mother to a wonderful and super inquisitive 9 year old son named Myles, and wife to a very intelligent yet comical husband named Dion. 

My advice:  Why are you trying so hard to fit in when you were born to stand out?

Here's How To Enter: 

1.  Subscribe to the BYB (Brace Yourself Boutique) newsletter.

(It's kinda difficult to find, so once on the website click the boutique tab, then scroll to the bottom and the subscriber box is in the lower right-hand corner)

2.  Become a fan of the BYB sponsored quarterly shopping soiree' Sip n' Shop "Girls' Night Out." Where women love to Sip + Shop + Socialize.

3.  If you are the lucky winner, which affirmation bracelet would you choose and why?

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It's Friday: Let's Do Another Giveaway!

 [source]

A big thank you to everyone that takes time to read my blog! I appreciate all of the uplifting comments, emails, and even those that just drop me a line from time to time to say hello. I wanted to offer yet another giveaway, this time for my makeup girls to show my gratitude.


Some of you may recall that Mineralize Skin Finish by MAC & Select Coverup [also by MAC] are two of my staple products. I want to give one lucky reader a chance to experience them for herself in hopes they become her staple products too! This contest will run until July 15th 11:59PM PST and the winner will receive:

MAC Mineralize Skin Finish [the winner will have to notify me of her color - For reference I use Deep Dark]
MAC Select CoverUp [the winner will have to notify me of her color - For reference I am NW45]


All you have to do is list your favorite product by MAC [I am looking for new products to try...lol] and that's it! Those that entered the contest yesterday are eligible to enter this as well! Good luck everyone, and have a fabulous weekend!

RUBY WOO Giveaway!

 

me wearing my favorite lip color everrrr

Yesterday I went to MAC and re-upped on my favorite red lipstick ever; Ruby Woo by MAC.  I purchased one for myself, and one for a lucky reader. The rules are simple; leave your favorite lip color in the comments, and of course you must be a subscriber. The contest will end June 25th @11:59PM PST.

Results Of The Ododo Originals Giveaway! + What I Wore

Hey guys! Leslie from Ododo Original's has picked 2 of the 3 winners from the giveaway last week [See names below]! However one of the contestants [Enide] accidentally provided a link to the actual Polyvore homepage instead of her Polyvore creation inspired by Effervescent Evergreen, so we wanted to give her a chance to actually show us her stuff. Enide, if you are reading this, please provide us with your link no later than Friday, June 11th 11:59PM PST so that Leslie can make the decision on the winner for the final piece.

Thank you everyone for the fabulous entries!

The other winners are: [Please send me an email to nikole@themoptopmaven.com with your address]
For Ecruciating:
http://www.polyvore.com/topez_dragonfly/set?id=19160364 by commenter
"/" (Polyvore name = Doku+)

For My Only Sunshine: http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/set?id=19174845 by
commenter Ms.Magnoila (Polyvore name = ANGELSPARKLE)

I am wearing one of the dresses I scored at the Boogie Den, and at $7 a pound I would have to say that this dress was about $3.  My belt and purse are vintage finds from Estate Sales, and my boots are Jeffrey Campbell.

A few people have asked about my fitness regimen, and it is as follows:
Sunrise Yoga [3x a week]
Hiking [3x a week]

I work out about about six days a week in 60 minute increments. I normally hike on the days I don't do my yoga. I started this new fitness regimen where I use my own body weight instead of using "weights" per say. And there are definitely some noticeable results; muscles in my legs are starting to take form, and my tummy and waistline are shrinking. Of course changing my eating habits have also played a major role [I cut out fast food]as well. I love this regimen because it keeps me out of the gym, and brings me into the sunshine [I bring my mat and do Yoga at Runyon Canyon].

Fabulous Hair Candy Giveaway!!! - Courtesy of Ododo Originals

"Effervescent Evergreen"

Hello Ladies! I am pleased to offer our first sponsored giveaway courtesy of Ododo Originals! - This contest will be open until 12AM June 4th; and this time, we will have three lucky winners. It's easy to enter; simply visit Polyvore, and create an outfit inspired by one of the flowers [no multiple entries please]! Post your link to your fabulous Polyvore creation [along with the name of the flower you selected], and Leslie will pick a winner! Simple enough right?

A bit more about Leslie, the creator behind the line:

I'm Nigerian, born in the UK. My family moved around the globe a bit before settling in the States in my early teens. My mother was a quite a fashion plate and passed the gene down to me. I'm an accessories junkie obsessed with hair, but I could rarely find good quality, truly unique hair pieces to purchase in stores. Since I've always been "crafty" and enjoyed crocheting and sewing, I decided to make them myself. I started out a few years ago, altering silk flowers into hair pieces, but soon realized that silk flowers are a dime a dozen and not quite the look I was going for. I played with leather and wood, but they didn't hit the mark. Then, one afternoon,  I walked into a bead store with rows upon rows of various beads in various colours and I saw the possibilities. After several months experimenting with wires and bead sizes and various tools, I ended up with the flowers I sell on Etsy. I try to have something for everyone in every mood, from loud, brassy pieces reminiscent of cabarets to soft, muted flowers that would fit comfortably in the strictest of tearooms.

Here's Leslie's Polyvore Post [You can refer to this for an idea of how to design your set]:

Orange Zest by Hamira featuring Eliza J dresses

Eliza J Ruffle Neck Linen Blend Dress
$138 - nordstrom.com
More Eliza J dresses »

Hobbs Cropped Vincente Jacket, Emerald Green, 18
149 GBP - johnlewis.com
More Hobbs jackets »

Report Signature Cooper Sandal in Cognac
$122 - revolveclothing.com
More Report Signature sandals »

CLEMENCY CREAM ENAMEL WOVEN BRACELET
95 GBP - reiss.co.uk
More Reiss bracelets »

Amber Starfish Ring
$85 - pret-a-beaute.com
More Kenneth Jay Lane rings »

Filigree Fan Earrings
9 GBP - missselfridge.com
More Miss Selfridge earrings »

Ray-Ban Aviator in Orange Cream
$139 - revolveclothing.com
More Ray-Ban sunglasses »

This was inspired by this hair accessory [this color is not included in the giveaway];

Thank you again Leslie for sponsoring this giveaway! I am off to design my Polyvore post!

 "Ecruciating"

My Only Sunshine

My Favorite Model of The Moment + The Kinky Curly Winner!!!

[source: tfs]

The winner of last weeks Kinky Curly Contest is.....GOD'S FAVORITE SHOES! - Thank you to all who participated! I have some serious goodies up my sleeve for the next giveaway; *evil grin* lol 


GOD'S FAVORITE SHOES! Please send me an email w/your name and address to claim your prize!


------------
Adesuwa Aighewi ; I think she is absolutely gorgeous; and that lip color is calling my name. [as is the yellow turban-like wrap on her head] I love the idea of rocking a turban at the beach; my hair gets SUPER crazy with all of the moisture in the air, so this is definitely giving me some serious style inspiration.