Happy Holidays from Bone Fish Grill

The holidays is a great time to enjoy family &  friends,  a meal  is one way to get everyone together. Here's a holiday treat for all my readers... http://bit.ly/12hXY3i

While you’re there, savor their decadent dishes from their new Colossal Winter Menu featuring favorites like Lobster Stuffed Shrimp with a creamy lobster and shrimp Imperial stuffing, succulent King Crab Legs, and Whole Grilled Mediterranean Branzino stuffed with citrus and served with a Mediterranean sofrito and arugula almond grains salad. To embrace the season and all its frost, sip one of Bonefish Grill’s Winter cocktails including the Cold Snap Blackberry Frost served in a glass made entirely of ice, mixed with freshly muddled blackberries, blood orange liqueur, vodka and fresh lemon juice or the winter-time favorite Winter White Cosmo, mixed with St. Germain Elderflower liqueur, white cranberry juice and fresh lime.

I am deadly allergic to seafood but you guys enjoy for me! Happy Holidays!

8-week Skin Challenge- Dermera Skin Care

Turning 40 has been an adventure. I was expecting to do some crazy things, check items off my bucket list and be renewed but instead I have been falling apart. One area that has been bothering me is my face. I haven't been able to find a skin care line that makes me feel comfortable going bare faced out and about. I don't really wear much make up but my uneven skin tone, dark under eyes and overall appearance of my skin has made me subconscious about not wearing concealer and at least a little powder. I know my diet also has an effect on my skin and overall health so I know this challenge is more than simply washing my face.

The system I am going to use for this challenge is Dermera 3 Step Treatment by BrockBeauty. The kit includes a cleanser, an astringent & a complexion serum.  The contents are natural and promise to cleanse, refresh and renew. I will use it twice daily along with drinking at least 64 ounces of water and reducing fatty foods from my diet.  The Dermera Skin Care website offers a free custom skin care regimen and I will share their suggestions for me also on an upcoming post.

I would love for you guys to try this challenge with me, so 2 lucky winners will win a 3 step kit of

their own.  If you are looking for a skin care system and would like to give Dermera a try, leave a comment below,  tweet me @mslawanda or leave a message on my Facebook page telling me why you want to do the challenge.  I will select a winner from those comments. I am beginning week one Sunday September 14th and I am excited to see an improvement in my skin.


Do you have a favorite skin care line? Have you tried Dermera? Please share your thoughts!


* I will also being using Yes To Cucumbers Eye Cream 

Huntsville Restaurant Week 2014 - Huntsville/Madison County CVB Giveaway!

Post by As The Wind Blows.

Retail Therapy- Happy Hour Pop Up Shop

I have to admit, I have a thing for retail therapy! Boutiques are the best because they have limited supplies of items making it very unlikely to find another fashionista in Huntsville rocking your finds. Well here's a twist on the traditional boutique, a"Mobile Boutique". Pretty Particular is a mobile, personal shopping and styling boutique that specializes in dress shopping for social, professional, formal, and bridal events. The owner, Dwaynia has a great eye for fashion and style and will be hosting an event this weekend! 

Make sure to RSVP, because space is limited and fills up fast! Don't miss your chance to have that amazing piece for your next event!        http://happyhourshopping.splashthat.com


Share your purchases from the Happy Hour Shopping event with me! Use the hashtag #SummerInHSV so I can check them out! 

Sounds and Sights- Smooth Jazz at the Three Caves

The Land Trust of North Alabama is a not for profit, member driven organization that works to preserve the wildlife, rivers and historic sites of North Alabama. Friday I attended the Smooth Jazz Concert featuring Warren Hill that helped to raise funds and it was amazing. As a fan of Warren Hill, I expected to have a great time but I had no clue how in love I would fall with the scenery. Huntsville has an gem in the Three Caves! This former lime stone quarry was an amazing stage for the sounds of Warren Hill's enticing sax and only got better as the night sky went dark and the lights that surrounded us accompanied the band. I had the pleasure of speaking with Dennis Keim, one of the members of the committee that had the foresight to see this diamond in the ruff. " We were able to see the potential in this place but we could never imagine this", Keim shared admiring the beautiful mountains and all the people in attendance at the event. Dennis a photographer and blogger (http://www.dk-studio.com) had many memories of the area and is a strong supporter of the Land Trust and the city of Huntsville.

There are 2 remaining concerts in the series and you can't let the summer end without attending at least one of them! Tickets are still available and I can't think of a better way to spend a Saturday night then with smooth jazz and supporting an organization that supports us!

Special thanks to the Land Trust of North Alabama's Marketing Director, Cathie Mayne and all the volunteers that made this event happen.  To purchase tickets or become a member of the Land Trust please visit their  website http://landtrustnal.org

August 9th - Marion Meadows & August 23rd The Claire Lynch Band

Let's share the summer! Use the hastag #SummerInHSV and #MslawandaHSV to keep in touch.

Get Ready to Eat, Drink, and Be Merry!

Have you ever wanted to try out multiple restaurants in one night? Are you interested in meeting fellow food lovers? Well I am, so I decided to check out the Homegrown Huntsville’s Dine & Dash event!

My friends and I met with the Dine & Dash group at Meza Luna in Jones Valley.  The menu was a mix between Greek, Italian, and Soulful Southern cuisine.  We dined on fresh tomatoes, fried bacon, field peas, corn, and fried okra. It  sent our taste buds into frenzy, the best dish of the evening!

Our chariot awaited us, actually a trolley, where our hosts shared information on other Homegrown Huntsville events, hilarious family stories and simply a fun atmosphere.  The next stop was Straight to Ale.

This portion of the event brought the experience of the newest crave in the city "Food Trucks"!  On –N- On food truck was the food host, with Straight to Ale providing us the beer. Nothing stood out for me on this stop (Meza set the bar high), but we still enjoyed ourselves. 

The third stop was Brix, known for their "happy hour"and events,  they had the drinks flowing.  My favorite hands down were the Cosmo Ritas, and all I can say is ...... oh those Cosmo Ritas!  We were then introduced to shrimp and spinach tacos with homemade sriracha. Yummy!  I didn't want to leave, but we hopped on the trolley for more jokes and crazy conversations until we arrived at our final spot, Anaheim Chili.

 The white chili and Texas chili combination was hearty, spicy, and downright delicious. The

Yellowhammer beer was a great accompaniment and a final wrap up for the night. So if food, libations, and new adventures are what you seek - don’t delay, dash over to Homegrown Huntsville to sign up for future Dine & Dash events!

Money Making Apps

There are so many apps in the iTunes or Google Play App Stores but I have some favorites! I love to find apps that now only entertain but give free stuff for my time.  My latest obsession is ShopKick....

Photo Credit www.savingsmania.com

Shopkick gives you points for visiting some of your favorite stores, scanning items in those stores and making purchases with a registered credit card.  I'm really cautious about sharing my credit card after the big Target breach so I haven't benefited from that portion but my kids and I are some scanning and store visiting fools LOL! You accumulate points that can redeemed in the form of gift cards from places like Target, Starbucks, Macy's and items like headphone, iPads and even charitable donations. This app should be on your cellphone so when you run to Walmart for a loaf of bread or Old Navy for that big sale you can earn too! Referring friends also put extra points in your bank so be a gem and use my referral link when you join  http://app.shopkick.com/wr2/colorado23592

Photo Credit Krogerkrazy.com

Ibotta is next up on my must have apps. This app pays you, Yes it pays you for the purchases you make.  The app will give you stores in your area and items that offer rebates. When you purchase these items you earn money. It only takes $5 of accumulation to send to your paypal account or you can choice to redeem in gift cards also. Simply purchase the item and when you get home verify it on the app by scanning the bar code and submitting a copy of your store receipt with your phones camera. That simple.  Referring friends on this app also boost your totals so use my link and you get $ and I will too... https://ibotta.com/register?friend=abqryy

Viggle is an app I have posted about before and I still use it everyday! This app gives you points for watching television shows. The points from this app can also be used to get gift cards, discounts on entertainment, food and gifts and for merchandise like iPods, headphones and company merchandise. They have updated their app so my previous video is the old version but the video still shows you how to use the app. Google Plus  or iTunes 

Here's Part 1 and Part 2 of my Viggle Tutorial using the previous version. The app has since updated and instead of being able to do multiple shows in one hour you will only do one show an hour. It is still a great app with rewards for doing what you normally do for free....

Do you have some fun money making or money saving apps? Share them with me...

Jazz at the Caves!

Smooth Jazz is my ultimate favorite and the Land Trust of North Alabama along with Redstone Federal Credit Union is hosting a 3 concert series that I am extremely excited about! The Land Trust's  Three Caves Smooth Jazz Concerts will feature artists Julian Vaughn, Warren Hill and Marion Meadows.  What better way is there to spend a Saturday evening, then relaxing in the beautiful Alabama weather, with a picnic basket, a handsome date and the invigorating sounds of saxophone and mellow guitars? I can't think of one, LOL!  I will be attending the July 19 and August 9th concerts with my husband as part of my #SummerInHSV series and I can't wait to share the details.  To purchase tickets or learn more please visit the Land Trust's website (click here).

Grab your comfy lawn chair, a picnic dinner (or purchase one that will be waiting for you) and grab a glass of wine or a cup of beer while you enjoy smooth rhythms and the beautiful surroundings of the Three Caves!

Here's one of my favorite Warren Hill songs! Are you a Smooth Jazz Fan? Are you excited about the concert series? 

Brylane Home Giveaway!

BrylaneHome 2-Bowl Stand Mixer Giveaway June 9-13, 2014 Open to US

Here's a great opportunity to get an amazing mixer for free! You will be ready for the next family gathering or a fun evening baking with the kids.

Bringing You Moments To Celebrate

Sponsored by BrylaneHomeOrganized by Celebrate Woman Today

Stand mixers are not for everybody. If you do not bake or make huge portions, this mixer probably would be a white elephant on your kitchen counter. But for those who are avid bakers and yummy things makers – this 2 Bowl Stand Mixer is a find! It's reliable. It's sturdy. It will last you for years. Once you bond with this machine, you won't be able to live without it! BryalneHome 2 Bowl Stand Mixer Features

• With 2-qt. and 4-qt. stainless steel bowls, it is designed with min-max speeds, stay-put suction feet, retractable cord and turbo speed button for extra power
• ETL listed
• 500-watts
• dimensions: 14"H x 13"W x 8½"D

The smaller and larger bowls come handy when you bake something with multiple preparation steps. And when you need a quick recipe for just your family quickly, a small bowl could be used as well. The mixing part is important. Stainless steel beaters are powerful enough to mix the dough, cookie batter, cream and butter, eggs, meat and whatever you need for your recipes. Truly versatile, this mixer is a must-have to widen and explore our cooking repertoire. It is fast and allows for speed regulation as well. So, what would be your first recipes to try on it? How about French Macarons? It's hard to make these without a mixer. But with this machine, all things become possible! We are happy to offer this BrylaneHome 2 Bowl Stand Mixer as our amazing prize.

Prize – BrylaneHome 2-Bow Stand Mixer

Complete the tasks below to earn entries into this giveaway.

Refer your friends using your Unique Link inside Rafflecopter to earn even more entries to win.

Ends at 11:59pm EDT on June 13, 2014

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Volunteer & Enjoy the Fun

Are you looking for a fun way to volunteer this summer? The Land Trust of North Alabama may have the perfect opportunity for you! Check out the details below:

~Fun Volunteer Opportunities~ Can you Deux it? This inaugural aquathalon (or "Premiere Deux" as some folks have fondly named it) is a first for Madison County.    Spend a bit of time on Land Trust trails or on the deck of the beautiful Mountain Springs pool!    Please  click here to register to help on this fun morning!  Yep, you'll get a t-shirt! Our Jazz at Three Caves Concert Seriesbegins soon and we are now actively seeking volunteers to help with these very cool events.  The dates are June 21-Julian Vaughn, July 19-Warren Hill, and August 9- Marion Meadows.  The concerts are relaxing and fun events at the ever-amazing Three Caves. Volunteering (2 hour minimum) for the event earns you free admission and a wonderful night out.  Positions range from helping with parking, taking admission tickets, staffing t-shirt or drink tables, or helping hand out boxed dinners.   We only open Three Caves - a former limestone quarry - to the public a few times per year, so this is a great way to help the Land Trust.  Thanks to our volunteers, every evening at Three Caves is special!  Want to learn more?  Please email Natalie@LandTrustNAL.org or phone 256.534.LAND (5263).

2014 Summer in Huntsville Series

Huntsville has been my adopted home for over 7 years now and I am discovering new things to love everyday! Groups like Downtown Huntsville Inc,  Lowe's Mill and The Arts Council have made finding something to do this summer a breeze! Throughout the week you can find events from free or low cost concerts, food truck events and festivals that you can enjoy with your kids, friends and pets too.

June 1st, my Summer in Huntsville  series will begin! I will share events around the city and take you with me as I enjoy them! We will explorer local restaurants, concerts, hotels, and of course meet new people.  You can join my adventures by following the hashtags #SummerinHSV and #MslawandaHSV on Instagram/Twitter , updates on Facebook/Google+  and here on the blog.

There will be giveaways along the way so I hope to have a fun summer and I hope you will join me!

Do you have some fun local summer plans? Share them! 

Im so Crafty- Painting Class at the Crafty Behr

Madison's resident for unique and hand made jewelry, home decor and gifts now offers painting classes.  My daughter, Miss Tia and I decided to find our inner artist and give The Crafty Behr's class our best shot.  Our instructor was artist Robyn Kralik, and she was such an amazing teacher.  She was patient and encouraging to all of us beginning students, she explained the techniques as we tried to mimic them and she was so proud of our finish work.  This 3 hour class was fun, engaging and owner Donna Behr provided delicious treats and beverages as we created our works of art.

Classes are $35 per person or $50 if you bring a friend .. the April schedule will be posted soon so check out their Facebook page or their website http://thecraftybehr.com and find your inner Picasso!

Do you guys like my finished project? I started from a blank canvas, its amazing what a great instructor can teach you! 

The 1st Painting Class at The Crafty Behr

#MsLawandaBham - Hair Expo Recap

Birmingham, Alabama was the place to be this weekend for the 3rd annual Visions Natural Hair & Health Expo. My assistant, Precious and I hopped in her new car and hit the road to check out the show.  The BJCC was the location and thanks to Brainchild Associates, the line had nothing to do with us.  Everywhere you looked there was beautiful natural hair ladies! Locs, twists outs, hues of color and personality everywhere.  After checking in as press we began  to explore the expo and it's vendors.  Design Essentials the title sponsor offered a variety of classes, specials on their products and was an amazing MC of the main stage.  The main attraction for me was the Curls & Conversation with panel guests Mahogany Knots-vlogger, Mahogany Curls- vlogger, Evelyn Ngugi -Naturallycurly.com and Deshonica Kerrie -Master Stylist Design Essentials. The ladies looked amazing with Mahogany Knots & Evelyn showcasing that color is nothing to be afraid of with their beautiful green & purple highlights. The panel discussed topics from "Is natural hair a trend" to "Is natural hair acceptable in Corporate America". The crowd was very engaged as they interacted with the panel and the host Birmingham Radio Personality Tasha Simone.

After the discussion I had the opportunity to take a few private moments with YouTube Vlogger Mahogany Knots & NaturallyCurly.com's Social Media Manager Evelyn.  Although Kiki (MahoganyKnots) has a fab channel discussing natural hair among other things, I wanted to talk with her about our shared interest in Geneaology. Recently she participated in a 23andme project and I had to ask her how she viewed the experience. We discussed how it was great to find the general area your ancestors originated but she like me needed to know more. We shared a few tips on getting past the "stuck phase" and I hope to reconnect with her again to share my large family tree.

NaturallyCurly.com is a great resource for us kinky curly ladies and I was grateful to ask Evelyn a few questions.  I wanted to know how the site was able to balance the information.  Basically how do you have enough content for women with more kinky than curly hair and vice versa. Evelyn shared that the company is made of women of many different ethnic backgrounds and the editors understand that women of color may be unaware that curly hair is shared amongst many races and that the information can be the same. They work very hard to spread the word and make it a informative place for all us Curly Girls.  As Social Media Manager, Evelyn is very aware of the balance and has a practice of sharing content that is shared with her as her guide for balance.  Unknown by most, me included, NaturallyCurly.com is a small business with a big empact. The company is located in Austin,Texas.....Yes Texas and a warehouse of about 20 people is where this powerhouse of insight is located.

After my interviews with those inspiring ladies it was time to enjoy some of the artistry and creativity by the Design Essential stylists. A parade of tresses grace the stage....there was Curly to straight , sew-ins and weaves and traffic stopping colors and cuts.  The last event I attended was the Celebrity Love & Relationship panel with actors, Lamman Rucker & Tanya Wright, Demetria Lucas - author and star of Bravo's Blood Sweat & Heels and Mahogany Curls Jessica Bailey also joined to share their advice on Love & Relationships.  Essence Magazine's beautiful Relationship Editor, Charreah Jackson was the moderator for this candid and fun conversation. I expected to have a one on one with Demetria Lucas. It with such a high demand for her, this one would have to wait for another time.

This was my first time attending the Birmingham expo. It is definitely smaller than the World Hair show I've attended in the past in Atlanta but it was a great way to spend an afternoon.  Surprisingly the expo was shared with larger and known companies liked Miss Jessie's, Camille Rose & Coco Curls but the local companies had a great opportunity to find new customers and share their products.

Heres a few more pictures from the expo:

Move over Wisconsin...Alabama has the cheese!

  

Alabama has a decedent and creamy secret they are ready to share... For 25 years they have been the home of some amazing Goat cheese! In Elkmont, AL the Belle Chèvre creamery has been supplying the country with their extrodianary spreads in stores like Macys & Whole Foods with not many realizing it's made here in Alabama.  Well the secret is out and Huntsville was the first stop in an amazing tour to put the cheese on the cracker.

 Huntsville's Mayor, Tommy Battle was in attendance to wish Huntsville's own Tasia Malaskasis and the Belle Chévre crew a successful and safe trip as they traveled the country on a tour with Whole Foods in a custom Airstream trailer.   Downtown Huntsville Inc. was a great hosts as those in attendance got a chance to sample delicious cheese cake made with Clinton Row's newest occupant.  The Belle Chèvre crew and the cute baby goat, Valentine will share their adventures on a website, Belle's Big Big Adventure,  that offers an interactive look at their travels. 

My mother, Ms Josie, joined me to sample the cheese and we were both pleasantly surprised.  I can't wait for the grand opening of the flag ship store in Huntsville later in April.  So move over Wisconsin, Alabama is bringing the cheese!

Are you a fan of Goat Cheese? Did you know Belle Chèvre was here?

  

Curls & Conversation- Get Ready Bham!

*Press Release*
The 3rd Annual Visions Natural Hair & Health Expo is taking place Saturday, March 29th at the Birmingham Jefferson Convention Conference, Curls & Conversation will convene top beauty insiders and hair care experts to allow everyday women the opportunity to share their common curly-haired experiences; get solutions to their naturally curly hair challenges; and get recommendations from the award-winning line of Design Essentials® Natural.

Hosted by Birmingham's Tasha Simone of Hot 107.7 FM, the conversation will center on topics such as: whether natural hair is a trend or a movement;transitioning from relaxed to natural; saving time with managing and styling naturally curly tresses; having healthy hair while maintaining a healthy life;natural hair images in the media; and dealing with reactions to your naturally curly hair. 
Featured top beauty insiders leading the conversation include: 

• Jessica Bailey from MahoganyCurls™, who has captured the curly YouTube world with more than 22 million viewers and has recently been featured in Jet, Lucky, Ebony and ESSENCE magazines for her inspirational styling tutorials for naturally curly hair.
• Kiki Stephens from MahoganyKnots, who loves to bring her humor as well as her expertise to the curly world stage with more than 4.5 million viewers on YouTube.
• Deshonica Kerrie, Master Design Essentials® Natural Hairstylist, who'll share how she helps clients lead a healthy life while embracing their natural textures and achieving head-turning styles.
• Evelyn Ngugi from NaturallyCurly.com, a social media superstar who also runs the online talk forum, CurlTalk.

In addition to dialogue, educators will be on hand to walk attendees through the complete Design Essentials® Natural collection, introduce the line's newest products, address attendees hair concerns and questions, and provide style tips using some of time-savings product picks within the hair care line.
For those unable to attend this event live, NaturallyCurly.com will provide insights shared from the chat; interviews with participating beauty insiders; and video and photo snapshots from the entire Visions Natural Hair & Health Expo to online audiences.  To access this information visit www.NaturallyCurly.com or visit them on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.

WHAT: Design Essentials Natural & NaturallyCurly.com Kick-off Curls & Conversation 2014 Tour @ Visions Natural Hair & Health Expo, Birmingham 
WHEN: March 29, 2014
WHERE: Birmingham Jefferson Convention Complex North Exhibition Hall, 2100 Richard Arrington Jr Blvd N, Birmingham, AL 35203
TIME: 11:00am - 12:30pm CST
PURCHASE TICKETS: http://bit.ly/1czUbD3
HASHTAGS: #Curls&Conversations #DECurlsConvo #DesignEssentialsNatural

Photo courtesy of Brainchild Associates

Author and star of Bravo's "Blood, Sweat and Heels" Demetria Lucas has just been added bringing no-holds-barred conversation about love, sex, relationships and natural hair! Known for her candid and often controversial stances when it comes to black women finding love, Lucas has become known as the "Black Carrie Bradshaw," for her smooth transition from her former career as Relationship Editor for ESSENCE magazine and authorship of "A Belle In Brooklyn" into her new role on Bravo's highest-debuting show yet.

We'd love to have you come out to the Celebrity Love & Relationships Panel at 2pm, where Demetria joins acclaimed actor Lamman Rucker, known for his roles in Tyler Perry's "Meet the Browns" and "Why Did I Get Married"; blog icon Jessica Bailey of MahoganyCurls™; and current ESSENCE Magazine Relationship Editor Charreah Jackson who will serve as the panel moderator.


To learn more about the Curls & Conversation 2014 National Tour and for upcoming Tour dates, visit natural.designessentials.com.

Huntsville CVB no Luck needed!

The Huntsville St. Patrick's Day Parade was great. I enjoyed the festivities with my mom, 2 children and hundreds of the fabulous Irish & non Irish parade goers.  There was a variety of groups, schools and businesses showcased as they marched through the Downtown streets.  We positioned ourselves across from Harrison Brothers Hardware and enjoyed the beautiful weather. Our second stop was the Huntsville-Madison County Convention & Visitors Bureau to attend their 10th Birthday Party & big secret reveal.  The CVB had activities for the kids such as face painting, a sand box and even a chalking station. The community seemed to have an amazing time meeting new people, eating popcorn and simply enjoying the celebration. 

The big announcement began at 2pm with President of the CVB, Judy Ryals, announcing the new slogan "We got space" and introducing a few speakers including Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle & my mayor, Madison's Troy Trulock. After a few stories about the 10 year journey & the people who helped make the success possible they revealed the newest edition to the center- The Rocket City Selfie! So cool, you can now mark your visit to Huntsville/Madison county with a digital snapshot. The Rocket City Selfie is taken in front of a green screen and you chose what background from the area to choice. Then you simply email it to yourself, what a great idea!

                

 During the event, I kicked off my new giveaway - #MslawandaHSV, with the 1st prize being a Huntsville tee sponsored by the CVB! Yay..anyone who took a picture with and posted it on Instagram or Twitter with the hashtag was entered into a random drawing to win!  So let's announce the winner! Selected from Instagram @jaactkey is my 1st winner!

                                           

I truly enjoy getting out and meeting the citizens of Huntsville & the giveaways will continue until the end of the summer!

I created a Flipagram with some photos from the day..Check it out!

Only Horse Lovers need Apply - Youth Summer Camp

Summer is fast approaching and finding things for our children to do that is fun and educational can be challenging.  Dr. D. Williams founder of the Huntsville Black Rodeo has a great program, the Huntsville Stables 2014 Horse Lovers Camp, that is looking for students who eat, sleep and breathe horses.   This program is designed to improve riding skills, horsemanship, horse knowledge and care as well as core educational classes of math, reading & science.

 The six week program begins June 2, 2014 at Alabama A&M University and students have the option to bring their own horses or use the ones at the stable.  Dr. Williams' passion for Agriculture and horses was evident as we spoke about the camp.  He shared that college scholarships are available in the areas of Agriculture and Rodeo but are often over looked by children of color. He doesn't want to simple teach our children to ride horses but to understand how to care for them in all aspects.  Students who successful complete the camp will have an opportunity to compete in 2015's  Huntsville Black Rodeo.

Spaces are limited for this camp and the cost is $150 per week.  Sign your horse lover up today and you may have the next Cowgirl/Cowboy, Agriculture Engineer or simply a very educated and passionate horse lover.  For more information please contact Dr. D. Williams at rodeordie@gmail.com


I had the pleasure of meeting a few of the horses and one caught my attention.  Her name is Scarlet

and she is on #TeamNaturalHair sporting  fabulous braids that she will have taken down later for an amazing braid out LOL...

Sidenote: 
He doesn't refer to himself as Dr. Williams simple D. Williams but I love the Dr.  He is humble and you quickly find yourself feeling like you are have a conversation with an old friend.  Your children will have a great opportunity to learn and have an amazing time at this camp. 

Show Your Love for the 'Ville

Huntsville (Madison) is my adopted home and I have enjoyed every moment of the 7 years I have been here.  From the friendly people, the amazing family activities, mouth watering food to the at home feeling you get immediately!

Well your one stop everything Huntsville, The Huntsville- Madison County Convention & Visitors Bureau, has a fun way to show your love for the city and the county....

(Huntsville, AL) – Just in time for Valentine’s Day, the Huntsville/Madison County Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB) is asking its social media followers to name their Huntsville/Madison County favorites – those attraction, dining, shopping and off-the-beaten path places and activities that they love most –using the hashtag #IHeartHSV on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Starting today, February 10^th, and lasting until Monday, February 24^th, the Huntsville/Madison County CVB will pick a winner each night at 7 p.m., awarding the most creative posts and pictures with Huntsville/Madison County prizes.

Those who participate in the campaign could even see their photos selected for use in promotional pieces for Huntsville/Madison County that are distributed to a national audience.

“There’s so much to love about Huntsville/Madison County,” President and CEO of the Huntsville/Madison County CVB Judy Ryals said. “Our goal with this campaign is to celebrate those unique activities, venues, products and people that keep visitors coming to the Rocket City year after year as well as help us maintain an extraordinary quality of life for our residents.”

Prizes up for grabs include stays at The Westin Huntsville, the Embassy Suites Hotel & Spa, SpringHill Suites Huntsville Downtown and the Holiday Inn Research Park, as well as passes to the U.S. Space & Rocket Center, Sci-Quest Hands-on Science Center, the Huntsville Museum of Art, Burritt on the Mountain, Huntsville Ghost Walk, a Fantasy Children’s Playhouse show and the Weeden House Museum. Gift certificates to Grille 29, Tazikis Mediterranean Café, Papou’s Greek Cuisine and a VIP Pass to the Von Braun Center’s Taste of Home Cooking School and more will also be given away.

To participate in the #IHeartHSV campaign, follow or like the Huntsville/Madison County CVB on Facebook (Facebook.com/huntsvilleCVB), Twitter (@Go2HuntsvilleAL) and Instagram (VisitHuntsvilleAL) and be sure to use the hashtag #IHeartHSV when posting the reasons you ‘heart’ Huntsville/Madison County.

                             

“We’re excited for not only local residents to provide their input, but also our followers and friends across the country and world,” Ryals said. “It’s about celebrating our love for Huntsville---whether Huntsville is your home or we were lucky enough to have hosted you for a visit sometime along the way.”

To learn more about this campaign, visit www.huntsville.org/IHeartHSV or contact Jessica Carlton, Huntsville/Madison County CVB Marketing Manager at256.551.2294 or jessica@huntsville.org.

Hair Goals Continue

Part 1 of my hair goals....

Healthy Hair 2014

It's 2014 and Healthy Hair is one of my goals! There are hair challenges all over the web that encourage you to interact with them sharing your pictures, stories and questions .  I've decided to challenge myself, not with a formal group challenge but to personally challenge myself to give my tresses some extra TLC!


What I will be doing:

I did a lot of research on Hairfinity vitamins and decided to give them a try.  They are 100% drug free with no known side effects so I will be taking 2 pills (the recommended amount) daily, deep conditioning my hair every week with one of my favorites from Shea Moisture, Nothing But & Edens Bodywork (not pictured- must restock). I won't be protective styling but I will  try to only style my hair once per week and sleeping on my Pillow Bonnet at night. I've increased my water intake to a minimum of 80 ounces per day and I will be using unrefined  virgin coconut oil in my hair weekly.  I purchased to Laila Ali soft bonnet dryer on Amazon and I will alternate from steaming my deep conditioners to using the bonnet.

Sales:

Shea Moisture is currently BOGO 50% at Walgreens & many Targets.  Also this Saturday they are having a special event and you can save an additional $1 (check your local Walgreens)

Hairfinity vitamins is hosting a six month challenge on their Facebook page and you can save 10% off on a single bottle purchase or 15% a 6 month supply... They also have prizes up for grab by participating in the challenge!

Giveaway:
One random reader can receive a free bottle of Hairfinity vitamins! Simply follow me on Instagram (@mslawanda) or on Google plus and post a picture of you and the items you plan to use for your health hair goals with the hashtag #AsTheWindBlowsHairGoals

*Winner selected Sunday 1/19/14 at 10pm CST*

**winner has 24 hours from the time of announcement to respond via email or another random winner will be selected**

email: mslawanda@asthewindblows.org

What other goals do you have for 2014? Share your comments!

I'm 40 Baby!

Christmas 2013 I became Forty & Fabulous! 

I told you guys I was 82% Ghanaian 

Great time! We also enjoyed pampering at Rejuvenation Spa at Bridgestreet.

Enjoyed learning to play the African drum - Djembe with my girlfriends!

We had an amazing instructor, Simba Jimyo Foloxe, who showed us a few techniques on the Djembe.  He offers classes locally here in Huntsville so please check him out. For more info check out his facebook page (click here).