Vana Black – Page 2 – Lifestyle, Fashion, Travel, Food

Taking On Curvy Con With The Big Fig Recap

September 25, 2018 · Leave a Comment

Hey everyone I know I’m super late on my Curvy Con Recap but better late than never right. Two weeks ago I attended The Curvy Con in NY during NYFW. This year I got to team up with my Big Fig Family and hang around the booth. I wanted to give you a little recap of why I really loved attending this year.

This was my 2nd year attending Curvy Con thanks to Big Fig. Now If you aren’t aware of who The Big Fig is, I advise you to check out my previous post here. Any way Curvy Con is a three-day event created by Plus size Bloggers Chastity Garner of Garnerstyle and CeCe Olisa of Cece Olisa. The event brings plus size brands, fashionistas, bloggers and more into one space to chat, shop and embrace being curvy.

On Friday morning I arrived for the first day of Curvy Con ready for the festivities. We kick-started the day with well-known dancer Jessie Diaz and Beyonce …Yes, I said IT!!! Beyonce’s very own choreographers Amore and Jore Marshall. Jessie 1st lead us in a great early morning workout to wake us up and get our energy going. Then Amore and Jore taught us all the latest Beyonce moves. I was ready to go on tour with the queen herself after learning all her latest dance moves.

After the workout, we got to indulge in an infused water station and got free goodies from Target. Later in the afternoon, I threw on my outfit styled by Courtney Noelle and attended the fashion show sponsored by Loft. Loft showcased the latest styles for the new plus size collection currently available in stores. The styles on the runway were absolutely amazing, I can’t wait to buy a few items for myself. What I loved most about the fashion show was the diversity in the model’s used to represent the brand.

The second day was when the fun really happened. It was a day full of panels and celebrity guest speaking on different topics and workshops. Since I was working with my Big Fig Family I spent the day at the Big Fig Booth. I loved the fact I had a chance to meet and greet some of my fav influencers, celebs, and bloggers and share how amazing the Big Fig brand is. So many people loved just lounging on the huge king size bed and were shocked to find out just how comfy it really is. I always tell folks sleeping is a key factor in life. So having a good supportive mattress is key to getting good rest.

Also the day of the event there was a huge shopping area for attendees to shop different brands. Many brands had discounts exclusively for attendees and offered items only being sold at the event.

Last but not least they ended the event by giving all those who purchased platinum or glitter tickets a cute giant swag bag full of goodies. Hunny let me tell you the number of goodies given was BOMB. My bag was full of stuff such as pants, panties, gift cards, portable chargers, and coupons. Also throughout the event, there was plenty of raffles and tons of free items. I literally had no room to put all my stuff going back home lol. The night ended with the Curvy Con after party which was full of laughs, memories, and lots of dancing.

I had such a great weekend attending this event. I’m also happy I got to spend it with my Big Fig family and share just how amazing the brand is with all those who attended. I literally can’t wait to attend next year’s Curvy Con. If you missed this year make sure to buy tickets for next years event because they SELL OUT FAST. Thanks to Courtney Noelle for dressing me and Big Fig for bringing me to this awesome event. Hope you all enjoyed and Owl talk to ya soon.
Love

Ps. Make sure you check out the Big Fig mattress if you’re in the market for a new bed, I promise you won’t be disappointed and make sure to use code VANABLACK for a big discount !!!

Stavana

Why I Am Proud To Be Afro-Latina

July 31, 2018 · Leave a Comment

Often as a child, I struggled with trying to figure out exactly where the hell did I fit in with everyone. According to society, I was always pressured to pick a side; I either wasn’t “Black Enough” or “Latina Enough.” I recall as a child coming home crying to my mom because the little Spanish girls in my dance class didn’t believe I was Puerto Rican. The girls were always mean and teased me because I didn’t have the same hair or speak Spanish. I was heartbroken as a kid dealing with the teasing, why did I have to prove to people what I am. Today as a proud Afro-Latina woman I am honored to identify with two incredible sides. It took time and growth, but I learned it’s okay to embrace both my Black side and the Latin side.

So I know you’re probably reading this like what is this Afro-Latin/a word I hear her using. Afro-Latin Americans or Black Latin Americans refers to Latin American people of significant African ancestry. Now that’s Wikipedia definition but depending who you ask the answer can vary. Afro-Latin in my eyes is someone like me! A person who’s not only Black but also mixed with Puerto Rican.

Celebrating Two Sides
As an Afro-Latina I have the privilege of having two different backgrounds come together. I have the best of both worlds mixing two cultures together. Family gatherings are always full of lots of love and food because you have everything from Arroz con Gandules, Fried Chicken, Pernil, and Mac&Cheese. It’s like an assortment of flavors all under one roof( trust me once you mix Mac&Cheese with Pernil you’ll never turn back lol). It’s also cool because I know so much about music; I grew up listening to salsa and bachata but also embracing artist like Patti Labelle, Whitney Houston, and Diana Ross.

Spanish
People assume that because you are an Afro Latina you should speak Spanish. So many times in my life folks have asked “How are you Spanish ,if you don’t speak Spanish?”. Easy because my house was Americanized my father is Black and we spoke English. Hence, on my mother’s side, the majority of my family speaks Spanish and English also known as Spanglish. Therefore I grew up speaking English, Of course, my mom’s mother talked to me in her native Spanish language, and I took a few classes, but I’m still not 100% fluent. At the end of the day, I’m not less Latina because I can’t speak fluently I just happen to be raised more Americanized than most fully Latin families.

Hair and Skin
Being Afro-Latina our hair texture and complexion is very unique because it can vary from person to person. Some people have curly thick hair while others have kinky straight hair. I use to wish my hair was more like my mom’s which is very fine and curly. Now I love and embrace the thickness and fullness of my Afro-Latina hair due to the endless possibilities when it comes to styling. My skin color is another unique trait being Afro-Latina . Afro Latins come in a wide range of skin tones from Chocolate, Caramel, White Chocolate, and Mocha. I know I’m describing it like food, but that’s the sweetest thing about us. No matter our skin or hair texture we are all beautiful in our own way.

Heritage
With having African and Latin roots, I descend from two powerful groups of people. I made it my duty to understand the trials and tribulations my ancestors faced and issues people of today battle. It makes me so overjoyed to identify with being an Afro-Latina. It feels incredible to stand next to my brothers and sisters in the fight for Black Lives Matter and come together to raise money for the influential citizens of Puerto Rico during such a tragic time. Both sides of my heritage are not only fighters but are strong trailblazing people who have all overcome so much adversity to be where they are today.

No matter how many times people deny me of being Latina because I can’t speak Spanish fluently. Or I’m not black enough to fight for black rights, I always remember I’m black and beautiful and just as Latina as anyone. I only have one little difference I am Afro-Latina, and that’s what makes me unique.

Thanks For stopping by

Vana

The Big Fig Mattress:Bedroom Makeover

July 17, 2018 · Leave a Comment

Hey everyone, Hope all is well in the world. I recently did my room over, and wanted to let you all know about my new bed from The Big Fig that’s AMAZING!

I moved into a new place and wanted my bedroom to be something new and fresh. This meant getting rid of my old bed and getting a new bedroom set and room layout. The mattress I had been sleeping on was TERRIBLE, and I refused to take it with me to my new home. When Big Fig reached out to me on doing a review it came in perfect time. I have since been sleeping on my brand new Big Fig mattress which has been some of the best sleep EVER! I wanted to make sure if I told y’all about it, I had gotten as much rest possible on it to give a fair accurate review.

Before I had my Big Fig mattress, I honestly can’t even tell you where my old mattress was from or the brand. All I can recall was the springs were super loud and it was only like 3 years old. I loved how soft my old mattress felt, but my back didn’t love the way that mattress felt. The last 4 months of me sleeping on my old mattress my back was aching every morning that I woke up. When I received the Big Fig mattress I was a little skeptical seeing that it’s a firmer higher mattress. The mattress was delivered to me by Big Figs white glove service where they put together your entire bed for you. Big Fig is an ultra-durable mattress designed for sleepers on the heavier side. The mattress is made for larger figures who may have had issues in the past with a mattress sagging, softening, loss of support or comfort over time.

The Big Fig company boasts that their bed, box spring, and railings can hold up to 5000 pounds. Now, I haven’t put that to the test HAHA! but I’m sure it stands true. I have the Queen size Mattress and did some jumping on it just to test it out. I will say it’s very sturdy and durable just like they advertise. I love that it comes with a 20-year warranty which shows how much they believe in the product, that’s more than any average mattress company offers.

There’s honestly not a single bad thing I can say about my new bed. I do miss the softer mattress, but since switching to the firmer side of the mattress world I think they won me over. The Big fig mattress really has given me some great sleep and really supports my back and body frame. We as humans spend a good amount of time sleeping, so why not be comfy doing it. My dog Henny even loves my new bed. I sometimes think he likes it more than me because I always catch him sleeping on it.

So if you’re in the market for a new bed that supports a plus size frame or just a taller built. I say check out the Big Fig it’s so worth the investment. Also If you order make sure to use my code VANABLACK at checkout for $100 off your purchase. Everyone deserves to have a nice comfy sleep and the Big Fig makes sure of that.

As Owl ways thanks for reading

Vana

Disclaimer: I was not paid to review, but received a complimentary mattress, from Big Fig.

The All Pink Outfit

May 7, 2018 · Leave a Comment

Hey guys!! Hope you all had a great weekend either celebrating the Kentucky Derby or indulging in Tons of tacos for Cinco De Mayo. Sadly I didn’t engage in either of the weekends events. Which is kinda sad because I’m a HUGE Mexican food lover. If anyone mentions a word about Tacos or Elotes I’m asking where and when? All that means is this week I need to make sure to get some tacos in my belly to make up for lost time.

It’s a new week and MAY is here! I absolutely love May because it’s my Birthday month and we can you start losing the layers of clothing and bringing colorful clothing back into our lives. May brings flowers, pastels, and nice warm weather. Since my Birthday is in May, I indulged in some light shopping in case I make birthday plans. Now yall know I had to venture to my favorite store TARGET. I purchased the cutest all pink outfit by A New Day, and I just had to share it with my readers because it was totally out of my element.

An all pink get up is not something I normally would buy. I must admit though, ever since I seen J.LO do an all pink Monochrome outfit, I always kept the idea in the back of my mind to try it someday. I guess the fashion gawds must have remembered because I finally found the perfect outfit. I purchased a pair of pink pants and a pink blazer that could be paired as separates or together. As soon as I laid eyes on it I immediately thought of the J.Lo outfit. I put my own little spin on the look to really customize it to my style. I paired my pink pants and jacket with a pink suede crop top from Society Plus and some comfy block heels. The pants are super stretchy and easy to move in. I love that the jacket can be either styled with the pink pants or with jeans. I was just so excited. I got a cute pants suit for half the money of an actual suit. The colors all flow together so it’s not too overpowering, nobody wants to look like walking cotton candy lol. I think A New Day really hit this one out the park with these pieces.

What do yall think of my Monochrome outfit? Would you wear an all pink outfit or is that just to much color for one look. Let me know in the comments. As Owls ways thanks for stopping by and Owl see ya Soon.

How To Live A More Eco Friendly Life

April 30, 2018 · 1 Comment

Happy Monday everyone!!!! April is coming to an end and what better way to celebrate Earth month than living a more Eco friendly life. This year I been focused on finding sustainable alternatives to be more Eco friendly in different aspects of my life. I’ve seriously have learned so much since deciding to take a leap to a more Eco conscious lifestyle; One thing I will say is being more eco-conscious is not a change that happens overnight, It is a journey where you will always learn something new.

I know most are probably like how does one even become more Eco friendly? Well, that’s why I’m here to help today. I want to give 5 tips to live a more Eco friendly life .

Use Paper Less And Recycle More. The world we live in today is reliant on technology. It is easy to go a day without using a notebook or even paper. The less paper you use, the less paper needs to be produced and we get to have more trees that fill our forests.

Use Canvas Bags Instead Of Plastic. Most stores offer canvas bag alternatives to the generic plastic and paper bags. Although a canvas bag might cost a a little more, they actually are much more useful than you might think. A canvas bag canvas bag can also be used to store lunch or pack items when moving – making it useful in more ways than one.

Start Buying Second Hand. Fast fashion is one of the most polluting industries in the world with Americans throwing out 13 million textiles a year. Companies like thredUP offer amazing second hand clothes. Shopping second-hand is a great way to reuse and reduce textile waste that otherwise ends up in landfill. The shirt I’m wearing in this post is made from 100% recycled material how amazing is that!!!

Bring your own Coffee Cup. you know how you stop for that coffee every morning. Instead of taking the usual plastic or paper cup. Bring in your own for them to use. That means less paper and plastic being wasted in our trash bin. Some shops like even give a discount for simply helping mama Earth by using your own cup.

Educate Others: Educate others about the importance of living an Ecofriendly life. The more people who share awareness of the importance of the environment, the more we can do together to conserve it.

Hope this little guide helped you all in becoming more eco friendly. With these little improvements you’ll be well on your way to a more sustainable future! Make sure to check out thredUPs project RE:Made where they commissioned 12 artists to create artworks in response to the statement “Climate Change is Not Real”. thredUP screen-printed the works onto secondhand white tees from there inventory and are selling them. All net proceeds benefit carbon offset non-profit Cool Effect. Check out all the cool things they are doing over at thredUP for this campaign. As Owls ways thanks for stopping by!!!!

Love

Stavana