If you’re considering wearing braids for your wedding day hair, I couldn’t recommend Perfect Locks more! I have been using their bulk braiding hair for over two years now and knew that I would be able to achieve my dream wedding look with their products.

For this special day, Perfect Locks gifted me 2 bundles of their 26 inch bulk braiding hair in Wavy. And I had already had another bundle of 22 inch wavy hair left over to complete this look. If you want to learn how I achieved this style of braids, check out my TikTok!

After I braided my hair, my sister (and my amazing maid of honor) styled it in the most chic half down, half up look. I could not be happier with they way it turned out! The wispy, loose waves framed my face perfectly. Thank you Perfect Locks for gifting me your gorgeous extensions!

The post Wedding Day Hair with Perfect Locks appeared first on Ink & Fable.

The Rising Storm is just that good, and I guarantee it’s unlike anything you’ve read in the Star Wars universe.

My Rating | 5/5 
Author | Cavan Scott
Publisher | Del Rey 

*This review may contain spoilers, proceed with caution!

We find our beloved characters from the Light of The Jedi moving on from the nightmare that was the Great Disaster and preparing themselves for The Republic Fair. A unified effort commissioned by Chancellor Lina Soh to bring the galaxy together once and for all. Soh wants to send a message to all of the galaxy’s inhabitants: that they are stronger together even with the rogue pirate group the Nihil lurking in the shadows.

Something bad is on the horizon though. Jedi Master Elzar Mann continues to replay his nightmarish visions of the brutal massacre he had in Light of the Jedi. And now, we see him wrestle with the possibility of this vision coming true.

Elzar Mann is a character that I did not expect to fall in love with. In The Rising Storm, Cavan Scott gives his readers the opportunity to get to know the inner workings of each Jedi, Nihil, creature, and citizen. I felt truly immersed as a reader and I know that this is due to Scott’s beautiful writing!

Along with Elzar, we are reunited with my favorite young padawan Bell Zettifar, Jedi Master Stellan Gios, and Chancellor Lina Soh. We also meet one of the newest additions to the High Republic’s roster, Ty Yorrick, a rogue Jedi monster hunter for hire (I want to be her).

And don’t worry, I didn’t forget about the Nihil! They are back and just as ruthless as ever. Scott is not afraid to dive deep into the graphic nature of what Marchion Ro (BAE) and his bloodthirsty goons will do to get what they want.

While the character development in this book is fantastic, the classic themes that drive the plot are some of the best I’ve ever read within the Star Wars universe. How does a young Jedi cope with the loss of his master? What about a Jedi in love? And my favorite in the book, how does a Jedi who is experiencing a pull from the dark side ask for help to stay in the light?

And while we’ve seen all of these themes examined before, Scott brings a fresh perspective that is pleasing to read. He doesn’t shy away from the complexity and the layers but embraces them, humanizing both the heroes and the villains of the story.

All I can say after finishing this book is that I hope and pray that we’ll get this kind of Star Wars on the big screen sometime very soon. Until that day though, I look forward to the next High Republic novel in the series. I can’t wait to see what happens next!

The Rising Storm by Cavan Scott is available everywhere books are sold on June 29th, 2021. Click here to pre-order your copy!

The post Cavan Scott’s The Rising Storm Is Hauntingly Beautiful appeared first on Ink & Fable.

Here are seven of the many films that shaped my love for science fiction:

2001 Space Odyssey (1968)

I’m convinced that this film was actually made in the year 3000 and transported back through time for us mere mortals to view in 1968. Seriously though, the cinematography in 2001: A Space Odyssey is unmatched and continues to be way ahead of its time.

Terminator 2 (1991)

If you claim that the original Terminator is better than Terminator 2: Judgement Day, I will fight you. Because two words: SARAH CONNER.

Sure, Sarah was in the first one, but the way she transformed herself for this role was iconic! Sarah was one of the first strong, independent female characters that I’d ever seen on screen in an action movie. Usually, all of the women were busy being saved. Judgment Day showed me that I could be the one to do the saving.

Contact (1997)

One day in my 12th grade English class, my teacher queued up a film called Contact for us to watch. I never would have guessed the impact this film would have on my life. On the surface, Contact is a story about one woman’s search for alien life, but at its core, it is a story about connection, finding faith, and hanging on to love.

When you watch this film, you’ll notice that there are so many scenes of Jodie’s character just listening. I don’t think that’s a coincidence. These small moments are a testament to the quiet beauty of discovery and the fact that both the search for extraterrestrial life and God might be one and the same.

The Matrix (1999)

The Matrix is the reason you immediately associate that bright green code on a black screen with “the One”. Not only was the storytelling on point, but the action was mesmerizing. Like that stuff will literally have you in a TRANCE. When I finally found out how they shot the action scenes, my brain was never the same.

Red pill or blue pill, which would you choose?

I, Robot (2004)

I was thirteen years old and my dad was my hero for taking me with him to see my first ever PG-13 movie in the theatre. After we got our tickets and grabbed our snacks we entered the auditorium and chose our favorite seats, what I call the middle-middle (middle of the auditorium, and middle of the row).

Will Smith plays Del Spooner, a “techno-phobic” cop who investigates the murder of his mentor while Alan Tudyk plays the robot in question. The exchange between Sonny and Del in the interrogation room remains to be one of my favorite sci-fi scenes of all time. Would you believe a robot who claims he’s innocent? I wouldn’t.

Revenge of the Sith (2005)

Revenge of the Sith was the first Star Wars movie that I ever saw from beginning to end. The scene on Mustafar between Obi-wan and Anakin made me ugly cry. I hadn’t seen the original trilogy or the two that came before Revenge of the Sith, and yet I cared deeply about this mentor and his student. I love that about George Lucas and how he puts the relationships between his characters first. The Star Wars saga is one of the main reasons I’m so in love with storytelling today.

Take Shelter (2011)

I can’t believe Take Shelter is already 10 years old. It’s timeless. One of my favorite directors, Jeff Nichols, takes us on a journey of a middle-aged father (played by Michael Shannon) as he grapples with the post-apocalyptic nightmares he’s been having. Is he delusional or a prophet?

Some might argue that this is more of a psychological thriller than anything else, but I think it has the best of both worlds.

Do you have any movies you’d add to this list? Let me know in the comments!

The post 7 Films That Shaped My Love for Science Fiction appeared first on Ink & Fable.

So, in January of 2019, I launched my own book club, Dear Reader. I wanted to create something where everyone felt welcomed. It wouldn’t be a formal setting with a list of discussion questions, but rather the focus would be on how that particular book made us feel and how it moved us. I’m the type of person that doesn’t do too well with remembering the specifics of the books that I love. If you ask me the plot point of my top five reads, it will take me a few minutes of staring into space to mush together the words to explain to you exactly what happens.

But if you ask how it made me feel, how the author’s words and chapters made me grow as a person? Grab a bottle of wine and a glass for you and me, because that’s where I could talk to you for hours.

Dear Reader’s primary focus is to read and highlight the literature of Black authors, but we also explore other voices as well. As a Black woman whose home is filled with Black literature, it was important for me to build a space where we could discuss these works of art together and learn from each other.

Prior to COVID-19, we met in person at a local bookstore once a month. Now we meet bi-monthly via ZOOM, so everyone can join. Click here to join this month’s session, we’re reading Kindred by the great Octavia Butler!

The post Thinking About Joining a Book Club? Dear Reader Might Be For You appeared first on Ink & Fable.

I’m sure that part of this is due to the secrecy surrounding the reveal. Erin Kellyman was kept from doing any press for the movie and her role as the mysterious marauder leader was kept under wraps until the night of the premiere. This hasn’t kept me from fantasizing about a standalone Enfys Nest series though.

A girl’s gotta dream.

Here are five reasons we need a series for Queen Enfys:

1. Mama Nest

“The same thing my mother would have used it for if she survived and still wore the mask. To fight back.” – Enfys Nest

When I heard this line for the first time, I knew I needed an Enfys Nest origin story. And I feel like I can’t be alone in this right? The way she delivers this line just makes me crave a backstory. I need to know her mother’s beliefs and what she was like. Most of all, I need to know why she wore the mask. Don’t you?

2. It’s Time For Marauders to Have The Spotlight

If you’re reading any of the new High Republic series, you know just how integral marauders are to this new era of Star Wars. So basically I’m sayin that Disney is making room for more space pirates right now. Which means it’s totally okay for me to daydream about more Enfys on her swoop bike, kicking butt, and preventing coaxium from falling into the wrong hands. Because it could totally happen.

3. John Powell’s Theme

Ancestral and rhythmic, Enfys’ theme is definitely one of the most unique introductions I’ve heard for a character in a long time. The choir of voices seem to guide Enfys and carry her as she makes her way through the galaxy. They reinforce the fact that Enfys is wise beyond her years. Having an Enfys Nest series would mean more variations of the theme, and the more the better right?

4. POC Representation in the Galaxy

We don’t have a lot of choices when it comes to bi-racial representation within the Star Wars universe. In fact, I believe Erin Kellyman is the first bi-racial woman to play a significant role in a SW film. Can you imagine, all the little girls with freckles and curls, seeing a young woman like Erin with her own series? That’s a big deal, and we need more of it.

5. More Erin Kellyman

My middle name is Erin so naturally, I love anyone with the name. More importantly, how dope would it be to see Erin interact with other beloved characters in the universe. Do you guys think she may pop up in Andor? I’m thinking it could be a possibility!

The post 5 Reasons I Need a Standalone Enfys Nest Series appeared first on Ink & Fable.

Two hundred years before the events of Star Wars: The Phantom Menace, in the era of the glorious High Republic, the noble and wise Jedi Knights must face a frightening threat to themselves, the galaxy, and the Force itself….

* This book was purchased by me, all views are my own. 

When I heard that Disney had hand-selected a group of talented authors to tell the story of Star Wars: The High Republic era, I found myself to be both thrilled and quite nervous, I really wanted this book to live up to my expectations!

Light of The Jedi takes place approximately 200 years before the Prequels, when Jedi Knights and Masters are at their prime and the Republic is at peace. It’s a time of unknowns and new discoveries, the entire galaxy is theirs to explore.

Part One opens with the inciting incident, a ship called the Legacy Run experiences a major accident, sacrificing the lives of several passengers and leaving pieces of its wreckage floating in and out of hyperspace. This causes several “mini” disasters of its own which leads to Chancellor Lina Soh and the Republic bringing together the most equipped Jedi for the job.

There were some moments where this book felt like it was written by two different authors. Phrases like, “it was as if” felt overused and cliche. As well as lines like “letting go of a breath it didn’t know it was holding”.

I would not recommend this book to someone who dislikes novels that involve tons of characters, because there are a TON in the Light of The Jedi. Every time you get to a new chapter, there is almost always a different point of view. It took me nearly all of part one to get used to this constant back and forth. And if I wasn’t expecting it, I might not have stuck it out in order to finish reading the book.

I’m so glad that I did though because Part Two is where the fun begins…

Once you get used to the number of different perspectives (I had to keep a journal to help keep track), the story really does come to life. There are murderous Game of Thrones-ish space Vikings, Jedi that bend the force to perform powerful miracles, and plenty of beautiful friendships– the heart of every good Star Wars story.

“We must always strive for peace, but also justice. Peace without justice is flawed, hollow at its core. It is the peace provided by tyranny.”

Charles Soule does a great job of exploring both the physical and mental boundaries of the Force and hyperspace. The two weave together in a way that tells a unique and riveting story of the Jedi and the people they vow to protect. After all,

“We are all the Republic.”

In addition to some new lore, the story also introduces us to many loveable new Master and apprentice duos, with my favorite being Jedi Master Loden Greatstorm and his padawan Bell Zettifar. I loved them so much, and aside from Chancellor Lina Soh,  they were the characters that I connected with the most.

I love the fact that we are introduced to villains who are not the Sith, and that we are given the opportunity to explore Jedi that have zero connections to the Skywalker saga. Don’t get me wrong, I love me some Anakin and Luke, but there is so much more of the galaxy to explore!

Once I got used to the style of the writing, the story really captivated me. It also shocked me how relevant it was to today’s political dialogue. A very timely Star Wars story that the entire fandom could benefit from reading!

I can’t wait for The Rising Storm and I have an alarm set for the premiere of The High Republic Show hosted by the amazing Krystina Arielle. I can’t wait to see what the Star Wars team does with the era of the High Republic, the possibilities are endless! Do yourself a favor…pour up a glass of blue milk and dive into The Light of The Jedi, it truly is a delight.

The post The High Republic: Light of the Jedi Rekindled My Love for Star Wars Novels appeared first on Ink & Fable.

I have a confession to make.  I avoided watching your version of Little Women because I knew that I was going to fall in love with it. Weird, I know. But somehow, I knew that by watching your film something would change, that it would move me to tears and make me want to DO something. I wasn’t ready for that last year. I couldn’t even face my manuscript, so how could I watch Jo March complete hers?

Well, a few days ago I finally curled up on my couch to watch your adaption of Little Women. And lemme tell you Greta, I ugly cried. Like WEPT. I’m not quite sure why, but this version of the story sparked something in me.

Maybe it was the way you handled Jo March so delicately even though she’s so strong. You gave her even more depth than I could ever imagine and made her so completely whole. Or maybe it was the way that I wanted to murder Amy after she burned Jo’s novel. I knew it was coming and yet I gasped as if I had no idea of what to expect. Thank you for displaying such wonderful, childlike freedom through your adaption.

Yesterday, I had a plot breakthrough and I nearly cried. It felt like a huge weight had been lifted off of my heavy shoulders. I’m pretty sure I have your interpretation of Jo to thank for that.

Thank you.

I know there will be many more moments of being stuck and unstuck throughout my writing process, but I have to be okay with that. I cannot let perfectionism keep me from putting words to a page. I promise myself today that I will not let the fear of being mediocre keep me from trying something new.

Sincerely,

Patience

The post Greta Gerwig’s Little Women Is a Gem appeared first on Ink & Fable.

Have you read part 1 of this Zoë Kravitz braids how to series yet? If not, start here before you continue. All set? Okay, let’s start with the products that I used to recreate Zoe’s iconic braids:

Murray’s Pomade – I use this to minimize slip and make the extensions tacky so that it’s easier to install.

Hair Clips– You’ll need some clips to help section your hair and keep it out of the way as you braid.

Rat Tail Comb – Every Black girl’s staple comb lol.

Nail Glue – I use little dab of glue to seal the ends of my braids. I like the brush applicator the best because it doesn’t dry out and is easy to apply to the extensions.

Maui Moisture and Coconut Oil Mist – This was my first time using this spray but I love it! It keeps my scalp moisturized and gives my hair a nice sheen.

3 Wefts of Woven Hair in Ocean Waves in the color Black– I used nearly all 3 wefts that I received from Woven Hair for this style. This hair is absolutely stunning in person.

Alight, let’s dive into how I achieved this look, please keep in mind that I am not a professional! This is just how I like to braid my hair.

Step 1 | Section The Hair

First, you want to prep the extensions and divide it into the sections that you’ll use for each braid. This is optional, as some people like to divide as they go. But this helps the process go a little faster. Usually, hair for braiding comes in bulk, but I had to cut this hair from the weft.

Step 2 | Apply Murray’s Pomade

I use a little of Murray’s Pomade as to give the hair a little tackiness, this helps me install it easier.

Step 3 | Start Braiding

Once I have the section of hair ready, I loop the hair around my real hair and use my hair as the third leg of the braid. I braid down until I get about a centimeter below my real hair. I want to keep the ends flowy and free like Zoë’s.

Step 4 | Seal the Ends

Lastly, you’ll want to apply the nail glue to make sure the braid does not become unraveled. Be sure that you’re not gluing your real hair when you do this!

Step 5 | Repeat

Repeat steps 1-4 until you’ve got a whole head of braids! And then spray it with Maui Moisturizing spray. Be sure to tie it up with a satin scarf or bonnet before you go to bed.

And that’s that! This style took me about 15 hours to complete and I could not be happier with how it turned out! And since it’s 100% human hair, I have the ability to straighten and curl it how I like. What do you guys think? Would you ever attempt to braid your own hair? How are you guys dealing with the salons being closed down during this time? Let me know in the comments. And if you recreate this style tag me at @inkandfable and @woven.hair on Instagram, I’d love to see how it turned out!

The post How to Get Zoë Kravitz Braids with Woven Hair Part 2 appeared first on Ink & Fable.

When I have a vision of how I want my hair to look, I can’t let it go until I achieve it. I literally become obsessed with it. I learned how to do my own individual braids back in February, and I was pretty happy with how they turned out. But I still wanted the “Zoë Kravitz, human hair braids”. I wanted that “carefree, just rolled outta bed but I still look cute” look.

Here’s the catch though, there is like zero information out there regarding what kind of hair/products that Zoë’s hairstylist, Nikki Nelms uses. It’s like a secret society. If you want to replicate a look you love, you kind of just have to experiment until you stumble upon something that gets you pretty close. And do a crap ton of research. We do know though that Nikki uses 100% virgin human hair to do Zoë’s braids. So with that tiny bit of info, I started to try and track down some ethical human hair brands. I decided that if I was going to have human hair extensions, they would need to be from a sustainable and ethical brand.

To my surprise, there are only a handful of companies that can truly call themselves 100% sustainable and ethical when it comes to sourcing human hair.

Woven Hair

Woven Hair is one of those unique companies, AND it’s Black-owned! Margot Greer founded Woven after being diagnosed with breast cancer. When chemotherapy left Margot with no hair, she came to the realization that hair loss wasn’t something that the doctors prepared you for. The wigs that were offered to cancer patients with hair loss were nice, but most of them looked unrealistic. And the ones that did look like they were growing out of your head were completely unaffordable. Margot wanted to change this.

“Our mission is to be the reliable and trusted source of quality hair to women who care about where it comes from.”

Woven cares about traceability, in that they know exactly where the hair comes from. They are also a hair company that gives back. For every piece purchased, they give back to a woman who needs hair, which I think is pretty amazing!

Margot was kind enough to send me some of their Ocean Wave Wefts for more to try for this style. I am SO pleased with how it turned out, and am now a Woven customer for life.

For the full tutorial, click here for part 2!

The post How to Get Zoë Kravitz Braids with Woven Hair Part 1 appeared first on Ink & Fable.

I’ve been obsessed with Jonathan Majors ever since I saw his mesmerizing performance in The Last Black Man In San Francisco.  With the new series Lovecraft Country, we get to see Majors and Jurnee Smollett kick butt every week and it’s a GIFT for Black sci-fi nerds like myself.

The Mandalorian Season 2 trailer is here and my body is REAAAADY.

Booking my flight to Venus now.

This episode of The Daily is one of the best I’ve heard in a while. An important listen during this time.

This documentary blew my mind and makes me want to delete all of my social media platforms.

GIRLFRIENDS IS FINALLY STREAMING!!!!!

I’ve been living in the most comfortable sweatsuit EVER from EntireWorld. They are currently sold out of most of their sets but the restock tomorrow. A work from home must have!

This month for Dear Reader Book Club, I chose two different books, Transcendent Kingdom and Death in Her Hands. Learn more about each book here and RSVP if you decide to read one or both. Only 5 more spots open!

The post Links I Love | Vol. 7 appeared first on Ink & Fable.