Kickin' It: Essence Music Festival in New Orleans

So as I mentioned to you guys yesterday in my post about the Essence Luxe Lounge, I had the pleasure of heading down to New Orleans this weekend to take part in the Essence Music Festival.

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I thoroughly enjoyed myself in The Big Easy. It's a beautiful city, the people are friendly, the food is amazing - what more could you ask for?

I stopped by the Motions Style Bar at the W Hotel, which was an a fun shindig sponsored by Motions Hair Care, complete with co-hostesses Danielle of The Style & Beauty Doctor and Lexi of Curls, Coils and Kinks!

I hung out with my faves - Jessica of Glamazons Blog and Blake Von D.

Also ran into the lovely Patrice of Afrobella! Fierce fro' and all. Loved Danielle's jacket.

MC Lyte had the party jumping with her classic hits!

Specialty cocktails were on deck.

There were live styling sessions taking place using the Motions Hair Care products.

All the beauties: Lexi, Danielle, Blake, Me, Patrice and Jessica

Motions celebrity stylist & spokesperson Ursula Stephen took the stage with The Game star Hosea Chanchez for a quick styling Q&A.

I caught up with Ursula afterword - love her! She's responsible for putting Rihanna's hair on the map!

Also caught up with cutie Hosea. Love him!

Look at those curls!

Next, I popped on over to the Carol's Daughter pop-up store to catch up with my faves over there. Love them! The store looked amazing, decorated with their new Transition 1-2-3 product line.

We saw Andrea, the other half of Glamazons Blog glowing and being fabulous.

Next we went strolling through the French Quarter, which is a beautiful place even when it's rainy with gray skies. 

I checked one of my must-see places off the to do list at Cafe Du Monde. Best beignets ever!

Yum! One weekend in NOLA was absolutely not enough. I can't wait to go back!

Have you ever been to New Orleans? What should I definitely do the next time I go?