Farewell 2014

*sings* "Ten years come and gone so fast
I might as well have been dreaming
Sunny days have burned a path
Across another season..."
Does anyone remember that Oprah theme song for her 10 year anniversary?

Aaaaaaanyway... We are coming the close of another year and with all of the events that occurred locally and nationally I wanted to ask:

What events are/were memorable for you personally this year?

My memorable moments:

- Marrying my best friend.
- Rekindling my love for art.
- Finally meeting "Pumpkin" (my friends baby) after her world debut (lol).
- Watching another friends creative GENIUS grow with her music.

I'm ready for 2015 and what it has to offer and hope I have many more memorable moment to look back on ans share.

POSITIVE ENERGY TO ALL IN 2015!

Pick 6 - Fall

Seasons Greetings! 
We're officially in Winter and 'Tis The Season for shopping, family, and recapping on what has transpired this year BUT, before we move forward  I'd like to share some of my favorite items from Fall. So...

L E T S   G E T   S T A R T E D !  

Hair - Simple protective styles. It honestly took  me a while to go back to basics with my hair. Understanding that protective styles do not always have be complicated (ie: small flat twist, mini twist...styles that take more that 20mins to get together). With my new cut I have been wearing my hair out a lot but when I'm not in the mood to deal with it, I pin my hair in a simple pompadour and rock it out for a few days. So easy to do and it helps me keep my hair stretched.





Fashion - Cardigans and Sweaters. What more must I say? This is a timeless piece in any persons
wardrobe.  You can dress them up or down and they are great for layering. Not to mention they can be found EVERYWHERE. I'm particularly loving Merona's cowl neck sweaters at Target (purchased in both gray and black).




Beauty - NYX Setting Spray, Matte. I figured I would take a chance on trying this spray to help with setting my eyebrows. I've been filling in my brows for a while now and SHOULD be use to the fact that there is makeup on my face but I still have a habit of touching my face and then the desk at work and papers, thus leaving brown makeup streaks everywhere. NYX setting spray actually helps combat this. I will say that I wish it kept my face with the matte finish but I think its just my skin. Again, does the job at keeping the makeup on  my face and off my fingers so, thumbs up.






Skin - Sugar Scrubs. when the colder weather hits I slack off one task...SHAVING MY LEGS. Luckily my legs aren't that hairy so it isn't a big deal. To replace  this chore I do a nice full body scrub once a week to keep my skin feeling smooth in the colder months.
There are 2 scrubs that I enjoy: 1st is Shea Moisture Superfruit Complex scrub (still loving on this product from my Spring Pick 6). The 2nd scrub is Tree Huts Pomegranate Acai scrub. Both smell awesome and while it would be easy to make my own scrubs... I can't duplicate the fragrances.



Accessories - Gold! Over the past year, I have been buying more gold accessories lately to mix it up. Particularly loving my gold boyfriend watch from Charming Charlies, and my large button style gold earrings from Aldo.




Random -  iSound Twist Wireless Speaker. This rechargeable speaker has a long battery life and the sound quality is great considering the size of the speaker. It's also easy to pair it to your device(s). I take it around the apartment with me while cleaning when I need to keep my phone on the charger. I also bring it in the bathroom  for shower time when pretending I'm a singer ('cause you know, everyone sounds great singing in the bathroom).

What items have you enjoyed this Fall?

- creatively coiled

My World - NC Artist Sonyae

Hey Hey!

For #MusicMonday wanted to share with you all a lyricist who is Native to NC. Sonyae released her debut EP "Leave of Presence" on November 28th, 2014 for the masses.

 

Along with dropping her 1st project, "Leave of Presence", she has also released a video for "The Gift", which gives insight on the meaning of the album:

I have somewhat watched Sonyae grow as an artist/lyricist and had the pleasure of working with her on creating her cover art.

Learn more about Sonyae, check her out on bandcamp.com Sonyae - Leave of Presence. You can also find her on social media: 

@justsonyae (instagram and twitter) and like her fanpage on Facebook (justsonyae)

New Do - The Undercut

Hey hey!

If you follow me on Instagram (@creativelycoiled) you have probably noticed the new do I have been sporting.

I have been iching to do this for a while but was nervous about how it would turn out. Late September I finally mustard up the nerve to have my sister help me cut my hair:

I absolutely L♡VE the cut. With the bottom half of my hair GONE, it is easier to manage (ie: wash day). Plus, I can easily slap my hair in a top puff ( which is my go to style until I think of others).

My inspiration for this cut was YouTuber Beauty Cutright and a very cute illustration created by @adorkableaffiliation in Instagram. 

I am going to see how long my love for the undercut will last. I will say, with the recent change in weather the back of my head is taking a whipping from the cool air (may work on a crochet project to fix this).

Have you considered an extreme cut? 

- Creatively Coiled

My World - Raleigh Food Truck Rodeo

Photo from Downtown Raleigh Food Truck Rodeo's website

Sunday, October 11th, sir and I took a trip downtown to enjoy the last Food Truck Rodeo of the year. This even takes place on Fayetteville St (by News Channel 11) and stretches roughly 10 blocks. All the local food trucks in one spot for the choosing. 

DOESN'T GET MORE ACCESSIBLE THAN THIS!

We enjoyed jerk chicken, rice, and plantains from Virgil's Jamaican Restaurant...

...Bahn Mi Pork belly sandwich from Foster's on the fly...

...And dumplings, and chicken wangs from Dump Pho King.

Unfortunately, I did state above that [from the looks of it] this was the last rodeo of the year BUT, for more information, please visit downtownraleighfoodtruckrodeo.com to see when they'll announce the next dates. 

Have you ever attended the Food Truck Rodeo? Whether you have or have not, what are your favorite local trucks?

- Creatively Coiled

Preparing for Fall...Protective Styling

I love Fall because I enjoy layering: cardigans, scarves, cozies...I love it! Another thing I love about the Fall weather is that almost perfect for wearing my hair in twist outs or braid outs because it isn't as humid so I can retain length throughout the day without weighing my hair down with a lot of product(s). The reason I said the weather is "almost" perfect is because I have to remember that even though my hair looks fabulous during this time of year...It doesn't always feel fabulous. With my tresses rubbing against my scarves, and sweaters, and the dry air, I come home to some dry ends when its time to prep my hair for bed. 

This Fall I will be doing more protective styling to keep my hair moisturized as we enter into the colder months. over the past 5 years I've filled my repertoire with go to styles (some basic, some a bit more detailed). Protective styles help me keep my hands out of my hair so it has a chance to rest. I have learned that my hair LOVES to be left along BUT since I'm can't just put my hair in straight backs and slap a hat on (because I look weird with straight back corn rows and we aren't allowed to wear head gear to work) I have to be creative with my strands to still look presentable.

The game plan is to share my styles with you. I'll be posting pictures on Instagram, Twitter, and Tumblr.

Do you protective style? If so, what are your go to styles?

I'd love to see you styles (and possibly copy them *smiles*)

-Creatively Coiled 

September is Sickle Cell Awareness Month

#BoldLipsForSickleCell

A friend on Instagram tagged numerous women including myself to participate in #BoldLipsForSickleCell photo challenge as a way to help raise awareness of the disease and knowing your status (whether you carry the trait).

Now, I'm not one for lipstick so I was a bit apprehensive once tagged however, I was interested in knowing more about Sickle Cell Anemia. I have only known one person that has the trait and they have a child with Sickle Cell but I never went any further to ask questions.

Sickle Cell Disease is an inherited blood disorder that affects red blood cells. People with sickle cell have red blood cells that contain mostly hemoglobin S, which is an abnormal type of hemoglobin (normal blood cells contain hemoglobin A). These blood cells do not last as long as normal blood cells and can sometimes become sickle-shaped (like a crescent) which makes it difficult to pass through small blood vessels. With many of these sickle shaped blood cells blocking small blood vessels, blood flow is limited which causes complications.
(Source: Sickle Cell Disease Association of America)

For information on Sickle Cell, traits, medical problems, treatments, to donate, and more please visit: 

sicklecelldisease.org

The easiest part is being informed and donating...Now...I am going to also participate in the photo challenge: 

this is the only color lippie I own (lol).

I'm tagging EVERYONE!!! 

-Creatively Coiled

Pick 6 - Summer

As much as I've enjoyed the sitting pool side, wearing sundresses, sun glasses, and digging my feet in the sand, we must soon say farewell to Summer (boooooo!). BUT before we do, I want to come to you all with some of my favorites this season. So...

                                                       L E T S   G E T   S T A R T E D !

Accessories - Viva La Juicy and Viva La Juicy Gold rollerball perfume. I've been leaning hard with this duo. Two fragrances in one and I'm able to slip it in my bag to take with me in case I'm in a rush. I am certainly a fan of the original Juicy Couture but I've enjoyed the Juicy Couture Gold for more of a "stepping out on the town" fragrance. The two smell very similar but the Gold has a hint of what may be vanilla (***does a quick Google search to verify my assumption***) YES! vanilla. which gives me a more grown and sexy vibe when applying.






Fashion - Old Navy T-Strap Flip Flops. Let me just say...I have worn these flips flops just about everyday this summer. Lately, I've had trouble finding a all black flip flop with straps (a lot of flip flops that are out now have black straps but the base/bottom is a different color...I'm plain). I like the quality of these because they're made with a heavier rubber (unlike the foam flip flops that are always on sale at Old Navy).




Beauty - Maybelline Great Lash Lots of Lashes. Summer means sweat and I am not in the mood for wiping makeup off my face, and clothes. To still jazz up my look, I draw/fill in my eyebrows (click >>> HERE <<< to see my technique) and apply mascara. Great Lash is the best mascara I have used so far. It really defines my lashes. Also, I am "multiple application" gal (meaning I'll apply at least 3 coats to make my lashes pop). Now, it clumps a little but not nearly as bad as other mascaras I have used.




Hair - Afro Puff. Need I say more??? This Summer was not nearly as hot as I anticipated but, for those days
when I did not want to deal with my hair brushing my neck and/or sweating my hair out. I would simply wear a puff. When I first discovered I could achieve the afro puff with my own hair, I would only wear it when it was getting close to wash day BUT CHILE... I love it now! Bad hair day, good hair day, just not in the mood to deal with my hair, the puff is in full effect.




Skin - ***2-for-1***Neutrogena Astringent and Toner. So, for my Pick 6 for Spring I talked about how I use the Neutrogena Wave Sonic. I've gotten better with the routine but I'm only using it 2 days out of the week (as I noticed that using it everyday was drying my skin). My daily facial regimen after washing my face is to apply the Neutrogena Astringent on my problem spots (which clears me up in about 3 days). Then after that dries, I use the Alcohol Free Toner to close my pores, and to hopefully help keep my skin tight (as it is). This is really helping out my problem areas and my skin doesn't feel tight (like some medication make it feel) or dry after applying.

Image pulled from Crane website

Random - Crane Pop-up Sun Shelter. The husband and I made 2 trips to the beach. The 1st trip was a bit
of a hassle because it rained most of the day. Along with the rain came wind which ruined 2 beach umbrellas that we purchased when we arrived (very upset at the waste of money). Before we took our 2nd trip to the coast I lucked on this Pop-up Sun Shelter while shopping in Aldi. This thing is awesome!: Just like the name says, it is a pop-up shelter so no assembly required. It is large enough for both of us to sit out beach chairs in, easy to put away, AND it comes with a carrying bag. This made our day at the beach even more care-free because we were able to setup, and pack up quickly.

I'm tagging Ms.Naturally Random and anyone else that would like to participate.

What are some items that made your Summer???

-Creatively Coiled

Curls Around The World - Mini Haul

I'm always excited about going to expos to enjoy the presentations, networking, and fellowship. But the main thing I like is checking out the vendors to see what they have to offer. Vendors are awesome as you're normally looking at one of a kind items, or items that you know are not mass produced (which I'm always attracted to).

With that being said... LET ME SHOW YOU WHAT I GOT!!

We received mini swag bags with samples from JessiCurls, Eden BodyWorks, and Coco Curls.

Made a lovely scented purchase from the Pure Shea Store: Cocoa Mango Shea Butter, and a mango scented shampoo bar (more deets on how that worked out in a late post). 

Now, with it just laying on my vanity, you are not getting the full effect of this. Made a wonderful fashion purchase from S. Benson. This my friends is a Peplum belt that can be paired with any plain outfit.

Last thing I walked away with was a bottle of Almond Oil from Monique's Natural Boutique.

If you want more information on the products, please visit the merchant sites below: 

http://www.sbenson.com/

http://puresheastore.com/

http://moniquesnaturalhaircare.com/

https://www.jessicurl.com/

http://cococurls.com/

Have any of you used any of these products? If so, what are your thoughts?

- Creatively Coiled

Curls Around The World Natural Hair Tour

On August 23rd some of my lady friends and I went to Greensboro,NC to enjoy the festivities at the 2nd annual, Curls Around The World natural hair expo and hair show. Showcasing vendors selling hair and body products, jewelry and accessories.

Guest speakers: 

Dr. Prenik James from Design Essentials

Chisa from Lady Bizness 

Diane Bailey, ambassador of Shea Moisture

Jeannell Darden of Coco Curls

Jessica McGuinty of Jessicurl

Pamela Jenkins of Koils By Nature

...And many more came to share their vision for their businesses and care of body and hair. There was plenty of energy in the building along with GREAT presentations.

Jeannell Darden of Coco Curls

We did not get a chance to peek in at the workshops,  but I'm sure they were full of information.

- Creatively Coiled

OOTD - Wedding Day

August 27th Marks the 2 month Wedding Anniversary for "Boo Thang" and I. We had a very small ceremony with our parents, grandparents, and siblings at the J.O.P. (Justice Of Peace).

The initial game plan was that we were not going to go all out (dress up and whatnot). But after talking with our friends and family, we decided to help make the day extra special, we would dress up a bit.




I knew for a fact that I was not going to spend a lot of money on a dress. So the hunt was on to look for a nice, simple, and cheap dress that could be re-purposed.





Dress:        "Something New" Lace V-                                 Hemline Skater Dress (Torrid)

Shoes:       Re-purposed from a friends                                wedding (Payless)
Pearls:      "Something Borrowed" (from                          my Sister)
Earrings: "Something Old" Pearl with gold                        trim (from Mother)
                     "Something Blue" stud earrings                        (gifted)

Thank you to all that gave us the side eye when I explained that we had not planned on dressing up because "We're just going to the Court House". I really was not that pressed about getting jazzy but it makes SO MUCH SENSE now looking back because we have photos...Decent photos to commemorate our day. I honestly have no clue WHAT we were thinking. Now before you all say "what the heck were you going to wear?" let me explain: I joked with a lot of people saying we were going to wake up and throw on some sweats then head to the J.O.P. That was so not true...But I was going to wear some dress pants/slacks, a nice top, and some flats and leave it at that. This was a much better alternative.





- Creatively Coiled

Child In You Tag

I've officially hit what I consider to be official "I'm Grown" status. You know what I mean? When someone ask you a question and your response is simply "I'm Grown!?

#T2B30

"Thrilled To Be 30"
(hashtag on Instagram...Check it out!!!)

With this coming of age, what better way to celebrate than looking back at my childhood. Thanks to my family putting younger pictures of us on various social media sites, I've been able to look back, laugh at myself, and reminisce.  This also made me tag myself in the Child In You tag that randomly circulates the internets (yes, I said internets..."I'm Grown", I say what I want). Lets  begin: 

1. Dream job as a child  - Surprisingly enough, I recall wanting to be a farmer as a child. I thought it would be cool to cultivate the land (as a child it was just the joy of going out and picking vegetables). 

2. Favorite Halloween costume -  Hands down was my Doctors costume in '89.  I rocked green scrubs, a head mirror, and had a medical bag full of everything I would need. I think the medical bag is what made it my favorite (I actually had  props).

3. How old were you when you realized Santa didn't exist? - Not sure exactly when, but at a young age I had a clue (somewhere around like 5 or 6 i think). My parents would buy the gifts and then hide them in the house: behind the couch, in the hall closet... So I knew they were making the purchases, just didn't know what they purchased until unwrapping. I was never hung up on the whole "Santa is coming!" hype, so it wasn't anything heartbreaking. 

4. Favorite TV show(s) - You know what? There were soooo many: Fraggle Rock, Super Market Sweep (don't judge me). TMNT (and yes, I did go and see the movie), In Living Color, Green Acres,... And the list goes on and on. 

5. Favorite Band(s)/Group(s) -  As as a young girl I was a fan of ... New Kids On The Block....YES! I had their album along with buttons (that my mom made for me), and belt with the groups name on it. LOL. Other groups were: Boys II Men, Kris Kross, Immature (Playtime is Over was my album), A Tribe Called Quest...And too many more to even list here.


6. One habit from your childhood you still have - I won't say that it is a habit but I rock myself to sleep: I'll lay in the bed and shake my foot until I fall asleep. I recall doing this as a child...It is soothing.

7. If you are having a jam session in your car, What is playing? 
EU - Da Butt,
Arrested Development - Tennessee
A Tribe Called Quest -Scenario.
Bonita Applebum
Digital Planets - Cool like Dat
Bell Biv De Voe - Poison
...Just to name a few...

8. Snacks/foods you still eat from your childhood - I still enjoy warm applesauce when time permits, cheese, and ice cold glass of milk (chocolate, strawberry, plain...).
Note: I'm not eating all these together.

9. Favorite childhood toys - I had a copy cat bear: you pressed his hand, say something, and he'd repeat it. I thought that was so cool as a child. I also had a Cheer bear Care Bear that I slept with for years until it was a beat up mess...Then my parents gave me another one...That bear stayed with me through high school. Another favorite toy was this red keyboard guitar I received for my birthday one year. I thought I was a rock star.

10. Advice you would give you younger self - Never lose your creative drive and positive attitude. Things are not going to always work out the way you want them to BUT they will work out. Be patient, continue to move forward and be proud of everything that you do. You'll look back and realize that things were not as bad as you thought. Stay positive.

Now...Who do I choose to tag? Any and everyone who reads this. I'd love to read you childhood faves.

Pick 6 - Spring 2014

Hello and Happy Summer! Hope you have a awesome time in at the pool, beach, water park, and in the sun BUT... Before we dive into Summer I would like to share some items that I've been loving on this Spring: 

Accessories - Watches. I've found a love for chronometer wrist devices. Nothing over the top like a Michael Kors (although, I wouldn't mind having one). Majority of my watch collection comes from Charming Charlies. They have nice watches and the options range from gaudy (ie: blinged out), to more simple styles (which I prefer).  Not to mention they cost no more than $25.00







Random - Food...Guacamole. A simple snack/meal from the gods. So easy to make and very refreshing. All you'll need is avocados, limes, cilantro, red onion, tomato, salt and pepper, and BAM! You have a meal. And yes, I said meal because I will eat this with chips and be satisfied.

Fashion - Liz Claiborne ankle pant. Purchased during a random sale at JCPenny, these ankle jeans are a light color denim that can be dressed up or down. I have been wearing these bad boys out on the weekends. They are stretch denim so they are comfortable throughout the day.







Beauty - Something New I've been trying out is the  Neutrogena Wave Sonic Power. I have had it now for about about 4 months. This device has detachable and disposable cleansing pads which makes it easy for clean up. I have not used it as religiously as I should be I notice that when I do commit to it my skin looks brighter and feels cleaner. When I REMEMBER to use it, I do so while in the shower for about 3-4 minutes.

Hair - Good ole' H2O... Your body and your hair thrives off of this. Now that we are experiencing much warmer weather I want to ensure that I keep my hair hydrated. I use an old Bath and Body Works fragrance bottle that has been thoroughly cleaned out to spritz my hair with water at the end of the day before going to bed. This bottle gives me just enough water where I do not feel like I have drenched my hair. After hydrating I lock in the moisture with oil, twist or braid it up, slap on my bonnet, and go to bed.


Skin - If you are not already aware... I am a fan of Shea Moisture products
(hair and body). I have discovered their Superfruit Complex line. Right now I am using the Sugar Scrub, Bath, Body and Massage Oil, and the Body Lotion. This product has a long lasting fragrance that is  Ahhhhh-mazing. I use the Sugar Scrub once a week and every night after jumping out of the shower, I moisturize with the Body Oil. The Body Lotion deserves just has much rave as the other products. I have it in a travel container that stays on my desk at work. The smell is so calming that I sometimes just put some in my hands, cover my face, and inhale (ooooooh yeeeaaaah!). I am loving this line and just purchased the Body Wash so I'm eager to use it (as if I do not already know what it smells like). I have only been able to find this line at Ulta in Cary which at the moment is running a buy one get on 50% off sale on Shea Moisture products...So yeah... Get some.


What were some of your favorite items from this Spring? Please share!

-Creatively Coiled