Monday, September 22, 2014

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: 


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


Friday, September 19, 2014

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


Monday, September 1, 2014

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