Motivation Monday| Social Media

We know social media drives a lot of lives; whether it be yours or people you know. Lot of us take time out of our day to stroll down timelines on Facebook, view the visual art that is Instagram, catch up on what is happening now on Twitter, watch reality on Snapchat or whatever other sites you have access to. 

In a small attempt to keep a positive flow of energy going, I use some of these outlets to post quotes from empowering, motivation and memorable people. 

I'm not a big fan of constantly posting on social media however, thanks to Snapchat and [the shady but cool feature that is] Insta-Snap (or whatever it is called) I post there:

Insta handle - creatively_coiled

What are your favorite types of post on social media?

Ancestry| Tracking Our Lineage

A few years ago, my sister and I talked about tracking our family tree and lineage. While the thought was awesome, it was difficult knowing where to start. With the bit of research we were able to do then, we found a few names and following names, tracked our lineage back to Nigeria. But other than that, we found limited information on our family (ie: names, US location, etc.)

2017 lit a fire under my sister again to start researching; looking at county census and speaking with our parents and grandmother to obtain and confirm information. My sister really hit gold with finding family signatures and tracking children she was able to trace our family back to the early 1800's... Which is more than what we recovered previously.

While confirming names with relatives, we also decided to take an ancestry.com DNA analysis: This requires a saliva sample that is sent off for analysis to identify the region(s) your ancestry is strongest in. 

Well, we received the results in April and discovered that we [of course] are of African decent (87%):

• 45% - Ivory Coast/Ghana
• 21% - Cameroon/Congo
• 8% - Nigeria

We also discovered that of the information reported so far, our family has not ventured too far from the East Coast of the US (NC, VA, DC, MD, VA, NY). This helped us confirm some family members by location to confirm that what my sister previously uncovered were the right records. 

So we know that our lineage is strong in West Africa which means that we were on the right track a few years ago when looking but gives much more than what we were able to find. 

Things to know about DNA analysis: 

• The results may vary from test to test - We used Ancestry DNA however, if we were to take another from a different service it is possible that the result will be different
• Siblings can carry different numbers - Siblings carry a difference percentage of DNA from both parents so your siblings results will of course be different from yours. We only sent in one sample may do it again to compare the results.

Are you tracking your family tree or thought about it? Have you submitted a DNA analysis to any sites? 

Let me know!

Nappyversary| 7 Years

July 2nd marked 7 years since I reverted back to natural hair. The earlier years consisted of the unknowns as far as what my texture would be and how I would go about managing it.






At year 7, I feel like I am very skilled in how to take care of my hair and also help others (a little).







Since I've become so comfortable with my hair, I have colored it black as well as maintained my undercut... like seriously! I cut my own hair and I'm so proud of that!

I also FINALLY put heat on hair THIS PAST February and was impressed with my ability to keep it straight and stretched without reapplying more heat

Want to see my progress and what I've learned over the years? Click the links below: 

year 2

year 3

year 5

year 6

Natural Hair Anniversary

July 2nd marked 6 years being relaxer free. This past year has simply been a year of maintaining health and trying new things.

In September, I finally got up the nerve to do give my self an undercut (click >>>here<<< for more on my cut). I am still loving this cut and I'm still able to do some of the styles that I did prior.
I also took this time to grow my color out because I just wasn't feeling it anymore. I honestly liked how the color looked once it began to grow out.

Things that I've learned this year about my hair this year? Nothing really. Other than the cut, I haven't really experimented with many products, styles or regimens. The previous years have taught me just enough to keep my hair in decent condition

Staple products? If you look at any of my Pick 6 post, you'll know that I am #TeamSheaMoisture...This also applies to hair products; I use their Superfruit Complex shampoo and conditioner for cleansing, my whipped shea butter mixture as well as home mix of oils (whatever I choose to mix) to lock in moisture. For styling products, I use Elasta QP Olive Oil & Mango Butter Curl Defining Pudding.

Go-to styles? With my cut, I have been wearing "The Puff" on a regular (mainly because I rarely feel like doing my hair). I have also done faux top knots, pompadours and my version of a Halo braid or what I like to call the twisted crown.

No real plans this year with  my hair other than possibly coloring it again. I am really interested in trying out Shea Moisture's Hair Color system... And although the "internets" is saturated with tutorials on this product, I may come with a demo.

Pick 6 - Spring

It has been such a long time since I last posted (actually since the last Pick 6 for Winter). Summer is here and it is time to share my...

So... Lets jump right in!!!



Hair: Entwine Couture Exotique Butter-Creme Hydrator - For whatever reason, I was sleeping on this product for a few months and I honestly do not know why. What made me revisit it?: a frustrating moment of running and hands through my DRY hair trying to figure out what I already owned that could help other than using shea butter to seal in moisture. I can apply the butter-creme hydrator to my hair WITHOUT spritzing with water and my hair feels soft and rejuvenated.

>>Click here to to see my review on this is other Entwine products<<

Fashion: Palazzo Pants - being comfortable is the name of the game and I am personally tired of wearing slacks to work. I am so glad and palazzo pants are still a trend and can be found almost everywhere. I am stocking up on them now and my stores of choice are Target (check out the Ava and Viv collection) and Cato...Which by the way, was something else I was sleeping on. Side Note: I hadn't stepped foot in Cato in well over 2 years and honestly forgot about it but a friend reintroduced me to the store and I am impressed.

Beauty: Eyebrow pencils - meh! I really don't have much to say about this except that... I have limited hair above the eye and therefore choose to enhance it by filling them in. My favorite brow pencils are by e.l.f. and NYX.

>>Click here to see my eyebrow demo<<

Skin: Dermasil - If you have read any of the past Pick 6, you may be aware that I have troubling skin (ie: sometimes dry, oily, hyper pigmented....blah, blah, blah). Now I am dealing with my eczema breaking out on my wrist and ring finger...My left ring finger to be exact. Dermasil combats the dryness of my eczema and keeps it from itching. I using the formula for extra dry skin.






Accessories: Crocs flat shoes - OK, so don't judge me and don't take me off you "Cool" list...If I was ever on it but. I am LOVING them. I hated Crocs when they 1st came out because they are hideous however, knowing that they have different styles have helped a lot of people (including myself) accept them. These things are so comfy. I will certainly be purchasing more to wear to work

Random *Wish List Item*: Fujifilm Instax mini 8 - I have seen this camera circulating on line and it is adorable. It takes me back to the old school Polaroid instant camera that my parents owned. I though it was so cool sitting there shaking my the picture anticipating the image. It may seem like overload because I have a digital camera and my phone but I don't care... I want one. They run about $70.00 and I am considering it (no time soon but I am interested).

What items were you loving on this Spring?

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 

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