Happy New Year| 2020

Happy New Year to everyone! Sending positive energy, love and light your way always.

- Creatively Coiled

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!

#MotivationalMonday

Happy Monday!

From what I hear, Monday is not a favorite day of the week for most people; it kicks off the start of yet another work week and reminds us that the weekend has once again left us. AND I GET IT! Mondays are seen as the uninvited visitor at your house.

I however, like to try the view it more from a "cup half full" standpoint; It is the start of another work week which means...WE'VE MADE IT THROUGH ANOTHER WEEK... Which gets us through a month...and through a year!

No, I know some people are side-eyeing me like "girl, save that noise" but hear me out:

Mondays is a chance to reset and conquer or attempt to conquer another week.

With that being said, I want to share a mantra that I recently found while scrolling on Pinterest via www.curvyyoga.com ...

It has easily become one of my favorites because I'm all for spreading positive energy around to any and everyone who may need it. 

What is one of your favorite quotes that help to exude positive energy?

Pick 6 | Summer 2015

Well hello and welcome to Fall. This season came in with cold rain and wind from Hurricane Joaquin. It is really making me look back on the past weeks of warm weather. With that being said, lets jump into my...

Hair | Entwine Couture Exotique Butter-Creme Hydrator
No major changes with hair this summer as I'm still rocking with the Butter-Creme Hydrator from this past spring until it is all gone. I can apply the hydrator to my hair WITHOUT spritzing with water and my hair feels soft and rejuvenated.

Fashion | Tank tops
For years I wasn't a sleeveless gal because of the amount of fat on my triceps. It makes it hard to find blazers and/or blouses that fit properly so, I hid under tops that actually fit. This summer, I have thrown all that out of the window because... It is too hot to hide. Now, that doesn't mean I'm wearing halter tops but I have been in and out of Target buying tank tops. I like the Ava & Viv tanks and have them in grey, aqua, burgundy and black.




Beauty | Couture Couture by Juicy Couture
While this fragrance has been around for a while, I was introduced to it in December of last year. The top notes are citrus based (mandarin oranges and grace fruit) which for me fit perfect as a refreshing summer fragrance. I've really been observing the packaging of items and this bottle is very cute.


Skin | Water
I have shared water has being one of my Pick 6 in Spring  2014 when it came to hair. It has definitely helped me this summer in keeping my skin clear of breakouts. I fell off horribly and have been enjoying juice and SODA (yikes).



Accessories | My wedding ring
For a few months I hadn't been able to wear my full set due to *clears throat* fat[ter] fingers (lol). I have finally been able to wear them now and didn't realize how much I missed them. Sir upgraded me this past Christmas after he saw me [online] window shopping. (Sorry, I'm not giving details on where it came from).



Random | knee highs 
Now you are probably wondering "is she seriously TALKING about rocking knee highs... And in the SUMMER of all seasons?!" Yes I am, BUT... not the way they were intended; with me still rocking the undercut, a puff is my signature hairstyle however, I know it puts stress on my hair. To make it a little easier to wear and put less tension on my hair, I use a knee high in place of a ponytail holder; It gives me the ability to adjust it as loose or as tight as I want unlike a ponytail holder.
I simply tie the knee high around my hair and carefully pull it until I have the desired height and tension.

What items did you enjoy this summer?

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?

No Fast Food Febuary

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

POSITIVE ENERGY TO ALL IN 2015

Watching what we eat is easier said than done. Over the past 3 years sir and I have worked on improving our eating habits to assist in our physical and financial health however, depending on "variables" that play a part of our daily life, we've found it to be difficult at times to stay on track: 

Late work day: Grab a fast food meal on the way home.

Late night(s) out on the town: Grab a fast food meal on the way home. 

Forgetting to prep dinner and/or just not in the mood to cook: ...You get the gist...

We have certainly come a long way as I can remember a time when we ate out almost everyday. There are some fast food restaurants that have been completely removed from the radar and we make better choices when ordering but it can get better. 

While we aren't as bad as we use to be with eating out and/or ordering in, we are still looking to improve this habit. I have personally noticed that when I do eat out a lot... I feel bad physically.

Mission for the month: No Fast Food... Again, easier said than done with it being so easy to just hop in the car and swing through someones drive-thru for a quick bite but, with the help of Pinterest (ie: yummy fast food meal substitutes) and restraint, we can make this happen. 

Our plan is to avoid outside foods all together: fast food and ANY sort and dining out will be prohibited this month. I know some are thinking "well, what about Valentine's Day?". Well... what about it??? We can still have a lovely dinner at home (as we have many times. I really enjoy preparing dinner rather than going out on V-Day).

I'll be sharing some of our meals via social media (mainly Instagram @Creatively_Coiled) and maybe at the end of the month I'll post all the pictures her on the blog. 

Do you and your family make it a point NOT to eat out? Do you have any tips that would help others avoid the call of fast food?

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

Random OOTD

Hey Hey!

I have been out a about just a tiny bit lately and it forced me to put on clothes to blend in with society. I was feeling myself so decided to snap some pictures to show my random Outfit Of The Day (OOTD).

For Mother's Day my sister and I took a trip home to surprise mommy with gifts and dinner:

Top: Hi-Lo chiffon button down - Torrid

Pants: Liz Claiborne denim ankle pants - JCPenny

Shoes: Tribal print flats - Torrid

Very comfortable outfit considering we spent a nice amount if time outside on Mommy's Day and it was rather warm. The top is sheer so my body was able to breath and stay cool *thumbs up*

Hope you enjoyed

-Creatively Coiled

Pick 6 - Winter 2014

Winter is almost over and if you have not, I sure have had my fill of cold weather and I am looking forward to warmer weather. With that being said, it is time for my Winter #Pick6:

Random - NC weather is out of control at times: One day it is in the 70's then the very next day you are dealing with temperatures in the 30's. I'm not one for getting sick (as I am sure none of us are) so, when the temperature drops I'm prepared. I purchased this Timberland scarf and hat this Summer while at the Carolina Premium Outlets in Smithfield, NC. These are certainly being put to good use. 

Skin - I am sure you have seen these egg-shaped beauties everywhere. I must admit that I am obsessed with them. eos lip balms are always somewhere close by: in my drawer at work, my bag, and a container of them at home (yeah, it is that serious). They are made with shea butter and go on so smooth. I'm loving the pomegranate lip balm right now. 

Hair - Such a simple thing that I take for granted...Bobby Pins. In the cold weather I try to avoid wearing my hair loose but, at times I'm just not in the mood to really style it (ie: flat twist/braided up-dos). Now that my hair is getting longer I am able to rock chunky twist on the weekends and just pin them out of the way. Bobby pins also work great with keeping my Winter hats on.

Beauty - I am slowly building my makeup arsenal and decided to pick this up a while back. e.l.f. Studio Mineral Infused Primer. I'm must say...Thumbs up e.l.f.! A little goes a long way and when applied to my face my skin feels smooth like satin. I can definitely tell the difference when applying my makeup as it goes on smoother and my face does not look excessively oily (as it tends to no matter the season when I apply makeup). I am excited about seeing how this will work in the warmer months.

Fashion - Combat Boots are back! These Khalea Combat Boots in cognac from Target are lovely. I was a bit skeptical at first when I saw them because facing inward is a zipper on each boot but...I am so thankful for that zipper. Do you remember to hassle of lacing your boots up in the 90's?! 

Accessory - Another Target item I refused to pass on was this Limited Edition handbag backpack. O-My-G!!!! Is this not fly?! It functions as a back pack BUT there is this strap across the top and allows it to function as a regular handbag. It is the perfect size for everything that I take with me to work. At times a feel like the bag lady because I will have my bag, lunchbox (yes I have a lunchbox) and my thermos....Everything fits in this bag! An extra bonus that I purchased it for only $10.00. 

What were your favorites Items for Winter?