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 - Winter

Well, hello Spring. Even though the warm weather hasn't officially settled in  I must say that I am looking forward to any sight of sunshine and warm weather BUT, before we move on past the chills let me share my...

Hair: African Braid Durban Twist Hair - I lucked up on this at a nearby beauty supply trying to figure out a quick way to style my hair. What really caught my attention was the definition: as if it were in large twist. The texture of the hair is softer than other braiding hair I have used in the past which is also a plus for me. I wasn't in the mood to do any detailed styling so I resulted to simple top knots to keep my hands out of my hair for a while. I buy this hair again and attempt to install kinky twist.






Fashion: Trench coat from Target - I purchase this coat well over 4 years ago for $13.00 from Target and I absolutely love it. With the cold weather that hits North Carolina, it is nice to have a nice long coat to wear. It is also machine washable so I have no problem keeping it clean.






Beauty: Very simple for the this Winter - A cocoa butter stick. Along with dry skin I suffer from hyper pigmentation  on my face which happens very easily when I mess the the acne on my face. If I catch these dark spots soon enough, I'm able to correct them by slathering cocoa butter on spot before I go to bed.








Skin: Shea Moisture Massage Oils - If you didn't know already, I'm #TeamSheaMoisture. Once out of the shower, I simply apply this to my skin without completely drying off to help lock in moisture. I've been enjoying the Olive and Green Tea oil.








Accessories: Stud earrings from Target - I wear these literally everyday when I'm  not looking to over do the ear glam. They are simple but "blinged" out a bit where I do not feel like I am doing too much.

Random: Hmmmm. I would have to say that my random this Winter is BAGELS - I've really been leaning with them hard this season as a quick breakfast. I have  enjoyed all wheat and poppy seed bagels 

with Garden Vegetable cream cheese.




Share with me your favorites from Winter :)

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

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?

Pick 6 - Fall 2013

Hello November and Greetings to FALL! 
I know time is flying and Fall will be over before we know BUT I want go ahead and do my #Pick6 for Fall. This new addition to the blog will allow me to share items I'm loving on for the season. Some of the items I own...Others, I want. So let's jump into it:

Fashion - I'm obsessed with scarves and can wear them all year round (depending on the material). For me this is the perfect time if year to wear them because I have a lot of scarfs that fall under the category of
"Fashion over Function".  They're a nice statement piece for dark denim and plain tops or any outfit you feel they will suit. I recently purchased this sheer Leopard Scarf from Payless and I pair it with so many outfits to jazz them up.

Hair- Dry air...Protect the hair. I never get tired of my whipped Shea Butter ( <<< click the link for details) to help protect my hair during the colder months. Also works great to moisturize your body









Skin- An old classic that still works great for my skin is Ponds Cold Cream. My mother used it on me as a child and I am introducing it back into my skin care regimen.

Beauty- I'm choosing nail polish. When it comes to polishes, I'm in love with pinks of all shades but, I'll be moving into darker and richer colors for the fall. I've chosen "Jazz Hands" by Fresh Paint which can be found at Five Below. I was surprised as these are some decent polishes as far as quality. The coats aren't thin and it dries quick. Not to mention they're always on sale 3 for $5.00






Accessory - More items purchased from Payless: Flower/Fireball Trio earring set. I love stud earrings however, I'm slowly moving out of my comfort zone of all silver jewelry. These earrings are too cute and again, can be used to jazz up the simplest of outfits.




Random - A item that I'm adding to my wish list for this season are these two tone rider boots that can be found at Avenue. I was there last week looking for a dress and wondered into the shoe section. My eyes immediately gravitated to these cuties. I tried them on,walked around in them... Boxed them up and put them back on the shelf (sigh*) "I'll come back for you".



There you have it. My #Pick6 for Fall.

Tag! You're it Ms Naturally Random and Brand Nu Start and anyone else that wants to share! What are your favorite or must have items for this season?

DIY - Whipped Shea Butter

Fall is here! Time to change our attire and how we take care of our hair and skin. With that being said, there is a Shea butter mix that I've been whipping up since last fall. I've done a lot of different methods and this by far is the best for me. Its a light whipped product that isn't as greasy or thick as others I've attempted. 

What you'll need: 

• Shea Butter 
• Coconut Oil
• Oils (of your choice)
• Vegetable Glycerin
• Aloe Vera Gel. 
• Electric Mixer
• Measuring cups
• Spatula
• Container (for storage)

*These products are found at your local market, beauty supply and retail stores*

Lets begin! Take 1/2 cup of Shea butter and partially melt for easier manipulation. Combine your coconut and other oils together and add 1/3 cup of this mix to your Shea Butter. The oils that I use are olive, argan, grape seed, jojoba, and castor oil (cold pressed, cold processed).

Once these are combined, start mixing. I go ahead and mix mine in the container that I'm storing the product in to cut back on clean up. My container is small so I only use one of the beaters. Mix the Shea and oils together for roughly 10 mins (you'll notice that your mix will begin to fluff). 

After mixing products for 10 mins or so add a few tablespoons of Aloe Vera gel and 1 tbsp of glycerin and start mixing again for roughly 5 mins (at this point you can choose to add essential oils for fragrance).

There you have it! It is a bit tedious with all the mixing but trust me...It is well worth it. It makes a nice amount of product and can be used for hair and skin. This mix comes in handy in warm and cold temperatures. I prefer not to use the this product on my hair in the Summer because it is still a bit too heavy for my liking however; I use it on my legs for that extra bit of shine. I certainly use this on my hair and skin in the colder months stay moisturized. 

Happy mixing!