Happy New Year| 2020

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

- Creatively Coiled

Pick 6| Fall 2017

Better late than never right? Winter is basically over (not that mother nature got word of it) and I'm ready for Spring to ... spring. But before we move on, let's dive into some of the items from Fall that left a good impression on me.

Hair| Cantu for kids leave in condition
Button's hair loves moisture, as most of our tresses do. I've decided to revisit a product that I hadn't used since my college years. Her hair of course love water but with this product, her curls P-O-P.






Fashion| Denim Tops
I spent Fall dressing what I considered to be comfy cute. Thanks to my denim tops, I've been able to easily throw together an outfit and still be comfortable as I transition from day to night. I love Ava & Viv's denim tunics and button downs as they are long, loose and easy to iron. I wear them with dress slacks, leggings or skinny jeans.

Beauty & Skin| Kemi Organics Oyl
I was introduced to Kemi Oyl via an event's swag bag few years back and honestly forgot about it. I rediscovered it right before the start of Fall and started incorporating it in my hair and body oil mix. This oil blend mixed with what I normally use leaves my hair soft before I even add a cream conditioner. Not to mention, the fragrance is wonderful.




Accessories| Hematite Ring
I've been researching energy crystals/stones, their properties and benefits for a while and this Fall, added a hematite ring to my arsenal. Hematite is a stone that has been known to convert negative vibes/energy into positive vibes as well has help calm people during stressful moments. 
I have relied on this ring almost as much as my worry stone during times of anxiety and keep it close by for meditation. It now isn't so much an accessories but a necessity.





Random| Sweet Potatoes
I know I'm not to the only one that associates sweet potato with Fall. In all actuality, I eat them year round but this Fall I cranked it up and enjoyed many meat free meals that consisted of a sweet potato mash, spinach and basmati rice. They played savory role in my meals seasoning them with salt, pepper and garlic.




Share with me! What have been your recent faves? 

Dollar Tree Mini Haul

Hello folks! Back to share some of my recent Dollar Tree finds...

Microfiber Towel| I like to keep these on hand in my car and in the little ones travel bag to help with messes. In my opinion, these feel nice as well as clean and dry easily. 

2.5 Gallon Freezer Bags| I use these large bags to sort and store away the little ones clothes season to season, pack away clothes and items that we give away. I also used these large bags for a DIY sensory mat a year ago (click >>>here<<< to view that project).

Storage Containers| I randomly have started buying these 2 at for store under our bathroom sinks, bedrooms and anywhere else that little hands may roam. There aren't as durable as I'd like (ie: clearly not from The Container Store) but they serve their purpose. 










Labels| These sticky office labels are cute and I use them on my desk for reminders. I prefer handwritten reminders over digital ones that can be setup through email or on mobile devices so I was super excited when I spotted these. 

Decorative Stickers| I have shared some of these before from a previous blog post and I have gotten in the habit of looking for different stickers when shop. I'm still working on our family photo album these will be a nice addition.







Bubbles| I have stocked up on bubbles for Button because like most kids, she gets a kick out of them and DT has some cute character themes bubble bottles. 

Candles| Now...It is a rare occurrence that I purchase candles from DT because quite frankly, majority of the scented candles stink to me unless they are cinnamon, peppermint or something along the lines of a basic scent. I saw these rose water candles and purchased two to burn when I'm having my "day at the spa" in our bathroom. Haven't burned them yet but the scent is soft and refreshing.




Bolero Beverly Hills Products| These are some older items however, I am just getting around to finishing some of them up. I saw people on YouTube buying the brand up at their local Dollar Tree and most of them raved about how well the products work. One thing I like about the products is the packaging. It's cute!

Argan & Shea Butter Body Cream
& Face Wipes

Coconut Milk & Honey Fizzer

Lemon Verbena & Mint Body Oil & Body Cream 

The products weren't anything to rave about in my opinion. The body oil has mineral oil in it soooooo... you could make it yourself and make it with more natural and nourishing oils.Same goes for the body creams; they served their purpose somewhat however, aren't that moisturizing for troublesome skin. I used the face wipes to remove my mascara and as a quick face refresher after a workout.

What are some items you have purchased from Dollar Tree?

Dollar Tree Mini Haul

Hey hey! 

I have a new [somewhat still] new love for Dollar Tree and would like to share of the items that I have purchased over the months so....Let's jump into my: 

L.A. COLORS| Color Balm

I shared these balms in my Pick 6 For Fall, They are dups of Baby Lips by Maybelline. I purchased both to see which one looks better on my skin tone and I do prefer the color Ka-Pow (balm to the left). The color payoff is nice considering it is $1 and you can kind of customize how sheer you'd like to color: For a sheerer look, I put a regular/clear moisturizer on before applying the L.A. COLORS balm. 

Sassy+Chic| Nail Stickers

I have yet to use them so fingers crossed that they work just as well as the Essie ones that I found in here before. I really like the different designs that are offered so much that I used them a stocking stuffer for Christmas.

OPI| Nail Lacquer

Yes! DT had the nerve to sell opi polishes!!!! I tried to purchase as many as I could because they also were used as gifts to friends, family and co-workers. The 3 colors that I tracked in Dollar Tree were: Rollin' In Cashmere (left), Next Stop...The Bikini  Zone (middle) and I Carol About You (right)

Women's Fashion Socks

In my opinion, you can't beat socks for $1. I think this is a good buy due to the different patterns also. 

Stickers

I have been collecting a couple sheets of stickers to continue working on our family photo album(s). 

Kraft Paper| Lables

I feel like you can never have too many labels. Especially when you have storage containers to rotate out items like decorations and tools. They also come in handy in the kitchen for cooking and/or baking ingredients. 

ClipClicks| Color Ink Pens (8ct)

This was also a good deal in my opinion; 8 pens... all different colors... for 1 buck! I like using them to signs and decorate greeting cards and to use when taking notes (sometimes I enjoy color coding my notes). I have purchased so many packs to keep on standby and to give to people.

Coffee Cups

Another items that I used and gifted are these coffee cups (a knock off version of k-cups). I really like the simplicity of the packaging and it doesn't taste too bad either

What interesting items have you spotted at your local DT?

Pick 6| Fall 2017

Clearly Fall has come and gone and I failed to share my...

Hair| Shea Moisture Curl Enhancing Smoothie
To keep my hair mosturized with a light hold, I use this product. It seems to be made for a more looser curl pattern but does the job keeping my hair boosted with H2O as it helps pull moisture out of the air for your curls.












Fashion|tights/leggings
I have never been a big fan of tights but I cameacross some cute ones in Rose's (think of a cheaper version of Ross). I even found a pair of leggings that have a fleece lining to keep you warm. And all were under $10.00.












Beauty|L.A. Girl cosmetics setting spray
I have posted this before however, I'm still enjoying L.A. Girl's setting spray. It is light weight and doesn't leave my skin looking too oily after applying. 





















Skin| Shea Moisture African Black Soap
My skin is finicky so I have to switch up cleansing products as the cooler seasons come; Neutrogena products seem to dry my skin out more in the cooler months so I have started switching to black soap. I always have coupons for Shea Moisture products so I'm able to grab a few bars every now and then. 

Accessories| L.A. Colors Color Balm lipbalm
This is a product found in Dollar Tree. It is [in my opinion] L.A. Color's version of Baby Lips by Maybelline. Note: for best results, use after applying a true lip moisturizer to keep sheer

















Random|Keurig
I'm late on the train for Keurigs but I'm loving it.

I purchase a lot of K cups from discount stores like Ollies, Ross and Dollar Tree and have some that are gifted to me. Big thank you to the person who gifted me this guy. I also use the warm water to prep oatmeal and food for the little one.

Pick 6| Spring 2016

SUMMER SUM-MER SUM-MER TIME!
Long time see! We'll as we welcome humid eastcoast weather I want to share the items that I enjoyed this Spring with my...

Hair| Elasta QP Mango Butter Cream
A product that I abandoned for a while and decided to revisit  to help clear out my vanity area. I love the smell and I love the fact that it is overall a light product where minimal amount is needed. I prefer to use this product when my hair is a bit older (ie: not immediately after wash day as I'm not a fan of a really tight twist out). 

Fashion| Shades...Frames...Sunnies

I've always had a lov for glasses and I have really been wearing frames. I'm not faithful to aparticular brand, I simply enjoy whatever suits my fancy. Most are gifted by hubby but I've purchased from Target, Beauty Supply stores and even Dollar Tree (yes!)







Beauty| Bath and Body Works Japanese Cherry Blossom lotion
In another attempt of reducing the arsenal, I've started digging into my lotion collection. Moisturized skin is a must, so since winter I have made it my business to do a nightly routine of moisturizing my feet, elbow and ankles before bed. I love the smell of this lotion and have noticed a true improvement in my problem spots (either attributed to the shea butter in the lotion OR to the fact that I'm really concentrating on these areas). 







Skin| me bath! Sugar Sherbet
[Don't judge] I purchased this item after watching a product review and let me say...I love it! Now, it is pricey in my opinion (running around $12.00) but it is worth it; this product emulsifies AND lathers...lathers! I'm really enjoying it and will more than like use this as a "luxury" buy in the future.




Accessories| Handmade crochet necklace
With a little one that is reaching for things and is in the "hand-to-mouth" phase, I limit the type of jewelry I wear. One of my favorite pieces is a crochet necklace that I made a while back; I can wash it regularly so if baby girl decides to put in her mouth...I don't feel as bad.

Random| Plantronics bluetooth headphones
Another plus item for mommies [in my opinion] is any bluetooth device. My eadphones work great for me when it is late at night and I want to watch Youtube, Hulu or Netflix from my phone while holding my little one; again, she is at the "hand-to-mouth" phase and grabs at EVERYTHING. No wires = no worries.



What were your Spring go-to items?

Easy DIY| Sensory Gel Mat

Hey hey!

Being a new mommy and being a mommy to a child that is still small, I have been listening very carefully to Button's pediatrician and physical therapist on what we can do to help with her development. 

One thing that I really want to take on is DIY projects that she can use because most of them are cost effective and... I LOVE TO CREATE!

Now that Button is improving in her motor skills, I wanted to go ahead and make her a sensory gel mat to help her out and to give her something to be interested in during tummy time.

What You Will Need: 

• Large or Jumbo freezer bags
• Hair Gel
• Pom Poms (or anything soft )
• Duct Tape
• Clean place to work

Luckily, I found all the items that needed/wanted at Dollar Tree (>>>click here<<< for my Dollar Tree Mini Haul)

Step 1| Pour

Take your freezer bag and fill it with hair gel. I was able to find Jumbo bags and clear hair gel but feel free to use whatever you are able to find. With the bag being larger, I purchased 2 bottles of gel.

Step 2| Add

Now that the gel has been poured, you can add your "entertainment". I chose to use soft pom poms however, you can use round buttons, foam figures...Again, whatever your able to find that is soft, flat and will NOT puncture the bag.

Step 3| Close

Now that all of your items are in the bag, ensure you have taken out as much air as possible and close it up. Something that assisted me in closing the bag was rolling the opening of the bag down one time after closing it and then applying my duct tape along the top to keep the bag folded down

Step 4| Complete

Now that the bag is closed, you can use more duct tape to create border around the bag. I doubled the layer of tape to enforce the bags edges. 

And now your little one has a new toy to play with. It was fun to make and keeps Button's attention while we trick her into a little tummy time. 

Have you ever made a sensory gel mat? If so, what items did you use and where did you find them?

Motivational Monday| Estelle - Something Good

Hey hey!

Coming to spread some positive energy and/or motivation: 

Mondays get such a bad wrap but have been flipping that in my life and using Mondays as a day to reboot and set the tone for the the entire week. I mean, it's the start of the week so why not?

Music always take me to an emotional place and one song that quickly search for when I'm looking to feel good or just want to keep the upbeat tempo of the day going is Estelle's Something Good/Devotion.

CLICK HERE TO VIBE

What songs help you start or get through the day?

*Content shared is for entertainment purposes ONLY*