My World

We all know there are terrible things in this world like natural disasters, famine, and war, just to name a few. And I'm sure we are all guilty of not appreciating the little things in life. The"My World" posts will be a way of letting you into just that, my world, and introducing you to the the beautiful, crazy, hilarious, and sublime things I get a chance to see. 

Photographed by my sister LSH. Edited by Creatively Coiled

With that being said, the first look into #MyWorld comes from a recent visit to the parentals (mom and dad) while on my vacation/staycation. My sister and I have a love for Sheetz...yes, the gas station. We took time out of our errand running to swing by and pick up a slush. On our way out we noticed this very classy car. At that time all I knew was that is was a Jaguar. But thanks to a Google Image search and a web search I found out this is a Jaguar MK2 (Mark II). This model was made between 1959 and 1957.

For more random pics from #MyWorld, follow me on Instagram @ms_creativity.

Operation No Buy Update

 ...UPDATE!

If you read my last post you'll find that I did end up purchasing some products from the Curls Gone Wild event in Greensboro. HOWEVER, before you boo and hiss, Operation No Buy is still in full effect. I'm happy to report that I went 5 weeks without the purchase of products. This includes lotions, fragrances, and hair products. I've put a pretty good dent in my collection. Along with using up what I already had at the house, I've gave away majority of the free products that I received from the Expo to friends and family.

And with that being said I'm still on a mission to get rid of as many products as possible. 

#OperationNoBuy

Curls Gone Wild Haul

While At the Curls Gone Wild event on July 13th I was able to pick up a few items and wanted to share my mini haul.

The 1st 1.000 people received Swag Bags (yay!) that contained full size Curl Max shampoo, conditioner, and African Pride's Olive Oil leave in conditioner. There were also sample packs of Eden Body Works, Curls, African Pride, and 4 Naturals.

I did partake in a little retail therapy and purchased a few items: 

• A pair of gold and navy anchor earrings and a pair of silver knot earrings from September Jewel. 
• A pair of wooden hoop earrings (I unfortunately can't find the business card of the vendor but when found I'll post it in the comments box). Lastly a pair of Wooden "Return Of The Curls" earrings that were sold by the organizer of the even Keenya Kelly. 
• I also purchased some hair products from the Entwine Couture Table: Creme Jelle Styler, the Butter Creme Hydrator, and  new addition Afrodisia 9.

Curls Gone Wild 2013

I had the pleasure of joining Ms.Naturally Random on a trip to Greensboro, NC for the Curls Gone Wild Natural Hair Expo event on July 13th.  The event was to showcase all areas of beauty whether it be hair, makeup, or fashion. It was an awesome event and I am glad that I was able to attend.

Vendors covering every area of beauty were in attendance. From Eden Body Works, Entwine Couture to Clinique, many jewelry/accessory booths, and style demonstrations.

Along with vendors there were panel discussions that covered vlogging and blogging, head wraps and the different wrapping techniques, how to dress to flatter your figure, men and their views on natural hair, and how to maintain healthy hair and scalp.

It was a awesome experience. I was able to to meet and talk with some YouTube vloggers and web bloggers such as Fabellis, and The Trendy Socialite. And there was a special appearance by the Author of Better Than Good Hair Curly Nikki.

If you're in Louisville, KY get your ticket for the Curls Gone Wild event as it will be there September 14th. 

I'll certainly be in attendance next year if the Expo comes back to North Carolina and hope to see you there!

DIY

"Boo Thang" and I purchased a new bed and are now attempting to decorate our bedroom. If you have ever been our house or you are a follower of my blog you know that I love to make my own wall art. So it is not a surprise that I would look for a DIY art project for our bedroom.
I was on Pinterest and came across a pin that showed an assortment of DIY home decor projects for any room and I  immediately repinned it when I saw a DIY for fabric wall panels:

The post on Pinterest was done with [what I believe was] canvas so it would sit off the wall.
I recreated this using foam poster board.

Items you will need:

• 2 foam poster boards
• At least 1 yard of each fabric (of your choice)
• Glue gun (and glue sticks)
• Ruler
• Box Cutter
• Scissors
• Iron

*And some assistance if needed. My sister helped me*

I purchased 2 poster boards in order to make 3 panels. Both poster were cut in half  using a knife (had to improvise because I have no clue of where my box cutter is *whomp whomp*). Each panel measures 15x20 inches.  The sections didn't come out clean cut but once you wrap them you wont notice the rough edges. 

Once your panels are cut you can start wrapping them in fabric. However, I'm one for attempting to utilize and item as many times as I can so I took the width of the ruler and traced it around the perimeter of the panel to  turn it into a frame (so the insides can be used for another project.

Once you have cut the panels to your preference, you can begin wrapping. Our fabric measures 22x23 inches the extra inches around the perimeter of the frame help with stretching the fabric around the frame for a smoother finish when it is time to glue. There is not a special technique when it comes to gluing. Take your hot glue gun and run a line of glue along the edge of the frame and then apply the fabric.

Once you have finished applying your fabric to the panel you can then hang them. With the panel being cut out like a frame you can use nails, push pins, or  double sided tape to mount the on the wall. 

And there you have it! We spaced our panels out with the intention of adding something between the panels (perhaps another DIY project). Happy Crafting!

Operation No Buy

Just a sample of some of the hair products I now own.

Curl pudding, Gel, Oil, Pomade, Shampoo, Perfume, Body oil/spray, and other products. I'm sure a lot of us have a nice collection where we own more than one of the same item (ie: two curl puddings that are made by different companies). I noticed that I've slowly accumulated more and more products and I'm not sure when this happened. Anything from sample size products to Full sized (either purchased or gifted) items have slowly taken over my small vanity...And the floor space next to it.

Over the past 5 years or so I have been able to keep a cap on my somewhat compulsive shopping habit. You know what I mean: You go shopping and end up buying a bunch of other stuff that was not originally on your shopping list. But you buy it because it was on sale or just because you wanted to try it.  Learning to really evaluate if I actually need an item or not has helped me out a lot. That and the fact that bills are more of a priority.

Since I am now the owner of all these lovely items the game plan is to use them. Seems simple enough right? Well,while using said products I plan to be on Operation No Buy. For me this means no other products will be purchased until I have successfully finished what I already have *bites lip*.  I know I can do it but the truth is...THERE ARE SO MANY OTHER ITEMS I WANT TO TRY. But I'm going to practice restraint and see if I can complete this. 

While on my No Buy mission,  for every week I complete I'll reward myself an extra $5.00 that will go in what I call my "Petty Cash" [Thanks to my little sister for this idea!]. Soooo, once I am done I'll have a since of accomplishment and [hopefully] a nice amount of pocket change...To re-up *smiles*

JOIN ME!

DIY

Hello and HAPPY NEW YEAR! 

Sending positive energy up for everyone in 2013. 

So, I have this easy DIY project for cute pom pom earrings. I created these earrings from a hair bow purchased from Old Navy. I'm not a fan of hair bows but immediately thought of an alternative use when I spotted this piece.

What you'll need:

• Hot glue gun and glue sticks
• Earring post and backings (I purchased a bag from AC Moore for less than $4)
• Hair bow

Simple enough right?

The pom pom hair bows at Old Navy are pieced together by felt and hot glued to the the hair clip/clamp. Majority of the bows I've seen there have two pieces to them, so you will end up with two earrings (not to mention I caught this one on sale for $2.99 yay!)

You will carefully remove the bow by pulling the felt piece that holds it together from the clamp. If you fear tearing the felt, take the tip of your hot glue gun (while it is hot) and run it between the felt and metal of the clamp. This will reheat the glue that was already applied to make for   easier removal.        

Once you have removed the bows from the clamp, you can mount your post. You can choose to place your post either in the center of the bow or on the edges. I chose the edges so the fabric doesn't tickle the ear as much...Don't judge me :).

...There you have it.... A fabulous pair of pom pom earrings.

ENJOY!