A LITTLE DIY (MY FIRST ONE!!!)................. *SMILES*

Okay so I decided to try my hand at my own DIY. I am in the process of creating a nice and cozy office space in my deluxe studio apartment.  So my first project consisted of two cans, contact paper, and scissors (excuse the kitchen scissors, I didn't have access to my regular ones at the time). Yep!!! Just those items. Lol

So I placed the can against the contact paper and pretty much just used the lines/grid on the back of the contact paper as my guide. I carefully wrapped the contact paper around the cans and folded the extra paper down into the top of the cans.

Afterwards, I used the smaller can to hold some highlighters and I used the large can for my gel pens, ball point pens, Sharpie highlighters, and pencils. 

And look................aren't these just the cutest!!!! *smiles*

Such a SUPER simply DIY that anyone can do. My plan is to find me a coffee can so that I can have the three sizes and also to find more contact paper. 

Until next blog..............

~ Koils

Planner Adjustment.......

So I've  fallen in love with planners and I wanted something to have for myself that didn't cost me a lot of money.  So I went to Staples and Target and found a few items to enhance my planner.  This is the result.  It's large enough for me to write in and makes my weeks easier because I can now plan ahead of time. I think everyone should have a planner. I'm not a pink kind of girl so I may change the cover. However I am happy with what I've created.  I found the planner print outs on Uncluttered Lifestyle's blog. I got my cute cover from LimeLife Planners. These print outs were free. I got my arc planner system from Staples along with post-it flags, cute washi tape, and such. From Target is where I got gel pens, large paper clip bookmarks, etc. I'm definitely going to continue to use this planner all the time. It was a great investment and I will continue to build with it. May even create a smaller version next.  ;-)

~♡ Koils ♡~

#HealthierTeeKay

Okay, so not many know my story. I've been dealing with Hypertension for the past few years. Even on medication (that I don't like to take *yuck*) Well I'm deciding (in little stages......lol) to start taking care of me. I've made small changes like no longer drinking pop/soda. I don't even remember when the last time I had a pop/soda. I also pulled up some not so recent, yet not so throwback, pics of me and how I was some pounds lighter. I also pulled out my DASH Eating Plan book (http://dashdiet.org). I've had this for years and I was tired of just seeing it sit to the side and not be used. I have been reading all afternoon. It's full of information and even has a 7 day eating plan with two different sodium levels. Everything looks to be super easy. So for me, it's all about making a commitment to a "Healthier TeeKay"!!!. 
I realized how much I spend taking care of my natural hair and realized I was still mad at myself because I was overweight and was ALWAYS eating. I'm quick to tell someone that I love to eat and how I make sure not to miss any meals. But I'm not realizing that it's taking a toll on my body as well as my clothes. I'm limited to what I can wear now and most of those clothes are like jeans and t-shirts. I was at a barbecue, on my birthday, and went to use the host restroom. Well, lo and behold, there was a scale in there. I haven't weighed myself in a very long time, so I don't know what made me get on that scale. Well, to my surprise, I was lighter that what I felt. The scale said that I weighed 195.4 lbs. I just knew that the scale was going to read over 200 lbs. I felt every bit of that and way more. I haven't weighed myself since then. It's been 1 month exactly. I guess it's time to invest in a scale so that I can do a monthly weigh in. 
I made small changes so far, again, no pop/soda, no flammin' hots (my favorites), no overly seasoned foods, not too much processed foods, etc. With the help of my twin, I was able to determine how much water, per day, I am to drink. So my daily water intake is 98 ounces. I have a cup that's 36 oz and I drink three of those every day. I've even signed up on MyFitnessPal (username: msteekay79). Per the information I provided, my daily calorie is 1,440. I know the average women's calories is 1,200, but that's not mine. I love that app and I've been using it for almost a week now. I have also incorporated walking into my "Healthier TeeKay". I have the MapMyFitness app (in sync with MyFitnessPal) and I briskly walk to the bus stop and I get off a few blocks from the job and briskly walk there. On my way home I get off 4 blocks away and briskly walk home. So far, I've gotten in close to 30 mins in a day. My small goal is to stay consistent with 30 minute "brisk" walking everyday. I realize it takes time and commitment and a support system. My twin has been behind me and pushing me to make the small changes need to start my goal weight towards a "Healthier TeeKay". 
My plan is to keep going with my mind set on being well. I plan to blog/document my journey and I would appreciate you joining in with me. Even if I could be a help to someone that's going through this as well, that would be great. 
Well, I'll end now. Follow me on Instagram/Twitter: @msteekay79 and Facebook: TeeKay79
#MsTeeKay79 #HealthierTeeKay #TeamNatural #TeamFit 

Hair Deets.....Shingling

Shingling (or Wash N Go), method done using all Dani-Shea products (whipped butter,  herbal oil, & fresher koils detangler/moisturizer) and eco styler gel (blue one for color treated hair and a level 5 hold - use what works for you) 
Hair freshly washed and detangled using black soap shampoo and deep conditioned for 30 minutes using the cleansing conditioner by Dani-Shea.  I then sectioned hair in 8's (smaller sections work easier). Each section I did the following: sprayed fresher Koils, detangled with fingers at times using a wide tooth comb; applied herbal oil to scalp and massaged with fingertips (not using my nails - may cause scalp irritation); applied cranberry whipped butter mainly to ends of hair; took each section and broke down to much smaller sections and applied eco styler gel;  smooth thru hair and then proceed to separate in smaller parts allowing natural curl pattern to form. May be done on damp to wet hair. My hair was about 40% dry when I started. Process took a little over an hour. Allow hair to air dry or if pressed for time use blow dryer with diffuser (or just on low heat setting focusing on scalp); air drying time depends on each person. Once hair was completely dry I took a nickel size amount of herbal oil and used the "praying hands" method to apply along length of hair. This is what is called "breaking the cast" of the gel. In other words your hair won't be hard/helmet like and will have movement.  For a fuller look like I LOVE,  take your pick and gently lift at roots. This is my first time trying this and I LOVED the results.  Hair gets bigger and fuller as the days go by. I plan to create this style again and will make sure I record it for YouTube. Have a great evening.

~☆interested in Dani-Shea products used check out the website www.dani-shea.com☆~

Something Different and New for Dinner...........

Okay so I decided that with the help of my planner and writing down food ideas on my weekly agenda, it's causing me to be able to think on new cooking ideas.

With that being said.......
I found a super easy recipe online to make Curry Chicken and Rice. It was soooooooooooooooo good. It was a hit in my household by the Mr. *smiles*

The website I found the recipe on is: http://www.food.com/recipe/super-simple-super-quick-chicken-curry-and-rice-370684

Here a pic of my plate..................you can see the steam/smoke coming from the plate. I adjusted some of the spices, added a little more curry and crushed red pepper flakes and it definitely had some kick. So if you like spicy foods, you would love this dish. I didn't have pita bread however croissant rolls worked just fine.

Dani-Shea Products Available!!!

Okay. I am often asked about what products I have, use, & sell. Dani-Shea products are amazing and I am mot just saying that because I created them. I use them on my hair and body, as do others. So I'll take a minute and blog about the products and how they work. 

Dani-Shea Moisturizing Hair Milk - you can use as a multi-purpose product. It acts as a conditioner, leave-in, and/or deep conditioner. It's like and leaves hair feeling soft and manageable. It's sold in 12oz for $10.00. 

Dani-Shea Fresher Koils Moisturizing Detangler - is also multi-purpose. It can be used to wake up curls in the morning or just if you want to add some moisture through your hair any time of the day. It's sold in 8oz for $5.00.

Dani-Shea Whipped Butters  (Hair and Body ) - Everyone loves this product. People use it as a deep conditioner, it has great healing properties. It's family approved. You would love it. It's available in 4oz for $7.00 and 8oz for $12.00 and available in various scents: Unscented, Cranberry, Coconut Lime, and Black. 

Dani-Shea Herbal Oil - Made with JoJoba Oil and natural botanicals.......helps with growth. Stimulating to scalp.  Add shine to a finished style. It's available 6oz for $10.00

These products can be used alone or in conjunction with each other. 

Check out Dani-Shea's Facebook page and you can make your choice as to what you would like. 

Facebook: Dani-Shea 
Twitter: _danishea 
Instagram: _danishea 
www.dani-shea.com

New Organization 2015!!!

Hello Everyone!!!

So I decided to switch things up a bit this year of 2015. I'm realizing that I need much organization in my life. So with that being said, I have decided to go back to the basics and have a yearly planner. I used to use a planner years ago and I stopped since I got a smartphone. Well, that's over and done with. I love my smartphone, however it's much easier for me to write things down. I've been on everything from Instagram to Etsy looking and researching for the right style of planner and I finally found a way to create my own. I know that many may be thinking that having a physical planner is a thing of the past. Well it's not for me. I didn't have it available for the month of January but I have been using it this month and so far it's been AWESOME!!!!

Since I'm starting back with using an actual planner I've started collecting a few things that would make my planner one that I love and enjoy. For example, stickers, post-its, highlighters, washi tape, gel pens in cute colors, etc.

I love Staples and Target and so far those two places are where I've been to start my planner. At the moment my planner is in a Five-Star 1" inch flexible binder. I definitely plan to switch over to a discbound system. I love the sleekness of it and how easy it is to maintain. 

Well, with that being said, I'll end here. Will post more at another time.

Have a great evening everyone!!!! 

(pictures provided)