Natural Hair How-To: Protective Style Two Strand Twist Updo

Hey guys!

It’s the funniest thing how it seems that the most random of hairstyles draw the most attention. I was hoping to get my hair braided to give it a break from all the maintenance, but it fell through and and this style is what I came up with as a replace for a protective look.

Ironically, I’ve been getting stopped. A lot lol And I’ve had quite a few people tell me that they’d –never be able to do something like this. Lies! It’s SO easy that I wanted to do a quick how-to!

Step 1: Section off the hair.  There are three ways that I typically stretch my hair: blow dry, flat-iron or bantu knot. In the case of this style, I had just washed my hair so I had already blow dried it, and it was already paired off into sections. I generally split my hair into 10-12 sections of two strand twists and I determine the part based on whichever way I want the style to fall.

Step 2: Stretch and/or smooth the section. I flat-ironed each two strand twist from the root to about halfway to the end of the section.  I did this because whoever is braiding my hair moves a lot faster with the hair smooth at the root. *Feel free to skip this step, but I will add that I’ve really liked watching the style progress from a more sleek look to a more textured look due to the rain we’ve been having over the last few days. It’s like two styles in one 😉

Step 3: Twist, Tuck & Roll. So at this point there are 12 sets of two strand twists. To get the crown affect, decide which side you want to work on first and have you bobby pins ready. Then twist the two strand twists with the next two strand twist section, working your way towards the nape of your neck and pin at the center. Repeat the same motion on the other side adjusting accordingly moving down towards the nape of your neck and pin.

Step 4: Final Tuck. At this point, you may have a little hang-time at the nape of your neck from the two sides. I generally tuck each piece into the opposite side and pin. 

*Disclaimer: This is my first how-to so please don’t hesitate to ask whatever questions or offer suggestions that may be helpful. I’ll definitely take more photos of the process and even record a quick video so you guys can have more visual aids!

I hope this was helpful! Have a great week!

Peace, Love & Sunshine ~ Chels

If you are who you say you are…

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Late nights… Early mornings… And a heart full of anticipation that something beautiful on the horizon… It amazes me that life can look one way in the natural, and yet, I’m able to feel a quiet calm in my spirit that everything is coming together for the good. They say that the cells in your body react to everything your mind says, and that negativity brings down your immune system. So today, I’m going to intentionally push past any doubts, fears, negativity, offenses and be intentional about how I speak to myself. One of my all-time favorite quotes from Oprah’s Life You Want Tour is this– If you are who you say you are, then who are you saying you are? After all this time, I can, literally, still hear the raspy voice of the Soul Cylcle instructor yelling that to us. Buy-in is everything. Remember whose you are, and what you’re believing for. Have a great day you guys! Peace, Love & Sunshine ~ Chels

Coffey Break Chat || The thing about approaching 30… and settling…

Hey guys!
I’m pretty pumped. This is my first Coffey Break Chat of 2015! It’s funny. I was on the phone with a friend last week telling her about how Cooking with the Coffey’s (a cooking spot I do with my little sister for the site) is somewhat of a comic relief after a few years writing and vlogging about being in the storm and that this year, I just wanted to breathe and have fun with The Coffey Break…
The irony, is that I then proceeded to talk to her for about another hour pouring out my heart about everything from career goals to relationships, and realized that I actually have so much to share!
I guess I’m not really wired to suppress my emotions, much less conversations, especially when it comes to the topic of settling. I’m like noooo! Don’t do it! haha 
Join me as I share how I’ve managed to remain dedicated to the vision I have for my future, even when everything is going crazy and those standards seem like more of an ideal than something I could actually be believing for.
The pressure to settle for less than God’s best in regard to one thing or another comes in waves for everyone. My current fight is simple: Don’t let 30 bully me into making poor choices. *Repeat lol
Enjoy!
Peace, love & sunshine ~ Chels

Cooking with the Coffey’s: Episode 4 ~ Surf & Turf

Hey guys!
Join us once a week as I finally buckle down to take on the task of learning how to cook. This week we’re making a seaside surf and turf combo! Thanks for watching! Enjoy 🙂  Peace, Love & Sunshine ~ Chelsea

 

 

 

Get Myself Together…

 Nothing will ruin your 20s more than thinking you should have your life together already… I’m starting to realize that “having my life together” is such a vague goal. The feeling is fleeting at best, and the truth is, I wonder if I’ll ever feel like I’ve “arrived”. I could go on about that forever, but what I will say is that I like what my one on one time of meditation with the Lord is doing for me mentally, spiritually and even physically. I do it outside if possible, a little soft music playing, and before I know it, I’ve totally found my center. I’m finally okay with embracing the idea that my role is simple from here on out. Move confidently in the direction of my dreams. Trust the vision that I have for my life. Take note of what others have done (and are doing) in those related fields, execute, and choose to believe that God is working in my favor. It’s a choice to let life happen, one that I have to remind myself of daily. What’s meant to be will be. Find comfort in that. Have a great weekend you guys!! Peace, Love & Sunshine ~ Chels