Healthy Hair Challenge: Jan Recap

Soooo....here is a little recap on my healthy hair challenge for the month of January.  I'm so incredibly proud of myself for sticking to this challenge of protective styling.  After being natural for over 2.5 years, I have never worn a low maintenance style for more than a week tops.  To go for 30 days is a major achievement for me.  Now the question is, did protective styling benefit my hair overall?  Hmmm...we'll let the pics decide.

In the first pic, I took this on 1/7/12.  The 2nd pic was taken just two days ago.  My fingers are literally touching the top of my bra in the 2nd pic.  I totally gained my .5"!  I'm thisclose from BSL and I'm just too excited!  For my hair to show this kinda progress in a three week span is short of amazing.  Couple that with exercise 3x a week, healthy eating, and just leaving my hair alone definitely benefits and promotes hair growth.  To celebrate, I wore my hair out for the first time on the 1st.  I missed my big fluffy hair and I wanted to flaunt it as a reward for being so disciplined.  Here is my twistout from that day.

I flat twisted my hair in 10 large twists and set it with my Qhemet AOHC and sealed with my beloved avocado oil.  I had incredible shine and bangin' definition.  It was nice having my hair out for the day, but today I have tucked it away for another 30 days.  Now I have a bit of an unconventional approach to PSing.  I don't keep a style for 5+ days straight.  I have fine to medium strands and keeping twists in my hair for two weeks will result in knots, tangles, excessive shedding and other not so nice things.  So I typically wear a style for about 3-4 days, maybe 5 if I'm lazy and refresh, detangle, reset, and restyle.  I manipulate my hair 1x a week.  Hats off to those curlies who can rock twists for a month straight.  My hair would rebel in the worst way.  We all have to do what's best for our hair, and mine is thriving pretty well.  Here is my style for the rest of the week until wash day on Sunday.  Pinned up with no where to go!

That's my January check in/update!  February I'll be tucking those ends all this month.  Hopefully, I'll get these city twists this month so I can stop doing my hair for a few weeks.  I need a break. lol

12 Books in 12 Month Challenge!

I promise, I've been in serious reflection mode ever since the new year began.  I find myself just thinking and piecing together my future quite a bit.  I feel like I need to take steps to stimulate my intellectual side more and start investing in quiet reading time.  What is motivating me to channel my energy towards a good book?  I've followed the maneandchic blog for quite some time, and I'm utterly amazed at how inspirational, the author, Kai, truly is.  She is constantly up on her reading game and is always dishing out awesome reads for her audience to indulge in.  Most of her books are motivational, inspirational, business driven and self-fulfillment pubs.  It's very impressive and not to mention, refreshing and stimulating. 

It's been a long time since I've cracked open a fulfilling book.  I've always said I wanted to read more, but I always get distracted or get too busy with frivolous things that I never get around to it.  Lately, my time has been spent working out, blogging, working with my mentees, and my job in general.  This is the year I've been setting forth different self-challenges.  I challenged myself to improving my health, my hair, and now I want to improve my mindset and spirit.  I'm challenging myself to read 12 books in 12 months.  I want to feed my mind and spirit positive energy and set myself up for more success, peace, happiness, joy and prosperity.  I owe it to myself to dig deeper for a better understanding of what life has to offer and how I can grab it by the horns and take control of my own destiny.  With that said, I will be dabbling in Ms. Kai's 2011 Book List and catching up on some good page turners.  I'm starting with one book per month to get adjusted to my new schedule and then go from there.  Like any challenge, getting started is half the battle.  The bookstore will be my new hangout.  I'm excited about this challenge.  It is actually quite productive and very worthwhile.

I'm looking forward to learning a lot more about myself and I also look forward to sharing my thoughts on each book I read.  I'll be posting reviews and feedback about them here on the blog.  Ready, set, READ!!!  What's on your reading list for 2012?

Protect Ya Ends: Week 2

Hey Dolls!

Week 2 and so far so good.  Week one, I was a little indecisive with how to style my hair so I had quite a few change ups.  I finally settled on the easy no fuss bun to get me through my week and weekend.  Today, I'm sporting another textured bun.  I know that bunning can't be my end all be all to protective styling, because too much of a good thing is not always good.  My edges may take a beating if done too frequently, so I'll be easing up on the bunning starting week 3.  I'll be going back to the tried and true twisted pinups.  By the end of the month, I'll be getting a more long term style (baby twists) to hold me over for about six weeks.  This will help me get through the first quarter of this challenge.  Stay tuned for that.

On another note, I did a length check this weekend.  The first one I've done since late August.  After 4 months, my hair grew a little.  I'm now about 1.5" from the top of my bra strap in the back.  I'm sooooo close!  My hair was more stretched in my August pic.  The January pic is not stretched at all.  I use my tattoo as my guide.  I'm sure by the end of this first quarter I'll be grazing my bra strap indefinitely!  *crossing fingers* Just when I thought my hair wasn't growing...it surprises me, yet again!  Check out my length comparison from August to now!  This is more motivation to see this challenge through even more!  My next length check will be in April.  Here's to another 3" of growth! Here's hoping!

Protect, protect, protect is the theme for 2012!  BSL: Mission in progress!

Get It Right, Get It Tight!

 Source:  Sweet Pototo Pie

I've been starting off 2012 hitting the ground running with my "Healthier Me"  challenge.  I've been seriously on the path to more fit life and so far, it's going great!  I joined this awesome network of fitness pals to help keep me motivated as we embrace a healthier lifestyle.  I must say, it feels good not to be in this thing alone.  My social circle keeps me encouraged, driven, and positive.  I love that, because we feed off each other's energies. You should check out MyFitnessPal and get hooked up with a network of people to cheer you on as you get fit.  There is an app for iPhone and Android or simply go to MyFitnessPal and get signed up!  It's an awesome tool!

I've set a few goals for myself for the next six months to improve health wise.  Like I stated in an earlier post, action is required to see desired results.  I need results. First thing I did was get a gym membership.  I didn't join just any gym, though.  I joined a small, family owned gym that is about 5000 square feet with every possible machine at my disposal.  I have the luxury of working out any time of the day or night and being the only one at the gym.  No waiting for a machine, or packed peak hours.  Ahhh, bliss!!!  I visit the gym 3x per week for an hour each visit.  I plan my workouts ahead, but cardio is always included in some way.  I love to run.  I'll jog for .75 miles straight, but I'm pushing myself to run a mile non-stop.  I'm not there yet, but I will by the end of January!  Watch me wuuuurkkk!

Here are is my 6-month Plan:

• Run a non-stop mile (30 days)
• Run a non-stop 5k by March or April (90 days)
• Lose about 2-3" in my waistline
• Tone, define and sculpt my arms, legs, abs and posterior 
• Lower and control my BP
• Lose about 5-8 lbs

Right now, I'm skating on 152 lbs.  I'm 5'4" with a very athletic/muscular build.  My bottom half is pretty solid.  My most problematic area is my belly.  I want to get that under control.  My current measurements are:
Bust: 34"
Waist:  29"
Hips/Butt:  40.5"

The average person would look at my stats and thing I'm crazy for wanting to lose weight or lose inches, but I know what works for me and the results I want to see. I'm not unhealthy, but there is definitely room for improvement.  I've been tracking my progess with a food diary on MyFitnessPal to monitor what I'm eating, calorie intake and calories burned from rigorous activity.  It's been helpful to watch my progress.  I haven't lost any weight yet, but I know if I stay consistent and make fitness a habit, I'll be well on my way.  Wish me luck!

Do You Have Any Fitness Goals? If so, dish!

Protect Ya Ends Challenge

End so it begins!  On January 1st, I made a commitment to wear protective styles for the next 90 days.  My curlfriends at Black Girl Long Hair forum have started posting their starting pics and measurements and we are hitting the ground running!  I plan to keep you updated on the challenge here by posting my regimen, styling options, pics, etc.  I hope my updates can serve as a resource for someone as theirs may serve as one for me.

As stated in a previous post, 2012 Natural Hair Challenge, my goal is retain up to 3" of growth every 3 months or an inch a month.  It's a pretty ambitious goal, but I believe it can be achieved through a strict hair and diet regimen.  My current regimen is simple.  Every other week or every 10 days I:

• Apply Greek yogurt recipe (Naptural85) prior to shampooing (rinse out); finger detangle in the shower
• Shampoo with Kinky Curly Come Clean or Mizani True Textures
• Condition with Suave Almond and Shea Butter Conditioner (rinse out); awesome slip and consistency!
• Final rinse with ACV (depends on how I feel)
• Apply leave-in -- Qhemet Cocoa Detangling Ghee; Coconut Oil to seal, and SM Deep Treatment Masque as styler
• Set my hair in flat twists, twists, braids, etc.

My hair has done very well with this regimen.  My hair remains moisturized for up 3-4 days without reapplying any product.  When PS, I normally take down the style at night and moisturize my ends and then restyle in the morning, if necessary.

It is now day 3 and I've been taking it one day at a time.  I have been in the gym a lot lately, so protective styling certainly is a plus for my sweaty hair.  Here are my styles so far:

Day 1:  Roll and Tuck

Day 2:
Twisted Updo:  I don't have a good photo from yesterday, but here is how they always look.

Day 3:  Cinnabun:   I'll likely be sticking to this for the next few days.  I don't like to pull my edges too much, but this is definitely the most convenient PS for me.

Three months is a long time, especially for a girl who looooves big, wild hair.  I'm just gonna have to get creative to keep from boredom.  In a couple of weeks, I'll be getting some baby twists put in to hold me down for another six weeks.  In the meantime, I'll be taking it one day, one PS at a time until then. :)  How are you ladies holding up?

2012 Healthier Me Challenge!

My 2012 Healthier Me Challenge: 

Healthy hair starts with a healthier lifestyle!   Progress must begin from the inside out!

This year will be all about detoxing and acquiring better eating habits.  At the beginning of every new year, my church participates in the Daniel Fast.  Our fast this year will be for 28 days starting January 1st.  We all fast for different reasons, but ultimately in the end the purpose is God gets all the glory.  If you are believing for something good to happen in your life, sacrificing and leaning on God is the best way to see your faith put to work.  It's a journey and you have to see the bigger picture in order to truly see the change you want to see.  There are many things I'm praying for God to do in my life.   But whatever it is that you want God to move, change, or bring into your life, prayer, trust, faith and action must be in the equation.

"In those days I, Daniel, was mourning three full weeks.  I ate no pleasant food, no meat or wine came into my mouth, nor did I anoint myself at all, till three whole weeks were fulfilled."
Daniel 10:2, 3
Fasting is an awesome experience that everyone should try.  It is definitely not for the faint at heart.  What are you willing to sacrifice to show honor to God?  What are some things that keep you from focusing on His purpose in your life?  Are you unhappy, unfulfilled, or are you craving for something more?  What are you expecting from God in 2012?  These are some questions to think about before embarking on this journey.  Setting aside your wants and focusing solely on what God wants from you is fasting.  It allows you to remove any and all distractions that keep you from spending those close, intimate moments with Him.  Are you waiting to hear from God about that promotion at work?  Fast and pray.  Do you need Him to intercede on a challenge you are facing right now?  Fast and pray.  Are you seeking something greater or something bigger like starting your own business, going back to school, or improving your finances?  Fast and pray.  How do I do that?  It first starts with what you are willing to sacrifice and being obedient to God's word.  That's totally up to you.  There is no right or wrong way of fasting.  How you do it is between you and God.

For me, it will start with my diet, among other things.  Our guilty pleasures are the first things that have to go; however, it may not be just food.  I'll be eliminating carbs, fried/processed foods, sweets, caffeine, alcohol, foods high in salt and sugar from my diet.  Greens, fruits, beans, protein based meats, nuts, and LOTS of water will be the name of the game for me.  I started drinking 64oz of water daily for the last week and I already can feel a big difference.   I'll be back in the kitchen cooking all my meals from scratch.   For the next 28 days, it's all about staying in prayer and fasting.  Trusting and believing that God is going to do exactly what He promises.  If you would like more information about fasting and would like to start on your own personal fasting journey, check out this website:  Daniel Fast.  There are awesome recipes to try that will keep you satisfied and feeling rejuvenated.


These two challenges support each other.  Healthier living leads to a happier, more fulfilling life.   We can't expect stellar results without putting forth the effort to be better from the inside out.  They go hand and hand!  I'm excited about this 2012 journey.  I'll be updating periodically with my works in progress and any goals achieved through both challenges.  I'm looking forward to the ride!  Let's go!!!

2012 Natural Hair Challenge!

I'm a lover of natural hair!  I love everything about kinks and curls and Afro-textured hair.  I have been a natural gal for the last 2.5 years and it has been an amazing experience and journey thus far.  I did the big chop on June 13, 2009 and it has been bliss ever since.  My hair is has truly transformed the way I feel about myself.  Going natural gave me a new walk, new talk, a whole new perspective on inner beauty.  It has become a part of me that I will never let go.  I embrace my hair for what is, the way the good Lord made it.

This year (2012), I've decided to partner up with some other natural dolls for some healthy body, healthy hair challenges.  I'm an avid reader of The Natural Hair Haven, Black Girl With Long Hair, and my absolute FAVE, CurlyNikki. I love each of these sites in no particular order, but my heart lies with CurlyNikki!  I learned a great deal about my hair from these sites and I recommend them to anyone who is in the process of transitioning to natural or needs a few pointers to maintain your natural hair.  They are a God-send and everyone should know about them.

My 2012 Hair Challenges:  Protect Ya Ends (BGLH) and 12 inches in 12 months (CurlyNikki)
I'm not much of a protective style fan.  However, I know that it is necessary.  For the next 3 months (January 1 -- March 31), I will be tucking my ends away to protect them from damage in an effort to retain more length.  The ends are the oldest parts of our hair and is more susceptible to breakage, splits, knots, and dryness.  Couple that with mediocre maintenance is recipe for disaster.  So the next 3 months I'll be babying my ends and watching them very closely.  Keeping them moisturized, detangled, and protected from the elements.  This means I'm going to have to get pretty creative with PSing.  They tend to get redundant and boring, so I'll be switching it up between bunning, roll/tucks, and I'll be adding baby twists with extensions to keep me going.  No direct heat, except blow drying (2x a year).  I hope to retain up to 9" of length and be fully bra-strap length (BSL) by December 2012.  Is it realistic?  I absolutely believe so, if I go about it the right way. 
Starting length: My hair grows out in layers naturally.  I started with a tapered cut when I BC'd 2.5 years ago.  As of December 2011: I mis-measured my hair and I my numbers were off.  Soooo...here are the more accurate measurements:

• Bangs: 12"
• Back: 11.5"
• Sides: 11"
• Crown:  12"

This is my plan:  I will protective style on a quarterly basis, resting 30 days in between quarters. 

• First Quarter:  January 1 -- March 31 (Length Check)  Goal: 2-3"
• Rest Month:  April (30 days)
• Second Quarter:  May 1 -- July 31 (Summer months most critical.  Length check) Goal 2-3"
• Rest Month:  August (30 days)
• Third Quarter:  September 1 -- November 30 Goal 2-3"
• Rest Month: December (30 days) Length Check and Results Reveal

Length Retention Goal:  7" - 9" for the year!

 Hair Pics:

How will I achieve longer, stronger hair and retain more length?  Check out my Healthier Me 2012 Challenge up next!