Weight Loss

I set out to lose 15lbs a month ago by committing to working out 5-6 days a week and also tightening up on my diet. I am proud to say that to date I have almost met my goal. I started out at 157 and am currently 145. Going to the gym has become a habit. I went from hating to go to hating not to go. I have seen my body transform and my energy level increase and am truly excited for my next goal - toning! Below are before and after pics.




Before


After

09/22/11

I am currently on day twelve of my mini two strand twists. They are itching and I want to take them down; however, I am going to wear them for three weeks as planned. I can do this! Below are pictures on various days.



Day 7


Day 12 of two strand



Day 2 of two strand

Day Three of Challenge

Okay, I am on day three & with this working out daily, my hair sweats, so needless to say, my twists have shrunken. I don't care for it, but I will make the best of it. I use a method to maintain my twists that I saw on facebook wrapping it as if I would if I had a relaxer. I use bobby pins to secure it and when I wake up I unwrap and it does add some depth. So far, so good. I am going to try to maintain!

My Mini Twists

Hopefully I can keep these up for at "least" three weeks. I plan to implement various styles as not to become bored too easily and follow a strict night time routine as to keep them up as long as possible. This will be a REAL CHALLENGE for me and I am interested to see how long I can keep them.

Hand in fro still....

Hair challenges are extremely hard for me as I don't like wearing my hair up all the time. I find it still challenging to keep my hands out of my hair. After all this time of being natural, I've not found a cure for Hand In Fro disease. Everytime I look in the mirror, I find myself wanting to caress my strands with my hands. It is completely irresistable to look at the lusciousness without sneaking a feel. I love how curvy and shapely an unraveled twist looks. I find myself unraveling and raveling just to admire my strands. I must find a way to resist the urge to play with my hair because it is in need of a rest... sigh!

Lord help me to hold out.

Protective Style Challenge

Okay, I am going to buckle down and do this challenge until October 22nd I will be wearing my hair in protective styles. I have experienced some breakage and it is due in part to too much manipulation. When I did notice that growth spurt and recieved compliments, I felt it necessary to flaunt my hair and this resulted in breakage in the front and throughout my crown area. So, for the next two months, I am going to buckle down and cater to my hair.

How to meet that goal:


NO HEAT
NO cutting (unless you have to eliminate single strand knots)
NO dry brushing/combing
Handle your hair with care
Wash when NECESSARY (I will be washing my hair in between protective styles, about once ever 2.5 weeks)
Deep conditioning 2x a month
Sealing moisture into the hair to eliminate breakage and dryness
Keeping ends tucked and in styles that are low maintenance
Taking vitamins and drinking ample amounts of water

Setback

After getting my hair to a point of steady growth, I got lazy and my hair start shedding again, particuarly in my crown area. I am not back on this growth challenge again only wearing protective styles and hoping to replenish the health of my hair. I am sad, but I acknowledge it is my fault.

Day 4

I had a successful day four on the cleanse. I feel like I am over that hump. For the first time, I did not experience any hunger pains. I think drinking the tea prior to becoming hungry and also drinking the peppermint tea long with has helped a great deal. I realized I was having headaches because I was about to start my period, which I did yesterday. I was a bit concerned that this would be detrimental to my cleanse; however, I am going to press through. Usually I present with cravings when it is time for me to come on, but oddly enough, I did not crave the usual junk foods that I do. The only annoying thing is the smell of my breath and the white coating on my tongue. I am coughing up mucus in the morning so I figure this is all part of the cleansing process and my nose is a bit runny. GOOD THING TO REPORT. I've not taken blood pressure meds since last Thursday morning per doctor's orders and my blood pressure is as low as it has been ever. I will contribute this to the cayenne pepper; I read yesterday that it is a natural remedy for heart issues and also BP issues. So, even after the cleanse is complete, I will continue using this in my drinks, or when I cook. I don't mind the heat as long as I don't have to take medications. I eliminated quite a bit yesterday too. That cayenne pepper is no joke in that area. I am now on day 5!!! Go ME!

Master Cleanse Days 1, 2, & 3

I kicked off the Master Cleanse Diet officially July 1st by taking a Smooth Laxative. When I awake on Saturday morning, things were moving as they should have *no details will be given* other than, it works. The first day of the cleanse was uneventful; of course, I was very hungry as expected. I only drank five glasses of the tea. I daydreamed of hot dogs for some reason and I don't even eat hot dogs. I could taste the relish, and mustard in my mouth as if I was "actually" eating on one. It was weird, gross and satisfying all at the same time. I really didn't present with any physical challenges. On day two, Sunday, I was really irritable in that sound was very annoying to me. Every sound seemed to be magnified, and seemed to be loud. The t.v. had to be on a very low volume otherwise, it drived me insane. The fireworks being popped got on my nerves to no end. I did have some hunger pains but not as intense as the first day. I had probably two eliminations the second day. On Monday, day 3, it was a breeze. I went and bought some peppermint tea to help curb my hunger. Drinking something warm always seem to do the trick for me. I just imagine I am drinking warm broth. THe only thing is my breath is YUCKY despite the number of times I brush and I am experiencing frequent urination, which is inconvenient especially during my sleep. On Tuesday, Day 3 today, I have a headache as like day 1 and 2; and also the morning of day 3. I have opted to let it pass and not take any medication. I am at work and just drank my first glass of tea at 11 ish. I will not drink any tea after 7:00; I am trying to discipline myself not to have any food after 7 even after I complete the cleanse. So far so good.

Master Cleanse Prelude

Today, I will go and return the Organic Total Body Cleanse that I purchased from Whole Foods yesterday in lieu of the items for the Master Cleanse. I really need to commit to something in my life and not only am I benefitting from this cleanse, but it will help me to follow through. I am at a time in my life where I am questioning a lot of things and I need my clarity to be on point. By eliminating people and food from my life, I will pretty much eliminate distractions. I forgot to add to my list that I am having issues with sleeping. The hours I sleep are pretty sporadic. I am lethargic mostly and have a lack of energy. Tonight I intend to start the tea and in the a.m. the salt water flush. Yes, it is a holiday weekend, but I have no plans! I guess by choice... I will clean my body and my loft :)

Master Cleanse Diet

I have officially decided to start the Master Cleanse Diet as of tomorrow, July 1st. My body feels off balance, I am tired and sluggish, and I also have pain in my hands, joints and knees. I am not focused, and my memory is not as good as I would like. Ideally, after the cleanse, I would have loved to have lost at least ten pounds, gained clarity and focus as well as see the pain in my joints subside. I know this will be a challenge but I am up for anything that brings forth health and wellness in my life. For the next two weeks, I am going to limit socializing both in person and online. I will limit my alcohol intake as well. I just need some time to get myself back on track. I am too distracted right now. I will leave work today to buy the necessary items to get me going. I will update my experience daily and also weigh in.

Updo Photos

Updo

Various Hair Ops

The Bigger, The Better

Up Do

Trying to explore more as it relates to different styles. Being natural is more than a puff and a two strand twist.

Throw Back Hair

Busted down the middle and rolled on the sides, lovely and retro.

Comparisons

Had to repost, the top is my goal length and I am getting pretty close. Hopefully but end of summer, I will be there.

Castor Oil Experiment

I purchased regular castor oil from drug store and upon doing some online searches for it uses, I came to discover it is also good for promoting hair growth and fullness, so I mixed in some grapeseed oil with it so it could smooth easier and have applied it to my scalp. So I hope to see some progress soon. Will document!

Hi Hair

Knocking Dust Off

oh ancient of days since I've posted here. I don't have much to say, so I'll just give you a visual. :) Oh, did think of cutting it down to a very short cropped cut, but I relented and decided to wait until the end of the year to make any major changes.