I GOT It IN y'all ! Boot Camp 2nd Full Workout !



Day 8 twist out check out yesterday's FRO - I really need to wash my roots are so extra puffy.

Lord you give me the strength to face today !  For this I am grateful !  You give me courage to face today !  I have hope knowing that you will help me, that you got my back Lord !  ThankYOU.  Lord I pray for a dear friend who needs help Lord give her peace during her storm.  Thank You Lord !  Lord I pray for good weather today and safe travel as we prepare for the snow storm.  Allow our fellowship tonight at the Food Bank to be successful !

 

Weight Loss Journey - Yesterday’s workout was tough, I mean WE GOT it IN for Real, for Real J  At this pace 6 months from now I should be the woman of steel LOL  I wish you all could be there, to see it and to experience this type of workout.  We work hard !  I sweat and again I am not a person who sweat a lot while working out.  Crazy thing is I look forward to going.  I am not planning to over do it, I plan to do 4 days per week.  I have to be cautious and be careful of my ankle.  I will try and upload photos from their website.  So when I talk you are WITH ME !  Let me put it this way it is like doing all the things you hate to do when you workout; pushup; dips, planks etc.  You get the picture. 

 

FIT for the KING book is Taking Back Your Temple, awesome read.  We are on week 1 as we have just begun this book.  It can be purchased on Amazon or at NCBF Welcome Center.

 

Today Meal is :  Breakfast; oatmeal with raisin, and water.  Snack:  Apple   Lunch: yummy delicious salad and Soy Chicken Vegan style (Whole food deli) J, dinner: salad – keeping it simple giving my body what it needs.  I notice when I eat in this manner, my digestive system is working well and I do not crave sugary foods. 

 

Natural Hair Journey – After my workout last night, I skipped right over Wash Night.  I twisted this hair, looked at American Idol and took myself to B.E.D.  I should be washing tonight, but I do have a late night tonight.  Lord willing it will be washed.  This is a sign that I was tired after boot camp because I am on top of my weekly regiment.  I uploaded a photo of Day 8 twist out, if you remember yesterday upload had a photo of my FRO.  I love the versatility of natural hair; one day FRO next day twist out.  I have not worn a protective style in a few weeks, but I do keep it covered when outside in the elements.  But without the protective style there is still manipulation. 

 

I do need to DC as a had some breakage last night in the crown area while twisting. My crown is my weakest area.  It has the tendency to look scalpy and it thin.   Hair broke easily and I have not experienced this before. 

 

 

 

 

Still Motivated – Still Pushing Forward



Day 1 Twist Out - Tightly defined curls




Day 3 Hair - twist out

 I got the photo uploader to work :)

                                              

Lord thank You for saving me.  Thank You for your favor, grace and mercy !!!  Your love gives me hope, gives me love and fills me with peace.



Update on YT Channel – Yesterday we discussions about how we would launch the channel.  Really wonderful idea.  I will not share much about it now but if you are a natural hair product junkie or just interested in beauty and learning how to better care for yourself you will want to be a part of this.  I will definitely keep you all in the loop as we will feel you will want to be a part of this lauching event.  We are shooting for a early Spring event.



Makeup - Yesteday was cool, I was on a mad search for KleanColors New cream eye shadows.  BBS(Beauty Supply Store) in Cleveland need to either watch the trends on YT or get a Buyer that does.  I went in about 4 BBS on my drive home from work and they were showing me palets that have been out for years.  I mean really, one sales girl said they haven’t order eye shadows in years so I was right in my thinking.  One BBS did write down and said they would order.  I just may seek out part time employment as a BBS consultant. LOL  Of course I could order them but they are 2.99 online and selling for 1 to 1.49 in BBS.  So I will let it go for now, Oh, no not yet ! I am thinking the BBS on Shaker Square might have them as they tend to keep up with the trends. 



Natural Hair Journey - Now when I write about my natural hair journey please please please understand I am not in anyway being vain or thinking I am all that because I am not.  When I say I like or love my hair it means I have found products or techniques that have made it possible for me to wear my natural hair and be pleased with it.  You see because I have been trained to love silky long hair (this is me).  So loving my hair at a natural state is a new found love. 

Well yesterday I was on a 6 day twist out turn afro.  Which is cool.  Yesterday I wore my fro, the night before I didn’t want to add more styling products and twist so I decided to do the pineapple technique.  Pineappling means I lightly pull hair up in the back and tie it in a upward position.  Before tying it up I moisturized with jobaba oil and put my castor oil mixed oil on my scalp.  My take down was amazing, my hair was soft and manageable.  I had enough curl to wear a really good fro.  Using the pineapple technique elongates the hair also, so my fro is what I consider big for me.  I look like Foxy Brown from the 70s. 

My hair is at a good place, it is growing, it is soft, no breakage.  I have been able to find what works for my hair, what my hair likes.  Hopefully I can put my product junkie to rest, I doubt it but I will try.  Finding products that don’t leave my hair greasy/gummy and leaving it soft is awesome.  I kept hearing women on YT saying my hair is soft and mine wasn’t.  I now see.  The natural hair journey is a learning process and there is definitely a learning curve.   



Tonight is Wash Night – This morning I picked up some raw honey so I can make my protein DC.  Raw Honey, Maynoisne, 1 egg, olive oil and some essential oils; rosemary.  I will put my heat cap on for 30 to 40 minutes.

Weight Loss Journey -  I will attend 1 hour bootcamp tonight.  Yesterday my eating was good for breakfast and dinner, I ate well while at work.  It helps that some of my coworkers are following a healthy lifestyle and are in the 17 challenge with me.  Praise God.  My dinner was jacked up burger and fries L  I made a bad choice, I think I was depressed that I had not found my eye shadows.  I know it sounds crazy but for me it is real.  I know I have more things to bum out about but for today this took me over the edge.  This is why writing helps me I get to see my weaknesses and flaws on paper J 

I am planning to have a wonderful boot camp experience tonight, then go home and wash my hair.  I need to be fitting in prayer service J  Lord !

Biggest Loser NO the Biggest Winner

 

Lord Lord Lord !  I am so grateful for all that You do.  You teach me patience on a daily basis.  Thank You for renewing my mind and not allowing me to give up on me.  Lord I feel Your love in a major way.  I am needing You to feel my voids and emptiness.  I am trusting YOU !!!!

 Still having difficulty uploading photos.  I got to work this out.  You all deserve photos of my hair and weight loss journey. 

 

Workout - Yesterday was DAY 1 of Fit Body Bootcamp in Beachwood.  This stage of my weight loss journey is different.  If you have been following me for awhile, I try different things, I either get bored, lose motivation or get depressed and go into hibernation.  Well I’m out and this boot camp is like being on the Biggest Loser.  I will benefit from being the Biggest Winner ever.  This program incorporates, interval training, strength training, ab work, TRX and cardio.  It is unlike my previous bootcamp experience.  Like I have to carry 10 to 30 lbs bag of sand on my back and run around YEAH.  I also have to do pushup, and work on various other strength training equipment.  I worked up a sweat in 15 minutes, and I am not a sweat type person.  Sweat was rolling.  I did work within my zone being cautious of my ankle injury.  I plan to do 4 days per week.

 

Meal Planning _ Lavisa and I joined the bootcamp together.  We work together so support for one another is easy.  She and I and another coworker will begin a 17 Day meal plan which includes 3 cycles of 17 days.  A total of 51 day total, the last day of the 3^rd cycle will be my birthday March 27^th.  We are in the process of gathering our foods and will begin the Meal Plan on Monday, February 4^th.  I have been eating healthy this week in preparation.  I even have a bottle of 25.3 fl.oz. of water I will complete today.  Following this plan promises that we will lose 25 lbs.  When I am in my groove I typically lose 10 lbs per month.  So this will be a more rapid loss.  Now the meal plan is not drastic, because I am not looking for a quick fix diet.  It is similar to how I already eat when I am making good choices, except the first week seems to be a detoxing week. 

 

I am PUMP up and READY !  !  ! 

 

Natural Hair – Yesterday I was so grateful for natural hair.  During and after my workout my hair was fabulous if I must say so myself.  Prior to going into the workout I massaged some jobaba oil on into my hair and the ends.  After my workout my afro was soft and in place.  I was proud of my hair.  I didn’t even have to tie it up, but that would have probably helped it, heated situations with oils and moisturizes work well on my low porosity hair.  Next time I will put the oil on and put a scarf on, the heat that I work up from exercising will open up my hair focilie (sp) and allow the oils to penetrate better. 

 

After the workout I went home and twisted my hair with my Cantu Line, I used it last night as it gives me great elongation and I wanted to wear a big fro today.  It worked.  Tonight will most likely be my wash night or tomorrow.  I have to pick up some honey to make my protein mix. 

 

Protein Treatment - Recipe:  Mayonaise, honey, olive oil, and 1 egg

 

I am doing the research to see if I really need protein, I am not getting breakage, but is this due to me doing protein Agogee Protein 2 step treatments every 6 weeks and my recipe every other week.  Natural hair gurus say low porosity hair does not need protein, because the cuticle are flat and protein tends to sit on the hair and not go in.  They recommend products with wheat protein, silk protein, etc.  Not the REAL protein I am doing every 6 to 7 weeks.  SO I know I will not be doing the Agogee anymore, but stick to my recipe which Natural85 recommends. 

 

I am doing the research to learn my hair, I do know that my fro is softer than it was back in October 2012.  There is little to no breakage, just normal shedding. 

 

I do know I cannot use heavy creamy products, they need to be of a gel type texture or a milkly creamy texture (hair milk).  Heavy creams weight my hair down and leave it greasy.  I now touch my hair and my hair is soft and I don’t have greasy products on my hand.  The jobaba oil helps and the grapeseed oil.  These two oils penetrate easily.  As much as I want to use coconut oil it is heavy for my hair, I use it sparingly, just because I like it J 

 

I am research the use of Castile soap, I brought a bar from Trader Joes and the liquid soap from Whole Foods.  Castile soap is recommended for low porosity hair, natural hair specialist say Castile soap opens up the hair shaft and allows moisture in.  But another well known hair guru says it is high in alkaline and needs to be balanced with aloe vera juice.  I am not a chemist so I need to do some more research before using the Castile soap.  I would also continue to use my AS I AM Cowash and use my Shea Moisture shampoos. 

 

Makeup – I am on the search for KleanColor NEW cream eyeshadows.  A few makeup gurus swear by these comparing them to Maybelline Color Tattos.  BBS (Beauty Supply Store)  sell them for 1 buck, and online they are 2.99.  Maybelline Color Tattos are about 6.99 each.  I have several of the Maybelline and they work as a base for shadows magnifiying the color or along as a cream shadow.  I would be excited to find them in the BBS for 1 buck each.  If you run into them give your girl a call and I’m all over it.  I plan to make a couple stops as I pass BBS on my drive home.

 

 

EXCITING NEWS – We got Time Warner Cable today with boxes.  Meaning I can record TV series.  I have never had this type of cable so bear with my excitement.  My daughter is back home and she felt she needed it in her life.

 

Also I have a 20% off coupon for Ulta I do not have plans to use it so if anybody wants it let me know.

 

 

 

 

 

If you are interested in viewing a copy of the Meal Plan contact me and I will scan you a copy to your email.

 

Back on Track, Back on the Grind !

Thank You Lord for renewing my MIND !  For lifiting depression and smashing it !  I thankYou Lord for the gift of life. 


Alright, Alright, Alright (In Kevin Hart's voice)  It's ON  !  I am pumped up and ready.  If you have followed me you know when I am IN I'm IN and when I'm off the wagon I am off.  I am praying and asking God for a balance in my life.  I need to be able to maintain and eat in moderation and exercise without obsessing.  I realize these are my strengths and my weaknesses.  Only God can help me with this and I am praying daily for balance in my life.

Weight Loss Journey - This past Saturday I started bootcamp, yes another bootcamp, Fit Body Bootcamp in Beachwood.  I know, I know !  But I love the bootcamp experience.  This one operates more like personal training style not so much rhythmic dancing.  We carried like sand bags on our backs and ran around the room, they have suspended TRX .  There is a variery of techniques.  I did orientation and as part of orientation we did a !5 minute workout.  It felt like an hour :)  I need this in my life right now.  I scheduled to be weighed and measured this weekend.  I am not looking forward to this but it will help me get on task and begin to measure my sucesses.  We weifgh in every 4 to 6 weeks instead of every week, this will help me be more independent and work toward the long term.  One of my trusted workout buddies joined with me.  There are others from NCBF that are there and seeing results, so I am encouraged.  I will keep you updated on this bootcamp experience.  If you care to join contact me through my email vanessajordan79@yahoo.com.  I can fill you in and can send you the web site link so you can gather information and register for orientaton.  Right now there is a Winter Special 47 bucks for 6 weeks awesome deal.  Come on and join and get fit and lose some pounds and inchses.  Summer is coming :)

NOW my hair natural hair journey - Well I am loving my Kinky Curly products, I am sending a shout out to Nicole H. and Diane M. for hipping me to these products. I will have included these products in my hair care staples.   I love the curl definition and swing I am getting and elongation.  I will be doing my protein treatment this week, it is the two step Agopee. 

I am exciting about learning what my hair likes and watching it respond to it.  I love being able to be creative.  I notice I am wearing my hair out more than wearing the wigs which means I am liking it more and more.  Praise God !  I go back and forth from a twist out to afro. 

Today my hair is soft and manageable.  This hairstyle is gonna really work out nice as I go into my workout regiment. 

I have a few target areas; edges and crown which I am applying oils and massaging.  I did a length check last week and I will do another in June.  I love volume, so I will be excited to watch my hair grow. 

Signs that my hair is healthier:  I can stand over sink fluff through hair and their is no hair breakage in the sink.  Back in the day there would be hair all over the sink and I am noticing no breakage.  Now when I wash my hair there is natural shed hair but not in abundance. 

Hair has elasticitsity - It bouncing back without breaking.  If I pull my hair (usually playing in it LOL) it springs back without breaking.

I attribute this to my 6 week protein treatment and having a good balance of moisture. 

Makeup - I remain a product junkie.  I had to replace two of my Mac staples; Mineralized Skin Finish in Deep Dark, and eyebrow pencil in Spike.  I am not what you would consider a Mac girl but I do have a few staples from Mac; Fix Plus, Foundations (although I use other brands).  When I went to the counter I rattled off what I needed the sales girl said that was easy, I said I know what I want.  I know she was thinking easy commision :)

I picked up Revlon Naked Foundtion, I am liking it, it gives reasonable coverage, and has a satin like finish.  It gets me through my work day and it only cost 10 bucks compared to my MAC and Makeup Forever.  Now I will rotate Mac and Makeup Forever as needed.  But for everyday I will use this Revlon and save the high end for Sundays and special occasions. 

I am so happy to have my Spike eyebrow pencil BACK IN MY LIFE.  I didn't have it for a few weeks and was using a Maybelline brow pencil, it wasn't giving me what I needed. 

Today's Meals - I am planning meals which helps to keep me on track !
Breakfast - Oatmeal with raisins and 2 slices of bacon and a banana
Lunch - Salad with Soy Chicken (whole foods)
Dinner - Salad
Apple and banana

I am working out this evening at the bootcamp, this is my first real day of bootcamp.  I am excited and pray I stay encouraged.

Back on the Grind !!!!

 

Lord thank you for healing.  Thank you for allowing me to rest and heal.  Lord keep me safe and protect !  Bless the ladies in the life group give us what we need to be successful.

 

Since Friday afternoon I have been ill.  I have a reoccurring sinus infection, and the first couple of days it knocks me off my feet.  I was able to get tons of rest and relaxation.  I took my meds, and drank plenty of fluids.  I returned to work with a desk load of paperwork, but I with God’s help I got it done. 

 

Tonight is Fit for the King !  I continue to be excited and I am praying that tonight’s session has lots of success stories.  Next week we will be volunteering at the Food Bank as our community service. 

 

Natural Hair Journey – well during my sickness I did not wash on my regular wash day for fear of making myself sicker.  Yesterday I did my hair as I wanted to have fresh hair for work today.  Well I had two sets of new products that I wanted to test; Kinky Curly and Cantu New Natural line.  I decided to use the Kinky Curly Knot Today (leave in) and the curling pudding.  Prior to applying I did the whole cowash, DC (deep conditioner) and I even measured my hair.  Yes I measured Right !  I decided to measure to see my growth let’s say by June 2013. 

 

I have heard so much about the Kinky Curly line and hestitated to use it because of the cost both products are about 30 total.  I decided to get it after my friends both gave it great reviews.  I put the Knot Today in and I immediately began to see definition.  I saw definition even in my crown where I have a very loose texture.   I was encouraged, so I kept putting it in.  Prior to putting it in I looked at Taren916 for application.  Next I used the curling custard, NOW NOW NOW when I applied this I saw waves of curls forming.  I actually didn’t believe it, I had thought nothing out there could define my already loose curls.  I even read the ingredients to make sure there was no alcohol and was reminded that it is natural.  I am a twistout girly curl, but I was so tempted to do a wash and go.  I do the twist out to get added definintion from the twist pattern.  I put some coconut oil on it ½ through the drying process as I could feel it was a bit hard.  It worked !  This morning my curls were popping all over the place.  I had shrinkage put I had curls, which gives me hope.  Since October 2012 I have searching for this type of results.  I have a small cottoney area in my crown but I am able to work with it. 

 

I am on the search for a large cup diffuser so I can try a wash and go.  Yeah me, Right !  I have been a twistout or Afro wearing sister.  I love the versatility of natural hair.  I am learning so much about my hair.  I know I need lightness not to weight my hair down.  I need to use products with a light hand and use my cocoonut oil.  Yesterday I made a new batch of scalp oil; rosmary, jobaba, lavender, tea tree, olive oil, and grapeseed oil.  I put this on my scalp in the a.m.  or night. 

 

I need to clean my scalp good on my next wash day.  I have to make sure my scalp is not clogged.  I will make a mix with peppermint oil, tea tree oil and a carrier oil. 

 

Weight Loss – Saturday I begin my new boot camp.  I am so ready and excited.  I go to orientation this Saturday.  So I will share info with you all next week.  I had salad for lunch today and oatmeal with raisins for breakfast.

 

See ya !

PJ

Lord I thank you so much for loving and protecting me.  You are so faithful !


I have been extremely busy doing my research for our YT Channel.  It is busy work but it has been fun working to develop topics and content.  I am a big fan of YT and I am subscribed to over 800 channels.  I tend to truly follow my favorites.  But yeah, the channel is coming together well.  The team has divided up tasked based on our skill set. 


Natural Hair Journey Today - I am on a 4 day twist out.  Meaning I washed my hair on Saturday and started my original style on a twist out.  Last evening I retwisted using the New Cantu Natual line.  As you know I am a shopper and as a result I am a product junkie.  Most morning I go into Whole Foods to pick up my breakfast (oatmeal with raisins and nuts).  Well when I was in there yesterday I strolled through the hair section.  I wanted to check out Kinky Curly Knot today, my two natural sisters in Christ swear by it and their hair and they have fantastic hair.  So to my surprise there was a tester of all the Kinky Curly products.  My heart raced, I picked it up, smelled it and proceeded to take some out and I actually put it on my hair.  I think another shopper saw me I was a tad bit embarrassed. It reminds me a bit of my Cantu twist gel.  My hair seemed to enjoy it.  I didn't stop there I went to YT and did my research, really good reviews from gurus I trust.  Taren916 uses it and she has big hair but it is fine hair, and I have fine hair with loose curl pattern.  She used it with the Kinky Curly custard and it didn't give her hair what she wanted, so she combined it with Tressame Natural conditioner, which I already have at home.  So now of course, I will pick up the custard this evening for my wash tonight.  I will first try it with Kinky Curly Knot Today.  Alot of the reviews say it takes a long time to dry so I will take this into account.  Tommorow I may leave it twisted.  I am excited about it.  Now my staple leave in as been Giovanni and this will be the first time I have swayed from it.  So we will see my results. 

I think I am crazy because my Cantu line works wonderfully.  This is day 4 and the Cantu is still holding strong.  My hair is soft, it moves and did not shrink alot.  I may eventually try a wash n go.  Since October 2012 I have been a two strand twist; whether it is a twist out or an afro.  I have always felt my curl pattern was too loose for a wash and go and that I would not have good curl definition.  But I feel my Cantu or the Kinky Curly could give me a good wash n go.  I will play around with this once I get the swing of these products.  I like to wear protective styling 3 weeks out of the month and this week is my week I wear my hair out at work.  So I might have to do wash n go next month.  Last evening when I twisted my hair, I did go ahead and trim my ends, it was more than a dusting, I took off about 1/4 of an inch.  I think I did a good job. My hair was easier to untwist this morning. 

Problem areas:  I am noticing that an area of  nap is breaking as a result of me wearing my winter scarf. I am glad I am more in tune with hair so that I can correct this now.  My edges appear to be growing in gradually.  I feel and see hair where there were actually bald spots.  I continue to put Black Jamacian castor oil in these area and on my crown area where it has thinned.  I also use various products from Shea moisture thickening line.  I especially like the thickening mist spray which I spray directly on troubled areas. 


I had this crazy idea that going natural would be less expensive, but for me it cost me more money in products.  Not that I have to have them I want them.  I like testing the results.  I have got to put a hold on the spending and use up some of my current items.  After I pick up the Kinky custard I will chill for awhile. 

Makeup - I plan to make a stop at target as they have 50% off of Iman foundations which are expensive for drug store brand.  I have never invested in any, but now I just may take advantage of the sale if I can color match myself.

YES YES YES

 

YES !  YES !  YES !

 

 

Lord You are good and your mercy endureth forever !  Lord you are good !  So good !  I am amazed at Your power.  You are greater than anything that I face.  You remove anxieties and encourage me to live.  To live a good life.  Thank You

 

WOW God is so amazing !  I prayed yesterday for my life group and God is directing and leading me.  God continues to work on my vision for the group.  Amazing things are underway. 

 

OK get ready !  I found a bootcamp, I’m all IN  !!  I will begin next week it is in Beachwood near my job, price is 47 bucks unlimited for the first month. I got a call into them to see what price is for the second month and ongoing. A few of the ladies from True Image are there so I will have my support group.  YES YES YES (ya’ll know I need hand holding). I also had some sessions left with my trainer Eric and I will return next Tuesday.  I prayed about a plan and I have one.  Bootcamp keeps me feeling excited, motivated and successful.  Along my journey I have learned things about myself and this is two of them; I love bootcamp experience and I love to walk/run.  I get a rush, YES a rush !  I do personal training because I know it is good for me, it helps me build muscle and it challenges me in a real one on one way.  For example when I have to do a two minute plank I do it, there is no hiding or pretending.  This is what I like and don’t like J 

 

Weight Loss Journey My weight loss goal is to lose 5 to 6 pounds per month.  I usually do 10 per month.  I learned the last time I was doing way TOO much and got myself injured.  I will take it slow.  I will make a decision as to whether I will continue my personal training sessions.  It is costly but well worth it.  Starting this past December I took on a big financial responsibility and I have to really see if personal training is a wise financial investment for me.  I have a membership at Planet Fitness for 10 bucks per month, if I decide to do machine or other things I can’t do at home.

 

 

Natural Hair Journey Last evening I untwisted my hair moisture, sealed and resisted.  This morning I moisturized with an ill water and sealed castor oil and coconut oil.  I wore it to work twisted, and I did not do a twist out.  I just wore it as a two strand twist.  It’s cute, it’s ok, and it’s me.  I did not want it down today totally exposed to the elements.  I wore a hand to protect it while outside.  The shampoo in color is holding up nicely.  I put it in on Saturday and Saturday is not my regular wash day.  I usually wash and deep treat on Tuesday evening.  So I will most likely not wash tonight because I have to add shampoo in more color to maintain the color.  Remember this is not chemical it is herb based from China (not approved by FDA) J  What we ladies won’t try LOL  Hey but its working.  So it looks like my wash day may be moving toward the weekend.  But Tuesday night wash was not rushed because I usually don’t have plans on Tuesday.  We will see I just might go ahead tonight.  REALLY is it that big of deal YES to me it is.  Taking care of natural hair is time consuming. Wash/Prepoo or clarifying, co washing, deep conditioner with hot oil or homemade protein conditioner (under heat cap for 40 minutes), color shampoo, conditioning, leave in, moisturizer, seal or the LOC method, then styling creams/gels/mousse, etc/ then twisting.     You see where I need time, on Saturday I am running around, and tired.  I don’t want doing my hair to be a chore because I LOVE taking care of it.  A woman’s hair is her crown of glory.  I believe this like never before.  I don’t want all this to come across as being vain but I am working to take care of what God gave me.  He knows every hair on my head and he made each and everyone of us uniquely and beautiful.  I have to remember this when I see a lot of the naturals on YT with hair that is amazingly beautiful. Yes I have hair envy at times.  God reminds me that I am special and unique and that HE loves me and that I am here for a purpose to serve HIM.

 

With all that said I better go ahead and wash tonight LOL  You guys see why I blog !!!!!

 

 

See ya – Stay tuned for YT Channel updates I am working on topics, if you have any in mind shoot me a message or contact me on facebook or email me at vanessajordan79@yahoo.com.    

Planning Planning Planning

Lord You are so worthy !  You SAVED me Lord !  Lord bless NCBF and we go into the second half of our life groups.  Continue to grow us and thank you for blessing us with what we need.  Thank You Lord !

 

Our life group Fit for the King is growing in numbers and in strength.  The women are bonding together.  We were praying for 1 care leader to accept the responsibility and we got 3 care leaders.  Totally awesome.  We keep our ladies in prayer as we want to walk through life together.

 

Yesterday’s worship and praise was filled with the holy spirit of God.  Amazing !  I am so glad I am out of my FUNK.  The enemy had me for awhile.  Thank God for Jesus J

 

My weekend was eventful, I went to dinner with friends Friday night and we had lots of food and laughs.  We are all natural hair girls so we started the evening by talking hair.  We did an unofficial product swap.  I picked up AS I AM cowash and a styling smoothie from AS I AM.  These products were on sale at Sally’s so on Saturday I went to Sally’s and picked up a few of the cowash.  It worked really well in my hair, it was moisturing. 

It was fun, it is always fun to try new products.  I am beginning to learn what my hair likes.  I enjoy talking hair, the natural hair community is an awesome community of women and some men who love to talk hair.  I wore my natural hair exposed openly to church on Sunday and I had so many conversations with other naturals about techniques, hair color etc.  At first I was a bit nervous about exposing my REAL hair as it has not been OUT in years LOL  I wore it and loved it, and it didn’t let me down.   What I mean is once I stepped outside I did not regret wearing my own hair out in public.  I thought about putting a head wrap on to cover some of it, but decided against it.  I went all the way and I loved it.  I thank God for giving me the confidence. 

 

I wear a lot of protective styles, LOTS LOL  But I wanted to wear my own hair, the hair God gave me.  What made it easy also on the REAL REAL was that my shampoo coloring system was delivered and I put it in and the gray went bye bye.  NOW I am natural but I do like color, I am not ready right now in my life for gray.  Gray washes me out and is dull on me.  I am not ashamed of my age and what gray represents but it does not flatter me.   

 

I love sharing info, one lady asked me how did you get your hair to do that,  I was able to share with her things that are important to do with natural hair. 

 

At dinner we did some planning as we will be working to develop a YT Channel, sooooooooooooooooooooo stay tuned.  It will be lots of work but it will also be a lot of fun.  I am excited as I have wanted to do a channel but did not have the courage to do it along.  We have a really good concept for the channel and we are all excited. 

 

I follow a lot of beauty and natural hair gurus who have taught me so much about makeup application and how to care for me hair. 

 

Now here we go, my weight loss journey was ruined while I was in the FUNK !  I am so pissed J  But I have a plan of ACTION .   My trainer texted me Saturday, yeah right, right when I was coming up out of my FUNK and we will begin 2x a week workouts.  Tuesdays and Thursday, I am excited about this.  I need my routine back !  I picked up a salad from Whole Foods this morning for my lunch.  I had oatmeal, eggs and 2 slices of bacon for breakfast.  Thus far this day I am doing good. It is a start.  I will never stop trying.

 

I have individuals in my life that are encouraging me and lifting me up, which I really appreciate.  I appreciate my subscribers to this blog soooooo very much.  I really am grateful for your ongoing support.  One of my subscribers sent me a message saying she felt I must have been in a FUNK when I stopped writing.  This touched me in a special way.  Writing this blog really helps to keep me on track and allows me to get things out.  There are things I still keep in but I get a whole lot out of my system. 

I have tons of planning to do for the life group and for the YT Channel.  EXCITING !

Functioning in the Funk

 

                         I had to use this phot again because this is the only photo that
                            uploads properly, again this is a protective style (wig) I ordered
                                                             from Canada during the holidays.

 

This is the end of the Funk series :)  I had not blogged since October 2012, this is when the Funk began, October is the month Chris passed.  This has been my worse year since he passed.  God is able to give me peace, but I had to ask.  Thank you Lord !

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Lord thank you for lifting me up and giving me love.  Thank you for your mercy, grace and favor.  You provide for me when I feel like I have nothing.  I want to be more connected to You so that I can hear You clearly. Last night I prayed for God to help me work through these depressed feelings.  God is faithful, so this is the last day of the Funk for me.

 

 

Last evening Fit for the King relaunched our Life Group.  Things went so well, we had a significant amount of ladies who want to draw closer to the Lord.  We set goals and celebrated our accomplishments.  We made smoothies and had humus and chips, yummy

 

This evening I go to dinner with one of my besties.  We are planning something really fun and exciting. I always laugh and have fun when I am in her presence J   I can’t wait.  Tomorrow morning I will be doing the 7:30 a.m. walk with Blondell and the crew.  More excitement.  Then I will be having breakfast with a dear friend we will have great conversation, we have lots in common. 

 

Natural Hair Journey – My photo uploader on this program is acting a fool.  A real fool !  I would love to share my natural hair journey.  Today I am in one of my wigs, It is a favorite, as I am a product junkie I have a backup of this wig J  YES I do !  Last evening at church, I talked with a  few ladies who are natural and they were very encouraging.  I love the natural hair community.  The sisterhood is awesome on YT and in my day to day.  Since I wore weaves and braids for years many people did not know I was natural, heck I didn’t even know I was natural.  I praise God for Juanita (hair dresser)  who did not encourage me to put the creamy crack in my hair while I wore weaves.  I saw her every two weeks so my hair was still in good shape, when she would take my hair down from weaves she would blow me out, trim my ends and let me see the beauty of my hair.  She even encouraged me to go natural and directed me to the Natural hair salon.  She felt I could work some natural styles.  She lives out of state now, but I FB her to let her know and we consult about my hair via FB.  Love me some Juanita.

 

I ordered a hair product that has natural ingredients that changes the hair color from grey to black.  It is a shampoo, a review from a trusted YT guru say it needs to be shampooed in at least 2x per month.  Since it is all natural I am cool with this. I find that dealing with the grey color in my hair is my most craziest thing about my hair that I do not like.  I know I am mature in age, but I don’t dig grey on me.  I used a semi permanent color once since I was natural and it washed right out, but while it was in it was on POINT.  So my color should be here by my next wash day.  Hopefully I will have tracked down some Nafy Puffy hair, which I want to braid in for a few weeks as a protective style. 

 

Exercise: Yes I am going out in the morning at 7:30 a.m.  I love the fellowship with the women of God and I love the way I feel when I am in a cardio state.  I don’t like getting up that early but I will do it.  My ankle is better so I will test it out tomorrow. Pray with me !

Working throught the Funk

Lord I love You more today than yesterday.  I am grateful for Your love that comforts me and keeps me safe.  Lord remove anxieties that arise in me and allow me to face my fears.  Lord you have the power to give me that peace.  I want to listen to Your voice.

 

I continue to face the funk in my life and deal with it. I am liking myself more today than yesterday.  I have several things in my life to work through and straighten out so that I am not a walking ball of fear !  I am developing a plan of action.  Write things down and attack.  Yes attack !

 

Today I have heard from two good friends which really blessed me.  God uses his people to show His love. 

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Natural Journey – yesterday I was able to upload a photo of one of my protective styles.  If you didn’t see it go back to yesterday’s post.  I tried to uploads lots of photos today and I couldn’t get it to work.  I have never had uploading issues before.  I will work it out bear with me.  The photos are hilarious !  Stay tuned !

 

Yesterday I thought of a new protective style that I feel pretty confident doing.  I plan to track down or order Nafy Collection Puffy/Fluffy hair.  I can put them in making sure to not do my edges tightly.  I have some creative ideas as to how to style the look.  I will wear it for a month and take it out.  I will work to have it in my next Saturday the 19^th, I would like to do my Agogee 2 step (sp) protein treatment before putting them in and I am due for a treatment on the 19^th.  I do protein treatment every 6 to 7 weeks.

 

I do notice that since I am nature I get bored easily with my hair styles.  I now like playing in my hair a lot and look forward to twisting, corn rolling, washing, treatment, whatever !!! Love it !!!

 

When I washed my hair Tuesday evening my hair was in good condition.  I used the NEW Cantu line, the hair lotion works well on my fine/thin hair.  It moisturized and did not leave my hair feeling like a greasy mess.  I am still looking for the curl activator, my BSS nor Target had it, I will check out Wal-Mart this weekend.  But since I am wearing protective styles I really don’t need it, but since I am a PRODUCT JUNKIE I need it in my collection. 

 

Progress since October 2012 – my hair responds well, I have learned many things about my hair, I am dealing with 3 different textures.  My top/crown is loose wavy, my sides are more nappy and the back is awesome J  If I could take my back and put it all over my head WOW !  But I am working with what I have and making it work.

Growth-I don’t do official length checks because my hair usually grows at a steady pace.  I would say my hair has grown an inch since October especially in the crown area.  This area is thin, but it grows the fastest.  I also have to acknowledge that I have trimmed my hair twice and dust the ends occasionally as needed.  I do have problems with single strain knots (like what is this) LOL  At first length was a issue for me, I did not do a big chop because I transitioned while wearing weaves and braids.  But I do want more volume I LOVE big hair.  LOL  Now I look to see the healthiness of my hair, how it springs back, checking my ends and protecting my ends.  Seeking out products that will give it shine, luster and healthiness.   I love my natural hair I never thought I would walk away from relaxer, but I did without even knowing that I was. 

 

 I now can recognize when my ends are split and need trimming and I do it myself.  I do lots of things myself now, I purchased a treatment cap for my deep conditioning it works, this is a technique my mama use to do to both of our hair.  Once a month I mix, mayonnaise, eggs, honey and olive oil as a deep treatment, the other 3 weeks I use Shea Moisture Treatment Mask (awesome). 

 

 

 

Will be walking 7:30 a.m. Saturday morning.  If you are interested contact me for walking info.  We gonna get it in.

Coming out the Funk

                                                 Protective Style - It's a wig with hair band
                                                            I will add other photos

Lord I am grateful for Your love, your amazing power that covers and protects me.  Thank You for my family and friends.  I appreciate You I want to draw closer to You.

Well, this is Day 2 of coming out of the FUNK !  I have lots of great things going on in my life; my daughter is pregnant, starting a YT channel, loving family and a loving church family.  I plan to spend today thinking about what I have to be grateful.  This should be a powerful day.  I will stay focused on the GOOD !

I got a text this morning from a dear friend who wants to do breakfast Saturday morning.  I was sooooo excited, I love her company and I am looking forward to the fellowship.  I am grateful for all my friendships.  Friday evening I will be having dinner with a friend who is my lil sis in Christ.  We always have lots of laughs.  So gradually I am coming out of the FUNK and celebrating life. 

Natural Hair Journey: 

Last evening was my wash night, I cowashed, clarified, deep conditioned, moisturized, double strand twist and seals with oil.  I used the NEW line of Cantu; hair lotion, twist gel and pomade, I have to find the curl activator.  I saw a review on YT and liked the results.  The products all Natural hair friendly; no paraban, no sulfates, etc.  I must say the result this morning were good. I left the twist in and wore a protective style to work.

I was in denial at the beginning of my journey but I am a product junkie.  Across the board makeup, hair products, tools etc.  I would love to be a beauty editor testing and reviewing.  YT will give me the opportunity to do some of what I love doing.

I want to say more about protective styling.  Thinking and creating protective styles has been so much fun.  I found some cool hair wraps at the BSS and got a few different colors.  I wear them with afro puff and it makes a nice style. All my hair is protected.  I have been wearing protective styling since December 2012.  My last protective style I corn rolled my hair and moisturized it day and night using; oils, leave ins and moisturizing milks. When I took my hair down last night my hair was moist and felt and looked healthy.  I was grateful.  I am trying to work with my natural hair trying to find products that my hair LIKES, trying to find what works for ME.  Through this journey I am learning to love the me that I am.  My hair is my hair, sometimes I must admit I do get hair envy.  I see other women on YT with textures and length that is unbelievable.  I then look back to their journey back to a few years and they were once where I was.  I am so encouraged.    I pray the YT channel we are working on will give God the glory and help other women love who God created them to be. 

Chat with you soon ! Will keep you posted on the YT launch date.

The Funk Series : Recovering from the FUNK

Over the past few months I have been in a deep slump.  When I stop writing in my blog I am in a funk !  A big funk REAL big funk !

 

I have been in a hole and have not allowed others to help me out.  I have had some major miracles in my life over the past few months, so I should be giving God the praise all over the place.  But I haven’t for this I am sooooo sorry.  Instead I have been in a master hole.

 

Today I have decided to love myself again and to work to be a better me.  A dear friend of mine emailed me today saying she felt depressed and I agreed with her that I too was in a stay of depression.  She asked if she should seek out a doctor for medication and I immediately said I need to get in my Bible more and to pray about my condition.  I also told her I need a good shopping trip LOL  Yesterday I talked to a friend who also has been in a funk.  Funk were her exact words ! 

 

When she and I had this discussion I said I need to write also, writing keeps me connected to God and myself.  It is a release. 

 

I want to pray for my sisters who are feeling the funk of life, the emptiness the loniness and insecurities.  We have to really know God is there for us and believe and trust Him to deliver us.  I am asking God to really help us and other’s who are suffering from the Funk.

 

This is a brief write up if I wrote my feelings over the past few months it would be way too long.

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But a small catch up is that I have gone NATURAL, yes NATURAL.  I transitioned while I was wearing hair weaves.  During the time I did not realize I was going natural until I decided not to get braids or another weave.  I wanted to see my hair for what it was and to take care of it.  Since about October 2, 2012 I have been in my natural hair journey. 

 

I feel like I have so much catching up to do, I will upload some of my early day photos like day one and two.  You will laugh because I looked crazy but I was so proud.  I have learned lots of Natural care language which is cool.  Tonight is my hair wash night.  It is a big deal something that I enjoy.  I am a product junkie and will be using some new syling products tonight.  I think I will be do some mini twist and wearing a protective style over them,  We will see.  My protective styles consists of afro puffs with hair wraps, wigs and caps.