Struggling, YES Struggling

 

Lord I need Your strength, and the power You pour into me on this day.  Lord I must remember that struggling is part of the journey.  I need to trust that You will bring me through VICTORIOUS !

 

Weight Loss Journey - I have had a disconnect from the Lord, on my end.  I know it because I am overly irritable and touchy.  My mood is awful and I feel like giving in.  I get so tired, of doing better and seeing very little results.  I need direction, my workout/bootcamp is difficult and I dread going.  At my age, this is not an excuse, but the truth I injure easily, so during my workout I believe I am being to careful to really burn like I should.  Now on the other hand, my eating has been not good.  I have been eating things I know are not good for me.  I binge and binge and then feel bad.  I know I need the Lord right now like never before.  I am right now too afraid to weigh myself.   I know eating is 70 % and workout is 30%. 

I have to make some decisions and I am seeking God first.  Please keep me in prayer and I cry out to God for me. 

 

Natural Hair Journey – My hair is my hair, it will do what it can do.  My hair is soft and thin in areas.  It frizzes like nobody’s business.  I have tried product after product trying to make it behave.  Right now I will not buy another hair product, I am going to work with what I have and make it work.  The amount of products I have to getting the results I want is not good.  I incorporate proper technique.  The problems rest in me getting to know my hair and settling and accepting it for what it can do. 

My shampoo hair color works beautifully, no complaints !  I want color but fear that semi-permanent or permanent color will damage my fine, thin, soft texture.  So I will not put my hair through it.  I have a natural hair coloring shampoo that covers my gray and moisturizes.  I ordered enough to last me until August, because I cannot get it on ground.

My oil mixture/cocktail is incredible.

My edges are growing in slowly but surely.

So I do have tons of things to be grateful for, but you know, we as women sometimes are never satisfied.  My hair texture is what it is.  I can rock a nice fro, but of course, that’s not good enough because I LOVE twist outs.   But my hair does not respond to twistout.  I need to work on nurturing my fro, getting a trim and rocking it. 

 

Thanks for allowing me to Rant

 

This past week’s Hair Expo was really nice.  Lots of naturals with various hairstyles, women of color are so beautiful.   It is so nice to see women return to their natural hair.  The workshops were full of ladies learning about their hair and products. 

I must say the hair companies are really profiting on naturals.  The power of women demanding what will and won’t put in their natural hair has forced companies to product sulfate free, etc products.  Amazing !!!!

Cycle 2 - Day 1 - I can have steak today :)

Lord God you have brought me from a mighty long way.  You have brought me into the marvelous light.  Lord continue to work your hand of mercy in my life, family and friends.  God you are amazing.  I thank You and I am grateful for Your love.

Natural Hair Journey - Well I had an opportunity to chat with one of my curly friends.  She wears finger coils and she gave me some helpful tips.  I had worn mine coiled and she taught me how to uncoil with less frizz.  Frizz is a natural girls enemy.  Althought I have learn some naturals say they enjoy a little frizz to add volume.  Me myself I don't need the frizz I like a cleaner look.  I got up an extra 1/2 hour early this morning to uncoil. Once it is coiled then uncoiled it is a low maintenance low manipulation hair style.  I will moisturize tonight and oil my ends and use my castor oil on my edges and crown.  Oh yeah, uncoiling my hair gave me a fuller look in my crown area, and my hair looks less scalpy.  Again I love the versatility of natural hair. 

One thing I am seeing is that I look ok with short hair, I have always had medium length, shoulder length hair. Never had short hair, no weave, my hair, wig nothing.  Even as a child I have always had shoulder length hair now with the shrinkage I am rocking short looks.  I have always felt my head was WAY too big for short hair, I used my hair to contour my head , using bangs, swoops etc.  Now I am seeing myself clearly ALL of me adjusting to seeing all of me.  I am even wearing less makeup this week I have not worn liquid medium to full foundations.  I have used powders it seems like with my face exposed I don't want to be overly made up.  Now I am not giving up makeup but just adjusting to my new look.  I love waking up to see how my hair is gonna behave :)

Weight Loss Journey - Today starts Day 1 of Cycle 2 - Well I have been steady in my workouts, I felt sore yesterday from Tuesday workout, so I didn't go.  I am working to listen to my body so that I don't get reinjuried.  Today I can add foods; steak, potatoes, rice, oatmeal, grits, fat free sour cream etc.  I must watch the portions.  This cycle you get one day from Cycle 1 and then the next day you eat according to Cycle 2.  Alternating for 17 days.  I feel I did reasonably well during cycle 1, I will weigh in on the last day of cycle 3.  I do feel I have lost inches.

I am having steak, baked potatoes with light sour cream with mushroom and salad for lunch.  Fruit and yogurt smoothie for snack.  I had 2 scrambled eggs with grilled mushroom and coffee for breakfast.  Dinner will be made and served by Chef Wells at Life Group - Fit for the King.

American Idol -  I am watching this season of American Idol, Nicki has pulled me in.  She is a fashion icon.  I would never dress like her but I understand her and respect her style.

Finger Coils Day 1

Finger Coils - Day 1

Please don't think I am crazy I entered a Castor Oil Challenge with Kinky Curly Coily Me and we had to upload photographs
I joined my first challenge it starts on March 1 ends on June 1

Natural Hair Journey – Well, two of my favorite curl buddies wears finger coils and they look great.  I had thought I could not do them because my hair is longer.  Then I was surfing YT and saw several people with longer lengths doing them.  One woman had hair to her hips and had wonderful results.  So I focused in on the technique and got busy, it took 3 hours, YES but well worth it.  Now I don’t have to touch my hair until wash day.  I am loving the looks that are low manipulation.  It keeps me out of my hair which I need as I am always touching pulling throughout the day.  This style stays in place and looks well on me.  One Con is that in my crown area I have thin hair so this area tends to look scalpy.  But I was told to uncoil some in that area to fill in the space.  I may do so tomorrow or the next day but for today Hey it works. Another Con:  major shrinkage, I am a chick who likes big expanded hair so I am adjusting to the short cropped look.  I am learning so much about myself. 

 

I love the creativity that wearing my natural hair allows me.  At the drop of a hat I can change my look and I can do it myself.  My hair is allowing me to be independent and not dependent on a stylist having to wait until my appointment time.

 

Well you may say it took 3 hours, yes but the time went fast, I was able to multi task; talk on phone surf the net, read while coiling.  As I coiled I had this inner feeling that I was doing it right and that I would be pleased.  As I coiled my self confidence rose, I like knowing I can meet my own hair needs.  My daughter and cousin was amazed at how I did it and liked the finished look. 

 

This look is perfect for my lifestyle as I need more time in the morning, now I don’t have to untwist and fluff.  It works for my workout sessions I can tie it up or leave it loose, it won’t be in my way.  I brought leave in with me to apply before my workout.  I will let you know how long they last.  But this is Day 1 Hair, Rocking Finger Coils. 

 

I don’t consider this a protective style because all my hair is exposed. But it does allow me to put a cap on to cover it when I am outside in the cold.  Making it possible for me to get the hair over my hair, my afro does not allow this. 

 

 

OHHHHH products I used; Curls Crème Burlee – excellient moisture and shine, can be brought from Target.  I topped it with my Olive Oil (non alcohol) Eco Styling Gel, I was undecided between it and my Kinky Curly Custard.  My Kinky Curly is near to my heart and cost a pretty penny.  I did add my Kinky Curly Not Today as my Leave In but decided not to use the more expensive product.  I never use the Eco Styling Gel because I am not a big gel user I never have been.  But I brought it because it is popular in the natural hair community.  It didn’t fail me. 

 

 

Weight Loss Journey – I did not work out yesterday evening.  A dear friend’s mother was hospitialized so I tended to her.  I will be working out this evening J  This is Day 16 of Cycle 1.  YES  !

Cycle 1 Day 14 - SUNDAY BEST

Healthly Delicious Sunday Meal

Lord help me work to put an end to my idols.  I want to lean and trust in You during the good and bad times.  Lord I know with Your power all things are possible.  Thank You Lord. 


Hello it is Sunday and I am blogging.  I am with friends, eating, chit chatting and laughing.  Food was the bomb.  For real, healthy and delicious, it was a Win Win.   Being amongst friends that love the Lord is an awesome experience.  And the food was on POINT :)  Pure deliciousiness !  Everything was fresh which and the flavors were excellient. 

We gathered to continue planning for the YT Channel.  How exciting ! Things are moving along nicely and production will begin in the early Spring.  We have topics and we ae working to get content together and me together :)  We are praying over this venture and asking God's blessings and we want this Channel to give God the glory.  We want to celebrate being the women God so creatively made us.  We want to celebrate what God gave us and be grateful !  Grateful that he made us wonderfully.

Overall, today has been a very productive day, I shopped after church for my smoothie ingredients for the upcoming week.  My eating today has been on point.  No cheating :)  Pastor's sermon was wonderful, it helped me in my weight loss journey.  He discussed using things other than God as an idol.  You know my mind went straight to the food as my idol.  He discussed how idoling anything other than God leaves you messed up.  When I overeat and gain weight I feel awful and worthless.  Deacon Obie played Precious Lord take my hand, it was one of my mom's favorites.  I love old school worship and praise.


I worked out Saturday at 9:00 a.m. awsome workout.  God is continuing to allow me to work in my purpose.  No matter how I give up on myself he is there to carry me to my next task.  While at bootcamp I was asked to participate in Summer Quest for fitness.  God puts goals in my life to keep me working, to keep me motivated.  I am blessed to be able to help others and help myself.  Praise God.

Cycle 1 Day 12 - 4 Month Natural Hair Anniversary

On or around October the 1^st of 2012 I decided to come out and show my natural hair.  This part of my hair journey has been only 4 short months.   To sum this up this journey has given me freedom.  Freedom to wash my hair when I feel like it.  If nothing else this feels so good.  If my hair feels dirty I can step in the shower and do something about it.  I no longer have to wait to my every 2 week appointment.  I can have a new do just by stepping into the shower.  I never imaged washing my hair 2x per week, when needed.  I never though I had this much power over my hair circumstance, because the power had always been in the hand of my stylist.  Nothing wrong with stylist, but I needed to be able to take care of my hair needs.  I needed to be able to know what my hair likes and dislikes.  I needed to be able to change my look. 

 

It feels so good knowing I can take care of my hair.  God always gives us what we need to do what we need to do.  Even with weight loss God gives us the resources, water and the ability to move to lose weight.  He gives us knowledge !  Knowledge is Power !

 

I never intended on going natural, that the funny thing.  NEVER EVER, NOT me !  You never know what GOD has in store for you.   I am so glad Ms. Juanita took good care of my hair every two weeks while I wore my weaves for years.  I am grateful I kept regular appointments so my hair could get water and her mom made oil mixtures that I purchased and put on my hair under the weave.  Amazing, I was getting natural oils from her mixture without even knowing the importance of it. 

 

So ladies I say to you wherever you are in your hair journal, relax, texture, natural, techlax, WHATEVER, take care of your hair, take care of your temple,  it is the hair God gave you. 

This journey has connected me with a young woman, I now have a sales clerk who is my buddy at Walgreen, when love to chat it up about makeup and hair.  She gives me samples because she knows I am planning this Meetup/Product Swap and said she would save me samples.  LOVE HER.   We talk natural hair and products, she knows her stuff too, which is nice.  I appreciate that Walgreen has a checkout counter in the cosmetic area with people who know or have a interest in beauty.   I invited her to our Meetup/Swap.  She was excited. 

Tomorrow a.m. I will be working out at 9:00a.m. and this evening after work.  I will be having breakfast with a girlfriend and we will chit chat it up.  Saturday is Wash day and DC day.  My daughter and I will be hanging out at Monica's Green Hair Event.  Next Saturday is the big event, but I want to check it out tomorrow.  Some of my other natural hair buddies may hang too.  EXCITING !



Weight Loss Journey - last night our fit for the king coach, Rose, shared her struggle and it helped us sooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo much.  She is like the weight loss guru, her openiness, honesty really touched us in a humorous yet sincere way.  She is so special to us. 

Yesterday I had two donuts, one cookie, flatseed chips as people brought in treats from everywhere.  I put a dollar in our cheat box and called it a day.  I did my proper meals, but was tempted by all the sugary foods.  I am praying that I can anchor myself in the word and move forward in this journey.

It's not easy, but God can do anything but fail !

Day 11 - Cycle 1 - Yesterday's Rant is Today's Rave

Old School vs New School - This is Beyonce's Super Bowl Outfit

I am thinking Tina is an idol of her's I notice she does a few of Tina's moves

This photo has absolutely nothing to do with my blog :)

 

 

Weight Loss Journey - God's Sense of Humor– Let me talk today about motivation.  Motivation and staying on course.  Right now I need motivation my workouts are difficult and I am greedy and love food.  Food has been my crutch for everything.  Absolutely everything.  I eat when I am happy, sad, angry, WHATEVER the occasion.  I eat when I am bored.  Life is life and our days will be full of mixed emotions.  I am asking God’s strength to pour into me and push me forward.  This is Day 10, and as I have told you along the way I have strayed here and there but not too bad.  Will God’s word keep me pushing forward, all the scriptures that tell me that he will give me strength, peace and blessings.  Right now the word of God is holding me accountable.  God has placed me in my purpose and has given me what I need to be successful.  I do know that faith with work, doesn’t work !  So I must continue to do my part.  Have these been rough days, yes but I must say they have not been the worse.

 

 

 

 FA (food addicts annoynous) prepared me for this, this journey is an individual process.  FA’s meal plan was so restrictive, no sugar no flour that now I am very in tune with not going to far.  Since FA I do not add sugar to my coffee or anything.  No added white sugar, I am very cautious and read food labels looking for sugars.  But I do still enjoy sweetness which I am getting through my yogurt with frozen fruit smoothies.  This has been my treat of the day. 

I have had rough days but I am grateful for pray and God’s word that has made this journey so much easier.  God has a wonderful sense of humor.  I am lead facilitator for Fit for the King.  Accountability J J 
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Yesterday's workout was again very challenging but I do modify along the way.  That was day number 3 of workouts for this week.  Tonight I will workout with Life Group Fit for the King.  We will get it in. 
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Review of NuLife's Fitness 30 minute Video @ $20.00 - I don't like to down a product but I posted it believeing it would be awesome. I am not gonna say you shouldn't buy it but don't pick it up based on my previous excitement. I reviewed it last evening. It is so not like Miesha's boot camp class that I grew to enjoy. There were far too many repetitions, it felt like there was high runs through the first 15 minutes. Now there is another video which is 26 bucks maybe it is more appropriate for what I need. But this one I give a big NO for me. I had hoped it was similar to a class workout with all the excitement it was boring to ME and this is MY opinion. But I still love Miesha's bootcamp for the time I was there, I was hoping this would replace class.

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RAVE - If you haven’t read yesterday’s blog please go back and read my rant regarding my job.  Now overall that problem still exists but the agency has sent out email informing all licensed counselor and social workers and management that that are raising our pay range in an attempt to retain us and to gain new licensed individuals.  People here especially new people have not been sticking around.  I have been here 19 years and have invested in 401K, vacation, sick time so we old timers stick around.  I would find it hard to walk about from 5 weeks vacation to start somewhere else with 2 weeks. 

They are saying that they value us and want to keep us around.  Even thought deep in my head I know they are losing boat loads of money on training and re-training the newbies.  Hey it helps.  Things became effective March 8^th.  Praise God !  God is good and such a provider, ALL THE TIME !  I have to give God his glory it is because of him hearts have changed. 


Naural Hair Journey -  Last night I moisturized my 4 day old Marley high bun.  I take it off nightly, last night I gently moisturized the synethic hair to give it a little luster.  My hair is responding well to the low manipulation styling.  I love it and it loves me.  It is quite simple. 

Day 10 - Busy

MAC Russian Red how appropriate for Valentine Day

Natural Hair Journey – My natural hair buddies and I are working to bring a Meetup/Swap to women that are natural and those that just want info on how to take better care of your hair.  Please keep this event in pray.  We are planning for a early spring event.  I am working to gain sponsorship for giveaway bags.  Pray that we obtain sponsorship so that we can bless the ladies as this is a free event.  I reached out to one company that had a page on their site and they do not require a letter.  They spell out what they need which is helpful.  I will be working to develop a sort of media kit to present to them and present to other companies.  I believe I was lead to their site so that I can prepare in a different way, a more professional manner.  Again they are not demanding a lot, but it does require me to do some more work; developing a flyer, coming up with a definite date, require us to send them photos of events within 2 weeks after the event, they even give us permission to use their logo on our promotions, and they also want to know if any of their competitors are participating. etc.  Basically if they give us products they want to make sure we use their branding in a positive way which can bring more women to the awareness of their products.  Preparing for them in such a professional manner will give us a professional presence and hopefully lead to even other collorabations.  I am so ready to get this moving, I have to really set aside some time and work on flyer, etc.  I am praying for strength.  It can and will be done. 

 

OH yes this Saturday, Kinky Curly SO Straight Salon is featuring a Natural Hair event at Louis Stokes Auditorium, located at 325 Superior Ave NE 44114, Feb. 16^th from 2 – 3:30 p.m.  To my knowledge this event is Free.  The next Saturday is the bigger event which is 15 bucks, given by Monica Green owner of Kinky Curly So Straight.  Me and some of my natural buddies are going, next Saturday so if you want to hang out let me know.  I plan to go this Saturday at 2 also, I need the educational piece.  Looking for ladies to hang out with me, come on.  My daughter is natural so she plans to hang out with me this Saturday too.  It will be fun.

 

Weight Loss Journey -  Enough about hair !  Yesterday I did my Tuesday AB work.  Amazing workout.  Hard as you know what, but so worth it.  Love it when it is OVER, 45 minutes of hard work.  My buddies were there it was like True Image all over again, 5 of us were there.  Deb actually showed a good way to modify frog jumps, I was so grateful. 

 

Yesterday I ate well I did have a peppermint patty low, which is not too bad.  I also had 1/2 bag of popped popcorn.  Other than that I did well.  Really good.  This is Day 9.  I am feeling like a Super Woman. 

 

Makeup – Speaking of Super Woman, Mac has a new limited edition line and I believe it is called Super Woman or either one of the lipsticks is called Super Woman.  I believe the lipstick within the collection is Super Woman.  I like the color of the lipstick a lot.  I am not a Mac Lipstick girl, there are so many other colors on the market for less that I enjoy.  But I have been drawn to this color, maybe when it is time to Back to Mac (take in 6 empty containers and you get a free lipstick) maybe I will be it up.  If not I will get Russian Red which is a beautiful red.

RANT - I wrote this section to vent.  I had to get it out.  :)

Stressful Day - When enough is never enough.  I try so hard to be in a positive stay of mind and see the good in life.  I try to not let petty things or people saying or acting petty ruin my day, ruin my spirit or as my mother would say take my joy from me.  But yesterday was one of those days where things at work really bothered me.  I notice things at work are bothering me more and more, the little things I use to allow roll off my back are upsetting to me.  I work hard to do my daily work and to be a good stewart of my time.  In order for me to do my job I gather information from so many sources and when that info isn't given in a timey fashion all eyes are on me.  Now I cannot control how fast people outside of our agency send me info.  First of all I am not there boss, they are most likely busy, and some of them just don't care about what all we need to properly assess a kid.  I work to get information so I can get what I need to do my job and others here can do their's.  You would think that I was purposely keeping info from them.  I even include them in my emails by cc ing them so they know I requested and they still complain.  Now I don't know what to do.  Now my supervisor is not complaining because she knows the struggle but our other departments are not as understanding.  At some point management has to get together and decide if we are gonna take kids before we gather all the info which means we lose money or if we continue to press to bring kids in and gather info as it glows in.  I have to gather school records, medical records, insurance information, now I AM THE THERAPIST, but I have to get other info for their specific needs.  Right now I am tired.  I have sent back email chosing my words carefully defining myself, nothing harsh just covering my behind.  Pray ya'll.  Sis Nessa is tired. Thanks for allowing me to vent ! :) 

Day 9 Cyle 1 - Nulife Fitness Video

Nulife Fitness Video on sale now for 20 bucks - Isn't Miesha CUT UP, Love her !

Lord you are so worthy of ALL the praise.  Thank You for another day.  Thank for your providing for me and my family in a special way.    LordI love you for being you.



Natural Hair Journey - I continue to wear my Marley High Bun.  Loving the easiness of it.  Love it.  My forehead is big but it is the head God gave me :)  I continue to moisturize my hair in the a.m. and p.m. and put a lil gel and tie it up, I take the bun off at night and take the ouchless band off and give my hair time to relax overnight.  I like knowing my hair is protected.  Since my journey began in October I have learned so much about taking care of my hair and myself.  Taking care of my hair has influenced me to take better care of myself.  How?  Well having the proper diet and exercise and supplements helps to grow and maintain healthy hair.  So I have an additional reason to take better care of my temple.  It's a WIN WIN

Weight Loss Journey - Yesterday was cool, I start by saying I had 3 very small chocolate chip cookies.  I got it out yes I did and a few crackers.  I did not over indulge.  My 3 meals were healthy and according to the Cycle 1 meal plan.  I feel good about what I am doing.  This morning I had a turkey pattie and 2 boiled eggs and coffee.  I have a big bottle of water I have promised myself I will complete today.  I need water lot of water.  Consuming water has always been helpful for me.

Yesterday I got a copy of Nulife's new Fitness Video.  I plan to have the ladies do it for our 30 minute workout for Fit for the King.  I will review it to help me know the intensity before having them do it.  It was 20 bucks and a really good investment.  I can do it at home especially on Sunday's when I miss my workout.

Yesterday I went to my bootcamp, we only got to workout for 1/2 hour.   All the power went out it was pitch dark.  The illuminating company was down the street and must have been repairing lines and shut the power off.  I ran up out of there :) 

My 2 coworkers and I went in on a Bullet blender for our daily fruit and yogurt smoothies.  We mean business :)  It is a great investment in our health the smoothie is my only real treat of the day. 


Supplements: Beauty Tip -   I began taking daily supplments; multivitamin, B12, B6 etc.  I alos included Biotin and Silica for healthy hair.  A side effect of Biotin is breakouts, especially if you do not intake enough water daily.  And of course I havent' so I am noticing 2 pimples beginning to form.  I have been successful in using a 100 % tea tree oil diluted with water.  It MUST be diluted if not you will have more than a pimple your skin will burn and leave scarring.  I learned this the hard way last year.  I am not putting it over my entire face I am spot treating and it is keeping the pimples from fully developing.  I do it in the a.m. and at night.  When I realized I was typing this I went and got I real big class of water LOL 

I love the many ueses of natural oil, I also put tea tree oil in my ACV rinse to cleanse my scalp. 


Makeup -NYC lipstick in 407 Smooch - awesome color, rosey, pinky color.  $1.99 a tube.  Also wet n wild is on sale at CVS buy one get one 1/2 and Milani is buy one get one 1/2.  Which means you can get the new Milani lipsticks from the New Statement line at a nice discount.  If you have CVS rewards bonus points even a better, they also email out 20% off discounts periodically so be on the look out for your discounts at your local drugstores. 



Chat with ya later

Still focused on the Goal - Cycle 1 - Day 8

SOOTD (Sunday Outfit of the Day) Hiar Marley High Bun
(I have a big head but so what)



Lord you are so good and your mercy endureth forever !  Lord you are kind !  Lord you are a provider and protector.  You are the prince of peace.  I am so happy to have you in my life.  Lord without you I would be nothing, I would be non exsistant.  Lord use me, allow me to continue to work in purpose giving you the glory.


Weight Loss Journey -  I am continuing in the first cycle and progressing nicely.  This is Day 8 - yesterday I did have some candied yams and nuts, but I did not over indulge.  I also had my collard greens, baked chicken, yogurt and frozen strawberry smoothies over the weekend.  I feel good too.  I will incorporate more water this week consistently.  I did not workout over the weekend.  I worked out 3 days last week and did not want to over work my body especially my ankle.  I am scheduled for 5 workouts this weeks that is my goal. 

I uploaded tutorial of how to do a Marley High Bun check it out really simple and affordable
Natural Hair Journey - I had two WASH days last weeks, due to exercising leaving me with dry dull hair.  Saturday I did a DC (deep conditioner) with coconut oil and Mane and Tail mixed together.  Maine and Tail is 4.97 at BBS and has lots and lots of natural hair stimulants with mild form of protein.  I mixed up enough for about a month of DC.  I will alternate this with my Shea Moisture DC, and my once a month protein DC.  I watched a few YT videos last month looking for cheap and easy protective styles.  I came up with the look photographed up above.  It is called a Marley High Bun.  Marley because the hair is of Marley texture (kinky curly) which matches my hair texture.  I thought this was a clever look, it protects my hair because my hair is under the bun.  So every night I can take off the bun mositure my ends day and night really.  Keeping my hair out of the cold weather and it is minimum manipulation (keeps my hands out of it all day.  This allows the hair to grow.  I will be wearing this look this week.  It is a easy go to look.   Hairdo cost me 4.99 for the hair.  YEAH 5.00.


Makeup/Beauty -I did a very natural nude look as my makeup yesterday.  I keep it simple as the hair was enough. LOL  I used the Milani lipstick Candied Toffees, it is a nice nude color.  Goes on easy.  It was 5.99 at Walgreen and I had a 5.00 off coupon for purchase of 20.  So I picked up 6 of the new colors.  They are amazingly beautiful.  Because this purchase was not in my budget, I did my own eyebrows.  This would have cost me 20 bucks.  I am liking being able to meet my own beauty needs.  I spend alot in products makeup and  cosmetics so I have to balance it out my doing my own manicures, hair, eyebrows, whatever I can reasonably do. 


I am scheduled to workout this evening,  I brought my gym clothes and I am excited about Getting it IN today.  Yesterday I got to talk to a couple ladies at NCBF that workout at the bootcamp.  It is good to have the support. 


This weekend I kept everything to a minimum, I ran a couple errands Aldi pickup meal plan items, eggs, yogurt, etc. I mostly stayed in and looked at movies with family.  It was lots of fun hanging out.

Day 5 - You Know Your a Product Junkie WHEN.......

Natural Hair Care and Fitness Expo

 

Natural Hair Journey - I am excited to present this event.  And it is this month, I am so thrilled.  I hope you will also be able to attend. This will be an opportunity to gain more information about natural hair and hair in general and also fitness.  The cost is 15 bucks, yes 15.  I emailed the event coordinator to see what the agenda is with timelines.  Hopefully they will get back to me and if they do I will definitely share. 

Date:  Sun. Feb. 24th, Time:  11:00 am til 7:00 Location: Hilton, 3663 Park East Drive, Beachwood, OH.

Below I added info from the site detailing the content of event. 

Now in its 3rd year, the Cleveland Natural Hair Care Expo is a unique cultural, spiritual and educational experience with the purpose of fulfilling the holistic needs of its followers. Here, one will gain the educational resources of natural trends in hair and body, transitioning to natural, alternative daily living solutions and the opportunity to share knowledge with fellow entrepreneurs and people. With an emphasis on green living, the Cleveland Natural Hair Care Expo is a haven for natural daily remedies, as well as, an entertaining experience for the families and individuals alike to take a break from the norm.
Envisioned as the Mecca of natural hair care solutions, the CNHCE is the premier, professional liaison between natural hair care related businesses and consumers with a holistic dedication that is genuine. As a product of the natural hair care revolution, the resources at this event are endless, from providing the best in natural hair classes, businesses, fashion, food and more.
This year, we’ve added a fitness component, dubbing the event the “Cleveland Natural Hair & Fitness Expo”!
We will provide the necessary educational tools for living a healthy lifestyle. An investment in your health, fitness, and wellness is an investment in your future. Enjoy a variety of fitness talks, classes and competitions at the Cleveland Natural Hair & Fitness Expo. 



Yesterday I wore my Fro with my Black Radiance 5117 and I liked it alot.  It seems others liked it to I actually received several compliments on the FRO.  I am not the type of person that fishing for compliments, my mom taught me not to do that and to be confident in your look.  BUT you know how it is it is still nice to have compliments from strangers like in the store LOL 

You Know Your a Product Junkie when you spend $21.00 plus tax for one hair butter.  I love it.............. so much luster and makes my hair soft without losing my curls.  Best investment beside Kinky Curly thus far.

I am picking up Marley hair this evening and I will be working to do a high bun + bang. It is a wonderful protective style that can be worn all week. I just have to make sure I gel my sides well with my ECO styling gel (no alcohol). It is so easy that I can take the bun off at night wrap my edges and then put bun back on in the a.m.


Weight Loss Journey -" I feel good. Like I know that I would" LOL I am feeling good about me, God has poured His hand of favor on me. Giving me yet another chance. He has put purpose on my life and for this I am grateful. Yesterday was my rest day from Boot Camp, I have already worked out 3 times this week and scheduled to workout Saturday a.m. Which will be 5 workouts this week. I am following my meal plan as closely as possible. Yes, I have strayed a bit but nothing crazy, like the other day I had an orange after 2:00 :) One day I had a slice of whole wheat bread with my baked chicken breast. But I passed up the temptation of Chipote. My daughter asked if I wanted something back and I declined. YES I declined. So a orange one day a slice of bread the next. I'm good and feeling good. So good So good (James Brown). If I could I would get up and do the James Brown freeze but I am to sore from boot camp.

I must say I like this boot camp. Many members from NCBF are there from True Image even Kathy and Deb. It is fun working out with them again, we all had such a good support with one another. I am even finding new support from the members at the boot camp. One woman I am ministering too which is awesome, she sees the sisterhood of the ladies of NCBF and asked "what church do you go to". She sees the love we have for one another. God has blessed us this way at NCBF. God is so amazing.



MakeUp - Now you know your a Product Junkie when you go into Walgreen's buddy up with the sales lady and they leave the register go in the back into unopened stock and bring out the entire new line of Milani.  YES she was awesome.  We talked about pigmentations, cost and hands down Milani wins.  I ended up selling her 3 of the lipsticks, she put away for herself.  She told me to come back today or Saturday and all the new items from other lines and Milani would be up.  I explained to her that I was doing a Natural Hair Meetup/Swap and needed more samples.  Because last week on the counter was a bowl with samples of conditioners and DCs and she went under the counter gave me what was left, not much but about 8.  I was soooooo grateful. 

I am spreading the word about the Natural Hair Meetup/Swap to Natural and non Naturals.  I ran into a NCBF natural from NCBF and she said she is interested and would bring her mother who is natural.  These ladies are also in the run/walk NCBF team.


WEEKEND _  My weekend will be simple, friday evening workout, saturday morning 9:00 a.m. workout.  Yeah ! Run errands, grocery shop, wash hair maybe do Marley UPdo for weekend.  That would be fun, if it turns out ok I will wear it.  I volunteer in the infant nursery this Sunday they may pull my bun off my head LOL  I will have eyebrows done, YES !  Gas up vehicle and get ready for powerful, wonderful next week.

Day 4 - Cravings are leaving little by little

Fit Body Boot Camp Beachwood-These are TRX they are getting my arms and back together

Weight Loss Journey - Alright here it is !  This is where I get it in now.  Fit Body Bootcamp Beachwood located on Mercantile Drive.  This is one half of the room there is another section that is of equal size.  There is a limit of 32 people per session and we must sign up on the computer for classes.  If we miss a class without canceling in advance of 3 hours there is a 10 fee before the next class.  This sure gives you extra motivation to get your butt to class. 

 

As I see other photos of other workouts I will add them. Every session there is a totally different workout.  The instructor is about my age, which is always encouraging.  She is a product of this program there is a before and after photo of her hanging.  I do like her approach she does come along and tell you the proper form and she does allow and encourage modification and will show examples of modifications.  She has a sense of humor which is always helpful when working this hard. 

 

I have signed up for 5 days this week, last week I did 4.  I will weigh myself this Saturday on their scale.  It is not an official weigh in, they weigh in about every 4 weeks.  I am the type that I need to monitor myself closely and I use my weigh ins to motivate me.

I must say I am adjusting to my meal plan.  I am not as hungry.  Yesterday evening after workout I was not starving therefore I was not tempted to cheat. 

 

Natural Hair Journey – My hair has been dull this week, I am attributing this to my workouts.  I washed last night. My hair was dull, dry and it is fully moisturized. I keep a bottle of joboba oil on my desk and I put it on twice a day while at work and it is absorbing it but it is lacking luster and not keeping a hold.  It reminded me of when I had a perm and I couldn’t hold a curl until I washed it and started over.  I got my bounce and shine back in my hair :)  My hair needed lots of water.

Makeup-Lipstick of the Day - Black Radiance 5117 from the new line.  Let me tell you something this lipstick on my completion is beautiful.  Check it out.  It is 1.99, I will need to pick up a few backups.  It is selling out fast.  There are about 10 new colors I have 3 and this is my favorite.  It is purplish with a hint of pink.

Day 3 - Feeling Sassy

Day 2 oc Cycle 17 day meal plan - 210.2



Day 4 Hair - Updo -its cute

Day 3 – Feeling Sassy

 

 

Lord thank You for bringing me back to You.  You never left me You only showed Yourself more powerful in my life.  Thank You so much for loving me all of me.

 

 

 

Weight Loss Journey – Photos are of the 3 of us who are doing the 17 Day Challenge.  It is 3 cycles of 17 days.  It will end on my birthday March 27^th.  Losing some pounds and feeling healthy will be a good birthday gift to myself.

Yesterday, Day 2 was rough, I cheated yes I did.  I had an orange after 2:00 p.m.  Yeah big deal.  OK I have done so much worse.  I laughed to myself when my cheat food was an orange.  I found that around 3:30 I wanted to chew, I thought I wanted crunch, but I just wanted to chew.  So my coworker gave me gum.  It satisfied my immediate need.  I can tell you right now today, I feel mighty good.  Today my cheat food was coffee, I went without coffee for 2 days drinking green tea.  Coffee is such a part of my life, I know it is a crutch but it gets my morning off.  But I did get a small cup instead of super size.  And I didn’t get Starbucks which has amazing flavor and caffeine.  I will save a lot of money staying away from Starbucks. 

 

My workout was amazing, Tuesday is AB work, and the class in only 45 minutes vs. 1 hour.  I was amazed at how strong my arms are, I can do planks and pushup so much better than before I began working out with my personal trainer.  I have good upper body strength.  Now don’t get me wrong, I am like working on a low level in class, but I am competing with myself and not with others.  The AB workout was so worth the time.

 

 

Natural Hair Journey – Now working out and natural hair go hand in hand.  I leave there sweaty and my hair is damp.  I am gonna have to do some research to see how to care for hair prior to and after workouts.  I tend to put jobabo oil on my hair prior to workout.  There is a new book out by naturalist Curly Nikki and the book is entitled Better than Good Hair.  I have got to order it real soon, she wrote a session in her book about natural hair and working out.  I love her blog, it has sooooooooooooooooooo much info, I go on it and don’t want to come out. 

 

Last night I did not do the pineapple, I felt my hair needed detangling.  So I did.  I went to Sally’s and picked up a nylon detangling brush to use on dry hair.  It helped a lot and I did not get lots of breakage.  Also It felt so good to the scalp and it was so stimulating.  It took me back to the days when my mom would oil my scalp and brush it.  It was so relaxing and so good for my hair, so I am going ‘ol school’.  There is a YTuber who uses this brush and her hair is amazingly beautiful. 

 

I uploading a photo of my hair today, when I twisted it last night I did not using a styling product and this morning my hair did not have enough curl for a FRO or to wear as a twistout.  So I pulled it up in an updo and to my surprise I think I am cute J  It took me back to the day when I use to wear updos and I always enjoyed the look.  This is an excellent protective style and I will be rocking this look a lot.  I think I might add some Marley hair in it just a little for more volume and it will resemble what is now terms a high bun.  I like it because my ends are protected.  This was an emergency hair do I did in the bathroom at work.  With a little gel to help hold the sides up and some bobbie pins this will be a go to style for me. 

 

I am enjoying my hair soooo very much, just learning all I can do with it is amazing. 

 

MakeUP/Beauty  -  Now last weekend I didn’t get my eyebrows done and this week I am paying for it.  It has got to be a priorty for Saturday.  If not I must do them myself.  I am looking manish about the eyebrows and I have a mustache.  I got to get this together quickly.

 

Last week I did go to Ulta and I picked up 2 of the Essence eye primers.  They are $1.99 each and I had a 20% off coupon.  Reviews give it 5 stars I am giving it 5 also.  Amazing coverage, you don’t need a lot.  If you are heavy handed in your use you will need to wipe some off.  It gives my eye shadow a pow and it doesn’t crease.  Now comparing this to the Elf eye primer which is $1.00 I prefer Essence.  It is creamer in texture and Elf can be dry.  Now I will use up my Elf as I have been using it for about a year, but I will never ever pay $18.00 for Urban Decay Primer Potion again. NEVER EVER.  Not to say it doesn’t work, but I have two primers that work just as good.  I know the other two are good because I reach over  Urban Decay to get to these.  If Urban Decay was all that I would use it all up.  I have gone through several Elf and can tell I will be picking up more Essence when I go to Ulta to have my eyebrows done. 

 
I have included copy of Fit for the King Sylabus;  This thursday we have guest speaker from NCBF give her testimony.  So come on out at 7:00 p.m. room 10.

Date	Topics	Assignment
01/17	Welcome – Program Overview – Objectives – Personal Journey-A.R.I.S.E.	Your Health Vision worksheet
01/24	Week 1: Let us A.R.I.S.E. and Build, pg 16 Memory verse: Nehemiah 2:20	Complete journal question
01/31	Community Service at Food Bank 6 to 8 p.m.
02/07	Week 1:  Let us ARISE and Build, pg 22 Memory verse:  Nehemiah 2:20   Guest Speaker:  Eunice Sipp	Praying for those we serve
02/14	Week 2: Anchor Yourself in God, pg 25 (trust exercise walk) Memory verse: Proverbs 24:3-4	Complete journal question
02/21	Week 2: Anchor Yourself in God, pg 30 (Spiked Water day) Memory verse: Proverbs 24:3-4    Chef Wells:  Healthy Food demo	Week 2 homework, pg 34
02/28	Week 3: Renew Your Mind, pg 35 (Yoga Day-Water fountain) Memory verse: Romans 12:2	Complete journal question
03/07	Week 3: Renew Your Mind, pg 39 (role play) Memory verse: Romans 12:2	Week 3 Homework, pg 43
03/14	Week 4: Invest in Slimming Foods that Satisfy, Part 1, pg 45 Memory verse: Ezekiel 47:12	Week 4 Homework, pg 55
03/21	Food Demonstration (class members and/or Chef Eric Wells)	Pray for those we’re serving
03/28	******NO CLASS Celebrate Resurrection (call accountability partner)	Week 5 Homework, pg 68
04/04	Week 5:  Invest in Slimming Foods that Satisfy, Part 2, pg 47 Memory verse :  Proverb 23: 1-3	Week 5 Homework, pg 68
04/11	Week 6: Slim, Stretch and Strengthen Your Body, pg 69 Memory verse: 1Corinthians 9:27	Complete  journal question
04/18	Week 6: Slim, Stretch and Strengthen Your Body, pg 75 (Aerobic Instructor/Trainer/Zumba coach), Memory verse: 1Corinthians 9:27	Week 6 Homework, pg 84
04/25	Week 7: Expect Test and Be Prepared, pg 85 Memory verse: 1Corinthians 10:13	Complete pg 96 in journals
05/02	*** Outreach Ministry ***	Pray for those we’re serving
05/09	Week 7: Expect Test and Be Prepared, pg 92 Memory verse: 1Corinthians 10:13	Week 7 Homework, pg 98
05/16	Week 8: Putting it All Together, pg 99 Memory verse: 3 John 1:2	Complete journal question
05/23	Speaker(s), Success Stories 101, Memory Verse Quiz	Pray for class members
05/30	Celebratory Awards Ceremony, location TBA	Pray for class members

Please note: dates are subject to change