Day 2 of 17 Day Cycle - Week 2 Bootcamp



Day 3 Hair - February 4

Lord I love You and worship You.  You reign above ALL.  You are my provider, protector everything to me.  I am learning to trust You in everything.  Please help me, build me up and move me in the direction You would have me !


Weight Loss Journey - Day 2 - Yesterday was a bit tough, I ate correctly for breakfast and lunch.  Dinner was a bit challenging I messed up a little, but not way off but I didn't follow the diet by the letter.  Today is a new day and I am ALL IN.  I brought in frozen fruit and 12 ounces of fat free yogurt.  We are using these two items to make afternoon smoothies.  Deliciousness !  We get to have two yogurts per day before 2:00 and we can have fruit, so we are combining it to make smoothies.  Great idea !  I didn't have one yesterday but I'm ready today.

I worked out after work at the boot camp.  I saw of couple people from True Image: Kathy and Debbie and it was good to see them. A few others from True Image are there also and we run into each other it's great.  The workout is the most challenging workout I have ever done.  It pushes me to do things I have never done.  I do always work at my own pace.  I have to say this workout is tougher than I had with my personal trainer.  It reminds me of personal trainer but we do more intervals. 

I am looking forward to Saturday's weigh in.  We are not required to weighin everyweek.  But they keep the scale out so I will weigh myself.  Prayfully I will have dropped a few.  Keep this in your prayers.  I am feeling better, working out and eating right makes me feel confident.  I get earlier in the morning with more energy preparing for my day. 

Natural Hair Journey -   Since I workout most evening and get home later, I am using the pineapple method which saves me at least an hour in the evening.  I moisturize and use jobaba oil and wrap it in the pineapple.  I do know on Saturday i will have to devote a little more time for detangling.  Becuase of my hair texture; thin wavy it doesn't I don't have issues detangling.  This has been the blessing of having thin hair for me.  I am rocking my FRO today again and will be most of the week.  It is so easy to manage.  I do miss my twistout I like playing with the twist during the day :)  

I started taking multivitamin and various other supplements; biotin, sicila, B12, B6. 

DAY ! - 17 Day Cycle - Hooray

Day 2 FRO - Kinky Curly

Lord You are renewing my mind.  I am so grateful, you never give up on me.  You show me my purpose and I live.  Thank You for blessing me with family, friends and amazing church family.  God when are Awesome ! Protector, Provider all that and much more.

Weight Loss Journey - Well last week I completed my first week of bootcamp and ended it strong.  I completed 4 days of rough tough bootcamp experience.  This may sound a bit crazy but I can't wait to go back tonight.  WHY ?  Because it works !  I feel the difference in my body.  Now what I saw was a small difference in my body but it was a differnce.  I am gonna start by telling you this is TOO MUCH INFORMATION :)  Well you see I wear a pretty tight body smoother (I'm just saying)  and 3 weeks ago I was too fat to get into my girdle. NOW you know that's fat.  Well yesterday I got into it and I didn't have to struggle.  I was amazed at what all that boot camping and making better eating choices did for me.  God showed me what I needed to see - that it is working.  Small sign but I sign. 

On Saturday I went to Heinen's and got my groceries for the week.  Here is a day meals for me from the first 17 Day cycle.

 Breakfast - 2 boiled eggs, 1 greek yogurt, green tea (I miss my starbucks), ground turkey with a slick of fat free cheese.

Lunch - salad (very basic), lettuce, cucumber, celery, mushroom, lettuce.  Collard greens, ground turkey and green tea.

Dinner - Ground turkey ( I cooked it this morning so when I get home after workout it is ready), collard greens, and green tea.

I have an apple and a orange and another greek yogurt for snacks and tons of water.  

I picked up chicken breast so I won't get bored with the ground turkey.

Check out my edges growing in  

Natural Hair Journey - My Wash Day has officially switched back to Saturday.  It works for me right now.  I love taking care of my own hair.  I feel as though I give my hair what it needs and likes.  My Holy Grail products right now is Jobaba oil for nightly moisture and take down.  I absolute love Kinky Curly products.  Right now Neutrogena triple moisturizer silk leave in is amazing.  Product that I put on my hair have to been light as heavier products to not penetrate my hair shaft.  These products work.  OH I can't forget my Black Jamacian Castor oil for my edges and crown area that are thin,  Slowly but surely my edges are recovering from years of weaves, tight braids, and quick weaves.  I see the little hairs growing in. 

I recommended Kinky CUrly to a sister/DIVA at church who wants to do her own natural hair.  She asked me how I got my hair to do that (Fro).  She thought she could not get her hair to do it, I informed her that it is technique and proper products for hair type.  She was excited and was on her way to Target.  I enjoy sharing information that is helpful to others.

On Saturday I did the whole regiment; Apple Cider and water mix for scalp; DC (protein treatment; yogart, 1 egg, raw honey, olive oil with heat cap) for 40 minutes.  I believe this is what keeps my hair strong and keeps it from breaking.  I do this every other week or once a month, I did a cowash after this then I shampooed in my natural hair color (weekly), I love that this product is all natural and it is combating my gray hair.  I wish it was in local stores I have to order it.  I will order a couple of boxes as it is a staple/Holy Grail. 

I am so grateful to God for allowing me the chance to help myself and others.  I am praying right now for our MeetUp/Product Swap.  Things are coming together, as we are in the planning process.  We want God to get the glory in all we do.  I have work to do as I will be approaching Natural Hair companies asking for samples for our event.  So please keep this in pray.  I want to put a polished presentation to them as our group is not established and they would be taking a risk giving us their products.  I want them to see our potential and how others could be benefited.



Let's pray for one another as we do life together.  See ya !

God's Love

Day 8 twist out - check out the curl definition

Lord I love to watch you work in my life.  You never give up on me.  You never stop investing love, time and patience in me. I excited to see what work you have in purpose for me.  God Your cannot be put into words !!!

FIT for the King community service at the Cleveland Food Bank

Rose our Coach - Love HER

 

Fit for the King – We had an amazing time at The Cleveland Food Bank we all felt good about our experience.  It was a lot of work but we knew it was for a good cause.  I like that the foods that are given to those in need are of high quality.  The foods are donated from stores like Heinens etc.  I was totally impressed, the warehouse is clean enough to almost eat off the floors.  They are held to a high standard. 

We did our service commitment out of love for God and man.  We have a close group of woman who enjoy one another’s company and this is great.

Natural Hair Journey – Last evening I didn’t do wash, I am thinking I need to go back to Saturday Wash Day.  It makes sense my busy evening leave me with enough energy to pineapple or twist.  I also see that on Day 8 my twist today is elongated, due to twisting it dry and applying grape seed oil.  I applied a leave in this morning and jobaba oil during my take down this morning.  I am pleased with the results.  Saturday Wash Day will work I have time to devote myself to the 2 hour regiment.  I want enough time to pamper and nuture and give my hair what it likes LOL  I have to laugh at myself I sound crazy but it’s true. 

Yesterday I ran into a friend who is a fellow natural.  What is it with being natural that when you hook up you talks excessively about HAIR.  And enjoy it J  We talked in the middle of Ulta’s for at least 30 minutes.  We shared information that would be helpful, her edges are shedding or breaking and I suggested Black Jamician Castor Oil and she gave me some tips on how to make a different flaxseed gel similar to Kinky Curly.  I’M JUST SAYING.  I talk for hours about hair to women.  Women LOVE the hair God gave us !  I was waiting a YT TV Show and a young lady was riding in the car with her man and she was telling her man about the entire process of twist out, HILARIOUS !  I almost wet my pants.  It was the type of humor that only a nautral hair woman would get.  I think it even faded out and came back and she was still talking about her new twist out technique.  Her man of course was zoned out and didn’t know what she was talking about, but if that had been a chick with her it would have been ON LIKE POPCORN.

WEIGHT LOSS JOURNEY -  I ate decent for breakfast, lunch and snacks, and water.  Now dinner I stopped by Wendy’s and got a burger and fries and diet coke.  I did not exercise officially but our work at the Food Bank incorporated swats (Lifting boxes) and a whole lot of other moves, twisting, running, walking fast.  We worked it out. 

Weekend Plans -  weather permitting I will workout this evening and tomorrow morning at 9.  I do my initial weigh in at 11:00 tomorrow and they measure me too.  I will have my eyebrows done, I think I need a professional manicure too.  We will see if I have it in the budget.  I plan to have lunch with a friend which will be fun.  And Saturday afternoon I will do my hair regiment.  Saturday I will also clean my bedroom.  I will shop for my Meal Plan, Lavisa and myself and another coworker have challenged each other to do a 17 day Meal Plan which has 3 cycles of 17 days.  If you are interested let me know I will email you a copy of plan. 

You guys my weekend section is usually written to keep me on task, I know you all are not that interested in all my craziness LOL

I have uploaded a few YT videos that may be of interest to you.

Sam Fine - AA Makeup artist of the stars; Vanessa Williams, Imani .  He has been named Makeup Director for the Fashion Fair line.  This may be a good way for Fashion Fair to get step their game up a notch or two.  check out welcome2divaworld as she interview Sam Fine and shows the new line. 

Also a few mature women have put together a colaboration on YT to addresss the natural hair needs of older women.  For more info go to YT and seek out Kinkynappyhappy she has an intro video introduction the ladies; afreeme22, prettiuneekhair, essentials4you, dreamweaver822, thesupasweet.  Check them out and subscribe.

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.