...and before I knew it

I cut my hair...

2012-03-24T16:55:00.001-05:00

and I visited SHi Salon. Full Review to follow:

So back to this hair cutting. My hair had not been cut professionally in almost 10 months. Yes, I know that's bad, but people in the big CITY of Cape Girardeau don't know what to expect when they see this bush on my head...to be honest I would be afraid too. So I get the bright idea that I just can't take it anymore and that a trip to sweet St. Louis is necessary. I call up my girl, Angela, and before you know it I'm on the phone with SHi Salon, making an appointment for a trim and natural style (I couldn't decide if I wanted my hair straightened...decided against it) and making Angela an appointment for a trim and blow out.

Now at first they put us down for the same girl, which I thought was odd, like I hope this isn't some kind of ghetto salon, where they keep switching you back and forth. That's one of the main reasons I avoid black hair salons like the plague. I know, I shouldn't overgeneralize, but I black business owners, GET IT TOGETHER. end rant.

Anyways, we arrived at SHi after passing right by it, it's in the heart of downtown STL, and situated right on the street, if it weren't for the red door, I never would have seen it out of the corner of my eye, as I passed it. Parking is virtually non-existent, as far as a parking lot anyway. There is street parking and of course meters. Meters?!! Say what now, I have to pay to park to get my hair done...I fed that meter like 4 dollars. Good thing my appointment was in the afternoon. It tickled me a little because there are few businesses around SHi and I was wondering why they would be giving tickets to anyone with all that space and opportunity. Who knows?

We walk in to the lounge area and the receptionist girl is on the phone...sounded like a personal call to me but whatever. She welcomes us, and tells our stylist we've arrived. Right on time, 3:45. [I guess I should mention here, that I was called the day before and notified that the stylist I was booked with really didn't do natural hair styles and that I would be switched to Toqa, but that my appointment would have to be moved up 45 minutes...ummm o.O. I reiterated time and time again that I lived 1.5 hours away from the salon so I wouldn't be arriving early. Kinda messy] I noticed that it was a little hot...read a lot, warm in the salon, and they were offering bottled water. Nice. I declined at first, but had to take them up on that offer later, because sweat was literally pouring down my back. Weird. They had industrial fans blowing and a ceiling fan, but it struck me odd that this seemingly upscale salon didn't have AC accommodations. I'm from the south (NC) and I don't do HEAT. It makes no sense to get a blowout and sweat it out all at the same time, but I digress. Anyways, the receptionist had us fill out paperwork, demographics and brief information about our hair and how we heard about the salon.

Our stylists came to greet us and show us a tour of the salon. [they are currently remodeling, so painters tape, and random stuff was around everywhere] Our stylists were dressed in all black...professionally...eh. I assumed it was casual Friday. Quick assessments of our hair was done, followed by what we wanted done, and how to achieve it. I got a comb out, ends trim, detox shampoo, deep condition under the dryer, and then blow dry, with flat twist out, and fro-hawk. CUTE [at this point my hair was still wet, after sitting under the dryer for 30 minutes]...regardless I was ready to go, and with natural hair it really doesn't matter.

All in all the salon visit was just....okay. The salon seems to be situated in a not so busy area, but they really need to work on the remodeling, and the air...I can't stand being hot. The stylist and everyone there was nice, and I've never seen any covet hair as thick as mines. Next salon trip...

Christopher Stevens Salon....I'm thinking highlights!

1350 calories a day...

2012-03-24T00:17:00.000-05:00

I've been working with a trainer (Becky) for about 3 weeks, and I've lost a total of 2 pounds...2 whole pounds, so of course, I flipped. Here I was working my ass off, working out 7 days a weeks, an hour at a time, trying to eat more and more often, and my body wasn't releasing the weight? So what is the problem?

I sat down and had a heart to heart with my trainer...things that may be affecting me in my life...STRESS...school, home life, work; eating enough calories...I am too BUSY to eat; and drinking enough water...I HATE water, with a passion, just do NOT like it.

So we made a plan, the 1350 plan...after scouring my food journal, we realize that I don't eat much food at all, and when I do make my caloric goal for the day, it's because I ate something not so good, like that piece of chocolate cake, or that BOMB ass Peach Cobbler from Sweetie Pie's...some things I couldn't resist, and now I would HAVE to.

So what does this 1350 plan entail...well first off, me eating more...and not just any food, substantial food. So the plan kinda goes as follows:

no pork
no fried foods
no white foods
no sugar, unless it's stevia
whole wheat
brown rice
fish
chicken
beef (moderately)...I hardly ever eat beef
fruit (no more than 3 servings)
veggies
weight control oatmeal
almonds, pistachios
no candy
don't waste calories on drinks
100 ounces of water
3 complete meals (eat like a king, prince, pauper...)
2 snacks
less than or equal to 1350 calories, no less than 1200

Exercise includes alternating between gym work and cardio.

I've only been doing this since Thursday so we will consider this an experiment. One thing I will not is that planning meals is a pain...and I never had to count and eat so much in my life...also, in planning, meals I feel like I am always anticipating some form of food or snack...and in all of this, I feel like I am starving all the time. Especially at night. I guess that's because I stay up late, and I'm eating dinner around 7. Somewhere in this I must adapt a better schedule. But that's a thought for another day.

Weigh In last week: ???....I'll post when I've under a certain weight
Weigh in on upcoming Thursday: Stay Tuned.

It's been a while...

2012-03-24T00:04:00.000-05:00

,,,since I've been here. Real unfortunate. I let life catch up to me...I got caught up, now I'm trying to grab hold of the reins, and reel myself back in. Lots has happened...but for now I'll keep most of that to myself. I'm just not into sharing right now. I'm still on this healthy living journey, so I'll guess I'll go from there.

Hair Pron! (Yes, I went there!)

2011-11-08T12:34:00.001-06:00

And without further ado, shameless self-portraits, and hair PRON

(FYI pictures in order from most recent, to 3-4 months ago)

TOO much time with my youcam...but I've had some growth. Go me!

#FAIL

2011-11-08T12:27:00.000-06:00

Clearly, I failed with the whole 30 day challenge. I made it to Day 1. *ducks* Wait, don't stone me. I know, I know. I should have tried harder, but I didn't realized I'd be traveling as much, that my internship at the VA would take over, or that I would have midterms, 20 page papers, presentations, and all that...Do y'all get where I'm going with this? I OFFICIALLY LOATHE GRAD SCHOOL. Not to mention the fact that the admin and faculty are up in arms, and the faculty is on strike. Oh how I love SIUC. *insert sarcasm here*, May 2012 can't get here soon enough, and until it does, please believe I will keep reiterating that fact, over, and over, and over. Ugh. Le Sigh.

Day 1

2011-10-11T22:06:00.000-05:00

Okay, my tablet is acting insane, and wont upload my picture but today I was domestic cooking, cleaning, being super mom, NAP, more cleaning, ironing and now catching up on some BET, 'Reed between the lines' premieres today!

30-Day-Challenge

2011-10-10T22:04:00.003-05:00

In order for me to blog on a somewhat regular basis, I willing to try to complete a 30 day blog challenge. Here’s the 30 day list, join in if you’d like!

Day 1 – A photo of yourself and a description of how your day was.
Day 2 – A photo of something you ate today.
Day 3 – Your idea of the perfect first date.
Day 4 – Your favorite photograph of your best friend.
Day 5 – A photo of yourself two years ago.
Day 6 – A photo of an animal you’d love to keep as a pet.
Day 7 – Your dream wedding.
Day 8 – A song to match your mood.
Day 9 – A photo of the item you last purchased.
Day 10 – A photo of your favorite place to eat.
Day 11 – What’s in your makeup bag?
Day 12 – A photograph of the town you live in.
Day 13 – Your favorite musician and why?
Day 14 – A TV show you’re currently addicted to.
Day 15 – Something you don’t leave the house without.
Day 16 – Your celebrity crush.
Day 17 – A photo of you and your family.
Day 18 – Something you crave a lot.
Day 19 – Another picture of yourself.
Day 20 – The meaning behind your blog name.
Day 21 – A photo of something that makes you happy.
Day 22 – A letter to someone who has hurt you recently. A letter to someone who broke my heart.
Day 23 – 15 facts about you.
Day 24 – A photo of something that means a lot to you.
Day 25 – What’s in your purse?
Day 26 – A photo of somewhere you’ve been to.
Day 27 – A picture of you last year and now and how have you changed since then?
Day 28 – Your favorite movie.
Day 29 – Something you could never get tired of doing.
Day 30 – A photograph of youself today + three good things that have happened in the past 30 days.

...it takes 30 days to make a habit...

Quick Pic: Birthday Hair

2011-10-10T21:51:00.005-05:00

Taken from my new tablet! It just occurred to me that I hae yet to install blogger on my new toy. *holds head in shame* I know, I have to do better with this blogging thing. I spend so much time reading others people's blogs, that I really need to focus on my own. I'm going to try to do better!

2011-09-28T22:36:00.000-05:00

I've definitely been slacking on updating...whew, it's been almost a month. I can atest to one things, and that is being a full time grad student and working 20+ hours a week, and an hour away from my home is kicking my tail. I haven't been this tired since...since I don't know when. Probably when I found out I was pregnant with my little bambino. :)

So let's play catch up... (in bullet form)

Still natural, been playing with shampoos, conditioners and moisturizers, haven't found something that I'm totally and truly in love with, and being PJ is expensive. Right now in rotation I have, a shea whip from Tree Naturals (it's great), that Design Essentials Line, some stuff from Qhemets (well actually, alot of stuff), and shea moisture shampoo (which is okay -_-)

still doing the natural hair PS challenge, being doing Twists, twistouts (since it's still short), DC'ing, and wearing hats, which my husband doesn't care too much for, BUT this is my head!
Oh yeah, and I got a feather in my hair... (total waste of $20)

I went to Florida for a pre-birthday getaway, it was less than enthusiastic, and there are so many things that I would change about that trip. It seems that the year of 25 isn't starting out so bad, next week, Hubby will be out of town, and I will be spending my birthday alone. bummer. Thanks Missouri!
I have been doing some minimal shopping--and I'll post some great finds from Marshalls that I got on my trip.
I have hopped off the workout wagon--why? because I'm sleep if I'm not moving, or somewhere in a corner taking a power nap, I really need to stay up on my Iron pills more, or I'm going to crash , and never be the same. Jumping back on this bandwagon, SOON!
looking forward to homecoming at Carolina and NCAT...now to find some cute going out dresses. Any Suggestions?

I guess that's it

PS challenge...HELP

2011-09-01T21:28:00.002-05:00

One month in, and I'm kinda over it. Ready to take these braids out, they're fuzzy! Tell me to get back on the wagon!

BodyRock...'Let it Go!'

2011-09-01T21:27:00.000-05:00

is killing me! That is all!

PS Challenge Weeks 3-7

2011-08-26T16:14:00.002-05:00

I got 'Poetic Justice' braids on August 18th. I'll be trying to wear them for a month, (so September 18, they have gots to go!) if I don't get a case of the frizzies...when braids get frizzy, they get ugly...at least to me, and I've invested too much time in myself and this hair of mines!

I've realized I haven't taken one picture since I've had these braids in and I wouldn't dare do it now...because today is an off day for me. However, I've mostly been wearing them in a high bun, while I'm in school/work. and a side bun when I'm home. I've yet to wear them out because they're waist length, and I'm definitely, 5'2. :)

Oh... mini product review.

My MIL bought me the whole design essentials natural line, and I used it to wash/condition/style my hair twice before I got my braids...so far, it's meh. I haven't been blown away. But, I do want to give it a fair chance, not to mention I know how expensive it was!

...so more on those product near the end of September! right now I'm only using a shea butter fluff from Tree Naturals!, she's new so she has no website [that I know of], but I subscribed to her on YouTube, and she's super sweet! I found her from Curly Nikki, where she was featured!

welp...I guess that's all for now.

Update in a few weeks!

NATURAL HAIR PRODUCT SALE!!!

2011-08-26T11:25:00.000-05:00

Qhemet Biologicals is having a product sale!

20% off orders over $27 (subtotal)

and free shipping orders over $70 (subtotal)

click below to get in on the fun!

Qhemet Biologicals

I ordered quite a few things...reviews coming soon, after I take out my 'Poetic Justice' Braids. Still working on this Good Hair Blog Protective Style Challenge! I'm still going strong...I'm so proud of me!

Are you mixed?

2011-08-26T09:48:00.000-05:00

“So where you from?”
“I live in D.C. In southeast.”
“No. I mean, where are you originally from? Are you Dominican?”
“Nope.”
“Pamanian?”
“Still no.”
And so on and so forth as we play Name That Nationality through a few more countries and implied ethnicities until at last I reveal that I’m just Black. Plain ol’, regular ol’, everyday ol’, grade A basic African-American. No frills, no spices, no extra ingredients added.

Interesting concept this article talked about...read more over at Clutch Magazine.

[source]

How many of you have had a conversations along those line? I know I have before. Especially in college. It was in college that I first experienced the weird questions, like"Are you mixed with Chinese?" "Are you mixed with Japanese?" Like, who asks that when you first meet someone? I always reply "No", and then...

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Inspiring

2011-08-25T08:44:00.001-05:00

Today I am reading day 8 of Life Application Study Bible ® Devotion: http://bible.us/r/x.8.5u

Tax free Weekend (NC) Finds

2011-08-24T11:40:00.001-05:00

I spent, well actually my MIL (luv her!) bought me a few things during tax-free weekend, I wasn't looking for anything in particular, but I score some super cute things and all for under $70--because there was tax (well there was on the purse). YAY. well...
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AHHHH!

2011-08-24T11:29:00.000-05:00

I've so been slacking...school has started back, my son is now home from the In-laws, and between being a mother, wife, and tryna better me, my blog got lost somewhere in the mix.

I've super nervous/excited/anxious to be embarking on my last year of graduate school, so much so, I was having major headaches, and near panic attacks next year. This year will be super busy with my intern and school, and driving an hr one way just to go to either. but with Faith I will persevere. I read a quote today that reminded me of that:

"Faith makes things POSSIBLE...not EASY."

Boy, I really needed to read that. I know that I need to have more faith in God that he will order my steps, but also more faith in myself, because I know he has my back! Just what I needed to hear. I thought I'd share because someone else needed to hear it also. ~Besos~

OTIS --New Jay-Z and Kanye

2011-08-13T23:57:00.001-05:00

I'm ashamed. I have yet to pick up this CD, and it's because of sheer laziness, and I keep forgetting to go to Target! Gosh! I can't wait to get my hands on it, but until then I'll have to suffice with listening to 'OTIS' over and over and whatever tracks they play on SIRIUS. ugh, I have to get this CD tomorrow.

This song OTIS hits so hard, when it dropped, I downloaded it immediately, not to mention the fact, that it samples one of my favorite Otis Redding's songs, "Try a Little Tenderness"...I had just been singing it the day before, where it played in this random store on one of my random shopping outings. :).
Anyways, the video, after the jump. Enjoy!

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In order...

2011-08-09T18:36:00.001-05:00

...to do our jobs, we have to realize that defeat is not an option.

Quote of the day

2011-08-09T11:13:00.002-05:00

It took me a long time not to judge myself through someone else's eyes.

-Sally Field

PS Challenge Week 2

2011-08-08T10:30:00.000-05:00

This week I have flat twist that are currently [hanging] down but will be pinned up if I need to go out of the house. This style only consists of 7 two strand flat twist going down, and can be loosened for a flat twist out...will I be letting them loose?... I doubt it. For now I'm wearing a summer beanie and calling it a day!

Oh, I got the idea from this chick--Ms. Danti! Love her hair!

Death to Fat (BodyRock.tv Workout)

2011-08-03T21:02:00.002-05:00

...almost killed me. OMG. My throat is burning from breathing too hard. And this exercise was only 12 minutes long. Jesus be a fence. anyways, here's the breakdown:

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Quote of the Day

2011-08-03T20:06:00.002-05:00

"We should all start to live before we get too old. Fear is stupid. So are regrets."
— Marilyn Monroe

My natural hair story...

2011-08-02T15:43:00.000-05:00

I got diagnosed with Psoriasis in November 2009. At first it started in just small patches on my chest. But somehow it moved to my scalp. I'm not sure where it came from, but the doctors have told me that it's genetic...funny thing is. NO one and I mean no one in my family has a case of psoriasis. Weird.

Anyways, I got my last relaxer October 3, 2009...a Mizani Rhelaxer or whatever it's called. It was my first time getting that type of relaxer (I usually got botanicals)...and it made my hair all silky. It burned a little, and I had the sores, but I thought what the hey. I've had em before...

but those 'sores' never went away, they became scaly patches... and psoriasis as I've been told.

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BodyRock BodyRock, I make your body rock

2011-08-01T19:42:00.000-05:00

So my friend Naima (NaimaE on Youtube), she's a classmate from school contacted me on becoming a Bodyrocker--the home workout movement. Now many of you may have never heard of bodyrock.tv, and I never had heard of the site, but coincidentally, I had already subscribed to the youtube channel. Anyways, I'm on this never ending quest to lose weight. In the past 6-8 months so far, I've lost maybe 20 pounds, but I'm still not at the weight I wanna be. I still wanna lose at least 25 more. I'm not FAT per se, but I'm not where I wanna be, especially after baby K.

Anyways, back to bodyrock.tv, it's High Intense exercises, between (4-20 minutes) that you can do daily at home. So none of that, "I don't have time to workout", because 20 minutes is nothing, and you don't have to go anywhere. It's like watching basketball wives, and working out at the same time. I think it's doable, and I want to get rid of the mommy stomach, and these thick arms.

I'll try to keep track of my progress up here, and maybe try to recruit (followers, if I ever get any, lol) and maybe a few friends.

Wish me luck!