Weekly Inspiration

“In the search for me, I discovered truth. In the search for truth, I discovered love. In the search for love, I discovered GOD. And in GOD I have found everything."


-Unknown

Houston Curly Gurly Meet Up

Recently, I had the opportunity to meet up with other naturals and transitioners in my city. The Curly Girls are Curly Niki followers and these women are fierce. We met at the Cheesecake Factory for brunch to talk natural hair and have a great time. At this meet up I realized that I’m not alone with experiencing different emotions along my journey.


On my Journey, now at the ten month mark, I’m having mixed emotions that others seem to run into at their six month mark. The battle is between staying the course, doing the BC, and relaxing. Yes, that’s right relaxing! Right not my hair is the healthiest and longest it has EVER been; I’m so excited! Ever now and then I toy with the idea of relaxing my hair to enjoy the length I never had. Just as soon as the thought crosses my mind, I think about how limp and lifeless my hair was relaxed. Then I start to think of all the bad habits I may fall back into. Besides I love the thickness and fullness of my new growth and once relaxed my fullness is gone.

Sometimes I ponder about doing the BC (Big Chop). I never had hair as short as four inches and honestly it scares me. Right now, confidence to sport a TWA is lacking. Fear always finds a way to snap me back into reality about the BC. Since doing the BC is scary for me and starting over with a relaxer frustrates me, staying the course is the only option. I’m realizing that my transition is going to take a lot of patience, dedication, and work on my part. Yes, I’m willing to put in the work. My new found natural friends have encouraged me to stay on track.

I look forward to our monthly meet ups because at this stage in my journey constant encouragement is needed. Despite my mental see-sawing between being natural and relaxed, I love my new growth and the texture of my hair. My hair is beautiful and healthy which is most important. I’m going to continue my journey to natural hair by slowly transitioning.

Healthy Meal of the Week

                             Homemade Beef and Bean Burrito



Ingredients:
Wheat Tortilla
Ground Beef (93% fat free)
Taco Seasoning
Black Beans (canned)
Shredded Cheddar Cheese (6g grams of fat per serving)
Salsa
Organic Spinach (lettuce substitute)

Prepare: Cook ground beef in a pan and season with taco seasoning. Follow the directions on taco seasoning packet; then add black beans and stir. Once complete add to meat and bean mixture to tortilla top with salsa, organic spinach, shredded cheese, and fold ends then roll up tortilla. Voila! Enjoy!!

Christian Louboutin (Second Favorite Shoe Designer)

...need I say more?

Weekly Inspiration

It was a high counsel that I once heard given to a young person, "Always do what you are afraid to do."


Ralph Waldo Emerson

Challenge Completed: 1 Year No Heat

In December 2009 I started my own personal “1 Year No Heat” challenge. The purpose of the challenge was to force myself to learn heat free styles. Heat damage was a major factor in the destruction of my tresses. Flat ironing my hair was a daily routine and using a heat protectant never crossed my mind. I was too focused on having that “swang” as some may call it. In addition to staying away from flat irons I air dried with every wash. Within the last year my hair was flat ironed twice for trims and length checks.


Now one year without flat ironing and blowing drying was really tough. I basically quit cold turkey and boy was I craving. However, I had a little inspiration to keep on track. The day I decided to start my challenge my flat iron caught on fire. That’s right caught on fire. Crazy enough that week I used my flat iron at least twice. The third time using the flat iron I’m thinking “This is the third time this week and the last time. I can’t get heat damage all over again”. Then boom a spark and my flat iron burn out. Needless to say, that was a sign for me and the challenge started that day.

Every time I went to Wal-Mart, Sally’s, or Target I had to walk really fast past the flat iron aisle. Those flat irons were definitely calling my name. Yet, I’m happy to say I was able to stay away. The new flat iron came at nine months into my challenge then I weaved it up for another two months. I truly believe not having a flat iron and wearing a weave during my last stretch is the reason for my success.

For the past year my go to hair style was anything with curls. Curly hairstyles helped to camouflage the two textures. Plus I got a cute style with minimum heat that I absolutely love. Now that I’m in love with curly styles my transition is easier because the urge to flat iron has subsided tremendously.





December 2008
December 2009

Weigh In

Between Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Years, my new puppy, and the cold weather I gained 5lbs simply by not going to the gym and eating poorly. In retrospect 5lbs is not a lot but I weighed 149lbs. For me, 149lbs is unacceptable and the weight gain definitely motivated me to go back to the gym. Since the New Year I’ve concentrated on my eating habits and pumped up my cardio.


The plan for the next couple of weeks or 10lbs, which ever comes first, is cardio five days a week. Cardio is the secret to my weight loss and unfortunately I detest cardio. Within the last two weeks I dropped 4lbs and I’m excited. After dropping another 5lbs I will add circuits to get over the plateau. The circuits will encompass resistance but focus on cardio to continue the slim down process. Consistency is optimal for me to drop the weight and keep it off. This New Year’s resolution which I decided not to make is to work on “consistency” in every aspect of my life.

149lbs

145lbs

Did someone say Feathers on a Biker Chick?

This shoe is so hot and a must have for the summer. Unfortunately, I have to find this cute style for a more affordable price. Jimmy Choo has turned a biker style with studs and feathers into pure elegance. I love them!!

Weekly Inspiration

"Will a man rob God? Yet you rob me. "But you ask, 'How do we rob you?' "In tithes and offerings.


Malachi 3:8 (New International Version)

Spinach and Pepperoni Pizza Bites

This recipe is my rendition of pepperoni bagel bites with less the calories, fat, sodium and more fiber.
Ingredients:

Oroweat Multi Gran Sandwich Thins
Turkey Pepperoni
Baby Spinach
Tomato paste
Shredded Cheese
Green Onions (optional)
Mushrooms (optional)

Prepare: Separate sandwich thins in half, spread tomato paste all over, add green onions, spinach mushrooms, pepperoni, and shredded cheese.

Bake: 350 degrees for approximately 15 minutes then serve and enjoy!

Rated “MN” for Mature Naturalistas

Whew! 10 months transitioning and counting…I never thought I’ll make it this far.

12 weeks post

12 weeks post

12 weeks post

4 months post

7 months post

9 months post

9 months post

My New Year's Gift

My loving boyfriend got me the most precious gift for the New Year...

His name is RJ and he is a Jack Russell Terrier, 10 weeks old. I love him so!!

Weekly Inspiration

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.

Philippians 4:8 (New International Version)

 

 

Health Tip for the Week

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day. It sounds cliché but it’s true. Studies have proved that starting your day with a healthy breakfast speeds up your metabolism. Many people skip breakfast due to lack of time and healthy options. Below are a couple of healthy breakfast options I will also incorporate in my healthy eating routine.

1.       Fresh fruit and cottage cheese

2.       Fresh fruit smoothie with whey or soy protein and flax seed

3.       Chicken and spinach crust less quiche

4.       High fiber cereal like Fiber 1 with soy or skim milk

5.       English muffin with almond butter and half grapefruit

6.       Plain yogurt with fresh berries and granola

7.       Regular oatmeal with cinnamon and brown sugar (you can cook regular oatmeal in a microwave) with a piece of wheat toast

These are really easy and healthy options I can have even on my busiest days. Most time I prepare my breakfast, lunch, and snacks the night before to eat while at work. Every one may not have this flexibility but these tasty choices only takes minutes in the morning to prepare and consume. Enjoy!!