Hip Tbl & Beyond Challenge 2018

[faithVA]

Today was wash day!

Washed and DC'd with the Joico Moisture Recovery line.

Applied a small amount of Curl Junkie Beauticurls conditioner and roller set my mini braids to stretch them.

View attachment 385701

Sat under my hooded dryer for 1 hour.

View attachment 385703

Once dry, moisturized with Qhemet honey balm and put my hair in a french braid.

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I'll keep it in a french braid for a week, take it down to moisturize then bun for another week.

I need to re-tighten the front of my hair but ion feel like it. It's looking like a mini fro up there. Maybe next wash day in 2 weeks.

With the ends curled they look so pretty.

 

[YvetteWithJoy]

Hi, all!

Just poppin' in to say hello!

Hair is in a highly gelled puff. Ends seem fine!
I didn't exercise yesterday (time of the month). Perhaps I will on Sunday, but probably not today, either.

I found some really inspirational planner notepad pages that don't cost much but might be helpful in establishing the habit of drinking water, thinking positively, etc.

Links:
Daily planning notepad page: https://longhaircareforum.com/threads/that-girl-2017-challenge.808113/page-5#post-23530275

Weekly planning notepad page: https://longhaircareforum.com/threa...ur-best-year-ever.807519/page-9#post-23530271

 

[ElevatedEnergy]

Hey ladies,

Just a brief check in. I'm still participating in the challenge. I'm drinking fruits and veggies about 3-4 times per week. I have also been protecting my ends. I took my braids on Sunday and wore a half-wig until today when I decided to wear my hair out. I have another hair appointment for braids next weekend so I'll wear my half wig until then. My braids should last through the end of February. I haven't exercised, however. I'm still thinking about joining the gym. Either way I'm going to start exercising even if I have to do it at home.

@assiyrabomb Which half wig have you been wearing?

I exercise at home. It's where I'm most comfortable. My kids exercise with me as well sometimes. The oldest 2 don't play. They love to have me doing stuff their basketball/football coaches make them do. I be bout to pass out!

That looks lovely! I can't roller set my hair to save my life!

Thank you! Roller setting gets better with practice. I bet you would be a roller setting pro after a few attempts.

 

[ElevatedEnergy]

With the ends curled they look so pretty.

Thank you @faithVA I prefer them like that over the loose natural curls that most naturals do when wearing mini braids. It seems like that would leave the ends more prone to ssk's.
You know I'm always thinking about preserving my ends. Ends makes inches!

 

[ElevatedEnergy]

Hi, all!

Just poppin' in to say hello!

Hair is in a highly gelled puff. Ends seem fine!
I didn't exercise yesterday (time of the month). Perhaps I will on Sunday, but probably not today, either.

I found some really inspirational planner notepad pages that don't cost much but might be helpful in establishing the habit of drinking water, thinking positively, etc.

Links:
Daily planning notepad page: https://longhaircareforum.com/threads/that-girl-2017-challenge.808113/page-5#post-23530275

Weekly planning notepad page: https://longhaircareforum.com/threa...ur-best-year-ever.807519/page-9#post-23530271

@YvetteWithJoy You sound like me! I hate hopping around and doing any type of cardio during that time of the month. I usually stick to stretching just to keep my muscles active. Plus stretching helps with cramping.

 

[ElevatedEnergy]

I'm making a big pot of cabbages today. Will chop up some smoked turkey sausage in there to give it a nice deep smokey flavor. The pot should last over the long holiday weekend for lunch.

Breakfast will be green smoothies.

Dinner is free fall. Gotta go grocery shopping to see what I'm feeling. I'll include a chicken salad one of those days though.

I'm in the same boat as @YvetteWithJoy so no cardio this week...just stretching and maybe a day or two of Pilates.

My hair is already clean, stretched and will be hidden the entire week.

 

[Prettymetty]

I had a chicken salad for lunch yesterday and I did 3 miles of intervals on the treadmill. It wore me out and I slept like a baby

 

[AgeinATL]

I might have to look at this inversion method that everyone is talking about. It's free and seems to be yielding results so why not?

 

[beauti]

I've been eating chicken Caesar salads past few days and drinking bamboo tea every morning. I need to find a great multivitamin.

 

[YvetteWithJoy]

I've been eating chicken Caesar salads past few days and drinking bamboo tea every morning. I need to find a great multivitamin.

Discipline! Nice. Please let me know which multivitamin you settle upon. I'm thinking of switching.

Also, be careful about Caesar salads: Most are SUPER high in calories, fat, cholesterol, etc. Yours might be different. Please do check it out: I'd hate for you to pack on weight and feel salads hurt or don't help. The croutons, dressing, cheese, etc. in a Caesar salad are typically problematic though tasty!!!

 

[Daina]

Being very hair lazy...had a long emotional week, just got home from freezing in Chicago and my period started on the plane, yuck! I'm laying in the bed now and don't want to move let alone do my hair. Going to LCOB and suffer the consequences next week from not washing. Because my scalp is already annoyed with me will only use Xcel 21 every other day till next weekend. My emotions are all over hope it gets better after my cycle leaves.

 

[Nightingale]

quick updates:

• I finally cleaned out my fridge and refilled it with keto friendly options. Now, I can grab something quick without worrying about temptation.
• I've decided to stop setting my hair. I liked the results, but it isn't practical with my 3x weekly bootcamp sessions.
• I picked up senegal twists crochet hair, marley hair, and a new wig. The twists and marley hair is for when I bun my loose hair or two strand twists and want a big bun and to protect my ends.
• I haven't been consistent with my vitamins, so now I set a phone alarm to remind me to take them.

 

[beauti]

Discipline! Nice. Please let me know which multivitamin you settle upon. I'm thinking of switching.

Also, be careful about Caesar salads: Most are SUPER high in calories, fat, cholesterol, etc. Yours might be different. Please do check it out: I'd hate for you to pack on weight and feel salads hurt or don't help. The croutons, dressing, cheese, etc. in a Caesar salad are typically problematic though tasty!!!

@YvetteWithJoy thank you sis! I give the dressing packets to my husband but I do eat the croutons and cheese Hey, it's better than the alternative dinner choices I will do better next week.

 

[YvetteWithJoy]

@YvetteWithJoy thank you sis! I give the dressing packets to my husband but I do eat the croutons and cheese Hey, it's better than the alternative dinner choices I will do better next week.

That makes PERFECT sense. Cool! And : It is indeed better than LOTS of other alternatives. I recently read that perfection is not required for success, but rather just putting in consistent, good effort. In other words, Caesar ON without the dressing!

I can't seem to get my water intake good since we've returned from vacay. Any tips? Anyone? TIA!

 

[trclemons]

Mini-Challenge: I have been eating salads and hiding my hair, but I have done no exercising and that's a shame.

Pre-poo'd overnight with AVJ spritz & Zipporah Beauty Sweet Orange Shea Cocoa Moist on ends.
DC'd for an hour under the heat cap with Tukka La Moka.
CW'd with Verbena & HydroQuench Banana Strawberry.
Reconstructed with Kenya Moore Growth Repair & Hair Yum Pink Sugar Protein.
Rinsed Out Koils By Nature ACV Hair Growth & SSI Avocado.
LCOB'd with Ion Damage Solution, Keravada Crème Brulee, Over the Top Growth Elixir on scalp, Cream & Coco Green Apple on length & Mission Condition Whipped Shea on ends.

 

[Prettymetty]

I won't have time to wash my hair until Tuesday evening. I can't believe it has been almost 3 weeks since last wash day.

My eating was on point yesterday. I don't have much of an appetite, but I'll be sure to load up on veggies and fruit.

 

[ElevatedEnergy]

Decided to stop being lazy and re-tighten the front of my hair. I just couldn't bring myself to keep them small though. In the process of converting these mini braids into much bigger braids so I can keep up with all this growth I'm getting.

Also I have a new hair goal.

http://public.fotki.com/Herlucidsky/my-natural-hair-/2016-february-decem/?view=roll#10

A member posted her a while ago, but at the time I wasn't interested in growing past hip (I was transitioning) so I just kinda bypassed her. But now...her hair is my goal.

 

[beauti]

Her hair is beautiful! I've had her fotki saved for years for inspiration.

 

[Nightingale]

Decided to stop being lazy and re-tighten the front of my hair. I just couldn't bring myself to keep them small though. In the process of converting these mini braids into much bigger braids so I can keep up with all this growth I'm getting.

Also I have a new hair goal.

http://public.fotki.com/Herlucidsky/my-natural-hair-/2016-february-decem/?view=roll#10

A member posted her a while ago, but at the time I wasn't interested in growing past hip (I was transitioning) so I just kinda bypassed her. But now...her hair is my goal.

I've been following her since my transition. Her hair is my goal too.

 

[MileHighDiva]

Decided to stop being lazy and re-tighten the front of my hair. I just couldn't bring myself to keep them small though. In the process of converting these mini braids into much bigger braids so I can keep up with all this growth I'm getting.

Also I have a new hair goal.

http://public.fotki.com/Herlucidsky/my-natural-hair-/2016-february-decem/?view=roll#10

A member posted her a while ago, but at the time I wasn't interested in growing past hip (I was transitioning) so I just kinda bypassed her. But now...her hair is my goal.

Lawd Hammercy! I can't Breathe!

This Unicorn is below Booty-Cheek's Crack...

Absolutely Bea-u-ti-ful head of hair!

@Chicoro, have you seen this?

@lulu97, does she have a Tube of You channel?

 

[Chicoro]

Lawd Hammercy! I can't Breathe!

This Unicorn is below Booty-Cheek's Crack...

Absolutely Bea-u-ti-ful head of hair!

@Chicoro, have you seen this?

@lulu97, does she have a Tube of You channel?

@MileHighDiva,
Yes, this is my Fotki buddy! She and I interact every week almost. She encourages me and supports me as I do her.

 

[ElevatedEnergy]

Her hair is beautiful! I've had her fotki saved for years for inspiration.

I've been following her since my transition. Her hair is my goal too.

Lawd Hammercy! I can't Breathe!

This Unicorn is below Booty-Cheek's Crack...

Absolutely Bea-u-ti-ful head of hair!

@Chicoro, have you seen this?

@lulu97, does she have a Tube of You channel?

I mean...isn't she just lovely?! Her hair, her outlook, how sweet she is, how she is active and takes the time to go back and forth answering questions on fotki?!!! Beautiful hair and spirit to match it! Just like @Chicoro (My other hair )
The ladies I pick for my goals not only need to have length but a kind spirit too!

@MileHighDiva I was able to find one video through her fotki.

http://video.fotki.com/Herlucidsky/

It's super old though from her transitioning days.

 

[YvetteWithJoy]

I mean...isn't she just lovely?! Her hair, her outlook, how sweet she is, how she is active and takes the time to go back and forth answering questions on fotki?!!! Beautiful hair and spirit to match it! Just like @Chicoro (My other hair )
The ladies I pick for my goals not only need to have length but a kind spirit too!

@MileHighDiva I was able to find one video through her fotki.

http://video.fotki.com/Herlucidsky/

It's super old though from her transitioning days.

I sooooooooo feel you on the kind spirit thing, @LuLu.

Hi, all!

Update:

Health/fitness:

After a week, I'm down 4 pounds and 1 inch around my waist. Woot.​

Tonight I did some prep for the upcoming week: I made some 7-day Cabbage Soup diet soup (see recipe at the end of this Divas Can Cook webpage). All week long I will scoop a cup out and add some kind of protein to it: turkey, chicken, sausage, salmon, etc. This will make compliance with Paleo a breeze this week: Smoothies or omelets for breakfast typically; hamburgers or sandwiches or soup or sweet potato hash or salads for lunch/dinner typically.​

NOTE: I recruited my oldest to help me make the cabbage soup. It made cooking it slow going, but it was so much fun. We got math in there (measurements, conversions, fractions [1/2 a teaspoon verses 1 teaspoon]), reading in there, etc.

(Photo enlarges upon click.)

​

Stress:

Everything is prepped for tomorrow morning. Doing so is caring enough about myself to create a peaceful morning tomorrow instead of leaving lots to do in the finite hour I have in the morning. All lunches are made, all clothes are prepped, all bags are prepped. So, tomorrow morning, I can just wake up, have an intimate talk with the Creator, look over my planner, say affirmations as I exercise, shower, do makeup, get dressed, have my detox drink, and drive my oldest to his grandparents . . . all with no stress looking for and ironing clothes, trying to hurry up and make lunches, looking around the house for items that go in people's bags, etc. Muuuuuuuuch better. Woooo saaaa. ​

Hair:

Hair is uber-moisturized! Either Chime's moisturizing spritz or the Soultanicals Softerizer . . . or the combo . . . is giving me moisture for DAYS.​

 

[ElevatedEnergy]

@YvetteWithJoy Awwww he's so Cute!!!!!

 

[ElevatedEnergy]

I have come to the sad realization that I have 0 control when it comes to chocolate.

So I'm putting myself on a chocolate/sweets ban until Valentine's Day! I will kick this habit and go back to just indulging on special occasions only...or I'm shole gonna try!

Hair is good. I converted the mini braids in the front into 6 jumbo box braids. I'll work on the crown after next wash day. Taking my time as usual to avoid rushing/breakage. My goal is to do a section after each wash day. Crown is up next, then section by the ears, and I'll finish up with the nape.

Regimen will be the same. Washing, deep conditioning and rollersetting to stretch every 2 weeks. But now I can add an individual braid to a single roller. Maybe I'll test out my french rollers on the braids since they have more air flow. I'll also be in the testing phase to see how long the braids can last and withstand wash days without taking them down. I'm thinking since they are bigger, they wont last a full 6-8 weeks like my mini braids. But I'll be happy to get 4 with the perimeter and 6 with the inside braids. I'll keep you guys updated and maybe will have the testing phase over by springtime.

 

[MileHighDiva]

I found another "Unicorn" with below booty cheek hair.

 

[SweetestChick]

I found another "Unicorn" with below booty cheek hair.

I just love when we kill the stereotypes. This is part of the reason I want my hair down to booty crack. Call me vain or petty, but it gives me some satisfaction proving those haters wrong.

 

[ElevatedEnergy]

Had a few items come back in stock that I had been waiting on so it was only right to do some shopping

From Swanson's:


Curlmart:



And while I was in a spending mood, I picked up from TJ Maxx since I was completely out:



One of my Qhemet moisturizers is almost done (Amla Cream) but I have the honey balm and the Burdock cream still in rotation to get through before I go shopping again.

 

[ElevatedEnergy]

I found another "Unicorn" with below booty cheek hair.

 

[immy]

@lulu97, what effects do you get from the bamboo? and how much do you take?