I'm Bored With My Hair, Time for a Trim!

I'm so over my hair, y'all. I mean, I still wash, DC, and moisturize it but my styles have gone by the wayside. It's either in a loosely tucked bun or flowing my from my EZ Comb. This bout of boredom is largely attributed to my hair not holding a style. I need a SERIOUS trim. I was trying to dust it little by little but I'm thinking of simply getting rid of all the damaged hair in one fell swoop. 

I can't, in good conscience, subscribe to being a hair lover when I'm not doing what's best for my hair. Yes, it's nice seeing the length I've achieved but my hair's health isn't up to par. I don't want to trim it any shorter than APL but I'll have to see how it looks.

Once I've gotten my trim, I'm going to rock it out for a little while and then choose a long-term protective style. This will either be Senegalese twists, Havana twists, or crochet braids. I haven't yet decided which. Since I'm starting a new job next Thursday (yay!), I need a style that is both elegant and easy. For the time being, I'll start with a roller set and trim for the job. Once I've settled in, I'll pick a protective style.

What do you do when you're bored with your hair? Which protective style do you find both functional and fun? 

Faithful Friday: Free Falling Into Faith

At some time in your life, you have to take a leap of faith. Even the most pragmatic of us HAVE to try for something we think is outside of our reach. Why? Because it deepens our faith and strengthen our reliance on God. We are instructed to walk by faith and not by sight (2 Cor 5:7). This means that we will not always see the path clearly. 

I referenced my attempts to plan my life as much as possible because I like some semblance of control. In recent months, I have changed this approach. I am in the process of changing my career path and it has been such a frightening experience. Starting a career in publishing means I'm going from a position with stability to an internship. Did it make sense to leave a stable position to pursue a temporary in a field I'm passionate about? I was always crying and in a perpetual state of fear about the future. 

It wasn't until I consulted with God, my family, and closest friends that I realized this is an opportunity for untold joy, not fear. I gave the situation to my Father and let Him know whatever He decided was best. I'm taking a huge leap and faith into the arms of God's glory. Not only have I landed a paid internship, I have also been granted a fellowship in my field. That means I'll have a mentor to navigate the industry and a stipend to help supplement my income.

I can honestly say that I see God's mark all over this. Even though I don't know the future and didn't know what it would hold, I leaned on Him and believed in His plan. What is so amazing about God is that He doesn't give me what I ask for, He goes ALL OUT and gives me more than I would ever dream of requesting. 

Faith, like any muscle, is only strengthened when you exercise it. Am I still scared? Um, yeah! The important thing is to not let my fear paralyze me but instead to let it motivate my movements. This whole experience has brought me closer to Him and reminds me I'm blessed beyond measure. 

Weigh-In Wednesday: May Will Be a "Challenging" Month

Workouts: 0/3
Eating Habits: Kept on track 3/7 days
21 Day Water Challenge: Day 1, Round 2
This Week's Weight Change: -1.8lbs
Overall Weight Change:-20.4lbs

I'm not particularly surprised by my weight loss this week because I was, for the most part, focused. I missed a few workouts and didn't have the greatest eating weekend but I was pretty solid. I know it would have been a little more if I hadn't gone nuts over the weekend.

Now that it's the first of May, I'm ready to kick my efforts up a notch. In addition to restarting the squat challenge, I'm also back on the 21 Day Water Challenge, Intermediate level. Slowly but surely, I'm incorporating 3 workouts per week. By the end of the month, I'd like to be up to 4x/week. 

Overall, I'm really excited to reap the benefits of my little changes.  I am also making it a point to stay focused but be kind to myself. I find that sometimes when my changes don't immediately yield results, I'm ready to beat myself or throw in the towel. My biggest challenge this month will be speaking positively to myself.

What changes are you introducing this month? Has your weight loss journey been going well? Which challenges will you be joining with me?

Weigh-In Wednesday: Time To Get Fit, Doctor's Orders

Workouts: 2/3
Eating Habits: Kept on track 2/7 days
21 Day Water Challenge: Round 1 Complete 03/22
This Week's Weight Change: -6lbs
Overall Weight Change:-18.6lbs

It's been 3 weeks since my last WIW but I'm back on the ball. Whenever I fall all the way off, like I did last time, I usually don't blog about it. I mean, who wants to hear about someone who can't get it together? Besides, there's only so much "You'll get it next time!" I can hear without beating myself up. I love how supportive everyone is but when you're in a downward spiral, only YOU can bring you out. 

I'm happy to say I'm out!

I visited a nutritionist on Sunday and it was an emotional experience. I know I'm out of shape but I didn't realize to what degree. After weeping like a baby in her office, I strengthened my resolve to get back on track. I am loosely counting calories but focusing heavily on what I eat. Lots of fruits and vegetables and proteins. I'm going easy on the carbs and fatty stuff. I'm also tracking every bite on Sparkpeople. I also make sure to eat every 2-4 hours so I don't overeat.

I raved about my FitBit  when I bought it and I still use it daily. I also purchased a Polar FT4 heart rate monitor. The image to this post is after today's Fire 45 workout. I absolutely love it and know it's going to be a great addition to my fitness arsenal. Once I've gotten more comfortable with it, I'll do a full review. 

I fell off the 30 Day Squat Challenge but I will restart it and the 21 Day Water Challenge in May. Wanna join me? 

Do you consult a nutritionist for guidance? What fitness tools do you have to help you reach your goals?

An Amazing Experience at a Bridal Extravaganza

Jordan and me acting a fool. Well, mostly me.

The Long Island Bridal Extravaganza was hosted by LIWeddings.com at the Huntington Hilton Hotel on April 8th. This event was absolutely amazing. There were all types of vendors from wedding planners to jewelers to limousine services. Since the space was so large, vendors had their own tables so guests could visit, pick up information, and inquire at every relevant company. I already have most of my vendors squared away but I wanted to see if there were any that I missed. 

While many of the vendors were doing giveaways, one of the most notable ones was sponsored by Vavoom Events. These lovely ladies are giving away Wedding Day Coordination Service to one lucky Facebook fan. As I mentioned previously, wedding planning is no joke! Having the help of a professional would be such a blessing so of course I'm entering. If you're in the New York area, you should, too!

Two dessert vendors caught my eye (and tastebuds). The first is Afresh Approach, a company that specializes in homemade truffles. The owners were responsive to my questions and even let Jordan, my grandmother, MOH and I get a taste. They do delicious work!

Tell me Afresh Approach's favors aren't the cutest!

The second company is Baskets and Buffets and what I found most eye-catching was the candy buffet they had featured. I entered their giveaway but I will seek more information even if I don't win. A candy buffet sounds like such a novel idea, I'm excited to learn more.

Cupcakes and candy. Where do I sign up?!

After visiting the tables, and Gown Lounge sponsored by Bridal Reflections, I headed to the Savoy Room for a live band and DJ showcase. Uppercut, the live band, did an awesome job! They did a mix of old school and pop songs and were really engaging. Parties Alive, the DJ company, was entertaining, funny, and engaging. I felt like I was in the club and could only imagine how a reception would be.

The best part of the night, though? I won an iPad Mini! Because I preregistered for the event, I was entered into a drawing for it. When Ron called my name, I leapt up with my hands in the air. I had no idea what I had won but I was just excited to get something. Once he announced what I had won, I burst into tears. The crowd erupted into "Awws" as I buried my face in Jordan's shirt. What can I say? I'm an emotional creature!

Isn't it beautiful? 

The wedding industry is big business so it behooves anyone trying to gain clientele to be as outgoing and welcoming as possible. A few weeks ago, I began musing about becoming a bridezilla because of my less than pleasant experience at another bridal event. It was refreshing how friendly everyone at the Bridal Extravaganza was. I was treated like a bride, not an outsider. Thanks to this experience, I'm once again relishing my role as a laid back bride and excited about planning.

Do you attend events geared towards brides or steer clear? Have you ever won a prize from a raffle you entered?