#TransformationTuesday -- Tee's Hair Journey

After two major cuts (the first to shoulder length, the second a short cut w/shaved back) in the summer of 2011, I decided I missed my hair and wanted to not only grow it back, but grow it out as long as possible. My hair grows quickest when I just leave it alone--which I typically achieve with braids aka 'protective styling.' I should also add that at this time I had a relaxer (last one was Sept 2011 I believe). Now I will say that I didn't really decide to go natural or anything--I just know my hair--I had a length goal, my hair grows fastest when I leave it alone, and leaving it alone meant I didn't need to spend money on a relaxer. *** I personally have nothing against creamy crack, my hair was healthy with it, and once I reach my length goal I might just decide to go back. **Kanye shrug

June 2011

July 2011

I started with a sew in September 2011, which was achievable despite my brush cut in the nape area.

By the time this style was ready to be taken down, my nape area was long enough to 'catch' for braids and for roughly the next two years I went through a rotation of micro braids, senagalese twists, and sew ins.

                                                      

These styles served several purposes:

1. Again, my hair grows best and quickest when left alone and in protective styles
2. During this time I was in a job at a corporate headquarters with a office politics  'dressy'/no jeans or casual wear type setting
3. Grow out past that awkward length that isn't exactly long or short
4. Gym/workout friendly

By March 2013 I was out of this position and was really free to do anything I wanted with my hair so I experimented with Marley Twists, tried box braids (by myself), and other styles with no hair added.

Marley Twists -- May 2013

Twist out - April 2013

By August 2013 my 'curly' length was around my ears. 

This is the in between length I dislike

Then I decided to get color for my birthday, along with a much needed trim, and discovered that my straight length was to my shoulders (*praise dance*) which was longer than my hair was before my first cut in summer 2011. Yay for progress! 

September 2013--Color, Trim, Blow Dry, and Flat Iron

By December 2013 my curly length was good bit longer than August 

Wash N' Go

End of January 2014

And fast forward to early March 2014

Wash/Blow Dry/Flat Iron

and my straight length is even longer!

It's hard to believe it has been two years since I decided to grow my hair out but it has grown so much in that time frame. I am most excited for my 'curly' length to reach shoulder length next!



What are your hair goals and how are you working to achieve them? Comment below and tag us in your journey pics!

#TransformationTuesday- Sanis Weight Journey

One reason why I started this blog was to help keep myself accountable.  I am not a fitness guru or expert, but I do try to do research and figure out the best way to take care of myself in a way that works for me.  April 1, 2013 I decided that I was going to get serious about working out and taking my health into my own hands.

October 2012-150lbs

June 2013-140 lbs

June 2012-150lbs-> September 2013-127lbs

October 2013-126 lbs

November 2013, I was the smallest size that I had been in years.  I had lost 27lbs in 9 months.  I was happy with my size and just wanted to build muscle. 

November 2013-123 lbs

However, I allowed myself to become complacent and subsequently gained back some unhealthy weight. 

March 2014 before (front)-130 lbs

March 2014 before (back)-130lbs

Starting March 19^th 2014 I started to take control of my health once again. I will use this blog to not only document my journey but to also keep myself accountable.  The pics above are my starting (before) pictures.  Hopefully, you guys enjoy seeing me grow in my healthy lifestyle journey.