September is a Wrap!

I'm sure you're wondering how I did with my September challenges right? I mean, I just know that it was dogging you in the back of your mind that I barely put up any type of updates (except for here , oh and here too).

I'm sure a "Get on with it Stephanie" might have been voiced, even loudly... in hopes that I would perhaps "get my life" and thoroughly update you on challenging myself with challenges.

Well, relax and let your finger do the scrolling.

Let us begin...

Everyone wants to place blame right ?

No one wants to be blamed either I might add.

So as much as I would love to blame my raggedy, no good, very bad laptop for my lack of blogging and vlogging. I can't.

 I can only place but so much blame upon the sleek black, technological paper weight known as the "dreaded damn dell" The rest, alas, must be placed with myself.

I started out with great intentions, I penned a cute little calendar, wrote down what would be posted what day and where.It was great,  I had everything mostly mapped out.

But the DIL bug bit me, and oh did it bite me hard!

DIL? Do-It-Later. Now you know.

Don't let his coy smile fool you!

The goal was to post 3 blog posts weekly, 2 vlogs weekly, and 1 one art blog post weekly. I had enough ideas to fill up an editorial calendar but you can clearly just how many posts I actually did publish. Now, I won't bore you with specifics or wallow around, I glad that I actually did it. It being accepting all those challenges and attempting to see them all though with great results.

I only fell short in the blogging/vlogging area. Elsewhere I did a darn good tootin' job!

Bevie Challenge ? Great, I'm glad I randomly decided to do that for myself. I drink way more water now, and I can tell a difference in my skin, even if my acne monster is out to play right now. Having a toteable water bottle makes it easier as well, plus I'm being "green" It's a win-win for me and Mother Earth. You're welcome.


Squat September ? Definitely sweet, I don't have a before and after pic, but I do see a definite noticeable difference. I've always had more junk in my trunk so it's kind of hard to tell. LOL.
I see changes in my legs and thighs! Thank you squats and lunges. Bless you.

Now that we are in October I'm doing some more challenges! Read more about that here. I'm just going to keep going and be better!

Oh, and as far as the KCCM Challenge, that's going great as well. I post regular updates about that each week. I think that I'll be installing another protective style soon also.

That's all folks !

Quick question, do you have ways to keep challenges in order ? 

 Do you tend to keep going or end it if you miss a day or two ? 

KCCM Check In #4

Hello curlfriends, I'm just popping in for another check-in ! It's the fourth week already ! One month down !

Check-in Questions below as per usual. 

1. There are so many products on the market, what are your favorites? What qualities does a product have to have in order to become one of your favorites?

This is a tough one ! I love Sheamoisture products, I also like Taliah Waajid's deep conditioner. I love Kinky Curly Knot Today, it's a staple leave-in. I love the African Pride Hair Mayonaise and also Palmers Hair Milk. I'll stop there because I can just keep on going!  In order to be a favorite of mine,  a product needs to be priced for myself personally, have an optimal effect on my hair, and have ingredients that I agree with. 

2. Since using the castor oil, how has your hair been maintaining moisture? 

I'm not really sure because it isn't something that I have been following in regards to castor oil. My hair retains moisture just fine with a water based product and a sealant. Sometimes that sealant is castor oil, sometimes it's avocado or EVOO. 

3. How did you use Castor Oil in your hair last week (week 3).

Did you find yourself losing momentum or are you still going hard? For the first three weeks, the use of the castor oil has not changed since my hair has been in a protective style. I'm excited for the length check though, since I just removed my PS. 

Next week will be a length check week !  How exciting. I'm looking forward to seeing how much length retention I have. 

Question: What are some thing you look forward too when doing protective styles and or hair(care) challenges ?

KCCM Week 3

KCCM Check-In Week 3 Curlfriends ! 

I can't believe how fast September is flying by ! It will be Thanksgiving before we know it ! Sheesh ! Slow down Calendar, will ya ? 

Here are this week's Challenge Check-In Questions! 

1. Since going natural have you ever felt really overwhelmed? If so, Why? If not, What have you done to make this journey run smoothly?
No, I don't think that I have felt overwhelmed really. It might have occurred right after removing my locs because I had no idea what to do with my hair. That issue didn't last long though because I stumbled onto Youtube and became slightly addicted. Ive always tried to make sure to listen to what my hairs needs, research everything for myself, and educate myself on my hair. That's really helped this second journey of mine. 

2. Do you see any change in your hair since using the castor oil?
 I don't see any visible changes because my hair is still in a protective style ! :)

3. How did you use Castor Oil in your hair last week (week 2). Did you use it any different than week 1?
 I'm still using castor oil as a daily spritz and some nights I'll massage the oil throughout my scalp. 

I still cannot believe how fast this month has gone by already ! I think we will be in for a rough winter though, and I can definitely wait for that ! Whew *shivers* I am definitely not ready for that ! 

Anywho, here are my previous check-ins! 
KCCM 1
KCCM 2 

Oh, I will be removing my spring twists this weekend is time is on my side ! I'll definitely be posting some hairlicious photos!!

Stay steady curlfriends, the weekend is drawing near! #fistpump


As always..

Lol, this makes me giggle. 

KCCM Week 2 Check in

Hello Curlfriends ! 

Just a quick post for my Week 2 of the KCCM Castor Oil Challenge ! 

1. Where do you live? 

I live in RVA/NoVA

2. Are other members of your family naturals too? 

Yes, my cousin and her daughters are natural. Another one of my cousins has locs.

3. How did you use Castor Oil in your hair last week (week 1)?

 I used Castor oil mostly as a leave-in spritz and massaged the oil in my scalp since I still have spring twists in.

Straight to the point huh ?  :0) 

If any of my readers are participating in this challenge, please let me know in the comments section !


I hope that everyone is having a great week !

I made this a while back, but I realized I shared it everywhere but here on the blog ! 

A Challenging First Week.

I seriously laughed out loud as I wrote that title.

I have every intention to overuse the word challenge. I hope you'll find it just as amusing as I do. Although I must admit it will be more of a challenge to find funny ways to use the word challenge as September moves forward !

I'm sure you all are wondering how I did. Well if you are subscribed to the blog and my youtube channel, then you have a partial answer.

I did a great job on everything but vlogging and blogging. Despite the fact that I have a pretty little calendar that stares me down every morning.

I. Have. A. Problem.
(You'll realize this when you see that this is a 1st week check in and we are almost to the end of  the second week. lol.)

My newest vlog was published yesterday though. You can view that here.

Just a couple of missteps, but that is alright because I will do better.

This is exactly why I did this challenge. To change my production level ! So, instead of focusing on where I fell short, I will be posting my "make up" vlogs and blogs this week along with my current vlogs and blogs. I am just going to keep moving right along, finding ways to make myself better !

September Squats Challenge is going well, I'm up to 35 squats as of yesterday. I haven't taken any fanny photos yet to compare. (For myself, I won't be posting fanny photos. lol) I can see a difference in my thighs though and also my calves. There were a couple pair of shorts that were too tight around the thigh area and now they fit wonderfully!

I love when I see progress. I'm starting to get a little cut in different areas now. I love, love, love it! I can definitely feel a difference in my core. My lower back is really has a tendency to ache a lot because of the arch in my back. (I get it from my Momma! Lol) I sometimes feel sore if I lay or sit in certain positions for extended periods of time. I realized yesterday that it rarely occurs now. I'm looking forward to seeing how my back does or doesn't hurt during my cycle. It's usually amplified during that time. I see a difference in my stomach area, but it's not enough for me. So this week and next week I will be going even harder. I plan on amping up foods that minimize belly fat/bloat and cutting out foods that cause belly fat/bloat.

80 Healthiest Foods Find. All Thanks to Tumblr ! 

My Bevie Challenge is definitely on a roll. I'm proud of myself for mainly drinking water and teas. I see a difference in my skin and nails. Although my acne is rearing its ugly head right now, I can still see that its softer, smoother and brighter.


Next up, is the Kinky Curly Coily Me Castor Oil Challenge. I have my first entry post here.


Now, I have not yet updated my art blog. I aimed to do that at least once a week. So I am only a post behind. That's not too shabby at all.

Have you read my original challenge post?  Oh, also if you haven't done so, please follow @iSimplyCare on Instagram to keep up my #Naptember and #HGKWW Photo Challenges.

Well, despite a couple of hiccups, I am still proud of myself. I know I can do better though. So I will !

What are some things that you do to help you stay on track when participating in challenges ?

:0)

Kinky Curly Coily Me Castor Oil Challenge

Hello hello !

It has begun again ladies and gentlemen ! The KCCM Fall Castor Oil Challenge is back in full effect. The Challenge began on September 1st and will continue until December 1st.

Here are my Entry Check-in Questions and Photos. 

1. What type of Castor Oil will you be using? Possibly Jamaican Black Castor Oil, Definitely Cold Pressed Castor Oil,

2. How long is your hair now-front, sides, and back?
Front 8.5 inches
Sides 6.5 inches
Crown 9.5 inches
Back 6.5 inches

3.How will you be using your Castor Oil? Edges, Scalp, Sealing Hair, conditioning treatments, Daily spritz 4x-5x a week.)

4. My hair is currently in a protective style, but these are the most recent photos before installation. 

I know, I look crazy. Moisturizing my hair before spring twists installation

Installing spring twists!

Week 2 Check-In Post will be published shortly ! I will be removing my spring twists in 1-2 weeks. I haven't decided yet, but I can't wait to see how my ends are doing !

Are you participating in the KCCM Challenge ? Or any other Challenge for that matter?

Challenge !

Hello !

A special weekend post, because I can't wait until Monday ! Lol.

I hope you take advantage of this new month to accomplish great things! I know I intend to !

Now, whenever I hear the word challenge, I am immediately taken back to that scene of The Cosbys where Clif takes Rudy to tap dance class... I figured you would want to see a clip, so here you go.




   

This is by far one of my favorite episodes ! I am a Cosby junkie !

Anyhow, the point that I am trying to make is this; September is a month of challenges !

FINAL KCCM Check-In

Yes, That's right, the final check-in ! The KCCM Castor Oil Challenge is over! Mama I made it ! For some reason I always have problems keeping up with challenges and seeing them through the end, but I did it ! *round of applause* 

Alright, Let's get to the good stuff !

Final Check-in Questions

1. How would you describe your growth from the beginning of the challenge to now? Considering your typical 3 month hair growth -Is this more than average, less than average, or the same?
I would say that my growth is average, but being that I have done two mini trims, there might not be a major difference between week 1 and now. I had a serious problem with split ends and I started this challenge so that I could cut them out and be retaining a little more the regular growth.


2. How did you do last week (week 12)? Did you follow through with your goals? Any challenges thus far?
I've been doing really well on this final stretch. I struggled a little bit in the middle, but I remember you posting how you wanted to see growth so you had to step it up a notch. That's exactly what I did.


3. Final Thoughts, comments, feedback etc.?

I really enjoyed this challenge and I'm proud of myself for seeing it through to the end. I always fall off somewhere in the middle. With this challenge I only fell off with checking here on your blog. I kept it up with mine though. For the most part. Lol.

4. Which JBCO would you like to win – Original, Coconut, or Lavender?

I would love the win the Lavendar or the Coconut. I can't decide because I like the lavendar smell, but love the properties of coconut !

 

Comparison Photos

Final KCCM Check-In Photos

1st Week KCCM Check-In Photos

*Note* I need to remember to take photos in the same position! At least I have on the same shirt so you can still see the differences.

Now, I must say I am super proud of my eyebrows ! They have come a long way! The trouble area at the nape of my neck is certainly making progress as well. I am seriously considering signing up for the June Challenge ! I love, love, love the progress that I have seen thus far with my hair.

Have you recently finished a challenge ? 

Was it the KCCM Castor Oil Challenge? 

How did do?

KCCM Check-In Bundle

Happy Friday everyone !

Last weekend I had the opportunity to attend the Koils by Nature NNHMD(National Natural Hair Meetup Day) in Northern Va. My update is a little later than most but it will be posted on Monday! I had a great time and I can't wait to share it will you all.

KCCM Check-In Bundle

Hello again!

Since I am behind with posting my KCCM Castor Oil Challenge Check-in's, I am going to post more than one at a time.

I hope that's alright with you  ;0)

KCCM Check-In #5

Happy Tuesday everyone!

 I'm here today with a quick post about the KCCM Castor Oil Challenge, this week is length check week !

Let's jump into the questions !

KCCM Check-In #4

Happy Hump Day ! 

You're almost there, the weekend is near ! 

Today is my 4th Check-In for the KCCM Castor Oil Challenge! 

Let's dive right in to the questions !

1. Why did you decide to do away with chemical relaxers and embrace your natural hair?

I had a horrible salon relaxer experience and I decided that next day when I woke up with large scalp burns all over my head that I would never get another relaxer in my life.

2. How did you do last week (week 3)? Did you follow through with your goals? Any challenges thus far?

Week 3 was a little shaky for me. I didn't meet my 3x week minimum (hangs head in shame). I am getting back on track though and will be "making up for lost time" by applying every day for the next week.

3. Do you think you see a difference in thickness or length yet? How has your hair been responding to the consistent castor oil usage?

I saw a difference in week two, now its a little tougher to tell because I have my hair in mini-twists, although I am still looking forward to the first length check. I can definitely tell with my brows and my trouble area as with the previous weeks. I am loving it ! I think that my hair is responding positively to the castor oil. I have always used it and I'm pretty sure my hair is thanking me !

I would like to note that my scalp does NOT care for castor oil being applied directly all over. The only place where it does not cause a massive case of itchy scalp is at my nape area. Which I'm fine with. I'm going to be doing an ACV rinse because my scalp is so itchy !

Here are my previous KCCM Challenge posts if you missed them !
KCCM #1
KCCM #2
KCCM #3

KCCM Check-In #3

WHEW ! I almost missed the cut-off date for checking in for the KCCM Castor Oil Challenge ! It was yesterday, so I scrambled on over there yesterday afternoon and checked in !  Here are this weeks questions ! 

1. How often do you wash your hair? What are your staple products?

    I wash my hair every 1-1 1/2 weeks. Some of my staple products are  Aloe Vera juice and gel, various oils, and my hair cremes.

  2.  How did you do last week (week 2)? Did you follow through with your goals? Any challenges thus far?
    Last week, I just barely made the 3x week minimum because I was just so busy, I hope to do better next week. The only challenges are remembering to put it on ! LOL

  3.  Do you think you see a difference in thickness or length yet? How has your hair been responding to the consistent castor oil usage?
    I definitely see a difference in length, although I was due for a trim. I didn't skip on my trim just because I'm on this challenge.. This challenge is more about health than anything. I can definitely tell a difference in my trouble spot and my eyebrows. I'm so excited! My hair loves castor oil anyways and I think that the constant use is just helping it to thrive even more !


I put in mini-twists so now application will be even easier and quicker ! I am so pleased with this set of mini-twists ! I am amazed at how it didn't take very long to install even though my hair is considerably longer. I will have a comparison post up very soon !

Question: Are any of my readers on the KCCM Castor Oil Challenge ? If so, how are you holding up ? I would love to hear from you !

My 1st KCCM Check-In
My 2nd KCCM Check-In

KCCM Check-In #2

Hello, everyone ! I hope you all had a great weekend !

I definitely did, which is the reason why you are reading this post Monday and not Friday as promised!

I hope I didn't keep you waiting too long ;0)

A Look Back :: New Year's Hair Resolutions

Yes, its March, I know, but I thought it would be a good time to look back and see how I'm doing with my New Years Hair Resolutions(NYHR). 

I posted my NYHR's here, take a glance for a refresher. I know I needed it ! So, I decided to take each resolution and see how I am helping my kinks and curls acheive their hairy glory !

KinkyCurlyCoilyMe Castor Oil Challenge

Hey all !

I've decided to enter Jenell of KinkyCurlyCoilyMe's Castor Oil Challenge! Looks like I did it just in time too, since the cut-off date is March 1st. I submitted everything at like midnight on the 29th. Lol.

Can we say procrastinator ?