A New Hair Journey Begins...

Heat Damage Blues

Hello Beautiful Ones,

I CUT MY HAIR OFF!

I did the BIG CHOP! As you may know my  hair goal was to achieve armpit length hair by April 2013. Well, now I have to set new hair goals because I cut many inches of hair.

I was in denial about the condition of my hair. I am fully natural. My last full relaxer was the Summer of 2007. I have been completely relaxer free for about 2 1/2 years (I used to occasionally relax my edges when I wore straight (yaki) weave styles.  In October 2011, just coming out of a four year stretch of wearing sew-ins, I wanted to wear my own hair.  I enjoyed seeing my curl pattern for the first time in life. However, I did not anything about styling, caring for, or maintaining  my natural hair. Everyone I knew wore weaves, a press, or had a chemical relaxer. So from advice of family and friends that advised me to straighten my hair, because it would be easy to manage... "it would be so thick and pretty". I was convince since I had not heat applied to my hair in years it would easily revert back to its natural kinky state. WRONG!

I made my appointment with a new stylist that was recommended to me, which is never advisable. I clearly expressed to him that I only wanted a blow out and a light press with a low heat setting, because I believed my hair would not be strong enough to withstand high heat based on my texture and the fact I had been wearing sew-ins for years. After that initial press of high-heat and a lack of heat protectant, the damage was done. My hair was bone, silky straight as if I had a chemical relaxer.  I wanted to cry, because I knew my hair would not revert as easily as I was led to believe. I was right!

Over the last nine months of extreme care: protein treatments, moisturizing treatments, protective styling, etc. I realized my hair was not going to be as kinky as it was before. It was heat-damaged. The ends were loose curls and some were permanently straight.

I cut some hair four weeks and realized yesterday this hair had to go. This is the hair on the left side of my head, where the damage existed. I already cut the right side when I took this photo.

It started with a little snip here and there...

I almost reached my goal of full armpit length

My bangs grew out considerably

Today, I was ready to get rid of the damage, start this process over and move on.

The moral of my story is trust your instinct. You know what is best for your hair. Never let others convince you to undergo a process, because they are curious of the results. It is not their fault,  I have to take responsibility and should have done what was best for my hair . Always go to a professional you know and trust. He/she needs to have your best interest in mind. Consultations are always recommended.

My new hair goals will be outlined soon.

I am a little sad because I like creative styles and  know I cannot do those right now. No one said this natural journey would be easy.



My hairspiration for the cut was YouTuber,  LethalPleazures: youtube.com/lethalpleazure
The cut is very short on the sides and back, but longer and fuller at the crown and top of my head. I cut and styled my hair on my own.It is recommended you go to a professional to get a hair cut.




I'm ready to begin this new hair journey... Wish me luck!

Protective Style Challenge

Hello Beautiful Ones,

Are you still protecting your hair?

Protective styles are hairstyles that are used to protect the ends of your hair, which is the oldest and weakest part of the hair strand. Preserving and retaining the ends of our hair gives us the length some of us desire. Protective styles are great because they require little maintenance and it requires low manipulation to the hair, which aids in hair preservation and hair growth. Protective styles are not limited to natural hair. Beauties with straight hair can wear nice protective styles also.

When I set my hair goals, I challenged myself this year to wear protective styles 90% of the time to achieve full armpit length by April 2013.

It's a WIG!!!

Another Fabulous Glamour Wig personally made by my stylist Alkhyseam Watson.  

Preparation:

Followed my K.I.S.S.: Keep It Simple, Sexy regimen. I used Carol's Daughter Monoi Shampoo, Conditioner and Hair Mask. I actully kept the same braids from my previous protective style. My stylist, Al, just braided a small portion of the loose hair.  He sown the hair to a cap and placed clips on the wig so I can secure the wig on my head. It is so cute and lightweight. It really does look natural.

Before and After...

For a custom-made wig, call Al at 404-455-1243. Tell him CAT referred you for a special discount.

Maintenance:

Moisturize every evening by spritzing with water and moisturizing with Shea Moisture Coconut & Hibiscus Curl  Style Milk; seal with virgin coconut on the ends 2-3 times per week. I two-strand twist the front part of my hair that is loose every night. I undo the twist after I have showered and blend my hair with the wig. Sometimes, I lightly use African Royal Braid Spray in the morning on the braided part.  I tie with a scarf nightly and cover with a satin bonnet. Apply a finger tip amount of Olive Oil Ecostyler gel to my edges in the morning.

Show me your protective styles. If you want length & healthy hair, join me on my protective style challenge!

Good luck on your hair journey!

Luv,

Hair Kitty Kitty

2012 AJC Peachtree Road Race

Hello Beautiful Ones,

My apologies for the delay on the outcome of the AJC Peachtree Road Race.

I came. I ran. I conqurered.

I EARNED my T-shirt!

It was very hot and humid, but I made it through...

Once I crossed the finish, I was exhausted but it was worth it. It felt rewarding...

My time was better in 2011 compared to 2012, so 2013 I have to increase speed. I think I did not improve due to the warmer weather and the photo taking along the race trail...

2011

67953 CATHERINE STARKS MARIETTA GA F 1:16:40 2:33:57

2012

39924 CATHERINE STARKS MARIETTA GA F 1:18:50 2:04:59

If I Can Do It, You Can Do It!!

Results courtesy of: http://peachtreeroadrace.org/participant-information/results

90-Day Ab Challenge

Keeping It 100% Real. I need to Step My Game UP

Hello Beautiful Ones,

I WANT FIRM ABS! I am tired of looking at my pouch. I am ready to get in the best shape of my life. Maybe you desire the same. If so, JOIN ME!

I am about to embark on a 90-day journey starting today 07/05/12. I desire to be healthy overall, of course. Moreover, I seek ab definition.

I'm going to try an experiment: increase strength training, eat clean, drink a gallon of water/day, plus more to see if I get definition. I will keep you udpated on what worked and what did not work for me.




Me about 5 months ago

About 2 months ago

Me as of 07/05/12

    
Here is what you have to look forward to:

• In-depth Meal Plan
• Ab Workouts
• Cardio Workouts
•  My Measurements
• Photos
• Strength-training workouts

This is going to be my first Ab Journal so stay tuned for more information...

Luv,

Hair Kitty Kitty

Protective Style Challenge

Hello Beautiful Ones,

Are you still protecting your hair?

Protective styles are hairstyles that are used to protect the ends of your hair, which is the oldest and weakest part of the hair strand. Preserving and retaining the ends of our hair gives us the length some of us desire. Protective styles are great because they require little maintenance and it requires low manipulation to the hair, which aids in hair preservation and hair growth. Protective styles are not limited to natural hair. Beauties with straight hair can wear nice protective styles also.

When I set my hair goals, I challenged myself this year to wear protective styles 90% of the time to achieve full armpit length by April 2013.

Here is a funky updo that I am ROCKIN’ right now…

Preparation:

Followed my K.I.S.S.: Keep It Simple, Sexy regimen. I used Carol's Daughter Monoi Shampoo, Conditioner and Hair Mask.

Braided by Kumba at Total Class Salon in Marietta, GA: 
Ask for Kumba or Mansata (770-952-5772)

Maintenance:

Moisturize every evening by spritzing with water and moisturizing with Shea Moisture Coconut & Hibiscus Curl  Style Milk; seal with virgin coconut on the ends 2-3 times per week. I two-strand twist the front part of my hair that is loose every night. I undo the twist after I have showered. Sometimes, I lightly use African Royal Braid Spray in the morning.  Tie with a scarf nightly and cover with a satin bonnet. Apply a finger tip amount of Olive Oil Ecostyler gel to my edges in the morning.

Show me your protective styles. If you want length & healthy hair, join me on my protective style challenge!

Good luck on your hair journey!

Luv,

Hair Kitty Kitty

2012 Peachtree Health and Fitness Expo

Hello Beautiful Ones,

I'm getting ready for the 43rd Atlanta Journal Constitution Peachtree Road Race, an Atlanta Institution. I am excited because this will be my 2nd consecutive year. It takes place tomorrow, July 4th. My wave starts pretty early in the morning. I am looking forward to running, it is a liberating experience.Your race number determines what time your wave/race will begin. The best part is earning your t-shirt at the finish line.

To jump start my Independence Day festivities, I attended the 2012 Peachtree Health and Fitness Expo today. It was hundreds of people that filled the Georgia World Congress Center anticipating tomorrow's run.

Race participants were able pick-up their race number anytime during expo hours.  The free expo was open to the public and featured vendors from the health and fitness industry including running apparel and gear, nutritional products and injury prevention (http://www.atlantatrackclub.org/).

I am a proud Atlantan and I plan to make this a tradition.

View the video:

Course: 6.24 miles from Lenox Square to Piedmont Park

Fresh Start... New Beginnings

Hello Beautiful Ones,

I know you guys have been wondering what has been going on with Hair Kitty Kitty?

Let me explain...

A month ago, I did my first product giveaway. I did my first giveaway for a several reasons. One reason in particular was to get feedback on my blog.

I met a special young lady, who will remain anonymous, has been given me great feedback. Her comments has made me take a step back and truly rethink my motives.

She asked me a really important question, how is my blog different?

When I started this project, I wanted to have a blog that would inspire, motivate, and empower women to feel beautiful: love themselves head to toe and take care of themselves inside and out.

This statement still applies and I am working hard to become a beauty blogger that delivers honest, relatable content that you will continue to enjoy.

I am not an expert, but I am a real women that believes in health, believes in self-improvement, believes that beauty comes from within, and belives that a woman can do anything she puts her mind to.

You may purchase great magazines like Shape, Hype Hair, Family Circle, Women's Health Magazine. However, I want to create an online place to share with my readers where you can view black hairstyles, learn hair care tips, fitness, nutritional advice, and receive motivation- a one stop place. I love hair, makeup, nails, running, fitness, and everything girlie. I feel there are a lot of women that seek advice and ideas, so why not provide a place for them to receive great information?

I am like you- a real woman living in the real world and I want to be healthy, live excitingly, and be beautiful.

Yes, I am new to blogging, but I am in love with sharing my experiences... what I love eating, how I care for my hair and wear my hair, and my workouts.

I have not gone anywhere, I am just beginning!

My goal is for you to be inspired on my journey to optimal health and join me!

Luv,

Hair Kitty Kitty

Protective Style Challenge

Hello Beautiful Ones,

Are you still protecting your hair?

Protective styles are hairstyles that are used to protect the ends of your hair, which is the oldest and weakest part of the hair strand. Preserving and retaining the ends of our hair gives us the length some of us desire. Protective styles are great because they require little maintenance and it requires low manipulation to the hair, which aids in hair preservation and hair growth. Protective styles are not limited to natural hair. Beauties with straight hair can wear nice protective styles also.

When I set my hair goals, I challenged myself this year to wear protective styles 90% of the time to achieve full armpit length by April 2013.

Here is a funky updo that I am ROCKIN’ right now…

Preparation:

Followed my K.I.S.S.: Keep It Simple, Sexy regimen. I used Carol's Daughter Tui Moisturizing Shampoo, Hair Smoothie, and Leave-In Conditioner.

Braided by Kumba at Total Class Salon: Ask for Kumba or Mansata (770-952-5772)

Maintenance:

Moisturize daily by spritzing with water and sealing with virgin coconut oil and sweet almond oil mixture. Sometimes, I use African Royal Braid Spray in the morning about 4 times per week. I apply my Shea butter concoction to my edges nightly. Tie with a scarf nightly and cover with a satin bonnet. Apply a finger tip amount of Olive Oil Ecostyler gel to my edges in the morning.

Show me your protective styles. If you want length & healthy hair, join me on my protective style challenge!

Good luck on your hair journey!

Luv,

Hair Kitty Kitty

Protective Style Challenge

Hello Beautiful Ones,

Are you still protecting your hair?

Protective styles are hairstyles that are used to protect the ends of your hair, which is the oldest and weakest part of the hair strand. Preserving and retaining the ends of our hair gives us the length some of us desire. Protective styles are great because they require little maintenance and it requires low manipulation to the hair, which aids in hair preservation and hair growth. Protective styles are not limited to natural hair. Beauties with straight hair can wear nice protective styles also.

When I set my hair goals, I challenged myself this year to wear protective styles 90% of the time to achieve full armpit length by April 2013.

Here is a funky updo that I am ROCKIN’ right now…

Preparation:

Followed my K.I.S.S.: Keep It Simple, Sexy regimen. Braided by Kumba at Total Class Salon: Ask for Kumba or Mansata (770-952-5772)

Maintenance:

Moisturize daily by spritzing with water and sealing with virgin coconut oil and sweet almond oil mixture. I apply my Shea butter concoction to my edges nightly. Tie with a scarf nightly and cover with a satin bonnet. Apply a finger tip amount of Olive Oil Ecostyler gel to my edges in the morning.

Show me your protective styles. If you want length, join me on my protective style challenge!

Good luck on your hair journey!

Luv,

Hair Kitty Kitty

Protective Style Challenge

Hello Beautiful Ones,

Are you still protecting your hair?

Protective styles are hairstyles that are used to protect the ends of your hair, which is the oldest and weakest part of the hair strand. Preserving and retaining the ends of our hair gives us the length some of us desire. Protective styles are great because they require little maintenance and it requires low manipulation to the hair, which aids in hair preservation and hair growth. Protective styles are not limited to natural hair. Beauties with straight hair can wear nice protective styles also.

When I set my hair goals, I challenged myself this year to wear protective styles 90% of the time to achieve full armpit length by April 2013.

Here is a funky updo that I am ROCKIN’ right now…

Preparation:

Followed my K.I.S.S. (Keep It Simple, Sexy) regimen (K.I.S.S. details coming tomorrow). Braided by Kumba at Total Class Salon: Ask for Kumba or Mansata (770-952-5772)

Maintenance:

Moisturize daily by spritzing with water and sealing with virgin coconut oil and sweet almond oil mixture. I apply my Shea butter concoction to my edges nightly. Tie with a scarf nightly and cover with a satin bonnet. Apply a finger tip amount of Olive Oil Ecostyler gel to my edges in the morning.

Show me your protective styles. If you want length, join me on my protective style challenge!

Good luck on your hair journey!

Luv,

Hair Kitty Kitty

My Hair Stats

Blowout using tension method

 Hello Beautiful Ones,
My hair has been relaxer free since August 2007

First time seriously caring for my natural hair October 2011

Last sew-in August 2011

Hair Texture is a mix of kinky, curly and wavy hair strands. Without manipulation, my hair has spongy/cottony coiled appearance with major shrinkage

Staple Products (right now):
Giovanni Smooth as Silk moisturizing shampoo,
Giovanni Tea Tree Triple Threat invigorating shampoo,
Alaffia  Shea & Virgin Coconut Enriching Shampoo,
Organix Coconut Milk Conditioner,
Home-made protein conditioner (Eggs, Mayonnaise, Honey, Castor Oil, Olive Oil, Grapeseed Oil, Essential Oils, and Yogurt),
Aphogee 2-step Intensive Protein Treatment
Kimmaytube leave-in conditioner mixture (Kinky Curly Leave-In or Cantu Shea Butter Leave-in, Jojoba Oil, Castor Oil, Aloe Vera Juice),
Shea Moisture Curl Enhancing Smoothie,
Home-made moisturizer (Organic Shea Butter, Virgin Coconut Oil, Lavender, Glycerin, Rosemary, Cedar wood Oils).

*I do not use all at one time or all at once on my wash days

Length right now: Below shoulder... above armpit

Goal: Full Armpit length by April 2013

Good Luck on your hair journey!

Luv,

Hair Kitty Kitty

Eat Right. Eat Smart. Luv Your Body.

Hello Beautiful Ones,

I hope you have read my post about setting fitness goals. This is the first step. It is important to put a plan for success in action, before you start anything, especially if it is a life-changing event. If you have not read it, I suggest reading that article.


Now that we have had our good Easter meals, it is time to get in shape for the summer and really for the rest of our lives. I want to be honest. Over the holidays, I have had too many cheats weeks, not days and I am now starting to feel unhealthy and look less fit. I refuse to go back to the old, unhealthy me. I believe getting fit is 60% diet, 30% exercise, and 10% attitude. First, I have to possess a positive attitude about my health. Next, I must consume more water and more unprocessed, healthy foods. Lastly, I must stay physically fit through various exercises and activities. I already began to address motivation issues with my article, I Can’t Get Motivated. I provided ways to stay encouraged and stay excited about getting healthy.

With this post, I want to get you started with a meal plan. Notice that I did not say “diet”, because I want to encourage you to get into practice of changing your relationship with food and instill those principles for life, not promote a temporary fix. Along this journey, you may find that developing a good relationship with food is the most difficult part. 



Courtesy of Will the Trainer



Here are a few guidelines to follow when developing a solid nutrition plan:

*This helped me to lose 25 pounds

1. More Food=More Muscle=Less Flab: Eat Five to Six Meals a Day
• Increases metabolism which will change your body composition by losing fat and adding lean muscle mass
• Balances energy
• Eat 3 Regular Meals and 2-3 Snacks Daily. Alternate larger meals with smaller snacks. Eat two of your Snacks roughly 2 hours before lunch and dinner and 2 hours after dinner.  Eat the largest meal for lunch.
• Enforces Portion Control
2. Eat Well-Balanced, Fat-Burning Food
• Almonds and other nuts, eggs, peanut butter, olive oil, whole-grain breads and cereals, spinach, broccoli, and other green vegetables, beans and legumes, oatmeal, fish, turkey, and other lean meats, raspberries and other berries.
3. Make Delicious Smoothies
• A quick & healthy meal
• Meal substitutions and a potent snack
• Add berries, fruit, whey protein powder, or peanut butter for a more satisfying flavor and it will lessen a dessert craving.
4. Don't Obsess with Calorie Counting
• Helpful to count-calories to jump-start a workout.
• Obsessing will make you lose motivation and feel discouraged or frustrated if you go over the amount of your set caloric intake.
• Focus on eating the right foods at the right time. Portion control is the key.
5. Cut Down on Empty Calories- Alcohol, soda, etc.
• Soda, Beer, Wine, Alcoholic beverages are empty calories (adds calories that you do not need) and can contribute to weight gain when consume in excess.
• Alcoholic beverages don't make you feel full; does not aid in less food consumption
• Encourages body to eat more and burn less fat
• Drink more water for hydration
• Drink alcohol in moderation.
6. Have a Cheat Meal Once per Week
• Treat yourself once a week to avoid binge eating on unhealthy foods
• More likely to stick with a nutrition plan
• Lessens cravings throughout the week
• Plan it each week, Girl's Night, Sunday Night Football, whatever works for you.
• Reward yourself for your hard work

How I make this work for me:

I created my own meal plan so it will be easy for me to stay on track with my goals. Since I have gained a little weight since last year, I plan to follow this faithfully. Furthermore, constructing a meal plan helps me save time (I know what I am eating each week and can shop accordingly) and money (Not eating out every day).


 This is a solid, well-balanced meal plan; not a diet.

Hair Kitty Kitty's Example Meal Plan

	Sunday	Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday	Friday	Saturday
Meal  1	Oatmeal w/ or w/o Raisins, Or Low-Calorie Protein (flavor of your choice) and can add fruit Or Mixed Fruit	Whole-grain Cereal Or Protein Shake	Oatmeal w/ Raspberries Or Protein (Egg Whites, Lean Meat, low-cal English Muffin)	Protein Shake Or Whole-grain Waffles w/ lite syrup or organic honey	Oatmeal w/Cranberries Or Mixed Fruit & Fiber Bar	Protein Shake Or Fiber Cereal w/ Whole-grain toast	Egg Whites & Lean Protein (can also add veggies like spinach) Can have small cup of fruit
Snack	Dry Nuts (raw almonds) Or 1 Cup of Yogurt (non-fat) Or Fiber Bar	Fruit	Fiber Bar & Fruit Or Yogurt & Fruit	Dry nuts (1 handful) & Fruit	Fruit & Nuts Or Yogurt & Fruit Or Fiber Bar and Nuts	Nuts Or Fruit and Yogurt	Fruit and Yogurt
Meal 2	Protein, Complex Carb  & Veggies (lean beef, fish, chicken or beans)	Green leafy salad w/ Grilled Chicken	Protein, Complex Carb, and Veggies	Protein, Complex Carb, and Veggies	2-3 serving of Veggies w/ Beans	Protein and Veggies	Small Cup of Cooked Beans w/ Veggies, and/or small side salad
Snack	Fruit & 1 cup of steamed spinach	protein shake	Fruit & 1 cup of Veggies	Fruit	protein shake	Fruit	Veggies and fruit
Meal 3	Protein and Veggies	Protein and Veggies	Salad w/ Protein	Protein Shake	Protein and Veggies	Salad w/ Protein	Meal of My Choice

This illustration below is a great tool to understand portion control when preparing your meals:



Courtesy of http://www.msvblogs.com/

Incorporate the Healthy Recipe of the Week into this meal plan.

I suggest that you try to eat every 2-3 hours so that your metabolism does not slow. Properly fueling your body also balances energy levels throughout the day, so midday you don't crash and burn. Moreover, I don't want your body to hold on to fat that you want to lose.

*** If you do not like Oatmeal, eat a whole grain waffle. You can substitute some items. Remember, develop a plan specific to your needs and taste. Remember, you have to be creative and inventive when undergoing a fitness plan.

Please consult a physician before starting a new fitness program or making changes to your diet.

Look out for my post coming soon in which I will offer the benefits of eating certain foods.

Let me know if you like my meal plan. Would you try this? Was this helpful?

Good luck on your journey to optimal health!

Luv,

Hair Kitty Kitty