by Adrienne (Second Wave) of Natural Embrace

Hair:
I didn’t really get the hang of my regimen until November, so I can’t say that this challenge was completely successful. But in the last few months, I have noticed that my hair does seem healthier, if not much longer. The first picture shows what little growth I’ve achieved (after a brief stint at straightening that I decided not to finish and opted to try Naptural85’s Winter Wash and Go instead). I think most of that was due to starting my method of leaving in a deep conditioner instead of a lighter leave-in.

July 2011

January 2012

I love forward to taking part in the next GOC segment! I’m going to continue with my regimen. But, until the next challenge starts, I’ve decided to do something a little different. At the end of January, I installed yarn braids and I did them all myself! I didn’t think that I could do it, but it was so much easier than I expected. It also only took about ten and a half hours, which was nice because I’d been reading posts about people taking 20 to 24 hours! My braids aren’t very small and the braiding isn’t perfect, but it’ll hold together for the next six weeks until I take them out, take a two week break, and put them back in.

Prior to putting them in, I made sure my hair was super moisturized and sealed, that way I won’t suffer from any dryness
over the next few weeks. I’m only going to do this style for the remaining cold weather season. I can’t see this style working for me in the summer since I think I’d get too hot. I wish I had done the yarn braids sooner! I love them and I love that I can just get up and go in the mornings. I want to try curling the ends some time, because I’m not digging the straight look too much and think the curls would be a cute addition.

Fitness:
As for fitness, I did pretty well in January. I made it to the gym about four times a week. And, in the last two weeks, I started the Insanity workout and … well the name is pretty accurate. I thought I was getting into shape by running on the treadmill and doing Stairmaster. But clearly my cardio is lacking, because a thirty minute cardio segment on Insanity literally leaves me gasping on the floor. I’ve had these DVDs for months and I’m only just now doing this workout. I don’t know what took me so long, but I’m glad I started! I don’t follow the six days a week schedule, but I try to do at least five, so hopefully I’ll start to see results soon!

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Success isn’t always just the goal, it’s often the journey Adrienne! So, with that said, I’d call this GOC a success as you’ve learned how to better care for your hair during this process. So, congrats! And, can’t wait to see what you’ll accomplish and learn in Round Two!!

♦