Figuring out my Finances

     I have been struggling for years to manage my finances.  I've lived paycheck to paycheck for so long it's become second nature, however, it's only by the grace of God that I've been able to pay my bills each month.  And with all that's taken place in my life recently, I've decided that now, rather than later, it's time figure out my finances and learn how to save! 

     I started with simply cutting out all of the non-necessities in my life.  That included:

     Needless to say, I had a lot of non-necessities.      

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Natural Hair Journey - Day One

     Although I've actually been natural for over a year now, I have severely neglected my hair in more ways than one which is why it has began falling out in patches all over.  So after a lot of soul searching and the desperate desire to grow my hair to an unimaginably long length, I've rededicated my efforts to properly taking care of my hair.

     In order for this to work I thought the best route to take was a public one.  Since I have always been good at starting projects and never finishing them, documenting my process is definitely the best way to hold myself accountable as time goes on.  With that said, today is day one of my natural hair journey and here is where I'm at today:

   

     This is my what my hair looked like this morning right after I took my twists out.  As you can see, there are several balding spots throughout my hair (the result of serious neglect).  My nightly routine (starting last night of course) consists of moisturizing my hair with "Cantu Shea Butter Leave-in Conditioner and Repair Cream".  This is my product of choice for now out of convenience (left over bottle from previous attempt at repairing my hair).  I will be posting a review of this product once I've gathered enough information and processed my results.

     So because my hair is so damaged, I will be using the "fake it till you make it" method which consists of styling my hair to hide the damage.  Here is what it looked like after I styled it:

 

     I think I clean up quite nicely if I may say so!  As you can see in the last pic, I was able to cover up all of the bald spots with a little fluffing (and the scarf of course).  So this is my new doo for now!  I will also be starting a biotin regimen today (one 5000mg pill a day), so we will see if that helps any.  Last but not least, here is the plan I will be following for the first month:

• Co-wash Monday, Wednesday and Friday
• Moisturize nightly with leave in conditioner and essential oils
• Twist hair nightly after moisturizing
• Cover hair with silk rag to sleep
• Take 1 biotin pill daily
•  Hydrate hair with water twice daily (use spray bottle)
• Shampoo hair once a month (to get rid stubborn build up from conditioning products)

     I will be using this method for 6 weeks and if I am not pleased with the results I will begin modifying it as I see fit.  That's it for now!

     

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