Happy New Year Babes,

I wish you a blessed year, one in which you make the most of every day, savor every moment, nourish your relationships, stand accountable for your decisions, and move forwards, if even incrementally each and every second. Do not dwell on what 2011 left behind. Charge ahead. I certainly know that I plan to.

Despite many people being against resolutions, I believe in them. I believe because I have achieved goals through resolutions. I broke into a new field, became more well read, and lost forty pounds of excess body weight as a result of resolutions I've made in years past. I believe in them because of my own success with them. This year, once again I have several resolutions, mostly related to my career and relationships. In the spirit of what BPL is all about, I encourage you to not fall prey to spending your hard earned money in pursuit of your resolutions. Unless your resolution is to save money in a bank account, it should not be taking any money out of your pocket to achieve it! If you want to lose weight, screw joining a gym, eat less and cut out processed foods. If you want to travel more, divert money from elsewhere to afford it. Well, that's my take on resolutions. Now I'll get off my soap box. I'd love to hear what you all resolve to do in 2012 and how you plan to achieve it. Let me know if you disagree. Will you be spending money on your resolution? Hit the comments box or hit me on Twitter @JisforJessy.

Lots of love,

Jessy

What I Lived, Loved and Read the Week of 12.26.11

Hey Babes,

I hope you had a fabulous week! Happy Post- Chanukah and  Happy Post- Christmas week. I can't freaking believe that Christmas came and went already (GASP!) I began my preparation in typical late fashion and it all came together okay. Now there's nothing left to do but prepare for the new year. Check out what I lived, loved and read during the week of 12.26.11:

• I cant wait until my hair grows so that I can do this(going out, not to work. Thanks. :-) ):

• I'm staying on top of thing and going into 2012 Creep Free. I hope you do too.
• Its nice to know that the commercialization of Christmas hasn't infiltrated everyone.
• who doesnt love big hair on point?

• It doesnt alwasy cost alot to snack healthy. 

Lots of love,

Jessy

Time to Get it Together

Back to the Gym Babes.This was is a holiday season filled with tasty, oh so tasty food, lots of rest and relaxation and very little exercise. Needless to say, if I want this 5K to come to fruition and I want to shed the extra pounds I've packed on since moving to Brooklyn, then I need to get my act together, head back into the gym and get running, lifting and generally moving. THIS article from US News on getting off your booty post-holiday is an oldie, but a goodie. Straight to the point. Get moving!

My plan of action today? I need to get my endurance back up and see if I have any muscle left after being so lazy over this Christmas holiday.

• 1 hour on the Precor Elliptical doing Glute 2- level 10
• 45 minutes of weight lifting
• leg extensions (4 sets of 12)
• leg curl (4 sets of 12)
• leverage squats (4 sets of 12)
• 15 lb hip extensions (3 sets of 20)
•  lots and lots and lots of stretching- probably 30 minutes of stretching in total

I hadn't realized until writing it down, how absurd it is that I don't do upper body weights. This is something that I have been doing for several months now, but I think its time to start incorporating some upper body weights into my plan so... updates to follow.

Lots of love, Jessy

Alicia Keys in Isabel Willow High-Top Sneakers (Alternative)

I love Alicia's kicks and they reminded me that sneakers don't always equate to fuddy duddy. Sorry, no offense to Swizz and Egypt; They looked nice too. lol

I found an affordable alternative to her high-tops that I'm looking forwards to testing out.

Alicia Key's Isabel Marant Sneakers (Alternative) by blueprintluxe featuring leather shoes

Happy 1 Month Birthday!

Happy Birthday! Friday 12/23 marks the 1 month anniversary of my TWA. Since my big chop, my regimen has changed a bit because I tried different products to see what worked best for me.

Shea Moisture Curling Souffle- FAIL.
Shea Moisture Replenishing DT-WIN.
Suave Naturals Apple Conditioner- WIN.
Burt's Bees Super Shiny GrapeFruit Conditioner- SEMI FAIL.
Cantu Shea Butter- WIN.
Curls Curl Refresher-WIN.
Eco-styler Olive Oil Gel- WIN.
Kinky Curly Curling Custard- OVERPRICED SEMI-WIN.
Aussie Moist- WIN.
Jamaican Black Castor Oil- WIN.
Curls Pomade- WIN.


Current Routine
I co-wash with suave naturals Or Aussie Moist about 3 times a week. After the co-wash, I apply Cantu Shea Butter Leave in and seal with JBCO. I then apply Eco-Styler and roll my palms in a small circular motion to define the coils. After lightly defining the coils, I shingle select areas that still look frizzy with additional Eco-Styler. I spritz with water throughout the process to keep it moist until I'm finished working. This works for my daily styling if my TWA.

On the non-wash days, I refresh with Curls refresher spray or water. If I don't feel like I have time to properly do my hair in the morning it becomes a DT day and I apply a DT under a plastic cap with a hat on top. Fortunately my office environment is very relaxed, so hats are not a problem for me. I don't currently have set wash days or DT days. I just co-wash on any morning I have time, DT if it starts to feel dry and at least once a week, often more.

I've seen the average 1/2 inch of growth I usually see every month. I had to stop taking Viviscal after 4 consecutive months to divert funds to the holidays. I plan to start it again after the new year but ideally would like to find a cheaper alternative.