Shedding 52 LBS Took 9 months

Questions that I get asked about my transformation

What did it for you??  What made you lose the weight?


Almost 2 years, I was in NYC visiting my favorite aunt.  She kept pulling at this lump under her arm.  Saying how it was hurting.

Fast forward to last December, I noticed the same lump.  Mine didn't hurt, however, it felt as if it were growing.  I would go to the dr and have them tell me it was nothing.  However, I was scared and I wanted to do everything to prevent that from becoming a reality.


Later on I would be watching Dr. Oz.  He was saying that if your waist is above 35 inches that you put yourself at risk for all sorts of disease, such as; hypertension, cancer, diabetes and a host of other issues.  My waist was 38.  During this journey, I have had a very many highs.  However, the one that made me cry the most was when my waist measured in at 34.  Currently, I have a 31 inch waist.

I felt as if, Dr Oz came sat on the couch and held my hand.  Rather than choosing to be scared to DEATH, I got scared into LIFE.



Healthy eating began that day!

One of the best things I was told was by a personal trainer..She told me to pretty much think of food as FUELING my body rather than feeding my body.
I have given up soda.

The strongest thing I drink is a smoothie.
Breakfast will be a Green smoothie, oatmeal with fruit or Kashi cereal with fruit.
Snacks are Almonds, string cheese or Fruit.
Lunch could be a sub (subway) or chili and a salad from Wendys..Jr Hamburger from Wendys with fruit cup or side salad..
Dinner - could be anything from Chinese food to actually something healthy.

Sample dinner is Grilled chicken, baked sweet potato spinach.

I try to stay away from processed food and eat mostly fresh fruit and veggies.

Yes, I still eat pizza and ice cream.  I just don't eat a whole pizza or a whole tub of ice cream, like I used to.


Another statement that woke me up was by none other that Richard Simmons.
Richard Simmons was on the Dr's shortly after the Dr. Oz epiphany   He stated, 'Each time that you overeat, you are in essence creating food suicide.'

Also, I recommend a good support system.  Fit For Life Sisters is the one that I use.  It is Christian based and filled with awesome ladies.

NY Times Reporter Documents Transitioning

Here  is the complete story.

I believe her intention was to write a story.  Somehow, she decided to transition.  At first, I was disturbed by her statement, "I already look ugly.

She also states that she feels that going natural is a political choice, as well.  Not really sure how I feel about that statement either.

For me, each time that I went natural it was because this tenderheaded girl, does not like to many hands in my hair.  I always hated going to the beauty shop.  

Shades of Orange

Got the title of the post from Shades of Grey.  By now most people have either heard of or read the book by E.L. James.  Supposedly, Selena Gomez is going to play Anastasia Steel. Don't know how to feel about that one.

On to the title of this post...

Shades of Orange:

During the past 5 months, I have worked my bootay off.  During that time, I have gone from a size 18, weighing in at 221 lbs.  Currently, I weigh 185 and wear a size 10, depending on the cut.

Looking over my photos, its easy to see orange is one of my favorite colors.

As stated on http://crystal-cure.com/orange.html Here is what is said about ORANGE.

Orange is a power color. It is one of the healing colors. It is said to increase the craving for food. It also stimulates enthusiasm and creativity. Orange means vitality with endurance. People who like orange are usually thoughtful and sincere. Lady luck's color is orange.

I started out with Jillian Michaels, thanks to my #OGcurly -Crissy

Began to notice that I felt good after working out, but not really challenged. After 30 days of Jillian, I moved on to Supreme 90 by Tom Holland.  I love his workouts!  Tom reminds me of myself.  He starts on one thing and then next thing I know, we're doing something else.  Talk about muscle confusion.  The 10 set of DVD's cost 19.99 at most locations. (Walmart, Amazon and Dollar General)  You will need a stability ball and weights for most workouts.  However, if you don't have the ball, most videos show how to workout without it.

Karen's Body Beautiful Give Away

One Lucky Winner 

Will receive the following 

From Karen's Body Beautiful

Recently my makeup was done by Miss Jones of Miss Jones Makeup Artistry

I felt so beautiful!

To enter the contest, you must do two things:

1. You must like Miss Jones of Miss Jones Makeup Artistry Facebook Page.  Once on the page, say you were sent by Coily Encounters. sidenote..If you live in SC, Miss Jones is also having a free makeover giveaway on her page!
2. Write a statement explaining why your coils make you feel beautiful.

Good Luck! 

The winning statement will be selected by Miss Jones.  The winner will be announced on her page on Friday, May 25, 2012.

Sorry this contest is open to US Residents only.

Wendy Williams with Natural Hair Wig

Late last night, was turning channels and got a glimpse of Wendy Williams with Curly Hair wig.

I kind of like it.  Looks like it needs just a little more shape to it.  

Perhaps, Wendy will start rocking her natural hair.

What are your thoughts?  

I almost had a NaturalHair style

Today's Encounter:  I went to my dad's church .  Usually, I do this when I need to hear something special just from him.  Being the cry baby that I am, feeling rather proud of myself.
Only when I was introduced as his daughter, did I get emotional.
When it is pretty outside, I miss him.  Mainly, because I can imagine him golfing.  Then, after golfing he would call and just hang out at my house.

While at my dad's church, I noticed 3 coily girls.  Yes, I invited them to the May 19th event.  One remembered an event that I had a few years back.  (insert smiley face)

Last night ,as I was talking with Karen, I told her of the big plans that I had for my hair.

It was supposed to turn out like this:

However, it turned out more like this

Man, I wish I could cornrow!  Mine always comes out puffy!  

I am going to try the style minus the cornrows.  

Will definitely, keep my coils posted

Happy Sunday!

Greenville, SC-- National Natural Hair Meetup Day

The largest interactive Natural hair affair is on the way!  Greenville, Spartanburg, and Anderson, South Carolina, are you READY!!!




Coily Encounters is planning the largest Natural Hair event to come to the Upstate Area.   

Please refrain from having small children attend this event with you, as we will not have a designated space to accomodate them (exceptions made for nursing infants). Older children may attend at your own discretion however, they MUST be ticketholders.

Ask event planner about special discount ---Day of Event

Portion of the proceeds will benefit Breast Cancer Research via Greenville Cancer Society

Through the Decades- An ode to my birthday

This year, things are a little different, there is no trip to report.  Nothing special being done.  Today is a day of reflection.

A friend once wrote the following about me..The "March Fourth" thing has always resonated with me:

Know that you are victorious in all you set your mind to because....... you were predestined to arrive "on stage" precisely on the day after the "MARCH FORTH" command was given!  The next expletive uttered was by your mother when she hollered out loudly and proclaimed, ............."LAWD!!....have Marci!"

This little girl is still here, still wanting to do things that are so different from the NORM!

My mom says, that I was 2 in this picture.  I still want to know what I'm thinking! 


Next come your preteen years.   My sister, J (Left) and I .  She will forever be my no girl!!!lol

Being a teenager with the strictest father on the planet sure want any fun!  He once told me, 'There is nothing open after 12 but a woman's legs'.  My curfew was 11 until, I turned 25! 

I got in trouble for coming home, at 2.  My dad asked if I needed a timex?


Then on January 16,1992..I was introduced to the love of my life!!!
Here he is at 16! my SON!~!!!

I have done some crazy thangs,

Met some interesting people.

I owe my life to one special person, Ms Vonnie Coils (inside joke).  On this day, I celebrate her!
The prettiest woman I know, aint she fly???! 

Thank you, mother for giving me life!  On this day back in 1967, she, birthed ME!  Thank you isn't or will never be enough! 

Love,

Me