Great, Brandon, I'm glad that helped. As for growing a big beard I think you approach is sound. I didn't get to this point because I set this as a goal. Rather, I got here because I always wanted to have a neat, trim beard and, as the months went by I just let it get bigger while keeping it trimmed. The nice thing about this approach is that if you reach a point where you don't like it you know you can easily trim back to something that looks good.

Tom


Some helpful links:
Library Central of Beard Growing


Taming the Wild Mustache
Tips for eating and drinking with a big mustache

Excess on occasion is exhilarating. It prevents moderation from acquiring the deadening effect of a habit. ~ W. Somerset Maugham
A jerk with a beard is just a bearded jerk, but a bearded gentleman is awesomeness personified. ~ Triibeard