I keep my sideburns at the top of my ear, where the arms of eye glasses would sit.

As to your beard, you just need to let the cowlick grow out. And if you want a long beard, you cannot keep trimming it. I suggest you do not trim at all, but some guys do minor surface trimming to keep it more even, emphasis on minor.

You can give a blow dryer a try on the cowlick while it grows out.

My Beard Journey:  http://jefffsbeardboard.yuku.com/topic/25137/Finally-I-have-a-Beard
Beard and Bald Thread:  http://jefffsbeardboard.yuku.com/topic/27831/Beard-bald-head-shaved-head-or-buzzcut
Patchy Beard Success Stories:  http://jefffsbeardboard.yuku.com/topic/33742/Patchy-Beard-success-stories-Before-and-After-photos#.ViujbH7nuM8
Taming the Wild Mustache:  http://jefffsbeardboard.yuku.com/topic/30822/Taming-the-Wild-Stache#.Vj_Mh7erTIU