No More Poo

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What in the world???

Who does that!!?

I am talking about no more Shampoo. A few months back I read a friend's blog post about her mission to stop using shampoo. I was like.. 'uh, ok!' But as I continued to watch her progression pictures I noticed such a huge change. I then began to research it. All you have to google is my title 'no more poo' and you will pull up many blogs. As much as I DESIRED to try it, there was no way, no how.

You see... I am a full out grease ball. If I do not wash my hair the morning of, it is sweating grease. If I wash my hair the night before, sleep on it, then get up and not wash it... rest assured the grease will be oozing by lunch time. If I am hot or sweaty, it comes that much faster. So there was no way that I could try not using shampoo. I mean, SERIOUSLY???? I can't even go a single day without washing my hair. I have always said it was so unfair.

Picture is courtesy of this website because I am too lazy to take my own.

I have always felt a bit shafted between my sister and I. I have always been the short one, her tall. I have always been chunky, her not. I have always been a little less graceful, her name is the definition of Grace :) Ok.. I am being nice there. But really. We are so opposite.. I really thought I was adopted at one time. Our brother was tall too!!! I have the large chest, her.. not! It just wasn't fair. She has HAIR that is amazing... will curl, be straight, go without washing.. not me. Do you guys see how unfair it has been?? Oh AND she gets to be the baby of not only our family.. but the extended family. Spoiled.

With that said, a couple of months ago I decided I was going to give it a shot. My hair was falling out so bad.. I could not figure out why. Seemed to be doing it at a quicker pace than normal. The husband and I talked and we decided I should give this a try. So.. I did. I got my 2 spray bottles and all of my goods and got ready for it!!!

Supplies:

2 Spray Bottles

Water

Baking Soda

Apple Cider Vinegar

I pretty much followed the local gal's directions to begin with and it worked for me. This time around I decided to leave out the apple cider vinegar. It is more of a conditioning.. we shall see how it holds up without using it. I personally did not like the smell of it.. though it went away rather quickly.

So what happened to make me stop? I did a MUD RUN!! When we got home from it I was rushing to get cleaned so we could go on our mini-vacation. Needless to say, I used my shampoo.. and kept using it. Loving the smell, clean feeling, etc. But I have noticed in the past two to three weeks that my hair is so greasy all the time after like 8 hours of being washed. SO... it was time to start this again.. And now you get to share it with me! 

The ideal ratio is 1tbsp. of baking soda to 1 cup of water..... I put it in a spray bottle and put it all throughout my hair. I especially used it on the scalp and massaged it around... The apple cider vinegar is important on your ends, I have read. I dunno. I will keep you posted on how it goes. 

If you want more information these are the two blogs I have used while deciding to do it:

Here and Here

Today I woke up and rinsed my hair with water, massaging it while I did it.. After it dried on its own.. because of course I do not use a hair dryer.. This is what it looked like. I can't believe I am posting this with no make up and baggy eyes.. but I have yet to get ready for the day and it is almost 3pm. This is a day off people!! Don't judge me! I am pleased with Day 1. 

I will keep you posted!! 

-Big Sis

Don't forget.. 2 more days for the Sweaty Band Giveaway!! 

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Blue Mantle

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So I have recently made a few changes to my living room.  

Since I have been married the color scheme has basically been my wedding colors, a burnt orange, brown, and tanish color! I have loved it, and I have been able to use a lot of my wedding props for decor, which is awesome by the way, and a great tip to keep in mind if you are planning a wedding ;-) 

Anyways though, recently I started thinking about how I would love to make some color scheme changes, but to do that to the whole living room is A LOT of $$$. So I decided to add in a color, and I chose royal blue.  Which has never been my favorite color in life, but recently I have really started to like it.  

I made some minor decoration changes with the color blue, and some other more major changes to my living room.  

In this post I am going to start out by sharing the smallest changes that I have made, and in the coming days I will reveal more to you all! I am loving the blue color addition with my orange and brown, but still there is more that I have in mind to do, I just need the time to finish up. 

Anyways, so the first change was in creating a Blue Mantle! 

It is by no means covered in blue, but considering this has never been a color I have used in my home, it was fun to add some splashes of color around! 

I am especially excited about this fun Polaroid Project that I put together.  First, as you notice I have several old cameras on my mantle...which is something that I love! 

I recently snagged a $1 old Polaroid camera from a garage sale and was so excited.  Although the film inside did not work, there were some strips still inside of it, so I used them to make my own Polaroid photos.  Basically I printed out small pics of us with our best friends in Destin from this summer, and modge-podged them onto the Polaroid strips.  I didn't mind the way it turned out! Then I got a tile from a stack in our garage and used some fabric (which you will see more of in our living room) and threw this together.  It's different, but I really like it! 

Another thing I have snagged some of this summer are these Reader's Digest condensed books.  Which if you don't have any, start keeping an eye out, they are so cute! Each one of the different colored books has an awesome pattern on the front of it.  I would say that I paid $5 for all of those books! I displayed the one with the coral and blue on it, to add some more blue to the mantle.  

And then of course my signature "cheap" piece of my mantle decor.....a wine bottle there at the end! 

I ALWAYS use wine bottles on my mantles! WHY? Because I keep them, aka Reduce, Reuse, & Recycle, which really makes them a free decoration piece, and you can do so much with them! Paint them, wrap them, cover them, fill them.....the possibilities are endless and fun! 

On the other side I have a few more cameras, books, and another wine bottle (see this one is painted white and then I wrapped it with blue tulle).  And behind all that is my Scentsy. 

I really do love the way it turned out! 

Just remember...changing your color scheme up doesn't have to cost a ton of money! You can do it by just the little things....before you go changing everything, see what you can add in to what you already have! I am loving my orange and blue right now! And it was very simple to do! 

-Little Sis 

Don't forget to go enter our GIVEAWAY to win a cute Sweaty Band!!! 

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Sweaty Bands Review & Giveaway!

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I am so excited to share this fun GIVEAWAY with you all today! This head band, or SWEATY BAND is the official name is made to be stylish while you stay fit! What I love about it is that you can go from one part of life to another and it is functional and CUTE! So read a little more about what we thought about it and then enter the awesome GIVEAWAY at the bottom!! 

Little Sis

I am so excited to share with you a little about the sweaty band with you! Look how cute, I almost don't even look like I'm going to work out in these photos huh...? I mean the sweaty band is so stylish I love it! One of the first things I noticed about the sweaty band when I received it was how well put together it is.  It is very nice and sturdy. I wore it to run and do weights a few times, and even kept it on throughout the night of being home.  I remember all of a sudden realizing, "Wow this head band hasn't moved any!" It really did stay on my head well! I wasn't having to readjust it or anything while I worked out, and for several hours it was in place.  It is probably because of the special fabric on the inside! 

How great is it that you can get a cute and stylish sweaty band and workout in it! Then you could change clothes and leave your hair the same and be ready for a normal day! 

I actually wore my sweaty band to church one Sunday with my hair fixed down real cute! 

Oh, and here's one of me with my sweet dog Bella-Jane! She loved the Sweaty Band too! I'm so glad we get to give one of these bands away! 

Big Sis here.. I am so sad that I do not have a picture of me in my Sweaty Band AND I let a friend borrow it to check it out- Talk about slacking!!! The band that I have is a Big Circle Band and it is red and white. Much like this one here. I especially love how stylish the Sweaty Bands are. When we got them in the mail it was so hard to decide which ones we wanted to keep and which one we wanted to give away.. They were all so cute. We decided to leave the cutest one (in our opinion) for one of you guys. We hope you will enjoy it just like we have. 

I especially love that they have such an assortment. You can also get one custom made. I would have to say that this headband, for me, works better if I am doing a simple, slower workout. I still had the same problem that I have had with other head bands, where it would fall off. Perhaps it is my hair? I always have to use bobby pins on headbands while working out and this one was the same way. I wonder if a skinny band would be better? But this one is so cute and precious and can be used just in everyday wear, not just working out!! 

The winner will win the Sweaty Band below!! We can't wait to see which one of you gets to strut this beauty while working out hard in the gym! Giveaway goes from Wednesday to Monday!! Happy Giveaway! 

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Naturally-Nifty Party #29

Pin It Hey everyone!!
OMG! I am so sorry I, (Little Sis) have not been around the blog this past week! I have missed everyone so much and just feel like I have neglected you! But I am excited to be back in the game and bringing you the Naturally-Nifty Party today! Can you believe we have almost hosted 30 of these awesome get togethers! I am excited to see what yall have come up this week....and later I am excited to show you some of the things I have been up to around my own home! So stay tuned this week!


As you guys have seen... I, big sis, have really grown many vegetables this year with our raised beds that we built. One of the things that I didn't do, but intrigues me is pickling some of them. I told myself that I will try it next year, as I am pretty sure I am a little late in the game. I was so excited this week to see the link up from Leslie at Leslie Marquez Designs about her Pickled Peppers. What an easy 'recipe' to pickle the peppers. Especially for a vegetable that produces in mass quantitates, like she said, it is good to have a plan. I am so excited to try this in the future. If I can find some at the local farmers market, I might just try it sooner rather than later. If I do- I will let you know how it goes! Thanks, Leslie.

I am loving this Mint Sweet Tea Recipe shared by Whimsically Homemade last week! This is a perfect summer--out in the heat drink! I am so excited to get some mint leaves and try this! My family LOVES sweet tea, so I think it could be really fun and rather refreshing, and this would be a great backyard party BBQ drink to serve to your guests! 

We hope that you will join us this week and link up your favorite posts! Remember these are Pinned to our PINTEREST Boards! 

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Guest Post: Running Her First 5K

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We are so EXCITED to have Elise sharing with us today! For those of you that think you will never be a runner, read on and let Elise inspire you! 

Hello hello! I'm Elise, the face and blogger behind That's Comma With A K.

I'm so excited to be guest posting today and sharing with you readers a little about me!

I'm a twenty-something wife to a chemical engineer by day, who seems to turn into a Wyoming rancher by the weekend. I'm lucky enough to be a stay-at-home mama to the most amazing little boy...ever. I blog in sweats, during nap-time, instead of doing the dishes or the laundry...oh and I have big hair, and when I say big hair, it adds at least a good inch!

Raise your hand if you have run the happiest 5k on the planet ?!

I HaVe, I HaVe!

3.1 miles of color madness to be exact!

I should preference this post and say [as I've said many times before] I am a complete

wanna-be runner. I don't think I have ever ran more than a mile, at one time, for fun, before. ever.
But after having my son, and wanting to get rid of the baby weight once and for all, I felt like I needed something to switch up my work-outs even more. So I signed up for my very first 5k back in February,trained my little heart out for the past few months,and finally ran it this past weekend in Denver!

For those of you who haven't heard about The Color Run, here's the shortest version of what this race is all about....It's known as the happiest 5k on the planet [because it truly is]...all of the proceeds go to charity, & at every kilometer there is a "color station" that you run through and get "colored" [see below]!

Here we are. so fresh. so clean, before the race!

I was able to run with the most amazing women!
"h o t   m a m a s   o n  t h e   r u n!"

 [the blue "coloring" station]

[running through the yellow color station!]

 [I had the best and cutest side line cheerleader. ever.]

  [after the race, all colored up!]

 
I don't think I've had this much fun while running in...forever. I think I finally understand the phrase "working out can be fun!"
Every single one of you should probably just do yourself a favor and sign up for a Color Run near you! I've had so many people email me about the race, about my experience, and asking questions, so here's some pointers [you know, since I'm pretty much pro now!]
-wear sunglasses!
-bring a bandana to cover your mouth from the color dust!
-Your hair will be a rainbow of colors once you are done running, so plan the next few days accordingly!
-When your child freaks out because he doesn't recognize you after your race, don't get sad...be happy that you are that colorful!
-Don't be alarmed if you blow your nose afterwards and you have purple and turquoise snot!
-Be prepared for the best morning of your life!

 I just signed up for another Color Run back in my home state of Idaho...
I just can't get enough!

Stop by the Blog anytime!! 

Don't forget about our two Giveaways!! Only a FEW more hours!

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Naturally-Nifty Party #28 & CO-HOST

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WELCOME TO THE PARTY!

We would like to introduce to you Angela from Juggling Act Mama! One of our wonderful sponsors this month stopping by to co-host the party! 

Hello, all your nifty Natural Nesters! I’m Ang (as in, short for Angela) and I blog over at Juggling Act Mama. I have two young children (three if you count my husband, heehee) and work full time outside the home. I have a love/hate relationship with trying to do it all. I share loads of recipes, some fun activities, cool DIY projects, and even book reviews – I hope you’ll come visit me soon!

I had a hard time deciding on my favorite project - there were so many awesome ones here!  But since a I have a little one at home (Olivia is 17 months) who loves to do everything her big brother does (Ethan is 4)

My favorite is Baby's First Watercolor from Small Things with Love.  I just adore Nancy's idea of creating watercolor animals by using the vinyl - and they are super cute all framed.  What a fantastic gift they would be, or addition to a baby book (ahem - remind me to get working on that!)
jugglingactmama.blogspot.com--Facebook--Twitter--Pinterest--BlogLovin--Google+

Big Sister's Weekly Pick

Our friends over at House of Helton shared with us budgeting tips through Budgeting 101. The best part is she gave us free printables. I really enjoyed this because right now we are in the process of *possibly* moving and I am having to figure out how to budget again. We will now be going down to one income and I am going to have to truly budget for the first time in years. I always love when I see people post about budgeting or saving... it is encouraging and always neat to me to see how others do it. Thanks for sharing.

Little Sister's Weekly Pick

Kara from Happy Go Lucky made this awesome Jute Wrapped Toy BIn! I am so impressed with this, and feel like this is a dream for moms! Not only does it have wheels so it's easy to move, but it is also cute and stylish! She did awesome on these, and they started out as plastic tubs.  Definitely go check them out and see the full construction of this awesome project! And you could use this for some many organizational things in your home.  Specifically a hamper or laundry basket comes to mind, but there are endless possibilities! 

Grab a Button if you were featured! 

Be sure to Follow us on Pinterest to see some of our favorite posts of the week and the features! 

Now it's time for the PARTY!

We would love for you all to follow our blog & grab a button to put up on your sidebar! 

Thanks & have fun mingling! 

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Blast from the Past: Mt. Fuji

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It has been 3 years since we had the time of our life climbing Mt. Fuji. This post is going to be a blast from the past! :) I am going to include in this blog the post I wrote after we got home from Mt. Fuji in Tokyo, Japan! After that post I will show you some beautiful pictures of the country we called home for three years.... 

This is my man and me today! :) 

What a great story I have for our little baby! :) We have pictures, tons of them from our weekend in Tokyo.. but I just have not gotten around to uploading them yet. Something else has totally sidetracked my brain! Can you even believe that Nate and I will be having a baby? We are the people that no one expected to have a baby. I mean, logically- it only makes sense right? We have been married over 6 years- I have a Masters- he is doing great in his career.. But all in all, who cares about the next step?? We are very happy. In a great state of shock.. YES!!! On Thursday we will be six weeks a long! It is so hard not to worry.. and for those of you that know me, you know that I am a HUGE worrywort.. but I am giving this to God and praying over our baby all day everday! Please join in with us on that!! It is funny how it happened:

I was on the phone with a friend the morning we got back from Tokyo.. and I was telling her about Fuji and everything since she is going this weekend. I began to explain to her this story: On our way home from Tokyo, I was nautious like CRAZY! I got sick on the bus and threw up all over my seat! :) My sweet husband cleaned it all up. She then joked with me about being pregnant! I didnt think so... but I thought- eh, Ill take a test! Mind you, for anyone that knows me.. I am VERY irregular.. so taking a test- just comes natural for me! Well when the test came up POSITIVE VERY BRIGHTLY.. I had to go wake Nate up. I was kinda freaking. So 5 home tests later... and one confirmation from the doctor.. WE ARE PREGNANT..

But as we look back on the few weeks past.. we see so many signs that we were not reading into being pregnant. A little over a week ago, Nate was popping my back and I just complained about my chest hurting so bad.. but in all honesty, we didnt think anything of it. The nautious feeling the days before we found out, we just thought it was from teh high altitude of Fuji and then being carsick.. And it is funny because the night before I found out.. we were sitting here at home and he asked me "why have you started eating so much more?" which it isnt muuuch more- but anyone that kinows me.. knows that I limit myself.. and I seemed to be snacking more!!!

We cant believe it!! We are so happy.. it is becoming more real as the hours go by. I can not wait until the first ultrasound! I thnk it is great that I climbed Fuji.. preggo too! THANK GOD that I wasnt sick going up and down the mountain! :) So, that is our story-- Ill keep you posted!

Written July 28, 2009

What great memories that day, of finding out we were having our little one... But for now, I would LOVE to share some pictures of our Fuji Trip and relive that awesome weekend with you..

The day we arrived in Tokyo

Climbing to the Summit of Mt. Fuji

Beautiful.. we were above the clouds

We are almost there! (My pictures got all out of order)

Torii Gate

We only have a few steps left! 

Night after climbing Mt. Fuji, notice our sun burns! 

Going back down! 

Morning After.. Breakfast, Japanese style.. 

Beautiful

This is down low- it isn't to foggy

Look at that

Oh, yes we did climb that! 

Going up...

And up...

This was something I will never forget. Japan holds such a special place in my heart and will ALWAYS hold that place. Climbing Mt. Fuji was one of the last things we did before finding out our lives were about to change- FOR THE BETTER! My husband and I were so blessed to be able to have so many experiences before our little boy came... but we continue to enjoy life even still-- with a 2 year old! 

Anyways, I just wanted to share my blast from the past with you guys!! 

What is your most memorable vacation/trip?

-Big Sis! 

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SPIBelt Winner AND Another Giveaway!

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Happy Friday Guys!

First we want to start this day out right and share with you who our winner is for that awesome SPIBelt! We put it through Rafflecopter and out of 305 entries, 115 got it! The winner is Jill S. Jill you have until Sunday morning to contact us with your address! :) Or we pick another winner. We hope you enjoy your SPIbelt as much as we enjoy ours!! 

a Rafflecopter giveaway NOW, we have another awesome giveaway to share with you today! 

We are so excited about this one! 

Honestly it is such a random item, but such a genius invention and so handy! 

For real I am just very impressed with the design of this product.  

Even my husband, the entrepreneur, was very impressed with this little gadget, and I for one am so excited to own this, AND...to be able to give one away to one of our fantastic readers! 

Today's GIVEAWAY is the ultra-trendy Travalo Refillable Perfume Spray!

HOW IT WORKS: 

Do you have a favorite perfume....do you hate that to take it with you on trips or in your purse that you have to either risk taking your nice class bottle with you and it breaking, or you have to buy a travel size bottle along with the nice large bottle you keep at home? Well the Travalo fixes that. This refillable bottle has an awesome suction at the bottom of the bottle that allows you to fill it up with almost any perfume.  All you do is take the normal cap of your perfume and stick it in the bottom of the Travalo and pump.  It will them fill up the travel bottle and you remove the large one and you now have your very own travel size and full size bottle of perfume.  And the best part is, is that it can be refilled later after you use it all! 

I'm telling you this product is awesome! 

WHY THE TRAVALO IS SO GREAT: 

-It is a travel size bottle

-It is small enough to take in your carry-on suitcase in a plane

-It is refillable

-You can fill it up on your own with your favorite perfume

-It is light weight

-It is stylish, cute, and trendy

-It is not class, so it won't break inside your bag

-It fits into your palm

-You can throw it in your bag and take it to the gym so that you don't smell after working out

-You can pull it out of your purse and it is a cute accessory to use anywhere

-It doesn't leak

-It is easy to use

 See how cute this is! 

 See how sleek and small it is! 

Don't you want to win one of these for yourself? 

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