To Poo or Not to Poo

That title sounds pretty bad,doesn’t it? But I’ve been reading about people who don’t shampoo their hair or have cut way back on the amount of shampooing that they do. (hence, “no poo”)
Some people can't imagine not washing every day, even if their hair isn't oily. Is it just psychological? People get in the shower and think they have to wash from head to toe. People don't want to be 'dirty.’

Most women know that harsh chemicals can damage your face, hands and skin so why should your hair be any different? Chemicals found in shampoos may actually be drying out our hair. Indeed, nothing kills your color faster than frequent lathers, especially for red or brunette colored hair. (I know that for a fact!) Supposedly when you over-shampoo your hair, your hair is over-secreting oil in order to survive.

Doing some research I found that coarse, curly, dense textured-hair can go longer without washing because that type of hair is more dry and it absorbs the oil. It's more beneficial for people with that hair to not wash every day. Moisturized hair is cooperative hair. It will be shinier and have curl and style memory.

Ok, so how long can we go between shampoos and what’s the best way to go about this? Talking to a cosmetologist he suggested starting out at the end of the week. If you’re not busy on Saturday, try it Saturday morning. If you’re comfortable, go without again on Sunday. The more days in between your shampoos, the more beneficial it can be for your hair.

His recommendation is to wet your hair everyday and condition from the roots to the scalp. He feels that conditioning every day is very important. You should allow enough time for the water to really soak your hair. After your hair is wet, condition hair from the roots to the scalp, working the conditioner in. Do not place the conditioner directly onto your scalp—your hair will look greasy. You need to thoroughly rinse out the conditioner. Your hair should not feel slick or slippery.

I’ve tried skipping one day but that’s the bravest I’ve been. Maybe now that I’m done teaching I’ll experiment and try going longer between shampoos this summer. What do you think? Would you ever try going a week without shampooing, or are you addicted to a daily lather? Leave a comment and tell us!

20 Worst Drinks in America

I saw a Twitter post (thanks, Anne-Marie at Brambleberry) that had a link to an astonishing article on what we are drinking. For instance, Sobe Green Tea has the same equivalent sugar as four pieces of pie! For more eye-opening facts go to http://ht.ly/1PPNl

I'll stick with plain ol' water--although I like to jazz it up with lemon. Do you add anything to your water?

Me,Myself and Eye

Follow these easy tips for the prettiest eyes ever.
* Mascara frames your eyes and can make your face come alive. To apply mascara look straight into your mirror with your chin slightly lifted so you can see your lashes. Insert the wand only once and twist, don't pump. Pumping can break the brush bristles and distribute the mascara unevenly and will dry out the mascara faster. Start by rolling the wand from root to tip in a slow upward motion.

*Put mascara on upper lashes only to get that wide-eyed look. (This has been hard for me to get used to. I've always put mascara on both upper and lower lashes.)
*Use an eyelash curler to give lift to lashes. Apply a coat of mascara to set it that way.
*Eyeliners are meant to define the eyes so they should do just that; not be the focal point of your makeup. For a smudged effect use a sponge tip shadow applicator or an eye shadow brush. When your pencils are too soft refrigerate them. When they are too hard soften them by holding them between your fingers. Never line the inside rim of your lower lashes; this will make eyes look even smaller.
*If your neck can tolerate it, use an extra pillow when you lay your head down to sleep. The extra elevation prevents fluid accumulating under your eyes. Fluid retention makes the eyes look puffy.
*Tired Looking Eyes? Another late night out? Rise and shine by applying white eye shadow to your inner eye and eyelids. The color will brighten your look, make eyes really pop, and erase and effects from the night before.
* Use a base before applying your eye shadow of choice. The eye shadow base is not only helpful in keeping your eye makeup longer, but also in preventing your eye makeup from creasing and smudging. Light shadow colors cause the eyes to open, dark colors will cause the eyes to recede.
*If you want to emphasize your eyes, make sure to use lighter shades of lip gloss or lipstick. However, if you want to put emphasis on your lips, make sure you use a neutral or light-colored eye shadow.
*Tame your arcs with a brow brush. If you don't have any, a clean toothbrush will do the trick.

Share with us what color eyes you have and what's your favorite eye shadow color.

Sex and the City Cupcakes

If you're a fan, you have to check out Hostess with the Mostess' Blog. She's got the cutest Sex and the City Cupcakes. A recipe and cupcake toppers. Too fun! (and even if you're not a fan of the movie--you'd still enjoy the blog post .) http://ow.ly/1OSjz

Melanoma Awareness Month

May is "Melanoma Awareness Month." My mother and my sister-in-law have both dealt with melanoma. Surprising since my mother always wore a hot outside and usually long sleeves. I have really been trying to be more sun smart. There are lots of cute hats out there and the spray-on sunscreen is really easy to use. Spray on tans have come a long way to looking more natural. Plus, sitting in the shade is way cooler!

I read about Spa Finder's Melanoma Awareness Initiative 2010. It's goal is to spread the word on the importance of being sun smart, wearing sunscreen year-round, performing self-examinations, and getting yearly full-body checkups from a dermatologist.

SpaFinder’s “I Will Reflect” melanoma bracelets have been hugely popular in promoting melanoma prevention and serving as a vigilant reminder about sun protection. These photosensitive bracelets change color when exposed to harmful UV rays and can be purchased for $4.95 each. SpaFinder provides financial support for melanoma research and programs to raise awareness of this deadly but preventable disease. You can order the bracelets at http://www.spafinder.com/

Did you know?
*UV exposure is strongest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. It is also greatest in the summer,
at higher altitudes, and near the equator.
*Up to 80% of the sun’s rays can penetrate light clouds, mist, and fog.
*Fresh snow reflects back about 85% of the sun’s rays; water reflects back about 5%;
and concrete reflects back 10-12% of the sun’s rays. (I always thought water's percentage was higher.)
*Protecting your skin during the first 18 years of life can reduce the risk of some
types of skin cancer by up to 78%. (That's huge! We can help those little ones stay protected by religiously using sunscreen on them.)

Enjoy the sun but be smart--you can help keep yourself safe from melanoma.

Wordless Wednesday

Spring in Minnesota--if only it came sooner and lasted longer!

I'll Have Milk With Mine

Isn't this a great picture? It's my mom back in her younger days when she helped out on the family farm. She was the youngest of 16. Her mother was widowed at an early age so I guess everyone had to help out.

Following somewhat in my mother's footsteps I grew up on a dairy farm too. Luckily for me, I have four younger brothers who ended up doing most of the work in the barn! I could usually be found in my room reading until someone discovered me and off I went to help out too.

I was reading in an old issue of Health magazine (http://www.health.com/) about the amazing benefits of milk. Not only did it provide our family with an income, it also kept us healthy. I know milk helps grow healthy teeth and bones but was surprised to find out other ways it's good for us. Here are some other benefits:

It's a PMS fighter. Women who drink milk all month long have lower risks of developing PMS.

It can work as an eye gel. Dip cotton balls into cold whole milk, wring them out and apply to your eyelids. Milk's fat hydrates dry skin and reduces swelling. Would cream work too?

It helps rehydrate. The body needs to be replenished with liquids at regular intervals. It is very essential for growing children. They should drink at least six to eight glasses of fluids every day. Milk contains a good quantity of water molecules and is considered the best fluid for rehydration.
Trying to lose weight, especially around the midsection? A study published in the April 2004 issue of Obesity Research suggests that eating more calcium-rich foods, especially low fat dairy foods such as cow's milk, yogurt and kefir, may really help. With today’s youth suffering an epidemic of obesity and obesity-related diseases, a wholesome beverage, like milk, can contribute to weight loss, strong bones and overall health. (Our local high school has put in a milk machine next to the pop machine.)

Thanks to the vitamins in milk, it can soften even the driest skin. Drizzle 1/2 cup honey into running water as you fill the tub. Then add 2 cups of warm whole milk. Your skin will thank you!

A fertility booster? I had not heard of this. In a Harvard study, women who ate more than one daily serving of high-fat dairy were less likely to suffer ovulation problems than those who ate less than one serving a week.

How can you add more milk to your day?

1. Start your day with milk. Add milk to your morning cereal or oatmeal. You can also add milk to a smoothie to boost the creaminess and the nutrition.

2. Drink milk as a snack. Milk is perfect as an afternoon snack – a great balance of quality protein and carbohydrates, mildly sweet and lots of nutrition.

3. Change your coffee habit. Have a café au lait or tea au lait instead of a latte. A café au lait is 1/2 coffee and 1/2 milk, giving you that great coffee taste, while reducing your caffeine content and increasing the beverage's nutritional value.

4. Take the edge off your hunger. Before a party, have a glass of skim milk. It’s filling and “takes the edge off” hunger, helping you make smarter choices on food and drink once you arrive.

5. Milk is an excellent post-exercise beverage. The balance of nutrients in milk can help refuel the muscles after a workout as effectively as some commercial exercise beverages. Wouldn't that be a great drink after a 5K! I've never been to a race that has offered it.

6. Have milk before bed. A good bedtime routine can really help you fall asleep and stay asleep better.

So add some milk to your day. Drinking milk everyday will do your body good!