Friday, March 16, 2012

Delicates laundry bag + Bibs = Lifesaver

Ok so it very simple, the velcro on Haylen's Bibs makes getting them on and off easy but they can stick to everything in the wash even when you are very careful to ensure they are attached before putting in the wash. So I decided to put them in some lingerie laundry bags I already use for my delicates. It works like a charm. And as a bonus feature they can be used for pre-treatment soaking for those formula stains and his be lifted from the sink into the washer.

I'm sure other people have used this technique before but I've never seen this tip anywhere.


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Wednesday, February 29, 2012

Sneak peek of name project

Managed to get the frames painted with Birdie on my lap. Hope to get the letters in the frames and the frames hung tonight!


Wednesday, June 02, 2010

My skincare routine


So to help my sister figure out what order to use different products I'm posting my skincare routine.

In the morning:

1-My very first step is to check my face for blemishes and use my blemish extractor to address any that may have cropped up overnight. It is very important to clean your blemish extractor before and after each use to sanitize it so that you don't add to the problem of breakouts. I wipe mine down with rubbing alcohol before each use and after each use I wash it with warm water and an antibacterial soap.

2-Then I jump in the shower and at the end of my shower I wash my face with Pur Minerals Revitalizing Facial Wash using an Ecotools Sustainable Facial Buff. I usually do this in the shower. I think it smells like creamcicles, so yummy. Once a week, usually Friday morning, I use BeFine Exfoliating Cleanser instead for good exfoliating. If I've been sweating a lot from yard work or have been at the beach or feel like my face is a particularly greasy, grimy, or dirty I will forgo my Face Wash for this exfoliator. I apply the exfoliating cleanser using my fingers only. Be sure to pat your face dry with the towel, never rub.

3-My next step is to use a toner. Toners help clean off any residual make up or dirt that your cleanser may leave behind and it will close the pores you opened with the warmth of washing your face. The toner I use is BeFine Firming Toner and I apply it with a cotton round, using two spritzes. This toner is alcohol free so it's not drying and you still get that toner tingle but its from the ginger and witch hazel which also gives you that firming action.

4-Following the toner I apply my facial serum, Pur Mineral Be Firm. I squirt one pump on to my finger tips and blot over my face then gently smooth over my whole face.

5-The facial moisturizer is next. I use Pur Mineral Mineral Moisture Complex. I dab one finger pad into the moisturizer and blot over my face and gently smooth over my face. I get a second dab and apply it to my neck down onto my chest.

6-My last step is to use an eye cream. I apply a 'slight' pump of Pur Mineral Tone Up to my under eye area. By slight pump I mean I dispense about a large pin head amount onto my ring finger pad press it into the ring finger of my opposite hand then use each finger to dab the eye cream under each eye and on to the eye lid. Never rubbing only gently dabbing.

In the evening:

1-I clean off my make up and wash my face with a single Huggies Naturally Refreshing Cucumber and Green Tea Baby Wipe. These are much cheaper then make up or facial wipes and don't leave a residue on your face. And they are so cooling on a hot day too!

2-I then use my toner like in step 3 above.

3-I keep my BeFine Night Cream in my night stand so I can apply a pea size amount to evenly to my face and neck.

4-I also keep my tube of Ulta Eye Cream in my night stand. I dab a small amount on to my ring finger and apply it as stated in step 6 above. Ulta changed the packaging on this eye cream for some reason so when it was on clearance I bought 3 tubs for about $3 each to stock up, since it regularly goes for $25 a tub!

5-Next I dab on a little Pur Minerals Mineral Lip Revival on to my lips.

6-Lastly I rub in some BeFine Rough Spot Lemon Balm on to my feet, elbows, knees, and hands pull on my Ecotools Eye Mask for some Zs.

Others:
There are a few other things I use regularly for facial and other skin care.
-Pur Minerals Happy Feet is a citrus foot lotion that really does make you feet happy, even Chuck loves this on his feet, but it's pretty pricey, luckily a little goes a long way.
-Chocolate Mud Mask, smells great and if you take the contents out of the pouch, put it in small container you'll get multiple use from one pouch. I always use a soft paint brush to apply my mud masks, less waste and more even, controlled coverage.
-Queen Helene Mint Julep Mud Masque, this is a refreshing mint mud mask that feels good and can also be used as a spot treatment to dry up blemishes. Don't use more then twice a week as it can be too drying.
-Queen Helene Grape Seed Peel Off Masque, a good peel off mask that I like to use once a week.
-Ecotools Body Buff, I use this buff with my body wash for good exfoliation on my arms, legs, etc.
-Dove Go Fresh Burst Body Wash, this is the body wash I am using currently I love this scent and like the same scent for my Body Spray.
-And yes I do use a Ped Egg on my feet, I wear wool socks and steel toed boots to work everyday and this means I often have rough calluses and a build up of dry skin especially on my heels;this has been the best way I have found for keeping my feet soft. I use it each weekend and follow it with Happy Feet from above.
-My tweezers of choice is my the one that came in my Ecotools sets. I have a smaller one and a standard size one that I really like.
Little Disclaimer:
This post is not sponsored by any of the products mentioned above.

Hair routine

So a friend from work has been bugging me about my curly hair routine as she's curly-headed and loves the definition and shine of my curls. So I'll post it here complete with the products I use and thought Les would like to see this too.

First I must warn you, I know this sounds gross but I don't was my hair...Yeah I know, I know I do wash my hair but not in the conventional way. I only use shampoo once every 10 to 12 days. Yep That's right!

Shampooing:
So once every 10 to 12 days I use Suave Daily Clarifying Shampoo. I only use a small amount and try to limit it to my scalp only, rinse, and continue on with my daily routine below. (Approx $0.88 for the standard size and $1.24 for the family size)



Daily Routine:

1-I do what is called a conditioner wash or co-wash using Suave Refreshing Tangerine Conditioner (or Suave Tropical Coconut depending on my mood). To co-wash you apply the conditioner to your scalp with your finger tips and "scrub" like you are washing your hair with shampoo. I generally apply in three small "doses" for good coverage. I quarter size amount to my front hairline and temples, a quarter size amount to my crown, and a quarter size amount to my rear hairline and behind my ears. Rinse. (Same price as shampoo above)


2-Then I actually condition my hair with Suave Almond and Shea Butter Conditioner using about 1.5 to 2 tablespoons and combing it through with my fingers. This is a thicker, richer conditioner. Note that this is the ONLY time I ever comb or brush my hair, in the shower when there is conditioner in it. I leave this conditioner to "set" on my hair while I shave so about 2 to 3 minutes, then rinse using cooler water. Cooler water helps to seal the hair and keep moisture inside and smooth each hair to avoid frizziness. (Less than $3 for 32 oz)
3- Before I leave the shower I use my only styling product, Sebastian Potion 9 Lite I apply it while the hair is still dripping wet and never wring my hair out. Wringing you hair causes breakage and frizziness and breaks up the curls. The product is a wearable treatment and comes in a spray bottle. I spray it twice onto my wet hand and then rub between my hands and apply by scrunching my hair while my head is pointed downwards. ( 5oz for $12 to $15)




4-Immediately after step 3 I "plunk" or "plop" my hair in either a Curl-Ease towel (got mine at Bed Bath and Beyond for $15) or microfiber spa towel. See video below. I leave my hair wrapped like this while I get dressed and finish getting ready. Your hair wont be fully dry, but it does go a long way in jump starting the drying process. Try not to touch your hair once you remove the towel to avoid adding frizz. I have also slept with this on my head and woke with fully dry and supper cute curls. To help avoid the flattening that sometimes happens to the top of my hair I add two to three Scunci Vented Salon Clips (love these!) to the roots to hold them up and keep my hair from flattening while it finishes air drying.



Now if later in the day I need to refresh my girls I wet my hands and apply one spritz of potion 9 lite to my hair by scrunching it while I am bent over.

And that's about it!


This post is not sponsored by any of the products mentioned above.


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Tuesday, May 04, 2010

I'm back!

At LLH's constant urging I'm renewing my blogging and in hopes of improving communication with family and friends now that we have relocated to the south-east Florida region. So this is a quick new entry to get things rolling and I promise to follow up with a more in depth entry later tonight or tomorrow.

Tuesday, September 23, 2008

Isn't it werid...



Isn't is werid what will set you off on a crying fit? I was re organizing our camping equiptment now that the camping season for us is over it was time to pack it up until next year so I pulled out an my old plastic trunk and went through some of my old gear that really has not seen the light of day since I packed it up post-Maine and what do I find?

Bet you can't guess that it is so I'll tell you. That is the top of my large backpack, the one I only use for long week trips. the top is removeable and can be used as a large fanny pack. See that fuzzy stuff on it? That would be hair, cat hair to be more exact. Yep that's Lewy's hair. I nearly burst into tears...

Amazing what can bring back a flood of memories...
RIP my dear fuzzy face. You and your gum rubbing, old-fat-man sitting, door knocking, pillow hogging self are greatly missed.

Why I have been MIA lately...

First off, I was working out of town so much with my last job that I was hardly ever home so home time was spent catching up with the hubby and the four legged kids. Now that I'm not with that company and will be starting with a new company soon that is local only work so no more traveling! So that's good for Me the hubby and the pups.

Secondly, Miss Sally our sweetie pie red dog was a very sick pup. She went through a lot of vet issues and is finally 100% all better. Yep about 6 months and over $5,000 in vet bills later and she's tip top shape.

Thirdly, Carrie had the twins and they have had a few issues and since I was unemployed I was able to head up to Boone and help her out.

Forthly and lastly, I have been really getting into my sewing. I love making things for my neices and nefews. I'm also sewing lots of clothes for myself and have taken on some sewing and embrodery projects to help fund my sewing projects. I'm also making a point to plow throught these WIPs so I can clear out some of these projects that are half done and use up my stash so I can make room for more!!!!

Lambkin for Rachel



In the process of making all these gifts for Lena I decided that her Mommy would like a little gift just for her and this vintage fabric I had in my stash is perfect for Rachel's personality. I hope she likes her. I was thinking of naming her Olga I don't know why but she looks like an Olga. Les, I'm sure will have a better suggestion!

Tuesday, September 16, 2008

Gifts for Lena

So I've made a good dent in the items I'm making for Tony and Rachel's little boogernose.










Trip to Boone




Labor Day Hiking Trip








OK ok so I have been slack lately so here are some pics to show you what all has been going on lately...


New Year's Miami Vice style.

"What?" Lucy and Sally playing king of the rock hiking in May

"I think I'm a parrot, now give me a cracker!!"

Resting at the water fall.

"What, you didn't want me to take over the blankest and the couch?"

Saturday, February 17, 2007

Ok, Ok I have been slack

So I have been slack or rather not really slack just so dag gum busy. I just landed a new job and am ramping myself up for the first day. I'm really looking forward to working with these guys. Lucy and Sally will be very disappointed that I won't be around at home as much your all now me, I'll make up for it with lots of spoiling and such! Perhaps I'll stop on my way home from my first day to get them a fun little toy!

Anyways so here's a few pics of what I've been up too.

Making Christmas cookies with Reagan and Mom.
















Skeet shooting with Gasper and KY















Hanging at the park with Lucy and Sally