Top 10 Products To Split Up With Your Split Ends

Flat ironing and blow drying and coloring, oh my! All of these things that we do to our hair every day cause damage and split ends. There’s nothing like staring at the ends of your hair and searching for all of the split ends, am I right? (Yea, you’re not the only one that does that!) We all get split ends, and they’re the worst; they make your hair look frizzy, dry and puffy at the ends. While taking care of your hair and getting it trimmed regularly will minimize the amount of split ends you get, there are some products to help get rid of them and improve the look and feel of your hair. Here are my top 10 products to help you split up with your split ends.

How to Remove Halloween Makeup

Halloween is my favorite holiday.  I love dressing up and taking the kids trick or treating.  Last year, I was a nurse infected with Ebola and my husband was a member of the CDC.  We got a lot of laughs from fellow trick or treaters.  He skipped the makeup, and I used eyeshadow to create black eyes, so it was easy to wash off.  Other years, we've done full face paint with different kinds of face paints and glue.  Removing the makeup wasn't nearly as fun as putting it on and going out!  If you don't want to walk around with a tinted face for a week, try these tips for how to remove Halloween makeup.

No Bake Sweet and Salty Cookies

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #SmarterTreats #CollectiveBias

Snacking is such a difficult choice for me.  Do I want sweet?  Salty?  Both?  Yes, please.  That's one reason these sweet & salty cookies are popular in my house.  The other reason is that they are no bake, which  means just 15 minutes of prep work and minimal dirty dishes.  I call that a total snack win.  

Did I mention that these are easy?  My kids can make them by themselves, with me peeking from the living room into the kitchen of course.  They are the perfect blend of sweet and salty, so everyone gets what they want.

Skin+Pharmacy Anti-Aging Skin Care Review and Giveaway Ends 11/23

I am so excited to introduce you to CVS's new skin care line called Skin+Pharmacy.  It's a full line of skin care products at drugstore prices!  When CVS offered me products for review, I was really excited.  I live in the middle of nowhere and CVS is one of the few places here that carries makeup, so I really like the convenience of being able to pick up the products when I'm running my weekly errands.  CVS generously offered to offer a set for one of my lucky readers, so keep reading for your chance to win a set!

All Natural Cold Remedies

In a family of 5, if one person gets sick, you can pretty much guarantee that we will all get sick.  Usually what happens is one of the kids gets it and it spreads between them and my husband.  After I've spent a week taking care of them, I get sick.  When I get sick, nothing gets done.  I'm not opposed to taking medications when they are necessary, but I do like to try all natural cold remedies first.  I've found great success using honey to cure my cough, for example, but always talk to your doctor before using these home remedies for colds.

Easy DIY Catnip Toy

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone.  #MyCatMyMuse  #CollectiveBias

My younger son, Caleb, has autism.  When he was three-years-old, he stopped talking.  For almost a year, he used a crude form of sign language to communicate with us.  We tried several ways to get him to talk, but he wouldn't give us so much as a grunt.  About a year after he lost his voice, we went to the Columbus Zoo.  As we walked along looking at the animals, he was so excited but he never spoke a word.  On our way home, we were all talking about our favorite parts of the day when we heard "Animals!" come from the back seat.  We all got quiet and asked him to say it again.  He smiled and said it again.  My baby found his words again!  Believe me when I say that this child loves animals.   

When he was six-years-old, he became obsessed with cats.  He would read non-fiction books about cat breeds and their characteristics and recite them back to us in full detail.  He decided that a Siamese cat would make the perfect pet, and he wanted nothing more than his own Siamese for his birthday.  We had recently lost a cat, so I wanted to adopt another one soon anyway.  We have a strict family rule that our dogs and cats have to be rescued, so I thought it would be a while until we found him a Siamese.  Within a week, I found a Siamese mix that was in need of a good home, and those two are the best of friends now.  She lays at his feet or on his desk while he's homeschooling, and if he's not at home, she's sleeping on his bed.  He takes great care of her by himself, and she gives him the love and support that he needs.  I will do anything to keep Chloe happy and healthy.  Keep reading to see how Caleb and I make her favorite toy, a handmade catnip toy.

Avon Anew Ultimate Collection Giveaway $112 Value Ends 11/17

Are you starting to get some little wrinkles and fine lines. or are you trying to prevent them? I know I have started to see some here and there, but I am also wanting to keep more from appearing. I know I can’t turn back the hands of time. but I would at least like to slow them down just a little bit.  I mean, who wouldn’t?

Since I am always on the lookout for high quality beauty products that are great for my skin, I jumped at the chance to try some skin care products from Avon. Now you know what they say, sharing is caring, so one lucky reader is that enters is going to win a set of their own Avon products! Before I get to the giveaway, let me tell you a little bit about these great skin care products.

Confidence is Beautiful + Whipped Chocolate Body Butter Recipe

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #ConfidenceUDeserve #CollectiveBias

If my readers only take one thing with them after reading my blog, I hope it's that you don't have to be perfect to be beautiful.  Beauty comes from within, and when you are confident, your natural beauty shines through.   We've all got things that try to beat down our confidence.  It could be a facial feature, a part of your body, or something that's happening in your life.  When we focus on the negative aspects of our bodies or our lives, it stops the positive from radiating through.  Keep reading to see how I stay confident no matter what's going on in my life and get a recipe for chocolate body butter that smells as yummy as it looks.

Whipped Preshampoo Oil Treatment for Dry, Damaged Hair

In the fall, my hair really starts to get dry.  I dye my hair and get blonde highlights, and I also flat iron my hair a few times a week.  All of that wear and tear coupled with the drier air means damaged ends and frizzy hair.  I created this whipped preshampoo oil treatment to use before washing, so it deeply nourishes my hair without leaving my hair greasy or oily.  Keep reading for the recipe.

Plus Size Halloween Costumes for Women

Halloween is my favorite holiday.  I love the fun, whimsical decorations.  I love helping my kids pick the perfect costume and walking around town with them.  The last few years, we've gone trick or treating in a large group with about 10 kids and several adults.  I think the adults have more fun than the kids!

One thing I don't like about Halloween is trying to find a costume.  I'm not a thin women; I have curves.  Locally, there aren't too many options for costumes.  That's why I created this list of plus size Halloween costumes for women.  I included some fun costumers that you can wear with your kids trick or treating and some sexy ones like the Psychedelic Alice.

Shop Smarter With Shopswell

I've got champagne tastes on a bottom shelf boxed wine budget.  I wish I could buy all of the beauty products that I want, but it's not practical.  First of all, I don't have room to store them, and secondly I'm too cheap frugal to pay full price for all of them.  Luckily, there's a website to help me shop smarter.  Shopswell truly lives up to its name because it helps me plan my purchases, and it alerts me when things go on sale.  If you haven't checked out Shopswell yet, you really should.  It's like Pinterest and your favorite stores got together and had a baby.  Keep reading to see how to save money on your favorites, and as a bonus, it also serves as a great wish list to pass to family this Christmas. Hint, hint, hubby.

Tony Odisho Review and Giveaway

If you know me, you know I am a true girly girl that loves anything beauty related. I love makeup and hair products. While I have found lots of makeup favorites, I haven’t always been as lucky when it comes to finding hair products that I really love. There have been a few that I liked but none that I fell in love with and became a loyal user of.

So, I’m sure that you can imagine my excitement when I was given the opportunity to try the Tony Odisho Ostia Collection Beautiful Hair Kit. I happily accepted, then stalked  patiently waited for my mail carrier until it was in my hands. You know I tried it that very same night, right? Of course I did; I just couldn’t wait any longer!

The Tony Odisho Ostia Collection Beautiful Hair Kit comes with Gentle Moisture Shampoo, Intense Conditioner, 3-in-1 Mist and the Detangling Paddle Brush. They call it “everything you need to get salon results at home”. I call it amazing! I know I have tried products before that boasted of salon quality results from their products, but I never even came close to achieving those results. I am happy to share that this time is very different!

The sulfate free Gentle Moisture Shampoo leaves my hair feeling clean but not stripped of moisture. My hair actually feels really soft after using only the shampoo. I probably could skip the conditioner if I wanted to, but I want to experience everything in the kit each time I use it. Moving on to the conditioner, I’m so impressed with the richness and thickness of it. I can’t stand a watery conditioner! The 3 in 1 mist is meant to detangle, shine and protect your hair and I am happy to say it does it’s job. My hair feels soft and shiny, but not greasy or flat looking at all. The paddle brush is great to detangle wet or dry hair. I use it both ways and it feels great on my scalp. It’s strong but it’s also gentle enough that the bristles don’t scratch my scalp.

I only have wonderful things to say about the Tony Odisho Ostia Collection Beautiful Hair Kit. The products really work, the scent is not overwhelming, my hair looks and feels better than it has in a while and the price is so reasonable, you won’t be left with an empty wallet when you’re done buying them.

Do you want to know what else makes me so happy about the Tony Odisho Ostia Collection Beautiful Hair Kit? The lovely people at Tony Odisho gave me one kit to giveaway to a lucky reader! Be sure to enter the giveaway below for your chance to win. If you don’t want to wait for the giveaway to end, you can purchase a Beautiful Hair Kit for yourself at the Tony Odisho website by clicking the link.  

a Rafflecopter giveaway

How to Stay Comfortable in the Fall #BringComfyBack

Although we are having warm weather so far this fall, I know the cold weather is coming.  The leaves are started to turn here in Ohio, and you can't walk in to any store without seeing pumpkin spice everywhere.  I love the crisp fall air, but I don't like being cold.  I hate the cold so much that I've decided that my youngest will go to college in Florida so I can go with her.  When she graduates, I'll be a snow bird and live in Florida all winter.  In the summer, I'll spend two months with each child here in Ohio.  It's perfect.  I just hope my kids think the same.  Until then, here are my top tips to stay comfortable in the fall.

Layer

I always layer my clothes in the winter.  I don't like wearing bulky clothes, but I have found that wearing a tank top under my shirts keeps me warmer without adding extra bulk.

Scarf

Scarves are not only fashionable, but they keep you really warm.  Just adding a scarf can make all the difference in keeping warm.  Pick up a few cute ones to wear with your outfits inside to keep you warmer in the house too.

Vests

Keeping your core warm helps your entire body stay warm.  You'll stay warm and cozy and look great with a trendy vest.  

Leather

Leather isn't very bulky, but it helps you stay warm.  Leather is also very popular right now, so it will be easy to find in most stores.

Peacoats

Longer coats stop a draft from creeping up your back.  Look for a peacoat that stops about mid-thigh to keep you warm when you're outside.

Tall Boots

Tall boots are so popular, and they keep your legs really warm.  

Tights

I like to wear tights under my jeans when I'll be outside a lot.  It really makes a difference in keeping me warm.  

Do you want to know what else keeps me comfy and confident?  U by Kotex® has some serious protection for unexpected surprises.  When I don't have to worry about wardrobe mishaps, I'm seriously comfortable!  U by Kotex® Lightdays® Liners are thin and flex with my body, so they are comfortable, and they work great at keeping me dry.  

Want to try Kotex for yourself?  Click here for a coupon for your next purchase!

How to Choose the Best Eyelash Curler

Nothing in your beauty bag opens your eyes like an eyelash curler.  The best eyelash curler for you depends on the shape of your eyes, but there are some features to look for when selecting one.  If you've never used one before, they can be intimidating.  A good curler should not pull or tug on your lashes, and it should be comfortable to use.  

Pumpkin Spice Latte Scrub Recipe

Confess.  How many pumpkin spice lattes have you had this year?  Be honest.  I won't judge.  If you just can't get enough of these yummy drinks, maybe you should try a pumpkin spice latte sugar scrub recipe.  It has the same yummy fragrance, but a lot less calories, and you can make it at home!  This easy recipe will slough off dead skin cells, which is so important as the weather gets cooler.  As the air gets colder and drier, your skin will start to look dull.  Use this scrub weekly to gently get rid of dead skin cells, leaving behind glowing skin.

Best Budget Boots for Fall Under $50

In the summer, I'm a flip flop kind of girl.  I don't wear tennis shoes unless I'm working around the farm or I have to wear shoes for some odd reason. I've even been known to wear a hoodie and flip flops in the fall.  When the weather gets cool enough to make my toes go numb, then I switch to boots.  I've got mucking boots for working outside and good warm boots for the snow, but otherwise, I like to wear cute boots.  A few weeks ago, I posted some fall boots to splurge on.  Today, I want to feature some more affordable options.  With prices like these, you can afford a few pairs!

6 Tips for Age Proofing Your Hair + Giveaway

You know that fine lines, wrinkles, and age spots can make you look older, but did you know that your hair can also age you?  I'm not talking about having gray hair either.  Your hair can betray you in other ways.  I'm not scared of aging—I've earned every fine line and gray hair—but I am a firm believer in taking care of my skin and hair to help them look their best.  Although my hair is very thick, my mom has been suffering from hair loss since she was younger.  It's definitely a concern for me.  Keep reading for my top tips to keep your hair looking great as you age.

Pumpkin Peel for Oily Skin

I'm sure you've heard of the benefits of alpha hydroxy acids for your skin, especially if you have oily skin.  AHA deep cleans your pores to help prevent acne and can even help reduce the appearance of pores.  Pumpkins have AHA as well as other vitamins that keep your skin soft and smooth, so it makes a great face mask.  This mask is made for oily skin, so be sure to check out the other posts in my pumpkin series if you don't have oily skin.  I have a mask listed at the bottom of the post that works with all skin types.

Pumpkin Body Scrub Recipe

What better way to celebrate fall than with a pumpkin body scrub recipe?  Pumpkin is full of skin-loving vitamins and alpha hydroxy acids.  The alpha hydroxy acids scrub your skin to remove dead skin cells, so your skin will look better, feel smoother, and get nourished. I also added ground oatmeal and white sugar to this recipe to gently slough off dead skin.  You can use brown sugar if your skin is sensitive.