No Shampoo - 1st attempt

Earlier this week I got 16 inches of my hair cut off.  Today, I decided it would be a good day to try the "no poo" method of washing.  I used her original measurements (1 tablespoon baking soda/1 cup water, 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar/1 cup water), and I have enough left for another washing.  The result:  it appears as though I washed my hair today.  Very good!

Now, I just need to know what to use for the rest of my body.  Seemed weird to be using such simplicity in my hair and then using the shampoo/body wash on the rest of me.  Haha.  One step at a time!

Don't worry, by my sister's suggestion, I will save enough shampoo for you all to use when you come and visit.

• If you are also interested, here is one link to dry shampoo information. 
• DIY homemade body wash. 
• Tips and Tricks

Purging Progress

The purging process has had its ups and downs. I've been very actively pursuing it, and then leaving it be for a few weeks.  Last weekend, we had a rummage sale so I furiously went about getting more out of the house for that.  It worked.  I think I got through the whole house, although I could maybe go through a few more sections again. 

Prior to this weekend, all the results of my purging were in piles in my room, in the sewing room, the dining room, the storage room, laundry room...wherever.  Oh, what a nice thing to be able to walk all those places again.  I do wish I had before and after pictures for that.  I completely forgot!  I don't even have any of the rummage!  It was a success.  Although slow at times, I made about $60 and my friends each around $30.  We had a fun day of conversation and friend introductions.  The kids all played with Curl Grandma.  At one time there were as many as 7 with her in the backyard. 

I decided that I could not bring anything back in the house unless it had a purpose.  Such as, it was for another friend.  Friend S mentioned while shopping at my sale that she planned to have a sale in the next couple weeks, so I decided to save only the best things for that.  Only 2 bins, unless I can get around to purging some more!!

Well, enough of my chatter with no pictures, I am probably boring you.

aj

5 Years and 15 Inches

The time has come again to donate some hair.  Laura from church has a new "studio" at her home for her art (of hair designing).  Lisa from my small group had mentioned going there and enjoying her experience and since I have no regular hair cutting establishment, besides Great Clips with a coupon, I decided to try it out.  What a pleasant experience!  The girls came with me and she had a little suitcase in the corner for them to find toys in.  When we left, Kj said, "Mama, you should go there all the times."  :)  I just might.

At our next stop, my friend said, "You look ten years younger!"  This makes me laugh because some people think I look 16.  I'm sure she meant my real age.  Haha.

Well, I did it!  I'll try to post a non-styled/beautified picture as well!  Thanks Laura!!  You are extremely skilled. 

Personality

Here are the personalities of my girls.  Thought I would give you a little continuation from yesterday...  L when she found out I was taking their picture hid her face.  Kj when she found out, posed very well, and pretended to read.  These were their songbooks, I believe.  

My Girls

We were eating ice cream outside tonight.  L comes up to me smiling and says, "Yum."  Kj pipes in and says, "Mom, it's even better than she says."

Last night we were eating outside and just finishing up supper.  Kj tells us, "Mama and Daddy you go sit in the hammock and I am going to go into the house and get a surprise treat for you."  Earlier in the day she had found a packet of Smarties, so I figured that would be the treat.  We dutifully go into the hammock with L and wait patiently...a long time.  We see from our position that the fridge is opening...for a long time.  Then I think I hear spoons, or some sort of silverware.  Kj emerges with a tub of yogurt and spoons for all.  She then has to go use the bathroom.  In the mean time L climbs out of the hammock and starts to work on distributing Kj's treat.  She opens up the yogurt and licks the lid clean.  It is hilarious to watch, but we want Kj to be able to do the distribution so we call for L to stop, and put the lid on.  She does and the yogurt drops under the table.  Not too much is lost, but everything is now getting sticky...  Kj finally comes back again and starts using her small spoon to scoop the treat into our glasses (milk all gone, that's what we do for ice cream).  She gives Kevin about 3 scoops, which is about as many bites of yogurt.  Brings over his, heads back for mine, brings mine, then L's, then hers.  She finally climbs into the hammock with us to finish up our treat. 

Tonight in the hammock, Kj asked if she could get out and swing us.  Then she wanted to get back in, while it was still swinging.  I had my doubts, I thought she would topple over when the hammock with three came towards her, but she bounded in laughing.

L's quotes:
"Get it out please." (referring to L's bike)
"Eat Out Side."  (daily request)
"Oh tay."
"Oh."
Told L we were not going to Taco Bell, " 'doba, please," she replies.

Sweet memories!

Purse

So, as you saw on Black Thread Day, I made a purse.  I used the book:  Sew What You Love, I found the book at our local library.  I wasn't able to keep it very long as others were in line to check it out.  So, I decided to copy down a few patterns and summarize the directions to do at my pace - slower.  The outside fabric of the purse is from Sierra Leone, Africa.  It was hard to find something just right for the liner in my very calico collection, but this red, I decided worked the best.  I added a couple pockets on the inside, including one with a zipper.  I liked the pattern and most of how the purse turned out except, my tension must have been off for around the handles, because they seem a bit wavy.  

I'll leave you with this picture of Kj and her growing hair!!  Can you see the highlights from the sun?  She also has her baby wrapped on her front with her flower blanket.  That ended up being too hot so she had me transfer the baby to the back. 

Black Thread Day

It is again a productive Monday.  This week while working on my "Purging Project", I unearthed a large amount of unfinished projects.  I tried working on a few on Saturday, but only got a couple buttons sewed on.  Today, during naptime I gathered the bits that needed black thread.  Maybe I'll get a little time tonight to finish up the last project, a bag.  Here is what I did:

(L-R) Ironed patch on Kevin's pants, finished sewing elastic casing on friend E's pants, hemmed around flannel blanket, fixed holes in home made leggers, finished sewing bag/purse (Total: 5)! 

Kj Quote

Kj:  I put teddy really high so I wouldn't be a-tempted to sleep after naptime.

Sweet Things

Our newest addition to the family.  Cousin E(2).  Oh, we probably announced her before...but can't resist with such sweet pictures.  We suggested to Kevin's sister to go in alphabetical (Kj, L, M...) order, but they decided to stick with the cousin letter... E, so to distinguish between the two, this cousin picture contains E2.  E1 is on the other side of the family.

 Aw!  What a yawn.  Not letting E2 to take over the memory bank of our camera, I started taking pictures of my own to sweet faces.  Here is the highlight from L.

Look at those sweet eyes.  My precious Kj.  She not wanting to be outdone dramatizes her expression.

E2 and her mama lived with us for a week while her daddy was out of town.  The girls and I had the privilege of being her daycare providers.  We did have a little help from Nana. 

Pinterest Hair

 I have a few friends on Pinterest that have been pinning pictures of hair ideas...so, since I have been in a rut lately, I decided to take their ideas and try them out.  This one turned out ok, although my hair was a little long for winding up into a bun.  I should have had Kevin take a picture of it all, but...  I was in a rush. 

I thought I had a picture of the other hairstyle that I tried, but couldn't find it.  It consisted of 3 braids made into 3 buns, all clustered at the back of my head.  Sorry about that.  The next hair pictures will be short, I believe...within a month.  Hope you can wait for that!