Day 1 - no poo

Crunchy is right - that's just how my hair feels...crunchy, dirty but thick!

My hair was already a couple of days dirty so I "washed" with baking soda and had an incredible urge to add something that I could suds to the mixture, but I didn't. It felt dry afterwards because I wasn't fully prepared for my experiment and didn't have my apple cider vinegar "conditioner" yet.



I dried it as usual and put it up in a clip because I couldn't stand to wear it down...felt too gunky. I also made it a point to put make up on so I wouldn't look so gross :{



I have a feeling my hair is going to be "up" a lot in the days to come!
And we're having dinner with (new) friends tonight... :0

How long can I stand this?
Voice your opinion on the new poll.

Going No Poo

Yep, I've debated and decided to go "no poo" !! Have you heard of this? There is a whole movement of women who have stopped shampooing! I can't even remember what I googled to stumble upon this, but I did a couple of days ago and was kinda intrigued.

A lot of women cited either they are anti-chemical or want to go green and stop using the plastic bottles, but they swear it gives you healthy beautiful hair! One woman with fine, limp hair, such as mine, says her hair is now soft, manageable and will hold any style now. I don't have a noble cause but I've just got to find out if this will work for me...

The premise is all the chemicals in the shampoo (that we've convinced ourselves we need daily) is actually making our hair worse. I started thinking back to my childhood days when my hair was pretty good and I don't remember washing it every day....hmm.

But, my hair is too greasy you're thinking? Me, too but...
The theory is that your body produces oil on an as needed basis (much like breast milk, mommies) --stick with me here-- and since the chemicals in the shampoo are so harsh and damaging your body is producing more oil to help condition & protect your hair.

So, if this holds true, your body will stop producing so much oil and your hair & scalp will be restored to a healthy balance :)

The "no pooers" instead use baking soda to "wash" and then various other things like apple cider vinegar or honey to "condition". There are even natural treatments for dandruff, dry scalp, etc....Herbal Essence, anyone?? haha

Unfortunately this process of returning my hair to a natural balance could take weeks or months !! So, I am apologizing to all you who will be seeing me in the coming weeks -lol.


And I'm inviting any of you who would like to join me in this little experiment. Read the details here and let me know how it's working for you. The last time I washed my hair was Monday but I will consider today my first day of "no pooing" since I will start with the baking soda today. Man, I hope this works!

Don't worry, I'm not going totally crunchy...
I'm still painting my toes, immunizing my kids and driving my SUV :0

Freed Pictures

These are some random pictures that were "trapped" in my phone until this morning. Oh man, I had already forgotten how big I was!!

Daddy dressed Brin that day.

haha, his favorite - a thermal under a tee.

Ben really wanted this cap but it didn't fit.

Brin & I hanging out in the car pool lane...

Going for a walk...

Trying out the couch at Hobby Lobby...

yep, it works.

Tuesday's Laughable Moments

On the way to Best Buy, Ben started telling me a story about him and a friend...how they had gotten mixed up and switched cars after soccer and he was just laughing & laughing...it took me a (confusing) minute to realize the story was completely made up!

My kids channeling their inner Rock Star... I love this serious look...
but can't stand these jeans!
He has done this to every pair except one and I'm not buying new jeans in April ! Besides, I had on my ripped Lucky jeans so how big of a hypocrite would I be to not allow him to wear his?
"Mom, look! We match"

As we were leaving Best Buy we passed the Home theater complete with couch, chairs and Wall-E playing. They immediately sat down and watched like little zombies when an older lady joined us. After a couple of minutes she started to fall asleep and Ben said "mom, she's asleep!" loud enough to wake her.

While at Target, the kids found a tootsie pop on the ground...no, they didn't open it (whew) but instead made up a game.
They would toss it and whomever got it first had "the power".
They were staying nearby and not bothering anyone - we were in the clothing dept.- so they were fine, I thought.

Well, another mom comes along being pretty strict with her 2 children...fairly loud, for my "benefit" I believe, but don't care.
Her daughter is asking what my kids are doing and the mom is just leading them away...but I was browsing the clearance and we get closer.
She had just gotten onto her little boy when her daughter said "she has the power". The mom smugly replied "that's right, mommy does have the power". The little girl corrected her "no...she has the power" pointing to Brinley.
I don't look up but am laughing inside.
Ben explains "well, it's really just a lollipop" and strikes up a conversation!

That mom was so relieved when Bowen began to cry and I lead my hoodlums, um I mean children away to check out - lol.

Brinley has passed the asking stage lately so she plops a bag of skittles (which she calls m&ms) on the belt at check out. As if!
"Sorry" I say as I put them back and she protests.
Our checker was a nice, clueless, young man and he asked Brinley "oh, is someone having a bad day?"
With a smile I say "this is a pretty normal day, actually".
The lady behind me congratulated me on winning the skittles/m&m battle :)

Random Weekend Pics

Bowen playing with Daddy.

Bryce's parents came up and stayed the weekend so they could watch Ben play. So we had fun spending time with them!

We went out to dinner, did a little shopping and of course went to Ben's game.

Brinley "watching" Ben play.

Ben had a hurt foot this week but he still played.

And scored 2 goals, but I think only 1 counted :p

Brinley got her hand stuck in her piggy bank :(

And little Bowen is all smiles lately :)

And doesn't get any attention....only 1, 2, 3...4 people standing around him here.

Why I love Spring

• Kids play outside = less mess inside : )
• No jackets, scarves, etc. to keep up with.
• Kids playing outside = tired kids... tired sleepy kids who go to bed easily.
• Grilling (when we get a new one) = less cooking for me & healthier meals.
• Warm days are good excuses for ice cream, yummm.
• Fewer colds/viruses - especially good with a newborn in the house!
• No A/C or heat on = saving $$

(but don't worry Pawpaw, I'll turn the A/C on for ya this weekend- it's 80 degrees in here right now)

What do you like about Spring?

One on One

Since I've interviewed Bryce, I thought I would have a little Q & A with the kiddos -

As if my kids don't say enough crazy stuff on their own!

Q: What does Mommy do?

Ben: Take care of Bowen and when we go to Nece & Pawpaw's you don't forget anything. Also Bitsy & Maggie are the greatest dogs...you can write that (lol- thanks for you permission)

Brinley: cook pancakes.

Q: Who is your best friend?

Ben: Pawpaw

Brinley: Bryson

Q: What is your favorite toy?

Ben: Brinley's babies. We get to knock them off my bed.

Brinley: competition hat

(FYI--it's a pink Easter hat, she calls it that because Ruby, of Max & Ruby, was in an Easter bonnet competition)

Q: What does Daddy do?

Ben: Works at the hospital.

Brinley: cooks. (hmm...really?)

Q: What do you want to be when you grow up?

Ben: a doctor like Daddy and look at x-rays. No change my mind...a police, they have neat gear.

Brinley: I'll hold Bowen...a doctor.

Q: How much does Mommy weigh?

Ben: 60 pounds

Brinley: 60

Q: Where is your favorite place to go?

Ben: Cici's

Brinley: Mimi's...a house you eat at.

Q: What should we do for Earth Day?

Ben: Pick up trash.

Brinley: Float in space on the moon.

The Winners are...

Allison and Desiree!

Congrats ladies! Have fun designing something from Kayla's Creations for your little cuties :)

http://www.random.org/draws/details/?draw_id=543

My poor boys

Bowen had an appointment for yesterday but they called and rescheduled for today at 2 o'clock, which I realized, a few minutes later, was Tuesday...Brinley has gym class.
I called back and said I could be there by 2:10 so she said I would be moved to 2:30 and if I came early, I would be seen earlier...well, I wasn't seen early.

Bowen's check up went well:
weight 12lbs. 7oz. - 66%
length 23.25 inches - 61%
head 40 cm - 48%
So, he's thriving! Just wish this cradle cap would go away.

Brinley tells the pediatrician "my Pawpaw was struck by lightening" lol - true but it was years ago!
By the end of the visit, I'm anxious because it's after 3 and I need to pick up Ben. Time for shots (which Brinley was way too excited about) and I'm waiting on the nurse - she's a sweetie but I had to go get her because we needed to go! So he got his first immunizations (btw- they have one for rota virus now!) and I couldn't even comfort him properly because I had to throw him in the car seat and go!

Right by the school, my phone rings. Yep, Ben was the LAST kid left.
Great, I'm that mom now.

He asked for ice cream because he "was standing out in the hot sun so long" and of course I got him some - darn guilt.

An evening out

Out on the patio, that is.

We had to take advantage of this glorious day!

So, the kids and I had dinner outside - no grill because it hasn't survived this Oklahoma wind

Scoot together for a picture, kids. Okay, Brinley frown...

or make a Popeye face, whatever works.

Your turn Ben, frown...
he couldn't :P

They were talking about something here.
I don't know what, but I love their body language.

Ice cream sandwiches for dessert!

Shh! don't tell Daddy -

(he was working out to get ready for his mini-triathlon next month).

They were frozen strawberry yogurt with a granola "cookie".

Healthier than a regular ice cream sandwich, right?

At least that's what we'll go with.

IF your name is Desiree...

Hi girlie! I need your email address (to complete the giveaway).
I can't seem to locate it anywhere....are you in a witness protection program?

:) If you don't want to post it just email me cindilokey@msn.com

Mythbusters: Demolition Derby Special

Ben's reaction - "That is GREAT"

Brinley's reaction - "That couldn't happen"

Exact words.

The reluctant star

Reluctant to practice Thursday night- sat there for 20 minutes refusing and trying my patience but I wasn't going to let him off the hook.

Reluctant to play - didn't want to warm up and started the game on the bench with a banana! ...and off the subject but see that bench above? One of the dads made it and he brings it to all the games for the team!

Miss Brin loves to accessorize for game days.

But once Ben got in the game, he shined - He scored 3 goals!

I love it when they celebrate after a score :)

They run all around, giving high fives - it's too cute!

Post game tunnel.

The Rockstars finally pulled off a win this week :)

~2 months old~

Bowen is growin' I couldn't get him to look at me :(

He is just fantabulous - eating well, smiling, rolling over, staying awake more but sleeping a little longer at night lately. He's slept all night twice so far.

His check up is Monday - he'll get shots : (

but I can't wait to see what he weighs!

Today...

My kids built a book "bridge" throughout the house to escape the alligators...those scary Oklahoma alligators!

(please forgive my nearly naked son) And this little girl was wearing a white t-shirt & jeans then went to "potty" before we left.

I put Bowen in his seat then called out "Brinley, let's go".

She called back "I'm getting my socks..."

This is how I found her.

And that's why I can never seem to leave on time.

Also my apologies to anyone who saw these without commentary...I didn't realize they posted earlier - oops!

It's My Blogoversary Giveaway!

One Year.

Wow!

I wanted to do something special for my 1st blogoversary so here it is...

my first ever giveaway!!

Not one, but two of you will recieve a bib & burp cloth set (my personal fave) courtesy of the Awesome Kayla at kayla's creations !

Here's Bowen modeling his adorable set...

All the cool babies wear Kayla's.

Brinley recieved hers as a gift 3 years ago and I've since ordered them for others and couldn't wait to get one for little Bowie!

So here's what you do to enter:

• follow the above link to Kayla's site, click on "bib & burp sets", then click on "designs" and browse.
• then leave me a comment, with your email address, telling me your favorite of Kayla's designs.

The deadline to enter is Saturday, April 18th at midnight, CST.

2 winners will be selected using random.org and notified via email, then you can customize your own bib & burp cloth set with Kayla!

Thanks so much for sharing the last year of my life and fueling my addiction (haha), it's been crazy!

Good Luck

& happy designing : )

New Poll

It seems like it takes me forever to achieve my "natural" unmade-up look.
Just wondering what the norm is for all you other ladies out there...

THE jeans

As I was folding clothes this morning, I met up with THE jeans.

Bryce's.

Hate them.

Yep, used the ugly word.

I would seriously destroy them if I thought for a second I could get away with it.

P90X Lowdown

It's not going well ya'll.
My evening workouts were "not working" for Bryce and they kept me up late, which left me tired. So I switched to mornings which lasted only a few days because Bowen is only napping about 15 minutes at a time.
Then I didn't workout at all Easter weekend.
This week I thought I would try afternoons - worked on Monday (had to finish last 20 mins. after Bryce got home though) but yesterday I was only able to do it about 10 minutes at a time...probably not effective for a cardio workout, huh?
I gave up halfway through it, took Bowen's temp because he's not sleeping and it's worrying me - it was normal.

I enjoy it because it's effective - my buns are still sore from Monday.

But now I'm feeling totally defeated.
I don't think I'll even try today.