Month: September 2019

5 DIY Spa Treatments for Your Hair

Abby H.

Disclosure – This post contains affiliate links.

I love DIY beauty treatments. Most spa-grade products start with natural ingredients or extracts of natural ingredients. Why not skip the pricy treatments and mix up some fun hair treatments in your kitchen!

Sneaking in a spa getaway before the holidays is easier than you think. Madison Reed wants you to know about these 5 swanky spa treatments for your hair. The best part? These deliciously healthy hair solutions can be found in your own kitchen!

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1. Beer is the Silver Bullet for Fine, Limp Hair

Believe it or not, beer is full of protein, which enhances shine, strength, and moisture.

HOW: Just open up a can or bottle and let it sit open for a couple hours to release the carbonation. After you shampoo, gently massage the beer into your hair, let it sit for 5-10 minutes, and then rinse. You can also put the beer in a spray bottle and spritz onto dry hair. The protein residue from the brew will help strengthen your hair.

2. Honey is The Bee’s Knees for Split Ends

Don’t worry, we’re not leading you into a sticky situation, you can safely put honey on your hair! In fact, it can be a miracle worker for damaged hair. Honey is antibacterial, contains vitamins and minerals, and is a humectant, which means that it attracts moisture to improve dry hair.

HOW: Using half a cup of honey, saturate your hair. Put on a shower cap to capture natural heat and put your feet up for half an hour (you deserve it). Rinse out the honey to reveal glowing soft, silky hair. This treatment will help reduce split ends and fly aways.

3. Baking Soda Gets a Rise Out of Your Hair

Time to apply our science class know-how to hair care! Baking soda is an alkaline base (the other end of the spectrum from acids). This is important for hair because excess oils and styling products get trapped in the cuticle of your hair, making it feel greasy and flat. Use baking soda to lift out those unwanted oils and product build up.

HOW: Mix two tablespoons of baking soda with small amounts of water until it forms a thick paste. Work this paste into your hair and let it sit for ten minutes before rinsing. Your hair will gain volume and feel bouncy and clean!

4. Avocado to Bring Down the Frizz

The oils in avocados are very similar to the natural oils in our skin. Combined with its proteins and nutrients, this is one hair-enriching fruit! Use as a smoothing balm to tame frizz and fly aways. In winter months, it can also reduce that annoying seasonal static.

HOW: Mash half an avocado until smooth. Massage into damp hair and leave it on for 20 minutes before rinsing. Your hair will be deeply conditioned. Bonus: if you have curls, this treatment will make them soft and defined.

5. Let the Light in with Yogurt

Yogurt does wonders for dull, lifeless hair. It contains lactic acid, which gently cleans off the environmental film that can build up on our hair, and milk fat, which adds incredible shine.

HOW: Massage a half cup of plain yogurt into damp hair. Put on a shower cap to capture natural heat. After 20 minutes, rinse your hair. Your hair will look like it’s glowing!

Treat yourself to one of these kitchen spa treatments once a week on rotation to relax and get healthy, gorgeous hair. Follow up with Madison Reed Radiant Color Kit that is healthier for your hair for a full beauty routine that leaves you feeling great, inside and out!

Go Organic with Fetch Rewards

Abby H.

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Shop smart, eat smart. 

Did you know Fetch Rewards offers points on organic products? You’ll also save on natural juices, low-calorie meals, sugar-free drinks, cauliflower pasta, and more. Try something new today!

To learn more about Fetch rewards, click here.

If Fetch Rewards seems like an app you’d enjoy, check this out: Use my code ND2TB when you sign up and you’ll score 2000 points after you scan in your first receipt with Fetch Rewards. That’s 2/3 to your first $3 Amazon Gift Card (or whatever $3 Gift Card you choose). You can find Fetch Rewards in your app store.

If you use my code, I’ll get 4000 points when you scan your first receipt. Win/Win, right? Honestly, my disclosure statement is here. I’m here to help ya’ll save money, not make a million dollars!

Parents Helping Parents: Behavior Resources for Home Workshop 10/8/19

Abby H.

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I love these workshops! They are a great way to help your child learn and grow in a positive environment outside school. It is a community opportunity that the Santee School District provides to parents for FREE!

The October 8, 2019 class will focus on Make It Take It Behavior Resources for the home including:

  • Visual Schedule
  • Zones of Regulations
  • Behavior Contracts
  • Positive Reinforcement

These classes take place at the Santee School District Office located at 9625 Cuyamaca Street, Santee, CA 92071

For the 2019-2020 school year, there are 6 planned classes. The complete schedule can be seen here.  If you have any questions or would like to RSVP, please call the school district office at 619-258-2300.

 

5 Ways to Maximize Your Routine!

Abby H.

991d001cb11fbb9af4e45d3b104865ea.jpgParents know that kids need a routine- It gives them stability and a sense of security. But, adults need a routine too. Working from home, routine is absolutely needed to keep me productive. I was talking to a lady at the gym today after yoga. She said it must be nice to work from home- all the free time! But really, today was my busiest day this week. After the gym, we had errands, then home to start dinner, school pick up, and prep for tomorrows tie-dye session while Bitty is at preschool.

Here are my 5 Tips for Maximizing your Routine:

Update your calendar: I sit down on Saturday night and go over my calendar for the next week. I take my paper calendars (Yes, I have one next to my bathroom vanity, and one on my desk), and make sure they match with the calendar on my phone. That way I’m not dependant on my phone all the time and everyone in the house can be on the same page.

Take Notes: I keep a spiral-bound notebook and pens in my purse at all times. I make notes about all kinds of stuff: Ideas for blog posts, appointments (Which I later put into my phone), shopping lists, etc. I sometimes use my phones note feature for this too, but there is something about putting pen to paper and writing.

Lay it out: Before bed, I lay out my clothes and the kids clothes for the next day. I also grind the coffee and set up the coffee maker. I put the kid’s lunch bags out of their backpacks and set them on the kitchen counter. It makes the next morning so much easier.

Look Ahead: Before you go to bed, take a look at your next day.  What kinds of activities do you have? Work, school, gym, meetings? I feel more at ease knowing what is on deck for the next day.

Give yourself Grace: You are only human. If you can’t get everything done in one day, it’s cool. Tomorrow is another day (literally). There are so few things in this world that positively need to be done on a specific day (bills and doctor’s appointments are a few things that come to mind). Push your tasks forward to the next day, and make a conscious decision to work on those items or tasks the next day as priority items.  No one is perfect (or insta-perfect).

 

Talk Back: How do you get the most out of your daily routine?

Cents Of Style is having a PANTS PARTY!

Abby H.

Screen Shot 2019-09-17 at 9.55.19 AM.pngOk, so not that kind of pants party.

Pants. We all wear them (at least MOST of us do). Around here, we prefer that they are comfy, a great price, and look amazing. Luckily, we have lots of options…leggings, jeggings, faux leather pants or jeans…so don’t worry Cents of Style has you covered!

PantsThis week, Cents of Style’s Two for Tuesday collection has all of the best pants in one place, for only $13 EACH when you get 2 or more w/code PANTPARTY, which makes these pants up to 75% OFF!

Where else can you find two pairs of pants for ONLY $26.00?! There are tons of styles, colors, and patterns and sizes ranging from S-3XL.

Pants

Don’t forget the FREE SHIPPING! This deal is active 09/16/19 and expires 09/19/19 at midnight.

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Organic Shoppers Rejoice! BerryCart is here to help you Save!

Abby H.

You may have seen my post on Smartphone Apps mention BerryCart, but I haven’t posted about it specifically, so, let’s dive in and I’ll fill you in on all the deets.

berrycart-logo-300x73.pngFor those of us who are Organic/Healthy Shoppers, a lot of the shopping apps can be a bummer because there are not a lot of choices.

BerryCart to the rescue! With BerryCart, you can find Cashback deals on the best Organic, Gluten-Free, non-GMO, Vegan foods and more.

What I really like is that you can combine BerryCart savings with other savings apps (like Ibotta, Checkout51, and Fetch Rewards) to double and triple dip! BerryCart can be used at any store that sells the items in your BerryCart list!

You can also use coupons and other savings (like your Target RedCard to save an extra 5%) to bring down your out of pocket costs!

What I love about Berrycart is that a lot of these brands are carried at stores that don’t accept coupons like Grocery Outlet and 99 Cents Only.

Examples of items I have seen for sale at our local Grocery Outlet in the past week:

BerryCart is a game-changer for those of us who want to eat better, but have a budget.

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All Cashback rebates are redeemed through the BerryCart iPhone or Android apps. To get started, click here to check out the website and download the app.

Tea Collection- 3 Days Only 25% Off Baby Styles

Abby H.

**This post contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links.

For 3 days only, select baby styles are 25% off!

Starting today (9/17) through Thursday (9/19), get select baby styles for 25% off. This includes newborn, baby boy, and baby girl styles. Use Coupon Code BABY25 at checkout.

Here are a few of my favorites:

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Fine print:
Use code BABY25 at checkout. Valid on items marked ‘25%off’ at Teacollection.com. Offer valid through 9/19/2019 at 11:59 PM PT. Does not apply to Patagonia, Livie & Luca, and Saltwater. Discount taken pre-tax. Cannot be combined with other promotions. No adjustments on previous purchases. Not redeemable for cash. Cannot be combined with other offers. Limited to stock on hand.

Ripple Street: Get Crafty with Canon House Party Event

Abby H.

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Party will be November 9th, 2019

If you’re an artist that loves crafting and scrapbooking, the Canon PIXMA TS9521C printer is the printer you need. Experience the Canon PIXMA TS9521C printer with your friends and show them how it is the perfect tool to take all your creative ideas to the next level.

This event is only open to residents of the US.

If you’re selected and confirmed as a host, your exclusive Party Pack will contain:

  • Canon PIXMA TS9521C wireless all-in-one printer
  • Photo Paper Plus Glossy II 4×6 (100 sheets/pack)
  • And more

To apply, click here.

Stockpile Cooking: Yummy Strudel Pumpkin Muffins

Abby H.

Screen Shot 2019-09-15 at 7.35.48 PM.pngAs part of my “use it up, wear it out, make it do or do without” mantra, I’m trying to bake more out of the cupboard. It helps us use up what we’ve got on-hand, and it’s also a lot healthier than buying store-bought muffins.

While I was digging in the very back of the cupboard, I found

These muffins were amazing. The recipes makes 1 mini muffin pan (24 mini muffins), or regular sized muffins.

 

Low Fat Pumpkin Muffins

  • 1.5 cups all-purpose flour (you can also use whole wheat flour, or a 1 for 1 gluten-free flour blend if you prefer)
  • 1/4 cup flax meal (You could also use almond meal if you prefer)
  • 1 teaspoons baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1 Tablespoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 Tablespoon ground ginger
  • 1 can canned pumpkin puree (approx. 30-ish ounces)
  • 3/4 cups light brown sugar
  • 3 oz. container of fat-free Greek vanilla yogurt (or use 3oz. of fat-free plain Greek yogurt and 1 T. vanilla extract)
  • 1 egg
  • 1/3 cup milk (whatever kind you like)

DSC00551.jpgStrudel topping

  • 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) room temperature butter
  • 1/4 cup light brown sugar
  • 1/4 c. oatmeal
  • 1/4 cup Flour (you can also use whole wheat flour, or a 1 for 1 gluten-free flour blend if you prefer)
  • 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1 Tablespoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 Tablespoon ground ginger

Directions:

Muffins-

  1. Mix dry ingredients together, set aside.
  2. In a large bowl, combine all the wet ingredients with an electric mixer until smooth and combined.
  3. Add dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredient mixture and mix until smooth and combined.
  4. Pour batter into greased muffin tins (or use cupcake liners).

Strudel-

  1. Mix all strudel ingredients together in a small bowl.
  2. Option one: Spoon about a tablespoon of the strudel onto the uncooked muffins right before putting to the oven.
  3. Option two: Fill the muffin tins halfway with muffin batter, drop in the strudel mix, and top with more muffin batter to make strudel surprise muffins.
  4. Bake at 350 degrees for 18-20 minutes.

 

 

 

Home Decor Survey- Earn $30 in Rewards!

Abby H.

Reward Bee is hooking you up!

Take part in a quick survey about home decor and home remodeling and you’ll score $30 in reward points to spend on some really awesome magazine subscriptions.

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Choose from such titles as:

  • Bon appetit
  • Cosmo
  • Country Living
  • Elle
  • Family Circle
  • House Beautiful
  • People
  • Rachel Ray
  • Real Simple
  • And so many more!

And once you complete the survey, you’ll have the chance to do more, and earn additional rewards!

To get started, click here.