Hello 2015

Back at the top of the calendar. No resolutions here. Making better choices, and sticking to them, are officially on order. You? Last year I made the choice to stop eating meat. The success rate was about 90%. I’ll do better this year. In all things. Nurturing the human spirit…….top goal.

Tried It

Most women have a love/hate relationship with their hair. A bad hair day can drive anyone to the nut house – or a shaved head. As a woman with naturally curly hair the desire for straight hair dominates the morning styling routine. But straightening involves a lot of damage that takes a long time to repair. Biotin is recommended by doctors and stylists to help repair and support healthy hair, skin, and nails. After an 18-month long experience….it’s beneficial and worthy as a daily supplement.

As you know hair products can really damage the locks. But aren’t they so fun! Coloring (guilty!), styling, and poor diet can make hair look dry and tired. In addition to the biotin, shampooing every other day can help restore life and moisture. Dry shampoo is an alternative for the days you don’t wash but still want to smell and look fresh. The product below is a spray on. And it was perfect! It will be faultless for a ‘bun head’ summer. Just tie it up and leave it alone. The repair pack was a prime moisturizer. Reminded me of that tiny conditioning pack that comes in the hair color box. You know the one you are supposed to use once a week but it’s gone in a few days 😉

Ion products from Sally .99-$7.00 Biotin from Walmart $4.88

HOMEMADE

We all love and appreciate the natural and homemade. Especially from a good friend. Tami met me for breakfast and brought along a bag of goodies.

So glad this picture was taken early on…….because this stuff is almost gone!

Find it at http://www.radiantluster.com and Facebook

BARGAIN SHOPPER

This month is all about the discount. Why pay full price? Christmas drains the wallet but we still have needs. And maybe some wants. As a one income family the budget is everything. However, at times ‘let’s go shopping’ are the three loveliest words. Discount stores such as Marshall’s and TJ Maxx are gold mines for hidden treasures. Where it’s not cheap…it’s smart. Rarely do you see the same garment or product twice. They are giant melting pots of designer and obscure goodies. For instance, the toiletry department. This area usually consists of two or three large multi-tiered shelves filled with the unknown. Products from Europe and Australia you never knew existed. Lotions, perfumes, hair products, makeup, cleansers and healers. You can spend too much time picking through the varieties but you’ll leave with something choice and fun.

The discount prices of these stores run 30-70% less than other retailers. Last year I needed a winter coat and boots for a trip back east. I found a gorgeous jacket and black ankle boots and saved precious cash. These items are timeless. Timeless is so necessary. Why replace something because it’s out of fashion. Plus, why not a roomy carry-on for those items one couldn’t bear to lose in lost luggage.

Just one of many ways to lose yourself!

Coat Laundry $70 (Originally $100) Bag Ivanka Trump Blair Shopper $60 (Originally $135)

Boots Zigi Girl $40 (Originally $80)

……And the chair……a pair at Ross for $60 each. Spruced us my corner office 😉

SUPPLEMENTS

If you eat well you do not need a multi-vitamin. But supplements YES. Along with the Biotin I take calcium with added vitamin D. Embellish plain water with a dash or more of a powdered supplement. Vitamins are slowly absorbed into our system so space out the dose by using 1/4 packet at a time. No sense flushing out the good stuff we need. One packet can last two days.

Supplements from Sprouts. $1-$2 each.

Made it

Baba Ganoush! Amazing, heathy, and sort of easy to make. The kitchen was destroyed but it was all worth it. Next time I will know to forgo the hand mixer and use the blender instead.

ENJOY!

Ingredients: 1 large eggplant, 1/4 cup tahini, 3 cloves minced garlic, 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice, 1 pinch cumin, salt to taste, 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 table-spoon chopped fresh parsley, a few kalamata olives, and a tablespoon of pine nuts.

1. Prepare a medium-hot fire in a grill. 2. Preheat oven to 375F. 3. Prick the eggplant with a fork in several places and place on the grill rack 4-5 inches from the flame. 4. Grill, turning frequently, until the skin blackens and blisters and the flesh begins to feel soft, 10-15 minutes. 5. Transfer the eggplant to a baking sheet and bake until soft, 15-20 minutes. 6. Remove from the oven, let cool, and peel off the skin.

7. Place eggplant flesh in a bowl. 8. Using a fork, mash the eggplant to a paste.

9. Add the tahini, garlic, lemon juice, and the cumin and mix well. 10. Season with salt. 11. Transfer the mixture to a blender and blend until you have your desired consistency.

12. Transfer the mixture to a serving bowl. Use a spoon to form a shallow well. Drizzle the oil into the well and sprinkle with parsley. Place the olives and pine nuts for garnish. Serve with pita or crackers.