Are you 'Poo Free?

I just came across an article the other day about going 'poo free- "shampoo" free, that is. (You didn't think I'd talk about real poo, did you?)

At first glance, a small shiver went down my back. I have a very low tolerance for other people's hair, especially if it's super oily. To me, oily = stinky and gross and I don't want it anywhere near me. I could never be a hair stylist, so bless you to all those who can tolerate other people's hair, cause someone has to do it. I have a weird aversion to feet too, but that's another post another time.

Basically, the theory behind going shampoo free is to save your hair from the harsh cleaning agent that it really is. There are plenty of unpronounceable chemicals in your shampoo that aren't good for you, especially when they run down your skin. And we all know that skin is the largest organ we have. I never thought about what is seeping into my skin. Most shampoos will also contain mineral oil, which (I didn't know until recently) is a byproduct produced when gasoline is distilled from crude oil. Ummm, yuck.

So what can you use?

After reading on it just a bit, I found that the most natural, cost effective, and eco-friendly way to clean your hair is to use what most of you probably have in your cupboards- baking soda. Apparently, it's wonderful for your hair, cleans it and leaves it fresh and naturally shiny. I've also read that if your hair is super fine, you can also just rinse it with water. I have thick, curly/wavy hair that is prone to oil at the roots and dryness at the tips, so I won't be going that route.

But what if you're a conditioner addict like me?

The eco-hippies have you covered for that one too! (I heart you, eco-hippies!) ;) A quick apple cider vinegar rinse is said to detangle the hair follicles, balance the pH of your hair and seal the cuticles. When mixed with water, the mildly acidic vinegar helps counteract the baking soda.

I'm still not 100% sure. I'm sure it's all well and good, but I'm seriously a foam and lather addict. If I don't get that foamy feel, I don't feel my hair is clean. I'll suds up again, apparently, stripping more oils from my scalp, which cause me to use more conditioner, which makes my hair more oily. And the wretched cycle continues.

So, I think I'm going to give a shot. Not just yet, I want to read up a little more on it. But, what's the harm in trying for a week or two? Anyone out there have any experiences they'd like to share in going 'poo free?
I'll let you know how it goes either way! 

For more information on going shampoo free, visit:

Natural Forces
5 Minutes for Going Green

Ohm-ing

Did I mention I've been reading Eat, Pray, Love?

Yeah, I'm on the EPL bandwagon, so sue me. I just started the India part of the book and I've loving every minute. I'm devouring every word. I was meant to read this book at this point in my life. I'm particularly loving this section because Southern Hubby and I have been to India, so it's bringing back lots of nice memories.

Because of this, I'm starting to pick back up my yoga. Not that I ever had a "my yoga"; I piddled around with it in classes, but I never really studied it. But I'm giving it another shot.

I'm also trying meditation.

I cringe even writing this because it sounds SO Uptown Dallas. And if you're from Dallas, you know what I'm talking about. And Uptown Dallas is decidedly not me.

But I quietly began researching meditation last year when migraines and fatigue were taking a firm hold of my life. At that point in my life, I was tired of taking prescription medications for something that I thought I could control. I didn't want to pop pills like candy. When I told my doctor about this, he suggested I try meditation and/or yoga, as it has been known to help. He said it almost quietly, like he didn't want me to think he was crazy.

I didn't.

I did try here and there but I found it very hard to quiet my mind. But I don't think I was really ready to give it a true shot.

Finally I'm ready.

We'll see how this goes. I'm learning. I'm sitting. I'm ohm-ing And I'm trying to not feel like an uber-goober when I'm sitting there absolutely still and quiet. I feel like I should be doing something- cleaning, laundry, running, catching up on blogs, reading, picking my nose, anything but sitting doing nothing. I don't think us Americans handle 'nothing' very well. We have the mentality that if we're not productive, we're not useful.

I'm out to change that. For myself, at least. Wish me luck.

Green Goodness

These days, it's about all I can do to get up off the couch. It's hot. It's humid. My allergies are making my eyes itch and burn. Pool water is a warm 94 degrees- the opposite of refreshing.  I never put on makeup anymore and I dread anything that requires me to use my blowdryer and Chi.

There is absolutely no good reason to be outside.

From time to time I'll have these fantasies of pouring myself a huge class of cold sweet tea and parking my rump on my apartment balcony. I see myself finishing up Eat, Pray, Love, fanning myself with an old J.Crew catalog and watching the melting sunbathers by the pool. It's this suburban girl's version of the sitting on a plantation veranda.

But once I step outside, the beads of sweat start forming on my forehead. I start frantically rubbing my allergy-ridden, bloodshot red eyes. I begin to hyperventilate because I've been without air conditioning (sweet, sweet air conditioning) for longer than two minutes. I'm a wuss and a big, spoiled baby. And I'm ok with that. I hate the summer heat. I hate living in Texas from June until October. But, really, what's a girl to do?

I can't wait until fall. I miss my cardigans and loafers. Until then, I comfort myself with big pitchers of sweet tea. And I make myself one of these from time to time.

How are you staying cool this summer?

My Favorite Green Smoothie

1 cup water and ice

1 big handful of baby spinach

1.5 cups of frozen mixed fruit (tropical blend)

2 heaping spoonfuls of chia seed gel

2 packets of Truvia sweetener

*blend well and enjoy!

Happy Feet

A while back, I read the book Born to Run. While it wasn't the greatest book I've ever read, it was quite interesting. And it introduced me into the world of barefoot running.

Since then I've been on the treadmill trying to get the hang of it. It's different, but I like it. It's freeing. I like free.

When will the temperatures in Texas stop being 100+? I want to get off the treadmill. I want to get out on the pavement. I want to run and feel like the wind is carrying me.

But I'm not there yet. In fact, I 've got a long way to go. I'm no runner. Never have been. I used to hate it, in fact. But I want to overcome that hate. Cause I think it really was fear. Fear that I couldn't do it. Fear of failure. I don't want to be scared of running anymore.

We'll see how it goes. Wish me luck. And send me all the awesome songs that motivate you to go that extra mile when you're working out. Thank you. :)

xoxo

Raw

Is there anyone out there that is a raw food nut or a vegan? Southern Hubby and I are watching Food Inc. and Oh. Em. Gee. I IMPLORE you to watch this movie. It's not so much political as it is big corporation. Very scary stuff. We're beginning to rethink all our food choices. More money on food = less money on health care.

Remember a while (emphasis on while) back I started drinking green smoothies each morning? Well, that definitely didn't last long since the holidays (and all the food that comes with them!) were just around the corner. Sadly, I didn't revisit the green smoothie until just recently.

Isn't a marvel how the human body is so keen on telling you that you're putting the wrong things in it? First, it starts slowing down- always wanting to sleep, always feeling bloated and sluggish. Then, it tries to get your attention by making those pesky numbers higher on your scale. And when that doesn't work, it starts making you crave raw food- fruits, veggies, green, green, green!

And that pretty much sums up how I've been feeling for the past couple weeks. I finally did something about it this week by bringing the green smoothies back into my diet and the mid afternoon naps have disappeared. My energy level is finally climbing!

After seeing the movie and reading a whole bunch of scary articles, I seem to be on yet another mission to make my body whole and clean again.

I'd love to hear from anyone out that knows a bit more about this lifestyle (and it definitely is one) Good stores? Good blogs? Good recipe books?



Oh, and those scary articles? Here ya go!

• On high fructose corn syrup
• On food dyes (Oh, Lordy..)
• On milk (so sad!)
• On meat

PS- If you do watch this movie (and you reallllly should) be warned. There are some brutal animal violence scenes. I definitely had to cover my eyes and plug my ears to drown out their sad and frightened cries.

PPS- After reading some comments, I just have to point out that in no way am I going full raw or vegan just yet. For me, it would have to be a very gradual process. These thoughts are just what have been going through my head lately.

The Last Straw

Today is the first day that I've felt like my normal self. Who knows what I had. Flu, cold, H1N172, I don't care what you call it; it was just pitiful.

So, when I woke up this morning and didn't feel like asking SH to shoot me in the head, I knew I was on the path to recovery. And what better way to recover than to start my first day of my green smoothie challenge? :)

Now, I'll be the first one to tell you that I'm not going to be able to do this like Sara really wanted us to. I can do the smoothies most mornings and I can stop drinking cokes (or pop if you're a Yank.) I will try my best to eat more greens, salads included but the whole no white sugar thing makes my head hurt. Yes, I know sugar is bad. Yes, I know it is one of the reasons I'm feeling so sluggish mid-day. But it's in bread, y'all! And I'm a bread addict. I can't help it. Baby steps.

I've decided not to set myself up for immediate failure and will begin trying to incorporate better things in my diet while leaving some of the bad stuff out. And I'll do it kicking and screaming with a smile.

My first smoothie this morning was not bad at all. It was quite yummy and I seriously drank the entire pitcher. But smoothies aren't too new for us...we've been drinking fruit ones for breakfast for a while now. The only difference is that instead of fat free milk, I'm using water and ice, and adding handfuls of spinach instead of this protein powder stuff that did nothing for me. (This morning, my fruits were strawberries, one banana, and some pineapple. Yummy!)

And now after reading this article, I of course want cuter straws. If you know me at all, you'll know that I drink pretty much everything through a straw. After buying a couple of hundred packs and going through them in a few months, I realized how irresponsible I was being. (We recycle of course, but I never knew what number those straws were so I always threw them away.)

So, I got a couple packs of those funny whistle straws. They work like a dream and are dishwasher safe. I keep them with my utensils so they are easily accessed. I've used them for about a year now and can't even fathom going back to the disposable kind. (I'm trying to get rid of all disposables in my house but that's another post.) I even bought a set for the trailer so I have no excuse not to use them when we're camping. Sure, it's a small step, but it adds up!

After looking around a bit, I came up a little disappointed. Pottery Barn, Crate and Barrel, Williams Sonoma, Sur La Table, BB&B didn't have sqaut. Grrr. I've seen the Oprah steel straws, but those don't look fun to me. They look quite serious, for straws. I saw these on etsy...still a little un-fun to me but you know how much I support hand made. Plus, they're made of glass, so that's another good thing. I'm thinking of getting these since they're glass and come in my fave shade! :)

Did anyone else start drinking the green smoothies? I know there were several people that wanted to start and I got some emails, too. If I didn't get back to you, I apologize. Blame H1N172.

Hope y'all are having amazing weeks so far! Happy to be back!

xoxo

21 day challenge

There's something that happens between the time you take a vacation and the two weeks that follow. It seems like every good routine that you had established up until your vacation started just goes out the window in favor for easier and lazier routines.

So, grab your morning coffee and let's take a look at all the routines that this Southern Housewife has let go of...

1. Rising early to pray and spend time with the Lord- It seems that since we got back from Mexico I've been getting up with Southern Hubby or about 15 minutes before which enables me to quickly throw together some lunch for him, get a pot of coffee started and maybe if I have a couple extra minutes, run a brush through my hair. Yes, isn't this the way a hard working husband wants to see his wife in the morning- eyes barely cracked open, with disheveled hair, holding a crumpled lunch bag with God knows what inside, blowing morning breath kisses in his general direction? That just screams put together housewife, doesn't it?

2. Portion control- The extra 7 lbs on the scale just about sums it up. Grossness.

3. Working out- OK, so I wasn't really perfect about doing this even before we went on vacation, but it was always on the list of things to do! And it goes hand in hand with getting rid of those nasty 7 lbs that aren't letting me button my jeans comfortably.

So, what's a good southern housewife to do?

I'm going to turn it around, that's what!! It's about time I get out of the lazy vacation spell Mexico has so deviously cast on me. First off, let me show off the cleanly scrubbed gorgeous floors I had promised from last week.

Aren't they beautiful?! But guess what- this girl didn't do them. Disappointing, I know. My wonderful SH did them. What a sweetie poo he is, but what a lazy girl I am! I meant to get to them this week, honest! But things get in the way- like blogging, taking pictures with your new camera, and that wretched but addicting show, The Real Housewives of New York (PS- Not a one of them are true housewives.) Excuses, excuses.

Now, let's get back on track and make some goals for this week via the Homemaker's Haven wonderful outline! I love her outline of things to do on Mondays. They are simple, yet highly effective and make it easy to plan out your goals for the week. These are the three things I'm wanting to get back into the habit of doing.

1) Begin Your Day Early With God’s Word- My lack of doing this these past couple weeks is the major reason why my day get's started off on the wrong foot. It is AMAZING how much better your day goes when you rise early and spend some time with the Lord each and every day. I still have been doing my bible studies and prayers, but I do these when SH leaves for work around 8:30. I don't complete it until around 9:30ish and by that time, I should have gotten so much more accomplished! Just making this one change with impact my days for the better dramatically.

I have decided to join Sarah Mae's 5:16 Girls Club. Named after Ephesians 5:16, it encourages wives to get up early before her family. This ensures two things, spending quiet time with the Lord and being prepared spiritually and physically to serve your family's needs. (Be sure to click on all three links as they are filled with wonderful information.)

2) Complete Your Morning Routine- As of now, my morning routine consists of prayer time, making coffee, getting SH off with a nice lunch, a smile and a prayer, taking Southern Puppy out for a potty break and feeding him, and cleaning up the kitchen after breakfast. I also like to glance at my binder for my schedule and things that need to get done. Mondays are for meal planning as well as making the grocery list and gathering coupons.

3) Plan A Project/Goal for the week- This week, I think I'm going to tackle the carpets. Steam cleaning can be a pain, but it's nice to see all the gunky water come out from your carpets and down the drain into dirty oblivion. And of course, my goal is to rise early and get my day started the right way!

Who's ready to change her lazy ways? Let's make this a personal challenge! I've read that it takes approximately 21 days to make something a habit. So that means, as of April 5th, we should be well on our way to becoming a better, healthier, happier, more productive wife. . Twenty one days is not that long. We can keep a 3 week attention span without losing interest, right? Let's do it...who is with me?

Post about all the things that you've let go in your life that have lead you down an unproductive road.

• Then write about the things you want to change and make a new habit in these three weeks.
• Each Monday, post how you did. Did you complete your goal for the week? When did you slip up and why? Be honest. Let's hold each other accountable!
• Don't forget to leave comments on the others in the group. Encourage each other! Leave tips on how you were able to get through the week.
• Sign the linky below so we all know who's participating.
• Steal this button, put it on your sidebar and link up to this post. It makes it easier to see who's participating.
• On April 5th, blog about how you think you did. What did you get accomplished in your house? What new habits did you make? How did your changes affect your household, your family, your appearance?

Good luck, ladies! We can do it!

Happy Habit-makin'!

xoxo Y

Think Thin Thursdays- Week 2

Hello all my skinny sweeties! :) Today is another day of Think Thin Thursdays!

Before I post my weight (scary!) let's review my goals from last week:

1. I wanted to hit the gym three times....ok, so I went only two times. Getting up at 5:45am when it's super cold outside and you've got two handsome men in your bed to snuggle with is hard, y'all! Really hard! BUT! I am going to the gym today after I send sweet hubby off to work, so maybe that will count? ;)

2. I wanted to write down everything I ate in my WW journal (although I'm not currently on the plan). Well- another big fat failure. I did the first couple of days and then life got in the way. (I hate that excuse.)

Wow. I thought I'd be ok writing this, but I'm suddenly starting to feel very mad at myself. I definitely let myself down this week. On the plus side, I did do very well with my water intake. I think the only coke I had this week was a cup of diet Sprite yesterday. I did make a few bad meal choices (think Chili's huge chocolate chip brownie thing topped with a huge scoop of ice cream) but I also did ok with not always having to finish my plate. Somewhere in life, I became a member of the "Clean Plate Club" and for a while, I joined the "Get Another Helping of Lasagne" club. So, I'm learning to recognize the feeling of actually being full. Not "stuffed", mind you- but satiated. And that feeling does not feel like I'm going burst out of my jeans. It doesn't hurt. It doesn't make me uncomfortable. It's just right. I'm still getting used to the feeling of "just right" though because I'm used to feeling super full. I need to remind myself that feeling is ok to have. I doesn't mean I'm starving. It just means maybe I won't have a muffin top that night.

Okay, on to the results.....

I went ahead and actually posted my weight. Might as well get the full benefit of the accountability, right?

When I stepped on the scale today, I about lost it. It's very hard to see (my camera skills aren't very sharp this early, huh?) but it is actually hovering right under 165lbs. Now last week, I was at 164lbs. So I put down my camera and got ready to bawl. But when I put my camera down, I noticed that my weight went down with it! Silly me never took my hefty camera's weight into account! So, I got off the scale, re-adjusted it, and then got back on minus my fat camera. It read 163lbs. Now I'm confused if last week's weight was all off. I took the picture myself, camera on. I think what I'll do is wait for Southern Hubby to get up and take one for me. I'll post it in a couple hours.

UPDATE: Southern Hubby took my picture and even though it looks like more, it actually said 162 lbs!!! He took it at an angle so it looks way off- ugh. But I even made him get super close to the scale to look at the exact line it was on and it was indeed, 162! :)

New goals for the week:

1. Try getting to the gym at least 3 times this week. I can do it! I know I can!

2. Eat out less. Use the food I have at home. It will save me calories and money.

Bridgette's task for this week is to write about one website that helps you on your weight loss journey. When I was really into WW, I would always visit Dottie's Weight Loss Zone. She had a wealth of information on there about recipes, new ideas to try, and even free print outs. She even has an article about how to get in your 8 glasses of water. I saw a lot of other TTT members that were struggling with this. I hadn't been in a while, so I'll have to go through it again as it looks like she's updated it. ;) Another one that I liked going to was Hungry Girl. It's a pretty cute website full of good stuff! Check it out! :)

Alright ladies, I'm off to check in on my other TTT sisters! :) Have an awesome day!

Think Thin Thursdays

I'm chicken.

I don't think I can post my weight for the world to see.

Ok, let me have it, girls. "Bawk, bawk, bawk!" I deserve it.

I am definitely still participating. I just think it will take a bit until I get comfortable enough to actually post the number. If you head over to Bridgette's TTT post, you will see that her scale says 120lbs. Mine, sadly, does not. It's not even close, girls. And who weighs 120 lbs. after having two kids?! Come on, Bridgette! Give us girls a break! ;)

Of course I'm only teasing and I am nothing but thankful to her for getting me up at 5:45am to get to the gym. You heard me right- 5:45am. I didn't even know there was such a time. But I did it. I worked out for 40 minutes on the elliptical machine and did another 15 on the bike. I'm proud of myself but am very tired. I was surprised at how many crazy people there are at the gym that early!

But just so you know that I did weigh myself, I'll share this picture with the mystery scale numbers. I'll work on getting enough courage to show it next week. I promise. But I can't guarantee anything! ;) This was taken at 5:45 this morning (hence the one sock pushed up and the other pushed down like a 5 year old) and I'm sporting my cute polka dot socks. I'm a crazy sock girl- I don't think I own any plain ones. So, be expecting argyle, polka dots, stripes, etc.

My goals for next week:

1. I would like to hit the gym in the morning at least 3 times this week. I need to build up to 5 days/week but I can only handle one thing at a time.

2. I will write down everything I eat in my WW journal. I still have everything from last year's little WW experience and I did find out how many points I am allotted, but I don't know if I'm that strong just yet. So, I'll start with monitoring and writing it all down.

And that's it!! How did everyone do today? I need to go out there and find 2 participants, per Bridgette's task instructions for this week, so if you did blog about it, let me know so I can give you some friendly motivation! Oh, and for the gal that said she didn't have a scale- I got this plain Jane one at Tarjay and it was literally $5. You can get a scale for good prices. No, it doesn't measure my fat mass, or whatever, but it works. And my doc said they are all the same. Just make sure it's adjusted correctly and it will be fine. Make that your goal for the week- purchase a scale!

Good luck ladies! :)

Are you ready for tomorrow, chicks?

Just popping in really quick before bed to stay that I'm participating in Think Thin Thursdays. Bridget over at The Not-So-Blog Blog is hosting, so head on over there to get the low down on the rules and how to play.

This one is a very creative meme, so I'm pumped. Especially since I really wanted to join back to Weight Watchers today but when I was typing in my billing address to pay the $40 due for the month, good old Dave Ramsey popped into my head and I went ahead closed the window.

Look how GOD has blessed me today and shown me that He's thinking of me always by directing me to this site. Her exact words when she was talking about this were,

"Every week I post a picture of myself standing on a scale. You guys are like my own personal Weight Watchers meeting (without the $13 fee). I use the picture as a way to keep me accountable."

Now, come on gals. That was totally His doing. I owe Him some praise and thanks in my prayers tonight. I wanted the accountability without having to pay $40/month and He provided me in the same day. :)

Now, tonight in your prayers and thoughts, think about joining this. It could be the start of something wonderful for your life, body, mind and spirit. And you'll have tons of gals trying to reach the same goals and having the same struggles as yourself. :)

And don't fall over when you see my weight on my scale. Yes, I will be showing it. That is very important for the accountability aspect of it all. I hope I see y'all tomorrow!! Nighty, nighty, sleep time, don't let the armadillos bite! :)