locs: simply because it's more fun to spell it this way

I forget to share pictures of myself here. I take a terrible self portrait really, and after so many bad pictures a girl kinda gives up. I've got to try a little harder because I'd like to keep track of my locs, if nothing else. It has been four years this month since I put locs in my hair. And I think I've just come into a comfort zone. You know, what products I like to use, and a beauty regime.
I am always inspired by this channel. Her styles are always fun. Even though I've only tried a hand-full. It's become easy, and breezy. :) Which is perfect because, gosh I don't have a ton of time to pamper myself these days. Three kids will do that I guess.

p.s. Check out this give away!

happy weekend

I know, I already talked about my canning fun, but I think they are very pleasant to look at. Here are some of my favorites this week.

I really do like sesame street.

We loved watching this story unfold live.

I stopped using plastic produce bags a long time ago. But these seems to be a much better option than my apples and squash rolling around on the belt.

I am certain this magazine will be nice to read. ( I'm still not over Domino's crash)

Forgive my absence. Ezra was sick with something strange, but mild and then we had wonderful house guests this past week. We've had so much fun I forgot to capture it all in pictures. :(
Now that we are back to our regularly scheduled programing, Joel and I watched Chris Rocks documentary Good Hair. As a black woman a lot of this movie rang true. Some of it was a surprise as well. Like how and where human hair comes from. I had no idea that weaves could be such a huge expense. I started getting a perm when I was about 10. And continued to get them until I was 23. I went through a time where I loved wearing my hair in braids. ( my hair braided with fake hair)

There I am. circa 2002 with braid extensions
And here I am Pregnant with my first in 2005. With a regular perm.

I went natural at 23.

I have never been so happy. I love my own hair and for the first time wouldn't change a thing.

love these soaps

Orchard Farm soaps is a company run out of Idaho. They make soaps, candles, lip balms and lotion bars. The soaps smell delicious, and use only the best ingredients. Here is her Etsy shop.

Portland, we like you

We went to Portland for what seems to be our annual fourth of July trip out west. We stayed at a fun little hotel on the river with a warm little pool very close to where we planned on worshiping Sunday morning. I was lucky enough to get a latte from Stumptown, which is right next to the Ace hotel. One of these days we'll try to stay there. Maybe.

Want to know a great place to eat? Pine State Biscuits! If you are in the Portland area, run, don't walk here people. Order the McIsley. You won't be sorry. We also ate at the Doug Fir again. ( we always do) I made the mistake of not ordering the smoked salmon hash. :( Shame on me.

Shame on me.

We had an awesome time, but coming home is always sweet.

making stuff

I still use, and am very happy with my homemade deodorant. I started adding essential oil in the fragrance of my choice to really spruce things up. I've never smelled better.

Anyhow, we used trader Joes all natural toothpaste until they decided it would be a good idea to discontinue the line. :/ So as a replacement, I thought it might be fun to try to make some. The other all natural brands are at least twice the price. So I used this recipe:

1/3 cup baking soda
1/3 cup vegetable glycerin
12 drops of spearmint food grade essential oil

and just tried it for the first time, and I like.

deodorizer for those of us

I made myself some deodorant last night. I had been using this stuff. I love the smell to pieces. But the first ingredient was propylene glycol. I was given this recipe by my sister. And dang does it work.

all natural deodorant for real

1/4 C virgin coconut oil
1/4 C baking soda
1 1/2 ts cornstarch

My coconut oil was soft enough to mix the other ingredients in with heating it first. So after I mixed them completely, I stuffed it into an old deodorant container that I had saved and washed. Then I put it in the freezer over night just to speed up the hardening process.

I really don't think this is regrettable. I mean these are all food grade ingredients. Which is nice for nursing. Babies come pretty close to whatever you put on. That used to stress me out.