The 30 Day Hair Challenge

June 6, 2017

Y’all, I feel like a real life beauty blogger tonight.

I know what you are thinking, “Ashli, we see you.” You are not fooling us with your NEVER penciled in eyebrows and Miss “I don’t wash my face” before bed look. I actually commented on another Blogger’s Instagram this weekend when she shared her favorite face mask and asked her readers what their favorites were. My reply, “the last face mask I wore was in the aisle of WalMart at Halloween, about 10 years ago.” Yeah, that’s me.

So when Hairstory asked me to participate in a 30-day hair challenge, I was that girl looking over my shoulder for the hot blonde with epic waves flowing as she tossed her head and locks from side to side. She wasn’t there. Instead, it was me. A young (I am young still, right?) Momma in desperate need of some beauty hacks and love.

What is HairStory?
Hairstory is a new brand of hair products. They produce four products that are “simple, straightforward, and deliver beautiful results.”

What is New Wash?
A hair cleanser that completely replaces shampoo and conditioner. “New Wash cleanses with a proprietary blend of essential oils and naturally derived saturated cleansers, which respect the body’s natural moisture barrier that detergent destroys.” It works on ALL types of hair versus hundreds of traditional, specialized shampoos – and transforms hair that has been ritually abused by detergent, styling, and bleach. It is paraben-, pthalate-, sulfate-free, and detergent free.

How does it work?
1) Wet your hair.
2) Coat all of your hair.
3) Massage your scalp.
4) Shower as usual.
5) Rinse, or as Hairstory tells you, squeegee your hair.

The Challenge
Hairstory sent me a free bottle and asked me to replace my shampoo, conditioner and all products for 30 days and share my journey.

My Journey
Pre-Hairstory, my hair tends to be dry and a bit brittle. I do not dye my hair, so I have never had a lot of products in my hair. I have ombre’ed these locks about four or five times, but that is it. I have a bit of a wave that never dries too great but instead needs a nice style, due to my natural frizzies. I would consider myself low-maintenance (although my husband would total disagree). I use no after shower products, shutter, I know. And, a curling iron is my best friend whether I add wave or use the hot burning iron to straighten my hair.

But here is the real scoop – I am a busy Momma and I want easy – with a capital E, so EASY!

OVERALL
I took the #takeashowerwithus 30 Day Challenge and I have pros and cons. I noticed that during week one, my hair seemed greasier than usual but as the 30 days developed my hair did start to change.

PROS:

My hair was smooth, like ridiculously smooth. When I got out of the shower, I could comb my hair with my fingers and there were no tangles.
My hair air dried better than ever! No more, weird “natural” frizz!
Fewer products in the shower. No conditioner, just an all-in-one product.
The scent! I adored the scent.

CONS:

Maybe I did something wrong but after one day my hair began to look greasy. While it did get better it never seemed to last more than a day or two and I use to be able to get three or even four days in without a hair wash.
Cost is a bit high but if you really do the math like the other bloggers out there, eliminating the need to buy shampoo, conditioner and after shower products, well you may find, money saved.

Overall, I would give this 3.5 out of 5. Why? The greasy factor I experienced made me feel like I had to shower more and as a busy mom, I just have no time for that. The Pros though are super strong, and I feel the need to fully disclose that I do have well water and that may have impacted the product and my hair. Other bloggers rave about the fact that their need to wash their hair was cut down. I do however adore this product’s thought and mission. Providing a healthy, natural product is really important to me and I would very much be interested in continuing this product or experiencing others as part of their brand.

Thanks to Hairstory for partnering with me on this post!

Enjoyed this post? Awe, thanks. I am blushing. We can connect through facebook || twitter || instagram || pinterest || bloglovin’

March Favorites

April 6, 2015

Hey, April, Hey! Seriously, can you believe we are already into a new month? We are officially 1/4 of the way through 2015! Yes, 1/4 of the way! It is super cray, cray (hip way of saying crazy).

My beauty picks for the month of March are slim pickings, but don’t let the quantity fool you. These three items pack a mean punch. So, much so, that instead of waiting to share, I decided to move forward with this post. As a new mommy, with a three-month old, I don’t have much time for lengthy regiments and I am not spending much money on myself these days. Instead my investments are in the form of wipes, diapers and cute little outfits that make me giggle in delight. The last time I got this excited over clothes was when Mattel started making hip Barbie clothes and I would go shopping with my chore money. The point is these items are all at a very affordable price point.

1 – Coconut Foot Creme – My absolute new favorite beauty item! I declare this product a miracle worker. Here is the gist. Cute shoes – check, Painted toenails – check, Pretty feet – cricket, cricket… Somewhere in the last few years I developed cracked heels. They become terribly tough and dry through the winter. Then when the weather finally turns around and I can break out my sandals, I feel slightly insecure. This cream, or should I write, creme (read it with a British accent too. It just makes it sound better) showed its power very quickly. In just three days I noticed results. I just lather up my heels and then wear a pair of socks to bed. So, easy!

2 – Prime Time Foundation – This product had been sitting in my bathroom cabinet just waiting to be used and now that I am using it I am so sorry I ignored it for so long. Really, Prime Time, I am sorry. See I typically use another primer brand and when I found myself out of that product last month, I turned to this here bottle. And, to the rescue she came! Why I am referring to Prime Time as a human and a female, I don’t know, but please play along with me. Here is how she works… apply a small amount to your face after moisturizing but before you apply your makeup foundation. It makes your face so smooth and provides an even texture making makeup last longer and look less cakey. I tend to have drier skin, so this product works for me. Although, if you have oily, I have heard mix reviews.

3 – Jergens Natural Glow Foaming Daily Moisturizer – Get yo’ tan on girl! That is what I said to myself as I starred at my legs. You could see my veils. Seriously. That is how pale I was! With the forecast actually showing 60 degrees, I know I needed to take some action. I picked up this bottle without any investigating into self-tanning products. I literally just grabbed her (there I go again) off the shelf and went on my merry way. Luckily, I am surprised with how much I like this product. After three applies I have noticed a difference. It no longer appears like I am wearing white hose! It is the quickest and easiest self tanner I have used. Tip: Apply a little moisturizer to your wrists, knees and elbows before applying, that way you don’t get and odd coloring in those locations.

That is all folks! Have any must-try, must-buy beauty products? If so, feel free to comment.

Enjoyed this post? Awe, thanks. I am blushing. Be sure to subscribe to the Blog or FOLLOW my NEW Facebook Page!

February Favorites

February 28, 2015

It is the last day of February! Hard to believe that we are heading into March, but to be honest, I am looking forward to the flip of the calendar as we enter a new month. We are one step closer to Spring… one step closer to temperatures above freezing… one step closer to not having to scrape car windows… one step closer to busting out flip flops! Man, I miss those flip flops.

If you have been following my Blog, you know that I am a New Mommy. We hit the 10 week old mark today which translates to – “Mommy, is starting to get the hang of this thing.” With that comes some new found personal time to start pampering myself again. Even if pampering means a 10 minute shower and 10 minutes of quiet, peaceful bathroom time alone to focus on me. I will take what I can get!

1 – Well-Rested Face and Eye Brightener – I strategically made this favorite item #1 on my list. I mean the name speaks for itself. A 24-hour span goes something like this… (starting at 8 pm) feed baby, put baby to bed, do some dishes,check baby, lay out items for work, check on baby, pack baby’s diaper bag for sitter, check on baby, brush teeth, check on baby, go to bed myself, wake up because baby cooed or made a new sound in sleep, back to sleep, wake up to crying baby, change baby, feed baby, put baby back to bed, lay awake staring at ceiling worrying about something, fall asleep, wake up to baby crying, change baby, feed baby, debate whether to go back to bed or just get up for the day, get up for the day, leave for work, work, multiple calls and texts checking on baby, lunch, work, drive home, pick-up baby, cuddle baby, feed baby, put baby down for nap, eat part of dinner until baby wakes, feed baby, change baby, bath baby, cuddle time and REPEAT. Yes… there are bags under my eyes! This product is amazing.

2 – Bed Head Colour Goddess Oil Infused Shampoo – The first and foremost reason I love this product is simply due to its scent. It oozes sweet caramel and I melt. My hair has never been smoother and it leaves a great shine. But again, back to its scent… while it is made for your hair, I have been tempted just to use as a body wash, because it smells that good!

3 – C.O. Bigelow – Vanillamint Supreme – I am a sucker for lip gloss. Always have been and probably always will be. I have never been a lipstick kind of girl. I feel most comfortable with a balm and if I am feeling extra fancy just give me the gloss. This product provides great lip moisturizer, includes a breath freshener and leaves a great walk-out-the-door, I really am trying, shine.

4 – Mary Kay Oil-Free Makeup Remover – Add this to a cotton ball, give your face and eyelids a few swipes and you have yourself a shiny clean face. I will admit I was a go to bed in makeup kind of girl, until I was introduced to Mary Kay’s Makeup Remover. I think I may have even heard my pores screaming when I would use a wet wash cloth and body bar soap to scrub away the daily grime. Thankfully those were my old ways. Plus, this product is hypoallergenic and great for those with sensitive skin.

5 – Essie’s Miss Fancy Pants – This is such a chic color and it reminds me of Spring. Essie while pricier than most nail polishes is just a better nail polish quality. It always lasts longer on my nails. Also, if you are currently pregnant, Essie is considered a “safe” nail polish to use. So, schedule that pedicure! And, to all, if you are looking for a good laugh… do yourself a favor and read this Buzzfeed article, One Man’s Attempt To Guess Nail Polish Names. It will leave you chuckling out loud and in tears.

Happy February!

Enjoyed this post? Awe, thanks. I am blushing. FOLLOW my NEW Facebook Page!

Favorite Things – February!

February 25, 2014

As February comes to an end, I thought I would try something new on the Blog. As humans and consumers, the #1 form of advertising for any business, through the history of marketing is three little words… word of mouth. It will always be king! Why? Because people value the opinions of their family, friends and peers over an advertiser. In fact, studies show that 90% of consumers trust peers while only 14% trust the advertiser.

So, trust me, people! 🙂 These are my Favorite Things for February and stop right there… I know you are visualizing Oprah right now screaming to an audience of equal screamers, “You get a car, You get a car and You get a car.” It is not that kind of Favorite Things. Wish it was but I don’t have a show… yet!

Mason Jar Pomelo Lime Candle – It is heavenly! Seriously, go buy now! It claims to burn up to 20 hours (I haven’t got through mine yet) but I am wishing I picked up a few more. This little dandy is just $12.99 from Target and is perfect for Spring’s pending arrival. Any day now, any day now…
This is a three-in-one but they compliment each other so nicely. Organix Coconut Milk Shampoo, Conditioner and Anti-Breakage Serum. I was never a real big shampoo or conditioner snob. I mean you are just washing your hair, right? Well that was before I started to dye my hair. Seriously, I was 26 years old before I ever had my hair dyed professionally (I say that because in Middle School my Mom tried to give me highlights but they really didn’t take). Anyways the Ombre approach can really do some serious damage to your hair. Believe me, I have learned. So, I was on a mission to find a product that actually provided some benefits to my hair – hydration, softness and shine. Now I am a shampoo snob! I really don’t want to deflect from these products. Some conditioners I have found weigh my hair down, but not the Organix. It really nourishes my hair and leaves it super smooth. Finally, my new BFF – the Anti-Breakage Serum. Again, because the tips of my hair started to get brittle and dry from dying, I gave this product a try and it really helped. I started it after I had some bad split ends but mostly noticed its power after my last cut and break from dying. It is great at prevention. I purchased mine at Rite-Aid – $7.99 each.
Burt’s Bees Lip Shine (Whisper) – No lipstick for me. I am a lip gloss kind of gal. It seems like whenever I go to a make-up or drug store, I always pick-up a new lip gloss. This time the market (aka – Grocery Store to me) got me. I love Burt’s Bees as a brand, but this was the first I had tried their Lip Shine. 100% natural and made with apricot wax and sunflower seed oil, it softens your lips and adds a gloss without being sticky. I also love that it gives the same benefits of chapstick, but has color, so my Hubby won’t steal from me. I purchased at Martin’s for $5.50.
Blue Diamond Almonds – You know we well by now… let’s chat food! I am really trying to be a much healthier eater these days. Maybe you noticed from some of my Food Posts? Anyways, I am slightly obsessed with the Blue Diamond Flavored Almonds. I have tried Strawberry, Blueberry and the Caramel Macchiato flavors. So far, Blueberry is in the lead. These are such a great healthy snack, as long as you are disciplined enough to PUT THE BAG DOWN! I purchased at Martin’s for $2.99.
My last favorite thing cannot be purchased. They say nothing in life is free, right? Well this one, sorta of kind of is, until you actually pay for the item, but the service itself is free and so very cool. I kind of love that it is a start-up with not a lot of traction yet, but believe me, this baby is going to grow into a full fledged teenager very, very soon. Meet – Rack It Up. So, imagine any other online shopping day (or at least it is the case for me) you are on one of your favorite retailer’s websites and see some items that you got to have, problem is price. Maybe you just can’t splurge on the item right now. So, you check back for the item to go on sale or sign up for the company’s emails only to realize you are so busy you never open the company’s email and you missed the sale. Problem solved with Rack it up. You can actually set when you are notified too! You can choose when the item goes on sale, or when it drops to a certain price or percentage. Then Rack It Up does all the work and you get an alert when that item goes on sale. Allowing you free time to continue to shop online… I mean do your daily work and chores.

*This is not a sponsored post. I have purchased each of these items on my own and provided a review based on my personal experience.