$7 Professional Hair Dye At Home

First of all, I am NOT a beauty blogger, so please do not judge my horrendous self portraits and awkward smiles. But I wanted to show you guys an easy way to dye your hair at home cheaply & with great results. My hair is so weird. It is super shiny and soft like baby hair and never gets damaged. I blowdry and straighten it daily & I recently went over a year without a haircut & the stylist kept telling me how healthy my hair was... it's indestructible! It sounds nice, but it's actually a huge pain because I can't get ANY volume. I literally could tease my hair to look like I got electrocuted and it'd be flat in 5 minutes. 

For this reason, I randomly highlight my hair {at the salon, I do not attempt this!} to dry it out and give it some volume. And I always go back to my natural color. Before my wedding, I was going to my stylist to have her get the nice dark color I was wanting and it cost me about $70-$90 each time. Then the morning of my wedding, one of my bridesmaids dyed her hair herself and it was literally the exact same color as mine! I was so mad that I just spent all this money when she paid $7 for hers! So I had her show me what she got and I've been doing it myself ever since. 

*so turns out I don't take very many pictures of myself... sorry for the random iphone shots!*

This is exactly what I buy from Sally Beauty Supply & it costs just over $7.00. It lasts a lot longer than box dye and also gives me a truer color. In the past I have tried a box dye for "dark brown" and ended up with jet black hair and if that's happened to you, you know that jet black hair does NOT fade. 

So a few tips: 

-Buy gloves at the pharmacy, not the ones at the beauty supply store. You can buy a large box for cheap and then you don't have to wash the icky dye off the reusable gloves. 

-I use a bottle with an applicator tip, but you can also use a bowl and brush like at the salon. 

-You can experiment with how long to leave the dye in depending on how intense you want your color. I didn't want it too dark, so I only left it in for 30 minutes. When I used to use the medium brown color I would leave it on for 45-50 minutes. 

-This doesn't smell as strong as a box dye, but still open all of the windows! 

-I used one bottle each of the developer and the dye, even when my hair was to the middle of my back. However, I have pretty fine hair. If you usually use 2 boxes, you could double up here too, but it does cover a lot so you might be surprised!
 

Here is the final product. This is basically my natural hair color, but I am covering up highlights when I do this so as you can see, it is pretty good coverage. I usually go 3-4 months in between dye jobs, just depending on when I remember. If you look through my pregnancy pictures, you can see my hair gradually fade over the months to get an idea of how quickly it fades {fyi- in those pictures I was using a shade lighter than this}. It's not quite as relaxing as a spa day, but it is waaaay cheaper than the $70 at the salon! 

I realize this isn't any genius information and I'm no pro, but I just wanted to share because I have been dying my hair for years from a box and had NO idea how much easier and cheaper it is to get the salon dyes and mix it yourself. Don't be intimidated on having to choose colors - just do a little research beforehand. Generally, the 10 developer will be what you will use if you are going darker. If you are going lighter, you will use 20 or 30 depending on how many shades lighter you want. You can also try the demi-permanent to test out the color before committing to permanent if you're unsure. Lastly, I wouldn't count on the ladies at the store to know everything. It's hit or miss at my local store whether or not they'll help you. Google is your friend :-)

And if you are like me and have annoyingly soft and flat hair, I recently started using this and I am loving it so far! It just adds some texture to my hair and lets me get some volume! I use it on wet hair and then blow dry, but the directions say to let air dry. I got this for a few dollars at Walmart and I am not sure how it compares to other brands because it's the first sea salt spray I've tried, but I have seen a few pins on pinterest on how to make your own... and you know I'll be trying it!

Happy hair-dying, ladies! 

Mother's Day Weekend Recap

I can't believe how fast time is flying by. Where did my little baby go? I am trying to be more diligent about recording all of these moments and the easiest place for me to do that is on the blog. So I'm sorry about the random life posts thrown in between crafts, decorating and recipes... I will be back with some productive posts soon!

For now, here's a little Mother's Day weekend recap. Our weekend was cold, but eventful! 

On Saturday my dad came over to work with Trav on building my raised garden. It was SO cold and windy... but they survived :) We went to visit Travis' mom that evening, who gave me these beautiful gerbera daisies {these were my wedding flowers!}. Colson didn't get to see his grandpa because he was in the field, but luckily they aren't too far away.

 Colson decided he wanted to spend the ENTIRE mother's day with me, so at midnight on Saturday night he decided to wake up and wanted to snuggle until 5:00 am. No crying, no wanting to eat, just snuggling and rocking in his rocker. This is what has happened with every tooth he's gotten and sure enough, he woke up the next morning with a new tooth poking through! He surprised us by sleeping until 9:00 {he's my 7 am wakeup call EVERY day} so we missed church! Whoops. He's a creature of habit, and by 9:30 wanted to go back down for a nap, so I put him down while Trav ran out for Panera bagels & an iced carmel macchiato and we chowed while they boy slept.  Perfect. 

 We went to the park for some pictures, but it was pretty windy and Colson was way too interested in eating the grass to smile for pictures! 

 And of course, Travis gets the good picture with him! ;-) 

*notice sophie in trav's back pocket- we can't go anywhere without her!*

For Mother's Day, Trav got me a tanning package {woohoo!} and this adorable iPhone case- someone took a hint from my wish-list! But the irony of my life ... I had dropped my iPhone in the toilet on Friday!! Ahh!! So... he also unintentionally got me an iPhone 5 also! 

And you all know I am obsessed with Shutterfly {especially if you follow me on instagram- where I share all my coupon codes!} because they have the best products. But here's another reason why they rock: they gave me a credit so I can get a new iPhone case to fit my iPhone 5! I am so happy because I felt completely awful that hubby got this sweet gift & I couldn't even use it! I will post a picture of the new one once I get it! So, thank you shutterfly for saving the day! 

That afternoon, we went to visit some more family with my mom and grandma. Here's C with my mom and Travis' mom. 

 And after all this, boy was tuckered out. 

So, I hope all of you moms had a wonderful mother's day!

And if you haven't checked out my embarrassing mommy confessions post, please do & let me know I'm not alone! :)

*fyi- this is not a sponsored post... i'm just a clumsy girl who dropped her phone in the toilet and shutterfly was nice enough to fix my mistake!*

xoxo

Happy Mother's Day

I saw a friend post on facebook today:
"Happy Mother's Day to everyone, whether your baby is in your head, your heart, your belly or your arms."

So perfect. Because not all mothers have babies here with them.
And I think they deserve the biggest "Happy Mother's Day" of all.

So a very Happy Mother's Day to you who is still dreaming up your child, praying for them to come. 

For you who pretends to smile when someone tells you how lucky you are to have freedom, money and a full night's sleep. {if only they knew...}

You who are supportive and happy for your friends and throw them baby showers, but your heart aches. 

You who avoids facebook on Valentines Day & Christmas because you know there will be 99+ pregnancy announcements and your heart hurts a bit with each one.

You who listen to the complaints of pregnancy nausea, weight gain and heartburn, when you know you'd feel that with joy because it means there is a baby growing inside of you. 

You who answers the never-ending question, "So when are you going to have a baby?" when they have no idea....

Happy Mother's Day to you today, because you ARE a mother. And when your baby does arrive safely in your arms, they will know they have the world's best mother because there was so much joy, tears, pain, emotion and work that went into bringing them into this world. 

My heart prays for you today because I know first hand that there is hope beyond infertility. 

And this could be your year... 

What a difference a year can make. 

10 Mommy Confessions

I had so much fun reading your unblogging secrets, so in honor of mother's day I thought I'd be completely transparent with you all and spill my embarrassing mommy confessions. So here goes. No judgement. Unless your kid poops daisies and cries sprinkles I don't wanna hear about it because sometimes a mom's gotta do what a mom's gotta do.

1. I have caught my child trying to eat a rawhide. 

2. I have a near anxiety attack every time he tries a new food and I always make sure I know where the Benadryl is before he eats it. I also cut up his food way too small and steam it for far too long, which pisses him off because he can barely pick it up. 

3. Colson didn't nap in his bed for a solid 3 months out of his life. He would only nap being held and would scream the second I tried to lay him down... so I just gave into holding him. I didn't get much done these 3 months. 

4. During those months, the only way I got a daily shower was because of the jumperoo and baby einstein animals on the farm. No other Baby Einstein will do. And yes, that means my child watched the same episode everyday for 3-4 months.

5. I frequently make up my own insane words to songs from the 90's because Colson thinks it's hilarious. For example: "If you wanna be my baby, you've gotta sleep in your bed..." sang to Spice Girls - Wannabe {you're welcome for getting that song stuck in your head} Guys, this is a true sign of a sleep deprived mom. 

6. I don't enjoy breastfeeding. And before you get all "breast is best" on me, I understand all of the benefits of breastfeeding which is why C was exclusively breastfed until he became a pirhanna a month ago and now we are exclusively pumping. {no judgement if you didn't breastfeed, this is just what works for us, which I know isn't for everyone!}. However, the whole bonding thing that moms love... I just didn't have that. I get that it's nice that they snuggle with you, but Colson is a champ snuggler anyways and even more so now that he takes a bottle. We call it the "chug & snug" - where he cuddles in our laps and slams his bottle, violently throws it aside after he's finished and then dramatically throws his face into my chest to snuggle. It's REALLY hard to put him down after this. But as for breastfeeding, I just thought it was painful, awkward and kept me housebound. 

7. I don't want anymore kids. I mean, I do... in my heart I know I do but I can't imagine loving another baby. I grew up an only child & never wanted that for my kids. I have always wanted four. But now that I have C, I can't imagine having another and it breaks my heart to think about giving my time and love to another baby. However, I know that I will have more because I want him to be a brother and I completely understand that your heart grows for each child you have. But I just can't imagine it now. 

8. I have been mentally planning Colson's birthday since I found out he was a boy. I am so excited! 

9. I still don't let Colson sleep with any blankets or anything in his crib. I am a paranoid mom. 

10. I have peed while holding a baby. Twice.

and I'll call this a bonus because I'm really self conscious about sharing it: I don't like my postpartum body. I didn't expect to come out of pregnancy looking exactly the same as I did before, but I wish I could figure out how to firm up certain areas. Even though the weight is gone, my pants don't fit right and I hate how I look in all of my clothes. I also hate my big postpartum boobs & and teenage acne {which I didn't even have as a teenager..wtf?}. I know it could be worse, so please don't think I'm one of those big complainers, it's just my truth today. Despite it all, I would still give it all up and more for my little man. 

Since I'm confessing things, here's a non-mommy related one: I have no idea what these are for ---> {} I use them instead of parentheses because I think they are prettier. Sorry if you are an english master and that drives you insane. 

Now, seriously please tell me that you all have embarrassing mommy confessions?! And an early Happy Mother's Day to you all!

      xoxo,

$1 Storage Containers out of Puff Containers

Happy Cinco de Mayo! 

We celebrated with enchiladas, homemade refried beans, guacamole & salsa and of course, some pomegranate margaritas! I don't know if I'd call it a "celebration" since that meal is on our weekly schedule, but to be festive Colson did get some maracas! Best invention ever. 

When I was on the hunt for maracas, I found these chalkboard labels in the Target dollar section. I thought they'd be perfect for these puffs containers I've been hoarding {like a true diy'er!}. This is truly a naptime craft, since it took about 5 minutes and only cost a dollar... win! 

These are the only puffs I give Colson and he loves them all! {Although, he will pick out all the green and orange ones and leave the purple for when he's desperate}. 

Sidenote: Anyone else have a nervous breakdown anytime your child eats something new? 

Since he doesn't drink formula, I've been making his babyfood with lots of extra iron in it! We have quite the collection of beans, lentils & quinoa and here's how I've been storing it. I hadn't gotten around to buying extra storage for the pantry yet... clearly. 

The labels peel right off. I just snipped at the bottom with a scissors and the rest came off easily. I just got these labels a couple of days ago, so Target should still have them! 

 Obviously mine are not perfect. I was really OCD about getting the bubbles out and as soon as I did, another one appeared. However, I still think they're cute and for a dollar I don't mind! I also picked up a chalkboard marker because I am psycho about my handwriting and I knew there was no way I would be able to write on these things with the actual sidewalk chalk that I usually use. Plus I've been wanting to try these markers {fyi- I love them!} and I got them for 40% off at Michaels.  

So here's the final product. It literally took me longer to write the post then it did to actually make them. {Maybe that's because of all of the guacamole snacking I've been doing while typing?}

Hope you are enjoying a sun-shiney Sunday!

xo

My Unblogging Secrets

The other day, Susan {from Freshly Picked} posted this photo of her "Unblogging Secrets" on Instagram: 

Her caption said this:

Truth: I buy matching bedding for my children that is clean, modern, photogenic and VERY blog worthy and they refuse to use it. They insist on pillow pets and baby blankets. Also, while I'm confessing I hate paper straws. I can't drink out of them because they give me the shivers. Did I just lose my blogger card? What's your#unblog secret?

I spent way too long reading through the hilarious thread of people spilling their unblogging secrets. A few of my favs {click here to read her entire thread}:

"I don't see what the big deal is with Diet Coke and never have time to paint my nails"

"I don't have any kind of antlers or taxidermy in my house"
"I bribe my son with skittles so he'll take off his rangers jersey for photos."
"I never want to eat pastel macaroons."

I could go on and on... and I kept thinking to myself, "Oh ya! That is something I have seen on every blog in the world!" And while I must admit, I am a huge lover of paper straws, I do have my own embarrassing "secrets" that make me totally uncool in the world of blogging {not that I ever thought I was cool or anything! ha!}. So here's to hoping that I don't get my blog card taken away. 

1. I used to attempt decorating for the holidays, but it wasn't uncommon to find Valentines decor hanging out in April. So I quit. 

2. I do not own any sort of "hello apparel" or washi tape. 

3. I don't understand crafts made out of duct tape or toilet paper rolls. I also don't understand toile. 

4. I do not own a $700 stroller. And my baby's crib is from Walmart. 

5. I use cloth diapers, not because I care about the earth, but because I am cheap. {I mean, I do care about the earth... but enough to wash a poopy diaper..hmm?} 

6. I love dressing my son in adorable little man outfits when we go places, but when we are at home he wears pajamas  from sun up to sun down. 

7. I am not productive unless I have at least two cups of coffee per day. But if I am out of kcups, I will rarely muster up the energy to make a pot of coffee.
8. I often willingly give my child my iPhone to suck on while changing his clothes because I would literally rather pay for a new iPhone than fight him to get his clothes on. 

9. And sometimes I let my kid run around naked because the diaper fight is so not worth it. 

Please tell me I'm not the only one?! Spill your secrets in the comments! 

Mother's Day Gift Ideas

If you are like me and have a hard time shopping for your mom for mother's day, here are a few ideas I thought that {almost} any mom would like! I mean, I would love any of them *hint hint*. Just kidding... all I've requested for Mother's Day is a picnic brunch featuring panera bagels, giant iced caramel macchiatos & my boy in clean clothes so I can take at least one cute mama/baby picture {my guess is I'll get 2 outta 3...cause you know baby boys don't keep their clothes clean!}. 

Click on the links below to shop... and mamas- feel free to send this link to your husbands because #1- you deserve it and #2 - sometimes they need some help :)

1. Personalized phone cover: Can it be any cuter? Perfect for mama+baby pictures! {or ultrasound pictures for mamas-to-be!}

2. Caribou tumbler: I have a million tumblers, but for some reason I am obsessed with this one. I think it's because it holds a ton of water but is really thin and tall so it's not awkward to hold on to. I've also been drooling over this spring-y coffee mug every time I'm in line at Starbucks! 

3. Better Life Bags: I told Trav not too long ago that I was going to save up for a better life bag. His response, "What's a life bag and what happened to yours that you need a better one?" Lesson learned. Husband does not care to talk about purses and bags. But these do look amazing & the story behind them is great. Some are a bit spendy, but they also have smaller & more inexpensive, depending on what kind of bags you like to use! The nesting pouches are very cute and they say they get better with wear.

4. Essie Spring Polish: I'm loving anything mint green and these are the best! 

5. LUSH Bath Bombs: These are kind of a splurge {$4-6 each}, but that's what Mother's Day is for :) And I can truly say that before becoming a mom I did not understand WHY people ever wasted time taking baths! {Umm.. you sit there in your own dirty water...gross and why?} but now I get it. And these make your skin so soft and smell amaaazing {plus- there are lots of diy copycat "recipes" for them on pinterest}. 

6. VS Yoga Cropped Leggings & Yoga Shorts: If you've been reading since my pregnancy, you know I am obsessed with VS yoga pants. Live in them. But for spring/summer I am living in my cropped leggings. They are SO comfortable. I don't have the shorts yet, but they're on my wish list. Since it's supposed to snow this weekend, I'm in no hurry to buy shorts. Yep, snow in may. Awesome.  

7. EOS Lip Balms: The mint is my all time fav! 

8. Tulips: Husbands, you don't always have to buy expensive bouquets of flowers! Tulips are my favorite. And here's a hint - if you buy the cheap fresh cut flowers & put them in a mason jar {which you probably have in your kitchen already}, your wife will melt. And you will have saved enough money to splurge on bath bombs. done & done. 

And you know I'm all about DIY & photo gifts {especially for the grandmas!} - to see my "Mothers Day" pinterest board, click here. Unless you're my mom. Then, ignore this post entirely. 

{PS- none of these are affiliate links, just products I really like. Although, I am from Minnesota... aka the home of Target, where half of this stuff was purchased. It's about the only cool thing we have here so I'll claim that!}