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Jan 30, 2012

Surviving Winter Hair With Head & Shoulders

January 30, 2012 By

January is such an icky time of the year, at least here in Ohio. The winter weather has set in, and with it comes a wrecking ball of dry, cold air aimed at my hair and skin. It seems like no amount of moisturizer is enough to tame the sensitive skin on my face, and my hair has that lovely winter combo of oily on the scalp and filled with static on the ends. The dry weather always seems to irritate my scalp more, too, resulting in dandruff and itching.

Can’t you just picture me on one of my rare date nights with my husband, patchy skin, flaky scalp and hair that looks like I shocked myself? Attractive, right? Sigh…it’s enough to make anyone wish for spring.

I’m no longer afraid to admit I occasionally have dandruff due to my sensitive skin, and I need an arsenal of tough-yet-gentle options to fight it. I need my shampoo to get the job done while still giving me soft, great looking hair that doesn’t smell like a medicine cabinet.

Recently I had the chance to try out the new Head & Shoulders Green Apple shampoo and conditioner. The Head & Shoulders collection of soothing products promises to ease three scalp and dandruff problems: dryness, itchiness, and sensitivity. With 84% of surveyed scalp issue sufferers concerned about these issues, Head & Shoulders has combined the effectiveness of their HydraZinc formula to alleviate these conditions leaving your hair beautifully flake free.

That’s enough of a promise for me to expect some big results. I’ve been using the shampoo and conditioner for two weeks, and so far the results have been great. Despite the recent drop in temperature, my hair has been shiny and virtually flake-free. My scalp isn’t nearly as itchy as it usually is when the weather gets this dry, but the ends are still well conditioned and not standing out from static.

But even better than that? (Yes, even better than having great looking hair!) The smell! This shampoo has the most heavenly green apple scent. It’s like aromatherapy in the shower. I can breathe in deeply and imagine that spring isn’t all that far away.

The shampoo has a more powerful scent than the conditioner, but that doesn’t affect the fragrance left in your hair. The scent remains strong even after applying styling products and drying. While faint, the fresh green apple aroma is still noticeable on day two as well.

Overall I’m pleased with the results of Head & Shoulders Green Apple shampoo and conditioner. These new products make it easy for me to have beautiful, flake-free hair with a fresh scent reminiscent of a relaxing spa-like experience.

It’s OK…spring can wait.

Giveaway!

Head & Shoulders wants to know: what’s your routine for getting ready for a date night? Leave me a comment to be entered for a chance to win a $50 Visa gift card from BlogHer.

Rules:
No duplicate comments.

You may receive (2) total entries by selecting from the following entry methods:
a) Leave a comment in response to the sweepstakes prompt on this post
b) Tweet about this promotion and leave the URL to that tweet in a comment on this post
c) Blog about this promotion and leave the URL to that post in a comment on this post
d) For those with no Twitter or blog, read the official rules to learn about an alternate form of entry.

This giveaway is open to US Residents age 18 or older.
This sweepstakes runs from 1/30 – 2/28.
Winners will be selected via random draw, and will be notified by e-mail.
You have 72 hours to get back to me, otherwise a new winner will be selected.

The Official Rules are available here.

Be sure to visit the Promotions & Prizes page on BlogHer.com where you can read other bloggers’ reviews and find more chances to win! And visit the Life Well Lived section on BlogHer.com for more great tips on looking your best.

Filed Under: reviews, shameless promotion


Nov 21, 2011

Head & Shoulders Eucalyptus Itchy Scalp Care To The Rescue! (Review & Giveaway)

November 21, 2011 By

No one likes to admit they have dandruff. Avoiding dark colored shirts so no one sees the flakes settling on your shoulders, instinctively leaning away when that special someone wants to run their hands through your hair, trying to look as if you’re just lost in thought as you sneak in a quick scratch of your scalp…some of us will try anything to hide the secret in our hair.

I’ve suffered from occasional dandruff and an itchy scalp, a problem I’ve had since I was a kid. I have very sensitive skin, and nearly any hair product I try results in a reaction, leading to more dandruff and itching. I was mortified with this as a teen, and I did anything in my power to keep others from finding out. I was the queen of white t-shirts and sweaters.

Over time, I found I could minimize the problem by regularly switching up my shampoos and conditioners. If I use one product for more than a few shampoos, the dandruff flares up quickly, so I started a routine of rotating 3-4 shampoos each week, with at least one of those being designed to remove build-up or work directly on dandruff. But even the dandruff shampoos didn’t help much, and I didn’t like the strong smell from them or how they made my hair feel afterward.

I was recently asked to try the new Head & Shoulders Eucalyptus Itchy Scalp Care products to see if they would make a difference on my sensitive head. I’ve heard good things about eucalyptus being used in beauty products to calm sensitive skin, so I thought it was worth a try.

How does it work? According to Head & Shoulders, dandruff is caused by a combination of factors, namely the presence of scalp oils, the fungus Malassezia globosa (lovely, right?), and what scientists call a susceptibility to skin irritation (or a reaction to the presence of the fungus). The Eucalyptus Itchy Scalp Care products have combined the effectiveness of their HydraZinc formula with fresh, naturally inspired fragrances, including almond oil, eucalyptus and aloe vera to alleviate dryness, itchiness and sensitivity, leaving your hair beautifully flake free.

For my test, I made the choice to use only the new products for an entire week. No switching between shampoos – I wanted to get the best idea of how well it works on my long, fine hair and itchy scalp. Would it weigh down my hair and leave it limp? Would it stop the itch?

When I first poured the shampoo into my hand, I recognized the thick white consistency of a Head & Shoulders product. I wondered how well it would lather, but surprisingly it produced plenty of lather with little effort. The smell was pleasant and the eucalyptus produced a slightly cool, tingling feeling across my scalp. (Not bad at all-actually kinda nice!) It rinsed out easily. The conditioner was slightly thicker, although the smell wasn’t as nice as the shampoo. I followed the directions on the bottle and then rinsed my hair.

The result? After the first wash, I styled my hair as normal. I was wowed at how soft and silky my hair felt! The weather is just starting to get cold here in Ohio, which usually means static-filled hair for me, but my hair was incredibly soft with no hint of static. At the same time, it felt light and had plenty of volume – no heavy coating at all.

As for relieving the itch? Yep, it did the job. No itch at all that day, or the next. Along with no itch, I also didn’t notice any flakes on my shoulders-probably helped by the fact that I wasn’t scratching my head all day long!

The next shampooing had the same result, as did the one after that. I’m still impressed at how soft my hair is, and my scalp feels revived and fresh. I still have the occasional itch, but it’s much, much better than I’d normally be after a week of the same shampoo. And the dandruff is about 90% less as well. It hasn’t cured everything, but it’s certainly made my hair and scalp a lot easier to deal with!

I’m hoping Head & Shoulders Eucalyptus Itchy Scalp Care will be The One for me, and I can ditch my carousel of revolving shampoos and conditioners for a single set of products. So far I’m thrilled with the results and feel confident about the upcoming holiday season – maybe I’ll even wear my cute black dress without fear of flakes falling on it?

Giveaway!

How do you change your beauty routine in the colder winter season from the warmer seasons? Leave me a comment to be entered for a chance to win a $50 Visa gift card from BlogHer.

Rules:

No duplicate comments.

You may receive (2) total entries by selecting from the following entry methods:

a) Leave a comment in response to the sweepstakes prompt on this post
b) Tweet about this promotion and leave the URL to that tweet in a comment on this post
c) Blog about this promotion and leave the URL to that post in a comment on this post
d) For those with no Twitter or blog, read the official rules to learn about an alternate form of entry.

This giveaway is open to US Residents age 18 or older.

Winners will be selected via random draw, and will be notified by e-mail. You have 72 hours to get back to me, otherwise a new winner will be selected.

The Official Rules are available here.

  • This sweepstakes runs from 11/21/11 – 12/22/11.
  • Be sure to visit the Promotions & Prizes page on BlogHer.com where you can read other bloggers’ reviews and find additional chances to win!
  • Want more great tips for winter hair care? Check out the newest “Looking Your Best” post in the Life Well Lived section of BlogHer.com.
Filed Under: BlogHer, reviews, TMI Tagged With:


Oct 31, 2011

Slim-Fast – Two Weeks Later (& Giveaway!)

October 31, 2011 By

Last time I posted, I mentioned I was giving Slim-Fast a try for two weeks. They had generously sent me some samples of their shakes in the new plastic bottles (yay, no more cans!) and I decided to see how well I could incorporate them into my diet. Considering that I hadn’t lost a pound in weeks – and may have gained a couple – trying something new was worth a shot.

I had several struggles during this two week challenge. One of my coworkers ended up in the hospital, and frequent visits to see her and worrying about her left me exhausted and emotionally drained, which weakened my defenses against comfort eating. Exercise was also a low priority during this time. Choosing between exercise and getting five hours of sleep instead of four was an easy choice: sleep.

And let’s not forget the other temptation I was facing: Halloween candy. We bought our bags of candy early, and tried to keep them hidden away, but it didn’t work and the bag was soon open. It’s hard to resist a Reese’s Cup.

Results: Despite the circumstances of the past two weeks, I still lost two pounds! I’ll admit I’m impressed I lost anything at all since there were days I strayed far from the plan and I rarely had any time to exercise. While using the Slim-Fast shakes and meal bars, I felt full after each meal and not very hungry between meals. My downfalls were emotional eating and the late night snackies, both of which are mental issues I need to overcome, and which no diet can really help me with.

Overall thoughts: The Slim-Fast plan is easy to follow, and perfect for someone who eats poorly due to always being in a rush. The meal bars and shakes are convenient and easy to eat on-the-go, making it easy to stick to your plan when your only other option is a drive-thru. The meal bars are a little sweet for my tastes, but balancing them with a glass of water helps a lot. The shakes are perfect and just what I need when I wake up for the day.

I plan to continue using the Slim-Fast products as a supplement in my weight loss plan. While I don’t think I’ll use them everyday, I will likely use the shakes for quick breakfasts and will definitely keep meal bars in my purse for my busy days when I don’t have time for lunch.

Giveaway!

Slim-Fast is not only helping you lose the weight, but they want to remind you that it’s OK to pamper yourself a little, too. To help with that, I’ve got four $25 Sephora gift cards to give to four lucky readers! These gift cards can be used at any Sephora store (including the ones in JC Penney) or on the Sephora online store.

To enter: I’m asking you for a little bit of advice. Emotional eating is my greatest downfall – what are your tips to avoid falling into a plate of comfort food when you’re stressed or down?

Leave me a comment below with an email address to contact you and you’ll be entered for the random drawing for these four gift cards. One entry per person, and only entries that answer the question will be eligible to win. Contest is open until Sunday, November 6 at 11:59pm ET.

Four winners will be randomly selected and notified by email. Winners have two days to respond or an alternate winner will be selected. US residents only.

Good luck!

Full disclosure: I received product samples, free product coupons and Sephora gift cards to facilitate my review and provide giveaways. All opinions expressed here are my own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Slim-Fast.

Filed Under: food, reviews Tagged With: ,


Oct 10, 2011

Trying Something New For Two Weeks

October 10, 2011 By

I now understand everyone who says that the last ten pounds are the hardest to lose. Guess what? I’m still at 167, and the last ten pounds show no sign of giving up. It’s time to try something different.

I’ve used a variety of methods to help me lose the weight, with most being some combination of eat less and move more. But if I stay in a certain eating or fitness pattern for too long, my body adapts and I have to do something different to shake things up. I’ve seen many a plateau, and know that each one forces to me to adapt and alter my routine. Sometimes it means trying a new mix of higher protein, or higher complex carb, or more weights or more cardio, or just different foods than I usually eat.

I recently was asked if I wanted to try the new, improved Slim-Fast shakes, and I decided to give them a try. Slim-Fast has worked to improve the flavor to make their shakes the best tasting ever, and they’re now moving away from the cans in favor of re-closable plastic bottles.

Many years ago, I tried Slim-Fast shakes as one of my weight loss methods. If you’re one of the few people who have never heard of Slim-Fast, they’re a line of vitamin-fortified milkshakes (and now nutritional bars, too) that help provide calorie control to aid in losing weight. The plan is to have a shake or bar for 2 meals a day, along with two healthy snacks and a nutritious dinner. (AKA, the 3-2-1 plan.)

The first time I tried Slim-Fast, it did work. But back then (we’re taking over 10 years ago), the shakes were only so-so for flavor, and you had to drink them out of a metal can, which gave them a metallic taste. I never used the Slim-Fast shakes for long back then (even though they did result in weight loss) because I would eventually long for something with more flavor.

Now, I’m well aware of the criticisms of this product, too. It distracts from eating whole foods, it has you drinking your calories and could leave you feeling less full, and it’s calorie plan isn’t for all sizes. I get it, and I’m aware of how to adapt it. I don’t consider this product the magic weight-loss pill – I still have to put in the work, but it’s one tool that can help when I have trouble with eating on the run or eating at work.

I don’t always have time for a meal of whole foods – sometimes I have to eat in the car, and a shake is far better for me compared to a fast food value meal. If the shake has enough protein in it, I often don’t need to worry about getting hungry too soon, either. As for the calorie issue – I’m well aware of how many calories is recommended for weight loss for my body, and adjust the plan accordingly to make sure I’m meeting my minimum required.

Since I’ve been stuck at yet another plateau, I’m using Slim-Fast for two weeks to see if it can provide me the jump start I need. I’m using one or two shakes or bars a day and then having portion controlled servings of food for the other meals and snacks.

If you’re interested in reading my initial review of the product and entering to win some free Slim-Fast for yourself, please visit my review blog, Mommy’s Must Haves!

——
Full disclosure: I was provided with Slim-Fast products and coupons to facilitate my review. All opinions expressed here are my own and do not necessarily represent the views of Slim-Fast or anyone else.

Also, I’m a nurse, so listen closely: do not begin any weight loss program without first consulting your health care provider. Remember that weight loss is highly individual and what works for one person may not work for another. There’s no magic pill for losing weight – you still have to put in the effort. Products such as Slim-Fast are designed to aid you in your efforts through portion and calorie control, but they do not replace the effort itself.

Filed Under: reviews Tagged With:


Aug 2, 2011

Making Time For Family Time

August 2, 2011 By

Life has been a blur lately. I work third shift, Aaron works first shift, the kids are both in summer camp…it often feels like we’re all just passing by each other in the evening.

Weekends are full of to-do’s. I’m leaving this week for BlogHer. Aaron just got back from a week long trip to San Diego Comic Con. (I would have told you all, but I didn’t feel like announcing to the entire Internet that my husband was away from home for a week.)

To sum up: we’re disconnected.

Which is why when I was given the opportunity to take a close to home vacation with my family, I jumped at the chance. We spent last weekend at Cedar Point and Lake Erie, a family vacation that we’ve always wanted and never thought we had the time to take.

And you know what? We reconnected. We enjoyed spending time together, laughing together, playing together, and making memories together.

And we didn’t even have to go that far to do it.

Please go read the full recap of our day at Cedar Point, and our day seeing the sights around Lake Erie. It was far too many memories to include in just one blog post.

(Bonus: there’s video of a live bison with it’s head in our car window. Seriously. Click the links and find out for yourself.)

Filed Under: family time, love, memories, reviews