Dry Hair No More!

To kick off my new blog postings, aka ramblings about things I like, I decided to post about my latest adventure into creating my own beauty products for my family. This idea came from Pinterest and the original blogpost found here--http://www.littlehouseliving.com/coconut-oil-conditioner.html.

On my most recent trip to Trader Joe's, I decided to buy some coconut oil and try this for myself. I have really dry, fine hair, so I wasn't sure how this would work, but many drugstore shampoos/ conditioners leave my hair too dry. Anything was worth a try.

Before showering, I took a small amount of coconut oil and ran it through the bottom half of my hair, mainly focusing on the ends. After a few minutes, I washed my hair as normal in the shower and towel dried my hair. Once dry, it was really soft and felt so much better! The next day, I decided to try this remedy on my 5 year old daughter's hair, which is much thicker and curlier, but I tried a different strategy. I thought I could use it in the shower as a conditioner on her hair and then just rinse it out really well. Do not try that strategy! Her hair looked so greasy that it looked wet. :( Note to self--always apply this before the shower and then wash out thoroughly.

I would highly recommend this as a conditioner. Both of us still have soft hair two days after the initial application and with no conditioning afterwards. My daughter's hair is normally so tangled after showers, and it's the easiest it's ever been to brush through.

Let me know in the comments if you decide to try it!

A new take on this blog...

So I've been blogging on here for a few years now, and I still feel that this blog doesn't really have a clear direction yet. It started out as a blog for my Etsy business, T and Little S Designs, and featured items from my shop, new designs, etc. Then it gradually started featuring other sellers in an interview format. At this point, it's been so long since I've consistently blogged that I'm ready to start anew. I honestly miss blogging.

Going forward, my blog ideas will be things that I like to read (Pinterest ideas that I've tried, crafts/ learning activities with my Kindergartner, Etsy designs from my shop, DIY natural ideas, etc.). I plan to take a much more relaxed approach with my blogging topics while still blogging every day. For instance, I may blog about a Pinterest idea I tried one day and then focus on an organizing challenge that I'm participating in on another blog the next day. More than likely, it will be extremely based on my social media connections and my Pinterest pins. I truly love seeing new ideas and knowing how they work for other people, and I have hundreds that I plan to try for myself!

So, grab your morning beverage each day and come back for your morning reading. I love to hear comments on the new format and any topics you would like to see me discuss. Here we go!

Shutterfly Thank the Troops

Many of us know someone either currently in the military or someone that has previously served, and we see the hardships on their families. Shutterfly has a wonderful way to send a card to our troops to tell them how much they are appreciated.

It’s more than a card, it’s thank you for our freedom.

Over 1.5 million troops serve our great nation. Many of them will be overseas, in harm’s way, and away from their families over this holiday season. Our mission is simple—to send a thank you card to every American hero. To succeed we need your support. Just select a card from our 4 different designs, add a personal message (or photo) and click send.  Shutterfly will print and ship your card to the troops at no cost to you.

I encourage you to create a card for the troops, and if you can please share this with your Facebook family and friends (There is a share option when you complete your card). 

https://www.facebook.com/shutterfly/app_525739750774135

Thanks!

Book Review--21 Days to a More Disciplined Life

I recently had the chance to review the new e-book by Crystal Paine (otherwise known as the Money Saving Mom on her blog, etc.), and it was another fabulous book written by her. I personally struggle w/ being disciplined in both my personal life and with my Etsy business, and while I have a daily to-do list, I often get sidetracked with Facebook, Pinterest, etc. This book offers clear, concise ideas for really focusing on the important things in your life, as well as taking big tasks and breaking them down into manageable projects.

I highly recommend this book if you're looking to become more disciplined in your life. For the next few days, it's only .99 for your Kindle!

http://crystalpaine.com/21-days-to-a-more-disciplined-life/

Shutterfly $50 Giveaway!!

I am having a Shutterfly giveaway for $50 off your total order, and it's super easy to enter!  All you have to do is comment on this post, and the winner will be drawn at random via random.org. For extra entries, feel free to do the following--
1. Follow my blog
2. Like me on Facebook at T and Little S Designs

Just leave a blog comment saying that you followed or liked for two extra entries!
Giveaway prize: $50 off total order (does not include shipping & cannot be combined with any other promos)

Contest ends 10/29/12, and winner will be announced the following day. Thanks!

Shutterfly Holiday Cards

This is a sponsored post. I am receiving $100 off my holiday cards from Shutterfly for blogging about their cards.

It's that time of year to start planning your holilday cards and any photo shoots to go along with them! As you know from past posts, I love Shutterfly holiday cards, and this year is no exception. They have some gorgeous designs to choose from for all of the winter holidays and more.

I've loved looking through their holiday photo cards Photo Christmas Cards  and have picked out a few designs as possible choices for our cards this year. These may not be the exact ones I go with, but they are a few of my current favorites. I tend to go with cards in traditional red/ green colors but with a more modern message. There really are some fabulous choices to pick from this year!

So, go check them out now and start planning for your holiday cards. Make sure you check out Shutterfly's special offers page here on your way to ordering. http://www.shutterfly.com/special-offers

Shutterfly's Long Live Summer Photo Contest

If you're anything like me, you're probably spending your summer days swimming, playing outside, and generally staying busy enjoying the warm sunshine. You may even be taking a vacation or two. I hope that you're also taking pictures to remember these lazy days of summer.

Shutterfly is sponsoring a Long Live Summer Photo Contest! http://bit.ly/sweepS Each week has a different theme and more prizes. Everyone who submits a photo wins a prize! Details below:

Long Live Summer – Facebook Photo Contest details (US residents only)7/9 – 8/12 Multi-week summer themed photo sweepstakes with instant win prizes.http://bit.ly/sweepS

Win a trip for four to The Bahamas and a professional photo shoot so you’ll remember your vacation forever. All you need to do is upload your favorite photo and caption based on the theme of the week. Get a gift from Shutterfly just for entering! You can enter at any point during the 5-week sweepstakes period.

PHOTO THEMES

• Week 1(7/9): Americana - ended

• Week 2 (7/16): Great Outdoors - ended

• Week 3 (7/23): Water Fun – current week

• Week 4 (7/30): Sports & Activities

• Week 5 (8/6): Parties & Celebrations

PRIZES

• Instant win prizes just for submitting a photo!

• Weekly prizes (contestants can enter one time/week)

• Weekly featured photos: up to 5 weekly entries will be selected from the gallery and featured on the Facebook fan page.

• Grand prize: trip for 4 to Bahamas, 4 nights, family photo shoot

• Shutterfly Sweepstakes - Official Rules