Update on "shampoo" paste...

I've been using this for almost two weeks and LOVE it! It emphasizes the natural things you like about your hair and seems to minimize what you don't like! My hair has more body, is easier to style, and...wait for it...it covers up grey! I can't believe it!

I also really enjoy the process. Rubbing your scalp with a super mild abrasive. I had read that this can make your hair grow faster, as some say it does after a cut. It's not because of the cut. It's because of the scalp stimulation! Try it and let me know what you think.

August Farmer's Market

This is my favorite time of the year!  I went to my market yesterday, after brunch with a friend. What a simply splendid way to spend a morning! Local, organic, seasonal produce and other local products. I wanted to make another greens salad, but no greens to be found this week. Too hot! This is what I bought:

Cucumbers.
Tomatoes, regular and cherry.
Swiss Chard. This was a huge bunch.
Herbs - basil and mint. I buy any I see. Half of the time, I don't even know what I'm buying!
Radishes.
Fresh beer bread.
Yellow potatoes.
Multi colored carrots! Yellow, orange, and purple?
Curry, goat feta cheese.

I bought so many things and bunches are abundant. I was a little worried about how I would get all of this on my bike, with a purse and jacket already in hand! I may have lost a few cherry tomatoes along the way!

I also invested in 1/2 share of a CSA, so I had some goodies from there, too.

I wash, dry, and store all items when I get home. I made French Potato Salad, toubouli, and a veggie panini so far. I went to a small pot luck last night with potato salad and toubouli. I am determined to use all of these ingredients with very little from the grocery store. This week, I will probably only need to buy some fish, eggs, almond milk, and fruit.  One of my other goals is to waste none of this bounty!

Natural "Shampoo" Paste

Well, I have to admit. This may be my craziest recipe yet. I'm not sure how I started thinking about hair care. I've used shampoo only in my hair for years with no conditioner. About once a week, I rinse cider vinegar through my hair. You will LOVE how soft and silky this will make your hair. The slightly acidic quality makes it static free all year. I also, quite generously, spray on lemon juice when my hair is towel dry to style. This holds your hair in place, but also adds shine, and may lighten it a little bit. That's not the best part...after rain or snow, I toss my fingers through my hair and it looks even better than it did before!  I have short hair.   I get it cut every 5-6 weeks.

As you know, I've been looking at other natural cleaning kinds of products and stumbled upon this recipe. Ready???

Ingredients:
3-4 tbsp. Baking Soda
1-2 tbsp. Water

Process:
Mix baking soda with a small amount of water. Add enough to make a paste.

That's it!!!

Procedure:
Start by applying "paste" to scalp, around your crown. Work the paste into your scalp, careful to not really rub your hair too hard. It could break. You could thin the paste and put it in a plastic applicator bottle. Keep applying to the rest of your scalp, emphasizing the neckline of your hair, and around your face.  This may take a little bit of practice.

Now, in a worst case, or for someone that is bedridden, you wouldn't even need to rinse this out. I always do. Your hair will feel super dry after you rince out the paste, but it'll be okay. You can add honey or cider vinegar, if you want, but I don't.

I just run a comb through it. It is not tangled. As it dries, it gets super soft, highlights are emphasized, and it will have natural body like you won't believe! You only need to do this about every three days, but sooner if your hair is oily or if it's super hot outside.

This is a recipe I wish I'd have known about when I travelled every week. Super simple and easy to replace, especially if you forgot to pack your shampoo or if your luggage got lost!