Let’s hear it for the boyyyys! I gotta hand it to El Hub and Tabs for always keeping me on my toes. Those two… I never know what to expect from them, even after all this time.
Like today — today I learned that Tabs likes tea.
Who knew?
Because this morning I made a cup of decaf Irish breakfast tea (it’s super tasty! — the one from Trader Joe’s), put a hearty splash of milk in it, and set the cup down on my desk when I sat down to write.
Shortly thereafter, Tabs jumped up on the desk, and I just assumed that he was going to do what he usually does, which is to walk across the desk toward the window, where he likes to look outside.
I wasn’t really paying attention because I had my eyes on the screen, but then I heard a little tabby tongue lapping something up and realized, OH, CRAP! He’s drinking my tea.
LOL! #smdh
Oh, don’t even get me started on traumatic tea events… Seems like my desk is a magnet for them (remind me to tell you about the “Onion Tea Incident” someday, but I can’t talk about it right now because the thought of it just triggered my gag reflex).
So, yeah, watch your cat around your morning beverages… Sneaky kittehs…
L’Oreal Cleansing Balms
This next one isn’t tea related, but I’ve also been into these new cleansing balms by L’Oreal lately.
WOW! Years ago, back when I started MBB, I never would have thought we’d be seeing affordable sulfate-, silicone- and paraben-free hair products at stores like CVS, Rite Aid and Target, but these cleansing balms are exactly that. They’re about $12 for a big 16.9-oz. bottle.
These would have been the kinds of products I would have had to get at a specialty beauty store or salon, and they would have been a lot more than $12… Drugstores have come a loooong way.
So, these non-lathering cleansers? I think they’re great. You use them in place of your regular shampoo and conditioner, where they clean and condition in one fell swoop, and they do it without stripping color or moisture from your hair or weighing it down.
The overall idea has been around for years (google “conditioner washing” or “co-washing”), so these aren’t revolutionary, but I like that the idea is more mainstream now.
I started co-washing years ago, and I think it was one of the things that saved my damaged (from heat styling) color-treated hair and brought it back from the brink. I totally believe in it.
The cleansing balms here come in three “flavors” — EverCurl for curly hair, EverPure for colored hair, and EverCreme for dry and damaged hair, and I’ve tried all three. All of them are designed to cleanse, condition, treat, detangle, soften and enhance shine.
And all of those things are great, but my favorite thing about these is how clean they make my scalp feel without stripping my hair. It just feels silky soft…
I’ve been alternating using the balms with a separate foaming shampoo and conditioner (to remove any product buildup remaining in my hair), and that seems to work well for me.
I’d compare these to the much more expensive conditioning cleansers by Pureology… They’re a great drugstore option if you’re looking to save a few $!
A Baby Girl update…
Yesterday at my regular weekly checkup, I found out that BG appears to be ahead of schedule. She could be arriving any day now!
Mind you, I’m still completely terrified of the process of labor because I’ve never done it before and don’t know what to expect (althoug I’m doing my best to stay calm and keep a positive outlook), but I’m more than ready to not feel my back and hips ache all day long.
I’d been hoping that BG would stay put and marinate for a couple more weeks (her due-ish date was March 7)…but if she decides to get this show on the road, I’m totally OK with that. I’m not completely prepared, but at least my hospital bag is finally packed! 🙂
My latest addiction: gross science
One last thing before I jet. I’m totally addicted to this weekly science show on YouTube by PBS called Gross Science.
Since we’re all friends here, I thought you might enjoy this segment with three surprising questions about periods…
Oh! — and I also thought this video was interesting as well. It talks about mosquitos, the Zika virus, and an emerging gene technology called the CRISPR Gene Drive.
Now, I apologize in advance for this video’s thumbnail picture…because it’s gross (sorry), but I really do think the video is quite interesting.
Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,
Karen
Hi there! I love Gross Science, too! Not grossed out at all.
I love cleansing conditioners. Ive been using Wen by Chaz Dean for several years now. Its a ride or die product for me. I buy the gallon size which is available once a year through QVC. I love that I could use it (Mango Coconut or Rice Protein) for my face and body with my Clarisonic. I use ACV to clarify my hair when things get a bit heavy or weighed down.
I am already starting to miss you on your blog. I usually hangout here during idle times at work. But I am also very excited for you and your family with the arrival of BG. I cannot wait to see her! ? Always praying for you and the family. May the force be with you. XO
Aww, Herakitty! I’ll miss you too. But I’ll still be around. Of course I’ll be checking the blog every day (as long as BG permits) and I’ll try to share as many baby updates and pics of her as I can. That’s assuming that Tabs allows her to share the spotlight, ha!
There will be guest writers, too, so that you’ll still get your beauty fix while BG and I get to know each other. You’ll get to know some new voices and faces, which I think will be fun! I’ll still be here though for you!
Your tea story reminds me of the time I was watching TV and eating cheetos. I was holding a cheeto in my had as I was watching TV and all of a sudden I felt the cheeto moving. When I looked at my hand I saw Tulip licking all of the orange cheese off of the Cheeto.
I’ll have to try that Cleansing Balm but first I need to finish some of the products I have in the shower. They seem to never get empty no matter how many times I use them.
I can’t wait for you to post pictures of BG!!
Oh gosh, I feel you. Sometimes I feel like the hair products in the shower multiply by themselves overnight, LOL! I mean, I know I’m the one putting all that stuff in there, but I don’t realize just how many bottles are up in the mix until I really, really look, you know?
And LOL about Tulip and the Cheetos! At least she was trying to be smooth about it. 🙂
Cool videos! I didn’t know this show but it’s right up my alley!
It’s super cool, although I have to admit that I’ll never look at a public restroom in the same light ever again (ewww!).
Ew I don’t think I should watch that one. It’s already hard enough for me to go to a public restroom without bringing in a bottle of bleach…
I forgot to comment about Tabs drinking tea: Ernesto doesn’t drink black tea (could be because I never have it with milk), but he’s showed some interest for herbal tea before. And he eats lemon… He literally eats it!
Oh and I also bought the Cargo Venice palette after seeing your swatches here, and I’m so happy I did! I really love how flattering the shades are, not over the top but truly beauty and subtle. Even my hubby once asked me what I was wearing because it looked really pretty!
Yay, I’m so happy for you Karen! ? May God be with you and your family during this wonderful time in your lives.
Can’t wait to see BG and how lovely motherhood will be for you ?
Thank you for the positive thoughts, Fafa! XOX
*hug*
Hope you’re doing well!
1.) I’m going to try ever curl balm now. Haha
2.) Can’t believe you referenced gross science! That’s one of many YouTube science channels I watch. Try Scishow or it’s ok to be smart too!
I’ll take that hug, Vanessa, and send you one right back!
I hope you like the EverCurl Balm. It’s lovely and lightweight. 🙂
Thanks for those YouTube science channel recs. I’m going to watch a couple eps when I hit the treadmill tonight.
It is hard to plan- those babies are quite sneaky. My nephew took 26 hrs, niece 1 took 7 hours, and niece 2 made her appearance less than an hour after we hit the ER door. But you’re going to be awesome! And so is El Hub. From one birthing partner to another, please tell him to be careful of his hands- I had a broken bone from holding my sister’s hand while Boy was being born.
Oh, thank you for that tip, Suzanne! I’ll be sure to tell him to watch his hands, because I have unusually strong hands for my size. I think it’s because of all those years of playing piano! I can see myself doing something like accidentally breaking someone’s bones, YIKES!
Oh those sneaky tabby cats! Mingus *loves* milk and I’ll give him a small taste every now and then. It doesn’t upset his stomach and he enjoys the treat.
I have never heard about that You Tube channel. I enjoyed science when I was in school so I’ll have to check this out.
How exciting that Baby Girl is almost here!!! 🙂
So sneaky! Tabs loves all dairy. Milk, cheese, cottage cheese, ice cream, yogurt, whateva! He also enjoys egg yolks very much.
Random but I saw a video of a kitty walking through the snow the other day and I thought of Mingy. Have you guys gotten any outside time lately?
Anywho, enjoy Gross Science. It’s so fun, although I wish I could un-see the episode about public restrooms… EWWW.
BG countdown is officially ON!
Ooo, ice cream – both Nina and Mingus love it! They know when I’m eating it and will sit nearby and give me their best begging faces.
Mingy’s been getting some outside time. I let him out when I get home from work. When I pull up in the drive, he pops up at the side window by the front door and disappears. Then when I go into the house from the garage, he’s there waiting to go out. It’s the cutest thing. 🙂 He seems impervious to the cold and doesn’t care about his paws getting wet in the snow. Such a nature boy!
That’s awesome. Maybe he’s got some Norwegian Forest Cat in him! They love the snow.
I have learned that if I’m going to step away from my breakfast that I need to hide it away from Nora kitty. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve turned around to see her go from sitting on the chair next to me, to paws on the table, licking some part of my breakfast. Her favorites are anything with yogurt, cheese or butter. Sigh.
Love L’Oreal EverCreme shampoo. I’ll have to look for the cleansing balm next time I’m in the drugstore.
Hi Tatiana and Nora Kitty,
This is a lesson I’m learning the hard way, sigh! I caught Tabs the other day lurking over El Hub’s breakfast. I need to watch him like a hawk! He loves egg yolks, cottage cheese and anything with a gravy-like sauce. Naughty kitty!
I hope you like the Cleansing Balms; they’re very good for the the price. Which one are you interested in the most?
These cats! They think they rule the house! Oh, wait, they do. Every now and then I buy these petit yogurts imported from France. All I have to do is break one out of the packaging and Nora comes running. She gets very aggressive when it comes to French yogurt. Lol.
Think I’ll probably try the EverCreme balm for dry hair first. My hair is only somewhat dry, but I tend to have a sweaty/oily scalp. If I use something that’s not completely gentle my hair can get super dry really fast.
Hope you and BG are feeling well and getting rest when you can.
Tabby tea! Maybe an endorsement deal for Tabs?
I’m someone who has to wash my hair everyday, so I’ve been rotating cleansing conditioners in between my normal shampoos. I have the Not Your Mother’s one, which is pretty good. I have a trial size of one of the Pureology ones and it smells like burnt plastic.
How do these L’Oréal ones smell? Price is right!
Pat BG and Tabs for me!
OK, done. Both BG and Tabs received loving pats from Auntie Chelsea. 🙂
Also, I wouldn’t mind if Tabs got a tea endorsement… He could hook me up with somethin’-somethin’! 🙂
So, these balms are scented, but I wouldn’t say they’re so heavily so that it’s totally in your face 24/7. Each one has a different scent. The EverCreme for Dry/Damaged Hair smells like amber (it’s a cozy warm scent, very fall-esque), the EverCurl smells like white flowers and EverPure smells a little like roses and mint.
I don’t mind scents as long as they aren’t obnoxious. I bought this Biolage shampoo and conditioner set a while back that smelled like really strong mint chocolate chip ice cream and I can’t stand it. It got delegated to my husband!
I’ll have to try either the EverCreme or the EverPure (since I don’t have curly hair…)
Biolage is very strong! It’s been a while since I’ve used it but I remember the scent being all up in my grill. Do you live near an Ulta? They have a really good return policy of a full refund within 60 days with a receipt. That way you can give it a sniff and if you don’t like it, you can always bring it back!
I am at Ulta waayyyy too much! I looked at my Platinum stats from last year and it said I made 40 purchases! I purchased these somewhere else, but will stick to my tried and true Ulta in the future. Customer service from the other place was bad too!
that period video was soooo freaking AWESOME.
you might also enjoy the book Woman: An intimate Journey.
Bats have periods…..how freaking awesome is that.
Thanks for the book recommendation! 🙂
Let’s not talk about periods. I’m on mine & “politely” went off on two Bank of America employees. And bought myself a box of donuts + a box of crackers & a six pack of ginger ale to make my tummy feel better. Ok, the donuts don’t make my tummy feel better, they make my mood better, and they’re so darn good!! 🙂
Hey sister from another mister! I thoroughly support doughnuts and ginger ale. 🙂 I can get behind that combo! What kind of doughnuts did you get? Please say glazed, mmm…
I hope that you’re feeling a little bit better. Do you have a heating pad around? That always helps me.
Hey, girl, hey!! Yep, totally glazed. I’m not aware that donuts come in any other flavor…lol. And I’m laying on a heating pad right meow. Ahhh, pass me another glazed donut ?
I’m about to heat up a heating pad myself for my lower back! You’ll have to eat an extra doughnut for me since I can’t have them yet. (SOON!)
Don’t even get me started on fresh and hot glazed doughnuts from Krispy Kreme. Oooh, when they come straight off the conveyor belt, SWOON!
And this is why we’re sisters from another mister. You agree, with me, of course, that ONLY Krispy Kreme makes donuts! I’ll eat another one just for you!
Hilarious!! Did Tabs get a tea buzz even tho it was decaf?! And BG…YAY!!! I say the 22nd, 24, or 26th. What If She’s Born On the leap year?! That would be pretty cool! She can have 2 Birthday’s every 4 years!!
Aww, Karen, one can never feel fully prepared! And that’s NORMAL! You’ll learn daily what you need, and right nkw, she’ll need love and food! 😀 Typical gal! 😉
I’m really going to miss you and can’t wit to hear updates when you’re ready for it. Until then, I need to try this L’Oreal! My wallet and hub thank you again! ;-). Huge hugs from across the pond!! Oh, we received our “departure day/month” today, so I’m dedicated to making it all count! Xoxo
LOL, I don’t think so. After he stole my tea he took a nap (on my side of the bed, of course).
Funny that you should mention leap year. I honestly thought BG was going to be a March baby, but if she wants to come on the 29th, that would be extremely cool and I’d support that too. 🙂 lol
I’ll miss chatting with you every day, too, but don’t worry, I’ll still be around. I’m going to try to do baby updates and share pics of course when I can. Hopefully Tabs will let BG share the spotlight so I can take pics of her too.
Oh wow, when is the departure day/month for you? Will you be coming home, or traveling to someplace new?
Hi Karen!
I can’t wait to see pics and updates of BG!! I’m convinced she is going to have a head full of beautiful, dark hair and long lashes! I love her already!! <3 I don't know what has my brain set on hr being a Feb baby! But leap year…too cool! I have a leap year friend, so she chooses if she wants to be older or younger by a day!
I wish I could virtually walk around a park with you and BG in her fancy stroller!
Well, we leave in 2.5 years, but we expected 5 years. There is talk of the next move being…Singapore!! Have you been there? I have not, but that move will be extremely discussed, and we're both ready to settle and attempt a family!
Did you get your bathroom all set up for BG's pampering baths? 😉 There is a brand of creams for babies and new Mommies called "Welda." It's sold at Whole Foods and amazing! I literally use the creme for wind protection and it's so gentle and works! They also have a creme for sore ta tas! Check it out!
Sending you all so much love and happy creme/lotion shopping! They are all natural if you're interested! Xo
Ahh, she can’t wait to spend time with you (uh, from outside of you), Karen!! I’m so excited for you 🙂 Childbirth sounds TERRIFYING, but I know you’re gonna kick its butt!
I’ve gotta keep an eye out for those L’Oreal cleansing conditioners. I tried one of them last year and I loved it, but the scent made my stomach turn — here’s to hoping the one for dry and damaged hair sits better with me!
Hi Rae,
The one for Dry, Damaged Hair smells warm, like amber notes. There’s also a very faint touch of coconut and vanilla. The scent isn’t very strong, either (my nose likes it). Hopefully you’ll like the scent, because it works great!
Keeping my fingers crossed for a little more “bake” time on BG!
Thank you!
That’s so cute about Tabs and the tiny tabby tongue lapping up tea.
Rooting for you (& BG) for a swift delivery, free of complications, Karen! So excited for you and your soon-to-add-1 family.
Best wishes!
xoxo
Thank you, Christine, for the good vibes and sweet wishes! I’ll take them. 🙂
Hope you had a nice day today.
I had an EverPure product, a mask I think, and didnt like the smell at all. Maybe I should sniff the other ones.
Ah! This is all so exciting! I’m hoping for nothing but good things for you and BG. <3
Woah, so any day now huh? Exciting!!! I’m usually not this excited about other people’s pregnancies, lol.
Thanks for the tip on these, I co-wash but have not found anything yet that is worth raving. Hope these make it to my shores.
You will do great, Karen. Go go go!
I am definitely going to give those L’oreal balms a try. I use a lot of product in my hair and need something to cleanse it all without stripping my hair (it’s very dry already!) As a fellow preggo I am going to have to looking that decaf Irish tea from Trader Joe’s!
Thanks for telling me about these new cleansing conditioners! I like to “deep clean and condition” my hair once a week by pre-treating with coconut oil, then using foaming cleansers to get any accumulated product out, then deep conditioning, and use a cleansing conditioner for any washes for the rest of the week (twice a week is usually enough washing for my hair). My ends of my waist-to-hip length hair are dry and not exactly damaged, just old (like the rest of me, lol!), so they need careful treatment if I’m going to keep my hair looking healthy — and I think it looks good at that length only if it’s looking healthy. L’Oreal makes some good hair products, IMO — love their Oleo Therapy Mask, which I use as a conditioner.
The Loreal Ever line is my fav drugstore shampoo. I’ve been using the line since it debuted. I stock up a lot when CVS has a sale & there are coupons. I use different ones. It’s the 1st shampoo & conditioner that I can comb through my hair. It detangles! That made me so happy. I take my shampoo to my hairstylist & she even purchased some for another client that has hard to detangle hair.
Karen my question to you is when do you use the balm? 1st or last? Thks for the review.