18 Week Dye Free Hair update

Welcome to my journey as I leave behind hair dye and go grey naturally.   It's been 18 weeks since my last hair coloring process.(that sounds an awful lot like an AA intro)  My last hair cut was mid to late May 2015 when I had my bangs trimmed.  So four months on getting it cut-when I used to go every 5-7 weeks for color/cut.

I did break down and make an appointment to get my hair trimmed for this Friday. I had planned on just getting a few inches cut off. My thinking was to keep it healthy and trim off any dead ends , and to get rid of some of the color that is left. When I opened my facebook today there was one of those prompts for seeing what I was doing Aug. 26 in years past. It just so happens that last Aug. 26 I  had my hair done. I really liked the picture/cut of my hair so I think I'll use that as a guide when i go in Friday to how much I want cut off. I'm pretty surprised at how long my hair has grown in a year. One would think it would be harder to manage longer but for me it's much easier. I toss it in a pony or pull it back in clips and no more bad hair days..:)

Last August 26..

And today:

Target Haul! SHOES 70% OFF OMG

17 week hair update

Well it's now 17 weeks with no hair color/dye/highlights. I'm definitely seeing more gray lately.
Here are the pictures.

New Specs

I picked up my new glasses today. This is the second pair that I've gotten from Costco. I love Dr. Brown in their optical department. Not as impressed with the actual glasses department but can't beat the prices and convenience.

Old Glasses on left, new on right

 Not a lot of difference to me. The old ones (the ones with the flower on the side) Nina Ricci
new ones Sophia Loren

I skipped the transition this time. I didn't really cafe for the way my glasses looked once they turned dark outside. Living in Florida it's probably smart to have that but I just didn't care for it.

Old glasses when transitioning dark. Not the best angle to take a picture from..ugh. 

Weekly Hair Update-Going Natural

Well I am going on 16 weeks of not coloring my hair. It's a pretty slow process to see the results that I want to see.   I did try the grey/silver hair chalk the other night and have not washed my hair yet so  there may still be some of that in today but I could not really tell much of a difference at all.

Hair Chalk

I tried the hair chalk tonight. I am sure that I did not spend enough time or do it the proper way because I have the attention span of a three year old.  I did get the chalk wet and rubbed it on my hair and then straightened my hair to "set" the color. I can tell some places but it's not what I thought it would be like. I may try more later.
Here are a few other pictures taken with my cell phone (above two were taken with webcam)

Anxious

#8 Complete this sentence - I feel anxious when-

I feel anxious when I have to walk into a public place when I feel people may be watching me. Especially alone (not when I go into a grocery store or shopping but true when I go in a restaurant, party, or something like that)

On my way to work I feel anxious , not knowing what the day will bring.

Traveling, just the arriving part..I always worry that I'll be late or unable to find my way.

Driving someplace unfamiliar...I'm awful with directions.

This is all part of the 101  Journal Questions for Women book . See previous blogs for the first 7 questions.

Spirituality

#7 What does the word Spirituality mean to you?

To me, I feel very spiritual but not very religious. I am not on board with the heaven and hell thing or believing in a book from years ago to be interpreted differently by many who read it.

I believe there is something greater than myself. I find more peace and spirituality in nature than I ever have in a church. I am blessed and thankful. It is uncomfortable for me to think that there is a "God" out there that would send people to hell for any reason. I was taught from an early age that God was all forgiving. I like to think that the Godesses and Spirits out there are just as forgiving and non judgmental .   I do believe in Karma ..what you put out in the world comes back to you. Good and Bad.

With all of that said...have a blessed day!

Mindfulness Box Review Unboxing

This is an unboxing for a monthly subscription box. My favorite monthly subscription box by far.
It's called Mindfulness Box. You can get yours here!   The box cost $29 a month or  they have 3,6, or 12 month plans at a discounted rate.   There is a new childrens box that was just introduced this month as well.   If you sign up by the 12th of this month you'll get this box!

This is not a make-up /cosmetics box. It is more about spreading peace and positivity.  You will get things like daily affirmation cards (if you follow me on instagram ,I posted many pictures of these cards over the last month or so)

Medicine of the People Enlightenment Salve 

Medicine of the People pride themselves on honoring their cultures and traditions, while hand-making their products. All of their herbs are hand-forged in their native soil, which uses biodynamic farming practices.  This balm consists of White Sage, Lavender and Orange. It is a general purpose, aroma therapeutic healing balm that sooths the skin and nourishes the senses. This balm can be used on minor cuts, scrapes, bug bites, chapped lips and eczema to name a few. For aromatherapy  benefits this balm can be applied to the temples, neck, wrists or any area that will help diffuse the wonderful aroma. Retail Value $10 

Amethyst Druzy

Purple Amethyst has been highly esteemed throughout the ages for its stunning beauty and legendary powers to stimulate and sooth the mind and emotions. It is a semi-precious stone in today's classifications, but, to the ancients it was a "Gem of Fire", a precious stone worth as much as a diamond at times through history. Amethyst possesses meditative and calming qualities in the emotional , spiritual and physical planes. The stone also has the ability to expand the higher mind to improve creativity , intuition, and refined thinking processes. It  helps in the assimilation of new ideas, putting through into action, and brings projects to fruition. It is a talisman of focus and success. Amethyst  is one of the best crystals for meditation. The amethyst color stimulates the highest  vibration of the Third Eye, and placing an amethyst stone directly over this area ushers in a serene meditative that stills conscious thought and guides the mind toward deeper understanding . Amethyst energy encourages the mind to be humble and surrender to that which is greater than itself in order to gain deeper understanding of how the powers of the universe can direct and guide one's life.     

Yum Earth Organic Vitamin C Lollipops 

 These Lollipops have your daily value of Vitamin C derived from organic Acerola Berries to keep you feeling your best. These pops are planet friendly, made with real fruit extract, no artificial dyes or flavors, gluten free , 100% vegan , GMO free,nut free, soy free and certified USDA organic. I found them by the bag on Amazon. http://www.amazon.com/YumEarth-Organic-Lollipops-8-5-Ounce/dp/B008CC8XAW

This month I was surprised to find a card with my name on it when I opened my box. I don't get paid or a discount to do these pictures or reviews for Mindfulness Box, I just love the box so much that I enjoy sharing it on my facebook and instagram (and sometimes youtube), It was very sweet to get a thank you for my posts and positivity! :) 

Hand-Carved Soap Stone oil Diffuser

Soapstone is a durable and hardworking natural stone.This mineral provides for both movement and widening of one's horizon and assisting one in "changing with the tides" Soapstone emits a calming energy, stimulating one to release old routines for new loving environments. Because this is a soft stone, it is perfect for carving. 

Aura cacia Sweet Orange Essential Oil

the perfect oil to add to your diffuser. The familiar scent makes this one of the world's most popular oils, and the heart of many floral blends. Sweet oranges gentle, clarifying nature cheers the heart and brightens the mood.  

What is your purpose in life?

Question #5 taken from 101 Journal Questions for Women.
What is your purpose in life?

I feel my gift/purpose is to help others. (People, animals, nature) I truly try and make a difference, if it's only sending a card to let someone know I'm thinking about them, or a facebook comment to show support. No act of kindness is too small if it brings hope/joy/comfort to another.

15 Weeks Dye Free (Hair Update)

Hello! This marks the 15 week mark of no hair color.   Vic made the comment this week that my hair is more interesting now.

I did order the silver hair chalk this week , it should be here mid August. I thought with that I could draw streaks all the way thru so it doesn't show up as just silver roots. We shall see, and i will share. I'd like to share the wig pictures but it's just too awful lol ...

Taken yesterday, work bathroom really shows the silver coming in! 

Smile

#5 What Makes you Smile?

Life! Here is a video I made a few years ago with this theme...









Smile

Strength

Todays Question from "101 journal questions for women": What is your best strength as a woman.


I took a facebook quiz and it said being positive. Which I believe I am.
But I think even greater than being positive is being compassionate.

Don't Sweat The Small Stuff

#3 in the book "101 Journal Questions for Women" by Tony Robinson
What is the greatest lesson you have ever learnt?

Something my mother has been saying to me as long as I can remember "Don't sweat the small stuff" and in the phrase made famous by the movie Frozen...LET IT GO.

I know this was something that I wasn't very good at for much of my life prior to around age 35 maybe...so it gets easier with getting some maturity under your belt..or it did for me.  
My ex would tell me "It will all shake out" and 9 times out of 10 whatever I was working myself up about would "shake out" and be nothing after all.

The serenity prayer comes into play here too...it's all about learning to accept what you can and can not change.

Question # 1
Question # 2

Achievements

a·chieve·ment

noun

1. 1.

   a thing done successfully, typically by effort, courage, or skill.

   "to reach this stage is a great achievement"

   
   
2. 2.

   the process or fact of achieving something.

   "the achievement of professional recognition"

Todays prompt in the "101 journal questions for women" book is to list your top 10 achievements. 

This one is very hard for me. For each thing I came up with, a negative thought followed with "but I didn't follow through, or it wasn't because of any great effort on my part" type of thing.  I feel like I have not had to work too terribly hard at things that I have really wanted , I have put them out in the universe and they've happened for me and I have an amazing family that has helped me and given me tons of things/support/love/opportunities to make things happen over the years. 

1. Fostered dozens of children for two years after becoming a foster parent. By far some of the  most difficult and rewarding days for me. 

2. Traveled to Europe while in high school as a High School Student Ambassador with the People to People program. 

3. Coming out as a gay women at age 39 and changing up my entire world as I knew it. 

4. Spending a year being there for my dad as he was dying of cancer. Skyping everyday, making multiple visits to stay with him during his treatments and being there to send him off. Not sure it's what you'd think of as an achievement but it fits in courage and effort and something I'm proud of doing and would do again.   

5. Purchasing a brand new  car all by myself.

6. Growing up.Not just getting older but growing up mentally and emotionally. With the wonderful world of Facebook I see that not all of my school friends have mastered this and seem to be stuck back in high school. Life is so much better when you open your mind, let go of negativity  and stop allowing drama into your space. 

7. Getting the lap band surgery. I had the surgery almost 3 years ago. I am not where I want to be yet as far as weight but I know that I never would have gotten there without it. My health issues were just getting worse and after having both hips replaced my mobility was not at a state to just add exercise and expect to get where I needed to be. 

8. Starting this blog. It's been 5 years now. I don't keep up with it everyday but as much as I love journals, diary's, calendars it's fantastic to look back and see where I was and what I was doing back then. 

August 3 2010   It's amazing when I looked back to that Aug. 3 2010 blog and it was so similar to these 10 achievements..WOW! 

9. On the courage part..I went parasailing. I am afraid of heights and will never go again..but I went. 

10.  An achievement that I'm still working on..is trying  new foods and expanding my pallet. As a child I  was a very picky eater and even into adulthood had very limited "likes" in food. Vegetables were out of the question and now I will eat most or at least try them.  

101 Journal Questions for Women #1

While looking around on facebook the other day I saw a post on a friends timeline for a book that sounded like something that would be very helpful for my blog ideas. 101 Journal Questions For Women. Plus bonus, it was on sale at Amazon for only $5.53 ! 

Well today it arrived! Before I even got dressed or put on make up I found it in my mailbox and jumped right online to post in my blog. See, the book is already working on making me motivated to blog more lol 

#1 Question was "What Makes You Happy?

I think overall I am a happy person naturally. Here is my list just thinking about it for half a second; Sunny days , full moons, bright star lit nights, the way my dogs greet me when I get home no matter if I'm gone for two weeks or two hours, the smell of fresh cut grass, the feeling of clean sheets, unexpected texts from Vic saying "my heart is full of love for you" , hearing my mom laugh, getting mail, times spent with friends or family, milk duds, having a clean house, a full tank of gas that I didn't have to pump, hugs, messages from beyond, fire flys, pink anything, youtube, facebook, lifelong friendships, good hair days, random acts of kindness, puppy breath, baby toes, glitter, trees,music...there just isn't enough space for what makes me happy. Life makes me happy!