Holiday Feature | Circle of Friends - Rosa's Raspberry Shampoo & Conditioner

Rosa's Raspberry Shampoo $11.40 for 10oz ♥

Rosa's Raspberry Conditioner  $11.40 for 10oz ♥

Both are available at cofbath.com and at these retail locations

(Silas's foot not included)

Comes in several different scents: Pineapple, Banana, and Boy-mix Fragrances! 

The set (above) is a limited-time only holiday gift set that comes with a free pairs of antlers for your child! :)

(The set has a $24.20 SRP)

As crazy as it sounds - Christmas is right around the corner. Seriously, where did 2013 go y'all? It has been kinda a crappy year (w/ the exception of baby Miri being born) for my family...so I say good riddance. 0_0 November is quickly approaching, and this means...(dun-dun-dun) holiday shopping. (Don't most people start Christmas shopping in November?) Any-who...if you have lots of friends with kiddos. (Like we do) I have a pretty stinkin' cute holiday feature to share with you tonight. It's made by people over at "Circle of Friends." 

Circle of Friends was founded by Moms! How awesome is that? :) They have made it their personal mission to create a professional hair-care, bath, and body line for children. All while introducing them to different styles and cultures. (Ooo educational!) Each product in the hair line is represented by a cute character from a different part of the world. (This set introduced us to Rosa! She lives in Spain) So your child can shampoo and learn something new at the same time! (Huzzahh!) 

Silas and I absolutely love this stuff. I was a bit worried when I read that the formula is "low sudsing." I didn't find that to be to case at all. It actually foamed up quite nicely! Silas really likes that the shampoo and conditioner are both "tearless." No kid likes soap that stings the eyes - these details are important! Personally - my favorite thing about this line is the raspberry scent, it's simply amazing. (The whole bathroom smells nice after we use it)  The raspberry reminds me of a shampoo that I used to use when I was little. (Oh-so-fond memories) I can't remember what is was called though? Hmmm.

I'm sure many of you are aware that Silas has flaming red hair lol. It's really gorgeous...but it's also very dry. This shampoo/conditioner set makes it much more manageable to deal with! It seems to be significantly improving the amount of frizz that I have to deal with each morning. (Johnson & Johnson products tend to be very drying) We have to try and tame his wild hair or Ya-Ya get's very fussy with me when I drop him off. (Haha) Both of these products are safe and gentle, packed full of vitamins and proteins, and they are never tested on animals. A detangler is also available in this scent! :)

  Like Circle of Friends on Facebook Follow Circle of Friends on Twitter Like Silas & Miri on Facebook

A cute photo from Silas' birthday party on this past Sunday. :)

Review | Taylor by Taylor Swift Eau de Parfum Spray

Every now and then I feel so passionate about something that it requires me to go on a lengthy blog rant. I'm going to apologize for this one in advance. You best ready thyself!

----------> Begin rant <----------

Matt came home from work with a terrible headache today. Unfortunately - Miri decided that tonight was the infant night of screams. (Sounds like a bad M. Night Shyamalan movie) Literally...she would just sit in her bouncy seat and scream like a banshee. (Then she would purse her lips and glare/repeat) We have a professional diva on our hands folks. So - I decided that I would give Matt some relief and take Miri shopping with me. Miri and I love to go on mother/daughter shopping adventures. (We have loads of fun) I was on the hunt for roller clips for my hair...and hot chocolate...maybe lol. 

Our first stop was an unsuccessful trip to Wal-mart. We ended up finding what we were looking for at Sally's Beauty Supply instead. (5 mins till close) The cashier was actually really rude to me. :( I apologized to her for being in the store so near closing time. (I went right to what I needed and went straight to the register...probably 35 seconds of total shopping) She then snarkily said to me "Oh it's no problem! If you had been in any closer to 8...well...I probably wouldn't have been so nice." I just stared at her. I ended up hastily purchasing my clips and leaving. (Opelika location) At least they had my clips?

Crappy Sally's visit aside...Miri and I then travelled over to ULTA. We grabbed a couple items and were about to leave when I spotted Taylor Swift's new fragrance! 

"Taylor" by Taylor Swift

$49.50 for 1.7 oz at ULTA

Anything Miss Swift always catches my eye because my little sister India loves her. We have listened to her albums many a time in Wanda (Yolanda) the Honda. (Accord) lol So - Miri and I rolled over to see what this new fragrance was all about! (We are fans of the Wonderstruck fragrance btw) Firstly, the bottle is to die for. It may be one of my favorite bottles ever. It's a large vase-like clear glass bottle with a smaller bottle inside that holds the liquid. (It makes it magically appear that you are getting quite a lot of product when you really aren't) The top of the bottle is flat with multi-colored swirls with pearls and a fanciful cap. It's just the bees knees. At first sniff I "thought" I really enjoyed it. Similar to Wonderstruck - it had a very sweet scent. (Luscious fruits, blushing florals, and soft woods blah blah blah) Initially I was sad...I thought "hey, I like this and I'm poor and can't afford it." Even a crappy roller ball "Taylor" was $20. -_- (Don't get me started on fragrance prices y'all) I then decided to spritz it on myself...right when this stuff made contact with my skin I knew I had made a terrible mistake that only a shower could remedy. The best way I can describe this perfume after it sat on my skin for about 30 mins is a bubblegum scent?...with a hint of cheap hairspray. (It's shocking/sad I know!) It actually smells like something I would buy Miri in the kiddie perfume section at Wal-mart. I mean...Love's Baby Soft cologne is better by leaps and bounds. (I've always loved that stuff, sniff sniff mmm...childhood) I immediately called up my sister to tell her the disappointing news. We also had a nice laugh over the name. Original Miss Swift...real original. 

Please go to your local perfume counter and give this stuff a good test. Let me know how you feel about it. I know I'm rarely ever this mean in a review but I just found "Taylor" by Taylor Swift simply revolting. There...I said it. 

Happy Saturday y'all hahaha!

Review | HIClips

HIClips 

$19.99 for a 2 pack

I recently got to try HIClips and I thought it would be fun to share my experience with you guys. :) Prepare yourself for some ridiculous photos lol...

The general idea is that these clips natural lift your roots. (Blow drying or air-drying)

I didn't feel like dragging the kids out of the house today - so I had enough time to sit around and let my hair air-dry. On the pamphlet that was inside the box it shows the model with the clips placed in her bangs. I could not get my hair to cooperate for this exact method. I've been parting my hair (aka it's been parting itself) in the middle, so I tried clipping the hair on either side. (See above photo)

After I removed the clips, I ended up with this hot mess lol. The clips achieved the voluminous look that they promised alright! I think these things have a lot of potential if you play around with them. Next time I may use a blow dryer and try placing them differently. (The pamphlet says to add hairspray for added hold) I think these could really help thin hair appear not so limp. (I may lend them to my mom for her to try) 

Voila! My bangs are looking super-duper-fly. For what "HIClips" are - I personally think the price is a little steep. (I'm a bit cheap lol) BUT if you are in desperate need of some volume, and you don't won't to put harsh products on your hair - then these clips are for you my friend. 

Follow HIClips on Facebook

Follow Silas & Miri on Facebook and Twitter

Don't forget to enter my ChicoBag giveaway!

My Current Hair Care Routine

It's about time I did another one of these posts. :) It has been highly requested! The last one I did was all the way back in May. A lot has changed since then, and for the better! The shampoo that I'm going to mention today has been an absolute life saver. 

About 8-12 weeks after Miri was born I started to notice a little hair loss. I've mentioned it briefly a few times before here on my blog. Well - it escalated...and I panicked/cried. (It was everywhere!) I tried everything under the southern sun to save my poor locks - and nothing was working. The clumps of hair didn't stop falling till I finally found this lovely combination of products. :) 

--------------------

BIOTA Botanicals Herbal Shampoo For Thinning Hair

$10.99 at CVS

I do not understand the science behind this miracle product - all I know is that two days after I started using it my hair stopped falling out. I only use about a quarter size drop of the shampoo, then I massage it on my scalp. I let it sit for about 3 minutes and rinse. (Then I repeat with the conditioner) It's only been a few weeks and I have baby hairs growing back in! :D I could do a commercial for these people I love this shampoo so!

Garnier Fructis Fortifying Conditioner FALL FIGHT

$3.99 at Drugstore.com

I first spotted this stuff on our trip in North Carolina, but I finally made the decision to buy it after I bought the BIOTA. (Back in Alabama) I figured it could only help the situation. It claims to contain energizing caffeine, fortifying Biotin, and fruit vitamins. It's a pretty good quality conditioner for $3.99, no complaints here. 

1000 mcg Biotin by Spring Valley

$2.94 at Wal-mart

I take about 4-5 of these little pills a day. Warning: They will break your face out. :( That is the one downfall I have experienced with them. It's my understanding that you can take about 10,000 mcg of Biotin a day. I'm a little scared to do that considering the 5,000 mcg already makes my face act-a-fool.

With their powers combined they have saved my hair! If you are experiencing hair loss problems please give these products a shot. Maybe they will work for you too!

FB  (https://www.facebook.com/BiotaUSA)

Twitter (https://twitter.com/biotausa)

Google+  (B'IOTA BOTANICALS US)

April | Empties

Hello! I'm so sorry it's been awhile since I made a new post. I took a break and had a family weekend. :) On to the empties!

Rejuvicare $8.89

I purchased my bottle at Wal-mart for around the same price. The above link takes you to Vitacost. I picked up this liquid vitamin after I noticed my hair falling out. Over the past couple of weeks the amount of hair in the shower and in the sink has been getting worse. Everybody I talk to says that it is completely normal after you have a baby. This is all fine and well...but it's freaking me out. This bottle is a definite re-purchase. I am using this in conjunction with prenatal vitamins and Rogaine. (I started using the Rogaine yesterday.) The fact that this product is endorsed by the Kardashian family was initially a big turn off. After reading all the positive amazon reviews, I decided Kardashian or not I was buying it. I think it is definitely making a difference. Hopefully the hair loss is going to slow down soon. (Yes, I have had my thyroid checked...it's fine.) I'm taking a tablespoon in the morning and a tablespoon at night. It has a sour grape taste that many people complain about but I like it. :)

Lea Journo Hydrating Conditioner

$28

My grandmother "JuJu" gave me this. (The price above reflects a 10 fl oz size, mine was a 3 fl oz.) I believe she got it from some sort of QVC beauty box deal. I really do like it but I don't think I will purchase another one. The price is a little high for me and I'm not "in love" with the product. Honestly, my favorite thing about this conditioner is the packaging. Brilliant. I ended up using every drop. I wish more companies would use bags like this. The conditioner has a very herbal smell that I found pretty nice. I contains french plum oil, which sounds all luxurious and stuff. It made my hair nice and soft. 

NYX HD Photogenic Concealer

$4.99 

This is by far the best concealer that I have ever tried. I love everything about it. It has amazing coverage. I usually just swipe this on and throw some powder over my entire face and run out the door. No foundation necessary! It's great during the summer, I find it nice to not have so many layers caked on my face. You can find this little beauty at Ulta. :)

Equate Purifying Cleanser

$4.18

This cleanser was fantastic during my pregnancy. It's Equate's equivalent of Proactiv. I had the most amazing complexion. "Had" is the key word folks. I have no idea why - but this stuff is like pouring acid on my face if I use it now. So I won't be running to Wal-mart to pick up another bottle. (Sigh) So I do recommend it and I don't lol. Maybe it will work do you? This was my second bottle, so obviously I liked it. 

Up & Up Eye Makeup Remover Liquid

$4.54

This stuff is "meh." It does the job ok, but I won't be picking up another bottle. The mascara I raved about recently is really difficult to remove. So I think I will need to find something a little stronger. You can find this at your local Target. 

Lee Stafford Hair Growth Treatment

$11.99

Very clever Lee Stafford, I applaud your marketing. I ordered this treatment from Ulta.com this past October. (Only because it's always sold out in the store.) It smells amazing, just like Thierry Mugler Angel actually. The smell is really the only thing it has going for it. I didn't notice any kind of miraculous hair growth. I'm pretty certain it's just a gimmick. I've read and watched a bunch of reviews on it and I think most people feel the same way about it. 

Silas Sunday

Daddy snapped this photo of Silas during his Easter egg hunt today. His outfit was $21.80 with tax from JCPenney. :) I hate that you can't see the shorts. They were a cute plaid print.