Homemade Chocolate Orange Lip Balm

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Buns Buns Buns

I've been growing my hair out for about a year.  Actually, that really means I haven't gone to the hair salon in that amount of time.  I seriously need to get there ASAP.

Funny how that happens.  Before kids, I went to get a cut and highlights every three or so months.  After having kids, a salon trip every few weeks is a comical idea.

In the mean time, it's becoming such a chore to style hair that's way past my shoulders.
To go from wet, shower hair to looking acceptable, is taking for-ev-er.

The ends need to be cut so it takes quite a bit of heat styling to make them look smooth.

Since it's summer, I've just been pulling it into a pony tail. It's fine but looks very much like one of those moms in desperate need of a makeover on the Today Show.

I found this bun tool and thought it was worth a try.

Remington Perfect Bun

Given that it was only a few dollars, I didn't have high hopes for it to hold all day.
I was wrong.
SO WRONG.
This this has become my favorite hair tool in my 20+ years of styling my hair.  Seriously.  It's like a dream.  I am done in literally 30 seconds and my hair looks like I spent time actually concerned about my appearance.

A huge bonus for me is it actually stays in all day.  After it's in, I don't even have to touch it until I take it out.  No touch ups.  And, when I do take it out, my hair is full and wavy from being rolled inside.

They sell them for blondes or brunettes and also have a size for girls.
Here's how simple:

Remington

I can't believe I never knew about this before!

Please Clean Deep Inside Your Dryer Vent NOW!

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Easier Way to Seed an Avocado

The avocado seed can be such a pain to remove.  Then, once it's out, I feel bad for just throwing it away.  I recently found an easy seed removal technique AND a way to preserve it - even how to use it in my decor as a house plant.  

For the longest time, I've tried to dig the seed out with a spoon.  It's messy and frustrating.  One night I was watching Food Network before bed (bad idea if you're watching your weight!) and saw Giada cut and seed an avocado in seconds.  First, she cut it in half and then here's what she did...

It was like a karate chop with a large knife, a twist, and it popped out with ease.  I love how it left the flesh in tact.  

Here's another way to seed an avocado, cutting it into quarters.

What to do with that seed?  

Check out avocado.org for more info about growing an avocado tree or just training it as a house plant.  


There are a lot of avocado gadgets available - who knew?
I need to get one of these avocado slicers for the next step.

...and then there's the avocado storage...

I recently made a fresh summery salad recipe using avocados.  It's a new favorite around here. 

Raw Strawberry Avocado Mango Salad

My Favorite Parenting Gadgets

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Flat-Top Stove is LIKE NEW AGAIN!

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Thank-You Card Wizard

The easiest way to write a thank you.  I love this online tool!

I often have trouble finding the perfect words for a thank you - especially if the gift given was money.  "Uh, thanks for the cash" does not work too well.  I found this thank you note wizard and it has helped to make this an easier task. 

Around here, a few minutes (alone) to pull out thank you cards, stamps, a pen, and envelopes is rare.  My stamps usually get picked up and used as "stickers" on my walls.  That can get a little costly.  When I'm frazzled with kids, house, and everything else, this wizard helps put my thoughts into a concise note of thanks. 

I just fill in the blanks - yes, like Mad Libs - and it creates a nice, well-written thank you. 

Here's an example.

Say I got a pretty necklace from "Cindy". 

I would click HERE and fill out the wizard like so...

And, voila!

It's a great tool and all - but, don't forget their most commonly asked question...

"YES, thank you notes should be handwritten! As we are fond of saying...

An emailed thank you note says you cared enough to do the very least!"





If sharing this idea with these great link parties.