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Olive Oil Hair Treatment

2010-07-16T21:53:00.000-07:00

I normally don't rummage through my kitchen when I'm in need of beauty products, buy my hair has been so dry and damaged from the summer sun that I was desperate for some sort of TLC. I remember reading an article about using olive oil as a hair treatment, and after recently experiencing the skin softening benefits of a warm water and olive oil hand soak, I thought, "Why not?" After all, if this oil could make my parched hands feel smooth and moisturized, surely it could do the same for my hair.

Here is how I used olive oil as a hair treatment:

1. Pour a couple of tablespoons (more or less depending on your hair length and thickness) into a small microwave-safe bowl and place in a microwave for about 20 seconds. Since microwaves vary, I suggest starting off by heating up the oil for 10 seconds and then adding a few more seconds until the oil is warm (you don't want it to be so hot that it will burn you!).

2. Next, go into the bathroom and pour small amounts of olive oil into your hands and coat your hair. Make sure to concentrate on those tattered ends!

3. After my hair was evenly coated, I wrapped my hair in plastic wrap and secured it to the back of my head with a large clip. I did this to preserve some of the heat. After about 30 minutes, thoroughly shampoo your hair.

Although my hair still looked fried after shampooing and blowdrying, I did noticed that it felt much softer, smoother and was easier to manage. However, I think with a much needed trim and a weekly application, this olive oil treatment is an easy and cheap way to keep my locks in good shape.

I always have olive oil on hand for cooking, and since I pay no more than $5 for a bottle of extra virgin, this hair treatment is definitely going to become a part of my beauty regime and even replace several products.

Look What I Found: Kombucha

2009-10-22T17:15:00.000-07:00

©Britany Lueras

While browsing the refrigerated cases at the Henry's Market that just opened near my home, I spied these interesting drinks: G.T.'s Kombucha (say "kom-BOO-cha"). I was drawn first by the beautifully colored liquids contained inside each glass bottle, the matching labels and key words like "rejuvenate," "restore," "revitalize," "replenish" and "regenerate." I could use some of that! And kombucha...sounds like an exotic fruit!

It wasn't until I got home with my bottles of Synergy in Passionberry Bliss and G.T.'s Raw Organic Kombucha in Multi-Green that I actually read on the bottle what this mysterious kombucha was. It's a Chinese tea that has been cultured (i.e. fermented) for 30 days. According to the label, this process allows active enzymes, probiotics, amino acids, antioxidants and polyphenols to form.

Photo by Zero-X @ Flickr

Kombucha develops a neat, yucky film (culture) on top of the tea, strands of which can be seen floating around in the bottle). The label on the drinks says this only occurs with raw kombucha. Kinda gross if you think about it too much. Health claims include: digestion, metabolism, immune system, liver function, appetite control, weight control, body alkalinity, anti-aging and cell integrity support, and healthy skin and hair.

©Britany Lueras

Hmm...fermented tea! I'll try just about anything as long as it's not going to squirm in my mouth or taste like black licorice. I decided to try out the Multi-Green first - after my doctor's visit earlier, I was in the mood to do my body some good with a drink full superfoods like algae. I shook the bottle to disburse the green silt on the bottom and unscrewed the white plastic cap. I was surprised to find that the drink was carbonated and the scent that those little bubbles carried up to my nose smelled like beer and vinegar. And it definitely tasted like someone added a dash or 10 of vinegar to an ice-cold brew (back of the label warns that there may be a trace amount of alcohol). And just when I thought the taste was gone from my mouth, bam! It came in waves from the back of my tongue and made its way to the front. So maybe this wasn't such a good idea. Looks like the rest is going down the kitchen sink.

©Britany Lueras

Luckily the Passionberry Bliss was a lot tastier. The fizzies and flavor brought me back to the days of sneaking underage sips of fruity wine coolers. There was a bit of a vinegar smell, but not as bad as the other flavor.

Final verdict: Since I gave up diet soda to eliminate artificial sweeteners from my diet, I think I've found a pretty good alternative. One bottle, which has two servings, only has 70 calories and 8 grams of sugar.

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I Like This: Pot that Lets You See Plant Roots

2009-10-11T12:15:00.000-07:00

Photo via Coroflot/Olga Kalugina

If only this were real! By the looks of designer Olga Kalugina's portfolio, this is concept rendering and not an actual product.

Olga's EYE flowerpot would not only show the root development, but display the plant's moisture, humidity, temperature and light levels - something I'd find very useful, as I can't even seem to keep a few sunflowers alive for more than a couple of days. Plus, how cool would this look in your home?

Photo via Coroflot/Olga Kalugina

My Nails are Ready for Fall!

2009-10-08T21:46:00.000-07:00

When I first saw OPI's new Colección de España nail polishes in an ad in one of my magazines, I wanted the whole collection! These colors are perfect for fall - beautiful berry colors or deep, dramatic blue, green, purple and brown - all inspired by Spain.

I picked up a Señorita pack at ULTA that includes four mini bottles that luckily included three of the shades I really love: Pink Flamenco, No Spain, No Gain and Suzi Skis in the Pyrenees. (The fourth bottle is a clear topcoat.)

Pink Flamenco

No Spain, No Gain

Suzi Skis in the Pyrenees