Review: Garnier Fructis Triple Nutrition Shampoo and Conditioner

It's been a while, but I have posted reviews of products that I have been able to try (free!) as a BzzAgent.  My most recent campaign was for Garnier Fructis Triple Nutrition Shampoo AND conditioner. Garnier sent me a full-sized sample of each, with the only string attached being that I have to share my honest experience.  So... here goes!

I've used Garnier Fructis products before - usually alternating between it and whichever Herbal Essences product tickles my fancy.  Up until I received my BzzKit, I was using an Herbal Essences set, and was pretty pleased.  I've been using Triple Nutrition for about a month now, and DO notice some improvement, though.

Triple Nutrition is for "dry, damaged hair."  I don't consider my hair especially dry OR damaged, although I do tend to get split ends... that's mostly from my bad habit of NEVER getting it trimmed, though, I think  ;c)  I use a blow dryer and curling/flat iron maybe 3-4 times a week...  If I wash my hair in the morning, I obviously HAVE to blow dry it.  Before Triple Nutrition, my freshly blow-dried hair had some major, ugly, flighty volume... which I HAD to use an iron to tame.  The ONE big difference since switching shampoo/conditioner is that this doesn't happen!  I LOVE LOVE LOVE that I can use fewer damaging heat products on my hair!!!  In this way, Triple Nutrition seems like a double-whammy: makes my hair healthier, so that I can damage it less!  Totally awesome!  

Something Garnier is very proud of right now is their new eco-friendly packaging.  From their website: "We're getting greener! New designed bottle made of PET, the most widely recycled plastic contains 30% recycled material." In addition to the formula of the contents, I'm also supposed to review the packaging, sooo... 

Guys, it's a bottle.  I like the earth... it's been good to me, you know?  But when it comes to picking a shampoo, the plastic content of the bottle is pretty low on my list of considerations.  All other things being equal, I'll pick the eco-friendly bottle, but I'm not going out of my way or paying major extra money just to get a greener bottle.  I know there are people for whom this is a big deal, but there are sooo many really important causes.  I choose to devote my time, energy and money to others.  The cap of my condition bottle broke off pretty quickly... it may or may not be a function of the kind of plastic used, but again... whatever.  It's a bottle.

I'm not going to tell you that Triple Nutrition is going to change your life.  But it's a good, reasonably inexpensive shampoo and conditioner.  Next time you're looking to change it up a bit (that's healthy for hair, right?), and you have a Garnier coupon, go for it! 

Always,

Katie

I Love My Marble Rolling Pin

This will not be nearly as long a review as my paring knife review... just wanted to say that I LOVE my marble rolling pin!  

I've been making sugar cookies all the time now, because it's just not NEARLY as big a pain in the tushy as it used to be!  This thing weighs a ton, and it does all the work of rolling... I just have to direct it. :c)  Then, clean up is a piece of cake (or cookie, lol)... just some water and a wipedown.  It doesn't splinter or get all funky like a wooden pin, or get mildewy like the plastic, water-filled kind.  And I really can't over-emphasize how much easier the weight makes rolling stuff!  

And it wasn't expensive AT ALL!  If you like to bake, and hate rolling dough... you should totally treat yourself to one of these!  

Always,

Katie

A Joyful Heart?

I made myself a necklace the other day... I had bought the pendant several months ago - I think it even made the move from Ohio - and knew what I wanted to do with it, but was holding out for the perfect large round link.  I had had these word charms before, but the only one I still have says "discipline" and I wasn't sure that was the message I wanted next to this pendant.  I mean, it's lovely, and would be great for, say, a keychain to your gym locker... anyway.  When my set was full, it included the word "Love" which would be the obvious choice to go with a heart pendant.  I happened upon the same set at Michaels last week, then saw that there was another card on the next peg with the same kind of charm, and noted that "Discipline" was not included in THIS pack... Woo!  I'll take that one!  Got it home, "Love" is also not included.  Facepalm!

So, with "Love" no longer an option, I chose the ring that said "Joy" and made my necklace. As I sat and looked at the finished product, I got a little sentimental.  

I decided that I really like the loose symbolism here... while my heart may be blue (and heavy), I need to remember not to let that steal my joy.  Joy through trials.  When I showed it to Ethan, he said simply, "Oh.  A joyful heart," with a soft little smile.  We had a moment. 

Because, frankly, our hearts both ache, although we have plenty of reasons to be joyful.  My diabetes doctor is being uncooperative with my fertility specialist... the fertility specialist wants to put me on Metformin, but the diabetes doc claims that there is no research to support that move, and that Metformin is dangerous for Type 1 diabetics.  Even though I have searched the medical journal databases and found ample and current research to suggest that Type 1s CAN be insulin resistant as well as insulin dependent and Metformin CAN be used to break that resistance.  

Warning, TMI:  Until about a week ago, I hadn't had an unprovoked period since my surgery in December.  I skipped January, used Provera to start in February, skipped March, used Provera again in April, then FIVE DAYS after I quit in April, I started again and had ANOTHER FULL period.  Yeah, two full periods in three weeks.  It was spiffy.  So now I fret that my fertility is even worse off than it was pre-op, because I almost never skipped periods before, and CERTAINLY never had more than one in a month.  We both have had some bloodwork recently, and we're waiting on the results... which could have a major impact on where we go from here.  Waiting is hard.  Finances are hard - did you know insurance almost never pays a dime for fertility stuff?  We're lucky - ours pays a tiny bit.  As in, about the amount of this bloodwork.  Yeah.  People get pregnant "accidentally" all the time... we're gonna break the bank to do it.  Sometime I wonder if Ethan and I shouldn't go out to a bar and pretend to be strangers... he can pick me up and we can get naughty in the parking lot or behind some bleachers.  Seems to work for "everybody else." 

It's so easy to let bitterness creep in.  Even easier, and sneakier, though... is the sadness.  Sometimes, I'm just going about my routine, and notice that I'm about to cry.  Or I find that my heart keeps dwelling on all of the things I want to do with and for my children.  I want to decorate a nursery... and start a big, awesome library... I wish these Provera cramps were baby flutters or even morning sickness.  

I'm having one of those days today.  But I keep reaching for my necklace and reminding myself of all the reasons to be joyful.  I'm God's beloved... and Ethan's, too.  We had a wonderful weekend of "us" time... with the semester finally ending, his stress level is falling a lot, so we just cuddled and teased and giggled all weekend.  It was blissful :c)  I worked for a few hours yesterday, and was in my element... helping kids make memory wire bracelets for Mother's Day.  I love my job, I love kids, and I love beading and crafty conversation.  When I got home, my husband and my puppy were both thrilled to see me.  I'm blessed.  And, despite, a blue and hurting heart, I WILL be joyful.

Always,

Katie

Review: Kuhn Rikon Colori Paring Knives

I just wanted to write a quick review today of a product I am loving!  

We bought a cheap-cheap-cheap set of Walmart paring knives, and they... work.  But as much as I cook and bake, I wanted something a little sharper and sturdier.  When one of the girls at Our Best Bites mentioned that they used Colori Paring Knives by Kuhn Rikon, I looked them up.  They're definitely a bit pricier than Walmart knives, but they have been wonderful so far!  I can literally peel a potato so closely that the peel is transparent.  Seriously.  Awesome.  I got mine on Amazon - they're around the same price as on their website, and Super Saver shipping was free since I bought three.

The blade is carbon, and is super-slippery.  Stuff just sliiiides right off, and while I didn't realize that sticking was an issue with knives - it totally never occurred to me to dislike my old knives because they weren't nonstick - I can definitely say that it is WONDERFUL to have nonstick knives. They are smooth and clean up really quickly.

The blades don't wobble... they're nice and thick and sturdy, and extend up the length of the grip as well.  They're also a little bit longer than other paring knives I've had or used, and I love them for that!  Eventually, I may add more knives from this company to my collection, but for now my paring knives chop veggies, slice potatoes, and de-fat raw meat.  

The two features that made me choose this brand over any other higher-end knife were the blade guards and... um... the fact that they come in colors.  Drawer space is at a premium here, so my knives are in, loose, with the rest of the silverware... and I feel much better about rifling through the drawer knowing that these puppies are sheathed!  And I bought them in red and black (the same colors as most of the rest of our utensils) annnnnd light pink.  Because I'm me. :c)  Kuhn Rikon suggests using the color variety to color code what you're cutting and avoid cross-contamination... but I mostly just like that they're pretty!

I will say that there is a slight downside to these knives. Well, more specifically, with graduating to "big girl cutlery."  They're sharp, and I can't handle them the way I handled my cheapies.  My poor fingers have been suffering from my learning curve, haha!  I haven't really had much experience with higher-end knives, so I can't compare Kuhn Rikon to any of the other big names, but I CAN definitely say that if you are looking for reasonably inexpensive knives that are sturdy, pretty multi-taskers, the Colori knife by Kuhn Rikon is an excellent choice! 

Always,

Katie

No-Bake, Super-Delish S'Mores Treats

This is one of our favorite easy dessert recipes.  It requires very little measuring, very little time, and very few ingredients.  I like to make them in a cupcake pan so that they're individual portions, and easy to toss into a baggie for a packed lunch.  

Here's the recipe... make them.  You will NOT regret this!  Unless you're on a diet.  Then you may regret it just a little bit, but the yumminess will make up for it.  Promise :c)

4T butter

1 10oz bag of Marshmallows

1 box Golden Grahams Cereal

1C chocolate chips. 

Make these exactly like Rice Krispie Treats:  Melt the butter, add the marshmallows.  Stir until melted smooth.  Remove from heat, stir in cereal, then stir in chocolate chips.  Then, either press them into a greased 9x13 pan, or scoop globs into a greased muffin pan, and press down firmly.  You WILL get messy.  :c) 

Enjoy!

Always,

Katie

Sweet Springtime!

I have been a baking FIEND lately!  Thanks in large part to Pinterest, I have all these tasty ideas rolling around in my head... happily, in the past couple of weeks, some of those ideas have been rolling around in my belly instead! 

Tomorrow is Administrative Professionals' Day, and I had been wanting to do something kinda nice for the administrative assistant for Ethan's department.  She's been a real sweetheart to Ethan and to me, and does a magnificent job holding the department together.  First thing I learned as a substitute teacher: if I don't know, and the teacher next door doesn't know, ask Mrs. Mills (the main office secretary)... Mrs. Mills knows EVERYTHING.  What would any school, company, etc do without these people!?!?  But I digress.

I was looking for flat baking sheets on the cheap for another project, and the cheapest I found came with two cookie cutters.  I needed two sheets, so I got two identical sets of (legit ADORABLE) cookie cutters.  I decided to bake up a big plate of sugar cookies using one set of cutters, decorate them, wrap them, and tie the unused set of cutters to the package.  

As ALWAYS, I used the sugar cookie recipe from the lovely ladies at Our Best Bites.  It is amazing and versatile.  I used some dough in my cookie pop molds and made a half dozen "deep-dish-ish" cookies that were fluffy and flaky and buttery fabulosity... kinda like those Lofthouse cookies that have the whipped icing and sprinkles?  But for the cookies I cut and iced, I rolled the dough pretty thin, and got crisp, rich buttery fabulosity.  Same dough, two different styles of cookie, tastes like two different but equally fabulous recipes. 

I also used their glacé icing as a jumping-off point for my icing... but I was running pretty low on powdered sugar, so I did a bit of random tweaking.  It's a very tweakable recipe :c)  I whipped out my Wilton gel food color... I love this stuff!  I measure it with a toothpick, and the colors are SO vibrant without goofing up the consistency I worked so hard to perfect in my icing :c)  I used a couple of basic decorator tips, and a nifty saran-wrap trick to reuse my disposable decorator bags...

Without further ado:  

Happy Springtime, y'all!

Always,

Katie

PS: Please don't forget this... you can vote everyday, and I will be eternally grateful :c)  Thank you <3

New Town, New Adventure

At 10am tomorrow, I am filling out hiring paperwork for my new job!  I am super-duper stinkin' excited about it, and even if it isn't totally official and written in stone (or at least copy paper), I'm BURSTING at the seams to tell y'all! 

While on spring break (in tropical Ohio - don't laugh), I completed the online training to be a Bead Corner Design Academy Certified Beading Instructor!  I will be teaching jewelry-making classes at the Michael's here in Anderson... as in, .9 miles from our apartment.  That's a commute I can handle!  Part of my job will be to generate interest and enthusiasm for the classes I'll be teaching, and I think this will be the easiest part, since I am so SUPER enthused myself :-)  I can't wait to meet other crafters and to share my passion with them!

Always,

Katie

A Seriously ADHD Post... about ADHD

Yesterday, I had the opportunity to speak with a group of special education teacher candidates at the college where Ethan works.  As part of my M.Ed, I've done a bit of research on girls with ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) - a topic that is near and dear to my heart, as I WAS a girl with (undiagnosed) ADHD.  My research and my personal experience afforded me the opportunity to share with these students the challenges in identifying and helping these girls.  

When we think of ADHD, we tend to think of little rambunctious boys who are disruptive and uncontrollable.  These students exhibit signs of the predominantly hyperactive/impulsive subtype of ADHD.  The other subtype is predominantly inattentive, and its symptoms can be more subtle.  Girls with ADHD almost always have this subtype, and so are considered spacey, disorganized or even just lazy... instead of being identified and helped.  

I wasn't diagnosed until I was 21, and even then, various doctors have gone back and forth about whether I truly have ADHD or if the symptoms are due to my depression.  (ADHD often leads to depression.  Depression leads to attention problems.  Which came first, the chicken or the egg?)  I was lucky to have a knack for test-taking and the ability to process information quickly, so the fact that I rarely completed homework did not hinder my academic success like it does for most undiagnosed girls.  But, I know the frustration and self-esteem issues that come from not being able to focus and not knowing why.  I'm burdened to teach future teachers to recognize the more subtle signs of predominantly inattentive ADHD so that they may notice what their colleagues may miss... and work with the students to develop strategies for coping. Girls with ADHD are significantly more likely to suffer from depression, anxiety and eating disorders, and more prone to substance abuse, promiscuity and teen pregnancy. It's a big deal!   

(That's my soapbox, I'm climbing down now.)

Anyway, I prepared a powerpoint presentation (at 1AM the morning it was "due" - have I mentioned I have ADHD?)... I rehearsed transitions in my head, associated anecdotes and additional facts with certain slides... put the flash drive containing the powerpoint presentation in my purse... baked snickerdoodles to leave in the faculty lounge... double-checked that I had my flash drive... got dressed, aiming for casual professional... triple-checked my purse for the flash drive... took a few deep breaths and headed out the door, determined to show that a girl with super-late diagnosed ADHD could be put-together, confident, competent... started the car, put on some "you can do this" music... pulled out of the apartment complex (jubilant that I hadn't forgotten anything)... got stuck at a red light... sighed... 

SMACKED self in head for forgetting the husband's Tylenol, turned around went back.  

Grabbed the Tylenol (took one, that head smack HURT!), checked my purse for my flash drive, and drove to the university.

Received a very nice introduction from the professor, and a warm welcome from the students... popped my flash drive into the computer (take THAT, ADHD!  I did NOT forget my flash drive!)...

The presentation refused to open with that particular version of powerpoint.  DANGIT!!

So instead of an example of coping strategies working for a successful young woman with ADHD, these poor kids got to listen to, and even help me through, a fairly rambling narrative that included some facts from my research, some personal experiences and a pretty good-sized dose of "umm... where was I?"  Which is totally consistent with how a person with ADHD reacts to stress - the symptoms kick into HIGH gear! At least the kids (and by kids, I mean people like 3 years younger than I am, eek!) were gracious and encouraging!  And I did manage to cover the high points... just not as polished-ly as I would have liked :-)

And, they got to watch adult ADHD in action!  Hopefully, it was a valuable learning experience for them, even if it wasn't the experience I had planned :-)  

For making it through that ridiculously long blog post, I leave you with this:

Always,

Katie

Valentine Fun

Hey y'all!  How was your Valentine's Day?  We celebrated early, on Saturday.  Ethan planned a really cool date for us, and after an admissions event at the university, he was all mine :-)

We're both big Star Wars nerds, so we went to see Episode I in 3D. When we first saw the announcement that they'd be re-releasing all of the movies in 3D, there was actually a discussion about whether or not we'd see them.  I mean, really.  They're totally just trying to get more money out of die-hard fans.  Like us. And it works. ** Sigh. **

Anyway, check out the photo-op ads they have in theaters!

Yeah, this ad destroyed any attempt of mine to deny my nerdiness.  'Cause it rocked.

And, our sexy 3D glasses...

Then, we went to a pizza place that tons of people have told us we HAD to try - The Mellow Mushroom.  It was pretty good, but it sure can't touch Marion's (in Dayton, OH)!!  But we had fun ;-)

Afterwards, we went to a paint your own pottery place for their date night.  It was fantastic - the shop was open only to couples with reservations, and they had candles lit and romantic music playing.  Pottery painting has featured heavily in our story... so it was nice to find a place down here.  A little something familiar. :-)

We can pick up Ethan's tank and my vase tomorrow!  Can't wait!

I spent most of Monday AND Tuesday making Valentine cookies.  I had every intention of trying out some fancy icing piping techniques, but by the time I got all of the sugar cookies made, I decided to do runny icing.  So much easier, right?  Welllll... I forgot about setting time.  Oopsie-daisy!  But, I think they turned out pretty cute.  On Wednesday, I took a whole bunch of them to the University for Ethan's coworkers... after all, I do NOT need dozens of cookies in this apartment! 

On the fertility front, I have an appointment with my new endocrinologist next week.  Hopefully, he'll go along with the Metformin idea and we can whip this a1c into submission.  Because I'm on a very angry and bitter swing lately... and seeing some progress in that area would probably help a little.  :-)   

Always,

Katie

Lab Work Blahs

After 3 hours of dealing with the DMV, we finally got SC license plates and SC drivers' licenses... so that was nice.  Then I took Ethan straight to work for his office hours, and headed to a doctor's appointment with my RE.

Overall, there were no major surprises with my labs... my testosterone is high, nothing he can do about it.  My DHEA (I think, and honestly, I'm too pooped to look for the paperwork to make sure that's the right thing) is a little bit high, so he plans to prescribe a tiny dose of steroids (those cause weight gain, right? yay!)  My A1C is high (8.8).  The good news is, my new RE seems pretty aggressive, and also seems to be a really good communicator.  He has already talked to a new endocrinologist about my diabetes and how it relates to my infertility, and is going to talk to him again and ask him to prescribe Metformin.  He believes that we will be able to reign my A1C back in with it, and I really, really hope he's right.  He said that, while I obviously have Type 1 diabetes, I am probably also insulin-resistant enough to qualify as Type 2. 

Even though all of this information is fairly predictable, I'm feeling a little discouraged.  I guess it's just hard to hear it all again. And again.  Annnnddd... again.  The nugget of encouragement today is that my doctor did not blow us off, tell us to come back when my A1C was impossibly low... he came up with a plan, and helped us implement it.  He wants to stay in contact with my other doctor and with us.  His desire to remain in the loop makes me feel like he is invested in us, and in helping our dreams of parenthood come true. 

Always,

Katie