5 DIY Spa Treatments for Your Hair from Madison Reed

Disclosure - this post contains affiliate links.

Need a new idea for what to do with those turkey-day leftovers?

Sneaking in a spa getaway before the holidays is easier than you think. Madison Reed wants you to know about these 5 swanky spa treatments for your hair. The best part? These deliciously healthy hair solutions can be found in your own kitchen!

1. Beer is the Silver Bullet for Fine, Limp Hair

Believe it or not, beer is full of protein, which enhances shine, strength, and moisture.

HOW: Just open up a can or bottle and let it sit open for a couple hours to release the carbonation. After you shampoo, gently massage the beer into your hair, let it sit for 5-10 minutes, and then rinse. You can also put the beer in a spray bottle and spritz onto dry hair. The protein residue from the brew will help strengthen your hair.

2. Honey is The Bee’s Knees for Split Ends

Don’t worry, we’re not leading you into a sticky situation, you can safely put honey on your hair! In fact, it can be a miracle worker for damaged hair. Honey is antibacterial, contains vitamins and minerals, and is a humectant, which means that it attracts moisture to improve dry hair.

HOW: Using half a cup of honey, saturate your hair. Put on a shower cap to capture natural heat and put your feet up for half an hour (you deserve it). Rinse out the honey to reveal glowing soft, silky hair. This treatment will help reduce split ends and fly aways.

3. Baking Soda Gets a Rise Out of Your Hair

Time to apply our science class know-how to hair care! Baking soda is an alkaline base (the other end of the spectrum from acids). This is important for hair because excess oils and styling products get trapped in the cuticle of your hair, making it feel greasy and flat. Use baking soda to lift out those unwanted oils and product build up.

HOW: Mix two tablespoons of baking soda with small amounts of water until it forms a thick paste. Work this paste into your hair and let it sit for ten minutes before rinsing. Your hair will gain volume and feel bouncy and clean!

4. Avocado to Bring Down the Frizz

The oils in avocados are very similar to the natural oils in our skin. Combined with its proteins and nutrients, this is one hair-enriching fruit! Use as a smoothing balm to tame frizz and fly aways. In winter months, it can also reduce that annoying seasonal static.

HOW: Mash half an avocado until smooth. Massage into damp hair and leave it on for 20 minutes before rinsing. Your hair will be deeply conditioned. Bonus: if you have curls, this treatment will make them soft and defined.

5. Let the Light in with Yogurt

Yogurt does wonders for dull, lifeless hair. It contains lactic acid, which gently cleans off the environmental film that can build up on our hair, and milk fat, which adds incredible shine.

HOW: Massage a half cup of plain yogurt into damp hair. Put on a shower cap to capture natural heat. After 20 minutes, rinse your hair. Your hair will look like it’s glowing!

Treat yourself to one of these kitchen spa treatments once a week on rotation to relax and get healthy, gorgeous hair. Follow up with Madison Reed Radiant Color Kit that is healthier for your hair for a full beauty routine that leaves you feeling great, inside and out!

In Search of Fellow RSD Survivors

I don't know how many years I have to have this very strange disorder before any of it makes any kind of sense to me. Although, from what I understand, it doesn't seem to make a whole lot of sense to a lot of people, including many of our doctors and specialists.
Sometimes I feel like an alien from outer space, (It would be kind of cool to be a one eyed, mini, glowing, green martian!) but, really, most people tend to stop paying attention or even caring, after saying, "So, what is RSD?"
I know, it isn't the easiest thing to describe or explain, every day is different and I don't believe I have ever had 2 days that were the same, yet.
I keep a pain diary and try to find some sort of cause, solution, reasoning, anything but every time I think I am getting close to the culprit, it gets even more mysterious.
I wouldn't say I'm Horatio Caine or anything but I feel pretty close to a CSI. Maybe, if Horatio reads this, he can get down to the bottom of this within the hour?
What is my goal with this post? I'm not to sure just yet, I just feel the more I write about my struggles maybe somebody, somewhere will read this and say, "OMG! I know exactly what she means!!" Anybody, I don't care ;)
I have been blessed with friends, (online mainly.) I have found quite a few beautiful people who have big hearts and are fighting the same fight as me. The odd thing is, we aren't the same. None of our cases are the same. We may share some similar symptoms but something that causes a flare up in my friend, Mindi, won't cause one for me and vice versa.
Ok, so, maybe that is the point? Here I am!! Screaming across the internet for any sort of help, maybe advice, maybe let me hear your story and maybe hear mine? As interesting as this disorder is, (don't ask me why, maybe I am a nerd but science and the most peculiar things in the universe are some of my favorite things!)
I'm thinking of publishing my pain diaries on one of my new blogs, I think that will benefit me and more importantly, will help somebody else.
I write and write and write until I get these annoying lumps on my fingers, where the pen sits. Often, I do find that just getting frustrations out helps a lot but, the physical pain is still there. I think I have lost hope of being pain free at any point in my life but at the same time, this disorder has been nothing but a magical blessing in disguise.
If you are somebody who deals with chronic pain or neurological pain, please leave me a comment! If you have a blog, a Twitter, anything, I would love to follow you there and read what you are going through.
I truly believe that the cure for this is quite simple. I don't know what it is just yet but I assure you, it is on the tip of somebody's tongue and I won't lose hope.

My Love Affair with Influenster

I am sure most of you know I enjoy blabbing about everything I eat, bake, cook, wear, try, buy, sample, clean with, listen to, watch, drive, I mean, practically everything I do offline is going to be discussed online, somewhere. I am also always very anxious to tell brands what I think and share my thoughts, hopes, dreams and ideas with them to let them know they are spectacular,that I am hoping to see something new soon, or that my kids just love them so much and I don't know what on earth we would do without that brand, product, service, show, music or author.
 I shop a lot! Not that I splurge on all kinds of fancy things for myself, (although I am a major, major snack, beauty, book and coffee addict!) and I love nothing more than surprise boxes that arrive on my doorstep each month! (You know those kinds, the samples, trial sizes, new products, crafts, toys, BEAUTY PRODUCTS and SNACKS!!)
 I just can't get enough of those. I have so many trial sizes and samples and products and pretty little beauty bags, recyclable shopping bags, boxes that we repurpose, all filled to the brim! (I also get a lot of giveaway items from these boxes. By the way, be on the lookout for a very cool scavenger hunt in the next couple days!)
 When I receive these heavenly boxes of gorgeous and yummy treasures, I like to try them and even give some away and I love to thank the brands for the products and when I absolutely adore something, I HAVE A BIG MOUTH! (Or should I say, hands? Fingers? Lol!)
 One of the coolest things about sharing on the internet, are these websites where you can get rewarded in some way to shout your opinions and thoughts about brands, products and services. Sometimes I win gift cards, other times I earn gift cards, sometimes, I even earn free boxes or extra goodies!! I am a member of at least 10 websites where I review products on a regular basis and since I really enjoy the way the website is set up, or how a program they offer is set up and my most very favorite addition, TWITTER PARTIES!, I will always schedule that website in my agenda.
One of the most fascinating websites that I have ever come across is, Influenster. If you haven't heard about, Influenster, you may want to check them out. Maybe you have heard about these, "Vox Boxes"? I have heard of them and seen them and adored them from afar. I have yet to receive one but I am trying and trying and trying to earn the opportunity to receive one.
 Vox Boxes are stocked full with amazing products that the awesome people from Influenster, believe are worthy of landing in your precious hands. They usually seem to go by a theme of some sort and they come loaded with everything you need and from what I have seen in many reviews, FULL SIZE PRODUCTS! Now, again, I haven't had the chance to receive one but I have seen them on other blogs, social networks, Influenster Vox's Twitter page and their Facebook page. I can honestly say that you are a mega superstar if you get the chance to receive, try, review and hashtag your box all over the interwebs!
 Now, of course we all love grabbing free stuff to try and yes, getting a box with some luscious smelling and scrumptious tasting supplies is like waking up on Christmas morning! But, Influenster has so much more to offer.
 If you like rewards, perks and just hanging out, chillin with internet friends who happen to have opinions and ideas to, then, you may want to sign up!
 One of the best parts about, Influenster, would have to be, Voxperks! You may be familiar with perks from other websites, Influenster is no different. They offer a wide variety of perks, thanks to sponsors and they will show up in your account when you log on. (They have expiration dates so if you are going to take advantage of a perk, grab it up as fast as you can!)
 One of the neatest perks I have seen would have to be the "12 for $12 Instagram tattoos"! I also have a Voxperk available right now for a free bottle of wine and free shipping! Oh La La!!
 Another radical bonus you will get when being a member is, campaigns! Campaigns usually consist of some sort of blog post or social media campaign or a special contest available for Influenster members. You may have to find a certain product in a store and snap a few photos and share or you may be asked to write a blog post and share that.
 Of course, Influenster doesn't skimp on prizes, so, you want to make sure you snap, share, link, write, post, Tweet, Instagram, whatever it takes to get you up on the top of the list to be available for prizes. Not only are they fun to participate in, they are a fun way to get to know brands and learn about different products or promotions. (Oh and for bloggers, it gives you some more to write about, just in case you would ever possibly run out of things to say!) Now, I am onto my favorite part of Influenster. The reviews and questions!
 I mentioned earlier, how I am a loud mouth and I am really never shy. I will talk and talk for days about something I love if I want too. (and if anybody ever feels like listening!) If you also enjoy sharing your thoughts and ideas and experiences, you can do this!!
 Influenster has thousands of products available for us to review and let the brand know exactly what we think. You can even leave questions there for other members or the brand and you receive an email if somebody answered your questions. Now, if that doesn't sound like enough to make you stop whatever you are doing and run to the nearest computer or phone, (By the way!! Influenster has their own app!), then maybe when you hear about my next favorite part, you will say, "OK! Now, I am going to sign up!!" Badges!
 Badges are basically that, badges. But, they have to be unlocked by you. How, do you ask? By sharing your reviews, answering member's questions, completing campaigns and reviewing and sharing any Vox Boxes you may receive. You can unlock as many badges as you want and you can earn every single one, if your little heart so desires! You want to show off your expertise and skills, right? Of course! Badges are just the way to prove your mad skills and ninja techniques? No, you can't wear them around your house, at school or work or at the mall, but you can show them off to your friends and share about how much you are adored!
 Besides all of these reasons, I have to mention that I think it is absolutely wonderful how we are able to communicate with brands and let them know what we think. I trust brands a lot more when they are a part of a community like this and when they attend Twitter parties, I am thrilled! It shows they truly care about us, their customers. I like to think that by sharing my opinion, I have a say in what brands offer in the future and what to do away with, what to keep and what to invent. I think that after all, this is the best part. Working together to create some of the most fascinating, most delicious products! For that, I am very grateful for Influenster!

The London Sessions by Mary J Blige Album Review

** I participated in the Mary J Blige The London Sessions album review program as a member of One2One Network. I was provided a free album to review but all opinions are my own.  **







If you haven't ever heard of Mary J Blige, you apparently have been living on another planet for a couple decades. I mean, she has been one of the most successful artists of her time and has quite the loyal fan base.
She has an amazing record of 31 nominations, eight multi-platinum albums, nine Grammy Awards, a 2012 Golden Globe nomination, and four American Music Awards. She has one of the most alluring, soulful and unique voices in her genre and even if you aren't a fan of Mary J Blige's, you probably can pick out her voice and her music when you hear it on the radio.
I have my favorites in music, I most often listen to metal, hardcore, some old school rap, some alternative (The 80's were pretty rad!) and thrash, things along those lines. However, I appreciate all kinds of music and admire many different artists, regardless of whether or not I have their albums or have seen one of their concerts.
Mary J Blige is one of those artists that I have always had much respect for. So, when I was given the opportunity to listen to her new album, The London Sessions, I couldn't resist. I enjoy having a chance to review books, albums, movies, before they are released and even after and even if it isn't something I am normally "into", I think the project helps me as a blogger, a writer and a person. I try to enter the mind of the person who would rush out to the record store on release day and grab the album, (or pre order online, since there doesn't seem to be many record stores left these days.) I feel that it helps better myself as a person, so I can take a walk in somebody else's shoes for a bit and try and understand their points of views a bit more.
I was actually pretty excited when I received an email with, The London Sessions, inside and that was just the coolest! After all, it's Mary J Blige! I don't often get a chance to do a review for a real life superstar and their new album, so, that was really cool!
I have heard a lot of Mary J Blige's other songs over the years, (I've been a bartender for 20+ years so, I hear a LOT of music on the jukebox, lol!) I already know her style, her voice and surprisingly, some of her lyrics. One of the reasons I do appreciate her as a singer is because she is one of those singers that you can actually hear the lyrics. You don't usually have to rewind to listen again and again just to pick out what she is singing. This album is no different in that sense.
Where it is different, is the style of music. Maybe not so much the actual music as a whole, but the whole atmosphere. Which is apparently what was intended. I do give mega props to artists who go beyond their realm and try new things. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't.
Since I am not a hardcore fan of Mary's, I feel as though it isn't necessarily my place to say what I am about to say, but, it's the way I feel about this album. (and I have listened to it many, many, many times.)  I do like her old style much better.
I do think she tackled this project head on and with much grace, fearlessness  and as usual, she comes off as very fierce. (One of my favorite things about Mary J Blige is her attitude and personality in her music.) She did conquer this project, I have to give her a 100% on that but, I expected a little more from her, maybe 110%??
Now that I have said the only close to negative thing I have to say here, I will go on to what was phenomenal:
First, as I stated above, she came and conquered and that's just because she IS Mary J Blige.
Second, I feel she really, really, really poured her soul, her heart, her everything, into this album and that alone is what cancels out the parts where I kind of, sort of expected a little more.
Third, I think she did very well with this new, more raw style of music. I just keep thinking her voice and techniques are much stronger the "old way". I would actually like to see the songs from this album, redone for a new album, done "The Mary J way."
I don't like to give my opinion or views on lyrics that an artist or anybody writes because I don't believe it is proper for anybody  to say, "Well, I don't like that song because the lyrics...." I feel the same about art class. How can you grade a drawing, a painting, a sculpture, a poem, a song that somebody else creates? Sure, if you can relate and you understand and know where they are coming from, then great! But just because you don't, you don't really have the authority to say that, "so and so just poured their soul into this creation and I don't like it!"
Of course you could critique by grading on whether they were lyrics that made sense, fit together, blended smoothly, but you can't truly go much further than that. So, for her lyrics, yes, all of the above is true. She is as always, easy to understand and even if I don't personally relate with her lyrics, I know many do and I think that is wonderful.
Would I recommend, The London Sessions to anybody? Well, of course! I mean, it is a bit different than what you may be used to but you will want a copy just because it is an artist you already adore. (I buy up all of the albums from my favorite bands, side projects, solo albums, even if they may not end up being my absolute favorites!) For any newer fans, you may very well end up falling in love with this album! For anybody who hasn't ever owned anything by, Mary J Blige, but you happen to like the London music scene, or you are a fan of some honest, therapeutic, raw music, then, you probably should check this one out.
Earlier I mentioned different genres that I listen to on a regular basis. The funny thing is, is that while those may be my favorite genres, I have favorite artists who don;t fit in any of those genres. Artists like, Bjork, PJ Harvey and even some Tori Amos. All 3 of these women have something in common in my eyes, they are all strong women who have the ability to relay messages through their raw emotion and I admire each of them for their talent and practically flawless music.
After listening to, The London Sessions, I have a newfound amount of respect for, Mary J Blige and I would put her up there with the other 3. Even if I don't listen to her music regularly, again, she fits right up there with all of the other divas and I'm certain that millions around the world would say she is in a diva class of her own ;) (5 million followers on Twitter kind of already says that!!)


Want a copy of Mary J Blige's new album?
You can purchase it on iTunes or Amazon.

You can listen to more of her album and of course find favorites on Mary's Youtube channel. 
Follow Mary J Blige on Twitter!

What do you think of, The London Sessions?
Were you surprised? What are your thoughts on the lyrics? Did you also expect them to maybe be slightly deeper or do you think they are perfect the way they are?

Monk Fruit in the Raw Review

** I received a sample of this product from Monk Fruit in the Raw through the Moms Meet Blogger program, in return for my honest review. **

I am always on the lookout for healthier products to replace things that aren't so healthy. I think we're doing pretty good here, we still need about 20% replaced. (even if only some of the time!)
Of course I was very eager to try, Monk Fruit in the Raw. Moms Meet hosted a webinar and we were able to learn all about this brand and what benefits our families would get from this. Naturally, I was enthusiastic when our package came, after hearing and reading all about this zero calorie sweetener, I already had a few recipes I wanted to replace half of the sugar in.
(Monk Fruit in the Raw is great as a sugar substitute! Again, it is no calorie and all natural!) You can use it in your coffee, tea, even cocktails! Speaking of that, I have been a bartender for 20 years and love using, Sugar in the Raw to rim glasses with! Guess what? Same company!
If you would like to use Monk Fruit in the Raw for baking, they do suggest you only replace half of the amount of sugar! Regular sugar is very crucial to baked goods browning, moisture and rising.
Monk Fruit in the Raw is naturally sweeter than sugar. It is blended with maltodextrin, a natural ingredient. This blend helps create the perfect balance of sweetness, making it easier to pour and measure.

Of course, the possibilities are endless with, Monk Fruit in the Raw for recipes.

You can find lots and lots of recipes on their website. Recipes ranging from, pumpkin pie frappe to cranberry pear relish to peppermint brownies! I am on a mission to try all of the beverage recipes they have on their website ;)
You can also find out where to buy their products and find some coupons! (That's always helpful, especially when trying new products!)
I did replace regular sugar in my morning coffee with, Monk Fruit in the Raw packets and thought it tasted plenty sweet and although I love sugar, I continue to replace sugar at least every other day, sometimes, every other cup of coffee. (It's better than nothing, right?)
Oh, one packet also goes a long, long way when you use it on cereal, oatmeal or even berries for breakfast!
We decided we would try the Monk Fruit in the Raw Bakers Bag out for our special, soft, sugar cookies with icing and sprinkles.
I was a bit worried about how these would turn out. I figured they would be fine but I wasn't sure if my husband and the kids would be able to tell a difference. I replaced exactly half of the sugar with, Monk Fruit in the Raw and kept it a secret. (I don't know why, but sometimes if I tell them that I am trying something new or adding something, the assume it will be different and make decisions before actually trying it.)

Here is our soft sugar cookie recipe:

1 cup of butter (softened)
3/4 cup sugar (do half sugar and half Monk Fruit in the Raw! I promise you won't be able to tell!)
2 eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 cups of flour
1 tsp cream of tartar
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt


In a large mixing bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs and vanilla.
Combine the flour, cream of tartar, baking soda and salt. Gradually add to the creamed mixture.
Drop by rounded teaspoonfuls 2 inches apart onto ungreased baking sheets.
Bake at 350 degrees for 8 to 10 minutes or until light, golden brown.
Remove to wire racks and cool.

I use a few different icing recipes, sometimes, it just depends on the ingredients we have available at the time/ Other times, we just choose whichever we're in te mood for.
The icing recipe we used for our, Monk Fruit in the Raw cookies:

2 egg whites
1/4 ts[ salt
1/4 cup sugar (I also switched a couple teaspoonfuls of sugar for Monk Fruit in the Raw.)
3/4 cup light corn syrup
1 tsp vanilla

Beat eggs and salt until foamy.
Add sugar, beat until still peaks form.
Bring corn syrup to boil over medium to medium high heat and pour into mixture.
Add vanilla and continue to beat until you have stiff peaks.

We use all kinds of colored sprinkles, non perils. red hots, whatever we feel like decorating our cookies with. The little ones usually take care of the sprinkle part, which is nice because I do love extra sprinkles!

These tasted just as deliciously sweet as they do with sugar.
Nobody was able to tell the difference, so, I will be replacing   half of the sugar in all of our baking recipes!!

Have you ever tried to make a switch to a zero calorie sweetener? How did it turn out?

Lalaloopsy Diaper Surprise Giveaway!!

Lalaloopsy has got to be one of the coolest, cutest dolls out there today. I always loved rag dolls and had very many of these when I was a kid, so naturally, I took a liking to these dolls as soon as I saw them!
Genevive, of course, is just thrilled with her dolls and plays with her little Lalaloopsy sets on a daily basis. It's also the most important toy line to her, especially when it's "Spend your allowance" shopping time.
This giveaway is for a Lalaloopsy Diaper Surprise. Genevive does not have this specific doll just yet, but I have been reading some good reviews online!
You can read more about this toy and find some reviews, here! 
Enter for your chance to win Lalaloopsy Diaper Surprise below!
Good luck ;)




a Rafflecopter giveaway The secret word for the scavenger hunt giveaway is : gorgeous

What is Really Important in Life?

I was talking with my 7 year old, Genevive, about what black Friday is and why we celebrate Thanksgiving and what we're thankful for, etc etc...
I'm grateful that as far as I can tell, we're doing our job right, raising our kids. lol.
She asked why it is more important for people to shop then spend time with their families and be thankful for their friends and families and health and why would anybody think it's ok to shop and make other people work? (she came up with that by herself..)
So, I told her about the 2 women in California who have been outside of a Best Buy since November 4th, waiting for a tv that usually sells for $499, to be $199. She did the math on that and asked how much work they missed in the 19 days, soon to be 24 days, and what they would have gotten paid.
Then she asked how they are eating and so we looked it up and read a story about them, complete with photos of these 2 "women" all snuggled up with lots of snacks. (It appears to be fast food items)
Then Genevive went nuts and asked what I think they are spending each day on food. So we averaged $15 per person per day lol and I'm more then certain it's much more then that, so, then we figured they spent or will spend, $360 each, during the 24 days on food. (I'd double that to be honest.)
and they're each allowed 1 tv set at Best Buy, where they will save $300 each.
Besides the $ spent to save $, Genevive asked who is taking care of their houses, work, bills, kids, grandkids, (we don't know about their personal lives but wth) and also, where do they take showers and pee???
Genevive decided that she thinks people are disgusting (we did discuss that not everybody is this way.) but lol she said, "So, basically, what we have here, is a world full of idiots who will sit and wait for weeks to spend money to save money to spend even more money on a tv, which is part of their problem. I do like tv but I am not 1 of these stupid people who sits with my mouth open, moving my head from side to side, without blinking, to stare at a stupid screen!" LOL then we chatted about that for a minute or so and she went on to say, "I can't stand this place. Why doesn't somebody do something about these stupid people, well, they aren't even people! They are like, stupid robot zombies who only move when they want to eat gross food or shop! Mom, somebody has to stop this. OMG it's like they lost their brains and they don't even care about anything but food and shopping!"
 I know most kids know, if not all. I mean, talk to a kid once. It's fascinating. We really can learn a lot from them and in all actuality, I'm a firm believer that people are the cause of every problem in this world and not 1 thing will change until they change.
and in the meantime, while we wait for billions of jerks to change their sickening ways, we should elect a kid for president.
 Another thing I always have to laugh at, is how we all look in a kid's eyes. lol think about it...
How pathetic that this is what they see, day to day and they are looking at us, thinking we are crazy for acting so disturbing or we are crazy for not doing what we can to stop it. 
Now, don't get me wrong. I do like shopping. Well, I wouldn't say, "I like it." I mean, we have to do it. We have to buy the essentials needed to live and yes, I do splurge sometimes. Usually for beauty products, books, snacks, crafts, CD's and I also love collectible items from my favorite movies, authors, bands and YES! I am in love with subscription boxes!! But, this does not affect my family or my daily life or well being. 
I shop online, a lot! I can however, distinguish when it is appropriate to shop and when it is not. So, I am certainly not saying anything about a shopper. Even those who shop a lot and still have the sense to think, "Enough is enough!". 
There is a time and place for everything and in my opinion, the time for shopping just isn't during family time.