Wednesday, July 27, 2011

OCM adventures










































If you read my previous post, you won't be surprised by this entry and that I'm onto a whole new "let your body do its natural thing" adventure. It's called the OCM - the oil cleansing method. Yep! I'm rubbing oil all over my face to clean it. I know, it sounds completely backwards, but in all honesty, I'm three days in and I think I'm hooked. I change my mind like the stinkin' tides, but this one just might stick.

You should know that for how little I clean my hair, I'm a bonafide fash-washing freakshow. Some can't go to bed without brushing my teeth and I always, always, always wash my face. And I've tried everything on it. The picture above shows only a few of the soaps, toners and lotions I've wasted paychecks on in the just past few months. Told you: Freak. Show. That's why I'm hoping the OCM continues to produce positive results. It's cheap, it's easy and, seriously, my skin feels great.

Why OCM works: Just like stripping your hair with shampoo, we strip our faces when we wash them with soap. This leaves our skin dry forcing our skin to attempt to replenish what we've taken away by creating a bunch of oil. Basically, not cute. Cleaning with oil not only avoids stripping our skin, but oil dissolves oil, so the OCM allows the face to clean itself while also maintaining it's natural balance.

To make: Go to your grocery store and pick up a bottle of castor oil as well as another carrier oil like EVOO, sunflower seed oil, almond oil or jojoba oil (which I'm using). Then get an ice cream sandwich and a bag of Doritos, 'cause it's about to get CUHRAZAY. At home, mix the two together, depending on your skin type:

Oily skin: 3 parts castor oil, 1 part carrier oil
Normal skin: equal parts both
Dry skin: 1 part castor oil, 3 parts carrier oil

I started with the normal skin mix and added one drop of tea trea oil for good measure (hey, adult acne, welcome to the party!). You can experiment to see what works for you. Add more carrier oil if you're dry and more castor oil if you're oily.

To use: Pour about 1/2 a tablespoon into your hand and rub the oil on your face, massaging for a minute or so, using pressure to really work the oil into the face so it can do its job. There's no need to take off your makeup before hand, because the oil does this too (plus, castor oil is good for lashes). Then you take a washcloth, soak in hot water, wring it out and lay the cloth over your face. The steam will open your pores, allowing the oil to be easily removed. After a minute, gently wipe your face. Rinse your washcloth in the hot water. Repeat the steam/wipe combo two more times. When finished, just splash some cool water on your face and pat dry.

Most articles suggest doing the OCM just once, at night, then in the morning rinsing your face with water. If you're using the right combination of oils, you shouldn't need lotion. But if your face is like mine and feels just a little dry at night, dip your finger into the oil mixture, rub it between your hands and then put on your face like you would lotion. This works great for me. Then in the morning, after my water-only wash, I just  pat on a teeny bit of spf and I'm out the door.

Wait, no. I put on pants. And makeup. THEN I'm out the door. Who needs shirts anyway? 

no 'poo 'do


Those who know me well know that when it comes to washing my hair, I'm a one to two-times-a-week kind of girl...Okay, it's definitely closer to one than two. I'm just not a big fan of the old lather, rinse, repeat... to the point where my coworkers have been running polls on how long it's been since my last wash. They make guesses, because they can't actually tell.

On a long stretch, I go 3-4 days hair down, then it's all up from there - ponytails, high buns, low buns, headbands, braids, scarves. The gamut. I'll do it all to avoid a wash. But I can. Because it's not greasy.

When you wash your hair every day or every other day, you're stripping your hair of the natural oils it needs to stay healthy. Your hair then overcompensates by trying to hurry up and add extra oil before you strip it again. Sad hair day, bad hair day. So, why not opt for unwashing and let your hair do it's own thing?

I can't go so far as to join the newly popular No 'Poo movement. Still, I'm a huge seller of the infrequent 'poo. And even though you're probably thinking this makes me a Grossie Mcgrosserson, I've convinced a number of my friends to hop on the bandwagon. Sure, it takes a few weeks of practically marrying a bottle of dry shampoo in order to keep your roots from looking completely soaked, but when it's over you'll save yourself so much time! And that - I think (and my converts would agree) - is totally worth it. Helloooo, way more time for pizza eating and lifetime movies? Yes please! 

Anyway, all I'm trying to say is "don't knock it til you try it." And by that I mean try it. I even promise to be there when you feel like whining about the in-between stage. Cross my heart!  


Please note: Just because I don't shampoo, doesn't mean I'm not clean. I rinse off in shower when need be. You know, to clean up after a work out (ha), to be extra warm, to knock all the bottles off the little ledges trying to shave my legs, etc. 

Tuesday, July 26, 2011

Sayonara














I guess summer is the time to go away, because I just attended another send off! It was a grill party for my friend Beej (my music baby buddy), who's going to Japan to visit his brother, Travis. Travis works for A&F and got an offer to relocate to Japan's new flagship store, so he and his wife Sarah packed up and left! I love life's unexpected opportunities and so enjoy hearing about people and couples and families who take advantage of these kinds of adventures.

I'm equally excited for Brandon to experience overseas travel and to explore a new culture. It's so exciting! It just makes me thankful all over again for my life and the chances I've had to visit other countries and understand how other people live throughout the world.

The going away party was a blast! It was so great to spend time with Brandon and his friends - the ones I already knew and a few new faces - including Jilly - who I've been waiting to meet for, like, ever! While his friend Matt loaded the kabobs and prepared the food, I ate snacked until I was full. That's always the case, huh? Eating the dinner before it's actually done? I was just too eager to hold back - and isn't that just the story of my life!

With that, here's to you Beej. I hope you have the best time ever and that you take tons of pictures, so my blogbesties and I can live vicariously through you!

Cheers & safe travels! 

Monday, July 25, 2011

these are my people


Getting back in the groove after a busy, busy weekend! Spent my time catching up with some of my best high school girlfriends, giggling away my Sunday afternoon with my bestcousinfriend Teresa and her hubby, my frielative, Seanie, and hanging out with some of my favorite people under age 10 (including baby Stella!). 

These kids - Isaac, Lilah, Asher, Micah and NOW baby Stella - belong to Dave & Kari, who pseudo-adopted me during my senior year of high school when my family moved out to Oregon. Needless to say, they've been a huge part of my life ever since. And after looking over some of the pictures from our time together, I'm pretty sure you can tell we're related. Even if it's not genetic.

Have you heard the country song where the singer says "These are my people, this is where I come from" and then adds a bunch of cheesy lines afterward? First of all, it's hilarious. Second of all (full disclosure), I totally understand the sentiment. After spending a weekend with all these people who have dealt with/helped me grow into the person I am - a pleasantly non-grown-up grown up - it's obvious that it's not the places, but the people in them that make you feel like you're home. 

Yep! There's no doubt about it. These are my people. 

*Also, how good am I at painting faces? Not to brag, but woah. 

Sunday, July 24, 2011

lovely to meet you


Introducing Ms. Stella Lois, the newest addition to D&K's family. 
Welcome to this crazy world, my sweet little eskimo baby. It's yours for the taking. 
xo

Note: Toootally not sure if people are allowed to use the word "eskimo" anymore. If not, my apologies. And also hi, I'm the worst. 

Friday, July 22, 2011

i can see russia from my house!


False. I cannot. Can anyone? 

True: These days, if you're in my apartment or sitting next to me at work, you're bound to see something Russian. And I'm talking about those furry hats. I'm talking about Russian Tea! (Are those furry hats even Russian?)

Truly, I'm obsessed. It's as hot as the Devil's armpit in this little city so that my skin is practically melting off, but I still can't seem to put the stuff down. I suppose I could have it cold, but having a hot mug of it in the morning has been making my day. Probably because it reminds me of my great grandma and the rest of my beautiful family - and if that's not worth sweating through the afternoon, I don't know what is.

If you haven't tried Russian Tea, I highly encourage you to do so. There are plenty of fancy recipes online, with ingredients like orange rinds and instructions like "boil" and "wait." Well, guess what? I'm a working lady and I just don't have time for that business. Thank goodness my family recipe is easy peasy:

2 cups Tang
2 cups Iced Tea (sweetened)
1 cup Lemonade
2 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp cloves

And all you do is mix them! Can you believe it? JUST MIX! Then add a few scoops to a glass of hot or cold water and enjoy.

Suck on that cooks.com. No seriously, do. It's delicious.

---

Editor's Note: All thanks for this post and my joy over russian tea is courtesy of my beautiful cousin Sarah. B, you're the best. And how dare I forget to mention you in the first place! Clearly, I'm practically delirious because of the stuff. Love you to bits!

Thursday, July 21, 2011

eraser


While I almost always have stories to tell you, sometimes I don't have the pictures to pretty it up. In these times - like now - I opt instead to offer you one of my music babies.

Music babies are what I call the tunes I stumble upon, fall in love and distribute only to people I know will appreciate them.* I know music is to be shared and when you find a goodie, you should spread that little nugget around. But sometimes music is one of those things that's so personal you want to keep it all to yourself. Even when you know plenty of other people who probably already listen to and enjoy that particular song or artist.

Through my blogger life, I've shared a lot of my music babies. Today, I just want you to know it's a pretty big deal. But I do it, because you're a pretty big deal. And because I appreciate you stopping by to read up on my big little adventure.

For now and for always, with each music baby and my blog: I hope you like it.

 xo

*Note: Usually the person who gets to hear the majority of these tunes is my tune-swapping friend Brandon. Mostly because he's pretty great and because he gets really excited about my music baby, even if he only half-cares. 

Tuesday, July 19, 2011

a sendoff


Spent last night catching up with my friend Nate before he leaves for the West to partake in what I've been referring to as "the gold rush." That's still timely, right? 

Anyway, as any proper send off goes, we got together at one of the best (but teeniest!) burger places in town. Knowing that this would be an intense meal, Nate brought his sweat band and his comedy A-game. Eh, It was probably his B-game, but I'm pretty sure he was just hungry. A feeling that would soon be replaced with delight, since he ordered the magical breakfast/dinner combo that is the Humpty Dumpty (breakfast as a burger? yes please!). 

The four of us pictured - Sarah, John and Nate - worked together at a coffee shop during college. And the year after college, courtesy of the recession. I love spending time with these people, because it's impossible to have a bad time. They're laugh-until-you-cry kind of times with people who make friendship effortless. They're also often terribly embarrassing times, but that's half the fun. 

Friday, July 15, 2011

fair thee well


Hey townspeople! The fair is here! 

If you have gathered anything about me from this bliggity-blog, you know I'm down for a good time. And this year's classic example of American fun was no different. On Wednesday, I moseyed on down to the fair with one of my best friends. We pet some animals, gawked over the giant chickens and baby ducks, remembered how much we love fair food, and shortly afterward remembered how much fair food makes us sick. Then we made friends with the hand-dipped corn dog guy who told us very intimate details about his life -- including the fact that he had just reunited with his 40-year-old son whom he hasn't seen for 38 years. For serious.

Anyway, one oofta taco, a half-eaten corn dog and a plate of fried desserts later, I convinced Al to take old-timey photos with me. Using most of his energy to battle the dry heaves (thanks, fair food!), he finally, reluctantly gave in. You might think I took advantage of him in his weakened state, but I prefer to say I have impeccable timing. Let me tell you right now, taking old-timey photos at the fair is weird with a capital Whaaatdidwegetourselvesinto. We decided on the banditos photos and it was downhill from there, but only in the best way. The lady dressing Al had limited teeth and a bad attitude, well actually she had a good attitude but her jokes were moderately to severely offensive. Another lady made me take off my sandals for the picture, which I can only assume was because Mexican outlaws aren't into open-toed shoes (?). Then Santa - who apparently works a summer job at the Fargo old-timey photo booth - took two photos without telling us, wouldn't let us see them and then picked the one that was least flattering. The only reason I forgive him, is that it's probably in his contract to pick the most hideous, awkward photo option. I've seen a lot of these photos and not one of them is flattering. I'm pretty sure it's a national law or something. Only ugly old-timey photos or else! 

I'm off to find a scanner so I can show you our photo in all its hilarious glory. In the meantime, have a wonderful weekend! 

Wednesday, July 13, 2011

just me, before we met


Well I've always had a wild imagination and a see through heart.
Which I know can be a wild combination, like a flame forms from a spark. 
But don't be shy, be brave little champion. It's better to live than to hide. 

Tuesday, July 12, 2011

how to survive a music festival











































1. Be prepared. This is a critical step. For example, if you do not pack until the last minute, you will hate your outfits and subsequently every picture taken of you. If you're me, you remedy this by shopping the day before your trip and wearing your new clothes both nights. If you are Julia, you prepare by making a color-coded excel spreadsheet of all the festival bands and showtimes. If you are Liz, you do the math and pump your body with enough insulin to ensure that you will remain living through the weekend. Afterall, no one wants a vacation at bernie's scenario. Not by accident, anyway.

2. Be willing to try new things. That may mean tasting things that aren't just a plain cheese sandwich or a cheeseburger. 

3. Be available. Because 9 times out of 10 you will get separated from your group and will be left to fend for yourself in the mass of sweaty, swaying bodies. Also, you might want to tipsy text or chat your husband, friend or pet cat.

4. Be tall, or thrifty at least. This is probably the most important step. But, if you're like me, God gave you a stumpy torso that puts you in at around 5'5''. If that's the case, squeeze your way to the front-ish using any means necessary - crawling between legs, walking behind the garbage cans, bursting through hand-holding couples like it's a game of red rover, etc. 

5. Be fun. Nothing is worse than someone who isn't willing to let loose at a music festival. And if someone is getting too loosey goosey to the sonic flood, enjoy instead of judge. You're the one missing out. (With fun, comes being respectful to your neighbors. Double check to make sure they don't mind that you're screaming David Grey "Sail Away" in octaves unrecognizable by the human ear.)

6. Be responsible. If you're going to have a big ol' blast, be ready for recovery. For us, this included lots of water, downing the biz (aka pink glory, aka target brand pepto) and eating a big breakfast. 

What I'm trying to say is, I had a wonderful weekend at Basillica Block Party. Great company, great music, great stories. Someone biffed it on the sidewalk walking home, someone drank their own contacts in the middle of the night and someone actually peed their pants. How could I have a bad time? 


Thursday, July 7, 2011

come as you are

ok. i swear pictures from my big little summer adventure are coming soon.
until then, here's a little something to pretty up your day. 

Sunday, July 3, 2011

take that, lawrence "chunk" cohen

Haaay-ooooh!

I'm sitting in a hotel chair at the Hotel Al Bustan in Beirut. After spending the day laughing it up with my family, my sibbies and I are getting ready to go eat with our dad and cousins Hanadi and Nana. Don't you worry, I'm still stuffed to the brim from this gluttonous trip, but if I don't eat my sixth meal for the day, how ever will I nail down my near-perfect rendition of the truffle shuffle?

Anyway, as I mentioned in the last post, we've been sampling wonderful Lebanese eats and sweets non-stop. I would say our next meal will be no different, but I'm not sure that's totally accurate. Because, apparently, tonight my family is going to get all Arab Fear Factor by feasting on local delicacies like lamb brain, stuffed animal stomach, eyeballs, and baby birds (bones and all!).

Should I give you some time to change your pants? If so, you're preachin' to the choir, wildcat. My legs have been perma-crossed since I found out about my impending food adventure. Shouldn't I be up for, like, half a mil to swallow these sorts of things? Yoikes! Of course, there's no guarantee that I'll actually try everything (see: baby birds, bones and all!), but at some point you have to have a sense of adventure. And then you have to have a dang quesadilla. Because it's 2004 and that quote is about two seconds away from maxing out its shelf life.

But back to 2011. My half-Irish body is burnt to a crisp. My half-Lebanese heart is maxed out on love. And my whole self is fairly certain that I'm mere hours away from vomiting in a public place for the first time since, oooh I don't know, the Cavalier Town Fair circa 1998.

Here's a tip: Never ride the Gravitron after indulging in America's favorite corndogs/minidonuts combo. Only bad things will come of this. Trust me.

-----

Update: Just got back to the hotel and the weird things in my belly include: lamb brain, raw red meat and a baby bird (bones and all!). Sadly, there were no eyeballs on the menu, or I'm sure I would've eaten those, too. I can feel your judgey eyes across the Atlantic. But, I'll have you know that my friends adventure, peer pressure and I had a great time. (Pictures to follow.)