Month: October 2021
Review: Living Proof Hydration + Repair
After a stressful, hectic week recently, I indulged in some retail therapy (hellooooo, Ulta!) So naturally I have some products to review now.
First up is Living Proof Hydration + Repair Mini Transformation Kit:
I have pretty long hair, and it takes a beating with all the yard work, outdoor activities, and occasional (ahem) workouts, plus I can’t stand my hair in my face, so it ends up in a ponytail a lot. I decided to treat my hair to some TLC with this kit.
The Living Proof Hydration + Repair kit includes try-it size bottles of shampoo, conditioner, a mask treatment, and a perfecting spray, which is basically a leave-in conditioner/detangler. For an idea of their size, the shampoo and conditioner are one ounce containers.
The product description claims this kit “transforms dry, damaged hair to look and feel visibly healthier” and “makes hair soft, smooth, and shiny”.
I have tried all four products now, and I just feel sort of *meh* about all of them. They are not horrible, but there is nothing special or outstanding about them, either. My hair felt fine after using all these products, but honestly, not any different from when I use any of my other products.
I was disappointed because this kit got pretty high reviews on Ulta.com. Maybe my hair wasn’t all that damaged to start with, since I am pretty careful with it, or maybe I haven’t used it enough yet (none of the bottles are empty yet). I just wasn’t wowed by any of the items in this kit, but I didn’t hate them and sling them across the room in disgust either, so that’s good, right?
Finally Fall!
The official first day of fall on the calendar has little significance down here in the south. That day is just as hot and humid as any other, and so is the day after that…and the day after that…and after that…
I worked in the yard on Saturday, and it was a sweaty, muggy day. Have I mentioned that I am waaaaay over hot and humid days? I was relieved to head inside for a cold drink and an even colder shower.
Sunday morning, however, was absolutely beautiful. My husband and I sat on the back deck, rocking gently on our glider, inhaling the scent of flowers by the deck and enjoying the cool air. I adore that first chilly day, the long-awaited dip in temperature, the sign that fall is, indeed, finally on the way.
The day went by so quickly. My older stepdaughter was home, and we spent some time with my older stepson, too. I had some errands I probably should have gotten done, but I shoved my to-do list aside and focused on them instead. My husband was revved up, teasing and picking on everyone, laughing at his own jokes (not that that is anything new, really!) It was just a fun, peaceful day.
It was wonderful, getting to break out a long-sleeve top for work this morning. Makes me want to go shopping, since 99% of my wardrobe is for days hovering in the 90s or higher (yuck!)
Happy (finally) official fall season in the south! It’s about damn time!
The Text
Throughout the day, no matter how busy we are, my husband and I usually text each other. Sometimes it’s just to say hi, or ask where something is, or to make dinner plans: “What do you want for dinner?” “I don’t know. What do you want?” for about half an hour until we start to suspect it might be easier to just starve.
Sometimes it’s a warning to avoid a certain street because of traffic or an accident. Sometimes it’s a reminder, or a question, or a simple “I love you.” Often it’s an exchange of silly inside jokes that only make sense, and are likely only humorous, to the two of us.
And sometimes a text makes my whole day, and I save it because it makes me smile all over again every time I see it, like this one from the other day:
He sent this one morning while I was at work, and it made me wish we were at home together, sitting on the deck, talking, making plans, laughing. And now…I have to go text my husband 🙂
Monday
This is my mood this Monday morning: hopeful. Excited for a new week. Maybe not exactly refreshed from last week’s hectic pace, but at least more rested, ready to face the day, prepared to take on more challenges (within reason, of course), wondering what I can do today to take even a tiny step toward some of my goals for my future.
Some day, I may actually learn to not let worrying about others, even the kids, weigh me down to the point that I am drained and depleted. At least I am more aware of it and am learning to switch gears, to seek out people that bolster and comfort me, like my husband, and to focus on self-care (and maybe a little retail therapy!)
Mondays don’t need to be rough. Sometimes, like today, they are the perfect day for a new start.
Sweat & Sparkle 