L’Oreal Paris Age Perfect Hydra-Nutrition Golden Balm-dang, that’s a long-arse name. Lawdy!

I bought this at our local Waynesville Wal-Mart  after I ripped out and then tried a sample from Oprah Magazine  (who sometimes has these little samples with coupons and I love that). I thought it quite nice, and since they also included a coupon for two dollars off, I bought a jar of it. For 1.7 oz, it’s just under $18.00 (not counting the $2 off I received), and a little goes a long way.

What they say: L’Oreal Paris Age Perfect Hydra-Nutrition Golden Balm Face, Neck & Chest Moisturizer is specifically designed to treat and nourish the less-resilient skin of the neck and decollete area. Precious oils, comprised of nourishing essential oils, are combined with skin-strengthening calcium to attract and maintain moisture for firmer, younger-looking skin

What I like: This stuff is great for winter’s walks in the cove, at Lake Junaluska, or hiking. It’s thick enough that it feels as if I have a nice shield against the effects of wind and cold. Hydra-Nutrition does make my skin feel “nourished” -moisturized- and is great for adding a barrier to keep in that moisture.

What I don’t like: Too heavy for under make-up use. Also, if I apply right before bed, I feel as if it is going to rub off on my pillow. I wonder how it will do during more humid summer months.

Once the jar is empty, I’ll have to decide if I will continue it or try out something else. (See Update Note below where I am completely bee-doozled about ounces sizes and pricing–something I should have considered before. Hmmm.)

As an aside, I wish L’Oreal, Olay, and others, would really think about their packaging. I wouldn’t mind buying products using recycled materials (see pens below). How about it Loreal, Olay, and others?

Smuckers All-natural Peanut Butter: I purchase this peanut butter (chunky) at our wonderful local Ingles Supermarket in Waynesville. And folks, let me tell you — I was a die-hard Jiff fan. But, I’ve been cutting way back on the added sugar in my diet, so Smuckers it is. (I can’t remember what I paid, but it’s not out of line from what I’ve paid for other brands.)

What they say: They have the nutritional information up on their website, so consumers can see the fat, sugars, etc, content of this product.

What I love: I love that this peanut butter has only 1g of sugar. I love that its only ingredients are peanuts and some salt. Yes it has fat, all peanut butter does–but, this is a great source of protein and fat that satisfies. Paired with whole grain crackers or bread (or banana or on an apple), it’s a great snack or post/pre-workout meal. I love the natural peanutty taste. It makes the peanut butter I used to eat taste too sweet, so if you like sweetened peanut butter, you may have to alter your taste buds.

What I don’t like: Not a big deal, but you do have to stir this peanut butter before using it, keep it in the fridge, and occasionally re-stir it, for it does become thickened and harder to spread. Although I’m so used to this now, I don’t mind the consistency.

I am hooked on this peanut butter and won’t go back to “regular” — GMR likes the one with added honey.

Dr. Wexler’s MMPi.20 Skin Regenerating Serum: Last year, I received two small free sample sizes of this for a purchase I made for something else from Bath & Body Works.

What they say: No in-office procedures – just noticeable results from a professional grade anti-aging solution. It visibly renews and improves skin inside and out and is clinically shown to firm skin.  MMPi.20™ anti-aging technology blocks the damaging effect of all 20 known MMPs (skin destroying enzymes that break down production of collagen and cause skin to sink, sag, and wrinkle) and prevents the production of new MMPs, correcting the signs of aging you see today and preventing future damage; Boosts skin’s own regenerative powers to diminish the visible signs of aging; visibly reverses the lines, sink and sag.

What I loved: This serum felt absolutely wonderful as I applied it to my skin–silky and smooth, and it made my face feel that way, too. A little goes a long way and that’s always nice. Did it do all it claims? I do receive compliments on my skin, but I did before using this product. I really did like this product, and so did a friend I  let try it out. Since a dermatologist created it, the serum probably does have great ingredients/benefits, however–

What I do not like: This stuff is regularly priced at $150.00–No Way! I ran out of my two samples months ago and have not repurchased. If I’m going to spend that, then I would have to consider a prescription-strength product for “sun damaged” or “anti-aging” or “problem” skin. However, when I checked the last few times, it seems to be perpetually on sale at $65.00.   I mean, dang. But perhaps I am simply out of touch and this price for over-the-counter facial products is the Norm for some women? Or perhaps someone out there has had stunning results and opens their wallet with glee–anyone out there?

NOTE Update: In the middle of the night, after writing up this post for today, I had a sudden thought: “Check out the amount of the product versus the pricing, Kat.” And lo and behold, the product I am now using (Boots No 7, as I talk about below) is only one ounce of product. Dr. Wexler is 3.4 ounces. If I bought Dr. Wexler’s 3.4 ounces at the sale price of $65.00, then the price is about the same for both products! So there you go. This gives me pause. Do I shell out that $65 for a product I thought felt amazing on my face, or buy a product in a smaller amount for less money that feels wonderful but not amazing? This goes to show you, folks, what you think you see isn’t alway what you actually see.  *Must think about this further* I mean, how far are we willing to go to look/feel our best?–are these people laughing all the way to the bank? *Must really think*

I did purchase Boots No. 7 Protect & Perfect Intense Serum at Asheville Target for about $20 (and, see note update above–only 1 oz, huhn, why didn’t I look at that before?), and it feels great on my skin–again, I will admit Dr. Wexler’s product felt silkier. I have heard good things about Boots No 7, though.

I purchased the tube versus the pump bottle, for did you know if you think you are out of product, you’ve only to cut open the tube and you’ll find inside at least another week’s, and sometimes more, worth? Yup, try it! If you buy the glass pump bottles, it’s hell trying to pull out that last bit.

What they say: No7 Protect & Perfect Intense Beauty Serum has been tested like no other cosmetic anti aging product in an independent 12 month trial. The findings clearly show that it has genuine, long term anti aging benefits. 70% of the volunteers using the product showed a marked improvement in the appearance of photo-aged skin after 12 months of use. This study is the latest step on Boots journey to provide further compelling proof of the performance of its products.

What I like: What I said above.

What I don’t like:  Again–update–only 1 ounce of product . . . dangity.

B2P (Bottle to Pen) Retractable Pen: I bought these at our local Waynesville Staples for about $5 for three.

What they say: Assorted colors: black, blue and red; B2P stands for “Bottle to Pen” – the world’s first recycled pen made from plastic bottles; Vibrant gel ink for smooth, effortless writing; Made from 89.9% post-consumer recycled plastic bottles.

What I like: I love that they recycled bottles to make these pens! It appeals to  my “use and reuse and reuse again if possible” mentality. They are smooth and easy to write with, especially for someone like me who has to have a pen that glides across the page–I have horrid handwriting because I’m an impatient pen/paper writer and any pulls and tugs irritates me–not so these, smoooooth. And they are refillable!

What I don’t like: What often happens is I’ll buy a pen, love it, and can’t find refills. As well, I don’t know if the refills are made of recycled material. But since I haven’t had to refill yet, I don’t know how easy or difficult it will be to find the refills.

I would buy again–I adore pens and never have enough of them! These B2P pens are for “around the house” and tossing in my purse/bag, for I use my Good Pen (that my son bought me one Christmas at a specialty pen store in Oregon) only for special things. LOVE Highway of Writing Pens (see image examples right) – mine is candy apple red (image at left) and the metal case (right) is adorable and fun, and protects my Good Pen — I use it to sign my books, and to sign contracts, and other specialnessnesnneessss. Highway of Writing – love love.

That’s enough for now. But I am curious: What are your thoughts on all these “Beauty Products”–do you subscribe to the “You get what you pay for,” or are you more a “I like all-natural remedies,” or “Y’all are ridiculous–who cares about all this crapity do dah day!”

I’ll be back on Friday with Linky Love. You all go do the day and remember to Find your Gratitude Every Day.

Just as any musician, athlete, artist, Olympian gold medalist, blacksmith, butcher, baker, candle-stick-maker, must practice their craft, and practice often to become better at what they do, so must the writer. The more you write, the more you will understand just what it is you are doing and why. Of course there are the mysteries. I love the mysteries, too—those things we do that come just from the instinctual/natural and no matter how much someone else may practice, they may never break through that wall that some achieve more easily and naturally. But with practice comes confidence.

If you could read the original Virginia Kate story compared to what would become The Graces Trilogy, you’d laugh. Oh, the writing isn’t really bad (uh huh, some of it is, Kat), but everything is just Wrong. I cut my teeth on what would become Tender Graces, and then the others followed. But that first novel was an experiment, a beginning. It allowed me to learn about dialogue, setting, tone, point of view. It allowed me to “find my voice,” and as important, to find the character’s, Virginia Kate’s, voice. (And by the way, yes sometimes your first novels are published, as mine was.)

When I was younger I used to try to write as other writers did. I’d read a good book and then try to sound something like that author. I did that until one day my own voice, my own style, my Own emerged. Something clicked and it felt Right. I began to better understand what I was writing and how and why. I felt more comfortable with the language, with my language.

Finding your voice–

When you are not so “self-conscious” about what or how you are writing and just let the words come, you will “find your voice.” It isn’t some magical thing—just be who you are. Find a quiet space and then allow yourself to write the words without worry over how they read (sound) or without worry over who will read and like it/hate it/not care one way or t’other–this is the time to experiment, to be free to see where all this Goes. Most important, don’t think too far ahead of yourself. If you let yourself become worked up over “Who’s going to want to publish this drivel?” you may find the urge to write what you think someone else wants to hear. Set the words on the page without stopping to over-think it—your own voice will come through. After you finish, you can then revise. See “practice” above.

Finding the character’s Voice–

Your character must tell his/her own story in his/her own unique way. You must step out of the way and let them emerge. I want readers to be able to know who a character is without me having to identify them. I could take out all the taglines between Sweetie and Melissa (in my novel Sweetie) and in most, if not all, instances, you will know who is speaking just by their “voices” – who they are and how they speak. You don’t want everyone to sound alike, do you?

 Style–

The way the writer writes – use of the language/words – the unique way each writer has, just as the unique way a painter paints, or a dancer dances. The “voice” (above), if you will. One day, someone will tell you: “Before I even saw who wrote this, I knew it was your work.” And when I am told this, I feel a sense of gratitude and happiness–it is a supreme compliment. Our style is our handprint, our fingerprint, on the work. It is ours and no one can do it quite like us.

 Setting–

This is the where and when of your story. For example: a small mountain town in 1966; one stormy night spent in a boat on the sea; a house on a hill in the middle of winter. (This also can set the “tone” of the story.) To me, Setting is as important as character, or even in some way, a character. The mountain in the Graces Trilogy is almost as if another character, as is the lonely house on the hill, Momma’s little white house in the holler, for they set mood (tone), have “personalities,” and are as important to Virginia Kate, and the story, as her human supporting characters.

Tone–

The “feel” or “mood” or “atmosphere” of the story (see above). Set the tone at the beginning of the story–by the way you write it, your reader will anticipate “what kind of story” to expect or how they will feel while reading it.

Dialogue–

You do not have to repeat what’s already been told in your narrative—use dialogue to move the story along, or to develop your character(s), not just to hear them talk back and forth as we would in real life because you think you should have some dialogue thrown in there. Dialogue is also a wonderful way to show your characters’ personalities, quirks, etc etc etc. Don’t put yourself in the story–let your characters speak for themselves. Listen to them. Don’t force your characters to say something that feels wrong or unnatural (or if you have a rant or “lesson” you want to project through your character–no no!). And remember, your readers won’t be fooled by your trying to fool them into believing something unbelievable just because it is easier for you to have that particular (implausible) thing happen instead of thinking the scene through—like dumping a bunch of information in the dialogue because you want the reader to “know” something; don’t be a “lazy” writer.

Do your research–

Not only when you write something technical or informational, but in general, make sure you are accurate, for if you make mistakes, the reader may no longer trust you. If I say that the capital of Louisiana is New Orleans, then many people may not completely trust what else I have to say, since the capital of Louisiana is of course Baton Rouge. If I talk about clothing/food/drink/models of cars/hairstyles, etc, I do my research even when I think I know it from memory–memory is a tricky thing. Same goes with figures of speech, pop phrases, music, et cetera. There have been times I thought sure I knew something was correct and I’ll be danged turned out I was wrong. We aren’t perfect and we do make mistakes; so again, don’t be a “lazy” writer.

And finally, Rules are made to be broken—

If you break them, do it well; do it with confidence; do it so that the reader loves you for it.

We hear this a lot: Never Give Up Your Dreams. You know, I do believe this. But I also believe that sometimes we may have to alter our dreams. Maybe the way we’ve always “dreamed” of something isn’t going to happen just in the way we’ve always dreamed of. So, try something else, or do things another way. Turn the dream on its head and shake it and see what falls out of its pockets. But you’ll never know until you sit down and Begin, right? Right.

Oh, and don’t forget to have fun, for lawd’s sake! See you Wednesday! — now go do the day.

GMR never has to worry about Valentine’s Day, for he knows I couldn’t care less, and in fact, have grown to dislike Valentine’s Day – bleah!

I gave a nod to it by reading the posts on BelleBooks/Bell Bridge Books blog for their Valentines Week blog posts. (I have one called The UnRomantic Queen but this is a repeat post from some time back, so some of you may have already seen a version of this–see, couldn’t even inspire myself to write up something new for V’s Day -haw!).

Diane Estrella had a “how cupid shot me” bloghop – so if you are looking for something a bit more romantic, bleah romantic bleah (but not bleah on her blog, which is wonderful!), then go by and take a look at the offerings others have posted there (look in the comments section for their links or on the linky thingee there).

And I’ve just discovered (again, for a friend had a poem published here a few years back) Hyper Text where the V’s Day offerings are eclectic, and where fellow blog-buddy Kristin Bair O’Keeffe from Writerhead has fiction.

Enough of V’s Day (once again: Bleah!).

Rose & Thorn:

There’s a new blogpost every Wednesday on Roses & Thorns (our R&T blog) – we hope you’ll sign up to subscribe to posts–we never give away your email address, and your support really does mean ever so much to us and to our writers, poets, and artists. Every other Wednesday is our new addition–our Art Gallery with mentions by our new Art Director Alaine Benard, and on the alternating weeks are Back Story (our poets/artists/writers give us a peek into their artistic process, how they crafted their stories, etc) or general blog posts. Please come  join us! We’re also on Duotrope Digest, and have an Editor’s Interview if you want insight into what we are thinking/looking for/etc. Come follow us on Twitter, and on the right sidebar is a link to “like” R&T on Facebook. As I said, your support is important and we appreciate you!

My physicist crush:

My other “physicist crush” (besides Neil deGrasse Tyson who hosts Nova scienceNow) is Professor Brian Cox, who hosts “Wonders of the Universe,” and when I write that, I keep saying it as he does “Wonders of the U-nee-vuhse” teehee, what a cutie. There is a mathematician-scientist whose name I can’t recall, though I can see his face, and wish I could pull that name out of my blackholed brain, for he is fascinating as well. Dang. I *heart* physicists/scientists :-D

Online Journals/Magazines:

The Nervous Breakdown, an online magazine/journal, sends me a newsletter to remind me of its eclectic offerings – check them out, sign up for their newsletter.  Yes, I realize/recognize that I am a Publishing Editor of an online journal (above!), but someone else’s success or great-ta-tude does not take away from the enjoyment and love Angie Ledbetter, I, and our Managing Editor Cynthia Toups (and all our wonderful staff) have publishing our little journal. TNB puts their all into their endeavor and it shows! I believe we should all support and tout about one another–this goes for authors, too.

Russian (and Washington) Kat Lovers?

I sometimes go look at my website (kathrynmagendie.com) stats just to see where people are clicking from. I don’t know who they are, just where they are from. Like my State Department friend(s) who visit daily–could Hillary be a closet Kat novel-lover? reading my books under the covers with a flashlight? *teeheehee.* But the last couple of days I’ve had a lot of visits from Russia. Tender Graces and Secret Graces are going to be released there (so far?), but I don’t know when or how that works. I did find this page that has that airbrushed photo of me  that I hate (where I look like my much younger twin teeheehee) and everything else is in Russian, so I’m clueless–there is a “lib” in there; library? Dunno. Maybe I’m now a Russian bride and will start receiving mail from creepy .  .  .  uh, I mean lonely  .  . .  American men until they realize I’m an almost 55 year old American woman *haw!* Some of the pics at the bottom made me laugh :-D. If you know Russian, maybe you can clue me in!

Videos that made me go “Haw!” or “aww” or “lawd” . . . :
GMR just shakes his head, or at least he used to when these commercials would air, but it makes me laugh every danged time – I’m laughing now! *they have a PEPPER BAAAAR!* laughing . . . lawd.

And my poor brother *laughing* – he spent hours doing this and keeps saying “No one likes it! Huhn . . . well, shoot . . .” and I just laugh, because it’s so silly, but it still makes me laugh at how he spent hours on this, moving the dogs and doing all this stop-action and cutting and pasting and etc, and, well, um, see for yourself *laughing* . . . oh, of course I mean, *poor brother* teehee.

Finally, last video – this is wonderful and must have taken hours and hours (take a lesson brother *HAW* -okay, just kidding . . . lawd). I love the idea of magic happening once humans have left a building/room.

That’s all for now. You all have a wonderful weekend and I’ll see you Monday for Monday Classroom. I have been trying to visit around on social networking, but soon I’ll have to bury my head in the new book and that will really curtail my visiting–I’m writing something even more Supernatural this time. My books have ‘hinted’ at it or touched on it, but this time I’m giving myself full reign to use my imagination–release the hounds! :-D

On my last post about “products,” I told you about Agadir Argan Oil, for which I put in my hair both wet and then dry- with really great results: shine and smoothness for my baby-fine hair. So, I wanted to try the Agadir Shampoo and Conditioner.

At CVS in Waynesville, the Agadir Shampoo and Conditioner was a little pricey, so I went through Amazon and bought it for less, though free shipping was not available, so I didn’t save as much as I could have, still . . . .

As I shampoo, the scent is almost as if I’ve burned some exotic incense – not unpleasant, but different. The conditioner has a softer scent.  It’s great for color-treated, or high-lighted hair, or hair that’s a bit “fly-away.”

What they say:

Shampoo: Agadir Argan Oil Daily Moisturizing Shampoo is sulfate and paraben free and very gentle on color treated hair. This color preserving formula will keep your hair looking great, even after several shampoos. Hair will feel moisturized, smooth and conditioned with a great aroma that will awaken your senses!

Conditioner: Agadir Argan Oil Daily Moisturizing Conditioner is sulfate and paraben free with anti color fade for long, lasting hair color. It detangles, smoothes, shines and corrects dry, frizzy hair. Protects against heat and chemical damage. The featherweight formula with protective sunscreen helps repair and strengthen damaged hair.

What I loved: soft, shiny, smoothed hair. My baby-fine hair was quite shiny and smooth and I really am pleased with it. As well, the “exotic” scent stayed soft the rest of the day.

What I didn’t like: Some may consider it pricey – if you are used to using “cheaper” shampoos, as I always did when my hair was boy-short. I liked Flex and other “cheaper” shampoos like that because I had my hair cut so often, it was always in great shape. However, now I have to spend a little more to keep my longer, high-lighted (at least for now), hair in great shape.

I’ve been using both for about two weeks now (alternating with another shampoo/conditioner), and so far so good. This shampoo and conditioner should last me a while, and when it’s gone, I will purchase again. And, the price wasn’t as much as some salon shampoos that I like (Aveda, for which I do love these products and will talk more later about them).

On the Dr. Oz Show, a dermatologist or some other “skin person” suggested Josie Maran Organic Argan oil for the face. The Agadir Argan oil that I spoke about in that earlier post is a “blend” of other oils, and I use it only on my hair. But Josie Maran Argan oil is supposed to be pure argan oil, and I use it on my face. I bought it from Amazon, but noticed it came from Sephora, where I could have just ordered it directly.

What they say: A lightweight oil that can be used as a daily moisturizer or treatment for skin, hair, and nails.  This 100% Pure Argan Oil is a legendary oil that’s rich in vitamin E and essential fatty acids, and grown organically in Morocco. With its multitasking benefits, Argan Oil can be used for many areas including hydrating and nourishing skin, as a daily moisturizer, skin treatment, treating spilt ends, and softening cuticles. It’s gentle enough to use on all skin types and is believed to help with skin conditions including acne. Argan Oil easily absorbs into skin to give you a youthful, dewy glow, and has astonishing healing, conditioning, and antiaging properties to keep your skin and hair nourished and revitalized and to keep you looking beautiful from head to toe.

What I like about it: It has no real scent to it, which sometimes I want that for my face. And it soaks right on in. The texture feels as if it will be quite oily, but as you apply it, it quickly disappears. Left my face feeling soft. I can’t get over how much it absorbs into the skin when it is so oily! But, it does.

What I don’t like: I had to buy the smallest bottle, for it is pricey. I paid $14.00 for this tiny bottle; however, now that I see how little it takes (it has a dropper, which helps control the amount), I’m fairly certain this little bottle will last me a while, and that will make the cost less stinging. Which is another reason I only use it on my face - it could be pricey to go slathering it everywhere, lawd!

I’ve been using it only for about a week and a half, so I don’t know long-term effects, but I like how it makes my skin feel.

GMR brought home these cookies from Ingles Supermarket in Waynesville, called “WhoNu” cookies because he wanted to have a dessert snack that was “healthier.”

What they say: “WhoNu?^™ Cookies are an excellent source of Calcium, Iron, Vitamins A, B12, C, D and E. They also have 3 grams of fiber and a total of 20 essential vitamins and minerals.“

They are touting their products as “healthier” choices than regular cookie products, and perhaps they are healthier than some regular processed snack foods. These are small cookies, and three make a serving for 160 calories. GMR likes them and would buy them again. I tried them, but since they still have 14g of sugar, I won’t eat them often, and when I do, I have 2 or 3 only. The taste is in line with Oreos. GMR finds them a good alternative dessert.

What I liked about them:  I am able to eat only 2 or 3, with some fruit on the side, and am satisfied not to eat anymore. I like the idea they may have more “nutrition” that regular cookies, if what they are advertising is correct.  I’d have these once every now and then as a “dessert alternative.”

What I didn’t like: They were really sweet, but once you cut way back on sweets, things do taste so much sweeter. However, I’d rather have something a little more decadent than these cookies. They had a chocolatety taste, and a great satisfying crunch, but when you rarely eat dessert anymore, you want something more substantial. I almost felt they had an “artificial taste,” but then again, they are a processed food.

Still, for those times I really crave a sweet, 2 or 3 of these little cookies with some fruit does the trick. And, GMR likes them and will buy again.

Olay Pro-X Advanced Cleansing System. This is supposed to be a “system” but after the cleanser that came with it was gone, I just used the brush with whatever cleanser I happen to have.

What they say: Is it time to rethink your daily cleansing routine? Designed by a team of dermatologists along with Olay, the Advanced Cleansing System is as effective as a system sold by skin professionals for nearly $200.* Professionally and clinically designed to cleanse 6 times better**, the Pro-X Advanced Cleansing System also sets your skin up for supersonic anti-aging moisturization.†

What I like: It does feel as if I am doing something, though I am not sure what. I guess it is exfoliating some and going into a deeper cleaner . . . maybe. It can be used in the shower, which is convenient.

What I don’t like:  I believe I can get the same exfoliating from using scrubbing grains or whatever and for less money. The Pro-X brush was $29.99 at Target in Asheville, and for that money, well . . . I am just not convinced. I’ve had it about a year now and find I still use it, but less enthusiastically as time goes by. I’d love to try the Clarisonic, but for $200.00–ouch! I can’t justify that unless someone out there can tell me it is SO worth that price (ungh). Yet, I spent $29.99 for a product I’m less than happy with. I wish it were rechargeable, though the batteries have lasted. I don’t like to worry about changing batteries–that’s not good for the environment, either. (Apparently, the Clarisonic is rechargeable, which appeals to me . . . but again, $200.000 – ungh ungh!)

I really wanted to like this, for I love Olay products. But, well, I’m just not confident about it.

For the first time ever I finally tried a milk that isn’t a milk, and it was: Silk Pure Almond Milk.

What they say: They talk about all the reasons to try it on their website, for example, lower in calories, great source of vitamin E, “calorie-friendly.“

I first tried the sweetened vanilla kind (bought at Ingles Supermarket) in a little sample-sized one-serving ”bottle.” I poured it over my Cheerios. Cheerios (bless them) have very little sugar and that’s why I love them – plus their nutty taste, but this isn’t about Cheerios, is it?, teeheehee. The sweetened vanilla almond milk was very sweet with 15g of sugar, and tasted good with the Cheerios, though I did have to “not think about” the idea it isn’t milk. But, it was more like a dessert, almost, kinda-sorta. Too much sugar, though, for me.

Next I bought the regular unsweeted Silk Almond from Greenlife in Asheville. I poured it over my cheerios and . . .

What I like about it: I feel as if I’m doing something good for my body, though that isn’t to say regular old milk isn’t good for our bodies! But, I love almonds and their nutritional value, and this is a great way to get that beyond the nuts. Sometimes, too, I just do not like milk, or rather it does not like me. Sometimes milk will feel as if it is sloshing around in my belly and doesn’t want to go away -ungh – I feel heavy. And, well, I have a quirk – yes, me! can you imagine ME with a quirk (shut up! don’t judge me!) . . . I cannot stand to drink milk that has been opened for more than, say, two days. If I open a new carton, I can drink it or pour it over my cereal, but if it has been opened for longer than a day or two, I feel it is “soured” even if it ain’t. Um, that’s just me! But with the almond milk, I don’t have that feeling, and will use it beyond the 1-2 days.

What I don’t like about it: it does have an “odd” flavor that I must get used to–I tell myself “it’s milk” but it isn’t. I find it works well in smoothies to kind of hide the flavor. I know I am not drinking “real milk” so there’s that weirdness I have to get over. Yes, I know, I said I don’t really like drinking milk, but milk is still my buddy in many ways – if it’s fresh – teehee.

I will buy this again, and I’m sure I will become better used to it as I acclimate myself to its taste!

Okay, that’s it, folks, for now, with the Guinea Pignessess. As always, feel free to talk about anything you like or do not like. See you Friday with Linky Love! Have a great day!

I’m not the perfect Comma Momma (teeheehee), so I do invite you to use the links below to learn allllllllll about those tiny little trouble-makers. Because, really, there is simply too much information about that little teeny bitty itty squiggle than I can place here in one post without tearing out my own hair. In fact, that teeny bitty itty squiggle’s size is deceiving, for it makes Big Arse Trouble for so many out there, and not only writers.

Thing is, folks, it really is not so difficult once you Pay Attention to what you are writing and how the sentence “flows” and the rhythm of your words/sentences. I’ve written those two words before: Pay Attention. Because when you do, you learn. As I write this post, I am using commas without thinking about it. If this were my novel, I’d go in and remove some of my commas to make sure everything sings along musically to where there are not a lot of choppy sentences that leave the reader’s brain squeezing–or maybe I just want to leave the reader a bit breathless. When you Pay Attention, you begin to see how the comma interacts with your work. How the comma sets things off. How the comma groups things together and/or separates them. How it considers the natural pause—where you take that bit of a hitch of a breath after an introductory phrase.

Once you have a basic idea/knowledge of comma use, feel free to play around with it.

Sometimes I leave out commas where Grammar says they belong because I want to keep the sentence moving along without any pauses as if one is talking all at once and does not pause even to take a breath because they are in OMG OMG OMG mode *gasp for air* . . . folks, use this sparingly or else your readers’ eyes may fall out and follow someone to the door, and in fact, their eyes may not return for many a week because you simply exhausted them and they needed a long long vacation and I think I am doing it again, oh dear! *Eyes falling out of my head and traveling to the door, suitcase in hand (hand? Do eyes have hands? Well, if we’re dropping them out of their sockets and giving them a suitcase, guess they best.).*

Consider the sentence above as an example of a pause.

(Introduction) Once you have a basic idea/knowledge of comma use (a natural pause) feel free to play around with it.

Now read that sentence aloud with and without the comma and decide for yourself what happens:

Once you have a basic idea/knowledge of comma use feel free to play around with it—does saying this aloud without a pause make you feel rushed or a bit breathless?

Once you have a basic idea/knowledge of comma use, feel free to play around with it—does the natural pause here give you a chance to hitch in a breath?

If you think, “Well I like both ways.” Fine, go ye to write it how it works for you! I tell you this, though: when I’m reading something that doesn’t have commas where I like them to be, I insert them myself. Yeah! I do! Ha! You can’t escape my Comma-ndo! Alternatively, if you place a comma where I do not like it, I pluck it off the page and pinch off its wittle head (okay, now I feel bad. I won’t pinch off its wittle head. But I’ll do something! Yeah . . . something. . . huhn.).

Though, again, there are times I leave out commas because I want the sentence to move along without a pause. I don’t want the sentence to be broken up or choppy. But when I catch myself pausing after that “introduction,” I add a comma. Because. “Because whyyyyy, Kat?” Because I said so, that’s why.

The comma separates incomplete sentences—another form of a “pause” – like a parentheses.

Kathryn has, and always has had, a tiny pea-head. Kathryn has (pause to say/qualify: and always will have) a tiny pea-head.

Kathryn has—that’s an incomplete sentence that is separated by “and always has had” and then another incomplete sentence “a tiny pea-head” – I paused in the middle of those two phrases to tell you something else. I used commas to pause. Bless my wittle tiny pea-headed brain.

What you don’t want to do is go sticking commas everywhere willy nilly. Those commas, small as they may be, will chop up your sentence and make them read stoooopid. Do you want choppy stoooopid sentences? Of course not! I’d rather see fewer commas than a litter of them crawling around all over the page mewling and making a mess all over creation. Listen to the rhythm of your words/the language. Listen for those pauses. Those parenthetical pauses. Those introductory phrases that then lead to a little hitch of breath before going on to the next part of the sentence. That’s where the comma goes.

Commas as lists or grouper-togetherers:

I like cornbread, cookies, beans and ice cream. But I do not like this sentence—ewwww! (Intro)If you want beans in your ice-cream, (pause/hitch breath) go right ahead.

But I do like the serial—not cereal—comma. Although wouldn’t that be cute? A bowlful of punctuation-shaped cereal for grammarians/writers? Haw! *Kat considers giving up novel-writing to create a Punctuation Cereal and becoming a millionaire* Anyway, *back to reality, Kat* the serial comma makes sense in the world of grouper-togetherers.

I like cornbread, cookies, beans, and ice cream.

See how each list of food has its own place in the sentence world?

I like cornbread. I like cookies. I like beans. I like ice cream.

is not:

I like cornbread. I like cookies. I like beans and ice cream. Ewwwwww!

I can also do a grouping, thusly,

I like cornbread and beans, cookies and ice cream, and serial commas. Teehee.

Notice above how each little family of words has their own little neat home to live in. Their own little grouping. The items that go together are placed together. Those that do not go together are separated by commas. The comma keeps things neatly packaged that should be neatly packaged together. The comma separates what doesn’t belong in the same package.

Clear as the mud on the bottom of your boot, ain’t it? Or maybe you are beginning to understand. Maybe I am a Geeeeenius at explaining the teeny tiny wittle cutie squiggly and suddenly the clouds are clearing and you shout EUREKA! and you name your dog after me or something. *Kat has dreamy expression thinking of puppies running around named “Kat” because that sounds contradictory and funny haw haw haw—at least to her pea-headed brain it does—stop judging me!*

Look folks, here’s the thing: commas are irritating little shitters and they always will be. I mean, geeeezzzz, I have a headache just trying to explain them. And even as I type these words for this post, I worry I will miss one or I’ll place one in the wrong spot. I’ll be in a hurry and someone out there will gloat and scream how I messed up. Ungh!  I’ll go back and read this and think, “This could be better.” But isn’t that the Thang about writing? How we always should be growing and learning? How we should think: “This could be better,” and then we make it better—until it is Done, for at some point we must be Done, right?

Below are two grammar sites that talk about the comma and may be a better help to you than my pea-headed self. I invite you to visit and to study their contents. Pay Attention. When your AHA! moment comes, you may then begin to manipulate the language with Knowledge, and folks, that’s when the real fun begins.

These have a whole-lotto comma madness—lawd!

Guide to Grammar & writing—rules for comma use: http://grammar.ccc.commnet.edu/grammar/commas.htm

Grammar Girl—an entire page of links on commas, oh yes. Pick your poison: http://www.quickanddirtytips.com/SearchResults.aspx?cx=018137038020134942690:bivmuxgubrq&cof=FORID:11&ie=UTF-8&sa=Search&safe=active&q=comma

see y’all on Wednesday Free-for-All!

The Rose & Thorn Journal has a new feature: our Art Gallery, more information, and other goodies, can be found at the Rose & Thorn blog.

Did you know there is a place where you can join to (at least attempt to) be rid of unwanted catalogues and other mail?  Their header: “Stop unwanted mail. Free service to opt out of catalogs, coupons, credit card offers, phone books, circulars and more.” Catalog Choice.

I have a YouTube Channel. Do you? A place where I post videos or add faves or subscribe. Let me know in the comments and I’ll subscribe to yours.

I’d love to see you on Facebook, if I don’t already.

As for our wonderful blogging community – I have linked to many here on Linky Love Friday, so I hope you will scroll down and around and visit. Today I want to link to author Barbara Forte Abate, who has a marvelous novel “The Secret of Lies,” for which I loved! Give her some visit love; she’s a wonderful writer. Another author to visit is Linda Cassidy Lewis, who never shies away from telling her truths, and I like that, and I loved her book “The Brevity of Roses” very much as well!

And then I just wanted to do a random Google search, so I put in “cute pigs YouTube” and now I will go peruse them – I love piggies. Please don’t eat the poor piggies – *sob* (all you bacon-lovers out there — shaaaaaammme! – though I know that Bacon Lovers have no shame – I’ve never seen such adamant eaters of a foodstuff – lawd! *laughing*)

Soon I’ll have an image of the new bookcover for the last in the Graces (Virginia Kate Sagas) trilogy. They re-fashioned the Secret Graces cover, as well. I have links to my books Up There at the top of the page. But y’all know I don’t like all the white noise of yapping about my books. But, when I have news, I do like to share. So, soon as I have the final image, I’ll post it here, there, and yonder, including my “books page” above.

Now Y’all go have a wonderful weekend and I’ll see you on Monday for “Monday Classroom,” where we will talk about commas.

Now. While flailing about with my ‘treadmill aerobics,” I listen to music on my iPod Nano to help set the tempo and distract me from anything “outward” other than Me, My Body, Movement. After an hour on the treadmill, I do resistance training for my muscles, and then yoga to stretch—three times a week without fail unless the failing cannot be helped. On the “non-treadmill days,” GMR and I walk—not leisurely walks in a la tee dah, but at least a good strong 30 – 45 minute walk, or occasionally a longer more strenuous hike.

I do this because I have come to love it and my body has come to accept and embrace it. I do this because I’ll be 55 this month and though I don’t want to look 25 or even 35, I want to be strong and supple. I do not want anyone in my family to have to care for me in my “olden age” because I did not care for myself. Do you see/understand that? You out there who are smoking and eating shit-that-ain’t-good-for-nothing-but-nasty and sitting on your butt never moving, etc etc etc? *Personal Trainer Kat gives stern look* When our bodies fail us, someone has to pick up the slack, whether financially or physically/emotionally, or all of those things. I do not want this. Yes, I do understand how sometimes things do happen that are not under our control and we need help, but you know this is not what I am talking about, right? Right. I’m talking about Choices. Choices that we make every moment of our lives that we do control.

Folks, if you really do want to stay healthy. If you really do want to age well. If you really do want to have energy and stamina and strength, then you must work for it. WHAAAAA? You may say. But . . . but . . .  so and so said all I need to do is take a pill, or eat this bar, or drink this elixir, or put this contraption on my abdominals and sit on my ass, and all those things will do the work for me! Lawd y’all! All the research dollars wasted (to me it is a waste) on finding some magical pill or device so people can sit on their couches and eat crap and not be affected/effected by it. My personal trainer heart just squeezes at this. Ungh! Ungh!

I wrote some “work-out writer” posts and in one of them I asked, “How bad do you want this?” Well, it applies to life; it applies to love; it applies to work; it applies to our health—how bad do you want this? And if you do not want it, then why? Are you kidding yourself? We humans are expert at Justifications(/Excuses). Oh, yes, we are!

Sometimes we have to feel some “discomfort” to achieve our goals. Sometimes things are not easy. Sometimes life is just haaaaarrrrd *pouting whine.* Well, Personal Trainer Kat is here to tell you to Suck It UP, because nothing easy ever really lasts, or nothing easy is really appreciated to its fullest, or nothing easy makes us feel Accomplished and Proud.

Okay, maybe I never told my clients to suck it up (in those words . . . teeheehee). Because I have empathy, and because I understand how difficult making life-decisions are. How it really is hard to stop an old comfy habit and replace it with a sucky habit like working out and eating healthfully—unless you are as I am and love to work out, and if you are as I am and most times enjoy eating healthfully. When I eat crap, I feel like crap. When I don’t move, I feel like crap. When I sit on my arse and whine about how hard life is, I feel like crap. Who wants to feel like crap? Children move with such abandon: when did we lose this?

Off your ass—it’s the only way. Pay attention to what you put into your mouth and make healthier choices—it’s the only way. Or maybe I should write: It’s the only sure way to stay healthy and strong for the duration. Magical pills and quick fixes and most every “Diet” on the planet may help you in the short-term, but if it is not something you will do for Life, then you just may fail, or do things half-heartedly and only reach a tiny bit of your goals. Small changes make for later larger ones—

Do you drink soft drinks/soda/pop/Cokes? What if you replaced even one of those with a glass of water? Do you have a candy bar for your “afternoon slump” snack? What if you replaced that one snack with something healthier—a little fruit and a little low-fat cheese, or, oh, shoot, there’s so much information on healthy snacks out there that surely you can find something besides a candy bar? Save the candy bar for a “dessert treat,” or better yet, eat something really decadent that you will savor and enjoy for your “dessert treat” instead of quickly gobbling down whatever is in easy reach. Do you ever park farther out to walk to your building/shopping mall/grocery? When’s the last time you took the dog for a walk? Played outside with your kids? When’s the last time you felt really good?

How we think about ourselves and our bodies becomes our reality. I believe this. Of course, yes, as I wrote above, bad things happen to us that are not in our control—this too is life. But while we do have that control, why not use it to our advantage?

So, I’m on the treadmill, and there is a cardio song that starts off at a nice energetic tempo that I jog to, but near the end of the music, there is a deep but barely there voice that simply says: now—I can almost miss it if I’m not paying attention. Up until that point, my heart rate is pretty steady, but when I hear that deep but soft now I know the tempo/beat is about to rise, rise, rise, rise soar rise—asking me to give it all I have. I then speed up the treadmill to where I am running full out for nothing, near as fast as my legs will go; I am sprinting on that treadmill. I am near to flying on it. My heart rate soars. I am flying.

But what interests me is this: right as I know that now is coming, my heart rate picks up a little. Then when he says now and I know the music is going to ask me to Kick It Up, my heart rate picks up even more so—even though I have not yet increased my speed.

My brain asks my heart to prepare for what it knows is coming based on my expectation/anticipation. My brain hears that now and sends a “Hey! Here we go! Get ready!” to my heart, and it begins to pick up its beat even before I change my action. We control much by our thoughts. Our brains send signals based on how we anticipate what comes next. I think there must be a metaphor/analogy in there, don’t you?

How do you want to live the rest of your life?

So, open up your manuscript document to your story/novel/essay/letter to the editor/Dear John letter/Dear Jane letter/Manifesto on Life as a Misunderstood Artist. I’ll wait *Jeopardy Music Here* . . . okay, now, using the “Find and Replace” pull down menu (or whatever you do to “find” words or phrases in your document), type in the following:

There was.

He was.

She was.

*Character name was.*

As in:

Kat was sitting on her arse  as she typed notes for her blog. Or, daren’t I write: Kat was sitting on her arse typing notes for her blog. Maybe: Kat was sitting on her blog typing notes up her arse—um, no  . . . we’ll use the first one.

Or:

She was drinking her coffee and it tasted of dark silky goodness and even if it didn’t who cares because she slept late and now she’s discombobulated—COFFEE NOW!

Or

The dog was sitting in the grass. (Yes, sitting—! There is no “h” there.)

These sentences can be tighter. You can use fewer words (not LESS words FEWER words—remember, fewer can be counted). You can make them tighter/active by removing the “was” and that “ing word,” thusly:

Kat sat on her arse . . .

She drank coffee  . . .

The dog sat . . .

Most often, we want the immediate in our work, right? To show action and not passivity. Do you see the difference? A caveat: Sometimes I like passive sentences. Sometimes I may use “was/ing” phrasing. Sometimes I thumb my nose at my own pickity persnickitynessessess—but I do so with Intent. It is this Intent that makes all the difference (see Note below).

Passive phrasing can be found in other areas, such as:

Kat was walking down the hall when she was tripped by her psycho dog.

Becomes:

Kat tripped over her psycho dog. The hallway floor ain’t soft—ask her face.

Okay, maybe that second one isn’t—*Kat sips more coffee to help her become more eloquent but it isn’t working—* the best example, but do you see that the second one feels more like action and the first one, with that was and ing word, reads more passive?

Now in your FIND space, type in it’s and its—how many times did you accidentally type it’s when you meant its, or the other way around? It is versus the possessive its. And while I am talking about its it’s—perhaps there are times its and it’s should not be it’s and its. Maybe there should be an actual Thing there instead of an it? Lame example number fifty-five: “It is nice to be cozy in the little log house” could be “I am cozy in the little log house” . . . .

Bug I digest—seriously, that’s what I wrote *need more coffee* instead of But I digress. Dang–!—annnywaaaay, I do something that takes more time: as I read my manuscript for edits/re-writes, I say in my wittle Pea-Head:

It’s time to sip more coffee because my brain is spongy: I say aloud “It is time . . . .”

Or: Put the coffee on its skin and rub it in. I say “Put the coffee on its . . . .” Saying the it’s and its aloud (or in my pea-head) forces me to pay attention to what I have written down so there aren’t any sneakity sneaker its/it’s errors—and believe me, it’s (it is) easy for these mistakes to happen as we furiously write our Drafts.

Your/You’re.

We all know this, right? We all know that Your is possessive and You’re means You are, right? This is one I never think to double-check, but I do often see errors in casual writing. We’re typing ninety-to-nothing and OOPS! But, I am assuming here that everyone knows the difference, right?

Your words are wonderful because you’re wonderful!

NOTE: What I want you all to be aware of is “being aware.” When you know and understand—even if it’s (it is) in your own twisted around kind of way—the Rules or Basics of Rules, your writing becomes stronger. You break the rules because you know them and it’s (it is) fun to play with the language. There is a difference! If your work—novel, short story, letter, resume, blog posts, etc.—are full of errors because you do not understand, or do not have a basic understanding of, grammar/syntax, well dang, then your work reads weaker than if you Learn and Apply and then Manipulate to your wittle heart’s desire.

Next week, as I promised I’d return to, I’ll write about The Comma.

So, y’all—do your eyes follow anyone to the door? If so, you best go catch them and stick those suckers back into their sockets. Lawd!

(photos by kat magendie )

So I leave you with a video my brother did on his iPad–the music, everything, was done on it. This just boggles my pea-headed brain! Also, it’s a musical haiku. My brother is brilliant–that strange weird all over the place chaotic crazy brilliant that is intense and exhausting and I love him all the more for it. Of course, some people may say I am exhausting and intense – but no–wait! You should meet my brother–gawd!

He’s the same brother who composed the VK Saga music for me – he played guitar in this and not sure what else he did and what else was electronic. I told him to re-name the music, do another cover, and then make him a cd of “California BlueGrass Music” and put it on itunes. I think he’s going to do it :-D

Now, I have to go take care of some things in the little log house. I’ll see you all next week. Have a great weekend, and enjoy the Super Bowl or Super Puppy Bowl 2012 or whatever Super things you are going to do this weekend!

When I had boy-short hair, I never really worried about uber-conditioning it or paying much attention to what kinds of product I used, and in fact, I didn’t brush my hair for at least ten years—it was just so short, so why bother? I didn’t color it, either. Then when life became crazy, I went months without a hair cut and suddenly I’m growing out my hair. Not only that, suddenly a friend puts some highlights in it. Suddenly, I became a bit “high-maintenance” . .  . lawd!

So, I’m trying out “Product” and thought I’d share some of them with you from time-to-time (I’ll later talk about ‘face and body’ stuff, too–sorry guys if this bores the crap out of you! *Teeheehee*). I am not advertising these, and not receiving anything back from them. This is just me wading my toes into the “I have hair and it is begging for my attention” waters, and the “I am a 54 year old woman so what works for me now versus when I was younger?”

I was in my local Waynesville CVS and picked up a few things there to try, though you may be able to find these products at Amazon or somewhere else:

Christophe Beverly Hills Leave-in Hair Conditioner: Wash your hair, and towel dry, then spritz this conditioner in, and do not rinse out.

What I love about it: it was easy to pull the comb through my wet (or damp) hair, and when I blew it dry it did feel really soft without being greasy or weighted down. As well, my hair had a shine to it. And, what I really liked was the clean fresh scent. That scent lasted all day, and through the night, and this morning it is still there—not over-powering, but light. GMR buried his face in my hair and said, “Mmmmmm . . . that does smell good.” *teehehee* And it has a sun protectant!

What I don’t like: Nothing really! It’s around $10, which isn’t expensive by Salon standards, and, sometimes you do get what you pay for. And really, the product should last a while if you don’t go wild with it. I didn’t think the price out of reach or out of line because I’m worth it. And I’ve spent more on Salon products that have me going “I spent that for this teeny amount?”

This one is a keeper.

I’ll also be curious to try out the other products in this line!

Here’s the gist of the product:

3-in-1 conditions, detangles & heat protects. Cristophe Professional hair care products feature high-performance ingredients: UV protectors that protect against sun damage and color fading. Creatine to provide strength and improve elasticity. Vitamin C for shine and vibrancy. Paraben free, state-of-the-art formulations. Beautiful hair for a more beautiful you. Cristophe Professional Leave-In Conditioning Spray conditions, detangles and provides thermal protection. Special nourishing ingredients help guard against damage from heat styling and UV exposure. This salon formula is like a daily vitamin for your hair, making it soft and strong! Cristophe Salon developed & approved. Not tested on animals. Color safe. Paraben free. Cruelty free. Not animal tested. Product Attributes: softness, moisture, frizz control, sun protectant

Agadir Argan Oil: I’ve been hearing all this hype about Argan Oil, so I wanted to try it. I saw Agadir Argan Oil in CVS, so I bought a bottle. Went home, put a tiny, I mean tiny, drop into the palm of my hand, rubbed my hands together, and pulled my hands through the bottom half of my hair, then through the rest of my hair.

What I love about it: I noticed immediately that the fly-aways were tamed. And, there came a shine to my hair that I miss from when my hair was dark and would shine “mirror-like” when it was at its best condition. Finding a shine on high-lighted hair isn’t as easy, but this did bring forth a nice healthy shine. The scent is unusual—I haven’t decided if I really like it or if I will tire of it. I also have yet to try putting it on my wet hair and blow-drying it as is also suggested. It gave my hair a sort of “piecey” look that I liked. I’ve always had oily hair, but as I grow older, and color treat it, it is more dry–still, I best be careful with not to use too much.

What I don’t love: the jury is out on the scent, but I believe if I don’t over-do it, it’ll be fine. I loved the scent, then later I wasn’t sure—hmm, so I don’t know yet. Also, if I am not careful, it can make my hair look greasy. It’s expensive at $17-19 for a tiny bottle, however, since I am using less than a dime-sized, more like a pea-sized or smaller amount, this bottled will last me forever.

I am curious enough to try the Agadir Argan shampoo and conditioner, and the other Christophe line. We’ll see.

Here’s the gist of the product:

Agadir Argan Oil Hair Treatment, previously known as Moroccan Gold is the hottest new product in professional haircare. Agadir Argan Oil has a 100% pure and natural formula made out of one of the rarest oils in the world, coming from Morocco. The products within the Agadir Argan Oil Line are great for your hair and will leave it feeling soft and silky with a brilliant shine. Agadir Argan Oil has a dry, non-greasy formula that absorbs instantly into your hair leaving your hair nourished, moisturized and strengthened. The Agadir Argan Oil products are great for split ends, preventing breakage, providing you with long lasting color and is extremely beneficial for dry itchy scalp. This highly nutritious oil contains Vitamin E, Omega-9, Omega-6, Linoleic Acid and unsaturated

Got2b dry shampoo: I was watching Dr. Oz  and the beauty specialist said we shouldn’t wash our hair every day, especially if color-treated. I’ve always washed my hair every day. But, I was willing to give dry shampoo a try. Since I was in CVS and picking up this and that to test out, I picked up Got2b dry shampoo—it had a Rock N Roll look to it, a sort of “young hip” thang going, but dang, I was once cool, you know? (Hey, I am still cool–once cool always cool, right? *haw*) Besides, it was the only dry shampoo I found.

What I liked about it: It made my hair fluffy and thicker. It was only around $5 of $6.

What I didn’t like: I didn’t like the scent at all—my hair smelled cheap, like those old hairsprays I used to use long ago when I used to use hairspray and that would just smell “not right.” Also, my hair/scalp didn’t feel clean and it bugged me all day to where I couldn’t wait to wash my hair. It also dried out my hair/scalp too much. And, to boot, it’s an aerosol and I don’t like aerosols—I had to hold my breath while spraying it.

Not for me and I’ll be returning this product. Will I try another dry shampoo? Maybe, I don’t know. I’ve washed my hair every day for as long as I remember, so . . . works for me to keep doing what I’m doing. But, if I found a dry shampoo product I liked, I may keep it for emergencies.

Here’s the gist of the product: got2b rockin’ it 4: long lasting style: skip a day, refresh, invisible  4EverStyleStay Encore Fresh Dry Shampoo.

I’ll be back another day with the verdict on the Agadir Shampoo/Conditioner. And I have some other things to share, later.

What about you? Any “Product” you’ve tried and loved, or not?

UPDATE & PS! – I forgot to mention I have baby fine hair that the highlighting has somewhat roughed up but not much, so the idea of an oil was daunting – however! – after my workout today, I washed and lightly conditioned my hair and while it was damp I ran a little bit of the Agadir Argan oil through my hair. Omg! It’s shiny and smooth and pretty. And I barely notice the scent, which is softer today. I’m sold . . . can’t wait to try the shampoo and conditioner!