I wonder what their kid would be called?
Posts Tagged ‘pictures’
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365great Day 20: packages
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Who doesn’t love receiving a package? (Assuming of course, that you’re not the target of some crazy bomber.) Whether it’s finally getting to open what you ordered or the surprise of a gift from someone, packages have a sort of magical quality. They can make just about anyone smile with anticipation. Gift or not, the process of opening a package always feels like you’re opening a gift and that makes you special. This is probably why I’m enthralled with subscription box services – not only do you get a package every month, but what will be inside is a lovely mystery. It really is like having your birthday every month! (More on those later – they deserve their own 365great day.)
Packages in general, whether mailed to you, handed to you, or discovered by you, are the type of thing that bring a bit of joy. Just think of the delight of a child digging in to a present on a birthday or holiday! Those sparkling eyes, the excitement, and that wide grin before the gasp of “oh my gosh I love it” as they run to hug you. Of course, not all packages are so well-received, but I think secretly, each time we see a package, we can imagine a scene like that. Even with products bought online, there’s joy in finally getting to open up that box, assemble the item (if appropriate), hold it in your hands, and try it out. The potential for that sort of happiness in each package is what makes them great.
Ultra hydrated hair
Let’s start with the basics: the Hydra Recharge line uses superfruits like goji berry, passion fruit, and kiwi – all of which fascinate me! I was really curious about what the combination might smell like and I’m happy to report that it’s wonderful. If you want to understand it too, you’ll just have to pick up a bottle for yourself and give it a whiff next time you’re in the store. This line is meant for dry to normal hair, to make your hair weightlessly silky and hydrated. The shampoo has these cool beads in them that burst as you rub it in your hair – this is the first time I’ve seen this in a shampoo!
The first thing I noticed when I got the set was the new cap design. I used to struggle with the old Garnier bottles, which had the small round nub to push on. Very cool design, but hard to use when my hands were slippery. With this new cap, I don’t have the problem anymore! It is very easy to open and close no matter how wet your hands may be. They managed to keep the aesthetic appeal of the ball yet improve functionality – bravo! Ok, now that you understand the facts, let’s discuss how these products performed.
I’ve been using this haircare regimen for four weeks now and I’m still pleased with the way my hair has responded. The first couple of days I immediately noticed my hair felt much, much silkier. It was so much fun to swish it around! I tried to capture the newfound glossiness, but my camera didn’t seem to pick it up very well. Once I got more used to the shine my hair had gained, I remembered that the results were supposed to last two days. I hadn’t really gotten a chance to test that since I was showering daily, but when I did skip a day here and there, it definitely held up. My hair tends to get very oily very fast if I don’t shower on a daily basis, so this was really good news!
Then came the real test – I was going on a flight and whenever I do, I always get uncomfortably dry, static-y hair. Would my newly hydrated locks hold up to this kind of pressure? My plane ride was a cross-country ordeal that lasted 5 1/2 hours and (did you guess it?) my hair came out just fine! It was amazing. This had never happened before. Now I’m just sad I couldn’t bring my new regimen with me, because I’m going to be here awhile.
Even nearly a month in, I’m pleased to say that my hair hasn’t gotten “tired” of the shampoo like it has with some previous products. You know that feeling, right? You get a new product that works great at first but then your body gets used to it or something and performance goes on a steep decline… this is what happened to me with Proactiv. Happily, I can report that Garnier Fructis Hydra Recharge has continued to perform well. I might just need to get a set to use in my new location.
365great Day 18: dust plugs
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Dust plugs are pretty popular in Asia, probably because they love to bedazzle and bling out their devices. They’re a fun and creative way to add some personal flair to your phone, tablet, or miscellaneous device with a headphone jack. You can get everything from really large, flamboyant, dangling ones to small, cute, “barely there” ones (or something in between). Whether you want to add a subtle accent to your device or you want to be noticed, there’s probably a style for you. Just check out some of the examples I have: little gems, adorable plastic animals, super shiny dangly ones…
These accessories take advantage of an often-ignored part of the phone that sits empty a lot (except for those of you who listen to music incessantly). And since they’re really easy to interchange, you can update them frequently based on your mood. If you’re interested, I’ve started to list some for sale over on DeckMyPhone.com so you can join in on this newest craze!
Freshly grown
While we sit here hoping that spring is finally on its way for real this time, let’s enjoy some of the great things that will grow…
365great Day 17: photo challenges
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Today marks the end of the March photo challenge! I chose to participate (mainly on Instagram) in #FMSPhotoADay, the one by Chantelle of FatMumSlim. Granted, I only joined in partway through the month, but I’ve been enjoying it and I think I’ll keep going through April. I like the challenge of taking a picture each day based on a single word, phrase, or idea. It keeps us alert to what’s going on around us and helps train us to see an opportunity for a cool shot in just about anything. I think it definitely makes creativity more accessible and fun; I’m a huge fan of trying to interpret the prompts in a unique way.
If you want to get better at anything, you should practice, so this is an excellent first step for amateur photographers. Get your feet wet, keep on doing & trying , and I bet you’ll improve! A nice side benefit of all of this is that you join a community of others working towards the same goal. It’s a lot of fun to share neat photos and see what others have to share as well. Maybe you’ll even make a friend! Plus, the feeling of successfully completing a month-long challenge is pretty rewarding too. Challenge yourself to a photo contest of some sort, join the community, and learn along the way! I bet you’ll feel pretty great next month.
Ribbon braiding
365great Day 16: massage oils
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I was always concerned about being too greasy after applying oil – I mean, some lotions are already greasy enough! However, after getting some oils in my Yuzen boxes, I figured I had to at least give them a chance. I started by applying them after showering, when my skin was most susceptible to drying out soon after. I was pretty surprised at how well they absorbed – a little goes a long way with these! As long as you don’t pour out too much and rub it all in, there’s no greasy residue or “oil marks” at all, so that’s great.
Plus – and maybe it’s just me – they smell soooo good! Perhaps it’s because of the gentle way that they let our their scents, but I prefer how oils smell to most lotions (which are usually too strong). And you can’t help but feel pampered when you oil up, even if you’re applying it yourself. If you’re lucky, get someone else to help you out and give you a massage in the process. 🙂 What a great way to relax, treat yourself, and be good to your skin.
365great Day 15: Daily Grommet
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Daily Grommet has been an excellent source of discovery for me! They consistently introduce fabulous products, ranging from sugru (which I am itching to get my hands on) to Squishables, which was featured earlier on 365great! When it comes to curated content for those looking for unique, often eco-friendly products, this is the place to be. If you are ever out of ideas for gifting, check out their recommendations – I guarantee you’ll find something cool.
Products range from practical to whimsical, from kitchenware to clothing, and so much more. Usually you’ll find a clever solution to common problems or something beautifully and elegantly designed. Each one has a compelling story, which is how they get chosen. I really can’t even begin to describe all the awesomeness you’ll encounter there, so I think the best thing to do is go browse yourself! Or hey, browse my own personal favorites here on my wishlist. I’m sure you’ll come across something great.
365great Day 14: sea monkeys
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Sea monkeys are seriously some of the coolest pets ever. They’re super low-maintenance, cost very little, and are immensely entertaining. For around $10-15, you can get a starter kit including aquarium, eggs, and food. I also recommend getting an aerater (they have the “million bubbles pump” or you can find your own tool) to help refresh the water. Beyond that, you really don’t have any other expenses! Just follow the directions to get your eggs hatching and you’re on your way to sea monkey bliss.
These little suckers are awkward and funny fellows that are really fun to watch. You can watch them grow from a pinpoint-sized dot to about 1 cm long, all the while swimming about energetically in their backwards flowing fashion. Soon enough, you’ll find a pair mating and if you’re lucky, your brood will multiply. At this point, it’s probably best to get them a larger container, since I think I’ve had batches die due to overcrowding. Other than that it’s super easy to care for them – just feed every few days and keep out of direct sunlight. They’re really hardy and can last a long time without a feeding, if you need to go on a trip or something. For that sort of convenience and price, sea monkeys as pets are a pretty great idea.