DIY Dry Shampoo for Brown Hair

Hey Look - A non-food post! :D

I've never been one to wash my hair daily. And since Munchkin was born, I will sometimes go 2-3 days without washing my hair (as long as there are no major engagements other than errands). So to extend my shampoos I started looking into Dry Shampoos. If you haven't heard of them it's a powder or spray you put on your hair to take out the grease, or something to that effect. I started with a spray I bought from Shoppers Drugmart which was HORRIBLE. It smelled like chemicals and made my hair look worse. Plus it went on white and left a white dusty tinge to my hair. Looking for alternatives I had someone suggest cornstarch. This worked very well but again white powder on brown hair didn't go so well. 
And once again Pinterest to save the day.
After a quick search I found the solution - cornstarch and COCO POWDER! Seriously? After a few tries and changes in techniques, this is my go to method to extend a shampoo. Plus who doesn't mind smelling like chocolate?

The mix is about 50/50 cornstarch to coco powder. You can mix more or less of one or the other depending on how dark your hair is.

My technique is this - I use an old stiff makeup brush for application. I find this works much better than using my hands. I start with a deep part about an inch above my ear and apply a light coat of powder. Then move the part up and repeat until you've done both sides. Give your head a good rub with your fingers to work everything in.
I find this works best before bed, with a quick touch up in the morning.

Couple of notes - Apply a little at a time, you can always add more if needed. I also avoid applying this directly on the part line, it can sometimes tinge your skin. This is also a messy process so keep your shirt covered.

Final review? I find it does make my hair less shiny but a bit dull, but I tend to tie up my hair on these days anyway so that's not a big deal to me. It really does take out the nasty 'need a shower' look and lasts most of the day as well. And no white powder!

Before - 24hrs post shower (eww)

After - Much improved!

And girls with bangs! Yes I do have bangs and yes I have used this, but I prefer to just wash my bangs and style as normal on my 'crap I'm late, no time to wash my hair' days.

Overall, a definite win. It took some tweaking to get the technique right but I really love this DIY Dry Shampoo.

Chocolate Avocado Mousse - Chocolaty Win

I am currently eating the fruits of my labour as I post this. So good I could not wait to share!

Sorry for the hiatus - we are going through a major life overhaul. Both the Hubby and I have/are starting new jobs and Munchkin just dropped his nap. So Life has been a little nuts over here. I plan to catch up fairly soon!

So on to the Chocolate Goodness or as I will now call it "Holy Crap this is Avocado??" Mousse.

I am forever in search of a desert that will satisfy my sweet craving but not killing my slowly shrinking waist line. I actually came across this recipe here when searching for ways to get more vegetables into the Munchkin. 

Now I must say I am NOT an Avocado person. I'm not a huge fan of it, I never buy it, and the only time I have it in my house is when my California born-and-raised Mother-in-Law is in town cause she puts Avocado on everything. Apparently its a California thing. But I'm sure I'd be disowned if Munchkin never tasted an Avocado.

This recipe does NOT taste like Avocado. YAY!

CHOCOLATE ACOVADO MOUSSE

with revisions

4 ripe avocados (3 were used)

1 cup agave syrup (replaced with 3/4 cup honey)

1 cup unsweetened coco powder (3/4 cups were used)

1 TBSP Vanilla Extract

Remove flesh from avocados and cut into chunks. Place all ingredients into stand up mixer or food processor (my blender worked fine) and blend until light and smooth. Chill, then serve.

This is the WHOLE RECIPE in one large bowl. Booyah!

Chill?? Haha yah right. I dare anyone who's been craving chocolate to take one lick of this out of the blender and wait for it to be chilled. 

This is a definite win recipe.

You get healthy fats from the avocado, not a whole tone of sugar but an excellent way to keep those chocolate cravings satisfied.

This recipe even with the reduction made a HUGE portion. And it's very rich - the bowl I've portioned out for myself is sitting right now cause it's almost too much. Almost ;)

It's thick but light, chocolatey, rich and down right amazing. And really does not taste like Avocado at all.

SOOO GOOOOOD!

Creamy Peanut Butter Dip - Win

If your kiddos are like my Munchkin healthy snacks and protein can be hit and miss. Sometimes he'll eat LOADS of chicken and fish and yogurt, and some days he won't touch a bite and reverts to a carbohaulic. Sound familiar?
We're having a quite day in today (yay waking up to toddler-vomit) and I was searching Pinterest for an light and easy snack that would be easy on tummies (and waistlines) :D Enter recipe for Creamy Peanut Butter Dip!

Now when I made this I totally winged it - no recipe in front of me, only knowledge of ingredients. The recipe below is what I used, but the original link with actual recipe is below

2-3 tbsp nut butter (I used almond butter)
3-4 tbsp low fat plain greek yogurt
1/4 tsp honey
dash of cinnamon
Mix ingredients
Slice up various fruit (we used Granny Smith apples), dip, and enjoy!

Whole think took about 3 minutes to create.

Apparently my photo won't rotate

Now if you search for this recipe it says it makes multiple portions. Unless you're like me and totally end up loving this dip and could eat it right out of the bowl with a spoon. So maybe divide it up if you're watching calories.
Overall - definite win! Really tasty and light, but full of protein (yay Greek yogurt!). This would work for snacks or a desert as well. Munchkin didn't try any (see previous comment about iffy-tummy today) but I have some left over and I'll report back if he ever gets around to trying some.

Overall a great quick recipe!
Original link from Fit Sugar