Cherub Learns Lesson #51 About God

I know I use this column for (unsolicited) advice, but this is too good not to share.  A young couple in our church were going to have a baby and, shortly before his birth, learned he would have Spina Bifida.  You can imagine the shock, the desire to learn what it meant followed by more shock. They learned to lean hard on God and that, while God doesn't always give us answers, He's always good!  Mrs. Teacher wrote a story to help Ker-bear and Scasmflop (he chose the nickname, not I!) to always remember God's goodness and read it at her baby shower.... and had everyone of us sniffling and boo-hooing right along with Ker-bear because it was such a good story.  I've been given permission to share it and so I do.  Here is "Cherub Learns Lesson #51 About God"

It was a BUSY day in Heaven! Oh my, so much was happening!  That meant that there were so many things to record in his big book that Angel had been sitting at his desk working steadily for... well... for quite a long while!

All of a sudden, Angel heard a sound he knew very well.  His young friend, Cherub, was coming his way.  Well, not just coming his way, but galloping like a runaway horse AND yelling very loudly at the same time.

"Angel, Angel!"  Cherub slowed to a fast trot as he breathlessly called out "Angel! Angellll! Are you here, Angel!?" 

As Angel stood up to welcome Cherub, Cherub BURST through the door and ran smack-dab into Angel! They rolled across the floor, robes, legs and arms spinning in wide circles.  Before Angel could pull his robes down over his knees, Cherub bounced up beside him, talking very loudly and very fast.

"Angel, God has another baby almost ready to go to earth!  But, Angel, I was watching, and He's not finished with the baby, and He doesn't know it because He's already started His Special Blessing Song.  Oh, Angel, help me tell God the baby isn't done yet! Please, Angel, we have to hurry!  Otherwise God will make a mistake!"

At this remark, Angel knew it was lesson time again.  Yes, indeed, it was time for Lesson #51 about God.

"Come along, Cherub."  said Angel, holding out his hand so that Cherub would lead him directly to where God was at work.  Cherub chattered excitedly about the new baby as they hurried to a special valley known in Heaven as "Babies Place".  As they entered, Someone was singing in a soft voice.

"God your Father loves you so,

Loves you so,

Loves you so.

God your Father loves you so

Now off to earth you go."

Cherub yelled before he even knew what he was doing!  "NO!"  And then, because he was terrified, he hid behind Angel's robes, hoping that God couldn't see him.  But Angel knew Cherub had to learn lesson #51, and so he reached behind his back, caught Cherub's arm and pulled his young friend around to face God.

God was looking right at him!  Then He spoke right to him, "Cherub, do you have something to tell Me?"

Cherub pointed to the baby boy in God's arms and blurted "God, that baby You're holding isn't finished!  Don't send it to its home on earth yet!"

God gazed down at the baby boy and then looked up.  "Yes, Cherub, this little boy is ready to got to his home on earth.  His Mommy's name is Karen and his Daddy's name is Bob.  They are waiting for him right now."

"But, God, his back isn't finished and his feet need a little more work!  Can't you please just finish him before he has to go?"

"Cherub, would you like to hold him?  His name is Carson."

Cherub looked up at Angel who nodded his head yes.  Cherub ran to sit beside God, but God pulled him right onto His lap and put little baby Carson in Cherub's arms!

God began speaking so softly that only Cherub could hear His voice.  "Cherub, you are very young.  Some things are not going to make sense to you right now.  Cherub, do you trust Me?"

As he thought about his answer, Cherub counted the baby's tiny fingers - yes, there were ten.  "Yes, I trust You."

"Will you trust Me even though you don't understand what I am doing in Carson's life?"

Cherub counted Carson's toes - yes, there were ten.  "Yes."

"Carson's mommy and daddy already know that Carson will need some finishing work on his back and feet.  But, Cherub, they know, and they already love him so much, they can hardly wait for his arrival."

Cherub continued touching the baby's soft skin.  "They know he's not finished but they love him anyway? Really God?"

"Yes, really."  God and Cherub looked at each other, and then Cherub hugged God's neck with all his might.  "God, I do trust you.  I'm sorry I yelled at you.  Will you forgive me?"

God hugged Cherub very closely and said in his ear, "You are forgiven, Cherub.  Now, would you like to sing My Special Blessing Song with Me before Carson goes to meet his mommy and daddy?"

As they watched Carson being whooshed over the edge of Heaven, carried in his guardian angel's protective arms, God and Cherub blended their voices in joyous song (of course, Cherub sang the loudest!)

God your Father loves you so,

Loves you so,

Loves you so.

God your Father loves you so

Now off to earth you go!

Later, as Angel and Cherub walked back (well, Angel walked, but Cherub - he ran back and forth looking at all the flowers beside the path), Angel asked Cherub, "What did you learn about God today?"

Although Cherub continued to examine a big yellow sunflower, he answered immediately and loudly, "God never makes mistakes!"

"Cherub, one more thing you might like to hear is a chorus that Carson's mommy and daddy learned as a choir song at their church.  It goes like this:"

God is too wise to be mistaken,

God is too good to be unkind.

For when you don't understand,

When you don't see His plan,

When you can't trace His hand

Trust His heart.

After a rare moment of silence, Cherub asked "Angel, isn't that like Proverbs 3:5 and 6?"

And, of course, it is.

THE END (for now)

By the way, the little Sweet Potato is over 3 months old now..... Does this look like God made a mistake to you?!?

Also by the way, if you know someone who has Spina Bifida kids, or who knows someone who knows someone.... This is a good web site for information, support and connecting with other parents of Spina Bifida kids.  It's wonderful!

http://spinabifidakids.blogspot.com/

Top Ten Suggestions For Driving Like An Idiot

10.  Talk or text on your cell phone while driving at speed.

9.    While talking to your passengers look at them, not the road.

8.    While talking, use frequent hand gestures to illustrate your point.  Gesturing with both hands is ideal.

7.    Change lanes at the same time you turn on your blinker. Do not check to see if next lane is clear. Ignore any honking you may hear, obviously they were in your way.

6.    Weave recklessly in and out of traffic at 20mph over the speed limit. Scream at the other drivers for not getting out of your way.

5.    When you see a highway patrol officer, come to an almost complete stop in the fast lane.  Do not move out of anyone's way as you do this.

4.    When you are in the fast lane and see you are about to pass your exit, cut across traffic to reach it.  Go over the median if you need to.

3.    Do not use the cruise control while driving on the freeway.  If someone tries to pass you, you will be able to quickly speed up.  Of course, then you will need to slow down again to conserve fuel.

2.    Drive with your head in the clouds.  Long trips on the freeway can get boring and monotonous.  Use your imagination and look at your surroundings rather than the road as you drive.

......and the number one suggestion for driving like an idiot:

1.    Get in, start the car and pull out of your driveway.

**Why, nooooooo.  I haven't been on the road with any idiots recently.  Why would you think that?  0,o*

The Gray Ghost Eats It All

We have in our home a beast known as a Weimaraner.  They're beautiful dogs in the Sight Hound Hunter family and are usually a cool silver coloring with eyes that are an unusual yellow color as adults.  They are graceful, aristocratic, love kids and are usually gentle whenever encountering someone who is in some way physically challenged.  They are also known as The Gray Ghost because of their unusual coloring and they way they hunt.  Jack is known as The Gray Rat!

That darn dog eats anything he can get his lips around! And I DO mean anything!  He's what our family has come to call a "counter surfer".  That means if you leave something on the counter, be sure it's far enough from any edge that the Gray Rat can't reach it!  I've lost a lambskin hat to The Rat.  The Squirt has lost several pairs of hosiery and we've all lost innumerable socks, kitchen towls, napkins, shoes, shoe inserts, etc. to this walking stomach!  Problem is, most of this stuff isn't good for The Gray Rat's digestive system.  In case you, too, have a counter surfing, laundry sniffing, get-into-whatever-it-can dog, here are a few tips to aid in your beloved Rat's digestive relief.

Hosiery:
When the Squirt lost hers we called the vet (since we didn't want nylon getting lodged in his intestines) and, once the giggling stopped, were told to use Ipecac on him.  Thing is, we didn't have any in the house and it was a Wednesday night, about an hour and a 1/2 before church.  We ran out the door to Walgreen's and bought some Ipecac (and promptly received a lecture from some stranger daring to give our child such a wicked source of evil harm to their little system! Oooooookayeeeee!), then raced home.  Now, the Squirt has trained The Gray Rat to let us hold his head and/or open his mouth, so he was okay when we first did this.  The directions say to give a specific amount, but all we had was a medicine dropper and we ended up having to give two shots of the stuff to get the correct dosage down his throat.  He allowed the first shot of the stuff, but it was nasty and he wasn't about to make the second shot quite as easy! (so be prepared if you have to do this!)

After giving him the correct dosage, we once again read the directions and found it takes twenty minutes to work! Sheesh!  So now, we're following The Gray Rat around to make sure he's outside when this takes effect.  He was, and the look of utter horror on his face as he retched up his stomach's entire contents made us feel like the worst of villans.  Once "The Event" was over, we gave him a little water and set about finishing getting ready to leave for church.

UNTIL!  We heard him making an odd "smacking" sound and realized HE WAS ABOUT TO BARF AGAIN! OUTSIDEOUTSIDEJACKOUTSIDENOW!  We got him out but a word to the wise. Ipecac makes you barf twice.  So, don't think your own beloved Rat is done doing the psychedelic yawn after only once.  And do NOT let him eat right away, either! (sometimes, you learn the hard way.... I don't really recommend it.)

We later learned another truth.  Like it or not, nylon will work it's way through a dog's intestines and no harm to the dog.  However, you will have to "assist" your dog's attempts to relieve himself of this undigestable mass.  It doesn't like to exit the rectal area on it's own and he will look at you with panic in his eyes over this THING hanging from his tuckus! Make sure he's OUTSIDE! and have several pairs of latex gloves for your hands as well as a bag to put this ICK into.  Plus, remember, nylon streeeeeeeeeetches!  So it's nice to have an assistant if possible.... although it's not always, as my dad found out.  Welcome to my world, Dad (snerk!)

Kitchen towels and/or socks:
Yes, he will eat these if given the chance.  Once again, this will actually make its way through his digestive tract (providing this is an on-the-large-side medium sized dog... or the towel/sock has been well shredded).  And, once again, depending on the amount of shredding, you may have to "assist" your dog by removing the shredded ICK from his tuckus.  To assist in the so-called digestive progress, it's a nice idea to give your dog a tablespoon of olive oil a couple of times a day until he passes his latest non-meal.  In fact, olive oil is a good thing to add to your dogs' meals on a daily basis as it helps keep his skin healthy and flake free and his coat soft and shiny.  But, on those (hopefully rare) days he decides he needs the extra fiber, give him at least 1 tablespoon extra per day.  It just makes it easier to get through and, hey! You may be lucky enough to NOT have to "help things along", as it were.

Chocolate:
We've all heard that chocolate is poison to your dogs' system.  It is.  If you happen to own a Dachshund, however, this is not as scary as it might seem.  We've owned two in my lifetime and I know others who have them as well.  It seems Doxies have cast-iron stomachs and can (and WILL) eat just about anything, too.  ESPECIALLY chocolate.  I know one over in Belgium that raided the suitcase of a couple visiting with her owners and ate two bags of chocolate.  My own Doxie ate at least a bag and a half of Hershey's Kisses (not at the same time).  In each of these two cases the only result was the dogs pooped colored tinfoil for a week.  This is not to say it's okay to feed your dog chocolate.  It's not.  Not even to a Doxie!  I'm just saying, don't panic if they get into it.  If your dog has eaten chocolate, call your vet. Depending on how recent the ingestion was you may be told to feed her Ipecac.  Hmm.... I'm seeing a pattern here.  Perhaps now would be a good time to say Ipecac would be a good thing to have in your (locked!) medicine cabinet.  Just in case!

Finally, have a sense of humor, people.  Dogs are like kids (only furrier!), they get into everything!  It does not get better with age, in their case.  They don't stop being nosey, they just slow down a little.  The Gray Rat is six, now, but he still eats the occasional sock (or whatever) just to keep us on our toes.

Hey, Squirt? Where's the Ipecac!?

The E-Scent-tials of Life! Mentha X Piperita:

Oh, wondrous mentha x piperita, how do I love thee? Let me count the ways!!!

Okay, okay, I'll dial it down.... 1/2 a notch.... maybe! Essential oil of peppermint, how-some-ever, should be in EVERYone's medicine cabinet. Allow me to explain (and I'll try not to dramatize too much). I am learning about, and coming to love, essential oils. That is, the oil that is extracted from such plants as roses, lavender and, yes, peppermint to name just a (very) few.

About four or five years ago, I discovered this wonderful book called "Aromatherapy Through The Seasons" by Judith Fitzsimmons and Paula Bousquet. It's a terrific book with a list of quite a number of essential oils along with recipes for their various mixtures and uses. I will, from time to time, bring up various oils and have been given permission by Ms. Fitzsimmons to reproduce some of her recipes. If you want them all, well, you'll just have to buy the book yourself. Trust me, it's well worth the money!

The main reason I decided to buy this book was because I am a certified massage therapist and, at the time, was working for a minor league hockey team. I needed good oil recipes for the care of these men's abused muscles. I found those recipes in Aromatherapy and learned a good bit for my personal use in the process.

From time to time, I suffer from migraines. Well, I suffer from them if I don't catch them early enough or, occasionally, if they're so bad catching them early enough merely means being able to keep the pain to a semi-tolerable level. On those particular days, I resort to a trick I learned from reading Ms. Fitzsimmons' book. Mentha x piperita. Peppermint oil. A drop (just 1) on the finger tip and massage it into my aching temples, across my forehead at the hairline and even up the back up of my neck. Peppermint has properties that cause a capillary reaction; they warm from the oil (which is a conundrum because peppermint is cooling oil... but it really does warm!) and expand allowing increased blood flow which, in turn, allows the meds to reach where they're most needed. The warming action is also a distraction to your nerves. Instead of busily throbbing from the pain, they think "Oh. Look. Heat. Let's pay attention here!"

A piece of advice when using this oil in this manner? Make sure you have nowhere to drive yourself. Something about the fumes from the oil can make your eyes feel like they'd rather stay closed. Indulge them. Lie back and let the oil and meds, do the work. Also, if your headaches and/or migraines make you sensitive to smells, you might not want to try this. The Squirt absolutely can NOT stand strong smells when she gets a migraine. Which, unfortunately, means she can’t use this oil to reduce her pain. If you're desperate enough to try it anyway, try it in smaaaaaaall doses. Peppermint oil really is very strong. I would suggest diluting it in a small bottle of canola oil (yes, canola cooking oil can be rubbed into the skin and it will absorb. I used it on my hockey players all the time.). One drop in about 2 tablespoons should do it. If it's still too strong for you, dilute it with one more tablespoon of oil. If that doesn't work, you may be one of the unlucky few like the Squirt.

(aside)
Another headache reliever is Lavender oil. It's a milder scent than peppermint and also very good at relieving tension headaches. In this case, don't rub it into the skin. Put a few drops on a cotton ball or tissue and keep it near your nose. As the scent soothes and relaxes you, the pain should also subside.

(back to the story)
Another thing about peppermint oil, it's good for an upset stomach. I'd actually recommend drinking peppermint tea rather than the oil, but I know Europeans will put a drop or two in a glass of warmish-hot water and drink it. I tried that. Not a pleasant taste (tho' it did work). Go with the tea. Honestly. Or, as an alternative if you don't have tea, peppermint gum. Of course, now you're diluted with sugars, etc., but it can help a bit to calm the tummy and when you're hurting... any port in a storm, eh?

Now, for the treat. A couple of Ms. Fitzsimmons recipes using that wonderful oil, mentha x piperita.  We've all pushed ourselves a little too far, or turned at just the wrong moment in just the right/wrong way and BAM! we've pulled or sprained a muscle. I've used the following recipe to great effect on both athletes and non-athletes alike. If you want to make up more than just a couple of tablespoons worth of this mix, be sure to put it in a dark brown or blue bottle and keep it stored in a dry, dark place (like your pantry... just label it well so someone doesn't mistake it for some sort of exotic cooking oil!)

Muscle Sprain Remedy:
10 drops Eucalyptus oil
10 drops Peppermint oil
10 drops Rosemary oil
Mix the oils into 2 tablespoons of vegetable (or canola) oil. Cool sprain with ice pack for 20 minutes, then massage with blend. (Warning: do not use rosemary oil if you are pregnant or epileptic. It is not recommended to use rosemary oil on infants as it is rather strong for them.)

This still feels good if you don't have a sprain, just stiff, tired muscles. Rosemary and peppermint are very good for getting the circulation going.

And for those of you who can't use an alcohol-based mouthwash, this next (and last for tonight) recipe is for you.

Mouthwash:
4 drops Lemon oil
2 drops Peppermint oil
Mix the oils into 2 cups of distilled water (or water you have boiled and allowed to cool). Don't knock it until you've tried it. The flavoring differences between peppermint and lemon make a refreshing, effective and tasty brew. [just be sure to shake well before each use.... oil and water and all that]

Now, lest any of you think I would just pull an idea or recipe out of my hat and throw it at you, rest assured that I will not post anything on this site for which I haven't already done empirical testing. In other words, I've already tried it and it's worked. This is also not to say the things that work for me will have the same effect for you. If you even suspect you are having a reaction to something, cease all usage immediately and, if it doesn't clear up, see your doctor. Better safe than sorry.

That said, I also want it understood that, while I like essential oils and think aromatherapy is a good and relaxing thing, I do not think these things take the place of medications your doctor may have prescribed for you. If you are already on medications, please check with your physician to be sure none of your medications will react badly to any essential oils.

However, I do think essential oils have their place in our arsenal against headaches, germs, cuts and scrapes, insect bites, tummy troubles, etc. After all, God created the plants these oils came from and He said in Ezekiel 47:12 "And by the river upon the bank thereof, on this side on and on that side, shall grow all trees for meat....: and the fruit thereof shall be for meat, and the leaf thereof for medicine." God wanted us healthy. He wanted us happy. He invented herbs, oils and, more recently, what we call "modern" medications for us. Trying the "natural route" is fine and to be encouraged, but don't abandon your doctor all together. Learn to mix the two harmoniously.

One final note, a legitimate, caring herbalist or aroma-therapist will be more than happy to deal with your doctor as needed.  If you find someone who tries the line "I can help you where your doctor cannot. And he will not be able to find out about this illness without causing it to spread too rapidly to cure...." is a snake oil salesman.  Pure and simple.  The same way "beautiful oriental women to massage you" parlors give legitimate massage therapists a bad name, so do these snake oil salesmen give legitimate herbalist and aroma-therapists a bad name.  RUN. FROM. THEM!  You can find someone legitimate by asking around.  And by questioning the herbalist or aroma-therapist about their willingness to give details to your doctor.

 Okay, okay one more "One Final Note", this one from Ms. Fitzsimmons' website (which is listed below):
Leave It to the Pros:

Just because [plants/oils are] found in nature, that doesn't mean you don't need to exercise care when using essential oils. Essential oils are potent and concentrated extracts and are approximately 75-100 times more concentrated than a dried plant. Pure essential oils from plants must appear in the product in quantities considered therapeutic and should ideally be of the finest quality.

A trained aromatherapist understands the therapeutic properties of each plant that offer natural healing actions and knows the appropriate use of each essential oil, including how to blend oils properly. This allows them to create safe and effective aromatherapy solutions.  
 
This is not to say you can't use the recipes provided.  These are recipes Ms. Fitzsimmons has specifically created and printed for your use and enjoyment.

And don't be afraid to educate yourself!   http://www.aromatherapysolutions.com/

Tea For What Ails You

I am a great lover of tea.  Blame it on my English antecedents if you must, but hot tea is simply good for what ails you!  And, if you start looking at all the herbal teas out there.... apparently a lot ails us!

No, actually, there are teas that are specifically formulated to aid our bodies in fighting off or recuperating from various illnesses and discomforts.  Actually, in some cases, "discomfort" may be too mild a word.  I speak of that "curse of all women", or, as Rachel put it in Genesis 31:35 when she told her father she couldn't stand at his entering into her home because "the custom of women is upon me".... nice euphamism, eh?

Some of my favorite teas are custom blends done by Spice Traders and Teas (yes, I will post their web site at the end of this post).  They have a lovely light, refreshing blend called Morning Rose.  Other than the fact that one of it's main ingredients is rose hips, and rose hips are just chock full of vitamin C, this tea isn't necessarily a "cure" or aid for any ailments.  I mention it because it truly is a wonderful morning tea. Especially if you have the joy of sitting on your porch, in a swing, listening to the birds sing. (~sigh~)

Then there's the tea my BFF "Mad Molly" enjoys, Pirate Chi!  It has ginger (good for digestion), cinnamon, cloves and cardamom (get the blood flowing) and will wake you up! (don't even ASK about the coffee she drinks!)

However, I mentioned "discomfort" and "the curse - or custom - of all women" in conjunction with teas when I started and there was a reason.  Spice Traders and Teas has a tea called "Women's Blend" for us at "that time of the month" and, sisters, let me tell you I just love this tea!! When I feel achy, sore, tired, cramped, bloated.... any of it or all of it.... I make a nice, hot mug of this tea.  Whether it's the heat, the actual blending of herbs used by Spice Traders or my own mental beliefs, this tea sooooooothes me.  It's not long before I realize I'm not cramping or sore, I'm less bloated.... I can just breath again! I have highly recommended this tea to others and now I HIGHLY recommend it to you! 

Now, don't get me wrong.  This is not a miracle cure all.  I do not guarantee it will work for everyone.  There are some who are on medications for more than just the monthly "custom of women" and it's entirely possible that it won't have the same benefits for you as it has for me.  But, at $7.00 for 2 ounces (that's actually a LOT of tea!!!) it's not a loss for you to try it!  And, if you happen to be a lover of tea, such as I am, you may wish to try some of the others they have listed.  Again, at (about) $7.00 for 2 ounces (again, a LOT of tea), it's actually a good price.  Remember, this is all custom blended tea.  You're not buying if off the shelf next to the Lipton.

There is also another brand of tea I've come to enjoy.  It's called Traditional Medicinals and they, too, have quite the varitey.  You can find them at most health food stores, surprisingly enough in the tea aisle at the Super Target stores and, yes, on line as well.  There is one tea I have come to love called Organic Throat Coat.  You see, right around the beginning of December, I usually get a brief cold accompanied by a sore throat and/or swollen tonsils.  Between the coughing, the meds and the dry winter atmosphere, I usually end up with a very dry throat.  Since I sing in our church choir, this creates a problem!  Throat Coat to the rescue!  It has a variety of good-for-your-throat herbs in it not the least of which are licorice root, slippery elm bark and marshmallow root.  These are all wonderful herbs for aiding the healing and moisturizing of your throat.  And it has a slightly sweet taste to it that makes it enjoyable.  Again, a tea I do not hesitate to recommend to you.

You poor men are probably wondering "what about us!?"  Well, why don't you head on over to Spice Traders and Teas and see what they have available as well?  Since it IS run and owned by a man, I believe he'll have some "masculine" teas for you as well.  If that doesn't work for you, Traditional Medicinals has a tea, Dandelion Root, that smells a lot like coffee (it's a roasted blend, which is probably why).  Have your wife buy some and wrap your lips around it.  Even my Dad enjoyed that one!

http://www.spicetradersteas.com/teas.htm

http://www.traditionalmedicinals.com/

Hair: Softness for Coarse Hair

My little sister (hereafter referred to as Squirt, or The Squirt) and I each have jealousy issues regarding the others' hair. I am envious of the way her hair moves like the models in all those shampoo commercials, a smooth waterfall of silken hair. She, on the other hand, is jealous of the fact my hair will not only hold a curl for longer than it takes my hair to cool from the curling iron, but that I can "do things" with my hair while she is limited to pony tails or hanging straight. The one thing I truly don't like about my hair is what my Mom genetically gifted to me.... it's coarse.

Yes, coarse hair holds a curl and, yes, I love being able to make up interesting hair styles, but I'd give a lot to have soft, silky hair when I decide to blow dry it straight. I believe I have, finally, found The Answer to that softness. Herbal Essences Hello Hydration.

Yes, fellow coarse hair sufferers, Herbal Essences Hello Hydration is WONderful! One of it's main ingredients is coconut milk and it's one of the best hydrating, softening agents there is. Once I started using this shampoo and conditioner, my hair was the softest it's ever been since I was a baby!

Then, I discovered a side effect that affects only those of us who must, reluctantly, make friends with either Lady Clarol or Dame Garnier Nutrisse... I speak of dying of the hair. Yes, my mother's second genetic gift was early gray. I've been dealing with it since the age of 16. Not so bad to begin with but, as a red head, it starts to cause a very... ahh... faded look. Red and gray hair do NOT mix! So, I began denying my (premature) aging by dying (the color, not the finale!).

The side effect I discovered with Herbal Essence was that my newly dyed hair color faded faster, and all over, than I thought it should. My hair stylist finally told me the secret to slowing that fade and still keeping that silkiness I craved. Use a color protector/enhancer shampoo and condition with my Herbal Essence Conditioner!
Oh, the joy! Yes, it works!! So, my two new best friends (after my colorist) are Pantene's Red Expressions and Herbal Essence Hello Hydration.

Now, you may wonder why I don't use both Pantene products, shampoo and conditioner. Well, for me, the only Panetene product I can use that doesn't feel like there's a heavy film over my hair is the Red Expressions. Sadly, the other products don't soften, they only coat and weigh down. This is not to say Pantene will not work for you, so go ahead and try it. The Squirt won't use anything but the Red Expressions, either (yes, my parents gave birth to TWO red heads... oh, the horror!) because, since her hair is so fine in spite of it's thickness, Pantene only weighs her hair down. I don't know what the difference is with their color Expressions shampoo vs. their other products, but it doesn't leave a heavy coating or film. And the Red Expressions most certainly keeps my color longer. Combined with my Herbalessences conditioner, it makes me a very happy, soft-haired red head!

Warming Up

This is a new blog and this one is for any advice I feel the need to hand out. But, this one is going to be about simpler things, like the shampoo and conditioner that works best with "color enhanced" hair (per my hair stylists' advice) or what herbal tea works best for a sore throat, or even what's going on with my newest hobby obsession. So this is simply an introductory note for this blog. Sort of, "Oh, by the way, stop over here to see what I think about Tea Tree oil as an anti-fungal/bacterial for cuts and rashes!" Or even "Hey! You should SEE the idea I got for making a new necklace from my new wire works magazine!!"

Check in periodically to see what's going on. Even tell me YOUR ideas for herbal remedies and hobbies! I like to hear new ideas (but don't be surprised if I throw in Scripture from time to time, too!)