Elmo's Can't Stop Singing in Lexington ($3 Discount Code!)

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Lexington, Kentuckians, you're in for a real treat. That lovable red-bundle-of-joy is heading to the Rupp arena October 19-21.  Yep, Elmo will be singing his little heart out in “Can’t Stop Singing” with Play Zone. 

And what's even better than spending a family fun-filled day with Elmo?  Well saving $3 off tickets to do so!  Right now, you can use code USF to obtain $3 off at http://www.ticketmaster.com/venueartist/180350/1722557/?brand=sesamestreet

The reviews I've read so far are amazing and this is certain to be a spectacular show!  Be sure to grab your seats before they sell out!





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Trick or Treat ~ Bugs Card Game #Giveaway (4 Winners!)

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I have to admit, I'm not a huge fan of creepy crawlers.  We have a general agreement with each other, though, as long as I don't see them, they get to live happy little lives.  I'm fully aware of how important bugs are to our eco-system and I appreciate them for it, but still, not my favorite little guys.

However, since discovering the "Bugs" Card Game, I have a new appreciation for them, at least when it comes to encouraging math skills and providing hours of entertaining fun.

The basic premise of the game:  A swarm of bugs is in the neighborhood and you want to be the first player to clear your yard of any bugs (play all the cards in your hand). Toss in some bug repellent  netting, and the occasional exterminator and the action is fast-paced, competitive fun!

My rural boys (ages 9 and 11) fall right in the suggested age for game play (10+) and had a blast making bug noises, aiding each other in keeping track of numbers, and racing to not be the last bug standing.

Bugs is creepy enough for a cool Halloween treat, or simply to enjoy for every day game play.

For more information on Bugs and other terrific games, visit http://valleygames.ca/




WIN IT!

Rural Mom has teamed up with 3 amazing Bloggers for this event: Melanie form 2Boys+1Girl=OneCrazyMom, Grace from Blessed Elements, and Pam from Just Like June

Today, thanks to the game-savvy folks at Valley Games, four (4) lucky readers will each win one (1) Bug Card Game!

ENTER using the Rafflecopter below:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclosure: I received a product to review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed in this post are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255. No purchase necessary. Void where prohibited by law. Open to US shipping addresses only excluding Hawaii and Alaska No APO/FPO addresses.; 18 years old and above. All winners will be provided a tracking number and we will not be held responsible for damaged or lost packages. No other prizes will be used to compensate if lost or damaged.Email ThisBlogThis!Share to TwitterShare to Facebook

How Will Your Dinner Help Fight World Hunger?

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Did you know that our planet produces enough food for everyone, yet nearly one billion of us (1 in every 7 people) still go to bed hungry?

I truly enjoy serving the fruits of our farm and our local farmers market.  After all, sustainable living is the crux of rural life.  But there are many items on our supper table that do not have a local origin, and I haven't always stopped to think about where the products come from, if the company has sustainable practices, or what place that product has in our global food system.

Yet, if we are combat world hunger, it's important to understand how the food items in our home either support or deter our efforts.  On October 16, this is a topic that will be prevalent at our dinner table, thanks to Oxfam America's efforts.


Oxfam America has teamed up with a host of allies across the US and around the globe. They have a simple yet compelling idea—to host a World Food Day dinner October 16th that fosters a conversation about where your food comes from, who cultivates it, and how you can take personal actions that will make the food system more just and sustainable.

You can join us on World Food Day to help your dinner table combat world hunger by signing up to host a World Food Day dinner discussion. Oxfam has tons of free materials including a discussion guide, placemats, and recipe ideas from acclaimed chefs Jamie Oliver, Mary Sue Milliken, and others.

Everything you'll need to host a discussion can be found at www.oxfamamerica.org/worldfoodday  ~ I'm committed to focusing on sustainable change, will you join me? Email ThisBlogThis!Share to TwitterShare to Facebook

Cooking Healthy with Freshfoods Cook –n–Blend Baby Food Maker

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What better time is there to introduce your children to wholesome foods than during their infancy?

Navigating the grocery store aisles is becoming more and more difficult.  As new studies come to light, there are increasing concerns with chemicals, contaminants, and overall health properties of what's on the shelf.  For these reasons, and many others including the impact of our buying power on the eco-system, Rural Mom supports sustainable living practices and wholesome food options like those the Freshfoods™ Cook –n–Blend Baby Food Maker offers.

It's incredible how easy NUK has made making fresh baby food purees and tasty toddler foods.  In under 20 minutes, from cut to cook time, I had two heaping servings of Apple & Pear Puree ready to let cool for feeding, or to store for use later.

The fresh, pure taste is difficult to convey adequately through text and pictures, but it certainly is amazing!  I can applesauce regularly, but nothing compares to a serving  mixed fresh, with no sugar needed as the flavor and sweetness of the fruit shines through.  The juice leftover from the steaming process was also a nice treat - so no waste!


Another feature I love is that you can not only be assured your child is eating fresh, healthy food selections, but also save money in the process.  It's far more economical to grow your own ingredients or purchase fresh produce from the farmers market, then turn them into fabulous meals for your little one.

Here's a quick demo of the process for making the Apple & Pear Puree recipe



The Freshfoods Cook –n–Blend Baby Food Maker features include:

• Steam cooking which helps preserve vitamins
• Ability to cook and blend food using the same bowl
• Double flavor baskets to help preserve distinct flavors
• Large capacity bowl that allows preparation of up to four meals in advance
• Double blending functions to create smooth or chunky food textures
• Spatula and spatula storage hook
• Special smoothie blade and smoothie functions
• Capacity to cook, reheat, and defrost foods

On top of all this goodness, it's super easy to clean and the removable parts are dishwasher safe (recommend top shelf.)  
The unit steam cooks most fruits and vegetables and even fish and meats. A simple batch of applesauce takes about 14 minutes and the highest cooking times come in at only 17 minutes, making it feasible to get a few days or even a week's worth of cooking finished in an afternoon.   
I always share drawbacks with products, but really could not find one with the Freshfoods Cook-n-Blend Baby Food Maker, other than, perhaps, that I'd love to have a larger version or multiple units to make several batches of fresh applesauce mixtures for dinner guests!  This machine is certainly capable of making purees and smoothies satisfying for adults, too. 
For more information on the NUK Freshfoods Cook-n-Blend Baby Food Maker and other innovative baby products, visit http://bit.ly/nukusaCooknBlend, the NUK Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/NukUSA, or stay in touch with NUK via Twitter at @NukUSA



Disclosure:  I received a NUK Freshfoods Cook-n-Blend Baby Food Maker for review purposes.  All thought and opinions are solely that of Rural Mom.  I am not obligated to share this product information or my thoughts on the product, I choose to because I find this to be a high quality product worth sharing!Email ThisBlogThis!Share to TwitterShare to Facebook

National Costume Swap Day

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Today (October 13) is National Costume Swap Day - a truly nifty way to go green this Halloween and a great way to save money, too.

Hundreds of communities across the country will gather this weekend to “swap” old costumes for new as a way to celebrate Halloween in an environmentally friendly and affordable way.

Most events are being held today at various times, though swaps are happening throughout October nationwide.  For specific events visit http://www.greenhalloween.org/CostumeSwap/find_2012.html.

If you are not able to make it to a costume swap event today, consider hosting one of your own.  Your friends will certainly be appreciative and it's a great way to show children the values of sharing and re-purposing.Email ThisBlogThis!Share to TwitterShare to Facebook

Book Spotlight: Rise Of The Demons: Oceans of Red Volume 1 by Willow Cross

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Title: Rise Of The Demons: Oceans of Red Volume 1 Author: Willow Cross Publisher: Self Published Pages: 67
Blurb:
By 2015 the streets of Los Angeles have been transformed from a thriving metropolis to a hostile world ravaged by demons bent on assimilating the human race. Standing between this total apocalypse of humanity and their chance for survival is 19 year old Remy Martin.

 A warrior in her own right, trained to think on her feet and kill if the situation requires, she is flanked by her older brother and younger sister.  Together, they devise a plan to take back the streets.  Against the wishes of their father, who commands the resistance forces, they venture into unknown realms of the supernatural in a race against time with the fate of the entire world in their young hands.

Join them on their mission into darkness where death lies around every corner, it is virtually impossible to distinguish your enemies from your allies, and a single mistake could result in the annihilation of everyone you've ever known and loved.
Buy Links:
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Media Links:
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About Willow Cross

Willow Cross resides in Arkansas with her husband, two children still young enough to live at home, an enormous cat named Bitsy, and a neurotic dog named Tank. Her home has been known to host the occasional ghost and several of her friends profess to be witches. Although she dearly loves Vampires and Werewolves, they are never invited for dinner.  





Oceans of Red Volume I Rise of the Demons
Eight sets of red glittered in the darkness.  Remy slowly brought the sword around in an arc above her head.  “Four.  You copy?”  A voice answered from the tiny earpiece, “Copy that.  We need one, Rem.  Think you can handle that?” Her neck popped as she rolled her head.  First to the left, and then to the right.  Pushing her shoulders back, she released the last bit of pent up tension in her muscles.  The only sound breaching the unnatural silence, filling the dark city streets, was the rasp of her leather jumpsuit as she repositioned her body.  Knees slightly bent and sword ready, her eyes remained focused on the approaching men.  “Again?” “Sorry, boss says we need more intel.” “Just freaking wonderful.” A dark parking lot wasn’t the best place to fight demons.  Too many vehicles to hide behind.  Her head jerked to the left as one blurred and separated from the others.  His movement so fast, she nearly missed it.  “Think I found the leader.  He might take off before I can kill the other three.” “Copy that.  Do what you can.  Go for Kangaroo Alpha.” A smiled appeared on her lips.  Her father had the weirdest sense of humor. 

Joseph Campbell: Mythos - The Complete Series DVD Review

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Offering fifteen remastered and visually stunning lectures from one of the greatest storytellers of our times, Joseph Campbell: Mythos – The Complete Collection arrives to DVD in a value-priced set from Athena on September 18, 2012. Hosted by Academy Award® winner Susan Sarandon, these remarkable talks broadcast continually on PBS explore subjects ranging from Arthurian romances to modern myth. Over a career that spanned nearly 40 years, eminent scholar Joseph Campbell inspired artists, academics, and laypeople with his passion for myth and is best known from The Power of Myth interviews with Bill Moyers, inspiring George Lucas to create Star Wars, and his “follow your bliss” philosophy. The DVD 6-Vol. boxed set includes all three series, plus a 12-page viewer’s guide with a never-before-published essay from Joseph Campbell, biography of the scholar, and more ($99.99, AthenaLearning.com).

During the final years of his life, Campbell embarked on a speaking tour in which he drew together all that he had learned about what he called the “one great story” of humanity. With these remarkable talks Campbell examines the core myths of the great Western traditions and modern myths.  These remarkable lectures were filmed and are presented here in the order and manner in which Campbell himself intended, with enhanced images and in minimally edited form. The lectures have been broadcast on PBS, where it’s a perennial favorite.
Collection includes: Mythos I – The Shaping of Our Mythic Tradition: Myths, symbols, and the birth of human consciousness. Mythos II – The Shaping of the Eastern Tradition: Universal mythic stories and images in the religions of Asia. Mythos III – The Shaping of the Western Tradition: Mythic themes in the tales and philosophies of the modern West.
BONUS FEATURES: 12-page viewer’s guide with a never-before-published essay by Joseph Campbell, a biography of the scholar, information on the Joseph Campbell Foundation, and more.

 Our Thoughts

Mythology is one of my favorite subjects. We can learn so much about the people of the past and how much we really all have is common by looking at the myths of the past. In Joseph Campbell's Mythos: The Complete Series, he delves into the myths, legends and symbols of eastern and western civilization. You might think watching a lecture for hours would be boring, but I found myself glued to my seat as I ingested the knowledge Mr. Campbell had to share. He touched on all my favorite topics from Authorian legends to the modern religions of Asia. I would recommend this series to anyone who enjoys philosophy or mythology.


 If you love a good documentary as much as I do, especially one that is a mythology lesson, than this is the box set for you. You can order Joseph Campbell: Mythos - The Complete Series for only $85.99 at Acorn Media.



***Please note that I received no form of monetary compensation for this post. I did receive a sample of the product to try in order to write a fair and honest review. The opinions expressed in this review are my own and were not influenced in any way. ***

Book Spotlight - Temperature: Bitter Cold By Adam Santo

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Adam Santo offers this riveting sequel to his debut dark fantasy novel of the Temperature Trilogy. It will have readers twisting and turning in their seat. A magnificent blend of intrigue and suspense, with a dash of trenchant wit. Sally’s trek through a world of unimaginable creatures will bring her face to face against a menacing entity to outdo them all – the church’s secret division, The Cross. Sally has been kidnapped by them and Bocnic, her zombie-fied knight in slightly shiny armor, must find her before it’s too late. And, that’s just the beginning. Much more stirs beneath the deviously shallow waters of life than either of them know about. Will riptides of a forlorn lover drive a wedge between Sally and Bo? How will this bitterly end?





 About the Author
 Adam Santo was born and raised in Southern California before joining the Army for his short lived career as a soldier in Colorado Springs. Currently living and writing in Florida with his family and faithful dog, Copper.

Where to Buy
You can find both Temperature: Bitter Cold and the first book in the series,Temperature: Dead and Rising online at Author House.

I'm Straight...

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(image source unknown) If you follow me on Twitter, then you already know I straightened my hair last Wednesday. I tweeted a pic, but didn't really have much time to really get into to it. However, I did record the whole flat ironing process and HOPEfully..notice the emphasis on hope...I'll have it posted this week.Until then continue reading to see how my hair has been holding up...Wednesday 11/23Friday 11/25...curls from pin-curling at night!Saturday 11/26...Mrytle Beach, SCMonday 11/28...still straight as I type this post

Today's Hair...Turban Edition

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All tied up! On a random and somewhat wasteful trip to Marshall's I came across this cute scarf under a pile of clearance junk. It has an "ethnic" with splashes of coral, teal, yellow and outlines of black. I love it! It's not too thick, the length and softness is perfect for head wrapping.My hair underneath is a week old stretched braid-out, gathered up into a loose bun. The bangs are simply twisted loosely to the side and the ends were secured with bobby pins. This is a super easy look to disguise a bad hair day or to add a bit of funk to your everyday...same ol same ol...hair routine.I'm sure some are going to ask if I recorded a tutorial and the answer is yes! BUT the video came out terrible. The whole top part of my head was out of view and I was just yapping away without even noticing lol! I will rerecord, just not until next week, but in the meantime check out one of my fave vloggers, Taren916's scarf tying tutorial >> HERE!!

My Gluten Free Journey with Udi's Part Deux

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This month I embarked on a 14 Day Gluten Free Journey inspired by Udi's (read more about my first day thoughts HERE.)  I'm 8 days in now, have some interesting changes going on with my body and have learned some valuable lessons along the way so far.

The first thing I noticed is I have no body bloat.  You know, that uncomfortable feeling where you have puffy parts, particularly in the abdomen region?  Well, that has disappeared. And it only made a reappearance on the day I slipped and indulged in a non-gluten free meal at a dinner theater.  Got back on track with gluten free the next day and "poof!" puffy body bloat gone again.

Without the bloat in the belly area, I'm finding that I need a belt to keep my pants up (totally great feeling!) and I simply, generally overall feel better, healthier, and less "weighed" down.

Udi's has not only been a great inspiration for me to go 100% gluten free but they've certainly made it 100% easier for me to feel like I'm not sacrificing foods or flavors in the process.  All the items I love to have from time to time are still available to me with gluten free pizza, muffins, cookies, bagels, bread, rolls, granola, and a range of other staples in my dietary preferences.

What has not been easy is navigating dietary choices on-the-go or at restaurants.    CeliacCentral.org has some handy printable guides and I found a number of websites listing hidden sources of gluten (just Google "hidden gluten in foods") that were helpful.  Still it's difficult to truly know if a restaurant dish includes any hidden sources, so I'm getting really good at asking questions!

Roma Tomato and Cheese Pizza made with Udi's Gluten Free Pizza Crust and homemade pizza sauce

In my own kitchen, it's been easier to sort things out by reading labels thoroughly, searching for words like "contains wheat."  It's really amazing to learn how many things may contain gluten that I had not thought of such as mayonnaise, packaged rice, sour cream, yogurt, canned baked beans, and mustard.

As good as I'm getting at identifying hidden sources on labels, I didn't think about things like cross-contamination in my kitchen (because my family is not gluten free) that I will need to begin addressing.  Things as simple as using the toaster can cross-contaminate a gluten-free product.  Learning to have a gluten free kitchen will be my next step in this evolving process.

Do you think that you may be gluten sensitive?

If you have fatigue, GI distress, unexplained weight loss/gain, infertility, inability to concentrate, or tingling/numbness in legs, you may be contending with Celiac Disease or a Gluten Intolerance. Be sure to open up a dialogue with your doctor if you have concerns.

If you've been considering or already embarking on a gluten free diet, join me in the 14 day challenge, or follow along as I'll continue to report my findings along the way.

If you are interested in sampling Udi's Gluten Free foods, check out their $1 off coupon offer at http://shop.udisglutenfree.com/special-offers

Disclosure: I received product and information from Udi's for review purposes. All thoughts and opinions are solely that of Rural Mom. I am choosing to participate in the 14 day Gluten Free Challenge for personal health reasons, I am not receiving compensation for my time or communications.Email ThisBlogThis!Share to TwitterShare to Facebook

Elmo's Can't Stop Singing in Lexington ($3 Discount Code!)

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Lexington, Kentuckians, you're in for a real treat. That lovable red-bundle-of-joy is heading to the Rupp arena October 19-21.  Yep, Elmo will be singing his little heart out in “Can’t Stop Singing” with Play Zone. 

And what's even better than spending a family fun-filled day with Elmo?  Well saving $3 off tickets to do so!  Right now, you can use code USF to obtain $3 off at http://www.ticketmaster.com/venueartist/180350/1722557/?brand=sesamestreet

The reviews I've read so far are amazing and this is certain to be a spectacular show!  Be sure to grab your seats before they sell out!





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Trick or Treat Party Lite #Giveaway

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Do you love candles and home decor, too? Then Party Lite has the perfect products for you. We are super excited to have Party Lite as part of our Trick or Treat Event.

Rural Mom has teamed up with 3 amazing Bloggers for this event: Melanie form 2Boys+1Girl=OneCrazyMom, Grace from Blessed Elements, and Pam from Just Like June

Thanks to my dear friend Pam at Just Like June, we're bringing you yet another Treat this month. Check out her review and the great giveaway below:

PAM: I’ve never been a huge holiday decorator. Don’t get me wrong, I love to visit my friends’ homes who decorate extensively for the holidays and “ohhh” and “awww” over their creations. I’m always slightly jealous I don’t have the creativity to decorate like that. Then I remember the main reason I don’t do extensive decorating is the kids and cats usually knock over my decorations and I hate packing things up after the holidays.


My kids, however, want some decorating for Halloween. We do the usual things, carve a Jack-o-Lantern, hang a Halloween wreath on the door, and make a Fall themed lawn display of a couple of hay bales and a scarecrow. This year, we’re adding a new twist to our décor, Halloween candles and scent warmers from Party Lite. Not only do these candles add a spooky touch, with their orange and black colors, they smell good too! That’s important in a house with kids, pets and a husband who has a tendency to burn sausage anytime he cooks it for breakfast.




Our Scent Plus Melts came in a choice of Ginger Pumpkin and Halloween Night. After the sausage fiasco, I added Ginger Pumpkin to all the scent warmers in my home. These scent melts burn cleanly with no smoke and made our house smell so good. I spent the afternoon dreaming of fall cookies, pies, and cakes.


The Candle holder we received was sturdy enough tosurvive clashes with kids and cats. I plan to use it for a centerpiece at aHalloween party I am hosting.  I likedthat I could use it two different ways, as a candleholder and as a candlewarmer.


Need some ideas to create a Spooky get together of yourown? Check out the Party Lite “What’s New” collection or connect with them ontwitter and facebook.   
Win It!

One person will receive a Party Lite Halloween Prize Package. 

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Kroger Buy 5 – Save $5 Event and #Giveaway

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We Rural Moms certainly love stocking our pantries and it's even more fun when you can find a great deal to help curb the costs. From October 14th through October 24th, Kroger Co. Family of Stores is doing just that with their Buy 5, Save $5 promotion.

During the promotional event period, if you purchase 5 participating General Mills products, you'll receive a coupon for $5 off your next shopping order* (coupon printed at checkout!)  Gotta love getting valuable savings incentives for stocking up!

Some of our family favorite products like Betty Crocker Cake and Brownie Mixes and Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal.  Other participating General Mills products include Cheerios, Lucky Charms, Pillsbury Toaster Strudel, Hamburger Helper, Totino’s Party Pizza, Yoplait** and more. (The promotion varies in different locations so please be sure to check your local Kroger Co. Family of Stores*** for specific deals and offers which include: Kroger, Ralphs, King Scoopers, City Market, Dillons, Smith’s, Fry’s, QFC, Baker’s, Owen’s, Jay C Food Stores, Hilander, Gerbes, Fred Meyer, Pay Less Supermarkets and Scott’s Food & Pharmacy.)

Combine this deal with your local circular or online coupons and it will be even sweeter.  See you in the aisles this weekend while we're racking up our savings!

WIN IT!

Thanks to the saving savvy folks at Kroger and General Mills via MyBlogSpark, one (1) reader is going to win a $25 Kroger Gift Card!

ENTER via the Rafflecopter below:


a Rafflecopter giveaway


Important stuffs:

* Products must be purchased during one shopping visit. To view a list of participating products see your store for details. The $5 coupon offer off your next shopping trip offer expires 1 week from the print date, with the coupon prints ending October 24th. Any offers printed on October 24th will expire on October 31st.
**Yoplait items vary by state
***Excludes Food 4 Less

Disclosure: The gift card, information, and additional sample have been provided by Kroger and General Mills through MyBlogSpark.Email ThisBlogThis!Share to TwitterShare to Facebook

Stylist Spotlight: Nadia Vassell

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Happy New Year everyone! I recently interviewed NYC based hair stylist and salon owner Nadia Vassell about caring for natural hair.
Her work can be seen on numerous celebrities an in major publications including Essence, Black Sophisticate, and Uptown Magazine among others.


GlamSwagger: A lot of naturals take the DIY approach to hair care, what services do you recommend heading to the salon for?

Nadia: Natural hair is the new trend from major product companies formulating products the combat the concerns of the naturalistas. The services I recommend for naturalistas when visiting the salon are haircuts/trims and hair color services.
GlamSwagger Reader Submitted Question: "I want to color my hair, but I'm afraid of damaging my virgin strands, any advice on keeping hair healthy after it's been color treated?"
Nadia: One of the concerns of many is maintaining healthy hair after it has been colored. Natural hair tends to get dry and brittle, especially when you add a chemical service to the mix. Moisturize and condition the hair regularly. Follow the recommendations of your hairstylist. The less processed your hair, the healthier it is. Below are some of my favorite products for achieving and maintaining healthy hair:

Mizani Moisturefuse

Pantene Daily Oil Cream Moisturizer (From the Relaxed and Natural line)

Karen’s Body Beautiful- Complete Hair Conditioner and Hair Nectar leave-in conditioner.

GlamSwagger: Any tips on protecting the hair during the cold winter months?
Nadia: Try a dry shampoo, wear hats that are the right size, use cool or warm water when shampooing hair. Use a daily moisturizer and each time you shampoo, and apply leave-in conditioner.

GlamSwagger: How often do you recommend trimming the hair?
Nadia: Depending on the condition of your hair I recommend trimming the hair every 4-8 weeks.

For more information, feel free to check out her website!

Book Spotlight: Forge by T.K. Anthony

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Warned by a Seeing… The high king of the Scotian Realm expects the arrival of an enemy, a race of psychic predators bent on galactic conquest. The Realm’s one hope is alliance with the neighboring star domains in defense of a shared colony, Forge. Caught in Fate’s grim weaving… Mindblind, amnesic, Tazhret lives out his drug-induced visions of servitude on Forge. He wants to believe the beautiful woman with the nut-brown hair who whispers reassurances to his harrowed heart: “You have a name.” But is she even real? Or just one bright thread in his dark dreams? An unexpected hope… Tazhret’s destiny leads him to freedom and the woman he yearns for—and to a desperate struggle against the enemy. Tazhret can save Forge, and the clan of his beloved. But only at the cost of all he has hoped for: his name, his freedom, and his love for the woman with the nut-brown hair…
About the Author: Warped in childhood by too much reading, T.K. Anthony made her living in the world of words, briefly on Capitol Hill as a press secretary before moving on to Corporate America in business communications and human resources.
She grew up in Pennsylvania, has lived in Illinois, Virginia, Upstate and Central New York, and Massachusetts, and has seen much of the United States by road trip, visiting a whole raft of cousins. Travel outside the US includes Scotland, England, Italy, France, and Belgium. With her travel bag packed, she now resides in Texas with her husband, two cats (Pip and Taz are close collaborators in her writing, and keep her keyboard furry), and all the people in her head who talk to her.
She loves to talk to other people, too–so leave a comment, or send her an email at tesskanthony@gmail.com.
Website / Facebook / Twitter



Excerpt:
Clenched in the grip of a fateful vision, the black web of Tazhret’s nightmare suffocated him, paralyzed him. While his heart pounded in terrified denial, the ensnaring net grew dense, and tight, cutting off all light, all sound…every breath of air. The nightmare shifted, and the web became chains, chains of red fire burning into his skin, binding him, crushing him in nameless enslavement to an evil will while his soul cried for freedom.
One thread of light, an answer to a desperate prayer, shone in Fate’s grim weaving of a dark future.
She was beautiful. She gazed at him, her luminous amber eyes sorrowful in a pale face framed by dark hair. She insisted against all evidence, You have a name. A good one. He knew he loved her. His heart ached for her.
He wondered who she was.