POTW: The BEST Budget Friendly Dry Shampoo

Not Your Mother's is a surprisingly amazing hair care brand. I originally began using their beach babe spray from the many recommendations on pinterest. I decided I would give their dry shampoo a shot because it came at such a great price ($5.99) but also came after the positive experience of the beach spray. 

I've tried some higher quality dry shampoos but could never justify the costs, and the cheaper brands (tresseme) just never do it for me. 

Not only does Clean Freak smell great but it also works well. I find myself wanting to spray this stuff in my hair any time it is greasy or just doesn't smell clean. It has the best clean smell which doesn't make me go ick at all. 

If you're not using dry shampoo on your wash free days but have all kinds of greasies, I can't recommend this stuff more. If you're a Dry-Shampoo neophyte, give this a try and kiss your greasy days goodbye! 

xo,

Siobhain

Smart Lash: Day One

I have been coveting long lashes so much lately. The obsession has only grown since I started hearing about Latisse, and the magic results it produced. But was turned off by the fact that it requires a prescription and costs quite a lot. So instead I'm trying out SmartLash.

This product seems to have pretty good reviews as well as some decent results from clinical trials. It looks like a good option for me right now because it is non-prescription, and you can get it for a pretty decent price from dermstore.com ($30, normally $125).

Supposedly full results will have occurred in 60 days.. so until then.. wish me luck!

Have you tried SmartLash?

xo 

Siobhain

Healthy Lemon & Dill Dip

During the Superbowl, I wanted to create a dip that would allow me to indulge without feeling regret afterwards. My boyfriend happened to be making homemade chips at the same time, which inspired me to use lemon and dill with greek yogurt.

This combo turned out to be exactly what I was hoping! It was light, creamy and tasted great on several of the snacks we set out, including the zucchini skins I made as an alternative to potato skins (recipe found here)

For the dip you will need: 

1/2 juice of a lemon

1 tsp. salt (more or less to taste)

1 tbsp. Dill

1 oz container Non-Fat Greek Yogurt

Directions: Mix ingredients until fully combined.

You can find the recipe for the baked potato chips here

Zucchini Skins

This year for the Superbowl I wanted to lighten up snacks that are generally feel like one million calories a bite. In honor of my love for potato skins (oozy cheese c'mon!), I decided to take away the starchy element, and replace them with zucchini for a lighter but still scrumptious option:

(Recipe Makes 12 'skins')

You will need: 

1/4 cup low-fat mixed cheese 

3 green onions

3 slices turkey bacon

2 medium to large zucchini

1 teaspoon paprika

1 teaspoon cayenne pepper

salt to taste

1 tablespoon olive oil

6oz Lemon Dill Non-fat Greek Yogurt Dip (I will post the recipe later)

1. Begin by cutting the zucchinis into thirds, and then halving those thirds. 

2. You will need a spoon to scoop out a pretty large portion of the inside of the zucchini leaving behind what looks like a little boat. 

3. Cook slices of turkey bacon in a pan and set aside on paper towels to drain. 

4. Preheat the oven to 350°

5. Mince bacon into desired consistency (I like mine chopped finely, but some might enjoy theirs more chunky!) 

6. In a large bowl, toss the zucchini, paprika, cayenne pepper, olive oil and salt until evenly coated. 

7. On a baking sheet line the zucchini boats up evenly and place in the oven for 15 minutes. 

8. Take the zucchini out of the oven and add the cheese and bacon to each boat, placing back in the oven for another 25 minutes (cooking time can vary based on preferred doneness of cheese and zucchini)

9. While you're waiting go ahead and chop your green onion and set aside to use as a garnish.

10. After 25 minutes in the oven take skins out of the oven and plate, finishing with chopped green onion and a dallop of greek yogurt. 

What are some recipes you lighten up for game day?

xo Siobhain

Argan Oil

Moroccan oil is all the rage right now, (and often referred to as liquid gold) and I was a bit hesitant to buy any products claiming the benefits of the stuff until I found out more. After a lot of research (aka Googling), and suggestions from friends I finally decided to purchase 100% pure Argan oil by Acure Organics ($14.99).

There are a couple of reasons why I really jumped at this option. First, this brand is pure and organic; Secondly the price was right. So far this particular product has been all it claims to be: 5 products in 1. 

I've used it directly on my skin as a nightly moisturizer, and surprisingly it cleared the acne I had. I have added a drop to bottles of conditioner and it has GREATLY reduced the frizziness of my hair. I was extremely skeptical about putting OIL on my face but I gave it a shot and don't regret it even a little. On nights I have forgotten to use it my skin is tight and dull without it, and on mornings I wake up after using it my skin is supple and dewy.

I can't wait to buy more and though the bottle is teeny tiny, a little bit goes a long way. One small drop is all I need for my nightly routine and I'm set.

What products have surprised you lately?

xo 

Siobhan