washing out

I washed my hair the night before last with a baking soda solution. It has held up rather well, with my hair only just beginning to look oily today. But, that's about on par with shampoo and conditioner. I did not use apple cider vinegar to condition as my hair leans towards oily anyway. What I'm hoping to get out of this is a more frugal, health-conscious way of washing my hair, and better color retention. 'Cause, ya know, sometimes a girl just needs to color her hair.

Have any of you tried to go without traditional shampoo and conditioner? Anyone else tried the baking soda wash? Curious minds want to know.

back in business

Since I purchased Photoshop Elements, I have been going back through some of my photos (as well as making new ones). I decided that I would put listings back on the Etsy shop. You can visit it here. I'm still in the process of adding listings, but there are several photos to choose from already. Humor me, and go take a look, please. Thanks!

just a thought, really

I keep having this mild compulsion, if you will, that I should begin hoarding food and water. Mainly water. I don't know where it's coming from, but I'm beginning to lean towards giving in to it. Just enough to last the 4 of us a few days, really.

I found the following information on the MayoClinic's website via Google search regarding how much water one should consume in a day:

"The Institute of Medicine determined that an adequate intake (AI) for men is roughly 3 liters (about 13 cups) of total beverages a day. The AI for women is 2.2 liters (about 9 cups) of total beverages a day."

So, roughly, the husband would need 3/4 of a gallon per day, I would need a little over 1/2 a gallon per day, and the boy would probably need just a little less than 1/2 a gallon per day, or 1.5-2 liters. So, for about 3 days, I would need 3 gallons for the husband, 2 for me, and 2 for the boy, plus 1 for the dog 'cause he doesn't drink all that much, but I would want an extra for him just in case it was hot or something. That makes 8-9 gallons just in drinking water for 3 days.

Then we would need water to operate the toilets. Obviously the whole "If it's yellow" rule would be enforced to conserve water. So, I'm guessing at least another 12 gallons of water just for the toilets. (2 toilets that use probably 2 gallons per flush with an allowance of 2 necessary flushes per day for 3 days) Likely, I would have to get more than 12 gallons just to make sure we didn't run out of water in that time period.

So I'm looking at having at least 32 gallons of water just hanging around at my apartment. Joy.

When you start thinking in terms of actual gallons of water sitting around your home, it become daunting. Where do I store it? How many should I buy at a time? Should I wait for sales, if there are ever any? Are the cases of small bottles better than getting the full gallons? So many things to consider. And each person/family is going to come to their own conclusions based on what's right for them.

I guess I'd better start buying gallons of water now and figuring out where all to put it. Especially with summer on its way and the possibility of long term power outages looming. It's better to be prepared than to find yourself with your ass hanging out.

the silk scarf

That's how far I've gotten on my Aunt's silk scarf to date. That's about 4.5 inches or so of cross-eyed goodness right there. Figured you guys might like to see the progress I've made and the color of the yarn. I've only slightly played with it to help get it to present true on the computer monitor. But, your mileage may vary.

ugh!!!

I can't even keep a simple potted plant alive lately! I've got too many other projects going on to keep track of plants, too, it seems. I'm going to focus on learning crafts and skills, and my photography work and leave the gardening until I'm in a better headspace for it. 'Cause right now is not a time for plants to be around me.

In other news, I'm slowly plugging away at the silk scarf I'm crocheting for my aunt. I've got about 3.5 inches done with tons more left to go. But it's progressing, so there's that. I'll take some pictures here soon so y'all can see the color purple it is. It's too pretty.

... Actually, if you go to my photo blog at Snaps by DG and scroll down, you can see it. I'd forgotten that I'd put it up there.

Ok. Laters.

more learning

My herbalism course is progressing slowly. Too slowly for my liking, honestly. But, there is progress so it's not all bad.

I keep looking at vintage sewing patterns and pining for the ability to sew. But, I'm daunted by the expense of buying a quality machine and the various tools needed to get started properly with sewing. Maybe at some point in the near future I'll dive in and learn. But, not right now. 'Cause there's tons of clothes I'd love to make and wear or sell. (There seems to be a dirth of quality, fashionable plus size clothes available.)

So, I haven't died or forgotten about this blog. Just haven't had much to report.

April

Ah, April. How do I loathe thee.

April is a transition month, neither truly spring nor winter. Winter is still shaking loose its grasp and Spring is trying to step in.

I figure it's like nature giving birth to Spring. Sure, it's messy and disgusting, but in the end, you have something beautiful and new.