Lavender Rosemary Hair Gel, and Other Updates

We successfully completed a half marathon fundraiser last weekend and had a wonderful group of people come out to walk, run, and cheer us on to raise support for our adoption.  The course was beautiful and the sun was out, and it was so much fun to complete something like that with friends and family.  To those who participated, thank you...you inspire us.

This weekend, we are in central Oregon, enjoying time with family.  As I write this, my husband and I are working from a little local coffee shop.  We biked here from our rental.  

Days like this make me want to live in a little town where you can bike and walk almost everywhere.  We have been talking lately about what it would look like to become a single car family after we get our daughter home from Ghana, and I think this is just the type of place that would allow us to do that.  Can you imagine the money you would save each year in gas and car maintenance?  Do any of you make it work with only one car in your household?  I would love to know your thoughts and experiences.

My next recipe from the Beyond the Kitchen Series comes directly from the Peas and Thank You website.  This is a recipe for Lavender Rosemary Hair (and Body) Gel.  It stores in the refrigerator for a longer shelf life, since it is made out of all natural ingredients.  Here's what you'll need:

1/4 cup flaxseeds
2 cups water
4-5 drops each of lavender, rosemary, vitamin E, and/or jojoba oil
1 teaspoon honey
Small mesh strainer (for getting the seeds out, or you could use a 6 inch section of pantyhose including the foot)
Resealable container for storing

This recipe may look difficult, but I assure you that it's very simple.  Start by bringing the water to a boil in a medium saucepan over high heat.  Reduce heat to medium and add in your flaxseeds.  Simmer the mixture, stirring often, until it has the consistency of egg whites- about 8-10 minutes.  Remove the pan from the heat and allow the mixture to cool until its warm and won't burn you as you transfer it into your resealable container. Pour the flaxseed gel through the mesh strainer and into your container.  You will probably have to use a spoon to help the gel through.  (If you're using pantyhose, it is easier to squeeze the gel through the fabric.  Just line your container with the pantyhose and roll the ends over the edges to keep it in place.)  Next, add your oils and your honey, stir, refrigerate, and you're done.  This gel can be used as a body moisturizer also, and it is great for soothing sunburns if you don't have aloe vera gel on hand.  I use a tablespoon or two on my hair when it is wet and let it air dry for soft but defined curls.  Side note: the texture of the gel is gooey, but it goes away completely when it gets onto your hair. This recipe gives me the curl definition of expensive hair products- and trust me when I say that I have tried them all.  I hope you enjoy it, and thank you for reading.