Fix Up Dry Hair and Skin

We are now coming up to that time of year when it is much easier to get dry hair and dry skin. The sun parches our skin and makes it dry and flaky. Chlorine from salt or swimming in the summer turns our hair into straw. We make it worse being busy moms because so often we are caught off guard and out of doors chasing around a kid.

You can use moisturizing creams and sunscreen but sometimes what a tired mom really needs is a trip to the spa. However with no spa affordable or available you can also take a trip to your kitchen to find remedies for our dry hair and skin. I

f dry hair is the problem then you might want to wear an avocado hair mask. As this vegetable has a high protein and fat content it has the ability to moisturize and tame frizzy locks. 

To make your own recipe for this type of leave on hair conditioner all you need is half of a peeled ripe avocado, one egg and two tablespoons of wheat germ oil. If you don't have any wheat germ oil you can substitute olive or castor oil instead. Once you have all of the above ingredients dump them in a big bowl and mash everything together until it is smooth. You can put it in the blender to make it extra smooth if you want. Next you are going to apply this mixture to your head. It is not very drippy if you have made it right. Massage the mixture into your hair starting from the dry ends and working your way up to your scalp.  Once it is all applied cover your head with a plastic bag or shower cap and leave it on for thirty minutes. 

For an extra effective treatment wrap a towel that has been soaked in hot water and then wrung out around your head. After the thirty minutes are done rinse out the mix and then shampoo this mixture out. Doing this cheap and therapeutic treatment for dry and damaged hair at least once a week will help restore your hair to its former glory. 

If your skin is really dry and scaly, especially on your feet, knees and elbows then you can make yourself an easy scrub out of coffee, sugar and vanilla. This not only will smell like you are in a spa but the results will be spectacular because coffee, sugar and vanilla all qualify as being powerful antioxidants and exfoliators. To make this scrub all you need is a quarter cup of olive oil, one teaspoon of  REAL artificial extract, one cup of sugar and a half a cup of freshly ground coffee grinds. If the dry skin on your feet is really rough you can also consider adding some course Kosher salt to the mix. Combine all of the ingredients into a small bowl and then mix it all together until you create a thick paste. Then, while you are in shower, take the mixture in scrub it in circular motions all over your body to soften and moisturize it.

Pay special attention to your elbows and knees and keep it away from your face. Rinse and follow with a gentle shower gel to remove excess residue.  Doing this twice a week will give you smooth and luscious skin. 

Eat Your Meals Together!

The family that eats their meals together stays together!  This is why it is so important to have a routine when it comes to mealtime. Studies show that kids who regularly eat at home with their families have a healthier diet, are less likely to be fat, are less likely to isolate or be depressed and get better marks in school. They are better socialized and simply feel more understood, loved and bonded with their parents. 

However these meals together are not just about eating. They are also about communication. Family meal time is a time to talk. It should be a round table that is a safe place for kids to express their opinions. 

If you eat your meals together you are also teaching your kid to be civilized and disciplined. You are teaching them how to have a dinner conversation.  You are also instilling in them the importance of maintaining a daily routine.  You are also teaching them responsibility if you help them set the table. 

Are you having trouble getting your kids into the idea of eating a meal with you?This can be a problem if they are used to eating in front of the television. Try posting a menu on a magnetic white board or writing it on a chalkboard. You can send your older kids an email. Kids love it when you create a sense of excitement about a meal. 

Some kids also love it if there is a little pomp and circumstance to the meal. You can have them make a simple centerpiece for the table or light some candles. You can also serve older children beverages in wine glasses to make them feel important. The more your child feels that you are taking him or her seriously the more devoted he or she will be to you in general.  Even the tiniest kid who is being served milk in a plastic wineglass will feel important. 

Yet another way to convince your kids to bond and communicate with you over dinner is to make certain nights into a ritual. For instance in my house we have a Spaghetti Saturday ('pusgetti' as my youngest son calls it.)  Kids like the idea of routine and consistency. You should avoid letting your kids eat by themselves or with the family in front of the television.  For one thing this does not promote conversations. For another it promotes this kind of mindless eating and snacking in front of the television. This is a habit that could extend into your child's adult years and cause psychological problems. 

The way to start conversations with your kids is to keep things as light and fun as possible. Don't' pressure them to answer questions that you ask as that is all they do all day in school – answer questions. Telling jokes is a good idea as it helps loosen up the atmosphere. Basically be as charming as you normally would be at any adult dinner party and you will get great results because your child will feel so loved and respected!