The 90-day Alcohol Free Flea

I've been alcohol free for just over 90 days. Never did it occur to me to see what it would be like to test living alcohol-free until 3 months ago. I have to admit that thus far it hasn't been easy. No sir. It has probably been one of the most challenging things I've ever attempted. 


I think the most challenging part are those key moments where it just seems so appropriate to have a drink. Like, at a nice restaurant, while taking a break on the ski hill, sitting on the beach, going out with friends on a Friday night. All of these moments I get little pangs. But then they go away. And, at the end of the day, I feel proud of myself for not giving in. 

The benefits definitely outweigh the bad when it comes to not drinking. I have much more money in the bank. I'm able to afford the $60 Vogue Spring/Summer 2011 runway collection magazine, Elle UK, and all sorts of other lovely European fashion magazines. I find I have more energy, am more motivated, and I seem to appreciate the more simple things in life.  

I have reached a milestone. And I feel proud of myself. I would also like to thank my boyfriend, who has supported me through this decision, as well as my family and friends. 


You guys are the best.


Sobriety, to me, has never been more fashionable.
Now, I'm going to finish with a yummy, non-alcoholic cocktail recipe for a hot summer day:


Virgin Rasberry Mojito

Ingredients:


3-4 fresh raspberries
2 lime wedges
5 leaves of mint
2-3 teaspoons of sugar
crushed ice
club soda


Directions


1. In a 8-12 oz. glass, with the back of a spoon, mash the berries, lime wedges, mint and sugar until well blended. You can remove the mint, or alternatively, blend the berries, lime juice (from the wedges), mint and sugar in a blender. 


2. Add crushed ice, a splash of lime juice and a club soda to fill the glass.


3. Shake. Garnish with a lime wedge. Serve and enjoy!

Crazy nail Craze

Lately I've noticed a reoccurring trend in magazines and on the runway: the crazy nail craze. And I have to admit I've been very tempted to get polka dots, palm tree's and even shiny jewels applied to my nails. I decided that while I was in Florida, I would try something out. And I did. And boy does it look ridiculous. 

Before I continue, I'm going to let you in on a little secret. My boyfriend has a bit of a nail biting problem. I told him if he doesn't bite his nails for a week I would treat him to a pedicure and manicure. So, this morning, a week later, he rolls over and says to me "Let's eat and then go get our nails done" - I'm pretty sure this is the best thing I've ever heard out of his mouth. Off we went to Coconut Point to get mani pedi's side by side. I could tell he was enjoying every moment. It also helped that we were sitting in gigantic massage chairs. 


The lady asked me to pick out my colour. I didn't want just a regular old colour. I wanted something CRAZY. Something like what I've been seeing in the magazines. And there I saw it, an ad caught my eye "The Crackle" - this special kind of polish that makes your nails look cracked. I thought it looked funky, and decided it was appropriate while I was on vacation. So, I picked the turquoise and black mix that was suggested in the ad. But after a few minutes, I changed my mind. Perhaps pink would be better? Yes, pink and white. 


This is where it all went wrong. 
I seem to never learn that you should always go with your initial gut feeling.
Well, anyways, here's the result:

My boyfriend told me they looked like Vampire nails. And I have to agree with him. 
I'm not closed to the idea of crazy nails, but I'll proceed with caution moving forward.


In other news, I haven't washed my hair since Monday. Well, with shampoo, that is. My poor boyfriend, first I decide to use tea tree oil instead of deodorant, and now I'm going on a shampoo-less diet. I wonder how long he will keep me around? Anyways, I will post and document the whole hair process once complete. Let's just say I'm wearing a hat as I type...

Achieving the ultimate in Greasy Goodness

My darling sister sent me an article not too long ago about the shampoo-less hair movement. I found this article to be very interesting - and it made me seriously consider trying it. These women have not washed, or should I say, shampooed their hair in months. Yes, you read correctly, months. At first the thought is slightly gross, but then the article goes on to say that it's an economical choice, allowing you to save some cash on buying products, that it helps speed up the morning ritual, and, the best part, your hair can actually become healthier, shinier, and smoother, thanks to the return of follicle-protecting oils. 

This all reads nice in theory, however, I can help but conjure up this image in my mind:

YIKES

The article then goes on to reassure me that with a little patience and persistence (and the right selection of products) that it can give you a more beautiful mane than most. I believe it. I wash my hair almost every freaking day. I sometimes try to wash it every other day. And, I really don't enjoy going through this process. I see people out at concerts with that messy looking hair that looks like they haven't washed it in weeks or months (and they probably haven't) and I get envious. Who would have thought that I got envious of dirty hair? Not me. 

The next question is, how do you do it? Well, apparently the key is to rinse your hair once a week. Then, purchase the right products. Sephora's Oscar Blandi Dry Shampoo and the right brush, more specifically, a wood boar brush. What was also recommended was the use of corn starch as an oil absorbing powder. I also read on another blog that a girl used baking soda. She would keep it in a container in the shower and make a paste with it to scrub her scalp. Afterwards, she uses about 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar for a fragrant touch. Nice. 

I'm going to give it a shot, starting once I go on vacation. Tomorrow morning will be the last day I wash my hair with shampoo...if I'm able to stick it out, that is. There's a Sephora in Bonita Bay, Florida (where I'm going). I'm going to make a trip to buy the right stuff and give it a go and I'm going to document the process (why not?). Thankfully I've packed a few hats in case of any emergencies. New motto: When it doubt, put a cap on it and stick out out.

Wish me luck (see hopeful outcome below).