September is... Craniosynostosis Awareness Month

September ... generally referred to as "Go for Gold" month which is geared towards Childhood Cancer Awareness.  Unfortunately, there are just so many conditions, diseases, etc anymore that months now have to share the "spotlight" (and that's definitely not the right word to use, so please know that there's no malicious intent behind my verbiage.)   I've had several friends who've been affected by childhood cancer, too, so before I talk about craniosynostosis, please also keep all those affected by childhood cancer in your thoughts as well.

So why am I talking to you about craniosynostosis?  I didn't even know what it was up until my grandson was born.  Yes, that's right.  I became a "Glamma" last month!  As they were getting ready to release him after his quick bout with jaundice (very common of course), they noticed that his head leaned a certain way and explained he had "fused sutures".  Essentially it meant that his skull formed too quickly, which could also create learning problems as his brain continues to grow.  It was a scary term since it was simply unknown to us.  Anytime you're told surgery is needed it raises concern as well.  Fortunately, my grandson has a case that can be treated with a less invasive surgery, which will happen later this month.  After that, he'll wear a custom helmet and undergo "helmet therapy" for another 6-9 months.  I've often seen babies wearing helmets and didn't know why.  Now I do.  

The hard part about all of this is that it's toughest on the parents/family.  Fortunately, he won't have any recollection of this.  And because it was caught early,  this should hopefully only be considered a "road bump".  His neurosurgeon is the one who perfected the surgery at Johns Hopkins so I have the utmost confidence all will go well.  Of course, it never hurts to ask for those to keep him in mind either.

I encourage everyone to take a moment if you can when you are done reading my blog post to read an article I found during my own research.  The article mentions a case that is more involved with a bigger incision, longer surgery, etc.  

http://m.huffpost.com/us/entry/8045520

It's time for PUMPKIN EVERYTHING!

Ready for your one strange fact about me for the day?

FACT: I LOVE pumpkin flavored (this includes pumpkin spice) foods, but I do NOT like pumpkin pie. 😲😲😲  (I think it's a texture thing for me!!)

And in previous posts, I've mentioned how I'm always on the hunt for "limited edition" junk food.  So when fall rolls around: two primary flavors are a guarantee in this area - PUMPKIN and Apple (generally caramel).

Retailers seem to push items earlier and earlier every year.  And while I had started spying items in early August, I somehow resisted the urge to try/buy anything until August 22.  (That has to be a new record for me.)

But I'm also kind of a snob when it comes to buying things.  1 - because my metabolism is terrible so I don't need to be buying ANY of it, and 2 - some are repeats and I feel the need to try what's NEW (to me).  The worst part? One of the new items is a store exclusive to Kroger, so if you read my article and see the Pumpkin Pie Kit-Kats, yes, you need to send them to me.  I'll gladly Paypal you for your efforts.

So this brings up my latest finds that are new to me - two pumpkin beers and Apple Pie Oreos. 

Lancaster Brewing is a local company.  Did I like the beer? Meh. It was a standard pumpkin beer.  Nothing special about it.  It wasn't bad, just nothing to make it stand apart from the rest to make it great.  (Btw, I'm also on Untappd at Banksy84.) Now the cookies - I was warned you could really taste the cinnamon, so I was skeptical, but I LOVE THEM.  Like, I wanted to go back to the store to buy vanilla ice cream or whipped cream, and microwave these for a few seconds.  But my tighter waist band on my jeans told me to just stick to the cookies by themselves. 

Now THIS is a fun beer!  New Belgium Brewing Company released Voodoo Ranger Atomic Pumpkin, which is a special release packed with pumpkin, Saigon Cinnamon and Habanero peppers.  What's crazy about it is that you experience all the flavors in the order the ingredients are listed: so pumpkin first, then the spice, and then the heat.  I would absolutely recommend this beer, but I don't think it's one I'd want to drink more than 2.  Not because it has a high ABV, but simply because the flavor is that intense.  

Function of Beauty Ambassador!

If there is any one beauty product that I feel I absolutely NEED in my life - it's a good set of shampoo and conditioner.

That doesn't mean I'm high maintenance and blow-dry, straighten, curl, etc my hair daily.  In fact, I very often strictly let it air-dry.

However, I do like to color it.  Lately, I've been all about Pulp Riot hair color.  First I tried Velvet and Nightfall.  Then I tried Nightfall by itself.  The latest version: Jam and Fireball.  

But the problem with color?  It doesn't hold the greatest for me.  First of all, my hair can only show color if I bleach it first.  So I get a round of highlights and then add the color over that.  It's quite a process and can get costly when it needs to be redone every 2 months.

So this goes back to: WHAT I use to wash my hair is important.

And before you leave a comment about how washing your hair daily is bad, blah blah blah, LISTEN.  This isn't meant to be "braggy" but I run. And when I run, I sweat.  I'm not talking about "glistening".  I'm talking about sweating like a whore in church.  Yes, this is my blog so if you don't like my analogy or language, feel free to unfollow.  So yes, this includes my scalp.  There's no way in hell you're going to tell me I can just use dry shampoo for that.

Anyway, back to coloring.  And me also mentioning it needs bleached.  Bleaching my hair also dries it out.  So maybe I personally am not high maintenance, but my hair is.  It needs COLOR protection AND moisturizing.

Which brings me to... Function of Beauty.  I discovered it thanks to word-of-mouth from another friend on social media.  We're always influencing one another, didn't you know that?  So here are some basics:

What is it?  It's a company that believes in creating CUSTOM hair care that's free of all the bad things like parabens and sulfates.  It's ONLY shampoo and conditioner currently.

How does it work?  When you visit their site, you'll take a hair "quiz" essentially by selecting your hair type, picking your hair "goals" (up to 5!), and then personalizing it with color and scent.

Cost?  It's not the cheapest, but I think it's reasonable.  AND.... I can save you $5 on your first order! Plus, the bottles come with their own pump, and one pump is all you need.  Basically, a little goes a long way, and if you aren't a daily washer, yours will last even longer. Also, you can choose what size bottle you want, or if you only want shampoo or only conditioner.  If you want to be a preferred customer with autoship, you can.  Otherwise, a one-time purchase can be made, too.

This brings me to: so does it work?  I've posted a few photos for you.  Again, keep in mind, it's IMPOSSIBLE to keep my hair color from fading.  Even if I lessen the amount of times I wash it, even exposure to sunlight and all that will affect it.  I find my hair to be shiny, soft, and still maintaining the color.

If you'd like to try it for yourself - please use my Ambassador link at:  https://functionofbeauty.com/?ref=kerrybanks 

This photo was taken on August 28.  I had my hair done initially on August 15th so this is almost 2 weeks of washing.

This photo was taken on September 6.  This is now 3 weeks later.  Pulp Riot claims to last for 28-42 washes.