Or more appropriatly what comes after 'poo, i.e. conditioner!  For me, this is an important one.  After all, I have long, dry, damaged hair.  I need a good conditioner to help my hair along.  I happened to stumble upon this on Care2.com, I'm totally going to try it!

Rich Conditioner for Dry or Damaged Hair

2 ounces aloe vera gel
1/2 teaspoon olive, avocado, or jojoba oil
2 ounces organic apple cider vinegar
1 ounce powdered milk

1. Combine ingredients in a bowl, stirring to blend.

2. Apply to freshly-washed damp hair.

3. Rinse with warm water.

Read more @ http://www.care2.com/greenliving/dry-damage-hair-rich-conditioner.html

I seem to hve stumbled upo the "no 'poo" debate.

No, I'm not refering to the end result of yesterday's lunch, but long locks of hair!  I blog browse in my spare time....sometimes....I blog browse a lot.  I can't help it, I love their ideas and information, and am secretly jealous of how they seem to have it all together.  It makes me feel a bit in adequate, and inspires me to do more at the same time.  My two favorite blog types, pagan blogs and mommy/housewife blogs.  Why the latter?  Especially since I not a mother and definatly not a housewife....I'm jealous of their cute artsy pictures of dinner and the perfect little household inspiration. 

While reading threw the latter catergory, a blog I am particulary fond of due to its DIY nature, I found a post about not using shampoo.  Now, I have very long, very thick, often times hard to manage hair.  I also love said hair.  All I can picture is it greasy and stringy, and gross.  What shocked me was the number of people who said that their hair actuall looked better, had less frizz, and it brought out more natual wave than when they used shampoo.  I admit...it has me thinking.

After research, it seems people use a tablespook of baking soda in a cut of water, then rinse with an Apple Cider Vinigar in water rinse....there is a sometmes painful transition period, then people seem to settle into great hair.

We will see! I am terrified to drop the shampoo, but the idea of less money spent, better for me, the enviorment, and my hair has really got me intrested!

A lot of the time I think apps are a good idea, I download them, I set them all up....and then I never use them.  I am always looking for something that will make my life easier, more productive, more streamline....and apps always seem to let me down.  I end up finding them more cumbersome than anything.

That said, I love ZipList.

ZipList is an online/app combo designed to help you organize meals, recipes, and your shopping list.  Now, I have an obsession with food, and this intense desire to have meals planned, organized, and have back up meal ideas.  I buy too much food, resulting in a fair amount of waste, since there is only two of us. 

I steps ZipList.  This App works seamlessly between the website and the app, you can save recipes, and then add the ingredients to your shopping list on the app with a single touch.  It then brings up a window which asks if you need any common items (like salt, sugar, etc.). This makes adding everything you need, and the right amount of it to your list super easy!  It them will even search for coupons, and let you organize your shopping by store.

Another great feature is that you can plan your meals right on it, and set it to a calendar date, something I love since I have yet to find a meal planning that I feel really works for me.

Now, to see if I still like it after using it for a while!

I posted earlier that I had joined the druid organization, Ár nDraíocht Féin, and was starting down the Dedicant's Path.  This is a training program for Druids designed to both increase their druid knowledge, as well as deepen their spirituality as well as their connection with the divine.   One of the requirements for this program, at least if you want to become recognized for completing it, is keeping a journal.

I admit, I am horrible about mainating a journal.  Even look at my inconsistancy with this blog.  I love the idea, but struggle to maintain it.  ADF emphasizes how important maintaining a journal.  "There is no single annoying chore that will make you thank yourself later quite so much as journaling" (quoted from Our Own Druidry).  It is a means of not only record keeping, but also a way for you to look back, and see your progress.  You can find trends, what worked for you, what did not, and see how far on the path you have come. 

I do think journaling has an important tole in Paganism in general, after all, is that now one idea of what a book of shadows is, but a journal along your path?  I do think it is important to journal in one way or another about what you have done.  It is a great way to track things, and let you look back to see what you have done in the past.  I can only imagine now what my journal from the start of this Pagan journal of mine would have looked like...

So, my advice to all is not to do as I have.  In my many years of Paganism, I have no records of my travels.  I do not even have a well documented BoS, meaning scraps of paper tucked into books.  Keep a better record than I, record you thoughts, feelings, triumphs and struggles.  One day they will hold a special place in your heart and be markers on your path.  Now, its time to actually do what I say....

I have been practicing Paganism, in one form or another for over a decade now.  That is a time frame that sort of startles me, and I didn't realize until recently when writing an about me  message to a pagan group.  A decade.  The funny part is that I still feel like a new little beginner.

Anyway, the real point is Initiation.  This is my topic because in all that time, I have been a solitary.  I did for a while visit a coven, but I have mainly practiced on my own.  In all that time, I have never dedicated myself to anything, or any deity in those ten years.  I have also never been initiated.

Normally Initiation is a right of passage into a coven.  Each group has their own standards and requirements for it.  Due to how I practice, I never considered this option.  I have never wished to be initiated before.  I liked my freedom in my faith, and I like my solitary practice.

A couple of years ago, I was feeling a bit lost, and disconnected from my belief's and from the goddess.  I got two books, in hope that they would help to renew my spirit and dedication to my path. One was The Mist Filled Path, the other was Clan of the Goddess.  I have read the first chapter of both of them, though I found it interesting that Clan of the Goddess jumps right into initiation.  Her standpoint is a bit different though. She brings it from the approach that we are initiation ourselves with the goddess.  It is a private joyous ceremony, welcoming yourself to the path of the goddess tradition.  I admit I sort of the the idea.  Why not initiate ourselves into our own practice.  True, it is not a coven, and it is done alone...but she lays out a fairly easy ritual, full of positive energy to initiate yourself in the "Clan of the Goddess."

I should probably come forward to say that there have been a lot of critics of this book.  It is more of a beginner book, but even now, after all my years I find it encouraging.  She is positive, and happy, and joyous about the path of the goddess.  She also clearly states that it is not a religion.  This I like because my connection with the divine is more spiritual than anything. 

Last night, for the first time in 10 years, I initiated myself onto the Goddess path.  It was for me, and just between the goddess and I.  Maybe after 10 years it is time I make a commitment... :)