OMG...I have to share!!!

Thanks Maggie for posting this!!!

This video is HILARIOUS!!!!

ENJOY!!!!

"Pregnant and I Know It" MUSIC VIDEO 

(Parody of "Sexy and I Know It")

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Play Date: Spring Fair Supplement

More Photos from the Spring Fair! Enjoy...our kids sure did! Mostly everything was FREE! Had a great time for a minimal price!

To watch a video of Bradley in the Water Ball CLICK HERE to be redirected to "Bradley at the Fair"

Brooklyn was awesome the whole day!!!

Here's a video Intro on what the "Dock Dogs" are...they were fantastic!!

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"Farm House Featured..." Business of the Month

Starting May 1st we will start to feature a business of the month. 

"Farm House Featured...."

If you know of a small business that's great we would love to know!

Want a hint for our 1st Feature???

Your parties, birthdays, announcements, births, events, etc will never look the same....

.....in fact we think you will be "dazzled" by them! ;)

Lot of Love~

Bree and Jessi

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I love coupons, deals and FREE stuff!

**2 AWESOME COUPONS**

20 FREE Birth Announcements

I used this coupon before for our Christmas cards this last year (don't think i sent them out, HA!) Anyway, used coupon, then spent enough to qualify for free shipping AND they had an online special (not a code, automatic discount) I got $40.00 worth of cards for $12.89!!!! 

I'm sure they want "new customers" only but I just used my husbands email.....or you can be really tricky and if it's worth it...like my Christmas cards were you can create a FREE email account... hotmail and gmail are the places to do these! LOL!

HURRY ON THIS ONE...ENDS I'M GUESSING IN MARCH

20% CASH BACK at DIAPERS.COM

If your not familiar with diapers.com....you should be! This place is great. Don't let the "diapers.com" fool you into this place just selling diapers. They have many different options with only one shopping cart. 

ONE SHOPPING CART...you shop their 5 different stores and check out ONCE!

• Diapers.com includes diapers obviously, wipes, formula & feeding, furniture, clothes, bath & skin care, moms & maternity, baby gear, toys, etc. The also carry some of Costco's "Kirkland" brand items!!! And lots of incentives for returning to them to purchase diapers, etc!! This place is better than Babies R Us!
• Soap.com includes household cleaning items, laundry, bath tissue, paper towels, razor refills, make up, fragrance, vitamins, etc. I use this store on a regular basis!!!
• Wag.com includes everything and anything for your pet....reptile, small pet, fish, cat, dog, bird, etc!
• Yoyo.com your every thing, every age toy store! Better than  Toys R Us, Target, Walmart toys COMBINED! You....AND you kids will love this place!!!!
• Casa.com is......breath taking! Imagine a Home Depot, Target, Macy's, Walmart, Fred Myer, Lowes combined into one......do you see it??? Well HERE IT IS! There's home improvement, garden and patio, decor, bedroom, bathroom, kitchen, nursery, tools and supplies....the list for Casa.com goes ON and ON and ON! This is some serious awesomness!!!!

BEST OF ALL WITH PURCHASE OF $49 ($25 FOR SOAP.COM) YOU GET FREE 2 DAY SHIPPING!!!! SERIOUSLY 2 DAY SHIPPING! EVEN IF ITS NOT FREE THERE IS NO EXTRA CHARGE AND IT'S ALWAYS 2 DAY SHIPPING!!!! 

When I space and realize I only have one last roll of toilet paper or the diapers and wipes days are numbered it's so nice to think i don't have to pack up all my kids, trek down to the store (never go to the close convenient one because of coarse its double the price. To just buy some wipes but end up spending unnecessary money on other crap i don't need. 

To know it will be here, no matter, in 2 days AND its super convenient AND cheap is the best feeling in the WORLD...besides when all the kids go to bed that is! LOL!

Did I also mention that they clip coupons FOR you!!! Yes it's true!! They try to keep up on regular coupons  for all items (i usually see this at Soap.com) and they make it super easy for you to claim! Did i say how much I love this place! LOL!

Go to diapers/soap/wag/yoyo/casa.com and see what you've been missing.....use this coupon while your at it or use the many they ALWAYS have on the website!

Shop the deals...get rewarded~

Bree and J

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MONDAYS are for COMPLAINERS

(be aware...brief but not graphic nudity)


This last week I came across a print ad in a magazine that tell ya the truth PISSED ME OFF! Yes, maybe it was mother natures warning of what was to come regarding my monthly gift from her. But still, the ad got me peeved AND thinking.
I may have also been affected more than another woman would, seeing as my past and my family has been effected by this specific thing more than a few times.


BREAST CANCER.....has crept its way into the many lives of women I love. My Great-Grandmother Neill, My Grandma Holm, (her sister) MY Great Aunt Debbi these are all the women in order on my mom's side. All in the SAME breast, left side. The odds of my mom....myself....and if no cure found....MY DAUGHTER having the same cancer on the same side are very high and for me is just a reality to come. A reality I am prepared for. AND with early detection and treatment something I am prepared to overcome.
These aren't the only women in my life effected. My Grandma Haley, Aunt Bev, a former friend and 3 Day walker, more friends, the list goes on.

This is the image that inspired this post.

First Thoughts: "What the HELL do these 18 year old somethings, with their perfect air brushed skin, manicured nails, flawless faces, and perfectly shaped breasts have ANYTHING to do with breast cancer???"

Then: "WHO really thinks UNDRESSING 4 absolutely perfectly flawless if even "fake" women, having them hold each other....oh wait lets put some pink lipstick on them and some pink ribbon and call it a breast cancer ad! WHAT AN IDIOT! I am sorry by no means in any way does this "move" me, "inspire" me or "educate" me about breast cancer. I would bet money (which i DON'T do) that a man designed or approved this ad. How very disappointing."

By: Estee Lauder

More I found:

First thoughts: "Those are cute pink gloves"
Then: "What the heck does some girl dressed up, in heels, wearing pink boxing gloves have to do with anything related to breast cancer...or awareness" "like SHE really had breast cancer or had it and has struggled and had to" fight" against it" REALLY?!?!?! I get there trying to say "fight breast cancer and win it" ....why don't they use the same idea but someone believable....want a famous face....use Cheryl Crow"
By: AVON

Another:

First thoughts: "WOW...she has beautiful hair!"

Then: "I have no idea who this is but highly doubt she has fought against breast cancer. How is a beautiful woman, with hair AND a body to DIE for suppose to inspire ME to become more aware of my body and breast cancer. If anything this makes me feel more self conscious about my body. Hmm...maybe this is targeted to a mans pocket book..since the ad is hinting this gorgeous woman goes pink (iGoPINK) and SHE would love to get naked for this ad in hopes that you can donate to "BreastCancerCharities"...but i highly doubt this print ad is run in a mens magazine...I would bet money that you'd find this ad in People, Good Housekeeping, Real Simple, All About You...something woman would buy to read."

By: The Breast Cancer Charities of America

What is advertising???
"Advertising promotes products and services that businesses are tying to sell. However, this is not the sole purpose of advertising. In addition to promoting a product or service, advertising serves multiple functions for the company and brand. These functions help companies achieve the ultimate goal: selling their products or services."
Read more: What Is the Purpose of Advertising a Product? | eHow.com 


I am sorry but the first two ads were printed from companies you would normally buy a retail product from....after seeing these I would go out of my way to NOT purchase products from those companies.

Want some breast cancer ads that really SPEAK to you.......

"1 Chance in 80,000 she's just won an Olympic Medal"
"1 Chance in 8 she's just found out she has Breast Cancer"


My first thoughts: "its cancer...shes not that much older than me...."
Then: "does she have a family like me, i wonder how I would feel...if I were her...I should get an early mammogram. What will she do, whats next, how sad...."
Who cares if this woman really did win an Olympic gold medal, its portrayed as she did not, that she just found out she has cancer. Who cares what really is going on in this picture....it speaks to you....that's what it SHOULD DO! It's also informative to the point of be a very real, scary thing....I easily know 8 woman...they are close to me....who would it be? THIS is a Breast Cancer Ad!


Another:

 Here Avon does a different ad compared to their other. But take a guess which one is more advertised??
First Thoughts: "how sad.....and so real..."
Then: "with one photo you can send monumental thoughts through people...each person thinking something similar but different. Each relating how real this could be for them and how it would affect them and possibly the family they have, children they have or want to have.
This shows nudity but not in a sexual way...this is real, pure and honest...this to me is beautiful"


Another:

 First Thoughts: "this woman has had a breast removed due to breast cancer" 
Then: "How sad that this is a true reality for some woman...AND she is lucky she still has her life. Did she really loose a breast?? who knows...who cares....it speaks even in another language." This also has nudity but not selling sexuality.


Another:

First Thoughts: "their mom probably had breast cancer and it's a good reality they might too"

Then: "is this really a mom and her REAL daughters??? it doesn't matter.....what matters is it's portrayed as it is, in turn making you believe that the way they embrace their mom that she is a survivor. Her daughters are posing with her for the ad showing that they are now aware and check or have exams regularly because this very might be a real and scary future for them. Without saying one word with this ad (to me) it says "be aware, cancer caught early has a better survival rate, for your children get an annual mammogram"

I believe this ad was from Estee Lauder but what one do you think was printed more??

Breast Cancer Statistics for 2012: (from Susan G. Komen)

In 2012, it is estimated that among U.S. women  and men[31]:

• Women: There will be 226,870 new cases of invasive breast cancer (includes new cases of primary breast cancer among survivors, but not recurrence of original breast cancer among survivors).
• Men:  There will be 2,190 new cases of breast cancer.
• There will be 63,300 new cases of in situ breast cancer (includes ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS)* and lobular carcinoma in situ (LCIS)*, of those, about 85 percent were DCIS). DCIS is a non-invasive breast cancer and LCIS is a risk factor that increases the risk of invasive breast cancer. Learn more about  DCIS and breast cancer risk. Learn more about LCIS and breast cancer risk.
• Women: There will be 39,510 breast cancer deaths. 
• Men: There will be 410 breast cancer deaths. 

*Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS, intraductal carcinoma) 
A non-invasive breast cancer that begins in the milk ducts of the breast, but has not invaded nearby breast tissue. Also called stage 0 or pre-invasive breast carcinoma. 

*Lobular carcinoma in situ (LCIS, lobular neoplasia in situ) 

A condition where abnormal cells grow in the lobules of the breast. LCIS increases the risk of breast cancer.

Other Breast Cancer Statistics.

Great Breast Cancer Websites:

Susan G. Komen

National Breast Cancer.org

Seattle Cancer Care Alliance, Breast Cancer (Local)

Sorry for my ranting. Hope I didn't offend anyone. I would love to hear that I am not alone in these feelings or rantings. Please feel free to comment bellow and let us know your thoughts? :)

Stay Aware...Stay Alive~

Bree and J

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Friday Pinterest Challenge

What is the BEST way to help save the Earth???

Follow Us on Pinterest: Farm House Sisters J & B

Check out our Pinterest Board "Think Green...Earth Saving Green"

Keep Saving our resources~

Bree and Jessi

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Celebrate Earth Day Week: Friday

Puget Sound Energy is helping us save energy with lots of tips and tricks and new products to help save power, resources and energy.  PugetSoundEnergy.com is a great place for resources, ideas, and a great paper less way to manage your bill.


Here are some great ways, some I've never known or heard of, to save...


Heating: 

• If you have baseboard heaters, turn the thermostat down or off in unoccupied rooms and close the door. Do not do this if you have a furnace or heat pump.

Water Heating:

• Install inexpensive pipe insulation on all exposed hot water pipes and on the first three feet of exposed cold water pipe that is connected to the water heater.

• Wash clothes in cold water and take shorter showers.

Lighting: 

• Choose the right bulb for each room. CFL bulbs come in a variety of shapes and sizes to suit nearly every household fixture.

Appliances and Electronics: 

• Many electronics draw power even when turned off. Plug items like TVs, DVD players and game consuls into power strips that you can switch off when not in use. Special “smart” power strips do this automatically

• When cooking, match pots and pans to the right-sized burner. Use a microwave oven, rather than your stove, to heat food whenever possible

Weatherization: 

• Use inexpensive weather-stripping and door sweeps to reduce air leaks around entry doors. For a no-cost fix, roll up a bath towel and hold it against the bottom of the door with a weight.

These tips and ideas from Puget Sound Energy,  Click Here to go directly to the tips and ideas page.

Save some power, money AND the Earth~

Bree and J

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Celebrate Earth Day Week: Thursday

5 Easy ways to get your Kids involved!

1. Turn off the lights!  Helping you kids learn about conserving energy through simple tasks like turning off the lights and unplugging unnecessary chargers will conserve your money too!

2. Picking up trash!  Take a walk around your neighborhood and make a game of it.  Be sure to watch what your kids might want to pick up that they shouldn't!  Since their little hands are too small for gloves, try using sandwich baggies instead.  It might give you piece of mind too!

3. Turning off the water!  Brushing your teeth and washing your hands is very important and we don't want you to stop!  Turning off the water while your your brush is in your mouth is an easy example of how to save water.

4. Not wasting food!  Lots of communities can now recycle their food scraps in their yard waste containers.  Call your local services to find out more information!  You can also put your scraps in your own compost pile just remember no meat or dairy to keep pests away.

5. Recycled Art!  Our kids LOVE to draw and create with paper of all kinds.  Encouraging your kids to use both sides of the paper is another easy way to cut down on wasted paper!  You can make collages and other art projects from pass art.  We've even made seed starter pots from used pages out of a coloring book!

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Celebrate Earth Day Week: Wednesday

Everywhere I'm seeing cute succulent terrariums.  After a failed attempt at making a hanging succulent garden last summer, I was able to salvage a few "chicks".

 I started with this Goodwill find.  It was actually 50% off because it was pink tag sale day!

I am not a green thumb. The plants I have are what some consider "hardy".  These poor Hens and Chicks were all that had survived after being pillaged by children and left sitting in a old terracotta pot by me ALL winter.  After washing up the glass bowl I set to cleaning up my little chicks.

I remove anything loose and brown so I can get a clean looking root.  Tossed in some dirt I had on hand and plunked them down.  I spray them once a week with a spritz bottle.

Before!

After!

This picture is two weeks later!  They are so happy and green! 

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Grandma Worthy Hints and Tips Food: Tips 1-10

I have a recipe book that my wonderful Grandma Holm made me many, many years ago....through out the years I have added many more recipes, ideas and tips from some of my best known bakers! My Family! Thanks to my contributors Grandma Haley and Rita as well!

Here are only a few tips (10) from grandma knowledge!

10 Hints and Tips for Food:

1. Freezing Berries: To prevent berries from sticking together when you freeze wash them gently, pat dry and lay on cookie sheet lined with parchment paper. Place in freezer. Once frozen remove berries and place into desired bags.Hulling Strawberries: To easily hull strawberries insert a sturdy straw through the bottom tip of berry and push it out the top. This will remove the hull and leaves.

2. Avocados: To store halved avocados and prevent them from turning brown, refrigerate them flesh side down in a bowl of water with a little bit of lemon juice. They will keep for a few days. You can also do this when preparing slices of avocado ahead of time for salads or garnishes. To keep guacamole from turning brown, lay plastic wrap directly onto the guacamole.

3. Baking Pastries: When baking cookies, choux puffs, or pastries cases directly on a baking sheet (or just use a pastry sheet), slide a thin palette knife or metal spatula under the pastries to loosen them from the sheet halfway through the cooking time.

4. Ball of Herbs: Put loose herbs into a tea ball and hook the chain over the edge of the pot. Then you don't have to strain the sauce or go fishing for the cheesecloth bag. Another trick if you want to use the cheesecloth bag, tie the bag with long enough string to tie to the pot handle or lid handle. Then you can easily find it.

5. Chicken Roasters vs. Broilers-fryers:
A Roaster chicken is usually a 3-5 month chicken weighing 5-7 pounds. It has a thicker layer of fat, which help baste the bird, as it roasts. They aren't as good for grilling or boiling since the large pieces will overcook on the outside before cooking the middle. Its meat is slightly tougher but more flavorful, which means it benefits from slower cooking of roasting, braising or stewing.
Broiler-fryer chickens are younger and tenderer meat coming to market from 6-8 weeks old and are more suitable for broiling or frying over higher heat. They usually weigh between 3-4 pounds. Left whole they make a fine roast chicken although the parts are smaller and a 4 pound chicken will barely serve four people. They are not suitable for slow cooking methods such as stews or braise since they could dry out more easily.

6. Chili Peppers: When handling chili peppers put your hands in plastic bags to prevent the juices and smell from your hands.

7. Cooling Stock: The easiest way to chill stock is to allow enough time for it to cool in the refrigerator. The fat congeals on top and you can easily skim it off with a flat bottomed spoon. If the stock is warm, skin off as much as you can with a spoon and then use a paper towel. Lay the paper towel over the surface of the stock. Immediately draw it up toward you and away from the stock. Have the trash can handy for the dripping towels. Cool lettuce also works to attract fat molecules. Use it as you would the paper towels.

8. Cutting Cheese Cake: When cutting cheesecake use fishing line or dental floss instead of a knife. Cut it longer than the diameter of the cheesecake. Wrap the ends of the line around your middle fingers, stretch the line and push down through the cake. Let go of the line with one hand and pull through the line staying as close to the plate as possible.

9. Egg Wash: To make an egg wash that is smooth, evenly textured and brushes on easily, add a pinch of salt to one whole egg beaten with 1 tbs. of water. The salt breaks down the protein in the egg white so the wash is fluid. Egg wash can be used for instance to brush on a pie crust.

10. Edible Flowers:
Sweet Flowers: anise hyssop, elderberry, honeysuckle, lavender, lemon balm, rose, scented geranium, violets, johnny jump ups.
Savory Flowers: borage, calendula, chive, chervil, chrysanthemum, coriander, dandelion, day lily, dill, fennel, lovage, nasturtium, rosemary, sage, squash, thyme.
Sweet/Savory Flowers: daisy, dianthus, lilac, pansy.

Happy Cooking~
Bree and J

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Celebrate Earth Day Week: Monday

A BILLION ACTS OF GREEN!

Help reach a BILLION Acts and Make your pledge at EarthDay.Org, doesn't cost a thing!

Simple as making sure you turn off all your lights, pick up some trash, don't let the water run, plant a tree.

Local Events to join: (Pacific Northwest, Wa)

Earth Day Computer & Electronic Recycling Event

From April 21, 2012 - 10:00 am to April 22, 2012 - 3:00 pm

Auburn, Washington, United States

Click here for MORE info!

Pick Up Pacific

From April 21, 2012 - 7:00 am to April 21, 2012 - 4:00 pm

Pacific, Washington, United States

Click here for MORE info!

Plant a Tree Save the Planet

From April 22, 2012 - 12:00 am to April 22, 2012 - 12:00 am

Kent, Washington, United States

Click here for MORE info!

Bellevue College Earth Week

From April 16, 2012 - 12:00 am to April 20, 2012 - 12:00 am

Bellevue, Washington, United States

Click here for MORE info!

More Earth Day Events and Info click here for the full list.

Or you can donate to earthday.org by clicking here.

Look for MORE Earth Day ideas, info and activities all week leading up to EARTH DAY April 22nd!

Help save our planet~

Bree and J

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How To: Style Curly Hair

BREE'S HAIR
THICK, THICK, THICK!
VERY CURLY...ALMOST SPIRALS
AND CRAZY FRIZZY IF I LET IT
DID I MENTION ITS SUPER THICK!!

Products:

Lotion, Garnier Fructis Styling Products, Flat Iron and Blow Dryer WITH diffuser!

Garnier Fructis Style Products

From Left to right: Curl Sculpting Cream-Gel, Curl Shaping Spray Gel

I will also use lotion, doesn't matter what kind but I like to use baby lotion...cause we already have it around. Right now I'm in love with there honey apple one.

I start with my hair wet! Best to do it almost right out of the shower...once it starts to dry the frizz already begins! I do not brush it with a comb.

To start I put about a quarter size amount of the Curl Sculpting Cream-Gel into my hand, rub my hands together and flip my head upside down. I then make sure to get this product everywhere using scrunching movements with my hands.

Repeat the same amount and motions with the Curl Shaping Gel. I only use the spray portion of this when I need to "fix up" or make my dry hair decent again. I normally twist the top off and pour/squeeze out a quarter size portion. Repeat head upside down and scrunching motion. Make sure to do this everywhere...on the sides, front and back of your hair as well as deep down towards the roots in the middle.

While remnants of product is still on my hands I flip my head up right and use my fingers like a brush and brush out my knots. The Cream-Gel acts like a conditioner and makes this task actually very easy.

Then (this may be very odd and who knows how "great" it is for my hair but it is THE only try thing I have found to fix "frizz"...it works...i do it, LOL) I pump out about a quarter size amount of lotion. Rub together in hands and while my head is up right scrunch into my hair. I do this mostly where I know my hair will frizz.

I add some hair spray BEFORE I blow dry. Not alot just a tiny bit where i know my hair frizzes (usually on the sides and back about ear level) I do this while lifting the hair to get spray under each layer.

Now comes the hair dryer WITH the diffuser. I again flip my head upside down and move hair dryer up and down, not quickly....take your time. Move the hair dryer in an up and down motion so the diffuser is grabbing some hair in the down position and when you move it upwards towards scalp it almost cradles the hair. A diffuser helps with frizz control and helps keep your curls together. You want your curls to stay grouped together because if they are all separate curls you will find yourself with an afro. My curls "usually" group together to be about the same thickness as a large strand of yarn.

Once its just dry...DO NOT over dry, I style. I personally part off center so my part is on my left side.

I then have side bangs. I like to straighten mine. To accomplish this without it being too much of a curl I use a flat iron. To start I just make multiple passes flattening the curly bangs. I do this WHILE pulling to the side. This is so they straighten while going to the side. Once it is straight you don't want to try and fix it too much.

Then once straight I make some more passes with the flat iron but angle it at a 90 degree angle to add alittle bit of a curl to bangs. I do this while still pulling to the side.

Now for the final look. If I need to (may be alittle frizzy) I add a small amount of lotion to my hands and pat hair down towards scalp. Like pushing it in towards my head. This also helps if you have too much volume.

To finish off I hair spray my side bangs, in the direction they are styled. Then spray alittle all over. I use Garnier Fructis Anti Humidity Hair Spray. Love this hair spray because if there is alot of moisture in the air this hair spray really truly helps!!

Finished product!

The one most important thing about having curly hair, no matter what style, type or thickness. You NEED TO HAVE IT CUT CORRECTLY! Usually needs to be layered so it doesn't create the Tree effect where it is frizzy and poofing at the bottom and not at the top. Looks like a triangle shape or a tree.Get it cut by someone that really KNOWS what they are doing!!! This is THE most important thing! I am 26 and in my life time I have only found 2 people that know how to cut it. Thank you so much Miss Heidi!!!Beware people say they know how but they wont always! The best clue is if they have your same hair. My new stylist was upfront and told me she knew how to cut it but not how to style it. Didn't matter...the cut was AMAZING!!!

JESSI'S HAIR

THIN, THIN, THIN!
VERY CURLY...ALMOST SPIRALS
AND CRAZY FRIZZY IF I LET IT
DID I MENTION ITS SUPER THIN!!

Products:

Dove Hair Therapy Style and Care, John Frieda Frizz-Ease and Suave Kids Detangling Spray

Suave Kids Detangling Spray

I also use Suave Professionals Keratin Infusion, Smoothing Shampoo and Conditioner

John Frieda Frizz-Ease, Daily Nourishment Leave-in Conditioning Spray

Dove Hair Therapy, Style and Care, Nourishing Curls, Whipped Cream Mousse

I start with damp hair. If I didn't get to do my hair right away and it starts to dry I can add detangling spray to help "wet" it again.

If its really tangly I use my daughters Suave Kids Detangling Spray, LOL, to help remove tangles and brushing easier.

I spray it thoroughly with frizz ease stuff and run a stiff brush through it to get out the tangles. Then I spray it some more.

With Dove Mouse for Curly Hair I add a good size amount into my hands. It comes out more like whipping cream. Spread between my hands, this makes it even more "foamy".

Then I flip my head upside down and apply mouse throughout hair. Making sure to get it all the way to roots in upward scrunching motions.

With the edge of a comb I use the center of my left eye to make a part and scrunch it with more mousse from Dove that’s for curly hair. 

Then I air dry and style with clips or ponytail. 

Final Product after it drys!I also use the spray to refresh my hair later or before going out. Once I’ve brushed it in the morning, I never touch it again with a brush until the next morning. I wash it twice a week but shower everyday.

Be patient with your curls~
Bree and Jessi

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