Enjoy Natural Beauty this Summer with Tree Hut

This post brought to you by Tree Hut. All opinions are 100% mine.

When I first started doing jewelry and nail tutorials, I noticed something about my hands. My close up pictures showed just how dry my hands were, and once I could see it I started to really feel it too. As a creative person, and a mom of a 2 year old and a 3 year old, I wash my hands a million times a day, which of course really dries them out. It feels like my regular lotion just isn't enough to fix it.

That's why I was thrilled to get to try out these Tree Hut products: The Tree Hut foot scrub, the Tree Hut foot cream, and especially the Tree Hut hand cream. These products are great. Not only are they high quality, but they are made in the USA, not tested on animals, and parabin and DMDM free! Plus, they are available all over the country conveniently at Walmart and other stores.



The Tree Hut Renewing Hand Cream is AMAZING. With organic shea butter and natural Moroccan argan nut oil, it helps heal your overworked hands. I love how this lotion feels. It doesn't leave my hands feeling sticky after I use it, and my hands are smoother and more naturally beautiful than ever. The Moroccan Rose scent is also amazing, but subtle
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I also got a chance to treat my feet with the Tree Hut Exfoliating Foot Scrub, and the Peppermint foot cream. I absolutely LOVED the strong peppermint scent, and really enjoyed these products. Plus, the peppermint oil is a natural moisturizer. Other natural ingredients like organic shea butter and real sugar make this foot scrub an excellent exfoliator, moisturizer, and healer. My feet felt so good (and looked good too) after my little home pedicure.

The Tree Hut Foot Cream also has that strong peppermint scent that I love. I've been using this on my feet all the time lately, and I love how my feet feel. The natural formula also makes it not greasy, which is a must for me.

These Tree Hut products have my feet and hands ready for summer, so I wanted to share a fun summer outfit idea inspired by the idea of natural beauty. The idea is that you can wear the same accessories to either dress up a casual outfit, or dress down a fun summer dress. The natural pinks and brown leather accents are perfect for summer, and are beautiful in an understated but powerful way.

Made at Polyvore

Have you tried any of these Tree Hut products before? What does natural beauty look like for you?

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12 Tips for Healthier Hair

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of John Frieda. All opinions are 100% mine.

It's worth it to take a little extra time and thought into your hair care, to get great results. Here are some ways that I've found, through personal experience, the advice of a stylist, or a great magazine article to achieve stronger and healthier hair.


1. Let your hair air dry as much as possible. Even if you use a hair drier to dry your hair, let it air dry or as long as possible before you start. Wet hair breaks and stretches much more easily than dry hair, plus your hair drier does some damage to your hair each time you use it. Letting your hair air dry a little bit before you start to blow dry it also minimizes this damage. Gently wrap your hair in an absorbent towel while you do your make-up, get dressed, and eat breakfast, and then come back and dry your hair as the last part of your routine.

2. Avoid the sun. Sun damages your hair and makes it more brittle and breakable. Put on a hat, or a scarf if you're planning on spending all day in the sun. If you're laying out in the sun at the beach, lay a small towel over your hair to protect it. You can also purchase special products that help protect your hair from the damaging UV rays of the sun.

3. Use quality shampoos and conditioners. Even if you don't use high quality products each time you wash your hair, using salon quality products some of the time will boost the health and vibrancy of your hair. I've started using John Frieda Brilliant Brunette shampoo and conditioner, and my hair feels and looks so much healthier, smoother, and more vibrant.



4. Get the most from your conditioner. The best way to use conditioner, is to start by applying it to the tips of your hair, and gradually work it up towards your roots. Don't apply any conditioner directly to your roots because it will make your hair look greasy. Once you've applied the conditioner, let it sit for 2 - 3 minutes before rinsing.

5. Rinse your hair with cold water. Right before you get out of the shower, rinse your hair with cold water. It will make your hair visibly shinier and healthier.

6. Wash your hair less. Everyone's hair is a little different, and some women can't get away with not washing their hair every day. However, other women have gotten into the habit of washing their hair every time they shower, and end up washing their hair every day, even when it's not dirty. Consider washing your hair a little less often when it isn't dirty for healthier overall hair.

7. Know your hair type. I have very thick, brunette hair with a lot of volume and body. It's generally straight, but it tends to be poofy and frizzy. So for me, it wouldn't make sense to use a volumizing shampoo. Instead, I've started using John Frieda's Brilliant Brunette shampoo and conditioner, as well as the John Frieda Frizz Ease Fresh Start Smoothing shampoo and conditioner. I've been surprised at how quickly my hair has started to feel smoother and healthier, plus my brunette color has never been more vibrant. (Visit John Frieda hair care products for more information about your hair and for some useful video tutorials.)



8. Use a good quality brush. Avoid cheap plastic brushes that can break and damage your hair. Boar bristle brushes are the most healthy and natural way to brush your hair. (source: stylist Edward Tricomi via SHAPE) Also consider using a wide toothed shower comb to run through your hair after you shower, when your hair is wet and most vulnerable to breaking and stretching. 

9. Get regular trims. Split ends can end out doing a lot of damage to your hair, not just your ends. Getting your hair trimmed about once every 6 - 8 weeks helps prevent split ends and promotes healthy growth.

10. Use a deep conditioning cream about once every 2 weeks. I've started using John Frieda Full Repair Deep Conditioner (a salon quality product you can conveniently purchase at WalMart), and it is amazing. After the first time I used it, my hair felt so soft and smooth, I couldn't stop running my fingers though it. 


11. Eat healthy foods. Vitamins D and E, and Omega 3 fatty acids are especially beneficial to your hair. Hair healthy foods include: salmon, walnuts, oysters, sweet potatoes, eggs, spinach, lentils, Greek yogurt, blueberries, and poultry. You could also add daily vitamins to your diet. (Source)

12. Don't over dry or over straighten your hair. You don't need to dry your hair until it is 100% dry. Stop at about 90% for healthier hair and a more natural look. When you straighten your hair, be careful to not hold the flat iron too long in one spot or continue to straighten hair that is already straight. Any time your hair is exposed to this kind of heat it is much more vulnerable to damage. 

What do you do to keep your hair healthy? Do your prefer to wash your hair in the morning or at night? What kind of hair do you have, and what kinds of products do you find work best?