Best At-Home Haircolor!!

So, believe it or not, I have been coloring my hair since I was in my mid-twenties. This was actually to cover gray, and not just because I wanted to change my hue! Guess it runs in my family. So, I have tried many at-home kits. Revlon Color Silk, Loreal Excellence, Loreal Preference, Clairol Nice & Easy, Garnier Nutrisse, etc. I have always tried to stay as close to my natural color as possible. I have also preferred an Ash base as I do not like red in my hair. Now that I am reaching a "golden age milestone" Agh!!!, My hair needs to be colored every 2-3 weeks. I can't imagine if I had to pay someone to do it. I would be in the poorhouse!

I have been very loyal to L'Oreal and found it to be one of the best products out there...until now. I just found the one for me, and hopefully it will stick around for a while as it is a new product. It is called "Age Beautiful". Now, I don't love the name, but, I do LOVE the product!! I was turned onto it by my local Sally Beauty Supply. It is specifically designed for aging hair and meant to leave it in beautiful condition. Well, of course I am a skeptic until I try things on my own. I am happy to say that I am a skeptic no more! I used the 4A formula which is Dark Ash Brown. I purchased the developer creme made by them as well. It mixes in equal parts which is 2 ounces each. I mixed them in a plastic color bowl, put on my gloves, grabbed my applicator brush and started. It mixed easily and was a great consistency. I parted my hair as I went and started with my roots, then finished with the ends. My hair is thick, and it is below my shoulders. I was pleased that it was enough to cover it all.

One week later and it looks so beautiful!! I am so pleased and my hair truly looks so healthy and shiny. I don't see any grays at the roots which often does happen within 1 week with the other color products I have used. It advertises that it is designed to "fight all 5 signs of aging". You can read more about it here. I will continue to see how it goes, but so far, it is far better than any others I have used!

On a similar note, I recently discovered Bigen Haircolor.

I wanted something that was ammonia and peroxide free for in between full colorings. This little dynamo has worked wonderfully for touching up the grays! It is a powder in a tiny bottle that is almost laughable. However, you don't need much, and it does a phenomenal job! I bought it at Sally Beauty, but I have seen it in Walmart too. It is in the Ethnic Hair section. Well, whatever section it's in, it is a great product. I often worry about long term effects of the things we put in our hair and on our bodies. At least I can feel a little better knowing that this is more gentle.

Try both of these for yourself. They are extremely affordable and very user-friendly!! Happy coloring!

Feb 28th-(Just completed week 3 and it is time to color once again. However, it has performed far better than my previous color choices and I am so pleased)!

Yes! You can wash a COACH Bag :-)

PINK Magazine, December 2013 Interview "What's in a Name"?

Kathy Deringer : What's in a Name Article about me and about women overcoming!

Design on a Dime!

Well, it is now less than 2 months until I move into my dream house! It's still a bit of a blur, and truly won't feel real until months after I am actually living in it I am sure! Right now, I am just counting the days, and organizing my move.

I have planned to take lots of pictures of each decorated room once I am settled in. It will be my gift to all of you who are inspired by my ability to stretch a dollar more than most :-)! I can actually say that I have nearly found everything I will need to complete my "Pottery Barn" look, but for thousands of dollars less! "How did I do it" you ask? Well, about 9 months ago, a friend turned me onto a group on Facebook called "My Own Repeats". She raved about the amazing deals on there, and persuaded me to join. Well, I sure did join and it made a huge difference! It is a closed group by invitation only and many cities have them, or something similar. It is like Craigslist, but much safer, items are priced much cheaper, and you avoid all of the spammers! The group that was built off that group is called "From My House to Yours" and that is where you can buy/sell anything related to your house (furniture, decor, appliances, housewares, linens, etc). You would be amazed at what you find! I have gotten a Pottery Barn Console Table for $85, a Pottery Barn style full bed with a mattress & boxspring for $75, a Pier 1 Couch that is to die for in brand new condition for $250, and the list goes on and on.

Besides buying items on these sites, I have sold literally thousands and thousands of dollars worth of my own things on there. You just post a pic, and sometimes within a few minutes someone comments "I will take it"! You both then arrange to meet at a good time and finalize things. I have sold so much that I even keep an Excel spreadsheet of my monthly earnings. I like to keep 2 columns on there to show what I have earned, as well as, what I have spent. If possible, I try only to spend what I have made, or even less. It's awesome!! Plus, it couldn't be easier. And, you would be amazed at the friends you will make and the people you will run into!

Since I LOVE Pottery Barn, Crate & Barrel, Ballard Design, etc., I do get their catalogs (not so I can spend money, but so that I can copy some of the great design looks that I see). Believe me, my house looks amazing with what I have done!!! I can't wait to move into my new house! Oh, and the reason I can even move into my dream house, is because of my ability to stretch a dollar! It has paid off big time!!

So, if you use Facebook, do yourself a favor and see if you can find one of these groups close to you. If not, you can just start one yourself. It's easy! I even started one just for the current residential community I live in. I've sold a ton on that one too. There is another called Varagesale.com that is also a mobile app and houses all kinds of fantastic deals. Look these up!

Thanks for reading and stay tuned for my "Design on a Dime" Lookbook that will be here in the near future!

Bye Bye Mini!! Hello Scion IQ!!

After 10 months of driving a money pit, I finally decided to trade it in. Yes, my Mini Cooper was super cute. But...cute just doesn't cut it when you are constantly worrying about what is going to break next!

My love affair with my Mini, soon turned ugly after replacing the strut mount towers. It had been making such a horrible noise and after taking it in to the local BMW dealership, I learned they were needing replacement. And of course, BMW couldn't do it. So, I would have to drive to Mini of Charleston, pay a ridiculous amount to have it fixed, and be without a car for however long it took. Oh, there were so many things, but the worst finally came down to the transmission needing to be replaced. Oh yes, you heard me! And, it was to the tune of $6000 or $7000! Well, my love affair (already having grown cold) was definitely done for! My Mini Money Pit had broken the last straw and it was time to end things, and for good!

Though I stood to lose thousands of dollars over this for trading it in, the peace of mind going forward was worth every cent to me. My previous car had been a Scion Xa. It was a slow burning love affair I developed for it. Looking back, I wish I would've just kept it, instead of being seduced by German engineering! Well, though I couldn't go back to "Hudson" (the name my son and me called him), I could start fresh with a new Scion love. I actually did look for another Scion Xa, but they only made them for a few years. They are not easy to find, and many had higher miles than what I truly wanted. I did my research, and visited a few dealerships. I also hadn't intended on buying a new car, as I have always been one to purchase used ones. Oh well!

Skip to my new Scion IQ :-)! Yes, I did purchase a 2013 model and I absolutely LOVE it! We have named it "Yoda" (my son's suggestion). Kind of looks like a "Yoda" actually. Short on length, but absolutely long on features and gas mileage! I am 5' 11 with long legs, and this little thing gives me plenty of head room, as well as, leg room! I had test driven the new Fiat, which is super cute too. However, I found the cabin to be tight. The Scion has lots of space in the front to maneuver, and since I work out of my car, that is a huge pre-requisite. It gets 37 mpg with regular gas, in both city and highway driving. That in itself is a reason to jump on in! No more having to use premium gas either. I just filled the gas tank yesterday and it cost me $22, and had taken me a little over 300 miles. Whoo Hoo! It can turn on a dime with an amazing turn radius, so you can get out of even the tightest spots easily. My view in all directions is phenomenal, unlike the Mini which needed a rear sensor to alert you of things you might hit (and believe me, you might hit a lot of things since there were several blind spots). I get a lifetime plan which includes free oil changes and regular maintenance, plus, I also get roadside assistance for anything. It also has a 3 year/36k warranty. This is a HUGE relief for me! There is a nice pull-out drawer under the passenger seat for your laptop or other goodies. The power windows go completely down with one touch (like my Mini), and I also have radio controls on my steering wheel (like the Mini also). My iPod plays beautifully through the USB port, and the Bluetooth push-button technology is fantastic! Love that I no longer have to fumble to answer my phone!! The owners manual comes with a well-stocked first aid kit and lots of useful information too. The back seats do come completely down and give you a bit of storage space. You can fit a couple of small children with seats up, but, it is a little tight. Still, I love it! Oh, and there are airbags all the way around this baby. So, those are just a few of the many things I love about "Yoda". Oh, and I must say, the light blue color is sharp.

I am on week 2 of owning this cutie. It does attract quite a bit of attention as people wonder if it is a "Smart Car". I tell them "No, not a Smart Car. It's more intelligent :-)".

New Mom Survival Guide!

I was a new mom at age 40! Needless to say, I knew nothing about having a baby. And...my own mother had passed away when I was young, so, it left me with very little history to follow. Unlike many women, I spent much of my 9 months of pregnancy being absolutely terrified! I wish I could have just enjoyed it and savored every minute, but I honestly feared the unknown so much that it consumed me with fear and doubt. I feared that I would not know what to do, and would fail at being a mother. Thankfully, 7 years later, I can honestly say I am a great mom :-)! And others would say the same. So...I thought it would be helpful to create this list of items that truly helped me in my transformation from "carefree single gal-hood", to "new-mom extraordinaire"! Hope it helps a lot of you new moms as well!

* Always carry a change of clothes for your baby, and for you too! You will have more spit-up and "other" things on you than you ever imagined! I carried onesies (these are baby clothes that are one piece and snap at bottom of crotch area) like crazy and always had at least a second shirt for me. You will need it!

* Get a car organizer that can attach to the backseat, and preferably one that has a section for cold items. You will really appreciate having this on warm days, and you will constantly need to keep it packed with baby wipes, wash cloths, snacks, juice, tissue paper, empty grocery bags (to put dirty diapers and other garbage into), water bottle to wet wash cloth with, extra onesies too, etc!

* If you are breast feeding, invest in a nursing scarf or shawl. These are an absolute must so that you can freely feed your baby in any public place without "offending" some folks. And believe me, some will be offended!

* A baby nasal aspirator was something I am so glad I had. My son would occasionally get such a runny nose that it would make him choke. I had to use this several times to help clear his nasal passages.

* An "All in one diaper pad and changing kit" was my best friend! This handy device carried all that I needed and folded neatly back together. I could fit it easily into my diaper bag, or, my favorite designer bags too :-)! It looked great and was sooooooo convenient!

* A boppy pillow was so handy! My son slept comfortably in it when he was a newborn, and, it certainly helped when I was nursing/feeding him.

* As a runner, I wanted to include my newborn son on my runs. I found an absolutely great product that was a body positioner, and truly helped keep him snug in the stroller. It also worked in his carseat.

* An umbrella stroller is vital! Beside your regular stroller, you will want to have one to bring with you on trips and quick outings. It is lightweight and very portable. And, if you are tall like me (or want your husband to be able to use it) look for ones that are made for taller folks!

* My son's absolute favorite toy was the Fisher-Price Laugh & Learn Puppy! It teaches them words, and body parts and does so in the cutest songs ever! I have even kept this toy in our memory chest so he will have it to give to his kids someday!

* A portable swing was my best friend! My girlfriend gave me hers and I was never happier to have such a great tool to soothe my baby when at parks or other outings. Especially as a single mom, I would have to shower and do other things where he would sit alone. I would put this in the bathroom with me so he could be nearby. It is awesome!!!

* Always carry plenty of interactive books with you! Especially the ones with lots of colors and textures that they can touch. If you can find ones that have parts that flip open, that is even better. Babies LOVE to be stimulated!

* You will always want to have plenty of spit up blankets or burp cloths! Believe me...babies spit up a lot!! I used to carry one over my shoulder constantly when I held him because sure enough, he spit up constantly!

* Swaddling blankets are so helpful! Babies love to be swaddled tightly as it just helps soothe them. There is a way to wrap them that is almost like a tortilla (I know it sounds funny but it would help so much when my son was crying).

* Always buy your baby clothing in larger sizes! You will be amazed at how quickly they grow!! Better to have clothing a little to big, than to have it too tight!!

* It goes without saying that you will ALWAYS want to have more diapers with you than you think you will need!! They need to have diaper dispensers in bathrooms like they sell tampons :-)!! No joke! You will go through them amazingly fast! Keep in mind too, that the big diaper makers like Pampers, Huggies and Luvs, also make a lot of the lower price store brands like the Walmart, Food Lion, Walgreens, etc brands! You will want to try some of these as you will be pleasantly surprised at how well they work!

* Some type of soothing sounds and light-up toy attachment for sleep time is a must! This is one by Fischer Price and there are a lot of others out there too. It really helps your baby relax and lullabies them to sleep!

* Hands down, the BEST baby book out there is "What to expect the First Year"! I carried this book everywhere! It really helped me to know what to expect, and to be prepared! You will also want to have a medical book to carry with you!

* A Baby Gym is a great way to give them much needed tummy time and to help them explore their little world! Babies are fascinated with colors and patterns. There are many of these available, and try to find one that is very portable so that you can carry it with you everywhere!

* I can't say enough about the Baby Einstein DVD's! My son would sit forever and look at these! I even enjoyed them :-)!. The music is wonderful, but they also have so much eye-candy for them to watch. It will keep them amused for a very long time! As they get older, you will also want to have a portable DVD player to bring on car rides! This is a MUST!

* Have a rear-view mirror attachment so that you can always keep an eye on your baby. Once out of the infant seat, the motion of the car makes their heads bobble a lot :-). You would be wise to also have a neck ring to keep around their necks to assist with this. Oh, and a mirror for your baby to see themselves is another great investment!!

Well, I am sure that all of you could chime in about your favorite baby products. There really are so many, but, these were some of my must haves! Also, try and pair yourself with other moms for special playgroups, "movies for moms", and other activities. You will need a strong arsenal of other moms that understand what you face and can be by your side with support and advice when you need it the most!!

"Date Night" & other activities for you and your little man!

Life is busy, and I know that mine certainly qualifies! Especially as a single mom, the days are just filled with "to-do" lists, and not enough "doers" to do them :-)! However, even in the chaos, I know that time is so valuable. I do my best to stay in the present and value each minute of this life with my little man, as someday he won't be so little anymore.

On Friday nights, I have done my best to have "date night" with my little guy. Of course as he has gotten older, he prefers to call it "food night" as the thought of date night with his mother just isn't "cool"! I set aside a few hours to take him somewhere special. It may be Dairy Queen, McDonalds, or even the local Mexican restaurant. However, there have also been times we just pile up on the couch, popcorn in hand, and watch a great family movie together. Either way, it is our time, uninterrupted by life's demands, and the very special time that he will remember always.

The following list includes other special activities you can do that are affordable (or free) and that your little guy will love:

* Light sparklers and run around the yard, or a park together!

* Meet him for lunch at his school.

* Have a picnic together.

* Be "Archaeologists" and scout for special rocks, leaves, insects, etc., in your yard, at the beach or a park.

* Take a bike ride.

* Dance together! We have our own routine that we have done since he was 2 years old. We often add to it and break it out when the moment strikes us!

* Speaking of dance... we dance to Michael Jackson on the Wii game! We LOVE this and completely laugh at ourselves :-)!!

* Do artwork together, build something, put a puzzle together.

* Bake a cake, make cookies, or let him help you prepare dinner.

* Volunteer together (Nursing Home, Soup Kitchen, Animal Shelter, etc.) which is especially good for teaching him the value of giving back.

* Sing Karaoke together!

* Walk with him to school or just anywhere that is peaceful and talk about what you see along the way.

* Go to a museum or a craft fair and let him tell you about the things he would like to create himself. Help him achieve those things if possible.

* Plant a garden. Let him pick out what to plant (vegetables, flowers) and let him manage them as they grow.

* Build a birdhouse. We have loved this! Each year we welcome new little bird families and love to see the creation of life!

* If you can, build a backyard swing for two. We have one that we have enjoyed so much. We read, we watch wildlife, or just have great talks together.

* Read about history and explain to him how far we have come...and how far we have yet to go!

* Have a yard sale and let him make his own money by gathering his unwanted toys to sell, and by selling lemonade.

* Build a scrapbook or a collage of your lives. Let him help you cut pictures from magazines and your own photos.

* Take an overnight roadtrip to somewhere special, or, just a daytrip. We have gone strawberry picking, or to the zoo, to a sporting event, or monster trucks!

Hope these help you create special memories and also help you slow down in this hectic world! I know they have certainly helped me!

Resolve to NOT Have a Resolution!!

Last year I made the best New Year's Resolution ever! My resolution was simply "to not make any resolutions"! Ha ha! Well, I think it only lasted for a short while as I find I am constantly changing and evolving. I never want to be the person I was yesterday. I always want to be a better person, better mother, better friend, better store owner, etc. I honestly feel that the day we decide to just sit still on this earth and vegetate, well, we may as well not be here!


So, what are your New Year's Resolutions? Do you want to lose weight? Start an exercise and healthy eating campaign? Spend more time with loved ones? Read more and watch less TV? There are so many changes we could make for the better, and I encourage each of you to think of the things that matter the most in your life.


The year I had my son, I also decided to stop watching the news. It was just too disturbing to see the myriad of horrific stories out there, and of course the media capitalizes on it. I just couldn't stand to hear it anymore. So, I stopped listening and watching! What a gift it has been. I have found that it has made me a more positive person, and one that looks for the good in others, rather than the bad. So, with all of that said, the following is a list of my recommended New Year's Resolutions. Of course you will find ones that matter to you personally, but hopefully this short list is helpful:


* Spend less money and more quality time with your children.


* Get rid of the clothes you haven't worn in 2 years, regardless!!


* Learn a new skill or pick-up a new hobby.


* Volunteer!


* Plan an exciting trip somewhere within your reach and start a savings bank for it.


* Re-connect with an old friend, a broken family relationship, a great teacher who changed your life, etc.


* Donate unused items to those that could truly use them the most!


* Join a walking club or another healthy club that is also social.


* Finish the book you have intended to accomplish, or just get it started!


* Open a new business, even if it is just part-time.


*Spend less time on Facebook!


* Open a savings account and make a plan to add to it consistently.


* Try a new hairstyle or hair-color.


* Praise more and complain less!


* Plan to meet the love of your life and surround yourself with activities and people who will help you meet them!


* Visit your old hometown and the house you grew up in, the school you attended, etc.


* If you are uncomfortable with computers, plan to learn about them and find a class.


* Start a vegetable garden.


* Learn a new language.


* Get a physical, and other annual exams if you have been putting them off.


* Go green!! Think about the car you drive, the items you use, etc.


Well, hope my short list gets you started a bit. There are so many things you can do to have a "New Year, New You"! I challenge each of you to find them and to put them into practice. After all, there is truly no better time than the present. And what a gift to yourself (a present to yourself)!! Happy New Year!!

Fighting "The Boogie Man"!

I remember having many fears as a child. The nighttime magnified those fears, and added new ones! My son reminds me of these terrors as he deals with his own. Of course as an adult, I often want to laugh these fears away and simply tell him it's all in his imagination. However, they are very real to him. Thus, they are very real to me too.

There are several things that I have done to combat "The Boogie Man". My favorite one of all came from www.inkgarden.com. I was able to create a sweet pillowcase with the both of us on it. My little boy cherishes this pillowcase as he feels so much more secure knowing mommy is right there. Have someone take a similar photograph of you and your loved one, then make a pillow out of it!

Nightlights are a must! I actually have them in most rooms of our house. Definitely one in his room. They take the edge off of the darkness and light his way to the bathroom in the middle of the night. I also open the blinds and drapes to let the moon shine in. And yes, I close his closet door so the "Boogie Man" can't come out from in there :-).

The arsenal of stuffed animals are beside his bed. He calls them "his little family" :-). I include them all in our prayer time before he nods off to sleep, and I hug them all too. He surrounds himself with them and even sleeps directly on top of his favorite...a giant brown bear he calls "Bearie"!

I have checked on him every night since he moved to his own room. I give him kisses, pull the blankets back onto him on chilly nights, and off of him on warm ones. I also whisper directly into his ear. I just feel like there is a part of him that actually hears me subliminally :-). I tell him how much I love him, what a gift he is, how smart he is, and that I will always be there... no matter what.

Lastly, on very scary nights (thunderstorms, bad dreams, growing pains in his legs, etc), he absolutely knows there is an extra soft place to land right in Mommie's bed!

Savings Reminders for the New Year...

I have posted many of these tips before, however, with the new year and the challenging economy, I am posting these and more. As most of you already know (hint, hint, read my title :-)), I am a single mother. We do not get child support, or financial assistance. I also don't have family to help me though I am thankful for the many friends who have become family to us. Of course, they don't help us financially and that is exactly the way it should be. So, I have adopted many daily practices to save money and stretch a dollar. Especially as a new business owner, www.kathyscloset.biz, I need to watch every penny! So, here are some of the many money-saving tips you can also put into practice!

* Pack your own lunch and make your own coffee! The cost to eat out adds up! Also, those trips to Starbucks can break your budget. Just do it yourself. Prepare the night before so you are not in a rush the following morning.

* Do your own beauty stylings (if you can). I cut my own hair, and color it. I also cut my son's hair. I do my own manicures and pedicures. I can even do my own facials. It's not hard if you just spend a little time practicing. I save thousands per year doing this!!

* Give up the gym membership and use DVD's, home equipment, a buddy program, and the great outdoors! As a former trainer, I have kept up on my fitness with my own routine. It is so much easier to do in the privacy of my own home and a lot less expensive. Take brisk walks, ride your bike, get a work-out partner.

* Use coupons, especially on sites like www.southernsavers.com, that help you organize them by store. Keep them current and sorted. Know your favorite store's coupon policies. Take advantage of BOGO deals and double up the savings with coupon stacking (store coupon+manufacturer coupon+competitor coupon).

* Get rid of the landline and only use your cellphone!

*Check with your local cable company for "limited basic" which is about $13 per month. They don't tell you they have this option, but they do. It just gives you about 13 channels, but I don't care much for TV anyway. I use the my savings for a netflix membership at $8 per month. It is instant through our Wii game and has great shows you can also tailor to suit you and your family.

* Clean your own house! Having a maid is a luxury, especially now. I just do it myself and save the hundred dollars per visit.

* Buy your children's uniforms at garage sales and on eBay. I buy them in large quantities for a steal!

* Go to dealoz.com to check current prices on books, CDs, DVD;s and electronics. It will peruse the internet to find you the absolute best deal!

* Buy an older, fuel efficient car. If you can, pay for it all and don't finance it. I used to be a BMW girl. Not anymore! I love them, believe me! However, I love not having a car payment even better! Plus, I get great gas, low auto insurance and low maintenance costs!

* Watch your electric usage. Turn off lights, computers, TV's, etc. I also set the A/C to a higher temp, and the heat on a lower temp. Therefore, they don't come on as often. I save hundreds on my electric!

* Get regular oil changes, keep the tires inflated properly, and change your sparkplugs and filters as needed. Just some very inexpensive maintenance can save you hundreds in the long run!

* Check sites like retailmenot before you pay full price on items purchased online. From clothing to household items, etc., this site and other similar sites will give you promo codes to save on shipping, and the total cost.

* Use drugstore cosmetics. So many of them are made by the same exact manufacturers as the department store brands! The same with diapers!

* Buy larger portions and freeze them. I freeze things like milk, cheese, bread, vegetables, etc. Also, buy the "manager's special" on ground beef and meats in bulk. Get them home and package them into single serving portions and freeze them.

* ALWAYS check for the generic brand of drugs!!! Walmart has soooo many for just $4. Publix gives you antibiotics for free also. Krogers the same!

* Keep a drawer that is just for year-end tax items. Put all reciepts for healthcare, dental, home repair, childcare, mileage, charitable contributions, etc. into it. Make sure to deduct all that you are entitled to at the end of the year!

* Do your own lawncare! I didn't know a thing about lawns before I purchased my home. I quickly learned, and now boast one of the nicest lawns in my neighborhood. I fertilize regularly, and keep up with weeds and proper maintenance. I save hundreds per year doing this also!

Well, that is all for now! There is so much more, but this is a start! I am sure you can think of more ways to stretch a dollar. You may want to keep a journal for a month and log your spending. You would be so surprised to see the way you spend money! Happy New Year!!