No 'Poo'...(nothing gruesome, promise)

I promised that I wouldn't share anything overtly gross, and I will stick to it, but if you're really crazy about hand washing or scared of dirt, then maybe this post will give you the creepy-crawlies.

I have decided to try the 'no-poo' treatment for my hair.

Some quick details about my "physique":

• 11 Weeks post-partum
• NOT breastfeeding 
• Straight hair, thin shaft, lots of it
• PCOS - not on birth control 

Situation
Since I stopped taking birth control, my hair has been a mess.  Then I got pregnant and all during my pregnancy, I kept waiting for the "beautiful, glossy, perfect" hair....AND....it never came (same goes for stronger nails....pfft). 
Over the past two years, I've tried numerous, fancy, organic, magical, and miraculous hair products, all to no avail.  Mostly, this is due to my PCOS (and probably my genetics).  What really tipped me off to my hair of nast was when I got my hair cut and blow-dried at a salon.  I walked out with my hair still looking somewhat limp, cruddy, and dry.

Research
I had been reading many "raw" and vegan articles and blogs, and I came across the 'no-poo' experiment.
Loving it Raw is a site that has some "recipes" and progress photos.  Nature Moms discusses some of the chemicals found in haircare products and a how-to. 
I'm not worried about the various chemicals, more, I'm tired of store bought stuff that doesn't add anything special and costs me lots of $$$$$$.

Method/Tips
It's been 2 weeks, and my hair is finally losing that slightly sticky film that forms near the roots when you first start the change.  Some sites suggest transitioning if you can't deal with having yucky hair, but as I'm a ponytail devotee, it was smooth sailing (mostly) for me.
I use baking soda/water for cleansing and white vinegar/water for moisturizing.  I make the mixtures in a mason jar and put them in a spray bottle for easy application in the shower.  I'm currently investigating deep conditioning, and leave in conditioner "recipes" that will improve the texture and shine.

Results
My hair does not smell dirty or like vinegar, it's relatively easy to comb through, my hair is soft, and the ends do not feel dry and/or frizzy. 
Overall, I plan to stick with this regimen and see where it takes me.

PCOS - A journey - 1

Let me preface this post by saying that this is about my "journey" with PCOS.  It has only just begun.  I will not discuss crafting or my home improvement or my kitties.  You have been warned....



I was told, a few months ago, that I for sure, had PCOS.  In my head, I saw the dream of having babies, disappear.  Of course, I realize, that having PCOS does not mean that I'm incapable of having children of my own, but, how many drugs, surgical interventions, and pain can someone endure to only find out, that, it may not be "meant" for us?  I struggle with whether I should stay positive and hope for the best, when, I know that it could not happen.  I also grapple with feeling as though, I'm a failure, as a woman.  One of the most important functions that I have the responsibility to perform, and my body has betrayed me.

Now as this is a genetically linked "disease", there's not much I could have done to prevent or cure it.  It's pure and simple, my ovaries are dysfunctional and it's unclear as to the exact mechanism that causes the increased androgens and estrogen in my system.  When I'm not actively trying to get pregnant, it's strongly advised that I remain on hormone treatments forever (i.e. Birth Control pills).

My symptoms are weird and not that much fun.
I have acne again, on face and shoulders/chest/upper back.  I have gained weight and find it impossible to lose any.  I have dandruff and greasy hair.  I sweat through deodorant and grow more body hair.  I no longer ovulate (if I ever did at all) and so therefore will not get my period without drug intervention.  My periods are like torture; like nothing I've ever had to deal with before and nothing helps the pain.

My fertility treatment is what is commonly referred to as, TTC.
I take a progesterone substitute (Provera 10mg) for 10 days.  Once my period begins, on day 4, I take Clomid (50mg) for 5 days.  Supposedly, I should ovulate any time from Day 9, on.  So far, my Ovulation testing has come up negative, but I think this is due to how often I test.  For this third round, I will test twice daily, starting on Day 9.  I also keep careful track of my basal body temperature.  I wake up, each day, at 5am and take my temperature.  I keep track of it (and many other things) at Fertility Friend.

My plan is to see a specialist within the next two weeks.  We will see what she has to say about my current treatment and plans for the future.

Any advice and comments are welcome.

Life

There are many things going on.

House
Summer is on its way and therefore, I am getting my garden ready.
I will follow up with some adorable seedling photos at some point.

Life
My husband and I are trying to get pregnant.  No luck so far.
What is ironic (and possibly self-fulfilling fate) is that I always figured something might be "wrong" with me in the area of reproduction, but deep down I always thought "not me".  Unfortunately, I have PCOS and I am anovulatory (no ovulation at all).  I'm in my first "cycle" of Provera/Clomid, not very much fun, really.  It seems on my first dose, that I did not ovulate, so we try again.
I'd like to say that this blog should be about happy things only, but as this is such a major part of my life, I cannot ignore it.

Craft
As per my usual, I have many projects ongoing.  But there is one that I recently finished.
The pattern is Crochargosy (ravelry)

Although the pattern is great, may I recommend using acrylic yarn.  As this pattern is prone to extreme curling at the edges.  Above you can see this.  This is blocked already, severly.  Unfortunately, it still curls.  My advice is to use a yarn that you can "kill" with heat/steam.
This pattern is great, it seems a little wonky at first, but power through, because it was FAST to make.

My next post I will talk about the Maryland Sheep & Wool Festival (want to get my pictures on my computer).
Then, maybe a brief picture foray into our Anniversary trip to Napa, CA.
I also have another free pattern to share....