Model In A Bottle: Oh Yeah!

Frustrated from your makeup not lasting? Not me! My secret? Model in a Bottle. Some time ago I happened to be watching (I am a little embarrassed to admit being that talk shows are a guilty pleasure of mine) the Tyra Banks show and they did a special on this product, Model in a Bottle. I ordered some online and have been hooked since. This stuff is amazing. It has been a favorite find of mine for years and years. It really sets your makeup all day or night, for all you dance floor divas! It's never made me break out plus smells really good. I have nothing but good things to say about Model in a Bottle! It is a necessity! I mean, a hooker running from her trailer on fire wouldn't even notice a smudge. It is that serious! A real beauty must! Check out their website www.modelinabottle.com! 

The Perfect Holiday Gift: Paul Frank Julius Dance Machine

I came across this gem on the Internet the other day and purchased one of these suckers for myself. If your into Paul Frank or having a fashionable MP3 player, this is the tip. Or maybe you have someone special that is a huge music fan? This would be a perfect gift for the holidays. 
The Paul Frank Julius Dance Machine is the market’s first truly fun, transportable Apple iPod compatible docking station. With specially crafted stereo loudspeakers, designed in the form of Paul Frank’s most recognized and beloved character Julius. It features a built in rechargeable battery and a 3.5mm audio input so you can basically hook up any MP3 player you want to it. 
You can find it at Merch.com!

Animal Acres: Adopt A Turkey!

Why take the life of a feathered friend when you can save one? Through Animal Acres you can adopt a turkey to celebrate Thanksgiving. Animal Acres is an awesome animal sanctuary for farmed animals. They help save the lives of poor farmed animals destined for nothing good, religiously.

"Animal Acres was founded by Lorri Houston, who is considered the "pioneer" of the farmed animal sanctuary movement. In 1986, Lorri co-founded Farm Sanctuary, which opened the country's first sanctuary for farmed animals. For 18 years, she directed the group's rescue and fundraising efforts.

Through her farm animal sanctuary efforts, Lorri has directly saved thousands of animals from the cruelties of factory farms, stockyards and slaughterhouses, and brought national attention to the plight of animals used for "food production." Lorri's work has been featured in hundreds of newspaper, television and radio news stories, including guest appearances on CBS This Morning, Animal Planet, and PrimeTime Live.

The sanctuary is a refuge for animals, and a sanctuary for the soul. Farmed animal sanctuaries are a place where cows, pigs, and chickens reach out and touch the human heart. The "animal ambassadors" gently teach people to extend compassion to ALL beings through one-on-one interaction. For many people, it is the first time they have ever looked into the eyes of pig or chicken, and it can profoundly affect the way people view and treat farmed animals. "

Recently Animal Acres opened their lovingly doors to 41 additional turkey feathered friends. For a small chunk of change, $15, you can feed one turkey for a month.  You will receive a framed photo of the turkey you adopted and a Animal Acres membership. You may even be able to name your adopted turkey as well. You can call 661-269-5404 or click here. Happy Thanksgiving.

Brazilian Blowout Savvy: Gas Mask Included!

Trends normally change with the season. Right now there is something new influencing salon trends...OSHA. Gas masks now are the hottest accessory in some salons. They really make your eyes stand out and add a little glow to your skin. Wait, that's probably just the deadly chemical fumes slowly sinking in. Sounds awesome doesn't it?

Shockingly, yes to some! Money and frizz-free hair apparently out weighs the importance of health. I find it jaw dropping! The extremes stylists and clients are willing to go to continue to use the Brazilian Blowout products is one fall of the rocker too many for me. Where and when are people going to draw the line?

The company Brazilian Blowout is still denying the allegations that their products contain higher levels of formaldehyde than the OSHA standards. OSHA allows .1 percent of formaldehyde in the formula to claim formaldehyde free. Officials tested 37 samples of the Brazilian Blowout formula. All averaged 8.68 percent was formaldehyde. The report concluded there are meaningful risks with use of this product.

Many law suits have been filled. Nothing is finalized. Awaiting the verdicts. I'll continue not to the Brazilian Blowout products until their products become more consistent. Please read my post Brazilian Blowout: All The Rage Or All The Raged? for more information regarding to this content. Become knowledgeable about the risks that could be involved with this service before spending your pretty pennies.

Fall In Love With Fall

Fall is a special time of year. Cozy clothing, warm drink sipping, crisp air, the leaves on trees changing colors all remind me of the season. Although, they're not reasons why I fall in love with fall every year. I love fall for all the yummy soups to eat! Including this delicious veggie chili recipe I am going to share with you. Break out your soup pot and get in the kitchen! Best part about it, it's easy!

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 yellow onion
• 1 15 ounce can diced tomatoes
• 1 15 ounce can chili beans
• 1 15 ounce can pinto beans
• 1 15 ounce can black beans
• 1 package chili powder
• 1 package Morning Star Sausage Style Crumbles
• 1 tablespoon salt
• 1 bag Frito Lay chips
• 2-4 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 avocado cubed
• 1 tub of your favorite sour cream

Directions

1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Cook and stir until onion is tender, about 10 minutes.  Mix in the vegetarian burger crumbles. Reduce heat to low, cover pot, and simmer 5 minutes.
2. Mix the tomatoes into the pot. Season chili with chili powder and salt. Stir in the chili beans, pinto beans, and black beans. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, and simmer 1 hour.
3. Serve and add toppings to your liking.

Imagine music playing in the background, sitting next to a fire, surrounded by holiday decorations and eating a yummy bowl of this chili. It would make anyone stop and think about how much they enjoy this season. Yay for fall! Enjoy!

Drug Store VS. Professional Hair Products: The Match Is On!

Drug store and professional salon products will always go head to head. Put them in a ring and who will win? Whoever is winning your money! But, do you really know what your spending on? What is the difference between professional and drug or grocery store products besides the price? I'm here to let you in on the differences.

Take a professional and drug or grocery store brand conditioner and compare the labels. They may look fairly similar right? Well, they're not at all actually. Even if the labels read the same exact ingredients the actual amount is completely different. Aveda, Joico, Goldwell (to name a few) are professional salon products that have much higher amounts of proteins and moisturizers. These ingredients are what provides nutrients to your hair strands to keep them healthy. Pantene Pro V, Aveeno, Garnier Fructis (drug and grocery store brands) contain the very minimal amount of these ingredients to claim the benefits for your hair. Tricky huh?

Shampoos main difference is the lathering agent used. Sodium laureth sulfite is the most gentlest sudsing ingrediant for your hair and scalp. Ammonium laurel sulfate, ammonium laureth sulfate, or sodium laurel sulfate are all harsher lather ingredients. All sound close in name but that T and H makes a big difference. Professional products normally choose to use sodium lareth sulfite even though the lathering factor is less compared to the others. So don't judge a shampoo by the suds, read the ingredients!

Are you starting to see a trend here? Same goes for styling products. I am not saying drug and grocery store brands aren't effective products. They will do get the job done but don't expect quality. You have to also consider your hair type and what you do to it. Do you color your hair? Hi lites? Perm? Straighten? All chemically altered hair needs professional products to replace much needed nutrients to the hair to maintain it's health and shine. If you don't, drug and grocery store products may work fine for you.

Please make sure you are buying your professional salon products from a salon! You can now find professional brands at drug and grocery stores. This is called product diversion and has become a problem. The products make look the same on the bottles but in reality aren't. The contents inside have been altered. It's a complete scam and a huge waste of money! Professional products are only guaranteed when purchased from a licensed retailer, like a salon.

So which products are you placing your bets on? Consider your hair's health and make the right decision biased on that!

Tofurkyriffic: Save A Turkey

Another month has past. Just like that. Happy November 2nd! Time to get out your Thanksgiving decorations and start planning your dinner for the 25th. Why not go veggie this Thanksgiving!?!? Try celebrating turkeys instead of eating one. For generations and generations it's been bred into our traditional family holiday meals to eat meat. Especially a turkey on Thanksgiving. For the same amount of time people have choose to look the other way on the animal cruelty involved. Turkeys are intelligent birds that deserve not to suffer the painful experience of being slaughtered.

Just because your not going to eat a turkey on Thanksgiving doesn't mean your meal will be skimped. There are many great options for meals that don't involve hurting animals. Tofurky has a fake turkey roast stuffed with wild rice and bread crumb stuffing that will make a great main coarse. They even have a gravy to go with it!

Maybe do a vegetarian lasagna? Here's a yummy recipe:

Ingredients

• 12 lasagna noodles
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 heads fresh broccoli, chopped
• 2 carrots, thinly sliced
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 green bell peppers, chopped
• 2 small zucchini, sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 3 cups milk
• 3/4 cup Parmesan cheese, divided
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 1 (10 ounce) package frozen chopped spinach, thawed
• 1 (8 ounce) container small curd cottage cheese
• 24 ounces ricotta cheese
• 2 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Grease a 9 x 13 inch casserole dish.
2. Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add lasagna noodles and cook for 8 to 10 minutes or until al dente; drain.
3. Heat oil in a large cast iron skillet over medium heat. When oil is hot add broccoli, carrots, onions, bell peppers, zucchini and garlic. Saute for 7 minutes; set aside.
4. Place flour in a medium saucepan and gradually whisk in milk until well blended. Bring to a boil over medium heat. Cook 5 minutes, or until thick, stirring constantly. Stir in 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, salt and pepper; cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly. Remove from heat; stir in spinach. Reserve 1/2 cup spinach mixture. In a small bowl combine cottage and ricotta cheeses; stir well.
5. Spread about 1/2 cup of spinach mixture in the bottom of the prepared pan. Layer noodles, ricotta mixture, vegetables, spinach mixture and 2 cups mozzarella cheese, ending with noodles. Top with reserved spinach mixture, 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese and 1/4 cup parmesan cheese.
6. Bake in preheated oven for 35 minutes, or until lightly browned on top. Cool for approximately 10 minutes before serving.

Whatever you do, save a turkey! You will feel tofurkyriffic about yourself for supporting vegetarianism and saving the animals. Hope you have a nice holiday! xoxo

Blow Dry Boot Camp: Diffuse Me?

Working in a salon, I have noticed a lot of clients have never tried to diffuse their hair. Nor do they even know what a diffuser is! Yet, they can find one under their bathroom sink. Do you fit in this category? Do you have wavy or curly hair that frustrates you because your curl is "uneven" or frizzy?  I was in the same boat until I embraced my natural texture of hair. My diffuser is now a go to styling tool. And, guess what? I heart it! Using a diffuser and wearing your hair curly will only take about ten minutes to style and looks good!

A diffuser is a blow dryer attachment that helps evenly distribute the heat to your hair. Allowing you to dry your hair without a strong stream of hot air (curly hairs worst enemy). Using a diffuser with the right product enhances your curl making the end result beautiful even curls.

Here's step by step instructions to get gorgeous curls:

1. It all starts with a great shampoo and conditioner! Use a shampoo and conditioner that helps boost curl. Unless your hair is dry or damaged. If so, use a type that will nourish your locks with what it's lacking.
2. Towel dry your hair very gently. You don't want to rub your hair and cause frizz.
3. Grab your styling products girls! You will need a leave in conditioner, curl enhancing lotion, light gel, pomade and hair spray. Evenly distribute the leave in conditioner. I like to cocktail the curl enhancing lotion and gel and scrunch it in the hair. Then take your pomade and scrunch that product into your hair.  By using the right products your hair will be healthier, shinier, less frizzy and more manageable. All meaning....better looking curls! Do not skip this step.
4. Take your dryer and attach the diffuser. Set your dry to a low setting. Then, tilt your head to one side and place the diffuser close to your roots and hold it there until dry. Repeat the process while tilting your head back and to the opposite side as well. Take your ends and lay them into the diffuser, then lift the dryer up towards your scalp and hold. Your hair will form a circular pattern inside the diffuser so you get curls. Repeat this process with small sections of hair until your strands are almost dry, but not completely. That will only cause frizz.
5. If applies, style your bangs.*Please refer to my posts Blow Dryers: Blow Me Away! and Brushing Up On Hair Brush Basics to ensure your using the right tools!
6. End with an light liquid hair spray for extra hold.

If your hair dryer didn't come with a diffuser attachment you can purchase one at Amazon.com. The Solano finger softstyler is a great choice!

RememberPractice makes perfect and perfection takes more than 5 minutes to achieve! When your hair looks good, you feel good. Don't short change yourself.

Blow Dry Boot Camp: Voluminous and Bouncy

Want to look like you just stepped out of the salon? Follow these steps and you will produce voluminous and bouncy salon quality styled hair right in your own bathroom!

1. It all starts with a great shampoo and conditioner! Use a shampoo and conditioner that adds volume. Unless your hair is dry or damaged. If so, use a type that will nourish your locks with what it's lacking.
2. Towel dry your hair well.
3. Grab your styling products girls! You will need a root lifter, light gel or mouse, shine serum and hair spray. Apply the root lifter just at the roots (shocking, I know), and everything else but the hair spray mid shaft to ends. By using the right products your hair will be healthier, shinier and more manageable. All meaning....Easier to style! Plus, your style will hold much better! Do not skip this step.
4. Take your dryer and rough dry (do not use a brush) your hair until it's about 80% dry. Please advise, if your hair gets frizzy, do not over rough dry. It will just make it harder to smooth the frizz. 80% dry may be too much for you!
5. If applies, style your bangs.*Please refer to my posts Blow Dryers: Blow Me Away! and Brushing Up On Hair Brush Basics to ensure your using the right tools!
6. Attach the nozzle to your blow dryer (this helps control frizz).
7. Start at the bottom of your hair. Leave a section (the size of the barrel of the brush) down. Clip the rest up. Grab your round brush and dryer and get to work! Make sure you dry each section 100% to ensure no frizz and lock in the curl on the ends. *Remember the smaller the barrel on the round brush the more curl you will achieve and the opposite for larger sizes.
8. Continue up the rest of your head using the same size sections.
9. Shoot your hair with cold air to really set your style. 
10. If desired, grab your teasing brush and tease your hair a little in areas you want more lift.
11. End with an aerosol hair spray for extra hold.

Practice makes perfect and perfection takes more than 5 minutes to achieve! When your hair looks good, you feel good. You'll be doing double takes in the mirror!

Sesame Street:Song: I Love My Hair

Flat Irons: Still Hot!

In the last handful of years super straight hair has been a huge trend. Guess what? It's not going anywhere! Straight and sleek hair is here to stay. Concerned with extra heat damage? Using the right products and tools can help protect your hair. Flat irons are not to be skimped on! Can your current one pass the test of not damaging your hair? Here's the latest and greatest for flat irons...

• Ceramic- Produces negative ions, diffuses heat and seals the hair cuticle for shiny, frizz-free locks.
• Ionic- Dry, damaged hair carries a positive ionic charge that prevents it from looking its healthiest. An ionic flat iron creates negative ions to neutralize your charged strands for shiny, smooth results.
• Infrared- This gentle heating method penetrates the hair shaft without causing damage. It helps balance ions and maintains temperature consistency to deliver smoother, frizz-free results.
• Nano- An advanced smoothing and styling technology infused into flat iron plates. Typically, Nano works with another technology such as Nano Silver or Nano Titanium.
• Silver- This technology eliminates bacteria on the iron plates and your hair, creating a germ-free environment with every use.
• Titanium- An innovative technology that straightens hair quickly, maintaining consistent heat levels to prevent hair damage.
• Tourmaline- A semi-precious gemstone that produces six times more negative ions than ceramic. It's often infused into ceramic plates to produce even straighter, shinier results.

Your hair type and length also plays into what iron will suit you best.

• Thick, Coarse, Curly- Set your iron temperature from 380 to 450 degrees. Above shoulders? Use 1 to 1.5 inch plates. Shoulder length? Use 1 to 2 inch plates. Below? Use 1.5 to 2 inch plates.
• Normal, Medium, Wavy- Set your iron temperature from 360 to 410 degrees. Above shoulders? Use 1 to 1.5 inch plates. Shoulder length? Use 1 to 2 inch plates. Below? Use 1.5 to 2 inch plates.
• Fine, Thin- Set your iron temperature below 360 degrees. Above shoulders? Use 1 to 1.5 inch plates. Shoulder length? Use 1 to 2 inch plates. Below? Use 1.5 to 2 inch plates.

Make sure to purchase a professional iron with temperature settings. It's important to use the proper temperature for your hair type to prevent heat damage and get the best styling results. Croc 2 Infared iron, Sedu Revolution Tourmaline Ionic Styling iron and Hai Convertable Ceramic iron are all awesome choices. Now you have all the flat iron knowledge you will need.  Check out Amazon.com and Folica.com to make your purchase.

Blow Dry Boot Camp: Sleek and Straight

Want to look like you just stepped out of the salon? Follow these steps and you will produce sleek and straight salon quality styled hair right in your own bathroom!

1. It all starts with a great shampoo and conditioner! Use a shampoo and conditioner that smooths and straightens. Unless your hair is dry or damaged. If so, use a type that will nourish your locks with what it's lacking.
2. Towel dry your hair well.
3. Grab your styling products girls! You will need a straightening product and shine serum. In addition, if your hair is curly or wavy use a product to fight humidity. Dry or damaged? Use a leave in conditioner. By doing this your hair will be healthier, shinier and more manageable. All meaning....Easier to style!
4. Take your dryer and rough dry (do not use a brush) your hair until it's about 80% dry. Please advise, if your hair gets frizzy, do not over rough dry. It will just make it harder to smooth the frizz. 80% dry may be too much for you!
5. If applies, style your bangs.*Please refer to my posts Blow Dryers: Blow Me Away! and Brushing Up On Hair Brush Basics to ensure your using the right tools!
6. Attach your nozzle to your blowdryer (this helps control frizz).
7. Start at the bottom of your hair. Leave a section (the size of the barrel of the brush) down. Clip the rest up. Grab your brush and dryer and get to work! *You can use a round brush for more volume or a paddle brush for less.
8. Continue up the rest of your head using the same size sections. Make sure your hair is 100% dry to ensure no frizz and prep for the flat iron.
9. Use a flat iron to smooth out any frizz or kinks. If hair still has a good amount of bend or wave, start over at step four. This time use a flat iron instead of a brush and dryer.
10. Finish your style with more product. Use a shine serum or pomade and apply to the mid shaft and ends of hair. Avoid applying products directly to roots on dry hair. If your hair is fine, skip this step.

Remember practice makes perfect and perfection takes more than 5 minutes to achieve! When your hair looks good, you feel good. Don't be surprised if there is an extra bounce in your step!

Brushing Up On Hair Brush Basics

Options, options, options! Make sure you opt for the right brush to style and groom your hair! It makes a huge difference in the styling results you will get. From sleek and straight to bouncy and voluminous there is a right brush every style you desire. Are you using the right one?


• Paddle Brushes

Great for detangling and your basic brushing needs, for all hair types. The cushion prevents breakage by gliding through your hair easily. Can be used on wet or dry hair. Small paddle brushes work well on blow drying bangs.


• Cushion Brushes

Similar to a paddle brush but best used on dry hair. Using this brush will stimulate blood circulation to the scalp (promoting hair growth), distributing your hair's natural oil through the mid shaft and ends leaving your hair healthier and shinier. Everyone should own this kind of brush, it's a must!

• Vent Brushes

Can be used to distribute product and a basic blow dry. The vents add volume and some shape in the hair without the hair looking super styled. Great for a quick blow dry. Every man should own one, make sure yours does.

• Ceramic Round Brushes

Ceramic brushes are awesome for lots of volume and movement in the hair with curl on the ends. Can be used on all hair types. Always use a ceramic brush vs. a metal one. The ceramic protects your hair from heat damage because the brush heats up evenly. Also, can actually speed up the blow dry process because of this.
The nylon bristles allows for some tension on the hair to smooth out and reduce frizz. The size of the barrel matters! The smaller the size of the barrel the more curl you will get and opposite for larger sizes. Definitely take that into consideration.

• Boar Bristle Round Brushes

If your hair is wavy or curly and you want a straight style, use this type of brush. The boar bristles will dry your hair with the most tension. Resulting in smooth and sleek locks. The longer your hair the larger the barrel you should be using and vice verse.

• Teasing Brush

Used to back comb the hair when wanting to add extra volume and lift to all styles. Use on dry hair only.

Using the right brush will give you the style you want with minimal effort. Doesn't sound so bad, now does it? Amazon.com, Folica.com, Sephora.com and has large selections of brushes. You can also visit your local beauty supply store if you don't want to shop online. Some salons carry brushes as well. Now there is no excuse on not having the right tools to blow dry your hair!

Make sure you read my post Blow Dryers: Blow Me Away!

Blow Dryers: Blow Me Away!

Ladies, a good blow dryer is an essential! No lie! Who wants to break a sweat just from drying your hair? Not me! A quality dryer will dry your hair fast with the least amount of frizz.
Even after working in the beauty industry for almost 2 handful of years, purchasing a blow dryer is overwhelming. From brands, prices, to technology and etc. the choices for blow dryers available are countless. So here's the what's what in blow dryer trends...

• Wattage

The higher the wattage the more powerful the dryer is. The more powerful the dryer is the faster your hair will dry. Always opt for the highest wattage, especially if you have thick and/or curly hair. Morning minutes before having to be somewhere  is valuable time not to be wasted blow drying!

• Technology

Tourmaline, ceramic, ionic...What's it mean?

Tourmaline is a material used, a semi precious gemstone. Tourmaline generators is the best on the market. It uses a combination of ionic and infared technology. Tourmaline has great benefits for the hair. It releases negative ions in the while drying. Those negative ions helps seal the cuticle with your hair's natural moisture, leaving the hair silkier and shinier. Also, allowing hair to dry faster by breaking the water molecules into smaller sizes leading to evaporation sooner.

Ceramic, also a material used. The benefits of a ceramic dryer is the heater gives off a stronger and more even heat which will help protect your hair from heat damage.

Ionic is a technology emits negative ions which neutralize the positive charge in dry or damaged hair. Ionic dryers can actually improve hair health and create frizz-free, silky, shiny locks. They lock in moisture, help reduce static and work best for delivering super straight, sleek looks. They latest technology in dryers offer a switch that lets you choose the level of ion output or turn the ions on for smoothing or off for volumizing.

A dryer using all technologies is your best choice and available. The Sedu Revolution Pro Tourmaline Ionic 4000i Hair Dryer is priced at $160 and is worth it. The blow dryer is avalible at Neimanmarcus.com. The Sedu dryer has a 2 year warrenty (1 year is standard) and Neiman Marcus has a great return policy. For the month of October the code for free shipping is NMOCT, also avaliable at Folica.com.

• Lightweight

Self explanatory, personal preference. I prefer to get a work out in the gym, not drying hair. Simple as that.

• Attachments

The nozzle attachment gives a direct stream of heat to the area being dried. Resulting in less frizz.

A diffuser attachment is used for styling curly or wavy hair. It dries curls with heat only. With no stream of direct air, curls will be less frizzy and bouncier.

• Cool Shot Button

Hair's style memory when heated is less. Using the cool shot button really sets the style for longer lasting results.

Folica.com is a great website to purchase an amazing hair dryer. Possibly, your new best friend. They have all types of dryers from different price points and a 30 day return policy. Plus free shipping on all orders over $50. For the month of October get 25% off, plus free shipping on orders over $50 code MISSYOU25. Don't be shy on investing some cash into a quality dryer. Your hair and time is worth it!

Make sure you read my post Brush Up On Hair Brush Basics!!

Bangs: To Get Banged or Not To Get Banged

Is that your question? First things first...Throw all trends out the window for the moment. Bangs can be trendy and cute but also, can be really B.A.D. if not right for you.

Here are the reasons you should not get banged:

• If you have any strong cowlicks along your hairline near your forehead. Bangs are going to emphasize them, not hide them.
• If you have won't take the 5 minutes to style them properly. Bangs need daily T.L.C.!

Still wanting to get banged? Determine your face shape and I'll help guide you in the right direction...

Oval Face
Lucky girl! You can just pull off any bang style that suits your style of hair best! Woo hoo!

Oblong Face
Avoid side swept bangs because they will only make your face look longer. Other than that, go to town!

Round Face
A sleek side swept or straight across squared bangs would compliment you best. Avoid adding volume.

Square Face
You don't want to shorten your face with thick straight across bangs, longer wispy bangs showing most of your face will elongate your features.

Heart Shaped Face
Angled bangs, short and choppy or simple straight across bangs will all hide the fullness in your forehead and make balance your features.

 


Nicole Richie's bangs are top celebrity requested for 2010.

  


Zooey Deschanel comes close in second.

 Puh-lease put down the scissors and have a professional do it for you! The smallest amount off your bangs makes a HUGE difference. Save yourself the frustration and tears!
Not including side swept bangs, you will need to trim them every few weeks. A lot of stylists will give their clients complimentary bang trims and only takes 15 minutes maximum. So what are you waiting for? Make your appointment already and get banged!

Think Pink: Support Breast Cancer Awareness

Breast cancer stands second in line for the most common cancer found in women, right behind skin cancer. Cancer is most treatable in the beginning stages. Being self aware of changes in your breasts and starting your early detection plan can save your life! You can start by doing self breast examinations. But how and what to look for?

• In the Shower

Fingers flat, move gently over every part of each breast. Use your right hand to examine the left breast, left hand for the right breast. Check for any lump, hard knot, or thickening. Carefully observe any changes in your breasts.

• Before a Mirror

Inspect your breasts with your arms at your sides. Next, raise your arms high overhead.
Look for any changes in the contour of each breast, a swelling, a dimpling of the skin, or changes in the nipples. Then rest your palms on your hips and press firmly to flex your chest muscles. Left and right breasts will not exactly match—few women's breasts do.

• Lying Down

Place a pillow under your right shoulder and put your right arm behind your head. With the fingers of your left hand flat, press your right breast gently in small circular motions, moving vertically or in a circular pattern covering the entire breast.
Use light, medium, and firm pressure. Squeeze the nipple; check for discharge and lumps. Repeat these steps for your left breast.

Common signs & symptoms of breast cancer include:

• A change in how the breast or nipple feels
  You may experience nipple tenderness or notice a lump or thickening in or near the breast or in the underarm area.
• A change in how the breast or nipple looks
  This could mean a change in the size or shape of the breast or a nipple that is turned slightly inward. In addition, the skin of the breast, areola or nipple may appear scaly, red or swollen or may have ridges or pitting that resembles the skin of an orange.
• Nipple discharge

Knowing your family history and talking with your Dr. can help you know your risk for breast cancer. If you are at high risks your Dr. can recommend proper screening tests. Get a clinical breast exam every 3 years starting at 20, and at age 40 get a mammogram once a year.

The fight to battle breast cancer continues! Want to help? From buying a cosmetic product to making a donation, everything counts! Here are some suggestions:

• Aveda Hand Relief $21, $4 goes to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation. This is my all time favorite hand cream! It can last through 5 hand washes. Perfect for fall and winter!
• Essie Pink Ribbon Polish $8, 30% off all sales will go to the Libby Rose Foundation. A light pink shimmery nail polish that will help you look more polished!
• Donate Now at Addicted to All Things Pretty's blog.

My grandmother was diagnosed with stage 2 breast cancer late in the game of life. Because of her age she had a mastectomy, removing her right breast. The surgery was successful. She survived breast cancer. I am thankful and lucky my risk doesn't increase because she was in her 80's when diagnosed. Please do your part. Don't forget to sport your pink ribbons daily to bring awareness!

In loving memory of my grandmother.

Brazilian Blowout: All The Rage or All The Raged?

Shiny, frizz-free, smooth, healthy hair that doesn't take a long time to style sounds like every girls want for their locks, right? That's exactly what the Brazilian Blowout does. It's a miracle treatment for hair. Ladies everywhere are raving about the results after having the service done. Life changing for some, I'm sure. Too good to be true? It just might be.
On Oct. 1st Good Morning America did a special focusing in on what chemicals are found in the Brazilian Blowout. The company claims to be formaldehyde free. But are they really?
Formaldehyde exposure can actually compromise your health. If inhaled it can cause headaches, a burning sensation in the throat, and difficulty breathing, Their are actual studies done that link formaldehyde exposure and asthma. It's a trigger for some. On a much more serious note, it can cause cancer. Yes, cancer!

Good Morning America sent two samples of Brazilian Blowout products from a salon in Oregon to a chemist to test for toxicity. The results showed very high levels of formaldehyde. The company Brazilian Blowout states that the solutions tested have not been proven to be theirs because it didn't come from them directly and they are going to investigate further into the allegations.
I'm sure we will be hearing from them soon. Until then salons should not offer this service and you shouldn't get it done. Save your money and your health. That's what my salon and I are going to do anyways! I hope you think twice about it before you book your next appointment.

Halloweenie Time!

Happy October 1st! It's that time of year again...Holiday season! Most big retail corporations like to fast forward to December, as if it was Christmas already. Not giving the proper recognition to Halloween or Thanksgiving. In honor of the first day of the month hosting Halloween, let's focus on the biggest fashion trend on the 31st...Costumes!
Movies throughout the year influence the most popular trends. Movie guru, Tim Burton and Halloween go hand and hand. It's no surprise that his movie Alice in Wonderland is one of them for 2010. Wondering which wonderland character suits you best? Are you feeling mad as a hatter? Catch yourself day dreaming of a wonderland? Or would you prefer a more tyrant role? Here are some super cute costumes that will tickle your fancy! Avaliable at Elegavenue.com or Buycostumes.com.

Whichever fantasy role you would like to play, have fun with it! Halloween is a perfect time to make these characters your own and possibly fulfill a childhood dream. Or is that just me? With only 30 days to go, the countdown begins. Tick tock, tick tock...

 Search Amazon.com for costumes  for some more great ideas!

How To Communicate With Your Hair Stylist

Are you never quite satisfied with your visit to the salon? Your haircut and/or color isn't what you pictured in your mind? It may be caused by failure to communicate thoroughly. It is the responsibility of the stylist to ask all the right questions during a consultation, but stylists could use your help! Follow these steps and you will be on your way to getting the great hair you deserve!

1. Go to the salon looking how you normally do on a day to day basis. Pass on the comfy clothing outfit unless you have a stylist already that knows you. The way your dressed can show your stylist more of your personality and lifestyle. The perfect hairstyle looks great and fits into your lifestyle.
2. Bring a picture! Consider it a sin to enter a salon without one. Stylists aren't mind readers. Pictures help ensuring that magical moment of meeting of the minds. Make sure you are being realistic with your style as well. For example: if you have fine short hair, don't bring in a picture of someone with thick long hair. Also, make sure it's the hair style in the picture you like. Not how it looks on the model. Sharpie her face out, or cover it with your thumb and really look at the hair.
3. Speak up! Share with your stylist problems your experiencing with your hair. What you like and not like. It's also important for the stylist to know your hair routine. How often you wash your hair, styling time and what your trying to achieve. Know what shampoo, conditioner and styling products you use in your hair. That way the stylist can properly recommend products that will help. Trust me, products are our friends and can make a world of difference!
4. Watch what your stylist does while styling your hair and mimic it at home. Styling challenged? Ask your stylist to coach you step by step. Remember your in the salon for you hair, so talk about it. It's a great time to get helpful tips!

Stylists want to give clients the hair they'll love and clients want hair they'll love. You both have the same goal so make it easier on the two of you. Take my advice, it's a win win for everyone!

Make New Friends And Keep The Old

Love your friends? They will love you more when you gift them this super yummy treat! Don't have any? You will after you share your tasty baked goods. Thoughtful plus a good baker? Your a shoe in! Besides, it's in the name...Duh! So do yourself, your friends and your taste buds a favor and start this edible chain letter. No superstitions attached!

Amish Friendship Bread
Prep time: 30 minutes
Ready in:  10 days

Ingredients

• 1 (.25 ounce) package active dry yeast
• 1/4 cup hot water
• 3 cups all-purpose flour, divided
• 3 cups white sugar, divided
• 3 cups milk

Directions

1. In a small bowl, dissolve yeast in water. Let stand 10 minutes. In a 2 quart non-metal bowl, combine 1 cup flour and 1 cup sugar. Mix with a non-metal spoon thoroughly or flour will lump when milk is added. Slowly stir in 1 cup milk and dissolved yeast mixture. Cover loosely and let stand until bubbly. Consider this day 1 of the 10 day cycle. Leave loosely covered at room temperature. Do not refrigerate. If air gets into the bag, let it out. It is normal for the batter to rise, bubble, and ferment.
2. On days 2 thru 4; squish-squish and mush the bag. Day 5; stir in 1 cup flour, 1 cup sugar and 1 cup milk. Days 6 thru 9; squish-squish and mush the bag.
3. Day 10; Baking day! Mix and divide the starter as follows:

Pour entire contents into a large stir in 1 1/2 cup flour, 1 1/2 cup sugar and 1 1/2 cup milk. Measure out 4 separate batches of the starter batter, 1 cup each, into 4 separate Zip lock bags (one gallon size). Keep one for yourself to bake and give the other 3 to friends. If you keep a second batch for yourself you will be baking every ten days. I recommend doing this!

     4.   Preheat the oven to 325 F. To the remaining batter in the bowl, add:

• 3 eggs
• 1 cup vegetable oil
• 1 cup milk
• 1 cup sugar
• 2 tsp. cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp. vanilla
• 1 1/2 tsp. baking power
• 1/2 tsp. baking soda
• 1/2 tsp. salt
• 2 cups flour
• 1 large box instant vanilla pudding

Use butter to grease 2 large loaf pans and mix an additional 1/2 cup sugar and 1 1/2 tsp. cinnamon. Dust the greased pans with half of the cinnamon/sugar mixture. Pour batter evenly into the pans and sprinkle the top with the remaining sugar mixture.

Bake for 1 hour. Cool until bread loosens from sides of pan (about 10 agonizingly long minutes) and turn out to serving dish.

Break bread literally! Hand out Zip lock bags, a sample of the bread (sharing is caring), and instructions to the lucky chosen ones. If you want to show off your soft spot even more you should include a note with  a friendship quote. Such as, "A friend knows the song to your heart and sings it back to you when you have forgotten the words." Awe, so sweet I think I have a cavity.

If bag isn't passed on to a friend on the 10th day, be certain to tell recipient which day the bag is at when given to them.

Enjoy! xo