short hair monday

happy workin' monday, friends! isn't she darling? makes me want to cut my hair all over again. and i love her gold nails. hope you had a lovely, restful weekend. more later, xo

ps. i want this watch. so delicate and fun, and you can choose a variety of band colors!

photo via

ballet buns

how adorable and unique are these buns? loving them! the makeup ain't bad either...

mod monday

monday is bizzack!

trying to stay motivated but i've already chugged my coffee.

but on a more important note, i love this shot. i adore her super mod bangs and dress. check out more photos here.

pump it up

no, not my batwing arms. im talking hair. ive got that fine, limp hair that is reminiscent of your 2nd grade scruff. mine has not changed and ive battled flat, bland hair for years (thank god for highlights). however, i have found my cure (and on a budget).

John Frieda Luxurious Volume Lavish Lift Root Booster, $5.99 *

an easy spray when your hair is wet.

dry as normal.

and boom, instant volume!

plus, smells pretty sweet too.

Give it a try, we all need a lift once in a while.

xo,

*Sale price at Walgreens and Drugstore.com

photos via drugstore.com and here

hello, i like you very much.

{via}

isn't this braided look darling?
and so (punky) chic.

if only my hair was long enough...one day, i tell you!

{via}

i also really (oddly) enjoy this frizzy pic.
endearing, yes?
reminds me of paris (can you tell im obsessed?)

happy tuesday!

down the middle

{via}

the middle part.

fug or fab?

here are some that actually work on these women...touche!

{via}

{via}

{via}

it's a hard look to pull off, so do with care and ease.
(and maybe in the privacy of your own home, before hitting the streets)

love,

Super Freak, Super Rich.

$23 each.

this stuff is liquid crack, and im for reals.
i absolutely love this stuff.
recommended by my DEAREST hair dresser (she's da bomb!)

and doesn't break the bank for some kick-ass professional haircare.

perfect for color treated hair, both fine and frizzy.
only need a dime size.

try it for yourself.
and it smells even yummier...

thank you, bumble&bumble!

Knot So Blah

while perusing Marie Claire's January issue,
the beauty beat struck a nice little cord.
...not only because of the stunning Natalie Portman.

but i digress.

hair and ponytails and buns, oh my.
what to do?

while i face the tedious feat of growing out my hair (c'mon, please please!)
it is beginning to sit at that awkward length.
ick.

sooo...do i just pull it up in some boring pony?
or worse, a claw?
the claw is fine for house work and running errands, but that is about it.

so here is a renovated updo, courtesy of stylist Mark Townsend.



1. High Step
pull your hair into a sleek, back high pony tail.
be sure it isn't '80s' high, and grab any large pieces from the front.






2. Braid away
braid the ponytail.
it can be loose.
if your hair isn't long enough, just twist.







3. Twist and place
coil the braid (or twist) into place on the top of your head.
it should create somewhat of a loose knot look.
pin in place with your handy bobby pins.
fly-aways are good.






4. Cleaning up

be sure to pin up any large chunks or bumps.

bobby pins and hairspray are a girls best friend.

{all images via marieclaire.com}

Friend or Foe?

I'm still deciding.

Recently I purchased the new L'oreal Paris Everpure Sulfate-Free color care shampoo
and it has received mixed reviews.

{mylifetime}

L'oreal Everupure Sulfate-free, $7

The rosemary juniper smell is just divine, leaving a minty, refreshing scent.
It lasts forever-- you need only a dime size to lather your whole head.

However, the lathering part is tricky.
When I begin at the top of my head, it just builds this huge soapy mess but won't lather and spread down into the rest of my hair.

hmph. oh k...

Then, I rinse. Rinsing usually goes well, but it takes some time.

After blow drying my hair, I've realized my roots feel somewhat...
waxy (for lack of a better word).
So, really, not the cleanest.

On the flip side, my hair has had great volume, body and movement.
Maybe L'oreal is a friend?

You try and decide.
You can't beat the sulfate-free aspect; VERY good for your hair!

Toodles,

Pure Goodness

Like all my beauty shopping trips, I always try something new...or something new always catches my eye and pulls me into the never ending trap of beauty product obsession.

But nevertheless, I found yet another fabulous hair conditioner for colored hair (*ahem, 10 years of coloring here).

SamyPure promises to deliver sulfate free and 100% vegan hair products, meaning no harsh chemicals and no animal by-products. They have Colorcare, Smooth&shine and Volume&body products that address all types of hair and hair issues.

I chose the Colorcare conditioner for $3.99 which contains proteins, vitamins and botanical extracts to nourish and protect color treated hair from fading. Also leaving your hair smooth with no heavy, waxy feel.

Booya!

Now go get some!

Stay tuned for upcoming Mint Julep face mask...

XO,

She's Dead...Oh So Dead

Sadly, I may have to put my dear ceramic flat iron to rest today.

Not only did I have an adorable pink flat iron that I found at Marshall's over 2 years ago for only $30 (marked down from $100), this thing had power! Not bulky or heavy and perfect for traveling. She endured some serious bumps, drops, bruises and hits, but she never let me down...

Until this morning when I was jamming and wiggling the power cord 'til I could finally see that red light blinking at me...however, it was only in jest.

Goodbye, sweet mistress. You will be missed.

Another moral of the story is check out Marshalls for great beauty deals! :)

Happy Monday! xo,

More Bumble for the Bees

There is nothing more in this world that I love than getting my hair done. OK, OK, this may be a bit of an exaggeration...but its close enough to the truth.

I relish in the feeling of walking into a salon that smells of exotic shampoos, sprays and creams. Music is bumping, there are magazines galore, and my nerves just twitch with excitement and anticipation.

Er, wait...is that just me? Am I the only one that gets this thrilled and who loves their salon that much? Well if you have a stylist like mine (known her since I was 5; she's been working on these locks since I was 12 and happens to be my best friend's mother!), you would too. Especially if your stylist works at Sugar Laboratories in NE Portland. Sheer gloriousness.

But I digress...the real point of this post to finally expel my love for Bumble & Bumble. Again, another product my mother introduced to us wee lads in our early teens, this stuff still remains a must-have for stylists.

After a successful visit to the salon last week, I finally caved and bought this gem:

Bumble & Bumble "Bb Does it All" Styling Spray, $24 for 10 oz

The ultimate working spray that gives a light hold, texture and movability, while helping your hair respond to your hot styling tools with heat protection. It gives an easy control, while never feeling sticky or heavy. A light aerosol spray and even better, ozone friendly and nice to your lungs. Plus, smells like heaven!

After blow-drying your hair, spray a fine mist over your entire head before styling with a curling iron or flat iron. After you have finished your entire look, spray this on your roots and massage into hair for lift and texture. And, voila!

mm mm, more bumble for my honey.

Me likey.

Toodles,

Sunny Blondes: Beer and Lemon

Happy sunny {beer} days!

With the heat rising and the sun rays blasting in full force, here is one tip for the blondes: beer and lemons!

Summer days as a childhood true blonde; thanks mamma.

Back in the day, people often tried Sun-In and I'm sorry, the result was less than desirable. Hello, orange hair! Yucky. This is not what I am suggesting.


Instead, try my mother's age old trick. Before you jet out to bask in the rays, dampen your hair with sink or shower water. This will help with absorption.


Next, dump half a beer (any kind, we're not picky...) on your full head of hair, focusing on the roots. My mother often used Budweiser heavy ("it tastes like a turkey sandwich" ) or Coors, the family favorite.


After the beer is soaked in, squeeze an entire large lemon all over the top of your head, again, focusing on the roots. Once finished, comb through with a wide tooth comb.


The smell may not be the most enjoyable, but after a couple hours in the sun, your hair color will be accelerated and come out bright and blonde! Wash as normal once you are done with the sun.

Cheers! xo,