HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Hair Treatment

100 years ago in Paris, the world expo showcased a conditioner for mustaches and beards to make them softer.  It was soon followed up by conditioners for hair.  

Hair Cosmetology

Your hair has probably been through a lot over the last few weeks.  Lots of party hair, entertaining, and extra stress on the hair can catch up with you...  Tonight would be a good night to get your hair back into shape and prepare it for that last night of the year!

Protein conditioners which are often called reconstructors should be used only if suggested by your hairdresser.  They are protein based which means if used incorrectly, can cause the hair to be brittle and can cause breakage.  They should not be left in for more than 10 minutes and never ever with heat.  

To be safe, use a moisture based conditioner.  Shampoo your hair tonight, towel dry.  Add a deep conditioner, and don't rinse out.  Don't be tempted to put a pony tail holder in your hair.  Hair is in it's most delicate state when it's wet.  You will put stress on the hair when it is in it's most elastic state and when it drys it can break. 

Hair Cosmetology

The easiest way to give hair a deep conditioning treatment at home is to sleep in it.  I put two pillow cases on my pillow, but you could also use a shower cap if that's comfortable for you.  Sleep in the conditioner, when you wake up in the morning, just rinse it out in the shower and your hair will feel amazing!  Your hair will have more shine, it will hold a style longer due to it's balanced moisture and it's a great way to start the new year!

Karmin

In keeping with my resolution to laugh more this year, I can't stop watching Karmin's videos.   I'm sure all of the youngin's are saying this is so last week and those older than I are saying this isn't exactly their cup of tea.  Regardless, I'm obsessed!

Karmin is a music duo made up of Nick Noonan and Amy Heidemann.  They are the cutest engaged couple if you've seen them interviewed.  They have original music, but I'm loving all of their covers.  Amazing voices, they don't take themselves seriously and they have the best sense of humor.  Who doesn't like a pretty white girl who can rap???  Oh, and I love her hair!

Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, and Happy New Year

Front

Back

In case you didn't see our card this year!

Three French Hens

For years I have signed off on cards and gifts from the "French Hens" as a play on the 3 french hens in the carol 12 days of Christmas.

Etsy

I read this recently about the carol:

From 1558 until 1829, Roman Catholics in England were not permitted to practice their faith openly.  It is said that it may have been written in code to teach the young about their religion...  I love that the Three French hens stood for faith, hope and love-


-The partridge in a pear tree was God
-Two turtle doves were the Old and New Testaments.
-Three French hens stood for faith, hope and love.-
-The four calling birds were the four gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke & John.
-The five golden rings recalled the Torah or Law, the first five books of the Old Testament.
-The six geese a-laying stood for the six days of creation.
-Seven swans a-swimming represented the sevenfold gifts of the Holy Spirit--Prophesy, Serving, Teaching, Exhortation, Contribution, Leadership, and Mercy.
-The eight maids a-milking were the eight beatitudes.
-Nine ladies dancing were the nine fruits of the Holy Spirit--Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness, and Self Control.
-The ten lords a-leaping were the ten commandments.
-The eleven pipers piping stood for the eleven faithful disciples.
-The twelve drummers drumming symbolized the twelve points of belief in the Apostles' Creed.

Artful Hair

Hair inspiration...

Etsy

Etsy

Etsy

 

UGALLERY

 

Brush Your Face

Olay

I started using the Pro-X Advanced Cleaning System by Olay a year ago.  I chose to spend $30 opposed to the Clarisonic for $200.  I'm sure the Clarisonic is amazing, but what I don't know won't hurt me.  

Clarisonic

I love how well it exfoliates and I believe that my skin looks better now than it ever has.  Cell renewal is supposed to be one of the benefits.  I don't know if that's the case but I get compliments on my skin frequently so something's working!  If you are still shopping this is a great gift idea as well...

Alice Dellal

Karl Lagerfeld, who is the head designer and creative director for Chanel, has a muse each season. 

He personally chose the new face for the Boy Chanel collection.  Her name is Alice Dellal, and she is the antithesis of everything Coco Chanel intended for the house of Chanel. 

He is clearly taking risks which I can respect.  A shaved head on one side can be fun for a model, but I have to admit I also love the sleek bob, red lip and strands of pearls draped around a neck in the true Coco Chanel fashion...

Pretty in Pink

Allure

I don't know if it's my merry mood, the phenomenal cut or if I've been in Austin too long but I LOVE Katy Perry's new "do"!  

The Beauty Department

Subtle pastel toners are popular now.  That doesn't mean you'll see your neighbor with pastel hair, but you will see more of this look in cities and on the pages of your favorite fashion magazines.  When girls who aren't known to be edgy are sporting this look you know it is going more mainstream!

Happy Birthday

Brad Pitt turns 48 on Sunday. Here is a representation of several hairstyles he has sported over the years.  

He has had more styles than most women!

Fascinator

Nordstrom

fas·ci·na·tor [fas-uh-ney-ter]noun 1.  a scarf of crochet work, lace, or the like, narrowing toward the ends, worn as a head covering by women.

So the royal obsession never ends...  I just found these fascinators.  I have to have one, I hope they finally become a trend in the states. 

Such a perfect thing to wear to a wedding, or a holiday party...

Nordstrom

Nordstrom

Pretty Pony

Goody

I know you have seen ponytail holders worn around the wrist.  You've started the day with your hair down, by lunchtime you can't wait to get your hair up in a ponytail!  Thankfully, you have a ponytail holder on your wrist.  

Goody has come out with ponytail holders and headbands which can be worn as bracelets and necklaces as well.  I am pleasantly surprised that a Goody ponytail holder can look so cute!  I almost prefer mine on my wrist...

Goody

 

On Trend

Fashion accessories are often a barometer of what is happening in the world.  Designers make iPad covers, USB keys, earmuffs with headphone capability and now they make coffee cup sleeves...  

We are clearly an electronic, coffee addicted nation!

Jimmy Choo

Education

I'm so excited-we have a color educator coming to our salon tomorrow...  I don't know what will be covered, but I love any and all continuing education!  I always walk away with something new. 

I have also decided to take some advanced cutting classes.  I am contemplating where that will be.  Possibly my Alma mater, Graham Webb Academy outside of Washington, D.C.  I love those Brits!  They will always be brilliant...

Graham Webb

 

I Love Your Nails!

I have been completely hooked on nail strips for the past year.  I buy the strips made by Sally Hansen, which can be purchased at any drugstore.  As you can see I did gold today, but Teal With It is my favorite so far...

I feel better when my nails are painted and looking pretty, but I am the most impatient person and can't wait for my nails to dry.  The strips literally just stick on your nail, it's so easy and they last much longer than polish.  No drying time.  I've noticed that kiosks have been selling them in malls, although I haven't purchased them there yet.  
   
They come in several colors but I can't wait for them to add more!  I hope these take over the bottles of polish that dry out, break, or sit on our counters for years unopened because the lid is painted shut!

Hair Tool History

Beauty Source

iCollect

I have always loved hearing stories from my mom and grandma about the things they did to their hair.  My mom used to iron her hair on an ironing board with a clothes iron to make it straight. They used to use orange juice cans as rollers to smooth out the hair and give a full curl.
 
Today you wouldn't use a flat iron that is not temperature regulated!  As for smooth hair with large curls, the runway models get set with velcro rollers...

I can't wait to see what tools we will use in the future that we just can't live without!

InStyle

beauty zone

Tangerine Tango PANTONE 17-1463

 Pantone announced the color of 2012.  Tangerine Tango.

 "Consumers look to spring for renewed energy, optimism and the promise of a brighter day,” said Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute^®

Pantone started as a small printing company.  In the 1950's they had a handful of ink colors they would mix together by trial and error to make new colors.  They eventually created a system to color match and identify colors for printing initially, but now it has become a standard of color communication for several industries. 

I love to stay updated on trends and fashion influences on a regular basis.  My industry is strongly influenced by fashion and if I'm not aware of current trends then I won't be aware of what my clients are looking for when they want something fresh and new.  So here's to welcoming in the new year with Tangerine Tango!

Pantone

 

Disney

Disney biography

I read a quote by Walter Elias Disney this morning, printed because yesterday was his birthday...

"Laughter is America's most important import." Disney.  The following quotes are proof of his success.  With hard work, determination and an understanding of what is really important, good things develop.  Walt Disney was eccentric and controversial at times but I can respect the commitment he had to his dream...

"The more you like yourself, the less you are like anyone else, which makes you unique." Disney.

"A person should set his goals as early as he can and devote all his energy and talent to getting there.  With enough effort, he may achieve it.  Or he may find something that is even more rewarding.  But in the end no matter what the outcome, he will know he has been alive." Disney.

"I would rather entertain and hope that people learned something than educate people and hope they were entertained." Disney.

"All the adversity I've had in my life, all the troubles and obstacles, have strengthened me...You may not realize it when it happens, but a kick in the teeth may be the best thing in the world for you." Disney.

VALENTINO

Valentino

Whether you are a lover of fashion or not, the Valentino Garavani Virtual Archives is an absolute must see/must experience.  You are going to an online museum.  It is so beautifully done and it just went live today. You can go whenever you want!

I continue to be in awe of the things technology brings us every day, every minute no less.  I believe that utilizing technology for something positive takes us beyond our potential.  Valentino Garavani's long time business partner Giancarlo Giammetti put this virtual museum together of the Valentino archive. 

This may be the next revolution for museums.  Nothing will replace museums, but this is an opportunity for people to experience something they wouldn't ordinarily be able to see.  Moving through this virtual museum you feel as if you are seeing something real.  Something tangible.  It is amazing. 

When first going into the museum, you can change the settings.  I suggest adjusting the head rotation sensitivity.  This controls how quickly you move.  I was dizzy at first, so I adjusted mine to 6.2.  This is a 360 degree 3D experience.  It is breathtaking, intriguing, it is bright and happy.  From the skylight to the shiny white floors, I want to live there!  

In my lifetime I would never have thought I would be writing on this machine about how I just went through a virtual museum observing Valentino's archive of couture fashion!  What a wonderful world... 
http://www.valentino-garavani-archives.org/

Holiday Cards

I'm working on our Christmas/Holiday cards.  I'm getting a little punchy because it's Friday!  Here are some of my favorites, you should be scared.  Who knows what I might send out this year!

Funny or Die

Austin Pets Alive!

This is me bragging on my sister-in-law...
I just returned from a cocktail celebration for Ellen Jefferson.  She was one of 10 people chosen as the ten people to watch in Austin by Tribeza magazine... 


Ellen started this non-profit organization which is  dedicated to stopping the killing of Austin's adoptable dogs and cats.  She is focused on making Austin a no-kill city.  Austin Pets Alive! focuses solely on the healthy and treatable pets who have no other options and will be killed the next day at the local animal center.  Austin Pets Alive! is now working toward making Central Texas no-kill and is being used as a model for other cities around the country as well.  

Ellen is a rock star in Austin.  She is committed to her work, her work makes her happy and tremendous things have happened as a result!

Tribeza