Tag Archives: hair

The Midlife Crisis of a Sassinista….

14 Apr

MidlifeCrisis
Okay, so this post doesn’t have a whole lot to do with fashion and glamour. In a way it will, since my solutions include them. But it’s more about feelings. Oh, see? There goes all the male readers, shutting down their iPads and heading to the fridge the minute they read the word “feelings.” Most men will agree that women + feelings + emotions + conversation = MIGRAINE or DISASTER. Scotch or exercise. Or doing anything that hasn’t been done in months around the house that suddenly needs tending to, so they can avoid the topic like the plague. (“Yeah, umm, honey? I’m going to take care of that thing by the shed. You know, that thing!”) I truly believe emotional fashionistas are walking time bombs. We are one sad news story or spilling wine on a white bebe top away from just losing our shit. And it’s not pretty. OH, it’s not pretty at all.

I go through this stage–lasting from a day to a month–probably once a year or so. It happens more frequently than before so I kind of write it off to a midlife crisis…that happens frequently. So you see, this isn’t new to me. When it does happen, it tends to happen in winter. Medical professionals might diagnose it as having “SAD” which stands for “seasonal affective disorder”. Doctors are still perplexed about these winter-related shifts in mood. Blah blah Vitamin D deficient, blah blah seratonin decrease, blah blah lack of sun. WHAT-EV-AH! All I know is it makes me feel old and lifeless. This year, I have to say, it didn’t hit till now. A little late this year, according to Dr. Mood Disorders. I’ve been riding pretty steady the past few years, surfing the confident and contentment wave for a while. Happy with my work, happy at home, happy about life. But lately, kind of out of nowhere, I have hit a wall. And I’ve hit it HARD. I am blah about feeling BLAH! Oh, and I refuse to go the “Oh I hate my life. Nobody likes me. My work is so unfulfilling” bullshit route. I know I have good days, days I love! But right now, all I know, is I am having a midlife meltdown. I’m in a solid funk.

What does it feel like when a Sassinista gets in a funk? Anything and everything. (AKA: Be afraid!) To me, I feel “old”, I look “old”, I can’t remember what I said five minutes ago and I already forgot what I was going to say next. I have this pathetic feeling that I everyone I encounter will piss me off, and most times they usually do. Driving to the store gets radioed out to law officers ahead of time that a redhead in a four-wheeled weapon is on the road and all should proceed with caution. I sometimes think I could lock myself in my closet with my iPhone or iPad (of course), a bottle of Red Coke and a box of oatmeal cookies for a week or maybe two and I’d be thrilled. But the fact is, I need to make some changes. And it’s up to me to turn it around.

So how did it come to this? I don’t think I would be wrong in saying that the weather here HASN’T helped. One day it’s sunny, the next it’s cold and windy, sometimes we go for days without any sun. It rains, it snows, it sleets at any given time without warning. (That would be right now in fact.) I could spoil myself at the mall in a pair of leopard espadrilles (that’s a wedge-type sandal) with boyfriend jeans, feeling all primped and pumped, only to leave and see an inch of snow on my car. Like… WTF is up with that! Because of being cooped up through all this, I get stir crazy at home. I sleep a lot, I get restless a lot. I get grumpy a lot. I eat a lot. Or I eat nothing at all! Even if I treated myself to a little “retail therapy” or “food fixation”, I’d feel okay for a bit then I’d feel bad about it later. It’s a vicious circle that I’m just spinning around in, day after day.

So the question becomes… how do I emotionally, physically, mentally and financially get out of this funk without losing a friend, cleaning out the shoe department of Macy’s, making Xanax my meal of choice for breakfast, or just grabbing a few necessities and moving into the shed? The “good” news is I’m not alone with this. (Oh my God, you mean there’s more of me?) Doctors see it all winter long. Some of my friends get in the rut. But I don’t think it’s just a “pop a pill” situation. I think a lot of the fixing has to be done slow, from the inside, and with a lot of help … by myself. Now granted, if I thought this was serious in any way, I’d be at an M.D. in a heartbeat. But since my funk has funked me before (that sounded funny!) it’s a case of just doing little things to slowly get out of this. And with the calendar on my side, there is hope. So I’ve listed some things I do or try to do when I need to do some “funk-busting”. These things are not for everyone. Lord KNOWS they aren’t for everyone, but if something tickles your fancy, smile and consider doing it:

Sassy’s Personal Funkbusters:

1). DO SOMETHING…ANYTHING! Laying in bed, shutting yourself away from society is not going to help your blah mood. Even if its just reading a magazine at the book store, hitting a coffee shop with a friend, doing work on the iPad, or taking photos…do SOMETHING out of the house. The fresh air–no matter how cold or wet–is better than being droopy in bed watching endless episodes of Law & Order SVU.

2). Get a haircut. If its been a while, take some time to revamp your hair. You don’t need to do anything drastic either. Your can always try playing with a new color, but I love my auburn and wouldn’t mess with it. But a nice trim, followed by a home warm coconut oil or yogurt masque will give you AND your hair a major boost.

3). Get a manicure. Just to have someone massage then hold my hands then paint my nails for an hour is well worth the small price. Pick out a color that will match the mood you want. Plus salon mani’s are good for you nail strength.

4). Go for a small walk. Yeah, I know… BORING! But go for a walk at the nearest mall. Hell, bring a coffee. Yes, it’s good exercise but take it in as a sight seeing tour. Look at everyone around you. Try to guess what they are thinking. Make up stories for different people. It’s almost like making your own movie in your head!

5). Watch your favorite sad movie. Watch it all alone with a box of tissues and cry your mother-loving eyes out. Sometimes a good cry is cleansing. Think that all these negatives you feel that you are surrounded with are being washed out. Then have an ice cream or a cupcake and depuff your eyes with cold cucumber slices. Shhh. I won’t tell.

6). Play beauty parlor. Put yourself in front of a mirror, drag out every hair styling tool and styling product. Take all your makeup brushes and your glamour selection and go to town. Grab a couple of magazines with new seasonal looks in them and practice. Take a pic or two of each look with your phone so you can see what you like and mistakes you can avoid in the future. Be daring, be adventurous!

7). Go shopping. Yes, retail therapy is costly and only temporary, but you don’t have to let it be. Research local consignment shops and thrift stores in your community. Do some second-hand browsing! It keeps your purchase costs down and local business thriving too.

8). Find a new fragrance. Go to your local high end store and sniff away. Don’t forget to cleanse your senses with coffee beans after every third sniff (just put a few in a zippy bag and bring it along with you.) Also bring two extra baggies with cotton balls in them. After trying as many as you can, spritz your two faves in each bag, zip it up and keep them. Take them home and try them again tomorrow. It sometimes takes a day or so for all the notes to come to the surface. Once you find one that lifts you up?–go for it.

9). Volunteer. Shelters, food banks, hospitals, nursing homes… they are always looking for people to put a smile on their residents faces. Maybe you can do your daughter’s nails or her friend’s nails! You’ll find yourself smiling in no time too!

….and lastly….

10). Get a tattoo or something pierced. Seriously, this is NOT for everyone, but patheticly it is for me. Does pain infliction cause me to feel younger? No, but I gotta say I feel high as a kite for months after I get some new ink. I dunno.

I hope none of you are in a “screw everybody” mood like me, but if you are, take some pleasure in knowing you’re not alone. Let’s hope these blues make way for some bright clear skies, warmer temps, pretty flowers and glamour and fashion galore! Don’t let your mood get the best of you. Chomp away at those blahs, one small bite at a time and soon you’ll be flying high again!

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Sassy’s Spring Six

8 Apr

April6
Happy April, spring seekers!  Are you ready for the snow to be gone? Ready for some warmer days? Dying to get some of your warmer clothes out from hiding? Can you hear your sandals yelling, “Let me out! Let me out!”  Well, Sassinistas, that time is just about here! Granted, you will get a cold day and night once in a while, but for the most part you can feel the sun getting warmer each day and that is a fabulous, FABULOUS thing. Even though the seasons have changed, that hasn’t changed the fact that I can still find some great Sassy items for ALL seasons!  What six did I find during March?  Let’s see:

LorealCode1. L’Oreal Paris Youth Code Dark Spot Correcting & Illuminating Serum Corrector: Fact or fiction: An uneven facial skin tone effects how old you look. Fact! Oh, and not just a little… uneven skin tone can make you look as much as 10 years older!  It is important to help keep your skin looking young as long as you can however you can. L’Oreal’s Serum can help to correct and revitalize skin tone by lightening dark spots, age spots, sun damage and post acne marks. I noticed a difference in my skin tone in just two weeks. I never had major damage to my skin tone, but this product even brightened my dull skin to make it look younger. What I love to do? Mix two pumps of the L’Oreal Serum with a shake of my favorite mineral powder and I have a nice, light, creamy foundation that is keeping me young! (Available at most drug and retail stores, $24.99)

FriedaRed2. John Frieda Radiant Red Colour Protecting Shampoo & Conditioner: Most of us “gingers” (I actually don’t like that term, so that will be the only time you’ll see me use it here) try anything to keep our red locks looking bright & fresh. And it’s not easy. Last month I wrote how I’m hooked on using cranberry juice as a rinse to keep my red hair nourished and bright, but now I also found a daily shampoo and conditioner to help as well.  It nice knowing I’m using a hair product specifically for my hair color, to enhance its tones and prevents fading. Leave it to John Frieda–a hair genius–to develop daily use products to help not just specific hair concerns but also specific hair colors. The results I’ve had with this line is great. My bright red is staying bright even longer!! (Available at most drug and retail stores, $6.99 each)

RocketMascara3. Maybelline Volum’ Express ‘The Rocket’ Waterproof Mascara: Good lord, my middle make up drawer is starting to look a mascara graveyard. I could write a college paper on what mascaras don’t cut it, aren’t that great, haven’t got what it takes, or just plain suck. My list of mascaras I like is definitely a short one. The promotional hype on Maybelline’s new Rocket mascara is certainly eye-catching…probably because it is in every magazine, is seen frequently in TV ads, and is surround you at every corner when you are in the cosmetic department of every drug store. So, like, YEAH, I’m going to buy it because I’m still in search of the “ultimate” mascara. Fact is, this isn’t it. But don’t let that discourage you from buying it.  It actually has incredible stay power, with absolutely no smudging or flaking all day. Its small mini comb brush help to coat each lash while separating them. I would like it a bit more if I got more length from it, but for an everyday stay put mascara, it is worthy of being on the vanity! (Available at most drug and retail stores, $7.49)

JCHeart4. Juicy Couture’s Pave Heart & Toggle Luxe Necklace: Listen, being a sassinista goes way beyond just having your makeup and shoes looking good. Fashion and glamour starts on the inside and works its way out, from head to toe. Now, listen up here because this is very important. When you visit brand or company websites, most of them want you to sign up for their emails or e-newsletters. Your inner voice says, “Hellz to the no! I don’t want an inbox full of crap.” Let me say that maybe a good percentage is just blah-blah-blah, but every once in a while a contest, a coupon or a deal will come through that will make it all worth those repetitive deletes. And I landed one of those last month. Juicy Couture followers received an email stating they were having a Facebook Fan sale on one item at a ridiculously low price. So, wanting to see what it was, I ventured over to Facebook and checked out their page. Sure enough, there it was: they were having a sale for just Facebook fans on their pave heart and toggle necklace. It was available in three shades–gold, silver and rose gold. AND they were offering free shipping. This gorgeous necklace, regularly $70, was available FOR ONE DAY ONLY for $38. I was on it like a moth on a lightbulb. It was delivered in four days, beautifully packaged, and was accompanied with a tester perfume. Marketing emails can overrun your inbox, but sometimes it’s worth it’s weight in rosé gold! Seriously, create a gmail account for just fashion and beauty sites to keep them separate from the pictures of your Aunt Betty’s birthday party. You never know what surprises may come your way. (Sold out, but other great pieces available at juicycouture.com)

Vaseline5. Vaseline Spray & Go Moisturizer:  I’ll be honest: I really didn’t think a spray-on quick drying moisturizer would a) work; b) be useful; or c) work. (Did I say that already? Sorry.)  The thought behind it was remarkable. Spray on an all over moisturizer that would dry fast so you could get ready faster. Now, given, there are days when I like to take some time after a shower when I can really pamper myself with a nicely scented body butter, maybe with a bit of shimmer. Those are days I can allow the moisturizer to slowly soak in giving me time to relax and enjoy the experience. Then there are the days I hit the snooze button way too many times and I have to FLY! No time for a long relaxing shower, no time to select a soothing scented moisturizer to put on. No way, to-day! I gotta go!! That’s when I first tried the Vaseline® Spray & Go™ Moisturizer. Okay, gotta say, it was nice. Of course my skin didn’t have that luxurious creamy feel to it, but it was soft, smooth, and I was able to dress fast. I like that the moisturizer scents don’t collide with my perfumes too.  It’s a great way to give your skin the moisture it needs when time is of the essence! (Available at most drug and retail stores, $7.99)

Beer6. Beer  If you asked someone what they do with their left over beer, almost everyone will say, “What’s that?” Beer is a readily available drink which is a necessity during football games and college parties. But did you know it has a formula that is great for your hair? Do you care that you can put it on your head and not throw a ping-pong ball in it? If you do, then it will be helpful to know that there is protein in the malt and the hops in beer. These will coat, repair and replenish your hair making it soft and shiny. These natural ingredients are a great way to give your hair a shiny, full bounce. You can open a new can or use some leftovers…. it’s up to you. I do suggest, however, that you don’t use the beer in Uncle Larry’s red Solo Cup. You might lose a body part if you try that.  (Available at… well, hell, you know where to get beer.)

I couldn’t be happier to wish my blog lovers and Twitter followers a Happy Spring!  Remember, the sun is getting brighter and warmer so don’t forget your sunscreen and use this as a reason to go out and get yourself a pair a flashy, hawt sunglasses! Start fading in those great, bright spring colors into your closet and just enjoy the days we’ve been patiently waiting for!!

spring

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Sassy’s Sexy Six…

5 Mar

Six

Each month, I try to list six new things that I have found, tried, and liked. They may be something I will include in my daily routine, or they may just be something that I think is a good product but just not for me. Here are my six favorite things that I found in February that I think are pretty awesome and you might like as well:

Towelettes1) Garnier Sensitive Skin Towelettes – I am a fan of many Garnier products, but when I saw this one, it really caught my eye. Not because it just removed waterproof mascara (which is very important to me) but also because that it was dye free, fragrance free AND made for sensitive skin! I like that they offer two different towelettes for different skin types. Heaven knows we ALL don’t have the same skin type, and the more specific the products I use on mine, the better. Keeping my fingers crossed that these will be a nice choice for a “clean face on the fly” situation. (Walmart, $4.97)

LeGloss2) L’Oreal Paris Colour Riche Le Gloss Lip Gloss – I am a lip gloss whore. I admit it. I will try anything new, and the shinier the better. I got a sample as a perk one month from L’Oreal and didn’t think too much of it. I just added it to the collection. But one day, I was in a bind for a nude gloss so I grabbed the L’Oreal sample of Nude Illusion. OMG, fell in love immediately! Yup, samples sell. I went out, coupons and deals in hand, and I got three more shades to cover just about every color scheme I own. The gloss is shiny, it’s consistency is thick, and it screams runway ready. And it has just a hint of butter cream scent/flavor which is fab. Just what I love–my kind of gloss! (CVS, $7.99)

BCBG3) BCBGMAXAZRIA Bon Chic Perfume – I was really in the mood for a new scent to welcome in the new season that is quickly approaching, so I wanted something bold, sassy, fresh, sexy and alluring. I found all that and more from BCBG. Not only that, but for a limited time, Macy’s is offering a complete fragrance set with medium sized bottle of the perfume, a purse sized bottle, a shower gel and a body lotion, all for one low price. I always stress that layering your scent will help it last longer and keep the scent true. This set gives you everything to do just that. Oh and did I mention you just happen to get a large gold overnight bag as a free gift with purchase? Ah, yah…cha ching! Freebies=good! (Macy’s, $75)

BlackDiamonds4) Sally Hansen Diamond Strength No Chip Nail Color in Black Diamonds – The black polish thing is really growing on me. When done neat and precise, it’s very stunning. But I have to admit I’m a sparkly/frost polish kind of girl and most black polishes are just shiny black. When I found Sally Hansen’s diamond polish, it was exactly what I had been looking for. Straight up black with bling. I think it’s going to be perfect for pretty designs and funky looks, plus make people take a second look at my jazzy nails! (CVS, $4.99)

JuicyPants5) Juicy Couture Velour Track Pants – Anyone who knows me knows I’m not a brand chaser. If it fits and looks nice, then it is for me. That goes from thrift store jeans right through to couture gowns. With that being said, I never was a huge fan of Juicy track attire because I actually thought you were just paying for the name and you could get something comparable at a less expensive retail store. Okay, that was until I got a scream of a coupon deal with Juicy that I couldn’t pass up. I had a code for an additional 70% off all sale merchandise. My first thought was to check out the velour pants since they are so known and chic. I found two pair, less than $30 each on sale with the code. I got them and they are awesome! The fit is great, they wash like a dream, hold their softness, and look fab. I doubt I’ll ever pay full price for a pair, but on a sale like that, I had to follow the trend! (JuicyCouture.com, $23)

CranberryJuice6) Cranberry Juice – Nope, it’s not just for bladder infections anymore! (Sorry, bad female joke) As a redhead it is important for me to do whatever I need to in order to keep my hair its sexy shade of red and prevent premature fading. Cranberry juice does just that. Now remember, you can’t just buy a cheap store brand of some juice blend. You need to be specific here. You have to find 100% cranberry juice, unsweetened and not in a blend. Ingredients should be: cranberry juice, water. THAT’S IT! After I condition my hair in the shower, I let it set for a minute or two then take a small mist bottle full of the cranberry juice and cover the hair, lifting and spritzing. Massage the juice in with the conditioner and make sure all your hair is coated. Let sit a few more minutes then rinse THOROUGHLY! The natural color of the cranberries plus its abundance of vitamin C helps to brighten your hair, prevent breakage, and protect it from harsh environmental elements. Keeping those auburn locks shiny is major plus in my book! (R.W. Knudsen Just Cranberry Juice 32 oz., Walmart, $5.75)

So these are my six sexy finds in the past month. How about you? Have anything new you have bought or sampled that you weren’t expecting to like or buy? Show and tell, ladies! We want to know! Us females are always dying to dish about some new goodie or tricks that we just love to love. So share away!!

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Happy Hair…AND a Fab Contest!

19 Feb

Parn1
PARNEVU is a company that prides itself on making salon-quality hair products to help restore, condition, repair and prevent damaged hair. Their two lines are their T-Tree hair products and their Extra Dry hair products. Both of these lines are fabulous for those who, like many of us, like to over-process, over-style, or use a LOT of products on our locks that can damage them so much, it can stall the growth of new, healthy hair.

Parn2Tea Tree oil is THE perfect ingredient for hair care products if your hair is slow to grow, damaged, or if you have scalp issues. It helps remove product build up, stop itchy scalp, strengthens hair, prevents breakage and helps repair split ends. This is great to know if you process your hair by either chemically straightening or curling; bleaching or coloring; or over-style with excessive products and/or appliances. Tea Tree oil restores and prevents further damage to hair that has been over processed and over worked. The other ingredients in PARNEVU’s T-Tree product line also help to protect and condition your hair as well.

Parn3PARNEVU’s Extra Dry products are salon-quality products to help people with VERY dry hair, packed with ingredients to help extremely damaged hair and dry scalp. I think we know exactly what that type of hair that is. I remember it vividly: the days of perming, sitting in the sun with a pint of Sun In on it, blowing it completely dry and finishing it with a can of hair spray. THAT hair would be worthy of PARNEVU’s Extra Dry products. Ah, to know then what I know now….

Although my hair isn’t as bad as it was when I was in 20’s (mainly because I smartened up!), I still have to say I am guilty of dry hair due to coloring it every four weeks, blowing it dry often, flat ironing it occasionally, using too much styling products on a frequent basis, as well as dealing with environmental issues on a daily basis (pollution, weather, air quality, etc). Not to mention there are times I do a bun or an up-do which can really break or damage hair as well. I probably never pick up hair products with that much thought as to whether they would help the specific problems that I have with my tresses or prevent ones on a daily basis. But after reading how PARNEVU’s could help the problems I DO have, and prevent ones I DON’T, I thought it might be good to give them a try.

Parn4Since my hair and scalp can be exceptionally dry (especially in the colder months!), I decided to try their Extra Dry Salon Shampoo and After-Shampoo Conditioner. I’ve always said good hair starts right from step one, and that is with washing! I immediately liked the scent of the product which is always important to me. I also notice it wasn’t…. how do I say… heavy? It wasn’t loaded down with extra additives. It looked and smelled clean. The shampoo CLEANSED my hair and scalp. It didn’t coat it, leave it sticky, or left it feeling weighed down. It felt—and smelled—clean! The directions suggest you “lather, rinse and repeat” which I did. You don’t need a ton of shampoo to get the job done either. When washing it twice, a quarter-sized drop will do the job with great results. After shampooing, I used the conditioner. Again, I really liked the scent and even that wasn’t heavy and gooey. It was a lightweight cream that coated and conditioned my locks. I let it set a few minutes then rinsed out with luke-warm water. I don’t know how many different ways I can say it…my hair and scalp felt clean! REALLY clean! Not only did I feel like the products removed all the product build-up without leaving my hair stripped and dry, but I felt like it really condition and repaired my hair. It was a really good feeling! It was even a better feeling when I used it consistently for several months. Even if I “fussed” with my hair with styling or products, the PARNEVU Extra Dry line actually prevented damage from occurring. It was like giving my luscious auburn locks a suit of armour without feeling like they were loaded with unnecessary fragrances, oils, additives and bulk. It was a natural, squeaky clean that I really liked every day.

Parn5I think the frosting on the cake was PARNEVU’s Extra Dry Shining Gel. Because I always use something to help hold in my loose natural waves, I wanted a product that wouldn’t leave my hair feeling gummy but would let my natural curls shine though. OMG, this was better than I hoped! I have to say, the product felt really funny—almost like old school Dippity Do. (If you are too young to know what I am talking about, please keep me in your thoughts but refrain from sending me AARP membership applications, thank you.) You really need VERY little of this product. Although it looks and feels thick, it practically melts into your hands and smoothes into your hair without the stickiness or heaviness you might expect. The jar is large and since you use so little, it will last you a long time! I usually just scoop out a soda-cap sized dollop and let rub it with my hands till it “melts”. (I have pretty long hair.) Then I run my hands and fingers through my hair, paying special attention to the top layer (for shine) and the ends (for hold). Even if you decide to go two days without washing your hair, the Shining Gel does not make your hair tacky or knotted, which is nice to allow you to give your hair a styling break.

Although PARNEVU can be found in some retail outlets, I think it is just as easy to get it from their website. (And they are having a sale till March 13th when you use the coupon code FANCY25) Plus they often have other deals going on for their customers so it’s best to check out their website first. Even though their products are salon quality, they are not salon priced! The entire set that I have been using– Dry Extra Dry Salon Shampoo, After-Shampoo Conditioner, and Shining Gel—is only $15 ($5 each piece). To get your hair and scalp in healthy, happy condition, that is a fabulous price for these products. Drugstore products are almost the same price and we know that salon products are more than TWICE that much!

Kudos on your line, PARNEVU! It’s nice to see a great array of items to keep our tresses clean and healthy. I am sure my glamour-istas will be glad to know they can have happy hair too! Want to try PARNEVU products? They can be purchased at your local beauty supply store or online at http://www.parnevu.com. For current giveaways and coupon codes, connect with them on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/parnevu and Twitter http://www.twitter.com/parnevu.

As a perk for our fans, PARNEVU and I will be giving away a set of the products that I fell in love with–
PARNEVU’s Dry Extra Dry Salon Shampoo, After-Shampoo Conditioner, and Extra Dry Shining Gel. To enter, you must do ALL of the following:

1) Follow @PARNEVU on Twitter (http://www.twitter.com/parnevu)
2) Like PARNEVU on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/parnevu)
3) Follow @SassyAuburn on Twitter (http://www.twitter.com/sassyauburn) and
4) Leave a comment below on this blog post as to what you would like to change about your hair. Make sure you leave your Twitter ID in your response.

All four things must be done to be entered for the prize. Contest begins February 20th at 12:01pm est and will end at March 7th at 11:59pm est. Winner will be chosen at random from entries that have completed all requirements and will be notified via private message on Twitter. Good luck!!

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Get (Coco-)nutty This Season!

18 Jan

CoconutOilA while back, I became super sensitive to so many skin care items. I went from someone who could use any one dollar eye shadow without a problem to having reactions to some of the most prestigious brands of makeup and skin care on the market. For a long time, the only thing I could do was to make my own skin care with natural ingredients and use very little makeup, mostly mineral kinds. Eventually my skin balanced out and calmed down, but I was so happy with the items and recipes I had found and created that I continued to use many even afterwards.

One of my favorite discoveries was coconut oil. What a fabulous item from Mother Nature! Originally used just in the kitchen, coconut oil has now become one of most used natural oils in the beauty industry. Because it has become so popular, it is now easy to obtain. Before you would have to go through a health food store or an online organic supplier to get a jar of this miracle oil. Now, you can even get a good brand of organic virgin coconut oil in the baking section of Walmart for a more than reasonable price. How awesome is that?

Lots of people are talking about the uses and benefits of organic virgin coconut oil. When I wrote for MakeupTalk.com‘s beauty blog, I wrote an article about how coconut oil helps with various skin irritations entitled “Time for the Itchies“. I also wrote an article about how to give yourself an at-home hand spa treatment with coconut oil called “Easy Peasy Hand Pampering“. Today, I saw a great article from The Glitter Guide reminding us about coconut oil’s great uses. It reminded me that I may have put the jar that I used almost daily on the back burner lately. I think it is time to bring it to the forefront of my bathroom vanity to get the most of its natural greatness.

Want to read about how coconut oil can bring its other great features to your routine? Then read The Glitter Guide‘s “10 Ways To Add Coconut Oil To Your Beauty Routine“.

Great skin care doesn’t have to come from a cosmetic department or the beauty counter at a high end department store. You’d be surprised how many fabulous, natural products can be found right in your local supermarket or organic store. Coconut oil is definitely one of my faves! Read these articles, do some research, and learn how Mother Nature can give you some fabulous skin nurturers and age fighters right from her own earth!
AnimatedPalmTree

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Sassy Girl, Sassy Stuff!

16 May

Today, I ventured outside of the four walls of my room and decided to rock a sassy look with a sassy mood, something I’ve been missing for quite a while. I am slowly coming out of my change-of-seasons funk and feeling a little like my old spunky self. Today was the perfect cure for what ailed me. I broke out a new pair of shoes, threw my hair up in a messy bun, grabbed an edgy outfit complete with rhinestones and studs, and headed out on the town, sunroof open…windows down.

I put on my favorite tunes in the car, picked up my daughter and went to do some grocery shopping as well as get my girl a haircut. It was a gorgeous day and anyone in their right mind could not feel revived out on a day with such pristine conditions. It was fabulous.I wasn’t overly thrilled that she wanted to cut about 3” off the length of her hair, however (I love her long hair) but she wanted something less “frazzled” and demanding for the warmer weather. That I can’t argue with.

While out and about, I was thrilled to get compliments on a few of my fashionista choices that I wore today. That always makes me feel good. Sometimes the item cost me less than a dollar from a thrift store. Sometimes it was the cost of a car payment… or two. No matter what the price, I truly believe it is HOW you wear it—with confidence and pride—is what really turn heads. So what got Sassy noticed today? Let’s see:

1) My hair. It’s beginning to drive my daughter nuts how often I’ll get complimented on my hair. I was born a natural redhead, but the older I got, the browner my hair became. When I reached “29+” I decided to bring out more of the auburn red side of my hair. And since then it’s been getting redder and redder and redder. It’s bold, it’s bright, and it is out there! And it is SOOOOOOOO me! It has definitely become my distinguishing feature. What’s even better? I do it myself! I’ve mastered how to color it on my own, have found a shade that I love and the right products to keep it gorg! Sassy’s Picks: Garnier Nutrisse Ultra Color in R3 (Light Intense Auburn) and L’Oreal EverPure Sulfate-Free shampoos and conditioners (Most drug stores, $6.99-$7.99)

2) My shoes. I have a few…. very few…. pairs of shoes that I have spent a lot of money on. To me, “a lot” is over $100. When it comes to shoes, it is all about the hunt. To find the classiest, most stylish, en vogue pair of shoes for the least amount of money possible. I watch sales, I hit consignment shops, and I do a lot of research. One of my favorite places to get shoes is Marshalls department store. They carry name-brand footwear for a fraction of the price. And if you are lucky to get a pair on a markdown, you are golden. Today, I wore a pair of gladiator sandals that I found at Marshall’s a few months back with a gift card I had gotten. A women at the hair salon came running over to me swooning over my shoes. “I saw those on TV last night! Are those the ones?” I told her I wasn’t sure since I didn’t see the show she was talking about. “Those cost $150!!! Did you spend $150????” I smiled and said, “No, I only paid $39.99 at Marshall’s.” I then became her fashion hero. She thought I had the most stunning shoes she’d ever seen for a fraction of the designer price. Yeah… I was proud! Sassy’s Pick: BCBGeneration Silver Gladiator Sandals (Marshalls, $39.99)

3. My bracelet. Bracelets are my newest accessory addiction. I have very skinny wrists, but they don’t look as thin when I wear big, bold, chunky bracelets. I have one with a watch charm on it, one with removable charms that my kids gave me, and several sterling silver ones with various gemstones. Lately, though, I have been into sparkly bracelets. Ones with lots of glitz and glimmer and really stand out on their own. About a month ago, Macy’s had a clearance on some of their jewelry and had several stunning bracelets by Nine West. Now it’s no secret I am a fan of Nine West shoes and purses, but I had no idea they had awesome jewelry too! This one bracelet really caught my eye since it was dark, almost black, but was actually a midnight blue. It’s perfect to take any casual jeans outfit to the next level. The girl that cut my daughter’s hair noticed it immediately and had to know where I had found it. I told her but said there probably weren’t any left. She didn’t care, she was going to go looking anyways because she loved it so. I hope she lucks out… it IS an eye-catching accessory. Sassy’s Pick: Nine West Triple-Strand Sparkle Bracelet (Macy’s, $8.99)

So you see? I’m coming around. It only takes a few good days to lift the spirits and let the fashionista in me run free. Tomorrow I have to take a trip to my daughter’s school so that will give me another reason to sass myself up. I will have to raid the closet tonight and see what poor fashion items need to get out and get a shot at the “big time”. I can imagine it’s lonely being so chic yet so hidden all the time!

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Here Comes The Rain Again…

8 Apr

The weather forecast for the next several days is not good: rain, rain and more rain. The fact is, we need it! The ground is dry and the rivers are low, so a good soaking spring rain is exactly what Mother Nature ordered. It’s not, however, what anyone who is a fashion and makeup fanatic wants to hear. Rain can ruin a fashionista’s look in an instant. That is why you have to have the right things on hand for not just the bright, sunny days but the rainy, yucky ones too.

When I hear that rain is on the way, the first thing I think of is my makeup. Visions of 70’s soap opera stars crying with streams of black eyeliner running down their cheeks flies through my mind. Makeup has come far since then, but not all of it. One damp day can cause your eye glam to smudge and smear, can cause your foundation to blotch up bad, and can make your lips dry and chapped. I think it’s important to chose your makeup based not just on your preferences but also on your skin type, where you live, and what your day will consist of.

For example, with rain on the agenda the next few days, these are a few things that will be MUST WEARS when it comes to my makeup:

Covergirl Lashblast 24 Hour Mascara – Rain or cry, this mascara will stay put ALL DAY without any smudging or flaking.
L’Oreal Infallible 24 Hour Eye Shadow – A creamy eye shadow that glides on and STAYS on through anything and everything.
Maybelline Eye Studio Master Drama Eyeliner – A bold, smooth line with a soft, oil-free formula that holds its own for hours and hours.
Lancome Color Design Sensational Effects Lipcolor – Long, fade-free colors that keeps lips soft and protected from all elements.

Also, we can’t forget the hair! Humidity and rain will weigh down any style that you could have put in minutes before. Even before you begin styling you will want to use some products to help hold the style, then top it off with a secure spray. When I hear the weather isn’t going to be favorable for man nor beast, I break out the heavy hitters:

Garnier Fructis Curl Shaping Spray Gel (Strong) – Just a few spritzes of this while my hair is damp will hold my style all day!
Samy Fat Hair “0” Calories Amplifying Hair Spray – This hair spray holds better than 100 paperclips on two pieces of paper. STRONG is an understatement!

With my glamour selected, I’ll be ready to face the elements! OH WAIT!…. I can’t forget about fashion! Doesn’t matter, really. My family gave me my favorite rainy day fashion statement for my birthday last year, and I actually smile a bit when I hear that rain is coming. Why?…because I know I will be able to wear my uber-chic, fashion fab rainboots by Coach:


When you have a jazzy pair of rainboots like these, nothing can stop you. Not even the weather. Bring it on, Mother Nature… I’m confident that the beauty and fashion products I will be wearing will keep me look sharp and sassy all day long!!

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Bad Hair? To Hat With It!

26 Mar


Okay, tell me if this scenario sounds familiar to you at all:

You get up for the day. You give yourself just the right amount of time to shower, dress, put on makeup, do hair and be out of the house with time to spare. But as you grab your towel for the shower, you remember you have to make a call. Should just take a minute. One minute turns to five, which tuns to ten which turns into getting dressed while still on the phone because you know if you don’t start getting ready now, you’ll never make it. You push a brush across your teeth, spitting in between sentences. Finally, you hang up, put on the bare necessities of makeup, grab a body spritz, walk through a quick shower of it, and head for the door, already a few minutes too late. You give yourself a quick look in the mirror and almost faint at the sight.

….. oh that hair. Ugh.

Have no fear, the hats are here. About a year ago, I discovered I didn’t really look like a frog under a mushroom like my mother always told me I did when I wore a hate growing up. I look pretty decent in a hat. And since I’ve embraced that fact, I love wearing them. They are the perfect accessory to the somewhat “blah” outfit, when a neutral ensemble needs a pop of color, or… like today… when the hair has no hope and the more you can hide of it, the better!

There are lots of different styles of hats out there: floppy hats, fedoras, bucket hats, berets, cadet hats, cowboy hats, and my absolute favorite… the newsboy hat. Not every hat style looks good on every person. I look fun and flirty in a newsboy or cadet hat. I look like a doofus in a floppy hat or a fedora. A lot has to do with the shape of your face, your height, your body shape and the style of your hair. If wearing a hat is an accessory you’d like to add to your fashion ensemble, I suggest you take some time (and a friend!) and go to a large department store like Macy’s or JC Penney’s and try a bunch on to see what you and your friend think look the best.

I find I have the best luck at TJ Maxx & Marshalls when I want a new hat. They always have a great selection in all different styles, sizes and colors. It’s where I got my very first hat… a black/white checkered cap… and I always browse when I’m at their stores to see if anything new has come in that jazzes my interest. In total, I currently own seven hats: two black, one black and white, one tan, one purple, one ivory and one grey & silver. My grey/silver and tan hats are my fave. In fact, the tan is the one I grabbed today when my hair was just not publicly presentable. It is very stylish, a tad sassy, and fits awesome. Perfect for a windy day like today was too.

Even though you are going to pretty much hide most of your head with the hat, make sure you give your hair a good brushing first, getting out all the snarls. If you have a lot of static electricity, spray your hands with a good glossing spray (Like my favorite, Garnier Fructis Style Brilliantine Shine Glossing Spray) and calm down the frizzies. Make sure your bangs hang respectably if you have any, and give your whole head a QUICK, LIGHT spray with hairspray. Finally, grab your hat, look in a mirror and put it on, making sure all looks good. There ya go! Not only did you just up your fashion level a star or two but you also saved your less-than-perfect hair AND saved yourself from being late for your appointment.

Take advantage of this awesome fashion accessory. Check out the large stores online and do some research on what you might think will grab you. Keep in mind the entire outfit, including shoes, jewelry and colors…. then go hat crazy!!

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Sassy’s Glamour Tip of the Day….

25 Mar

Here is Sassy’s glamour tip of the day:

When you use your hairspray (pump or aerosol), always make sure you run the nozzle under a stream of hot water before you replace the cap and put it away. You do keep the caps, don’t you??????

This will keep your hairspray nozzle open and unclogged and won’t waste your time to get it working the next time you use it. You always want to make sure you replace the cap as well because the slight stickiness from the hairspray will beginning collecting dust instantly and make it clog even faster.

DON’T HAVE A CLOGGED NOZZLE!! Keep your hairspray container free of gack so it will spray easily and smoothly each time you need it!

There you go fashionistas!! Spray on!!

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The Most $$$ I’ve Ever Spent On Hairspray…

18 Mar

Before you ask, no the girl in the photo is not me. That is very close to my actual hair color though, but my tresses stay neatly flowing along my shoulders. There are times, however, I want to give my hair a jazzy look (but not that jazzy). Hey, I’m a big hairspray metal girl at heart and nothing makes me feel more young and wild than the look you get with a half a can of Aqua Net sprayed while hanging your head upside down with the blow dryer on high. Spray… scrunch. Spray…. scrunch. Some of you are nodding, as you think back to your days of your favorite acid washed jeans. You younger kids are just shaking their head thinking, “Ummm….huh?” Ask your mom. She’ll tell you.

Anyhoo, the fact of the matter is, when I want to hold a style in my hair for the day, I want a good hairspray. If you go to your local CVS, you could leave with a panic attack after seeing the various types, brands, sizes, formulas out there to hold your hair. Not to mention, the prices vary like you wouldn’t believe! I’ve paid as little as $1.00 and as much as $10.00 on a can of holding spray over the years. And there are some that cost even more! But nothing has really made me stop in awe at the results that I had gotten from the various ones I’ve tried.

That is…. until now.

About a month ago, I had the opportunity to get a mini can of a hair spray by Samy Style Hair Products called “Fat Hair Amplifying Hair Spray“. I knew it wasn’t a cheap product because the trial size was three times more than I usually paid for my regular hair spray. But I’m a sucker for good packaging and a deal, so I picked it up. OMG, I fell in love immediately. This stuff holds…. I mean HOLDS! Windy day?… no problem. Damp and rainy outside?… it will hold. This little miracle can became my savior for all my styles. Regular day do’s and formal up styles that need to be locked in place without worry. I didn’t even wait for the trial can to run out. The minute I saw it on sale at a local drug store, I was there with cash in hand.

Now, the fact of the matter is… I won’t lie…. a large can of this miracle hair spray does cost $12.99 at my local CVS. That’s the most money I’ve ever spent on hairspray in my life. But it WORKS. It smells nice. It holds better than a mixture of concrete and crazy glue put together. And it doesn’t make my hair look crispy, crusty or fried. My only complaint is that you have to run the nozzle under hot water about once a week because it does clog a big. But I guess if it’s going to hold your hair good, it’s going to hold up the sprayer a bit too.

Today, I had to buy another can of Samy’s Fat Hair Amplifying Hair Spray since the can I bought three months ago is beginning to run out. I don’t use it every day, but I think… I THINK…. Mr.Sassy might be using it sometimes (shhhh, don’t tell). I had a coupon for $5 off a CVS purchase so I got it for about $7.99. Doesn’t matter. It works, I love it, my hair loves it, that’s all that counts. I’ve already found a few other Samy product I like as well. (Their Icing Instant Re-styler is AWESOME!!) If I found something that worked as good as the Samy products did for less money?… I’d be willing to give them a try. But right now, this sassy redhead is a Samy Styling girl at heart!!

Samy Styling Product's "Fat Hair". Available at most drugstores and retail outlets for approx. $12.99

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