Ok, I promise this will be the last post on hair color--at least for a very long while! :)
In the Sept. issue of Body + Soul magazine they give some great DIY recipes for boosting your hair color at home.
Blondes can squeeze the juice from 1 lemon, grate a small raw potato and mix the two. Then add 1/2 cup of chamomile tea. Shampoo, then spread the mask on your hair. Cover with a shower cap and heat with a hair dryer for 2-3 minutes. Rinse out.
Brunettes can whisk together 1/2 cup cocoa powder,1/2 cup plain yogurt, 1 teas. honey and 1 teas. apple cider vinegar. Shampoo your hair, squeeze out the water and put on the "cocoa mask". Keep it on 2-3 minutes. Keep off skin as it may stain. Rinse out.
Redheads can chop raw carrots in a food processor. Then add 2 T. honey and 3 T. plain yogurt. Mix well. Shampoo then spread the "mask" on hair. Leave on 2-3 minutes and rinse.
To get more information about this DIY hair color boost and the facts about why it works check out Body + Soul magazine. (www.wholeliving.com)
Let us know if you try any of these and how it turned out...We'd love to hear from you!
Saturday, August 29, 2009
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Another Post on Hair Color!
Ok, I don't want to overdo it but I read an interesting article on hair color. It seems that a salon color brand from Frederick Fekkai (used in salons to color your hair) is going to be sold in department stores,Sephora and the internet. It is going to cost $30 as compared to my L'Oreal for about $7 at Walmart.
Would you pay that to color your own hair? This is not even an easy-to-use, shampoo in color--because that's not how they do it in classy salons. I personally see no benefit in using their product. In test ads, not much is said about how this product is worth it's money. I think they are hoping women who are used to going to a salon to get their hair colored will feel they are saving some money and will try this at home.
Let's see your vote: Yes, I'd try this product at home. No, I will stick to my current method of hair coloring....
On another note: There are new nail art pens from Sally Hansen. I have a set of nail art pens that I bought a few years ago at the MN State Fair. They've been easy and fun to work with. I see that the Sally Hansen pens wipe off instantly if you make a mistake. I'd like that. The pens are $7.95 each and come in 8 colors. They have white which would be good for French Manicures. For more info go to: http://www.sallyhansen.com/
After you're done with your nails try Gathered From The Garden's Goat Milk Honey Lotion. Your hands will think they've died and gone to heaven! http://www.gatheredfromthegardenllc.4t.com/
Would you pay that to color your own hair? This is not even an easy-to-use, shampoo in color--because that's not how they do it in classy salons. I personally see no benefit in using their product. In test ads, not much is said about how this product is worth it's money. I think they are hoping women who are used to going to a salon to get their hair colored will feel they are saving some money and will try this at home.
Let's see your vote: Yes, I'd try this product at home. No, I will stick to my current method of hair coloring....
On another note: There are new nail art pens from Sally Hansen. I have a set of nail art pens that I bought a few years ago at the MN State Fair. They've been easy and fun to work with. I see that the Sally Hansen pens wipe off instantly if you make a mistake. I'd like that. The pens are $7.95 each and come in 8 colors. They have white which would be good for French Manicures. For more info go to: http://www.sallyhansen.com/After you're done with your nails try Gathered From The Garden's Goat Milk Honey Lotion. Your hands will think they've died and gone to heaven! http://www.gatheredfromthegardenllc.4t.com/
Friday, August 21, 2009
Pantone's Color Report
Pantone, Inc, is the world-renowned authority on color. For more than 45 years, Pantone has been inspiring design professionals with products, services and technology. Pantone releases a guide each year at no charge. Each season, Pantone surveys the designers of New York Fashion Week to determine the 10 most directional colors. These are some of the top colors they listed in the report. American Beauty, a true red, is good for all skin tones. Purple Heart works well paired with American Beauty. Honey Yellow paired with Purple Heart will surely cause a surprising flair. Burnt Sienna is an earthy shade of orange, reminding us of autumn sunsets. Rapture Rose is a blend of fuchsia and soft pink. Warm Olive makes other colors come alive. Majolica Blue is a mysterious shade of teal that can be paired with Burnt Sienna or Purple Heart.
Pantone’s newest partner is http://www.handbagdesigner101.com/. Here you’ll find undiscovered handbags by independent designers and learn about the latest handbag trends. (There are some truly awesome handbags at this site!)
I really love looking at the fashion drawings, reading descriptions of the colors and seeing examples of the colors. To see for yourself, download the entire PANTONE® Fashion Color Report Fall 2009 (as a printable pdf) at http://www.pantone.com .
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Perfect 10 Revisited
Ok, it's been two weeks since I colored my hair with Perfect 10 by Clairol. You will remember that I said it was messy but did color my hair in 10 minutes. However, I am going to have to color my hair again this week...major gray showing! I was very careful to stay out of the sun so the color wouldn't fade and I used a shampoo and conditioner for color-treated hair. So I will be going back to L'Oreal and a 45 minute wait. Had such high hopes...
French Skin Care
Last year at this time, my husband and I were in Paris! After seeing the movie Julie and Julia (which takes place partly in Paris) many, many memories came back. Here is what I remember about French women and their skin.
Compared to the average American woman, the French view investing in their appearance as an absolute necessity, not an optional luxury. They're more inclined to pamper themselves. Their biggest focus is on developing a beautiful, glowing complexion. French women take pride in their skin, whether that means getting regular facials or buying the best moisturizer their budget allows. (I think this in part to combat the effects of their smoking.) They use sunscreen religiously.
Fighting cellulite is a big deal for French women—much more so than for Americans. Any Parisian drugstore is stocked with various creams, lotions and other products meant to minimize cellulite. The French are known for preferring a natural face over a "done" one. While French women do wear makeup, they do so in a way that isn't necessarily obvious. So while you might start with foundation (to give a flawless-skin finish), you'd go easy on the blush, dab on some mascara and a light lip gloss. We rarely saw eyeliner/shadow at all in Paris. At night, they might favor a little bolder look but still less is more.
The French in major cities (Paris, Nice, etc) tend to be much thinner than their American counterparts in major US cities because they walk everywhere. We felt like we had walked miles and miles each day. Using the metro requires many staircases and lots of walking to get to your train! The French utilize portion control, and don't snack. We never went hungry at any café or restaurant we ate at but we didn’t need a doggie bag when we left either. We never saw a sign to “super-size” anything!
So-- to look as fabulous as some of the French women we saw, we recommend using Gathered From The Garden's Facial Moisturizer, Toner and Clay/Dead Sea Masks to give your skin a beautiful, glowing complexion. Don’t smoke, use sunscreen, go easy on the make-up and snacks. Add some extra steps to your daily rountine. (http://www.gatheredfromthegardenllc.4t.com/)
And be sure to go see Julie and Julia!!
Compared to the average American woman, the French view investing in their appearance as an absolute necessity, not an optional luxury. They're more inclined to pamper themselves. Their biggest focus is on developing a beautiful, glowing complexion. French women take pride in their skin, whether that means getting regular facials or buying the best moisturizer their budget allows. (I think this in part to combat the effects of their smoking.) They use sunscreen religiously.
Fighting cellulite is a big deal for French women—much more so than for Americans. Any Parisian drugstore is stocked with various creams, lotions and other products meant to minimize cellulite. The French are known for preferring a natural face over a "done" one. While French women do wear makeup, they do so in a way that isn't necessarily obvious. So while you might start with foundation (to give a flawless-skin finish), you'd go easy on the blush, dab on some mascara and a light lip gloss. We rarely saw eyeliner/shadow at all in Paris. At night, they might favor a little bolder look but still less is more.
The French in major cities (Paris, Nice, etc) tend to be much thinner than their American counterparts in major US cities because they walk everywhere. We felt like we had walked miles and miles each day. Using the metro requires many staircases and lots of walking to get to your train! The French utilize portion control, and don't snack. We never went hungry at any café or restaurant we ate at but we didn’t need a doggie bag when we left either. We never saw a sign to “super-size” anything!
So-- to look as fabulous as some of the French women we saw, we recommend using Gathered From The Garden's Facial Moisturizer, Toner and Clay/Dead Sea Masks to give your skin a beautiful, glowing complexion. Don’t smoke, use sunscreen, go easy on the make-up and snacks. Add some extra steps to your daily rountine. (http://www.gatheredfromthegardenllc.4t.com/)
And be sure to go see Julie and Julia!!
Friday, August 14, 2009
Relaxation Day?
I guess there is a Hallmark Card for every occasion or an occasion for every Hallmark Card. Anyway, I have been informed that August 15 is Relaxation Day. (Good thing it's on a Sat. this year.)
As I was thinking about relaxing with a glass of wine tonight (which would actually be celebrating the day a little early...) I thought about how relaxing during the day is important but how truly necessary it is for us to relax at night. Have you thought about the quality of your sleep? Here are some tips to make sure you're able to experience true rest and relaxation every night.
* Stick to a schedule. Go to bed and get up at the same time each day. This helps reinforce your body's sleep schedule.
*Keep your bedroom for sleeping and romance. It should be cool, dark and comfortable.
Not a good idea to watch tv in bed.
As I was thinking about relaxing with a glass of wine tonight (which would actually be celebrating the day a little early...) I thought about how relaxing during the day is important but how truly necessary it is for us to relax at night. Have you thought about the quality of your sleep? Here are some tips to make sure you're able to experience true rest and relaxation every night.
* Stick to a schedule. Go to bed and get up at the same time each day. This helps reinforce your body's sleep schedule.
*Keep your bedroom for sleeping and romance. It should be cool, dark and comfortable.
Not a good idea to watch tv in bed.
*No large meals in the evening, but keep the blood sugar level up with a light carbohydrate snack. If you're prone to heartburn, avoid spicy or fatty foods, which can make your heartburn flare and prevent a restful sleep. Also, limit how much you drink before bed. Too much liquid can cause you to wake up repeatedly during the night for trips to the bathroom.
*Go to bed when you're tired and turn out the lights. If you don't fall asleep within 15 to 20 minutes, get up and do something else. Go back to bed when you're tired and feel ready to fall asleep quickly.
*Don't sleep the day away.Daytime naps may steal hours from nighttime slumber. Limit daytime sleep to about a half-hour and make it during midafternoon.
*Exercise regularly. Regular physical activity, especially aerobic exercise, can help you fall asleep faster and make your sleep more restful. However, don't exercise within 3 hours of bedtime; you may find it more difficult to fall asleep.
*The Right Sleep Position. The position that is least stressful on your body is sleeping on your back, ideally with a pillow tucked under your knees. Bent knees support the lower spine. The next best position is sleeping on your side with a pillow tucked between your knees. The worst position is sleeping on your stomach because you have to turn your head to either side to breathe. This stresses your neck and spine. It's hard to change how you sleep but it can be done.
Sleep is an essential activity for normal body and brain functioning. Although our sleep needs vary, most people need 6-7 hours of sleep. There are more than 70 known sleep disorders and many people don't even know they suffer from these. If you suspect that you or someone you sleep with has a problem you should consult your doctor.
For more tips on quality sleep check out this site:http://mayoclinic.com/health/sleep/HQ01387
*Go to bed when you're tired and turn out the lights. If you don't fall asleep within 15 to 20 minutes, get up and do something else. Go back to bed when you're tired and feel ready to fall asleep quickly.
*Don't sleep the day away.Daytime naps may steal hours from nighttime slumber. Limit daytime sleep to about a half-hour and make it during midafternoon.
*Exercise regularly. Regular physical activity, especially aerobic exercise, can help you fall asleep faster and make your sleep more restful. However, don't exercise within 3 hours of bedtime; you may find it more difficult to fall asleep.
*The Right Sleep Position. The position that is least stressful on your body is sleeping on your back, ideally with a pillow tucked under your knees. Bent knees support the lower spine. The next best position is sleeping on your side with a pillow tucked between your knees. The worst position is sleeping on your stomach because you have to turn your head to either side to breathe. This stresses your neck and spine. It's hard to change how you sleep but it can be done.
Sleep is an essential activity for normal body and brain functioning. Although our sleep needs vary, most people need 6-7 hours of sleep. There are more than 70 known sleep disorders and many people don't even know they suffer from these. If you suspect that you or someone you sleep with has a problem you should consult your doctor.
For more tips on quality sleep check out this site:http://mayoclinic.com/health/sleep/HQ01387
Monday, August 10, 2009
This and That
I've been doing a lot of summer reading and have come across a bunch of interesting little tips. I thought I would share them with you...
*If you toe nails are stained by that dark polish you've been wearing, gently scrub your nails with an old toothbrush and whitening toothpaste.
*To clean your white leather purse, use a small amount of non-gel toothpaste on an old toothbrush and carefully scrub until any discoloration disappears.
*To invigorate your scalp mix 1 teaspoon of sea salt into an ounce of shampoo. Gently massage the mixture into your scalp for a few minutes, then rinse.
*Did you know that lip balm could be used to moisturize cuticles? Try some natural lip balms, the kinds with shea butter and vitamin E, as these work best.
*Strawberries are a well-known remedy for whitening teeth. They contain malic acid, which is a natural stain remover. You can rub the strawberries directly on your teeth or mash them into a paste and brush them on. Leave the paste on your teeth for about five minutes then rinse well and smile.
*Store your nailpolish in the refrigerator and it will last much longer than keeping it at room temperature.
*Run out of hair conditioner? Use some fabric softner to make your hair silky smooth.
*Before you toss that old tube of mascara,save the wand. Wash it off and use it to separate and de-clump your lashes.
*If you save the wand from volumizing mascara you can use it in a tube of cheaper mascara. It's the wand that makes the difference, not the mascara itself.
I haven't tried all of these tips. I'm not sure how you would really clean off a mascara wand so that you wouldn't be contaminating new mascara. Anyone have an idea how to do that? Have you read any interesting tips you'd like to share?
*If you toe nails are stained by that dark polish you've been wearing, gently scrub your nails with an old toothbrush and whitening toothpaste.
*To clean your white leather purse, use a small amount of non-gel toothpaste on an old toothbrush and carefully scrub until any discoloration disappears.
*To invigorate your scalp mix 1 teaspoon of sea salt into an ounce of shampoo. Gently massage the mixture into your scalp for a few minutes, then rinse.
*Did you know that lip balm could be used to moisturize cuticles? Try some natural lip balms, the kinds with shea butter and vitamin E, as these work best.
*Strawberries are a well-known remedy for whitening teeth. They contain malic acid, which is a natural stain remover. You can rub the strawberries directly on your teeth or mash them into a paste and brush them on. Leave the paste on your teeth for about five minutes then rinse well and smile.
*Store your nailpolish in the refrigerator and it will last much longer than keeping it at room temperature.
*Run out of hair conditioner? Use some fabric softner to make your hair silky smooth.
*Before you toss that old tube of mascara,save the wand. Wash it off and use it to separate and de-clump your lashes.
*If you save the wand from volumizing mascara you can use it in a tube of cheaper mascara. It's the wand that makes the difference, not the mascara itself.
I haven't tried all of these tips. I'm not sure how you would really clean off a mascara wand so that you wouldn't be contaminating new mascara. Anyone have an idea how to do that? Have you read any interesting tips you'd like to share?
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Watermelon--Juicy Health Benefits
Big or small, seedless or not, nothing says summer like a big, juicy watermelon (or a seed-spitting contest off the deck). But there is a lot more to this melon than water. Turns out it's packed with phytonutrients, vitamins A, C, and a good hit of potassium, plus some B6 and thiamine -- everything except fat, sodium and calories. Juicy, sweet with a bright pinkish-red flesh dotted with black and white seeds, watermelon is messy—but that’s part of the fun.
The health and nutrition benefits of watermelon are many!
*Achieve that younger-looking skin with just 2-cups of watermelon daily. Research showed that watermelon cuts the risk of sun related skin damage by 40%. That's because watermelon is nature's richest source of lycopene, an antioxidant that scavenges the UV-induced free radicals that cause sunburn and wrinkling.
*Eating watermelon is a safe alternative to taking energy drinks prior to exercise. It also hydrates you due to its high water content as opposed to caffeine filled energy drinks that dehydrate you.
*Watermelon will also help protect your eyes against macular degeneration , It fights the age-related symptoms of vision loss. Studies show that eating watermelon is actually more healthy for your eyes than eating carrots. That is true in both short-term and long-term vision loss.
*Watermelon is very low in calories, making it the perfect snack for those who are trying to lose weight.
*Supplementing watermelon into your diet can help prevent and fight cancer, particularly colon cancer. It does this because of its rich antioxidant profile. The antioxidants of the watermelon are very concentrated and kill the cancer causing free radicals.
*Another incredible health benefit of eating watermelon flesh is, "Watermelon may be a natural Viagra", according to webmd.com.
Store uncut watermelons at room temperature. They continue to develop nutrients after picking and refrigeration halts the process.To guarantee the tastiest fruit, place watermelon in the fridge for 30 minutes before slicing it. A quick chill causes the fruit's cells to constrict. This means the juice stays in the slices instead of running out onto the cutting board.
EASY WATERMELON SLUSHIES
4 servings
3 cups diced watermelon
2 Tbs. lime juice
1 Tbs. sugar
1 cup crushed ice
½ cup water
Dash of black pepper or cayenne -- optional flavor twist for heat-lovers
Combine all ingredients in blender or food processor and blend into a frosty slush.
If eating watermelon seeds raw doesn't appeal to you, you can toast them and sprinkle them on your salads. Place a half-cup of watermelon seeds in a skillet with a quarter-cup of water. Cook them over medium heat until the water has evaporated- about 10 minutes. Let them cool before you use them.
What's your favorite watermelon--seeds or seedless, red or yellow? Do you eat the seeds or spit them? How about the rind? I've never eaten it but I've heard it actually contains lots of nutrients too!
The health and nutrition benefits of watermelon are many!
*Achieve that younger-looking skin with just 2-cups of watermelon daily. Research showed that watermelon cuts the risk of sun related skin damage by 40%. That's because watermelon is nature's richest source of lycopene, an antioxidant that scavenges the UV-induced free radicals that cause sunburn and wrinkling.
*Eating watermelon is a safe alternative to taking energy drinks prior to exercise. It also hydrates you due to its high water content as opposed to caffeine filled energy drinks that dehydrate you.
*Watermelon will also help protect your eyes against macular degeneration , It fights the age-related symptoms of vision loss. Studies show that eating watermelon is actually more healthy for your eyes than eating carrots. That is true in both short-term and long-term vision loss.
*Watermelon is very low in calories, making it the perfect snack for those who are trying to lose weight.
*Supplementing watermelon into your diet can help prevent and fight cancer, particularly colon cancer. It does this because of its rich antioxidant profile. The antioxidants of the watermelon are very concentrated and kill the cancer causing free radicals.
*Another incredible health benefit of eating watermelon flesh is, "Watermelon may be a natural Viagra", according to webmd.com.
Store uncut watermelons at room temperature. They continue to develop nutrients after picking and refrigeration halts the process.To guarantee the tastiest fruit, place watermelon in the fridge for 30 minutes before slicing it. A quick chill causes the fruit's cells to constrict. This means the juice stays in the slices instead of running out onto the cutting board.
EASY WATERMELON SLUSHIES
4 servings
3 cups diced watermelon
2 Tbs. lime juice
1 Tbs. sugar
1 cup crushed ice
½ cup water
Dash of black pepper or cayenne -- optional flavor twist for heat-lovers
Combine all ingredients in blender or food processor and blend into a frosty slush.
If eating watermelon seeds raw doesn't appeal to you, you can toast them and sprinkle them on your salads. Place a half-cup of watermelon seeds in a skillet with a quarter-cup of water. Cook them over medium heat until the water has evaporated- about 10 minutes. Let them cool before you use them.
What's your favorite watermelon--seeds or seedless, red or yellow? Do you eat the seeds or spit them? How about the rind? I've never eaten it but I've heard it actually contains lots of nutrients too!
Monday, August 3, 2009
Clairol's Perfect 10
I have been coloring my own hair at home for some time now. I just can't see paying the high salon fees, spending all that time there and then not having them always cover all the gray. I've been using L'Oreal (which I've been satisfied with) but the thought of being done in 10 minutes instead of 45 was very appealing. So I decided to try Clairol's Perfect 10.I opted for the same shade "Medium Golden Brown". The instructions were very similar to L'Oreal's. The big difference was the time. In 10 minutes I was ready to wash the color out! The color is very similar to L'Oreal's "Medium Golden Brown". The gray coverage pretty much the same. One thing I didn't like is the runny consistency of the color. It was messier than L'Oreal's. (They have a very nice thick mixture.)
I would use it again just for the time. I'm hoping that L'Oreal figures out a way to make their color process in 10 minutes too. I'll be curious to see how long the color lasts. I usually have to color every 4-5 weeks. (My hair grows very fast and those darn gray roots are showing.) That will be another deciding factor. I'll have to let you know in a month how much fading occurred.
Has anyone else tried the Perfect 10? What results did you have?
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