Updates – Part Three

Before we get to the updates, I’ve started to make some photo gallery posts over at Parent Dish for my product reviews and cool holiday finds. If you are interested in reading about a certain product category (i.e. top plush toys, top puzzles, top organic onesies, etc.), leave a comment over there and I’ll do my best to search far and wide for the best.

Now, the updates.

First, we have lovely Emily’s before photo.

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The majority of you wanted to see Option #1, a Katie Holmes bob.

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Check out the fabulous results.

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She’s a looker, that one.

What about Ellie? Remember Ellie of “I Spend 3 Minutes On My Hair” fame?

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Most of you voted for Option #2, wanting long layers in the front to add some dimension. I personally wanted Ellie to spend more than her usual 3 minutes when styling her hair, and to use a round brush when drying.
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Well, looky here, my friends! Long layers, AND I do believe a round brush was involved! My eyes are wet with tears of joy! You look fantastic, Ellie.

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Enjoy your weekend, y’all!

hair thursday makeover 10

Meet Jill of the desert.

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Jill’s hair:

Normal condition (although from the photo, I would have to say dry)
Very straight
Thin in the front
Natural color
Lives in dry, desert air
Lives in fear of the pixie cut

Here are the options:

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Of COURSE, I feel the need to sneak a modified pixie cut in there somehow.

I really don’t think the pixie cut is right for Jill, although she does have delicate features, BUT does anyone currently have that haircut? And if you do, would you send a photo for my gallery? I have a crush. Thanks.

Back to business. I think Option #1 would be the best for Jill, but I’d like to talk about the condition of her hair for a little bit. Jill flat out hates her hair – she lives in the desert and by the looks of the photo, her hair is hungry for a little moisture. Currently, Jill uses a volume-enhancing shampoo by Paul Mitchell, which is all and good, but I think it’s time to purchase products that specifically address the needs of dry hair. Once Jill starts incorporating these kinds of products into her regimen, I feel confident she’ll be much happier (regardless of the style).

Some great products for dry hair:

Back to Basics Raspberry Almond Reparative Shampoo and Conditioner
Frederic Fekkai Technician Shampoo and Conditioner
Philosphy Shear Splendor “Marinating” Oil – yes, sometimes you must treat you hair like salad
Terax Original Crema Ultra Moisturizing Daily Conditioner – the best conditioner I’ve ever used
Phyto 7 Daily Hydrating Botanical Cream
Infusium Leave-in Conditioner – my favorite drugstore product

Once Jill narrows her new product search and trims a couple of inches off her hair, I promise she’ll be back in Happy Hair Land. Personally, I can’t wait to see her after photos!

Our second participant is Trina:

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Trina’s Hair:

Fine and straight
Chemically processed
Oily
Prefers shoulder-length or above
Spends 5 minutes styling

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I like both the cut and the color in Option #1. Since Trina prefers shorter hair, this cut would complement her face shape, and I really like the idea of keeping her bangs. Color-wise, I love it. Currently, Trina’s highlights are a little too blond for her complexion, giving her a bit of a washed-out look. An all-over warmer brown base with finely-applied golden highlights would make her complexion pop. (Plus, it’s such a beautiful color for fall and winter.)

However, if Trina decides to stay a little longer, I think she should take it a step darker like in Option #2. A warmer brunette (maybe just a touch lighter than the photo) would bring out that rosiness I see hiding in her before photo. I love the jagged cut and piecey bangs of this option too.

What do you think?

My Birthday Request

Today’s my birthday. Yesterday was my wedding anniversary.

I’m not telling you this because I want your adoring Birthversary wishes (although, I kind of do), I’m telling you because I want free reign to talk about something completely materialistic and shallow in peace.

(This coming from the girl who talks about hair all day.)

I’m sitting here, completely present-less and it’s all my fault. I know some lovely people (namely, my husband) who would very much like to bestow a gift or two, but I can’t make up my mind. Meh, meh and MEH.

I need a new purse. Okay, I want a new purse.

Here’s the deal. When it comes to handbags, I guess you could say I like classic ones. I’m not the type to switch out my bag on different days, so the bag I choose is relatively important due to the fact that it will be on my shoulder for the next couple of years. Plus, the KICKER. I want to be able to pull it out of a dustbag in ten years and still think it’s cute. (Updated to add: I also occasionally sell my bags on eBay, and LVs have a great resale value.)

This is my current bag:

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Oh, my trusty Louis Vuitton bag. You have served me well, my friend. It’s not you, it’s me! I swear!

(Have I ever told you about my fabulous boss who called my Louis Vuitton a “Vicki Lawrence”? I would walk into a breakfast meeting and in his fiercest voice, he would croon, “Girrrls working her Vicki Lawrence today!” God, I miss him.)

Well, Vicki, it actually is you…you see, the wide strap falls off my shoulder when I bend over to pick up Wito, and considering I am constantly picking up Wito, this is a problem. I need straps that will stay put. So, I’ve been putting in some time at the local Louis Vuitton store. (And when I say “time”, I mean the sales associates run for cover when I walk in, whispering “the girl with the baby and ALL OF THE QUESTIONS is here. Again.”)

I’ve tried every single bag, pulling the stuff out, putting weight in it, bending over to pick up Wito, looking in the mirror, rinse and repeat. Like a hundred times, but I’m SORRY people! We’re talking a hefty amount of cash here- I want to make the right decision.

After much hemming and hawing, I decided on this style:

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The straps stay put, it’s not too big, not too small. Yee haw. *yawning*

I thought my decision was made until I saw this yesterday:

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Sure, it’s not the most “classic” style, but I think I’m in love. Plus, my adoration for gray leather knows no limits. And do you know what? I’m only 33 years old – I have the rest of my life to carry a Vicki Lawrence! Plus, did I mention my lovely parents gave me this bag for my birthday a couple of years ago? Do I really need another?

People, I’ve looked everywhere. I don’t like lots of hardware, grommets, etc. I don’t like black. I don’t like LOTS OF THINGS. I think this gray bag and I were meant to be together.

Do you like the gray bag? If not, do you have any other suggestions for me?

It’s my birthday, damn it. Halp!

hair thursday makeover 9

Take a look at our first participant, Kim.

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Kim’s hair:

Dry
“Poofy”
Thick, with fine texture
In the process of growing it out, but doesn’t mind short hair
Afraid of layers because they have “poofed” in the past

Kim is dealing with what I would describe as triangle hair. This occurs when thick, all one-length hair forms a triangle- giving the appearance of flatness around the crown and bulkiness at the bottom. The best way to remedy the triangle is layering.

Kim, I have a feeling your palms start to sweat at the thought of layering considering your past poof issues. Well, I can promise you that your past poof was a direct result of your hair stylist, not your hair. If someone cuts layers into the hair and doesn’t take the bulk out afterwards, your hair will absolutely look like a cotton ball. I know this from experience, trust me. A couple of years ago, a stylist cut several layers into my hair, and immediately started blowdrying. I looked like this.

Um, no. No no NO. After your stylist cuts the layers, they THEN need to pull out the texturizing shears and get after it. (Preferably NOT the ones that look like they have little teeth. Crunch, crunch.) You will know they did a good job when the floor is literally covered in your hair.

Let’s get this straight. We are trying to accomplish this, right?

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Okay, then. Let’s find some photos that you can take to your NEW stylist.

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See the difference in the overall shape of the hair? Take out the bulk, baby!

Oh, and hairstyles only. By no means am I insinuating you should become a blond.

Our second participant is Emily.

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Emily’s hair:

Natural color
Normal condition
Curly
Air-dries her hair
Open to all lengths
Layers to help give curls movement

Emily has great curls! You know, the shiny ones that lay relatively flat to the head. I luh-huve these kinds of curls. Part of me wants to tell Emily to keep up the good work with the layering and just trim it once in awhile.

But then I see those unbelievably gorgeous EYES and start visualizing a shorter cut to show off those peepers. Maybe a little Carrie Bradshaw bob? Are you with me?

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So, yeah. These are both of the same haircut- just styled differently (and a little more length on #2). This cut would look great on Emily, and by the looks of her photos, I think her hair would be very accepting of a flat iron. (Hello, flat iron! Give me a hug! I am accepting of you!) You know, to change it up once awhile for special occasions.

What do you think? Cut it short?

Updates – Part Two

Wow. This has been a great week, y’all. My recipe arsenal is stacked. Many of you made the decision to use non-toxic cleaners, which makes me SO VERY HAPPY. I designed a banner for blog royalty. (Isn’t it purty?)

Best of all? Satisifed Hair Thursday customers! Hell yes.

Gretchen’s before photo:

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Gretchen’s after photos:

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Awwww, yeah. Rocking the ponytail bangs. Looking good, Gretchen!

Miguelina before:

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Miguelina after:

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Hot hot hot! And when I say “hot”, I literally mean HOT. Earlier this week, I received an email from Miguelina. She told me that while attempting her newly-acquired Hair Thursday skills, her hair dryer burst into flames! Black smoke filled the bathroom!

Please familiarize yourself with the newly-revised Hair Thursday disclaimer.

Whoorl is not a hair professional, although she plays one on the internet. Please consult with your stylist before making any of the suggested changes. If your hair stylist sucks and does a horrible job, please do not hunt Whoorl down and hurt her. It is not Whoorl’s fault, as she is only trying to spread the hair love. Any other issues may be directed to Whoorl’s customer service department.

Additionally, Whoorl is not responsible for house fires caused by practicing her tutorials.