New Years Eve 2011

I'm sure everyone has plans for NYE (New Year's Eve,) right? Many restaurants and other establishments are always offering special packages for dinner and drinks, which you can follow up with dancing the night away, and a champagne toast at midnight.  Even hotel packages are available so you don't have to drive home after all the festivities-- best to be safe! I'm betting that you ladies have your NYE wardrobe picked out and ready to go! It's probably something sultry with lots of sparkle and shine, or luxurious textures like silk or velvet... But have you thought about your makeup?

This is the time of year to go all out and sport the 'glitz and glam' looks that don't usually fly on just any given Sunday! Have you ever wanted to try a dark and smoky eye-- or maybe some shimmer, or glitter-- something you've seen in magazines from the Runways?? Well here's your chance, your carte blanche opportunity to go for it! Some great ideas are listed here: http://www.allure.com/beauty-trends/blogs/daily-beauty-reporter/2011/12/makeup-ideas-celeb-inspired-looks-for-new-years-eve.html. If you want to bump it up even more, while staying away from the avant-garde looks of Lady Gaga, I'd suggest adding a small amount of glitter eyeliner in the inner corners and a strip of false lashes, to make your peepers pop! To try: Stila Glitter Eyeliner http://www.sephora.com/browse/product.jhtml;jsessionid=2DRDZ1EHCZEI4CV0KQLQIGQ?id=P279707&shouldPaginate=true&categoryId=3865, and Ardell Fashion Lashes http://www.drugstore.com/ardell-fashion-lashes-strip-lash-120-black/qxp21724?catid=183642&fromsrch=ardell.

Happy New Year!!

A Good Night's Sleep!

You will notice that some of my posts are going to be about makeup, hair, fashion, etc. but NOT all. Hopefully that doesn't disappoint because it's the case today-- I woke up feeling refreshed and well-rested for the first time in at least two weeks and I want to share what (I think) the reason is. Lately I've had a lot on my mind... That stress, coupled with the physical pain I experience on a somewhat regular basis (from neck and shoulder issues,) has kept me from enjoying a decent night's sleep.

What happened last night was especially miraculous because when I laid down to go to sleep, I was feeling the pain in my neck and shoulders more than usual. When I go to bed with pain it's almost certain that I'll wake up with more since I'm a side-sleeper. No matter how hard I try to sleep flat on my back I always roll onto one side, then the other, during the night. So most mornings I wake up feeling stiff and achy in my chest, neck and shoulders from the pressure of having them "cramped up" all night. Last night was an exception even though I slept on my side!

I remembered, just before bed, that certain essential oils are supposed to promote relaxation and sleep- so I figured I'd give it a try. A while back I bought a diffuser which aromatically releases the oils into the air- when we inhale the oils we receive the benefits of them- known as aromatherapy. Also, I've been slowly stocking up on some high-grade (therapeutic grade) essential oils from doTERRA. Last night I diffused a few drops of lavender with a couple drops of rosemary and let it run for about an hour while I was lying in bed reading. After about 30 minutes I got drowsy and put down the book.

When I woke up this morning- after sleeping for about 9 hours straight- I felt refreshed. The best part was that I noticed NO pain or stiffness in my neck, shoulders or chest, like I usually experience daily! This is so great! I'm going to test it out again tonight, but I'm sure that it was the aromatherapy that did the trick. I've been taking a couple calcium/magnesium supplements before bed, as calcium also promotes relaxation, but I haven't noticed a big difference like I did with the oils last night. I'm sure the supplements are helping also though-- plus, I get my calcium for healthy bones, joints, muscles, etc. when I take them.

I'd recommend aromatherapy to anyone who's having trouble sleeping, or experiences chronic pain. There are some other oils from doTERRA that I've used for my pain as well-- ones that are applied topically- and they have really helped me (wintergreen, deep blue, and past tense.)

My New Hair (Tool) Obsession

I’ve always worked to get the perfect “beachy” waves, loose and flowing but not appearing as though I’d actually spent time curling my hair section-by-section. I’ve had some success in the past using a curling iron and wrapping my hair around the outside of the barrel but I still get that crease in my curls from the clip. That’s no good! I want it to look organic and effortless, but like a movie-star all at the same time. Is that possible? Yes it is! I’ve finally figured out the best way -and it’s so easy!!

Enter the curling wand — exit the traditional curling iron.

Last weekend I went to Sally Beauty Supply (with the lure of a free gift with purchase from their sale flyer) and bought a clip-less curling iron, or curling wand. This tool creates perfect voluminous waves without creases caused by the clip on a regular iron. Additionally, if you use a tapered wand the curls are larger at the top and smaller at the bottom- I just love that look! It’s very Taylor Swift and Kim Kardashian~ sassy!

Of course there are various brands and sizes to choose from. I got the Plugged In wand with a 1″ tapered barrel and it’s perfect for my hair http://www.sallybeauty.com/tourmaline-curling-wand/SBS-680640,default,pd.html?cm_vc=SEARCH. *Note: Right now Sally Beauty is offering a free GWP (a mini/travel size iron or hair dryer) when you buy a regular/full-size Plugged In appliance. If you have a Beauty Club Card, you save even more!

My routine to achieve the desired “star” look goes something like this: wash and condition my hair with my favorite Macadamia Oil shampoo and conditioner, towel dry (without rubbing hair and roughing up the cuticle,) and then spray in some Beach Blow Texturizing Mist http://www.ulta.com/ulta/browse/productDetail.jsp?productId=xlsImpprod1450322. Then I dry my hair on a low setting, using a diffuser, and “scrunching” my hair in my hands to activate the wave. When my hair is completely dry I use the curling wand (with a heat resistant glove since I tend to be clumsy at times) to define the curls and make them last longer. I’ve done this a few times now and couldn’t be more pleased with the outcome! Here is a short YouTube video to copy and paste in your browser, giving an example of how to use a curling wand- http://youtu.be/y4NmP5mOBno.

Voilà!