Beauty Favorites - December 2015

I've confessed many times, to my love of beauty products. I have some tried and true favorites that I will never give up but I'm always willing to try something new. Our tastes, skin and hair change as we age and finding new products that work for those changes can be key. Here are some of my recent favorite purchases.

Clockwise from top left: 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 7 / 8

Mizon Multi Function Formula All in One Snail Repair Cream
Ok, after you stop saying ewww or gross or whatever you're feeling, I will tell you about this amazing product. Last spring, I began reading about the Korean skincare revolution and how it was sweeping the U.S. I started doing research. Most articles recommend a 10 step routine. I'm diligent about my skin but I knew that 10 steps would not happen daily in my world. I decided to pick some key items to try. One of the items that was recommended was an All in One cream. This article called out this cream by Mizon, specifically. By the way, the author is incorrect. Snail mucin is actually, the secretion from the snail (not their guts). The cream is more of a gel and you don't need much. A little goes a long way. Hands down, it's the made more difference in my skin than anything I've ever used. I have tiny bumps (a form a cystic acne) that form on my skin, no matter how much I wash. They never get red but at times, they darken a bit. This cream has eliminated them! It's also faded many of my dark spots and it's a great light weight moisturizer (I apply it morning and night). I'm on my second jar and I don't see it ever leaving my beauty regime. Friends have even asked what I've been using. Which I always take as a great sign.

Nexxus Therappe Rebalancing Shampoo
I was offered this shampoo and the other two Nexxus products to try. I was a bit skeptical because I've tried moisturizing shampoos in the past and they left my hair lifeless and limp. They added too much residue. This shampoo is fantastic! It doesn't add that weight or residue. It leaves my hair clean and shiny. It's highly concentrated, so I only need a small amount. I'm sure I will be buying more when the bottle is finished.

Nexxus Humetress Restoring Conditioner
When you have fine, dry hair, conditioning is like walking a tight rope. You need the conditioner or your hair will look like straw but if you use too much or the wrong kind your hair will look flat and a bit greasy. This conditioner is great. I still can't use too much but when I use it, my hair has body and it's moisturized. It has a thick consistency but it's not too greasy for my fine hair. My hair has bounce and shine. I'm impressed.

Nexxus Humectress Luxe Lightweight Conditioning Mist
You wouldn't think this super light, water like mist would be moisturizing, but it is! I spray it on after I wash my hair, before I blow dry. I also sometimes mist my hair with it in the morning before I curl it. I don't know what little miracles they use to make this mist but it's great. I love that even though it's a leave in, that it's not heavy. I really love that it gives my hair sheen without oil.

BaByliss Pro Nano Titanium 1" Curling Iron
My curling iron died and I went in search of a new one. I had read that BaByliss curling irons were great and curled even the most hard to curl hair. My hair curls but the curl would never last. This model got some great reviews, so I decided to give it a try. My curl now lasts two days! In fact, I love my second day curl even better. It looks like a natural wave and it's perfect. My hair doesn't look fried after I use the iron. In combination with the Nexxus Conditioning Mist, my curls look even better.

Paula Dorf Special Camouflage
A beauty blogger recommended peach/orange concealer for dark circles. Sometimes even my holy grail Cle de Peau concealer doesn't totally cover my dark circles, without being too heavy. I decided to give the peach option a try. You wouldn't believe how hard it is to find peach concealer. I looked at tons of brands and places. Only a few even make that color and the ones that do, were no where to be found. I came upon this Paula Dorf version. It also contains a yellow concealer, which I thought would be great. The yellow is much too dry to be used alone. I mix it with the peach at times or with an eye cream. The peach has a creamy consistency that I like and add to my dark circle cover, when I need extra help.

Maybelline the Blushed Nudes eyeshadow palette
Usually I purchase an eyeshadow palette, loving the concept of combining different colors and end up only using 4 or 5 colors. With the exception or two colors, I use all of the colors in the palette regularly. The colors are neutral and have great color but they aren't too dark. They compliment my fair skin well. I love mixing the pinkish tones with the browns and grays.

Missha M Magic Cushion No. 23
One of the other Korean beauty products that gets rave reviews are their foundation cushion compacts. I'm super picky when it comes to foundation. I can't stand anything that is heavy, greasy or cakey but it has to have good coverage and look natural. It seems that every time I find a foundation I love, it's discontinued. For years I was a fan or Urban Decay foundation but their formulas have completely changed and I don't love their current options. Reviews were great for the Missha cushion. I love it. It gives me great coverage and looks natural. There are only two colors and they are both very fair. If you don't have super fair skin, you will need to look at other brands. The compact is refillable and comes with an applicator sponge.

Those are my current beauty picks. Let me know if you have any questions.

Frugal Fashion Friday - Good To the Last Drop

Today's Frugal Fashion Friday is really Frugal Beauty Friday. Isn't your beauty routine part of your overall fashion look? I've told you many times about my obsession with trying new beauty products. I decided this weekend that I need to do a clean out soon. My bathroom is full of partially used products. A purge is in order. There are however, products that I use to the very end. They are my tried and true products that if I run out of them, panic may set in. I have been known to cut a bottle open or scrape out the last bit from a tube.

clockwise from top left - 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 7 / 8 / 9

John Frieda Full Repair Shampoo - My fine hair is dry but because it's so fine, I have to be careful with conditioner. This shampoo has been a lifesaver, it moisturizes my hair without weighing it down, before I even condition.

Wet n' Wild Brow & Eye Liner - I have thin brows. I've tried lots of options but this pencil is my best tool. I lightly run it across my brows so that the hairs pick up the pigment and then smudge it with a small brush. It helps to keep my brows from looking drawn on or cakey. Bonus it comes in four different shades of brown and black and it only costs, 99 cents!

L'Oreal Elnet Satin Hairspray - This is the first hairspray I've ever used that doesn't make my hair feel like a helmet. It brushes out easily for restyling but miraculously it has a strong hold. It rarely goes on sale but you can find $3 off coupons in the paper every few months.

Drugstore Mascara - Right now I'm loving Maybelline Lash Sensational mascara. You may have seen my post on instagram. Frankly, I'm not loyal to one mascara but there is one sure thing, I always grab it at the drugstore. I've tried expensive mascaras but have never found any that are worth the price. My favorites have always come from the drugstore. Plus if you don't like it, take it back! CVS, Duane Reed/Walgreens, and Ulta all have great return policies.

Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser - This cleanser is gentle and thorough. It will take off stubborn make up but isn't harsh on my sensitive skin. It's also great for your body if you have an irritations or dry patches.

Clinique Black Honey Almost Lipstick - This lipstick has been called the universal shade and praised by makeup artists for looking great on everyone. I just know it looks good on me, no matter my skin tone (winter or summer). It's been a never fail beauty bag staple since I bought my first tube in the mid 90's.

Clé de Peau Beauté Concealer - If I was only allowed to keep one items in my makeup arsenal, this would be it. I have chronic dark circles and this concealer is my holy grail. Everyone I know says it's way too expensive. For me, it's worth every penny. One tube lasts me almost a year. I only use a tiny bit each day. The coverage is amazing.

Curel Daily Moisture Lotion - My favorite lotion. The scent isn't heavy. It's a great inexpensive moisturizer and it's never greasy. I always have a back up bottle ready.

Clio Kill Black Waterproof Eyeliner - This liner is a new favorite. As you know, a nude eye and black liner are my every day eye staples. It's a classic look that I love. I've tried tons of eyeliners, pencils, gel, and brushes. I like pen liners the most because of their precision. I read about Clio Kill Black a month or so ago. A beauty editor said she can't live without it for her signature cat eye. I tracked it down on Amazon and have used it every day since. My first pen is going strong but I already ordered a second one, to ensure I don't run out.

 

Some of these items may seem on the pricey side. For me, it's worth it to pay a bit more for some items because for me there is no substitute. I know I will use every last drop. It won't be another half used tube in my drawer or a product that I'm tired of using. I believe using a product to the last drop is a frugal trait and economical. I'm sure I've spent thousands over the years on products that I never finished using. In my efforts to streamline my life a little, these tried and true items are rising to the top. I will still look for the latest and greatest but these staples will always be by my side. 

What are your good to the last drop beauty items? 

Happy Friday Real Girls!

Stronger Hair from the Inside Out - A Review

We all know that diet is key to many beauty areas. Of course eating whole foods is the best way to get that nutrition but sometimes a supplement will help you get the nutrients faster and in a larger quantity. I've never had issues with my hair until two things happened, age and mostly my Rheumatoid Arthritis. The number one side affect of one of the meds I take for my RA is hair loss. When I read that side effect, (before I started taking the meds) I was worried. My hair is on the thin and straight side but in general, I've always loved my hair. The thought of losing my hair was daunting. At the recommendation of other RA folks, I started taking Folic Acid right away. It has definitely helped minimize the hair loss but I haven't noticed improvements in new growth. About six months ago I began reading about the benefits of Biotin for growing and strengthening your hair. When Zenwise Labs asked if I'd like to try their Hair Growth Vitamins + DHT Blocker, I said yes (after making sure there were no interactions with my meds).

Of course I also checked with my doctor to make sure that she approved. She did and I have been using the Vitamins for about a month. You should always make sure to check with your physician before starting any kind of medication, even if it's over the county. A little info from their website:

Zenwise Labs Hair Growth Vitamins formula contains our distinct blend of 27 ingredients, including 5000 mcg of Biotin, that promote hair growth and overall hair health. This formula also provides essential vitamins and antioxidants to address deficiencies that have been shown to cause hair loss.

Our all Natural formula can be used to:
Promote Thicker Fuller Hair
Stimulate Hair Growth
Address Vitamin Deficiencies Associated with Hair Loss

Key Ingredients:
Biotin
MSM (Methyl Sulfonyl Methane)
Grapeseed Extract
Saw Palmetto
Pumpkin (Seed-Curcubita Pepo)(4:1)
Gotu Kola (Herb-Centella Asiatica) (4:1)
Ginkgo Biloba (Leaf)
L-Lysine Hcl
L-Proline
Kelp
Citrus Bioflavanoids
Nettle (Leaf-Urtica Dioica)
Catalase
Resveratrol

I have noticed new hair growth since I started using the product and my hair feels fuller. It's also important to note that I haven't changed my hair products since I began using the vitamins. I use the same combo that I've been using for several months. I wanted to ensure that any hair changes could be attributed to the vitamins and not external products.

I have noticed some positive changes in my hair growth since I began taking the vitamins.  I'm happy with the results so far and I've seen improvements over the Folic Acid alone. Fuller hair is a good thing!

NOTE: I was provided the vitamins in exchange for writing about my experience. The opinions expressed in this post are my own.

Curls with the KISS InstaWave - A Review

Unintentionally, this week is shaping up to be new product review week. New year, great new items to test out. I have to admit, one of my favorite parts of being a blogger is getting to try out new products before everyone else. Getting the chance to try a hair styling tool, heaven. I got the chance recently to test out the new KISS InstaWave Automatic Curler. I wasn't sure it would work well on my fine, shorter, hard to curl hair. I thought I'd give it a try and I was pleasantly surprised.

I opened the box and read all of the instructions. It seemed super easy. I loved the idea of getting curls without worrying that my fingers would end up burned and blistered. Since my hair is above my shoulders, finger burns happen more often than I'd like.

The Features:

• KISS InstaWave is a fully automatic tangle-free curler that instantly creates beautiful curls
• Easy for anyone to use, from any angle, with any hand
• Features a Curl Dial with left/right curl directions
• Automatically shuts off after 90 minutes
• 2 heat settings with a low/high switch with maximum temperature of 420

There are two heat settings. I found the lower setting can be best for my fine hair. The indicator light comes on when the InstaWave is ready.

I started by pulling out a small section of my hair.

Hold the KISS Instawave Automatic Curler vertical to your head and just place the hair in the tines of the spindle. You just lay it across.

Then you hit the toggle button in the direction you want the barrel to turn.

Hold the InstaWave Automatic Curler in place for 5 to 10 seconds. Then pull the curler straight down. There was a little bit of a learning curve with my shorter hair and I found using a clip to hold my uncurled hair back was helpful.

Here is a video demo. (Be kind this is my very first video.)




My hair after I finished my full head. My curl lasts all day and still looks good.

PROS

• Easy to use right out of the box but since it was different than a standard iron, it took some time getting used to the motions.
• Heats up quickly.
• Didn't tangle.
• Auto shut-off (after 90 seconds), a plus for forgetful people like me.
• Creates lasting curls, even on my fine hair.

CONS

• Curling was one handed but use was not. I needed both hands to set the hair in place in the curler.
• It will take some time using it before I'm as fast as I am with a standard curling iron. To be fair, I've been using a standard iron since I was 12.
• It makes some noise (see video above). If you do your hair early in the morning while your spouse is sleeping (like I do) be aware that it's not silent.
• On the higher end of curling iron price points (retail: $59.99)

Note: I received my KISS InstaWave Automatic Curler in exchange for my review. My opinions are my own.

Hydrating Argan Oil - My Hair Mask Review

I'm a confessed product junkie. I try all sorts of products but I always feel better when I fall for products that are made using natural and organic ingredients. Recently, I've been trying out some products by InstaNatural. I've been using their Argan Oil Hair Mask, Argan Oil, and Advanced Formula Vitamin C Serum.

As I've gotten older hydrating my skin and hair has been more and more important. The medication that I take for my Rheumatoid Arthritis also weakens and dries out my hair. Using a deep conditioning treatment regularly has been crucial to keep it from breaking and looking dull. I have read great things about the hydrating properties of Argan Oil. InstaNatural's Super Hydration Argan Oil Hair Mask can be used as a deep conditioner or a daily conditioner. I tried it both ways. I noticed a positive change in my hair when I used it as a daily conditioner but the real impact came when I used it as a deep conditioner. My hair was incredibly silky. I was surprised that it didn't weigh my hair down. I was even able to wait several days between washing. I've been using the Hair Mask for a couple weeks now and I've barely made a dent in the container. A little goes a long way.

The pure Argan Oil has been a good winter hydrator. I've used it on my rough elbows and heels. I'm really loving the Vitamin C Serum. It's been fantastic for my skin. I am already a fan of serums. I've been using it daily and my skin is smoother. It's hydrating without feeling greasy and has a pleasant scent.

If you're looking for products that are natural and organic, InstaNatural's products are a great option. I highly recommend them.


Note: I was provided the products from InstaNatural in exchange for my review. The opinions expressed are my own.

Struggles with My Changing Hair

We all go through changes in our lives, age, health, pregnancies, and other challenges. Those factors affect skin and hair. I'm not a mom but I'm experiencing age and health challenges. On top of those factors I also change my hair style and color more than most people. When I was younger health and of course age were never an issue. Now I have the added challenge of graying hair and the medicines that I take for my Rheumatoid Arthritis weaken my hair. Recently I cut my hair and also wanted to add more blonde.

I love the color and the cut but the bleaching wreaked havoc on my hair. It began to look dry and lifeless. The very light blonde ends even looked frizzy and like I had split ends. My first instinct was that it needed more moisture. Then I got worried. I've always had very fine hair and using lots of conditioner was bad news. It weighed my hair down and made it look greasy and flat. Using tons of conditioners and oils was contrary to my past experience. Then I thought back to college. During my senior year (1989) I had big 80's hair, compliments of a perm. I thought you could all use a laugh.

At the time I was also taking a swimming/lifesaving class. These two factors made my hair feel like straw. I started using Aussie 3-Minute Miracle. I would put it in my hair before bed and sleep in it. In the morning I would rinse my hair and shampoo, condition and style it as usual. It brought life back to my hair. I decided to give this old method a try. I purchased L'Oreal Extreme Repair Mask. It's like paste and the thickest conditioner I've ever used. It definitely helped but it still wasn't enough. After my shower I added leave-in conditioner to the ends and dried as usual. One day after a shower I let my hair dry naturally. It was a happy accident. My hair never felt better. It curled easily and didn't feel as dry. Ever since that day, I've been letting my hair dry naturally and adding a bit of dry shampoo for texture at the root. It's been doing great. SUCCESS!

If you have fine, dry hair you might want to try out this method. Just be careful not to put the heavy conditioner near your roots. I shampoo my hair being careful not to overwork the ends. Then I add L'Oreal EverPure conditioner (top right) to my whole head. I apply Total Repair Extreme (top middle) to the ends. I comb it through with my fingers. I leave the conditioners on until the end of my shower and then rinse with cool water. The cool water leaves some of the healthy oils in my hair. After exiting the shower, I brush out my hair using the Tangle Fix brush (center). I add mousse to my whole head and leave in conditioner to the ends only. Then I add two drops of anti-breakage serum to the ends and run the leftovers through my whole head. Once my hair dries naturally, I add some curl using my curling iron. I am not curling my ends for this style. My curling iron has an adjustable temperature. I read that using a mid temperature would be best for fine hair. I've always lived by the philosophy of high heat curls better. Not so. A mid to lower heat works much better on my fine hair. Once I've curled and finger combed my hair to separate the curls, I lightly spray my hair with Elnett. I haven't been compensated for telling you about these products. They are just products that I've found work for me and my fine hair.

 

Hopefully, there are more good hair days ahead. If you have any fine, dry hair tips, I'd love to hear about them.

Inspiration - Messy Braids

I've been smitten with messy braids ever since I spotted this one on Blake Lively. The forecast here in DC this week is calling for some rain and a braid is my go to when the weather is bad. Curling my fine hair in wet weather is a complete waste of time. A braid looks chic and will last all day and even better that it's supposed to look messy. When I get caught in the rain or wind blown, I'll be able to hide that I'm a hot mess. 

In order to create a braid this full and messy, I have to add texture to my hair. Products and teasing usually do the trick. I found lots of great styles to try.

Here is a great tutorial from A Beautiful Mess (the style in the upper left is from their blog). I think it might even be easy enough, even for me and my fine, hard to style, hair. These braids will even work at the beach this summer. BONUS!

Hair Chalking

I've always wanted bright colored hair.  I've especially longed for bright blue tips on my dark hair. No matter my age, it's something I've always thought about doing. With a government related job I've never considered it as a permanent option.  I've tried a few spray-in, temporary colors but didn't love them. They were super messy and didn't give the bright color I craved. Then came hair chalking. If you aren't familiar with hair chalking, it's basically coloring your hair with chalk (or pastels). Hair chalking has become increasingly popular lately. It's an easy and non-permanent way to add bright color to your hair. Many of the tutorials use pastels from an art store. I've also seen options from hair product companies. On Friday I went to Walgreens and saw Hot Huez and I decided to finally try out this trend.

Hot Huez comes with 4 colors (pink, blue, fuschia and green). The chalk is in a compact form. I purchased the set at Walgreens for $9.99.  It was an impulse purchase because the chalk in compact form seemed less messy than using sticks of chalk.

I tried blue and hot pink for this post. I wore blue first but the pink shows up great in photos. The directions in the package said that I needed a towel and a bottle of spray leave in conditioner (for smoothing the hair) and hairspray. Luckily, I had a bottle of heat styling spray on hand. I've done research and many of the tutorials suggest using water and either a curling or flat iron to set the chalk. I decided to follow the Hot Huez directions exactly, for my first try.

This is the result of my attempt with electric blue. I LOVE the look. This was my first attempt and by the end of the day I had a blue neck. Setting the color is crucial. See my tips below.

I tried a strand on the top of my hair. I did a single application and set it with hairspray but not with heat. By the end of the day it looked light on my dark hair. I'm sure if you are blonde it would stand out more. Next I tried the water and heat method.

I wet a strand and combed it out.  I covered my shoulders with a towel. The chalk dust is messy even with the compact. I clamped the compact down on my hair and ran it down the length of my hair.

I repeated the chalk application, combing the strands in between each application. Then I set it with a flat iron and combed it again. Finally I gave it a light spray with hairspray.  Don't spray too heavy or your chalk will look faded and streaky.

TIPS

• Wear a top you don't care about or completely cover yourself with a smock or towel.The chalk is messy and dusty.
• Make sure to set the color well. It can rub off on clothes and your skin. 
• Wetting the hair more effective than using leave-in conditioner.
• Multiple applications with combing or brushing in between gives the most even application.
• A dry style hairspray will help to set the color without making it blotchy.
• If you use soft pastels instead of compact applicators like Hot Huez, make sure to wear gloves.  Don't use oil pastels. They will be sticky and may stain hair permanently.
• Clarifying shampoo is best for washing out your chalk but other shampoos are effective.

PROS

• Easy application with the compact and it didn't get on my hands.
• Bright colors.
• The price was reasonable. I found some hair chalking kits selling for $5 and up for a single color.
• It doesn't permanenetly stain your hair or your hands.
• It's fun and temporary.

CONS

• The instructions in the kit could have been better. I found better tips on the internet.
• The applicator only places color on one side of your hair. If you want all over color you have to flip the compact or twist your hair.
• The color choices are limited to four.

Hot Huez were a fun and easy way to try out the chalking trend. You can find them at drugstores all over and also on the internet. If you'd prefer to use pastels, try a local arts and crafts store like Michaels.

If you give chalking a try, let me know. I'd love to see your results!

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed here are my own. I was not compensated for this post and purchased the kit myself.


Have you entered the Stella and Dot $50 gift card giveaway?  Make sure to enter before the contest ends on Thursday. You could win a gift card for some amazing jewelry.

Springtime Wishes

Another busy week full of work and wedding.  I'm pulling together posts about our amazing wedding ring DIY and about a fun fashion event I attended on Sunday.  I'll have them up soon. In the meantime I thought I'd share a few of the items on my spring wish list.

The week before our wedding {msL} and I will be going to the courthouse in DC to get a legal marriage license and take our vows in front of the Justice of the Peace.  You see we live in Virginia where our marriage will not be legally recognized.  Luckily for us we live close to DC and Maryland where marriage equality is in place. Laws and minds have come so far but there is still a long way to go. Please support marriage equality in your state.  Hopefully one day soon our marriage will be recognized in every state. I want a pretty dress to wear to the courthouse and I love this polka dot dress from Coldwater Creek.

I've been waiting until after the wedding to make any changes to my hair.  This is killing me. I change my hair often and I'm sure I'll be doing something like adding an ombre look or cutting it shorter.

I wear my flats much more than my heels.  My flats are starting to look a bit old so I'm on the hunt for fun new flats I can wear all spring and summer. These mirror silver flats from ASOS are great. I love the pointed toe and the ankle strap.

A leather skirt has been on my list for some time.  Leather is hot this spring and I'm going to get myself a great skirt.  Pencil skirts just don't work on my curvy body. This full style is perfect.

Crystals, pearls and skulls, FANTASTIC!  One of my favorite things is to mix tough with pretty.  This statement necklace is a dream for me in that department.  I definitely need this one on my wish list.

My handbag collection is a bit nuts.  This spring I'm planning a closet clean out. I'll be purging the bags I never use and replacing a few of them with classics that I'll use often. This tan tote from Zara is the perfect replacement. It's large enough for work but sleek and polished.  The tan color will go with everything this spring.

What items are on your wish list?

Fall Beauty Trends 2012 - Budget Options

The runway shows don't just start fashion trends, they also start beauty trends.  Designers use hair, makeup and nails to compliment their designs and create a complete look.  There are lots of trends to try this fall.  I selected a few of my favorites from the runway.

You don't have to spend a fortune to try a new beauty look.  There are products and tools available at your local drugstore or discount store. 

Texture and Volume
Many of the same tools and products that work for texture also work for volume and vice versa.  A root volumizer, dry shampoo, and a teasing brush topped with hair spray can create a style with texture or with retro volume. The techniques are also similar. With volume, you'll just need to smooth the outer surface layer.

Flushed Cheeks
Cheeks that are flushed have the look that you've been in the sun or out in the cold.  The color looks like it's coming from within.  Using a cream or gel blush or a stain will give you this look better than a powder.  These products will also last longer.

Deep Red Lips
Rich plums, burgundies and maroons are the colors of fall lips.  Prep is key when wearing dark lipstick.  Exfoliate your lips using a lip scrub or just your wash cloth.  Then add a light coat of lip balm.  These steps will help your lipstick to wear longer and will reduce feathering.  If you are wearing lip stain, exfoliate but skip the lip balm.

Winged Eyes
The beauty of a winged eye is that you can go subtle or bold.  You can get the same effect with liquid or gel eyeliner, depending on your personal preference.  This tutorial from The Beauty Department will help you with the basics. The drama is up to you.

Hair Accessories
Statement hair accessories are an easy way to dress up a simple hair style.  There are lots inexpensive options at discount and accessory stores.  Select something that fits your personal style. Sparkly or geometric, clips or headbands, the possibilities are endless.

Sophisticated Nail Art
This fall nail art is all about metallics, classic colors, reverse french manicures and half moons.  Nudes, navys, and chrome dominated the options on the runway.  The designs were sleek and simple. They'll fit in at the office as well as a night out. If you've shied away from nail art because it was too young and cutesy, these fall options may be right up your alley.

They key to any trend is to make it work for you.  It's also a fun chance to try something completely new.  Pick up some inexpensive products from your local drugstore and try a trend on for size.  I recommend CVS (if there is one in your area) because of their extremely liberal return policy. You can return any nonprescription item within 30 days, with your receipt (open or unopened).  I just tried out a new deep red lip stain.  After trying it out, I knew the color wasn't right for me. I returned it to CVS and got a full refund.  That's no risk shopping!

I'll be trying out lots of these trends over the next few months.  Will you be trying anything new?

Ode to Short Hair

Fortunately for me, my hair grows fast. I've never worried much about changing my hair because I figure it's easy to change it again, if I don't like the way it looks. That's not to say that I've never had a hair meltdown.  I've had a few.  Once when I was a teen, I asked for a feathered, Farah Fawcett cut and I got a mullet like shag.  There were tons of tears and stress while it grew out.  The biggest stresses have been about color. Luckily for me, that is an easy change. Once there was a platinum blonde mistake that took hours to create and then correct.  It also took many days to get my scalp back to normal. Lots of pain.  I've done a few shades of dark brown that I didn't love and some shades of red that were fun at the moment.  Right now, I'm dying to change my hair and go short again.  I love being able to style my long hair but I miss the ease and fun on my short styles.  This photo of Miley Cyrus' new cut made me want to chop mine off even more...

photo credit: @MileyCyrus

She went from a shoulder grazing cut to this fantastic short style. I love it and she's thrilled with her new do.  I really want a messy up do for our wedding in April so I'm fighting my urge to cut.  This little post is an effort to enjoy my short hair without cutting it (until after the wedding).  My first super short do was in high school when I had an asymmetrical do that was spiked on the side and long in the front.  I will post a picture someday, if I can find one.  It's been short and long and all phases in between. Some haven't been my favorites and I've changed them quickly. At the time the change was good for me and was good for me. It gave me the lift I needed.

2012

2009

2008

2007

2005 (me and my Honey)

The moral of my story (and I think Miley's too) is to try something new.  If you don't like the result, you can always change it again.  Talk to your stylist about your hair and your face shape, they can give you great advice.  A new hairstyle can change the way you feel, lift your mood and give you wings. If you take a chance it can make you feel like a new woman.

Inspiration - This Week's Pinspiration

You all know my love of Pinterest. It's been a great tool for wedding planning and I collect everything from style ideas to recipes on the site. For years I've torn pages out of magazines and shoved them in a folder. The favorites link on my Internet browser could use its own Dewey Decimal system. I save ideas, sites, thoughts and everything that inspires me. Pinterest is a dream come true. I thought I'd share with you, some of my latest inspiration.

Five fashion editors wore the same rock t-shirt, five different ways. I love the way it shows individual style but you all know I love mixing rock t-shirts all sorts of ways.

Great tip on accenting your eyes.  I love the step by step that you could use with any eye color and liner.

Cherry lime popsicles made fresh from real fruit.  These scream summer to me. I definitely need to make them pronto!

Four easy braided hairstyles.  With this crazy hot weather and my struggle to keep from cutting my hair off, I've been loving braids lately.

What's not to love about an ombre glitter manicure?  It's already on my list of, must try, manis this summer. The color options are endless.

This outfit is simple, fun and a great way to try neon without looking like an 80's flashback. Did I mention that I used to own a neon ski jacket?  Mixing neon with neutrals is a perfect way to try the trend.

This saying spoke to me as soon as I saw it.  I've been in relationships and had supposed friends who dulled my sparkle but not anymore.  Growing as a person has taught me to never let anyone dull my sparkle.

Do you have a Pinterest account?  If you don't, be sure to request an account. It's fun and a great way to collect your ideas.  Once you have an account don't forget to show me some love and follow me.  I'm in the process of  following all of you lovely folks who are following me.