Easter Hair and Makeup

With Easter just around the corner, now is the time to plan your holiday hair and makeup. Easter is a great opener to spring and it's array of makeup and hair looks. Soft and youthful hair and makeup are perfect for whatever you do this Easter, whether it's the morning church service, or dinner with the family.

Spring hair is not only a blast to style, but can be easy and effortless as well. Soft, feminine curls are an adorable look for spring. Aim for touchable, natural looking waves and ringlets.

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This style can be achieved with the use of a 1" or larger curling wand, hot rollers, or even your handy dandy straightener, with the right curling technique of course.

You'll want to curl all of your hair first, while staying away from the hairspray. Remember, you want soft curls that you can run your fingers through. After all the hair is curled, use a wide tooth comb or your fingers to separate the curls. This creates a natural, wavy look that's as soft as an Easter lamb's coat.

When you have your curls loosened to a nice wave, you can lightly spritz the hair with hairspray to lock in that gorgeous texture. If the curls are a bit frizzy, spray the hair with a light layer of heat protection or shine spray and smooth out the frizz with a paddle brush. When using a paddle brush on curls, brush the curls around your wrist to lock in a glossy, frizz-free style.

Now for my favorite part the Easter look, the makeup. With very step of the application process, use light strokes. You definitely want to avoid weighing the face down with a lot of makeup. Spring is all about fresh and innocent beauty, so use minimal makeup and play up your best features.

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For flawless spring baby skin, apply face powder with a kabuki brush. This will keep you from over applying powder while giving your skin an airbrushed look.

You can also skip the powder completely and blur imperfections with a BB cream. BB cream is a great product to use in the spring because it makes the wearer appear to have no makeup on, and it usually provides a little protection from the sun as well.

Blush is the key part of spring makeup. You'll really want to highlight your cheeks with a hint of blush in soft, feminine shades of peach and pink. For a fun, young look, really focus on the apples of your cheeks when applying your blush.

Everything else should be kept to a minimum. Use neutral tones of eye shadow  minimize eyeliner, and apply just a few swipes of mascara. Applying a highlighting powder or light eye shadow to the inner corners of your eyes will give you a pretty doe eyed appearance that's spot on for spring.

The lips should be kept light as well. Pinks, peaches, and nudes are the ideal lip color for this makeup look. To maintain the fresh, airy feel of the rest of our makeup, I suggest using a matte lip gloss or a velvety lip stain for a petal soft pout this Easter.

As long as you keep everything light and fresh, you will be sure to turn heads with all the natural beauty you have to offer this spring!

Lash Problems

Having the urge to lash out to get the most flirtatious lashes in town? It doesn't take expensive eyelash extensions, growth serums, eyelash perms, or even the beloved falsies to get an attention grabbing lash look.

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Knowing the area your lashes are lacking in is the first step to finding the perfect mascara, lash tools, and application technique to build your best eyelash look. 

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For stubby, barely there lashes, it's important to use the right tools to apply mascara. A thin mascara brush is ideal for lengthening lashes, because it gives the wearer easier access to the base of her lashes.

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When I want my lashes to look extra long, I hold my mascara brush at the base of my lashes and slowly blink my eye. This technique extends my lashes with every blink, and it prevents me from over applying my mascara. 

Mascaras that promise length are typically slicker than others, which can cause lashes to stick together. So, make sure you have a an eyelash comb, found on the other side of an eyebrow brush, to separate any fused lashes. 

For long, fluttering eyelashes, I swear by Benefit They're Real mascara. This mascara features an applicator with a domed tip that reaches every one of my lashes, even the little baby ones at the inner corner of my eyes. This is my favorite makeup product at the moment because the length was so convincing, friends asked if I got lash extensions put on.

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Another common lash problem is lackluster, sparseness at the lash line. Thick brushes, with plenty of bristles, are the best way to plump up lashes. The larger brush will define the lash line and fan out the lashes into a full, fierce effect.

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When applying the mascara, sweep the brush in a zigzag motion over the lashes. This technique insures that every lash is fluffed out and ready to go. Another quick trick for faking fuller lashes is to tightline the eyes. This means lifting your top lashes and applying eyeliner at the root of your lashes, under the lash line.

If you're looking for volume, get a mascara with a waxy formula. The wax will build up your lashes with every swipe, while acting as a spacer between lashes for added thickness. 

Any time I'm need extra volume, usually when I'm wearing a smoky eye look, I use Too Faced Lash Injection mascara. This formula is a rich, inky black that instantly makes my eyes pop. I like this mascara because it forms tubes around the natural lashes, pumping up the volume, without harming my eyelashes.

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Stick-straight eyelashes can also be fixed with the right mascara and the correct application technique. A curved mascara brush really makes a difference when trying to curl lashes.

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Before applying mascara, curl lashes with an eyelash curler. It doesn't take a fancy electric curler to bend the lashes. Using a hairdryer, shoot some warm air over a regular eyelash curler, allow a few seconds for the curler to cool (Use the touch test!!!! You do not want to burn your eyelid!!!!), and gently squeeze the curler onto your lashes. To avoid the bizarre-looking, straight up lash look, walk the curler from the base of your lashes to the ends.

My lashes never cooperate with the use of a curler alone. I have to depend on a strong curling mascara to finish the job. Diorshow Iconic Overcurl mascara helps retain the curl my eyelashes curler provides, and the curved brush is magnificent. 

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Now that you know which mascaras and application techniques are best for your eyes, you are finally free to put your greatest lash fears to rest. Hopefully, this post will have you batting those beauties all day long!

Putting Some Spring into Winter Hair

Is your hair dull and dry with wintry woes? A little color and a fresh cut will have your beauty in bloom with the upcoming season.

There are hundreds of fun ways to liven your hair up this spring. If you're a hair color virgin, a simple cut can still completely change your look.

For those of you brave enough to take the plunge, short pixie cuts are still dominating the short hair scene. Stars like Anne Hathaway and Charlize Theron are rocking the cropped look.

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Extremely short styles look great on women with pronounced facial features. This style can be just a flexible as long hairstyles with the use of different products. A little mousse can give this sleek look a fun messy effect.

For those of you wishing to keep il your locks long and flowing, bangs and layers will transform your look and maintain your length.

Flirtatious brow and lash-grazing bangs are everywhere this season. Celebs such as Jessica Biel and Emma Stone have been sporting soft bangs with their spring cuts.

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Layers, long and short, are always a great way to give your hair some shape and movement. Amanda Seyfried's hair falls way past her shoulders, but her long layers give her hair the healthy, touchable look long hair needs.

Another way to bring brittle winter hair to life is a nice color treatment. Spring hair color options are about as limitless as the spring fashion. Fashionistas are splitting down two very different paths this year, with either natural-looking highlights or jaw-dropping pops of bright colors.

The ombré is still alive and well for spring. However, instead of extreme fading, women are opting for more subtle ombré looks that give hair a healthy shine.

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Dip-dying is taking the hair color scene by storm this spring. From girly pastels, to blazing neons, colored ends are giving ladies endless options for changing the look of their hair.

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Whether you're looking for a slight spring trim or a bold cut and color, your hair should reflect your unique personality and flair. Happy spring styling!

When I Grow Up…

As children, we are told we can become anything our hearts’ desire. So why are people so surprised when children give colorful answers when asked what they want to be when they grow up?

I vividly remember my response to that question. I knew I was going to be a mermaid when I grew up. I loved the water. While other kids played Marco Polo in the shallow end of the pool, I was deep under the water, imagining what my beautiful tail would look like when I grew up.

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I hated leaving the water. My mom would always give me a five minute warning before I had to get out, but I never listened. When she would tell me to head towards the steps of the pool, I would dive underwater and pretend I hadn't heard her. Sorry Mom.

I worshiped Ariel. I would have been content with being best friends with Flounder and collecting dinglehoppers for the rest of my life. I even put a seashell necklace, like the one from The Little Mermaid, on my cat, who I believed, wanted to be a mermaid as well.

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Eventually, the dreary old grownups told me I couldn't be a mermaid when I grew up. Apparently, grownups needed to have jobs not tails. Even though I was told that becoming a mermaid was impossible, I've never given up my interest in mermaids.

One day, while perusing through random YouTube videos, I came across the answer to my “mythical creature” problem—Mermaid Melissa. Melissa is a professional mermaid performer who uses her underwater entertaining to educate the world with her message: “Let’s help save our oceans before all creatures become mythical.” 

There are many other mermaid performers, like Mermaid Melissa, all over the world. They get paid to make appearances, both in and out of the water, in gorgeous tails that bring fantasy into reality.

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And mermaid performers aren't the only ones who can live out their childhood dreams. There are several companies that create custom-made tails, with materials ranging from swimsuit fabric to silicone. Realistic mermaid tails can be pricey, but some tail retailers offer rentals.

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I’m comforted by the fact that we can really become whatever we wish. We don’t have to give up the fanciful dreams of our childhood days. If a child tells me she wants to become a mermaid someday, I can proudly tell her that her fairy tale ending is only the swish of a tail away.

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Healthy Habits to Avoid Heat Damage to Hair

The smell of burnt hair isn't easily forgotten, and with the surplus of heated hair tools available to the public, more consumers are experiencing extensive heat damage to their hair. It takes very little heat exposure for hair to become harmed from drying, straightening, curling, and sun rays. Thankfully, with a few protective measures, consumers can still use heat to style their hair, and keep their locks shiny and strong.

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Properly caring for your hair starts the moment you step out of the shower. Never apply product to hair that is dripping wet. The product will run off your hair with the water. You should towel-dry the hair first, and then apply a moisture-sealing product.

 I like to use Rusk Deepshine Bio-Marine Therapy Phyto-Marine Lusterizer, because it softens the ends of my hair, making combing through it a lot easier. This product repairs the damage of heated tools, color treating, and sun rays. 

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After applying Rusk Deepshine, you’re safe to start drying your hair. Drying your hair excessively can lead to more damage. If you have thicker hair, separate it into sections to avoid over drying parts of your hair. Dry from roots to ends, and do not hold the dryer directly over your hair. Keep the dryer moving, and leave a little moisture in the hair. You can lock in extra shine if you switch the heat setting on the dryer to cool as you finish drying the hair.

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When you’re finished drying your hair, add a few spritzes of thermal protection spray to the hair before styling. For touchable, smooth hair, I use CHI 44 Iron Guard Thermal Protection Spray. It keeps the hair moist when styling. You may see some steam coming off your hair after use, but this is from the product, not the oils in your hair.

If I want some hold while styling, I use Healthy Sexy Hair Soya Want Flat Hair Hot Iron Spray. This spray gives my hair a lot of volume and grip during the styling process. This product will give off some steam as well.

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The best way to keep hair healthy is to refrain from going over and over the same section of hair when styling. The more you go over the pieces, the more your hair will start to burn.

Your hair will also appreciate a few days off. If it isn't absolutely necessary to straighten or curl your hair, don’t do it. Natural hair is beautiful too, and the break from the heat will give your hair time to restore what’s been damaged.

Does Safe Haven Play it Unsafe?

If you are wondering whether you should see Safe Haven don’t let the fact that it was based off of a Nicholas Sparks’ novel cloud your judgment. This film has all of the romance and sentiment expected from it with a thrilling twist.

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Like many of the Nicholas Sparks based films, Safe Haven will have the ladies nudging their boyfriends to turn up the romance in their lives. As anticipated, this film had an attractive cast with Julianne Hough and Josh Duhamel cast as the leads. 

Safe Haven will have you crying, sighing, and denying any doubts of true love. From the very beginning of this film’s journey, audiences were able to identify the familiar with the famous Nicholas Sparks film “passionate embrace” poster. And the film just wouldn't be a Nicholas Sparks film if it didn't have love letters and a beachfront setting.

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Safe Haven is as enjoyable for its classic romantic qualities as its exciting surprises. Unlike the previous Nicholas Sparks films, this movie has a little action among the steamy scenes. If you become as engrossed in films as I do, you will experience tears, followed by laughter, followed by shrieks. Don’t let films like Dear John and The Notebook fool you into believing this film will just be a sop fest. You may be as pleasantly surprised by this movie as I was.

The only shortfall of Safe Haven would be how unrealistic it is compared to real life.  I mean, I would love to say I look like a super model after being caught in a torrential downpour, but I guess that luxury is only reserved for ladies like Julianne Hough and Rachel McAdams. It’s hard to connect with a girl who looks beautiful in every scene, even in situations where no human being could possibly look that perfect. 

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Despite the predictability and impracticality of parts of the film, Safe Haven is a must-see for any girl looking for a good film to pair with a dose of post-breakup Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream. This film is also the perfect way to prove to your boyfriend that romantic films can have action in them. Regardless of your reasons for watching it, Safe Haven has the Sparks’ themes you know and love, plus a little extra punch of passionate drama.

My Cat...Girl's Best Friend or Evil Genius?

‘Twas was a cold night in December, when all through the May house

Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse…

You know why? It was the night the feistiest cat in the world came into my life. 

Striking a pose

My mother and I rescued Sassi May, my beautiful gray tabby, during the Great OKC Ice Storm of 2007. My mom went out the back door to look at the blankets of ice covering our yard, when she heard a soft meowing. There on the back porch, was the cutest little kitten she had ever seen. 

What a cutie!

The poor kitten had icicles on her whiskers. So naturally, my mom had no choice but to bring her inside. The moment I laid eyes on that sweet baby’s face, it was love.

Baby face

I swear the mushiness stops here. For as the ice began to melt away, so did the kitten’s sweet nature. It didn't take very long for my family to realize this cat had an attitude, hence the name Sassi.

There's a monster in my bed!

This cat will roll over at your feet, a trick we have termed “playing cute”. And as soon as you lean over to pet the little darling…SMACK! She will slap you with her paw and run down the hallway like a maniac. You’re probably thinking that’s playful and cute. Well, you’re wrong. This kitty has a mean set of claws.

She only looks friendly

This cat knows every cute trick in the book. In the mornings, I usually enjoy a nice bowl of cereal, until I feel a tiny paw prodding my leg. I always look down and see Sassi staring at me with these big “please love me” eyes and I lose my nerve. My voice takes on this creepy, high-pitched squeaky tone and I baby talk myself into madness. As soon as I get up to get my sweet baby a treat, I return to find her on the kitchen table, drinking my milk. 

This cat truly believes she is queen of the house. No one in my family gets to sleep the night through. Sassi will wait until all the lights in our house are turned off, gives us a good half hour to fall asleep, and scratches on the window screen to wake someone up to let her in. This occurs approximately three or four times a night, which makes me thankful I don’t live at home anymore. When I do come home, I startle her when she's sleeping, just so she knows how it feels. After all, I have to keep some semblance of authority.

The fur donut

Sassi may sound like a conniving little fiend, but every time I look into her eyes, I see that helpless little kitten with the icicles on her whiskers. And who could possibly resist that?

Mommy's little angel