The "Ins 'n outs" of big hair

Hi Ladies,

So, I got a few quick tips from my hair stylist, Stephanie Ames, who works at the IBIS Salon in Richmond. For those of you with thick, curly hair who are currently losing the "humidity hates me" battle or worse, are suffering from the 1991 "I wanna look like Julia Roberts in Pretty Woman" syndrome, take Stephanie's advice and try New York's latest "In and Out" cut. I'm not aware of all the techniques involved, but I think it has to do with scoping your hair into a C shape on the sides and trimming the ends with alternating "in and out" cuts (meaning the scissors are directed toward and away from the head).

Although the cut tapers heavy ends and thins out bushy hair, which makes hair easier to straighten, it's really meant for curly hair. I'd show you my hair, but I haven't styled it today and would hate to misrepresent Stephanie's good work. So here's Sarah Jessica Parker. (This is the pic I showed to Stephanie).

And another tip from Stephanie to anyone who wants to add a pop of color to their hair, but wants to avoid the cost of filling in roots every 4 weeks. Add highlights underneath the crown of your hair so it peeks through even with your hair down, but doesn't require ongoing maintenance. Please note, this is NOT the method where you bleach the top half of your hair and dye the bottom half black....Please don't do that:)

And a special congratulations to my friend Catherine Hoose on the delivery of her baby girl, Jane:)

Aspirin for Acne: Part II

Hi Ladies,

So, I repeated the aspirin mask experiment a few times and here are the results:

The mask will exfoliate your skin, leaving it smooth and a little dry. The "bug bites" on my face have faded, but they are still visible.

Bottom line: If you're in a pinch and don't have your favorite exfoliator on hand, try the aspirin mask. But don't rely on this method to zap away your face's "pink accessories" the night before a first date, a job interview, or "the big day."

Aspirin for Acne?

So, my face broke out...again. I read online that aspirin masks are a cheap treatment for acne as it includes a beta-hydroxy acid, which is commonly used in brand facial products. Since my skin decided to produce a pink accessory to my face every hour on the hour today, I decided to put aspirin to the test. After another trip to CVS, I bought a bottle of aspirin, took out four tablets and added 1/8 tablespoon of water. They slowly dissolved into a sandy paste.

Word of caution: Apply over a dish so the grains don't drop on the floor!

After my face was covered with the mess, I let it sit for 15 minutes. You can add cucumbers to your eyes for a spa-like experience, but make sure your sister's dog isn't there to eat them off your face! I digress...

At first there was a gentle cooling sensation-- nice!...Followed by a severe dryness. Eww. Then the mask started to crumble off my face, so it was obviously time to wash it off.

Scrub. Scrub. Ouch! Turns out the apirin paste is also a strong exfoliator that leaves your face red, firm, but dry. Moisturizer needed!

Stay tuned: I'll repeat this experiment three more days in a row and will report the results on Friday. Hopefully my break out, or as I like to call my "bug bites" will all be gone!

Please Note: If you are allergic to aspirin, your skin may react badly to this remedy.

Mega-T Update: After last week's blog about Mega-T, my boyfriend started taking one supplement a day and has lost over 3 pounds in the last 7 days. It's probably water weight, but ever pound counts!

The skinny on Mega-T

Hi ladies!

Thanks for revisiting my blog. This week, I wanted to blog about something we all have and hate-- water weight. I've tried drinking more water to debloat. It helped a little. I drink coffee everyday. I'm bloated by noon. I really don't eat a lot of salty foods-- nevermind that I'm hopelessly addicted to sweets....So, one day an old friend of mine, Todd Felts, recommended that I try a green tea supplement.

I made my daily CVS run (where I go for cheap lip gloss I never wear, sugar free Red Bull, an endless supply of chocolate, and celebrity magazines--the only way I know my 1988 hair needs a new cut) and I picked up the widely marketed, MEGA-T supplement. It's claims: Lose up to 20 lbs with the drug free dietary supplement. Helps burn belly fat, helps curb appetite, helps stimulate metabolism. http://www.mega-diet.com/

Although the bottle recommends two supplements per day, I've been taking one supplement each morning. Turns out that's all I needed. It burst that water balloon I'd been carrying in my belly, which made me feel pounds lighter and subsequently gave me more energy. Come to think of it, I haven't pillaged my candy jar yet today and it's 3:00!...maybe just one Dove chocolate to prove my loyalty....

Bottom line: Try one supplement each morning and feel the results within a few days. You can take a second supplement in the afternoon if you'd like. Be sure you are able to make at least 3 or 4 bathroom trips within the first hour after consumption. Taking the supplement before visiting a crowded theme park wasn't my wisest decision...If you're not used to caffeine, don't take it on an empty stomach and don't take it in the evening! My brother did that and didn't sleep all night!

Stay Tuned: Next week, I'll write about Aspirin masks and if they really "cure" bad skin.

*For those of you I don't personally know: Please note these are only my opinions about my personal experience with this product. I am not a doctor and am not suggesting that this product cures anything! If you're looking for sound medical device, please do not consult this BLOG, see a doctor!