Our Family Pictures

On March 5, 2014, two days before I got my hair chopped, my talented sister Miss Karina Jean took our family pictures. I wasn't sure how pictures in the snow would turn out. But WOW, I love them. Was it chilly? Yes. Did my feet get wet? Yes. Karina's got the wettest, though. My husband Luke was the only one who thought to bring an extra pair of boots. Karina ended up wearing Luke's muck boots for most of the shoot. Was it worth it? ABSOLUTELY!!! 

Just look at Meeka's face! Some people may think it's strange to take family pictures with our dog. But we consider her part of our family. And by the look on Meeka's face, it appears that she considers us family also!

I adore all the pictures Karina took. But if I had to choose a favorite, this would be it.  This picture is hanging in our living room.

I know; I know. The next two pictures are the same. I just couldn't decide if I like this picture more in color or black and white. I figured there was no harm putting both on!

If you are wondering if Luke and I like to hike? "Yes, we do". Did we have to climb up a rocky hillside to get this picture? Yes, we did.  I just needed to get this shot. We took a picture like this for our wedding where I was in my wedding dress, and I just love it.

I couldn't be more pleased with how our pictures turned out! Karina captured our personality perfectly! If anyone would like her information to have her do your pictures or to see a portfolio of more of her work, please e-mail me and I would be happy to pass her information along.

http://sweetcreekphoto.blogspot.com/

My Outfit
 - I curled my hair with a 1 inch wand a few hours before the shoot. 5 minutes before we left I    re-curled a few pieces on the top layer.

- Shirt: Came from American Eagle.

-  Jeans: I got at Bohme last year. They are the Flying Monkey brand.

- Shoes: They may be my favorite part of my outfit. They are Sperry Top-sider's.

Luke's Outfit
 - Shirt: I got his shirt at American Eagle when I got mine.

-Jeans: I wanted the old wore out look for these pictures.  I just had him wear jeans that he has had for years. I think he got them at Zumies.

- Shoes: Luke is a country boy so he just wore his good 'ol cowboy boots that he got at Cal-Ranch.

Meeka's Outfit
- She is just naturally cute!

Lost my Locks

The rumors are true! Last Friday I had my friend Aspen cut 15 inches off my hair! I am loving it. Everyone is telling me I am crazy, and I’m totally fine with that. I believe you should live life on the crazy side! I’ve had a bunch of people asking me why I cut my hair. Here are my top 2 reasons!

#1. So this crazy thought entered my mind around 6 months ago when I was cutting 16 inches  off of my darling cousins hair. She is in 6th grade. I believe she has now donated her hair to Locks of Love 3 times. She is VERY blessed with hair that grows like a weed. I remember explaining to my cousin and aunt, that when I was younger, I had tried donating my hair a few different times. Every time I went to cut it I was a few inches short. Needless to say, I didn’t want to let it grow a few more inches and ended up cutting it off.

I went home that night and handed the measuring tape to Luke. He measure my hair and I had the minimum of 10 inches. I could of cut my hair the next day. I didn’t want to make any rash decisions. I decided if I was still thinking about it 6 months later I would donate it. February was the 6 month mark. Now,  I can happily say, I have donated my hair to Locks of Love!  

2#. The last time my hair was this short I was in 6th grade. Remember the movie “Sweet Home Alabama”, Starring Reese Witherspoon? I had my hair cut just like hers. Once my bob started to grow out, I just let it grow… and grow…. and grow. I’ve had long hair since 8th grade. The past three years I have let it get really long. Spring is in the air, and I was ready for a change.

Here are the answers to some other questions people have asked me.

Won't you miss your long hair?!

    Yeah I probably will, someday. As of right now I don’t  though! I was actually really surprised how I didn’t feel very connected to my hair. After Aspen did the initial cut I was totally fine with it. I told her to keep cutting it shorter and shorter. I think it’s exciting to figure out new ways to style my hair! And well, new styles equal new tutorials! Yay!

What does Luke say?

    For those of you who don’t know Luke is my husband.He has only known me with long hair. Well, I’m glad to say he LOVES it! The day after I cut it he told me that he may like my short hair as much, and maybe a little bit more, then my long hair. That totally took me by surprise, but I’ll happily take that compliment! 


Lastly, I have to give my friend Aspen a BIG thank you for doing a fantastic job with my haircut. My talented sister took my pictures and did an excellent job!  

Hairspray LOVE

Let us talk hairspray. I love it! The end. HA HA. No, I am just kidding. I am using hairspray on a daily basis, to style with, to tame flyaways, to set with to make stubborn hair do what I want it to do. I have used a lot of different brands of hairspray.  I've loved some and, unfortunately, other I've haven't loved so much.  Today I am going to talk about two hairsprays I use all the time. I use them in the salon and on myself at home.

NEUMA MEDIUM HOLD

I enjoy using all Neuma products in general. They are made with natural products. (You can learn more here.  http://neumabeauty.com/1.0/health-2/.) They smell fantastic because all the fragrance in them is essential oils. I like using the medium hold when I am styling hair. This hairspray allows me to brush it out as well as reshape client's hair if needs be. I also use medium hold hairspray as a finishing spray when the desired look needs movement. I love using a medium hold spray when I am wearing my hair curly. I love the hold as well as how I can still run my fingers through my hair. Also the more layers of hairspray you add, the stronger the hold is. This hairspray gives you control!

KENRA

 

I use Kenra Volume Spray 25. WOW... what a finishing spray. Kenra has won multiple Stylist's Choice Awards! I mean this the most respectful way possible but I call Kenra my "cement spray." I often use this spray for finishing a bridal up do or when hair needs all day volume! This hairspray provides beautiful shine! Kenra Volume Spray provides excellent humidity resistance. It also dries very quickly!!

I highly recommend these two hairsprays!! Have you used these sprays before? What are your favorite hairsprays?

V-day Give Away

OK. WOW! This is a bunch of fun! My friends and I have teamed up to give away a package for Valentines day!! I am going to give away one of my favorite products in the whole wide world... drum roll please.... Neem serum. I use this serum daily! It leaves my hair extremely shiny and soft. It also have SPF in it so the sun has no chance to fade your fresh color! I could go on and on about this product, but just one last thing. It has an anti aging agent in it so it will make your hair look healthy and youthful. The give away is on instagram so click on my link to enter.

Here are the rules:
 1)Follow all
》@halobyhaily - she is giving a darling turban wrap.
》@girlcandyy - she is giving shellac nails or if you live far away she has something else special.
 》@beyoutiful_byjade - She is giving hair serum that leave your hair healthy, soft &shiny and hair ties.
 2)Tag 3 friends in original post
 3)Re post and tag @halobyhaily , @girlcandyy , @beyoutiful_byjade .

 WINNERS GETS ALL.
Announced on February 8th
Good Luck! XOXO

Frozen Braid

Okay.. so who has seen the movie Frozen?... ME, ME!!! Now who is totally obsessed with it?... That would also be me!! Even though Frozen  was meant to take place in Scandinavia the 1800s,  the hair styles look modern. As a cosmetologist I appreciate how many details the artist put into the characters' hair!

List of Products

Neuma Hair Spray
Lanza' Powder up
Redken Rewind
1 inch curling iron
Small rubber bands

Finding the right Fringe

Cutting your fringe can be two things fab or failure. Using these guidelines can help your fringe look flawless every time. So I have wrote a post on the best cut for your face shape. At the end of the post I stressed if you want the haircut that doesn't go with your face shape, by all means you rock it. It's the same things with fringe You can't always let rules hold you back!

Just so everyone is on the same page here, fringe and bangs are the same thing. Fringe is just the hair dresser high tech word for bangs. 

Finding the right Fringe

Oval Face shape: Just like I said with the hair cut oval face shapes can generally get away with any bangs or cut they want. If you want to try soft wispy bangs or side swept bangs it is a very flattering look. Make sure to avoid bangs that cover up your beautiful facial features.

Round face shape: Usually I recommend avoiding bangs that make your face look wider. Try wispy bangs or side swept that blend in with the cut you have. I broke the rule on this one. I have a round/heart shaped face. A few years back I NEEDED blunt straight bangs so I got them and LOVED them. Flow your heart!!

Long or Oblong shape: Bangs that appear bunt, heavy and or long will really flatter your face. Try a heavy side swept bang for a glamorous look!

Square face shape: I highly recommend having feathering around your face to soften your strong jaw. An arched bang with feathering would look darling!! That's what I did on my darling sister. As you can see she looks good with anything. I left her fringe a little longer so you can't see the arch as much.

Feathering Looks good with most face shapes. Feathering is fun because you can start it at the top of your cheekbone for a more dramatic look, or the bottom of your chin for a subtle look.

The right fringe for your hair type

When deciding the right fringe you also NEED to take into consideration your hair texture, type and density. Choosing the right fringe for your hair type will cut down on styling time, and will help you not have to wrestle with your fringe every morning.

Feathering is a easy go to. It Flatters most face shapes and it also works with all hair types.

If you have stick straight hair that is medium think you are lucky most any bangs will be easy for you to style.

Embrace the curl girls with curly, textured, or wavy hair. It is so in right now! Trust me I know people who would die for hair like yours!! Enhance your curls with some wispy soft side swept bangs.

Waring!! Ladies if you have thick, heavy bangs and you have really thin or really coarse hair you may be spending a few more minutes in the morning styling your hair.

Other Issues

Cowlick: ... Hmm lets say cowlicks are interesting to work with. Make sure you tell your stylist if you have a cowlick BEFORE he/she starts cutting. There are cutting techniques that will help your fringe look better. Make sure your fringe is thick enough that it will hold the stubborn cowlick down. When your styling your hair at home I recommend blow drying your cowlick the opposite way it lays ( Make sure your blow dryer is on a low heat please). If you decided to get side swept bangs ,You could also try bobby pinning your bangs at night the way they are supposed to lay.

Heat Issue: I have countless people come into me and are worried that their bangs will not grow. Sadly to say their bangs are growing, and they are breaking them off. How you ask? Well most everyone hair in the front is a lot finer and more fragile than it is in the back. The poor hair in the front takes the most damage with heat, pulling it up, braiding to the side, round brushing it,and whatever else you may do style your hair. Turn your heat down on your thermal styling tools and your fringe will stay looking healthy and fabulous!!

What's the Diff?!

There are so many different kinds of oils and serums to put in your hair. So hmmm... is there really a difference and what kind is best for you? Let's start at the top and work right.

MoroccanOil

This stuff is FANTASTIC. I would highly recommend MoroccanOil to people who have naturally dark, thick, coarse hair. That's right dark hair. MoroccanOil is a pretty heavy serum, a little bit goes along way. I would not recommend it to people who have fine or blond hair. The oil has a yellow tint to it and I have seen it yellow peoples hair over time. It is made for people who want to keep a nice golden shine on their dark/ black hair. For Blondie's who are die heart fans there is a Light version.

Suave Moroccan Oil

This oil will make your hair noticeable silky & shiny  in an instant and has a yummy fragrance. If that's all you’re looking for then this stuff may be for you. No need to read more. But, personally my mama always taught me you get what you pay for. So yes, it adds shine to your hair but it won't soak into your hair or offer healing qualities. There are other products that offer a lot more with better quality and is healthier for your hair

Neem Serum

My personal favorite, neem serum. It is all over great stuff. It is a thermal protector, offers UVA UVB and UVC protection, helps add shine to hair it also has  anti aging  properties  that restore your hairs youth natural radiance. Neem is great for people with coarse to fine hair. This serum uses nano technology so it will actually soak into the hair shaft not just sit on top of the hair. Just a WARNING a little little bit goes a long way. Where this oil soaks into your hair and doesn't coat it or just sit on the outside you can use neem on a daily basis.

CHI Silk Infusion

CHI Silk Infusion is fantastic for people who use CHI styling tools. They are made to work hand in hand. This is a lightweight oil that works great for fine hair. It uses wheat protein to help strengthen distressed hair. Words of caution  those who are about using all natural products, this is not for you it has lots of silicone oils in it. But where it is so light weight it can help keep volume in your hair while taming frizz.

Cooking Oils

Ok, Ok I know this may have been a little "no duh".  But for anyone who didn't know already cooking oil isn't meant for your hair. If you want to add coconut olive oil to a DYI hair mask that's fine, just make sure it is a high quality product.  I do not  use them on a daily basis because it is way to heavy for my hair type.