Favorite Sites

These are the sites that I check most days. Some give me inspiration, some give me comic relief, often they do both.

• Cup of Jo- joannagoddard.blogspot.com - This site covers a variety of topics, motherhood, food, fashion, travel. The posts are short and frequently updated. The photography is amazing! There are lots of great links. She gives products away a few times a month. What I enjoy most about this site is that it's a great example of how to make money with a blog but still keep your blog relevant to the readers, not the sponsors. Always upbeat, always inspiring.

• The Superficial, because you're ugly - thesuperficial.com - The tag line alone is enough to make me like this site. It's a online gossip magazine that is updated multiple times per day. Written from a male perspective bringing a fresh and smart mouthed commentary on the Hollywood elite. Filled with the things you wish you would have the courage to say if you ever met any of these celebrities. I will be eternally thankful for the posts on Jon Hamm (look it up).

• Jezebel- Celebrity Style, Sex, Fashion for women without airbrushing - jezebel.com - A bold look at all things trending from a consistently female point of view. Jezebel provides a platform for writers who aren't afraid to express their opinions on just about anything, politics included.

• Martha Stewart - marthastewart.com - A perennial favorite. I use this site for cross referencing and inspiration. Her iPad apps (Cocktails, Smoothies, Cookies, Scrapbooking) are so fun and easy to use and her iPad magazines (Everyday Food and Living) are hands down the best digital magazines, completely interactive and seasonally themed. Kudos to the staff at Martha Stewart Omnimedia for keeping ahead of of the current media trends. 

So check them out for yourselves. Let me know what you think. Tell me what sites inspire you.

Hair color during pregnancy

To color or not to color during pregnancy? My first bit of advice to Mom's to be is if you are uncomfortable with this procedure then you should probably not do it. My second bit of advice is highlights or lowlights. With highlights and/or lowlights we can change the color of your hair, cover grays, bring you back to your natural color...so many options. To apply any of these options I use foil. Each piece of colored hair is contained within a thin sheet of foil which keeps it off of the scalp. Since your hair is not a living organ the application of color within the foils does not enter your bloodstream. There is another risk; the fumes that are released during the processing of the color can be smelled at the shampoo bowl momentarily. Other stylists working within the salon could be preforming treatments such as a perm or straightening treatment which also release fumes. 

However I have performed many color applications on myself and my clients during pregnancy and I have never seen any adverse side effects. I have also never heard any complaints from clients during or after their pregnancy. I would never suggest that a client who hasn't been receiving color consistently start a new routine. Go with your instinct and you will never feel bad about it. 

Keep it in the family

Have you ever been told by a professional who is rendering service to you that you need to use the entire family of products to achieve a synergistic effect? I have, quite a few times. Let me tell you why they are mistaken.

This is old news, sort of a sales pitch/wives tale invented by some marketing genius to get you to spend more with their company. Almost all of the different families of products contain somewhat similar ingredients and the are also manufactured by one of the few major manufacturing facilities that exist in the USA. Let me rephrase it this way, same general ingredients, same manufacturers, different labeling and packaging.

No all products don't contain the same ingredients for example, there are good ingredients and there are cheap ingredients. Companies like Suave and Pantene use cheaper, harsher and more abrasive ingredients in their products to produce their $3 shampoo. The results you get from these cheap ingredients can be dryer hair and skin, breakouts along your hairline, a waxy build-up in your hair (ehhhm Pantene) or severe drying of your skin. Companies like Alterna and Kevin.Murphy use more costly ingredients which results in a refined product. They tend to eliminate synthetic preservatives (parabens) and GMO (soy, corn) so your body and our environment doesn't have to pay they price. So if you use a Suave shampoo it will not make you Alterna conditioner any less effective, but trust me that Suave shampoo is making your color fade way faster and isn't benefiting the health of your hair and scalp at all. 

So when you are out choosing products just keep in mind what options are the most important to you. Is it cost? Is it the quality of the ingredients? Are you looking for a targeted result (stiff, soft, color protecting) Is it the design of the product (how it fits in your hand, stays upright in your shower, dispenses easily) Whatever decision you make know that your product is working despite the fact that you haven't purchased it's companion or two or three. I personally like to try 1 to 2 items in a line before I will commit to purchasing any more. Suit yourself.

What to do the day of your first extension appointment.

Just to cover the basics for my newbies here is what you should be doing before you come into your first extension appointment.

• Scratch your scalp, rub it, run a comb across it, enjoy the feeling because after today you will have a different experience when you stick your hands in there. Because of the extension attachment process you will want to protect the integrity of the bonds which means that you will not be combing your hair from scalp to ends, more like from mid-shaft to ends.
• Wash your hair really well. If you have a clarifying shampoo then use that, it will help to remove all of the debris left from styling products and environmental pollutants. Either air dry or blow dry, the preference is all yours.
• Take stock of your current shampoo, conditioner and styling products. You may have to change a few of them. For example you will need a very moisturizing shampoo and conditioner since your hair extensions will not be drawing oil from your scalp they will rely on products to provide moisture. Of course I will have recommendations for you in all categories.
• Wear something that will make you feel like the new awesome self that you are going to walk out of the salon as. You will feel different even if we are only adding a few extensions to your sides.
• Decide on your maintenance budget. Ideally you will want to come back to the salon for a removal and re-installation every 6-10 weeks. You need to decide on what is affordable and manageable for your chosen type of extensions and pocketbook. You will need to pre-book your next appointment upon leaving so it's best to have a time frame in mind. 
• Make a list of questions or concerns that may not have been covered in the consultation. Although texture, color, length, cost and maintenance must have been previously discussed there might be some styling or routine care questions you have. Write them down so you won't forget.

5 phrases we want to hear

When a client sits in my chair, new or accustomed to me there are a few key phrases that I am looking for. 

• "I brought a picture". Hallelujah! I know clients probably think that this is annoying but we speak different languages when it comes to color and cut. What one client describes to me a volume is really a complete straightening treatment. If she didn't have the picture I would have assumed the opposite. Same with Blondes and Brunettes, there are so many shades and a picture is worth a thousand words.

• "I love my previous stylist". I've learned over the years that you do not want a customer who has just been scorned by a previous cut/color experience. Either they are just unhappy people to begin with or they are not very good at articulating their true desires (maybe they should bring a picture). There are obviously some exceptions to this rule, but haters are going to hate.

• "I love to experiment with my cut/color". This is so great because it leaves a little wiggle room for play. This phrase does not mean that you want to put purple in your hair or cut it all off. It simply means that you know you will look smashing no matter what subtle changes are made to your style. Not experimenting with your hair is like wearing the same outfit everyday, reliable but boring. 

• "What do you recommend"? To me this phrase conveys great trust in the confidence and professionalism of the stylist. I am constantly updating my education credentials and try to stay on top of current wearable trends so I can take you in the right direction. 

• "I recommended my friend to you". This is the kindest statement of all. To know that you have been recommending my services is the best compliment of all. To me it means that not only do you enjoy your style and obviously are receiving compliments on it. It also means that you enjoy the experience of my salon and want others to have that too.

So put your trust in your stylist, experiment a little, just a tiny bit, if not with color or with cut than perhaps style would be a better jumping off point for you. There are infinite combinations to try. As Vidal Sassoon said "If you don't look good, we don't look good".

Can't Explain What I Don't Know

“You can’t see tomorrow with yesterday’s eyes”

— Ryan Adams

My heart was broken on Friday morning at approximately 12:00 PM along with most American's, or anyone around the world who loves someone. The shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary school was news that nobody wanted to hear. I watched President Obama's speech with tears in my eyes wondering why this happened and when another shooting would happen again. Most people I spoke with regarding the events wondered what they could do to help the victims families and what could be done to prevent another tragedy such as this from ever happening again. Of course there are no real answers, only opinions, speculations and bold conclusions, none of which made me feel any better. 

So how do we move forward? How do we protect our children? Our friends? Our parents? Our community? I feel powerless. I feel a sense of dread knowing that everyday in America children, teenagers and adults play combat and warfare games annihilating anything in their path, just for fun. I cringe when I hear people say that events like these actually encourage them to buy a weapon. I am numb when I read the statistics of how many American's own guns. 

There is no solution. No way to rid America of assault weapons. No chance of eliminating the violence that is present in movies, video games and fantastic news reports. All I have is love to give and receive, but that just doesn't feel like enough. 

Gifts that no girl wants

You're thinking, great Christmas is almost here and I had better get something for my gal, but I have no ideas. Well let me steer you far away from these ones. 

A gift certificate for a psychic. This will only make us ask questions about your future, or better yet our future without you in it.

Camelback hydration pack

The hydration pack that you want for yourself because you found such a sweet deal on it. Nope, don't want it. I actually had this happen to me. 

Bad workouts we can do at home. Really any at home exercise motivation will be taken the wrong way. If your girl is really into exercising already get her a gift card at a local exercise store.

Self help books in general are a bad, bad gift idea. This has got to be one of the worst, especially if it's given to a woman from a man.

Ugly jewelry. This is the biggest waste of money. Honestly I have never met a woman who is just longing for any pre-designed piece of bling from Kay jewelers. Their slogan "Every kiss begins with Kay" is enough to make any girl throw up in their mouth a little. Don't do it.

Kegel weights. Let's face it guys, you are never going to have the sex life of your dreams, and neither are we. Lugging home vaginal dumb bells are definitely going to decrease your odds of getting any closer to that dream.

Household cleaning gifts are the lamest. Come on. If you really feel like your house needs a new vacuum get it for the family or for yourself, but do not buy this as your wife, girlfriend, lover gift. Unless it is the most bad ass vacume (Dyson) and attached to it is a note saying "I will be doing the majority of the vacuuming this year, so you can catch up on your self-help books or kegel exercises".

Do it yourself Colon Hydrotherapy kit. This is the worst by far. Although I think it would make a great white elephant gift. I just liked the picture. 

The gifts all girls want

Many of us are trying to come up with the perfect gift for friends and family this season. Sometimes it can be really fun and other times it can feel like you are just spending money on something because "you're supposed to". I don't like feeling that way. I love to fill my online shopping cart with all sorts of items, some for me, some for them, some for me. Basically I just shop for myself and give them gifts to other people and then if they don't like it I can always relieve them of it. I think most people are pretty please with the gifts, because I only want the best for myself. So here are some ideas for all the people in your life.

For the concert, theater, museum, sporting event junkie in your life.

Mini raspberry bush for your gardener of limited space, time or energy.

The most delicious coffee delivered to a bean connoisseur.

For the friend who is always bringing you the pastries she doesn't want to eat all by herself.

The book lover who never feels too old to enjoy Roald Dahl.

For the gal who has a few secrets to keep, it has a lock!

Girl who is always on the go, but still wants to look damn good!

Your friend who is always smelling so good and is looking for something new.

More gift ideas to come...

Brazilian Blowout

Curious as to what this treatment can do for you?

It can reduce your styling time dramatically. By smoothing the cuticle with a treatment it eliminates or drastically reduces your flat iron time in the morning.

It will reduce frizz. Wether your hair is curly or straight we all experience a bit of frizz that is disappointing. The keratin treatment will put the frizz on hold.

Re-texture your curly hair. It will not eliminate your curls, it will smooth and transform them. Depending on the results you desire I have a few different strength options to choose from.

Make you feel like a star! When you blow dry your hair and get to stop there without further styling or fussing with your locks you will feel like you have received a Hollywood blow-out for weeks on end.

Brazilian Blowout ZERO 

Brazilian Blowout Original Acai

I am running a special on the treatment through November. Let's book your appointment today. Just think of all the time you will save over the holidays.

Creating an experience you crave

What is it about the salon that leaves us wanting more? What is it about any business that makes us want to return? The product, or end result is ultimately the reason for the visit, but it's all the small courtesies that make the big difference. So let me tell you what you have been missing at Platinum Beauty Lounge by having your hair done elsewhere.

Prior to your arrival you will receive a e-mail, text, or phone call reminder, whichever you prefer.

• You are offered a beverage from our lounge area. We serve beer, wine, tea, hot chocolate, white chocolate mocha, vanilla caramel coffee, regular coffee, soft drinks and ice cold water.
• A proper consultation is conducted.
• Enjoy a hand or scalp massage
• Superior massage and rinse at the shampoo bowl
• Bang up service in color, cut, and/or extensions
• Attention to detail
• Bombshell blow-dry and style
• Detailed information about the products that would work perfectly for you
• Speedy checkout and rebook

Call now to book your holiday appointments! Limited space is available. 208.841.1090

Going Blonde

Even though it is fall the blonde trend will not be going away. Blonde makes us feel good. It makes us feel young. It makes us feel tan. It makes us feel 10 years younger. Can everyone be blonde? No, but everyone can have some blonde added to their style. Here are some things to consider before you arrive at your next color appointment.

• Your natural hair color: Were you blonde as a child? Perhaps your hair has gradually grown darker. Depending on how far away your hair color is now from the blonde you want will determine how much processing your hair needs to achieve the new you.
• The condition of your hair now: Blonde doesn't have to be achieved with a bleach. We can create a palette of different blondes in your hair using high lift colors. They are less damaging and usually more natural looking
• Has your hair been previously colored?: Depending on the artificial color that is in your hair we can determine how much lighter we will be able to achieve in 1 salon visit. Realistically you should plan on only being able to lift your hair 1-2 shades lighter per visit to avoid damage to your hair.
• Maintenance: Blondes may have more fun, but they usually spend more time in the salon as well. The look of re-growth is not something most people desire. Plan on keeping your blonde refreshed at least every 6-8 weeks
• Trends: Highlights and all over color are not the only options for blondes. If you are dying to have some blonde in your hair but you have naturally dark roots we should discuss Ombre. This option will allow your regrowth to look beautiful and natural while still having blonde tips. This trend is a wonderful way for everyone to experience blonde without trying to make it look natural.

LUSH Cosmetics

I stumbled upon LUSH Cosmetics when I was in Seattle recently. The exterior of the store called to me "come in, come buy something" so when I stepped in I was already excited. They have piles of fresh handmade soaps, creamy face wash bars, shampoo bars and all sorts of other goodies. The staff was very friendly and upon learning that it was my fist time in the store they gave me a quick run down of they products that they loved the most, although it seemed rather hard for them to choose. Another perk of the company is that almost everything is Vegetarian and quite a few products are Vegan. I can't wait to gift them to my friends for Christmas.

I was drawn to the facial products because I tend to have too many shower items already, but now I want a great deal more, o.k. I want everything. I am already planning my return to the store when I am back in February because I can't wait to get my hands on some of the fresh face masks that aren't sold online. I have actually had dreams about shopping here again, that's how pleasant it was. When I woke up I felt like a home-sick kid longing for the comforts of their familiar territory. So I felt the next best thing to fulfill that craving would be to place a on-line order. Here are a few of the items on my long list.

Big fragrant blocks of colorful soap. All Soaps are vegetarian. Most are vegan too. Try this one SEXY PEEL a combination of organic orange and lime juices. 

CURLY WURLY is packed full of creamed coconut and coconut oil for healthy hair and scalp. It's also loaded with fresh eggs and hand mashed avocado butter to give moisture back to the hair

BIG is a va-va-volumizing sea salt shampoo. Using a seaweed infusion and citrus juices for incredible shine and sea salt to de-grease hair and remove dead skin cells.

MA BAR Is a fresh handmade bubble bar for your bath or shower. This one is a scrumptious chocolate caramel scent with a lump of brown sugar in the middle.

DREAM CREAM is nothing short of a miracle product. This cream has been making skin care dreams come true for years now. It is a combination of lavender, chamomile, and rose absolute in a soothing oat milk base. You can use it all over your body and face. This is LUSH's number one best selling product of all time!!

Fresh Handmade Face Masks: These masks are so scrumptious and fresh that they are only sold in the stores. They are stored in a mini refrigerator at each location and I was so sad to learn they couldn't be shipped because I would have purchased at least 4-5 more of them when on location. So if you ever do make it into a store, our closest locations are Salt Lake City, Portland, and Seattle, stock up. My favorite is SACRED TRUTH which is a brightening, restorative mask. It's so hard to choose between the 9 that they offer. Why not purchase all of them?

Tell me which products you would choose?

Sombre

Sombre is going to be the hottest hair trend this fall/winter. What is it? To explain I will have to start with Ombre. Ombre is a french word meaning graduation. In my world (the salon) it means a a base that is at least 3-4 levels darker than the ends. To most people it means I can have visible roots, long ones and bright pretty ends. It reduces your color maintenance, because "your roots" are visible and beautiful when you leave your appointment. If your natural color is lighter than your chosen base color, or you have grey hair this means that you can have every other appointment at the salon be a root touch up and the following appointment be a Ombre procedure. It's fun, it's beautiful, it's trendy but it's easy to carry off. You don't have to be 16 or have really long thick hair, or lots of money to spend on your hair.

Sombre takes the traditional process of Ombre and makes it a little more subtle, or subdued hence the S-Ombre. Kim Vo calls it the softer side of Ombre.

Why will this be so popular this season? Summer is over and obviously our hair is getting less sun so since we all want people to think our hair is just naturally this stunning and beautiful (yeah right) we want to steer towards a little bit of a darker sun-kissed look.

I was lucky enough to receive personal training from Kim Vo last night during an exclusive Webinar hosted by Behindthechair.com The class taught us how to achieve this beautiful effect in only 30 minutes application time, 10-15 minutes of processing and the rest is up to the customer (trim? style?).

Let's book you an appointment today and see how beautiful this would look in your hair. It can be done with lowlights too and also Red tones so we can really personalize it to your liking.

Kevin.Murphy White Color Bug

I am eagerly waiting for my share of the Kevin.Murphy White Color Bug. It should be arriving in the stores next week! If you would like me to reserve one for you, let me know ASAP. I will only be able to get a few and they will be gone within days.

Here is what you can use it for:

• Use as a base layer on dark hair, this will make the purple, pink or orange color bug brighter.
• Use as a base layer on lighter color hair. It will make any other color on top look very vivid
• Create platinum highlights on any color hair with no chemical damage.
• Use on blonde root regrowth to disguise those roots and extend time between appointments.
• Use as a dry shampoo in any color hair.

Here is the best application technique for pops of color:

• Use a pomade as a base, it will hold the color longer and give the powder a substance to adhere to making the color brighter and more noticeable.
• Section your hair, somewhat isolating the pieces that you want to color. You can do just the tips, or ends of a larger section of your hair, or individual long strands.
• Take your favorite pomade, mine is Kevin Murphy Sticky.Business, grab a half dime sized amount, place it in your palm and rub your palms together. Rub them like your are applying lotion to just your palms, keep rubbing until the pomade is no longer white, but is clear in appearance.
• Apply the pomade to your determined  sections by smoothing downward in the direction of the cuticle and sort of smearing the paste in like lotion for your hair.
• Take the cap off of the color bug and place the colored chalk piece against your section, using your fingers apply pressure to the hair using the color bug as the backing. This will get a nice thick coating of chalk on the hair. Repeat until desired depth of color is achieved.
• If you are going for a second color on top I would reapply the pomade to your hair and then repeat the application process, but don't make your hair look greasy with too much pomade.
• Keep your hands off it for the rest of the evening and I would shy away from light colored shirts so you don't get residual color on them.

Halloween Style

The Halloween weekend is upon us. What are you going to do? Who are you going to be? This upcoming weekend will be filled with adult and kid parties. So you have got to think of something. Here are a few simple and easily attainable costumes/makeup techniques.​

Any of these quick makeup techniques will complement a black outfit or dress that you currently own. So no saying I don't know what to be. ​

Happiness

“To be or not to be, that is the question”

— Shakespeare

Happiness or the lack of it defines us. You can not gauge happiness by your surroundings, it exists within yourself. ​Happiness is a lens that changes our view of our work, our play, our world and therefore everyone else's. So how do we find this happiness? Do what you love. Surround yourself with those you love. Haven't found the things you love yet? Keep looking. Enjoy the journey, find happiness within the search for happiness. 

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Fall Makeup Colors

With the change of seasons it is necessary to go through your wardrobe and fish out all the summer stuff (thin tanks tops, sandals, shorts) and pack them away until next year. Then take out all your fall/winter items (sweaters, long sleeves and boots) and arrange your closet so they are accessible. Along with the wardrobe transition should come a makeup transition. It doesn't mean that you need to completely change your makeup routine, it can be as simple as adding a few new items to your collection. My key picks are lip color, blush and a few new eyeshadows. So what are the trends this fall? Lips: Deep berry stains in either a gloss or matte application. Or a shimmery lighter pink (think frost on berries). The matte lip is in right now. You can achieve this by using a lip color you already have and gently blotting it on your lips rather than smearing it on in the usual fashion. Eyes: The purple smoky eye is a great trend this season. If your not into the smoky eye look try adding purple as a top liner or using purple as a sheer accent to your usual eye makeup. Cheeks: Deep pink is a great choice. Since your summer tan is fading you will want to add a bit more color to your cheeks than you normally would. Also a little bronzer will help to extend that warm low all over your face. ​Below is a video by Refinery 29 which cover some of the techniques that you can easily include in your fall makeup routine. 

REVITA.EPS Eyelash Growth Stimulator

Want a drug free way to achieve the thick full lashes that you so desire? This is the product that you need REVITA EPS Eyelash Growth Stimulator​. This product is proven through clinical research to grow eyelashes 25% longer in as little as four weeks. Many users also experience greater thickness and density. These results are achieved using a peptide complex, not a glaucoma like drug. Peptides are believed to work by stimulating the expression of keratin genes and by improving overall eyelid health..

Keratin is a sulfur-containing protein that forms the chemical basis of epidermal tissues such as hair, nails and eyelashes.​ DS-Laboratories uses their peptide complex to stimulate keratin genes to help boost the growth of natural eyelashes.

Why are my eyelashes so short? Unlike hair strands of the scalp, those of the eyelashes and eyebrows have a limited anagen (active growth phase), about 30-45 days, which explains why they are so short. Approximately 60-80% of eyelashes are in this phase at any given time.​

When will I see results? In a clinical trial, visible results in density were achieved beginning as early as week 4. A panel of subjects tested found a 25% increase in eyelash length after 4 weeks .

How do I use it? For best results apply twice daily, morning and evening. Ensure that your face is clean and makeup is removed. Click the button to dispense the solution. Apply to the upper and lower lash line like you would apply eyeliner, a very discrete thin line​. After several weeks of use you can switch to once daily application. 

Female Bartender Equivilant

According to some of my best clients, this is what I am. I don't mind the title, in fact I kind of enjoy it. I am a neutral party that will help to give you perspective on any given situation. I can also do it while you are under the influence of alcohol if you choose. That's right, we serve beer and wine. As much as you want while your paying to sit in the chair, just like a bar. I am also a Libra according to my astrological birth chart so I have a tendency to veer towards neutral at all times, it works for me. Most of my clients I have known for 7 years or longer so i do have the advantage of knowing quite a bit of backstory. I guess I'm not completely neutral, just unbiased towards your "real life" I only see the parts you want to show me.​ Here is my advice on getting people to talk to you like a bartender.

• ​Agree with most of their story. They want an audience, not an argument.
• Don't try to make plans with them following a divulgence of information, they silently panic when they realize that you now know something too personal and could be considered an enemy​
• Keep the conversation going by asking questions like, "what does he/she think about that?", or "How did that make you feel?" 
• Don't start telling your own version of their same story. They want to talk way more than listen​
• You have to actually enjoy what they are telling you. I pretend it's my life for a minute and see myself in that situation to make it really interesting​
• ​Know that it takes time to build a relationship of trust. You're not going to get the good stuff the first months, perhaps even years.
• Keep the secrets. If you must re-tell them in anecdotal forms protect the privacy of everyone in the story, which means you might not be able to tell it.​