Sunday, July 31, 2011

Giveaway Winner Announced!!

I think the best part of a giveaway, is announcing the winner!! I wanted to be as fair as possible, so I put the number of people in this little randomizer thing and it came up with number 22. The 22nd person to leave a comment was Melody McBride!!! You are the first winner on my blog. I hope to have many more giveaways in the future. Thanks to all who tried and to all the people reading my blog.

Enter a lower limit:
Enter an upper limit:



Random Number:


Melody said...

If I win this, can you teach me how to use it and do some of the styles you posted? I am a total amateur at hair, but I want to be better!

Friday, July 29, 2011

Hair Tutorial- Chignon

Tutorial Time!! So, remember Day 24 with the Chignon? I got a few requests to do a tutorial, and I can't resist when someone says pretty please. This tutorial is extra special because my dear Lincoln did the pictures. All together now, "Thanks, Lincoln!" He has such a eye for things. He put up a light and took a million pictures. It was so hot under that light it almost made me feel bad for real models, almost.

Here we go step by step (ooh, baby) how to do the chignon.


Step 1- Think about what you are going to do. Look off into the distance and contemplate the future of your hair... ok, really I am just making fun of the look on my face. The real first step is to curl ends under with a large iron.

Step 2- Separate hair into three sections by parting from the top of your hair to just above the ear.

Step 3- Backcomb hair at the crown and secure the back section into a low ponytail.


Step 4- Lift up the ponytail and bobby pin the ponytail to the back of your head. Be sure to add enough bobby pins on both sides so the hair doesn't come loose. This step is very important.


Step 5- Backcomb the underside of the ponytail.


Step 6- Wrap ponytail around hand and in a big loop and bobby pin the ends of the ponytail under the rubber band of the ponytail. Be sure to bobby pin on both sides of the loop.



Step 7- Take one of your side sections and backcomb the root, then wrap the section over the top and around the chignon.


Step 8- Secure the ends under the chignon and repeat with the other side.

If you have a bang section, style with a iron to add polish.
Spray the heck out of the chignon and smooth down any fly aways. (I did not spray it down or smooth it out before the picture was taken... as you can see.)

Have so much fun with this style. I think it is really easy and lovely to wear. I want updates on how it went when you all styled your hair like this, because we all know you will be styling your hair like this, right?

Have a happy hair day!

Thursday, July 28, 2011

Cha-Cha-Cha Changes!

You have to love a totally big new change. One where you walk into a room and people take a double take when they see you. I think there is something very brave and exciting about making a big change. I wanted to start recognizing people who make a change in their look. We are not talking a simple two inches off for a haircut, I want big, dramatic changes. Let's all inspire one another to see the many possibilities there are.




To start things off, I want to introduce you to Lane. She is the daughter of my dear friend and former college roommate, Serena. I know for a fact that Lane got some awesome hair genes. Lane is 6 going on 18. I swear she is so mature for her age. She decided to go short and donate her hair to Lock for Love after her friend donated her hair. To cut off that much hair is a HUGE shock for anyone, let alone a 6 year old. I had Lane fill out a little Q &A and I love her answers.




1. How old are you and do you think the cut made you look older or younger?
Six. I think I look older.

2. Who's idea was it to cut your hair and donate it to Locks for Love?
mine. My friend Avery gave her hair to locks for love and I thought it was cool to do it because people who have cancer get it and I thought it would be super helpful to give it to them.

3. Did you grow it out in order to donate it?
No, because I did not know about Locks of Love when I was growing it out.
4. Were you shocked when you first saw yourself in the mirror?
yes. I felt saddish and happyish (direct quote!) Happish because I cut my hair and gave it to locks of love. Saddish because I had beautiful long hair and I miss that hair except I still like my short hair better.

5. Did you get a good reaction from people when they saw your cut?
People say I look "pretty or gorgeous or outstanding!"

6. Is it easier or harder to do your hair now that it is shorter?
Easier because it doesn't hurt my hair as much anymore.

7. Do you think kids should be able to pick out the hairstyles they want, or should the parents decide?
I think kids should pick because I got to pick my own hair cut and it made me feel happy.
8. Will you grow it out again?
Yes. I saw a girl with dred locks on the tv yesterday who had really long hair. I don't want to grow it out like hers.


Ready for the big reveal? Introducing the new and totally adorable, Lane.

Isn't she just the cutest!! I think letting your little ones decide how they wear their hair is so important (within reason.) You can always guide and direct what they do, but try to let them feel some ownership on how their hair looks. As long as it is clean and free of major rat's nests, what do you have to lose?

Like I said, I love a big change. It is what so many of us need. I challenge you all to think of something that just isn't working for you and MAKE THE CHANGE.


Monday, July 25, 2011

Split Ends Giveaway!!

I'm back!! I had a wonderful week filled with sun, water, naps, book reading, corn on the cob, friendship bracelet making, and family. It was glorious. I am back now, and ready for action.

Who wants a giveaway?!

I want to show my appreciation for all of you who have followed along and enjoyed my blog. I also want to know if anyone is following my blog, so I thought a little giveaway would be just the trick to figure it out.

I will give one lucky reader a bottle of my favorite product. You can't open a fashion or hair magazine without reading about this product. It is the awesome MOROCCANOIL.

I have almost all of my clients on this stuff. When I was on my vacation at the beach, I didn't use any other product but this. It is just what we all need to beat the heat this summer. Moroccanoil helps to control frizz, condition your hair, and it cuts your drying time way down. How great is that!! I want you all to be converted to this stuff. I really believe that using good products is key to having the best hair possible.

Here's how you enter-

1. FOLLOW my blog


3. POST a comment bellow.

You have to be a US resident to win (sorry) and you may only leave one comment. The giveaway ends this saturday, July 30.

I am so excited about this. Good Luck!!

Monday, July 18, 2011

Going Nude


Get your head out of the gutter. I am not talking about being naked, I am talking about nude tights. I know what you are thinking, "Um, Mallory, aren't those only for grandmas and bank robbers to wear over their face?" Not anymore! Our lovely Dutchess Kate Middleton has been seen wearing them ALL over the place. This isn't some Princess rule she now has to follow people, she wears them because she WANTS to.
Photo by Lionel Hahn- WPA Pool/Getty Images

I guess this is all the rage over there across the pond. I for one find Kate's style to be so refreshing. I am so sick of girls looking like slobs (no offense, Ke$ha). Anyways, I love how she wears some of her core pieces over again, like her shoes and bag, and how she is always so polished and ladylike. The panty hoes are just another example of her feminine style. And, let's face it, I will take whatever I can get in order to hide my WHITE legs. What do you think? Will you be sporting some nude hoes anytime soon?

Friday, July 15, 2011

Things to come

Dear Lovely Friends,

I have been thinking about my blog all day. I know that I am done with my 30 day challenge, but I still have so many ideas for what I want to do. I just finished another tutorial that I hope you will all love. They are having a challenge over at the beauty department for people to submit their hair tutorial. You can only imagine how totally excited I was to hear about this!!! My tutorial will be on the Chignon and it is a picture tutorial. Lincoln took all the pictures and really helped me to execute it well. I don't plan on posting the tutorial until it is all put together, so hold your horses, it's coming. Also, I know I hinted for a giveaway and then I didn't mention it again. SO sorry about that one. I do have plans for a giveaway, but when I mentioned it, I got all sick and didn't get around to it. I WILL DO A GIVEAWAY, MARK MY WORDS.

I am, however, on my way to a week vacation with my sisters and our kids. I can't wait. The poor husbands have to stay at home and work while we play with our lovely kiddos on the beach. I will post a bit, but not as often (obviously) since I will be focusing on the sunshine and the water. Thanks for following me thus far, I promise to try and make it worth your while.

Love,
Mallory

Thursday, July 14, 2011

Day 30- "The Illusionist"

I can't believe I have finished the 30 days! This day seemed so far away. I have had so much fun doing this. I have been challenged and encouraged the entire time. I want to keep the blog going the best I can. I want to focus on helping the average woman to know their beauty potential, both on the inside and out. I want to help others feel their very best. I am excited for where this blog is going and I look forward to seeing how it turns out.


I had a crazy day. Clark has had a rash all over his body for the last couple of days and I just didn't know what to do. I finally took him to the doctor and it turns out that he had hives from a virus. We need to wait and see if it continues to know if he is allergic to anything. Poor guy. So, I wasn't really in the mood to do something crazy with my hair, but I have really wanted to do this style. It is one of those trick styles where it looks like a shorter style, but it is really just tucked under. I love a good trick hairstyle. This makes me wonder if I should get my haircut...

Luckily, my little love bug was feeling much better.
Have a happy hair day!

Wednesday, July 13, 2011

Life Lesson


If you are going to try to come out your crazy curls before you go to bed, be sure to start early enough so you can go to sleep at a decent hour.
This took forever!!

Day 29- "Side Knot"


This prom season there were SO many girls that wanted their updo on the side rather than right in the back of their head. I am a big fan of this look. I love seeing it with a pretty flower or sparkly clip. I also don't think it is so dressy that you can't wear it during the day as well. I left my bangs out to add to the romance of the style. I am a big fan of flipping the bangs out when leaving them down. The rest of the hair was teased really well at the crown then pulled into a low side pony. I always take the pony on the opposite side of my part. After the pony is secured I twisted it around my hand almost like I was going to tie my hair into a knot, then secure the hair with a few bobby pins. Use the end of your rat tail comb under the hair at the crown to give it some lift. Spray it, and go.
Have a happy hair day!

Tuesday, July 12, 2011

Day 28- "The Lucille Ball"




When you have day two of curls like this, you don't want to get rid of them right away. I was surprised to see how in tact they were. Today was a super hot day and I had to wear it up. I had so many people tell me I looked like I was Lucille Ball or Emma. What do you think

Monday, July 11, 2011

Day 27-"Irish Dancer"

I don't know where to start with this one. There are so many things going on in my head with these crazy curls. My little sister is doing a challenge as well on her own blog. I saw her crazy curls and I just had to try it. I picked up the sponge rollers from her late last night, and I was so excited to get started. I washed and conditioned my hair then put some silk in it before I wrapped it in about a million of the smallest sponge rollers you have ever seen!! Lincoln kept telling me that it felt like he was in the 1940's with a wife going to bed with curlers in her hair. When I took out of the rollers this morning, it looked like this.
Yes, I know, I look like Richard Simons. Needless to say, I was a little freaked about what I was going to do about styling it since I was running late to work and having a hairdresser with sausage rolls for hair is not a good look. Luckily, I had a really cool first client who loved the idea of what I was doing and thought the curls were "cute." Right. Once I finished her I was able to run some putty and spray wax through the curls and shake them out a little. Don't ever try to brush your curls!!! Not unless you want a fro. By the end of the day my curls were looking more like this.

Sunday, July 10, 2011

Day 26- "Sweet and Simple Hair"



Lincoln suggested that I was trying to make my hair too intricate and that I was either going to burn myself out or I was getting to complicated. I totally agree. I decided to just do some simple braids on the side of my head and pinning them around the back of my head. Like a little crown if you will. It is sweet and easy and it takes no time at all. You don't have to spend forever on your hair in order for it to look nice and polished.
Have a happy hair day!

Saturday, July 9, 2011

Day 25-"Hiking Hair"

We are getting so close to the end, and this is what I come up with. I am a little ashamed. It was my day off so, Lincoln and I packed up the car and headed out for a day in nature. We had a great time hiking and spending time outside. Clark was great and the weather couldn't of been better. We came home and stayed busy with all of the little things that you do on a saturday. I even took a little nap, it was awesome. THEN, and only then did I think to take a picture of my hair. You can see that it was a total mess after all the running around. A more put together person would have fixed it, but not me, I wanted to show you what it looked like after my long day. I knew I would be busy today and I would be out and about, so all I really wanted to do was wear a ponytail. But not just a regular ponytail, one with a little pizzaz.

I sectioned my hair in two parts, top and bottom. I did two dutch braids starting at my ears and meeting in the middle of my head. I then just made a simple ponytail. It was so easy. And clearly it lasted all day even with the hiking, napping, cleaning, grocery shopping, cooking... you get the idea. What a great day!

Friday, July 8, 2011

Day 24-"Chignon"



Someone once asked what the difference between a bun and a chignon. Well, not much. If you look at the true definition, you will see that they are very similar.


chi·gnon

noun \ˈshēn-ˌyän also -ˌyȯn\

Definition of CHIGNON

: a knot of hair that is worn at the back of the head and especially at the nape of the neck

1bun

noun \ˈbən\
1
: a sweet or plain small bread; especially : a round roll
2
: a knot of hair shaped like a bun
3
plural : buttocks



It really is all relative. I would consider a chignon to be on the lower part (nape) of the head with a smoother shape. The bun can be anywhere on the head with a twisted or braid pattern. Like how I wore the back of my hair on day 4, I would consider that to by a bun. Really, I don't think the world would end if you called a bun a chignon and a chignon a bun. As long as it's pretty in the end. Right?


Have a happy hair day!




Thursday, July 7, 2011

Day 23-"Curling Iron Curls"

I know what you are all thinking. "Didn't she do this look on day 2?" NO, I did not. That was done with a flat iron, this was done with a curling iron. See the difference? NO? Ok, let me point out that the hair is fuller and the curls are bigger and rounder. Still don't see the difference? Well, we can't win them all. I like the body that my hair gets with a curling iron. I don't think everyone knows how to master a flat iron curl, so I wanted to show that you can still get the look you want with a curling iron.
Have a happy hair day!

Four-Strand Braid Tutorial

Here it is. The braids everyone has been asking about. Let me know what you think. I want to hear from you on whether you were able to figure it out or not. Enjoy!


Have a happy hair day!

Wednesday, July 6, 2011

Day 22- "Knot so Hard"

Almost all of my updos start with what I taught on day 7. I almost always start with a little backcombing in the crown securing it with two bobby pins on either side. I then took my hair in three sections on either side of my head and just did a square knot all the way down until there was no hair left to tie. I secured with a few bobby pins and I was done. It was so easy.
You can leave your ends sticking out all crazy, or you can tuck them in. I promise I did this in no time. I even had little Clark around being cute. Just goes to show you, being a mom doesn't mean you have to have stupid hair.
Have a happy hair day!

Tuesday, July 5, 2011

Day 21-"Waterfall Braid"

Today was a day for experimenting. I saw this braid online and I wanted to give it a shot. It isn't as exciting as I wanted it to be. I felt a little old school. In fact, the other day I asked my brother if my outfit was a little too 1997, his response, "wow, it is getting hot this summer." So, I guess that was his way of answering my question as nice as possible. Maybe that interaction has made me a little sensitive to looking stuck or trapped in time. I don't think this hairstyle is doing me any favors in keeping me fashion forward. Oh, well.

The way to do this braid, is to drop the bottom section rather than joining it with a new section you pick up. The new section you pick up becomes the new bottom section. It sounds complicated, but it was really easy. And, like I said before, I don't think I executed it very well. I guess that is to be expected after trying to style your hair different for 30 days. There is bound to be a day that you don't like.
Better luck tomorrow. Have a happy hair day.

Mastering the French Braid

This tutorial gave me quit a fit. I wanted to post it yesterday with my last post, but for some reason it was not loading. So, here it is my French Braid tutorial. I know that some of you know how to do this, but for those of you who have never figured it out, this video is for you. I did both the dutch braid and the french braid. Enjoy!!



Have a happy hair day!!

Monday, July 4, 2011

Day 20- "Oh No She Didn't"


If you have not mastered the art of french braiding your hair by now, you probably think all is lost in ever learning how. I would like to challenge that way of thinking by telling you that you CAN do it. There are so many people out there who struggle with the simple task of weaving their hair back and forth while picking up small strands of hair to join the weave. I promise it is all about practice. I would suggest you get the hang of it on someone else's head first if you are really struggling. It is all about seeing the pattern and keeping the sections clean. Here are the simple steps to remember when french braiding.

1. Only make one pass of each strand before picking up small sections to join with the two outside strands.
2.Hold the three strands of hair in one hand, in between different fingers, while the other hand picks up hair on either side.
3.Hold the hair as close to the base as possible, not at the ends where the hair will braid too loose and fall out of the braid.
4. Make sure each section you pick up is the same amount of hair each time.
5. Repeat over and over until you reach your hairline, or your desired spot.


I swear it is that easy!
I am trying to make my face have as much attitude as possible, am I pulling it off? Ok, maybe not. Just promise me you will try to french braid your hair if you don't know how, and if you do, try the dutch braid. You wont regret it.

Have a happy hair day!

There was supposed to be a new tutorial with a how to on french braiding, but I can't get it to work. So, I will have to have Lincoln post it tomorrow. It is late and if I wake him up to show me how I would be a bad wife. I promise you will get it tomorrow. Pinkie swear!

Saturday, July 2, 2011

Day 18-"Four-Strand Flat Braid"


I love this braid. It is so much easier than it looks and it is so pretty. I usually only do it when I pull a small amount out of my face like the picture. I like the fact that it isn't your average braid, but is just as easy. I have a tutorial coming showing you how to do it, but being sick really put a halt on the tutorial. I felt like my head needed a little break from my hair being up so much, so I thought a simple braid would work
Have a wonderful weekend and enjoy some fireworks!!

Friday, July 1, 2011

Day 17- "Sweet Swiss Miss" or "Almost Amish"


I am not too sure about this look. I see it on other people and I think it looks great. On me, however, it looks and feels a little Amish. I love the Amish, I just don't want to be mistaken for one. What do you think, does it work? Have you tried it? I think my braids got too thin on the ends and it didn't stay as think as it should on the top. Oh, well. It was a fun try
Oh, and don't mind the light fixture in the background. :)

Have a happy hair day! It's so good to be back!