Favorite Short Hair Products

Here are my favorite hair products that I use with my short hair.

I have thick hair, so keep that in mind,
as you consider these products and the texture of your own hair.

1. Aveda, Brilliant Hair Retexturing gel
I use this one when I have wet hair.
I need to put product in my hair after I wash it.
This allows my hair to be more manageable, after it's dry.
It's a little pricey, but it works so well, I let this be a beauty splurge.
We all need at least 1 beauty splurge, right?
Cheap gels don't absorb in my hair very well,
and don't last throughout the day.
This one absorbs great, with out being too goopy,
and doesn't give my hair a wet, crunchy, look.
It looks natural while keeping my hair more styled.

2. Style Sexy Hair, Slept In creme
This one I use in the mornings on my dry hair,
when it's sticking up everywhere.
This creme is my quick fix, to help me fix my hair fast.
The title is exactly as it's described - it fixes your slept-in hair.
Sometimes I use it on my wet hair too. This one maybe my favorite!

3. Aveda, Control Paste
This one I use on my dry hair, and you need a little product to control some fly aways,
or just tame your hair a bit. It only takes a finger-tip of paste,
that you rub into the palms of your hands,
and then rub into your hair to style it a bit.
It's great for an evening out, or just to fix your hair
when you need to look a little more polished.
This one is pricey, but I use it for years since you only use a little at a time.
It doesn't smell the best, but it works so well, that I overlook that con.
I also use this one with my longer hair too.
It helps with straight hair, without making your hair look wet or sticky.

Christmas Birthdays

Brandon turned 2 on Christmas Eve.

He was excited.

He knows what birthdays, cakes, presents and being sung to is all about.

He was happy to have a birthday!

 The Thomas Birthday Cake

He loved opening up his presents,

and he had lots of cousins and siblings to cheer him on!

We celebrated his b-day at lunch time.

He was born around noon.

It worked well.

I'm still figuring out the best way to do his b-day

amongst all the Christmas festivities.

As a pleasant surprise to me,

he's been a wonderful Christmas present for me and our family.

He's good-natured and pleasant.

He's still a 2 yr old with needs but he goes with the flow easily.

A child that goes with the flow, is a nice gift for me.

A few days after Christmas we celebrated Lindy's 11th B-day.

My sister, Molly, made her a cake and got her some fun earrings.

I love the hair flip in this picture.

Lindy is also a great daughter.

She raises herself.

I'm grateful for her talent of being responsible.

Last week, the YW's president in our ward called me.

"Is it really true Lindy will turn 12 this year?", she asked.

Yes, I confirmed, it's true.

"Well then, she's invited to New Beginnings in a couple weeks." she concluded.

YIKES, Young Women's!!!???!!!

When did this happen?

Lindy wanted to take  a couple of her friends to the nail salon to get their nails done for her b-day.

It was so much fun, the girls had a great time. Sadie came along too, and loved it just as much.

I decided to get mine done too!

Fabulous!!

This might become a new tradition for me.

Getting my nails done professionally after Christmas.

My sister treated my sisters and I last year.

It's such a great way to start off the New Year and unwind after the rush of December.

I love getting the gellac or shellac manicure, it lasts for 2 weeks+.

I still love to use Sally Hansen's Xtreme Wear nail polish for a good home manicure.

Pair it with a good top coat to make it last a good week without chipping.

I love Sally Hansen's Insta-Dri in the red bottle or

Out the Door works as a great top coat too.

This will solve all your problems

Ever since my Christmas salon manicure,

I've been on a quest to paint my nails more regularly.

My goal was to paint my nails every Sat. night.

I wanted a quick at home manicure that would last 6-7 days.

And something I could do myself.

I purchased different top coats, nail polishes,

researched online, and talked with clerks at beauty-supply stores.

I even bought a special uv curing light, and then returned it.

I painted my nails each week, and experimented to see what lasted.

I found the solution:

Use Sally Hansen

Xtreme Wear nail color.

Paint 2 coats over your clean, bare nails.

Wait 2 minutes.

Then use the Sally Hansen

Insta-Dri, Anti-Chip Top Coat.

Your nails will be totally dry in about 1 min,

and your home manicure will last about 6-7 days.

Special Notes:

There are lots of different ideas and ways to do a home manicure.

(This home manicure looks like a great idea too.)

I like my method because it's quick and easy.

I only use 2 products.

I don't use a base coat.

There are lots of different Sally Hansen products.

Look for the Xtreme Wear if you want a long lasting manicure.

The Xtreme Wear line of colors is about $3 or less,

a good price for a quality nail product.

Just Shellac!

photo from Sally

Do you know what a shellac manicure is?

If you do, I applaud your with-it, beauty, cosmetic savviness.

If you don't, you're just like me,

T O T A L L Y

out    of   the   loop
on anything offered at beauty parlors, nail salons, and day spas.

But, over Christmas I just discovered this amazing new way to get a manicure.

My sister, Stacey, gave some of my sisters, my mom, and I a manicure as a Christmas present.
We were able to get our manicures done together at a nail salon.
It was very fun, and a great idea.

If you're ever in need of a good gift idea for the woman/women in your life.
A gift certificate for a manicure or pedicure is the way to go.
It's just so great, and nice treat for any woman.
Every day is a good day when you're nails look beautiful.

While getting my nails done, I learned there is a new nail polish called shellac.
It enables your manicure to last for 2 weeks +, without chipping.
I had it done, and it really lasted that long. It was AMAZING.
I did dishes, laundry, changed dirty diapers, etc. and my nails looked great for a long time.
I loved it, and highly recommend a S H E L L A C nail manicure.

Things always feel much better in the world when you're nails are done.

Spray Gel

I like to use spray gel on my boys' hair.
Some of you moms like to use water bottles to do your boys hair.

I prefer spray gel. It gives a little glue on those "Alfalfa" mornings.
I like spraying it on their heads, instead of gooping my hands with gel or mousse.

I can easily spray it on their heads while they are eating breakfast and they don't notice as much.
Except, sometimes they complain that their cold cereal tastes like gel.

Hair spray seems too girly,
and not enough coverage on those bad, sticking-up, stray hairs.
It doesn't matter the brand. I just buy the cheap stuff.   LA Looks, Garnier, etc.
Sometimes it's hard to find spray gel. Keep looking I think it's worth it.

The Pumice Stone

I love using this to help clean my bathrooms. It is great for toilets, bath tubs and even showers.

(Careful not to use it to clean your hardware/handles on your sinks or showers.
Read the directions for where to use it.)

It's all natural too. It works well, without being a strong, harsh chemical.

You can find it in most cleaning sections of your local stores.

It's not expensive either. Maybe $3.00??

Here is a fun fact for you:

"Feet are the most neglected part of a woman's body.

I recommend keeping a pumice stone in the shower

so that smoothing away calluses and dry skin on the heels and pads of your feet

becomes a part of your shower routine." -Bobby Brown, makeup artist

If you decide to get some pumice for your bathroom,

whatever you do, don't use the same pumice on your feet that you use to clean your toilet!

My favorite Make-Up Products

Here are some of my favorites I've been getting at the drugstore for years.

1. Covergirl smooth concealers. A perfect texture for using under my eyes. I do this every morning, or put a dab or two on my blemishes. I just use my finger to apply.
Your concealer color should be a shade lighter than your skin color.
Concealer's main purpose is for under your eyes. The lighter color will help you look more light and bright and hide the darks under your eyes.

2. Maybelline great lash mascara. For me, over many years of use, this one stays on all day without smudging, and it is easy to come off at night. There are lots of great mascaras, I just love this one, and it is hard to break a good habit. *This mascara isn't great for swimming and water. I just don't put any on when I go swimming.

3. Covergirl smoothers. I use this in place of foundation during the warmer months. It is not as heavy to wear as foundation, and comes in a little darker shades when my face is more tan. Plus, it has sunscreen in it. Love it!

4. L'oreal true match foundation.  This is so creamy, and goes on flawlessly.  I've used it for years, it doesn't feel greasy or too thick. Foundation is great, it's the secret to having a flawless looking face.
It helps you look pretty.  I use my fingers to apply this as well.
Don't pick your foundation color by putting a dab on your wrist or arm.
It's best to put a dab or streak on your cheek then go into natural light and see which color blends into your cheek, skin without showing. You may have to get 2 -3 bottles at first, then for years to come have the right color, even if you had to waste a bottle or two to find one in the beginning.

5. Bobbi Brown Yellow Loose Powder. This is my one department store make-up splurge.  I can't find yellow loose powder in drugstores, and it lasts for 2+years or more.  Every woman's face needs a little yellow to brighten her face.  This loose powder works great and helps my foundation to stay on during the day.

6. Almay makeup remover pads. These are quite simply the best, the best. I've tried other things, just using water, liquid makeup remover with cotton balls, baby wipes, etc. Nothing works like these.
They are perfect, this brand only. Can't live without them. The oil-free kind is my favorite, it leaves no residue after I wipe the make-up off. It works great on my eyes, no stinging or irritation.

I'm still looking for a great blush, eye shadow and now that I'm getting older I need a good lotion/moisturizer to put on my face. I'm also looking for a good perfume scent. I like to wear a little everyday, and I need something clean, fresh, fun and happy, that's not too strong. If you have any ideas please share your favorite make-up products too!

Here is a link to some more best beauty products.

A Fun Color

Jade Green Nail Polish – Fall 2009 Beauty Trend

A crazy nail polish frenzy is still going on. As for Fall 2009, classical reds, avant-garde blacks, deep violets and navies will still be en vogue. However, the trendiest nail colour for this fall is…green!

How-To Fake "Having it all Together"

Wear a chunky, colorful, beady necklace that matches your outfit.

Big earrings or a fun, chunky bracelet work well too.

(But not all at the same time, 1 Big chunky piece of jewelry does the trick!)

• This fake "Having it all Together" look works best in casual settings. When normally tired, run down mothers look and feel sloppy. Below I describe situations with young children, but I believe this philosophy works for all women no matter your season of life.

• The next time you're at the grocery store with 4 kids because it's summer. Wear a big, chunky necklace. When the kids are running up and down aisles, crying about candy, disrupting the other shoppers. The shoppers will quickly notice your necklace and know you have it all together.

• When you're at the neighborhood park, and your children are whining loudly because they are bored quickly, hot, hungry, forgot their shoes and the bark chips hurt their feet, or the baby is eating the bark chips. The other mothers at the park will see the necklace, and think to themselves,"Wow, there is a mother that has it all together."

• Of course, you can use this trick in more formal settings, like church. When your kids are irreverent all around you, or causing other disasters around the pew or in their primary class, or for you personally with your church calling. The jewelry will give you the appearance of "Having it all Together". It also serves as a great toy for boys and girls of all ages to keep them quiet. (Watch out they don't pull too hard on beads, keep a Ziploc bag in church bag just in case.)

• Other situations this works well for:

1. Pregnancy
2. Bad Hair Days
3. Bad outfit Days
4. Any public situation when children are with you, especially if you have to do any type of business transaction.
5. Visiting your husband at work
6. The library visit
7. Girls Night Out
8. Date Night

**Special Note, you can get cheap, chunky jewelry at any store like Walmart, Target, etc.**

Go to the clearance section. No need to spend a lot of money.

It will look like you did, though.

Hair - One of Katie's Life Mysteries

I cut my hair short, short. It's great and I always love it. It is easy,

except

You have to use lots of hair "product"

( I think hair product is such a funny word. Can't I just say goo?)

I have to use a lot of hair GOO when I have short hair. Also, you have to go in about every 4-6 weeks for a hair cut. Which I find a kind of a pain. I hate spending a lot of money and time on my hair. I know most of you feel it is well deserved and something every woman needs, but for me $40 + is way too much and anything longer than an hour makes me feel nervous, as I sit there thinking about all the things I could be doing with my time.

My dilemma: I had a good hair lady, but she is expensive. When I had long hair I could go about every 4 months. She would give me such a good cut, wacking off all my thick hair that I could go longer than cheap haircuts. She gave me my short cut. Then to save money I went to the local beauty school. In the past, I have had great, trendy cuts for only $8. I went to the beauty school for a trim with my new short hair. . .BAD, BAD, one of my worst ever cuts. She didn't know how to start, was so SLLOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOW. After an hour, my hair looked exactly the same, Still Shaggy, and Beehiveish. Finally, she called over the professor of the school, and the professor cut my hair in 10 min. Flat. Anyway, I don't know what to do. Go back to my expensive lady, whom I trust? Find someone cheaper who is good with short hair? Or try the beauty school again, because it was just one bad experience, and you always get a new person?

Why do we have to worry about hair? That is a mystery to me. I think we look nice with hair, but why do we have to worry about it and take care of it all the time. My other mystery is why do we have to eat 3 times a day everyday. I love food, I think it is delicious and heavenly. But why everyday? It is so much work, thinking, planning, shopping, organizing, cleaning, dishes, etc. Maybe I will become shaggy and eat potato chips from now on.

Migraines-Help??!!

I've tried all these over the years:

Nothing seems to be helping.

It doesn't even dull the pain.

I'm almost certain my headaches are related to my cycle.

They are hormone headaches.

They last a full day at their worst, then can linger for a few days before or after the worst of it.

The good news:I can still get out of bed, I don't get nautious, and light doesn't bother me. The bad news:They are painful and I feel sick for 24-36 hrs., do nothing for the whole day.

Any ideas? What works for you?

I guess it's time to go to the doctor.

The ob/gyn or the family doctor?

Make-Up

I love this book about make-up. If you need to get yourself a little something for Mother's Day, besides a Real Simple Magazine.

This is the book. You can buy it used, or even check it out at the library. I think it is worth owning. More than make-up the author, Bobbi Brown a professional make-up artist, shares her insights about lasting beauty. Believing in ourselves and having confidence. The book also has "timeless and classic" tips for what colors to use on our face, how to put it on, and all in all great tips of how to do, use, and buy makeup no matter your age. In case you don't get around to getting the book I will share a couple tips from the book I love.

• It happens all the time; the very feature women complain to me about is precisely what I find most beautiful
• Find out what feature you like about yourself, play those features up
• Don't do same makeup/skincare routine everyday. Summer skin is different than Winter skin. Sometimes you are tired, dry skinned, black circled, tan, etc.
• Use the right tools, it makes applying makeup easier/faster. Good brushes last years. Throw out the tacky blush brush in you compact, it gives you the stripe across your cheek, Very unnatural
• Blend a couple lipstick colors. Makeup artists never use one color from a tube.
• Find lipstick color that looks good on your face without any other makeup on
• Concealer can change your life, look for creamy texture, Avoid green,purple, or pink
• Match Foundation color exactly to your skin color on your face. Most important thing to get right in applying makeup. Don't lather all over your face, a dab here and there. On your bad days you may need to apply more. Don't be afraid of foundation, it is the best tool to a pretty face.
• Most women forget the brow, step back from mirror to see yourself from distance-the way most people view you. Brown eye shadows are more natural to use than brow pencils.

There is so much more, Enjoy it, if you can get a copy. It's a great read and well deserved for any woman, no matter her high or low maintenance routines. If I could I would send you all a copy today.