This sexy siren has brought many smiles and styles to the red carpet over the years but this look has brought back a classic appeal.

How to do Penelope Cruz’ up-dp from the 2012 Oscars

• Start with setting your dried hair in hot rollers. Roll your hair under and around the roller while tucking the ends . This gives amazing body and loose curl. Leave them in until they are cool.
• Brush and tease the crown while pushing the curls into big waves. Use a light working hairspray at the roots to keep that volume.
• Pin the back of the nape hair under in a roll to create a faux bob style.
• Smooth and sculpt those waves on the front and sides into old Hollywood finger waves and spray in place.

    Add a feather or broach for a little more vavoome! Have fun and be creative =)

Have you heard of the website Pinterest or should I say, were you invited to this site?

What is all the buzz about and how is this site helping my business?

A few months back when I started blogging, I wondered how theses bloggers had access to such great pictures with out copy write issues. After following a few, I found they all had one place in common and that was Pinterest. This is an online dream board that connects with others to share pictures, blogs, websites and businesses. I found it intriguing that you can re-pin someone’s pictures or up load your own!

What a great idea I thought, but how can I use this for MY business? I can see if you have some products to sell or a store that makes money off the internet but how can a little Hairstylist capitalize on this fast growing trend?

So, I ask myself….(self? lol) How can these pictures help me get new customers?

And how can I connect with new clients so they want to use my services?

In the beauty industry, communication is key! I always ask people to show me a picture of what they have in their head so we can be on the same page. It’s funny what people see when they look at themselves or look at a picture. They can show me a picture of a beautiful auburn color on a 12 year old freckle face kid and think it is a shade of brown ash and appropriate for an 55year old woman with a pixie cut …lol….ya know what I mean.

One thing is for sure, pictures really close the language gap. Many brides have come in with great pictures of glam hair-dos and movie-star make-up but when it was all put together, and it was done on them it didn’t look right! It has to fit right for your personality and character…..just like, let’s say you are buying a new couch, in the store you love it until it gets to your living room! Ohh no, it doesn’t fit, or wrong color …sometimes your instinct needs adjusting by a professional.

Ok ok, what does this have to do with Pinterest?

Well, I found that I am able to connect with my customers on the site and show them my style boards with great pictures of what’s in style now and what styles can fit for my clientel. Connecting with new people is a breeze on a social site, so when hairstyles are searched, my pics can be noticed and my profile can be accessed. The greatest thing I love about this is I can look at what “they are like”, seeing what kind of people “they are”. Are they into soft, sophisticated glamor in their home, or personal likes? Or are they relaxed and simple showing some beachy pics with lots of fishing sites?

This helps me to learn what would suit them the best and now I have a connection with them before they even come in to me at the salon. Sometimes this information takes a few visits and I feel is crucial for me to know this in order to create an individual look just for you. How many times have you heard someone say, “It’s just not for me?” Now, I can personalize their experience in the salon to give them my finest work. What really matters most is connecting with new clients and finding creative ways to help them.

So, if you are not connected with me on Pinterest or need an invite….let me know. Message me with your email and I will get you one.       Happy pinning! =)

While listening to Whitney Houston’s beautiful voice all day (RIP), I finished my bedroom project. This project of mine was to re-do my bedroom with a few inexpensive changes and do it all my self. Since I am a handy little female, these projects are so fun to me. Trying to find deals on line and being a little creative with the same space I have  been living in for 13 years. I try to be innovative and thrifty and I really like the way it came out.

A funny story about the paint color of the new walls….I fell in love with the color while over one of my clients house. I took the code number off the can and had it custom made for my room. When I get home from the store, I ran to try this paint on the wall and ….it isn’t much different than the old color!!  OMG! LOL! Uggg, I’m stuck with it! So, I threw in a darker accent wall that travels back down the stairway into the living room. Looks nice!

Here is a few before pics of the mess….don’t hold it against me.

Dressing room ~ before

Next to the desk ~ before

Very messy desk ~ before

Ok, thats hard to look at, it really was in desperate need for a paint job and some organizing! So, with a little, paint, some cyber sales, and a few weekends of elbow grease, here is the finished look…

Finished bedroom

Dressing room

Ikea chandelier $20

I love shoes..hehe (dressing room)

Stenciled closet doors

Next to the desk....much more cozy ;)

Crystals and candles hang from the tree

New desk and electric fireplace

Details

It's pretty at night

It’s a great feeling of accomplishment when I come home and walk into my new bedroom. Be creative and explore something new….=)

This is a question that confuses some but is natural for others. What exactly is Style?

The definition is: the manner of doing something, design or arrange in a particular way. Style is the way people perceive you, I like to say it’s your outer skin. Can style be good, bad or indifferent? Or is it a matter of taste?

Style is the way we express ourselves, its a reflection of our inner feelings and thoughts. Style is everything we do, what we say, what we look like…….what is your style?

People who are depressed, disorganized or unhappy with the way life has treated them, usually looks disheveled, messy and distraught…..they don’t have the energy to or care to show any style. (Am I lying?)

Let’s start the new year with a new outlook! Everyday, we will get dressed with conscious effort! When you are going to work, make sure you look professional and powerful. When you are getting ready to go to the park with the kids, look casual, comfortable but in control of the situation. When you are going to the grocery store, be comfortable but proud to be healthy and blessed to be alive and well.

Trust me, when you put yourself together, get your life organized and learn to strive to be the best you can be, your “Style” will shine and so will your life. I believe that your inner happiness is a style that is unique and separates you from the rest.

Life is choices, choose wisely!

Have a great weekend =)

I have been engulfed in the redecorating of my bedroom/office since the holidays and its almost done. Between painting and searching online for deals, I haven’t had much time to blog (sorry). Waves of ideas come to my head but I’m trying to keep it under a budget and easy to do.

Having this project was not only fun but it really feels good to be starting a new year with a different flare. My home is a cottage built in 1920 and has so much quaint style. What is your home style? Here is some of my inspirations and great ideas.

www.pinterest.com

www.pbteen.com

www.pinterest.com

www.tumbler.com

www.westelm.com

www.hgtv.com

www.pinterest.com

www.desiretoinspire.com

www.whimages.blogspot.com

Who doesn’t love boots? Tall, thigh highs or booties, there is a boot for everyone. This year, riding boots are truly a popular trend and I found some great steals on my sponsored sites to the right. Find your favorites and grab the discounts!

Happy Shopping =)

I’m so excited that the New Year is finally here and I’m looking forward to all the new beginnings that this year has to offer me. Among the usual “resolutions” like  lose weight, or get organized….I thought I would share my top 5 for 2012.

• Save more money ~ One way I’m going to start saving is to utilize online sales. There are so many ways to save when buying online with promo codes or coupons. I recently ordered an area rug for the bedroom renovation from Target and saved 15% with a promo code.(you couldn’t do that in the store) Another favorite site is Overstock.com for name brand items usually with free shipping.
• Give more to Charity ~ In 2011, I found myself doing more for charity than ever before. I did a food drive for a local food pantry, donated clothes and shoes, sponsored 2 children for Christmas thru the Salvation army, and donated sheets, towels and blankets to local animal shelters. Its so rewarding to know that you are making a difference in the world.
• Bring lunch to work ~ Buying lunch everyday can really add up. I learned that bringing a healthy lunch and snacks from home helps save me money and keeping me on track with my diet. Plan a few snacks to grab on the run so you don’t break down at Starbucks. Put $10 a day in a jar and see how fast it accumulates.
• Practice better communication ~ Sometimes being brutally honest with people is difficult, or standing up for your rights can be a challenge. Be aware of your weak areas and make an effort to be conscious of how you handle things. Little changes can make a negative situation to a positive step forward.
• Take a multi-vitamin ~ Even with a healthy diet, you can be lacking some nutrients. I advise going to a nutritionist or get tested for a supplement that can strengthen your immunes system, and keep your organs healthy. Your skin will be brighter, your hair and nails will be stronger and you will have more energy. Why would you skip a day?

Holidays can be stressful and frustrating but there are some things to remember….

No matter where you are or who you are with

Always be thankful of what you have,

Be kind to others, and

Enjoy the moment, time goes by too fast.

I’m wishing you all a very warm and stylish Holiday! =)

Today I had a day where something pretty dramatic happened in my life and it put me on a new path. Scary as it is, sometimes we go thru changes in our life without direction. But something just came to my mind that put me on a path of encouragement and appreciation.

I am a Woman and we are powerful creatures. We can go thru hell and back in a pair of heels. We sacrifice ourselves for other people and we nurture when someone is hurt. We are cameleons of life, and I am proud to be one.

Thanks for listening.

Bring it on!! =)

This holiday season, I want to redecorate my bedroom. Looking for ideas, I stumbled upon these cool pics. Using these as inspiration, I will be posting all about the project when I’m done. Check back in Jan for before and afters.

Yay, I’m sooo excited!! Check these inspirational pics out….