The Platinum Blonde Commandments

Before we get to The Platinum Blonde Commandments, here’s a joke that my mom used to tell when I was little…

She’d ask my dad, “Honey, will you love me when I’m old & grey?”

To which he’d reply, “Beth, I’ve loved you through 12 colors already.”

By the time I reached my mid-20s I’d been a number of colors myself. There was the sun-in phase at 15 and the stoplight red phase at 22. The latter was quickly followed by that time that I tried to go blonde from auburn and ended up looking like Lucille Ball. (Pro Tip: Going from fake red hair to fake blonde hair is lunacy.)

But the week before my 28th birthday, I decided to try blonde. Platinum blonde to be exact. I decided that one should probably make any really crazy hair decisions before 30 and 28 was nearly 30 so if I completely botched the whole thing, then I could go pink and probably not be judged too harshly for it. (And yes, as I near 30, I’m recognizing the flaw in this theory.) So my lovely stylist friend and I set out on our mission. She lifted the color twice over the course of a few weeks, and there I was.

I now truly can’t imagine myself going back, but it was considered several months ago. While I’d cut back on shampooing, I hadn’t really changed my hair routine, which was inadvertently causing a lot of damage. Luckily, around that time, I learned some tricks to keep my platinum ‘do in tip-top shape. So today, I present to you…

The Platinum Blonde Commandments

1. Thou Shalt Not Over Wash.

Lifting my hair to this extent really dried it out so I wash my hair every five to seven days. I’ve learned to embrace the messy with funky updos and boho style braids because letting my natural oils do their thing seems to be best.

2. Thou Shalt Deep Condition.

This is THE BIG ONE. This is the one I didn’t know to do in the beginning. I have used a leave-in conditioner or oil from day one but deep conditioning treatments are what really bring my hair back to it’s natural texture and shine.

3. Thou Shalt Practice Color Theory.

The question I get the most often is about the shade of my hair. I’m happiest when the blonde is white and violet so I was thrilled to learn this trick. The nature of fake blonde hair is to get brassy, orange & yellow tones. My friend Lynsey informed me that stylists use the color wheel all the time. To balance the brass, just use a purple shampoo!

4. Thou Shalt Protect Thy Locks.

Here are a few things to remember:

Use a heat protectant every time you style. No exceptions! This means putting a spritz on before blow-drying, straightening, curling, or rolling.

If you’re going out for a day in the water, cover your hair with leave-in conditioner first. This acts as a little shield for your hair. Then, rinse thoroughly as soon as you get out of salt water or chlorine.

Finally, take extra precautions to protect your hair from the sun. I wear a lot of scarves and wide-brimmed hats in the summertime… and that’s not just because I’m Southern!

TGIF!

Happy Friday! You’ve made it to the weekend! Here are some (really random) TGIF! links to kick things off on the right foot.

A couple weekends ago, we discovered that ESPN’s 30 for 30 documentaries are streaming on Netflix. You can imagine how enthused a non-sports girl like myself was about watching any of these, but I seriously dug them. Sports fan or not, if you love stories, you’ll dig these documentaries. I really enjoyed “Of Miracles and Men” because I’ve heard the story of that Olympic team from my dad for years. We also watched “Bernie and Ernie” who got their start here at UT in the 70s.

While we’re on sports (seriously, I don’t know who I am anymore): Dick Butkus wants you to check out the NFL’s new Pinterest boards. Totally a real thing.

The answer to why French women don’t contour is pretty fantastic.

Contouring is not our thing because the main beauty philosophy in France is to accept who you are.

Randi Brookman Harris is a professional hero of mine. She’s a prop stylist residing in NYC who’s done work for companies ranging from Warby Parker to the New York Times. Today, Ivanka Trump profiled Randi for her #WomenWhoWork series. Consequently, the whole series is worth checking out.

I was on a panel recently to talk about hand illustration in a digital world, a topic I should really riff on at another time. One of the coolest applications of technology to hand illustration that I mentioned is the way illustrators are sharing their work and giving it a larger voice. One such artist that I saw this week is Molly Crabapple. She’s an NYC-based artist who has been doing some amazing mural work in a building in Turkey that houses the Zeitouna program. Zeitouna is a creative therapy and physical wellness program works with Syrian refugee children–amazing! Read more here.

Have You Tried Eggwhite Soap?

Last week’s travels brought not just a visit to High Point Market but also a stop in Asheville. While there, I stepped in to a beautiful shop filled with kantha-stitched quilts, linens, and this soap. I mean seriously, you wouldn’t expect me to pass up that packaging would you? I mean I’ve never tried eggwhite soap but between the typography, the little girls, and the price tag of $5, I could only assume it would change my skincare routine forever.

So I brought the lovely package home, instagrammed it (obviously), and then proceeded to actually open the box. As I said in my instagram, it smells like raindrops on roses and Julie Andrews running through the Alps (in the nun habit, not for her life).

So here’s the deal: You lather up this little bar and put the lathered soap on your face as a mask. Let it sit for 5 minutes. Then, rinse it off. I’ve used it a couple times now and have really enjoyed it. It felt like it really cleaned my pores, but it doesn’t feel goopy or contain elements that I can’t pronounce (my latest beef with the entire skin care industry). I also love the smell of chamomile, which is an herb that’s known as an anti-inflammatory when used on skin.

So I started doing a little research and apparently this little magic bar came over from Sweden. It’s meant to mimic the benefits of an actual mask made of egg whites that has been used for years all over the world. Bonus: it’s said to be a favorite of the Queen of Sweden. (OMG you guys, she’s JUST LIKE US.)

Read a little more about this thing I didn’t know was a fad here and here. You can also order some for yourself by clicking here.

So am I just totally late to the party on this one? Have you tried Eggwhite Soap or an eggwhite mask? What did you think?

TGIF!

Whoo! We made it. Spring officially arrives today! I don’t know about you, but this has been a whirlwind of a week around our house! Between Spring fever and big life choices, I’m ready for a couple days chilling at home with my honey (or at least some version of that involving a lot Spring cleaning and house guests). Per the usual, here are a few TGIF! links from around the interwebs curated for your enjoyment. Happy weekending, friends!

One

Lawrence Krauss wrote an article in The New Yorker this week that talked about the importance of teaching doubt to our children. Saying:

Informed doubt is the very essence of science.

Recent studies even suggest that being taught to doubt at a young age could make people better lifelong learners.

This article struck a chord with me because I often find myself wondering things like: Why aren’t discriminatory social norms questioned sooner by society? Why do religious peoples selectively use their texts as a treatise without looking at it’s cultural context?

For me, there’s a definite balance between doubt and faith, but I do believe that being content with my doubts in my 20s has made me a more avid learner and well-informed citizen. It’s an interesting thing to think about: teaching your children the importance of doubt.

Two

Currently working on finding your own version of the good life? According to Aaron Hutchins, habits are the secret to happiness. Fascinating read that began with a statement that has been a point of conversation around our house recently:

Habits are important because, as Gretchen Rubin puts it, “what we do every day matters more than what we do once in a while.”

Three

Confession: Between the Beach Party movies and a trip to Walt Disney World’s Polynesian Resort my sophomore year, my bedroom became a little bit of a tiki love fest in high school. So I thought this was pretty rad: 5 Reasons Americans Became Obsessed with Hawaii in the 1960s. #1 Reason: Elvis (Obviously.)

Four

If you’re anything like me, the idea of peeking inside the beauty cabinet of the prettiest girl in the room is right up your alley. Well, this week several different paths led me to Into the Gloss, a site that lets you do just that. Click here to read about Martha Stewart’s beauty routine. (And, of course, be baffled by her ridiculously beautiful life. Of course, “Frederic” [Fekkai] was your first hairdresser, Martha. We are surprised by nothing anymore… except perhaps the fact that you remove your eye makeup with Johnson’s baby oil. Keepin’ it real. Maybe you are just like us.) Other picks include this fab shoot with funny lady Ana Gasteyer and Joanna Goddard’s DIY Pregnancy Guide.

Five

While we’re on the subject of the good life, here are “22 Reasons It’s Good to be a Vegetable in Oprah’s Garden.”

Six

My friend, Leanne, is a local potter. Recently she made a beautiful line of tableware for Blackberry Farm, a local resort to check out if you don’t know it. They’re simple, beautiful pieces and she even mixed ashes from Blackberry’s fireplace into the glaze to make them very unique to the Farm. This morning, I learned that you can actually buy her pieces on their website. Check them out!

Party Hair How-To

Today I’ve put together a little Party Hair How-To just in time for your weekend festivities. I get so many questions about how I put my hair up, and it’s really pretty simple. Just remember: Dirty hair works best and dry shampoo (which I spray on in the beginning) is really what gives it that big-hair-don’t-care look.

Let me know if you try the ‘do yourself! I’d love to see a pic.

3 Beauty Products to Try Now

When I find fab beauty products, I can never resist telling all my friends. Likewise, when I hear about new products, I have to try them for myself. (Remember this winter skin care post from January?) So today, I’m sharing three of my favorite beauty product finds of late.

L’Oreal EverCrème Nourishing Leave-In Spray

Since my locks went blonde, I’ve been searching for the perfect way to condition. Conditioning in the shower wasn’t enough. Oils tend to leave my locks a bit flat (and my head a bit itchy) and other leave-in creams have just seemed to gunk things up. This “nourishing leave-in spray” from L’Oreal is amazing! It’s sulfate-free so it’s not as harsh on my already-treated hair, and it detangles like nothing else I’ve tried. Bonus: it’s less than $10, and I can buy it at Target!

Essie Quick-E Drying Drops

Manicures are my idea of the perfect weeknight me-time. I blame the “nights of beauty” my mom and I used to have when I was little. But I am always going to bed too quickly and waking up with ruined polish. These quick-e drying drops from Essie have totally changed that. I still recommend waiting about 15 minutes to change the sheets or cook, but that’s better than the hour or two it used to take. Bonus: they leave my nails with extra shine. My only tip is don’t overdo it. If you use more than a couple drops per nail, they can darken your favorite red just a bit.

They’re Real! Mascara

I use eye drops like they’re going out of style so when it comes to mascara, I’ve had a hard time finding anything that will stay put. They’re Real! Mascara from Benefit has changed all that. Not only is the waterproof actually waterproof, they make your lashes look swoon-worthy!

So what are your favorites right now?
Anything I must try?

Winter Skin Care

A couple of weeks ago, I asked the people of Social Media Land what skin care they loved for those cold winter months. Between the cool temps and dry weather, my skin was going a little crazy, so I wanted to try switching things up. Instead, I discovered that there are a few parts of my routine that are perfect just the way they are. But I also found a few products that are fabulous and cost-effective. So here goes…

For several years now, my go-to routine has been Clinique’s 3-step process. I try other things, but always end up going back. I used Dr. Bronner’s Magic Soap for a while, but this time of year, it just leaves my skin feeling dried out. I’m also a fan of Aveeno products, especially their Ultra Calming Makeup Removing Wipes.

My newest favorite product? The Laura Mercier Face Polish a good friend introduced me to in December. I use it a couple days a week, and it is the best scrub I’ve ever found!

Fall through winter my skin really dries up, and my hands crack. It’s been a problem since I was really young, so I’ve always carried a little bottle of Neutrogena Norwegian Formula Hand Cream with me. My dad got me hooked when I was in elementary school, and it’s the only thing I’ve found that does the job.

Now to my little survey. I’ve tried a few things off the list so far. My two favorites: virgin, unrefined coconut oil and baby oil gel with shea & cocoa butter. I didn’t like using the coconut oil on my entire body because everything smelled like coconuts. But I have adored it on my face! A little dab’ll do ya. It looks greasy going on but absorbs perfectly just a minute later. I’ve replaced body lotion with the baby oil gel, and it’s amazing how much longer it seems to seal in the moisture.

For those who are curious, here’s the full list:

Dr. Bronner’s Magic Soap
Shea Butter
C. Booth Honey & Almond Body Butter
“the blood of my vanquished enemies”
Jergens extra healing lotion
baby oil gel
Tarte Pure Maracuja Oil (Tip: This is one of Sephora’s free samples right now.)
“WD-40 & duct tape”
Oil of Olay
Lustro Body Oil from Beauty Counter
Weleda Arnica Massage Oil
honey oatmeal scrub
Merle Norman products
Crabtree & Evelyn Gardeners hand therapy
hemp lotion
Clinique 3-step
Mario Badescu Special Hand Cream with Vitamin E
sugar & baby oil scrub
Kiehl’s Superbly Restorative Argan Body Lotion
Origins Perfect World and Make a Difference products
Clarisonic
Simply Divine Botanicals by Barbara Rogers

What’s your favorite winter trick for great skin?

“How to be Photographed”

Nancy Mitford, photographed *perfectly* by Cecil Beaton in 1929

A few days ago, I stumbled across the most amazing article written by Nancy Mitford in 1930 for The Lady, England’s longest running magazine for women. She was instructing people, namely women on the art of ‘being photographed.’ You should read the full text on their site, but here are a few highlights…

The desire to be reproduced three-dimensionally is as old as the human race, and comes, no doubt, from an unacknowledged craving to ‘see ourselves as others see us’.

It is noticeable that people about to be photo graphed are always at great pains to explain that their motives for taking this step are both noble and unselfish. They never say, ‘I wanted a picture of myself,’ but imply that countless friends and relations are clamouring for one, and that it is for their sakes alone that an unpleasant ordeal is to be faced… The truth, of course, is that all women, and most men, thoroughly enjoy the whole thing.

…the resulting picture will gaze from countless pianos and mantelpieces upon the friends who have so constantly demanded it. (I will not even mention those monsters of unfeelingness who stick the portraits of their acquaintances in an album. Such iconoclasts could never rank as true friends.)

A bad photograph is very much worse than useless. Choose, therefore, what you consider the best photographer… and go to him, regardless of expense. (If you commit a murder, swim the Channel, or gain some similar notoriety, complimentary sittings from grand studios will rain upon you. If you are comparatively unknown, it will be necessary to pay for your sitting.)

A little perspective: Nancy Mitford was used to being photographed by Cecil Beaton. Choose your photographer with care–no pressure though.

You must now decide what clothes you intend to wear, and here I am obliged to say the fewer the better… I need hardly add that it is fatal to wear a hat.

And when, some three weeks later, the proofs arrive at your home, you will be able to indulge in an orgy of enjoyable Narcissism as you pore over them…

Another point to ponder, when the Hon. Nancy Mitford wrote this in 1930, it took three weeks to get proofs back of the photo you’d spent all day taking. 80 years later, we plaster photos of our Saturday morning bloodies in less than a second to instagram. My, how far we’ve come!

Hannah and Husband

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