blonde hair don’t care

Long hair don’t care – blonde hair don’t care….. what do those phrases even mean?  Who knows, who cares, but I do have blonde hair once again!

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Blondes have more fun, right? 😉

[Tweet “blonde hair don’t care “]

This weekend I got my hair done at Preston Salon Spa – it’s a must if you live in St. Louis.  I’ve been wanting to go lighter for awhile now, and now that summer is approaching, this was the perfect time.  I used to be blonde all the time, but the past few years I’ve gone a little darker when fall and winter comes.  I always miss and like my blonde hair better though, so maybe I’ll keep it year round this time!

The person who got me started with blonde hair from the beginning? My sister, Stephanie, of course!  She used to dump an entire bottle of Sun-In in my hair and blow dry it for what seemed like hours.  That little lady had a birthday this weekend!

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I love her so much, and not just for her amazing photography skills or the fact she’s always one text / phone call away.  But those too.

Linking up with Katie and Erin today!

My family celebrated with a lovely brunch at my parents’ house yesterday morning.

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My family is the best.  (We missed Jason and Jackson!)

William had fun with his cousins.

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Those clowns.  William loves loves loves music, especially the guitar (even better when Pops is playing!), so when the three of them get together to jam, they all have the biggest smiles!  Goofy faces and all!

As you know, Audrey has a deep love for baby William.  After all, he’s basically her baby, or so she thinks.  So when I pose for a picture with William, she’s often not far away and requests to join in.  And she must be touching him at all times.

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Not that I mind one bit.  When I go out with both of them, people think they’re both mine.  And I may not correct them…

I’ll end this post with an All American Hunk.

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Curly hair, long eyelashes, leg rolls, and all.

What did you do this weekend?

Good luck to everyone running Boston today!!!

Athleta is coming to St. Louis!

Itz Friday – oh happy day!  Itz been another long week as we have now completely wrapped up state testing at school.  Whew!  After school today I’m heading out of town for my bff’s bachelorette party.  (Can’t say where yet in case she reads this before we take off.  Itz a surprise!)  There’s lots of fun to be had this weekend!

Anyway, I want to tell you about a couple awesome things today.  Big news for St. Louis residents: Athleta is coming to St. Louis!  Athleta will be opening itz first Missouri store in Plaza Frontenac.  I’m going to the launch party and YOU are invited, too.  Check out the flyer for details and be sure to reserve your spot.

Athleta STL

Athleta is a premium fitness and lifestyle brand designed by women athletes for women athletes that features the ultimate performance apparel and gear for active women.  The brand’s high-quality, stylish and functional apparel and accessories reflect the perfect balance of performance, innovative details and design.

I don’t personally own any of their clothes [yet], but have heard others rave about it.  I’m stoked to check them out soon and possibly add an item or two to my ever-growing workout gear collection.  Plus, Athleta is a Girls on the Run sponsor which makes them that much cooler.

Insert random picture of me with two cute puggles to break up this text-heavy post.

me puggles

Actually the puggles aren’t that random as this was shot last summer when my friend Bianca and I went out for coffee.  Meet Bianca: she’s the founder of MizzFIT and is a fitness trend expert.  Let me tell you: she has got it going on in every sense of the word!  Her passion is to motivate woman to feel healthier and look better.  Bianca lives and breathes her mission through her website MizzFit, makes tv appearances, works with celebrities, has the best style both in the gym and out, and on top of it all she’s gorgeous, intelligent, and just as sweet as can be!

Bianca recently filmed a short video for how to save your blowout when you workout.  There are segments specifically geared towards women with long hair, short hair, wavy hair, and/or frizzy hair.  The video shows you what to do with your hair before the gym, and then what to do afterwards to save your blowout.  I got a ton of tips from the video and have watched it several times to try and master the styles!

Watch the video HERE!

Hair-Tutorial-Tips-Women-How-to-Save-a-Blowout-during-Workout-Gym-fitness

In addition, MizzFIT has a giveaway going on and is choosing FIVE winners.  Enter now because she’s announcing the winners on May 5th!

Do you own any Athleta gear?  What do you do to save your blowout when you workout?  Weekend plans?

ColorProof Hair Care

Happy marvelous Monday to YOU!  Check out my marvelous hair:

itz linz curls

If only it looked like that every day!  On Saturday, I went to Preston Salon Spa to get my hair done.  I was due for highlights and a trim, but since Jonny and I had a wedding to attend in the evening I got it styled, as well.  It sure felt good to be pampered!  Following my hair appointment, I went and got my nails done.  Quite the beauty-filled day!

While I was at Preston Salon Spa, I was introduced to a new hair care line that they are now carrying: ColorProof.  Since my hair is obviously color treated, this new line peaked my interest immediately, but there ended up being many more noteworthy factors.

Highlights About ColorProof Products:

  • Provide full spectrum UVA/UVB color protection
  • Sulfate-Free, Salt-Free, Gluten-Free, Paraben-Free, Phthalate-Free, PABA-Free, Keratin-Free, & Carcinogen-Free
  • Biodegradable Formulas
  • 100% Vegan

ColorProof SuperRich

The owner recommended the SuperRich moisturizing shampoo and conditioner since I use a lot of heat while styling my hair between the blow dryer, flat iron, and/or curling iron.  Itz proven that after 10 washes, 96% of the color is retained. (source)

ColorProof Products

  • PlushLocks Leave-In Smooth: My hair is super frizzy, and I was promised this will help with the frizz.  I’ll be able to use it right out of the shower as an extra conditioner before I style my hair, or after to help tame flyaways.
  • PureRelease Instant Detangler: This will certainly come in handy during the summer.  If my hair is not braided while I’m running or swimming it is almost impossible to brush through.  Itz because the long length and thick texture, but I’m sure humidity doesn’t help either!  This should make life easier.
  • CrazySmooth Extreme Shine Treatment Oil: Who doesn’t like shiny hair?!  This will also control the frizz factor and can be used on wet or dry hair.

I seriously cannot wait to see how these products help save the color in my hair!  The protection against the sun will be excellent as I spend a lot of time outdoors when the weather is nice.  As always, I loved how my hair was colored, cut, and styled at Preston Salon.  I loved it so much that I took even more pictures of myself (shocker) on the way to the wedding. #dontjudge hehe

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Not only did my curls hold up extremely well all throughout the Saturday night wedding, but all day on Sunday, too!  Even after I slept on my curls, worked out, and coached a soccer game my curls were still in tact!  (There’s a major slight possibility that I’ll let my curls fly on Monday, as well.  #dontjudge)  If this is any indication of how the products will work, I’m totally sold!  (My stylist used all ColorProof Hair Care products on me.)

What are your favorite hair care products? What’s marvelous about your day?

***Preston Salon Spa provided me with the ColorProof products for review purposes only.  All opinions are my own (as is the hair).

Harmonic Shampoo and Conditioner Giveaway {CLOSED}

Itz no secret we all pay attention to what we eat and the quality of food we put in our body, but what about what we put on our body? Intelligent Nutrients is a certified organic hair and skin care company from the founder of Aveda. They use ingredients that are food-grade organic, meaning the best for both your body and the planet.

I’ve been using the shampoo and conditioner from their new Harmonic Hair Care Line, and I’m quite impressed.  Not only does it thoroughly cleanse my hair, it nourishes it as my hair feels silky-smooth after.  Plus, I like the way it smells and feels when I use it, and I’ve noticed less frizz after I blow dry and flat-iron my hair.  Major perk!

me

Harmonic Shampoo: Anti-aging, antioxidant rich, volumizing, super smooth, non-frizzy and nourishing to the scalp, hair, body and mind. Formulated without sulfates, parabens, silicones, ethoxylates, PEG, phthalates, and synthetic fragrances. Ideal for use on every hair type, this invigorating shampoo rids hair of build-up, revealing hair in its cleanest, purest form.

Harmonic Conditioner: Ideal for use on every hair type, this leaves hair perfectly behaved and moisturized, never heavy. Anti-aging, antioxidant-rich, volumizing, super smooth, non-frizzy, and nourishing to the scalp, hair and mind. Formulated without sulfates, parabens, silicones, ethoxylates, PEG, phthalates, and synthetic fragrances.

They’re both super refreshing as they provide a tingly feeling – itz perfect after my workouts in the morning to help wake me up!  Most of all, I love that they’re free of any harsh chemicals, safe for my color-treated hair, and they smell great, too!

Want to try it for yourself?

harmonic

One lucky reader will win the 15 oz Harmonic Shampoo and Conditioner ($46 value!).  There are five different ways to enter; enter one or enter all, but be sure to leave a separate comment for each additional entry!

Here’s how to enter the giveaway:

This giveaway will be open until Thursday, March 21st at 8:00 pm CST.  One winner will be randomly chosen and announced on Friday, March 22nd and will have 48 hours to contact me or another winner will be selected.  Good luck!  {NOW CLOSED}

Congrats #36 Nicole at Fruit ‘N’ Fitness for winning the Harmonic giveaway!

~Disclaimer: I received the Harmonic Shampoo and Conditioner to review.  All thoughts, opinions, and my beautiful hair are all my own.

Healthy Hair Healthy YOU – Preston Salon Spa

Back to school… Back to school… To prove to Dad that I’m not a fool.  Name that movie.  Ok, I will.  Billy Madison, obviously.  After the short three-day weekend I couldn’t get that song out of my head as I thought about my day ahead with my little third graders.  Whenever I make a change to my hair, no matter how small or drastic, they’re always sure to notice.  Since getting my hair done on Saturday and going a bit lighter and getting bangs, it will be interesting to hear what they have to say.  They’re always so honest, for better or worse!

Last January, I went from being a fake blonde to a more natural brunette for the first time in years.  I’ve enjoyed having brown hair again, but as spring draws near, I’ve been thinking about going a bit lighter again.  Preston Salon Spa is the only place where I trust anyone to do my hair.  Itz been in a business for over thirty years, and I’ve always left happy.  They have the most talented stylists who listen to their clients.  I like asking for my stylist’s opinion as they know what’s current, what’s trendy, and what’s not.  They offer advice for cuts, color, styling, and general hair care.

Daiva is the stylist who worked on me.  After conversation of what I was looking for, she went back to mix the color, and began the process of foiling my hair.  I have A LOT of hair, so itz quite the process!  Foil pictures are always flattering, no? 😉

highlights preston

Once my color was set, Daiva applied a toner before washing and conditioning my hair.  In addition to a change of color, I also wanted a change in my look.  I love changing it up, and I’m never scared because I always figure: itz hair – it will grow back if I don’t like it.  I ended up LOVING the cut she gave me!  I know it will take me a little while to learn how to style my bangs, but itz a task I’m up for!

How does getting my hair done fit into this blog of healthy living?  Let me explain.  I’m a firm believer that a big component of healthy living is being happy.  Itz important to do things that make you happy, and that includes being pampered once in awhile.  Spending money to pamper myself is not something I do very often.  I visit the salon once every three to four months, and you better believe I enjoy every minute of it.

Keeping your hair healthy after you leave the salon is just as important!  There are many products that aid in this process.  A few of my favorites:

kerastase

Kerastase is a phenomenal brand and one that is used frequently at Preston Salon Spa.  Their Reflection line is made specifically for color-treated or dry hair.  “Reflection is the first light-reflecting hair care regimen, which transforms each hair fiber, revealing mirror like shine.  Chroma Riche for dry, highlighted or color-treated hair features aqua Ionic Systeme to protect, nourish, add suppleness and shine.”  (source)

The Resistance product will be used as a reinforcing and refinishing treatment for damaged lengths and ends.  The Nutritive mask is a highly concentrated nourishing treatment.  These are life savers since I do use high heat to style my hair with the blow dryer, flat iron, and curling iron.

moroccan oil aveda

I’m sure you’ve all heard of Moroccanoil as there is a lot of hype about it in the hair world.  Here’s why as suggested in the Moroccanoil Treatment which is what I use: “Moroccanoil® Treatment’s versatile, nourishing and residue-free formula can be used as a conditioning, styling and finishing tool. It blends perfectly with other products and even speeds up drying time. This treatment for hair completely transforms and repairs as its formula transports lost proteins for strength; fatty acids, omega-3 oils and vitamins for shine; and antioxidants for protection. It absorbs instantly to fill gaps in hair created by heat, styling and environmental damage.” (source)

Impressive, right?  So versatile and so healthy for hair!  Aveda is another great line in hair care.  The Pure Abundance Style Prep infuses all day weightless volume; it helps refresh volume on non-shampoo days (which happen quite frequently around here!).  I love spritzing this in my hair after the gym to give my hair a little more life.  Plus it smells really good!

it's a 10

It’s A 10 is line that I’ve been using for a few years.  (Though I think it should be called Itz A 10…)  I specifically like the Miracle Leave-In Plus Keratin since I have received a Keratin treatment before. There are ten benefits that this product delivers: Maintenance of keratin straightening treatments, increasing styling and manageability, perfect for all hair types, replaces lost protein, protects the natural keratin in hair, protects against heat, restores hydration balance, detangles, defrizzes and adds shine. strengthens hair structure, and seals cuticles for extra silky hair.  Need I say anymore?

The last product that I’ll share with you today is the Kerastase Caressing Cleansing Balm.  This helps prevent fade which is obviously my goal after just getting my hair colored.  With all these products I’ll be able to keep my hair looking healthy which keeps me HAPPY!

itz linz

If you’re in the St. Louis area, you’ve got to check out Preston Salon Spa.  I assure you, you will leave with healthy hair and a happy smile!

What are your favorite hair products?