Hair Talk

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Here's the deal: when it comes to my hair I'm pretty very lazy. I hate to cut my hair, refuse to do highlights (way to much maintenance for this girl) and don't even really know what my natural hair color is anymore. Which is why I fully believe the ombre hair style was made for me. Not only does it cater to my laziness but it gives my hair dimension and it looks super cool. The only time I visit the salon is when I have a big event coming up, look in the mirror and realize my hair is out of control + really ugly. With that being said my brother gets married next Saturday which means I need start working on being wedding photo appropriate. So I'm off to the salon tonight! The plan is to stick with the ombre and I'm thinking something like this. Pretty much gorgeous and the perfect colors for fall. Fingers cross it actually looks like that!

Beauty :: Bold Lips

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Just a pretty collection of  bright + bold lips, a trend I'm loving right now.

Interested in products to help you master this look?

Here's what's been in my make-up bag as of late:
Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain in Lovesick
CoverGirl Lip Perfection Jumbo Gloss Balm in Coral Twist
L'Oreal Colour Caresse Wet Shine Stain in Infinite Fuchsia
Mac Matte Lipstick in Ruby Woo

Know of any other must try products?
If so, I'd love to know!

Fun Nails

Perfect for Easter

 via The Beauty Department

via The Beauty Department

How adorable are these nail tutorials from The Beauty Department.

And how appropriate with Easter right around the corner!

Go here to check these out + a few more.

Dear Top Knot

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Why can't I seem to get you right?

Is my hair too short? Maybe not thick enough?

I think you're very pretty, I wish you'd like me back.

Love, 

Amanda

Couldn't Live Without || Hair Products

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No.1 BB Texture [Un] Dressing Creme  || No.2 BB Thickening Spray || No.3 Johnson's No More Tangles

No.4 BB Styling Lotion || No.5 Beyond the Zone Dry Shampoo

I'm sure you are all like me in that there are a few products you just couldn't live without. Cincinnati winters are especially rough on my hair, hello static! So when I stumble upon a good product it almost always becomes a staple in my routine. The products I use range in price, I'm not the type to buy all salon products nor all drugstore finds. If it works, I buy it!  One being a product that I've used since I was a kid.

So I thought today I'd share the products I couldn't live without:


BB Texture [Un]Dressing Creme
 This product is a recent find for me. During my last trip to the salon there was a stylist who was rockin' the most perfect beach waves I've ever seen. I stared at her, literally. I finally asked my stylist if she know how she accomplished the look. Since she wasn't exactly sure she called her over so we could find out. To my surprise it was done using this product + allowing your hair to air dry.
It works some serious magic on my hair. Not to mention it's perfect for the days I'm running a little late!

BB Thickening Spray
 Overall my hair is pretty fine. I have a lot of hair but it's just not very thick. My hair stylist recommend this and has been using it on my hair every trip to the salon. Spray before blow drying and it adds the perfect amount of volume and thickness. Plus it gives your hair production from hair dryers, straighteners, etc.

Johnson's No More Tangles 
Even with the use of conditioner I still need a little something extra to brush through my hair and this does just the trick. An added bonus: being that it is technically for kids (I've been using since I was 5 or 6 and you can find it in the baby section of Target) it's so gentle on my color treated hair and smells delicious. Plus the price is amazing, $3.69, such a steal!

BB Styling Lotion
  Also introduced to me by my hair stylist, this product is perfect for giving your hair that extra little control while styling. Allows for movement with just a touch of structure. I layer this on first, then use the Thickening Spray.

Beyond the Zone Dry Shampoo
Ok, so there are some days I just don't feel like washing my hair (or I woke up late) and my hair needs a little attention. I'm sure most of you have discovered the amazingness that is dry shampoo. Talk about life saver! I've even found that if my hair is freshly washed and it won't curl the way I want if I spray a little on that section it gives it a "dirty" feeling that results in the perfect curl!


I also couldn't curl my hair without this hairspray and since my hair is always colored - this shampoo and this conditioner do wonders.


What about you? Any must have products?
I'd love to hear as I'm always wanting to try something new!

Piece-y Pony

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So I'm not even sure where to start or if I have the ability to explain how much I'm loving this tutorial [+ the ombre coloring!]. Last night while browsing around I landed on The Beauty Department and while this may not be new to some of you, it was to me and well, can you say obsession? I'm loving everything that Lauren Conrad, Kristin Ess and Amy Nadine have done. They cover everything beauty related and the tutorials are endless which is perfect for some one like me. I'm usually pretty plain Jane when it comes to hair + make up, but with so many up coming weddings it has me wanting to branch out and spruce things up a bit. This piece-y twist may be exactly what I need. Or maybe this, this or this. Any one of these would be perfect for a wedding!
One thing is for sure, I better get practicing!

My Dresser Needed You

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Since moving to the new house my room has taken on a new color palette. Mostly due to the fact my bedroom walls are now teal instead of the mauve they were previously. With such a vibrant wall color and a few pieces of furniture I gave new life to with crisp white paint I've found myself leaning towards silver, clear, and wooden accents. Although I love gold there are very few gold elements in my room which would be why my current tray wasn't working for me. With my inspiration above and finding lucite all over the blogging world I knew exactly what I needed. I found the perfect piece for my dresser here, although I couldn't find the exact item on the site and couldn't be happier with the finished look because really, every girl needs a little lucite in her life!