Tuesday, September 29, 2009

Cheryl Cole Hairstyles

Cheryl Cole is a singer and entertainer. She became part of the popular girl band "Girls Aloud". Cheryl has done some ball room dancing and even some modeling. Her long hair always looks so chic and her wardrobe always in style.

Is it just us or does celebrity hair seem to grow at a phenomenal rate? Well, this is not a superhuman skill gifted to those that make the A-list, or even the D-list, it's all down to the magic of hair extensions. Be they human hair extensions, synthetic ones or good old clip hair extensions, celebrities can't get enough of Rapunzel length locks.

Cheryl Cole's tumbling brunette tresses are courtesy of real hair extensions, the Lucinda Ellery salon being a favourite first port of call for faking length and fullness. In fact, Girls Aloud could keep the hair extension business afloat by themselves with Sarah, Cheryl, Kimberley and Nicola all choosing the best hair extensions to add glamour and variety to their styles.


They're not the only ones to opt for hair extensions to create that Hollywood babe look however. High School Musical hotties Vanessa Hudgens and Ashley Tisdale have both succumbed to the allure of lengthy locks without the irritating years of waiting the rest of us have to endure.

One thing we will say about this beauty trend is that cheap hair extensions are going to look just that, cheap. Don't believe us? Then take a look through our gallery and pay particular attention to the D-listers... you have been warned.

Table Centerpiece Rough Draft

This first center piece post is a definite work in progress (so don't judge :) my first mock-up of our table centerpieces (will probably require multiple drafts until I'm happy.) A while ago I was home sick and took the opportunity to do (a very) rough draft of our centerpieces. Here's a brief synopsis of what I made, using the materials I could find at home.

Also, be warned, I do not own a Gocco or Cricut or any of those serious tools that many of you talented crafters out there have in your homes so all of my attempts are on the "homemade" side of cute. But not to worry, for the real deal I'll be getting outside (e.g. Staples) help with printing and cutting, etc.

I have about 50 Save The Date cards leftover and was hoping to incorporate that image into our table numbers somehow. So I started by cutting out, very carefully, the image from the rest of the card. This took a while but since I'll only need 20 or so table numbers, it shouldn't be too tortorous of a task. I didn't have any white cardstock lying around so I used what I could find: a white Anthropologie bag (I KNEW saving those puppies would be good for something!).

Here's a shot of all my materials, minus the scotch tape I used to tape the paper together.


I cut out an unmeasured rectangle of paper (in hindsight, should have used my papercutter!) and folded it into a tent a la Martha Stewart, securing the bottom with tape. I taped my cut-out image from our Save The Date to the side and wrote out a number in blue, using a Sharpie. Easy enough, right? Here's what it looked like:




I decided it needed something else so I took the metal lid off of one of my treasured mason jars and taped the paper tent to it, so it has a base. And voila, table number prototype is done!




It will look better when I make the real ones, I promise. For starters, the paper won't be all wrinkly (and I'll probably pick a heavier cardstock). I'll also either print the numbers out or use cut-out numbers for each one, I was just sick and unable to make a trip to the store today (and of course, our printer is out of ink right now).

Gratuitous Mason Jar Shot


I'm excited about these for a number of reasons. One, I'm using materials that I (mostly) already have (the STD image and lids from the mason jars), which saves both money and the environment! I also think the final product will be sweet and go great with our mason jar centerpieces.

Since I happened to have some yellow flowers in the house, I filled one of the mason jars with them and threw in a candle, just to get the basic effect.


Overall, I'm please but I still think it lacks something. I'll definitely have to play around with some more ideas but this was a good first start!

Anyone have any suggestions for how to rework this table number idea? What inspired your centerpieces?

Table Centerpiece Rough Draft

This first center piece post is a definite work in progress (so don't judge :) my first mock-up of our table centerpieces (will probably require multiple drafts until I'm happy.) A while ago I was home sick and took the opportunity to do (a very) rough draft of our centerpieces. Here's a brief synopsis of what I made, using the materials I could find at home.

Also, be warned, I do not own a Gocco or Cricut or any of those serious tools that many of you talented crafters out there have in your homes so all of my attempts are on the "homemade" side of cute. But not to worry, for the real deal I'll be getting outside (e.g. Staples) help with printing and cutting, etc.

I have about 50 Save The Date cards leftover and was hoping to incorporate that image into our table numbers somehow. So I started by cutting out, very carefully, the image from the rest of the card. This took a while but since I'll only need 20 or so table numbers, it shouldn't be too tortorous of a task. I didn't have any white cardstock lying around so I used what I could find: a white Anthropologie bag (I KNEW saving those puppies would be good for something!).

Here's a shot of all my materials, minus the scotch tape I used to tape the paper together.


I cut out an unmeasured rectangle of paper (in hindsight, should have used my papercutter!) and folded it into a tent a la Martha Stewart, securing the bottom with tape. I taped my cut-out image from our Save The Date to the side and wrote out a number in blue, using a Sharpie. Easy enough, right? Here's what it looked like:




I decided it needed something else so I took the metal lid off of one of my treasured mason jars and taped the paper tent to it, so it has a base. And voila, table number prototype is done!




It will look better when I make the real ones, I promise. For starters, the paper won't be all wrinkly (and I'll probably pick a heavier cardstock). I'll also either print the numbers out or use cut-out numbers for each one, I was just sick and unable to make a trip to the store today (and of course, our printer is out of ink right now).

Gratuitous Mason Jar Shot


I'm excited about these for a number of reasons. One, I'm using materials that I (mostly) already have (the STD image and lids from the mason jars), which saves both money and the environment! I also think the final product will be sweet and go great with our mason jar centerpieces.

Since I happened to have some yellow flowers in the house, I filled one of the mason jars with them and threw in a candle, just to get the basic effect.


Overall, I'm please but I still think it lacks something. I'll definitely have to play around with some more ideas but this was a good first start!

Anyone have any suggestions for how to rework this table number idea? What inspired your centerpieces?

Labour Conference 2009

"Taylor, Leader of the SOS Party at the Brighton Labour Conference 2009.
The answer my friend is blowing in the wind, the answer is the SOS Party".


labour party 2009 at brighton on tv.

Sunday, September 27, 2009

Friends' Weddings are so. much. fun!

This weekend P and I attended the wedding of one of our oldest couple friends. We've known them forever, since we all went to college together and they are one of those couples who we've known would get married since the beginning of their relationship. Even though the weekend was a whirlwind of fun, I managed to take a couple of photos of decor ideas at the wedding that I liked and thought I'd share them (plus, who doesn't like to look at more wedding pictures?)
The color palette was red, orange and gold, which they incorporated into the table centerpieces, here's a shot of the tall ones. Very dramatic, right? Love the single flower (Calla lily? Orchid?) in the center of the vase!


There was a mix of high and low centerpieces throughout the room. Here's a shot of the low ones and also the table number. The couple framed pictures of themselves at different points in their relationship and then used that phrase on the escort cards (for example, our table was called "First DU Formal," which was very fitting since every guy sitting at our table was in the fraternity.) It was fun to go around the room and look at all the pictures of them, they look so young in some of them. It's hard to believe time has gone so fast! ( Cue "Sunrise, Sunset" here...)


Even though I was too busy dancing to actually eat my slice of cake (sad, I know! I was so disappointed when I found out I missed it since it was red velvet, my favorite!) but I did manage to get a picture of their elegant, classic cake before it was cut. Although we're not having a cake, if we were to have one, I would want it to look like this:


And finally, just for a fun, here's a shot of the couple as they were exiting the church. Love the bubbles and the bride's gorgeous dress!



Congrats P and E, your wedding was amazing!


PS- Here's a shot of P and I, later on in the dancing portion of the evening... <3

Friends' Weddings are so. much. fun!

This weekend P and I attended the wedding of one of our oldest couple friends. We've known them forever, since we all went to college together and they are one of those couples who we've known would get married since the beginning of their relationship. Even though the weekend was a whirlwind of fun, I managed to take a couple of photos of decor ideas at the wedding that I liked and thought I'd share them (plus, who doesn't like to look at more wedding pictures?)
The color palette was red, orange and gold, which they incorporated into the table centerpieces, here's a shot of the tall ones. Very dramatic, right? Love the single flower (Calla lily? Orchid?) in the center of the vase!


There was a mix of high and low centerpieces throughout the room. Here's a shot of the low ones and also the table number. The couple framed pictures of themselves at different points in their relationship and then used that phrase on the escort cards (for example, our table was called "First DU Formal," which was very fitting since every guy sitting at our table was in the fraternity.) It was fun to go around the room and look at all the pictures of them, they look so young in some of them. It's hard to believe time has gone so fast! ( Cue "Sunrise, Sunset" here...)


Even though I was too busy dancing to actually eat my slice of cake (sad, I know! I was so disappointed when I found out I missed it since it was red velvet, my favorite!) but I did manage to get a picture of their elegant, classic cake before it was cut. Although we're not having a cake, if we were to have one, I would want it to look like this:


And finally, just for a fun, here's a shot of the couple as they were exiting the church. Love the bubbles and the bride's gorgeous dress!



Congrats P and E, your wedding was amazing!


PS- Here's a shot of P and I, later on in the dancing portion of the evening... <3

Saturday, September 26, 2009

Elvis Presley Hairstyle

Elvis set the style trends for men throughout his life with his famous side burns and full tousled look

This style works best if hair is straight or has a loose curl or wave. Start with a shaped to fit style cut with full tapered sides and neckline. Front is left longer to stand full and brushed back without a part. Sideburns are sometimes full and stop at bottom of ears. Works with most face shapes.

To Get This Look This style requires a few extra styling steps to achieve the desired effects If hair is wavy-curly type. Begin by combing a dab Styling Balm through damp hair, section and blow dry to smooth surface and relax curl. When dry, brush a puff of Foaming Pomade through hair for shape, shine and frizz control
For Straight Hair, comb a puff of Gel Mousse or Spray Gel through damp hair, comb in place to air dry or blow dry and brush a puff of Foaming Pomade through for texture, shape. For high gloss and firm hold, mist with Finishing Spray and finger comb for natural look

What is the most iconic trademark regarding Elvis. The first and foremost must be the unique Elvis hairstyle. In the mid 50s Elvis had natural dishwater blonde hair with long sideburns. In the 60s his hair was styled by Hollywood and dyed jet black and without the trademark side burns. In the 70s Elvis' wore his hair longer and grew his side burns.

Recently, Elvis Presley has topped a poll of the most iconic hairstyles of all time. The King, who was blond but dyed his hair black, beat Marilyn Monroe, who came second in the survey. Third was Audrey Hepburn.

Friday, September 25, 2009

Girls Just Wanna Have Fun!

At least, my girls do...This is a post dedicated to my amazing bridesmaids. P and I both wanted to keep the wedding party small, so it was not easy having to "choose" friends. I consider myself blessed with many close girlfriends and truthfully, I could have had a bridal party twice the number we ended up with. But for a variety of reasons, ultimately it made sense to keep the number down and so we decided on 4 each. Each of my bridesmaids brings a unique perspective and I value their opinions very much. And so, without further ado, here are my lovelies:

1. Maid of Honor- Her given name starts with an R but she's known as Pippi by all her high school friends (her fantastic nickname caught on in 3rd grade and she hasn't been able to escape it since!) She's been my best friend since 7th grade, when I started a new school and didn't know anyone. We bonded over our love of the 60's hippie culture and the Anne of Green Gables books. It's been more than 14 years of friendship and having her as my MOH was something we decided on a long time ago. Here's a picture of the two of us with another friend from high school (Pip is the one with red hair and freckles (shocking, huh?) on the right).


2. Bridesmaid D (or my little moo-shu Jew, as I call her since she's half Chinese and half Jewish) is a college girlfriend whom I hold near and dear to my heart. Although I didn't really become friends with D until the very end of college, I'm so glad I did because she is truly a soul sister. Here's a picture of us, along with bridesmaid J, after I ran the NYC Marathon last year (they made signs, how cute is that??)


3. Speaking of bridesmaid J, there she is on the left of me in that picture. As I've mentioned before, J is a photo editor at Martha Stewart Living magazine and she is my go-to for wedding decor decisions (she's the one who found the blue mason jars, remember?). She's also totally awesome.

4. And finally, bridesmaid JEW, who is called that not because she is of the Jewish faith but because those are actually her initials. JEW rounds out the fab four and she's another college dear heart. I don't get to see her as much as I would like since she lives in Boston (where she's a cheerleader for a certain professional football team there) but it's always a good time when we hang out. JEW is also in charge of my hair and make-up for the big day, since she was practically raised in the salon her mom owns and runs. Here's a photo of us with bridesmaid J (JEW is inthe middle, J is to the right and I'm to the left) last winter:


So there you have it. My wonderful, beautiful bridesmaids. They're the ones who are going to get me through all the wedding trials and tribulations and share all the fun projects and parties. I love them all to death and couldn't imagine getting married without these four standing up there with me.

How did you choose your bridesmaids? Was it an easy or hard decision?

Girls Just Wanna Have Fun!

At least, my girls do...This is a post dedicated to my amazing bridesmaids. P and I both wanted to keep the wedding party small, so it was not easy having to "choose" friends. I consider myself blessed with many close girlfriends and truthfully, I could have had a bridal party twice the number we ended up with. But for a variety of reasons, ultimately it made sense to keep the number down and so we decided on 4 each. Each of my bridesmaids brings a unique perspective and I value their opinions very much. And so, without further ado, here are my lovelies:

1. Maid of Honor- Her given name starts with an R but she's known as Pippi by all her high school friends (her fantastic nickname caught on in 3rd grade and she hasn't been able to escape it since!) She's been my best friend since 7th grade, when I started a new school and didn't know anyone. We bonded over our love of the 60's hippie culture and the Anne of Green Gables books. It's been more than 14 years of friendship and having her as my MOH was something we decided on a long time ago. Here's a picture of the two of us with another friend from high school (Pip is the one with red hair and freckles (shocking, huh?) on the right).


2. Bridesmaid D (or my little moo-shu Jew, as I call her since she's half Chinese and half Jewish) is a college girlfriend whom I hold near and dear to my heart. Although I didn't really become friends with D until the very end of college, I'm so glad I did because she is truly a soul sister. Here's a picture of us, along with bridesmaid J, after I ran the NYC Marathon last year (they made signs, how cute is that??)


3. Speaking of bridesmaid J, there she is on the left of me in that picture. As I've mentioned before, J is a photo editor at Martha Stewart Living magazine and she is my go-to for wedding decor decisions (she's the one who found the blue mason jars, remember?). She's also totally awesome.

4. And finally, bridesmaid JEW, who is called that not because she is of the Jewish faith but because those are actually her initials. JEW rounds out the fab four and she's another college dear heart. I don't get to see her as much as I would like since she lives in Boston (where she's a cheerleader for a certain professional football team there) but it's always a good time when we hang out. JEW is also in charge of my hair and make-up for the big day, since she was practically raised in the salon her mom owns and runs. Here's a photo of us with bridesmaid J (JEW is inthe middle, J is to the right and I'm to the left) last winter:


So there you have it. My wonderful, beautiful bridesmaids. They're the ones who are going to get me through all the wedding trials and tribulations and share all the fun projects and parties. I love them all to death and couldn't imagine getting married without these four standing up there with me.

How did you choose your bridesmaids? Was it an easy or hard decision?

Tuesday, September 22, 2009

Catherine Zeta-Jones Hair Style

Catherine Zeta Jones is wearing her gorgeous thick curly hair in a updo hairstyle while attending the 4th Annual ‘A Fine Romance’ MPTV Benefit at Sony Studios in Culver City, California. This hairstyle is achieved by pinning back her long thick curly locks of hair! Pulling it away from the face to create a sexy, but elegant hairstyle for this event. This hairstyle works great for Weddings, Prom, and other elegant occasions!

Drawing inspiration from the hair style trends of our favorite stars and celebrities has become a national past time. One such star whose hairstyle has become the latest must have look is Wales-born Hollywood beauty Catherine Zeta Jones. Her sexy face framing hair style, rich chocolate brown hair color and movie star persona is why Catherine was named one of Hollywood ’s sexiest women alive by Esquire magazine.

TO GET THE LOOK: Does your hair get frizzy in damp weather?
If that’s the case, try Catherine’s sexy face framing tousled style and say good-by to frizzy and bad hair days forever. To get the look, let’s take it one step at a time, starting with a style cut and shaping.

LET’S SHAPE IT: For Catherine’s style, start with a long layered silhouette with flirty brow brushing bangs and face framing waves to accent high cheek bones. This ultra feminine style is ideal for natural wavy hair like Catherine’s. With a few adjustments (trims) as it grows you can easily find the ideal length and shape for your style.

LET’S STYLE IT: First, give your hair an extra boost with a puff of gel mousse or setting spray. Just run either through damp hair and comb
in place to dry au natural or toss your hair upside down and give it a
quick blow dry for volume. After, if your locks look a bit on the dry or
frizzy side, a dab of styling cream will tame it. For a dressy look, a
quick turn around your styling iron or a hand full of steam rollers gives
it the look. After, lightly brush and finger comb. To turn up the shine,
finish with a high gloss light hold hair spray and you’ve got Catherine’s
star style!

NOW, LET’S COLOR IT: Actresses change their hair color often for
the many roles they play and Catherine is no exception. If your hair
has lost it deep rich hue and is beginning to gray around the hairline
like Catherine’s, a dark chocolate brown tint will define the shape and
wash the gray away. After, a clear glaze seals-in the color and
amplifies the shine. To keep this up, the new growth is tinted every
six weeks.

Your sexy face framing style will make you fall in love with
your natural wavy hair. And best of all, this "time saving" do' a snap
to style. Just comb in place to dry au natural or toss your hair upside
down and give it a quick blow dry for volume. The rich dark Chocolate
brown hue has washed the gray away and turned the glam bar up a
notch. So toss your old frizzy hair do’ aside and slip into Catherine’s
tousled style with flirty brow brushing bangs and glam hair color and
say so long to bad hair days forever.

For Catherine Zeta Jones's star style visit a salon stylist and make
your hair shine like the stars.

Save-The-Date Goodness

While most of the decisions regarding our wedding have caused me some serious stress (I hate making decisions!), our Save The Dates was one of the first and easiest ones we made. About 2 weeks after getting engaged, a friend of mine from college sent out an email describing her new children's card shop on Etsy. After perusing her designs, I knew a custom Save The Date from her was a must. They were all so simple and sweet, just the theme I wanted to convey.

Seriously, how could I not fall in love with these?



She also makes beautiful notecards (thank you note possibilities?!?!)


So I emailed her, asking if there was any way she could modify one of the existing cards into a Save The Date and whether she had the printing capabilities to print off about 150. She was more than happy to make the changes and could print out that many so the decision was made and about 2 months later, I picked up our oh-so-beautiful cards.

They are printed one a piece of cardstock that went into a white envelope with another pale yellow insert. The insert was a very simple DIY project that I created on word, including information about our wedding website, and had printed on at Staples, since our printer was broken. I stuffed both and sent them off (way way way too early. but that's another post :). So, without further ado, here's our lovely STDs (HA! That acronym always makes the 12-year-old inside me giggle). The first image is a close up of the actual design and the second picture includes the insert:






At about $1.25 a piece, they were reasonably priced for custom work. You can check out more of my friend's cards at her Etsy store: www.homadedesigns.etsy.com.

What do you think? How'd you decide on your Save The Date?

Save-The-Date Goodness

While most of the decisions regarding our wedding have caused me some serious stress (I hate making decisions!), our Save The Dates was one of the first and easiest ones we made. About 2 weeks after getting engaged, a friend of mine from college sent out an email describing her new children's card shop on Etsy. After perusing her designs, I knew a custom Save The Date from her was a must. They were all so simple and sweet, just the theme I wanted to convey.

Seriously, how could I not fall in love with these?



She also makes beautiful notecards (thank you note possibilities?!?!)


So I emailed her, asking if there was any way she could modify one of the existing cards into a Save The Date and whether she had the printing capabilities to print off about 150. She was more than happy to make the changes and could print out that many so the decision was made and about 2 months later, I picked up our oh-so-beautiful cards.

They are printed one a piece of cardstock that went into a white envelope with another pale yellow insert. The insert was a very simple DIY project that I created on word, including information about our wedding website, and had printed on at Staples, since our printer was broken. I stuffed both and sent them off (way way way too early. but that's another post :). So, without further ado, here's our lovely STDs (HA! That acronym always makes the 12-year-old inside me giggle). The first image is a close up of the actual design and the second picture includes the insert:






At about $1.25 a piece, they were reasonably priced for custom work. You can check out more of my friend's cards at her Etsy store: www.homadedesigns.etsy.com.

What do you think? How'd you decide on your Save The Date?

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