Colette's Blog

Top 5 Superfoods for Healthy Hair

1. Salmon – This fish is a miracle food for your hair. It is full of protein, omega-3 fatty acids, iron, and vitamin B-12. This means salmon will add shine, prevent dry scalp, and improve hair growth! Of all the foods listed, salmon packs the most punch when it comes to your locks.

2. Low-fat Dairy – Calcium plays a major role in hair growth. Diary products like low-fat yogurt and 2% or skim milk contain casein and whey, both high in protein, which prevents dry scalp.

 3. Dark Green Veggies – Oh, great. Just want you need. Another reason you need to eat those dang veggies. {insert veggie things} If you aren’t going to eat veggies for your health, at least do it for your hair! Veggies like spinach, kale, and broccoli are major sources of vitamins A and C. These vitamins help produce sebum, a scalp oil that acts as a natural hair conditioner.

4. Bright Colored Fruit - Mango, strawberries, kiwi, pineapple, and peaches are all rich with vitamin C, an essential for making collagen that gives structure to hair. There’s another excuse to order that smoothie

5. Nuts – Almonds, pecans, cashews, and walnuts all contain zinc, which minimizes hair shedding. Walnuts also going a high level of omega-3 fatty acid, which boots hair fullness and shine.

Other Things You Can Utilize in Your Everyday Routine to Keep Your Hair Luxurious

Take a supplement containing biotin & silica. Biotin makes hair grow faster & silica makes hair grow stronger. Believe me, these supplements make all the difference, especially after to have a baby and your hair goes wacko! Note-Fiji drinking water contains silica!

The Wet Brush is America's #1 selling brush, and once you use it, you'll see why. It glides through wet hair & tangles without snagging, tearing, or breaking off stands of hair. With other brushes, TONS of hair is ripped and is visibly left behind in the brush, not with the wet brush. Designed for those with fine/fragile  hair, but also great for kids.

Aveda's newest additions contain an invigorating blend of ayurvedic herbs that help power invati™

Invati™ exfoliating shampoo...

Removes build-up that can clog pores and renews the scalp.

Invati™ thickening conditioner...

Restores strength and improves hair elasticity, reducing breakage.

Invati™ scalp revitalizer...

Helps energize and rehabilitate the scalp.

Clients have experienced tremendous results with this 3 part system.

Colette's Blog



Great Fall Recipe for Tomatoes

Although it's still warm out, I'm so in the mood for fall boots, warm lattes, and cozy, comfort food. This recipe is so yummy & soulful. Though the oven is on, it's got a tangy, summery zing. Plus, if you have a bounty of garden tomatoes like me, this will use them up in a quickly.

Tomato Bake

1 pie crust (either homemade or Pillsbury premade crust)

6 Tomatoes*

Mozzarella Cheese

1 cup Hellman's Mayonnaise

White Pepper

Basil

Garlic

*If you use Roma tomatoes you will need 8-10 tomatoes. Omit placing them on paper towels and salting. Roma's do not have a high water content like beefeater's, heirloom, etc...)

1. Spread your pie crust and bake lightly for 8-11 minutes at 425 degrees.

2. Remove from oven and sprinkle enough mozzarella cheese to cover the base of the crust. Set aside. Drop oven temperature down to 350 degrees.

3. Slice tomatoes into medium slices. Place on paper towels and lightly salt. (This will extract a lot of juice keeping your pie crust crisp)

4. After juice is extracted from tomatoes, begin placing them in a circle around crust and on top of cheese. Stack them to the top of the pan.Se aside enough tomatoes for one more layer.

5. Lay out basil on top of tomatoes. Sprinkle with garlic. Top with another layer of tomatoes.

6. Mix 1 cup mayo, 1/2 c. Parmesan cheese, & white pepper. Spread with a spatula on top of last layer of tomatoes. Top with a sprinkle of mozzarella.

7. Bake at 350 for about 30 minutes. Let rest 5-10 minutes, slice, serve, and enjoy. 

Colette's Blog

Fall Trends

Precise Pony's

Flat iron and then smooth out tresses using a rich shine serum like Label M. Hair Polish. Pull back tight and secure low with an elastic band. To add sophistication, part hair dramatically off to one side.

 Color Blocked Eyes

Get your shadow damp to create this look by dipping a brush into water and then gently swirling brush in shadow. Create depth by using lighter/luminescent colors to highlight and darker colors to up the anty. Get creative with it! I recommend that you use a little concealer around your eyes & apply your eye make-up before your face make-up. This way you can remove any excess shadow that falls onto your cheeks.  Remember...the great thing about make-up is, if you make a mistake you can wipe it away and start fresh.

Weathered Cheeks

The idea is to look like your cheeks have been gently swept by the wind. Use a pale peach, like bareMinerals vintage peach to create a soft girly cheek. Get your blush brush slightly wet and apply.

Dramatic Red Lip 

 If you are like me, you are saying, "But I don't look good in lipstick." We think this because we don't wear it enough. Partake in the lipstick challenge, religiously wear it for a week and tally how many compliments you get. Whenever I wear red lips, I am shocked how many men compliment my lip stick. Please note-So called long wearing lipsticks contain ingredients that are not safe to ingest into our bodies. Wear something natural like bareMinerals 100% natural lipcolor that keeps your lips hydrated with exotic oils.

 Geometric Eyeliner

This is a tricky look to master. The easiest way to achieve this look is to have a professional do it for you! However, if you are feeling brave I recommend applying wet eyeliner REALLY thick and winging it way out & up towards your brow. Don't worry about it being perfect, use q-tips to fine tune your lines.

Sketched Lashes

Eyes pop with this soft, feminine look. This look is best left to professionals. Its hard to get both eyes even, believe me I've tried.

 Squeaky Clean Tresses

Ultra sophisticated, this look is quite easy to replicate. Smooth hair using a flat iron and the use an anti frizz serum like Moroccan Oil to smooth ALL fly aways. Secure into a low, tight bun.

Bouffants

Yeah...my favorite...VOLUME...The best way to achieve this look is to back comb the heck out of slightly "unkept" hair (meaning not freshly washed). Secure back with satin ribbon.

Exceptional Extras

Add flair to simple updos by using vintage broaches secured into hair with bobby pins. Madison has great resale shops like Bethesda House of Thrift or the Treasure Mart. Both sell great vintage jewelry at reasonable prices.

Low Volume

This is the hottest of all the trends. Street inspired-with imperfect texture & low key appeal. Play up this look with big, bold make up. The gals pictured below are rocking the geometric eye as mentioned above.

Blunt Bangs

Precise, edgy and clean these bangs accentuate long hair beautifully. I also love the models soft, auburn ombre color.

With a Twist

Hair is manipulated into a new direction. At Studio Z, Jennifer is the braid queen! She can do the "maiden" braid seen below or a variety of other braids. 



Colette's Blog

Swimsuit Ready

I just had the delightful experience of swimsuit shopping. Eh gads. This year was worst than most because the styles are skimpier than years past. I came across something called a monokini. Like me you may be wondering what in the world is a monokini? Its a one piece swimsuit with various areas cut out leaving your skin exposed. Seriously, you'd have to be  really fit to pull this suit off I started to think of people I knew could wear this look appropriately. I thought of 4 women who could rock this suit. I left the monokini for those gals and went with a vintage pin up girl style one piece (to cover all incidentals and post baby problem areas).  Then, just in time for my debut in my new suit we received our new French body slimming treatment. It stated that it would smooth cellulite, burn fat, and detox the body. I was a sceptic. Brooke (our aesthetician) offered to give me a treatment to see if it lived up to its hype. First, Brooke measured my arms, waist, and legs. She then applied several creams (she said they were a unique formulation of caffeine & algae extracts) and wrapped those areas in plastic wrap. Immediately I felt a warming/tingling sensation in the wrapped areas. I began thinking, "OK, something is definitely happening." Brooke removed the creams and massaged in a thick gel. Suddenly, I was so cold  I began to shiver. I wrapped up in a blanket and waited about 10 minutes. The gel eventually soaked in & then it was time to re-measure. My post treatment measurements were incredible. I had lost two inches around my waist, 1/2 an inch from EACH arm, and 1 inch off EACH leg. My arms were noticeably more toned & my tush was smooth as my 2 years old daughters! My waist looked and felt amazing. Boy, was I pumped. The rest of my weekend was spent strutting around like I had my 18 year old body back and several trips to the mirror to examine my toned tush region. I recommend this treatment for anyone going on vacation, in a wedding, or anyone in need of a little boost (especially if you've just been swimsuit shopping). Also recommended for those who dare to bear a monokini.:) 

Call today and schedule your body slimming wrap with Brooke. $80

 Ironically enough, you'll notice the Bioslimming cover model (pictured above) is wearing a monokini.

Colette's Blog

Perfect Summer Recipe!

So, I LOVE tomatoes with fresh basil, mozzarella, and a little olive oil. However, I was looking to up the ante a little and then I came across this recipe I had buried in my ever growing recipe collection. You'll probably be thinking, "Peaches with tomatoes? Is this girl crazy?!!?" Trust me, I thought the same. This recipe is sweet, savory, and refreshing. I recommend romancing it a little by pulling a card table outside, add a tablecloth, candle, a great bottle of wine, and someone you love. My husband and I sat and talked the night (and the wine) away & enjoyed a delicious, relaxing meal together.

Farfalle Pasta with Peaches, Heirloom Tomatoes, & Mozzarella

Ingredients

1 head of fresh fennel, cut into a small dice

2 shallots, peeled & cut into a small dice

Grated lemon zest

3 T. Red Wine Vinegar

1/4 c. extra virgin olive oil

4-6 white &/or yellow peaches

4-7 heirloom tomatoes, cut into a large dice

1 1/2 pounds mozzarella, cut into squares

1/2 cup fresh basil, cut into thin ribbons

1 pound farfalle pasta, cooked according to package directions

Salt & pepper to taste

1. Heat olive oil in a medium saute pan until hot. Turn heat to low.

2. Add the fennel and shallots. Cook about 2 minutes.

3. Turn off heat. Add grated lemon zest & vinegar. Let cool.

4. Add peaches, tomatoes, mozzarella, & basil to vinaigrette mixture.

5. Toss lightly with pasta, check seasoning, and serve immediately.

Great as a cold dish too!

Summer Hair Trends via Colette's Blog

Ponytails-Keep them simple & sleek. Use a medium hold gel like Aveda's Brilliant Retexturizing Gel and slick ponytail back tight.

Side Part- Make it extreme and part from almost the end of your eyebrow all the way back. Use a smoothing serum like Moroccan Oil to soften the look.

Accessorized Updo's-This look is from Louis Vuitton. They did a very tousled updo and then added sweet, sparkly headbands (even a tiara!) to make the look extra feminine. This look is so fun for a night out with girl friends.

Glamorous Blow Outs-There is nothing better than a fabulous blowout! This was the look on the runway at Ana Sui. Blow outs are reasonably priced, starting at $25. Book an appointment before a special event. I recommend booking with Todd, his blow outs are amazing!

Wet Look-My least favorite look, but it was all over the runways. Use your favorite hard hold gel (yes, gel. Like we used in the 90's.) Apply a lot to wet hair, mold into place and voila! EHH GADS!

Braids and Twists-Braids are so hot right now, but can be difficult to do on yourself. Twists, on the other hand are easy. Pick up sections and start twisting towards the back. Do not worry if they aren't perfect, undone is best. Twist into a small bun in the middle of your crown. Spray with a light hold hold hair spray.

Volume- Become one with a pick teaser. They are inexpensive and add height to updo's and down do's. I love this look reminiscent of Bee Hives from the 1950's.

Center Part-What a great, easy, sophisticated look. Spray hair with a sea salt spray to add texture and curl the bottom sections of your hair. Run fingers through and part somewhere in the center without using a comb. If you want a sleeker look leave hair straight, run a comb straight down the center and spray with a firm hair spray. Note the foiling they did below her eye. Get your favorite silver eye shadow wet and dot below eye.

Colette's Blog

Best Commercials of 2011

Ad week recently released their list of top 10 commercials from 2011. It comes as no surprise that Volkswagen's Force Commercial took the top spot. In the video, a child dressed as Darth Vader attempts (and fails) to bend things in his home using The Force, until his Dad activates their Passat via a remote starter, making his son believe he's done it with Jedi mind tricks. However, I think that Chipotle Grill's "Back to the Start" was the most lovely, simple, tasteful commercial that I have ever seen. Proceeds from this commercial were given to Chipotles Cultivate Foundation. You've probably seen this commercial, but really pay attention to the message it sends, its a beautiful thing!