Haircolor Saga and More

I just bought this one at express! Bought a pink sweater to match!

Great basic black dress from Ann Taylor

I broke down.  I tried coloring my own hair, but it just didn't work! 

I found that after just 2 weeks, I saw those darn grays shining through!  I'm not a math genius, but it was easy to see that spending what I was on the box color, and having to use it so often, really wasn't saving me that much.

So back I went for the professional color!  Much better now! 

I've decided to break up my hair cut and color into 2 different appointments to ease the shock of the cost!

That being said, I do want to stress that I am grateful that having a bad hair day is the worst of  my problems! 

Now onto a new subject-fashion!  When I worked in an office I took great pride in the fact that I always looked my best!  Now that I work at home, that really hasn't changed!  I still love to look my best!  Dresses are still my favorite outfit, and most days you'll find me in a dress, maybe with some cute leggings, or tights!  Dresses are easy to wear, no need for matching pieces, and if you get the right dresses, they can be quite forgiving when you've eaten a few to many potato chips (my downfall).

I don't shop quite as often as I used to, but once in awhile I'll break down and buy a few new things.  One of my favorite stores is Express!  The store is really geared more for the 20-something women, but there are still quite enough pieces there that won't look ridiculous on us 40+ women!  Just don't go for the short short skirts/dresses or the plunging neckline (cleavage doesn't look so cute after a certain age!).  Their jeans fit me the best, and right now, they're the only ones I wear!  I love that they have longer lengths, since I have trouble finding pants that are long enough for me!

I also love Ann Taylor!  They've recently updated their line to get the attention of the 20-30 year old women.  You'll find plenty of classics there.  I love classics, but love a little flair added. 

Like I've said before, you don't need a bunch of money to look pulled together.  If you can only afford a few pieces, here's what you need:

1 basic black dress
1 piece of statement jewelry (I happen to love pearls-but a chunky bracelet, or hoop earrings, whatever you love)
1 pair of sexy boots or pumps
1 perfect fitting jeans (and comfortable too)
1 classic black blazer
1 white top (button down or even a cute simple t-shirt)
1 other accessory, such as a colorful scarf
1 pair of flats (try a brighter color like red)

Take these pieces and mix and match!  Add a few pieces when you can-and there you have it, a classic collection, but with some flair!

Happy shopping!

Jen

Hair Color update

My last update was about coloring my own hair.  I'm getting better at it! 

I was so afraid the color would turn out weird, that I wasn't leaving it in long enough, and the darn grays would pop out within a week or two!

So this last time I left it on as long as the instructions said to, and I like it, and although it's only been a few days, I think it's going to be better!

But....I went to my hairdresser today, for a haircut, and while she's washing my hair she says "did you just color your hair", and I knew by her tone, she didn't like it (or maybe didn't like the fact that I was spending the million dollars that I was having her do it for me!).  Well, she pointed out that I missed a good area in the front (because I was concentrating so much on the roots where the gray shows up the most).

I have bangs, so you can't really tell (and I hadn't even noticed it until she pointed it out).  She had to make a few more comments about how coloring your own hair just isn't as good as having a professional do it.

And then I had to point out to her that, since my husband's been laid off for over a year, my idea of coloring my own hair right now is a good one!

I'm happy with it.

So there!

Next...I just might try "Best Cuts" for my next haircut!  $50 for a haircut-yikes-!! I'm sure Best Cuts it's a lot cheaper!

Happy New Year!

Jen

It's Only Been Over a Month!

Whoops!  Whatever have you done without my beauty updates!?

I hope your year has been great and you're looking forward to an even more fantastic year than this past year!

My lastest beauty "thing" is haircolor.  Several years ago I attempted to color my own hair and it turned out so dark, and took so long to wash out, that I never tried that again.

Until recently.

The cost for coloring my hair at the salon every 6 weeks was just crazy.  So I thought I'd give it a try again!

I started with a semi-permanent color.  That way, if it was bad, it wouldn't take too long to wash out.  It turned out great, except my gray showed up way too soon.

Part of the trouble is, I get too nervous and don't leave it in long enough.

My next try was a permanent hair color.  For this one I tried Garnier Nutrisse  (No 63-brown sugar, to be exact).  This turned out great too, except I still didn't leave it in long enough, and darn those grays, back so soon!

I think I will try the same Garnier Nutrisse again and leave it in longer!

I'm also part of a panel to test something else (top secret, so I can give you any more info on this one-yet), so that should be interesting.

Speaking of panels-yes, I love to give my opinion, so I'm on several beauty panels, with well known companies.  One I recently did, sent me a certain garment to test out for a month or two.  I was to wear it wash it, and all of that, and then report back on it!  It's fun-and I get free stuff!

I've also been known to give my "two cents" in the Life section of USA Today! Whenever they have a subject that they think I may have experience with, they will send me an email and ask me some questions!  My name's been in there for a story on nutrition/kids, one on shopping for school clothes, and one on Christmas shopping for kids.

So--I will update you sooner (sooner than my last update) and let you know how the hair coloring goes!

Cheers and Happy 2011!

Jen

I'm a Poor Sport and a Runner

First of all, I keep saying that I do not consider myself to be a runner.  But I've been running for a few years and have been in several 5k's now.  But the reason I say I do not consider myself a runner is due to the fact that I really just entered the 5k's to challenge myself...and..to win!

Yes, that's right!  I never considered myself to be a competitive person either, but realizing that I was in an age bracket where I might have a chance of winning a silly medal, made me want it more!

So I guess I got lucky, because the first 3 5ks I ran in, I won for my "age category".  Which really made me want to keep up with this!

Although I have improved in my time (just be seconds) on each of my runs, the last 3, I did not even place in the top 3.  Grrrrrr.....why are these older women running?  This is crazy!

So now I must practice more and get better!

All kidding aside, I just love the 5k runs!  I go by myself (although one of my runner-brothers-or-amazing nephews are usually there!  I love it!  I love the challenge!

And I am ready for the next 5k!! Bring it on!

Challenge yourself.  It helps keep you young!  Just baby steps, that's fine...but just do it!

Jen

Testing Testing!

Hi there!

Welcome to my "beauty blog"!  Sorry I haven't updated this in awhile!  I just had the new OPI  Axxium nail polish applied at Color Nation in Rocky River, Ohio.

So that's what I'm testing out right now.  It supposedly last 2-3 weeks, but the 2nd day I already had a little chip, which Rachel touched up for me (but it still chipped the next day).

So far, going on over 1 week, there are a few other light chips on the edges, but they still look better than the normal manicure.

I'll update you in a few days!

just a little something from http://www.jenscloset.etsy.com/

Jen

Yummy Cupcakes LaBella Cupcakes!

If you're in the Cleveland, Ohio area you must stop by the cutest cupcake shop!  It's called LaBella Cupcakes and is located in Lakewood, Ohio, 15208 Madison Avenue.

Red Velvet
Cookies-n-Cream
Lemon
Pumpkin Spice

My husband and I  just stopped by and bought these yummy cupcakes!  I'm not a big frosting fan, but the frosting is so delicious I ate it all!

I'm saving the Cookies-n-Cream cupcake for my daughter, but if she doesn't get home soon I may have to give in to temptation!

Stop by and check it out for yourself!  New flavors added everyday!

Check out their website for all the shop info:  http://www.labellacupcakes.com/

Enjoy your weekend!

Jen

Basic Black Dress

I love it! Find one classic black dress and you have a million outfits~!

I don't care if you're 19 or 91....size 0 or size 20!  You must have a basic black dress!  If  you are 19, well then go for an edgier, shorter style...and just a "tad" more conservative for us "mature" ladies!

This basic black dress happens to be from Ann Taylor and cost $148.00.  I love the neckline on this one!  You can actually take a sleeveless black dress and throw a classic white cotton shirt under it and have a more casual business look!  Check out stores like H & M for great prices and a great selection!

I love pearls and I found this vintage set at a thrift shop!

Add some bright red shoes (yes these were so cheap at Charlotte Russe!  Don't be afraid to step out of your regular shops!  I honestly would have never even gone into this store if it wasn't for my teenage daughter!  Now I love it!  It's a great place to add inexpensive accessories!  I also bought these red shoes in black!  They have a chanel look to them with the gold chains!  Add even more flair with a red belt!

I also love my sexy gray snake skin (not real silly) pumps from Ann Taylor!

I unique touch is a vintage handbag!  I happen to have quite a collection of vintage handbags, but I picked this pink patent leather bag and black patent leather bag, since they are two of my favs!

So find yourself a basic black dress and have fun changing it into a million outfits!

Have a fantastic weekend!

Jen