Wellness Wednesday and giveaway winners

If the extreme temperature flux of the last few days hasn't been enough to make your sense of season go wonky, let's not forget that Daylight Savings is coming on Sunday.

Even if you're not feeling refreshed and rested (the Oscars did take more than 3 hours after all) here are a few events that might be able to help...

Aveda Institute Charlotte is holding another pampering event 6-8 p.m. tomorrow at their SouthEnd location, 1520 South Blvd.

Complimentary cosmetics lessons featuring Aveda's new "Culture Clash" line will be available, as well as hair color consultations and Aveda rituals. (Think hand massages, aromatherapy, etc.)

If you're a regular consumer of Aveda products, these events can be a great time to stock up on your favorite items, as they tend to incentivize purchases by throwing in free services such as shampoos, blow-drys, 60-minute manis or pedis, etc. Details: www.facebook.com/AvedaInstituteCharlotte.

Goldfaden MD winners and Alchimie Forever
Congrats to readers Cindy Jones - winner of the Goldfaden MD "Wake Up Call" regenerative overnight facial treatment- and Melissa Gamez, winner of the brand's "Bright Eyes" dark circle radiance concentrate.

Both ladies have said they will report back with their findings/results, so I'll keep you posted.

Last week we shared the details of the upcoming Goldfaden launch event March 14-15.

If you don't want to wait, Jeffre Scott Apothecary is hosting an Alchimie Forever event Saturday, focusing on the brand's anti-aging antioxidant technology-skincare line. It's the first in a number of the store's Spring Beauty 2014 events.


All events have limited availability and require a $75 RSVP (to be applied towards any purchase.) Details and to register: 704-339-0010; sheila@jeffrescott.com.

Newly shorn for 2014

Is there a draft in here?

For the first time in more than half a decade, the back of my neck is cold. But, I guess that's to be expected when you part ways with about 18 inches of hair.






This past Saturday I took a trip to Bang Bang Salon, met the highly-recommended stylist DJ Makowski and couldn’t be more pleased with the experience and results.

Localized anesthetic

I showed him my Pinterest board, he asked a few questions about layers, bangs and length, then away we went. It was an easy, chummy hour that we spent together, chatting about football, New Year's resolutions, families, etc.

Quick and painless

"It's like a nearly 19-inch tail..."

 Originally from Buffalo, DJ has been cutting hair practically half his life. He's had Bumble and Bumble razor cutting training, so I had no apprehension when the straight razor came out instead of shears. (And the fact that he himself has great hair also inspires confidence.)

The end result? A ton of body and movement, while still being very sleek. After the mono-length mass I've had for years, the short style feels super light and healthy. DJ understood when I told him I’m not particularly gifted when it comes to styling, so outside of some relatively basic blow-drying, this style doesn’t need much. Added bonus: Even after sleeping on it, it just needs a bit more spray wax and we’re back in business. 

Before we got started, I forgot to mention the part about wanting to be able to pull my hair up, but I'm actually kind of glad. I may not have ended up with something so fun and different if I’d made those kinds of stipulations.

I can pull the top potion into a super-high, tiny ponytail, channeling Pebbles from The Flintstones. But the hair at the nape of my neck is maybe two inches long, tops, and I affectionately call these ‘twee tresses my pin feathers.

So, what did we learn from this little adventure?

1) Washing your hair every third day isn’t disgusting, but actually quite prudent, as it prevents over-drying. "Would you wash your favorite pair of jeans every day?" was the comparison DJ made. His recommendation to clients is at least go every other day, if not longer, between washes.

2) Leave-in conditioner is your friend, it helps prevent breakage and damage. Aveda's “Brilliant: Damage Control” leave-in spray smells like heaven, protects against UV and thermal damage and was so impressive I give bottles of it as gifts. A little goes a long way so the standard 8.5 ounce bottle actually lasts quite awhile.

3) The donation choice has been a tough one. I spent some time trolling the internet and speaking with people who have donated in the past, in an attempt to research different organizations' legitimacy. I listed more in-depth findings here.

There’s a history of breast cancer in my family, so Pantene’s program seemed like a natural choice. At the same time, life is hard enough whether you’re a kid or an adult, but trying to be a kid while facing an illness that causes you to lose your hair? Wigs for Kids will have my postmarked donation as soon as the 18-inch ponytail is fully dry.

Pantene requires a donation of at least eight inches, Wigs for Kids needs 12. I’ll undoubtedly grow to donate again, but who knows if I’ll ever have the patience or ability to grow 12-plus inches again? It will be Pantene’s turn next time.

I must have been really ready: I was a bit surprised by the lack of nerves Saturday and have yet to feel any regret. A coworker asked me which I feel is the more natural, best version of myself: long or short?

At this point, it’s too soon too tell, but I’m very much enjoying the change.

Here’s to a new year.

Thanks friend! See you in eight weeks.

Stylish and stress-free Saturday

Happy Friday. Here are a couple things going on this weekend that will help make a soggy Saturday a bit more lively...

Appropriate timing

Aveda Institute Charlotte is holding a "Stress-Fix" event today and tomorrow which features a number of goodies that include complimentary Stress Fix rituals, complimentary holiday shampoo and style with any purchase, a free Stress-Fix gift with the purchase of any gift set and more.

If you've never tried their Stress-Fix products, they're quite nice. Heavy on the lavender but surprisingly effective. I won't pretend it cures all ails, but I do carry a roller bottle of the concentrate in my Mary Poppins handbag...

Aveda Institute Charlotte
1520 South Blvd. Ste. 150
(704) 333-9940
www.aisouth.com

Holiday grooming

Gentleman, you've got the opportunity to get some grooming upgrades for free at the new Sport Clips location near the Arboretum.

Located at #1700 8206 Providence Road, this is the sixth location to open in the Charlotte area. Jason McManus, owner of the new store, is a Charlotte-area native that says he's planning to open still another local location in the next 12 months.

The new location opened Thursday and will provide free 20-minute “MVP upgrades” - which include a massaging shampoo, hot-steamed towel treatment and neck and shoulder massage - to all new clients who purchase a haircut service.

McManus said special lighting and massaging chairs in the shampoo area promote relaxation,and you can watch football/basketball/hockey/NASCAR throughout your entire visit. Bonus.

Details: haircutmenarboretumcharlottenc.com, 980-237-3322.

Also on Saturday afternoon, "Style Travels" fashion show:

A group of teen models from Acting Out Studios - a local talent development company - will host a fashion show to benefit Bright Blessings, the local organization that provides birthday and Christmas gifts to homeless children and families in Charlotte.

In lieu of an admission charge, attendees can bring a donation for the children of Bright Blessings.

Organizers hope the fashion show will become an annual tradition that will benefit other local charities and non-profits. Because, as their Facebook page states, "(We're) a group of models who've learned beauty isn't clothing or makeup, but the way we give ourselves to others."

Trends from L.A., London, NYC and Paris will be worn by 16 models starting at 2 p.m. Doors open at 1:30 p.m. at Acting Out Studios, 8154 Ardrey Kell Road, Charlotte. Additional details here.

Enjoy the weekend.

Countdown to cut

Growing ridiculously straight hair might be my one natural ability. So it seemed like a no-brainer to grow it out and donate it to a TBD philanthropic group.

But it’s almost embarrassing to admit that course of action started more than half a decade ago. I was barely out of college, single and living in Knoxville. What’s taken so long?

The best excuse I’ve got is laziness, though procrastination is a very close second. 

It started out as having to grow the blonde out of my hair, after reading Locks of Love can’t accept hair that’s been bleached. 

Christmas 2005

Summer 2006

(This entailed a relatively unattractive period of growing roots and slowly cutting all the blonde out. We'll skip that part of the photo album.)

My one requirement for hair length is that I've got to be able to pull it back/up. Locks of Love requires a 10-inch minimum donation in order to be used in a hairpiece, so once I could finally start accumulating length, I still had a long way to go. By this time I was married and we'd moved to Nashville. 

But it slowly started getting longer.

 

And darker.

Titans vs. Ravens 2008 playoffs. 

And because I apparently have the attention span of a fruit fly, I had to tinker with style without losing length, which is how I ended up with bangs for the first time since fourth grade.

Winter 2010

Fall 2011

Thanksgiving 2012

And the longer my hair got, the better care I took of it. Dead ends trimmed every 8 weeks with a pro Aveda repairing/moisturizing treatment, despite having stopped styling with heat. (Sadly, I wasn't this meticulous when I was coloring my hair.)

Under the premise of keeping it healthy enough to donate: I discovered that I can let my hair air dry (no flat iron needed), a single shampoo can last up to three days and Pinterest has endless updos and darling braids to emulate...

Enter the waffling stage.

"I don't know how short I want it/what kind of style to get."

"I heard some of these hair donation organizations aren't as altruistic as they make out to be, I need to do my research first."

"I haven't found a stylist I love yet."

What gives? What happened to being so gung-ho about sharing an abundance of hair with those in need?

Have I subconsciously been derailed by my husband's stated preference for longer hair? Or will cutting my hair short be a symbolic shedding of youth, now that I celebrate the repeated anniversaries of my 29th birthday?

Or have my locks become an adult security blanket by which I've measured some major milestones of my life?

It's likely I'm completely over-thinking this and making it far more difficult than it needs to be, which is pretty typical. Because currently, these strands are nearly at my waist and cutting off  even 15 inches wouldn't bring it above my chin. 

It's almost become a menace. My hair gets stuck in rolling up car windows, coat zippers, under handbag straps. (Pulling it out from under coats/scarves is the ultimate generator of static electricity, which equals immediate and irrational anger.)

Enough.

While I may not have the answers to life's big questions I do know I'm motivated by deadlines and a friend gave me a gift card (about six months ago) for a cut at Plaza Midwood's Bang Bang Salon. (She tells me they offer clients lovely adult beverages that may or may not include vodka.)

So I'm giving myself till the end of the week to make an appointment. And this hair has till the end of 2013 before its tenure is over. 

I'm not particularly enamored with New Year's prompting "fresh starts," but it seems like a fitting deadline. Especially since one of my besties and her husband come to play every NYE, and I'm hoping to time the cut so she can come for moral support.

Yes, change is daunting, especially when you have a look that's been working for you. (For years.) 

But it's not as if more ridiculously straight hair won't grow again. 

Getting ahead of the holidays

A couple of local events are happening this weekend to help prep and perfect your look for the holiday season.

On Friday and Saturday, Aveda Institute Charlotte is offering complimentary makeup applications and holiday hair styling. If you're already in Christmas shopping mode, there's the added bonus of a free shampoo and style with the purchase of two full-size Aveda products.

The institute is located at 1520 South Blvd. Ste. 150, Charlotte. Additional details: 704-333 9940, info@aicharlotte.biz.

Also on Saturday, Charlotte Plastic Surgery will host its Fall Skincare open house from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at its Uptown location, 2215 Randolph Road.

This event includes specials on skin care products, injections and surgeries. The open house will also feature raffles and giveaways, the biggest of which is the facial rejuvenation package. This consists of two laser treatments, SkinMedica products, Botox and Juvederm. (Package valued at roughly $2,600.)

Doctors, estheticians and staff will be available to answer questions on procedures, products, etc. Additional details: 704-372-6846.704704.372.6846.372.6846704.372.6846

(Also, keep an eye out next week: CPS Skin Health Specialist Melody Robinson shares tips and recommendations on keeping that glowing complexion now that heating systems have kicked on.)

No RSVP is required for either event.

And now that you've hauled out your winter wardrobe and identified the items that no longer fit/you're not loving anymore...

The Delta Zeta Chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority will host two clothing drives for business attire and related items, from noon to 4 p.m. Saturday and noon to 4 p.m. Dec. 14 at the Delta Zeta Chapter property, 4248 Beatties Ford Road, Charlotte.

The following items are requested in good, presentable condition.

For men: Solid colored suits (navy, black or dark gray); white or off-white shirts; dress slacks (navy, black or dark gray) and ties.(No bold colors or patterns, please.)

For women: Suits (navy, black or dark gray)' white or light-colored blouses; dress pants and knee-length skirts (navy, black or dark gray.)

Other items: Plain cover portfolios, computer bags, resume paper, etc.

As part of the Delta Zeta Chapter's 79th anniversary, members want to help those who are seeking employment (but are short on resources) look their best. All the donations will be distributed back into the local community, whether through a city-wide announcement or through an assistance service partner. (The method will depend on how many items have been donated.)

Details or questions: www.zetasofcharlotte.org.

'Top 10' for fall

Night time temps have started falling below 60 in Charlotte. Could it finally be time for fall? According to the calendar, the official season change is this Sunday.

Fresh from a 10-day trip to NYC where she worked backstage at Fashion Week, Charlotte's 19-year-old makeup artist Katy Albright has been in the thick of fall fashion.

She shared her "Top 10" favorite looks, as well as some insider knowledge on the best products to pull them off.

1. Perfectly bold eyebrows

It's time to put down the tweezers. Fall 2013 is all about beautiful, thick eyebrows. Benefit Cosmetics "Brow Zings" ($30) are the perfect tool to get perfect brows. This kit has colored wax, soft powder, two brushes and tweezers. Complete the look with Anastasia clear brow gel ($22) to keep unruly brows in place.

2. Smokey, burgundy eye shadow 

Accentuate your eyes with warm, earthy tones. Burgundy is the perfect shade to complete this season's look. Use Aveda's "Cinnamon Bark" ($14) to achieve a warm, matte finish. If you're looking for something with perfect shimmer, try Makeup Forever Diamond Eye Shadow #311 ($20.) 

3. Wine-stained lips

An updated version of the red lip, berry shades look great on all skin tones. Try NARS "Volga" ($26) for a strong, matte finish. For a more subtle effect, try Tarte Lipsurgance in "Moody" ($24.)

4. Bold, geometric liner

This season, eyeliner comes in many different shapes and sizes. Whether its applied in thick strokes or in fine detail, MAC Chromaline in "Black" ($19.50) gets it right every time.

5. Fresh face

Clean, natural faces made their appearance this fall on the runways. To achieve a soft, dewy complexion try Smashbox Camera Ready BB Cream ($39.)

6. Bright matte lip

Here to stay, a bright, bold lip paired with a naked eye completes the look for fall 2013. Colors ranging from reds to pinks hit the runway this fall. Try Aveda Nurishmint lip liner "Barberry Bloom" ($16) or Makeup Forever Rouge Artist Intense #36 Satin Fuchsia ($19.)

7. Illuminated skin

A healthy glow to accompany a perfectly clean face makes its way just in time for fall. Use a small amount of NARS illuminator "Copacobana" ($30) right above the cheekbone to create this look.

8. Bright liner

Bright blue hues accented the eyes of models at Stella McCartney and Anna. Use NARS Larger Than Life "Barrow Street" on upper lash line for a colorful twist on the typical black liner.

9. Metallic shadow

Use subtle hints of metallic silver or gold in the corner of the eyes or as liner this fall. Makeup Forever Aqua Cream #2 Steel ($23) is the perfect shade of metal. Sugarpill "Goldilux" ($12) has a highly-pigmented gold you can't ignore.

10. Smokey Underline

A new version of the "smokey eye" appears on models at Marc Jacobs. To replicate this look, apply Stila Smudge Stick waterproof eyeliner "Stingray" ($20) and delicately smudge towards the outer counter of the eye.