In embracing my natural curl, I have dramatically changed my methods of taking care and styling my hair.

If you are not familiar with the No-Poo, water-soluble silicone, air drying, no brushing, deep conditioning, cool final rinse, finger scrunching, hair plopping, and hair clipping terms associated with the “Curly Girl” Method, I have some good reading for you.

“Curly Girl,” by Lorraine Massey: A great introduction to the entire concept and theory behind the correct way to manage your fabulous curls. Massey is the Queen when it comes to the curly girl method. (more…)

Jen—I’m totally building a shrine in your’s and Erno’s honor. I just got my set and IT ROCKS! I’m kinda scared of lip plumpers because I have extremely sensitive skin and I usually have an allergic reaction to them (think lip hives…ewwww), but I had no problem with this one, it just filled my lips in a bit and smoothed them nicely so I just looked fresh, not duck-like. The powder is my new favorite item. I put it on bare skin and it really brightened my complexion without feeling like I was wearing anything. This is going to be perfect for the summer months when I hate wearing foundation, but I need that little extra something. Thankyouthankyouthankyouthankyou!!!   Krista

Hooray Krista!  Very glad to hear how much you are loving your Erno Laszlo Value Set.  Thank you for your feedback and enjoy (no shrine necessary, lol)! 

Mythbuster Beauty is announcing a new giveaway on Wednesday, April 15th!   We had to do something positive to offset the impeding tax deadline date…  This giveaway will be well worth your effort to enter.  So remember tax day = new, amazing giveaway at Mythbuster Beauty!

In honor of Valentine’s Day, here are seven hair and skincare products that I truly adore…  Big hearts, whistles and hugs!

• Morrocan Oil Hydrating Cream ($28.95 – BeautyChoice.com) - Meredith from http://www.dailydosecoffee.com/raved about Moroccan Oil’s Hair Masque, and although I love everything I have sampled from this line, I particularly became fond of their hydrating cream.  I use it as a leave-in conditioner, the argan oil smells a bit like baby oil, does not leave my hair feeling greasy or weighed down, and my hair looks and feels so wonderful while using it!

HYDRATING STYLING CREAM FOR ALL HAIR TYPES FROM THE MOROCCAN SERIES This leave- in styling cream eliminates frizz, adds definition and brilliant shine, while the pure argan oil conditions and hydrates the hair. An effective and versatile product for all hair types. Usage: apply a small amount of styling cream to damp or dry hair and style as usual.

• Jessicurl’s Too Shea! Extra Moisturizing Conditioner ($12.75) is just what my thick, dry and curly hair craves.  This conditioner is infused with Lemongrass, Nettle, Burdock, Kelp, Marshmallow Root, Horsetail, Basil, Bay Leaf, Oregano, Rosemary, Peppermint, Sage, and Thyme; Aloe Vera Juice, Shea Butter, Jojoba Oil, and Avocado Oil.  For finer haired individuals, Jessicurl’s Daily Aloeba Conditioner ($12.75) is a great choice as well.
• Baby Quasar and Baby Blue Photo Light Device - After consistent use this photo-rejuvenation device for six weeks, I noticed that the Baby Quasar significantly helped diminish my skin’s redness and increase my skin’s overall evenness and clarity.   I noticed more firmness and softened lines around my eyes, mouth and forehead.  I also noted that my pigmentation issues have improved and are less noticeable on my cheeks and chin. (more…)

How about a little show and tell story? This is a story about my hair, and it is a bit of a sob story. Here is my picture at the age of 2 in 1971 with my older sister, Monique, and younger brother, Eddie. Can you guess which one I am?

My sister has always had stunningly gorgeous, very dark brunette hair. She could wear it short, or easily grow it very long. She had just the perfect balance of waves and thickness.

In the early 80’s when the style was preppy, she could wear perfect wispy bangs and draw the rest back with a stylish pink and green ribbon headband. On lazy mornings, she could sweep it all up in a ponytail, simple and elegant.

When hair styles went bigger and wavier in the mid 80’s, she got a body wave perm. Monique could then style it any way she pleased: full and wavy, or blow dryer straight with curled ends. Yes, I thought my sister had the perfect hair, and I was always green with envy. (more…)

Does this Motrin ad speak to you?  As a woman and as a Mom (of five daughters), I take myself and my responsibilities as such very seriously.   I am insulted, I am angered, and I am pissed off by this Motrin ad campaign.

  (more…)

Democrats, Republicans, Libertarians, no matter what your party affiliation, remember to get out to vote today.

Let your voice count! 

My sweet MIL Claralyn Hill fought a valiant fight against her opponent and unfortunately lost.  She did amazingly well in a predominantly Republican district.  We spent the evening down at their Democratic headquarters to support her and her team.  We love you Claralyn!

And in my current district Trisha Beck beat her opponent by a very slim margin, whew!  My DH and I spent a few afternoons walking for Trisha, and realize that through all our efforts we made the difference.  Best wishes and hooray for Democracy!

Last week I received an email and in the subject line it read, “PLEASE HELP ME!”:

Hi Jen,

I really need some help and I was wondering if you could help me out. I have really REALLY thick curly hair. It’s longer than shoulder length (about half way down my chest). I am so sick of looking at my hair this way. I was never taught how to manage my hair properly because my mother has the exact opposite of what I have (so I blame my father for my torture. haha.) I’m so sick of looking at it that I want to cut….I want it all done. I want to do a short hair style but is there one that you would recommend? (pictures would be helpful so I can take it to a salon) Thanks so much for your time. – S

My first reaction is empathy, deep, sincere empathy.

Dear “S” you are not alone,

I just got your message and would love to help you.  Have you spent any time on the naturallycurly.com website?  If not, if you could go to the http://www.naturallycurly.com/hair-types page and tell me what kind of specific hair type you have.

I am a 3A, and it sounds like you might be a 3C or possibly a 4A.  There are a lot of wonderful techniques and products that I would love you to try.   If you can, visit your library and check out the book, “Curly Girl,” by Lorraine Massey, the curly girls BIBLE! (more…)

Raging Rouge recently wrote a post about many beautiful purples being featured in cosmetics as a trend this season.   The six spectacular nail shades shown at her post are worth your time alone, and I have to add my blessing to the purple trend! 

Here’s a fact, I love purple.  My birthstone, amethyst.  My favorite flower, lilac.  Favorite Tootsie Roll Pop flavor, grape.  My passion for things purple could go on and on, and Urban Decay must have sensed this because they created the most decadent purple shades this season.

Urban Decay’s Matte Eyeshadow in Heist ($16):  a dusty purple that adds a subtle gorgeous matte purple to your lids.  And if you wanted a more bold purple color, you could always opt for Purple Haze or Eggplant.

Urban Decay’s Lipstick in Vinyl ($22):  How on earth did I miss hearing about this shade?   An incredibly multi-dimensional dark purply-plum lipstick.  This is on my must get list. (more…)

In honor of October being Breast Cancer Awareness Month, I am posting every Saturday a personal tribute to someone in my life who has had to battle with cancer.  This is a tribute to my dear ol’ Dad Ed, who one year ago had his prostrate surgically removed after being diagnosed with prostrate cancer.   His wife Jan, who I wrote about last Saturday is a breast cancer survivor of seven years.  I want to include the men who struggle with cancer issues and support the women in their lives with cancer too! 

My freshman year in college I took a ballroom dance course and there was a very low ratio of men to women enrolled in the class. I asked my teacher if my single Dad could participate.  As it turns out, my future step-mom Jan was enrolled in this dance class as a faculty member of Indiana University and within a few weeks, (more…)

Make October 2008 prettier, pinker and more powerful! Shop pink products and support a great cause!

What can you do to help in the fight against breast cancer? Something simple. Shop today from this collection of exclusive pink products — because for every one of these products sold, a donation will be made to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. Who knew that looking good could make you feel so incredibly good too?

Browse guide

During the month of October Mythbuster Beauty will be posting “Pink Ribbon Alerts” on any posts that include beauty products that are donating to Breast Cancer Research.