BEAUTY: Frizz Busters

Everyone has something that they do not like about their hair, for me—it is frizz. And in my case, my “frizzy” hair is the byproduct of damaged, porous hair that has stretched and then broken off.

Unfortunately, there is no reversing this damage, but it can be made less noticeable by using the right product. The right product will temporarily seal the ends and will use ingredients that smooth the hair shaft by coating it and making the hair lay flat.

I am currently using the Monoi Repairing Anti Breakage Spray from the Carol’s Daughter haircare line, which I was introduced to at the Lucky FABB conference. It is a wonderful product and really helps with the detangling which is one of the first steps in preventing further breakage. I also included the Monoi Repairing Split End Sealer. I have not used this product yet, but based on the one I am currently using, I do plan on purchasing it.

I am also considering the Caviar Perfect Iron Spray, it is supposed to protect hair up to 450 degrees and if you are like me and have to blow dry and flat iron your hair on a daily basis, a product that protects it from heat is a must have. The Hot Toddy Heat Protecter by Drybar has also piqued my interest. I like that this product helps to reduce friction, because friction will also make damaged hair look more frizzy. I discovered this when I use to curl my hair by wrapping it around the barrel and not using the clamp. Curling your hair using this method causes it to slide up and down the the barrel, which is more or less like rubbing it against the barrel — and we all know what happens when you rub your hair on a balloon—not pretty! But a product that helps cut down on friction will certainly help with the appearance of frizz.

And the Climate Control Gel by Ouidad, this I must try. A gel that combats heat and humidity? Bring it on! I live in New York which is famous for it’s hot, sweltering, and humid summers. So come next June I will be adding this to my shopping list for sure. Finally, The Full Thickening Cream by Living Proof is a product I have used in the past, it is very light and has a wonderful scent—not too sweet. It helps by adding volume and coating the hair shaft. Damaged hair is generally thinner then healthy hair due to breakage, so a thickening cream can definitely be a big help. Well I hope this helps you bust your frizzies!


- post by alicia

9 hottest nail polish

Today we're talking about nail polish.

With Spring headed our way - a lot of us girls will be looking for the newest trend in polish color. The HOTTEST nail polish in my opinion is Tom Ford. Why?

Because it stays on.  A few weeks ago I bought only (1) by Mr. Ford to try it out, Bordeaux Lust & it's lasted me up to 4 days without even chipping! On top of that, the color is gorgeous & rich. The price is on the high-side, so if you can't see yourself scooping up $35 - I would opt for Illamasqua which is only $17 (mid-range) and is also long-lasting.

What is your favorite polish brand & why??

-top image via YSL

-post by jen ramos

New at MADE BY GIRL

How about adding a bit of Paris to your day?  The newest print over at MADE BY GIRL - I love this handwritten print - it's now one of my faves! It says-  "Love Conquers All" in French & would look fantastic in any space. I can definitely see this on a dresser or in a gallery wall setting! Available now for pre-order at Made By Girl. 

-image by jen ramos

FOOD: Asian Super Slaw Salad

Hi Made By Girl readers, it is Amanda from A Life Well Lived  here to share one of my all time favorite salads with you. I am just going to put it out there - this might be the best salad that you ever make. This Asian Super Slaw Salad is super healthy but also super tasty. It is crunchy and creamy all at the same time. Plus this is one of those recipes where everyone loves it, picking eaters and vegetarians alike. It is just that good.

This salad is really adaptable. You could top it with peanuts for an extra crunch. Adding green onions or mint would be delicious. You can use all purple cabbage or even all carrots. The sky is the limit. If someone in your family can't eat peanut butter, try it with tahini or almond butter. It might taste a little bit different but it will still be creamy and delicious.

Ingredients:

• 1/3 cup rice vinegar
• 1/4 cup walnut oil 
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1/3 cup creamy peanut butter
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 3 tablespoons (packed) golden brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons minced peeled fresh ginger
• 1 1/2 tablespoons minced garlic
• 5 cups thinly sliced green cabbage
• 2 cups thinly sliced purple cabbage
• 2 large red or yellow bell peppers, cut into matchstick-size strips
• 2 medium carrots, peeled, cut into matchstick-size strips
• 1/2 cup chopped fresh basil
• sesame seeds 

Whisk the first 8 ingredients in small bowl to blend. (Dressing can be made 1 day ahead. Let stand at room temperature 30 minutes before topping the vegetables with it.)

Combine remaining ingredients in large bowl. Add dressing and toss to coat. Season with salt and pepper to taste and sprinkle with sesame seeds.

Serves about 6 people. 

- post by Amanda

Teaching HIM to cook for HER

Hey everyone! I'm so excited to announce the new cooking classes my husband Mat, is teaching here in New York City! 

THE INFO:

As some of you may know, my husband & I will be embarking on an adoption journey.  Adoption is quite expensive & an emotionally draining process from what we've heard, but the end result (bringing a baby home) should be well worth it!  This is something I've never been sure about sharing on my blog before, but I felt this was the right time.

With that said, we also have our own donation page where you can read more about our story, as well as the cooking class that my husband is starting this month in order to raise money for our adoption.  His site is called, Pot Pan Knife, a NYC-based culinary workshop to teach men 'how to cook for HER'.   Ladies, I don't know about you, but I love when my husband makes breakfast for me - it's so special & I appreciate him even more. Showing LOVE through little gestures like cooking can mean a lot to someone.

So, feel free to tell the men in your life......

WHEN:

If you're a man in NYC - and would like to attend the first class on March 13th called - "Make Her Breakfast" - you can get your ticket here.  The class is about 2 hours & should be a lot of fun! Only 8 slots available.  The 'Make Her a Dumpling Dinner' class will be coming up the week after - stay tuned!

You can sign up for his mailing list here to get info on upcoming classes. Again, THANK YOU all from the bottom of our hearts for your continued support on our adoption journey & the classes!

"And anyone who welcomes a little child like this on my behalf is welcoming me".  - Matthew 18:5

Beauty: Two Toned Lips

Hi ladies, it's me again- Rachel from Life Unsweetened. Today I'm going to give my thoughts on how to pull off the two-tone lip. I know what you're thinking- two colors at once, that seems a bit scary- but I promise it's not. The best part about this trend is that there are a ton of different ways to wear it. So whether you're a lipstick newbie or a daring lady who wants to make a statement, here's how to pull off the two-tone lip trend.  

Beginner- A touch of color on the center. If you're scared to try the two-toned lip, this is the best way to start. Apply your regular color, a tawny pink like Yves Saint Laurent Rouge Volupte Lipstick in "Nude Beige" works well for most skintones, lightly all over your lips. Then add the pop of color to the center of your lips with a glossy red stain, like Tarte LipSurgence™ Lip Tint in "Swank". Pat it on with your fingers to control the amount of color you want, this way you can't go overboard. If you've applied too much, simply blot with a tissue and you're good to go!

Intermediate- A true ombre lip. If you want to try something a bit bolder, an ombre lip is the way to go. The basic look of an ombre lip is dark on the outside and gradually gets lighter as you go to the center. The best part about this look is you can choose any color group  you want. For example, for a red ombre lip, you'd use a burgundy lip liner, a brick red lipstick for the middle and then a pinky-rude on the center. To copy the look above, first apply a deep red lip liner (like NARS Lipliner Pencil in "Amazon"). Fill in your lips with a perfect red shade, like Maybelline Color Sensation Lipcolor in "Are You Red-dy". Finally, add a fuschia-pink (like MAC "Candy Yum Yum" Lipstsick) to the center for some drama. Top it off with a clear gloss if you dare!

Expert- Different colors on bottom & top lip. I've only seen this look on the runways or in pages of Allure, but I commend any woman who tries this in real life. While it may not be appropriate for work, you could try it for a fun girl's night out. As crazy as it may look to you, it's actually the simplest look of the three. Apply two contrasting colors to your lips- one on the top and one on the bottom. A color combo that can't go wrong? A hot orange on top and a bright pink on the bottom. I suggest Revlon Super Lustrous Creme Lipstick in "Siren" and Sephora Collection Rouge Shine Lipstick in "Just Dating".  

Which one of these looks would you try? 

-post by rachel 

FASHION: pretty & edgy

Hi everyone! Adri here of Adri's World. It's been so cold this winter that I honestly can't wait for Spring.  A big trend for Spring are FLORALS, and I love a floral shirt that can be styled many different ways. Here are two great options, a pretty and colorful look that can be worn to a brunch or a day out and an edgy and leather look for a date night or cocktails with friends.

By adding colored pants and pretty accessories the look is very feminine and soft. Switch the pastel pants for leather pants add black and white sandals, edgy accessories and a fringe clutch and you are ready for a night out and your look is completely different.

What about you, are you ready for Spring? Are florals part of your wardrobe? 

Pretty Look: [1.faith connexion shirt, 2.kate spade ring, 3.zara velvet pants, 4.loeffler randall tote, 5.dior nail polish, 6.schutz sandals]
 
Edgy Look: [1.faith connexion shirt, 2.rebecca minkoff bracelet, 3.topshop pants, 4.marc jacobs lipstick, 5.jeffrey campbell sandals, 6.rebecca minkoff clutch]

- post by Adri Reynoso