Breaking the Monotony

Almost anyone who knows me knows that just about anything and everything in life is a palette. I love to be creative. I live for my monthly Better Homes and Garden magazine. I check In Style online right before every season. My home, my clothes, my hair and my face are my favorite canvasses. I really just love watching what is trending.

Right before Katie Holmes cut her hair off short, I was digging through People.com to find the hair cut that Meg Ryan had in You’ve Got Mail. I love thrift stores and last year, grabbed a fur wrap that seemed ridiculous only to find that those were an it item for Fall. I track colors and themes. I really love watching movies and seeing themes in decorating that come up and then continue. One of which, is applied in my living room that I frequently get compliments on: the picture collage.

 The season of ins and outs makes it a great time to try something new. My favorite thing to do is research something of interest then practice application. One such thing is scarf tying. Scarves aren’t necessarily a new trend. In fact, if you look up scarf tying, you don’t bring up much. However, if you look up Pashmina tying, it gives you many more resources. One of the best sites I found for tips on wearing your scarf is here: http://www.rockymountainemporium.com/wearingpashmina.html

Another thing that makes life a little more exciting is researching a specific makeup technique to try. It takes practice. I will be the first to tell you that the bold colors and crazy things I have cooked up successfully came as a result of several what NOT to do’s. One thing I looked up and really enjoyed trying and customizing for myself was Marilyn Monroe makeup. http://getglamorous.blogspot.com/2007/07/how-to-do-marilyn-monroe-makeup-step-by.html

If you haven’t used liquid eyeliner that you could manage, try a hard tip applicator. If you like bolder eyeshadow colors, wet a sponge tip applicator. If you like the color to blend more, use a brush. Really, I think the key to most of this is the bright white eye shadow. White against the dramatic line of liquid eyeliner opens up the eyes.

Recently, I swapped out the flame hued fringe of bangs for an all over black color with some highlights in a warm brown for some depth. I love changing my hair with the season. It is a quick way of livening things up and making you feel vibrant again. Even at the professional beauty supply, a good bottle of developer and a color won’t cost more than an over the counter treatment from the drug store.

Today’s thrill was “trimming” my hair. I had been transitioning from the popular wedge cut into maybe a longer style. My patience always gets the best of me, though and the growing it out thing doesn’t seem to work very long. After my shower, I quickly grabbed my hair cape and scissors going to work before I changed my mind. There’s nothing like taking off an inch or two. I have been trimming my own hair for years. It takes quite a bit of practice.

If you are in need of an instant refresher, I would strongly suggest just trimming your bangs. My general rule is always to cut another finger length below what you think you want. Then, leaning over a sink with a trash can, I cut in a zig zag pattern to give it some life and movement. A small zig zag will break up the “I just cut my bangs” look (think pinking shears). A larger zig zag will give you a more sweeping bangs look (an A shape), but be careful not to get too carried away with it. If you have a daughter, friend or a stylist that has told you NEVER to touch your bangs, but to call or come by when you need it, then DO NOT DO THIS AT ALL.

We all get stuck in ruts and routines. Fall brings a barrage of schedules and upcoming holidays. Sometimes the best thing to snap out of the constant bustle is simple. Try some new throw pillows or a vibrant rug in your living room. For a more personal touch try buying a new daring nail polish color, do something new with your hair or your makeup, or brush up on wrapping that scarf you love. Whatever you choose to do to spice up your life, do it for you and enjoy it! Take some time to figure out something fun and new that you haven’t done before. Freshen up and take a walk on the wild side!