Post Vacation Thoughts, Boozy Shampoo & The Kit

Coming back from any vacation always leaves me simultaneously underwhelmed and overwhelmed.

I feel underwhelmed because my daily routine is nowhere near as exciting as free-spiriting it around a new place, and I feel overwhelmed because I have mounds of laundry to attend to, an empty fridge to fill and people to reschedule plans with.

But these are "everyday problems."

While hanging out in Vegas (more on that to come) I was immune to the news cycle for a couple of days and returned to a world that is full of murder, cannibalism, war and wide-spread unemployment.

While it feels frivolous sometimes to blog about shampoo when the world is falling apart, sometimes we all need a break from the negativity.

Today I was featured in the print edition of The Kit in their Toronto Star issue (photo above) as a Kit blogger. I was flattered to have my own little bio in my local city newspaper and it brightened up my day.

Lastly, as per my quip about shampoo, below is my latest hair post for The Kit featuring a product that will get your tresses tipsy. Enjoy! xx

Liquored Locks

Have a pint…on your hair? As the warmer weather brings the familiarity of rickety patios and tall, cool glasses of beer, one would never think that pouring that mixture on one’s head could result in…better locks.

I’m always on the lookout for a shampoo that will help manage my unruly mane, while also steering away from anything that smells too strong or fragrant. I’m not a fan of anything that feels like I’ve dipped my head in a bouquet of flowers or potpourri.

Cue Cynthia Sylvia Stout Shampoo

The shampoo is made with organic vegan stout from a local brewery. Apparently the stout has protein to give your strands a bit of weight and shine, especially when the weather is a bit sticky out.

I love how it smells a bit like lemon, and it definitely doesn’t feel like your dousing your hair in a pint. The yeast from the beer is also good for the scalp and the lemon juice cleanses the hair without stripping it dry. There are also three different sizes, so you can try it out without making the commitment.

Just don’t fall down in the shower.

Hair on Top

I've decided that I must befriend Beyonce for one very logical reason: we need to talk about our hair.

This past week, Miss B created a social media frenzy by launching a Tumblr of personal photos. I couldn't help but notice a strange resemblance to the beach photos of her natural hair as my own coif does a pretty similar thing when I hit the salt water. My sister (who does not share the same hair genetics as me) found it quite funny when I shared this insight and she created the photo to the right.  

While I know that Beyonce can't give me hair advice, I turn to other curly haired girls. See below for my latest for The Kit. Enjoy! xx

Curly Hair Frizz Fighter

I can’t count the number of mornings I’ve woken up with a halo of frizz from tossing and turning, or arose to squashed lifeless curls matted on my head. It can be frustrating to go to bed with dreams of looking like Venus de Milo and instead wake up looking like Sideshow Bob from The Simpsons.


Recently a fellow curly-haired soul took out a spray bottle in broad daylight and started spritzing her hair. I’m always looking for new solutions to my mane so I immediately gave her the third degree. “What is that?” I asked. She scoffed at my curly haired naivety, and showed me the bottle.

Mist-er Right by Deva Curl, it said. I was intrigued enough that she bought me my own bottle. Despite the witty name, the product is a day-after-ponytail curl saviour. The curl mist has a touch of lavender that helps to refresh the scalp and bring those day old curls back to life when it’s not quite time for a wash.

It can also reactivate products that are already in your hair to bring the bounce back. I always love to mention that this product is also 100% sulfate and paraben free and smells amazing. And here I thought the straight haired girls had all the fun with their fancy dry shampoo.

Now if only I could find the real Mr. Right…

The Wedding

Diane and Chris have officially tied the knot!

I (Not A Model) was there blogging about the engagement, Save the Date cards and bridal shower so naturally I had to share the grand finale. Seeing my cousin Diane get married was surreal to say the least. I remember when we were kids and she would get phone calls from boys after school at my grandfather's house. To me, she was cooler than Kelly Kapowski. While Zack Morris may have been our crush back then, she couldn't have chosen a better guy to stand by her now.

Overall, the day was beautiful and when I wasn't fulfilling my bridesmaid duties, I tried to capture some of the candid moments. Enjoy! 

Bombshell Bride

Grinning Groom

Father of the Bride & Little Man

Ladies in Blue

The faux-bob meets the chignon

Bouquets

This is what happens on the way to the reception

All class

Cutest cake topperThe happy couple, finally married

Congrats guys love you!
xx

CURSE OF THE CURLS

Since I was a little girl I was always known as "Amanda with the curly hair." 

My curly flaxen locks seem to define me. My relationship with my ringlets has always been a rocky one. I remember running from my mother while she tried to comb out the unforgiving knots. I always had to be Scary Spice when we played Spice Girls at recess. Some notable nicknames include: Sideshow Bob, Pubes, Tina Turner & Barbie with a perm.

In Grade 7 I wore my hair in a bun every single day for an entire year. My parents would beg, "Rapunzel uhh Amanda, please let down your hair!"

It was only until I entered my university years that I started to let the beast roam free and accept what the good Lord gave me. A couple months ago I even changed the colour. While always sticking to my blonde roots, I decided to go some sort of golden, bronzey reddish hue. At first I didn't recognize myself in the mirror. Now it is faded and washed out just like that time period in my life. Do you ever look back at a hairstyle and remember the person you used to be? I've come to realize that hair is just hair and mine is only a small part of who I am. To me, hair is a large vanity and this song is always a solid reminder.

On another note, for the holidays I always like to change it up and try a looser look.

Step 1: ACCEPTANCE- Make peace with the daunting task ahead.

STEP 2: TRY & TAME THE BEAST.

 

STEP 3: SMILE AT A  DECENT JOB WELL DONE MINUS A HAIRDRESSER!

Products & Tools:

Frederic Fekkai Ironless Straightening Balm
Hana Standard Flat Iron
Isinis Spring Curling Iron

Tonight, I'm hosting a small party for a group of my closest friends. The guys and girls who remembered me when I met them in Grade 6 with my giant 'fro.

Happy Winter Break!