Book Review: The New Braiding Handbook by Abby Smith; Ulysses Press

 

THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO GORGEOUSLY BRAIDED HAIR, FROM ELEGANT WEDDING STYLES TO FUN WEEKEND ’DOS

Whether you’re running errands, going out on the town, or walking down the aisle, the fashionable braids in this book will give you the perfect look for every occasion. Just follow the simple instructions and step-by-step photos to quickly master gorgeous new looks, including:

•Fabulous Fishtails
•Elegant Updos
•Beautiful Buns
•Classy Crowns
•Knockout Knots
•Head-Turning ’Tails

Hair braiding is getting hotter by the day, and the evolution of styles has grown as radily. The New Braiding Handbook offers you an impressive array of easy-to-re-create, beautiful, and versatile looks that are as appropriate for elegant formal events as they are practical for casual, everyday wear.

 

My Review

 

Braids, knots, and buns, oh my! The New Braiding Handbook is a book filled with 60 modern twists on classic hair styles. The book is a full color guide that will help you master the trendiest twists, fishtails, and up-dos. With easy to follow instructions and step-by-step photos, you’ll learn how to get gorgeous new looks.

I have very long hair, yet I had only mastered 3 hairstyles; down, ponytail, and half-up! Not very exciting, huh? I was beginning to think I was horrible at being a woman. My first instinct is to just throw it in a ponytail. I figured if I even tried anything sophisticated, my hair would end up in a million and five knots.

The hair styles in this book are nothing short of breathtaking. Some simple, some elegant, and some just downright stunning. I first seen the waterfall braid on Facebook and immediately fell in love with it. I wanted to try it so bad, yet it looked so complicated (well to me at least). Then there were the fishtail braids and the amazing knots. I just kept thinking to myself “Even though you work from home, there’s no need for your hair to look exactly the same on a daily basis.”

I got this book and spent countless hours just testing them all on my daughter Adisyn. Practice makes perfect, right? Not only did we have tons of fun, but the hair styles weren’t as complicated as I thought they would be. Take this from someone who didn’t even know how to french braid.

“Styling hair isn’t a talent, it’s a skill” Abby Smith explains, and she is definitely right. The more you practice what is shown in the pictures, the easier it becomes. One of those Aha moments I guess. I love that I’ll now be able to add some flair to Adisyns hair with something other than bows and headbands this school year. She loves having that hair styled—that little diva of mine.

I even styled her hair in a very cute braided updo for our Forth of July BBQ and she adored it. Well, that is… until she jumped right into the pool. I love how this book doesn’t just contain tutorials on hair styles, Abby also gives healthy hair advice. She explains hair types and how to best style each type.

There aren’t many tools that you need to be able to achieve these looks either. Most of what you do need, you probably already have on hand. The only things you might have to buy are clear elastics, duck billed hair clips, and possibly bobby pins.

Connect with Ulysses Press on Twitter and Facebook

Keep a watch out for the giveaway!

 

-Jessica

Valentine’s Day Beauty Deals I LOVE

 

Spa Sonic

Used and recommended by spas and dermatologists, this multi-brush face and body polisher will keep skin kissable and smooth. The set includes a face brush, body brush, pumice stone and sponge for moisturizer application. Available in three shades, White, Lavender and Pink, Spa Sonic will be on sale from January 24th to February 15th!

Spa Sonic Valentine’s Day deals can be found at the following:

• Walgreens.com (www.walgreens.com) Price: $34.99

• Target.com (www.target.com) Price: $38
• Walmart.com (www.walmart.com)  Price: $34.99
• Drugstore.com (www.drugstore.com) Price: $39.99

 

emerginC

Get primed, hydrated and red carpet ready with date-night essentials from emerginC. Purchase a jar of the hydra-repair topical infusion capsules and receive a red carpet primer for free.

Offer valid from Monday, February 3rd through Valentine’s Day. on he EmerginC website

Whitening Lightning

Get a bright white smile in time for Valentine’s Day with the Whitening Lightning I Wanna Sweetheart Special. Offer includes 2 Color Your Smile Lighted Lip Glosses, 1 Brow Bar To Go and choice of 1 whitening pen. Use coupon code SWEETIE at checkout to receive the bundle for $49.

Offer available on the website

Sublime Beauty

Restore skin’s youthful glow this Valentine’s Day with an exclusive offer from the new anti-aging skincare collection, Sublime Beauty. Receive 25% off the Face Whisperer Advanced Eye Gel, a targeted under-eye serum that helps reduce the appearance of dark circles, puffiness, and fine lines.

To purchase the Face Whisperer Advanced Eye Gel, visit Amazon.com and use coupon code EYEGEL25 at checkout.

 

Happy Shopping

 

-Jessica

anchr.co- the simple, beautiful way to share visual questions

Where do you go for fashion, hair, and beauty advice? Where do you go to look around and voice your opinion about certain styles? I’ve come across an amazing website called Anchr. Anchr is very different from any other website I’ve come across in so many different ways!


Have you ever been looking through a website, blog, or magazine and wish that you could save everything that looked interesting to you? So that you could have it for future reference? I do all the time but it creates ton of space clipping magazine pages.. but Anchr is just the same AS clipping your absolute favorites without taking up any space in your home!

They have everything from nails, hair, fashion for men and women, weddings, and home décor. They are adding more topics as they expand, but heck—I’ve had tons of fun just with the topics they have now! Not only does it give me some awesome ideas, but I can vote on which look I like best and like it so that it goes to my “favorites” on the website.

I love the fact that I can connect and follow  other Anchr users from the same page (ex. beauty) if we share the same likes! I also really like that I have the option to share straight from the page. It shares to Facebook, twitter, email, and Pinterest all with the click of a button! How cool is that?

It isn’t only a place to search high and low for amazing new fashion, hair, beauty, and home trends. It gives you a place to go and voice your opinion on what you like best about certain styles! For example, the pictures above.. which colorful hair looks best? I chose A because I really like how they mixed the colors together. It looks cool but not overdone like C. After you vote, it shows you the most popular choice out of every vote that has been given. That’s pretty cool!

I am addicted! ADDICTED to it, I tell ya! What makes it even MORE amazing is that they have a full, amazing, and responsive mobile website as well. Cast your opinions and find some new amazing looks on the GO!
Ok, ok.. who wants to follow me? I’ll follow you back! Sign up HERE and get to asking and answering those questions!
 Stylish Southern Mama on Anchr
This is a sponsored post on behalf of Anchr, although all opinions and statements are my own OF COURSE

Beauty Review: My Amazing Blow Dry Secret Shampoo, Conditioner, and Quick Dry Shake’n Spray Blow Out Spray

These three simple pink little bottles.. hmm.. what are they exactly? Why a blow-dry secret that’s for SURE! I received the My Amazing Blow Dry Secret Shampoo, Conditioner, and Quick Dry Shake’n Spray about a week and a half ago.

I love to blow dry my hair, I always have. I love the lift and natural volume it gives my hair. When I’m cut short on time, I have to pass up the blow dryer and throw my hair up in a ponytail and go. My hair is really long, so it takes me quite some time to actually get it dry without any wet spots.

This is a blow dry trio: Shampoo, Conditioner, and spray to help cut the blow dry time by 50%. Could it take the heat? Could it really blow dry my long, layered hair in half the time it usually takes me?

I immediately loved the simple yet stylish design of the packaging of all 3 of these products. The shampoo and conditioner have press-down flip-up tops. The pink is an eye-catcher and "feminine” so maybe I could keep Adam from using all my goodies lol.

First I’ll tell you about the My Amazing Blow Dry Secret Shampoo and Conditioner. The shampoo is a very creamy formula with a low lather. I didn’t have to use very much at all to wash ALL my hair, although I added a bit more just in case . Okay, I admit it.. I used a little more because it felt like liquid silk. As soon as this touched my hair, it transformed it. It was nothing but soft, silky, and felt so healthy!

As you can see it’s a yellowish color and it smells amazing. Even though it’s made with coconut oil, I couldn’t detect a hint of coconut.. only a sweet blend of fruits.  It is a volumizing shampoo, so not only does it help speed up drying time but it helps add oomph!

It also helps to protect the hair from heat damage, which can dry out the hair. It’s made with InstaDry technology (Virgin Coconut Oil Hydrosol). It also delivers antioxidants to the hair to prevent it from breaking!

This conditioner is nothing but luxurious and luscious. It’s rich and white as you can tell in the picture. I always use less conditioner than I do shampoo because I don’t condition my roots. I have naturally oily hair, so I try to avoid making it look even worse. I do deep condition the rest of my hair though, by leaving the conditioner on for 3-5 minutes.

The shampoo and Conditioner are both safe for all types of hair, it’s even color safe. Using these will not fade your color.  They are also free of parabens, sulfates, and phosphates. They are both made with VCOH (Virgin Coconut Oil Hydrosol) technology.

The coconut oil used is built with super-fine molecules , which run throughout your hair strands after washing and conditioning with the shampoo and conditioner. These super fine molecules is what helps speed up the blow drying process.

The coconut oil, frizz fighters, moisturizers, and shiners remain on the hair after you’ve blow dried it. This is what helps your hair transform into a luxurious, shiny, silky mane of hair! They remain to protect, nourish, and moisturize!

This is the last of the trio. This is the My Amazing Blow Dry Secret Quick Dry Shake’n Spray. It adds to the Shampoo and Conditioner by cutting dry time. It also helps to protect your hair from the damage that blow drying can do overtime.

You shake the bottle to blend the ingredients together. As you can tell the clear part (which always floats to the top of the bottle) is what helps drying time. The pink part is what consists of the sun protection and condition. It is amazing at detangling the hair, as well as adding nourishment.

I’ve been using this on my daughter’s hair JUST as a detangling helper. She usually hates having her hair brushed.. but when I used this NO crying. It smells like fresh fruit/flowers mix.. delectable and invigorating and the scent stays all day!

This is the after effect of using all 3 of these products. It usually takes me about 15 minutes to fully blow dry my hair without any wet spots. This helped me get it down to about 9, which isn’t half but close enough for me! It cut out 6 extra minutes that I could be doing something else!

Not only did my hair dry in a quicker amount of time but the volume was amazing. I love that it looks so healthy, shiny, and is manageable without looking heavy, oily, or weighed down with product! It felt moisturized and full of volume, I loved all 3! Even the next day my hair looks exactly the same, still no oil appearing in my hair!

Still going strong on day 2!

Buy It: My Amazing Blow Dry Secret Trio $78 for all 3

Connect with My Amazing Blow Dry Secret:

Facebook, Twitter, and Youtube

 

Jessica Renee

Beauty Review: Ahava Minerals; Deadsea Algae Rich Foundation & Mineral Botanic Velvet Cream Wash

I have worked with Ahava Minerals before and absolutely LOVED their products, so I couldn’t wait to do it again. Their products are high in quality and are definitely the best in the mineral market today!



This time around I chose 2 products- which are the Ahava Minerals Deadsea Algae Liquid Foundation & Ahava Mineral Botanic Lotus and Chestnut Body Wash.

Lotus & Chestnut Body Wash

I needed a rich, moisture filled body wash to help keep my skin healthy as well as moisturized. Tanning regularly has left my skin a bit on the dry side, and skin holds a tan better if it’s well moisturized.

This is soap-free and made for sensitive skin. I don’t have sensitive skin, I just thought the smell of Lotus Blossoms would be heavenly! This leaves my skin deeply cleansed, smelling wonderful, and extremely soft.

I love the light fragrance that surrounds me while in the bath/shower and the fact that it lingers on my body afterward. I’ve gotten a ton of compliments on the smell, and they are HIGHLY surprised when I tell them that I’m not wearing any lotion, body spray, or perfume!



I love the fact that it is so creamy! It looks like a transparent lotion because it’s so rich and creamy. It lathers up very well even though it is a non-soap body wash. It doesn’t take very much at all to get clean, which is a plus. This bottle has lasted me for quite a while already!

It is calming, soothing, and very smoothing to the skin. I love the effect that it has on my skin! The lotus flower extract is what actually calms and soothes the skin.The Chestnut extract is what nourishes the skin! It definitely helps moisturize the dry skin! Even after the first week I could totally tell a difference in how hydrated my skin stays all day now.

Before I was having to apply lotion at least every two-three hours, and now I don’t have to apply lotion at all if I don’t want to. I do though, because I want my skin SUPER moisturized. I have been mixing it up with St. Ives Intensive healing and Calgon Parisian Charm. The St. Ives doesn’t have a scent, but the Calgon smells HEAVENLY!

It is gentle, soaks into the skin very nicely, and rinses off completely. There isn’t any “residue” left that I have to keep rinsing off! My skin has never felt or looked better!

Buy It: Ahava Mineral Botanic Lotus and Chestnut Body Wash

Deadsea Algae Rich Liquid Foundation

The second item I chose was the Ahava Deadsea Algae Rich Liquid Foundation. I have been hooked on this foundation since the first time I used it.



There is no possible way that it could be more flattering or complementary to my skin color. It doesn’t matter if I apply this with a sponge, a brush, or my fingers I always get flawless coverage. It is never streaky and doesn’t ball up now that’s been hitting HIGH humidity here.

This could definitely be mistaken for natural skin (or a second skin) because it isn’t visible. It blends very well. It enhances the natural health of the skin while covering up blemishes, freckles, and redness.


The foundation itself it SO thick and creamy, so it spreads very well. You don’t need very much at ALL! It wears forever too. I can put this on in the morning and by 9 pm it is still there! My skin still looks as fresh as when I applied it!


This is a smoothing foundation without being dry! It isn’t made with any oils or dyes, and contains deadsea minerals. It is made with soft focus technology which looks amazing and it great for the skin.
This allows the natural skin tone to show, and it’s shine free. This doesn’t give a made up, shiny look. It’s very matte and I like that. I have naturally oily skin, so I don’t need a foundation adding to my shininess!

It helps even out the skin tone and you only NEED this foundation. You don’t need anything under or over it for extra coverage. The coverage is perfect as it is!
Buy it: Ahava Minerals Deadsea Algae Rich Foundation $36

About Ahava Minerals:
Ahava Minerals began it’s journey in 1988 with clinical research in a rich selection of minerals to help with skin renewal. They formed AHAVA Dead Sea Laboratories and haven’t stopped since.
They now explore the richness of these natural skin-replenishing treasures and optimizing them with scientific precision in bringing the finest nature-inspired Dead Sea face and body care products to market. Through their ongoing efforts, we have rightfully earned the reputation as the definitive Dead Sea cosmetic brand.

Connect with Ahava:
Facebook, Twitter, Google+, and Pinterest

Beauty Review: Almay Smart Shade CC Cream Complexion Corrector #SmartShadeCC

Disclosure: I received this item as a perk through Klout.

It’s summer and time for some fun! I love being able to go outside without fur boots and a HUGE winter jacket. Even in the spring here I think Mother Nature was a bit confused.. but now that’s summer- it’s time for shorts, flip flops, and less makeup!

YES, I said less makeup. I have oily skin so it’s hard for me to wear a liquid or mousse makeup without sweating it off within 5 seconds of walking outside. When I seen that Almay was making a CC cream, I was all for it. I was thinking I could use it alone or at least under a mineral foundation to keep the oil and shine at bay this summer.

How are BB and CC creams different? BB creams are heavier than tinted moisturizers but lighter than a foundation. BB Creams provide coverage with added SPF and anti-oxidants. CC Creams are different because they are made to correct the redness and a color corrector. They are more light and fluffy than a foundation or BB cream.
I was very impressed with the Almay CC Cream. It comes in 3 different colors, so whether you are light, medium/light, or medium skin tone they have something for you!

This corrects the discoloration in the skin while hiding redness and irritation. I love it because it covers the skin but isn’t heavy like foundation is. It’s lighter than foundation is and has SPF built in, so it’s perfect for summer.

It’s very easy to apply. I put it on just like I would foundation. I dab it on my nose, cheeks, forehead, chin, and under my eyes and blend outward. You can use your fingers, but I use my makeup sponge.

The best part is you can wear it alone for a light summer look or you can wear it under foundation for additional coverage and added SPF protection. It is built to naturally blend to your skin tone so that it isn’t too light or too dark for you.

I really like that it helps to correct skin tone NOW and overtime. It helps to decrease the appearance of imperfections, discoloration, and dull skin tone. It also helps to give an overall radiant complexion by smoothing, hydrating, and evening the skin tone out.

I love that it doesn’t cake up underneath a makeup if you’re using it during the day for work or an outing. I can use both mineral powder or a liquid foundation and it still looks natural.

It is great for hiding those dark circles and discoloration/skin spots. I’ve also found that if I apply this with a buffing brush I get even MORE coverage and it still looks natural. Blends beautifully!

Buy It: Almay CC Cream in Medium
          Almay CC Cream in Light

Beauty Review: SuperGoop SPF 35 CC Cream and ACAIFusion LipBalm SPF 30

Supergoop is a brand that is solely focused on sun care. They make a variety of items that ALL have SPF in them. They have sunscreen wipes, giant pump action bottles of Sunscreen that will last all summer, even sunless tanners!

I am excited to say that I have gotten a chance to review their new CC Cream and an AMAZING lip balm that both have SPF inside!

The CC Cream

 

Supergoop has a new Daily Correct CC Cream Broad Spectrum SPF 35 which is available in two shades; Light to Medium and Medium to Dark. This is amazing because it promises to soften the look of lines, wrinkles and pores.

A multivitamin for your skin, this light and silky cream protects, corrects, smoothes, and nourishes with specially formulated health properties.

I’ve heard a LOT about the CC Creams, but haven’t had the chance to try one out yet. SO I was super SUPER excited to be able to see first hand what this bad boy could do!

I don’t really like wearing makeup (cream foundation or anything creamy) that much during the summer. It’s because my skin automatically gets SUPER dark and most foundations make me look like a ghost AND they tend to melt/sweat off.

IF it doesn’t sweat off, it clumps or balls up- which I DO NOT like. So, if I don’t wear mineral makeup, I don’t wear anything. UNTIL now. I’ve been testing this out for awhile and LOVE it!

I love how silky this CC Cream is, and how well it blends into my skin. It acts as a primer, concealer, and foundation all in one! It leaves my face feeling fresh and perfectly flawless.

I love that it blends so well with my complexion. I don’t like noticing that there is a weird lightness to my skin after I’ve applied a foundation or cream. This doesn’t do that though.

It works amazingly at protecting, correcting and smoothing uneven skin. It’s a giant plus that is has SPF in it, SPF 35 to be exact. Amazing anti-aging benefits and super antioxidants to help fight free-radical, wrinkle-forming damage.

The staying power is a big A+ for me. I don’t like having to take time out of my day to reapply because I’m always on the go with the kids, errands, and such. I can put this on at 8-9 and it will still be there around 3-4 which was amazing to me! I didn’t have to reapply even ONCE!

I love the SPF 35 because I’ve been using a skin care at night that makes my face sensitive to sunlight. I wash it off in the morning, but there’s still a chance it could make my skin burn just by being outside because it has Retinol A in it. This keeps me satisfied knowing that I’m covered from the burns!

Neutralizes discolorations, inflammation, blotchiness while restoring vibrancy and glow which I love. This IS a CC cream, so you aren’t going to get the SAME coverage as a Foundation, but you could certainly apply a thin layer over it if you wanted. I love how it works like a Concealer/foundation/primer all in 1!

100% natural ingredients and antioxidants to triple protect against UVA, UVB and infrared-A rays. Light-diffusing mica minerals soften the appearance of pores and wrinkles for a fresh, flawless complexion!

NO parabens, fragrances, petrochemicals or oxybenzone to provide an environment- and skin-compatible choice for UV protection. I’m glad that I found something that I can actually wear in the summer without it balling up or sweating off. It doesn’t even feel like I’m wearing anything when I put this on!

Want to give it a try?

Buy IT: You can buy the Supergoop SPF 35 CC Cream in Medium/Dark and Light/Medium for $32 for 1.6 oz

 

The Lip Balm

I had been on the lookout for something like this. EVERY single time I get in the tanning bed my lips dry out. No amount of chapstick was helping break the dryness cycle, and it was because my lips were dehydrated and burning I guess.

The shea butter in this lip balm provides deep, long-lasting hydration. I can put this on my lips before getting in the tanning bed and my lips still feel SO soft and hydrated when I get out.

It protects against broad-spectrum UVA and UVB rays while calming, soothing and protecting dry or chapped lips. It feels more like a lip gloss to me than a chapstick which I love.

I can easily apply this over my lipstick or wear it by itself and it looks amazing! I love the fact that even though it wears like a lip gloss, it isn’t sticky! It goes on very smoothly and has lasting power.

It says that there’s a pink tint to it, but it’s more of a sheer pink than anything. It makes my lips look so healthy! It doesn’t have a taste and it doesn’t smell, which is a plus. If this tasted like Acai berry, I’d probably lick it off LOL.

Want to give it a try?

Buy it: Supergoop AcaiFusion Lipbalm SPF 30

Connect with Supergoop on their Blog, twitter, facebook, and pinterest

 

Jessica Renee