The Secrets to Hair Extension Success

Did you ever wonder how so many of the long-locked, thick-tressed models that grace the pages of your favorite magazines came to have such awesome looking hair? It’s an open secret that many of them did it the old-fashioned way – they “cheated” with extensions. And with a bit of insider know-how, you can too. Here are some of the most important must-know tricks for making hairpieces work for you.

1. Investing a Little More up Front Pays off in the End

Good extensions don’t have to break the bank, but they shouldn’t be super cheap, either. You can buy inexpensive clip-ins that will get the job done, but they’re not likely to last long, and they may tangle easily or lose their luster. You’re probably better off spending a bit more for higher-quality products that provide more longevity and less maintenance – especially if you think you’ll be using them often.

2. Take the Time to Seal the Wefts

All extensions shed fibers, but if you do some preventive maintenance before you use them, you can minimize fiber loss and maximize your extensions’ lifespan. The “wefts” are the threads between which the hairs are woven, and the more grip they have, the less shed you’ll experience. All beauty supply stores carry weft sealers, and they’re as easy to use as nail polish. This simple step can save you a lot of time and money down the road.

3. Remember That Curled Hair is Shorter…
You may think that an 18-inch hairpiece is ridiculously long, but if you plan to curl it, you may be surprised how much length you’ll lose. Keep the curl factor in mind when choosing the length of the extensions you’re investing in.

4. …And Synthetic Hair Doesn’t Curl

Long, big, bouncy curls are a big part of the attraction of extensions, so don’t sabotage your hairstyling plans by purchasing synthetic fibers. You will be disappointed in the result. If you want straight extensions and synthetic is your only option, be sure to wash with Woolite and fabric softener to maintain the fibers’ texture.

5. Layers Can Make Your Look More Natural

If your main concern is to make your tresses appear thicker, you may want to add extensions in a variety of lengths. Your own hair isn’t all exactly the same length, and if you want them to blend well, your extensions shouldn’t be either. Varied lengths can also give you a layered style when you want it, while allowing you to keep your own hair at one length for when you don’t.

Enhancing your look doesn’t have to be complicated or intimidating. A little creativity and a few simple tricks are all it takes to turn extensions into your best secret weapon for styling success.favorite magazines came to have such awesome looking hair? It’s an open secret that many of them did it the old-fashioned way – they “cheated” with extensions. And with a bit of insider know-how, you can too. Here are some of the most important must-know tricks for making hairpieces work for you.

How to Get Rid of Dark Circles

How to Get Rid of Dark Circles

Dark circles are one of the top beauty woes of women around the world. If you have blueness under your eyes, you are probably tired of hearing people ask if you are tired. You might also be a little bit worried that sometimes you look like you have black eyes. Most people have tried every concealer possible in an effort to get rid of this unfortunate problem. Why does it seem like none of them work? Perhaps it is because you have never heard of these beauty secrets.

Get Creative

To effectively rid your dark circles, you might need to get creative. Instead of using a flesh tone concealer, you might need a product that will neutralize the discoloration. This color is the opposite of the blue on the color wheel. In most cases, something with more orange will actually cancel the blue. If your skin tone is darker, then a reddish orange color will usually correct the problem area. For lighter skin tones, peach tones tend to work well.

Finding a red or orange concealer is not always likely. Instead try looking for a neutralizer product by TEMPTU Pro or use a lipstick in the right hue. You might be surprised at how well these options work to cancel out your blueness and give you the pick me up you are seeking.

Application Tips

 Obviously, you are probably not going to apply a bunch of red lipstick underneath your eyes and leave it there. Instead, use a little bit and blend it with your foundation or regular concealer. You can also mix it with a brightening product for even more results. Do not be afraid to mix a few products together to get the right blend for you. This will help you correct your dark circles so you look your best.

Pick up a neutralizer or lipstick in the right shade for your skin tone today. You might be surprised how well this tip works to cancel out the blueness under your eyes, and you will probably want to share this beauty secret with all of your friends.

Image: Thinkstock

SneakerKing

Women may need support or comfort when selecting new shoes, but the way shoes look is always a consideration too. Fashion and practicality have to form the right combination when one chooses new footwear. Everyone has their own sense of style, but a cute pair of shoes should also have some sensible advantages.

Specific Athletic Shoes

Sneakers usually possess the same basic construction, which makes it seem like one only needs to select her preferred colors and design, but some may be better for running or walking than others. The Women's New Balance 990V3 works for both runners or walkers but has a high density foam that can cushion feet when one walks long distances, and Flex Appeal Sketchers are built for runners in training and are lightweight while providing extra traction.

Yoga seems to be here to stay instead of a passing trend, and those who take classes or practice in private might want to own the correct footwear for this surprisingly challenging activity. Yoga shoes look like ordinary sandals but are usually made from the same materials as a yoga mat, so they provide the same benefits as a mat with added comfort. Sandals like the Women’s Yoga Sling 2 from stores like Sneaker King offer color and a thicker strap, and many yoga sandals are vegetarian and vegan.

Casual Wear

It is tempting to forgo sensible options when choosing shoes that match one's personal style, but it may be most important for casual, everyday shoes to have some practical benefits since these shoes are worn often. Darling Harness boots from UGG Australia offer height and pair well with jeans but are also durable and customizable. The harness adds a unique look but is removable when one wants a chic, simple boot.

Shop for Combinations

Shoes meant for multiple purposes mean that women have more opportunities to wear their cute finds, but dual purpose shoes also help when needing a shoe for rare occasions. The Hikerfish Boot by Sperry is water-resistant for boating and provides traction for hiking, so those who spend some time outdoors only need one shoe for both activities. Other, more traditional boat shoes are a good mix of function and fashion because many Sperry boat shoes have unique detailing and fun patterns while offering versatility and a snug fit lacing system.

Great looking shoes offer the most benefit when they are also supportive, versatile or right for an activity.

Savoring memories of the big game

Unique sports themed memorabilia can be a wonderful item to collect or to share with others in order to foster a true love of the game. One particularly popular pastime is to follow football teams, both professionally and collegiate level teams. Many children share this passion with parents that have instilled a fondness for football through attendance at games, sports themed toys, and displays around the home.

Super bowl collectibles are very prized among those that have an affinity for the game of football, while also having the potential of being prudent investments that will someday increase in value. These items might be cherished accents to give rooms or spaces of the home a dedicated theme, or they may be items that are better off tucked away due to their potential value or the nature of the item. For instance, some Super Bowl special edition coins might be best contained in a safety deposit box or other secure spot rather than displayed and prone to tarnish or wear.

Some of the most treasured items to find might include Super Bowl Champion team prints, posters, souvenirs, and game used equipment or apparel. This extends to the players for these teams, particularly authentic autographed products by lauded players. These are the items that seem to hold their value the most, and that retain an exemplary resale value for those collectors that later on opt to sell or liquidate their prized collections.

There are some online vendors that offer some wonderful items that could initiate the novice collector and start their vigilance in accumulating related football mementos. These sites offer items including jerseys, balls, and novelty gifts, as well as videos, periodicals and publications related to football collecting. The prices for these products starts at very low and affordable gift items or trinkets, to far more expensive items that might prove to be the focal point of a burgeoning collection. Consider this when seeking gifts for young people that are fond of football, and start their hobby out with a high quality souvenir item symbolizing their favorite team. These gifts will bring far more than the smiles and appreciation garnered when gifted; they could instill a passion that lasts a lifetime.

*This is a sponsored post

Oil cloth apron

As you can see in the photos, P is not into posing for me anymore. He had to do it, because I made these oil cloth aprons for his kindergarten so he felt somewhat obliged to put it on, but not really enough to put on his model face too.

These were surprisingly simple to do. The pattern was drafted from the old cloth apron they've been using in the group. Since they use them when they put away dishes after lunch (4 kids are always in charge, one for each of the 4 tables they have) I though it might be useful to make it stain and water proof. 
This is actually the same fabric/different color I used in my Last minute floorbed. When I did it then I had some problems with the machine catching on to the fabric, I thought it was because of the plastic feel to it so I had some doubts, but this time it was so simple I couldn't believe it. Cutting the fabric was extremely simple, because it is like paper, it doesn't really move or wrinkle. So I cut the shape out and used twill tape as binding/straps. I did iron the binding in half to get that bias tape look and from there on I just went around, didn't even pin it. No problems with sewing, I am not sure if it is because of the twill tape or my machine just decided to do it this time, but it worked like a charm.

Kids love it! What do you think?

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Brown Eyed Boy...

 

"A portrait of my child(ren) once a week, every week in 2014."

Portraits of my children every week in 2014.
Visit Practising Simplicity blog for more about the project.

DIY Colic pain remedy

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It sounds pretty bold to say you have a remedy for colic and it is also a lie. However, my both kids had bad cases of colic and while with P the only thing that helped (and we tried everything) was to physically squeeze out the air from his tummy, the only thing hat helped soothe Ilija's pain was warming his tummy with those gel patches. One bit problem with those is that they get too hot, and you need layers and layers in between baby tummy and the patch if you don't want to burn delicate baby skin.
So, when my pretty sponsor Ewa told me her baby son Theo is suffering from colic too, I wanted to make something nice for them and possibly help them soothe the pain a little.

It is basically a rice bag that can be heated up in the microwave, but I added some Croatian lavender to the filling (personally picked and dried by us). Lavender is great for kids, if not to soothe the pain, it is good to help them sleep, to calm down in the evening, and don't get me wrong when I say it, I think any baby would love to have this bag as their lovey.
What makes it so special is that it is made of B!MBA fabric. I am lucky to be friends with Dia, the designer behind it, and sometimes she gifts her scraps to me, which I cherish and use for special projects like this one and to update my kids clothing or make unique presents for little girls.

Winter KCWC 2014

This Kids Clothes Week did not see much of me. See, I went skiing...after over 5 years we took a winter break and retreated to the Austrian mountains with 3 other families, 2 kids each. you can imagine the mornings when all the kids woke up at the same time...Also, there was not much fuss about clothing: base layer, mid layer/fleece, jacket, ski pants, gloves, helmet and goggles of course, and that is it. When they got home they jus continued running around in their base layer/socks until they dropped, when we put them to bed and got to engage in several moments of grownup talk and CROCHET. I mainly started to crochet so I'd have something to do with m hands in situations where I don't have my sewing machine. AND to be able to participate in KCWC even if I am on my skiing trip. I already crocheted beanies for Pavle and hubby and two for my brother, all women in my family got crocheted circle scarves for Xmas, but somehow it was never Ilija's turn. So here it is now, beautifully soft baby yarn and this tutorial made it worth the time. It took me a while, since the yarn was pretty thin (I used 3.5 mm hook) even though it is a baby size.



And then on Sunday, when we were already back home and Ilija and daddy were taking an afternoon nap P decided it was time to make his PJs. We bought flannel around Christmas time, because he has outgrown most of his pajamas, it was time to use it.



My favorite pattern for flannel jammies is the Kid Pants patern by MADE. I've been using it for years and it still fits, I only change the length every time I do a new one.
The only difference on this pair was the sewn on elastic band, instead of the hidden one. When my husbands Boss boxer shorts fell apart I kept the elastic and it came to good use now.

5/52

                                           "A portrait of my child(ren) once a week, every week in 2014."

P learned to ski this week...
(Bandana he is wearing was made by my friend Monika from Aspen, Colorado...if you want one let me know, I will send you her contact.)
See previous portraits.
Also make sure to visit  Practising Simplicity blog for more about the project.

Affordable party dresses

Popularity of Internet resources has simplified the process of shopping around, as well as broadening the variety of each and every specific product. Every girl has a moment in her life that she feels the need to buy a new dress for a specific occasion. Inexpensive online retailers provide reasonable prices for clothing, with different patters, colors, and styles to choose from. Fun, affordable party dresses give a woman true wardrobe variety without a significant burden on the personal finances.

Buyers who are motivated to find online discounts and sales on dresses will save by avoiding inflated prices found in local boutiques. Well-stocked stores, such as affordable party dresses offer the total package of clothing and accessories all in one place. Whether attending a formal party, or having a casual night out, there are appropriate categories dividing styles into easy-to-navigate sections. No matter what a personal financial situation may be, investing in a few different dresses for any occasion does not have to be expensive. There is no such thing as having too many dresses, considering it a necessary staple to every complete wardrobe. Check for discounts on last year's most popular styles to avoid paying full retail prices on coveted items. Get a head start to take advantage of promotions, sales, and clearances by subscribing to Email newsletters.

Nostalgia trip

I went home to Croatia on the All Saints weekend and dug into my moms photo albums. What a trip:)

Me wearing a dress my great grandma sewed for me. Each ribbon was sewed on separately and perfectly. She was such a fantastic sewer, she could do anything and her sewing was perfect.

Different dress sewn by a different grandma. Her sewing skills were nowhere near my great grandma's, but she used to be so creative, she'd basically try and make us anything we wished for. (She is with me on the above photo)

Me with my dad and my brother, I am wearing a dress made from a Pipi Longstocking towel. I remember thinking this was the coolest design ever, two towels sewn together on shoulders and side seams. Incredible! And I loved that dress! Oh, this was also made by my grandma (above).

This photo has nothing to do with the handmade, but my mom (left) and aunt (right) are sporting some crazy hairstyles here. My aunt's glasses are beyond cool:) I love this photo!

This photo is the reason I went on this photo-digging spree. I was looking for it for ages. This crib for my doll was also my grandma's doing. It was a washing powder box, before she made it into the coolest piece of furniture ever, dressed it in fabric and even put lace trim on it. The crib also has a real mattress and bedlinen, of course. The crib is not around anymore, who knows where it ended up, but the linens are still there, nicely put away for future generations.
Update: my mom just told me the shirt I am wearing was actually an upcycle from my grandad shirt and pants were an upcycle from grandma's skirt.

Not always what it seems

You think the next guys life is better than yours? Think again!

Frog Prince, by Marbushka

Hungarian toy manufactory Marbushka just released their new game to the market. It is supposed to be their most beautiful game ever, but I think it is just as beautiful as all their other games. Sequel to The Lost Necklace, The Frog Prince will surely be the perfect addition to your family's gaming table.

Our story begins with a rash promise made by the well in the castle courtyard. The princess was playing with her golden ball on the edge of the well when the ball fell into the water. The princess was sobbing… in her despair, she even promised the frog who hurried to help her that in exchange for the ball, he may go with her to the palace. The frog helped gladly, hoping that this girl would finally break the curse and turn him back into a handsome prince once again with her kiss, but when the princess held her favorite toy in her hands again, she didn’t want to keep any of her promises anymore, and she left him. The frog went after her to remind her of her forgotten promise…

Czesiociuch - Polish brand foy boys and girls alike

Anyone who knows me would, I am positive, say 'this is so Petra' after seeing Czesiociuch, Polish label for kiddos with attitude. I talked to the creators, read it on EastOK Europe.

Baby walker from the olden days

During our summer vacation in Croatia we decided to take a day trip to Slovenia to visit Postojna cave and the incredible Predjama castle where this living room is exhibited. I'd totally accept majority of this furniture:)

I am talking about the trip more over at EastOK Europe. Jump over to read more about Postojna. 
Predjama Castle is HAUNTED, great read for Halloween:) 

Kindergarten Series: Sjötorget Preeschool

As you may know, we live in Budapest. City centre to add to that. It is a big city, and space is NOT abundant. Most nursery/kindergarten/preschools are a part of some resident building. Space is not abundant there either. Furniture and decor are not at all contemporary. I am lucky, of course, for several reasons...one of them being that we got in at all, the other that they are happy and loved there, so I don't want to complain. But I can still daydream, which is why I am starting this Kindergarten Series, on top of my Playground Season Series (both are open to tips and suggestions, I'd love to have your guestposts on either/both subjects too).

So, let's go to Stockholm today. It seems that Stockholm too suffers from lack of place to build separate nursery/kindergarten buildings. In the next few photos you will see what Rotstein Arkitekter studio did with the ground floor of this building:

 

I am a little obsessed with sharp angles when kids are around, maybe because my kids fall a lot...on their faces, so I am not sure about the green triangular staircase in the pic above. Other than that, I am in love. I think if my kids went here I'd find a reason to stay and hang out for a bit every day.

What's your kid's daycare space like?

Please tell me, you too lose it sometimes

The first thing I told my son this morning, was NO. And then fifteen times more! He was nagging me about something ridiculous, and he would not stop until I said yes, which I wasn't going to do, but he doesn't get it. He simply does not accept no for an answer! And then I snapped, and yelled at him. Like you would yell at a grownup, who doesn't listen to what you are saying. It was a relatively long YELL, full of  you-just-don't-get-its and will-you-ever-learns and ended with me furiously leaving the room.

Good morning mom!

I feel like crap since then...I mean, who is the kid in this house?
And then I cried to this video, wandering what P would say about me if they asked him today...

A New Perspective For Moms from Elevation Church on Vimeo.

Do you, fellow moms, snap? Do you too lose it sometimes? Please tell me!

Raindrop robe

We lost our robe, so I had to make a new one. Melly Sews published her Sleepy Robe pattern just a week before Kids Clothes week - perfect timing! This pattern is so easy, and imagine...it is FREE and yet, comes in 4 sizes – 18m/2T, 3T/4T, 5/6 and 7/8!
I did some changes to the pattern, because we'll be using this for swimming and hood is indispensable. Fabric is SKÄRET Bath Sheet from Ikea. I tried to keep all possible original seems and I was really lucky with the hood, because I had an old hoodie, or part of it to be more exact (I used the sleeves already for these sweats) and the hood was perfect for this robe. I lined it with pieces of the towel and I must say that is the best feature. We already tested it and it does wanders for that wet after swimming lesson. Zipper was a practical choice, somehow belt don't work for us yet. P can't tie it himself yet, we it always ends up losing it or pulling it all over the floor.
String of the hood is a T-Shirt yarn I made not long ago.
I'd say this was a very productive upcycle:)