Cutler Salon Senior Stylist Ryan Cunningham (www.CutlerSalon.com) joined us to give some pointers on figuring out the right Up Do for the shape of your face. With Wedding season upon us and some of us having to suffer through being a bridesmaid, it's great to be able to look your best (even if you're stuck in a hideous dress!)
-Day-old hair is best for up do's because clean hair is harder to shape
-Use hair bungees (available at any beauty supply store and possibly Sephora) instead of hair bands because they are easier to wrap around your pony tail without messing it upDeshonica Green from www.DesignEssentials.com joined us to share tips for growing out African American hair as well as taking it "all Natural". Her tips included:
- Moisturize and condition at least every 7 days
- Blow it out, and flat iron
- Use the Design Essentials Naturals line that are free from detergents and chemicals to keep hair smooth
- Always use a sulfate-free shampoo that gently cleanses and revitalizes while de-tangling
-Ryan likes to use Redken Natures Rescue as a styling product-Tilt your head back while doing your pony tail to avoid that bump in the back near the occipital bone
-Use a High ponytail or Up Do to elongate a Round face
-Use Low buns, ponytails and sidebraids for Long faces
-Use a side part for bigger foreheads
-Never pull hair straight back, it's way too severe for most people!
- As a general rule, never shampoo every day
We kicked off a series called "Movies Guys Wish Girls Would Watch" with Actor and Film Critic, Dave Juskow. He covered some Action and Sci-Fi movies that guys love that he believes Cosmo Girls will also enjoy. His list included:
-Spiderman 2 (Dave argues it's one of the best superhero movies ever)
-Casino Royale (Dave argued this is the best Bond Movie ever, and he's a big Bond fan)
-Star Trek IV (Dave swear by this one, saying it's actually a comedy)
-The Professional (Starring a young Natalie Portman)
- North by Northwest (Old Hitchcock, but a classic)
-The Matrix (The first one only)
- Mission Impossible 3 (Dave says the first two were really bad)
We'll be continuing the series with Kenny's Comedy Picks, along with the Best Sports Movies that girls will actually love!
Celeb Party Planner and frequent TV Guest, Liza Utter joined us to share the Top 5 items every Cosmo Girl should always have on hand to throw a last-minute party
1. Whole Wheat Tortillas (you can store them in your freezer!)
Whole wheat tortillas are the perfect foundation for any sophisticated pizza! Keep them in the freezer and when it's time to entertain, pre-heat your oven to 500 (similar to a pizza oven) slather on some olive oil and the toppings of your choice: tomatoes, pasta sauce, goat cheese, leeks, olives, parsley, mushrooms, cheese, prosciutto...whatever's in your fridge and you have a delicious, fun and healthy hors d'oeuvres in an instant! The best part is if the rest of your house isn't in the best shape your guests will be more than happy hanging out in the kitchen while they watch you whip it up!
2. good olive oil - Drizzle it on chopped tomatoes, cucumbers, or even apple with a little S&P, garlic, parsley, oregano, basil, herbs - whatever you choose from your spice drawer serve with crackers or toasted bread for a quick bruschetta.
3. a decent bottle of wine or champagne - Having a bottle on hand and ready to go makes people feels as though you were always expecting them! Nice :)
4. Playlist of upbeat background music - Nothing like tunes to help set the mood - being a great host is all about creating an experience. Pick music that has either no vocals - like world music, or pepper in the songs with vocals with instrumental - whatever you choose, keep the music fun and you'll have a fun party.
5. Box of votive candles - Candle light is not just for when the sun goes down. Votive candles dropped in glass holders with a little water in them provide ambient glow when set in clusters around the food and wine....creating an instant special occasion!
* Top 5 tips for being the perfect host (this should apply in any situation and really incorporate your message about being yourself, etc.)
1. To be the best host - present the best of who YOU are. Being yourself is the key in not only having a good time yourself but takes the pressure off of being someone you're not. This is where many
hosts fall into the inevitable trap of trying so hard to please
others...and they end up miserable themselves. Remember; The success of a party starts with a happy host!
2. Get in touch with the true meaning of your event - why are you having a party? To celebrate yes, but you need to go deeper? This is going to be your compass as to how you plan your event. By identifying the 'heart' of the affair, ie a birthday party "showing grandma how much we treasure her" this keeps you focused on the person and your party message more powerful. Remember, it's people that make the party not the stuff!
3. Pick something you love and build around that - If you love truffles, If you have a knack for telling great stories, if you have a beautiful garden....take the things that inspire you and weave them into your event. This will not only be fun for you but it will help you sustain your fun energy throughout your party. When you are doing something you love to do it doesn't feel like work!
4. Go for quality over quantity! Keep it simple & delicious as much
as you can. Spend your money wisely - It's better to offer two fabulous choices than 10 of something mediocre.
5. It's not about perfection it's about having fun - That means ask for help, get help and don't go beyond your means . If you don't feel confident pulling off an event by yourself don't stress, make it as easy on yourself as you possibly can. If you are worried about everything being 'perfect' - you may indeed have the perfect setting but your guests will feel your anxiety and that is what they'll remember!
