HOW-TO: BEACHY WAVES HAIRSTYLE

Two posts in one day? I'm on a roll. 

And for good reason, too! 

In the past, some of you have asked how I curl my hair so why not share that with you all + give you a chance to win up to $250 or more?

 Sounds like a winning combination, don't you think?

If you're anything like me (I'm sure you are if you are girl), you've watched countless hair tutorials. I have learned so much from watching them and it's actually how I first learned to make beachy waves with a wand. When I first looked at the wand I bought, I was so intimidated and had no clue what to do, but tutorials and practice are the keys to your success!

  

Take this hair tutorial on how to get beachy waves, for example...

(watch + answer the simple question at the end for your chance to win!)

  I use both a curling iron (like in the video) and a wand to create the curls in my hair. It just depends on how I'm feeling and what look I want to achieve!   When I use a curling iron (I like Hot Tools 1" or 1 1/4"), here's what I do: +always curl AWAY from your face +for the top sections, I typically only curl from my ear - down. I don't curl near my roots to create more of a relaxed look.  +I go section by section curling my hair (bigger sections like the video shows) and then I usually let it hold for a minute then I run my fingers through my hair to seperate the curls. This will make them look more relaxed.  +I only use minimal hair spray because I don't like weighing my hair down, but sometimes I need it to get them to stay for a long day/night.   This is what my hair looks like using this method:

 

   When I use a wand (I bought an inexpensive Conair one from Target, works great), here's what I do:
+wrap your hair AROUND the wand and leave 1/2"-1" of your hair at the bottom out of the wand so that the ends aren't touched +Always wrap away from your face and usually your wand should be pointed down when you wrap your hair +Once you release your hair from the wand, I gently glide my fingers through it. +I tend to wrap big, chunky pieces for the bottom half of my hair.    This is what my hair looks like using this method:  

 

 After I'm done with either method, I always run a few drops of Moroccan Oil through my hair to finish off the look and hide those frizzies. Life changing product for me that I can't live without!   Can you tell the difference between the two? Do you prefer a wand or a curling iron?   I'm not a professional hair dresser by ANY means, but I've definitely learned a lot over the years on how to NOT get tight curls that used to be all the rage. Both of these ways are perfect for the spring + summer to achieve those beachy waves!     *This is Part 2 in my recent hair series. Part 1 was Tips/Tricks to Hide Damaged Hair, so if you missed that you can read it here!   How do you achieve beachy waves? Share your secrets, ladies! And don't forget to watch the video for your chance to WIN!!   Prizes / Promotions Page, Sweeps Rules
 

My Tips/Tricks To Hide Damaged Hair {Watch to WIN}

Does anyone else dream about having locks like this?

{preferably ones that can look like that with minimal effort...}

Or is this just me?

Winter can do brutal things to your hair, especially if you have long hair like myself. I know that for me, whenever spring is approaching I like to get a fresh cut trim (since I'm a wuss and can't cut off more than just an inch or two) to make sure my hair is looking healthy again.

I found this short video about how to hide damaged hair extremely helpful. 

Take a look....

(major hint hint: answer the question at the end of the video and you'll have a chance to win up to $250. Just sayin'!)

Have you ever thought of trying this?

Here's how I typically combat those damaged ends of mine from time to time  in a similar way as the video... .

I use the 3 minute miracle in the shower at least once a week, the Dove oil care (love!) every other day before I blow dry, and just a simple comb to get the tangles out of my hair...

(comb will be used later for teasing too!)

then, I use this curling iron (from Sally's) to make large curls at the ends, as shown in the video.
I do this a lot when I'm in a rush and don't have time to really curl all of my hair!

 A little trick (if you can call it this) I like to do to hide my damaged ends a little more is to wear it half up, half down. Why? Because if my ends are really dry, the one's at the top and in the front are usually the worst. By wearing your hair half up, those top/front pieces will be pulled back.

Use your comb to tease the crown of your hair a bit (or have your friend do it like I did ;)) and pin back with a couple bobby pins.

 

  So, let's review some ways to hide those damaged ends:
+use curling iron to give your hair body/style
+get a haircut every 4-6 weeks (even if it's just a trim!)
+use a deep conditioner once a week
+buy some Dove oil care..you'll love it. Trust me.

...also, make sure you are using a heat protection spray!   I also like to lightly curl my hair using a wand, but you'll find out more about that in another post ...stay tuned! 
What do you do to hide damaged hair? Tell me your secrets! ;) Make sure you enter the sweeps in the video!!   Prizes & Promotions page / Sweeps Rules
This post was sponsored by BlogHer but all written content and opinions are my own.

 

Tasty Tuesday {Guilt Free Mocha Milkshake & Recovery Smoothie}

I throw my hands up in the air sometimes saying HELLO!
I wanna celebrate and live my life {by eating yummy things & drinking tasty smoothies} --Taio Cruz got NOTHIN' on me...

Happy Tuesday folks!


Ok, you guys, today I'm sharing two super delish drink recipes - a Recovery Smoothie for runners {or anyone after an intense workout} and a Guilt Free Mocha Milkshake. Have you ever had Tim Horton's iced cap? This is similar but is much much healthier - only 156 calories and 0 fat. It calls for a packet of Starbucks Via for all you Starbucks lovers! ...I know there are some of you out there. Who knows, maybe you can make these and drink them while watching the Bachelorette...might make the show seem more interesting ;)

Let's get to it...


RECOVERY SMOOTHIE:



INGREDIENTS:

-1 banana
-1 peach, peeled and halved. {I love peaches in the summer}
-1/2 cup blueberries
-1 scoop/serving of vanilla whey protein powder
-8-12 oz of milk (you can use regular but I like to use unsweetened vanilla almond milk)
-4-8 oz of yogurt (I recommend Fage)
-1/2 cup ice

Mix all ingredients in blender. Smoothies are simple but it's all about finding the perfect balance. Don't be afraid to switch things up, or add in other ingredients you enjoy to fit your own preferences! :)



Guilt Free Mocha Milkshake:
-from my stepmom Judy




INGREDIENTS:

-1 c non-fat milk
-1 packet 25 calorie cocoa mix
-2 tbls Hershey's lite syrup
-1 tlbs cocoa powder
-1/2 packet of Starbucks Via (optional)
-Ice (the more you use the better)

Blend and enjoy a low calorie milkshake!

~Only 156 calories, 0 fat, 31 carbs, 11 g of protein.


If you decide to make either of these, let me know what you think!


Before I let you go on with your day, I must share this hair do posted on LC's blog. If you are anything like me, you are challenged in the hair department and need step by step directions. This look seems like something relatively easy that {maybe} I can pull off! I can't wait to try this.

-Lauren, Kristin, and Amy say to, "Create a deep side part and tease the crown area for a little volume. Grab sections from the lowest part of your front hairline (near your ears). Braid, rope, or twist them back. Tie it off with a clear elastic. This is amazing with a little natural, messy texture so maybe avoid using a brush on saturday morning and do this before heading to brunch instead. We love it paired with a blazer."

BACHELORETTE thoughts.... What did you guys think of the episode last night? I don't know about you, but everytime Ashley said the name Bentley, I was annoyed and wanted to turn the TV off. HOW IS SHE STILL TALKING ABOUT HIM in every other sentence? It's getting old...and why in the world is he coming back?

This season just isn't pulling me in like others in the past. I did enjoy watching her date with Ames, because he made her laugh a lot and she seemed carefree. I was pleasantly surprised at how engaged in the conversation he was. I don't know how far he will make it though. My favorite picks right now are: JP {obviously}, Mickey {I underestimated his cuteness-Ohio boy}, William {other Ohio boy}, and Ben F.

adios, ladies {and the few gents}...