Isis' Style

The right blazer can tie everything together!

Pants: Forever 21
Blouse, jacket and belt: Express
Shoes: BCBG
Watch: Fossil

She topped off the look with a sophisticated donut bun. Click here to learn how.

P.S. - For us shorter-haired ladies, check out TONS of tutorials from Kate at The Small Things Blog!

Better Than a Flat-Iron

Got cowlicks? Live in a humid environment? I've been there. Don't waste your time (or the health of your hair) straightening with heat! Give your straightener a break and try Osis Slick Flattening Liquid for flat locks that behave the way you style them.

No kidding ladies: It was recommended to me by a hairstylist years ago and it works. Smooth it over problem areas or rake it all the way through. I use a round brush to achieve the desired effect.

Happy styling!

 



Buy it here or check out more hair care tips.

Isis' Style

Here she is - as always - dressed to impress for the work day!

 

Belt, scarf and earrings from Express.

Blouse from Forever 21.

Watch from Coach.

Shoes from Guess.

 



 

 

 

  

PS - See more of Isis' style or learn about her fashion sense and where it comes from!

Is Powder Sunscreen Effective?

There are many options when it comes to sunscreen, so here's my review of Colorescience Sunforgettable, one of the many powder sunscreens on the market. (There are more options at Ulta.)

Yes, you should be putting sunscreen on your face several times a day. It's hard to remember and kind of a pain, but more than 90% of the visible changes commonly attributed to skin aging are caused by the sun.*

I've always kept some good old Neutrogena Visibly Even sunscreen in my purse to reapply throughout the day, but a good friend and my dermatologist recommended the powder stuff, so I decided to try it. I got mine at Specialists in Dermatology, but you can buy yours here even cheaper.

Powder vs. Liquid:
The biggest difference here is preference. I don't wear a lot of foundation or concealer, so I don't mind rubbing a moisturizing sunscreen on my face throughout the day. Some people don't want to dislodge carefully applied makeup, and Sunforgettable won't.

Pros:

1. Sunforgettable is water-resistant, which isn't true for all sunscreens.
2. It is extremely easy to apply. You don't have to worry about streaks you didn't rub in, or wash your greasy hands off afterward.
3. It's powder - not oily - so if you have oily skin it actually works like a blotting strip and doubles as a sunscreen.**
4. Sunforgettable is refillable, so the price point goes down after your initial purchase.
5. It claims to be safe for children to use. I probably won't, because even though none of this information alarmed me, I won't use anything on my child unless the FDA is 100% convinced of its effectiveness.
6. It provides light foundation coverage, so you can wear it in lieu of makeup. One of my friends puts it on before she goes to the gym.

Cons:
The only real con here is that I actually have dry skin, so I kind of miss the moisturizing effect that regular sunscreen provides.

I've saved a little bit of time using powder sunscreen, and in our busy lives that can make a big difference!

Questions? Comments? Concerns? Suggestions? Leave a comment! A lot of people email/text/message me about my posts, but the bigger the discussion, the more of us benefit from knowledge and experience. I love you, reader, but others want to hear your insights too!

PS - Learn everything I learned from the dermatologist here.


*Sources: The Skin Cancer Foundation and Colorescience.

**Bonus: You don't get greasy residue on your screen when you use your phone!

What Is Oil Pulling, and Will It Make Your Teeth Whiter?

I am a big fan of teeth whitening, so when I first heard of oil pulling I wanted to know: What kind of oil? How does it work? Why is it called oil pulling?

Lucky for us, my friend Jennie took the plunge and I'm here to tell you everything you want to know!

What Is It?
According to Jennie, "You swish with raw, organic, cold pressed oil (coconut, sunflower, grapeseed) in your mouth for 20 minutes. It is supposed to have numerous positive effects for your dental health and some say overall health."

Read more with Wellness Mama.

How Does It Work?
Jennie: "...Magic? I've read a bunch of articles and such saying that it can make your teeth whiter. It helps remove plaque and bacteria by mixing with your saliva. It's been 4 days and I have noticeably whiter teeth. I have something called fluorisis, which means I was exposed to too much fluoride and it stained my teeth. Traditional whitening methods never worked for me. The strips, and even professional dental procedures never really got my teeth super white."

More insight into how it works.

What Is It Like?
Jennie: "It is a little weird at first. I use coconut oil and I hate the 15-20 seconds or so before it melts. Once it does I'm good. I do it on my way to work! I don't think time of day really matters, but 20 minutes is a fairly good chunk of time for our culture, so just like exercise you fit it in whenever you can."

Why Should You Try It?
Jennie: "Really, don't be afraid to try it. Since it's all natural stuff, unless you're allergic to the oil, there are no adverse side effects. If you see no results you are really just out the cost of the oil...and maybe your time."

Here are 3 more reasons why you should try it.

What Are the Results?
Jennie: "Thus far, I like it! I've read some people give up teeth brushing altogether (uh...no) and just use the oil to clean their mouth. Since it removes bacteria it helps with freshening breath as well. It won't be minty but I think after awhile it keeps it neutral. Like I said, if you don't like it you're really only out the cost of the oil and even then you can still use it to cook with or for other beauty things."

Anything We Should Know?
Jennie: "DO NOT spit it in the sink! The oil can clog the drains just as dumping bacon grease down the drain does. I've read you can spit it in the toilet but a lot of people do it in the trash can."

Why Is It Called Oil Pulling?
Honestly, it could use a better name. My initial mental picture was something extreme, like putting motor oil in your mouth. If you want to learn the origins, here you go.

This is something I plan to try, and a great alternative when something as simple as white strips don't do the trick. What do you think of the oil pulling phenomenon? If you have comments, questions or suggestions, please share!


PS - Check out how I've been whitening my teeth for years.

Source Photo

Using Toner to Disguise Your Roots

We've all been either too busy or too broke to fit in a trip to the salon when we need to touch-up our roots.* I have your AMAZING short-term solution: using toner to blend roots with your highlights!

I can usually tell my roots are getting bad when some random guy asks, "Petrea, are you a natural blonde?" Yes, of course, my hair naturally grows in dark and becomes blonde at the ends. Sigh. So frustrating. But when you're on a budget and a $200 trip to a professional is out of the question, this quick fix works!

Yuck.

What You Need
My friend Vanessa is the one who brought me this great solution, and I trusted her with my extremely fragile (and prone to turning orange) hair. I was so anxious while she applied the products I thought I would pass out, but it looked great! Turns out all you need are a few simple things, and they're available at Sally Beauty Supply:

On the right is Wella Color Charm Liquid Permanent Hair Color Toner. On the left is Salon Care 20-Volume Clear Developer. You will need both.** It's important to note that you are not using dye or bleach (so if you're terrified of home dye-jobs, fear not!). It's also important to note that you are not using this product for its intended purpose. Toner is the product they put on your hair after you get highlights done at the salon. Its purpose is to tone down any harsh contrast or brassiness. It's gentle enough to be applied directly after your hair goes through a pretty intense process, so breathe easy: it's not going to hurt your hair.

You will also want a comb, some plastic gloves, and something to apply the toner. I used a kitchen utensil - a basting brush - but I'm sure they have more hair-specific options at Sally's.

More great news: I bought everything I needed for $10.99!

Instructions
1. Wet and towel-dry your hair.
2. You need to mix two parts of the toner with one part of the developer. To keep it simple, I dumped the toner in a bowl, then filled the empty bottle twice with developer and mixed it all together.
3. Apply the toner to your roots, but don't be afraid if some of it gets on the highlighted part of your hair. Remember, the toner is blending everything together, so that actually helps.
4. Let it sit for up to 30 minutes. I waited the whole 30 this time, but the first time I was so nervous Vanessa rinsed it out after 15. The overall look is so blended and subtle it really didn't make much of a difference.
5. Wash your hair and condition as usual. Or use a deep conditioner, which the Sally's employee recommended to me. I used Ion Repair Solutions Effective Care Treatment, and you can buy a one-time use package at the front counter at Sally's.

Results

 How much do I love you, reader? Enough to post a pic with no makeup.

It's Saturday, people.

If you're not a seasoned hair DIYer, you may need to enlist help. My husband (God bless him) applied all of this to my head, muttering the whole time about how he wasn't responsible if it fell our or turned orange.***

And I am thrilled to announce that neither of those things happened. I love it. No, it doesn't look like I went to the salon and touched up my highlights, but it looks a heck of a lot better.

Granted, the hair in the top picture isn't even brushed.

It's Saturday, people.



 

I hope you'll trust me when I say this is a totally gentle, effective way to disguise your roots. I am extremely protective of my hair after a college roommate put Quick Blue bleach on my roots and they turned orange and all my hair broke off.

If you have questions or suggestions, feel free to leave them in the comments section, and (for the next few months) enjoy not having to answer the question of whether or not you're a natural blonde!

P.S. Check out products for your fragile hair and find out the cheapest way to get whiter teeth.


*I say this assuming Kim Kardashian isn't reading, because I watch that show and she doesn't ever seem to be either.

**Write down these product names, and be clear and specific at the store. There is a huge variety when it comes to this stuff, and you don't want to grab the wrong thing.

***He still remembers 2011, when I got a bad haircut and talked about it for an entire year.

Isis' Style: Going Bold in All Red

Isis got both this red shirt and the strapless red dress underneath at Express, so she feels confident matching the two reds together.

The charm on her necklace is a whale and was a gift from her father, because whales represent strength.

Earrings: American Eagle Outfitters

Shoes: BCBG

It's the Little Things: White Teeth

There are lots of little things that affect your opinion of someone's appearance, but that you don't consciously notice. One thing I observed that makes people look noticeably younger is a set of pearly-white teeth. And I'm here to deliver some happy news: in most cases, you don't have to break the bank to get them!

Obviously, we all notice when someone's teeth are yellow (or missing), but a dull white hue is something you may not notice. Still, it affects our overall appearance. Someone with bright white teeth looks cleaner, brighter, and yes, younger.

I'm not going to hate on Lindsay Lohan because that's been done enough, (and not my style), so I'll give you a subtler example, of Nicole Kidman:



She's beautiful, yes, and you would probably say so looking at either picture. But the subtle difference here is her teeth. In the picture on the right she looks brighter - almost sparkly.

If you are blonde or have fair skin, white teeth make a huge difference (see how monochromatic Nicole's entire head looks on the left?). White teeth also pop against dark hair and a tan. So here's the great news I promised... Unless you really feel you need a whitening procedure, Crest Whitestrips do the trick!

Yes, I'm telling you that all you need to do is purchase these over-the-counter whitening strips (I've found they're usually cheapest at Target), and you will see results. Unless you have deep stains, I never spring for the fancy 3-D strips - I just go with old reliable, the original. I used them both in my beer-guzzling college days and the caffeine-fueled days of my early career, when my teeth should have looked like Lilo's.

A few applications makes a world of difference and you don't really have to use them twice a day, as the directions recommend*. They seem expensive, but used sparingly they last forever and keep your teeth pearly-white.

Note:
I have sensitive teeth, and they can give you a tingly, uncomfortable feeling at first. But it's worth it (remember all those braces tightenings at the orthodontist? They seem worth it now, don't they?).

Below are two pictures: the first, before I got pregnant and used Crest White Strips semi-regularly, and the second, while I was pregnant and too paranoid to put chemicals on my teeth. The difference is subtle but clear. In both, my roots are showing, and these pictures were taken mere months apart; still, the difference is apparent.

 

So get yourself some Whitestrips to make that subtle difference that will enhance your overall look! Chances are, nobody will say, "Wow, your teeth are really white" - but they might. And if they don't notice, but see how good you look, you'll get some compliments anyway.

It's the little things.

 

Sources:

Nicole picture one

Nicole picture two

Title Picture Source

5 (Mostly) Non-Medicinal Comforts for When You're Sick

I figure this time of year, most of us are either sick, avoiding people who are sick, or nursing sick children, so this seemed appropriate.

Recently I had a terrible flu/cold. (Who knows what it really is? Even when you go to the doctor they give you some vague virus/viral diagnosis, charge you a copay and tell you to take Tylenol.) I felt awful, and none of my old stand-by treatments were applicable because now I have an "adult" job and a child. I couldn't call in sick and sleep all day, and my early-twenties cure of alternating Dayquil and Nyquil made me too groggy to function as either an employee or a parent. So, I had to get creative.

1. Zicam! This stuff (pictured above) was first recommended to me by my cousin, who is a nurse. If you start taking it when you're already sick, your cold will last a few days as opposed to a week or two. If you start taking it when you feel the first tell-tale tickle in your throat, you won't get sick at all. I kid you not; this product could cure the common cold if we all took it diligently. That's the catch: you must follow the instructions. Take it as often as the box advises, and you can stop reading here.*

2. Chloraseptic. If you have a job that primarily consists of talking, cough drops don't cut it. When your cough is in those early dry, hacking stages that hurt so much but don't even sound bad enough to get any sympathy (the way the late-stage, rumbly cough does), Chloraseptic numbs your throat. It helps with the tickle that makes you cough, and makes it hurt less when you have to cough.

3. Chamomile Tea. This stuff soothed me when I was pregnant and needed to unwind. The steam and mild flavor make it go down easy, soothe your sore throat, and kinda clear up your sinuses.

4. Vicks Vapor Inhaler. Old-fashioned Vicks is great, but this thing provides instant relief. When you're awakened in the middle of the night because you can't breathe through you nose at all, it gives you a shot (literally and figuratively) at a deep breath. It also works when you first wake up in the morning and everything up there is so solidified, blowing your nose is an optimistic endeavor.

5. Matt's Miracle Cure. This has long been a marital secret because... well, because I never had a blog before. When I first began dating my husband and got sick, he came over and ordered me to drink his "miracle cure." I did, and everything cleared up instantly. All he does is buy a shooter of "good" vodka (Grey Goose is his go-to), pour it into a glass of orange juice, and... maybe it's psychological, but it works for me. You aren't drinking enough alcohol to make you impaired - just enough to relax your entire body - and it clears your sinuses, soothes your throat, and of course is made up primarily of orange juice (vitamin C!).

This cold was particularly heinous, so he tinkered with his miracle cure and poured brandy into a cup of hot chamomile tea. This is, of course, the age-old cure known as the hot toddy. My blue-collar husband, however, told me if I called his miracle cure a hot toddy he would stop making it for me.

In time, my flu/cold/virus/viral nightmare ended, and yours will too. I hope some of these small comforts help you through it in the meantime! Stay healthy, and for the love of your coworkers, take your Zicam :)

Disclaimer: I am not a medical doctor nor am I giving out medical advice. This is just personal opinion and based on my own experiences. Always consult a physician.

*Note: Zicam is zinc, pure and simple, and it tastes terrible, which is why I recommend the spray as opposed to the rapid melts, which have to linger in your mouth until they dissolve.

What I Learned at the Dermatologist

I have fair skin that's delicate as paper, prone to sunburns and turns bright red if I take a five-minute walk in seventy-degree weather. I've always had to take extra care of it (though I haven't always been as diligent as I should).

I've used various products to keep my skin looking youthful, but a recent trip to an actual dermatologist taught me a lot and I want to share it with anyone who's into skin care (and possibly, admittedly a little bit vain).

http://www.southvalleydermatology.com/files/bigpicture1.jpg

During pregnancy I developed something called Melasma on my face.

The sun has always given me splotchy freckles, but this was different. It bothered me but of course I didn't want to use any chemical products on my skin until my little one was safely out of my body. I thought about seeing a dermatologist when I went back to work, but it wasn't until one of my students told me she graduated and was working for one as a Medical Assistant that I knew where to start. She gave it a glowing review (and said if I mentioned her name I would get a friends and family discount!).

So I made an appointment at Specialists in Dermatology, a great place if you live in the Tucson area. They didn't try to sell me a bunch of products or services; their approach was more to educate me about skin care. Here were my dermatologist's recommendations for pretty much every concern I had.


1. Obaji Nu-Derm Clear for Sun Spots

For the Melasma I used Obaji Nu-Derm Clear, which not only got rid of the Melasma but also erased almost every splotchy freckle and brown spot I accumulated by tanning without abandon throughout my early twenties.

2. B5 Gel for Glow

She also told me about a magical potion called B5 gel. I don't know how, but it brightens your skin and gives you a glow I can't describe. Whenever I use it people remark that I look pretty. It's just a small thing that boosts my confidence and makes my husband do a double-take.

3. Sunscreen Newsflash

She also told me two things about sunscreen I didn't know. The first is that I need at least SPF 50. Most of us have read or been told that after a certain level, SPF isn't any more effective. But for my white Irish skin, she was adamant. The second thing: reapply every four hours. For years I've put on my sunscreen in the morning and called it good for the rest of the day. No good, says my dermatologist. Even if you're just walking from your office to your car you need to reapply, and window tint does nothing to protect your skin from the sun.

Now, I don't wear a lot of makeup on my skin so I don't mind slathering on a moisturizer with SPF midday. But if you're worried about smudging or greasiness, try this stuff a friend swears by:

4. Microdermabrasion Gets Rid of Dead Skin Cells

Okay, I did get a procedure done. For $100 I got Microdermabrasion, which doesn't hurt and essentially sloughs off the top layer of dead skin cells. Honestly, it's such a mild procedure I didn't notice too much of a difference, so until I'm bold enough to try a peel or anything painful, you'll have to wait for a review on that!

Another perk: at Specialists in Dermatology if you pay for a procedure, they will do 5-10 "extractions" for free. So she used a chemical to seal several pores I had that looked like gaping holes, got rid of a tiny skin tag on my neck, and removed a blackhead under my skin she noticed before it ever surfaced.

All in all it was a great experience. The only reason I haven't been back is a lack of free time! If you're looking for ways to improve your skin but aren't interested in plastic surgery or spending a bunch of money on products that may or may not work, talk to an expert. Dermatologists, at least in my experience, aren't salespeople or scalpel-happy doctors. It was informative and well worth the money (to me - as previously disclosed, I am a little vain). Give it a try!

Isis' Style

I have never been particularly fashion-forward - I do most of my shopping at Ross - but we all have people in our lives who just always look like they have it together. My coworker Isis not only has a cool name, but she also knows how to put together an outfit, style her hair, and accessorize like nobody's business. She made fun of me a little but agreed to help me with my blog by posing for pictures whenever she comes in wearing something supercute. Here is today's edition:

It was cold by Arizona standards (58 degrees), and this girl has the style to own and rock an adorable white trench coat!



Not only that, she was sick, came in to work, and accessorized like a boss. I'm lucky if I enter the office healthy, on time and not covered in food or some sort of child-related gunk. (Don't get me wrong: I never looked like this pre-child. I just looked like a less-mussed me.)

 



Isis is my fashion hero and a stud because she came in sick (though not contagious - she's not a jerk) to get stuff done!

How to Care for Fragile Hair

My hair is fine, very delicate, and a whole lot of trouble! Here are some tricks I've learned to take good care of it :)

Source: http://goldhealthyhair.blogspot.com/2013/07/lupus-hair-loss.html

1. Everyone knows you shouldn't wash it every day, but here are some ways to make that easier (fine hair gets greasier faster, as we all know).

I first discovered Psssst! when studying Jessica Simpson's hairstyle and following her stylist. It disguises dirty hair and gives dull roots a boost.

 

http://www.drugstore.com/psssst-instant-spray-shampoo/qxp308567

If you get tired of the Psssst scent, there are alternatives. My favorite is Suave dry shampoo. I've been told it smells great, and also been told it smells like a stripper, but guys seem to universally love it...try it out at Target, where they sell two to a pack at a pretty good price.

 



http://www.walmart.com/ip/Suave-Waterless-Foam-Shampoo-6-oz/20703073

And, of course, there's always the old stand-by: baby powder. (Bonus if you have a baby, because it's always on-hand.) You will smell like a baby and I recommend putting it on before your clothes (you think deodorant white spots are annoying?)... but who doesn't love the smell of babies?

2. Sometimes conditioning and rinsing isn't enough if you use heat products on your hair. I rake some Neutrogena Triple Moisture Deep Recovery Hair Mask through the tips (without washing it out) before I dry it off and blow-dry.

 



http://www.walmart.com/search/search-ng.do?search_query=Neutrogena%20Triple%20Moisture%20Deep%20Recovery%20Hair%20Mask&adid=22222222224210128769&wmlspartner=wmtlabs&wl0=3530880000&wl1=e&wl2=neutrogena%20triple%20moisture%20deep%20recovery%20hair%20mask&wl3=15081325363&veh=sem

And that's not all...

3. There is even more you can do to protect your rapidly splitting ends. I also smooth John Frieda Frizz-Ease all over my strands (again, before blow-drying). Coat and protect!

http://www.walmart.com/ip/John-Frieda-Collection-Frizz-Ease-Extra-Strength-Formula-Hair-Serum-1.69-fl-oz/10309636

There are other things you can do. I've tried egg yolks, olive oil, etc. But as we all know the best way to care for your hair is to prevent breakage. Please, whatever you do, DON'T overuse another John Frieda product, something I abused during pregnancy while trying to save money and prevent salon highlights poisoning my unborn child. It was great at first, but overuse can cause some major damage (I cried, 6 months pregnant, when my hair was breaking off).

https://www.johnfrieda.com/en-US/ProductDetail/Hair-Care/Sheer-Blonde/Go-Blonder-Controlled-Lightening-Spray

Stacy Keibler uses it, but probably only 3 weeks before her scheduled hair appointment. Or 3 days, or however long celebrities have to wait before they get seated in their regaled hairstylist's chair.
http://www.multivu.com/mnr/56228-stacy-keibler-john-frieda-to-benefit-hairraising-childrens-hospital-boston
Great in moderation, but NOT a substitute if your roots are down to your ears. Let my lesson be your cautionary tale!
If you are truly desperate to disguise your roots (and broke, as I have been), there are much safer alternatives for your fine, delicate baby hair. Post forthcoming. :)