Tutorial Tuesday: to ombre...or not to ombre...

I know I am waaaayyyyy late to the party, but I am really digging the ombre look and am considering trying it myself.  The only thing holding me back:  I've been dying my hair dark brown for years, and I know it's going to take some work to strip the ends enough for there to be any noticeable color gradation...and I know how harsh bleach can be on hair.


While I contemplate, here's a link the best tutorial I've stumbled across on how to create an ombre look at home courtesy of Britnee Cann.


Thoughts?  If I decide to go for it, expect a full report!

Food Porn Friday: Strawberry Banana Hemp Protein Smoothie

I am all about healthy eating, especially in the summer, when eating rich, fried, heavy foods just feels gross. I don't eat a ton of meat, so I'm also constantly thinking about getting enough protein in my diet.  Recently, I've  been reading a lot of good things about hemp protein (n.b. NOT the THC-tastic maryjane kind of hemp!!!) and have started incorporating it into my daily smoothie.  Hemp protein tends to have a fairly nutty taste, which takes a bit of getting used to, so I've been experimenting with different combinations of fruit and mixers to find the right blend.  After much experimentation, may I present: The Strawberry Banana Hemp Protein Smoothie

Ingredients:

1.  1 1/2 cups of strawberries (I use frozen organic strawberries)

2.  1/2 a large banana

3.  1 heaping tablespoon of hemp protein (I use Living Harvest Hemp Protein)

4.  1 1/2 cups of vanilla soy milk  (I like Organic EdenSoy Vanilla Soy Milk)

5. 1 tablespoon of agave  (I'm a fan of Wholesome Sweeteners' Organic Raw Blue Agave)

Combine ingredients in a blender and blend until...well, blended.  The smoothie is going to come out a muddy mauve color, but don't let the color fool you; it's yummy!!!  One serving of hemp protein is actually 4 tablespoons, but I'm working up to it.  It's an acquired taste ;)  But, when you can add a full serving to your daily diet, you're getting:

• all ten essential amino acids
• 9 grams of dietary fiber
• omega-3 & 6 essential fatty acids
• 13 grams of protein
• and it's a great source of iron and magnesium

Do you have a favorite hemp protein smoothie recipe?  Feel free to share in the comments!

How To...Remove Glitter Nail Polish

Sunday night is "mani and a mask" night in my apartment, and experience has shown that whatever bonding agent is in glitter nail polish that helps the glitter stick to the nail is a bitch to remove. A few weeks ago, I stumbled upon this great tip as to how to remove glitter nail polish, and I thought I'd pass it along:


You need:




1.  5 cotton rounds.
2.  aluminum foil
3.  scissors
4.  nail polish remover


First, use the scissors to cut the five flat cotton rounds in half, so you end up with 10 half-circles.  Next, cut a sheet of aluminum foil into 10 2 inch X 2 inch squares (or larger, if you have big fingers heehee).  Saturate 1 half-circle cotton round with nail polish remover. Place the saturated half-circle cotton round on your nail.  Wrap a piece of aluminum around the cotton and the nail.  Repeat for each nail on one hand.  Leave on for 3-5 minutes.  Remove the foil from one nail and use the cotton half-circle to remove the nail polish.  The glitter should come right off with minimal effort.  Repeat for each nail and then repeat the process for the other hand.


You're welcome ;)