Can we talk? Hair products!

Good Thursday morning to you! Wow this week is flying..cannot believe Labor day is upon us, any big plans for your weekend?  First,  I just have to say I am have THE most amazing readers. Seriously.......I  was so moved as I read over each and ever one of the 91 (at last count)  comments on my " Why fall makes me sometimes cry" post and between that and the many emails, I was so comforted to know I am not alone.  If you didn't see it, hope you might take a look here. Thank you thank you thank you!

Life changes, and I do know that childhood doesn't last forever and there is plenty of happiness to be found and shared when our young kids begin the metamorphosis into young adults but it is not without some sadness (and a few tears)  and nostalgia that this happens particularly for someone who enjoyed the journey of motherhood as much as I did:) But yes, there are I am quite sure,  lots of happy times ahead and I cannot wait...bring it on:)


Moving along.....today lets talk hair! My hair has changed over the years and as summer turns to fall it changes yet again. But for the first time in my life, I have found a battalion of hair products that I can say I  am madly in love with and simply cannot live without. So much so that I need to share them with you! And of course part of the fun with these "Can we talk" posts is hearing what you have to say on the matter, so do not hold back...tell us all about your favorite hair products,  any tips or insider secrets to great hair. I think we can all agree, we are just a wee bit happier when our hair looks good!

Lets get started........

Left to right top row...

1. KMS flatout, great anti humidity spray that does not leave your hair heavy at all, once this goes on its ready for battle even on the most humid summer nights!

2. This product, the Kerastase mask,  first off smells sooo good, every time I use it I want to take a bite:) It is a very rich super nourishing leave on mask (I try to leave it on for a good 15 minutes), it leaves my hair super soft and smelling amazing, I use it about 1-2 times a month

3. Unite 7 seconds, one of the best products ever! I love this stuff, its a detangler and makes combing/brushing through my hair a breeze. I swear there some kind of magic potion in there, with amazing powers. I no longer dread having to comb through my wet hair after a shower, also fantastic for the beach.

4. Neutrogena triple moisture is my "every day" conditioner, I use it about every 2-3 days, a little goes a long way. I use about a dollop about the size of a half dollar  and work it into my hair. It is consistently rated as one of the best hair bargains out there and is under $10.00!

5. LOVE this shampoo, Clear scalp and hair therapy. It is literally the best one I have used period, on both on the high and low end. It smells great, works into a salon-esque lather and leaves my hair squeaky clean. I am a fan for life and this is now the only shampoo I buy.

6. This little brush saved my life :) The original wet brush is simply A M A Z I N G! OK, I am being a bit dramatic, but seriously I have ridiculously super sensitive scalp, I still cry when my hair is brushed too hard. This brush actually makes me want to brush my hair. I don't know if the bristles are magic or what..but this brush rocks! I have three to be sure I always have one on hand, used for wet and dry hair...its AMAZING!!!! Click here to buy it and be taken to their website.

The Clear shampoo and Neutrogena conditioner/mask can be purchased at any pharmacy. I get the Unite 7, Kerastase  and KMS on Amazon.

So there you go..those are my top 6 hair picks. I am a fan for life of these six amazing products...now its your turn? Your turn to spill the beans on what makes your hair happy:) Thanks as always for stopping in to see what's new and wishing you a fabulous day.

Can we talk? Beauty products- high and low!

Happy Thursday to you! Hope you are having a great week so far, the weather here has been incredible! I was in Greenwich yesterday and it was amazing to be outside enjoying the gorgeous weather (and town). Thank you sooo much for your incredible input for the pillow quandary yesterday. I have managed to narrow it down to 6 I like (hey that's progress) so think I am going to order a number of them and "play". There are other areas I will be able to use the pillows I don't use for the loggia and they are all (except a few) so reasonable so it's a no lose situation. Many thanks for weighing in.  Click here if you missed the post and need a serious dose of blue and white! Moving off topic now.......

OK today is a subject I think we can all offer our 2 cents on. Makeup and beauty products. We all have them, some of us just a wee bit and others have drawers full! I have learned over the years both through trial and error, and advice from those "in the know" that there really are some fabulous makeup and beauty products out there that come right from none other than your local drugstore. Then there is the Sephora variety (my fave), it truly is a candy store for ladies......it would be sooooo easy to stay in there for hours, trying away! So much to choose from, so much to spend your money on!

I for one, am a "tryer" and your classic impulse buyer, I see something I want and I buy it. Period. Most of the time I like what I buy but on occasion certain things let me down. I feel less guilty when buying something for 5 or 10 dollars from the drugstore, if the lipstick isn't the right color....no sweat. But I am also very loyal, I have used MAC lipstick for about 8 years and have not swayed, what I like I continue to use and stay loyal to. Do you?

So over the years I have found some products that are definitely keepers in my makeup arsenal, things I buy over and over because they are just so good. Then there are those unexpected inexpensive discoveries that are equally exciting! We all know the thrill of a deal! Thought this could make a fun post...the highs and lows of beauty products and makeup.  Here are some of mine as well as the low down on why I love them...hope you will share yours!

1st row left to right....

1. Low- Milani eye pencils, come in a variety of colors, they go on smoothly,  last and best part..... are about 5.00!

2.High-Nars highlight stick...have been buying this product for years, awesome over cheekbones, lips, browbone and on occasion even on your shoulders. I buy it in South Beach and Copacabana. A great multi use stick....it lasts!

3.High- Unite 7 seconds leave in conditioner. Best hair product (leave in) that I have ever used. I have thick hair that tangles easily, this makes combing through a total breeze, there is definitely a "miracle" ingredient, will buy this over and over! It's about 35.00 but last about 3 months.

4. Low- I have used a lot of heavy conditioners, and this one is my fave. From Neutrogena about 8.00, far better than Moroccan Oil at quadruple the price! Some hair expert was on Good Morning America one morning and was going on and on about this, well he's right! A little goes a long way, leaves my hair feeling nourished and silky. Have used it for years.

Second row-

5. High- Stila illuminating foundation. Again a little oes a long way, I use it only on certain areas of my face, it has a slight illuminator which  makes my skin look like it's glowing. I love this product and have used it a long time and will continue to be a devoted fan. Not heavy.....

6. Low- Milani lipliners- I have bought these for years. Love this lipliner!! Its only about 6.00 and is probably the best one I have used. I buy them in 2's and 3's. Awesome! Great colors too......

7. Low-Maybelline turbo mascara. I have used expensive ones (used to use Diorshow for years) but this one is as good and for only about 8.00 a tube, its a bargain. Goes on easily and allows to layer without clumping.

8. Low- Clear Scalp shampoo. This is funny....my local CVS had a promotion that if you spent over $50.00 you got this shampoo. I had never heard of it but am never one to turn down a freebie! Well.....I used it and loved it, it lathers up like salon shampoos, smells great and with each shampoo I realized how great it was. I have not been loyally using this shampoo for about 3 months ever since I discovered it. It is excellent and I highly recommend it!

Last row-

9.Low- Essie nail polish, forget the crayon box of colors on steroids (every color under the sun), this is great quality nail polish for under 10.00. There is a reason virtually all nail salons use it!

10. Low- L'Oreal's  Glam bronze.  I use this and Geurlain's bronzer (which I have used for years) however I think Guerlain has switched the formula, its much softer and it is cracking well before I have used it and then I have to throw away a $45.00 bronzer! That does not make me happy. I  had read in In Style about L'Oreal's  and have since used it and been quite happy!

11. High- Bobbi Brown eyeshadow. Great quality stuff here, the color goes on with one swipe and it lasts. Does not flake and stays put. I have even dropped it and it didn't crack. That is saying something. Not cheap but totally worth every penny. I have had these compacts for a long time and they are still going strong!



OK so that is some of what I have used and absolutely love! It's your turn...time to tell me your favorite high and lows!! I cannot wait to hear......wishing you a fabulous day and thank you as always for stopping in!

Late week musings and a giveaway!

Grab another cup of coffee...this is one of those long posts that is somewhat all over the place!!

Hi there and happy Friday..boy this week has flown. Woke up to another 5+ inches of snow with this latest system and its still coming down. School is closed and this is getting old. Very old.  I have tried to make it a productive week and have gotten some things on my very very long list of to do's checked off. Here is what I woke up to.....(took with my iPhone)

Despite the snow, I do feel excited knowing spring is on our doorstep, though to look outside, it is hard to imagine! I generally love the notion of spring cleaning, getting organized, really making a concerted effort to make a practical list of to do's and getting them done. Winter, I consider hibernation period (after the holidays that is). I cannot believe my online stores one year anniversary is on Sunday!! I am offering a giveaway today and another one on the actual one year anniversary on Sunday. All details on the bottom. Hope you have had a good week....so here's whats new here this week.......

A new blog I am just obsessed with. I think the pictures say it all. To me they represent heaven....this couple lives in the French countryside and seem to spend their time making the most beautiful meals, visiting local specialty markets, picking form their garden, playing with their kids and pups...sounds like a dream life! Baked chicken never looked so elegant...he is a photographer so every single picture is award winning. This blog makes me feel like I away in the country with them...just marvelous in every way!! Did I mention that every family member also looks like a model? Here's a quote that is commonplace on her blog...sends my senses in overdrive!  "Since I have been living in Médoc, it has become a habit of mine to cycle around. I enjoy buying my daily baguette and groceries, taking the scenic route through the forest. It is so rewarding to look at all the peaceful surroundings, saying bonjour to the local sheep, donkeys, horses and cows. It is often during these bicycle trips that I get inspired for a dish. Last Friday, I came back home with a big pack of sausages from my local charcuterie."   Heres a sampling of what is on the blog...click here to visit!

    Spring. I am soooooo longing for spring. More this year than ever before. Maybe because another snow storm has descended upon us. It feels like forever away. But in the meantime I am dreaming of beautiful clothes, light springy colors, soft fabrics....ahh I can feel it already. Here are some spring lovlies that I have my eye on.....loving this cutout/lace trend that I am seeing a lot of, and you?   Big fan of Delman shoes, own lots of their flats..these are just darling!

 

Adorable in pink too....

And really like this tote from Antropologie.....such a great neutral......

 Do these  have my name all over them or what? If I didn't have such a aversion to wearing heels (except when I m must) I would indulge.  Both styles from LK Bennet of London! Love them!!

 A new book. You know I love my books. I believe you can never ever have too many great design books and one which I preordered I know is going to be fabulous if her first book is any indication. I love Cindy Rinfrets style, her shop and design aesthetic. Her new book cover was calling me.  And finally, just finished Rules of Civility and I  have to say I really really enjoyed it. Enough to talk about it and recommend it! Click here to order Cindy's new book on Amazon. 

 

  Do you like products? I do and love discovering something new, even better when its new and awesome. I was at a store the other day and struck up a conversation with a fellow shopper who really looked like she knew her stuff and as it turns out she is a freelance makeup artist who has done a lot of work on some pretty major movie sets! If I wasn't hurried for time I would have stood there trying to get the lowdown on some of my favorite stars:) But one thing she did tell me about is a great line of makeup that apparently many "pros" and those in the know use...so you just know I came home and googled it and actually took the plunge and ordered some of the products. In case you are like me and a serial product junkie..heres the scoop! Judith August is known as the queen of covering up everything from everyday blemishes to rosacea. Click here to visit her site.  

 Any product called killer cover is a product I want to know about!   Also went trim/fabric shopping, I am such a kid in candy shop when I go textile shopping. Two of my favorite stops are Clarence House and Samuel and Son. The trims are sooo scrumptious! I am unstoppable when it comes to selecting beautiful trims.......its better than choosing hand dipped chocolates at a candy shop. Well, on second thought, almost as good:) Look how gorgeous these were at Clarence House...... 

 I am sure you can see why I was practically hallucinating!! Everything was sooo stunning! And here is what I came home with for my "living room table project".......

  Here is one of current projects (the table) and this  is what I am going for....

 And on the home front, hung these beautiful Trowbridge prints in my bathroom.....

Just added this beautiful green tole lamp on a small table...love it!

And added this stunning tole lamp to another table in my sitting room of my bedroom, also hung these pretty prints....

 And put my beautiful white cherry blossoms on this console.......

This is random and again I am sure I am especially drawn to this because I am really craving spring but isn't this a beauty.....the light blue isn't seen often and is so fresh looking

   And last but certainly not least...can you believe my online shop is going to be celebrating its one year anniversary on Sunday!!! I am amazed, excited and quite stunned that its been a year already! I am so incredibly grateful for the support and encouragement my readers have given. And to celebrate I am going to be offering a big giveaway on Sunday!! I am also very excited to be adding an entire new batch of gorgeous lamps to my lamps section, some beautiful new porcelains and some stunning new silver items! Have a look at some of what is to come....... 

   And all these beautiful lamps are now on my site, visit here.

     And some of the stunning new silver additions.....All the new scalloped pieces are all ovenproof and are the ultimate oven to table serving pieces!  I have owned serving dishes from this company for years and they go from the refrigerator to the oven straight to the dishwasher and add elegance to even the simplest of meals! (These will be added to my online shop by the weekend if not later today)

 Love this large scalloped serving tray

And this beautiful coordinating scalloped casserole dish

How about this absolutely gorgeous horsebit tray?

 And this very large scalloped casserole dish.......

   And finally the giveaway!  I will be offering up a giveaway today and another one on the actual one year mark, Sunday, in celebration. Today's giveaway is for this absolutely darling pair of mini blue and white Staffordshire dogs.......they measure about 6" and are sooo sweet!!  Who couldn't find a special place for this cuties! To enter just leave a comment here after visiting my online shop (click here) and telling me one item you would love to buy for your home (or yourself). Want a second chance....leave me a message on The Enchanted Home's facebook page, click here.  IMPORTANT- To my dear subscribers who often comment directly via email, this does not make you eligible for the giveaway. Instead when you get my post in your email box, CLICK ON THE TITLE OF THE POST, this will take you directly to my actual webpage. On bottom you will see "Kindly leave your comments here", you can sign in with google, just put your first name and last name initial or even sign in anonymously. Remember if you just use your first name please also include a last name initial. Thanks and good luck....... 

  So that is what is happening over here!! Hope you have a wonderful Friday, a great end to your week and thanks as always for stopping in to say hello:)