By Katrice
I received a 4 oz. Redken Shine Flash 02 Glistening Mist in an event gift bag last fall and have used it a couple times without noticing any particular benefit to my hair. I didn't think much about it because I was using it at times when I had little expectation. But, yesterday morning, my hair needed a extra boost to make it through one more day before being washed. First off, I read the the product details and instructions — something I always tell others to do and hadn't done myself.
Details: Illuminate hair in a flash. Fine-mist aerosol spray adds a lightweight, high-gloss finish without stickiness.
Directions: Lightly mist on dry hair.
Here's what I did:
Since I was planning to wash my hair last night, I wanted to just moisturize and kind of shape my chunky 'fro for work. So, I went through my hair quickly with my hands loosening it back up from being packed down under my sleep cap. Then, I took the Shine Flash and pulled pieces of hair up the way that I would like them to be lifted and shaped, and lightly sprayed each section. {See below}
After spraying it in about five sections, I continued to lift it and kind of shape without disturbing small pieces.
In the end, I didn't notice any shine, but my hair was a looser chunky afro than I usually achieve {without a lot of manipulation} and maintained with no shrinkage throughout the day. It's a perfect refreshing elixir. Love.
{This was midday. Excuse my camera phone pic.}
By Katrice
Gift cards. I carry a cute faux snakeskin pouch with nothing but my gift cards in it for these times. If you have a stash too, save them for when the mood for retail therapy hits you. Pick-me-up shopping and gift cards are the perfect union. You won't be spending cash and you'll be able to enjoy a little indulgence in the name of rejuvenation.
iPad yoga. My coworker recently shared a few new apps with me and one of them was a Yoga app for beginners. When I've had a long day, many times, I just want to be quiet. All-in YOGA HD: 300 Poses & Yoga Classes is perfect for me to recoup. The app includes more than 200 poses that come with detailed written instructions, photos, videos, and male voice guidance as well as yoga music to help you work out more efficiently. There are also about 25 different yoga exercise programs for both beginners and more advanced users.
Meetups. I have three friends that I met on Twitter who are always my go-tos for coffee chats. Our conversations run the gamut from work and family to our goals and every single thing in between. These quick get togethers have turned our virtual introductions into refreshing friendships and excellent energizers.
Laughing. "Norbit" is my guilty pleasure. I only saw this movie for the first time a few months ago and whenever I feel like laughing, it's top-of-mind. A good laugh at the end of the night does wonders for your mood the next morning.
By Katrice
I've been so busy that I haven't had time to wish my blog a Happy 2nd Birthday!!
But, not too busy to plan a special event to commemorate the occasion. I hope that you will join me on Feb. 23rd at 6:30 p.m. for The MVL Social. Come out for a couple hours to the free soiree, sponsored by Atlanta Tribune, Shea Moisture, Beautiful Textures, Color Me Beautiful and Avon, and enjoy light fare, music, mingling and even a few surprises at the beautiful LOFT at Castleberry Hill. I'm looking for you {and your guests} to be there! Click the banner to RSVP and tell a friend.
By Katrice
Cardigan | Express
T-shirt | Target
Skirt | H&M
Ring | Traci Lynn Jewelry
Bracelets | Forever 21 & TJ Maxx
Necklace | Loehmann's
By Katrice
I think I knew this in the back of my mind, but it took photographer John Stephens to say it for it to shift to the forefront: The story of a blogger photo is key.
I know that we {bloggers} love a good outfit. But, how many times have you been scrolling through images in a post and started to wonder what the difference was in the shots after like four or five? I'm definitely guilty of having a discovered a look that I love, having it photographed ... and getting so caught up in the shots that I don't want to edit the photo story that I'm constructing. And I'm an editor, for goodness sake ... I believe every story can use some editing.
So, where do we begin with our blogtogging? According to John, the same way a writer conceptualizes his writing: Questions that the reader will ask while looking at your images are the same questions you should be asking yourself while trying to relay your message visually.
When I saw John's photo -- I realized the strength of what he said about using the walls and ceiling. I could imagine this angle being used to depict a gallery owner. So, by the time I got to the photo at the top focusing on The Book of Photography, I understood that my camera was hardly ever the problem -- but all of the elements that go into executing a good photo.
I think I knew this in the back of my mind, but it took photographer John Stephens to say it for it to shift to the forefront: The story of a blogger photo is key.
I know that we {bloggers} love a good outfit. But, how many times have you been scrolling through images in a post and started to wonder what the difference was in the shots after like four or five? I'm definitely guilty of having a discovered a look that I love, having it photographed ... and getting so caught up in the shots that I don't want to edit the photo story that I'm constructing. And I'm an editor, for goodness sake ... I believe every story can use some editing.
So, where do we begin with our blogtogging? According to John, the same way a writer conceptualizes his writing: Questions that the reader will ask while looking at your images are the same questions you should be asking yourself while trying to relay your message visually.
● Who?
● What?
● Where?
● Why?
● What does this image say and does it match up with what you had in mind for your blog?
I don't even know that I had ever asked myself these questions before he said I should. But, before telling me, he had me take a photo of him.
{My photo}
I was focused on lighting and composition {see Blogtog Journal #3}. Little did I know this was a lesson in Environment.
"Your subject can be in place, your lighting could be spot on, but if your background is distracting it could ruin a potentially great photo," John said. And that's exactly what you see in my photo. I should note here that my class was held in his very industrial studio and so there was a lot to work with for environment.
His tip: Looking around to find the best background is always a simple but under-used technique for finding the best angle. Know that everything can be considered: the walls, the ceiling and even the floor. Move around your subject and find the best perspective within your surroundings. There are also times when the environment can assist you in telling the story which connects your readers further to your written words.
{John's photo}
His parting words: Just as important as it is for your writing to be clear and concise, the same applies to your images. They are extensions to further connect your readers with your intended focus. Incorporating good composition, {*an engaged subject,} proper lighting, and good use of your environment can make for a great compliment to the actual written story. Look at it as if your blog were the pages of a magazine and the photos you take — the cover images that entice the reader to read it.
Happy blogtogging!
