Best Summer Hairstyles

I love summer (next to spring, though, but I love it nonetheless). First of all, and I won't deny it, I love it because school's out: back when I was still in school and even until now! There's just that fantastic feeling of slowing down, taking things a wee bit easy, more opportunities to sleep in, and of course, all the activities you can do now that you and your kids aren't swamped with schoolwork.

Second, summer always opens so many opportunities to go out and have some fun sun time. Of course, if you're going out there to strut your stuff, you'll have to be at your best. Well, for all things hairstyle, you know you can count on me *wink*

This season, to see the trendiest hairstyles, just look at the stars. Hollywood, that is. Being public figures, celebrities know that staying in the public eye is either looking horrific or looking fabulous. Like us, normal human beings, most of them thankfully choose the latter. So here's an excerpt of Elle.com's top celebrity hair trends for summer:

BEST SUMMER HAIRSTYLES FOR 2010

Wavy Bob
For a carefree summer do, above-the-shoulder waves are the way to go. Both Zoe Saldana and Jessica Alba have recently trimmed their tresses to sport this tousled style.


Messy Side Braid
Boho-chic fashionista Nicole Richie rocks a messy side-braid effortlessly.

Ballerina Bun
As Rachel McAdams demonstrates, a ballerina bun is ideal for showing off shoulders and statement earrings.



Straight Hair
Beach waves are always fun for summer, but as the spring and fall catwalks proved, straight strands like Reese Witherspoon's are back.

Pixie Cut
It Girl Carey Mulligan and her Twiggy-esque do have been ruling the red carpet.


Side Pony
Showcasing this sideswept look just right: reality TV star turned author Lauren Conrad.
And here's one from us!

Accessorize!
No matter what type of hair you have, summery hair accessories will always give you that extra oomph! Just like this fun and playful Tonya headband!


Or this dainty and delicate Ryan hairclip!


More trendy summer hairstyles at Elle.com!

Have a fun summer ;o)

No Slippy Hair Clippy photos by Amanda Elkins. Celebrity photos from Getty Images.

Top 10 Summer Travel Tips

Summer offers so many opportunities to go out and enjoy the world! But traveling with the kiddos can be tricky and sometimes even downright impossible. Here are ten tips from Breezy Mama on how you can make your summer road trips as smooth sailing as possible. These were compiled from Colleen Lanin of TravelMamas.com:

TOP 10 TRAVEL TIPS FOR PARENTS

10. Print a packing list
I used to wrack my brain writing out every little thing I didn’t want to forget before each trip with the kids. It finally occurred to me to save the list and simply modify it for each trip. I have been perfecting that packing list ever since I became a mom five years ago.

9. Keep a separate stash of toys and books for travel.
Sure, a new diversion or two is always fun. But a hidden toy is a forgotten toy. Kids will be psyched to rediscover old favorites on the go, saving you money and effort.

8. Never, ever count on feeding your children food provided on an airplane.
A three-hour delay on the tarmac could easily thwart your plans. Instead, bring plenty of healthy snacks. A steady stream of sliced and dried fruits, whole grain crackers, and pretzels keep kids busy munching instead of fighting or whining. Throw in a few forbidden treats as a reward for good behavior too!

7. Be a hypochondriac.
I keep a zipper-lock bag of every sort of medicine and ointment our family just might need while away from home. This is especially handy when traveling to a foreign country or when embarking on a cruise, where getting familiar medications might be difficult. Even when traveling somewhere close-by where you could easily purchase some teething tablets or cough syrup, do you WANT to run out in the middle of the night in a strange town chasing down something you could have easily packed?

6. Hitting the road? Don’t forget the bucket!
You never know when car sickness will strike and if it does, you need to be prepared. Bring along a bucket (a sand pail will do) or snag an air sickness bag to stow in your car. I learned this one the hard way, people.

Read on about the top 5 tips on Breezy Mama here! Have a (hopefully) sunny adventure!

Image from babble.com.

Summer Hair Care

Summer is obviously never complete without enjoying some sun time. But we all know that the sun can be quite harsh on our skin, and even on our hair! Exposure to the sun can damage your hair's cuticle, making your hair dry, drab and brittle.

While protecting your skin is as easy as slathering on some sunblock, what do you do to protect your hair? Here are some tips that have been very helpful to me:

* Cover up! The easiest, quickest way to protect those tresses from the sun's rays. Wear a summer hat or stylish scarves to cover your hair. But remember to choose ones that still allow proper air circulation. Otherwise, you'll end up getting too hot to keep the hat or the scarf on.

* Leave on! Use leave-on hair products that have SPF protection. However, you can also put regular sunscreen on your hair, BUT make sure to concentrate on your scalp as well and not just the strands. It's quite a desperate solution, but when in dire need, improvise. It does save your hair from sun damage.

* All natural! Summer will leave your hair moisture-deprived. So limit your use of certain hair products that may contain ingredients which have been known to dry hair. Choose brands that are as natural as possible.

* No heat! I can assure you, the sun will pretty much do a better job at heating things up so you won't need anymore heat on your hair. Give your hair a break from heat-styling (blow dryers, iron curlers, etc.). If you MUST have waves, try braiding damp hair and let air-dry. Let loose and you've got very natural and playful curls. If you MUST blow-dry, at least apply some leave-on hair conditioner to protect your hair from the heat.

* Deep conditioning! Regular deep conditioning treatments will help in replenishing moisture in your hair. Apply your deep conditioner of choice to your hair (whether damp or dry) and then wrap up in a shower cap. Leave it on for some time or even overnight so your hair absorbs all the re-moisturizing benefits then rinse off.

So go ahead ad enjoy sunnier days ahead, but don't forget to take care of your tresses. Happy summer, everyone!

Image from sxc.hu.

Take the Beach Home!

Or maybe some parts of it, at least ;)

As you prepare for a little more sun time this month, why not make the most of your trips to the beach? Kaboose suggests that you make cool sand-filled bottles to remember that fun day at the beach with your kids.


What you'll need:
sand
newspaper
wax paper
colored chalk (as many different colors as you like)
clear glass or plastic bottles
stick or pencil
white glue or bottle cap
cutting board

How to make it:

1. Cover the work surface with newspaper.

2. Place a sheet of wax paper on a cutting board.

3. Place some sand on the wax paper. Roll a piece of colored chalk across the sand until the sand is completely changed to that color.

4. Carefully lift the wax paper and gently shake the sand to the center of the wax paper. Hold both ends of the paper up to use it as a pour spout to pour the colored sand into the bottle. You can use a funnel if you find it easier.

5. Use a stick or the eraser end of a pencil to make a few dips in the sand.

6. Repeat these steps until you have several colors of sand layered in your bottle(s).

7. If you have a cap for your bottle, be sure to fill it completely with sand and press down firmly on the sand to compact it. Place cap on tight. If you do not have a bottle cap, fill sand to about ½” from the top of the bottle. Compact the sand with a pencil or your finger if it fits in the opening and then fill to the top with glue and let dry.

More craft ideas here!

Image from Kaboose.

The Best Swimsuits for Your Body Part 2 (Oh and Accessories to Match!)

To finish off our week of prepping you for summer, here's the second part of our guide to the best swimsuits for your body type! All thanks to our friends at StyleBakery.com :o)

FOR LARGE BUSTS AND PLUS SIZES
Best Swimsuits for Large Busts Look For:
* Underwire tops, formed cups and wider bands under the bustline that provide the extra support you need.

* One-piece swimsuits with some structure in the bust, such as soft foam cups or a shelf bra.

* Halter-top bikinis offer support while providing some great cleavage too. Look for styles that are banded under the bustline and can be tied in back and around the neck to allow you to make adjustments.

Avoid
* Strapless bandeau tops and those tiny, triangle tops that offer minimal coverage.

Best Swim Suits for Plus Sizes
Look For:
* Deep v-necks, well-placed cutouts, lace or mesh inserts - showing a little skin in the right places can be a sexy and flattering visual.

* Lengthen your thigh with swimsuits that have a high cut leg or adjustable ruching detail at the hip.

* Don't be afraid of prints and patterns, these can help camouflage lumps and bumps.

Avoid
* Too much fabric and boy short styles. Stay away from white, as well as bright fabrics.

More info here!

Of course, you MUST top all this off with the right hair accessories! And we have just the thing for you. You can never go wrong with a little touch of flowers. They celebrate your femininity and gives your look just the right "Oomph!"

Catalina

Ryan

Ramie

Sage

The Best Swimsuits for Your Body Part 1

Summer will not be summer without some sauntering out in the sun. And you wouldn't want to do anything out in the merciless heat while you're all covered up! So here are tips to find the best swimsuits for your body type, as rounded out by our friends at StyleBakery.com.

Now, now, don't be shy. We're all here to make you look and feel your best!

FOR SMALL BUSTS AND STRAIGHT FIGURES

Best Bust-Enhancing Swimsuits

Look for:
* Tops with a touch of padding, or an underwire demi-bra style that makes the most for adding to your small bustline.

* You have the body to wear cute, ruffled tops that are hot right now. Triangle tops and bandeau tops are easy to wear as well.

Avoid:
* Tops with too much fabric or that have poor fit.

Best Curve-creating Swim Styles

Look For:
* If you don't have many curves, choose a swimsuit that has a belted waist to help create one. Or choose a one-piece suit with a high-on-the-thigh cut.

* A one-piece swimsuit with side cut-outs instantly creates a few curves at the waist and hips.

* Bikinis are also a good choice. Add some details at the hips with rings, ruffles and bows.

More info here!

FOR PEAR SHAPES AND TUMMY BULGES

Best Swim Styles for Pear Shapes

Look for:
* Swimsuits that draw attention upwards with interesting details and patterns above the waist. To balance your proportions, choose a solid bottom and a patterned top.

* Mini-skirted bikini bottoms are made just for you! Skip the super frilly ones and choose a skimming, smooth skirt that covers just what you need it to.

* Opt for a bikini bottom that has slightly wider sides, skip the string side-tie versions that only draw unwanted attention.

* Play up your bust and shoulders to deemphasize your bottom.

Avoid:
* Boy shorts, skimpy bottoms, low cut bottoms or lots of ruffles and details at the hips.

Best Swim Styles for Tummy Bulges

Look For:
* Swimsuits with a little extra spandex woven into the tummy area, they work wonders!

* A one-piece with ruching or draping around the waist or hips can also help to conceal a "muffin" top.

* If you're going for a two-piece swimsuit, then opt for a loose fitting tankini where top and bottom meet at the waist. They cover just enough, but you still have the freedom and chic factor of a bikini. High waisted bikini bottoms can help trim tummies

* Geometric and floral prints can help camouflage trouble areas.

Avoid
* Teeny bikinis and short tankini tops that ride up and expose belly rolls

More info here!

To be continued next week PLUS the perfect hair accessories to match your swimsuit-worthy bod!

Let's Get Physical

And now, for some exercise.

Oh come on, you should have seen this coming! It's a simple routine, so don't worry. We're concerned about your health, though, so remember to ask your doctor/physician if you're in the right condition to do physical activities like the ones we're featuring today!

If yo want to tone up your body, our friends at FitSugar.com has rounded up eight simple routines that will have your arms, core, back, tush and thighs burning by the end.

If you're sure you're up for some action, head over to their Head-to-Toe Strength Training Routine here!

A sneak peek:


Wide Squat and Biceps Curls

This multitasking move will target your thighs and biceps at the same time:

• Hold a pair of dumbbells in your hands with your arms straight and your palms facing away from you. Step your feet apart so there's about 20 inches between your heels. Point your toes out slightly.

• When you're ready, bend your knees and elbows. Keep your shoulders over your hips and lower down so your weight is back in your heels. Then straighten your legs and arms.

• This is one repetition. Complete three sets of 12 to 15 reps.
  

Image from www.fitsugar.com

Guilt-free Grub

As we continue our little quest towards a fitter, healthier you, of course we have to include guilt-free meals!

FitSugar.com is filled with healthy recipes that you can try at home. Here's a rundown of their recommended recipes that only have 350 calories and below!

CITRUSY SHRIMP WITH ASPARAGUS

Shrimp, packed with omega-3s, vitamin D, and vitamin B12, is paired with the earthy, nutrient-dense veggie for some serious guilt-free summer grilling. And who needs butter when citrus adds that summery kick?

Calories: 282

Ingredients:

2 cups water
1 cup dried couscous
1/2 teaspoon sea salt, divided
1/2 teaspoon black pepper, divided
4 tablespoons fresh lemon juice, divided
3/4 pound raw large shrimp (about 18), peeled and deveined
1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
3 1/2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided
2 minced garlic cloves
Olive oil cooking spray
3/4 pound asparagus spears, trimmed
1 teaspoon honey
1/4 cup chopped chives

Preparation:

1. Bring 2 cups water to a boil in medium saucepan. Remove from heat, and stir in couscous; cover and let stand for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork; stir in 1/4 teaspoon each salt and pepper and 1 tablespoon lemon juice.

2. Bring another pan of water to a boil.

3. Meanwhile, toss shrimp in 1 tablespoon each lemon and lime juice, 1 1/2 teaspoons olive oil, garlic, and remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt and pepper. Marinate for 5 minutes.

4. Preheat grill pan or grill. Lightly coat with cooking spray; grill shrimp, turning once, 3 minutes or until just cooked through. Cover and keep warm.

5. When water is boiling, add asparagus, and cook 3 minutes or until just tender. Drain, and cover.

6. Whisk together honey, chives, and remaining lemon juice and olive oil.

7. Arrange couscous and asparagus on serving plates, and top with shrimp. Drizzle with dressing.

More recipes here!

Image from www.fitsugar.com

Ooh and just because you might be missing our clippys this week, here's a little peek at our adorable baby gifts! We're all raving about our personalized clips and headbands! After all, once you're in top form, you may want to show off yourself and your little darlings. Dazzle them all with our Salena and Joss accessories:

Monogrammed Clips and Headwraps

Salena

Joss

Have a fun and fit summer!

Cheerios!
Rach

Gearing up for Summer

Summer is just lurking around the corner, which means pretty soon, you'll be heading for the beach to let the sizzle fizzle. But wait--are you swimsuit-ready?

As you know, we love our dear readers to bits, so this week we're all about getting healthy, staying fit, eating right and being the best you can be, not just to fit into those swimsuits but more so that you can have the time of your life this summer :o)

First stop: Counting Calories!

The word is no longer alien to us, that's for sure. But how many of us really know what those calories mean? How much is "Okay" and how much is "No way!"

The website FitSugar.com has a little quiz for you (don't worry, they show you the answers and some neat info too) to give you a little 101 on how much calories you can save.

You can take the quiz right here!

Image from www.fitsugar.com

July brings new clippies and patriotic festivities!

Welcome to July folks! This month brings the birth of our independent nation, stunning fireworks displays, yummy barbeque's and a whole lot of time outdoors. While enjoying all that blessed fresh air, there are two things you should try and remember:

1. Do not forget to slather on the sunscreen (liberally)

2. Accesorize with NSHC patriotic bows!

These clips are just too perfect for Independence Day and I recommend them for any little girls 4th of July weekend outfits.




Also for July, our new clip is featured! The Danielyn - Cross Knot Dot Baby Bows. I absolutely love this one, just the right amount of dainty! The Danielyn comes in four rich colors, Shocking Pink (as shown below) Citron, Pink and Lavender.


HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY AMERICANS! Enjoy the day's festivities and perhaps take a moment to be grateful for the wonderful country that we live in. :)

A Blog About Summer and Of Course... Clippies!

Summer is just around the corner. Time for longer days, melting ice cream cones, camping trips and sunburns... Don't you just love summertime?! I still cannot shake that adolescent excitement that overwhelms me just as May gives way to June. Although as adults, we don't have summer camp or sleepovers to look forward to, we do have backyard BBQ's, 4th of July celebrations and lots of adorable little tots to keep us busy all summer long.

In keeping with summer, we have announced our June clips of the month. They range from cute stitched mod butterflies to an 'oh so proud' red white and blue bow. They are a fashionable way to accessorize your little gals new summer outfits and a great way to celebrate the best time of the year. Happy June everyone!