February Faves: Product Junkie, Healthy Munchie & Pooch Accessory

I love trying new things, but it doesn't happen all that often because when I find a favorite I STICK with it! This month, I've tried a few new things, I guess I'm feeling frisky, and want to share all of them with you!

1. Product junkie:

Oribe's Dry Texturizing Spray

Growing up in the southern states, you will hear often "the higher the hair, the closer to Jesus."

I have been a hair spray and teasing brush ADDICT for years. I have used numerous types of root boosters when blow drying. Have no fear, I will pump up my locks, but is it all necessary? Lord knows, I'm sure it's not all healthy!

During my recent color experience with Ash Fortis of G Patton (read here), I was introduced to this dry texturizing spray. Not only can you spray this bad boy through sections of your hair at the root then massage your scalp for a no-tease VOLUMINOUS look, you can also use it as a finishing spray! 

Little bit here, little bit there.. and voila! 

This is SUCH an awesome product to have on hand.. you might not use it every day, but you'll wish you had.

FLAT HEAD::

Oribe Dry Texture Spray-Head:

..'nough said. 

2. [healthy] munch:

Quest Protein Bars

Oh man, these are a game changer, y'all!

The problem with any old joe-shmoe protein bar is the SUGAR content.. and we all know, sugar is crack. SO you're basically paying a few bucks to fuel your cravings for junk. Counter-productive, right?

You can't go wrong with these bars though.

First of all, there are a ZILLION yummy flavors, ranging from oreo --> apple pie --> s'mores --> cinnamon rolls --> cookie dough --> PB&J. The list goes on.. Seriously.

Then, there's the whole nutritional facts:

Gluten Free

20+ Grams of Protein

High in Fiber

Under 200 calories

ONE Gram of Sugar

I love these bars for a mid morning snack, a post workout protein punch or a late night craving smasher. Nom Nom Nom

If you can't pick just one flavor, try the variety pack to figure out which concoctions are you favorites! If you can't find the assortment you like directly through quest, Amazon is SURE to have it..

3. [pooch] accessory:

snoozer cozy cave [pet bed]

Buyer Beware: Your dog may choose this bed over you. With a micro-suede exterior in YOUR color of choice and a sherpa interior, you might consider curling up in this warm cloud of coziness yourself!

I originally bought this bed because I had seen that it was a HUGE hit for dog breeds that were cuddlers, cold easily or like sleeping under the covers. For any GSP owner, you just said check.check.check.

I was SO excited to see what Tannyn's reaction would be when this came in the mail!

She hasn't fully come to appreciate what this has to offer, being that she currently wants to roll around and sniff EVERY inch of it, but her sister Moose sure has.

There may be a second cave in our future...

Alrighty, well I'm no Oprah, but that's the February Edition of "Lindsey's Favorite Things"

..shoot I forgot instaprint. Just check back next month!

xoxo,

Linz

my hair's soulmate:: ash fortis

I had one of the greatest experiences on Sunday getting my hair done! But before I GUSH on the details, let's travel back in time to October 2014.

October was a time that my hair, for the most part, was a blank canvas. I had been seeing the same sassy stylist in the Hilltop area of Virginia Beach for about 3 years, mostly for cuts and only in the past 8 months for color. My first experience with color was "okay".. not bad, but not great. I left feeling like I paid a lot for a little. The next time I went in, I was armed- with photos and more descriptive phrases like: I'd love a warm balayage look with fun, warm blondish tones placed throughout.. but with some face framing pieces.. THIS time, I left feeling like a HOT mess. After two corrective appointments, no apologies and paying nearly $180 twice in three weeks for results I was less than impressed with, I decided to part ways and find a new stylist.. can you see why?

 BEFORE:::  

 (I'm the gal on the left with the natural, brunette hair)   

AFTER:::

(I am now the girl with the insanely chucky pieces of I'm not sure what color)

**BTW:: this was after the second appointment, during which I asked him to tone down my PLATINUM chunks with straight lines throughout my hair.. appointment #3.. sad, right? **

After this fiasco, I was short $300+, while left feeling embarrassed, upset and disappointed.

Over the same weekend, a co-worker of mine visited a locally-renown colorist that she had been following for quite sometime on Facebook and instagram.. her name is Ash Fortis. When I saw my friend's hair after her appointment, I IMMEDIATELY began following Ash. For a couple of months, I silently admired her work.. wishing all the while I had seen her to begin with. Then, I started making comments and liking her posts.

One day, Ash advertised a course she would be offering to local stylists that admired her balayage technique-- the style of color that I had originally requested before my fiasco.. I mean "October transformation."

I, half jokingly & half serious, commented on the post that I was meaning to see her anyways and said something along the lines of "will you need a model for this? :) " Surprisingly, she sent me a private message stating I could send her photos of my hair, because she did in fact need someone for this course.

A few selfies later, she said that I was a good candidate and we put it on the books.. then I waited patiently with excitement for about 5 weeks to see her. Besides her sending me a few inspiration photos via FB, all of the color combos were different but displayed a general vision, I had no idea what I would be getting that day-- besides a balayage inspired look.

I didn't care, I trusted her. I had seen her work. This girl has talent.

I went in Sunday morning to a GORGEOUS salon located in Norfolk, VA: G Patton.

There was great music playing, mimosas waiting to be sipped and EVERYONE was friendly. The environment was bright and fresh- right up my alley!

This was the set up for her course. As I began to walk around, I got butterflies.

Good, excited butterflies!

Not only did I get a wonderful new "do" this weekend, but I actually felt a little more educated about my hair! I felt CONFIDENT that Ash was doing what would be most flattering for my skin, appropriate for the season and healthy for the condition of my hair itself. I was blown away by her technical skills, creativity, vision and ability to articulate each of these things to her attendees.

I'm still in shock from my results..

Within a matter of a couple of hours, my hair had been transformed!

I told you she was amazing, right!?

I encourage you to make a trip to see this gal! She would be worth the drive and investment, hands down.

To check out her other amazing work, find her on Facebook "Ash Fortis" or follow her on instagram @xostylistxo .

Thank you for a WONDERFUL experience, Ash!

xo, Linz