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Why Don’t You Try It: Home Remedy Hair Color

By Kirsten|April 21st, 2011|Beauty Buzz|

Gurrrrl, you better get your hair did up right. The summer is fast approaching and we are all going to pop up out of our holes like Punxsutawney Phil. So, it’s time to do some summertime maintenance and part of that starts at the root… or your hair. We all love the look of sunkissed hair, but paying for it in salons can be a bit pricey. How can you achieve that beachy blonde surfer girl hair without breaking the bank? Easy. With a few items you can pick up at the store. (FYI: I am NOT talking about Sun-In either. Ugh.. the misery of my hair that 7th grade summer…).

Make Lemonade: I’m fairly certain every girl on the planet has probably tried this little summertime trick, but in case you have not, here’s how to turn lemons in to gorgeous golden hair.

While lounging pool or beachside (or just while puttering around outside), fill a spray bottle with concentrated (and by concentrated I mean fresh squeezed) lemon juice and spritz on your hair. Um, I shouldn’t have to tell you to avoid your eyes— but I will anyway: AVOID CONTACT WITH YOUR PRETTY PEEPERS. Some people also add a little olive oil to the mix to add some nutrition to your strands while lightening them.

I’m fortunate enough to have my very own Meyers Lemon tree in my yard… so check back in mid August to see whether I’ve made more hair color than lemonade this summer…

Color with Chamomile: If you’ve already gone down the lemon route or you just have something against lemons in general, another little trick for ladies with lighter locks is using this chamomile concoction. *Bonus: You can also make yourself a little soothing tea while you wait.

Place 1 cup camomile flowers into an enamel pot with 2 cups of boiling water.
Lower the heat to just under boiling and simmer for half an hour.
Let the infusion sit for 3 hours.
Strain the tea with a nylon mesh strainer, and pour it over your head several times, catching it into a pot or bowl as you pour.

Cinnamon Bun: I mean, I have never tried this one, but it sounds delicious.

Combine cinnamon powder and hair conditioner in a one to one mixture. The amount you will need depends on the length of your hair; however, you should have enough to evenly coat your locks from root to tip.
Wet your hair and wring out the excess water. Comb your hair carefully to release any tangles which may prevent even distribution of the cinnamon and conditioner.
Apply the cinnamon and conditioner mixture evenly to your hair, mixing an extra batch if necessary. While you can’t use too much, if you use to little your lightening will end up uneven and streaky. You can comb through your hair periodically to help move the cinnamon and conditioner evenly throughout.
Gather your hair in a bun and secure it with a hair clip. Cover your head with a shower cap and leave the cinnamon and conditioner in your hair overnight. Rinse the mixture from your hair in the morning, shampooing as normal. If you would like to lighten your hair a bit more, apply the mixture again with no worry about damaging your hair.

If all else fails, you will have a delicious recipe for tea. Chamomile + lemon + cinnamon? Pass me a crumpet, please.

xx,

WhyDid

Photo via Murray Mitchell

Why Did You Wear That: Mixed Signals

By Kirsten|April 19th, 2011|Personal Style, Why Did You Wear That?|

My favorite picture of my oldest niece is one of her wearing purple pants, a tutu, a sparkly pink shirt, a headband, and two different shoes. While you may be quick to assume that the tutu is what put me over the edge, it is actually her self assured expression in the photo. She is so very proud of herself, and for that reason, her discombobulation works.

I’ve always been a big fan of mixing and matching. I think when things are too carefully concocted, they seem a bit fussy and overdone (like matching your bag to your shoes- ick!). While it may seem silly to take inspiration from a child, it’s actually quite the contrary. See, children are somewhat uninhibited when it comes to fashion. They have not yet become slaves to trends and “rules” about what goes with what. They see it, they like it, they put it on.

I’m not suggesting that you throw on just any old thing, but what I am suggesting is loosening those chains of style and having a bit of fun. Who are these people making up the “rules” anyway?

When mixing patterns, I do suggest staying within the same color family. I also would try incorporating prints in different scale (one big print, one small print). The days of plaids and stripes being considered a faux pas are long gone.

1. American Apparel Stripe Mid-Length Pocket Tank, $29, 2. Miu Miu Stitched Sandal, $595, 3. Hazel Polka Dot Print Skirt, $79, 4. Ben-Amun Worldly Charm Rope Bracelet, $145

See? Mixing and matching is child’s play.

xx,

WhyDid

Why Did You Eat That: Luna Eclipse

By Kirsten|April 18th, 2011|Recipes, Why Did You Eat That?|

When I moved from New York, I thought the days of mornings extended into late afternoon brunches and bottomless mimosas were long gone. In Los Angeles, brunch wasn’t really taken as seriously. You see, in NY, brunch is treated as an Olympic sport. This past weekend, however, we met up with some new friends in San Francisco (they call it “the city” here, but I feel adulterous doing so) for a ver lovely, very official brunch reminiscent of those in the Big Apple.

We ended up at a place called Luna Park and if you squinted your eyes (to block out the planted palm trees) you’d swear you were somewhere in the West Village. After passing through a heavy velvet curtain, we were seated in a warm, crimson painted room. Immediately our very pleasant waitress got us started on $12 bottomless mimosas (they also have 2 for 1 Bloody Mary’s) and each couple ordered a fried egg sandwich and the “Big French Toast.” When I saw the “Big French Toast” I just thought they were being silly, but when my plate arrived, I realized they meant “big” quite literally. While there was absolutely no way I could finish what was in front of me, I certainly tried. It was like eating dessert for breakfast. Top that off with a never depleting mimosa (the nectar of the gods) and I’m not sure what could make a Saturday morning much better.

Wanna throw a brilliant brunch of your own? Check out this unbelievably delicious (and easy) French Toast recipe:

Ingredients:

4 ounces (1/2 cup) mascarpone, at room temperature

1 tablespoon heavy cream

1 tablespoon granulated sugar

1/2 to 1 ounce 62 percent semisweet chocolate (to taste), melted and cooled

Twelve 1/4- to 3/8-inch slices day-old brioche

3 large eggs

1 1/2 cups half-and-half

1 to 2 tablespoons (1/2 to 1 ounce) unsalted butter

62 percent semisweet chocolate for grating

Maple syrup, warmed

Directions:

Combine the mascarpone, cream, and sugar in a small bowl. Add the melted chocolate, and mix until incorporated. Spread about 2 tablespoons of the mixture on one slice of brioche, and top with another slice. Repeat with the remaining slices, making 6 sandwiches.

In a shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs and half-and-half.

Preheat a nonstick griddle or large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 tablespoon butter. Dip each sandwich in the egg and half-and-half, turning to soak both sides. Let any excess drip back in the bowl. Place the sandwich on the griddle. Repeat with only as many sandwiches as fit comfortably in the griddle, and cook for about 2 to 3 minutes per side, or until golden. Transfer to a platter and cover to keep warm. Add more butter to the pan as necessary and cook the remaining sandwiches.

Slice each sandwich in half on the diagonal, and serve 3 halves per person. Using a microplane, grate chocolate over the top. Serve with maple syrup.

bottoms up!

xx,

WhyDid

Monday Mashup: A Girl, A Dog, and Oz

By Kirsten|April 18th, 2011|Monday Mashup|

While settling in, heating up leftovers, and navigating the TV to watch something slightly less than completely brainless last night, we stumbled upon an old classic: The Wizard of Oz. It had been years since I’d watched it (the Wicked Witch of the West and those damned flying monkeys used to scare the crap out of me), but I quickly remembered why this was such a great movie. Despite the underlying message: there’s no place like home, the real reason I love this movie may have something to do with the bond between Dorothy and Toto. When I watched the way Dorothy interacted with her loyal pooch, I couldn’t help but think about my own. So many people equate a boy and his dog, but really, a girl’s best friend may very well be a dog rather than diamonds. Alright, who am I kidding? We need both.

In pop culture, Paris Hilton is often given all the credit when it comes to making your pooch the ultimate accessory. In reality, Dorothy did all the legwork and received zero credit. P. Hilton wasn’t the first girl to think of sticking Fido in her Fendi. Notice Dorothy’s sassy straw tote (er… basket)? It appears that Dorothy was way ahead of her time.

So which lovely lady really made puppy love so popular?

there truly is no place like home.

xx,

WhyDid

Photos via News of the World

Weekend Playlist: Flying Coach

By Kirsten|April 16th, 2011|Weekend Playlist|

Couldn’t make it to Coachella this year? You’re not alone, my friend. Let’s look on the bright side- no port-o-potties for you! Plus, no need to stress out about what to wear. In an attempt to make up for it, here’s a playlist chocked full of artists taking the stage this year:

Kings of Leon– My Party

Ratatat– Mandy

Cage the Elephant– Ain’t No Rest for the Wicked

Wiz Khalifa– Black and Yellow

The Black Keys– Next Girl

Lauryn Hill & Bob Marley– Turn Your Lights Down Low

Bloody Beetroots– Warp 1.9

Afrojack– Take Over Control

The Kills– U.R.A. Fever

Crystal Castles– Vanished