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Beauty Buzz: CLEAR SCALP & HAIR™

By |September 8th, 2015|Beauty & Trends, Beauty Buzz, Sponsored Post|

kirsten smith clear scalp hair whydidEven though the official start of fall isn’t until September 23rd, Labor Day often feels like the end of summer and the transition from fun in the sun to back to school and back to reality.  Goodbye, cabana.  Hello, cubicle.  We swap out our skimpy suits for sweaters and our pedicures become irrelevant, hidden under closed toed brogues and boots.  Even our beauty routines must morph.  CLEAR SCALP & HAIR™ has a developed a line to aid in the conversion consisting of nourishing shampoos and conditioners that are designed to address various hair and scalp needs. If you are dealing with hair loss find an expert in hair loss to help you. Usually, hair loss also causes thinning in the hair which makes it look like a person has lost more hair than they have in reality. I personally use hot rollers during this time of the year as these are good providing a thick look of the hair and also as they make the hair look bouncy  . Like skin, weather can also have a strong effect on our scalps. As seasons change so do our skin cells and hair cycle – in fact, studies have shown that seasonality can cause shedding especially in fall.clear scalp and hairCLEAR SCALP & HAIR™ Intense Hydration Nourishing Shampoo and Nourishing Daily Conditioner deliver the following benefits:

  • Hair is resilient to dryness for 24 hours of soft, hydrated hair
  • Infused with cactus extract, a known hydrator
  • Clinically proven to help replenish the scalp with essential hydration with regular use
  • Leaves hair beautifully strong from root to tip
  • Formulated with Nutrium 10™, an advanced moisture complex of vitamins and nutrients including vitamins B5, C & E, sunflower, almond, soybean & coconut oils, glycerin & aloe vera

kirsten smith whydid clear scalp and hairAs I spent an entire afternoon weeding through my closet and tossing things I hadn’t worn in ages (and maybe shouldn’t have ever worn) to make room for the new season’s latest acquisitions, I caught a glimpse of my hair in the mirror.  It was dull and a bit dry from all of summer’s fun.  Even my scalp was feeling the effects of too much sun, that is why itis important to always drink lots of water and to keep exercising.

It is essential to care for your scalp and hair with products designed to nourish and strengthen it – to ensure a healthy, full bodied head of hair. With fall on the horizon, you’ll want to put an emphasis on scalp care and start early, so your scalp and hair are ready for the transition ahead.  After a few uses of CLEAR SCALP & HAIR™ Intense Hydration Nourishing Shampoo and Nourishing Daily Conditioner, my hair regained some shine and a bit of bounce.  I had figured chopping my locks was going to be the only way to regain control of my mane, but post CLEAR SCALP & HAIR™, there’s not a pixie cut in my autumn forecast.  Now not only is my closet ready for fall, so is my hair.

kirsten smith whydid clear scalp hair

Photos by Skinny K

I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.

Why Did You Wear That: American Girl in Paris, La Dernier Chapitre

By |March 2nd, 2015|Personal Style, Why Did You Wear That?|

kirsten smith blog why didIf you’ve been keeping up with my Parisian escapades (parts deux et trois), you’re probably wondering what became of this romantic journey.  Well, unlike most fairytales, this story didn’t have the happy ending that little girls dream of (or massage parlors promise).  However, it did have the life lessons that grow sweet little girls into strong wise women.  In short, what some might have chocked up to be a trip from hell, I was able to extract some very, very important universal truths.  I didn’t fall in love with a handsome French man.  I didn’t buy the perfect vintage coat in Le Marais.  I didn’t even see the top of the Eiffel Tower though it was quite literally a baguette’s distance away.

People then ask, “Well, what did you do?” and I can’t really answer that.  There was no Mona Lisa at the Louvre, I never ate escargot.  I didn’t lock away my love on the Pont des Arts.  I did have lunch at Colette, drank champagne while chatting up a couple of artists at Cafe de Flore, and took a spin on La Grande Roue de Paris.  I made new friends, I reconnected with some I had lost touch with.  Most importantly, I was smacked in the face with my own little life lesson: if you don’t take the wheel, someone else most certainly will.

When you board a bullet train, keep in mind it can be derailed just as quickly as it can get you to your destination.  My friend arrived on the morning of my birthday.  We started the day off without sleeping and a bottle of champagne (champagne tastes better on an empty stomach).  By the end of the day, we had a cute French boy singing “Happy Birthday” (Joyeux Anniversaire) with his guitar and buying me a birthday card from a pharmacie with an age on it that might not be my own.  The evening included dinner at L’Avenue (which we lucked into as we hadn’t made an earlier reservation and Paris was still empty) and cocktails (read: more champagne) at Le Bar du Plaza Athénée.  There was no cake, there was no singing and this was the beginning and prologue to a very long week.

To fit all that occurred into one or two more paragraphs would not do the journey justice and ironically, some parts of my personal life should probably stay private.  A few notable moments did include spontaneously regaining a grasp of my French, learning that you can bring your dog just about anywhere (including the grocery store), champagne showers at couture week after parties at Hotel Costes, and actually losing weight while eating bread.  By the end of the week, I was exhausted both physically and emotionally.  The universe did me a solid by canceling my flight home due to Juno (sorry, New York) allowing me a few more days in Paris on my own.  While the only physical souvenirs I arrived home with were some French books from the airport and sweets to share with friends at home, the real gifts were the lessons I learned about myself.  (And Hemingway was right).

I didn’t go to Paris with someone I love as I’d always imagined, but there are some mornings I find myself longing to awake in the golden morning light of that magical city.

what to wear in parishow to wear a romper paris blog

 

paris fashion blogger

paris kirsten smith blogger why did

why did kirsten smith blog parisRomper: Cameo the Label Man Down Romper, Tights: Emilio Cavallini, Shoes: Sam Edelman, Bag: Malini Murjani, similar by Salvatore Ferragamo here, Lips: Makeup Forever Rouge Artist Natural in No. 50 Aubergine

Why Did You Wear That: An American Girl in Paris, Part Trois

By |February 18th, 2015|Personal Style, Why Did You Wear That?|

whydid kirsten smith blog

Right before I left for Paris, one of my favorite clients (I moonlight as a social media and branding consultant) read my chart for me.  I had never had someone read my chart and finding out what time I was actually born from my parents was harder to find out than unearthing my ex boyfriend’s grandmother’s maiden name.  As she informed me that I couldn’t be more of an Aquarian if I sold all my belongings and moved to an ashram, she also mentioned something that I’d heard a time or two before in horoscopes for my sign, I used to Learn Astrology Online.  She told me that the man for me would be foreign or that I would most certainly meet him while traveling.  She also mentioned he’d be a little older and then she suggested something I’d never heard– he, too, should be an Aquarian, because as I’ve experienced, very few men can even begin to understand me and it might take meeting someone just as free spirited and strange to fully appreciate all of my quirks.  I still figured all signs pointed to Lenny Kravitz and carried on with overpacking and planning for Paris. Art of Style and Makeup has a wide range of creative and professional modules. You can learn them easily at https://styleandmakeup.dk easily.

As I walked home with my Parisian pal, he questioned why I had opted for a slicked back bun, barely a trace of makeup, and a somewhat buttoned up look.  I explained to him that getting gussied up was the easy way out.  Almost any woman can pour herself into a tight dress and push up bra, layer on liquid eyeliner and hide beneath a bonnet of big hair.  As a matter of fact, that used to be my go to going out attire.  Eventually, I realized that this look attracted a certain type of attention and many of the men who I had attracted were totally confused when they realized that I was a lot more of a challenge than removing a bandage dress.  My friend digested this statement for a moment and then nodded in understanding.  If I’m being completely honest, a little bit of my appearance was due to jet lag, dirty hair, and an uncertainty as to what was appropriate attire for a Monday night in Paris.

After crossing the Seine and strolling down the Avenue de la Bourdannais, he swore we’d get into a bit more trouble before he had to fly back to New York for another job on Thursday.  My girlfriend would be arriving very early the next morning and I wanted to be well rested to greet her, though I would have liked nothing more than to linger in the moonlight and golden glow of le Tour Eiffel.  Right before the sweetest kiss goodnight, he informed me his own birthday was only a few days away.

kirsten smith

kirsten smith paris fashion blog

kirsten smith paris whydid blog

kirsten smith

kirsten smith blog

 

why did blog paris kirsten smith

paris perfect chambertin

dress: Kimchi Blue Bethany Linen Apron Dress, tights: similar by Falke here, boots: Pour la Victoire, similar by Proenza Schouler here, bag: borrowed, similar by Whiting and Davis here, lipstick: Makeup Forever Rouge Artist Natural in No. 50 Aubergine

Setting the Mood: Finding Normal

By |January 21st, 2015|Setting the Mood|

I am a t-shirt junkie.  I don’t mean like actual “t-shirts” I mean the kind of t-shirts that look “really cool” and you paid way too much  money for. (I sometimes secretly believe I was a rocker in a past life).

One of my favorite brands of these overpriced t-shirts is Kain.  They make really great loose fitting tees and tanks that are sheer and have a great drapey pocket.  They only come in a few colors, but somehow, when you put on this oversized t-shirt, you still look incredibly sexy without trying too hard. Oh- and they’re really soft.  Sounds perfect, right? Here’s the kicker: they are $85 a pop.  Ouch! So, brilliant discovery!!! These Designer T-Shirts are unique, original, and made high quality 100% cotton and sure to please.

fall shopping guide
First and foremost, you’re welcome…  And I’m sorry.  You’re welcome because I’ve spent a great deal of time finding all of fall’s very best options to ensure that you’ve got each and every one of this fall’s UK fashion blog biggest trends at your fingertips, I even made sure to visit specsfair to get the best deals on glasses. Yes you heard that right, one of a kind pockets.  I’ve basically contracted carpal tunnel from all of the clicking, coding, copying, and pasting of product, but not severe enough that I can’t sip red wine while I write this.

I’m sorry for doing such a thorough job that you’re sure to be able to easily spend a month’s salary or more stocking up on your fall wardrobe refresh.  Just remember, it’s good for the economy.

When I first started seeing stores displaying their autumnal wares, it was still a sweltering 90 degrees and I couldn’t be bothered browsing.  However, as the temperature started to dip and I began to grow bored of baring all my skin, the cozy knits, oversized coats, and overtly luxurious look this fall brings got me wishing for the next polar vortex.

Sure, sweaters are always fall staples, but this season’s are much chunkier, more textured, and come in all lengths from cropped to tunics.  Wear them in fall’s favored colors consisting of gray, scarlet, cobalt, and any shade of candy colored pastel.  These shades carry over to other trends including mid calf length hemlines, long line vests, sixties shaped shifts, and folk inspired frocks.  Men may loathe leopard (as we recently realized), but it’s quite strong this season and if you aren’t feeling bold enough to wear it in a bomber, try it as a statement accessory.  Speaking of fur, this must be the year of the Muppet, but if you can’t stomach the price tag (or the use of) real fur, there are some really beautiful faux options that are both animal and wallet friendly.  Whether you opt for fluffy, colored, fuzzy, or something in shearling to weather the winter, you’ll certainly be warmer for it.  When looking to add a bit of bling, opt for silver as it’s been used as embellishments on coats and knits as well as woven into rich fabrics.  If you’re up for a bit of pattern play, geometric shapes and fairisle intarsias are leading the charge.

Fortunately, this fall’s trends easily translate from one to another and also play off one another seamlessly.  You can effortlessly cover two trends at once by purchasing a pastel vest or a grey faux fur coat.  Be creative.  Be bold.  But be this fall’s all-embracing look of luxe.

Gray Area:

fall fashion trends 2014 gray

Leopards Don’t Change Their Spots:

fall 2014 leopard print

Tangled Up in Blue:

fall 2014 trends fashion

Silver Baller:

fall 2014 trends

Psychedelic Hotline:

fall 2014 trends print

Long Term In-Vest-ment:

fall fashion trends long vest

Scarlet Fever:

fall fashion trends 2014 scarlett

The Shearling:

fall 2014 fashion trends

Midi Terms:

midi length fall 2014 trends

Pastel Princess:

Keep Your Knits About You:

chunky knits fall 2014

Folk Alluring:

fall 2014 fashion folk

Fur Sure:

fur fall fashion 2014

normcore fashionYou’ve probably heard the term, “normcore” being tossed around from time to time in the past twelve months- maybe over a rye whiskey or while scanning the latest Urban Outfitters catalog.  The first time I heard it was after visiting Dr. Kenet’s office where his wife explained to me that their teenage daughter was on the forefront of the minimalist, dare I call it, trend.  The name “normcore” is the combination of “normal” and “hardcore.”  From what I gather, it’s the art of looking aggressively normal.

After a bit of research, it became clear that normcore is more than just a fashion movement, it’s an actual mindset.  When you are walking around and you spot mom jeans on a girl whose reproductive organs probably just started functioning, you may feel a little confused, but don’t.  You’ve just spotted normcore.  The “movement” began in a fit of defiance against the fashion industry.  People wanted to make it clear they weren’t buying into the trends or falling victims to the hype.  In theory, that’s great, but once you make a statement against a statement, you’re making a statement.  The irony, for one, is lost on me.  To me, normcore is the new wave hipster.  I’m more of the mindset that wearing what looks good on your body and makes you feel fancy is always on trend- and there’s nothing wrong with that.  In the off chance you’d like nothing more than to look like Jerry Seinfeld or Monica on season one of Friends, here are some normcore essentials to get you started.  Full disclosure, I own my very own pair of Stan Smith’s.

normcore style

 

Nike Benassi Rubber Soles, Frame Denim Le Boyfriend Supima Cotton Jersey T-Shirt, BDG The Mom Jean, J. Crew Collection Cashmere Sweater, Adidas Stan Smith Leather Custom Shoes

xx,

WhyDid

Gift Guide: Gifts for the Fitness Fanatic

By |December 12th, 2014|Gift Guide|

fitness holiday gift guide

(note: this is not a yoga pose… unless you want to call it the “twisted dancer.”)

Oh, hey, newsflash: fitness is having a fashion moment right now.  Finally, Americans have realized you have to do a bit more than exercise your thumbs to keep in shape these days.  With Barry’s Bootcamp, Power Yoga, Crossfit, and all variations of Pilates and spinning studios popping up faster than Starbucks in Brooklyn, the activewear market is benefiting from a major boom in sales. For more articles on keeping healthy, read here the new post about the Budpop delta 8 thc gummies.

 I, personally, have a hard time shelling out a hundred bucks a pop on pairs of yoga pants, but one can’t stroll into these sleek studios wearing ratty sweats risking the possibility of a crotch hole mid happy baby.  Spoil your sporty friend with something she can sweat all over this year.  She (and her inner thighs) will thank you for it come swimsuit season. Read on to make sure you’re well-informed about the way Training Science view these common training axioms, check out these biofit reviews.

Have you wound up searching for a adventure that fills your cup as opposed to depleting it? Rising Wolf gives you the chance to either minister your own gathering retreat, or go along with one of our epic Rising Wolf Signature Retreats! Beside booking trips to arrive, you won’t need to stress over a thing: from transportation to every day suppers, and housing to day by day action arranging, we deal with everything, if you however end up feeling stress, you can just trust the new THC syrup now on sale at the link. Just sign up, follow through on one cost, and afterward let yourself unwind. We offer lovely and one of a kind facilities, serve privately sourced and cunningly arranged suppers, and do all the legwork to ensure your every day exercises are very much arranged and [most importantly] loaded up with fun and marvel and you can always add fast Weight loss pills to help burn fat. You should checkout this, if you are planning for group adventures in the west.

When seeking out a local gym in your area, there are many resources to turn to. A simple Internet search using your local area can yield numerous results for gyms in your area. The most important things to keep in mind when doing your search, is the criteria the gym must have to meet your needs. Like acquiring the best sarms for sale on this website to step up you game and improve your performance, check out more about gluconite.

It’s critical to find a gym that you’re both comfortable at and able to get to easily, same with the supplements but we got you ! Here are the best steroid cycle for muscle gain perfect for a gym lover. Looking into local gyms is a good way to find something that will meet your needs. Most gyms will happily schedule a tour of the facility and allow you to try out the facility for free. Meeting the staff will allow you to get a feel for the atmosphere and discover your general comfort level there. You’ll need to be sure the staff is knowledgeable and helpful. You will get more about the local gym near me.

When considering membership at a local gym, location is everything. The closer the gym is to home, the more likely you are to go regularly. That’s why looking locally is the way to go. If you have to travel to workout, you’ll likely find an excuse not to go

. And using this supplement helps with weightloss and works amazing after some workouts using Joy ON exercising tools. Another benefit of a local gym is the ability to possibly avoid the larger chains. Some customers prefer the intimate feeling of a smaller gym. Plus, many of the larger chains are much more expensive and have lots of hidden fees. There are a good many benefits to staying local.

Adventure is the word that starts to confuse us because adventure means different things to different travellers. Think of this type of adventure as a genuine experience of a country and it’s people. So if we are having an adventure in Tuscany, for example, we would stay in a beautiful Tuscan farmhouse, meet Tuscans in a local restaurant eating great Tuscan food. Now if we were having a genuine experience in say Papua we will be trekking through thick jungle, staying in a remote village house and the food, well, it will be local.

The only time you can have more fun being responsible than not being responsible is travelling. Giving back to people who welcome you to their country is a responsible thing to do. How can we do this? We can use operators that take us to eat in a good local restaurants, that use family run hotels, that use local businesses to help run their trips, we could buy some souvenirs from the markets or visit some sight that is away from the crowds. We could also use operators that have different community projects help those that need help the most. We can even get involved in those projects by donations or spending a couple of days helping out on a volunteer holiday.

This, I hope, clears some of the haze surrounding small group adventures. There are many other questions to be answered I’m sure so you can contact me on the address below.

Lucky means many things to many people. I have never won a large sum of money in fact I never won anything really. I have a nice place to stay and enough to eat but I work for that so I’m not sure how much it has to do with luck. I find more red lights than green and I never get away with anything that is even slightly naughty. But I am a lucky man.

I have worked in small group adventure travel for 10 years now I have experienced many countries andsights, made real friends and learnt a great deal. Travel makes me happy and a happy man is a lucky man.

Small group adventures is a fast growing sector of the travel industry, some say the fastest, but it’s a style of travel that has many misconceptions. Unlike other styles of travel such as cruising, or a beach resort the words small group adventure is quite cloudy for travellers and travel agents alike. So what I want to do, as simply as I can, is clarify what small group adventure is all about.

best fitness holiday giftsBench Bradie II Stand Collar Hooded Knit Jacket, $119, Day Birger et Mikkelsen Day Gweneth Metallic Sport Bag, $130, Yurbuds Sport Armband, $24.99, S’well Crocodile 17oz Water Bottle, $35, Alo Goddess Ribbed Leggings, $92, Nike Roshe Run Printed Shell Sneakers, $80, Zella My Run Layer 2 Half Zip Top, $64, koral activewear Double Time Tank, $86, La Vie Boheme Yoga Phoenix Yoga Mat, $83, Spiritual Gangster Varsity Crop Muscle Tank, $48

xx,

WhyDid