Tag / hair

by Kelly Mattei

Great Gift: Dyson AirWrap id Multistyler *ON SALE*

Y’all the Dyson Airwrap i.d. Multistyler is on sale right now on Amazon. This is your opportunity to save $150, a rare opportunity on this very popular styling system. Regularly priced at $649, you can now purchase this for $499 (at time of publication). Yes, its still expensive, but there’s probably someone on your list who has been asking for this for a while. It’s a great drying/styling system. My daughter and I love ours. This is another of those HIGHLY RECOMMEND gifts.

Use your Amazon Prime membership for free shipping and save now! Purchase here.

by Kelly Mattei

Ultimate Drybar Deal

Ultimate Drybar Deal

Drybar The Single Shot Round Blow-Dryer Brush…right now (at writing) there is a special deal on this great product! If you’re looking for a premium quality, round blow-dryer brush, this could be the one! I have one of these that I use daily, but I paid a lot more than $99 for it! However, you can take advantage of a Cyber Monday Deal from Amazon now! I use this brush for adding body to my hair…wet or dry. I rarely start drying my hair immediately. I have a lot of hair, so blow drying my hair is time consuming. Therefore, I usually let it air dry while I do my makeup and get dressed. When it’s time to dry it, it’s halfway there, and I can use this blow dryer brush to smooth it and boost the roots. Regularly priced at $155, you can take advantage of a great deal now. It’s also a great gift for girls going to college next fall! Purchase one for yourself or one for someone on your holiday list here.

Get this Cyber Monday Deal while it lasts!

*We receive commission for items purchased through our links.*

by Kelly Mattei

Fantastic Dyson Airwrap Deal

Fantastic Dyson Airwrap Deal

I have mentioned this one before, but just in case you missed it: YOU CAN PURCHASE THE DYSON AIRWRAP from Amazon (and get free shipping with your Amazon Prime Membership) for $100 off! It’s a rare deal that you can take advantage of NOW. My college age daughter loves the Dyson Airwrap, and all her friends do too! There are two different versions of the sale Special Edition: the long one for straight or wavy hair, and another to diffuse for curly/coily hair.

Get the long for straight/wavy Special Edition on sale here.

Or get the Special Edition for diffusing curly/coily hair here.

They’re pricey, but people who have them love them, and young ladies who don’t have the Dyson Airwrap want the Dyson Airwrap. My daughter swears she can style her hair more efficiently and better with the Airwrap. She even says she can go longer between washes when she uses the Airwrap, and she would tell anyone it’s worth every penny. It makes a great gift that a woman will be thrilled to see under the tree!

Happy Shopping!

***We receive commissions for products purchased from Amazon through our links.***

by Kelly Mattei

Ultimate Color Wow Gift Guide

Ultimate Color Wow Gift Guide

Someone on your lists loves haircare products? If they know about Color Wow, they want it. If they don’t know about it, it’s high time they did! The holidays are a perfect time to gift haircare products, and the recipient will love Color Wow. All these products make great stocking stuffers or great gifts! My daughter will find one of each in her Christmas stocking this year!

  • Color Wow Extra Strength Dream Coat. This has been all over the talk shows! I first saw it on Hoda & Jenna and had to try it myself after they gave rave reviews. I have curly/wavy, color-treated hair that tends to frizz in humid weather. I should add that I have a lot of hair. This product, which lasts up to three washes, is a powerful moisturizing, anti-humidity treatment for frizz prone hair. It makes my hair glassy smooth. However, a friend in the beauty business pointed out that it’s best used on coils/extremely dry hair. Mine is fairly tight, but if your hair isn’t tightly curled, you might use regular strength. I love it on mine, though. Highly recommend! Get it here.

  • Color Wow One Minute Transformation. This product is great for instant frizz control. This nourishing styling cream smoothes, tames, and defrizzes. Purchase here.

  • Color Wow Color Security Shampoo and Conditioner. Two products for one great effect. I love this shampoo and conditioner! It cleans my color-treated hair and adds shine! Because it doesn’t contain sulfates, it doesn’t strip the color from your hair. It’s a great gift for anyone on your list with color-treated hair. Get the shampoo here. And purchase the normal to thick conditioner here. Or the conditioner for thin/fragile hair here.

  • Color Wow Dreamcoat Supernatural Spray. Keep your hair frizz-free no matter what the weather. This formula helps repair moisture and humidity. Purchase here.

  • Color Wow Curl Wow Coco-motion Lubricating Conditioner. This conditioner, specially formulated for curly hair, is a weightless conditioner that instantly moisturizes deep inside strands for silky-soft, bouncy curls. Purchase here for the girl with curls!

  • Color Wow Curl Wow Hooked 100% Clean Shampoo with Root-Locking Technology. This rich-lathering sulfate-free formula leaves no residue and helps anchor hair to stop shedding. My friend in Central Florida uses this daily, and her curls are beautiful! Purchase here.

Go to Amazon and pick up some of these awesome products while they are still in stock!

***Sponsored ad. We receive commission for products purchased through our Amazon links.***

by Kelly Mattei

Great Glossing Detangler for Hair

Great glossing detangler for hair.

It’s not often I share information about hair care products. I’m a low-maintenance hair person, so I don’t use a lot of product. In fact, a friend from New York was shocked when she arrived at my house and asked to use my hairspray. I answered, “I don’t have any. I don’t use hairspray.” The look of shock on her face! “A southern lady who doesn’t use hairspray???” That’s right. I now keep it, just in case someone needs it at my house, but I don’t use it. I have always felt like it causes breakage when I brush my hair.

But recently, a friend told me about a product I now love: Lolavie Glossing Detangler. It’s lightweight and doesn’t make my hair feel oily or mucky. It simply makes it easier to comb through after a shower, and it leaves a healthy sheen, making my hair look healthier and shinier than before. Since I started using it, I have received lots of compliments. I love it, and that’s why I’m sharing it…so you can try it too. I’m glad I have it as fall approaches, because the drier air changes the texture of my hair, and I feel sure this will help. I highly recommend it. You know I wouldn’t recommend it if I didn’t love it! You can get it from Amazon here.

Happy shopping!

***I receive commission on products purchased from Amazon through my links.***

by Kelly Mattei

Holiday Gifting (Part 8): Stocking Stuffers!

Holiday Gifting (Part 8): Stocking Stuffers!

This is my very favorite part of holiday shopping. Stocking stuffers are all about fun little surprises, and I love finding all the fun little surprises I can find! Without further ado…here are the finds of 2021:

  • Thrive Causemetics. For the teen daughters or ladies on your holiday list, Thrive Causemetics’ Brilliant Eye Brightener could be the perfect stocking stuffer. I purchased several of these when I saw them advertised on Facebook a year ago, and I love them! I’ve always been a person who had trouble with eye makeup…I’m just not a gifted makeup artist. But this Eye Brightener makes it look like I know what I’m doing! The Muna shade is my favorite for shadowing, but I love the Mieko shade for the upper part of my lid and for highlighting around my eyes. Priced at $24 each or get a set of two for $40…the lady on your list will love these! In fact, I’m ordering some for my Christmas stocking now. See them here.
  • Touchscreen Gloves. These are not a new thing, but not a lot of us have them. If it gets cold enough to wear gloves, the last thing someone wants to do is take them off to text or even answer a call. Purchase these at Amazon starting at $10.99 here. And remember, if you have a Prime membership, you get free shipping.
  • Wine Condoms. Funny name for a great product. Any wine drinkers on your list would love to find these in their stockings, and it’s almost guaranteed they will use them. Watch Mom’s face when she pulls this box of six wine “condoms” out of her stocking! They can be used to save any bottle of wine by simply tearing open the package and slipping it over the top of the bottle. Six to a pack for $14.97 at Amazon here.
  • Lifestraw Personal Water Filter. I have been a believer in the Lifestraw Personal Water Filter since I saw Kristen Hampton demonstrate it on her Kristen Hampton Good News Facebook page.
    She was standing in muddy water and actually drank it through this straw! According to their website, the straw protects against bacteria, parasites, microplastics, dirt, sand and cloudiness. I purchased one for a friend’s daughter who was traveling to Cuba on a mission trip a couple of years ago, and they would be great for outdoor adventures. Right now, you can get them for just $12.99 here. They also offer water filter bottles starting at $26! I love this brand.
  • Satin Hair Scrunchies. I can’t possibly be the only person whose hair breaks frequently from putting it in ponytails. Break no more…I now use satin hair scrunchies, which even smooth my hair while protecting it from breakage. And they look cute too! Get them here.
  • CBD roll-on. If you have someone on your list who needs a little help relaxing, CBD roll-ons can help. I did a little research and found Charlotte’s Web has one that is free of major allergens, doesn’t test on animals, and is paraben-free. It can be used on small areas like temples or wrists, and I’ve read lots of great reviews. Get it at Charlotte’s Web here.
  • No-Crack Hand Cream. My husband has used this for years. During winter, his hands get so dry they crack, but this stuff has helped immensely. Highly recommend for anyone on your list who has the same problem or for anyone who spends a lot of time outdoors during winter. It soothes and moisturizes. Get it at Duluth Trading here.
  • Lash Primer. For my birthday last year, Milani Lash Primer was included in a basket my daughter gave me. The first time I used it, I knew it was good stuff. I’ve tried other primers, but they haven’t worked as well as this one. I love it, and I tell everyone I know to get it. At 54, my lashes aren’t what they used to be, but this makes them look a lot better by making mascara go on more evenly and last longer. Get it at Ulta here.
  • Portable Charger. You’ve heard me preach about portable chargers for years, and I’m not stopping yet, because I am a believer in them. They’re great anytime you can’t plug in. Have kids going off to college? They can use these on planes to make sure their phones are always charged. I recommend the Anker PowerCore 26800, because it’s fast and recharges phones up to six times when it’s fully charged. Get it at Amazon here. I also recommend the ZeroLemon ToughJuice 2.0. It’s heavy, but I’ve had one for a long time, and it continuously gives me fast charges and lasts a long time. In fact, I used it on vacation last week for four days (off and on, but charging my phone overnight), and it never lost power. Get it at ZeroLemon for $49.99 here.
  • Phone Soap. And while you’re gifting phone appliances, think about Phone Soap for your family member who touches their phone a lot. Just think about how many germs you transfer from your hands to your phone…and then to your face every time you use it! Phone Soap is a device that sanitizes your phone while it charges. And it comes in difference colors! Get it for $79.95 at Amazon here. And don’t forget you get free shipping with Amazon Prime!
  • Anthropologie Monogram Pendant Necklace. This is a nice personal gift that fits perfectly into a stocking for the people who love pretty little necklaces. It’s delicate, and it’s personalized. Get it at Anthropologie for $38 here. It’s a bargain!
  • Poo-Pourri. Anybody who knows me knows I put Poo-Pourri in stockings at our house every year. I purchase different sizes for different needs, including purse-sizes that can travel with you. It’s a great invention. If you’re not familiar with it, you should be. To see a video commercial, click here. Yes, it’s crude, but it’s funny. I’ve purchased some of the Champagne and Rosé ones this year, and I also ordered some of their hand sanitizers, because I love the scent! To see everything Poo-Pourri has to offer, click here.
  • Keychain Tool. What’s more handy than a keychain tool? Think about all those times you needed a nail file, a pair of scissors, or even some pliers and didn’t have them handy. If you had a keychain tool from Leatherman, you’d always be prepared. Surely someone on your list would love to find this in their stocking! Get it here for under $30.
  • Breathalyzer. A breathalyzer comes in handy in lots of situations, and this one from BACtrack is professional grade. We have two of them at our house. It’s DOT and NHSAA approved. At $129.99, it’s not cheap, but it could save a life or be a good teaching tool. Maybe someone needs it to keep teenagers in check? Sometimes it’s just fun to see how fast your body has metabolized a drink or two. Get it here.
  • Adult Coloring Books. And when I say “adult,” I simply mean they are more detailed than kid coloring books. Sounds crazy I know, but coloring is very relaxing. Remember when you were a kid and could get lost in a coloring book? Well, it can happen for adults too. I’d love to find one or two in my Christmas stocking. Make sure you get some crayons or colored pencils to go with it. Get it here.
  • For girls/ladies: nail polish, fun socks, hair products, nail files, mints, toiletries.
  • For boys/men: razors, shaving cream, after shave, toiletries, nail files, fun socks.
Harry’s Razors
  • For kids: Card games like Uno, Spot it, Old Maid, Slap Jack, Go Fish… kids love finding games in their stockings. Just be prepared to play with them! Other great things for kids’ stockings: old school marbles, jacks, Legos, Polly Pocket, LOL Surprise Dolls, Barbie dolls, Barbie accessories, Little People, Matchbox cars, sidewalk chalk, bubbles, Crayola Bathtub Markers, coloring books, crayons, colored pencils, fidget toys, mittens, winter hats, even retro hand-held games like Electronic Quarterback. Remember that? You can find it on Amazon here.
  • Gift Cards. Think of the recipient and what he/she likes. Do they like fast food? Consider Chick-Fil-A, McDonald’s, Firehouse Subs, Five Guys, Subway, and even pizza places. Coffee? Get Starbucks, Caribou, Dunkin’ Donuts, or a local coffee shop. Do they like dine-in restaurants? Think of a few in your area. Do they enjoy movies? Most theaters offer gift cards. Even airlines and hotel chains offer gift cards.
ChickFila gift cards
  • Scratch-off lottery tickets. These are always in the stockings at our house, partly because you never know if you’ll win, but also because it adds a little more excitement to Christmas morning. Everybody at our house loves finding scratch-offs in their stockings.
NC Education Lottery Scratch Off
  • Candy! We always have candy in our stockings! Even when I was a kid, I loved dumping out my stocking on the floor and finding lots of candy! Now, it’s fun to add some retro favorites. My personal favorites? Zotz! I loved them as a kid, and I loved sharing them with my friend, Wendy, as an adult…she passed away in 2018, and every time I see Zotz, I think of her. You can find lots of retro assortments at Amazon here. Or from Mast General Store here.

There are some ideas for stocking stuffers for 2021. Get busy shopping!

by Kelly Mattei

Don’t Make Me Get My Voodoo Doll

I’ve been volunteering at my daughter’s school since she enrolled there in 2008. It’s a TK-12 school, and she is in tenth grade. It’s a fabulous school, and we are very fortunate to have a large volunteer base…lots of moms, dads, and grandparents who pitch in all the time to help make sure everything runs smoothly.

I’ve volunteered in lots of different ways…helping with art classes in elementary school; helping make costumes in lower school; helping with various events; helping coordinate volunteers for admissions; working with the music department; volunteering in the library; volunteering as room mom or team mom; taking tickets at carnivals; recruiting other volunteers…lots of different things that I have enjoyed. And while I’m doing whatever job I might be doing, I take it seriously.

I take it seriously, but I still have fun, and I always remember we are support for the system. We are supposed to support the school, the administrators, and the teachers in what they want us to do. We don’t run the place. I do things the way I think the people for whom I am working want it done.

Do I think it’s important to volunteer? Yes, for any number of reasons, the first being that I can volunteer. I am able. I have time. Another reason? I feel it’s important for my daughter to see that I think her education is important enough for me to invest my time. And another reason is that I know the school needs volunteers. Many hands make light work! I am one of those 20 percent of the people who do 80 percent of the work.

And even though I feel it’s important, it’s not the most important thing in my life. It’s not even near the top of the list. I enjoy it, and I want to do it, but I don’t place it above everything else I do. Want to know why?

I realized a long time ago that the work I do for free falls in far behind the stuff I need to do for my family and for myself. I have a small immediate family…just me, my husband, and our daughter…but doing for them comes ahead of doing for everyone else. Do I let myself get stressed out about volunteer work? Heck no! It’s supposed to be fun! I’m working for free, for Pete’s sake! And when someone tries to make it stressful for me, I pluck a strand of their hair to take home with me for making a voodoo doll. That’s all it takes…one strand of hair attached to a voodoo doll.

Of course, I’m kidding (or am I?), but seriously, there have been times I’ve wanted to make some voodoo dolls. Not gonna lie. And usually, it’s because someone takes themselves way too seriously. Or maybe someone has a high anxiety personality…something I don’t jibe with. Maybe someone is just downright disagreeable…or thinks they know everything…or they create drama…or can’t smile. Yep…I have actually given up volunteer positions because someone I was working with couldn’t smile. Girl, I’m funny…if you aren’t laughing when you’re with me, you are a hopeless, unhappy creature. As I’ve heard someone say somewhere: Ain’t nobody got time for that.

Here’s how I look at it. I volunteer at school when it works for me and my family. I enjoy it, and I take it seriously. Do I think anyone is going to remember what I’ve done ten or twenty years from now? Heck no! They aren’t even going to remember my name! After my daughter goes off to college, I will run into folks in the grocery store who will think I might look familiar from school, but they won’t be sure…and that’s one thing I know for sure. That is not my legacy!

So, I will continue to volunteer at my daughter’s school. And I will continue to laugh and be happy while I do it. And I hope everyone else is too! But don’t make me get my voodoo doll!

***You’ll catch more flies with honey than with vinegar.***

To order your own voodoo dolls, you can find them on Amazon.com here.