Getting Ready for BlogHer: Colored My Hair in Nice 'n Easy's Dark Spice!

When my friend Louise from MomStart complimented me on how shiny my hair looked in a photo I had published in one of my recent Getting Ready for BlogHer articles, I joked with her that it must be the light reflecting off my gray hairs. Although, I said that in jest, there really is truth to that statement. If you look closely in the "before" photo below, you can see all the awful wiry gray hairs. I never realized how awful the problem was until I saw this picture . . . after all, I usually only have a frontal view.

Out of all the Clairol hair coloring products, Nice 'n Easy seems to work best on my gray hairs. I have thought about using the Gray Solution formula, but did not want to risk missing out on the depth of color Nice 'n Easy offers me, which really emphasizes my natural highlights.

Before and after . . .

It's hard to see because of the lighting, but the previous color was much more red. When I look at my hair in the mirror, it looks very dark and rich with no apparent grays.

*******************************************************************

Visit Clairol.com to view their full line of hair products and to catch the Magic Mirror video of Angela Kinsey talking to women from inside a mirror in Grand Central Station. Click on the share button next to this video to prompt a $1 donation to Dress For Success from Clairol, who has agreed to donate up to $50,000 to this worthy cause.

*******************************************************************

If you use Clairol's Natural Instincts, then you are invited to enter the Natural Instincts Hair Color Contest through August 30th, 2010. All you need to do is upload one before and one after photo of you along with a brief statement about how you feel after using Natural Instincts. The entry that receives the most votes will win a prize including a chance to star in a how-to video, receive a complete makeover, and $1000 to shop in New York City. Click here for complete contest rules.

Thank you to Clairol for providing the information shared in this post and for providing a sample product free of charge to base this review upon.

Review: Clairol Nice 'n Easy Hair Color

Christmas is just a little over a week away. That means it's time to make yourself look and feel younger and better for all those people you only see once a year. For me this means trying to hide some of those gray hairs that seem to be multiplying.

In the past, it has been hit or miss with hair coloring for me. Sometimes the color doesn't work with my dark hair. Sometimes the product doesn't cover my stubborn grays. And sometimes I don't like the texture of my hair after it's been colored.

This time, I went to Clairol.com to use their Full Hair Color Shade Palette to choose a shade I liked. There I was greeted by Angela Kinsey's (from NBC's "The Office") friendly face. I've always liked reddish highlights in my hair. Last time I tried an auburn type red and did not care for it so much, so this time I chose Rich Burgundy, which is a cooler color than the warmer auburn.

Although, it is difficult to see in the photos, this color took to my hair very well. Before coloring, my hair was a black/brown. Now the color is much richer, although you can only see the burgundy in the sunlight. The color covered most of my gray hairs, which are usually thick and wiry. Those strands came out deep burgundy so they do not stand out as bright red or copper against my dark hair. I was also very pleased with the texture of my hair, which was thick and shiny rather than limp.

One thing that I do want to point out is that Clairol (and the other leading brands of hair color) may want to consider including a second pair of larger gloves in their kits. I know I cannot be the only woman whose husband helps her with applying hair color. The gloves included barely fit anyone with larger hands and they tear easily when stretched.

You can find Clairol products most places where hair coloring kits are sold. What color would you choose for your hair?

Thank you to Clairol for providing a hair coloring sample kit for this review.

Colored My Hair For the First Time in Over 3 Years!

I think the last time I colored my hair was right before I found out I was pregnant with our now 2.5yr old twins. The color of my hair was the last thing on my mind while I was the size of a house. After the twins were born, I was lucky to get to wash my hair, never mind color it. I actually barely remember to go get my haircut more than once every 9 to 12 months.

Well after only 8 months, I remembered to have my haircut a little over a week ago. I happened to not care so much for the haircut and decided that some color might make me feel better about it. Plus I had been noticing more grays lately.

The color I opted for was Natural Instincts #30 Rosewood. I thought it would be a nice color for fall. My husband helped me apply the color as he's done many times in the past. Aren't I lucky girls?

I'm pretty happy with the results. The main goal was for me to hide my gray hairs and this particular Clairol product delivered. As usual, you can't really see the color unless I am standing in bright light. Otherwise, the color just seems like a darker richer version of my natural shade. The camera's flash really helps to show the difference in color.

Before and After

So far the color has stayed in place. I've had other permanent hair coloring kits come off the gray hairs after just a few washings. It could be that the special color-protecting conditioner that came with the kit is making the difference.

Well, what do you think? Should I go more burgundy next time?

"Get Cool For School" Giveaway #22: Sumo Bean Bag Chair, Barbar Cordless Combo, The Container Store GC [CLOSED]

Get Cool For School! Giveaway #22

Go to all Get Cool For School Contests

Please take a moment to meet our sponsors . . .

SUMO lounge furniture gives a new meaning to the word "comfort." They offer modern versions of the classic idea of bean bag chairs. These chairs come in many versions and sizes and are a smart alternative to upholstered furniture for dorm rooms, apartments, family rooms, and playrooms.

BARBAR is based in Beverly Hills, CA and hasbeen in operation since 2000.

With over 20 years of experience as a former stylist, the company'sfounder, Dominic Barbar, has applied his years of techinical know-how toturn his passion into reality by creating a premium line of hair careproducts that simplify the hair stylist's job.

BARBAR products utilize Mr. Barbar's intrinsic knowledge of hair withcutting edge technology to bring the latest in hair tool innovations. BARBAR's variety of professional quality products cover all the hair needs without damaging a strand.

BARBAR Artist, Inc. is worldwide and the working philosophy is simple: provide the stylist and consumer with incomparable quality products andcustomer service at the best available price.

Back-to-school is the best time of year to visit The Container Store, whether you are a teacher reorganizing your classroom or a college bound student who needs to furnish a dorm room. In addition to their ever popular Elfa storage organization system, The Container Store is full of great storage solutions that are both practical and attractive.

Adovia is a unique skin care line, combining natural ingredients with modern science to formulate an effective blend of minerals and the finest herbal ingredients nature has to offer. The vital nutrients,anti-oxidants and minerals present in Adovia products are responsibly gathered at the place closest to the soul of Mother Earth - The DeadSea.

What you can win:
One lucky reader will win ALL the items listed below.

SUMO Omni Supersized Bean Bag Chair/Pillow (ARV $149)

SUMO Omni Bean Bag Chair Review

The winner will receive one a SUMO Omni Bean Bag Chair in the color of their choice.

• 10 achingly fashionable colors to choose from
• 10 different positions (discovered so far – some say we lack imagination)
• Measures big - 4.5’ X 5.5, but weighs little – just 18lbs
• Space age rip-proof nylon, stays new looking – easy to clean
• Filled with top quality sumo beads - stays fluffy, never flat

The Barbar 1900 Tourmaline Cordless Combo

The Barbar 1900 Tourmaline Cordless Combo includesboth a tourmaline plate flat iron and curling iron. Go cord free inless than 3 minutes!

• Tourmaline plate flat iron
• Tourmaline barrel curling
• 356° fahrenheit/ 180° celsius
• Heats up in 2 to 3 minutes
• 5 Minute usage time

$40 GC toThe Container Store

The winner will receive four $10 gift cards to The Container Store to spend on themselves or to share with a friend.

Adovia Vanilla Bath Salts 15 oz.

These are the 8 blogs participating in this giveaway event. You can gain additional entries for this contest by entering on all 8 blogs.

3 Garnets & 2 Sapphires

As They Grow Up

Blessings Abound Mommy

Experimental Mommy

Life Starring the Kids and Me

Momstart

The Shopping Mama

What Mommies Need

Limitations:
This giveaway is open to U.S. addresses only. You do not need to be a blogger to enter, but you must have a valid email address and be age 18 years or older. If you enter anonymously and do not include a valid email address in your comment entries, we will not be able to notify you should you win this random drawing.

How to Gain Entries:
1) Browse the selection of lounge furniture available on Sumolounge.com . Then leave a comment telling us what other item you saw that you would love to own.

2) Visit Barbar Hair Tools and leave a comment on another hair tool you'd love to own!

3) Browse the selection of items available on ContainerStore.com . Then leave a comment telling us what you would spend your GCs on if you won this contest.

4) Visit Adovia Spa and leave a comment on another bath or skin care product you'd love to pamper yourself with!

You MUST do ALL FOUR to be eligible to win this contest, but you will receive one entry for each completed mandatory entry provided you leave a separate comment for each.

Extra Entries:

1) For 5 extra entries, leave a comment on any of my non-giveaway posts. Then leave FIVE separate comments telling me the title of the post you left your comment on. You will earn 5 extra entries for each non-giveaway post you leave a comment on.

2) For 5 extra entries, enter one of my other contests. Leave FIVE separate comments here telling me which contest you entered. You will earn 5 extra entries for each contest you enter.

3) Add this blog to your Technorati Favorites. Then leave a separate comment telling me you did so and under what username. Add to Technorati Favorites

4) For 10 extra entries, blog about this contest linking back to this post. Then come back here and leave TEN separate comments with the link to your blog post.

5) Follow me on Twitter. Then leave a separate comment with the link to your Twitter profile.

6) Tweet about this giveaway linking back to this post. Then come back here and leave the link to your tweet in a separate comment. You may do this as often as you wish until the end of the contest.

7) Subscribe to this blog's feed. Or you can follow me through Blogger or subscribe via email (widget is on sidebar). Then leave a separate comment telling me you did so.

8) Add my button or blog link to your blog's sidebar. Then leave a separate comment with the link to your blog.

<br /> <a href="http://3garnetsn2sapphires.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" src="http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/dd206/Busymonkeez/Graphics4Me/NEWBlogButton125x125.jpg" /></a><br /><br />

9) Add my "Get Cool For School" giveaway event button to your blog's sidebar. Then leave a separate comment with the link to your blog.

<br /> <a href="http://3garnetsn2sapphires.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" src="http://i449.photobucket.com/albums/qq213/ABOGDesigns/Buttons%20N%20Tags/GetCool4School09.jpg" /></a><br /><br />

10) Add my "Monterey Car Seat" giveaway button to your blog's sidebar. Then leave a separate comment with the link to your blog.

<br /> <a href="http://3garnetsn2sapphires.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" src="http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/dd206/Busymonkeez/3G2SMontereyBCS.png" /></a><br /><br />

Now go visit the other participating blogs to obtain additional entries for this contest!

(All entries will be verified prior to awarding this prize.)

Random Drawing:
This contest will be closed on Monday, August 31st, 2009 at 11:59pm EST. A random number drawing will be held shortly after. The winner will be announced here and will be contact via email or through their blog. If the winner does not respond within 48 hours, a new number will be drawn.

Good luck in the drawing!

"Get Cool For School" Giveaway #4: Piggy Paint GC, Touch of Whimsy GC, BabyLegs, Girls Hair Products(8 Winners) [CLOSED]

Get Cool For School! Giveaway #4

Go to all Get Cool For School Contests

Please take a moment to meet our sponsors . . .

Piggy Paint offers kid-friendly, non-toxic, odorless children's nail polish in 14 fun and exciting colors! These Piggy Paints are as natural as mud and even offers a natural non-toxic nail polish remover.

In honor of the "Get Cool For School" Giveaway Event, our readers can save 15% off their orders (including sale items) when they use Code: COOL15L. This offer expires August 31, 2009. Also, spend over $25 and domestic shipping is FREE!



A Touch of Whimsy Designs is dedicated to providing whimsical, fun stationery at an extremely reasonable cost. The high quality merchandise is just as unique as every customer! The adorable products include personalized note cards, stationery, invitations, announcements, stickers, luggage tags, memo sheets, gift tags, calling cards, mommy cards and more! The designs are perfect for baby, wedding, party, kids, adults and holiday. The personalized envelopes and teacher notes are a must-have for back to school!


BabyLegs is THE ultimate accessory for the kids in the family. Whether you are looking for a pair of leg protectors for your crawler or if your teen is looking to throw back to the flash dancer era with some leg warmers, BabyLegs is your place to get high quality and great looking products at an affordable price. The best part? One product with a multitude of uses...as parents we all know the importants of that!




Sparklehearts offers natural beauty products for girls. Made with 99.6% natural ingrediants and without the harmful chemicals that you find in many bath and beauty products, these are products you will feel comfortable giving to your daughter. With delicious scents and fun packaging Sparkleheart products are bath and beauty items that your daughter will be proud to call their own.

What you can win:
One lucky reader will win ALL the items listed below. 7 additional winners will each receive one pair of BabyLegs (winner's choice).

$20 GC to Piggy Paint

Piggy Paint Polish & Remover Review

$25 GC to A Touch of Whimsy Designs

A Touch of Whimsy Review

A Pair of BabyLegs (Winner's Choice)

SuperSoft BabyLegs Review

Shine Shampoo and Rainbow Soft Conditioner

Sparkleheart Hair Products Review

Winner will receive the Shine Shampoo and the Rainbow Soft Conditioner from the Sparklehearts line.

These are the 8 blogs participating in this giveaway event. You can gain additional entries for this contest by entering on all 8 blogs.

3 Garnets & 2 Sapphires

As They Grow Up

Blessings Abound Mommy

Experimental Mommy

Life Starring the Kids and Me

Momstart

The Shopping Mama

What Mommies Need

Limitations:
This giveaway is open to U.S. addresses only. You do not need to be a blogger to enter, but you must have a valid email address and be age 18 years or older. If you enter anonymously and do not include a valid email address in your comment entries, we will not be able to notify you should you win this random drawing.


How to Gain Entries:
1) Visit PiggyPaint.com and tell us how you would spend your GC if you won this contest.

2) Go to A Touch of Whimsy Designs and tell us how you would spend your gift card.

3) Go to BabyLegs and look around, then come back and tell us what your favorite style is.

4) Visit Sparklehearts and look around then come back and tell us what your favorite product is (aside from the prize offered in this contest).

You MUST do ALL FOUR to be eligible to win this contest, but you will receive one entry for each completed mandatory entry provided you leave a separate comment for each.

Extra Entries:

1) Follow Piggy Paint on Twitter. Then leave a separate comment with the link to your Twitter profile.

2) For 5 extra entries, enter one of my other contests. Leave FIVE separate comments here telling me which contest you entered. You will earn 5 extra entries for each contest you enter.

3) Add this blog to your Technorati Favorites. Then leave a separate comment telling me you did so and under what username. Add to Technorati Favorites

4) For 10 extra entries, blog about this contest linking back to this post. Then come back here and leave TEN separate comments with the link to your blog post.

5) Follow me on Twitter. Then leave a separate comment with the link to your Twitter profile.

6) Tweet about this giveaway linking back to this post. Then come back here and leave the link to your tweet in a separate comment. You may do this as often as you wish until the end of the contest.

7) Subscribe to this blog's feed. Or you can follow me through Blogger or subscribe via email (widget is on sidebar). Then leave a separate comment telling me you did so.

8) Add my button or blog link to your blog's sidebar. Then leave a separate comment with the link to your blog.

<br /> <a href="http://3garnetsn2sapphires.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" src="http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/dd206/Busymonkeez/Graphics4Me/NEWBlogButton125x125.jpg" /></a><br /><br />

9) Add my "Get Cool For School" giveaway event button to your blog's sidebar. Then leave a separate comment with the link to your blog.

<br /> <a href="http://3garnetsn2sapphires.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" src="http://i449.photobucket.com/albums/qq213/ABOGDesigns/Buttons%20N%20Tags/GetCool4School09.jpg" /></a><br /><br />

10) Add my "Monterey Car Seat" giveaway button to your blog's sidebar. Then leave a separate comment with the link to your blog.

<br /> <a href="http://3garnetsn2sapphires.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" src="http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/dd206/Busymonkeez/3G2SMontereyBCS.png" /></a><br /><br />



Now go visit the other participating blogs to obtain additional entries for this contest!

(All entries will be verified prior to awarding this prize.)

Random Drawing:
This contest will be closed on Wednesday, August 19th, 2009 at 11:59pm EST. A random number drawing will be held shortly after. The winner will be announced here and will be contact via email or through their blog. If the winner does not respond within 48 hours, a new number will be drawn.

Good luck in the drawing!