the fresh perspective...

Long, Long, Long Many of us have, at one point or another, tried to grow out our hairs.  We've all said it, "I want to grow it long, I want to be able to pull it up for the summer."  Between the explosion of the 'sock bun of 2012' and the new resurgence of the braid, many of us are desperately trying to get our lengths as lengthy as possible.

There's no secret to it.  Just don't cut it.  It'll grow, it'll be long and luscious in NO TIME.  If you're going to go this route make sure you are not hot styling your hair regularly.  (If you are using up to two hot tools every time you wash and style, you won't be able to get any decent length because you'll need to be getting regular trims.)  Regular trims will keep your hair at the same length.  You're basically trimming off what has grown.

Even if you are using the best products to protect your hair from the heat, you'll need to get regular trims so your ends won't split.  If you can set aside some time to let your hair air dry, or even style it without heat you'll be surprised how fast your length will come.  For those of you who are addicted to hot tools maybe cutting down their use will help develop some length.  I'm not sayin', I'm just sayin'... That's the fresh perspective...

the fresh perspective...

HERE COMES THE SUN A friend and I read an interesting fact about the sun and your hair.  According to Allure, 100 hours of direct sunlight on your hair is as damaging as having straight bleach on it for 30 minutes.  What?! Can you believe that?  When you really think about it, your skin gets darker in the sun so of course it can affect your hair!

Here are a few tips to protect your locks from the sun:

-try to use products with UV protectors.

-in a pinch, a little sunscreen mixed with water can be sprayed in for extra protection.

-cover it up!  Scarves and hats are quite functional and fashionable.

-make sure you clarify every now and again.  A clarifyer will strip your hair of environmental build up and product build up.  Once clarified, give yourself a treatment to replace the moisture you've washed out.

-braid it up and away!  Braids are the hottest trend right now and will expose less of your hair to the sun.

It doesn't take long to check the ingredients on the products you buy.  Purchasing from a salon will allow you to dialogue with your stylist and he or she can steer you in the right direction.  If you're the type that spends ALL summer in the sun, get yourself some protection!  That's all I need to say, that's the fresh perspective...

the fresh perspective...

HOLIDAZE It's time!  I'm taking some time off and won't be posting till I'm back from vacation.  For the next few days I'll be hanging out at splash pads, eating out, and doing some ultra light reading (I'm traveling with kiddos).

Holidaying with little ones can be interesting and if you're doing it alone, it can be tiring.  While the kids are sleeping I'm going to attempt to read a book and just take it all in.  I'll be looking forward to not cooking and cleaning,  I'll be looking forward to getting browner in the sun and I'll be looking forward to early nights...

Because the girls are with me, I'm planning most of my trip around them.  We will be going to the zoo and some random pools.  We'll be watching the movies of my youth Annie and The Little Rascals.  Along with my light reading, I would like to check out the Patti Smith exhibit at the AGO and cook a meal for my great hosts...

All in all, I'll be offline for ten glorious days.  I hope that all of you have planned some time to get away between now and the end of the summer.  As important as it is to have a job and work, and save, and be practical; it's just as important to take breaks, rest and be silly.  That's the fresh perspective...

the fresh perspective...

MOTIVATION

June is upon us and before we know it the heat and the insects will have us all complaining about cooler times and bug-less nights.  Until then, what are you doing to keep yourself motivated to enjoy the summer?  Are you a runner/outdoors type who is motivated by our longer days? Maybe you're a patio drinker that's motivated by the longer days?  Are you the type that gets the cottage itch and re-locates to the lake for the summer?  You might be the type that takes in all the city's festivals and shows for the summer.

I can't actually decide which category I fall into, but I do know that I'm getting some motivation to get more creative with fashion in general.  I've got a few shoots booked this summer and I'm getting excited about being able to do a little styling on the side.  I'm not sure that the average joe knows how much work, time, and planning actually goes into a proper photo shoot, but I'm ready for the task!

Motivation is a funny thing because we all have the capability to accomplish anything we would like, we just don't always know how to pull the trigger and get things done.  I think the majority of us do need something external to get us to accomplish more.  Something more external that forces us to look internally...  The nice weather and all the stylish people who come in and out of my life are motivating me to be more creative.  By the time you come into the shop in the fall, you will see the fruits of our labor and time.

Country living and lake life are where I'm getting my motivation from and hopefully it'll translate well on camera... That's it.  That's all...that's the fresh perspective...

the fresh perspective...

THE BRAID CROWN

Next week is the Academy Road Live festival and Freshair Boutique will be participating by setting up a braid bar. Between 2:30-3:30 we will be braiding hair and giving tips. If your hair is long, and you'd like to learn a little more about braiding then come on down. Braids are amazing and have been around for-ev-er! The new and improved braid is rough, messy, and full of texture. Back in the day we would make sure our braids were tight and secure. Now, we want them to look like they've fallen out a bit...

On June 8th we will be setting up our very first braid bar. The braid crown will be one of the styles and is one of my personal faves. Our receptionist (and Monday blogger) Pascale has taught herself how to do a braid crown. It's not easy, but she practiced, practiced, practiced...

If you are thinking about coming out next Saturday be sure to swing by the bar and maybe get a braid! It would be a good time to ask for some tips and tricks to help get you started. That's the fresh perspective...

**TIP-Braiding is easier to do on dirty hair and hair with a lot of texture. Don't be afraid to use some dry shampoo and toss your hair up with a braid on day three or four. The braid may buy you more time between washings... **

the fresh perspective...

FASHIONISTA Now that it's getting a little bit nicer here I'm excited to try some new styles for summer.  I have a floral print dress I picked up and have never worn yet, some shorty-shorts (short for me), and some sweet minty/blue pumps...  I like to push myself a little bit and like to try different trends and styles.  It doesn't always work out that they suit me, but I do try none the less.

Natalie from the tiny closet has some great taste and knows how to dress her very short frame.  Check out her blog and maybe get inspired!  That's the fresh perspective...