the fresh perspective...

I AM NOT MY HAIR I would like to have a bit of an open discussion about hair.  To be more specific, a **black woman's hair.  I've been styling for over 15 years and have never felt that my hair was defining me everyday.  When I cut it off a few months back, I didn't realize the backlash that would ensue... My husband hated it, and some clients felt like I would be making a huge mistake.  Some people even said, 'too bad, she's a pretty girl...'.  I'm not sure I understood that when I was born, it was my duty to choose only hairstyles that would be comforting to all the human beings on earth.  Me choosing to cut my hair has offended some...  I didn't realize that cutting off MY OWN HAIR, would bring so many opinions up.

What I find truly confusing is how many people have told me that they think it looks great!  Are they lying?  Do they think I went too far?  My question to you is this, "Does your hair make you who you are?".  Do you agree with the fact that society has tried to mold us to feel like if we don't do things this way then that will happen?  Are any of you black ladies in agreement with me or not?  Do you think your hair is you? White ladies, do you think that hair is that important or not?  Also boys, what say you here?  Do you feel like I've touched on something?

One of my co-workers told me of a story of a young white girl who had braids done in her hair and so many black girls lashed out saying, 'you gotta take our hairstyle too?!  why can't we have our own thing?'.  Ummmm, WHAT?!  No race or nationality owns hair!  You own your hair and no one else...  I'd really like to know what y'all think, Caucasian and African American/Canadian or any other race for that matter...

That's the fresh perspective....

**I use the term 'black' and 'white' loosely.  I do not mean to offend anyone, I'm just not the best typist and find using those terms easier on my fingers than using the terms Caucasians or African American/Canadian.  I know the terms used in this article are not politically correct and once again I mean not to offend.**

the fresh perspective...

Tomorrow is Easter and ARE YOU READY?!  What have you got planned? A lot of dinners? Chocolate egg hunts?  Sleeping in?  Well whatever it is you'll be getting into this weekend, enjoy yourself and be safe. I'll be attempting my first lemon bundt cake for my Easter celebrations and I thought I'd post the recipe.

Ingredients

Cake

• 2 1/4 cups (560 ml) unbleached all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon (5 ml) baking powder
• 1 teaspoon (5 ml) baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon (1 ml) salt
• 3/4 cup (180 ml) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 3/4 cup (430 ml) sugar
• Grated zest of 2 lemons
• 3 eggs
• 1/2 cup (125 ml) freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1/2 cup (125 ml) buttermilk (see note)

Icing

• 1 1/2 cups (375 ml) icing sugar, sifted
• 2 tablespoons (30 ml) lemon juice, approximately

Preparation

1. With the rack in the middle position, preheat the oven to 180 °C (350 °F). Generously butter and flour a 2.5 litres (10 cups) Bundt or tube cake pan.

Cake

2. In a bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. In another bowl, cream the butter, sugar, and lemon zest with an electric mixer. Add the eggs, one at a time, and beat until smooth. At low speed, add the dry ingredients alternately with the lemon juice and buttermilk.
4. Pour into the prepared pan and bake for about 45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the centre of the cake comes out clean. Let cool. Unmould from the pan and cool completely on a wire rack. Set aside on a baking sheet.

Icing

5. In a bowl, combine the icing sugar and lemon juice. If necessary, add a little juice or icing sugar so that the frosting is just runny. Pour over the cooled cake so that the glaze drips over the sides.

That's the fresh perspective...

...thanks for the recipe Jocelyn...

the fresh perspective...

Hair trends for men 2015 The bald fades, tight tapers and undercuts/disconnected looks are still out there!  This spring/summer, look to grow out the sides and back a bit.  Less clipper work and a little more scissor work.  Edges are left longer and softer.  In my opinion, I love an unfinished look as much as a crisp tight cut.  Length on top allows for more playfulness.

That's the fresh perspective...

the fresh perspective...

WHAT'S NEXT?? Spring is on it's way!  The models on the Dior runways this spring are sporting this really cool extension!  I'm not sure how this illusion is achieved, but I love how it looks.

This is art, and this is beautiful! I can't wait for the snow to melt and I can't wait to wear light cotton!  That's the fresh perspective...

the fresh perspective...

Support The people in our lives that help us do what we do should know that we appreciate them.  I feel like it's a given.  I'd like to thank every single client who has ever patronized our shop since we were born 5 years ago.  We turn 5 on Monday and are celebrating at the shop ALL DAY Tuesday.  Come down and check it out!  Come say hi!  Come get a tour!  Come and have some snacks and fancy drinks!  Come and wish us well!

We really love you guys! Thank you!  That's the fresh perspective....

the fresh perspective...

Holidaze I'm dreaming of the day I can wear open-toed anything and bare my arms.  I'm dreaming of the hot sun and sand between my toes.  Some of our staff are on holidays as we speak.  What are you up to?  Heading anywhere warm?  These photos remind me of a warmer time.  Happy day of Love!

That's the fresh perspective...