Tag Archives: how to

3 Simple Steps to Setting the Perfect Table

September 6, 2017

In my home, I love to create an inspiring atmosphere. I believe our surroundings directly affect our mood and behavior, therefore it’s important to adorn your space with things you enjoy! Here are my 3 Simple Steps to Setting the Perfect Table…

Linares_Home-30 ONE: CREATE A BEAUTIFUL FLORAL ARRANGEMENT

One of the most simple pleasures in life is, ” stopping to smell the roses”. I love going to local markets like Fields Foods or Flowers to the People. When you support local flower markets you can expect a longer lasting- vibrant bouquet. Add a bit of sugar and vinegar to your flower water. The sugar nourishes the plants, while the vinegar inhibits bacterial growth. This beautiful arrangement lasted 2 weeks!

Linares_Home-25 TWO: SET YOUR TABLE WITH SOMETHING SPECIAL

When my grandmother passed away I inherited a few of her things. These two gold candle holders were hers and I absolutely adore them! She was one classy lady with great taste. I love having an heirloom around when making new memories with friends and family. It’s very full circle.

Linares_Home-23 THREE: HAVE BALANCE

I love vivid colors however it’s important to maintain the right balance between colors and textures. My boyfriend surprised me with this cool table cloth. Clearly, he has great taste so lucky me. Ha! Since the table cloth has color and texture I wanted my plates to be simple. I’m a huge fan of white and gold. To bring out the blue in the cloth I added aqua blue wine cups, because who says you can only drink wine out of one type of glass?

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A great table should always be cheerful, warm, and inviting. Keep these three tips in mind when having your next dinner party or even if you’re dining alone 🙂

Now go set the table!

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Tips for Glossy Hair

August 4, 2016

As Fall approaches we are constantly searching for our new look. Scrolling through Pinterest and Fashion magazines you will notice hair looks glossy and polished as the cooler weather rolls in. Here are a few tips to get your mane in check for the new season…

Alanna Arrington/ Next models LA “Davines MELU shield was used to protect her strands from the heat & to add shine during the styling process. ” -Kristen Linares

With the help of award-winning hairbrush brand Tangle Teezer here are some tips for getting that model worthy glossy hair!

Diet

The heath of your hair, just like your complexion and physique, can be improved by a good diet. You need to eat healthy, rich fats, such as the ones found in eggs and olive oil, alongside a healthy diet to encourage growth and keep the hair moisturised. Don’t have time to cook? Blend super foods such as Kale and blueberries in a smoothie with Coconut Milk! It’s quick and delicious.

Drink lots of water

Water has hundreds of benefits, including on the muscles, on general fatigue and on digestion, so it’s no wonder that upping your water intake will have a positive impact on your hair. H2O helps to hydrate the hair, which in turn stops breakages and frizz, making your hair glossy and luscious. Aim for 6-8 cups a day.

Think before you brush

Pulling ineffective brushes and combs through your hair could cause a great deal of damage and breakages, which in turn can leave your hair feeling dull and lifeless. Choose a high-quality brush suited to detangling, such as The Original Tangle Teezer, and try not to brush your hair too often.

Go smart with the products

If you want to up your hair’s gloss-factor, the products you choose will go a long way to boosting it. You can purchase specific glossing treatments, some of which also give your color a boost, while adding shine and increasing your hair’s smooth appearance. To add shine to dull hair, a serum is a great choice – and just because it’s oil, it doesn’t make it oily! Alternatively, you could try using shine spray. Shine spray is a lighter product, which is well-suited to finer hair that might not be able to handle a heavy product.

If circumstances dictate, take it to the kitchen

You don’t have to always go all-out with products to get the gloss you’re looking for. Coconut oil, which has been a foodie sensation for some time, can work wonders on your hair. Massage a small amount of unrefined coconut oil through your hair, paying close attention to the ends of the hair and working your way up. Wrap hair up for 30 minutes, rinse, then wash as normal. You’re sure to feel the difference!

Keep it cool

It may well surprise you just how much a blast of cold on your hair can impact its glowing appearance. When you’ve finished washing your hair, rinse with cold water and, when you’ve finished drying, blast some cold air. If you can take it, we implore you to give it a go.

HOW TO: EFFORTLESS GLOSSY CURLS

January 26, 2015

Whether you’re running out the door to run some errands or meeting a friend for a lunch date, this effortless style will become your best friend. First you’ll need a few styling products, a blow dryer, and a round brush. You’ll want to start with fresh, clean hair because you’ll be using a brush and blow dryer to give you body and wave. Start by generously applying Davines Oi all in one milk throughout the hair from mid shaft to ends.

This product doesn’t only detangle and add shine, but controls frizz, gives body without weighing down the hair (which makes it okay to use more towards your scalp as well) all while protecting your precious locks from any heated styling tools. Continue by getting the hair about 80% dry using your blow dryer and either your fingers, a paddle brush, or whatever you’d like, really. Once you feel it’s almost dry and maybe looking a little frizzy, don’t worry, you’ll be getting out your round brush now. Also feel free to add some more of that Oi all in one milk and using it on each section. Starting at the bottom near the neck area, start round brushing the hair to give a silky smooth effect. After each section is completely smoothed out and dry, twist the hair in the direction you round brushed and leave it to cool! Continue on with that technique until all you have left is your front pieces. Now you’ll either bring your round brush towards, or away from the face depending on how you want your face framed.

Add some Davines medium hold hairspray to add a sheer hold, and an amazing light fragrance to the hair and you’re ready to go!

Now for more of a polished look, you’ll just be adding one extra product and a few extra minutes into your schedule. You’ll also need a 1 1/4 curling iron.

Start by focusing on the top section (about one inch from the part) going piece by piece wrapping the hair around the barrel without clamping down on the strand. Before curling each piece you’ll want to spray the medium hold hairspray by Davines. If you go in one direction with the first piece, go the opposite way with the next. That will ultimately create a more effortless look. You’ll want to brush out each curl once it’s cooled for only about 3 seconds (literally). Once finished with the top section you’re finished!!

I love that it doesn’t require curling the whole head. Lastly, and sparingly, add Davines Oi Absolute Beautifying Potion to give a luminous finish. Throw on a nude lip, some mascara, and comb through the brows with a clear brow gel and your look is complete!

Until next time xxxxo -Amber Perry

HOW TO: Glow for the Holidays

December 23, 2014

If you are anything like me, you have worked your face off the past few weeks. Literally! High stress work environments during the holidays bring on such wonderful things like breakouts, dryness, and dullness. Gross. So now is your time to shine my friends! Here are a few things you can do to get your glow back…

STEP ONE: SLOUGH IT OFF!

With the dryness winter brings it’s as if your whole body develops are hard shell. You must break through all the nasty dead stuff to expose the beauty underneath.

FOR THE BODY: Make your own sugar scrub! Its super easy and you can find all the ingredients in your kitchen. Add some of your favorite essential oils if you want to make it a little special. Check out this awesome recipe I found on “Love Grows Wild”

Prep time

5 mins

Total time

5 mins

This Homemade Mint Sugar Scrub is the perfect DIY gift idea! Inexpensive and easy to make!

Author: Liz Fourez

Ingredients

½ cup coconut oil
1½ – 2 cups sugar
1 tablespoon peppermint extract
1 drop green food coloring

Instructions

Place coconut oil in a bowl and microwave on HIGH 15-25 seconds until softened.
Start by adding 1½ cups sugar to the oil, along with the peppermint extract and green food coloring. Mix until ingredients are well combined and food coloring is evenly distributed. If mixture is too wet, add another ½ cup sugar until scrub is to desired consistency.
Spoon scrub into air-tight containers (such as a mason jar) and decorate with twine or ribbon.

FOR THE FACE: Which is a little more sensitive. I have discovered the holy grail of exfoliates! Blissoma’s “Glow” exfoliating powder is pure genius. Instead of scrubbing away dead skin cells, which can cause more damage than good, Glow contains natural enzymes that dissolves the dead skin! Also, you can mix this into your favorite cleanser or use alone with a little bit of water. Like I said, GENIUS!! For more in depth information on this product click the photo. Blissoma.com has so much valuable free information!FOR THE HAIR: You must remove build up of oils and product before you can feed your hair moisture. My absolute favorite clarifying shampoo is Davines SOLU shampoo. Solu refreshing solution shampoo has an innovative formula that effectively removes hairspray residues and other styling products, respecting the physiology of the hair and scalp. Thanks to its natural active ingredients, deep cleanses and instantly moisturize.STEP TWO: GET GLOSSY!

Now that you have removed all that unnecessary gunk we can create the ultimate vibrancy and shine!

FOR THE BODY: As soon as I get out of the shower, before patting dry, I immediately spray myself with Davines’ DeStress lotion. It’s crazy how soft my skin feels after using this! It has the same effect as Rain-X has to your car windshield! The water beads right off exposing super soft-glossy skin! Its velvety texture ensures fast easy absorption. The formula is enriched with UV filter that protects hair & skin from damage caused by sun exposure. Hair looks soft and silky, and the skin nourished.FOR THE FACE: I can not go a single day without my Blissoma Restore oil! This is literally the only moisturizer that hydrates my skin properly and keeps my lips chap free in the winter. I recommend applying to clean skin in the am, adding a few drops to your foundation, and applying to clean skin again before bed.

“Young, healthy skin is protected by its own natural oils but as skin ages it produces less, leaving it vulnerable to environmental damage and stress. The right balance of antioxidant-rich seed oils offers regenerating nutrients without clogging or greasiness. Restore Oil Serum provides an elegant shield to keep skin looking firm and glowing.” -Julie LongyearFOR THE HAIR: Feed your hair moisture and it will give you incredible shine! When the hair is properly hydrated it is soft and reflective of light due to the cuticle layer laying flat as it should. The Davines OI products were designed for all hair types and textures to create softness, shines, and protect the hair from the environment and natural aging. Roucou oil, which is the most prominent ingredient in the line is responsible for prevent hair aging & having a strong anti-oxidant action.

HOW TO: Get an awesome haircut

September 22, 2014

As a beauty expert it is expected that you look the part. It is stressful at times and that’s why I leave my hair to other professionals. I DO NOT DIY when it comes to my largest accessory..my hair. Before my trip to New York Fashion Week I had my color done with perfectionist, Nina Lanasa at Thirteenth and Washington. She does a beautiful job creating a look that will evolve and grow out seamlessly. Knowing I would be making the trip to NYC I knew I def wanted to pay my friends at CUTLER a visit. So I did what any haircut craving woman in her right mind would do. I booked an appointment in advance!

Tyson Kennedy is not only a cool dude but also one badass mother cutter. He works for CUTLER salon in Soho and also is responsible for the creation of FATBOY perfect putty. Tyson is the epitome of “looking the part”. With his perfectly tailored suits, smart looking glasses, and cool hair you just know your going to look awesome.

SO YOU WANT TO KNOW “HOW TO GET AN AWESOME HAIRCUT”?

STEP ONE: BOOK AN APPOINTMENT

When I say book an appointment I mean call the salon or book online. DO NOT text or call your stylist on their personal phone. Think about it. If every one of their clients did that it would be highly agitating. Emails before your appointment are OK however there will be plenty of time to consult before your scheduled service. Save the back and forth changes of new cut ideas for your best friend.

STEP TWO: KNOW WHAT YOU LIKE & WHAT YOU DON’T

For instance when I sat in Tyson’s chair I said, ” I like having long hair however I want you to cut what looks dead. If it needs to be a bob that’s cool just not a pixie please. I want healthy hair. It always grows. Also, I wear my hair messy. I like a tousled beachy look that isn’t too much fuss.” Tyson decided a long bob would be appropriate and I should maintain the length until my bangs grow out fully. He then used a straight blade razor to add texture, volume, and establish my new length. When you have no opinion whatsoever it is hard to know what may make you happy.

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STEP TWO: ARRIVE ON TIME

The easiest way to get an OK cut is to show up late resulting in a quick consult and maybe not even enough time to style. With a fresh do it’s extremely important to learn how to recreate the style. Tyson instructed me to twist dry my hair and mess it up with FATBOY putty once dry. SUPER EASY! 10 to 15 minutes early is perfect. Relax a little read a magazine this is YOU time. I don’t know about you but the shampoo experience is always my favorite part. I would never want to be rushed through that!

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