Happening Hair for Him!

Between the latest looks seen on the runway and about town, there is certainly a buzz happening with men’s hairstyles.  Men are expressing more freedom and getting a bit creative with their new ‘dos. A favorite cut this year as told by NYC stylist Colby Rose “is a preppy mod look”.

A disconnected longer top and super short sides has been the latest go-to style. This even looks great for men with wavy hair.

The arrival of spring makes us all want to get a fresh and updated look, chances are your guy could probably use a little sprucing up as well. The best spot for a custom style is to head right to the salon, skipping the barber shop. There he will get a handcrafted cut, rather then a a run of the mill buzz cut. For the guy that wants to keep a bit of his length, he can try out this look below. This hairstyle is worn swept back for an effortless look.

If your guy is set on keeping his hair short, be sure it’s cut with a bit of texture.  This looks great for a playful look, or it can be worn a bit more conservative for days at the office, just by adding a bit of product.

Product can do wonders for mens hair. It can tame unruly hair, add some needed texture and be the finishing look to a style. How to choose the right one among the gaggle of products out there can be baffling. Your best bet is to ask your stylist which product he or she used when styling your hair after the cut, and purchasing it there to ensure your able to recreate the look at home. Lately I have been loving the Kevin Murphy products. Depending on the desired look and the texture of the hair, my favorites on mens hair are Night Rider, Easy Rider and Gritty Business. All unique and fabulous in their own way! Available at Bloom Beauty Lounge, come by to check them out and find the best one for you!

 

 

A Little Bit of This and a Little Bit of That!

How is it already Tues.!? I feel as though time is flying at the moment. Just a week or so ago, we had our Holiday/Anniversary party for the salon. We gathered up the troops and met at a very genuine looking tapas bar, right around the corner from us in Chelsea. If you’re in this hood, I totally recommend you trying La Nacional if you are craving some real authentic paella and  yummy sangria. We got a bunch of appetizers to split, my fav. being the gambas al ajillo aka “garlic shrimp”. We also shared two paellas, Paella De La Casa “the House Paella” and Arroz Negro “Black Rice”. Both were pretty awesome and it was a great time all around!

As quick as time is zipping by, it has all been packed with alot of fun happenings. It was Armory Art Week here in NYC last week and the city was packed with artists, curators, collectors and a bunch of fun shows going on. I went with a friend after work one night to a show at The Thompson Hotel in Soho to check out a bunch of great art.

The opening was on the rooftop, so we were able to get some great views out on the balcony, of the city below while enjoying some yummy cocktails.

The following day I work up early with my beau and together we came up with this spin on Huevos Rancheros.

Trying to make do with what we had in our house, and for a healthier version we made a spiced bulgar mixed with black beans and milled flax seeds. Bulgar is a great grain, because it is rich in fiber and protein along with many vitamins and minerals especially Vitamin B. Which makes for healthy hair. We poached some eggs up and piled two each atop the bulgar, then topped it with a bit of salsa and a homemade spicy Hollandaise sauce. Along with sweet potato fries on the side, and two big cups of coffee… It was kind of amazing.

 

Smoothie Making

Just a few weeks ago, with the hopes of incorporating more nutrients and leafy greens into my life, I finally got a blender/smoothie maker! Hence my new obsession with anything blend-able. My new buttercup hued love, comes with four to go cups.

Super simple to use, I just pile everything I want into the cup, attach the blade to the top, pulse it up a minute or two, then remove the blade and twist on the cap. Voila!  I have begun my mornings each day with a basic mix of one of these delicious and nutrient rich concoctions. First off I add one ice cube, 1/2 cup of a frozen blend of berries, 1 cup of fresh kale, a serving of wheat-grass powder, 1 tsp. of ground flax seed, 1 tsp. of chia seeds, 2 tbsp. of apple cider vinegar and 1 1/2 cups of vanilla almond milk. If I am supplementing this for breakfast I add extra protein, either 1/2 a scoop of hemp protein powder, a cup of greek non-fat yogurt, or a bit of peanut butter. Some extras I occasionally add in are spinach, pomegranate seeds, teensy bit of coconut oil, acai juice, and coconut water.

(Kale, frozen peaches, van. soy milk, chia and  flax seeds, apple cider vinegar, wheat grass powder +water)

There are endless recipes and variations out there. I always believe variation is key, and the incorporation of an array of veggies and fruits is amazing! There are so many benefits from drinking one of these bad boys. With just two months in, I already feel changes in my skin, hair and nails. My skin feels more supple and I swear my hair is growing like a weed! The endless nutrients I am starting my day with has given me more energy and sets me off on the right foot to eat a bit healthier through out the day. I’ll definitely be sharing more of these tasty smoothies and recipes I will be coming up with. I’d love to hear about the ones your loving right now too!

Dinner Tonight

A yummy and healthy dinner that I love to make, is this nutrient filled dish of oven roasted spaghetti squash, eggplant, and garlic, mixed with sautéed shrimp. On days that are a little hectic, and all I want to do is throw a meal into the oven and forget about it, this is one of my goto’s. Although my Italian roots are part to blame for my love of pasta, spaghetti squash is a great alternative. Instead I get an extra veggie that is rich in Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acids both vital to good health. Helping prevent  heart disease and cancer it also aids in brain function. Eggplant is a great source of B1, B6, Potassium and dietary fiber. It’s deep purple skin is high is antioxidants, so much that it can be helpful in preventing and the progression of some cancers. It also helps manage type 2 Diabetes and lowers Cholesterol. Drizzled with a bit of olive oil and then roasted, the garlic in this recipe has many health benefits. Although raw and chopped garlic is even healthier. Garlic is known for is antibacterial benefits and blood cleansing properties. An aid to helping with Acne, it is also great for heart health as well as maintaining good cholesterol.

Hit the jump to read on for the recipe! Continue reading

Bippity Bobbity Bobs!

Bobbed haircuts have been in high demand at the salon lately. Often clients  will come in with no particular style in mind, just that they would like to take their length up above their shoulders. I put this little shmorgsboard together of some of my favorite short haircuts that I love for a fresh take on this style and the array of possibilities available. Alexa Chungs and Brooklyn Deckers locks sit just above their shoulders and have a choppy yet sexy and slightly undone look. That is a great option for someone who has a slight wave in their hair, and wants a cut that is low in maintenance and can air dry on its own, with just a couple of spritz of a sea salt spray. If suitable for a client, I especially love a haircut with some swing in it, add some playful bangs and “Vavavoom”! You now have a super gorgeous and playful style, a-la-Rose Byrne and Katie Holmes. Next time you are tired of your long hair getting caught and knotted in your scarf, know that you have options sister!

Ombre Loving

It has been a fun and busy week here in New York! Everywhere I look I have been noticing Ombre colored locks, Dip-Dyed ends and Retro inspired styles. Maybe it’s because New York Fashion week is right around the corner or just because this city is  constantly flowing with so much creativity. On my morning commute alone, I felt inspired by a tall blonde who had her hip-length pale blonde ends dipped with pastel pink and a couple of minutes later I bumped into a brunette with bright baby blue ends. Both looked pretty amazing.. not gonna lie. So when a client came in looking for a color similar to Keke Palmers, I was excited to knock it out. I took my clients version slightly warmer as it was a color correction and I didn’t want to compromise the integrity of her hair. Ombre and dip-dye locks grow out beautifully and is the perfect style for the girl or guy who wants low maintenance color!

Show Stopping Style

Headbands led the way down the red carpet at this years Golden Globes. Busy Philips rocked the look adding a Grecian feel to her style with a double banded headband and Charlize Theron shined in a jeweled one.  I thought Michelle Williams wore hers best with a black satin and jeweled headband, which was unexpectedly chic yet playful. A perfect accessory to dress up short hair! These other gorgeous ladies took it to the next level with their vivacious locks as well!