Trying to look like someone else is a waste of your own beauty.

5 Things to Stop Caring About Today

I read this article and loved it so I thought I'd pass on some of this amazing wisdom.As you strive to make your new year resolutions remember to set realistic goals that are within your reach. Focus first on those smaller steps which will lead you to your desired results. I summarized only five points of ten that the author made which stood out most to me. Check out the link below for the other five. There's some really great advice here, but it only helps if I make those necessary changes. I saw a sign on the way to work this morning that said "your life doesn't get better by chance, it gets better by change." 

While setting goals and striving for change is excellent, find a healthy balance and commend yourself for what you've already accomplished. Be happy now and enjoy where you're at in life now.Its so easy to not be happy with ourselves, our life circumstances, whatever they may be, and expect we'll be happy when things are different. This unhappiness can stem from how we view ourselves. How do you see yourself? Its easy to measure our worth by our looks, opinions of others, accomplishments, possessions, wealth etc. Doing some of these things and being nice to yourself will help you be free. Tell yourself, you are amazing and wonderful just because, and its true! 

 Here are ways to feel better about you!

1.Stop caring about everyone's opinion of you.
Whats important is how you feel about yourself. Take others opinion if you wish, but its just that, their opinion, and not necessarily truth. You decide what you are and who you will be.

2. Stop caring about looking a certain way.
Your one of a kind. Trying to look like someone else is a waste of your own beauty. In this crazy world that's trying to make you like everyone else, find the courage to keep being your awesome self.

3.Stop caring about what everyone else has.
The problem with many of us is that we think we'll be happy when we reach a certain level in life, instead, appreciate where you are and what you have right now.

4.Stop caring about the imaginary state of perfect.
What happens when we do get carried away with perfectionism? We become disgruntled and discouraged when we fail to meet the nearly impossible high standards we set for ourselves, making us reluctant to take on new challenges or even finish tasks we've already started.

5.Stop caring about things you can't control.
  Consuming yourself with negative aspects of circumstance gets nothing productive accomplished. "Nobody can go back and start a new beginning but anyone can start today and make a new ending."


I hope you find some of this positive wisdom helpful and that you truly realize your own personal beauty!

Click on this link for the full article
http://www.marcandangel.com/2011/10/02/things-to-stop-caring-about-today/

About Aveda: Know Your Products 

There are many great beauty product lines out there and these days more companies are striving to go green so their products will perform well while doing something good for the environment. Aveda has truly been a pioneer in this green effort in the beauty industry, paving the way as other companies over the years have followed suite.

The Aveda brand was founded in 1978 by Horst Rechelbacher who began his career as a stylist in Europe during the 1960's. While studying meditation in India, Rechelbacker became familiar with Ayurveda principles, an ancient holistic principle of healing which strives to bring balance to your mind, body and spirit. This inspired vision has brought us Aveda. This use of flower and plant essences allows you to connect with natural resources which heal and enhance hair and skin leaving you balanced and refreshed. 

Aveda's commitment to this mission is evident by bringing you exceptional products but also through the sourcing of their ingredients as well as the packaging.

"Aveda tries to ensure our products will not only benefit our customers through exceptional performance, but will positively impact the people and economies from which the product's ingredients are sourced."

"With every package we develop, we're mindful of our environmental footprint and work to minimize our packaging and maximize our use of recyclable and post-consumer recycled materials."

For more information on Aveda's green promise check out 

Aveda's ingredient sourcing  

For more information on what's in your products 

check out Aveda's ingredient glossary

"Beauty is as Beauty Does"

I love this video, it makes a strong statement and describes one of the reasons I wanted to be a stylist to begin with. Check it out

The Beauty of Beautifying Oil

This incredible essential oil has multiple uses. This product is one of my all time favorites because it has so many uses and a little goes a very long way. Key ingredients are jojoba oil, lavender rosemary and bergamot essences which mix splendidly for one of the best aromas I have ever experienced. I use this daily with a small amount on the ends of my hair to improve the overall condition of my ends. This product gently removes eye makeup better than anything I have ever used. After shaving, mix beautifying oil with lotion for softer, calmer skin. The most beautiful quality of this beautifying oil is that when you use the proper amount you don't feel greasy or oily from daily use of this product, and I usually use several drops. When using this product remember that like most Aveda products its concentrated, less is more.

Embrace your natural look! 

Give your hair a break so it doesn't break off!

This is for those of you who have a hard time putting your flat iron down. Give your hair and flat iron a day off and embrace your natural side! I am all for changing up your style, usually I style my hair straight one day and flat iron curls the next but lately I have tried to add at least one day of a natural look to my style rotation and my hair has loved the results.In the past I have stayed away from doing this more often because I would feel less finished without my hair styled.  I've found that there are many simple things I can do so that I still look and feel professional but allow me to give my hair a break. 

1. Product up- Use products you have at home, stick with the ones you love. 
2. Let your hair air dry-whether you have really curly, wavy or poker straight hair, use your favorite styling product and let your hair air dry just for today. 
3. Add accessories- adding jewelry, a stylish headband or a cute clip helps complete your look. 
4. Change your makeup-branch out a little and change your eye shadow or try a new lip color.

MY FAVORITE WAYS TO DE-STRESS

Most people believe that stress in our day to day life can affect your body and health, but even I forget that although I'm not literally pulling my hair out because of stress,the affects of stress may extend to my hair and skin. Ask yourself, "what am I doing to relieve my stress?" Doing something for yourself on a regular basis will improve your overall well being.  

My favorite products to de-stress your skin and hair:

Stress fix lotion, bath salts and oil concentrate soothe your skin and body with the aroma of lavender, lavandin and clary sage.  

Damage remedy intensive restructuring treatment can be used weekly to repair stressed hair. This amazing deep penetrating treatment formula uses quinoa protein which strengthens the hair- your hair absorbs only the protein it need! Phellodendron and barley lock in the moisture allowing jojoba and castor oils to restore luster and shine so your hair feels silky soft again.

Here are 3 of my favorite tips to help you de-stress, they may sound cliche but they're popular because they work!

1-EXERCISE- Finding time or energy to exercise can be difficult in our busy lives but find what works for you, whether you want to meditate with yoga, punch something in a kick boxing class, or run away from your stress on a treadmill, I highly recommend this as the best way to let go of stress.

2-LAUGH-Smiling can relieve stress, stimulate your immune system, lower blood pressure, alleviate anxiety and depression, and will improve your perspective on things.

3-RELAX-Visit your Aveda salon and experience a Stress Relieving Ritual, a massage with essential oils to allow you to release that stress in you carry around with you.

My favorite oil for relieving stress:

With the balancing aromas of invigorating peppermint and calming camomile, Aveda's stress-relieving blue oil helps dissolve muscle tension and stimulate energy levels. 

Maintaining your Bangs/Fringe at Home

Lately several clients have asked me the best technique for maintaining their bangs at home. There a many different technique's, it really depends on your hair type and desired style.Although most salons offer free clean ups on bangs&fringe and I recommend you see your stylist for these things, I understand some schedules may not allow for a trip to the salon every time.So this post is for those of you who can't make it to the salon and if you're going to DIY it here are some tips I think are most important.

• Trim your bangs with your hair styled how you wear it most. If your hair is always styled straight make sure its styled and straight when you trim your bangs.Your hair expands when wet & shrinks when dry so trimming on dry hair will allow you more control. 
• Section your bangs off. Starting with less hair will allow you to create a guide for you to follow.
• Stand in front of a mirror.When trimming your bangs, avoid pulling them out in front of you so you can try to see them. Let your hair rest on your face and follow your guide. 
•  Sharpen your scissors. Be sure you are using scissors which are meant only for hair. You may want to visit your local beauty supply store so you avoid those desperate moments where you turn to any scissors laying around. 

*Before you take scissors to your hair, check out the video clips below for good tips on how to trim your bangs at home.The first video post for each bang type is showed first by a stylist, the second video clip is done by a client just like yourself, so if they can do it, I'm sure you can too. 

Good luck, let me know how it goes!

straight across 

side swept

Introduction to my House

Welcome to House of Hair by Ashley!  

History
I have always enjoyed the art of styling which has brought me where I am today. In high school I loved giving make overs to friends, many times making things up as I went along. I definitely had the passion and drive for it, always wanting to share any knowledge I had learned with others. With an Esthetician mother I had a great foundation of support as I attended cosmetology school my Jr. & Sr. year of high school. 

Philosphy
I have worked hard to develop my style of craft throughout my salon experiences. I love the creative outlet of being an artist as well as the high that comes from enjoying the results of my work. I love seeing my clients leave feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.
 Nothing compares, to the feeling of helping someone realize their own true beauty.