Direct dye madness... Poor Rita

So Rita, my pinked out doll head sat over night after being shampooed. Today she came with me into the salon. Bad news. She still has vibrantly pink hair.
Here's what I've tried:
Our high-lift series for dark hair with the lightest possible shade and double 40 volume. (the strongest peroxide we are allowed to use. (processed for one hour)

Joico color break with 30 volume.

Pure acetone

Baking soda, bleach and detox shampoo: this seemed to lift some color out but not enough to put a color over it successfully.

Currently we are trying a lowlight with a blue/green pigment additive to try to tone down her pink. When I did this in the past it turned purple. The only coverage was black.

Not sure what makes up these direct dyes. But I would personally avoid them at all costs. Please stay tuned as trials will continue! Or let me know if you have any ideas!

Phase 2

Ok so my doll friend, Whom I have carefully named Rita, has been bleached, processed & shampooed. I used Joico moisture shampoo with no conditioner. Splat directions tell us to dry the hair completely. So I did that and then proceeded to color the whole head pink. I did it without a bowl or bush. Just the applicator that was included as this is how it would be done at home. The kit came with gloves but the pink bled through so I have pink fingers and forearms. I used clorox clean up with bleach to clean my doll head. It worked but I doubt you'd want to use it on your face. But to each their own. Either way this stuff stains!!

So splat directions again have processing guidelines. For color lasting 1-6 months process for 30 minutes. For 3-4 weeks 10 minutes. I'm guessing most will go for the longevity. So I'm processing 30 minutes.

Side note: after bleaching the one side of the hair I checked the condition of the locks. Not great. The ends were snapping off in my hands. Splat suggests on dark hair that it's left on for 50-60 minutes.

Direct dye trials

Hi friends! Ever seen those punky fun colors in people's hair and thought... That's cute, fun, interesting whatever. Well I am here to tell you that they are not. We are seeing pink (more often than not) come into the salon. Girls wanting it out... We can't seem to remove it. Professional... Walmart bought... Doesn't matter. It won't go anywhere. So I've asked for advice & am coloring a doll head to try different suggestions or ideas.

I've purchased splat hair color from Walmart $9.

I have a natural blond doll head. Roughly a level 9/10. I currently have bleached out half of her head with the bleach mixture included in the splat kit. Which includes a warning to not let the mixture sit for more than 2 minutes without use. It could cause the bottle to burst. Ummm.... Scary. So this is where I'm at now. Splat timing suggests 30-35 minutes processing time on blond hair. Stay tuned...

The classics are back!

So I've decided that my "next thing" will be to read or reread classic novels... I think my first may be my fave The Great Gatsby. But I'm not sure. I also need to relive To Kill A Mocking Bird. I will report back with my lovely thoughts on my classics quest. Suggestions are very welcome.

And I will do this the old fashioned way. No kindle or what have you. (I don't own one) Just pages and myself. (I'll probably use electricity, but I feel that's okay)

Bridge over troubled waters.

Hello friends!
It's been too long.l Sorry I guess sometimes life gets in the way of life. You know?

Yesterday was my 3rd family retreat with Camp Soaring Eagle. If you've read my posts before you know that these particular events serve families of recently diagnosed pediatric cancer patients. Families that have more to worry about than PTA, prom dresses and math homework. They deal with meds, chemo, needles and hospital rooms. My service to these people is to provide beauty services to the parents while very capable volunteers and CSE staff show the kids a good time.
These are the people I would like to mention today. In a world full of selfish acts I am honored to be amongst such giving beautiful people. CSE is run like a tight ship, every detail of the days are scheduled and planned in order to maximize the fun. This is made possible by the camp director and his wife. Two amazingly beautiful people who never fail to amaze me with their enthusiasm & excitement for the children. Joining these two are a group of volunteers. Men and women who give their time to make these camps possible. I love to watch them interact with these special children. People who go with the flow and share their compassion. From archery to arts and crafts, golf and games there is someone there to teach, encourage and share the love. Like I said I am more than lucky to be amongst these people. They are an inspiration. And while they help the kids to forget their troubles they also help me. I love to know that these people are out there. Living amongst the rest of the world and putting love out into the universe. I love to look in their eyes and see the dedication that they have. No one has an agenda other than to have the best time possible. Every event I have been involved in I have loved seeing the strength of the families and kids. The love they share is always with me. The other half of this is the people who make it possible. People I whom I know have lives, family, friends and problems of their own but for a few hours can let it go and share love with people who really need it. So thanks to all of you for making me a better person. You are my inspiration.

"God is good and in all things you can find something amazing in it."
(a quote from one of the mom's)

Christmas thoughts...

Narrator: And he puzzled and puzzed, till his puzzler was sore.
Then the Grinch thought of something he hadn't before!
"Maybe Christmas," he thought, "doesn't come from a store.
Maybe Christmas… perhaps… means a little bit more."
-The Grinch

Presents, trees, lights, caroling and snow. There are many images that represent the Christmas season, sights that spark the memories we've shared every year when December rolls around. We all have our own traditions, ways to celebrate this day, December 25th each year.

This day represents the birth of Jesus Christ, the son of God and the center of Christian religion. Whether or not you believe that Jesus was born this day or in Jesus in general, there is one universal truth in the matter. LOVE. No one can deny that the life of Jesus Christ was based on the philosophy of LOVE. He taught us to turn the other cheek. Ya know?

And while my purpose in this is not to preach, that's just not me. My purpose is to remind everyone to LOVE. Things such as black Friday turn us into consumer driven, deal getting freaks. When did our Thanksgiving traditions become waiting in a parking lot, spraying people with mace, and pushing people to the ground? Don't get me wrong, I love a good deal and shopping more than most but not at this cost. Christmas, my friend's is a day to share LOVE. This day isn't about how many gifts we get and how full our stockings are. These things only enhance the joy (Christmas word for ya) we should feel on that day.

Spending time with family and friends. Sharing a meal together. Probably a glass of wine or two. (in my case) This is what Christmas is all about. Remember when the Grinch stole "Christmas" from Whoville and they celebrated anyway? Because Christmas is about the spirit. Much love. And Merry Christmas!

Winter cocktails

Who doesn't like a nice relaxing cocktail to come home to? If you don't we probably aren't friend's. (kidding...sort of) As much as I look forward to coffee in the AM I look forward to a night cap in the PM. Home drinks should be uncomplicated & have just a few ingredients. No one wants to buy 5 items to mix cocktails at home. So aside from my usual glass of wine here are a few ideas for winter beverages.

Toasty white Russian
Ingredients you'll need:
Vodka (I prefer vanilla flavored...yum)
Kahlua or coffee flavored liqueur
Milk of choice (again I prefer soy, almond or coconut)

Heat up your milk (3 minutes in microwave) add 2 ounces of vodka & 1 ounce of kahlua. Top with chocolate sprinkles. (not required but fun & delish)

So good...it's cold in Russia so I'm not sure why this drink is usually iced!

Spicy hot chocolate:
Mix your hot chocolate mix with cinnamon & cayenne pepper for an extra kick. So delish. Mix with vanilla soy and spiced rum. So good! You could also use whiskey in the more mellow varieties. Or the vanilla vodka mentioned in the previous recipe.

These drinks are for my second mother. Hoping they are more your style. If not I've got more up my sleeve. And for the rest of you happy cocktailing! I hope you're all warm.