short waves hair tutorial

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Loose Waves Tutorial from Alyssa Longobucco on Vimeo.

 

As you can see from spending a little time around here, there’s a hairstyle I tend to stick to quite often, and that is loose, messy waves. Ever since I was little, I’ve had very curly hair, so styling it into smooth waves seems at once more polished and still true to myself.

 

I did a tutorial about a year back on how I did my hair when it was a bit longer, but my strategy is different after the big chop–as every short-haired gal knows, it’s important to conserve length when you can, so that’s my number one aim while curling my hair now, while still giving it body and texture.

 

My secret weapon? The Jose Eber curling wands. You guys, these things are no joke. I’m pretty sure every girl needs one in her beauty arsenal–they create lasting curls that look super natural, without damaging my hair. I’ve been a fan since my first tutorial (that bright pink baby was the best thing I’ve ever bought!) and the folks over at Jose Eber were kind enough to send me over another iron to try out, so that’s what I’m using here. The great thing is it comes with three different sized barrels, so achieving just the right wave for your style is pretty much a given.

 

I hope you guys enjoy the tutorial! I tried to make it as simple, helpful and least dorky as possible (not sure if I achieved that last one). Any questions about products you see or tips you hear, just let me know! And if you have a great tip you didn’t hear here, do share–I want to know!

Also, head on over this way and enter for a chance to win your own Jose Eber Curling Wand!

By the way, I’m using: Jose Eber Curling wand (℅) | Amika Perk Up Dry Shampoo |  Fekkai Coiff Defense | Fekkai Sheer Hold Hair Spray

 

 

 

spill it!

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fa42be42283120dfec8b44134d714419 spill it!

 

Annnnnnnndddd we’re back! Welcome to what I consider one of my favorite features here on the blog, Spill It. This is the part  where you answer fun questions, and I get to learn more about you lovely people. Let’s just pretend we’re chatting over drinks, shall we? We’ll make it margs, in honor of Cinco de Mayo. Ready, set, go:

 

What did you want to be growing up?

What’s your relationship deal-breaker?

Describe your style in three words

My answers: Growing up, I had an ecclectic list of future career wishes, including, but not limited to: a marine biologist, a spy, an interior designer, a nurse and a writer. Obviously, I ended up becoming the last one. My relationship deal-breaker is definitely bad manners. I don’t care if you’re talking to a waiter, a taxi driver or your grandmother. Be. Kind. If I detect an ounce of rudeness, it’s an automatic elimination. My style in three words…hm. This is actually really tough. I’m going to say playful, charming and modernly classic (that might be four words, shhh.).

I can’t wait to hear what you have to say!

DIY ombre serving spoons

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spoons1 DIY ombre serving spoons

 

Often times, I’m inspired to create a DIY from something I see out on the world wide web. In this case, Etsy. I first caught a glimpse of these ombre serving spoons almost a year ago, and I’ve been smitten with them ever since. Eventually, I found a plain jane serving spoon set at Crate and Barrel and the makings of this DIY was born.

 

spoons2 DIY ombre serving spoons

 

Besides the spoons, you’ll need a few bottles of acrylic paint in descending colors–I chose variations of teal, yellow and coral (colors that go with my current kitchen chairs!)–and a few sponge brushes.

 

spoons3 DIY ombre serving spoons

 

It’s super easy to personalize the gradation of the ombre–you could do blocks of color, or more of a faded effect, like I went for. To achieve it, simply hap-hazardly paint on the darkest color on, ending in a jagged line, and immediately continuing with the second-lightest color–you want to do this all while the previous colors are still wet, so it’s as easy as possible to blend the shades together.

 

spoons4 DIY ombre serving spoons

 

 

the perfect cinco de mayo guac

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guac1 the perfect cinco de mayo guac

 

I like to think I’ve perfected the art of guac. My roommate and I have “guac night” at least once a week–this sounds cool, but all it really entails is shoveling mounds of homemade guacamole into our mouths while watching The Mindy Project and sitting on the floor (white couches and green guac don’t mix). Still, practice makes perfect, and we’ve finally nailed the recipe down–I’ve yet to find a restaurant version that comes close. Just in time for Cinco de Mayo this weekend, here’s how you make it for yourself:

 

You’ll need:

  • 2 avocados, ripe (they should give a little to a poke, but should still feel dense and heavy in your hand)
  • 2 small tomatoes, chopped
  • 1/4 spanish onion, chopped
  • 1 lemon
  • 1 lime
  • salt and pepper for seasoning

 

guac2 the perfect cinco de mayo guac

 

Start off with the avocado. I’ve found the easiest way to get it out of the rind is the trace around the edge, and dice the avocado while the rind is still intact, then flip it inside out to dislodge the pieces.

 

guac4 the perfect cinco de mayo guac

 

Empty both of the avocados into a bowl, leaving the pit of one of the avocados in the bowl until just before serving (this supposedly keeps it from turning brown–I’m superstitious, so I just keep doing it!). Squeeze the juice of one small lemon, and one half of a lime, and let sit for at least 10 minutes to let the flavor marinate.

 

guac5 the perfect cinco de mayo guac

 

Remove the pit, and mash in the onions, tomato, salt and pepper (taste it occasionally so you don’t make it too salty–especially if you’re using salted chips) with a fork. I tend to like it a little bit on the chunkier side, but feel free to make it as mushy as you’d like. Serve cold, with warmed tortilla chips (I prefer blue personally) and a side of sour cream. Oh, and a marg. Or two.

 

guac6 the perfect cinco de mayo guac

 

 

let’s talk: enough with “i’m sorry”

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sorry lets talk: enough with im sorry

via

The other day, I got off the subway to a voicemail waiting for me. On it, there was a hairstylist, giving me a piece of his mind (with very colorful language, I might add), for missing an appointment–an appointment that I never even made. After a bit of clarification, it was determined that the receptionist made a mistake–and did I proceed to express my disappointment in their treatment of a client? Nope. Instead, I said “No problem, I’m sorry.” In the past, I’ve also taken it upon myself to apologize to someone in order to apease a friend, when it was completely unwarranted, and frankly, undeserved.

Women, or maybe women in my generation, have an unfortunate reliance on the phrase “I’m sorry.” I’m sorry it’s cloudy on vacation, I’m sorry there’s a wait at the restaurant, I’m sorry my opinion differs from yours. I’m sorry, I’m sorry, I’m sorry.

Well I’m sorry, but it needs to stop. I’m just as guilty as anyone else, but once I realized what a disservice I was doing myself, I’ve resolved to try and change. We’re always apologizing for something, and more often than not, it’s for something that we have absolutely no control over–yet we still feel the need to rectify the situation by shouldering the blame.

I’m not saying lose all empathy for others–there’s definitely a time and a place for apologies. If you spill red wine on your friend’s white couch, or wake up your roommate rolling in after drinks, you probably should dish out a quick “I”m sorry.” But treating others with empathy does not give you permission to devalue yourself or your opinion. There have been countless times where a friend has missed my call or stranger has bumped into me, both absentmindedly saying “I’m sorry,” only to hear from me that the apology is completely unnecessary–so why don’t we tell ourselves the same thing?

Giving a real, solid and well-thought out apology take a lot of guts–it’s really admirable, and not something that should be taken lightly. But let’s all stop apologizing for the silly, the mundane, and for having opinions. What do ya think?

p.s. In no way is this post implying that the phrase “Sorry I’m not sorry” should be anywhere in your vocabulary. Please, please. Just, no.

brown sugar blueberry crisp

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bbcrisp1 brown sugar blueberry crisp

 

If you came to me and told me I could only have one type of dessert for the rest of my life, I’d do a few things. First, you better duck–because I might actually slap you (kidding, no violence). ONE DESSERT?! That’s craziness. But then I’d tell you that I’d probably choose fruit crisps.

 

bbcrisp2 brown sugar blueberry crisp

 

I have a few really good theories backing up this decision. One: they’re so, so easy. Two: You can constantly mix things up! Endless fruit options = no boredom.  And three: personal sized, which means no over-indulging. No worries–I’ve got your back with a recipe.

 

You’ll need (makes 4-5 ramekins):

 

  • 2 pints blueberries, washed
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon corn starch
  • the juice of 1/2 lemon
  • butter, for greasing the ramekins
  • dash of salt
  • 1/2 cup flour
  • 1/2 cup rolled oats
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1/2 tsp baking powder
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature

 

Combine the blueberries, corn starch, granulated sugar, a dash of salt and lemon juice together in a bowl and mix until combined. Coat the ramekins with a small amount of butter and dump those blueberries on in.

 

bbcrisp3 brown sugar blueberry crisp

 

In a bowl, combo the brown sugar, flour, rolled oats and baking power in a bowl. Mix, then add the butter in chunks, breaking down with a fork into pea-sized crumbles. Spread the mixture over the top of the ramekins evenly.

 

bbcrisp4 brown sugar blueberry crisp

 

Cook at 350 until bubbly and browned, about 30 minutes. Serve with a (generous) dollop of vanilla bean ice cream on top, and enjoy!

 

bbcrisp5 brown sugar blueberry crisp

 

 

 

scarlet fever

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red1 scarlet fever

Scalloped dress, c/o eShakti (sold out, but love this one!) | Wedges, BCBG (similar) | Bracelet, Stella and Dot | Jade Ring, Vintage | Gold Rings, Catbird (here and here)

I’ve been told before that red is my color–granted, that was coming from my mother and grandmother, but let’s roll with it. There’s something about the shade that’s super empowering and commanding–red is going to get you noticed, whether you like it or not. Usually I hate being noticed, but I’m kind of warming up to the idea of red being my power color.

 

red2 scarlet fever

 

Another thing I love about this red scalloped frock? The fact that it feels like it was made for me–because sort of, it was. When the online apparel store eShakti reached out and suggested I try out one of their custom, made-to-order styles, I was thrilled. I’ve always been short, so finding dresses that don’t overwhelm me, especially length-wise, can be tough. With eShakti, you can customize everything from the hem length and sleeves to the bust size–you can even add pockets. You guys, pockets. Are we all doing a little happy dance? I thought so!

 

red3 scarlet fever

 

The lovely team over at eShakti is kind enough to offer readers of The Glossy Life a discount code so you guys can try them out for yourself! Simply enter GLSYMSNGS at the checkout, any time between now and April 30, 2013. I hope you snag yourselves something pretty!

 

 

By the way––thank you all SO much for your incredibly sweet and encouraging feedback regarding yesterday’s video post. It was so fun to make, but I was worried about how you all would like it. The feedback was awesome–definitely keep an eye out for more in the future–and if you have any video theme suggestions, let ‘em rip! Just shoot me an e-mail, I’d love to hear icon smile scarlet fever

 

 

 

 

 

10 things you might not know (or want to know) about me

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10thingsintro 10 things you might not know (or want to know) about me

 

Here’s the dealio peeps–I’ve been tagged in a lot of those “5 Things You Don’t Know About Me” posts recently, and I finally got a chance to hammer one out this past weekend. Since I owe you at least 10 things at this point, I decided to make a little video–mostly because it was quicker than trying to find pictures for everything (and you guys seemed to like my last one here), but also because these 10 things are sort of weird, and I wanted a chance to explain myself (hopefully you still like me after this!). I loved Emily’s video a few weeks back, so that was a bit of inspiration for this as well–I hope you enjoy!

 

 

 

10 Things from Alyssa Longobucco on Vimeo.

 

 

 

 

p.s. If I’m painfully awkward–tell me now! That way I won’t make you suffer through the hair tutorial I also filmed this weekend. Perhaps I shouldn’t be left alone with a video camera…

spring (hair) awakening

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springhair spring (hair) awakening

 

If there’s ever a time to accessorize your noggin, it’s the months between April and August. Not only are the options extra cute, but they’re so fun to wear that you might even forget you hair is a greasy, frizzy mess (or maybe that’s just me).

 

The trends this year are a little hippie-chic, a little downtown cool. Grab a fedora for a beach weekend with the girls, a printed head scarf for a Saturday wander ’round the flea market and a floral crown for an upcoming music festival–that’s the one I have my eye on for sure, I’m just waiting for my floral crown moment (what’s that you say? Every moment is a floral crown moment? Music to my ears). Between the inspiration above and the pieces below, there’s no way you’re missing out on spring and summer’s hottest hair accessories.

 

Springaccessories spring (hair) awakening

one | two | three | four | five | six

What hair accessories are you going to be rocking this spring and summer? Are you a floral crown gal or a floppy hat lady?