One of the most powerful memories I have of Christmas as a little girl, was the hours and hours it took getting my hair ready for the all important Christmas family reunion.  It wasn’t enough that you had your special red velvet dress with the satin bow and your black patent Mary Jane shoes, you also had to have CURLS (with a capital C.) 

What you have to know is that my hair is naturally stick straight, but it was the fashion to have Shirley Temple curls!! My mother would wash my hair and roll it on wire rollers – these torture instruments are thankfully no longer for sale!!  After sitting under the hair dryer for an eternity to dry my hair, I then had to sleep all night with the wire rollers making dents in my head.  When mother took the rollers out the next day, VOILA! …. I had curls… for about 20 minutes. 

I am happy to report that for girls of all ages with even the straightest of hair, there is a modern solution for quick lasting curls.  The miracle is the Caruso Professional ProSet Steam Hairsetter.  The secret to perfect curls is the steam process that literally locks in the curls while moisturizing and adding body and shine to the hair.

Isn’t technology wonderful?  Does anyone have stories about childhood hair traumas to share?

The countdown begins! We are only 13 days out from Christmas!  Still have a few names on that shopping list?  Yeah, me too. As much as everyone longs for a Christmas kitty sweater, may I suggest a few more practical gifts:

Eye-Vac Electric Dustpan Vacuum
This is honestly on my wish list and perfect for anyone with hardwood floors or tile. This unassuming little black machine sits in the corner eagerly awaiting you to sweep dirt and dust its way. When the Eye-Vac’s sensor detects the debris it turns on, sucks it all up and then shuts off.  No more fumbling with a dust pan.

Hot Shot Tools 3 Barrel Waver
Since I know my kids don’t read this blog…one of them has this all wrapped up and under the tree. For those who lived through the 80’s, this works just like a crimper but creates waves instead.  And to spare mom the grief of burnt fingers and singed bathroom countertops, she also received the Heat Protection Styling Glove and the Silicon Heat Styling Mat (on sale for only $5).

Mircro Touch Max Hair Remover
I purchased this as a stocking stuffer for my husband.  I almost gave it to him early as I watched him maneuver a cuticle nipper up his nose this morning. Seriously, I can’t make that up.

But enough of what my family is getting. Our gifts page has an abundance of great recommendations that are sure to make the recipient way more excited than that kitty sweater.

For me, the holidays equal parties! I love nothing more than getting together with friends and family, wearing some festive clothing (or maybe an Ugly Christmas Sweater) and celebrating the season.

In the spirit of giving, I thought I’d share my Recipe for Holiday Beauty. It’s super simple to follow – you take a dash of gold eye shadow, some candy-coated lips, a swipe of liquid liner, a few twists of a wand, sprinkle in some sparkly accessories and you’re done.

Do you have a holiday go-to look? Please share your “recipe” in the comments!

1. Femme Couture Prime Wear Lip Creme in Black Cherry
2. Plugged In Pink Lace Cone Curling Wand
3. Sally Girl Mini Baked Eyeshadow in Gold
4. DCNL Jewels Headband with Bow
5. FingerPaints Limited Edition Fun-Fetti
6. Ardell Fashion Lashes #109
7. Palladio Liquid Liner in Black