Hair Today, Hidden Tomorrow!

Ever wondered how to make a daytime 'do look sleek and sophisticated? Tired of trying to hide that nasty bright pink hair elastic/crazy bobby pins/massive scrunchy during meetings?

Part of making it happen by is using hair accessories that almost disappear into the hair, leaving the beauty of the hairdo to speak for itself. Until recently it's been difficult trying to rid your hair accessory drawer of the multi-coloured elastics and pins hasn't it? Goody(R) has finally made it easy with their new Colour Collection(TM) line of clips, elastics and headbands.

Goody(R)'s technology has been edging ever forward as they introduced new Stay-Put(TM) elastics for athletic pursuits, and narrow stretchy-fabric headbands for the fashion-forward types. They've now combined these technologies with their newest collection that gears itself uniquely to each hair colour category!

Discover how to use their subtle and grown-up looking ribbon covered hairbands to create a gently pulled back daytime look, or their stay-put hair elastics for a sleek office-ready pony. Or, be creative but still sohpisticated by using a combination of their stretchy reversable headwraps and claw grips for a fashion-forward look. They even have scrunchies if you absolutely must, but there are so many comfortable alternatives in this collection, it shouldn't be hard to find a new, more refined, replacement (please oh please).

Finally, grown-up hair accessories that let you to create sleek 'dos for work or play - hiding your tools from view and keeping YOU front and centre. In two shades for each of blonde, red, brunette, and black hair, you'll be sure to find the right combination for your lovely locks!

Wedding Gift Etiquette

Continuing on the theme of weddings, I have recently received a number of questions regarding gift etiquette. After ensuring the classic experts agree - from The Emily Post Institute to theknot.com - I have shortlisted the guidelines that will dispel the confusing etiquette around gift giving when attending, or not attending, this beautiful life event.

Time & Place
Wedding gifts may certainly be given prior to the wedding date. In fact, it is customary to send your gift just after you receive the invitation! You may bring it with you to the wedding itself, but remember that the bride and groom might be jetting off right away, and that delivering the gifts safely home could be an issue. Best to have the gift directed to their home instead of the reception if possible. Gifts are welcome even up to one year after the wedding itself, if necessary.

Gift Value
A popular myth is that a wedding gift should echo the amount the host has spend on your meal at the affair. This simply is not the case. It is appropriate to spend anywhere from $50 and up, depending on your financial ability and your relationship with the couple. At a hosted event, the host will entertain her guests according to her ability and desired manner, and the guest shall show appreciation according to her ability and desired manner. 'Paying' for one's meal at an event to which you have been invited as an honored guest is not required.

*Think of it this way: if you host a dinner party do you expect your guests to bring host(ess) gifts according to the cost of the meal you are creating? Natch. Didn't think so.

Registry vs Monetary
Often times a couple will register for gifts at a store or two at a variety of price-points to remain sensitive to the needs of their guests. If they choose this route, purchasing from the registry shows you are being attentive to their desires and needs. Only if you know the couple particularly well should you consider deviating far from the registry (particularly when it comes to artwork as this is intensely personal) - try to ensure you know their tastes and that your gift is returnable to avoid potentially uncomfortable situations for the couple.

A monetary gift is actually considered very appropriate by many cultures, do not shy away if the couple have not registered and you are unsure of their tastes!

Another very lovely gift, is to make a contribution in the honor of the couple to one of their preferred charities. If they are heavily involved with particular endeavors, you will know which to choose. If they are not, but are a patron of the arts/culture/shelters etc, a donation in their honor will touch them in a surprising and thoughtful way.

Not Attending?
Regardless of whether or not you attend the wedding, it is appropriate to send a congratulatory gift. According to the experts, not attending and additionally failing to send a gift indicates that you are terminating your relationship with the couple. Wow!