Perfect Gifts For Everyone On Your List From Believe

Chanukah is almost over and Christmas is coming right up! If you've seen the full-to-bursting parking lots at the Mall or waited way too long to speak to Customer Service when your internet shopping went awry, you know that time is flying. 

If you can't face another crowd, are out of ideas, and wish you could wave a magic wand and have all your shopping behind you, we at Believe (doing double duty as fairy godmothers) can grant that wish. (Consider it our little gift to you.) 

Here are our picks for Perfect Gifts For Everyone On Your List: 

Your Mom: You know it is time for a makeover for Mom. She's looking a little tired and her old hair color just doesn't suit her anymore. But should you tell her? No! Better yet, buy a Believe Gift Card and send her in for a consultation and makeover with our master colorist and stylist, Lisa. She will talk things over with her, make suggestions and your Mom will leave the chair looking (and feeling) like a new woman. (If you give her the gift of a new Sedu 3600i Blowdryer (on sale now for only $140) she can keep her new style up more easily at home, too.

Teenager Girl: With teenage girls, it is often all about the hair. Buy her a Flatiron for $144 (a 20% discount) and we'll throw in a Flatiron Comb for half-price. (We will also teach her how to use it properly, so she won't fry her hair.) Help her say goodbye to the curls she has hated since she was in third grade and hello to sleek, shiny hair.

Teenage Boy: Long hair is making a comeback, but that in-between stage (when it's growing out) is a mess. Buy him a Cut and Style to keep it in shape (and sexy) while it is getting longer. Do you really think Justin Beiber got that famous from his singing talent? Nah...it was his hair!

Grandmother: Is she sick of those stray grays or fading hair color? Send her in for a custom color by Chromastics. Permanent and Demi-Permanent colors are based on pure tones.  Countless colors can be achieved and due to a soy and hydrolyzed wheat protein base, the product actually helps repair her hair, no matter how long (or how badly) she's been coloring it.

Husband:  Let's face it...sometimes life is a pain in the neck. Your husband works hard, putting up with subways, traffic and the jerks at his office just to help earn the daily bread, Say thanks in a way that matters. Buy a Neck Ease Wrap (20% off) and let the soothing aromas of lavender and herbs, combined with the warm softness of the wrap itself, help unkink those sore muscles and welcome him home in a way he'll remember.

Mother-In-Law: Tell her (with a straight face) that a woman as beautiful as she is deserves to be decorated. Then stop by Believe to check out our selection of jewelry--now all on sale. Buy one and get another 20% off, (Maybe the second one should go in your stocking for being such a dutiful daughter-in-law?) Can't bring yourself to say it? Then gift her with one of the unique fragrances from our CB I Hate Perfume collection (at least you'll like the way she smells.)

Co-Workers: They are always tough to shop for, we know. How to get them something nice, but not too personal and, if your office engages in blind gift exchanges, what's a good one-size- fits-all gift to get? We recommend body butters like Aestalance--great for everybody's static-y hair (or bald scalp) and other dry bits.

Stocking Stuffers: The ZUM family of products make great stocking stuffers--give ZUM Organic Goat Milk Soap (in your choice of fabulous fragrances) now on sale. Buy two get another soap 50% off and Zum Chapsticks (Buy two, get another 50% off). All Zum products are welcome treats during these cold, drying months.

YOU: Let's not forget the most important person here. Instead of all those broken resolutions, make a real change to usher in 2013. Consult with Lisa, Believe's owner, for the perfect new style and color and really do it up for that New Year's party. YOU are a star and we'll make you look and feel like one by working a little magic at Believe. Hurry in! Our December sale ends the 23rd and our holiday appointments are filling up fast! Here's to shining brightly in the new year.

Let Believe Keep The Holiday Insanity At Bay

If you've braved the mall (or even driven by it) you know ---things are crazy out there!

According to the National Retail Federation, fewer shoppers have completed their holiday buying compared to this time last year.

According to NRF's 2011 Consumer Intentions and Actions Survey, conducted by Big Research, the average person had completed 46.5% of her shopping now- less than the 49.5% in the same period a year ago. Nearly 37 million people (16.5%) had not even started their shopping as of late last week, the survey says, while only 7.6% said they have completely finished shopping already.

If you are one of the procrastinators, take heart. We, at Believe, can solve your shopping dilemma and it only will take one stop—and a restful one at that. We'll give you a hot cup of herb tea and, while you sip, Santa's elves (cleverly disguised as the Believe staff) will check off the perfect gift for everyone on your list.

We even have some sales (so you won't miss the department store experience), Buy a White Tea Restorative Shampoo and Conditioner and you get a White Tea Daily Conditioner free (slip it in your own stocking!) or make everybody left on your list happy and get them a Zum Body Basket, now 20% off, with Zum Bath Salts, Zum Body Lotion and two Zum soaps in your choice of scents. (If the recipient is not yet a fan of Zum, they will be after this gift. Zum is addicting.)

Get the men in your life a fabulous after-shave, Tend Skin, guaranteed to baby his skin through the harsh winter you know is right around the corner. Add to your best friend's jewelry collection with a unique piece from the Japanese artist Kazuko and butter up all the babies in your life with Wee Baby products (the lavender scent helps the little ones sleep—and may even inspire visions of sugarplums dancing in their heads! Fido and fluffy are part of the family,too, and Y.U.M Wash Doggie Soap and Y.U.M mist will keep your home filled with holiday scents (instead of kennel smells.) Speaking of scent, be sure to stock up on Zum soy candles in wonderful scents like Myrrh (the Wise Man were on to something there.) Or cover all your bases by having the staff at Believe whip up a custom gift basket or come by and see the ones we already have waiting for you. If all else fails, Believe offers Gift Cards so your friends and loved ones can choose their own gift after the holiday.

While you are here, treat yourself...Get a festive red hair extension for $10 and we'll donate the money to charity (also to help those less fortunate, bring in any hair product you aren't using anymore –even half empty—and we will give you 20% off a product we recommend to substitute for it. We'll donate the used one to the Women's Shelter). Don't forget to make a appointment for a Conditioning Treatment and Blowdry (for $50) or a $25 Blowdry that will have you looking your best for that holiday party or church service. We've still got a couple of openings left.

When it comes to gifts, Believe's got you covered but hurry in. Our holiday hours are 10 am-7 pm Tuesday, December 20th through Friday, the 23rd. We are closed Christmas Eve for festivities for our own relatives and friends, but we'd love to see you—our other family—to wish you Happy Holidays.

 

Believe's Got A Gift For Everyone

Black Friday's past. Cyber Monday flew by and your gift-buying expedition is still only in the planning stages. If the thought of braving the mall gives you a headache or you dread getting that Amazon message that says your shipment won't arrive until January 8^th, we at Believe have got you covered. Here are gift selections for everyone you need to remember at the holidays. Come into Believe for one-stop shopping (and spend your extra free time making a wish list of things you want for yourself):

For your Mom: Unless your mother is Barbara Bush, she probably complains often about her gray or white hair. It's dull, it makes her looks old, she hates looking in the mirror. Bring her into Believe for a color rinse to replace that yellow tinge with a snowy and beautiful sheen or highlights to blend that gray into an intriguing salt-and-pepper mix. (Dad could benefit too. Tell him it will make him look distinguished.) Make an appointment now (or buy a gift card for future use.)

For your husband: Your husband probably grew up in a world where razors were plastic and came by the dozen and where his father's idea of skin care was a splash of Old Spice after the chin scraping. Well, times have changed and, while we aren't advocating guy-liner, it is no longer unmasculine to take care of your skin. Introduce your man to a great product for after the shave TEND SKIN. It will help keep his skin smooth and soothe irritation winters dryness.

For your boss: Hey, even managers need a little love. If you are stressed out at work, it's a good bet so is your boss. Get her (or him-- we aren't sexist) a scented soy candle from Zum. With rich fragrances like Myrrh (and metro-sexual ones like Pine), you can help provide a short mental vacation for your overworked boss and maybe they'll think kindly of you at bonus time.

For your sister: To make up for all those times she stole your clothes when you were kids, buy her a fabulous piece of jewelry from Japanese artist KAZUKO, who creates hand made unique and beautiful pieces that will help celebrate how unique and beautiful your sis is. The best part? You can “borrow” the jewelry when she's not looking.

For your daughter: Remember being a teenager where you sometimes had to get noticed to express your individuality or else you just faded into the crowd? Bring your teen (or tween) in for feather hair extensions and help your daughter shout to the world: “Look at me!” The extensions are fabulous fun and—the best part--are a lot less permanent than a tattoo or a pierced tounge.

For your grand-baby: Speaking of stress relief hardly anything matches the exhaustion of new parents. Everyone will get the little squirt toys and clothes. Invest in a set of Wee Baby skin care products by Zum and you can make the whole new family happy. This set of organic lavender body lotion, diaper cream, aroma-mist and soap is sure to help quiet a cranky little one and give Baby's parents what they need most—a little peace and quiet.

For the family dog: Fluffy isn't getting outside as much as the weather turns colder and, to tell you the truth, he's beginning to smell a little too aromatic. Get rid of that cabin fever smell by giving him a bath with Y.U.M. WASH Doggie Soap or give him a spritz with Y.U.M. mist. It's good both for his coat and skin and your nose. Bonus: Your house will no longer smell like a kennel.

For the omigod-we-are-having-a-gift-exchange situation: Don't have a clue what to buy Susie in the next cubicle? Come in to Believe and we will help make you up a custom gift basket based on any clues you have about old Sus...or check out our selection of gift baskets already created. You are sure to find one to save you at Secret Santa time or when you find out last-minute that Aunt Jennie is showing up at the holiday dinner.

Still feeling uninspired? At Believe the staff is well-trained in picking out the perfect gift, no matter who is on your list. Stop by or give us a call at 914-747-0778. We'll be happy to help (and glad to see you!) And remember, appointments for the holidays are filling up fast, so call today if you need spiffing up before that festive gathering. Hope to see you soon.

Let Believe Make Mother's Day Special

Mother's Day started in England in the 1600's when Mothering Day was declared by the Church as one Sunday when servants and other working class stiffs were allowed to take the day off and travel to their homes to visit Mum. Naturally, when The Puritans came to this country, they cancelled the day off as slothful (those people really knew how to wreck a good time...)

It was up to Julia Ward Howe (who wrote The Battle Hymn of The Republic) to resurrect Mother's Day in 1870 to put behind all mothers the horrors of The Civil War and to celebrate peace and motherhood. She tried to hijack the 4th of July as the day, but had to settle for July 2nd, when women in 18 cities came together to celebrate. The holiday stayed in July until around 1883 (when Julia stopped footing the bill for the celebration.

Mother's Day was resurrected again in 1908 by Anna Reeves Jarvis of West Virginia, who wanted mothers from both the Union and Confederacy to come together in friendship. When she died, her daughter lobbied the local church to host Mother's Day to honor her mother and gave out carnations (her mother's favorite) to all mothers in attendance-thus beginning the tradition of giving flowers to Mom on the day.

Soon Senator Elmer Burkett of Nebraska, proposed making Mother's Day a national holiday (his fellow senators shot the notion down even though 46 states were already holding Mother's Day services.) Anna Jarvis, Jr. quit her real job and made getting Mother's Day made into an official holiday her lifeswork and, in 1914, President Woodrow Wilson signed Mother's Day-the second Sunday in May--into law. By 1948, when Anna Jarvis died (mad that she hadn't been allowed to copyright the holiday's name) Mother's Day was being celebrated in 40 countries. It is celebrated a little differently (and at different times) wherever you go:

• In Mexico-The mother is usually treated to a song sung by her family, or a serenade by a hired band, followed by a family brunch.
• In Finland- Mom gets breakfast in bed.
• In the UK- violets are given and a Simnel Cake(a glazed fruitcake both baked and broiled, based on a folk tale) is served.
• In Yugoslavia -Mother's Day is celebrated by tying the mother up and not letting her go until she gives the family candy and treats. (She gets to tie the kids up on Children's Day soon after.)
• In Ethiopia-a feast is made with girls bringing butter, cheese, vegetables and spices, while the boys bring a bull or lamb. The mothers and daughters then ritually anoint themselves with butter on their faces and chests. They dance while the men sing songs and the celebration lasts three days.

Here in the USA, florists sell the most flowers for Mother's Day, restaurants claim it is the busiest day of the year and, according to Hallmark (who ought to know), 96% of American consumers buy something for the holiday.

We, at Believe, love Mother's Day! Some of us are mothers ourselves and all of us are happy to pay tribute to the women who gave us life or changed our life or helped us grow into women ourselves (yes, even our mother-in-laws.)

To help you celebrate, here are some suggestions for great gifts from Believe for Mother's Day:

• Zum Organic Goat's Milk Soaps has come up with a specially selected scent for the big day—Zesty Coriander and Lime
• 20% off on natural bristle hair brushes (offer to brush Mom's hair 100 times like in the old days.)
• 20% off on Believe soy candles
• 20% off on all jewelry, including Minh-thu Silk Paper Necklaces 
• Blow-dry gift cards (only $25)

Or buy Mom a Day of Beauty at Believe. 

How about a refreshing facial, a relaxing massage, a cut and color and a luscious manicure? Call us today to arrange Mom's special day. And if you are just flat out of time, run by and pick up a gift card--worth any amount you choose. It let's Mom pick her own special treat (and you still get credit for getting her a gift.)

To all mothers everywhere, the staff at Believe wishes you a wonderful day!

Lovely Lips Even In The Dead Of Winter

Though we hope those chapped lips of yours are the result of way too many kisses on Valentine's Day, we at Believe know better...winter winds and temperature changes are more likely the cause. But there are other reasons your pucker may be feeling a bit peckish, so read on and learn a thing or two about keeping your lips luscious.

Chapped lips are, most basically, the result of our lips being too dry, but chronic chapped lips can result from nutritional deficiencies, dehydration, allergies, medication or over-exposure to sun, cold and windy conditions. Whatever the reason, skin has lost its ability to retain moisture. We can't hold moisture, our lips get more chapped, which means more moisture loss and on it goes--a vicious cycle.
Here are some things you can do about the chapping:

• Avoid licking your lips. When saliva dries on your lips, it leaves them more vulnerable to sun and wind than before.
• Apply skin moisturizer, vitamin E oil, aloe vera gel, or petroleum jelly to moisturize your lips and then seal it in with lip balm (we carry Zum and Red Bee Lip Balms at Believe. Read all about them them below).
• Drink plenty of water to prevent dehydration.
• The cracks at the corners of your mouth can indicate riboflavin deficiencies; you can treat this with vitamin B-2 supplements.
• Don't lick envelopes. Use a moistened sponge instead.
• Use a humidifier while you sleep and a desktop one at work if possible.
• Don't hold metal objects in your mouth such as paper clips. Allergies to nickel causes chapping.
• Treat chaffed, chapped, and scaling lips overnight with a homemade ointment mixed from 1 tsp glycerine, 1 tsp lemon juice, and 1 tsp castor oil. Spread on lips overnight, refrigerating the leftovers for future use.
• Don't suck on citrus fruit rinds such as orange peels--the fruit acid may cause chapping.
• Step up to cortisone. If a week of the above suggestions don't do the trick, add over-the-counter 1 percent hydrocortisone ointment to your regimen. Use the hydrocortisone under your emollient ointment. Try this for two weeks.
• Don't kiss someone on the lips who is wearing lipstick-you may be allergic to red dye found in lipstick (and to the cinnimates found in some candies, gum and mouthwash.)
• Are you a clarinet player? You might want to stop the music for a time. Chapping can develop at the contact area of the reed.
• Check your lipstick for for the ingredient propyl gallate which may cause contact allergies. The same goes for guaiazulene in your toothpaste. Also check your toothpaste for sodium lauryl sulfate, an ingredient that may cause chapping and allergic reaction. (Squigle Enamel Saver Toothpaste is one SLS-free brand.)
• Quit eating figs. They may react with the sun (phototoxicity) to cause irritation.
• If all else fails, it's time to take your chelitis (that's doctor-speak for chapped lips) to the dermatologist. You'll possible get a full exam of your mouth, lips, tongue, tonsils and even elbows, knees, scalp and nails searching for psorasis, and tests for allergies, Vitamin A deficiencies, and other conditions that can cause chelitis.

Now you have read that chemicals may be responsible for your chapped lips. That's why here at Believe Beauty Lounge we carry lip balms made from all natural ingredients, like Zum Kiss Shea Butter Lip Balm. Suck up to your lips with this pure pacifier made with almighty shea butter, sunflower and grapeseed oils, honey, beeswax and pure essential oils. If your lips are in the middle of a drought, get ready for a flood of moisture. Zum Kiss Shea Butter Lip Balm comes in fabulous flavors like Tea Tree-Lavender, Chocolate, Lemon-Ginger, Grapefruit, Peppermint, Tangerine and Vanilla.

Or try Red Bee Rossape Lip Balm which packs in hydrating ingredients with a subtle sheen. The lip balm's main ingredients are beeswax and olive oil. If you are a purist when it comes to the products you use on your body or are sensitive to artificial ingredients, you will love the Rossape Skin Care Collection. What you put on your body should be as good as what you put in your body. Feed our Body...Feed Your Skin is Red Bee's operating philosophy. Their recipes are based upon ancient remedies with respect to Apitherapy (honeybee products for restoring and maintaining health). They never use alcohol, paraffin wax, preservatives or animal products, making Red Bee's Rossape beauty line a great natural option for your skin. Essential oils provide the fragrance for the lip balm -- four delicious scents Strawberry, Lavender, Peppermint and Lemon. Red Bee's Rossape Balm's light texture helps it glide on easily, leaving a subtle sheen to your lips. Not too heavy or oily, it absorbs quickly and hydrates your chapped pucker.

Don't let winter get the best of you...stay kissable with some help from your friends at Believe.

Believe's Last-Minute Gift Round-Up

If you are still singing "The Twelve Days Of Christmas" you'd better check your calendar...Christmas is 10 days away! Are you ready? All your gifts bought? (I won't ask about wrapped...I'm know not to rub salt in a wound...) If they aren't and you are running behind, Believe is ready to help. 

We will make checking all the names off your list as easy as one-stop shopping at our salon...We are extending the offers we have made all month to you only (the readers of our blog). Just mention you saw the gifts here and we will honor these special discounts and sales...think of this as Believe's Gift Round-Up.

Gift 1: When you purchase one 8 ounce Zum Body Lotion, receive a 4 ounce purse-size lotion for free. This makes a perfect stocking stuffer or a great little gift for your office staff.

Gift 2: MD Skincare is now 30% off and everyone's skin can use some extra help in the winter. (Sorry, this offer does not include Alpha Beta Daily Pads.)

Gift 3: Talk about a personal gift! Get a custom blended lipstick 50% off with a purchase of any Giella makeup product. 

Gift 4: Help the folks on your list stay kissable this winter--get a free ZKISS organic shea butter lip treat in your choice of flavors when you spend $50 in products at our salon.

Gift 5: How about this for your sister, mom, or daughter? Make an appointment with Sam, our makeup artist, for a new look for the new year and get a complimentary lipstick. ($28 value.)

Gift 6: Buy $100 in products and receive a free ZUM organic goat's milk soap in your choice of fragrance. Goat's milk is hypoallergenic and helps even the driest skin.

Gift 7: Bring in your best friends for a complimentary skin consultation with our aesthetician, Jackie. Make a lunch date after--and pick up the tab.

Gift 8: And don't forget to treat yourself. When you buy a $100 gift card, receive a $20 gift card for yourself. Buy $50 gift card, receive a $10 for yourself. 

If you don't see what you need here, come on in. You sit with a hot cup of herbal tea or espresso (for that little added zip you need about now), and let us help pick out the perfect gifts for everyone on your list... We promise, we won't tell anyone you waited till the last minute. Our lips are sealed.

Oh and don't forget to make your appointment for your New Year's hair and makeup. We will be open on New Year's Eve from 10 am to whenever we are done "dolling" everyone up, but slots are filling fast, so call today--(914) 747-0778.

Tips for beating holiday stress

Where did the time go? Wasn't it just Labor Day yesterday? It seems like that to us at Believe, but the holidays are upon us...Chanukah has begun, Christmas is hard on its heels, and then the new year beckons. Between now and then, it's rushing, shopping, parties, guests, family, and, of course, food, food and more food.

   All this celebrating is not only fun--but stressful. So...here's some tips to keep you beautiful and balanced through this hectic season and on into the new year:

*Get some sleep: You really don't have to stay up till midnight to get it all done. Take a page for the book of the older ladies you know--they do their shopping and wrapping w-a-a-y before the holidays (ok, make that a note to self for next year), but you can do a little each day now, instead of waiting till the last minute and thinking you will get it all done then. If you get to stay at home, nap! JFK ran the country on 10- minute power naps (though we prefer an hour after lunch). If you have little ones, curl up with them. You'll all be better able to cope.

*Drink more water than usual: Going in and out of heated spaces dries you up and good moist skin and hair begin on the inside. (Also, remember alcohol dehydrates you. Stick to a glass of festive champagne--it will help with the calorie count, too.)

*Hair needs moisture, too: Wash with a moisture giving shampoo and conditioner, then lock in that vital moisture by using a dab of organic butter worked through your hair. Try Aestelance Butter, made from basil, rosemary, sandalwood and all-natural ingredients (It smells wonderful and stands up to the constant on-off action of your cute wool hat.) Another trick to try--rub your hairbrushes with a dryer sheet every now and again. It helps with that static electricity problem. 

*Take off that cape: You aren't really Wonder Woman. Delegate! Your husband can wrap gifts, kids can load the dishwasher, and you don't have to volunteer to organize the gift exchange at work. Stress is hard on you (and is no good for your looks, either.)

*Not only your lips chap: You should always keep a good lip balm, like ZUM KISS, with you and use it often, but don't forget your cheeks, chin, elbows and knees. Winter winds get to the first two and keeping everything else covered constantly rubs and causes rough skin. Try thicker body butters like Zum Body, made with aloe vera, red clover, and essential oils.

*Make one more list: On top of the gift, wish, and to-do lists you are lugging around, make a gratitude list of all the blessings in your life. It is sure to give you the gift of perspective.

*Help others: Make sure to remember to save time and go online to donate to your local food pantry or pet shelter. Then, when you are kicking yourself for losing patience at your kids or spouse, you can remember you are not an evil witch--just over-worked.

*Give yourself more time: Start an hour earlier in the morning. Meditate for 20 minutes to start the day and take one item off your to-do list and move it to another day. You'll actually gain time by not being so frantic.

*Eat a good breakfast: Even if you don't the rest of the year, you need proteins and carbs (always yummy) since you are revving your engine higher now.

*Take a breath break: At around 2 or 3 pm when that slump hits (you know the one), stop everything and breathe deeply--in through your nose and out through your mouth--deeply enough to make your abdomen lift three times. Do a couple of neck rolls, rub your temples as though you are having a facial, and, if your doctor agrees, you might want to start taking a vitamin B tablet for a complex/protein boost.

*Think of those hidden hands and feet: Gloves and socks keep us warm, but wreck havoc with our skin and nails. Keep tea tree oil to rub on those toenails (to prevent fungus growth) and be sure to rub cream in your cuticles to keep them from cracking. We use Zum Rub, a shea butter moisturizer. Naturally, the skin of both hands and feet need extra moisture too. Make sure to run moisturizer all over immediately after a shower (before your skin dries) and remember to keep that shower on the cooler side. Hot water is drying. Keep cream to rub in your hands throughout the day (Zum Minis are great for your purse or briefcase.)

Pre-sleep stress busters: Consider giving up caffeine for the duration.  Explore the wonderful world of herbal teas (visit Annie's Remedies.com to learn the time-tested qualities of each). A cup before bed, a warm bath (throwing a few of the same herbs in some cheesecloth and then in the tub is restful, too) and lavender oil (a dot under your nose and one between and just above your eyebrows) can lead to more restful sleep and sweeter dreams (Maybe you'll actually have some visions of sugarplums dancing in your head!) Try all of these for over-excited little ones too.

*Relatives can be pains in the ***: We know, but you've only got one family --and as our mother's said, you can do anything for a little while--even put up with your mother or mean Aunt Sadie. You can steer the conversation in another direction or leave the room (no, that doesn't mean stomp out). Remember, you don't have to go to every fight you are invited to, life is short, and it is the holidays. Enjoy yourself.

*Treat yourself to an early gift: Have a facial (or even a Vitamin C or Pumpkin Peel Treatment to banish dry flakes) get a massage (cold muscles are stiff muscles and our therapist has magic fingers), stop by Believe for a cup of tea or espresso and a little shopping while you're at it. We've got a holiday special skin treatment Tapas menu--Pick two services for $100.) Buy a scalp/hair treatment for him and some of the world's greatest organic baby products for Junior. (Ask us how you can earn a gift card for yourself too!)

   From our family here at Believe to your family, we wish you happy (and stress-free) next few weeks and hope to see you soon.