Some Suggested Resolutions From Believe

Every year at the time, we are bombarded with talk of New Year's Resolutions. People fervently vow to lose 30 pounds or run 10 miles daily or a host of other things overwhelmingly abandoned, studies show, by February 15^th.

So instead of setting unrealistic physical goals, we at Believe are trying to work on our spiritual sides and make resolutions we really can work on daily throughout the year—no matter if we're facing down another piece of pizza or if a blizzard gets in the way of our jogging. These resolutions can help remake us from the only place that truly matters---from the inside out. Perhaps you'd care to join us in giving a few of these resolutions a go?

1. Stop That Voice In Your Head: The one that tells you that you can't...Can't lose the weight, get the job, find the lover, face the fear. Even if you have to say “No!” or “Stop!” out loud when the negative thoughts come back. (This makes you look less like a crazy person now that Bluetooth phones make talking to yourself respectable.) Then fill in that verbal space you've just created with a positive mental voice saying “”Go for it”, “One step at a time” or “Give it a shot.”
2. Realize You Can Do Anything For A Short Time: If you feel overwhelmed by the resolution to quit smoking or whatever you are finding difficult, use my mother's expression: “You can do anything for 24 hours. Hell, you could even be in prison for that long.” Break time into more manageable sections. Put off having that cigarette or eating that piece of pie for the next two hours, and then two more...It's like stringing pearls on a necklace.
3. Respond Don't React: Resolve this year that you will stop for at least a beat (preferably a day) and consider what you should do or say when faced with an alarming situation. Take a breath. Take another. Tell people you want some time to think things over. If it's an argument you are dying to have with someone, write down what you want to say, put the letter in a drawer for 72 hours and then take it out to see if you still want to say those things—or say them in that way. Remember, you never have to take back words unsaid.
4. Quit Worrying So Much: Worry never does anything except sap your energy, make you irritable and affect your sleep patterns. Every time a worry floats into your mind, stop it in its tracks and ask yourself if there is anything you can do about it now. If not, take a page from Scarlett O'Hara and resolve to think about it tomorrow. Legitimate planning for the future is okay (but no cheating on yourself. You know the difference between planning and worry.)
5. Don't “Should” On Yourself: There really is nothing you can do about spilt milk. Spending time saying to yourself, “I should have...” about any past event is a waste of time. Just put a bookmark on the behavior and don't do it that way next time.
6. Practice Kindness: Treat everybody you encounter with consideration—not just people your friends and family. Ask co-workers how you can help them. Offer your arm to help push a wheelchair or hold a door open for someone elderly you encounter at the mall. Go meet the mail delivery person so he or she doesn't have to take the walk to your front door to deliver that package. Let someone in front of you in rush hour traffic. Stop interrupting everyone's sentences.
7. Learn To Receive Graciously: From a compliment on your blouse to an offer to help you finish addressing those envelopes for your synagogue, don't backtalk (“Oh this old thing? It's a rag” or “Nah, I'll do it myself”). Thank the person offering you the compliment and take the assistance. It makes people happy to help you. Let them.
8. Resolve To Be Happy: At least for a part of every day in 2012, be happy. Step outside to smell the air. Go watch the Halloween parade, even if you don't have kids. Have lunch at the botanical garden. Volunteer to read at the local nursing home. Stretch your spirit in some way. Weed people, places and things that bring you down out of your life this year. Fill your life with uplifting things. Make sure you are one of those uplifting things for other people.
9. Be Good To Yourself: Take some time to meditate on the things in your life for which you are thankful (a Zum soy candle is the perfect accompaniment to this quality time with yourself). Treat yourself to a scalp massage and conditioning treatment after the hectic holidays. Take turns giving your partner a weekly massage (Zum Body Butters are fabulous for this.) Reinvent yourself this year: Let's try a new cut or color or both or add an extension or feather for fun (you can never have too much of that). Fill your shelves with wonderful products for your hair and skin to make 2012 a comfortable year for your outsides, too. (Come into Believe and let us make some suggestions.)

We, at Believe, hope you have a new year filled with health, prosperity, joy and many blessings. Thank you for letting us share your 2012 with you!

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.

Twisted, Beaded, Braided-Give Us A Head With Hair

From real laurel leaves in classical Greece to gold-encrusted replicas in Imperial Rome, hair ornaments have been used throughout the ages as objects of beauty and as social messages.

In ancient China, the ji ceremony awarded 15-year-old girls a hairpin that showed she was old enough to marry. Auspicious birds and beasts, such as the dragon, phoenix, duck, deer and the 12 animals of the Chinese zodiac, were also popular. The deer denoted success. The duck assured marital bliss. 
The five petals on a plum represented blessings, high-salary, longevity, luck and wealth. When Chinese lovers had to part, they often split a hairpin―both of them keeping a half until they were reunited.

Tibetans, women in some African tribes, and Native Americans, braided the hair and adorned it with silver, stones, bones, beads and feathers--while in the Middle East, Muslim women had to hide their hair under veils with their real hair shown only to their husbands. (Married Orthodox Jewish women still wear wigs to this day for that same reason and so as not to distract men from their prayers.) Indian women had no such restrictions. Their hair was often as decorated as their saris.

Renaissance women plucked their hairlines to give the coveted high forehead look and then covered their hair with nets of pearls or jeweled caps and the hardly-ever bathed ladies of Queen Elizabeth's court took to wearing velvet headbands (no doubt to keep their dirty hair away from their faces.)

The 18th century might take the cake when it comes to historical hair ornaments. Women hair was piled high―very high―over wire cages and held together with starch and horsehair. Atop the towering coiffures (requiring several hours and ladders to create) were fantastical models of birds' cages (with live birds,) war ships with flags flying, and entire bowls of fruit (long before Carmen Miranda brought the latter to Hollywood.) Not only were these hairstyles hard to sleep in (custom made to accommodates their necks, leaving their hairstyle in tact) but the material used to create the towering style proved a perfect nest for vermin.

Practicality came back in fashion after the excesses of the 18th century. First lady, Dolly Madison, introduced jeweled turbans and the flappers of the 20's fit headbands snugly over bobbed hair.

 In the '30's few women could afford anything more than “bobbie pin.” Hairnets used during a day's work in the factory for the Rosie the Riveters of World War II, gave way to fashionable nets called “snoods” for evening. “Lady Day”-- Billie Holiday-- became famous for the gardenia behind her ear and the fashion was taken up by film stars like Dorothy Lamour. The 1950's saw the helmet hair of Doris Day, which didn't allow for lots adornment, but the long and loose hair of the 60's more than made up for it.

Janis Joplin and the other hippies of the time braided beads, feathers, jewels, stones―anything at hand―into their wild manes and it's been anything goes pretty much ever since.

When Bo Derek rose from the water in the movie “10”, cornrows (for white women) interspersed with beads came into fashion. Hair sticks like those in ancient Japan made a comeback.



Sex In The City's Carrie Bradshaw put damn near anything in her hair―including a bright blue bird for her wedding to Mr. Big. Paris Hilton popularized extensions (a take on the African American weaves) and Believe is riding the wave of that popular trend by offering colored extensions (one or two in different colors make for a fun statement at a party or the beach) and we even have feathers to weave into your Summer 'do.

All too soon the cold winds of winter will make us cover our heads with hats and scarfs. Why not let your Hair fly--adorned-- in the breeze? Take a page from the lyrics for the namesake number of the musical “Hair”:

Give me a head with hair...

                                                                 Knotted, polka-dotted

                                                               Twisted, beaded, braided

                                                    Powdered, flowered, and confetti-ed

                                           Bangled, tangled, spangled, and spaghetti-ed

At Believe, we are all singing. Come in and let us decorate your Crowning Glory with fun extensions (and think about giving the one with feathers a try. C'mon, you only live once!)

Extend Your Beauty at Believe

Have you been admiring those long flowing waves so popular in Hollywood right now? But you know that the growing out phase to get long hair will drive you crazy? Hair extensions may be the answer. Believe will weave their magic and voila—instant long and lovely hair that can last up to three months before you even need maintenance.

Hair extensions are lengths of either real or synthetic hair that are affixed close to the scalp. They match your own hair in color and texture and move naturally—making it hard for anyone to tell you have extensions. They add volume and can even add highlights or lowlights to add a little drama to your hair. Natural or human hair extensions are the type you want because they can be colored, set, curled or treated (synthetic hair may melt under a blow dryer.) Be sure to have an experienced stylist, like us at Believe, put in your extensions (stylists with no experience can damage and even break off your hair.) At Believe, we carefully test the strength of your hair and USE the right method of attachment to protect your own precious mane.

Here's a few methods of applying hair extensions:

Braids, Cornrows, Twists, Locks – Extensions are visible here—as in the braid—but they blend into the overall hairstyle.

Weaves – Little braids hold the extensions against the scalp (like tiny cornrows) except the braids are hidden. If the extensions are poorly applied, tension and uneven weight (like wet hair from swimming) can not only loosen the weave, but break your natural hair.

Bonding – Latex plugs hold the extensions and are glued to your own hair for short-term use. Though this method is less expensive (because it is faster), oil and heat have to be used to dissolve the bonding agent when you want the extensions out—which is messy, time consuming and can pull your own hair out if not carefully done.

Metal Tubing – Much like the latex plug, this method uses a metal tube clamped over the real hair. Be careful of the weight here if your hair is fine.

Heat-Shrink Tubing - This doesn't harm natural hair, but may not last as long as other methods. Washing can loosen the tubes.

Adhesive-Based Fusion – This is the best method and the one used at Believe. Professional grade adhesives that can withstand both heat and chemical treatments are used and our professionals can remove the extensions using an adhesive remover that reduces the bonding agent to powder (instead of using messy oil and heat).

Here's some dos and don't for your new extensions:

• Do grow your hair to 3-5 inches so the extensions won't look unnatural.
• Do use recommended aftercare products like Chromastics, Aestelance or the So.Cap. wet line for your hair extensions.
• Don't shampoo
 your hair for two days. The bonds needs time to set completely.

• Do brush your hair gently to remove tangles before washing.
• Don't scrub your scalp or shampoo your hair upside down.
• Don't shampoo your hair more than twice a day.
• Don't neglect your real hair—be gentle and keep your own hair healthy.
• Don't keep them in too long. After a few months, your extensions will be worn out from the washing, drying and styling and your real hair growth will make the extensions look like Britney Spears' on a bad day. Replace the before they draw the wrong kind of attention to your head.

 Long, strong, beautiful hair can be yours—whenever you'd like. Make an appointment with us at Believe and start the transformation.

Perfect Gifts For Everyone On Your List!

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 are sick of the crowds, 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: Is your mom always complaining about falling in love with a shade of lipstick only to find to it has been discontinued? No more. At Believe's Custom Makeup Bar,  our makeup artist, Sam (tempted away from Lancombe, et al) will create the perfect shade (or replicate the shade from that last little bit left in the tube) right in front of you...and we'll keep it on file forever. No more discontinued lipstick blues or any other "discontinued" blues...ALL makeup can be duplicated.  She's guaranteed to love it.

Teenager Girl: Is she all vegan and organic? We have nail polish with no formaldehyde. Not only is it better for her, its better for the planet. Or how about a Young Person Acne Facial?  Let her face the future bump-free and with more confidence.

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 Robert Pattinson got that tousled look from nature? 

Grandmother: Is she tired of looking her age?  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:  It is about time that he discovers the joys of facials. Not only will the rubbing of aromatherapy oils and moisturizing creams surely become one of his favorite activities, but it will help erase tension (and wrinkles) from his rugged face. Don't just buy him a gift card--Make an appointment for him with our brilliant aesthetician, Jackie, for an Age-Defying Facial. Afterwards, make a night of it. How about a candlelit diner after at the nearby Iron Horse Grille for just the two of you? (Be sure to tell him he looks even more handsome than usual.)

Little Kids:  We love them and make it fun for them to get their hair cut. We promise to listen and let them tell us what they want (with mom's permission, of course) and since all little kids love to act like big kids, they'll have a blast. (Yes, everyone gets a celebratory lollipop-even the parents.)  We also have a sulfate-free haircare line especially for children, Circle of Friends, with fun scents like raspberry, banana, orange, blueberry and root beer.

In-Laws: They might actually agree their son or daughter didn't do so badly after all, marrying you--if you get them one of our fabulous massages. Whether it's a relaxing Swedish, full of wonderful oils and soothing strokes, or a Deep Tissue Massage, that will help ease the pain of those older bones, this gift is sure to be a hit with even the crankiest of in-laws. (And you'll be a hit, too.)

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 fragrances),  ZUM Mini Hand-Creams for everyone to carry in their briefcase or car, and ZKISS Organic Shea Butter Lip Treat  is welcome 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 in 2011. Consult with Lisa, Believe's owner (and one of the few Master Stylists around)  for the perfect new style and color or really do it up for that New Year's party and get So. Cap. Hair Extensions to instantly turn your workaday short hair into long and flowing locks. Extensions are not just for Paris Hilton and Lindsay Lohan, you know. YOU are a star, too. Here's to shining brightly in the new year.

Wishing you the Best Every Day of the Year,

Lisa & The Team At Believe Beauty Lounge