Color-Melted Blonde

I love my hairdresser! Good ones are not easy to find. Before I started going to mine about two years ago, I went through five. That probably sounds crazy but I want my hair to look good! There's nothing worse than spending hours in a chair and paying a chunk of change, only to be disappointed with the outcome. When I found Cheree at Natural Concepts an AVEDA Salon in Glendora, CA. I was sold on her coloring skills!

I'm always blonde but decided I wanted to try something new for fall so Cheree worked her magic and added some darker hues to my platinum locks. The result is a sombre look that is best described as color-melted hair. As opposed to the hard lines of ombre, this technique is softer, more seamless transition of hues.

What I love about this look is the variation of rich color. In certain angles I look like a light brunette and in others I still appear blonde. The dimension is amazing. I don't know how Cheree did it, but I am definitely sticking with this look for awhile!

If you live in Southern California, Natural Concepts is in a fairly central location from the Pasadena, Inland Empire, and Orange County areas. Call Cheree to hook you up with the gorgeous look!

Movie Review: IT

I feel like everyone around my age is afraid of clowns, and they all gained that fear from the most disturbing clown of all – Pennywise from "IT". Literal terror. But since I’m a fan of horror films, and apparently scaring the crap out of myself, I’ve been so excited for the theater release of IT (27 years later) and had to see the movie in theaters. I wasn't able to find anyone brave enough to go with me opening weekend, and as I waited for week two, my anticipation rose as IT broke a box office records and received great reviews.

I didn’t realize the first original version was a two-part TV series. I was only seven and should’ve never watched, but I was one of those kids that never listed to their parents. Plus I had a huge crush on Jonathan Brandis (tear…RIP!) who was in the original. I'm not sure if I watched the whole thing years ago because the only things I remembered was how freighting the clown was, the drains, and the reveal of what he really was ruined the movie – even for a kid. In case anyone has never seen the original, no spoilers from me.

OK, on to my review about the re-release of IT! ...I didn't like the movie! After all that excitement it was just alight. I wasn't scared once. I almost felt like it was anticlimactic. The end was different - again no spoilers - but I wasn't satisfied with the the movie closed. I made my mom go with me and she was afraid to see it, but then throughout the movie she kept saying it wasn't as scary as the first. At one point  I even looked over and she was asleep! And she's not the type to fall asleep in the theater. IT made me so afraid of clowns and after this re-release, I almost feel like that fear is gone now. Granted, they did a great job with Pennywise and his makeup. If I were to see someone dressed like him in person I may change my tune about clowns again.

With that being said, the actors did a great job and the movie wasn't bad. It just wasn't what I expected. If I had went into it knowing it wasn't going to be scary I would have enjoyed it more.

Fun facts: 
-Pennywise is played by Bill Skarsgard, Alexander Skarsgard’s little brother.
-The movie comes out 27 years after the original. In the story, Pennywise comes around every 27 years. Bill Skarsgard is currently 27. Jonathan Brandis died at 27. Anyone else already creeped by 27 because of the 27 Club?

They already have a sequel in the works for 2019 and I'll definitely watch, but next time I'll wait for DVD.

Did you see the movie? If so, did you like IT?



Photo courtesy of Warner Bros.

Travel Itinerary: One Weekend in Denver

This fall, I'll be visiting Denver (and Colorado) for the first time. I've heard nothing but good things about Mile-High City and am excited to see all that it has to offer. My friend, Austin of PeaceJoyAustin, moved to Denver and he's been a great source of info for the upcoming trip. His travel reviews are legit. I've used his posts, Denver and Rocky Mountain National Park, to plan my itinerary. Yeah, I'm one of those over planners that doesn't actually rest on my vacations. I just feel like I have to see EVERYTHING to fully experience a destination. Plus, you never know if you'll go back to a city so you might as well soak it all in.

Here's what is currently on my agenda:

Colorado State Capital - To kick off our trip we're going straight to the capital to learn about the state. The structure is a gorgeous, prominent part of the Denver skyline and I can't wait to see the inside. Free tours run on the hour Monday through Friday, 10am-3pm.

Banjo Billy's Bus Tours - I try to go on a ghost tour in every city I visit. It's a great way to learn the local history while having a little fun. Described as a traveling hillbilly shack, Banjo Billy's looks like a wild ride perfect for exploring the city. Our tickets are booked for our first night and we are excited to be spooked! They also offer history/city tours publically and privately and private brewery tours if you're not into ghost stories.

Molly Brown House - Margaret “Molly” Brown was an activist, philanthropist, and survivor of the Titanic (she was featured in the movie, played by Kathy Bates). Her home was built in the 1880s and her family purchased it the following decade. Once a place for the wealthy to visit, it eventually became in danger of demolition. Lucky for us, and history, it was saved and is now a museum that visitors can tour.

Rocky Mountain National Park - I'm not a hiker, and with my asthma and the altitude, I am thankful that I can drive through the Rockies and still see all of their glory. Trail Ridge Road takes you through the mountains, and across the Continental Divide. It's highest continuous paved road in the US, so I am a little scared to drive it but we'll see wildlife and beautiful sights so I'm game!

The Stanley Hotel - As you learned above, I like scary things so going to the hotel that served as the inspiration for Stephen King's The Shining is a dream come true. We'll be having a drink at The Whiskey Bar featured in the movie. Even if it wasn't famous, I'd still want to visit because pictures are quite beautiful of the grand white palatial estate nestled into the foothills of the Rockies.

Red Rocks - Every music lover's dream, this venue is a geologically formed, open-air amphitheater. The acoustics are said to be amazing. Unfortunately the concert for the night we'll be there is sold out, but I'm hoping to score last minute StubHub tickets for a reasonable price.

Coors Brewery - THE beer of the Rocky Mountains, it's only right to visit the facility and taste some freshly brewed beverages. Tours are free and there are beer samples. Sold.


And of course smaller breweries and good restaurants will be enjoyed as well. Is there anything on the list that I missed? Recommendations are greatly appreciated!



All photos are © 2017 PeaceJoyAustin. A big thank you for letting me use the images!