Personal Stylist Sarah...fingers crossed

First off I'd like to say sorry for being so MIA the past few months, things have been crazy, my lil buddy Max dog is sick with cancer and before I realized how many days and weeks had passed it was no longer a part of my routine to get online and write my little crazy rants. But here I am; back and hopefully better than ever.

So, on to the Personal Stylist topic... I have been spending my last week or so interviewing for this particular Personal Stylist Position. Tomorrow at 3ish I go back for my final interview, I have already passed the phone interview and the first in person one. I have made it this far, so I am just hoping I really get this job. A really BIG dream job for me.  I am so excited that thoughts and ideas are just leaving my mind. I almost don't even know what to write. Other than I really hope things go well and if not, a better opportunity will be around the corner.

My birthday is this Saturday. A very close friend of mine has gotten us tickets to a secret "special" event. That I'm not allowed to know what it is... I am so excited though. makes me feel special and also so excited to know what it is. Only a few more days and I'm there. Then on Sunday I am going to head up north to visit my family and celebrate my 26th with them. :) And hopefully I will have my first FULL TIME job to come home to.

AHHHH!!!!! I want it so badly, to one time in my life have the kind of job that I jump out of bed for. something that I am passionate about like acting. A fellow art form that I can express myself with and help others along the way.

Like I said, "fingers crossed."

crossed BIG TIME!

To victimize yourself, Is it a talent or a fault?

Although no one ever wants to be the victim, we often put ourselves in that position, and then we stew in it, until we are good and ready. Instead of going that route, why not fill your head with new,happier,productive thoughts? Why not? ...Why, Not? Because! Its hard. Isn't it usually easier said then done? That's what they say right. I'm not quite sure who they are, but they seem to know a thing or two. So how do u get over something that feels like such a life shaking event? I'm still trying to figure it out fully but I do know a few things and here they are::
Its never worth your tears or time, life is passing u by
Its always brighter a few weeks down the line
Its never easy
Its always best to talk/write/express it out
Its key to move on.
Its great to have a support system
Its always nice to take your agression/feelings/sadness out on a lonely decorative couch pillow, if one isn't handy then a bed or pile of clothes works well too
Its also soothing to meditate/pray/center yourself.
And...
Its great to scream at the top of your lungs, "FUCK IT!!!!"
...Then see how good u feel. That last one really puts me in a good mood.

Now to find something to ocupy ur mind. This is the hard part. The key is to do something relaxing, yet stimulating. Watch a movie, work on some art, play an instrument, visit an old friend, take a walk, or even take a nap, unless u r in that sleeping slump.

So now that you and I are both trying to occupy our minds we can now find out if either one of us is sucessful. =D

Good luck relaxing!

H.A.I.R. (Toxins not welcome!)

In this article I am going to focus on giving you some "less toxic" hair solutions. Its often very hard to stay organic due to overpriced items; but I am going to give you some of my personal tips and tricks to outsmart those bottles of animal fat and get your hair looking amazing, as it should. Also ill give you some quick fixes for that pesky hair we all remove every so often. 

CONDITIONER!

Here are some alternatives to conditioner you can make at home.

Home-made Alternatives:

1. Pour 1 cup of warm beer over hair, then rinse with water. (I haven't tried this one but hey, who knows. :)
2. Mayonnaise Conditioner: massage mayonnaise into hair, coating every strand. Cover hair with plastic bag for 15 minutes, then rinse with warm water. 
3. Dry-Scalp Conditioner: Massage plain yoghourt into hair, especially the scalp. Cover with a plastic bag for 30 minutes. Rinse with warm water. 
4. Henna Treatment: Pour 1/2 cup of boiling water over 1/4 cup of colourless henna and 2 teaspoons of honey. Let sit a few minutes to thicken. Coat each strand of hair, cover with a plastic bag and wrap with a warm towel. Shampoo after 1 hour. 
5. Conditioner: Mix 1 egg yolk, 1 small container of yogurt and 1 tablespoon of honey. Apply to hair, wrap in towel for 15 minutes, then rinse.

OILS. POMADES. ETC.

When it comes to hair oils, pomades, and butters, it is often hard to decipher between all the pretty bottles, which are really gonna work, and which smell you can actually stand. Oils, pomades, daily moisturizers, leave-in conditioner and creams help make the hair feel more soft and flexible. It is really important to add them to permed or straightened hair which has been stripped of some of its ability to build natural oils itself. Mineral oil and other petroleum based products can tend to clog pores. They are less easily absorbed into the hair and attract dust.
Here is a list of prducts i would recomend:

• Jason Shea Butter
• Now Shea Butter
• Jojoba oil
• Sunflower oil 
• Olive oil 

Home-made Alternatives:

1. Hot oil hair treatment: Combine 1 teaspoon soybean oil and 2 teaspoons castor oil. Warm on low heat. Massage mixture into scalp and hair. Wrap hair in a hot towel for 15 minutes. Shampoo & rinse.

HAIR STYLING <3

There has been talk for years as to what our aerosol cans are doing to the atmosphere. As much as I am for being green its not the atmosphere we should be worried about, it's the affects on our own body. Aerosol and pump sprays produce fine droplets which can be inhaled into our lungs and transferred into your bloodstream. Inhalation of spray can also cause respiratory irritation and breathing difficulties. I have a personal friend who has serious breathing problems from styling hair for years. he can't even be around hairspray let alone perfume or anything of the sort. If you must use a spray, choose pump over aerosol as spray droplets are slightly larger. Hair setting lotions are all and all a better choice. 
Home-made Alternatives:

1.  Mix together 2 cups boiling water, and 1 teaspoon powdered gelatin in 1 teaspoon vinegar. Strain through coffee filter, cheese cloth, or even a paper towel; and put in sprayer bottle.
   
2. Lemon Hair Spray - Squeeze the juice of 1 medium lemon into 2 cups of water. Slice up lemon peel and add into water. Boil slowly until reduced to 1 cup. Strain and pour into spray bottle. Keep in fridge. For extra hold use 1 1/2 lemons.
3. Flax Seed Gel - Boil 2 tablespoons of flax seed in 1/3 cup water for 10 minutes. Rub through hair, sparingly.

SHAMPOO...lather, rinse, repeat

Shampoos cause the most number of adverse reactions of all hair care products. They frequently contain harsh detergents, chemical fragrances and numerous irritating and carcinogenic compounds.
Home-made Alternatives:

1.  Castille Soap Shampoo - Mix 1/2 cup of water with 1/2 cup of liquid castille soap (Nature Clean is one brand). To make an herbal shampoo, heat water before adding soap and steep herbs, then strain and add soap. Castille will leave a film on hair which can be removed by rinsing hair with 3 tablespoons of vinegar or lemon juice mixed with 1 cup of water. 
2. Egg Shampoo - Beat 2 large eggs and massage into scalp. Leave on a few minutes, then rinse with warm water. To cut film left by the eggs, rinse with vinegar (dark hair), or lemon Juice (light hair). Mix 3 tablespoons of vinegar or juice with 1 cup of water and pour through hair. 
3. Also, Baking soda mixed with water to a consistency that can be massaged through hair works wonders. 

HAIR REMOVAL (hey we all gotta do it!)

Next to shaving, waxing is the most popular method of hair removal. Waxes can be made from petroleum (paraffin), rosin or beeswax. Hot wax is spread on the skin and covered in cloth strips which are ripped away when cool, taking the hair with them. Sugaring is a centuries-old technique for hair removal. A sugar and water gel is used as in waxing. Unlike wax, sugar does not adhere to skin so pulling off the cloth strips is less painful. Look for natural sugaring kits that contain only sugar, water and sometimes herbs. Laser treatment, while not a permanent solution, can reduce the amount and thickness of hair. Electrolysis, when administered by a dermatologist, will permanently remove hair, although it could take a number of visits.
Home-made Alternatives:

1. Melt a small amount of beeswax in a small pan until warm but still cool enough to touch. After dusting skin with body powder or cornstarch, apply warm wax with a wooden spatula. Allow mixture to cool for a few seconds, then remove quickly with a light tapping. Sooth with cream or aloe vera gel.  
2. Use skin cream in place of shaving cream. 
3. Aloe Vera Gel - Replace shaving cream with 100% aloe vera gel. Purchase commercial aloe vera gel, or use aloe vera gel from your houseplants. Cut open leaf and rub on skin.

 I hope you find these tips useful. And hey its always fun to try new things, so why not?!  Happy Homemade Beauty!!

WARNINGS!

Warning: Sarah may be over talkative at times.

Warning: Don't add water. 

Warning: LOUD.

Warning: Once open, you can't return me!

"It is better to be in chains with friends , than to be in a garden with strangers."

"To have a friend, be a friend."

"Keep pulling the sweater. Excuse me? Eventually the whole thing will unravel. You mean... If you pull the thread, the whole thing will unravel?" Zoolander

Playing J.P. Prewitt in Zoolander;

David Duchovy

Have you ever meet someone and started to spend every single moment together, or at least every single free moment together? At first, yes that is normal, but after awhile, it is best to make sure you keep your own life in motion, as well as the new relationship that you are nurturing. I have found in my life, and in my friends/family's relationships, that it is best to spend some time on you.

Who?? ...It's okay if you forgot about yourself, but get grounded. Find yourself again.

You, You, You. I know it seems so easy, but it is also so easy to forget. So step back, take a moment to think about what you want to achieve. It doesn't have to be something HUGE, just something to keep your wheels spinning, and your mind & heart motivated. Yes, relationships enrich lives in ways that seem to make you feel whole... but don't fool yourself. Neither you nor your partner will be happy if you have nothing to talk about, because you do everything together.

Try it, take some time to have a guys poker night, or a girls night at the movies. Then come back to your significant other. You will be so much more excited to be in their presence and you'll most surly have some great stories to share. Space is key to having a well rounded relationship. Wether romantic or not, yes: Even when it comes to family.

Keep in mind that anyone can become a bit too much if you haven't nourished yourself. So pick a hobby or a goal and go for it. Then you will gain knowledge and have new things to talk about and to be proud of.

So like J.P Prewitt so wisely stated, "keep pulling the sweater." If you want it to all fall apart. Or make a change and see where the world takes you.

Also if you don't pull the sweater, you will still have something to wear during these cold rainy cali days.

The BEST way to get through a break up, a quick tip.

According to me of course.

1. Grab a pillow. A Body Pillow would be best.  
2. Get your favorite mens shirt. (preferably not one that belongs to the ex, best bet: buy a new one, GOODWILL!) 
3. Walk into Macy*s, Nordstroms, Kohl's or any more of those type stores and get a few free mens cologne samples. 
4. Put the shirt on the pillow, spray the shirt/pillow with cologne. Let sit. 
5. Lay pillow next to you in bed. Cuddle as needed.
6. Now you have a whole new man who wont move or talk back, he smells and looks wonderful, and he will help you get through all those lonely nights.

Ta Da! You have now created the "Boyfriend Pillow." It may not heal all the wounds but it'll sure put a smile on your face and will also be really comfy. :)

Also remember to keep yourself up, out n about, don't let one person keep you down. You have a lot to offer the world and so many new things to learn. So get out there and prosper.

Arggghhhh! Pirate Sarah.

"Every artist dips his brush in his own soul, and paints his own nature into his pictures"

*SARAHTOPIA* Facebook Fan Page!!

I just started my *SARAHTOPIA* FB page. So make sure you add me as soon as you have a chance. :)

*SARAHTOPIA*

I look forward to adding you to my growing community.

Keeping Up with the Latest Fashions is easier than you ever expected: in todays economy

We all know what I'm talking about, trying to stay up to date, no one wants to look like the odd man out. But in todays economy, looking sharp is just that much more difficult. So, that is where I come into play. In this article I will be helping you take a second look at what you already own, I'll help you find cheap accessories to spruse up any outfit, and also show you where to go to get the best deals.

Walk into your closet, go through your boxes, your piles on the floor, or your neatly organized drawers and take a second look at your items. Now its time to think outside the box. A dress could turn into a cute top over jeans or a long flowing skirt could be a summer tube top dress with a belt to make it more fitted. My best tip when it comes to being creative with clothes is that you will never know until you trye it. Something on the hanger might look dreary and drab, last years fashion, or just not what you were thinking of for that day, but on you it might be the most bad ass piece of clothing you have ever seen. So never judge before you try, my rule with people, and anything in fashion. :)

• A piece of clothing doesn't need to be worn the way the label tells you. a button up shirt doesn't need to be buttoned, a scarf doesnt have to go around your neck. Tie it around your waist, tie it to a purse, tie it around your wrist. Have fun! 
• Layering pieces of different shades and patterns for a new funky feel. put a tank top over a long sleeve or a tee over two different tank tops. Color is key, but dont go over board or you may look like punky brewster. 
• Nothing ever goes out of fashion, fashion just changes a bit. Which means with a slight alteration; something old can be brand new. Shoulder pads can be removed, buttons can be updated, and embellishments can be added. 
• And always remember if you love something and you feel good in it, that chances are; you will and do look amazing in it. So rock it. 

*If you find your having a hard time understanding what I am explaning, I will be putting up some instructional videos and pictures in the upcoming weeks.

Now moving on to cheap accessories. Theres always the obvious option of Forever 21 if you are in a hurry. but if you want a real find the best places to go on a free day are to hit the outlets, pawn shops, or antique spots. That's where you will find the rarest of the rare, and things that will really make your outfits stand out. Just because something is a name brand doesnt mean its quality and is going to be worth the money they are asking for the product.

• It's important to have an idea of what look you are going for before you hit the shops, pick an outfit or two and keep those in mind as you make your way through the different spots. 
• Keep your mind open, and try things on. Just because it looks killer on Lady Gaga, doesn't mean it'll be the right thing for you. 
• Simple isn't always best, but never overpower your loud shirt with and even louder necklace. If you have a simple outfit then u can accessorise accordingly. If you have a crazy shirt/dress/blouse, then dont over do it. but make sure you make it your own. 
• One of the Best Spots for me to find things is at the pawn shop, you can get anything from costume jewelery, vintage jewelery, silver, gold, and cowboy boots, to leather jackets. A little wear and tear makes anything have that much more personality. But make sure you know what your buying when you go in so you once again don't over pay. As with anywhere you shop, you can't expect the employees to know everything. Its better to come equipt with knowledge, than trusting a person selling you things. Not saying people at a pawn shop or anywhere else is always untrustworthy, I'm not saying that at all. Just it is always better to be safe than sorry. That is a rule for anywhere you shop. Plus the deals at a pawn shop are to die for. and haggling is always a must!
• If something if falling apart before you buy it, DON'T pick it up and purchase it unless your prepared to fix it or lose money. 
• Costume shops sometimes have amazing finds, but don't always expect to find what your looking for, time is totally your best friend when looking for the perfect accessories. Don't just buy something because it is in style, try it first! If you do find a diamond in the ruff, snag it if you can. You never know who will walk in after you, and love the same item you did. And then there it goes out the door in the hands of someone who isn't you.
  

 Deals! Deals! Deals! Sometimes places will make you feel like you are getting an amazing deal, when in all reality, as soon as you walk out the door, they have your money and you could have gotten the same thing a few feet away or at another location for much less than you just paid. It's happened to me before...Although I am almost ashamed to admit it. We all have to start somewhere. ;)

• There's always the obvious option of the local Target, Macy's, Nordstroms, or whatever your one stop shop is. And don't get me wrong there are great deals there on somethings but make sure you know what your buying. Sale racks are always a must, and coupons are also a great help at locations such as these. 
• Although many of us might be put off by the small boutique. A bonus to actually walking in, is that there is often amazing deals on the sale racks, and when there is only one of an item left it may be discounted. Also never be scared to go through the new things. Every now and then it pays to throw down a little more cash than normal on a item that will match with many different items in your wardrobe. And you may be surprised at the prices on some of the tags, not to shabby, huh?
  
• Outlets are your friend. I know it is hard to park, there are tons of people, and sometimes the shops are messier than you'd normally shop in, but give it some time and the things you find will bring you coming back for more. Check the sale racks in the outlet shops as well, before you know it you will be buying a 150 dollar top for 10 bucks out the door. I did it last week so I am walking 'n talking proof. =D
• Make sure you also check the local Goodwill, Salvation Army, or charity donation center.  
• Don't be discouraged if you walk through the front door of your house with nothing. It is better to have spent time, then time and a bunch of money on things you know you will never take out of the bag.

Being stylish on a budget may not happen overnight but slowly and surely your collection of things will grow. If you shop right; many of your items will be timeless and you will find yourself going back to them a good five or ten years after your purchase, matching them with something new & still loving them to pieces. Of course, if you shopped right, they will still look great on you as well. Most importantly make fashion fun. The moment you stress yourself out, your shopping experiance will not be the same. If you get to the store and your not feeling it, go back another day. The worst way to shop is in a rush, or on an empty stomach. Well maybe the second one is just me, I am not always the nicest on an empty tum-tum.

Good Luck with your missions, I hope you all come back with a treasure or two. Maybe not the first trip, but hopefully by the second or third.

Welcome to Sarahtopia~ A World of Indispensable Advice from the Creative Mind of Sarah Anna Miller

...And so it begins.
 

I'm not going to claim to be all knowing; but I have been known to all my family and friends as the "go to" lady when it comes to fashion, beauty, health, and life advice. So instead of a small group of people gaining from what I have to say, my brothers girlfriend, also a very close friend of mine, suggested that I start a blog spot. So here I am. At your disposal. =)

I will be writing articles ranging from how to make something old, new again, to; shopping on a budget and looking like a million bucks. I am everyones personal shopper now.
I have a wide range of knowledge in the fashion and beauty industry having learned from runway fashion guru Michael Maddox, doing makeup and putting together collections, to working in the theater and film industry doing makeup and costumes. Life has taken me down some amazing and interesting roads.

...And now I will share them with you: Welcome!

Hair n Makeup: Sarah A Miller