Hair Dye Drama

The switch to a Marilyn look didn’t go as planned.  Maybe it’s my skin tone.  I seem to do better with Betty Paige black.  Last night’s experiment trying to go lighter with Revlon light blonde mixture was drama central.  It looked like I had a bright orange tabby cat on my hat at the end of the dye job.  Oh God.  My girlish inner fantasy of perfect blond seemed to tatter like a fraying pair of jeans the more dye I applied to my head.  So long to an idealism that didn’t seem to fit me.  Maybe it was truly some past life recollection that in this life could only be remembered and not accessed.  I suppose all girls have their very own Marilyn fantasy and I, Katherine Robbins Karr, go by Reign Diamond as a stage name.  I like to play up the Jersey Jewish American Princess fantasy with darker locks and I sport Juicy Couture velour sweat suits and bags.  So here’s the scoop on how to “do blonde” if you so dare.

The first dye job may be an orangeish end result.  So from there, you will want to get an ash blonde kit to tone the hair so it will turn a yellowish shade.  You need to make sure it has a blue based tone instead of purple.  According to Bellatory.com, to prepare the dye, mix the chosen color with 10 vol developer with a tinting brush and bowl.  Follow the same process with dyeing the hair and leave the dye in so as to neutralize the orange tone.  Make sure to condition the hair thoroughly.  If you want to make the hair lighter, do it a week later with even more bleach.  Use a pearl, ash, or natural tone of blonde.  If you want your hair to be blonder, leave the mixture in longer.  For care and upkeep, use a purple tone shampoo to keep the hair light.  Of course, if you don’t want to put up with the entire bleaching process and want your hair dark again, get black or dark brown dye!  Happy hair dyeng!

 

Top Flea Markets in the Bay Area for Treasure Hunting

What would the summer be without hunting for treasure at outdoor flea markets?  I’ve been around the Bay Area to various flea markets and have compiled a list of cool and exciting places to shop for bargain goodies!  Here they are:

Alemany Flea Market (***)

I love this flea market for the fun vintage stuff sold and that it is near the Mission, which is conveniently located near where I live.  It can be pricey, however at some tables and there isn’t any food.  Definitely a neat Mission-style market to check out for the antiques!

Laney College Flea Market (*****)

The Laney College flea market has a nice Oakland flavor to it.  The first section of the flea market has tables with used or less expensive stuff and the area with newer merchandise costs only $1 to get into.  Not a bad price!  I love that there is a good balance of used and new stuff.  There are plenty of awesome food stands to delight in.  I like the roasted corn on a stick and the flavored shaved ice.  A five star rating in my opinion because it’s not too far over the bridge and parking is easy.

CCSF Flea Market – ocean campus- resevoir parking lot

Treasure Island Flea Market (****)

The Treasure Island Flea Market is great for it being right on the water and for the scenic view.  It tends to cost more to get in there due to the nicer stuff sold.  Parking can be a little tricky, but there are some great food trucks and there is always live music!

Oakland Coliseum Swap-Meet (*****)

This flea market is mid-priced for getting into.  I love the boiled corn on a stick outside stand and the inside American food joint.  The $5 tee-shirt stand is a must!  I like that there is usually a live band and that there is also a play area and slides for kids, which makes this flea market very family friendly.  Definitely a do!

Alameda Antique Fair (*****)

The Alameda Antique Fair is the largest antique fair in Nor Cal.  You can buy anything from collectibles to clothing to pottery.  It is great that it is by the water and that parking is free.  You can also take a free shuttle to and from the flea market.