Saturday, December 22, 2012

If you love kitties you will love this video....

Funny Talking Animals - Walk On The Wild Side - Series 2 Episode 1 previ...

Christmas Singing Animals (playlist)

Christmas Singing Animals (playlist)

Christmas Singing Animals (playlist)

Christmas Singing Animals (playlist)

Christmas Singing Animals (playlist)

Christmas Singing Animals (playlist)

Christmas Singing Animals (playlist)

Christmas Singing Animals (playlist)

Wednesday, October 17, 2012




Madame Claude's hair style suggestions





Medium-Length Hairstyle Ideas







If you're looking for a medium-length haircut,
take inspiration from these gorgeous celebrity hairstyles



Anne Hathaway




Academy Award–nominated actress Anne Hathaway sports a straight bob that's as modern and stylish as she is. "This look is a great look for women who are in the 20s on up to their 50s," says M. Claude. "For Anne the look is fresh, shows off her face, and gives a chic, super cool soft look."

Gwen Stefani



Rocker Gwen Stefani was once so synonymous with the pompadour that the hairstyle garnered the nickname Gwenadour. These days, the mom of two is often spotted wearing her hair down in a soft style. "What really makes this cut special is the '70s-chic length that hits at the collarbone," says . "It's a very versatile cut, which is why you're seeing this length become more and more popular — with enough length, you can achieve multiple styles and you're not stuck in one mode."


Heidi Klum


Supermodel and Project Runway host Heidi Klum made waves when she cut her long hair in the spring of 2010. Since then, the versatile style has quickly become one of the most requested at salons across the country. With choppy layers and thick fringe, Klum's bob can be worn straight or curly depending on her mood. "This is absolutely an amazing new look for her, and I'm sure much easier around the house with her four kids," says Claude.
. "This convenient, youthful style can be very versatile and worn with beachy waves, defined Hollywood glamour curls, or simply straight," she says.

Salma Hayek


Salma Hayek wears her hair in an updated version of the classic Mary Tyler Moore cut. Her shoulder-length bob flips out at the ends, and she has swoopy bangs that soften her forehead. Of course, on sexy Salma the look is anything but demure. "Salma Hayek's subtle highlights bring out the warmth in her dark brown eyes," "Her bob gives off an aura of sophistication and confidence, bringing the attention back to her timeless beauty."


Christina Hendricks



Mad Men's Christina Hendricks doesn't only get noticed for her sexy full figure — her red hair and modern shag are attention grabbers, too. "Her cut and color bring out her gorgeous skin tone, and the length draws attention to her cheekbones and lips," says Madame Claude. The undone hairstyle hits past her shoulders and has long layers throughout to amp up the volume and wave of her fine-to-medium hair. The long side-swept bangs work for every face shape.


Katy Perry



California Girl Katy Perry is a pinup girl for the new millennium with the hairstyle to match — a choppy layered look with bangs that can either be worn blunt or pushed off to the side. "Katy Perry likes to be fun and frisky with her hair,"  "I love this length because it adds volume, and the short, piece-y side bang opens up her face. Adding color hair extensions is a great way to add fun and change your look without damaging your hair."


Thandie Newton



Thandie Newton plays it coy with a longer bob that grazes her collarbone. The straight, side-parted style gives her brunette hue maximum shine. "Thandie Newton matches her sienna hair color to her eyes, making them both pop," says Claude. "Leaving her perfect bob just past her shoulders enhances her beautiful elongated neckline."


Kelly Osbourne


Kelly Osbourne is all grown up and has the sophisticated hairstyle to match. "Kelly always has fun with her hair and tries new things," . "The platinum color with the long, side-swept fringe, really adds some old Hollywood glamour to this elegant, yet edgy, look."

Gwyneth Paltrow


Actress Gwyneth Paltrow was envied for her gorgeous long hairstyle until she cut it off into an even more impossibly chic angled bob. "Gwyneth can pull off anything, but this is a great length for her," Claude says. "It's a good example that you don't need very long hair to look or feel beautiful. The side part with a shoulder-length cut really accentuates her face shape and draws attention to her décolletage." The short hairstyle is as versatile as Paltrow and looks equally fetching straight or wavy, parted in the center or off to the side.



The Most Versatile Short Hairstyles


For effortless short hairstyles, take a cue from these gorgeous celebrity haircuts.

Michelle Williams


"Michelle Williams corners the market with her demure cropped bob, giving her an elegant Audrey Hepburn appeal that highlights her classic style,"  "Her zigzag side part and voluminous crown give her an old-Hollywood charm."


Victoria Beckham


"Victoria Beckham has traded in her signature 'Pob' for a more relaxed and fresh shaggy bob," "You'll notice looking at the perimeter of the hair that there isn't much definition, which contributes to the more relaxed and softer effect. I think this new, playful cut is a great new way for Posh to show off her more laid-back side." Because there's less definition, it's an easy wash-and-go style for busy women


Rihanna



Every time Rihanna gets her hair cut, women across the country dial up our salon. Since 2007, when the tress trendsetter first cut her long locks, her fearless hairstyles have been on the most-wanted list. She's a hair-color chameleon as well, opting for cherry red, ultrachunky blond highlights, and every color in between. "Rihanna keeps her shaved bob sexy with a long sweeping fringe and re-creating her highlights on a regular turn," says Madame Claude But it's the contrast of the buzzed side and long side-swept bangs that gives this look edginess and femininity.


Jessica Stroup



90210 actress Jessica Stroup has gone progressively shorter with her hair throughout the years, landing on this stylish short bob she wears with a deep side part and and side-swept bangs. "Jessica Stroup's doll-sized eyes and youthful sex appeal are enhanced to the hilt with her new cropped do, making her stand out from the herd of long layered brunettes in Hollywood," says Claude

Jennifer Hudson


"This cut was tailored to fit Jennifer Hudson's face shape and works really well with her hair texture,"  "Creating layers in thick hair will really help keep the style soft, movable, and feminine. Most important, this is a cut that is easy to style, which is great for someone like Jennifer who is always on the go!" Make sure to get regular trims to keep the style looking fresh, Madame Claude suggests.

Katharine McPhee



"Katharine McPhee transformed her look and presence by going for a hipster-chic new look,"  "Her bold transformation to blonde bombshell from predictable endless brunette layers gives her a surprising starlet quality that sets her apart from her peers." The angled bob works for McPhee's heart-shaped face — her front pieces hit mid-cheek, which makes her face look thinner.


Selma Blair


"Selma's cut is sophisticated and accentuates her gorgeous jawline," says Claude. "Her bangs are great because they're versatile; she can sweep them to the side for a softer look or blow-dry them straight for a more edgy, avant-garde look." Long fringe that grazes her eyebrows helps soften Blair's square jaw.

Eve


What singer Eve lost in inches when she cut her hair she gained in confidence. Eve's golden highlights show off her café-au-lait skin tone and the lines of the cut play off her strong jawline and bold sense of fashion.


Ginnifer Goodwin


When Ginnifer Goodwin traded her longer locks for this fetching pixie cut, she set herself apart from other actresses of her generation. "Ginnifer Goodwin and a few other celebs have been inspired by Justin Bieber's influential sweepy layers in the best way,".  You don't have to be blessed with Goodwin's porcelain skin and striking looks to wear this cut. Pixie cuts work for most face shapes, except for longer ones, and are best on straight or wavy hair.


Katie Holmes


Katie Holmes is a busy actress, wife, mom, and budding fashion designer, so it's no surprise her chic bob is in demand with multitasking women around the country. "The length is great because she has a long neck, and the cut brings out her cheekbones," says Claude. "What makes Katie Holmes's style sexier is the deep part that lines up with the brow arch." A word of caution if you're thinking about going for this cut yourself: It works best on straight, fine to medium hair. "For the most drama, this cut should end at the jawline, not much longer than that," Claudia says.

Your Guide to Long Hairstyles


Whether your hair is straight or curly, thick or thin, there are lots of different hairstyles that will work on long locks. Find the best style for your long hair.



Simply Beautiful



Long Hair With Long Layers


This cut (think Jennifer Aniston) is good because it creates movement and works whether your hair is thick, thin, curly, or straight. Long layers are perfect for styling with hot rollers to create long, flowing waves for day or evening. Or try braiding your hair when it's nearly dry, then unbraiding it before going out for a head full of gorgeous waves. If you're in the mood for a formal updo, long layers can easily be swept back into a sleek chignon. To create a tousled, sexy look, leave a few pieces loose to frame your face.



Long Layers With Side-Swept Bangs












 Soft, wavy layers with side-swept bangs (like Gabrielle Union's) is a terrific look for women who have bangs long enough to tuck behind their ears. Experts say this hairstyle is suitable for many different face shapes, making it a versatile and popular cut. And if you're lucky enough to have a natural wave to your hair, you can achieve maximum body and bounce with very little effort. If your hair is straight, there are several methods you can use to get this playful, voluminous look.








Long Hair With Short Layers


Layers are the best way to instantly add volume and dimension to any hairstyle. There's nothing sexier than uneven, tapered ends that accentuate the face. Layered long hair can be easily transformed to suit an elegant evening, a professional meeting, or a casual day out in the park. The best way to style long hair with short layers is to blow it out with a round brush with natural bristles while shaping the hair around the face.





Want a funkier look? Razor-cut layers create sharp, asymmetric lines for a dramatic rocker-chic style (think Kristen Stewart during the filming of The Runaways). Just keep in mind: Long hair with short layers requires more maintenance to keep it looking its best, which means a few more trips to the salon for trims. Your hair will also take longer to grow out when you're ready for a change.











Blunt Cut


Women with long hair that's fine or thin (such as Gwyneth Paltrow) may want to have their tresses trimmed to a simple blunt cut, with the hair all one length, since this look creates the illusion of thickness and volume. This cut works best for women who straighten their hair with a flat iron or have naturally pin-straight hair. When it's done properly, a blunt cut will perfectly frame the face.






Bang Your Head


Adding bangs to any long hairstyle can be stunning. Bangs that sweep to one side of the face can especially make for an alluring, mysterious look. Blunt-cut bangs that run straight across the forehead can add a youthful element to long, layered hair (as it does for Zooey Deschanel). It also adds drama to flat-ironed hair. However, bangs aren't for everyone. If your hair grows out wavy from the roots, it likely won't lie flat on your brow line without lots of coaxing. Bangs tend to look best on oval-shaped faces and on women with long or wide foreheads.


Long Hair Care Tips


Of course, as with all hairstyles, long hair like Kate Hudson's takes regular maintenance. Schedule trims every 6 to 8 weeks to avoid split ends and maintain the shape of your cut. Hair that's flat-ironed, hot-rolled, or blow-dried frequently needs extra moisturizing, so ask our hairstylist to recommended quality hair products to keep your hair conditioned and healthy.








Ask Madame Claude



Fall 2012 Hair color Forecast for Blondes...get ready for the bright, bold, retro blonde


Being able to predict the upcoming season’s hottest color trends is all part of being a top colorist. Claude Thomas's next step. Knowing how to help our clients transition into those hot new shades. So what does the blonde hue forecast look like for fall? At Claude Thomas We are Color experts and can  provides the color outlook.

The Retro Blonde



The Forecast: “This fall and winter, we will move away from the sunny, golden blondes and jump into beige-y base colors with creamy, icy highlights.” Says Claudia (AKA Madame Claude)
“It’s all about period looks right now and since beige-y blondes and icy shades are reminiscent of the mid-1960s to early 1970s, they will be super hot for winter!”
What to avoid: “Excessive regrowth!  We encourage our clients to pre-book for every three weeks, four at the most, so their color is always perfect and without banding.”
This look is "Perfect for: Fair skin and light eye colors."
Not recommended for: “Girls with darker eyes and darker complexions should skip the beige and opt for honey!”
Celeb role model: Elizabeth Banks

Claude Thomas for this season can take our clients reds to the max with this sophisticated hue.  Three of the exciting Topchic MaxReds shades are combined to produce this intense composition that's stylish, yet classic. Berry, berry nice, wouldn't you say?












Madame Claude Says


The Right Fringe for Your Face Shape

Want to update your hairstyle without sacrificing length? Stars like Taylor Swift and Sandra Bullock have undergone mini makeovers and worked fringe into their hair repertoire. Bangs offer a low-risk way to try a new look — they're easy to add, maintain, and fairly simple to grow out when you're ready for a new look.  Plus, we have pro pointers on working with your texture and which products will help your bangs behave.

The Right Fringe for Your Face Shape

Blunt Bangs



This dramatic look "shows off eyes, adds strength to the face, and makes a statement," says Claudia. Your stylist should cut the bangs wide, meaning past the end of the eyebrow, all the way to the hairline at the temple.

Christina Ricci,  pulls this off well, thanks to her rounder face shape.  Madame Claude says that heavier bangs "are great for long tresses, because they square off round face shapes and hide large foreheads."

For thicker blunt bangs, style with a serum or shine spray like Redken Radiant Sea Spray to keep them glamorously glossy.

Asymmetrical Bangs


"This look shown on Amy Adams and Kristen Stewart is perfect for most haircuts and face shapes," says Claudia. This low-maintenance option divides the face in a way that reveals just enough forehead and creates movement toward the eye and cheekbone, she explains. Madame Claude advises that you be careful not to over style with a brush when you blow-dry. This easy option can look great if you style them with your fingers or even let your bangs air dry.

Side-swept Bangs




The fabled locks of Angelina Jolie, states that side-swept bangs are best on heart-shaped or square faces. "They're used to experiment with bringing softness to the face; sexy and super fun  great when hair is half up and half down."

The hair length for this look should be shoulder length or longer. "It's best if the hair boasts waves, or a little bend," M.Claude says. "Tell our stylist to work off a side part." Claudia loves Oribe textured Hairspray in conjunction with a medium round brush to hold that Eva Mendes-like curve.


Cheekbone Bangs


Gwen Stefani and Heidi Klum show off a bangs option with a geometric shape that brings out the angles in your face. We  recommend asking our stylist to create two layers of bangs: an under layer and an over layer. The purpose is to use the principles of architecture to provide the top layer with a supportive foundation so that it falls in the right direction.

Madame Claude advises you ask our stylist to texturize the fringe by channeling (holding scissors vertically while cutting) to enhance movement. "To style your cheekbone bangs, blow-dry in the opposite direction

for volume," recommends Claude


Blended Bangs


Bangs don't have to be the most dominant feature of your cut — they can be integrated into it, as we see here on Reese Witherspoon. "This style complements Reese's strong features rather than transforming them," explains M. Claude. "It softens her look and at the same time brings a strong focus to her eyes and lips."

Claudia recommends this style for layered cuts because it doesn't require as much hair per square inch to pull off. She suggests you maintain a salon-fresh look like Zooey Deschanel's by shampooing and conditioning with . "Healthy hair holds a style better," says Claude. "Add texture by using one of my favorite versatile products, that will be recommended by your stylist for your specific hair type and challenges

Wispy Bangs



Madame Claude  points out that "the depth of your bang — how much is made into bang — as well as how big your forehead is will determine how strong a statement your bangs make." In the case of Kate Moss, the bangs are thick (they start far back, at the top of her head), and her forehead is deep, so the resulting bang is long and bold.

Claude thinks piecey bangs à la Nicole Richie work best on finer-haired gals (she knows — Claudia rocks this look herself).


Eyebrow-grazing Bangs



Claude  says this look is fantastic on just about every face shape and works with almost every hair texture, because the bangs are essentially shorter layers in a multilayered look.

I recommend that you ask our stylist to comb hair so that it falls into a natural side part, then to brush the front section forward and to the side and cut at an angle to the desired length. "To style yours like Kelly Rowland's and Claudia Schiffer's, evenly distribute a small size of hydrating lotion throughout hair,"  You can allow the hair to air-dry naturally or blow-dry straight in sections using a boar bristle brush, to smooth the cuticle. "If you want to add more volume to your bangs, aim the blow-dryer up and away from your face to give height before letting them fall softly in place,"




Friday, July 20, 2012

WHAT YOU MAY WANT TO KNOW


This message is designed to help you pick the best salon for you. The more knowledgeable you are about the salon industry, the fewer problems you will have choosing the best salon for you.
Education is truly the first step to making any good decision. You do it before you buy a house, car, or anything else. Why not before you invest in yourself?
You’ll learn why you should never pick a salon based on lowest price. You’ll also learn why all salons are different. And why communication is so important.
This information can make your salon experience painless and trouble free.
My name is Claudia Tapp. I am the owner of Claude Thomas Salon and  Spa.
The 7 mistakes people make when choosing a salon.
Mistake #1
You pick a salon based only on price.
The old adage is true. “You get what you pay for.”  This is especially true when choosing a salon. If you want the best services you should decide to deal with a salon because of the overall value you receive, NOT because they are the lowest price.
Here’s why.
Value = Quality + Service + Price
It is impossible for any business in any industry to offer the cheapest price, have the highest quality, and provide the best service all at the same time.
You can get high quality and super service, but you can’t get both and still get the lowest price.
Salons have a lot of overhead, employees, products, leases, continuing education, etc. If their prices are “too good to be true” then they are cutting corners somewhere. Whether it’s in the quality of their services and products, or the customer service they provide, something has to suffer to give you those low, low prices.
Total value is all three: Quality, Service, and Price.

The three most common problems you will have when you pick a salon based on low prices are:
Number One: Really cheap salons don’t usually stand behind their work if there is a mistake. Sure, those salons might charge you less, but how will they treat you when you are not happy? To give the cheapest price they usually have low-wage, inexperienced employees, with a license to practice, but little or no real ­world skills. They also cut corners by using cheaper products. The end result is “you get what you pay for.” And the little bit of money you save ends up costing you more in the long run, especially if you have to miss work because you’re locked in your room crying for 3 days after getting “butchered”. Believe me, there is a saying I always tell my clients, “the bitterness of poor quality lingers long after the sweetness of low price is forgotten.”
Number Two: A salon that offers the lowest prices often has to compensate for being cheap with quantity, not quality. Your salon experience is anything but relaxing when you are being herded like a sheep waiting to be shorn and then sent on your way. Many times these salons don’t even wash your hair, it’s just wet down with a spray bottle, and when you’re through they usually send you out with soaking wet hair, and no styling instruction. It’s tough to evaluate the end result when you can’t see it.
Number Three: The final reason why picking the cheapest salon is a problem relates back to the low-wage, inexperienced stylists that are usually employed at these types of salons. Anyone can go through the schooling and have a license, but it’s the finishing schools, and spending the time and money on furthering education and developing talent that really makes a “Stylist”.
If you really care about keeping your hair in optimum health, whether you want to look polished and professional, or stylish and trendy; whether you are interested in color that can enhance your natural beauty, or turn you into a vibrant vixen; and, if you want to be pampered, treated with kid gloves, and learn beauty “secrets” from experienced experts, then don’t choose a salon based on price.
Mistake #2
You Think All Salons Are The Same

Every salon is different. No two salons are really the same. Every salon has different services and different employees who have unique talents and specialties. Styling is a combination of talent, experience, and skill. Most people don’t realize the time and money the best stylists put into developing their art.
Contrary to what some people think, styling is not just a matter of cutting hair. It takes workmanship and talent to create really quality styles, and an eye for color and dimension to design a total look for an individual.

Communication is the key to picking the best salon for you:
·Ask what type of training and experience the stylists have
·Ask how much time they will spend with you before the appointment
·Ask to see pictures of their work
·Ask to read testimonials of past clients
·Ask any other questions that are unique to your needs.
This will help you to decide if they are the best salon for you.
After you ask your questions, it will become pretty obvious which salon you should choose. The salon that wants your business will prove to you that they are the best salon for you. Take your time and decide which salon you would like to use – but when you decide, you must be loyal to them. That brings us to Mistake #3.
Mistake #3
You Always Have A Couple Of Salons You Frequent
You may think this is good for you because whoever can get you in soonest wins the appointment. And it is, to some extent. But here is why it usually isn’t a good way to deal with salons.
A good salon has enough loyal clients that they don’t have to deal with price shoppers.
Once you find a good salon, you must be loyal. If you flip-flop from salon to salon, a good salon won’t be too motivated to keep YOU as a client. They will cater to their loyal clients.
Price is important. But price should not be more important than good quality and good service.
If you aren’t loyal to your salon, and show up every 6 months for them to fix your “cheap haircuts,” when you need a favor who are you going to turn to? When your best friend that you haven’t seen since college calls and says she’s going to be in town for the week-end, and you’ve got an inch and a half of roots showing, who’s going to bend over backwards to get you looking your best for the reunion?

Every salon expects to bend over backwards for their loyal clients now and again; they might even see you after hours, or early in the morning, or pull off a miracle. Provided the client is loyal, the salon will do all they can to help you look your best for an unexpected special occasion.

All good salons will be loyal to you if YOU are loyal to them. Keep loyalty in mind when you choose your salon.

Mistake #4
Picking A Salon That Doesn’t Guarantee Their Services
                  
All reputable salons guarantee their services automatically. This means if you aren’t happy they will attempt to “fix” whatever it is for free, and if you still aren’t happy they will return your money.

Unfortunately, there are unethical salons that won’t do this. Instead they will argue with you for having “unrealistic expectations”.

An unethical salon may charge you for a re-visit, or refuse to give you your money back.
The best thing you can do is pick a salon that guarantees their work. This way you know they have to be good and have good communication with you. There is no risk for you.

Mistake #5
You Don’t Allow Enough Time For Your Salon To Service You Properly

Mistakes happen when you rush!

When you’re in a hurry, you may not get enough time to communicate with your stylist to make sure you get exactly what you need. And, sometimes, one late client can push back schedules for the whole day. When you schedule a salon visit, don’t short yourself on time. Ask the salon how much time you should allow in your schedule and then add a half hour. You deserve it, it’s your time to treat yourself right – don’t rush it.

Before you get serviced at the salon, talk with your stylist. Make sure he or she knows what your likes and dislikes are, what your “goal” is and how you will achieve your desired look.
You can save time, money, and headaches from the very beginning by communication!

Why do most people do the opposite and find themselves at the mercy of their stylist? Because everyone takes the stylist for granted. Everyone assumes they read minds, or that they can make you look just like the photograph you brought in even though you have a completely different hair type and face shape. Most everyone thinks the stylist is the “miracle worker” no matter what condition their hair may be in. This just isn’t the case.

You should think of your stylist as your “beauty expert” and “project partner”. And, you are the project. Consult with your stylist. Let them know in advance what you want. Ask them if they can give you any tips and ideas on creating a look and maintaining it between visits. A good salon will take the initiative in communication.




Mistake #6
You Think Having A License Is All It Takes To Be A Good Hairstylist

There are hundreds of thousands of licensed stylists. They’ve all gone to school, or been apprenticed and passed their state boards examine. That doesn’t mean they are all good.
Hair styling is an art. Having a degree of talent is important, although the skills can be mastered with time and practice. It is important for stylists to continue their education, and go through extra training such as “finishing schools”.

Don’t be shy. Ask stylists about their training and find out what kind of skills they have mastered before you put yourself in their hands.

Mistake #7
Not Asking To See Examples Of Salon Workmanship

Avoiding this mistake is your best bet at finding a fantastic salon. Ask to see examples of their work. lf they don’t have a book for you to look through, ask for references. A good salon will happily give you references.

Ask for the names of at least three people who have visited the stylist you’re interested in, and call them and ask them if they are happy with the salon. Also, ask to read through any testimonials the salon has from clients. This is the easiest way you can find a salon for you!

Now as an extra treat I’m going to share 5 Beauty “Secrets” with you.

Beauty Secret #1 Protect your hair, as well as your skin, from the sun. Use sunscreen on your scalp at the part. Lip balm with sun-block will work.

Beauty Secret #2 Don’t try to style hair soaking wet, get it 80% dry first.

Beauty Secret #3 To prevent wrinkles and sagging always apply creams with firm upward strokes. And don’t forget to protect your neck too, it’s the first part to show signs of aging and yet the most neglected.

Beauty Secret #4 Eyebrows look best when filled in with a soft pencil or powder. Go to a professional for your first plucking. It’s best to work in a bright, natural light when tweezing.

Beauty Secret #5 The best bargain for your hair is a good cut. If possible, pay extra for a top-of-the-line stylist. More technically advanced hair cuts will last longer, up to 8 weeks depending on the length.