Fall for Joico

September 11, 2018 That Girl in the Red Coat Leave a comment

On September 10th, yours truly had the pleasure of attending Joico Canada’s Fall Trend Show. As always, I was not disappointed. If you are not familiar with Joico, it is time to get on a first name basis with this brand. The brand, in my not so humble opinion is top notch. From their color line to their retail line to their education, Joico has all the bases covered.

This year’s Fall Trend Show exposed us to new coloring techniques, updated cutting techniques and my all time favorite, a focus on increasing retail sales and client retention, all in a relaxed yet exciting manner. Joico Canada’s Senior Education Sales Advisor Megan Nevins, a stylist herself was able to convey the importance of social media presence while giving step by step instruction on how to best utilize social media in the Salon. A segment was focused on the importance of retail in the Salon, and Megan reiterated my philosophy that if you are a stylist, you are a salesperson.

If you are a stylist…you are a sales person

Cutting techniques explained in layman’s terms as to not overwhelm new stylists. Color techniques shown, step by step, explaining how not to run into a problem and if a problem was to arise, how to correct it.

The platform artists April McDougald, Marc Galati and Chad Demchuk made the audience feel like we were having a one on one private lesson, they left us feeling like we could achieve all they had achieved and continue to achieve in their careers. Find them on Instagram to see their fabulous creations. Trust me, you won’t regret it.

Marc Galati -@marcgalatihair

April McDougald – @heartsoulhair_aprilmcdougald

Chad Demchuk – @chaddofficial

…the end result = FAB! color and cuts.

For Salon Owners and stylists who are craving something new, Salon support via education and/or retail support, it’s time to fall for Joico.

health and wellness, parenting, That girl in the red coat, Women

Sunday Confessions

September 9, 2018 That Girl in the Red Coat Leave a comment

zzzzzzz….oh sorry about that. Yours truly is tired. Over the past few days I was trying to figure out why I have been so tired. We bought a new mattress and treated ourselves to My Pillow – the BEST pillow investment I have ever made and I have been sleeping through the night most nights. Hey, 4 out of 7 sleep through the night sleeps is pretty great for me. Over the past 6 years I was lucky to get one good night’s sleep.

After I washed the dishes, emptied the garbage – psstt…I have a superpower, it seems I am the only one in the house that can see a full garbage can, did a load of laundry, drove my girl to the bank then to work, got me some new jeans…dropped a size thank you very much, went to the grocery store and the drug store, got home and put away said groceries and toiletries I went out and cut the grass. While putting away the lawn mover I realized why I am tired. I have been doing everything and forgetting to delegate household chores and I have not been asking for help.

As most women do, we shoulder everything. In some circumstances, we are left no choice, for unfortunately there are partners and children who are oblivious or plain asses. More often than not, we have generous, thoughtful partners and children who only want what is best for us. It is up to us to tell them what is best for us. We teach people how to treat us Beauties. If you are waiting for your husband to wake up and his first thought to be “gotta scrub that toilet today” or hoping your child will walk into the kitchen thinking “gotta get to that floor”, you are going to waiting a long time. Sorry to say, the second coming of Christ is probably going to occur before your desired household wishes.

Here’s the deal. It’s not all up to you. It is alright to ask for help. Stop raking yourself over the coals for not being Martha Stewart, or Mrs. Brady or whomever you compare yourself. Life is messy and far from perfect, so why do you think you should be. Floors get sticky. Dust bunnies procreate at the speed of light. Laundry piles up. Dinners are thrown together with whatever looks and still smells okay.The world will not open up and swallow you whole if you don’t finish your “to do” list. If you need help, ask for it. If your tired, rest. The grass needs mowing but your new Instyle arrived, sit yourself down and read that magazine, the grass will be there tomorrow, I promise. Oh, and if you happen to drop a jean size, be like me and treat yourself to some McDonald’s.

Beauty, Hair Care, health and wellness, That girl in the red coat

Monday Motivator

August 27, 2018 That Girl in the Red Coat Leave a comment

Over the weekend I was going through the archives and came across some tales that may help your Monday be a little more bearable. The new school year is upon us and I remember all too well the stresses, the breakdowns, and the tantrums that go along with this yearly event. …not to mention our children’s behavior. Some of these Monday Motivator’s are to help you with your hair woes and also to remind you that in life, you are not alone.

Monday Motivators – Joico Flip Turn & Hair Shake

https://thatgirlintheredcoat.com/2013/10/27/what-does-this-do/ – this gem of a tale is the what’s what of styling products.

https://thatgirlintheredcoat.com/2012/07/21/kindness-101/ – this gem has been my most popular to date. Kindness. Plain and Simple.

https://thatgirlintheredcoat.com/2012/09/25/purge-the-vanity/ – Be your own Beautiful

Beauty comes from within my friends. …of course a good hair day doesn’t hurt.

Beauty, Hair Care, That girl in the red coat

Monday Motivator – most popular reviews

August 20, 2018 That Girl in the Red Coat Leave a comment

Good morning all! Here we are, Monday has arrived. Over the past months I have had many inquiries about many different hair products from flat iron sprays to conditioners. So I thought I would re-post a few of my most popular blogs/reviews to date to help you all along on this fine Monday. When you are having a good hair day, any day, even Monday can be a FABULOUS day! Click on my provided links to find out more!

This gem from Schwarzkopf is a god send for all the natural blondes, bottled blondes and silver hair Beauties

A Blonde’s best friend

A little breakdown on conditioning treatments

Product 101 – Conditioning Treatments…to heat or not to heat.

One of the most vegan, EU compliant hair care lines around!

Honestly Onesta

Loved using mousse in the 80’s but aren’t sure about what to use now? Here’s your answer!

Product 101 – Mousse hunting

With over 6 years of archived tales and more reviews to come, yours truly has an answer for you. Yes, it’s true, you too can have a great hair day, everyday.

Beauty, Hair Care, That girl in the red coat

Proof of a Monday Motivator

August 13, 2018 That Girl in the Red Coat Leave a comment

Yours truly cannot seem to sleep past 6 a.m.. No matter what time my head hits the pillow, once 6 a.m. rolls around, there I am, up before the sun. I remember as a kid thinking anyone who gets up so early everyday, especially on a Monday was weird. Well, now I am the weird one. I grabbed my cup of joe, sank into my favorite chair and started scrolling through my phone. Although many of the posts were from yesterday (Sunday), so many were memes and GIF’s about Monday being just around the corner. I know I can’t grant you three wishes, get the dog to stop chewing your shoes or get your children to understand “Mommy needs her coffee”, nor can I call in sick for you. What I can do is tell you about a gem from Living Proof that will put a pep in your step and have you trying to catch your reflection at every turn. Let me introduce you to Living Proof Perfect hair Day 5-in-1 styling treatment!

I received this gem with my FabFitFun subscription box…you gotta get this box! I had great results with my Living Proof Restore trio https://thatgirlintheredcoat.com/2018/03/26/here-is-your-proof/ so I was keen to try this little beauty. Let me tell you, this little bottle packs a punch and delivers on it’s promises!

Living Proof’s Perfect hair Day 5-in-1 styling treatment delivers smoothness, volume, conditioning, strength and polish to your tresses. It styles and treats your hair without compromising one for the other. *Most volumizing products do not deliver conditioning and strength and vice versa.

Living Proof Perfect hair Day 5-in-1 styling treatment;

formulated for all hair types
color safe
safe to use on chemically treated hair
silicone free formualtion
contains patented Healthy Hair Molecule (OFPMA)
contains patented Thickening Molecule (PBAE)
smells heavenly

For best results, use this gem on damp hair. Apply from root to end, then blow dry. Want volume? Use your round brush while blow drying. Want a smooth, sleek look? Use your flat brush while blow drying. *For my girls with curls – apply to damp hair and air dry – start with a little bit of product to keep crunchy curls at bay – while air drying, you will not need as much product as when blow drying. Your curls will be soft, subtle and defined.

So there you have it, once again, proof that Monday, and everyday can be a good hair day.

Beauty, Sunday Confessions, Women

Sunday Confessions

August 12, 2018 That Girl in the Red Coat 2 Comments

As you may have noticed, last Sunday yours truly didn’t go to confession. At the beginning of August, I celebrated my 46th. birthday. It was a lovely day filled with beautiful birthday wishes and a few lovely surprises. This year I decided to give myself a present – the gift of time. That morning while sitting in my garden with my coffee, I vowed to myself and the cardinal sitting on my fence (whom I firmly believe is my Gramma Leah flying in to check on me) that I was going to give myself one day off a week. A day that wasn’t filled with laundry, cooking, cleaning, being my daughter’s private Uber service, running errands…you name it…I wasn’t going to do it. Being a wife and mother, I, as most of us do, take on every task, large or small, and wear ourselves thin. Our patience and our focus lands on the back burner and in the end, we, our families and friends and even our dinner gets burned.

The first week, I gotta admit was tough. I had to keep telling myself, out loud, to slow down. I had to remind myself that the grocery store will still be there the next day and that left overs or takeout for dinner will not create the demise of my family. The second week it was much easier – of course it was the long weekend so I felt like I had a get out of jail free card. I woke up last Sunday morning, poured my cup of joe into my Mama Bird birthday mug and planted myself in my garden. I watched the bees buzzing, listened to the breeze in the trees and said hello to the cardinal – I’m telling you, it’s my Gramma Leah. Every morning she shows up within 5 feet of me, chirping away. It’s been happening for over 2 years now. Every morning, there is a cardinal chirping at me. I sat there for a while, then went inside, walked past the pile of dishes waiting by the sink, poured another cup of coffee and planted myself in front of my puzzle. Yes, my puzzle. I have loved puzzles since I was a kid, so I treated myself to a new one for the summer of 2018. This one will probably take me the whole summer to complete. In my infinite wisdom I purchased a 2000 piece Van Gogh’s Starry Night puzzle…and have now learned I need glasses.

My day continued as such, working on my puzzle, listening to music, laughing with my family, sitting in my garden having a Palm Bay. These events were on repeat all day, and it was wonderful. My hubby washed the dishes that were waiting on the counter and ordered Skip the Dishes for dinner …a dangerous thing this Skip the Dishes – getting to eat your favorite restaurant food in the comfort of your pajamas.

Here’s the deal. I know all to well that life gets in the way of best laid plans. Kids get sick. Pets get sprayed by skunks. Cars break down. Shift changes at work. The list is endless, I know. Carve some time out for yourself, put your name in your weekly agenda, make an appointment with yourself. Do a puzzle, get your nails done, read a book or simply sit in your garden. Making yourself a priority will make you a better person, for yourself and for those around you. Plain and Simple.

Beauty, health and wellness, That girl in the red coat

Monday Motivator

August 6, 2018 That Girl in the Red Coat 1 Comment

Happy Monday Beauties! Here we are once again. I don’t know about you, but every so often, yours truly looks at her reflection on a Monday morning and I look a little worse for wear. Be it from lack of sleep, not enough water over the weekend, too much chardonnay, you name it, my skin looks a little dull. Then, a few weeks ago my lovely friend asked me if I would try one of the makeup products she represents. I winced a little for I have sensitive skin and am a creature of habit where my makeup regime is concerned. I have had many an experience with bumps the size of strawberries all over my face from trying new products. Since this is my 46th year in this earthly realm and my birthday promise to myself was to get over myself and give things a chance, I told her “give me what you got”. …and let me tell you, once again, this Girl in the Red Coat was presently surprised. Let me introduce you to Arbonne’s Makeup Primer.

This little gem from Arbonne packs a punch! Arbonne’s Makeup Primer diminishes the look of fine lines and pores. I found it diminished the appearance of the dark spots on my face ….thank you baby oil suntanning sessions of the ’80’s – I should have listened to my mother. I wore it for two days, not a bump in sight, no itching, nada! It has a lightweight, moisturizing formula that allows your makeup to stay in place longer throughout your day. You know what I’m talking about ladies…once that temperature rises on a hot summers day, our makeup runs down our face – not with this gem.

Arbonne Makeup Primer;

Certified Gluten Free
Dermatologist tested
Ophthalmologist tested
Contains green tea leaf extract and horsetail extract = conditions your skin
Contains grape seed oil = smoother skin with balanced moisture
The hyaluronic spheres, iron oxides and mica within the formula helps to prime your skin to create a soft focus effect = you look like your favorite Instagram filter

So, take it from this gal, if you are looking to brighten your day and your face and keep your perfect cat eye in place, you are gonna love the Arbonne Makeup Primer.

Beauty, Hair Care, That girl in the red coat

Monday Motivator

July 30, 2018 That Girl in the Red Coat 1 Comment

Today’s post is later in the day than usual, I know. It’s Monday and the better part of my day was promised to my family. An out of town lunch date with my girl and her Amma, my mother in law. (When she was a wee girl she came up with calling her gramma “Amma” and it stuck). Morning schedules were adjusted, emails delayed, only one cup of coffee and we were off. Being the summer and living in Ontario, we ran into construction and road closures, and with each kilometer the humidex rose little by little. I however was able to keep my cool, thanks to the A/C in my car and AG Hair’s FrizzProof.

This gem from AG Hair Care is a MUST HAVE for summer tresses. AG FrizzProof locks out frizz by creating an invisible, weightless shield over your hair. Even if the humidex reaches 40 degrees Celsius (104 fahrenheit) you can be sure that your hair will remain frizz free and your style silky, shiny and smooth. With it’s 2/5 hold factor it is the perfect addition to ensuring your desired style will hold true.

A few FAB! features of AG FrizzProof Argan Anti Humidity Finishing Spray;

enriched with Argan Oil *Sustainably sourced, fair-trade, organic Moroccan Argan Oil
contains Copolymers that deliver a humidity resistant light hold with high shine that rinses out easily without leaving any build up on your hair.
retains your style – leaves your hair silky, shiny and smooth
formulated for all hair types
Color safe
BEST OF ALL – the Argan oil is farmed and produced by the women of the Berber tribe, enabling them to have financial independence and in turn gives them the ability to provide for their families and educate their children

This is a finishing spray, which means you should apply it to your hair once you have completed styling it, be it curly, wavy or straight and after you have applied any other styling products you may be using. Once you have your desired style, spray all over your hair and VOILA! You and your tresses are good to go!

*a little tip from That Girl in the Red Coat – use this gem all year round. We tend to associate humidity with the summer. Humidity can rear it’s head during the other seasons too. Using a humidity resistant spray can ensure a frizz free hair day, everyday.

lifestyle, parenting, Sunday Confessions

Sunday Confessions

July 29, 2018 That Girl in the Red Coat 1 Comment

Comparison is the thief of joy. A lovely quote I stumbled upon many years ago. I have to admit, I used to compare myself and my life to others. Feeling like I was missing out, or not doing enough with my life. I would hear of vacations, career changes, new houses, new cars, you name it…if I heard about it, it was always accompanied with a dash of jealousy, wishing I could have all those things too. Nowadays, not so much. Maybe it’s maturity, maybe it’s my hysterectomy, maybe it’s the fact I am going to be 46 in a few days, maybe it’s perspective, maybe it’s everything coming together all at once.

This October I am taking a trip to Vancouver with my husband and I am going to my first concert with my husband. We have been together 26 years, married for 24. When I tell this to people, I almost always get “the face”. You know the one, the look of pity, or shock or sheer disbelief that I have not traveled or rocked out at a concert in 24 years. I have had people ask if our marriage was in trouble and if we are trying to rekindle the spark. I have had people tell me it’s about time I started living. I have had people say “…so what have you been doing with your life?”. Ten years ago, these phrases would have flattened me. I would have let the opinions of others take the helm of my life’s journey. I would have felt embarrassed or ashamed of my life, or lack there of. Today, not so much.

A long time ago, I decided to put my marriage, my family and our life together first. Over the years, we have faced job losses, lay offs, health issues – some scary, some not. We decided it made more sense financially and emotionally for me to stay home with our daughter until she reached school age. It didn’t make sense for me to be out of the house 40 hours a week to hand over most of my paycheck to a daycare provider. We made a one income household work, hence no travelling. When my husband was faced with manufacturing layoffs, I stepped up and worked 6 days a week. Keeping our house was more important then having a family vacation photo. My mother in law broke her hip, twice. That summer we took care of her, got her the rehabilitation she needed, took care of her home and finances, so our summer vacation plans fell to the wayside. I could go on an on, reading the list would make your eyes blurry and would give me carpal tunnel. Sure, we could have gone on trips and rocked out at concerts, but we couldn’t afford it, and honestly, I, hell, we were stressed enough, why would we add more financial stress to our platter? How would I enjoy myself sitting on a beach knowing that I had a credit card bill waiting for me in my mailbox with the vacation and hotel charges that I couldn’t pay? I guess all I am trying to say is shit happens, plans change, life gets in the way and never be ashamed of your life because you aren’t doing what everyone else seems to be doing. This is your life. Your choices must be what is best for you, and for your family (for those of us that have one). No one else is living your life but you. Another great quote I stumbled upon is “the opinions of others do not pay the bills”.

I am proud of what my husband and I have accomplished. It hasn’t always been pretty, sometimes it got ugly, but we are still together, fighting the good fight. We never lost sight of the fact that we love each other and that the problems and arguments were because of life getting in the way, not loss of love for one another. We have our home, we have our health, we have a beautiful daughter who is coming into her own and doors are opening for her at every turn…and although it is later than planned, we are going to travel and rock out at a concert.

Beauty, Hair Care, That girl in the red coat

Monday Motivator

July 23, 2018 That Girl in the Red Coat Leave a comment

Here we are, It’s Monday morning. As you know, it’s my goal to make sure no one ever says “looks like you’ve got a case of the Mondays!” and to ensure that no matter what Monday may throw at you, you will always smile at your reflection. Over the past weeks I have received many questions about products I have blogged about in the past, so without further adieu, here are some of my archived posts giving you the low down on some FAB! products from Joico. Meet Hair Shake, Flip Turn, Humidity Blocker, Kpak Color Therapy Luster Lock and the Kpak system.