Dry Shampoo tested and approved! By Krista Leigh Blocker, QCA Hair Stylist

            As the hairstylist of the group, I can tell you that I have tried just about every dry shampoo there is on the market.  Both professional and non-professional brands.  When I come home with another new product, I tell my husband it’s market research to justify my obsession with the latest and greatest beauty brands.  From the ones that I have tried, hands down, I have found one that is far better then the rest.  It would be Alterna Bamboo Cleanse Extend Dry Shampoo.  I give this one an A+ in ranking because it is great for all hair colors and textures.  Unlike some of the others that come in powder form, this one comes in a spray form making application super easy.  The powder dry shampoos that you shake onto the hair to apply, do not spread as evenly as this spray form does.  I’ve also seen issues with other dry shampoos, that once applied it can leave a white residue on the hair, especially those with dark hair.  This one when shaken properly leaves no residue.  To those of you that have never used a dry shampoo, you are definitely missing out!  It will change your life!! No joke.  Out of all the products that are out there right now, this is the best invention to come out. I would highly encourage you to go out, and try a dry shampoo particularly my favorite one.  :)

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The next book you should pick up!!! -Carly Morris, TCOT founder/owner

If you have read this book, then you know what I'm talking about! I absolutely loved this book and could not put it down. I would consider myself an avid reader, I am always looking for my next favorite book. Well let me tell ya, this book did not disappoint. In short, its narrated by a sassy/spunky teenage girl who is dying of cancer and her love story with another teenager who happens to be a cancer-survivor.
Their story is quirky and artsy fartsy and adorable. The character's wit and charm make you fall in love with them.

It is true that this book is categorized as a YA (young adult novel). Don't let that deter you!!! It has eloquent writing and really tugs at the heart strings. I would also go as far to say that this book provoked deeper thinking about death and dying....it did for me anyway.

Warning, this book will most likely make you cry. Like probably sob. Like probably that ugly cry/sob.
I actually read and amazon review of someone who said he was a teenage boy and he said this book made him cry. So buyer beware.

The author, John Green is a great author that has some other popular books available. I had to know more about him after I finished reading this book so I did a little digging. He actually wrote this book with someone in mind. His inspiration was this 16yr old girl, he randomly met at a Harry Potter Fan Conference with his brother. This girl had thyroid cancer and he kept in sporadic touch. Ready more about that here!!! (warning there might be some spoilers in that interview) The girl who inspired this book actually has a book of her very own. Find out about that here. I am thinking it might be a good follow up read for me since I just recently finished the book.

Another exciting thing about this book is that they are adapting it into a movie due out this Summer. I'm hoping that they do this story justice because it definitely has been added to my list of favorite books.

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The Perfect Winged Liner Tutorial by: Brittany Chevelle; QCA Make up Artist

How to achieve the perfect winged-liner

 

When it comes to eyeliner, most women tell me that they are afraid to use liquid liner, or to even try the  cat-eye look. Mostly, because one line is thicker than the other, longer than the other, or one points up and the other.. is pointing down.

 

Lauren Conrad always has flawless Winged liner

 My first tip is to use a kohl liner before applying any liquid liner. That will come later.

Before you apply your kohl liner, you want to decide where you want your wings to end. You will start by placing a little dot where you decide you want the wing tip to end. From there, you want to draw a straight line from the outer corner of the eye to the dot. Some artist choose to use a piece of tape or toothpick to create a straight line from your two points.

Now, you will line your upper lash line. Instead of trying to line the entire eye in one movement, you may find it easier to first line the inner corner to the middle lid, then start again from the middle and connect it to the wing. (I like to start with a thin line at the inside corner of my eye, and gradually make the line thicker until I reach the point of my wing. This will give you a more “cat-like” appearance.)

You may stop at this point and apply your mascara. If you are wanting a dramatic, bold cat-eye, then trace over the kohl eyeliner with your liquid liner. Now you have perfect liquid liner!

Another Celebrity that has nailed the winged liner

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Baby Shower Ideas

If you are in the process of or have ever hosted a baby shower you know how daunting of a task this can be. You love your friend and her baby to death and you want everything to be perfect on this special day. One of my best friends had her first baby this summer, a boy! It was a very special time for her and I was thrilled to have the opportunity to co-host her shower! So, I did a little research and I think we did alright! Here are a few highlights from what we found...

Do a beautiful cake or cupcakes as a centerpiece for the party. A gender reveal cake or cupcake would be so fun if the mommy hasn't told yet!

Don't buy expensive decorations that will get thrown away. Instead, get creative, use your gifts as the décor.

Make your gift practical. Fill a basket or a wash tub with items they will need for baby. Of course you can always throw in some fun things too!

Do the new mommy/mommy to be a favor and purchase thank you's when you purchase the invites. When guests arrive have the envelopes sitting with the guest book and have guest address them to themselves to save mommy a little time!

Hand make your guest book. You can begin baby's first scrap book by beginning it with the guest book. Have each guest write a personal note to the baby.

Get these little stickers along with some onesies for easy monthly photo ops!



Make a diaper cake. It's a great center piece and it is so practical! You will need a lot of diapers and rubber bands, so be ready! I love how the bottom picture has a tutu, shirt and booties for baby incorporated into it.

Fun treats and food ideas...

Good luck!!!

All pictures found on Pinterest



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Fashion Friday: Anchor's Away; TCOT Boutique Style

We are always excited when a fun new trend spreads like wild fire! Not because we like to dress like everyone else but quite the opposite. We love to see everyone's else's take on a certain trend.
The one we are diving into for Spring is Anchors (you may have seen this last year too!)

It has such a fun "All American" feel with crisp colors and clean lines (also seeing lots of stripes again). Lets take a look what is out there!

 

The Maxi Anchor dress by The Cherry on Top Boutique will be added to the online shop soon!

The Maxi Racer back Tank Top will be perfect for outdoorsy trips and family picnics. The Cherry on Top is excited to be adding this top to the online shop very soon!

Old Navy is crawling with Anchor Sweaters and Tops. Check it out here! We are loving the pop of color with the bright coralish red Anchors on this lightweight top!

Even Target is getting on board (no pun intended) with Anchor themed fashion! We are loving the red exposed zipper on back too! Reminds us of our zipper back tops!!!

 

 

 

J Crew took it a step further with Anchor themed/accessories for the whole family. At J Crew, you can find tie clips, socks, handkerchiefs, sweaters, belts, and dresses with the Anchor logo!!!

I am personally a huge fan of J Crew because of their great quality and timeless fashions.

 

So what have you been adding to your wardrobe, lately?

 

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Enter our latest Giveaway!!!

Well friends, we rolled past 1800 fans...holy cow!!! Big thanks to all of you who share us with your friends and family, it means the world! Soooo, to show our appreciation, let'...s do a giveaway!

This time we are giving away one of our Maternity Sashes (a $30.00 value!) If you aren't expecting you could give it as a gift, tell your friends who are or use as a prop if you are a photog.

 All you have to do is "Like" this post, "Share" this post and then "Comment" below with 3 of your friends names. Easy Peasy right? The more names you comment with the more entries you will have! Also check our Twitter, Instagram and Blog for more ways to get your name in the pot.

Winner will be chosen on Sunday Tuesday!

Ready, Set, Go!

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Valentine's Day Hair Ideas for every Length! -Krista, Quad City Hair Stylist

Quad Cities Hair Wizard, Krista 

            Ahhh, it’s that time of year again where women crowd around the TV on Sundays to watch what they have been looking forward to since last year.  Sorry guys, it’s not the Super Bowl, it’s award season.  This month’s blog is going to be talking about what we are seeing on the red carpets and how easy it is to transform these looks into everyday styles. Just in time to jazz it up for Valentine’s Day with that special someone. 

            I love how easy, breezy the styles have been so far.  I’m a big fan of less is more, and your style should represent that.  I feel like with a softer style, people can focus more on your natural beauty instead of focusing on your over hairsprayed, over backcombed, and over curled style.   You want all eyes on you, not just your hair.  I’m going to go over 5 styles that are easy, trendy, and appropriate for all occasions. 

            My first look is a hairstyle that I lightly talked about last month, which is Jennifer Lawrence.  Once your hair is cut into this style it is very low maintenance.  I’ve been cutting this style on a ton of women!  They all love how easy yet trendy this cut is.  Just a light styling product when wet to give it some volume, and then when dry a texture product to rough it up to bring out the layers in the haircut. Voila!  You’re ready to go. 

            My second style that I am seeing on numerous celebrities this award season has been around forever, and is a timeless style.  It is a classic bun.  This can be worn from the office to cocktails to a wedding, and is just as appropriate for all occasions.  I suggest teasing the hair and pulling it straight back like Mila Kunis did, or doing a deep side part for some added drama into the hair like Emma Roberts and Emma Watson.  When doing this style you can make the bun very clean, or mess it up a little to put a more youthful vibe to it. 

            Our third look to discuss is one that is so simple once your hair is cut like this all you have to do is smile to look good.  It is an asymmetrical bob.  It can be cut at a variety of lengths, and looks great with or without frontal fringe.  This cut can work with all medium hair lengths.  From chin length or collar bone.  My model was inspired by Reese Witherspoon’s haircut but wanted a shorter version of it.  The trick to achieving this fabulous cut is to have the longer part on the opposite side that you part on, or also known as your heavy side.  Then for the finishing touch, tuck the shorter side of your hair.  This will lift and bring out your cheek bone while also showing off the haircut.  I recommend finishing off the style with a shine spray.  This haircut looks best worn down either straight of curls.

 

    One of the top trends right now is to wear your hair with a loose wave.  This can either be down with a curling iron or a flat iron. Next month’s blog will go over how exactly to style your hair to achieve the perfect wave.  An easy way to up the ante on this already crazy popular style is to push it over the should to one side.  This style is best achieved with those who have longer hair (hair that is passed the shoulder).  All you have to do is style hair into desired texture, and then push the non- heavy side of your hair behind your shoulder, or push it all over to the other shoulder.  Make sure you use a  flexible hold hairspray to ensure that the curls stay in place!  You are ready for your night out on the town.

 

            Our last look that I’m going to touch base on this month is another fancier way to wear those loose waves that we are all already wearing.  This style is good at any length, and will instantly add drama to your hair.  I recommend curling hair with a curling iron.  Start with a deep side part, and make sure you are using a heat protectant because you are putting heat on the hair.  We don’t want to be damaging our beautiful locks. Once hair is curled, you want to insert comb into curls starting at the bottom and push upward in a vertical direction, to create a tighter curl.  This adds fullness at the bottom of that hair and gives a more glamours look to the hair.  If you want more glamourous look like the picture on the left, curl hair and DO NOT run fingers through curls before combing upward.  If you want a messier, tousled look, you would curl your hair.  Then DO break apart curls with fingers before combing each section of curls upward.

            That’s my blog for this month. I hope you all enjoyed it, and this helps you come up with some new, easy ways to style your hair no matter what length of hair you have.   Until next month, I hope everyone stays warm and fashionable. 

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Eyebrow 101 with Brittany Chevelle, Quad City Make up Artist

One of the biggest beauty trends right now is full, natural brows. Say good-bye to those over-plucked, thin brows. Thick is in! And for good reason too.

Full brows give the illusion of a more youthful appearance; but they also frame your face, and accentuate your makeup.

You may be growing your brows out as you read this, and if so, I highly recommend visiting a brow expert/brow bar to give you a natural-full shape. In the meantime, here’s a quick an easy way to fill your brows in and fake a full look!

 First, decide if you are more comfortable using a brow pencil or brow powder. Typically, brow powders will give you a softer, natural look and are great for filling in sparse brows. I prefer to use both products because the pencil will give a clean precise line, whereas the brow powder gives a diffused look. When picking out colors, if you are blond, choose a color that best matches your roots. Generally, two shades darker than your hair color. If you have brunette or black hair, I recommend choosing a color that best matches your hair color, or even one shade lighter. You don’t want to look like Oscar the Grouch! ;)

Additionaly, will also need: an angled brow brush, spoolie (brow brush, or you can use a new toothbrush), concealer and highlight power.

Before you begin to fill in your brows, you need to determine your natural shape. So grab your brow pencil and brow brush, and stand in front of a mirror. First, to find the start of your eyebrows, place the brow brush vertically, against the edge of your nose, from nostril up to your brow. Then, using the brow pencil draw a small light dot. That is where your brow should begin. Next, to find the arch of your brow, place the angled brush again on the outer edge of your nostril, angled upwards and out, lining up just with the outer part of your pupil. Again, make a small dot just at the top of your brow. To find where your brows should end, you will use the brow brush to line up the edge of your nostril, with the outer corner of your eye. Place a small dot at the end.  Repeat with other eye.

Grab your brow pencil, and underline the underside of your brows. This part should be more defined. Then, using the arch point you found earlier, draw from the dot, down to connect with the end of the underside line.  You should now have the outer part of your brow out-lined. Next, take your brow pencil and using the powder, begin to fill in the out-lined area, using light brush strokes. Gradually,shading  the pigment into the inner part of your brow. If you need to add more brow powder to the start of your brows, be sure that tap off any excess. You do not want this area to be to dark, or harsh. Then, using a spoolie, begin to brush through your brows to blend the colors.

You may skip this next part, but to get that precise, groomed brow look, I like to use a lighter concealer to the underside of my brows to finish off the look.This will highlight the brow bone and give a nice clean brow line. You may also add a shimmery highlighter to the brow bone to really make it pop!

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