The Shaker of Salt

~ A pinch of this and a dash of that ~

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A Day At Steven Knoll Salon

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As many of you know I just went to Toy Fair 12. To say it was a bit overwhelming is an understatement. On the 3rd day of this I was invited to take part in some pampering. To say I don’t know what being pampered is like is an understatement. When I was asked by Steven Knoll’s Salon if I would like a haircut and color I jumped at the chance. 
Who is Steven Knoll’s ? According to his website Steven Knoll’s is:
“Artistic and original, empathetic and intuitive, Stephen Knoll is one of the most celebrated hairstylists in today’s beauty industry.

As defined by one of the most important magazine editors in the United States “A wonderful professional like Stephen is unbound by the framework of a hairstylist, and is currently working as an image maker.”
But Stephen has done more than create sensational styles for celebrities and personalities. Frequently referred to as “America’s Master of Hair Design,” Stephen has earned celebrity status himself.” 

Very impressive is his list of clients which includes: Drew Barrymore, Kim Basinger, Kathy Bates, Susan Lucci and Brooke Shields, just to name a few.
I admit I was a bit intimidated thinking about going to have my hair done there. After all I am born and raised in a small town and headed in to an upscale Manhattan salon. I soon found myself put at ease though. The staff that greeted me made me feel at home. 
After changing into a robe I was whisked away to meet Anthony, the colorist and Susan, the stylist. I was very impressed that the two of them work together first to make a plan. I was game for anything, I have after all had about every hair color and style known to man at one time or another.
It was decided to keep a lot of the length and go with a color similar to what it had last been colored. 
Here is my before Picture
After being offered a beverage, Anthony worked his magic with color. I learned he had being doing hair since 1984 when he started with Vidal Sasoon and has worked at Stephen Knoll Since 1995. 
While Sitting in the chair I was listening to the conversation between employees and clients. What most impressed me was the ease of conversation in the room. Everyone really seemed to be having a good time, and they were more then eager to include you in the conversation. 
After the color, and a rinse by Anthony’s assistant, I met back up with Susan. It seemed as though it was only minutes and I was done. After the blow dry I was given a chance to look in the mirror and I loved what I saw. The thing I love most about the haircut is they took into account that I do not have time to stay in front of the mirror for hours to  fix it. The cut is perfect if I need to wash and go, as you can see in this picture with Anthony and Susan:
or If I have a few extra minutes I can style it a  little like in this picture:
After the cut and color I thought I was done. When I went back into the reception area I was greeted by Stephen himself. I was very happy to discover he is a down-to-earth, personable man. After a couple pictures and a chat about the experience he decided I should try a eyelash tint. I was then introduced to the Esthetician, Maria, who not only did the tint but also a facial and waxing. I have never had a facial in a salon and I guess it showed because it took some time. The end results left my face feeling soft and very smooth. 
I am going back to NY in August for Blogher. I have already decided I am going to tuck some money away to go back and be pampered. If you are in New York I suggest you do the same. The service and atmosphere at this salon make it worth a visit.

That Shaker Of Salt

A Day At Steven Knoll Salon

By: comment

As many of you know I just went to Toy Fair 12. To say it was a bit overwhelming is an understatement. On the 3rd day of this I was invited to take part in some pampering. To say I don’t know what being pampered is like is an understatement. When I was asked by Steven Knoll’s Salon if I would like a haircut and color I jumped at the chance. 
Who is Steven Knoll’s ? According to his website Steven Knoll’s is:
“Artistic and original, empathetic and intuitive, Stephen Knoll is one of the most celebrated hairstylists in today’s beauty industry.

As defined by one of the most important magazine editors in the United States “A wonderful professional like Stephen is unbound by the framework of a hairstylist, and is currently working as an image maker.”

But Stephen has done more than create sensational styles for celebrities and personalities. Frequently referred to as “America’s Master of Hair Design,” Stephen has earned celebrity status himself.” 

Very impressive is his list of clients which includes: Drew Barrymore, Kim Basinger, Kathy Bates, Susan Lucci and Brooke Shields, just to name a few.

I admit I was a bit intimidated thinking about going to have my hair done there. After all I am born and raised in a small town and headed in to an upscale Manhattan salon. I soon found myself put at ease though. The staff that greeted me made me feel at home. 
After changing into a robe I was whisked away to meet Anthony, the colorist and Susan, the stylist. I was very impressed that the two of them work together first to make a plan. I was game for anything, I have after all had about every hair color and style known to man at one time or another.
It was decided to keep a lot of the length and go with a color similar to what it had last been colored. 


Here is my before Picture

After being offered a beverage, Anthony worked his magic with color. I learned he had being doing hair since 1984 when he started with Vidal Sasoon and has worked at Stephen Knoll Since 1995. 
While Sitting in the chair I was listening to the conversation between employees and clients. What most impressed me was the ease of conversation in the room. Everyone really seemed to be having a good time, and they were more then eager to include you in the conversation. 
After the color, and a rinse by Anthony’s assistant, I met back up with Susan. It seemed as though it was only minutes and I was done. After the blow dry I was given a chance to look in the mirror and I loved what I saw. The thing I love most about the haircut is they took into account that I do not have time to stay in front of the mirror for hours to  fix it. The cut is perfect if I need to wash and go, as you can see in this picture with Anthony and Susan:

or If I have a few extra minutes I can style it a  little like in this picture:

After the cut and color I thought I was done. When I went back into the reception area I was greeted by Stephen himself. I was very happy to discover he is a down-to-earth, personable man. After a couple pictures and a chat about the experience he decided I should try a eyelash tint. I was then introduced to the Esthetician, Maria, who not only did the tint but also a facial and waxing. I have never had a facial in a salon and I guess it showed because it took some time. The end results left my face feeling soft and very smooth. 
I am going back to NY in August for Blogher. I have already decided I am going to tuck some money away to go back and be pampered. If you are in New York I suggest you do the same. The service and atmosphere at this salon make it worth a visit.



That Shaker Of Salt

Pringle Brownies For Your Valentine

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Here’s a little something different from the Pringle’s Company
Pringles Brownies
INGREDIENTS
·         6 ounces baking chocolate, unsweetened
·         3/4 cup unsalted butter or margarine
·         2 cups sugar
·         3 eggs
·         1 tsp. vanilla
·         3/4 cup flour
·         1-6.41 ounce can of Original PRINGLES, regular or reduced fat
·         1 cup coarsely chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
·         Powdered sugar for dusting  (optional)
DIRECTIONS
1.       Preheat oven to 350°F
2.       Line 13×9-inch baking pan with foil, and spray foil with cooking spray.
3.       In a glass bowl, microwave chocolate and butter on high for 2 minutes.  Stir until chocolate melts. 
4.       In a stainless steel bowl, mix sugar, eggs, and vanilla until well mixed. 
5.       Pour in butter chocolate mixture and mix well.
6.       Empty PRINGLES and flour into a food processor, and puree until very fine. 
7.       Empty flour mixture into chocolate mixture and mix well; add nuts to distribute.   
8.       Bake for 30 minutes, and cool.

That Shaker Of Salt

Pringle Brownies For Your Valentine

By: comment

Here’s a little something different from the Pringle’s Company
Pringles Brownies
INGREDIENTS
·         6 ounces baking chocolate, unsweetened
·         3/4 cup unsalted butter or margarine
·         2 cups sugar
·         3 eggs
·         1 tsp. vanilla
·         3/4 cup flour
·         1-6.41 ounce can of Original PRINGLES, regular or reduced fat
·         1 cup coarsely chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
·         Powdered sugar for dusting  (optional)
DIRECTIONS
1.       Preheat oven to 350°F
2.       Line 13×9-inch baking pan with foil, and spray foil with cooking spray.
3.       In a glass bowl, microwave chocolate and butter on high for 2 minutes.  Stir until chocolate melts. 
4.       In a stainless steel bowl, mix sugar, eggs, and vanilla until well mixed. 
5.       Pour in butter chocolate mixture and mix well.
6.       Empty PRINGLES and flour into a food processor, and puree until very fine. 
7.       Empty flour mixture into chocolate mixture and mix well; add nuts to distribute.   
8.       Bake for 30 minutes, and cool.

That Shaker Of Salt

What Do Toy Fair 12 & Stephen Knoll Have In Common?

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I am getting very excited. On Sunday I will be traveling to New York City to attend Toy Fair 12. What is that you ask. 

The 109th Annual American International Toy Fair® is the the largest toy tradeshow in the Western Hemisphere:
  • 1,066 total exhibitors from 24 countries
  • Over 100,000 toys and games on display
  • More than 31,000 participants (including nearly 20,000 retailers, wholesalers, importers, buying groups and trade guests) from 100 countries.
  • 365,850 net square feet of show space at the Javits Convention Center
  • Runs from 02/12/12 – 02/15/12

Why should I care you ask. I will be attending to make connections and gain new info on new and exciting toys and companies. This wealth of knowledge I will then pass on to you. I am hoping those new connections mean a lot more reviews and giveaways for you. I am also hoping that the connections will mean more Twitter Parties booked though me. We all know Twitter Parties mean awesome prizes. 

Now I bet you are excited. Go ahead, jump up and down. I will wait for you. 
Oh your back. Good I wanted to tell you about something very exciting that I will be doing while I am in New York. If the Toy Fair and Sightseeing wasn’t exciting enough, I am going to get pampered. I have been talking to the people at Stephen Knoll’s Salon.  They Invited me to come for a haircut and color. It has been awhile since I have had anything done as I have been trying to decided what to do. I can’t wait to show you all the before and after pictures. Just looking around their website tells me I am in for a treat.  From the Salon’s Website: 
The Stephen Knoll Salon
Stephen Knoll’s luxurious Madison Avenue salon is the destination for women who demand the very best for their hair. Designed as a home away from home for Stephen’s celebrity and model clientele, the 3,000 square foot salon employs 50 professionals who are specialists in their fields.

Servicing an average of 300 men and women per day, the salon clients are from all walks of life and include many that travel around the world to receive Stephen’s personal recommendation and expert haircutting and styling advice.

Now it is my turn for the Happy Dance.  
That Shaker Of Salt

What Do Toy Fair 12 & Stephen Knoll Have In Common?

By: comment

I am getting very excited. On Sunday I will be traveling to New York City to attend Toy Fair 12. What is that you ask. 

The 109th Annual American International Toy Fair® is the the largest toy tradeshow in the Western Hemisphere:
  • 1,066 total exhibitors from 24 countries
  • Over 100,000 toys and games on display
  • More than 31,000 participants (including nearly 20,000 retailers, wholesalers, importers, buying groups and trade guests) from 100 countries.
  • 365,850 net square feet of show space at the Javits Convention Center
  • Runs from 02/12/12 – 02/15/12

Why should I care you ask. I will be attending to make connections and gain new info on new and exciting toys and companies. This wealth of knowledge I will then pass on to you. I am hoping those new connections mean a lot more reviews and giveaways for you. I am also hoping that the connections will mean more Twitter Parties booked though me. We all know Twitter Parties mean awesome prizes. 

Now I bet you are excited. Go ahead, jump up and down. I will wait for you. 

Oh your back. Good I wanted to tell you about something very exciting that I will be doing while I am in New York. If the Toy Fair and Sightseeing wasn’t exciting enough, I am going to get pampered. I have been talking to the people at Stephen Knoll’s Salon.  They Invited me to come for a haircut and color. It has been awhile since I have had anything done as I have been trying to decided what to do. I can’t wait to show you all the before and after pictures. Just looking around their website tells me I am in for a treat.  From the Salon’s Website: 
The Stephen Knoll Salon
Stephen Knoll’s luxurious Madison Avenue salon is the destination for women who demand the very best for their hair. Designed as a home away from home for Stephen’s celebrity and model clientele, the 3,000 square foot salon employs 50 professionals who are specialists in their fields.

Servicing an average of 300 men and women per day, the salon clients are from all walks of life and include many that travel around the world to receive Stephen’s personal recommendation and expert haircutting and styling advice.


Now it is my turn for the Happy Dance.  
That Shaker Of Salt

Gone To Soon

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I sit here broken hearted for a dear friend of mine. The other night Tim received news that shattered his world. His son had taken his own life. The nightmare that every parent has thought of at one point become a reality for him. 
Suicide seems to always leave families with a million whys and what ifs. Anyone who knows Tim would never question his parenting, but I am sure Tim is full of questions, “What if I had done this different?” “Why didn’t he talk to me?” 
I have copied the following info from the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline Website in hopes that perhaps it will prevent one just one person from going through the hell my friend is right now. 
Suicide Warning Signs
These signs may mean someone is at risk for suicide. Risk is greater if a behavior 
is new or has increased and if it seems related to a painful event, loss, or change.
Suicide Is Preventable.
Call the Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255).
With Help Comes Hope
*  Talking about wanting to die or to 
kill oneself. 
*  Looking for a way to kill oneself, 
such as searching online or 
buying a gun.  
*  Talking about feeling hopeless or 
having no reason to live.
*  Talking about feeling trapped or in 
unbearable pain.  
*  Talking about being a burden 
to others.
* Increasing the use of alcohol 
or drugs.
*  Acting anxious or agitated; 
behaving recklessly.
*  Sleeping too little or too much.
*  Withdrawing or feeling isolated. 
*  Showing rage or talking about 
seeking revenge.
*  Displaying extreme mood swings.
Please, if you think you or someone else is in danger of harming themselves, reach out for help. 
A fund has been set up to help with the cost of laying Brian to rest. Even if you don’t know him perhaps you can think about if it was your child. It is hard devastating enough dealing with the lose but to add the stress of coming up with the money on top of it. If interested in helping comment below and I will get in touch with you. It is set up so he can receive money both though his local bank and  through PayPal. 
Please hug those you love just a little tighter in memory of Brian.