Lets Talk About skin Care, Beauty And Health Tips

I am a artist/student without much money, and so I can't go the professional route. Naturally, I have light brown/ honey blonde hair, but I have had it professionally and unprofessionally lightened and darkened many times over the past few years. It is now medium to dark blonde. It is already mildly damaged. I would like it to be platinum. Any suggestions? Colorwise? Healthwise?

Answer
Hey Lady,
I just went way blond. I Started with slightly damaged brown and black hair, and now my hair is a whitish lemon and quite manageable and healthy. I processed it 4 times (on the cheap) in a period of 1.5 months using Clairol 7th stage powder bleach with the 7th stage double drabbing activator and 40 volume developer. If your hair is already a bit blond, I'd recommend a 20 or 30 (at the highest) developer.
The Secret Recipe (per process)
3 packets Clairol 7th stage lightning powdered bleach ($.99 ea, at beauty supply stores);
1 bottle Clairol 7th stage double drabbing (MUST BE DOUBLE DRABBING TO ACHIEVE WHITE BLONDIE) activator (around $4);
20 or 30 volume developer (a 5 oz bottle costs around $2.50 and you will need about 4 oz. per process)(always have a few extra oz on hand)

Mix those items into a consistency similar to that of ketchup. To stop the burn you can add 1 (ONLY ONE< MORE WILL WRECK THE FORMULA) packet of Sweet n Low. No one knows why it works but it does. They also sell a product for that purpose at beauty supply store for around $0.55. You can pretty much apply the bleach whatever way works for you, though try to avoid too much skin contact, apply to the back of your head first, and NEVER EVER use a scrubbbing or scratching motion when trying to achieve all over coverage.

THE SECRET TO PERFECT ALL OVER BLONDE:
After applying the bleach, work about 2 oz of left over toner into your hair to keep it moist. IF THE BLEACH DRYS OR COMES INTO CONTACT WITH WATER THE BLEACHING ACTION WILL STOP AND YOU WILL BE LEFT WITH TOXIC MUSH FOR HAIR.

Rinse with cold water after about 45 min. to one hour, shampoo with about half the amount of shampoo you usually use, and condition with a reconstructing conditioner (EVEN IF YOU ARE GOING TO PROCESS AGAIN, DO THIS STEP AND BLOW DRY YOUR HAIR ON LOW HEAT, HIGH AIR UNTILL BONE DRY.)

YOU WILL EXPERIENCE SOME BREAKAGE. DOn't panic, just routinely rince your hair with apple cider vinegar. To also preserve the health of your hair adn make it more manageble, work a small amount of your daily conditioner into hair before styling.

good luck.

Any recommendations of a good European tour?

I'd like to take my 59 year old father to visit Europe next May and July. He has never been to Europe before and I would like to take him on a grand tour. One that covers Spain, France, Italy ect. He's in great shape so I'm sure he could handle a 3 to 4 week tour. Can anybody recommend a company? Or share some expeiences? Thanks!
I'm a law student and have finals in late April and early May. The tour would have to begin no earlier than mid May. I'm hopeing to plan this for 2008

Answer
I'm afraid 3 to 4 weeks is not sufficient time to cover some of the major sites and places of interest in Europe, even with a limited itinerary.
One other factor is what things will both interest you.
Assuming you come from the States, Spain or France can be your starting points.
Respectively, two days in Madrid will just about cover Prado Museum (a must) and a tour of the city.
Two days in Barcelona (visit Los Carracoles-memorable) city tour and rest, then one day more in Granada (Alhambra), one day in Seville.Spent a night by the river and the bars and restaurants there.Spain, with the between traveling is just about a week and a half.
France is the city most admired by Americans and they are quite right. A full week is enough to savor the colour and beauty of it and any other city you care to visit. Problem with English though, few people will decide to speak it.
A journey memorable, especially if the weather is good, is from Paris to Milan by train through Switzerland. Arrange for day passage on the Swiss segment. I did it three times and each one was better than the previous. A couple of days in MIlan are more than enough, then on to Rome and Naples.On to Venice for a day or two and the ferry from there to Patras Greece. Two day journey and about three hours drive to Athens. Two to three days will cover enough sightseeing and possibly a small cruise to nearby islands. The next place of visit is Vienna Austria, also of two to three days stay and then Praque in Czech Republic. May is the perfect time for it. Two to three days. If you have Jewish interests then Poland is a must and is a couple days stay. Last but no least, is Amsterdam in the Netherlands , two more days?
I left England out since you did not suggested it, but certainly a must in a European visit. Main places of interest at least three days. If you have some Irish in you, then the green island of St Patric waits for you.
I wish I was going with you, but although I am your fathers age, health problems are a major drawback. I hope you enjoy your trip which ever wat you plan it and that it can be memorable to you and your father.