Odette Annable Hair Secrets

Odette Annable arrives at the HOUSE SERIES WRAP PARTY Friday, April 20, 2012 at Cicada in downtown Los Angeles, CA. CR: Scott Kirkland/FOX

The stunningly beautiful co-star of Cinemax’s Banshee is known for her stunning brunette tresses.

Who doesn’t want to known Odette Annable hair secrets?

Although the beauty with a Cuban heritage has shiny, silky hair, you might be surprised to hear some of the hair challenges she actually deals with on a regular basis.

Nola Longshadow On Banshee

The former Melanie on Fox/TV’s BreakingIn and Dr. Jessica Adam on  House, the gorgeous Taurus (May 10, 1985) is currently delighting fans as Nola Longshadow on Banshee.

You may also have recently caught her as Sarah on Rush or Trudy Cooper on The Astronaut Wives.

Off-screen she’s the very happily married Mrs. Dave Annable (The Red Band Society, 666 Park Avenune, Brothers & Sisters ) and has been a celebrity spokesperson for Clear Scalp & Hair Beauty Therapy.

Go-To Christine Symonds

Odette Annable as Melanie in BREAKING IN premiering Wednesday, April 6 on FOX. ©2011 Fox Broadcasting Co. Cr: David Johnson/FOX

Her long time go-to hairstylist is Christine Symonds (@teenie002).

Christine also works her hair magic on Big Bang Theory’s Kaley Cuoco-Sweeting, Anna Faris and Busy Philipps, to name just a few of her famous heads.

Christine of Harper Salon (323.931.0066) and is an emerging hair talent represented by The Wall Group (@TheWallGroup).

Superfine, Superoily Hair

In the March 29, 2012 issue of Us Weekly Odette shared some hair secrets.

As part of a hair makeover,  the actress confessed “I have superfine, super oily hair, so my struggle is always trying to get the volume I want.”

She told Us “I end up not doing much with it ever.”

Dealing With Actress Hair

Odette Annable as Melanie in BREAKING IN April 6 on FOX. ©2011 Fox Broadcasting Co. Cr: David Johnson/FOX (Gallery)

A year later on Feb 04, 2013 the gorgeous Odette told Shape Magazine “being on set all day and going to so many red-carpet events, my hair gets severely damaged.”

Known inside the trade as actress hair, Red-Carpet events are not all the actress has to deal with on a regular basis.

Celebrity Spokesperson For Clear Scalp & Hair Beauty Therapy

She explained her go-to red-carpet beauty secret was the Clear Scalp & Hair Beauty Therapy seven-day scalp and hair challenge.

As an official celebrity spokesperson for the product line, she swears by the products to look good in front of the camera

HOUSE’S Odette Annabel at ALL STAR PARTY Friday, Aug. 5 at the 2011 FOX Summer TCA – Gladstone’s in Malibu, CA. FOX ©2011

Not only did she share how much she “loved it.”

She promised “use any of their products for a week, and you will have great results. My hair just feels alive after I use their products.”

Summary – Odette Annable Hair Secrets

Besides being aware of her personal hair challenges, which is the first step towards achieving great strands, Odette has one of Hollywood’s best hair secrets.

She’s have access to some of the very best hair and beauty experts in the business including her long time hair stylist Christine Symonds (@teenie002).

Odette obviously honors her hair type and texture, wearing her hair in styles which are most compatible for her career and lifestyle.

Don’t forget to watch Odette as Nola Longshadow on Banshee to check out her beautiful brunette strands.

Things Not To Do During Mercury Retrograde

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Anything hidden before Mercury goes Retrograde will almost certainly rear it’s ugly head when it Mercury is Retrograde.

For your peace of mind, which is ruled by Mercury, I’ve provided a general checklist of things not to do during Mercury Retrograde.

My Own History With Mercury Retrograde

Foolishly, when I was young, I used to believe if I ignored Mercury Retrograde, it would good away.

Even worse, I incorrectly thought if I use affirmations, positive thinking and visualized great outcomes, I would be immune to Mercury Retrograde.

I wish I could tell you my efforts to ignore or overcome Mercury Retrograde periods with my mind were successful.

Ignoring Mercury Retrograde Does Not Make It Go Away

Unfortunately ignoring Mercury Retrograde does not make it go away.  Regardless of my desired to avoid dealing with it, the planet makes it way in front of the Sun three or more times a year.

Maybe I’m delusional about Mercury Retrograde because my natal Mercury is located in Gemini which just so happens to be be ruled by Mercury.

I’ve learned, the hard way, from direct suffering during Mercury Retrogrades, to respect the time period.

Not only do I not start anything new that I don’t absolutely have to do, I use the period to finish in harmony with Mercury Retrograde.

I focus on pre-existing projects, look for missing documents, take people out for drinks who I know will spill their guts and write about astrological topics.

Minimize Mercury Retrograde Suffering

To minimize suffering the known Mercury Retrograde universal recall effect, whenever possible, avoid the following activities listed below.

Yes, life happens and sometimes you just can’t wait a few weeks to get your car repaired, take a trip to visit a sick relative or start a new job.

When you can postpone your life for a few weeks seriously consider avoiding the following actions:

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1. Written agreements, contracts or related legal documents – When undertaken during Mercury regrade official documents may need to be completely redone after Mercury goes direct.

Anything written during Mercury Retrograde may require serious revision after Mercury goes direct.  Even when you believe you’ve covered every possible detail, during Mercury Retrograde things will fall through the cracks.

2.  Making serious decisions with long term or life changing consequences – Serious changes should be postponed until after Mercury goes direct. Facts or details you aren’t aware of will most likely reveal themselves after Mercury goes direct.

3.  Major job or career changes – Avoid quitting a job, starting a new one or changing your career in a major way.

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Note:  I quit a job I loved many years ago during a Mercury Retrograde due to the fact I was offered, accepted and started a new job with the promise of a big raise and more benefits.   Not only did I always regret quitting the first job, the new job never paid exactly what I was promised.

The benefits never quite materialized while the job  kept changing scope.  It was a very frustrating experience.  When I managed to return to the previous job, it was not the same.   I could never get back into the happiness zone and wound up leaving again at the next Mercury Retrograde period.

4.  Making any partnership commitments – This includes moving in with another person, getting engaged, married or divorced.  Pre-nuptial agreements should never be drawn up, signed or negotiated during Mercury Retrograde. Partnership commitments also includes starting business partnerships.

5.  Making major purchases – Buying or selling land, a house, a business, vehicles or other property should be avoided until Mercury goes direct.

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6.  Closing sales or deals – When Mercury is retrograde there is a high probability there were be major delays or setbacks.  In many cases the sale or deal will fall through completely.

7.  Starting a new educational program – When possible avoid starting a new school, college or other training programs with Mercury retrograde which will result in delays or other long term problems.

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8.  Dealing With Communication Devices – Phones or similar devices, The Internet, Wireless devices, computers or any other communication devices may never quite work right when acquired during Mercury Retrograde.

9.  Scheduling Surgery – Surgeries scheduled or undertaken during Mercury Retrograde have a higher risk of complications or the need for follow-up surgeries.

10.   Scheduling and/or Attending First Appointments With Professionals – Making a new appointment with an attorney, physician, dentist, counselor, hair, skin or nail professionals may not work out well in the long term.

Summary – Things Not To Do During Mercury Retrograde

If you believe in Mercury Retrograde and have suffered through Mercury Retrograde consequences in the past, when possible, consider avoiding life changing decisions and actions until Mercury goes direct.

Or, if you can prefer, you can ignore it.  Of course, don’t say I didn’t warn you if ignoring Mercury Retrograde doesn’t quite work out like you planned.

Easy DIY Sage Shampoo Bar

Over the years I’ve experimented with a dizzying array of wet wash formulations.

White Sage Herbs – Amazon.com – All Rights Reserved

To date, my all time favorite wet cleanser is ARTec Smoothing shampoo which I akways diluted with lukewarm water.

Unfortunately the ARTec product I loved is no longer manufactured.

My next favorite wet wash formulation is an easy DIY sage shampoo bar I found in 1997.

The shampoo bar is super easy to make and doesn’t really take that much time.

Whether you opt for all natural and/or organic ingredients or not, there are far less chemicals in my DIY shampoo bar.

I always feel better knowing what I’m wet cleansing my hair with.  Also, I can still dilute it for a much more gentle cleanse.

Although sage is the original herbal ingredient for this shampoo bar recipe, I usually substitute with herbs more compatible for blonde hair like mine.  Also, this shampoo bar may work best for shoulder length or shorter hair.

Ingredients - Easy DIY Sage Shampoo Bar

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1 teaspoon of dried green or white sage*
300 ml or 1/2pt or 1 1/4 cups of water
1/2 bar of organic almond soap
45 ml or 3 tablespoons of vegetable glycerine
10 drops of lemon essential oil

Mixing Tools - Easy DIY Sage Shampoo Bar

wooden spoon
metal grater
heat proof glass pot, pan or bowl
heat poof glass measuring cup
metal muffin pans (recipe makes 6-8 bars)

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*You can substitute sage for other herbal infusions.

Note:   Sage is popular because it is known to help promote healthy hair growth and manage hair loss.  Although sage leaves are light green, herbal infusions made with the aromatic herb may noticeably darken hair.

If your hair is white, blonde or red, you may wish to substitute chamomile, marigold, calendula or powdered rhubard root (blonde) or red hibiscus or red clover (red heads) herbs.

How To Make Shampoo Bars

1.  Make Herbal Infusion

Boil 1 1/4 cups of water in heat proof glass pot, pan or bowl.
Pour boiling water over 1 teaspoon of dry chopped sage leaves (or herbs of your choice).
Let the infusion mixture steep for 10 minutes while covered.
Strain out the leaves.

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2.  Grate the almond soap into very small pieces.

3.  Slowly add the grated almond soap to the hot herbal liquid infusion.  Stir with a wooden spoon until all of the soap pieces have been completely melted.

Note:  Reheat the herbal infusion if the soap doesn’t melt easily.

4.  While the mixture is still hot, add the vegetable glycerine.  Stir to mix the glycerine with the herbal infusion and melted soap chips.

5.  Add the essential oil to the mixture.  Blend until the mixture has been completely mixed.

6.  Pour the mixture into a glass measuring cup.

7.  Pour equal amounts of hot liquid into metal muffin tins (without paper holders).  Makes 6-8 bars.

8.  Allow the hot liquid to cool and set in the tins.

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After the soap has cooled and completely set, store the bars in the refrigerator for up to three weeks.  If you wish, you can use the shampoo bars straight or diluted with water.

Summary - Easy DIY Sage Shampoo Bar

This easy DIY sage shampoo bar is a base recipe.  If you prefer, you can substitute other herbs besides sage to create a great shampoo bar compatible with lighter hair hues.

You can also substitute for other essential oils you may prefer including lavender or rosemary, which are known to be great for creating healthy hair.  Or you can use your favorite fragrances.

Not only is this shampoo bar easy to make, it’s easy to store and offers a wonderful alternative to commercial shampoo recipes.  Even better, the shampoo bars will last in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks.

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What Is Mercury Retrograde?

Like clockwork the planet Mercury goes retrograde, or backwards, three or four times every single year.  2015 is no exception to Mercury’s antics.

What is Mercury Retrograde and how does it impact our lives?

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Some of the most common symptoms of Mercury retrograde include, but aren’t limited to the following:

– mail and related package delivery slowdowns
– telephone or similar communication device breakdowns
– all types of transportation (air, auto, rail, train) delays or problems
– misprints of all types
– late shipments in industry (Fed Ex, UPS, USPS, etc.,) which frequently result in production delays and similar

Mercury Retrograde Periods For 2015

During 2015 Mercury will be retrograde only in the Air signs of Aquarius, Gemini and Libra.

Mercury will be retrograde on the following periods during 2015:

1.  Thursday, January 22, 2015 until Thursday, February 12, 2015 – Mercury transits from 17 Aquarius 01 to Mercury 01 Aquarius 21 
2.  Tuesday, May 19, 2015 until Friday, June, 12, 2015 – Mercury transits from 13 Gemini 08 to Mercury 04 Gemini 34
3.  Friday, September 18, 2015 until Saturday October 10, 2015 – Mercury transit from 15 Libra 53 to Mercury 00 Libra 58

How Mercury Punks Us During Its Retrograde Periods

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Mercury retrograde occurs during a three-week celestial punking in which Mercury, the astrological planet of the mind, cleverly messes with our minds by appearing to travel backwards in the sky.

Of course it doesn’t really move backwards.  It only appears to do so.

Secrets Of Mercury

Listed below are some of the secrets of Mercury which is shown as the symbol Mercury with a capitol R behind it:

1.  Mercury is the ruling planet of the air sign Gemini and the earth sign Virgo.
2.  Ancient astronomers  referred to Mercury as the winged messenger of the gods.
3.  The Primary keywords for Mercury cover all forms of thought process, communication, information, networking and related.
4.  Mercury and the Sun are BFFs since Mercury is the closest planet to the Sun.
5.  Mercury has the shortest orbit in the solar system taking only 88 days to make one complete trip around the Sun.
6.  21 days out of every 88-day orbit Mercury appears to move backwards and is deemed retrograde.

Secrets Of Mercury Retrograde

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Many astrologers who value Mercury Retrograde understand that it’s a great time to get people to spill secrets they normally would never consider sharing.

Listed below are some of the secrets of Mercury Retrograde:

1.  Mercury Retrograde is a cosmic optical illusion.
2.  Those ancient  astronomers who referred to Mercury as the god’s winged messenger made note of how Mercury zooms by the earth twice during every orbit.
3.  The first pass  is a Mercury/Sun selfie, the second one we can’t see from Earth because Mercury is buzzing by on the opposite side of the Sun.
4.  When Mercury is winging its way on the other side of the solar system (where we can’t see it), that’s when it receives it’s retrograde label.   When Mercury skips ahead of the Earth in the solar system, it’s not visible from an angle where we can see it.  Mercury appears to start moving backwards, even though it’s not really doing so.
5.  Even though Mercury doesn’t really move in a backward motion, the retrograde period has been proven over the centuries to create an extremely powerful astrological influence.

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6.  All of the planets (even the Moon in some circumstances), except the Sun, have retrograde periods. Mercury’s retrograde period is the most well-known and most feared.
7.  Mercury retrograde primarily forces us to revisit, retrieve, and reveal anything we’ve managed to consciously or subconsciously avoid dealing with in the preceding 88 days.
8.  In addition, the Mercury retrograde periods are full of unforeseen delays, unknown defects, annoying inconveniences and unlimited do-over, especially in any areas of communication, travel, information sharing or networking.

Anything hidden before Mercury goes Retrograde will almost certainly rear it’s ugly head when it Mercury is Retrograde.

Advantages Of Mercury Retrograde

Although Mercury Retrograde can bring all sorts of unexpected snafus andor delays, when embraced and utilized properly, it can provide the following benefits:

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1.  Fact Finding – Mercury Retrograde periods offer us the chance to find the true facts, after the fact.
2.  Developing Super Hero Powers – Used properly Mercury Retrograde can become our own person superpower of energy conversion.
3.  Super Seeing Powers – With the right attitude all of us can convert the perceived chaotic energy of Mercury Retrograde into the ability to have Super Seeing.  In other words, we can see things outside the normal range and get all types of answers.  We can uncover concepts that were previously escaping us.
4.  Success In Lost And Found – Mercury Retrograde can not only uncover lots of elusive information you really need to know, it can help find lost articles including discovering hidden resources unknown to all of us.

Things To Avoid During Mercury Retrograde – Even Those With Superpowers

When Mercury proceeds to a retrograde motion, historically, there is a noteworthy slowing of communications.  Mercury Retrograde periods are often accompanied by sudden confusion, unexpected changes of plans, general indecisiveness and an array of unexpected factors which tend to make work and communication challenging to navigate.

It’s best, whenever possible, to avoid any major life changes during Mercury Retrograde.

Summary – What Is Mercury Retrograde?

Mercury Retrograde invariably brings a range of frustrations we’re forced to deal with, especially in the area of written and spoken communications.

Often Mercury Retrograde reveals hidden or concealed information.  If we pay attention to what is revealed to us, we all have the opportunity to come out a little bit wiser and stronger.  When viewed as an advantage, Mercury Retrograde can provide new intellectual power to all of us.

 Blog Dedication:  This blog is dedicated to all my Girls – Lindy, Michelle, Tracy, Sarah, Daria, Wendy, Joanne, Sharon whom inspired me to develop my own super powers when fighting the good fight with Mercury Retrograde.

Updo Hair Twist

12 MONKEYS – “Pilot” Pictured: Amanda Schull as Cassandra Railly, – (Photo by: Alicia Gbur/Syfy) Friday, January 16 on Syfy (9-10 p.m. ET) 2014 Syfy Media, LLC

Actress Amanda Schull (born August 26, 1978) plays the lovely blonde Dr. Cassandra Raill in the new Syfy television series 12 Monkeys.

In the first episode, Amanda’s beautiful blonde hair was coiffed into a gorgeous multi-tiered updo hair twist with an array of looped curls.  The hair which had a retro twist was stunning.

The beautiful American actress and former professional ballet dancer is known for her recurring roles on One Tree Hill, Pretty Little Liars and Suits.

She’s also known for having gorgeous hair which was evident in her updo on 12 Monkeys.

Step By Step – HowTo – Updo Hair Twist

Follow the steps below on shoulder length or longer hair if you want to steal Amanda’s updo hair twist:

1. Wet cleanse detangled pre-treated hair in lukewarm water with the best formula for your hair type, texture, condition and needs.

12 MONKEYS – “Pilot” Pictured: (l-r) Amanda Schull as Cassandra Railly, Noah Bean as Aaron – (Photo by: Alicia Gbur/Syfy) 2014 Syfy Media, LLC

2.  Apply an appropriate rinse out conditioner to hair from the top of the ears to the ends.  Avoid the roots.
3.  Detangle 2″ sections from the ends to the roots using fingers and/or a hair friendly detangling comb.
4.  Rinse out conditioner and finish with a cool/cold water rinse.
5.  Towel blot and do a light accordion squeeze to remove excess water.
6.  Apply a detangling cocktail including, but not limited to, a leave-in conditioner, defrisant and body building volume amplifier to damp hair.
7.  Blow dry hair in 2″ sections using a round brush and a hairdryer.
8.  Once hair is completely dry, separate into 2″ sections.
9.  Use a curling iron to add soft curls to the hair.
10.  After each section of hair is curled, roll around fingers and pin to scalp to cool and set.
11.  Once hair is completely cool and set, unclip the sections.  Use a 100% boar bristle brush to deconstruct curls.
12.  Working at the top of the head, back brush individual sections of hair to create lush fullness.

Separate Hair Into Three Equal Sections

12 MONKEYS — “Pilot” Pictured: Amanda Schull as Cassandra Railly, – (Photo by: Alicia Gbur/Syfy) Friday, January 16 on Syfy (9-10 p.m. ET)
2014 Syfy Media, LLC

1.  Once the hair has been backbrushed to the desired fullness separate hair into equal sections.
2. From the top of the crown to the nape of the neck divide hair into three equal horizontal sections.

3.  Use a long tail comb to create the equal sections of hair extending from the middle of the ear on either side.
4.  Clip off each separate sections so they are temporarily out of the way.

 Start With The Middle Section Of Hair

12 MONKEYS – “Pilot” Pictured: (l-r) Amanda Schull as Cassandra Railly, Noah Bean as Aaron – (Photo by: Alicia Gbur/Syfy) 2014 Syfy Media, LLC

1.  Start with the middle section of hair.
2.  Unclip the hair.
3.  Using your fingers and a hair friendly elastic, create a ponytail with a base in the middle of the section.
4.  Don’t pull the hair through all the way on the last time around creating a large loop.
5.  Separate the large loop into several smaller loops.  Use your fingers to sculpt the size and fullness of the individual loops.
6.  Wrap small sections of hair around fingers,  Gently push wrapped hair off fingers creating loops.
7.  Pin the individual loops against the scalp with bobby pins.
8.  Continue until you’ve run out of hair.
9.  Remember to direct the wavy side of the bobby pin towards your scalp for a firm grip.

10.  Once the middle section has been looped and pinned to your satisfaction, repeat all the same steps on the top section of hair.

11. Arrange the loops on the top section to merge with the middle section for a seamless updo.

12.After the top two sections are looped and pinned, finish with the bottom section of hair making sure to merge the final hair into the top two tiers of loops where appropriate.

12 MONKEYS – Season:1 – Pictured: Amanda Schull as Dr. Cassandra Railly – (Photo by: Jeff Riedel/Syfy) 2014 Syfy Media, LLC

13.  Continue until all of the loops have been pinned to the head securely.

14.  Once the updo is arranged to your satisfaction apply 1-2 drop of shine spray with holding hair spray in the palms of your hands and massage together.  Lightly brush over the top of your updo to add shine and holding power.

Summary - Updo Hair Twist

Actress Amanda Schull  plays the lovely blonde Dr. Cassandra Raill in the new Syfy television series 12 Monkeys.

In her first appearance she wowed with her beautiful blonde hair coiffed into a stunning multi-tiered updo hair twist

Amanda’s beautiful blonde hair was styled into a gorgeous multi-tiered updo hair twist with an array of looped curls.  Her updo, which had a retro edge, can be copied if the steps listed above are followed.