Tis' the day after the work Christmas party...I'm very 'tired' to say the least.  Anyway at this party I wore my green dress from Asos I was chatting about and this is how I wore it.  I was channeling J-Lo because...why not.  On came the red heels (I know, super Christmassy) and a huge plastic fantastic necklace I have had for some years now from H&M.  In regards to my lipstick conundrum I actually wore an orangy coral lippy but left it in my checked in bag while at dinner (At the Langham Hotel, swank) and as you can see by my bathroom selfies it came off, doh.  It was a super fun outfit and can't wait for another appropriate time to wear that dress again.

Trips to the country, strikes in bowling, standard food shots and artsy selfies....don't we just love having a phone camera!  Here are some pics from my December so far I've processed using Instagram, some I've posted on there, some I haven't. x

No matter how much I love a pretty dress with sparkles, or princess Tutus a la Season 6 Sex and the City, or even a flannel plaid when wading through the countryside my inherent heart and style still resides in the 90s.  This spread from FGR is perfect capturing the super sporty casual side of it all, the over the top ghetto bling and chic party girl aspect.  My wardrobe is filled with body con mini dresses, sports jerseys but what I need now is to improve my sneaker game and acquire some nice kicks!  2013 will be the year I finally get my Air Max's...this I promise, to myself.

I have just received my work Christmas party dress in the post.  It's a sassy number from ASOS which is both fun and chic but it is very much GREEN!  I was thinking after it arrived that green is actually a tricky colour to pull off so I googled a bunch of celebrity babes and came across super babe Camilla Belle rocking the kermit colour numerous times, teaming all the outfits with different accessories and lippy colours.  Extra points are gained in the inspo department as she is a dark brunette with a warm skin tone which I am too, yippeeee.  I love the idea of the red lip and green dress combo as weirdly enough it doesn't come across too 'elfish' or 'Poison Ivy from Batman' but is actually quite elegant.  The nude lip is cool too especially evened out with a banging bold eyebrow, however the surprise of my little investigation is how awesome pink looks with green...so I think when the time comes to party it is between the red and the pink.  I will post a photo, here or on my instagram (@mamabamboo)...hopefully next week.

"Rapunzel Rapunzel let down your hair" - Prince
"I can't mate, my split ends will break" - Rapunzel

Ok, so that didn't happen in the fairy tale but that's what my hair was saying not that long ago... 

In my quest for navel length tresses (first it was shoulder length, then boob length...let's hope I know when enough is enough) I realised it's actually quite hard to look after them.  From weakened ends, hidden grains of rice being found long after meal times and broken clumps left in the bath drain, it didn't look good.  However over time I have learnt a few tricks to help you all out if you are going through the same thing, my hair is looking super healthier now and I enjoy leaving it loose more often.

1)  Before washing your hair, detangle with your fingers and loosen big knots.  This may take time but will minimise breakage when in the shower.  If hair is super dry and brittle use a little body moisturiser on the finger tips to help.

2) When conditioning your hair wring out the water in your hair as much as possible as soaking wet hair causes a barrier to the hair and conditioners will not effective get to the strand.  You could even slightly towel dry before application.

3) Before rinsing out the conditioner use a wide tooth comb to pass through your hair.  If knotted gently use your fingers to separate.

4) Use super cold water on your final rinse.

5) Brushing hair when wet is actually damages it, hairstylists have suggested to me to rough dry hair first up to 70% after then start styling.  It not only reduces damage but saves time as there is not real point styling when hair is still super wet.

6) Use a hair oil!

7) When brushing dry hair use a soft bristle brush, it also makes your hair more shiny.

8) Wear your hair in a loose braid when going to bed.

9) Change up your hair products, as hair tends to look limp when they get used to products.

These are my own personal suggestions, and I am sure you will find even more cooler tips online, there are some cool natural options too if your don't like chemicals and what not.  With all the tips above remember to trim the ends when it looks gross, it will ensure your hair looks thicker and healthier.