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Top 7 Benefits of Living in a Log Home

For many Americans, the thought of living in Cypress log homes is a dream come true. From the comfort of a roaring fire in the winter months to the outside appearance, log homes just seem cozy and the place to be. 

If you have been considering purchasing a log home but aren’t sure it’s the right choice for you, read on below for a few of the top benefits to help you make a concrete decision. 

They are energy-efficient 

Log cabins are known to be energy-efficient, meaning that your electric bills will be much lower than they are living in a traditional home. Most homeowners are constantly looking for ways to reduce their energy bills, from buying energy-efficient appliances to keeping their air conditioning unit set on 78 degrees during the summer months. A well-built log home breathes, and needs very little heating in the winter and is cooler in the summer than traditional homes are. The energy-efficient build makes it possible for you to keep your heating and air conditioning bills under control. 

Built to last 

What is more durable when it comes to building than lumber? Log homes are durable enough to last you for many, many years to come. From roof replacement cost to the front porch, it should be easier to keep up with and maintain a log home for you and your family. 

Health benefits 

For people who suffer from allergies, especially seasonal allergies associated with humidity, living in a log home can be a life-saver. This is perhaps one of the biggest benefits of living in a log home and certainly will have an impact on the lives of your family. There are also other ways that log cabins benefit your health — you just have to know where to find them. 

Reduces your carbon footprint 

Building and living in a log home massively reduces your carbon footprint on the earth. If you have been looking to do something big to become environmentally friendly, then this is the right move for you. Going green is something that many people talk about doing, but very few actually go big with their choice. Moving your family into a log home is the right way to go green. 

Fast construction time

Since logs for the home are typically pre-manufactured, it takes much less time to build a log home than it does the traditional homes being built today. A log cabin can go up in as little as a week if the conditions are right. 

Problems are easy to find 

When you live in a log home, problems that are hard to spot in traditional homes are easier for you to spot. For example, a termite infiltration is much easier to spot in a log home than it is in a mobile home or a brick house. If you can spot these home issues faster, you will be able to solve them before they become an expensive problem. 

Saves you money in the long run 

While it might be more expensive in the beginning to build your log home and get it up and running, in the end it’s going to save you a ton of money. From being energy-efficient so that you save on your electric bills to saving you on medicine for allergies and from being environmentally friendly to problems being easier to find, you will save quite a bit of money in the long run. 

These are just a few of the benefits of living in a log home that you should know about. Remember, simpler is better and they are gorgeous, as well.

How to Successfully Plan an Intimate Wedding Ceremony

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An increasing number of couples are now looking forward to planning an intimate wedding ceremony. Aside from being uncomplicated and less stressful, it is also easier on the budget. You may choose non-traditional venues like large houses for rent where you can have control over the number of guests that you want to have on your special day. Another option is to look for places where the guests would be comfortable that come with a relaxed atmosphere. Some weddings provide more room for creativity because of a more flexible budget. Here are some fancy and practical ideas for an intimate ceremony.

Keep your guest list tight

Most couples, especially brides, like to experience a lavish and big bridal party. However, inviting many people to your wedding can lose its intimate vibe. Plus, it can also be very costly since you have to adjust your after-party expenses. Sit down with your partner and finalise the list together. Just make sure that all significant family members, as well as close friends and relatives, are included in the list.

Hire a good caterer

One of the benefits of having a small wedding is you get to have control of what food to serve. Since you are planning to limit your guests, then why not splurge a little bit more with the food. If someone from the family is an expert in creating yummy home cooked meals, then you can probably reach out to that person to help you out with food preparation. Another stress-free option is to look for a trusted catering company that is known to serve good food. It is sad to hear guests complain about tasteless food being served at wedding parties. That is not how you want them to remember your special day.

Stock up on good liquor

It is expected that you will be serving alcohol and cocktails during your wedding party. Aside from being part of the tradition, it is a way of making your guests feel relaxed and happy. Since some liquors are expensive, you can recreate your very own with a do-it-yourself bar. Make sure to get someone to serve, and it is essential to stock up on cold beer for the guys and champagne for the ladies.

Make the wedding party enjoyable and interactive

One of the advantages of having a small group of guests for your wedding is that it is easy to encourage everyone to participate. Make sure that your guests have a great time by organising interactive games for everyone to enjoy. You can hire an experienced party host to lead the party and have some of your guests perform an exclusive musical number to keep the party alive.

If you are planning to extend the party until the early hours of the morning, it is a great idea to hire a band that will keep everyone dancing. You can continue to serve coffee, drinks and light snacks to ensure that the guests enjoy the party.

Image: https://pixabay.com/photos/wedding-bride-asia-beautiful-2784455/

If you have any questions or comments about this topic, please feel free to comment below or email us at LiveSV and share your thoughts!

What Does It Take to Open a Small Day Care Centre

 

Do you love working with kids? Are you willing to spend every day taking care of them while their parents are working? Do you like teaching and telling great stories? If the answer to these questions is yes, then you should consider building your own daycare centre. Nowadays, there is a continuous need for this kind of business because it helps prepare toddlers to gain essential knowledge that will help them move to formal education.

Daycare students usually range from three to five years of age, and this is the best age for them to learn how to socialise with kids their age. Kids are taught values in the class. If you want to start this kind of business here are some helpful tips to get you started.

  1. Look for a good location

For starters, you can cater to kids who live around your area or neighbourhood. You can start your business right next to your home. You can build a big classroom where you can accommodate all of your students. You can use prefabricated materials for your class so it can be built in no time and at less cost. Check out websites like wintechmodular.co.uk for more details.

Building your daycare next to your home has an advantage. The parents know where you live, which makes them trust you more. It also allows you to maximise your earnings because you no longer need to pay for rent.

  1. Secure the business permit

Before you can start accepting students and processing their enrollment, you need to comply with the government by registering your business and getting a licence to operate. You need to fill out several forms and pay a minimal fee. Companies that do not have permits are considered illegal, and they can be ordered to shut down operations as soon as possible.

  1. Hire the right people

Running a daycare centre is not an easy task. You will need the help of people that are experts when it comes to handling children’s behaviour. Make it a point to hire only qualified applicants. Aside from having the skills, your staff should also possess other amazing qualities like patience, being energetic and fun, and kindness and should be passionate about teaching kids.

  1. Start shopping for things and supplies

You will need things like tables, chairs, mats, books and different toys for your students. To keep them occupied, you should also look into art materials like water colours and crayons. You can add several kitchen items like a refrigerator and a microwave oven for their snacks.

  1. Promote your business

If you are new in the market, you need to exert more effort in promoting your daycare centre. Give out your company brochures and fliers that show all the types of services that you can offer.

Lastly, if you want to be successful in this type of business, you need to show genuine love and care towards your students. Parents will continue trusting your day care if they see that their kids are happy.

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Helping Your Friend Who is Going Through Depression

 

It’s painful seeing your friend going through a depression. You’re not an expert, but you can at least be there during this tough time. These are some tips that you can use if you think your friend is going through a depression.

Reach out

You might notice changes in the behavior of your friend, and you don’t know what happened. Try your best to get information by reaching out to other people. Perhaps, you can call the family or talk to other friends. They might know something that recently happened that led to these changes. It’s challenging to help someone when you have no idea what’s going on.

Just be there

People who are going through depression need someone to tell them what to do, but others need someone to be there. They might want to talk about their problems, and you need to be willing to spend your time listening without judgment. There are instances when they don’t want to share anything at all. They just want to be with another person and feel secure. Your presence can make a huge difference.

Take the feelings seriously

Not everyone reacts to the same problem. You might think that what your friend is going through is shallow. Avoid judgment and be there to listen. Regardless of what you hear, it’s crucial that you take things seriously. You can say the phrases, “I understand it’s hard”, or “I can’t imagine how difficult it is”. These are encouraging words that your friend needs right now.

Be open to emergencies

Depressed people might find it hard to control their thoughts. Some of them end up thinking about ending their lives to escape from their problems. Make sure that you’re there when they start thinking negative thoughts. If you can’t, but your friend told you that help is necessary right now, you need to call emergency numbers right away. There are hotlines available for people going through a depression, and you need to inform your friend about them.

Recommend help

Your friend might hesitate before seeking help because it’s embarrassing. It’s crucial that you tell your friend that there’s no shame in going for counseling. These mental health experts will listen without judgment. They will take notes to provide suggestions, but the secret is safe with them. You can be there as much as possible, but you won’t be around all the time. It helps to have someone providing help when needed.

Take care of yourself

The problem when you’re trying to be there for another person during a difficult time is that you end up forgetting about yourself. Make sure that you don’t let your friend’s depression affect how you feel. You need to still take good care of yourself by doing the things you love. Go out with other friends who don’t have mental health problems, to keep yourself in check.

Some people eventually overcome their mental health problems, and the support of loving friends could be a considerable boost.

To read more on topics like this, check out the health category.

What You Need to Know When Buying a Watch

A watch is a simple accessory that is enough to complete your look. There is a wide range of options available today more than ever, which is why finding the perfect watch that will suit you can also be overwhelming. To help you select the right choice, here are some of the things to consider when choosing your watch.

Determine your style

Every person has a personal style. No single design will fit all preferences. Ask yourself what your style is. It is an essential factor in determining the right watch for you as it will serve as your guide in the selection. Do you prefer simple designs or you like the quirkier styles? You will be more comfortable, and you will love wearing your watch if it speaks about your personality.

Consider your lifestyle

Aside from your personal style, another thing to consider is your lifestyle. Watches come with various features, and some of them work best for specific lifestyles. For instance, there are diving watches that are ideal for scuba divers or those who love to be in the water, as they are waterproof up to a certain depth. Other watches are designed for fitness enthusiasts, while others are for car racers. There are also dress and fashion watches that will work well with those with a less active lifestyle and those who value aesthetics more.

Set a budget

Watches vary in price, and they can range from a few hundred to thousands of pounds. If you are on a budget, there are inexpensive options which are decent quality watches, although they may not be as durable, and they may not offer as many features as the pricier ones. Of course, more expensive doesn’t always mean better. Again, the best choice is one that meets your needs and preferences, as well as one that falls within your budget.

Choose the watch type

There are different types of watches to choose from. A digital watch will show you the time digitally including the hour, minute, and second. An analogue watch also indicates the hour and minute, and on some, the second, but it has a 12-hour clock face. It’s the same as an automatic watch. Other types of watches are fashion, dress, aviator, and diver watches.

Consider the band material

Watch bands come in different materials. Leather is one of the most popular materials used for watches like Omega. You can even purchase extra Omega leather straps as a replacement in case the original strap wears out, or you want to try a different strap colour. Plastic and rubber are comfortable, and they are also ideal for those with active lifestyles as they are more durable. Other band materials are fabric and stainless steel.

Select the right size

These watches do not just come in varying styles and designs, but different sizes too. They range from small to big. The best choice is the one that will look best on you. A small watch will not complement a big wrist, while a big watch will not suit a small wrist.

It’s also vital that you know how to take good care of your watch to make it last longer. Know its features and limitations and use as intended.

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Throwing a Memorable Party

Life is all about the moments. Studies upon studies have shown what many of us already intuitively know to be true: That experiences and memories are more valuable that material goods or money. That’s why, when we are given the chance to plan a party, we want it to be as fun and as memorable as possible. Whether it’s our child’s birthday party, spouse’s retirement party, or an anniversary bash, you should make your next party a great one.

That’s easier said than done, though. Planning parties can be stressful, and it’s easy to see why event planners are always so stressed out. For us non-professionals and mere mortals, planning a party can end up feeling like something that we just want to get over with. You don’t have to give in. Instead, lower your stress levels and enhance your party with these great party life hacks:

The simple secret of party planning

Ask any great party planner how to lower your stress levels and get a better party, and they’re likely to tell you pretty much the same exact thing: Plan early and start soon. The more time that you take to plan out your party, the more time that you’ll have to nail every detail and, crucially, overcome the unexpected obstacles that are sure to crop up along the way. 

While you’re planning, stay organized. Keep information in one spot, and maintain a spreadsheet or checklist to make sure that you’re not doing conflicting things or repeating the same tasks multiple times. As Murphy’s Law states: whatever can go wrong, will go wrong. Planning will take more time than you think it will, so get moving!

Location, location, location

Perhaps the most important decision about your party is also one of the most basic: Where is it? Your party’s location will change everything about the feel of the event and your priorities as you plan it.

Moving your party to a restaurant, bar, or resort can take a lot of pressure off of you. Experts who run one casino known as a “site for shore eyes” say vacationers and locals alike turn to their facilities for events. Just be sure to contact the establishment you’re thinking of if you are planning to bring a big group. On the other hand, you may decide that your party is best kept in your own home. That’s fine, too. 

Rent it, don’t buy it

There are some things that it makes sense to buy. Your house, for instance: You’ll gain a valuable asset, stop having to pay rent, and so on. If you ski a lot, you should rent skis instead of buying them. You should buy (or lease) your car instead of renting from Hertz every time you go to work. Just use common-sense in as many cases as you can.

What about a dunk tank or photo booth? Unlike your house or your car, these are not valuable assets that you are likely to use every day. It’s pretty unlikely that you are going to use a dunk tank so often that, after the hundreth rental, you’ll be saying, “I wish I’d bought that!”

You can really improve your party with over-the-top games and goodies if you rent big-time party equipment that you’d never choose to buy. Particularly for kids’ parties, these additions can be massive hits say experts who offer photo booth rentals and other party-related rentals on New York’s Long Island.

What makes the perfect party? That’s hard to say, and everyone’s answer will be different. We do know, however, that if you plan early, stay organized, pick a great location, and add great and memorable party games or installations, you’ll be on the right track.

Rainbow Riches Game Guide

Are you really an avid online slot aficionado if you haven’t heard of Rainbow Riches? If you haven’t be sure to go and play it now at Wizard Slots. It is one of online casino’s most iconic titles, and one that has been top of the agenda for many people for a number of years, be that online or on land based machines. You can guess from the title that this online slot, from globally renowned developers Barcrest, has got something to do with the marvellous island of Ireland. But what you may not have banked on is quite how spectacular it really is; let’s take a look.

An Overview of the game

So, as previously mentioned, Rainbow Riches is an online slot that sits squarely in the realm of Irish themed games. You can see this from the moment you start playing, the introduction screen features a rather friendly looking leprechaun, and once you start playing properly you will encounter the reels set against a purple background, also containing a delightful rainbow. And it’s not just the background that reminds of the Emerald Isle, each one of the symbols – aside from the standard playing card numbers – is perfectly suited to the theme. For instance, a leprechaun (of course), his hat, and the Rainbow Riches logo itself are all possible things to encounter whilst spinning those fabled reels.

The great thing about Rainbow Riches is its simplicity, something that is strikingly important in today’s world of outrageously complex and not-at-all intuitive slot games. The leprechaun forms the Wild symbol in this game, whereas his hat is the Scatter. You will really want to keep your eye on the latter, as this will unlock the Pick Me feature that can also subsequently result in the Pots of Luck round. On top of all of this is the gamble feature, where you have the chance to at least double your winnings. Very lucrative indeed.

About the developer of this Rainbow Slot

It takes a truly good developer to create such an iconic game as Rainbow Riches, so there is no wonder it comes from the acclaimed Barcrest. The company has been in operation since 1968, working their way from analogue fruit machines all the way through to current state-of-the-art online slots. In 2006 they were acquired by SG Gaming, but it did not the flow of quality games, just look to some of their other titles:

· Reel ‘Em In Lobster Potty

· Black Magic Fruits

· Money Mad Martians

Another thing to consider is how many popular offshoots have been generated off the back of Rainbow Riches:

· Rainbow Riches: Home Sweet Home

· Rainbow Riches: Pick and Mix

· Rainbow Riches: Reels of Gold

And that’s not even all of them! Testimony to the greatness of this online slot series.

Rainbow Riches – The Verdict

Any keen online slot player will have win potential and ease of use at the top of his list, and Rainbow Riches delivers this in ample quantity. Its theme is also delightful, and the bonus features make for an exhilarating play however you choose to play. Quite simply a marvellous example of online casino entertainment.

To check out more articles like this from the LiveSV blog, click here!

How to Find a Trustworthy CBD Retailer

With the cannabis industry rapidly growing into one of the most profitable on the planet, even the medical community is taking it seriously. In fact, cannabidiol oil or CBD is near the top of the lucrative ladder because of its wide legalization and apparent effectiveness in treating certain conditions. CBD is being used to treat pain, anxiety, endometriosis, epilepsy, and Parkinson’s, among other chronic conditions. 

Most CBD products do not contain THC (the chemical that gives you a high). Because of this and a recent farm bill that officially allows hemp products, it’s legal in more places and easy to find. But along with profitability, unfortunately, comes sellers who are not exactly above-board in their practices. And because the FDA hasn’t quite developed its criteria for the product, consumers should be careful about where they buy it. Follow these tips on how to discern a trustworthy CBD retailer so you can make sure you’re getting the best product.

Find the source 

US standards say that growers must use the best hemp stalks available. But there are many who cut corners and buy low-quality plants from Russia or China. This practice isn’t necessarily illegal, but it can produce a poor product. In order to get the purest CBD, it’s important to know where the plant came from. And usually, the best way to test a company’s trustworthiness is to ask them. If they are forthcoming with their source, and it comes from either the US or the UK, their product is probably good. But the businesses that won’t give you a straight answer should be avoided. 

Look for reviews

Any CBD retailer that has been around for more than a week probably has a collection of reviews online. You can check their website directly, search for conversations about them on social media, or look for complaints with the Better Business Bureau. But the best place to look is on a website that offers trusted reviews of cbd companies. These types of sites are in business to hold CBD distributors to high standards, and you can benefit from their opinions.

Ask about testing

Third-party testing is an ideal practice for CBD products. This is because each batch can vary, depending on external conditions. And a thorough test will reveal any pollutants and impurities. But not every distributor does this. Only the most reputable CBD distributors have their products tested continually and publish the results for all to see. You will usually find this information on their websites, or you can also ask to see their credentials before you make a purchase. A company that doesn’t use third-party testing may still be reputable. But you can be more confident in the ones that do.

Check for THC

THC levels are important to check no matter where you get your CBD. For one thing, not all 50 states have legalized the substance. But even the ones that have still regulate its use in different ways. For example, some states have legalized marijuana for medicinal purposes only, and some for recreational as welll. But even so, it’s important to realize that THC is an intoxicating substance. This means employers can restrict its use for its employees. And there are legal limits for how much you can have in your system while driving. 

THC-free technically means that there is less than 0.3% of the chemical in the product. But there are some vendors who add THC externally to enhance the benefits of their CBD. This doesn’t necessarily make them untrustworthy as long as they disclose it. But it’s a good idea to ask about their legal counsel if they deviate from standard practices. If the vendor has retained good legal counsel, such as that of marijuana specialists McAllister Garfield, they are probably a reputable retailer.

What is CBT and How Does It Work?

CBT, or cognitive behavioral therapy, is one of the most widely-used forms of treatment in the world of psychotherapy. While every patient is unique in their individual needs and their reception to treatment, the idea behind CBT is applicable in a vast array of cases.

What is CBT?

This particular method of therapy was created based on the link between a person’s thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. Psychologists believe that these three elements work in a circular pattern, each of which can be either the cause or the effect of various triggers.

The ideology behind this form of treatment is all about how to lessen the impact of stressors by aiding patients in creating thoughts and behaviors to combat them. For some patients, these sessions can last six to 12 weeks, while for others, it’s a continuous process.

Ultimately, a cognitive behavioral therapist enters each session with the goal of altering the thought patterns and consequential behaviors that cause unhealthy symptoms in their patient.

How does CBT work?

CBT works differently for every patient in terms of duration. The average length of sessions for cognitive behavioral therapy is roughly between an hour to an hour and a half.

This difference in effectiveness is based on the reasoning behind the therapy. For patients with short-term difficulties like situation-based anxiety or insomnia, six to 12 weeks of CBT can be enough to resolve the problem. For others with extensive distress, recurring appointments may be necessary.

As the name states, cognitive behavioral therapy is rooted in the connection between thoughts and behaviors. The process of CBT begins with identifying a patient’s unhealthy thoughts and emotions.

Once these have been established, a plan is set between the therapist and patient to address these initial thoughts or emotions and the ways in which to engage or disengage with them. Over time, the goal is for the patient to recognize an unhealthy thought or emotion and work through it before it has the chance to result in unhealthy behaviors.

What is CBT used for?

There are a variety of reasons why a therapist would choose CBT for their patients. Most commonly treated with CBD are anxiety disorders, depression, OCD, and PTSD.

With each of these disorders, the first step is identifying the unhealthy behavior. For example, patients who live with an anxiety disorder may feel a sense of fear and thoughts of failure when faced with something unfamiliar.

Patients are often encouraged to document these thoughts and emotions in a journal to review with their therapist. Moving forward, the patient is encouraged to take their thoughts and rethink them in a more logical way, separate from the circumstances.

Instead of thinking, “I can’t attend this event, my anxiety is unmanageable”, patients are encouraged to change their thoughts to, “It’s normal to fear an unknown place, but it doesn’t have to be the reason I don’t attend. I’ve gone to new places in the past successfully, I just have to take the first step. I can always leave if I feel unsafe or uneasy”.

Many therapists also practice CBT in their group therapy sessions. In these groups, patients are able to bring forward a common trigger in their lives and act them out with others. In playing the scenarios out, the therapist can provide the patient with multiple variations of the scenario with various outcomes. This provides patients with the ability to think through their situations and come up with a plan to execute them in the healthiest way possible.

While every patient is unique, and their individual needs are evaluated from the first appointment, it’s not uncommon for a therapist to suggest a treatment with CBT. Cognitive behavioral therapy is growing more popular as a way to help patients evaluate their thoughts and emotions in order to produce healthy behaviors.

 

5 Tips for Finding a New Hairstylist

The most daunting task about moving to a new city is leaving your stylist’s safe hands for the unknown. Finding a hairdresser doesn’t have to feel like placing your tresses on a sacrificial altar, though. Thanks to modern technology and word of mouth, you can prevent a hairdo freakout by following these tips. 

Ask around

Ask and you shall receive. If you spot a friend, acquaintenace, or even a fabulous stranger rocking a haircut or a color you admire, ask them what salon they went to and which stylist performed the service. Not only are you giving them a lovely compliment, but you’ve the chance to chat firsthand with someone about their salon experience. Definitely seize these opportunities when the person has a similar hair texture to yours. You can relax knowing you’re likely to leave the styling chair with comparable results. 

Use an app

With revolutionary electrical engineering services and the rise of technology, it’s no surprise that society has become overly-reliant on services and apps to help deliver the best results possible. This is no different when it comes to beauty. Use applications to your advantage when on the hunt for a trusted cosmetologist. Apps like StyleSeat are a simple way to discover and book hairservices online. Professionals display their work, and as a client, you can discover services and providers, read reviews, and book appointments. Users can find makeup artists, eyelash extensions, eyebrow experts, fashion stylists, and more. 

Trendy salons are also likely to have at least one active social media account. Instagram is an especially nifty tool for locating a hairstylist. Search hashtags like [your city] + hairstylist or hair. For example, #LAhairsylist #LAsalon or #LAhairartist are great hashtags to try. Facebook is also another rich resource for gathering more information about a business.  

Research

Use everyone’s favorite search engine and type in “a hair salon near me.” Narrow your options to a few likely candidates and read their Google and Yelp reviews.  Visit the salon’s website and explore their Facebook page to determine if the establishment’s vibe would be a good fit for your personality. How favorable are the reviews about the salon and its staff? All of this can help you determine if the salon you’re considering is a good option.

Most sites also feature the stylists’ biographies highlighting their specialties and experience. 

So if you’re looking for a master at box braids or an expert colorist, read those biographies. Doing your research before choosing a place greatly increases your odds of locating a winner. 

Use the consultation

Call the salon and schedule a consultation before committing to an appointment. This meeting gives you the opportunity to meet the stylist, discuss your hair vision, and decide if you want to go through with the appointment. Your hairstylist will also analyze your features to determine the best cut, shape, and color for your face shape and skin tone.

The number one result of unhappy salon clients occurs when there’s a misunderstanding between the professional and a client about a service  Discuss your expectations with your hairstylist even for routine services like a trim or face-framing layers. 

According to Forbes, active listening is a skill with tremendous communication payoffs. Listen closely to your hairstylist when he or she is speaking, so there’s no confusion about your desired look. A quality stylist will also repeat back what you say to verify they understood your request.  

Be sure to bring pictures. Hairstylists are visual artists, so the more images you bring depicting the look you’re hoping to achieve, the better. 

Thanks to technology, initiative, and asking around, finding a reliable professional in a new city takes little effort. Armed with the right tools, you’ll leave the styling chair confidently sporting a new ‘do.