The "Off-Season"

Many girlfriends, wives, sisters and mothers across America might agree on one thing--the stupidity of Fantasy Football. Why does it need to take so much time? My husband's answer is that you need to scout, draft, follow stats, blah, blah and blah.

I don't mean to stereotype the female gender in assuming that women do not participate in this league (even though it's a pretty good assumption considering we typically possess much better time management skills). That being said, the girls at New Leaf are approaching our own 'off-season' of weddings. We have a few more parties left but now is the time for some hardcore wedding hair training.

Anyways, we are always 'scouting' out upcoming trends. My prediction for 2010?

I am 'betting' on sleeker, more polished updos and sparkly headbands and Audrey Hepburn hair.

In order to 'draft' the dream wedding team for 2010 at New Leaf, we had our own little 'training camp' at 18 State Street. The challenge? The polished chignon updo class. Yes...again.

An action shot of Jenn...

Not every bride is blessed with fantastically thick, long hair. That's why God invented hair extensions. Extensions are to wedding hair as helmets are to football. Necessary:o)

Here is Ashley playing Vanna White with a weft of blonde hair.

Now Ashley is displaying another trick of the trade--a chignon cushion.

I know what you are thinking...extensions, foam hair thingies, false eyelashes--what next!? But it all comes together to create a perfectly natural look. Just imagine taking out all the props on the wedding night. That makes me laugh just thinking about it.

The girls just "warming up"...

I discovered that Allie, our newest draft, really likes to challenge herself. I knew this because her model came with thick, waist length hair. Whoa....

The team--Allie, 'little Jamie' (and she is little!), and Jamie Evenson (who is also little but we needed some distinction)...

Jamie Evenson teasing like mad!

Jamie Rego's model learned what teasing was all about...

Allie, smiling, as always....

The art of correct backcombing...

Does Danielle's model look familiar?

It's our very own Pam!

New meaning to 'helmet hair'...Pam is a very good sport.

Jamie's model might look familiar to New Leaf-ers...

It's Lauren, who you might recognize from the front desk. Lauren worked at New Leaf since she was 16. Now she's all grown up and hears second graders calling her Miss Salzillo every day. I told her if she was lucky she would appear on the blog:o)

The results are in...

Jamie Rego (a.k.a. little Jamie)...

Jenn....

Jamie Evenson....

Danielle....

Allie...

Simply gorgeous!

Training hard in the 'off-season' is a must at New Leaf...

Even when the hairspray haze thins, we polish our skills and get ready for next year.

Note: All the girls were drafted in the first round after this class.

As always, stay tuned for more...