It was Carolyn Stanbury (Ladies of London) that inspired my transition from long black hair to a blonde bob. Although my amazing hairstylist was eager to give me a new look and willing to put in the time, I'm sure he thought I was having a 'life crisis'! After a lengthy chat about color choices and what to expect, it began..

Cutting my hair was the easy part and I still don a Carolyn Stanbury bob. The bleaching process was terrifying. It didn't hurt, but watching my hair turn bright orange triggered regret. After two bleaching sessions, a beautiful red color application and a much needed treatment, I was surprised at the results. A few days later, I went back for more. Going forward it would be regular visits to the salon for blond highlights. After the first visit my hair was brown with natural blonde highlights. I was 80% there!

I regret to say I missed my black hair and didn't feel like myself anymore, so I went back to black. I kinda wish I had gone all the way and then determined whether or not the color was for me, but I do love my signature black hair. The lesson here - be sure you want a drastic hair transformation before investing days at the salon and a ridiculous amount of money! I would've liked to post the full-process from black to blonde and pondered posting this video, but figured why not share my experience.

Music Credit: Black is the Color of my True Love's Hair by Nina Simone

It's hot and humid in Santorini.. Fussing with perfect hair and makeup is wasted vacation time, so I'm keeping it simple. Bronzer and coral blush are enough to brighten my complexion and give a natural glow (of course I'm avoiding to tan my face). Bronzer allows for consistent color all over without undoing all the facial laser treatments and anti-aging you've worked towards over the years - your face is sensitive and you will regret the sun damage one day. I straightened my hair once and it lasted a few hours - not worth the effort. My hairstyle of choice - a low-bun with pieces falling out. A windblown 'effortless' style.

Accessories are important on vacation and white pieces standout against your sun-kissed skin. Layer bracelets and pile on small rings - opt for tiny rose gold or silver rings on each finger (rose gold looks great on tanned skin). Vacation destinations are great places to shop for accessories - so hit the stores early in your vacation and stock up on local (handmade) accessories.

Accessories pictured here: Dior Chicago Aviators, Bottega Veneta Knot Bracelet, Isabel Marant Bracelet, Gabriela Artigas Rose Simple Rings, Blanca Monros Black Diamond Ring, Ariel Gordon Love Knot Ring, Kate Spade Bow Bracelet.

I'm packing for Santorini, Greece (YAY!) and thought I'd share with you my summer vacation essential cosmetics list and vacation beauty advise. Rule #1 - keep your makeup natural and your routine simple.

Opt for a natural glow with Bobbi Brown Bronzing Powder and Bobbi Brown Blush and Highlighter Cheek Palette - shades of coral brighten your face and accentuate your bronzed skin. Buxom Mascara in black will make your lashes thicker, longer and give you a naturally enhanced look. I'm a lipstick girl, so it's no surprise I have four lip products in my cosmetic bag - Too Faced Lip Injection Extreme for the ultimate pouty lip, YSL Tint-in-Oil lip gloss to nourish my lips, Dior Addict Lip Glow in coral for the perfect summer shade and Bite Beauty BB for lips to hydrate, prime and protect my lips from sun damage.

Where there are tropical temperatures there is usually humidity which = frizzy, unmanageable hair! Don't fuss over a perfect hairstyle and opt for wavy 'I'm on vacation and I don't care' hair. Bumble and Bumble Prêt-à-Powder is a light dry shampoo with a fresh scent (oh and gives great volume when applied to roots). For texture and light hold in your waves use Bumble and Bumble Dryspun Finish.

Protecting your body from sun damage is of the utmost importance. I use Tizo3 sunscreen on my face (day and night, cause it's a great tinted primer), Skin Ceuticals Epidermal Repair for much needed moisturizing after the sun - this cream is used to repair skin after facial procedures and works great on sunburns. After a long day in the sun, the fresh scent of Bliss Fabulous Foaming Face Wash (reminds me of blueberries) will leave your skin feeling rejuvenated - this cleanser removes makeup and oil while gently exfoliating your skin. Bliss Fabulous Foaming Face Wash is effective and refreshing.

Many people comment on my eyelashes - I have been asked what falsies I was wearing more than once.. None, they're real! A quick application of LASHFOOD before bed and my lashes are thicker, longer and healthy. They appear hydrated and silky, my mascara goes on nicely, I never have to curl my lashes and they look smooth. I know - healthy lashes?! You can't go wrong adding nutrition to your lashes or any other part of your body, whether it's inside or out. LASHFOOD is comprised of organic medicinal herbs and there are no harsh side effects. I tried Latisse many years ago and my eyelids turned dark purple - I'm happy the permanent eyeshadow faded over time and caution anyone considering this lash growth method. LASHFOOD natural eyelash enhancer is Ecocert certified (meets standards for natural and organic cosmetics). I highly recommend this product.

You can purchase LASHFOOD at lashfood.com or sephora.com. 

Stimulate your senses and instantly feel rejuvenated in the a.m. with cold water and bliss fabulous foaming face wash - a two-in-one cleanser that removes oil and makeup while gently exfoliating your skin. With a subtle scent of fresh fruit (kinda reminds me of blueberries), this face wash will leave you feeling refreshed and your skin nourished. bliss fabulous foaming face wash is at the top of my 'must have' products list. It is available in three sizes - 2 oz, 6.7 oz and a super-sized 15.5 oz (that'll last you a long time).

Visit blissworld.com and Sephora.com for fabulous foaming face wash and other bliss products.