Tonight: Fall Collection

Well, folks, the Battle Royal culminates tonight. I can't tell you how appreciative I am of your support (even if you supported my arch nemesis, Natasha). What you really did was support a wonderful cause, Resonance Center for Women, which works every day to make better the lives of women in Tulsa.

The other thing you did was give two tired old mommies much-needed makeovers. Yeah, I know, only the contest winner was supposed to get the makeover, but since you guys helped us RAISE $1,140 FOR RESONANCE, we figured we both deserved one.

And now, for the unveiling. I liken this moment to one of my son's favorite board books, called Yummy Yucky.


Mommy without makeup is YUCKY.

Mommy with her new makeover is YUMMY!


Thanks, all! And, if you'd like to see Natasha's makeover as well (the only photo I took of her was mid-rinse. See below), come to Ihloff Fall Collection tonight in the Assembly Hall of the Tulsa Convention Center, 100 Civic Center, at 7pm. Tickets are only $15 in advance at either Ihloff location or $20 at the door, and all proceeds go to Resonance. Not only will you see the results of Natasha's and my makeovers, you'll also see Resonance clients made over and strutting their stuff and about 50 local models, decked out in fairy tale garb, with hair designed by the Ihloff Creative Team.

Thanks again for your support, and I hope to see you tonight!

Battle Royal: Pick Your Princess

My friend Natasha is beautiful. She’s got this gorgeous, thick hair, virtually unblemished skin and pouty, full lips.

That’s why she’s going down.

There’s been some speculation that Tasha and I might very well be the same person. We’re both energetic gals about town with babies of similar age. We’re both writers, and we write mostly for the same publications. And we both like giving back to the community — especially when there’s a little competition involved.

Now would be a good time to assure you that Tasha and I are in fact very different people. But we want the same things: To raise lots and lots of money for Resonance Center for Women and to get a free makeover in the process. And I definitely need a makeover more than Natasha.

Resonance is a volunteer-based nonprofit organization dedicated to providing a support system for women facing life’s challenges. The organization was founded in 1977 by Eleanor Hill, who was suddenly widowed by her husband. She established Resonance in a house on the grounds of St. John’s Episcopal Church, and along with a group of volunteers, began offering services that included free listening sessions, on-going support groups and educational workshops.

Resonance provides counseling, substance abuse treatment, career and job services, resources and referrals. In total, Resonance has served more than 250,000 women and families. Each month Resonance receives 1,200 phone calls for information, appointments, or referrals, and serves an average of 350 clients.

Resonance is privately funded and receives no federal or state funding and is not a United Way agency. It is supported by individuals, foundations, corporations, churches, workshop fees and revenue generated by special events.

One of its top supporters is Marilyn Ihloff and Ihloff Salon and Day Spa. Annually, the Ihloff creative team hosts the Fall Collection, a high-energy fashion show that displays the team’s undeniable creativity when it comes to hair and makeup. The show, this year on Oct. 22 at the Tulsa Convention Center’s Assembly Hall, donates proceeds to Resonance and provides Resonance clients, as well as community members, with makeovers.

I want one of those makeovers.

And I’m willing to duke it out with my good friend and colleague in order to get one. But I need your help. (And so does Resonance.) We need you to donate money to Resonance in my name (or, if you like her better, Tasha’s name) between now and Oct. 14. The sassy lady who raises the most money for Resonance gets a makeover and to walk in the Ihloff Creative Team Fall Collection.

To find out the winner of the contest, buy a ticket to Fall Collection (more money for Resonance). The winner will be announced there. And, you’ll get to see whichever of us got the hot new makeover strut our stuff on the catwalk. And the other one crying alone in the corner.

You don’t have to donate a ton of money. $5, $10 or $20 helps. Everything helps. But if you want to give more, do it. Just do it under my name. You can donate via Resonance’s Facebook page here. Tell all your friends.

Follow @hwall, @tashadoestulsa and @ResonanceTulsa on Twitter and visit our Facebook pages to keep up with the competition. It’ll be good, I promise.