Why would someone want to copy an IKEA stain/dye? Well, not to split hairs, but not EVERYTHING from IKEA is pressboard and "foil" finish. They havea line called Hemnes that is "solid" wood (lots of finger joints take SOLID to "solid"). Yes, the backer is 3/16 pressboard, but you can replace that with 1/4" or 3/16 ply and for under $200 have a dimensonally stable and not bad looking bookcase. I am building a combo theater/library in my basement and since 125sf of custom book cases is a bit out of my price range, i reached out to IKEA. Voila - $1,200. That wouldn't be a cabinet maker's deposit for the job. Now why to match? Well, i have a fridge that needs to be sunk into a wall and clad to match the bookcases. So, i need to match the finish. Also need to bild a frame around the screen - again need to match finish. It's not Stickley, and we're not varnishing a Barrel-back ChrisCraft, so give this person a break. Oh, and to answer the question directly - don't use oak, use a sandable and relitively un-figured ply (Sandeply at one retailer) and you can get Black-Brown stain directly from IKEA - ar at least you used to be able to. Oak will look wierd next to factory whitewood peices and won't absorb as well.

I have longish straight hair. I only get it cut 2-3x a year usually, and just started dying it again, because my grays are getting out of control. I buy a demi-permanent dye from my salon for only $10 (a little different from a semi perm. but fades out over time the same way), and do it myself at home right after I get it cut.

I know those who are gray might disagree but ......you can look good with gray no doubt, but you do look "older." While in a career, this might not be the best approach. Whether I am gray or not (I am) this makes me sad and angry regardless of whether it's true or not. Like so many other things, when will it change? Part of the power of change lies with us and the willingness to plow ahead and allow visual aging to actually happen. I colored my hair forever and just got sick of the constant upkeep to say nothing of the constant chemical exposure. I wear makeup every day, I style my hair pretty much every day, I work out, I care about the clothes I wear (although I'm far from a fashionista) and take care of my skin, hair, nails etc. so obviously am not saying we shouldn't care about our looks. Hair color is just another way to enhance or change our looks but NOT using it should not keep someone from a desired career any more than choosing not to wear nail polish or mascara should. When are we (people in general but women far more) ever going to be valued for what we bring to the table in talent and experience?

Well ... I've just had another damn haircut! Went back to the guy who cut it last week when I was attempting the messy bob, but found it took too long to get it right before work in the mornings so I was just blowing it out straight, and it was a bit too long to lay right. I'm now shorter on the sides and in back, and very pleased with how simple it is to style this baby into a swinging little bob. I'm done with the changes for now. Only took a month of multiple stylists and entirely too much money to arrive at a style I'm loving. (Eeek. Entirely too much obsession over hair here!)