Every year, Jamie and I take continuing education classes. They help us keep our skills sharp, learn the latest trends & techniques, and most importantly... keep our licenses!!! This year we got to enjoy a special treat, we took the 3 day "Transitions Cut & Color" class at the TIGI Academy in SoHo. This class starts with perfecting our classic hairstyling and cutting technique, and each day moves through more progressive or trendy styles. It's a true evolution of creativity that allows us to personalize each and every one of our client's haircuts and color, once we get back home.

The academy is located at the corner of Greene & Broome St. in trendy Soho. The high ceilings and gorgeous city views made each day of class feel even more special. Each day of class started with our educators cutting and coloring presentation models, which highlighted the trends they are seeing in print and on the streets of NYC. Then, we had an hour lunch break, which to a hairstylist is one of the greatest luxuries of life! When we came back from lunch, we worked on mannequins to recreate the looks we had learned in the morning. This part was extra special to us, because our class was on the small side and we both were able to get one on one training for many of the looks we were working on. It was such a treat!

So, let's pause and talk about food for a sec. When we landed, we immediately dropped our bags and went to Central Park to ride bikes. After doing the six mile circle, we were starving and obviously needed to carb-load. Even though I love trying new places, I had to go back to Pepolino. It's the cutest, Italian restaurant with outdoor seating and superb service and food. It straddles the line of SoHo and Tribeca and across from a stop on the ACE train, so its pretty convenient to most areas downtown or on the west side. Breakfast was easy because everyday we got juice and bagels at Tribeca Bagels, it's right on Canal Street and they'll get you your bacon, egg and cheese on an everything bagel real quick. It's just around the corner from Pepolino's, as well. Delicious!

On our first day of class, I had to take Jamie to Lombardi's Pizza. You have to get pizza in New York, right? Especially with a small group, Lombardi's is pretty quick for lunch. We recommend not getting fancy, keep it classic with a Margherita pizza. You'll thank me later. If you're in the mood for sushi while you're in that neighborhood we recommend visiting Lure Fishbar. The food, the atmosphere and the happy hour prices on sushi were amazing! We stumbled across this place with Emily from the blog Epicurean Emily, it was a delicious night out!

Roby Powers, Philip Downing, and Renee Valerie

After our second day of class we did a touch of shopping, then headed over to the famous Meatpacking District to have dinner with Jamie's friend, Claire. We were able to get a seat at Fatbird, Cat Cora's southern inspired restaurant. I didn't want to like it because I live in the South and I know where to find bomb fried chicken..... But, geez, it was good. Great food, adorable atmosphere, its a must try.

Roby Powers, Jamie, Philip Downing, Shana, Renee Valerie and Brian Adelman

Our third day of class, and our fourth in the city, was bitter sweet. As much as we were filled with knowledge, encouragement and a new love of NYC, we were so excited to come back and share it all with our family, friends and amazing clients. For more pictures from our trip check out the Salon Hue Instagram. We can't wait for our next adventure!