dying for the first time

[@@lisa@@]

i usually get my hair highlighted at the salon (model night - bargain ) but they couldn't fit me in before xmas (and i'm way to tight to pay for a stylist to do it ) so i was thinking about giving a semi perm colour a go!

i've never-ever dried home dying (not even in my youth) so am a total novice.

i've read through alexandras thread (how did your hair come out alexandra? - another unanswered question lil )
but still have questions....

1. i'm a dark blonde.. any recommendations?
2. i only wash my hair about every 5 days (am i right in thinking they last 6 washes?) so will it last about 5 weeks?
3. if i hate it and wash my hair every day for 6 days will it go away?
4. will the highlighted bits in my hair come out lighter?
5. as a total novice.. am i going to totally f**k up
6. should i just wait til after xmas and have it highlighted... can i stand the grey bits in my roots til then

helpppppppppp

lisa xx