The Small Things Blog

Weekend Recap

2013-05-21T08:55:00.002-04:00

First, if you are a reader from Oklahoma and experienced any of the devastation from yesterday's tornado and storms, I'm so sorry you had to endure that. The news coverage is nauseating to watch--I can't even come close to imagining what it was like to be there.
I grew up in the midwest so I'm familiar with the threat of severe weather, including tornados, but I never experienced the damage of one while living there.
Raleigh was hit with a few tornados a couple years ago, and my sister and I happened to be driving through the line of the storms. It was scary, but God protected us as we made it back home--only to learn of the extensive damage downtown Raleigh.
Those tornados did not do nearly the amount of damage that the one did yesterday in OK, but I remember the feeling of "man, it happens so quickly and you can lose everything".
I hope and pray for a miracle and that more children will be found, pets will be reunited with their families, and the transition back to reality will be smooth.

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This weekend, my mom flew down for a visit + to participate in her first sprint triathlon with my sister and I. Since doing the triathlon last fall, I had been itching to do another and got my sister and mom on board to join me!
I ended up waking up with migraine symptoms that morning, so had to pull out at the last minute, but I went and supported them from the sidelines!

They both did very well! I'm proud of their hard work and look forward to joining them in another race in the future!

Before the race began!

First photo of them as triathletes!

So while I didn't participate in the race itself, I couldn't help but compare it to the FS Series triathlon from last fall.

This race, put on by Ramblin' Rose, was a shorter distance course, but not by much. It's aimed at beginners, and only women are allowed to participate.

The three of us drove the bike course right before attending the meeting the day prior to the race, and we were left shocked with how rough the course was. The road was in really bad condition in some parts (large potholes and uneven pavement), and there were tons of turns (since it was in a neighborhood). There wasn't really a great place to gain any momentum. We were all pretty disappointed in that. I was surprised that it was course chosen for beginner triathletes--it seemed a little dangerous.

We attended the information meeting so my mom and sister could get a little bit more familiar with how the day was going to go tomorrow. It wasn't well organized, and it was at that meeting we were informed that "Ramlin' Rose assumes that you(the athlete) know the bike course". In other words, they could not give us a straight answer as to whether or not the bike course would be marked.

We looked at each other in shock. There was no way we could memorize the bike course! There were about 25 turns! That information instilled a little bit of fear and frustration in us, and I was again surprised that this was a "beginner" race.

The morning of the race, Justin and I set up our cheering spot right near the bike start/finish and we saw a man assembling signs that said "turn here" for the bike course. I was so relieved for the racer's.

So, in the end, I think everything came together just fine. No one was lost, and one the race began everything seemed to go smoothly. I was just disappointed in the lack of clarity in preparing for the race.

Again, I did not participate, I simply watched. My mom, sister, and my friend Mary who all participated said they would do it again--so I think that's a good sign!

*my sister wrote a recap post here if you are interested!

On Sunday night, my mom and I went to see The Great Gatsby. I was enticed by the first preview I ever saw--and I couldn't wait to see it. My overall thoughts on it? Unimpressed. Yes, it was a beautiful movie as far as the costumes, makeup, hair, party scenes, and "period" aspects. But it was sssssllllllooooooooowwwwwwwwww and long. Too long. Have you seen it? What did you think?

I DID however see a preview for a Tom Hank's movie that comes out this October that looks amazing. It's called Captian Phillips and it's about this event.

I hope you had a nice weekend! I'm working on my "makeup essentials" video that will hopefully be ready this week!

Double Knotted Twist

2013-05-20T11:59:00.005-04:00

Today's hair tutorial will teach you a quick and simple way to get your hair off your neck this summer. It's a bit more "done" than just a ponytail, without taking too many steps!

You can absolutely do this style w/ straight, curly, or wavy hair, but I'd recommend having hair that reaches your collarbone at the very least.

All you need are a few bobby pins, these are my favorite, and some hairspray!

dress: Target

necklace: Jeweliq

High Five for Friday

2013-05-17T08:45:00.002-04:00

I hope you all had a good week!

It has turned to summer around these parts, which is very much right on time, and I'm enjoying the few final weeks of low humidity before my hair starts to become quite a hassle to style!

My mom is coming this weekend and then my family is taking a trip over memorial day weekend down to south carolina--so lots to look forward to next week!

Here are my top 5 things this week!

1. My new iphone case arrived! I ordered this one from Rifle Paper Co. and absolutely love it. I chose the slim case ( I really don't like bulky, rubber-y cases ) and am very pleased with it!

*follow on instagram at K8_smallthings

2. I'm really loving Oscar Blandi's Hair Lift mousse. I mentioned it in a few videos this month, so there's a chance you've heard me talk about it already. I use it in conjunction with Aquage Uplifiting Foam, although each of these products on their own would be great! If you can't get your hands on Aquage products (can only be purchased at Aquage salons), try this from Oscar Blandi.

3. My husband and I celebrated our 4 year wedding anniversary on Wednesday. It has truly been a wonderful 4 years, and I'm so thankful for the time we've had together "just the two of us". While we of course look forward to having children, I'll always cherish these years we had!

4. I deep conditioned my hair with this mask this week. I just love the way it smells and how it makes my hair feel!

5. The mocha cookie crumble has returned to Starbucks for the summer. It will never compare to how delicious the Mint Mocha Chip was (remember that?) but it has become a favorite "dessert" drink of mine!

How was your week? If you write a high five for friday post, link up over at Lauren Elizabeth!

Condition It.

2013-05-16T08:25:00.000-04:00

Amika It's a 10 Macadamia Redken

Summer can be pretty rough on our hair. So can winter. Spring and fall are relatively gentle <---felt the need to include that just so I could go through all the seasons.

It's a great idea to deep condition your hair at the very least once a month. Depending on your texture, condition, and what your stylist recommends--you can deep condition up to once a week (this may be excessive for most textures, and really is aimed at very processed, dry and brittle hair).

If you have virgin hair (hair that has not been colored), and it's in pretty good condition, I'd recommend deep conditioning about once a month.

If you have gently colored hair, maybe a few highlights or occasionally a demi-permanent gloss, it wouldn't hurt to deep condition at least two times a month.

If you have heavily colored hair, dry or brittle hair, or any texture that is excessively dry (colored or not), I'd recommend deep conditioning 2-3 times a month.

The best time to deep condition is after your hair is freshly washed. Distribute a healthy amount of the deep conditioner all over your hair (avoid your roots if you struggle with a lot of oil production) , and rake through it with your fingers to spread it from roots to tips. If you need it, grab a very wide tooth comb, like this one, to comb the product through your hair. Follow the timing directions on the bottle, although most deep conditioners say to leave it in anywhere from 5-15 minutes.

To maximize the benefits, twist your hair gently into a bun, and secure lightly with a plastic clip. Put on a plastic cap, and if you really want to take it to the next level you can wrap a warm towel around your head. Place cucumbers slices on your eyes and take a nap. That's an order.

Deep conditioned hair may weigh a little bit more than usual, so don't be surprised if your hair feels heavy or very soft afterwards. It's a good sign. My hair usually needs a rest day when I deep condition it, and it's back to normal the following day.

My favorite deep conditioner is the Amika Nourishing Mask. I received a sample of it in a Birchbox awhile ago and fell in love with it. I just ordered the tub using some Birchbox points! It may be the best smelling hair product on the market.

If you don't know where to start when picking out a deep conditioner, ask your stylist. He or she can help you based on what they see your hair may need. Proteins for building, oils for softening, etc.

Happy hair conditioning!

Love Your Hair

2013-05-15T08:56:00.001-04:00

The right hair product can make or break a fantastic haircut.

As a hairstylist, saying that I'm a "product junkie" is quite the understatement. I love trying out new products and mixing and matching until I find the perfect concoctions. There's such a huge variety in hair textures and needs and, thankfully, there are thousands of products that serve as styling aids to help encourage a great hair day. I've enjoyed the challenge of pairing the right product with the right texture in my experience of working behind the chair. I know the feeling of a "good hair day" and really hope my clients experience those more often than not!

ULTA Beauty is celebrating "Love Your Hair" for 21 days, May 12-June 1. It includes hair events, demos, and prizes that are sure to help you love your hair. Everyday there will be a Beauty Steal™ on hair products and tools--a great time to stock up on your favorites or try out something new!

These were some of my favorite products that will be offered during the Love Your Hair event. Abba Shampoo and Conditioner was new to me, but I was pretty impressed. It was light and fresh. I also really loved the silkiness that Orofluido Beauty Elixir left on my ends. I was able to get great volume, which is my measure of hair product success, after using a few of these!

There are so many products to choose from, it's hard not to find something you'll love.

ULTA Beauty is promoting a "hair pledge" for women to love the hair they have for a chance to win free blowouts for a year. I'm a big advocate for loving your hair, so I love that ULTA is encouraging women to look at their hair in a positive light. All you have to do is tweet your hair pledge with the hashtag #ULTAhairpledge and you'll be entered to win. This starts on May 12th.

On top of this Love Your Hair event, ULTA Beauty and BlogHer have provided a $100.00 ULTA Beauty gift card for me to giveaway to a lucky reader! Enter to win by answering the question in bold (leave your e-mail address in the comment too!)below.

Are you an experimenter, or a "I'll stick with what I know works" kind of product user? I have my all-time favorites, that I always have in back stock under my bathroom sink, but I love incorporating something new that looks appealing.

Sweepstakes Rules:

You may receive (2) total entries by selecting from the following entry methods:

a) Leave a comment in response to the sweepstakes prompt on this post

b) Tweet (public message) about this promotion; including exactly the following unique term in your tweet message: "#SweepstakesEntry"; and leave the URL to that tweet in a comment on this post

c) Blog about this promotion, including a disclosure that you are receiving a sweepstakes entry in exchange for writing the blog post, and leave the URL to that post in a comment on this post

d) For those with no Twitter or blog, read the official rules to learn about an alternate form of entry.

This giveaway is open to US Residents age 18 or older. Winners will be selected via random draw, and will be notified by e-mail. You have 72 hours to get back to me, otherwise a new winner will be selected.

The Official Rules are available here.

This sweepstakes runs from 5/15/13 – 6/1/13.

Be sure to visit the ULTA Beauty page on BlogHer.com where you can read other bloggers’ reviews and find more chances to win!

Homemade Rosemary and Peppermint Foot Scrub

2013-05-14T09:32:00.002-04:00

We're approaching that time of year where sandals and other strappy toe & heel baring shoes make their way into our wardrobe. And if you're like me and haven't had a pedicure in about a 5 months it may be time to give your feet a little tlc.

What you won't find on this post? Photos of my feet. Not because I don't like them, I think they are fine, but simply because there is no way, NO WAY I tell you, to photograph feet in a "cute, blog-able" way. So, I will trust that your imaginations will fill in the "steps" where my feet are not shown.

First, this is the easiest project you may ever do. And you can create whatever "flavor" or type of scrub you desire. You can swap out salt for sugar, kosher salt for sea salt, peppermint for vanilla, etc. It's completely up to you.

I was in a minty fresh mood when I created this scrub so I reached for the peppermint essential oil and the rosemary. I was wavering between that combo or perhaps grinding up some coffee beans and mixing a little vanilla in for a coffee scrub. Maybe I'll do that next week.

So, grab your ingredients of choice and measure out, to your liking, what you would like to mix it. I like using table salt and kosher salt for a variety in grit.

Here are my rough measurements for a 1 time use scrub on 2 feet.

1/4 cup Kosher salt

1 tbsp table salt

1 tsp coconut oil

2 tbsp olive oil

3 drops peppermint oil

1/2 tsp rosemary

Toss everything in a cup, and stir together. If it's too dry, add a bit more oil. If it's too wet, add more salt.

I loved the fresh smell of this scrub and the peppermint oil completely cleared my sinuses as I used in on the shower*. My feet felt smooth and hydrated when I was finished.

Have you made a homemade scrub before? What are your favorite ingredients?

*of course, be careful using this in the shower since the oil will be slippery on the shower floor. And use a plastic container, instead of glass, to avoid a potential disaster of glass shards in the shower from a broken dish. This did not happen, but in hindside I should have grabbed a plastic bowl!

Double Braided Ponytail tutorial

2013-05-13T08:08:00.004-04:00

Today's tutorial is a quick and simple way to wear a ponytail. It's perfect to prepare for those hot summer months when you just want your hair off your neck!

While I did this tutorial on straight hair, I think it would look great on curly hair as well, so don't hesitate to give it a try even though your texture may be a bit different.

The type of french braid I did in this tutorial is called a dutch braid, and you can learn how to do that here.

Recovery

2013-05-09T08:47:00.004-04:00

The thing about being under the weather is that everything on your "to do" list never gets done.

My house is a mess.

I have spent literally the bare minimum amount of time on my blog this week.

All I do is sit on the couch after an exhausting day at the studio.

Grits has been my buddy.

It's mentally hard to be sick! And I've really realized how much I take my health for granted! I have a to do list a mile long and usually I chip away at it at a regular pace. But this week, it became stagnant. And I really struggle with that.

I'm not good at rest. I like to do. I like to go go go and take on new responsibilities and projects. But I learned a very valuable lesson this week--rest is good. And there are going to be chapters in my life that require rest. And that's okay. Be prepared for those.

So, I've added a few more things to my "to do" list now that I'm feeling better. First, draft some back up posts for weeks like this. I usually spend a little bit of time on the weekend and a lot of time on Mondays and Tuesdays when I'm not in the studio to draft my posts for the week ahead. But when the weekend and my blog work days are taken from me? I got nothin'.

Secondly, I'd love to embrace rest better--and not look at it as a hinderance.

I'm filming a new tutorial this weekend for Monday (glad to be getting back to doing those!) and hoping to have fresh, new content all next week! Thanks for bearing with me during this dud week here on the blog.

Mothers (or mother-figure) Gift Guide

2013-05-08T09:47:00.001-04:00

While I was certainly blessed with a wonderful mother, there have been several other women in my life that have been particularly meaningful to me as well. And as this day approaches where we "honor" our mothers with a gift or sentiment, I think it's also important to be sensitive to those who don't look forward to this day--for whatever reason.

I know so many women who have lost their mothers, who are longing to become mothers themselves, or never had a relationship with their mother.

So for the women in your life, who have had some sort of "motherly" affect on you--I think we should thank them too. And yes, their birthday is a good time to do that --but I imagine a "thank you" card, or small sentiment, on Mother's Day would be particularly meaningful as well.

Here are a few of my top gift picks for that person in your life.

1. Who doesn't love a gift box full of bath items?

2. A mint jewelry box.

3. A pretty catch-all bowl.

4. Lovely hand creme.

5. Very decadent body products.

6. One of those beauty items that is nice to have that you wouldn't often think to buy for yourself.

7. Cute little animals that could live on a side table.

8. A magazine subscription--the gift that keeps on giving!

9. Such a cute, and useful, salt pig. I'd love to own this--I'm a big salt fan!

Stella and Dot Giveaway

2013-05-07T15:54:00.003-04:00

If there are two things I collect way too many of it would be notebooks and bags. I have bags full of smaller bags and boxes full of unused notebooks. It's a problem.

I just love them. And the bags actually get used, unlike the notebooks.

I love my new striped wristlet/wallet from Stella and Dot. It's perfect for throwing a few cards in, along with your cell phone, and running errands when you don't want to haul around your entire purse.

The elephant patterned bag is a perfect catch-all for lipsticks that I'm not carrying with me.

Also, I had to snap a quick pick of these cute pencils (that happen to match the elephant bag perfectly!) from Amanda Catherine Designs.

Would you like to win the Elephant Pouf and Navy Stripe Zippered Tech Case (pictured above)? Each item is actually on waitlist until July so you are extra lucky to win them if you do!

Enter using the giveaway tool below.

*pencils not included in this giveaway

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Pause

2013-05-05T13:46:00.003-04:00

via flickr

Good Morning! I have been a little bit under the weather this weekend so I haven't been able to prep a post for today.

Planning on getting back to it as usual (possibly squeezing in a fresh hair tutorial this week too) tomorrow.

Thanks for understanding, and have a nice day!

Fuschia and a Blazer

2013-05-03T08:22:00.004-04:00

Today I'm wearing a few more items from Hot Mama. I introduced this store, that may be new to some of you, last week in this post.

*a few of you learned last week not to google "hotmama.com", but instead search for "SHOPmama.com". Sorry I forgot to warn you!

It's no secret that I've developed a deep, deep love for nearly any color in the "purple" range these days. I think Pantone may have really missed the boat this year (Emerald, really?)!

Also, I have finally found a blazer that doesn't make my shoulders look like the side of line-backers. Maybe it's just me, but I've been searching for a casual blazer for, honestly, a few years now but haven't been able to find one "fitted" enough that isn't too dressy.

I'm glad to work this into my wardrobe especially pairing it with "flowy" or looser tops that I wear since a cardigan isn't' usually the best match for those types of tops. Something with structure and shape balances out the loose fitting top.

top: c/o Hot Mama (shopmama.com)

blazer: c/o Hot Mama (shopmama.com)

necklace: c/o Hot Mama (shopmama.com)

jeans: Gap, hand-me-up from sister

wedges: Nine West

nails: Essie's Califoria Coral

I hope you have had a nice week, and enjoy the weekend!

One Love Organics

2013-05-02T08:45:00.000-04:00

I'll be honest, the very first enticing thing about these products was the packaging. I stumbled across One Love Organics while I was perusing various beauty blogs (find my blogroll here), and upon discovering it I spent nearly 30 minutes clicking around and learning everything I could about it. I liked their mission, and the fact that they focus on quality ingredients and advanced methods for creating a really fantastic product.

Ever since my skin cleared up completely (which I think is mainly cause from using Arbonne products), I'm hesitant to add anything new to my skin care regimen. I look for gentle, natural and "clean" products to test out to keep things as simple as possible for my skin. One Love Organics fit all of those requirements.

The Supercritical Chia is oh-my-gosh hydrating with absolutely, absolutely no shine/greasy residue. I have dry, dehydrated skin that can get oily from lack of moisture (over-production), so keeping it hydrated with the right products is essential. One little drop of the Supercritical Chia on the outside of my nose, and on the dryness around my chin/cheeks, is all I need. My skin absorbs it immediately, and I don't see a hint of dryness the rest of the day. I use it morning and evening.

The Love Springs Eternal is a light youth preserving serum. Just like the Supercritical Chia, and every One Love product, there is not a single hint of residue. I dot it on my forehead, a dot on each cheek, and one on my chin and then rub it in. It feels fresh and light. I only use this at night.

Morning Glory has become a favorite hydrating and refreshing product to use right after the shower. It's a bit of a toner, brightener, and stimulator all mixed in one. I apply a few drops before applying my makeup primer and love the finish it gives my skin.

I'm so glad that these products work for me, and have only benefitted my skin thus far. I'd have to say my favorite is the Supercritical Chia, simply for the hydrating benefits.

If you are interested in trying any of these out, click here. Or, I'd recommend purchasing the sample pack for only $4.95. Maybe slip it into your Mother's Day gift? Or keep it for yourself, your mom will never know.

*I did recieve these products as a gift, but all opinions are my own. I enjoy reviewing things and sharing it with my readers in the hopes to "do some of the homework" for you :)

It matters

2013-05-01T09:11:00.002-04:00

I recently had the absolute pleasure of meeting Kari, her sister and her friend. She tweeted at me asking if I knew anyone in the area that could come to the hospital to cut her hair before it fell out from the chemo.

Kari was recently diagnosed with Lukemia, you can read about it here, is staying at a local hospital while she goes through treatment/chemotherapy.

I read that tweet and felt the weight of sadness, fear, and hope all at the same time. And I wanted to give her an adorable haircut that she could rock for these next few weeks with her hair.

So I tweeted back at her, and we began e-mailing making plans.

My husband joined me and we got up on a Sunday morning a few weeks ago and headed over to the hospital.

We found Kari's room, knocked on the door, and were greeted with a cheerful and happy woman and her friends.

Kari's room was covered in photos of her three girls, her husband, and family members. She had cards strung across the window, and her sister and friend looked like they were busy working on little projects for her.

We all chatted for a bit, and then got down to business. Kari's hair was a few inches past her collar bone, and she wanted something shorter so it wouldn't hurt quite as bad as it came out. The longer the hair, the heavier the "pull" on the follicle.

*I swear she wasn't as scared as she looks here ;)

She had a *perfect* face shape for a chin length bob, so I cut off her hair and gave her a fresh new look. While I think it was hard for her to loose her beautiful,wavy locks, I think she was glad to have it shorter during this time.

While we were all chatting about our mutual love for musicals and such, Kari mentioned that she will need a bone marrow transplant. And her sister isn't a full-blood relative so there's only a slight chance that she'll be a match. (I believe it's still risky even if you are full-blood relatives, but correct me if I'm wrong.)

Her sister told me about a website where you can sign up to a registry and be a match if a patient needs a transplant, and you can find all that information here.

It was truly such a gift to be able to meet Kari and lighten up her load a little bit, in something as simple as a haircut. It's such a perfect example of how God can use something that can be deemed "vain" as something really meaningful and uplifting.

It's so good for me to be reminded of this as well. This industry doesn't have to be ultimately self-fufilling and self-focused. It can be used as a gift, an act of kindness, or a favor.

I hope you are encouraged too, in whatever it is that you do, that it doesn't have to be simply what the world makes it to be--you can take advantage of opportunities you are presented with to really make it much more than that.

If you are interested in following Kari's story, you can read all about it here.

Favorite Places to Shop

2013-04-30T10:29:00.002-04:00

I'm a repeat-er. A boring, predictable, comfort-zone shopper. I go to the same places over and over and over, and I'm perfectly happy with it.

I rounded up my favorite places, and thought I'd share them with you.

I'm assuming you've heard of all of these places, other than Jeweliq. I discovered Jeweliq in Lucky Magazine a few months ago and it has become my favorite place for statement jewelry.

Are you a repeat-er? Or do you like to spice it up every once in awhile?

Caroline G giveaway

2013-04-30T09:34:00.005-04:00

Carrie, or should I say "care-bear", and I met at an event through our church a little over a year ago. I remember meeting her, only getting a few minutes to talk to her, connecting over blogging/online business, and setting up a date to chat more at Panera.

The first time we met, we both showed up at different Panera's and had to tweet at each other to find out where the other one was since we hadn't even exchanged phone numbers. #bloggerproblems

We immediately connected, and she has become a dear friend since. She also has become my personal supplier of trendy statement necklaces.

She frequently runs promotions on Facebook so I highly recommend liking the Facebook page to stay in the loop! Like her on Instagram too!

Today she's giving away a $100 store credit to THREE winners! Enter using the giveaway tool below!

If you just can't wait and have to shop now, use discount code "Small50" for 50% off your order in her shop!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Wen : my experience and thoughts

2013-04-29T09:11:00.004-04:00

The great Wen-speriment, or so I called it.

A question that I'm asked over and over again is "What do you think about Wen?". I'd answer based on my limited experience using it on a single client who brings her Wen with her to every appointment. And for her, it works very well. I've enjoyed the aroma of it, and the consistency. I understood the concept behind the product.

Oftentimes we "over-shampoo" due to habit. Shampooing the hair is really only intended for cleaning off the scalp and hair, and usually we don't "dirty-up" our heads enough in 1 day to require a fresh shampoo. It's better for your hair to go a day or two between shampooing to allow your heads' natural ability to produce oil to operate. If you cannot go a day between shampooing, like me, just make sure you are using a great conditioner. And, even though conditioner is mainly needed from mid-shaft to ends, every once in awhile spread it from roots to tips to condition the entire hair shaft.

I thought it would only be fair if I tried Wen myself in order to form an accurate opinion of it. So, I ordered it online a few weeks ago, and shortly thereafter a box containing the cleansing conditioner as well as a few other accessory products arrived. I also noted that upon my purchase of Wen online, I was automatically signed up to receive it every 90 days. I despise when companies automatically sign you up for a subscription service. I made a mental note to cancel the subscription when I was finished reviewing it.

A little background: I would describe my hair as dry, damaged, and heavily colored. My scalp is dry, and I'm not sure I've ever seen a hint of oil at my roots. So, I assumed Wen would be quite perfect for my texture. I didn't have to worry about my hair being oily, since I've never struggled with that before.

Day 1: I washed my hair twice with Wen. I applied 16 pumps of the product all over my wet hair, ran my fingers through it to evenly distribute, and let it sit for a few minutes. Next I stuck my head under the shower to add a little water to it. Then I scrubbed the product around using the pads of my fingers to "clean" my scalp and roots. I rinsed well and then repeated.

I applied Aquage Uplifting Foam, like usual, to my scalp. During the blow dry, I noticed that my ends seemed extra dry. This didn't' surprise me. I was focused on cleaning the product out of my scalp during the final rinse so I didn't leave enough behind to really smooth down my dry ends. A smoothing product would have remedied this, but I was letting Wen to all of the work.

Once my hair was dry, I brushed through it a final time and thought, "Well, not bad." Other than my dry ends, everything looked fine. My hair cooperated when I styled it, and lasted throughout the day like always.

Day 2: I repeated the same process from Day 1, but didn't rinse quite as much product out in an effort to keep my ends hydrated.

I applied my root lifter, and began to blow my hair dry. I noticed that it felt a little bit like there was a layer of product on my hair, but nothing that was too terrible. I wasn't able to achieve as much volume that day when styling, and also noticed a bit of static electricity. Otherwise, everything else was pretty normal. Roots looked clean, ends were still slightly dry, and hair looked fine.

Day 3: I repeated the same process from Day 1. My hair felt caked on with product in the shower, but I followed the steps and did only what I was instructed to do from the directions on the bottle.

I applied my root lifter and began to blow-dry. I noticed more "pull" than usually as I brushed through my hair. As if I was brushing through really heavy/knotty hair. I assumed it was due to the now 3 days of product that hadn't been "traditionally" cleaned off my scalp and hair.

My hair was heavy, and while it didn't look oily, it felt like there was a layer of waxy residue all over it. I styled as usual and it went right into a ponytail. It was weighed down and I had to get it off my shoulders.

By the end of Day 3 my scalp became a bit itchy, and I was frustrated with the feeling of my hair.

So, on Day 4, I relapsed into my old ways. I shampoo'd my hair with Purology Hydrate, and conditioned with the coordinating conditioner. It was luxurious. I felt like the models in the "Herbal Essences" commercials. I've never enjoyed shampooing my hair quite like I did that say.

I applied my root lifter, blew it dry, and my hair styled like a dream.

So, what do I think of Wen?

I'm not a fan. I don't think it's for everyone. I don't think it's a great product for those of us who use a few styling products on a daily basis. I found that it's quite heavy too.

If you use it and like it, keep using it! I don't think you need to avoid it (it doesn't do bad things to your hair), I simply wasn't impressed with it.

Some may argue that I didn't give it a long enough chance to work. While that may be true, it wasn't worth a few annoying and itchy hair/scalp days to push through it. Plus, that rate at which product was building up on my hair shaft was not enjoyable.

However, I do think it can be an option for women, or men, who have normal, slightly dry, or coarse hair without a ton of oil production at their roots. And also who don't use a lot of styling products in their hair.

My client who faithfully brings her Wen product with her is a perfect example of a successful Wen user.

If you want to try it, try it. If you are on the fence, I'd say don't bother.

Be aware that you are automatically subscribed to receive product every 90 days if you buy online. You can also find Wen products at Sephora. Wen does offer a money back guarantee, and you can read all the details about that here.

It's nearly impossible to figure out how to cancel your Wen subscription on the website. This is not a surprise to me. I canceled my subscription easily by accessing the "live chat" option at the bottom of the main webpage, and it was completely harmless. The live chat option is available 24/7.

Q & A (from my Facebook page)
1. Does it make your hair fall out?
I can't speak to this since it didn't happen to me, but I can't imagine that Wen makes your hair fall out. It's normal to loose some amount of hair on a daily basis and perhaps users who thought their hair was falling out just became more aware of otherwise normal hair loss.
2. Does it clean your hair?
Yes, but very lightly. The whole concept is that it won't overly clean your hair, and that users only need a gentle, conditioning cleanse. Your natural hair oil, or dryness, will determine how clean it feels to you.
3. Can I still go 2-3 days between shampooing when I use Wen?
You'll likely have a more difficult time going longer between shampoo's since your hair will not be squeaky clean to begin with, but the idea is that it will balance out your scalps oil production over time.

*Wen has no idea who I am, I purchased this product for myself, and this review is simply my opinion.

A slouchy tee : day to evening

2013-04-26T07:46:00.001-04:00

We're in this strange phase of either 80 or 65 degrees here in North Carolina. Don't get me wrong, part of me is glad, since my love for wearing scarves can live on just a little bit longer.

More than ever I've been drawn to slightly slouchy, relaxed t-shirts that aren't super casual but aren't too dressy or blouse-like either. A perfect example of what I mean is what I'm wearing in this post. The material is "drapey" and comfortable, and it can be pretty versatile. I love the zippers at the shoulders, and the slouchy pocket.

This top (and the scarf shown below) came from Hot Mama (shopmama.com). Have you heard of that store? You might be thinking the same thing I was when I first heard about it-- "oh, cute maternity store name. . ." but you are wrong! It is not a maternity store. It's full of really cool, trendy and classic pieces that will live in your wardrobe for many seasons. Whenever I'm home, my mom, sister and I will pop into the Hot Mama in Naperville. I can't wait until they branch out down south!

I'm a big supporter of entrepreneurs, so I loved reading the story of how Hot Mama began.

For running errands, I throw this top on with my favorite skinny ankle jeans and some mini-wedges.

top: c/o Hot Mama (I'm wearing a small)

jeans: J.Crew Factory

mini wedges: Madewell (on sale)

If I have plans later that evening, I just switch out my shoes and throw on a scarf (if it's one of those 65 degree days), and if I *could* wear earrings I would put on some bright, summery ones.

top: c/o Hot Mama (I'm wearing a Small)

jeans: J.Crew Factory

peep toe wedges: Nine West (so comfortable)

scarf: c/o Hot Mama

Just two little subtle changes, and the outfit feels refreshed and a tiny bit more dressed up. Adding a layer, whether it be jewelry, a scarf, or a sweater, will instantly spice up even the most simple of outfits.

*nails: Essie's California Coral

April Favorites

2013-04-24T08:24:00.001-04:00

I enjoyed filming my last favorites video so much that I decided to do another one.

And somehow I picked a day to film when I was feeling particularly chatty. If this is your first time watching me on video, you will quickly learn that I like to kid around and I clearly don't take myself too seriously.

If you've seen me on video before, this is old news.

Laura Mercier Body and Bath Set in Fresh Fig. This is a really soft and pretty scent, and would make a fantastic gift. The scrub is not too abrasive and makes your skin feel so smooth, and the creme is hydrating and non-greasy.

Caudalie Beauty Elixer. A bit of a splurge, in that it isn't the most practical of products, but I quite enjoy spritzing it on after my shower in the morning. It's a toner, hydrator and refresher with a really nice scent.

Oscar Blandi Hair Lift. I used this product in this tutorial, and it has truly become an essential for me. It's a fantastic volumizer.

Oscar Blandi Dry Styling Heat Protect Spray. A weightless heat protector that can be used on wet or dry hair. Not my favorite smell of all time, but weightless and residue-free.

Living Proof Restore Discovery Kit. This line is hydrating, repairing, and conditioning without the heavy waxy residue that some other lines tend to leave behind. The deep conditioner is fantastic too.

Bare Escentuals Ready Luminizer. (it's still on sale!) I love this highlighting bronzy-product for adding a glow to my skin.

Bobbi Brown Corrector. (porcelain peach) This is my first Bobbi Brown product and I have to say that I'm quite impressed. It corrects my dark circles better than ever. It's thick, so a little goes a long way.

MAKE blush in Limoges Pink. A bright summery pink that is highly pigmented and leaves a fresh color on the cheeks. Just a light dusting is enough. But it's really a pretty pink color.

*I received this blush as a gift, but was not compensated for this review. Opinions are honest and my own.

Soft and Natural Eye Makeup Tutorial

2013-04-23T08:04:00.001-04:00

Every once in awhile I like to lighten up my eye makeup and experiment more with fun lip colors (think coral, pink, etc). I've found a great mix of shadows that add definition and color to my eyes, without being to dark.

This is the first time I've purchased Urban Decay eyeshadows, and I have to say I'm quite impressed. There is absolutely no fall out during the application, and the colors are blend-able and smooth. Plus, the brand itself is cruelty-free (no animal testing), and a handful of their products are vegan (including both of the eyeshadows used in this tutorial), so I enjoy supporting a company that focuses on those things.

MAKE eyeshadow in Alabaster ; Urban Decay Laced ; Urban Decay Tease ; Maybelline Barely Branded 24 color tattoo ; Revlon Colorstay Gel Liner

I used Maybelline's color tattoo as my lid primer. I've heard great things about it so I wanted to try it out. It's fantastic either worn alone as a shadow, or used as a primer.

*I have residual liner + mascara on since I had to squeeze this tutorial in after I had already done my makeup. So, if you are starting from the beginning, as you should, just follow the same steps but save liner + mascara for last.

Use your finger to apply lid primer/color tattoo.

Grab a fluffy eyeshadow brush and sweep Laced all over the lid.

Pick up an angled eyeshadow brush, or a less-fluffy brush, and press Tease into the outer corners and crease.

Grab a clean fluffy brush and sweep Alabaster across your brow bone, blending down towards your eyelid to soften the darker brown.

I like the tiny little brush that comes with Revlon's Gel Liner since you hold it so close to you eye. Use that, or whatever brush you prefer, and line your upper lashes.

Swipe mascara on both the top and bottom lashes and you are finished!

questions about brushes? see this post

questions about my daily makeup routine? see this post

Another nice thing about starting the day with lighter shadow is that it's build-able if you are going out later that evening. All I would do to switch this look from day to night is add a little bit more liner to my lower lash line and swipe a darker charcoal shade across the lid (except for the inner corner).

Just Bend The Ends Hair Tutorial

2013-04-22T08:11:00.002-04:00

Sometimes just a soft bend in the ends is all you need to style your hair. The larger the curling iron, the softer the bend--so I chose a 2 inch barrel curling iron for this look.

I mention this in the video, but along with my usual Aquage Uplifting Foam product, I added Oscar Blandi Hair Lift Mousse to add fullness all over my hair (instead of just at the roots). I am so impressed with it. It's the best all over volumizer I have ever used. It isn't sticky, nor heavy. And it also helps your hair hold the shape for longer during the day. I can't say enough great things about it, and I highly recommend it if you are in the market for a volumizer. You can find it at Ulta or search the Oscar Blandi website for stores/salons near you.

This style will settle in and loosen up as you go about your day, so even if it looks "too" curly right after you finish, plan on it softening and loosening up. *here is the link to the soft swoop tutorial for styling your bangs like I did here.

I also did a short teasing lesson near minute 09:10.

lips: Revlon Just Bitten in Cherished

A thoughtful gift

2013-04-19T08:30:00.003-04:00

Yesterday was my husband's birthday! He turned 31. And although we've been married nearly 4 years, and together for 7, yesterday was the first time I gave him a thoughtful, unique gift. I've always been a practical gift giver. Gift cards or functional/daily use types of gifts are fantastic and easy, but I've now seen how much more fun it is to give a thoughtful gift.

My husband was in the Air Force for about 4 years, and during that time he got some coins. Each coin represents different things/achievements.

They used to be stored on top his dresser, before we were married, but as soon as I moved in they were pushed toward the back. And every time we would move, he would wonder where those coins were, since we never kept them in a special place.

So, I started thinking about getting him a frame or something for the coins. And I wanted something that was unique. I searched Pinterest and came up with nothing. I searched on Etsy, and after clicking through a few pages, I came across this shop.

And I saw this coin holder:

photo from WoodSimplyMade

I loved it. I thought it was even better than a frame since the coins can be picked up and moved around. Plus, there is room for more if he ever wanted to get more.

Mike, the shop owner, was fantastic to work with. His communication is great, and shipping is quick.

I gave it to Justin last night, and he really liked it. He placed the coins in it and then placed it on our mantle. I asked him where he was going to actually keep it, and he mentioned that he might bring it to work.

That was the best answer I could have imagined! I was so happy that he liked it, and finally had a specific place to store and show off his coins.

It was a simply low key birthday, but inspired me to be a little bit more creative with my gift giving.

top humidity blockers

2013-04-18T07:40:00.002-04:00

It doesn't take a lot of humidity to ruin a hairstyle. And hair can do many different things in humid climates. Most women struggle with frizz and unruly curls, while others (like me) struggle with limp and lifeless locks.

These are some top humidity fighters that will help keep your style looking as good as possible.

1. KMS Hair Stay. Completely weightless, it's an aeorosol spray that creates a "shield" from humidity. I spray this on after I finish setting my style. In other words, it's the last product I use.

2. Redken Real Control Slim Supreme. Also weightless, apply this product on damp hair, before blowdrying, and then glide a pump through dry, styled hair. It's great for providing a smooth finish and cutting down on frizziness.

3. Garnier Fructis Silk and Shine Anti-Humidity Hairspray. While I haven't used this personally, it received great reviews for a humidity-blocking hairspray. Use sparingly! Hairspray, in any form, plus humidity is never a great combo.

4. Redken Outshine. A smooth, thick creamy product that will tame dry, frizzy hair. Apply it midshaft to ends, and make sure to work it through evenly. Not great for fine hair.

5. Redken Sheer Straight. A great alternative to Outshine for fine hair. I love using this product on any texture of hair. It helps straighten your locks as your blow dry.

6. Aquage Finishing Spray. I reach for a lighter hold hairspray on humid days since I know my hair is going to "melt". The least amount possible will keep my hair from getting sticky.

7. Pureology Super Smooth Smoothing Cream. For exceptionally dry or unruly hair, grab this product. It's thick, and will really help smooth out even the coarsest texture.

DIY gold foil moleskines

2013-04-17T07:35:00.004-04:00

I can't get enough lilac, lavender, violet, purple or gold these days. Am I alone? Is everyone else on the emerald train? Am I alone over here in purple valley?

I've been considering doing a gold foil craft for many months. I first saw The Nester do a project with gold foil and I thought, "cool!", but I didn't want to do plates so I wrote it off. And then it hit me.

"Can I gold foil a journal? And not just any journal, a Moleskine journal?"

So I tried it. And it went "medium well", like a perfect steak.

Before you begin this craft, read the next paragraph.

Gold foil is lighter than air. If you even so much as breathe around it, it will fly everywhere. It's delicate and thin. So, if you are heavy handed, impatient, detail oriented, or high strung, this is not the craft for you. If you don't mind a little "creative detailing" aka mistakes, or messing with gold flecks while you craft, go ahead and try it.

I bought this kit at Michaels, along with adhesive and an aerosol sealing spray (cannot find online, ask at Michaels or a craft store near you).

First, prep your journals with the adhesive. Follow instructions on jar.

Next, "pick up" the foil by pressing a piece of wax paper against in, and then place on the journal.

Use a soft brush to smooth the gold onto the journal.

Once the gold is adheared, use the brush to smooth away the extra foil on the edges. It's not going to be perfect. It's okay.

Finish with a sealer, and enjoy your new journals!

a simple navy dress (+ a giveaway)

2013-04-16T08:03:00.000-04:00

dress: Target, shoes: Gap outlet (old), similar, jewelry: Lisa Leonard

I've talked about my love for dresses with sleeves enough that this dress shouldn't be a surprise to you. It also shouldn't surprise you that it's from Target. It's comfortable, casual and with a little accessorizing can be a simple outfit for any day of the week.

Since the moment I received this necklace in the mail, I've been wearing it almost daily. It's delicate, long, and the pink quartz seem to go with just about everything I own. I've also been loving the simplicity of the gold chevron necklace. Perfect for layering or wearing by itself.

Both of the necklaces I'm wearing above are from Lisa Leonard, and today you have the chance to win a $50.00 gift card! Lisa Leonard is giving away TWO $50.00 gift cards, and all you need to do is enter using the giveaway tool below.

(psst, be sure to check out the Mother's Day line while you are shopping!

a Rafflecopter giveaway