Travel Adventures Set for 2016...So Far

Happy second day of 2016! Wow I really can't believe that 2015 is in the books, it was a really good year for me which was much needed after my 2014. Even though I was sad to see 2015 go I love the new year because it brings so much promise and truly feels like a clean slate. I have made a few goals and no, none of them include dieting but it does include something I love, travel.

Photo Credit: Pinterest

As you have seen in previous travel posts, I know a thing or two about mini-trips and even the hectic 24 hour trip. I've done both of these. A lot. While I wish I could spend a week exploring new cities, states and countries, that isn't a possibility for me with school, work, and budget constraints. However, mini-trips prove you can still travel and be back in time before your alarm for work goes off and it's much easier on your debit card.

Here are the places I already have locked down to travel to in 2016. Some are brand new, others have maybe been visited once or twice but there is still more I would like to see!

1. New Orleans, Louisiana

Confession, I have only been to the Big Easy once in my life. Yes, and I live in the South. I have a weekend trip planned for the last weekend in February for the Rock n Roll New Orleans Half-Marathon but just because I'm running doesn't mean I won't be able to take in all the sights and sounds! Plus, I won't feel guilty about eating beignets, carb loading, right?

Photo Credit: Pinterest

2. Dallas, Texas

Excited to scratch one of the most popular cities in the U.S off my list in March. Longhorns, Cowboys, and everything is supposed to be bigger, right? Can't wait to see what desserts they have and pretty much all the food. It's in the South, so you know it's going to be good. Also excited for shopping, museums and all that the city has to offer!

Photo Credit: Pinterest

3. Gulf Shores, AL (Hangout Festival)

Ok, ok, yes, I have been to Gulf Shores many times, especially since the beach is only a few hours away from Bham. This is however, my first time going to Hangout Music Festival! Pumped to be heading to the beach in May to watch artists like Calvin Harris (T-Swift cameo?), Walk the Moon, Fetty Wap and more take the stage for a weekend to remember!

Photo Credit: Pinterest

4. Denver, Colorado

This is another destination that will be a first timer for me this summer! I'm excited to finally visit the home of the Denver Broncos, mountains, and maybe most of all, Voodoo Doughnut. Might be a little break from the humid and hot weather in the midst of a Southern summer. Pretty excited for this one!

Photo Credit: Pinterest

5. Vancouver, Canada

Grabbing my passport for this August trip! First time in Canada. First time in Vancouver. I have heard nothing but great things about the city and it looks absolutely beautiful! This is going to be a good way to say goodbye to summer which I hope is filled with adventure.

Photo Credit: paradiseintheworld.com

There are several other places I am planning on visiting in 2016 but that will come at a later post when all the details are worked out. What about you? Heading anywhere exciting? How about a place I need to add to my own list? Let me know!

Happy Travels! Let's get out there this year!

xoxo,

Waves and Styles: Hair 101

 

Happy Monday, babes! Hope everyone had the most fantastic of weekends filled with excitement! Or relaxation. Whatever yours was, I hope it was a good one. I have had several requests and questions regarding how I style my hair. So, today's post is all about the hair. Hair is one of those particular features that most females are sensitive and protective over. It is normally one of the first things you notice and everyone has their own individual style.

 

 

Regarding myself, I have very long, very thick Mediterranean (thanks Dad) hair. Although it can sometimes be a pain, I love my hair. This was not always the case. When I was younger, I absolutely hated it. A trip to get my hair trimmed was cause for panic and yes, there was crying. Due to the nature of my hair, it was often filled with tangles and having a tender head, it was torture washing and drying my lion's mane. My youth was often filled with self-consciousness. Being half-Greek along with thick hair, I also had very oily (read: acne prone) skin. I wanted nothing more than to have beautiful straight blonde hair and clear skin to look like all the other girls in school.

 

When I was a pre-teen, I made the super wise decision to cut my hair (which was about waist length) almost all of it off. An afternoon showing of You've Got Mail gave me the idea to get my hair cut like Meg Ryan. I did not look like Meg Ryan. I actually kept the short hair for a couple of years and it wasn't until later (I guess I looked at pictures?) I realized a pixie cut was not flattering on me. It took time to grow my hair out and even when I desired to cut it (I badly wanted Jennifer Aniston's bob circa 2001), I held strong. In high school, my hair was pretty much grown out and I straightened it every morning. Remember the pin-straight look? Again, not flattering on myself. My mom bought me some fun hair products for my birthday and included a set of hot rollers. I thought hot rollers were for old ladies...they are not! From that day, hot rollers have been my number one beauty and hair product that is my go-to, must-have.

Voluminous waves are my signature style and it always makes me happy to get compliments. This look is SO EASY to recreate. It literally takes 10-15 min and here's all the steps you need to know:

 

1. Plug in your Hot Rollers. These Remington rollers are my absolute favorite. The heat from both sides (including the clip) ensures every part of your hair will have a curl/wave.

 

 

 

 2. Take small pieces of hair and roll into individual roller. Depending on how you want the style to look, you can create looser waves by not rolling the hair entirely up to the crown of the head. For a more full look, roll hair right up to the crown. I like to start from the front and work back when setting rollers.

 

3. Once all of hair is rolled, apply make-up. Make-up application can be done while waiting for your waves and curls to set. TIP: if you have bangs do not keep rollers in for more than a minute or two. You will look like a kewpie doll if kept in longer.

 

4. Leave rollers in hair for 10-15 minutes regardless if applying make-up or not. Seriously, that's all you need is 10 minutes!

 

5. Take out rollers and brush out depending on style/look you are going for. If it looks super big and think it looks a little much, just brush curls out until you get desired look. The more you brush, the less curls you will have. TIP: if you want less curls and more waves, just brush out curls to create waves. However, if you brush too much all curls will eventually fade.

 

6. Set style with hairspray if you like and you are DONE!

 

See, just 6 easy steps! I will eventually do a video tutorial on this style and others but though I would share a few tips tonight. Also, if you live in a super humid area like me, I advise putting hair in a low bun or hair clasp till you get to work,school, etc. After you arrive, take hair down and the style is still preserved.

 

You might be wondering what is the best hair style for you. Luckily, this look works on almost all face shapes and can be very flattering. Don't know you face shape? Take a peek below.

 

 

Round

Ask for: long layers, asymmetrical, side swept bangs, loose waves. Careful when it comes to heavy bangs and super short hair styles.

 

 

Kate Upton Loose Waves

(Photo: newbesthairstyles.net)

 

 

Kelly Clarkson Asymmetrical Cut

(Photo Credit: worldhairstyles.com)


 

Emma Stone Long Layers, Side Swept Bangs

(Photo Credit: beauty.about.com)
 

Oval

Can pull off almost any hairstyle (lucky!) Try center parts, pixie cuts, side swooped bangs and sleek blowouts.

Halle Berry Pixie Cut

(Photo Credit: bestpopularhairstyles.com)
 

Heidi Klum Center Part

(Photo: dailymakeover.com)
 

Carrie Underwood Swooped Bangs

(Photo: learnhaircuts.com)
 

Square
Ask for bangs, experiment with bobs, asymmetrical, straight and waves. Be careful with super long hairstyles.

Sandra Bullock Bangs

Photo: trendinghairstyles.com)
 

Nicole Richie Asymmetrical

 

Rosie Huntington-Wheatley Loose Waves

(Photo: glamyhair.com)

 

Heart
Side swept bangs, longer hairstyles, asymmetrical bobs blunt bangs, and pixie cuts are excellent for heart shaped faces. Avoid hairstyles that are super long and just hang with no volume.

Reese Witherspoon Side Fringe

(Photo: slodive.com)

 

Jessica Alba Medium Bob

(Photo: beautifulhairstyles.net)

Taylor Swift Blunt Bangs

(Photo Credit: beautiful hairstyles.net)

 

Go find a new style or update your current one! Most of all pick a style YOU want. You are the one who has to style it and live with it each day so pick one that you personally love. Let your hair be an expression of who you are and no face shape or suggestions can take that away from you. As long as you love it, that is all that matters!

Live in Birmingham, AL and want to create a new look? Fix a bad dye job? New to town and need a stylist? Or maybe you just need a change. I highly recommend dL Salon (ask for Leslie or Debbie) believe me you won't be disappointed!

Happy Styling!

XOXO,

Fringe, Rompers and Jewels on a Budget

 

It is almost Friday! Looks like we've about made it through another week! I hope all of you academics (students, teachers, moms, or anyone!) have had a successful week of school and are getting back into the groove of things. I was in Target yesterday (weekly outing obviously) and I already saw where they are setting up the Halloween aisles. That means we are officially in the last days of summer (sigh). Instead of getting choked up and crying, I decided to show one of my favorite rompers of the summer and why you can still wear one like it.

I've been sporting the romper ALL summer and I knew when I came across this Elan off the shoulder, fringed romper it would be on rotation this summer. First off, I'm about style but it has to be comfortable. Rompers like this almost feel like pajamas, they are great for grabbing margaritas with the girls, casual date nights, or even class. Super comfy while still looking put together. I also recently bought this navy knot bell back romper (under $100 plus look at that back!) which will be great for fall and also provides a little kick to a somewhat basic piece. I also am obsessing over this romantic romper (under $100), love the dramatic and flattering black with delicate lace detailing. For a fun night out or even just a trip to the movies, this romper has the flattering bell sleeves but breaks up basic black with a soft floral print. If you are afraid of wearing a romper because you think you will look like some type of infant, please don't be! I thought the same thing but with the majority of styles now rompers essentially look like dresses and move that way. Try one like this which has a looser short until you warm up till the full blown romper look.

Now let's talk some jewelry! I have worn this beautiful Kendra Scott Rayne Necklace in several posts lately. I got it from the fall Mystic Bazaar collection (which is amazing!) via the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale. I'll be honest, I love jewelry and I think everyone should have a few pieces that are designer that you can wear and keep for years. However, it is rare for me to pay over $50 for a single piece. I love necklaces so I am always on the hunt for new styles. I tend to do more minimal jewelry so statement necklaces are usually my centerpiece. I was shocked to see some pieces that looked almost identical to some of my more expensive jewelry like this Kendra Scott inspired necklace from Lucca Lane for $18. Check out these beauties which look exactly like the designer brand ranging from $10-$18 via Gray Monroe. I love Accessory Concierge for great deals and products, in fact I ordered this Wooden Tusk Pendant Necklace ($32) and finally purchased the Leaves of Brass Bracelet ($25) I've been lusting after for weeks. Save up for those special pieces you just can't live without and save on trendier items that you may want just for a few looks or for a season.

Shop today's look below and stay tuned for a special jewelry code I have coming for y'all!

Off the Shoulder Romper// Elan  Rayne Necklace// Kendra Scott  Bangle// Bourbon and Boweties  Fringe Crossbody// similar  Women's Criss Cross Slides// Old Navy (under $20)  Sunnies// similar (under $10)

Happy Shopping!

XOXO,

New Music Wednesday

Happy Hump Day! This week is flying by, so I am slowing it down to bring some music to your attention. I do music posts once or twice a month to give you some of my personal picks. The selections can range from new artists to a classic album or even a concert. Sometimes I feel like my I-Pod needs a little extra kick or something fresh and I'm sure lots of you feel the same way. Here are today's picks!

1. Ed Sheeran- X



Easily one of the best albums of last year (released June 2014) and still going strong. I knew who Ed Sheeran was but it wasn't until I heard the first track off this album that he became a favorite. When I first heard Sing, I honestly thought it was Justin Timberlake. Ed Sheeran was more known for his slower, more romance infused songs such as The A Team this album went a bit different route for him. He still has the sweet and sometimes sappy tunes which is evident in Thinking Out Loud but this album has more edge. My favorite song off this particular album is probably the brush-off (possibly aimed at ex Ellie Goulding) Don't. Do yourself a favor if you haven't already, buy X right now. Seriously.

2. Unknown Mortal Orchestra- Multi-Love



Although the video for Multi-Love may look like an old video game mixed with Windows 95 and a dash of the 70's, don't let it scare you off from Unknown Mortal Orchestra. My friends know how much I love music and often give me a heads up on artists or bands I may like. When my ATL based music savvy friend texted me back in May about this song, I was quick to look it up. Unknown Mortal Orchestra is similar to music you would have heard in the 70's. Like the band Walk the Moon (who was a pick in last month' post) I felt the need to confirm this was a present band and not one from the past. They are definitely present and I would recommend checking them out today!

3. Trainwreck Official Movie Soundtrack



This soundtrack is pure fun, much like the movie. On another note, if you haven't seen the film, I highly recommend it! Yes, it does have some racy moments but it really ends up being a very sweet film. Back to music! The songs almost follow the pattern of the movie and include songs from Miley Cyrus, Lady Sovereign, and even 90's staple The Boy Is Mine. There is also appearances from The Bird and the Bee, Norah Jones, and plenty of  Billy Joel (you have to watch the movie to find out why!). A great summer soundtrack!

4. The Weeknd-Beauty Behind Madness



This band was part of another pick from a few weeks ago (yes, I still stand that the 50 Shades of Grey Soundtrack is one of the best albums of the year) and I fell in love with the song Earned It as soon as I heard it. They had been around for a while but they really gained popularity this past February. Since then their songs such as The Hills and the summer hit I Can't Feel My Face are on constant replay. Their album Beauty Behind the Madness is one to own!

5. Counting Crows-This Desert Life



I always like to include a "throwback" album or song in my picks. This Desert Life is an excellent album by Counting Crows. I may be partial because I was mildly obsessed with the song Colorblind when I was younger (and I kind of still am) due to its beautiful lyrics and oh yeah it was featured in the 90's movie classic Cruel Intentions starring Reese Witherspoon and Ryan Philippe (when they were married). This song plays during a pivotal scene...you know which one I'm talking about. The album also contains Hanginaround and Mrs. Potter's Lullaby. Now go download the album then grab some tissues and watch Cruel Intentions.

Hope you enjoyed this week's picks! I'm always looking for new music (past and present) so let me know if you have any suggestions, I love hearing from you guys!

Go listen to the music,

XOXO,

Blush Crushes

Hi all! I hope everyone is having a wonderful Monday. My weekend ranged from a super high (going to Orlando and visiting Universal and Disney) to a severe low. I don't like posting super personal things on here since I feel it doesn't have much to do with content but today has been very hard. My beloved 6 year old Labrador retriever had to sadly be put to sleep this morning after finding a huge internal mast at the emergency room last night. Pets become part of the family and yes, I know it is only a dog but I feel like I lost a best friend. Everyone hug their fur babies extra tight for me tonight! Ok, we need some happiness and this outfit just makes me smile.

I love Disney and absolutely fell in love with this certain brand called Cakeworthy which has some of the cutest apparel you can rock at the Magic Kingdom or around town. Finding these tanks made me realize you can still look fashionable when you hit the theme parks. I did a little searching and made a whole post about my picks for the perfect park wear! I am super feminine and girly (if you couldn't tell this by now *sarcasm*) so I had to add this tank listing all the princes names on it (there is also a princess version) to my collection. This can even be a laid back, casual Friday look (depending on where you work) for the office by adding a lovely blush vest and statement necklace. Adding a few more soft pink touches and this look has you ready looking like royalty!

Shop the entire look below and don't forget to check out my post here on other fun park inspired items.

Happy Shopping!

XOXO,


 

Prince Names Tank// Cakeworthy  Blush Colored Vest// Topshop  Platform Sandals// Steve Madden  Skinny Leg Jeans// super old but similar pair here  Rose Colored Bag// old but similar Kate Spade  Pink Tassel Bracelets// Accessory Concierge  Rose Statement Necklace// Kendra Scott