January 18, 2016

Two Super Simple Hairstyles & My "Secret" Way to Go Blonder!

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #RethinkMyColour #CollectiveBias

http://cbi.as/2220w


I'm going to admit something to you guys, growing up I always longed to have blonde hair. With a naturally auburn curly head of hair, I dreamed of being one of the girls with beautiful, soft, straight blonde hair and while I never really outgrew my longing, I did eventually start highlighting my hair and I've officially achieved the look I wanted... and that's where Sheer Blonde® Go Blonder comes into the picture.

Want to achieve your best hair color possible? Find out how you can in just one shower! #RethinkMyColour

I recently went back to blonde after having purple hair for a short period of time and I'm so happy to be back in my "element". With that said, I have one of the best hair stylist in the world and she definitely helped bring my color to another level during my last visit. But with her talent comes a high price and a long drive... don't get me wrong, she's totally worth every penny, I simply can't dish out hundreds each month to maintain my blonde shade. So I started using Go Blonder in between appointments to always make my hair the brilliant, beautiful shade of blonde I've always wanted.

Want to achieve your best hair color possible? Find out how you can in just one shower! #RethinkMyColour

With the new Sheer Blonde® Go Blonder In-Shower Lightening Treatment I'm able to keep my roots looking bright and my hair the right tone without seeking help from a stylist... it's simply a one-time treatment and my hair color lasts longer and looks better each time I use it.

Want to achieve your best hair color possible? Find out how you can in just one shower! #RethinkMyColour

Beyond the In-shower treatment, I also use the Go Blonder shampoo and conditioner; while these products aren't new, they are new to me and definitely a favorite now that I'm back to blonde and trying to keep my hair this beautiful shade as long as possible.

Want to achieve your best hair color possible? Find out how you can in just one shower! #RethinkMyColour

I'm not saying the line will take you from black to blonde, but if you're seeking a natural sunkissed look - Go Blonder is the answer and you can find it at Walgreens, along with a little bit of everything else on your shopping list! Whether you're a natural blonde or highlighted blonde like me, it's time to lighten up and achieve the color you desire with this line.

Want to achieve your best hair color possible? Find out how you can in just one shower! #RethinkMyColour

Now that I've shared how I go blonder each time I shower, I think I should share a few of my favorite (simple) ways to style my hair. I know I'm not the only one that likes a quick way to feel beautiful and both of these hairstyles are easy enough for pretty much anyone to achieve!

Want to achieve your best hair color possible? Find out how you can in just one shower! #RethinkMyColour

Your flat iron isn't just for straightening your hair anymore, it'll become your new best friend with this SUPER easy technique. All you need to do is section off about an inch of hair and wrap it around your flat iron, as shown in the photo.

Want to achieve your best hair color possible? Find out how you can in just one shower! #RethinkMyColour

Once your hair is wrapped around your flat iron move it gently down the shaft of your hair, while holding onto the "tail" of hair hanging out, all while creating a slight bit of tension. Run the flat iron all the way down and viola, you have a beautiful bombshell curl in seconds. Do this around your head and run your fingers through and your hair is styled just like it is post blow-out at a nice salon!

Want to achieve your best hair color possible? Find out how you can in just one shower! #RethinkMyColour

Now, this next hairstyle can be worn with curly or straight hair, but I prefer to rock this look as a second hairday look after curling my hair the day before. To achieve this look you'll begin by braiding about 1 1/2 inches worth of hair from the bottom of your head, the area behind your ear/near the nape of your neck works best for longer hair.

Want to achieve your best hair color possible? Find out how you can in just one shower! #RethinkMyColour

Take your first braid and put it into place with a bobby pin, on the opposite side of your head, as if you were placing a crown.

Want to achieve your best hair color possible? Find out how you can in just one shower! #RethinkMyColour

Now braid another piece of hair from the opposite of your head and put it into place with a bobby pin as well. Now you're rocking a crown of braids and your look is complete in just a few minutes flat.


Want to achieve your best hair color possible? Find out how you can in just one shower! #RethinkMyColour

With these two hairstyles and my blonde hair, I'm feeling like a million dollars. Are you a blonde wanting to brighten up your look? You can reveal your best blonde, with every single wash! Maybe you're a brunette that needs a special little pick me up?

Want to achieve your best hair color possible? Find out how you can in just one shower! #RethinkMyColour

Head on over to Walgreens and check out what the John Frieda line can do for you. Plus, You can score a Buy 1 Get 1 50% off deal with your Walgreens Balance Rewards card, available both in-store and online until January 30th!

Want to achieve your best hair color possible? Find out how you can in just one shower! #RethinkMyColour

January 17, 2016

10 Fun Books for Little One's on Valentine's Day

Valentine's Day is just around the corner and with so many little sweethearts in my life, I thought it'd be a fun way to celebrate the holiday by sharing some of my favorite Day of Love themed books for kids. Are you planning on naming your little one your Valentine this year? My nieces and nephews all are the perfect little Valentines and these books are a super fun (and inexpensive) way to celebrate the day of love with any little sweetheart this year.

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Now that I've shared ten super cute Valentine's Day books, I'd love to hear all about your favorite Valentine's Day activity to do with you little sweetie? Tell me all about it in the comments below!

Enlightenment, Entitlement and Encouragement


I've always been a pretty big fan of Humans of New York and the messages they share. With so much enlightenment and wisdom in each post, whether it's about an elderly lady embracing her unique sense of style or a young life-saving Surgeon saying he "only handles small procedures"; there's always some sort of deep and sometimes mind-expanding message and many, many feelings inspired by their posts.

So when I saw this simple photo of a young woman's hands kind of questioning the world, I knew this post would be interesting. Let me go off on a tangent and just say that I love the photos without faces, the stories seem to be deeper and more relatable... Regardless, this post about life and the sense of entitlement that some seem to feel really hit home with me and inspired me to expand on the topic somewhat.



“I think I felt entitled to success because I’m smart and I’m good at stuff and I work hard. Maybe ‘entitled’ isn’t the...
Posted by Humans of New York on Saturday, January 16, 2016

Here in America, raised in the millennial generation, we grew up with a community telling us "we can be anything we want to be" since the time we were born, entitlement is just part of our upbringing. Even though we feel like the world should be served to us on a silver platter, life just doesn't happen that way and most of us figure that out with time. But for some reason, I feel compelled to give a little bit of advice today - for anyone working towards their goals in life, whatever they may be.

We all need to realize we need to work to become who we want to be, we need determination and drive to make things happen, and simply put, things don't just happen, we have to make them happen. We need to push ourselves, step outside of our comfort zones, and occasionally, we need to fail to succeed. I'm still learning these lessons myself; but after having a successful year in 2015, I've truly learned the importance of hard work and determination.

"You can be anything you want to be" isn't a true statement. Let's talk a bit about enlightenment, entitlement, and encouragement today...

I'll be the first to admit that I went through many stages over the past few years where I wasn't really succeeding with blogging and/or self employment in general and I probably should have been putting my effort into other endeavors to actually help support myself & my husband. But alas, I'm a stubborn broad and I was determined to make this work and I did... but it was with a lot of effort and, I won't lie, some tears were involved too.

I can remember several people telling me to "get a job" ... and to be honest, I probably should have. But I knew with enough determination I would make things happen. I didn't feel entitled to receive money based on my blog, but I knew that if I worked hard enough at my craft... I would gain readers (like you - side note: I truly appreciate you), I would be able to work with companies, and eventually I would make an income doing something I love.

Sharing stories and my feelings with you is something that makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside, I found my happy place right here on the internet and I'm so proud of myself for working so hard to make things happen exactly as I wanted... but I still struggle with entitlement some days, as we all do and reality often bites me in the butt when I'm feeling that way. Luckily, even with reality's cold hard truth hitting some days, I know that committing to a goal and finally achieving that goal is the most rewarding experience I've ever felt so I keep on keeping on and so far my hard work has really paid off.

Instead of rambling on about determination, I guess what I'm saying is this: you CAN be anything you want to be and accomplish practically anything... IF, and only if, you are determined enough to make it happen. While I love encouraging kids to follow their dreams, THIS is what we should be teaching the next generation.

So tell me, what goals are you working towards in 2016? Do you have a 10-year plan that involves accomplishing some great feats? I'd love to hear all about your life, your determination, and your plans in the comments below... Plus, if you have any tips on learning to focus and achieve your goals I'm dying to hear all about them!





January 12, 2016

Live Well in The New Year: How BabbleBoxx Helped Revamp My Morning Routine!

Thanks to BabbleBoxx for sponsoring today's discussion, regardless all opinions are my own.

My BabbleBoxx Wellness Adjustment for 2016: Lead a healthier, happier life in 2016! Check out these products you should add to your morning routine & find out why!

With a new year, come new healthy habits for most us. This year, I've been trying to make small adjustments so I don't go into shock from losing all of my favorites, but I've definitely been altering the way I eat, sleep, and even clean my face, why? Because BabbleBoxx has influence me to step outside of my "buying" comfort zone and try some new (and not so new) items.

My BabbleBoxx Wellness Adjustment: Lead a healthier, happier life in 2016! Check out these products you should add to your morning routine & find out why!

We'll start with how I've changed my eating habits. With the Stop & Drop Diet, I've been practicing better eating habits easily! The diet is a 21 day meal plan, that's super easy to follow, made for weight loss and balanced nutrition!

My BabbleBoxx Wellness Adjustment: Lead a healthier, happier life in 2016! Check out these products you should add to your morning routine & find out why!

They even have a step by step guide with suggestions on what you should be eating when you crave this - insert any food you've ever craved here. It's like having a dietician with me wherever I am, helping me decide between eating badly or treating my body with something healthy.

My BabbleBoxx Wellness Adjustment: Lead a healthier, happier life in 2016! Check out these products you should add to your morning routine & find out why!

Speaking of eating healthy, my breakfast routine has totally changed. Instead of tossing a couple of cups of espresso back and skipping the first meal of the day, I've actually started eating a light meal and switching to caffeine free tea, like Stash Organic Gold Cup Chai with Tumeric or Stash Organic Lavender Tulsi.

My BabbleBoxx Wellness Adjustment: Lead a healthier, happier life in 2016! Check out these products you should add to your morning routine & find out why!

Both teas are soothing and delicious - getting me in the right state of mind, every single morning and allowing my body to rest at night since I'm no longer caffeine-drenched! Plus, here's a coupon, just for you: use the code "BABBLE15", and you'll score 15% off entire online order at StashTea.com! (Valid through 2/12/2016)

My BabbleBoxx Wellness Adjustment: Lead a healthier, happier life in 2016! Check out these products you should add to your morning routine & find out why!

My BabbleBoxx Wellness Adjustment: Lead a healthier, happier life in 2016! Check out these products you should add to your morning routine & find out why!

My light breakfast meals range from granola bars to these delicious gluten free pancakes from Birch Benders Micro-Pancakery. If you love a fluffy, perfectly textured pancake but you're avoiding gluten, these babies are made for you!

My BabbleBoxx Wellness Adjustment: Lead a healthier, happier life in 2016! Check out these products you should add to your morning routine & find out why!

My BabbleBoxx Wellness Adjustment: Lead a healthier, happier life in 2016! Check out these products you should add to your morning routine & find out why!

They know breakfast is the most important meal of the day, so their delicious (and easy to make) mix is natural and organic, making for "pancake poetry" - especially when you add some bananas and a light drizzle of syrup! YUM! Don't miss out on waffles either, this mix is perfect for making crisp and delicious waffles as well!

My BabbleBoxx Wellness Adjustment: Lead a healthier, happier life in 2016! Check out these products you should add to your morning routine & find out why!

The next item I've decided to start using in 2016 is the Cold-eeze cold remedy drops, instead of taking OTC meds! It's not that I'm opposed to medication, I just prefer to battle a cold or a virus before it comes on... so as soon as my throat starts feeling a little scratchy from the weather... I instantly grab for one of these berry flavored lozenges!

My BabbleBoxx Wellness Adjustment: Lead a healthier, happier life in 2016! Check out these products you should add to your morning routine & find out why!

The last item helping me achieve wellness actually helps perfect my no-makeup look I've been rocking. That's right, I've gone sans makeup (even out in public) almost all of 2016 and I've loved every moment of it. While I still wash my face at night like I always have, I've now started giving my face a little exfoliation and moisture with Dickinson's Original Witch Hazel towelettes in the morning as well.

My BabbleBoxx Wellness Adjustment: Lead a healthier, happier life in 2016! Check out these products you should add to your morning routine & find out why!

I've actually used these towelettes in the past and I've always been a fan, so adding this simple little step into my morning routine was a breeze and my clear complexion is a good enough reason to keep the habit up! Plus, these little pouches are travel-size friendly so I'll be able to freshen up at the airport during all of my traveling in 2016!

My BabbleBoxx Wellness Adjustment: Lead a healthier, happier life in 2016! Check out these products you should add to your morning routine & find out why!

While it may not seem like much, these simple habits help me rest easier and live happier. What habits have you picked up in 2016 that actually make your life easier? I'd love to hear what little changes you've made over the past week or so to your routine, tell me all about it in the comments below!



January 11, 2016

Valentine's Day Favorites From Shabby Apple!

This post contains affiliate links, regardless all opinions expressed below are my own.


I recently shared how much I love my Nutcracker Dress from Shabby Apple, so it probably comes as no surprise that I want to share more of my favorite pieces in their collection. With an amazing 30 to 75 percent off of everything sale happening RIGHT NOW, you are bound to find something stunning to add to your wardrobe!

Plus, with Valentine's Day coming up on us quickly, I wanted to share a little shopping guide (and/or wishlist) of the perfect flirty frocks to rock! So go ahead and grab your credit card, you're about to meet your soul mate in dress form!

Find the perfect, flirty, feminine outfit for Valentine's Day from Shabby Apple!

We'll start with this beauty, the "With this Ring Rose Dress" features an antique pink under a layer of cream lace. This dress just exudes class and femininity and would be perfect to wear on a Valentine's Date... and don't be surprised if your date wants to say I do when he sees you in this gorgeousness.

Find the perfect, flirty, feminine outfit for Valentine's Day from Shabby Apple!

If you want to have a fun Valentine's Day, you have to dress the part! With a rainbow of colors and a playful diamond print, this Tutti-Frutti pencil skirt is bound to have you playing the leading role in a rom-com type romance by the end of the day!

Find the perfect, flirty, feminine outfit for Valentine's Day from Shabby Apple!

The "Kissed with Gold Dress" is another funky little piece on my wishlist! This eye-catching dress features a gorgeous shade of hot pink and a stunning gold print over the top, totally fun and quirky. If you want to make people stop in their tracks, this frock is the one to rock!

Find the perfect, flirty, feminine outfit for Valentine's Day from Shabby Apple!

The next item on my list is the Morgan Skirt. With a fun, flirty floral print and a chic tulle overlay, this feminine piece makes for a romantic outfit for a day date with your honey!

Find the perfect, flirty, feminine outfit for Valentine's Day from Shabby Apple!

The Ornament dress is an eye-catching mixture of festive and adorable, making for fun all year long. With a gorgeous floral print and a fitted cut, you'll wow everyone in this number.

Find the perfect, flirty, feminine outfit for Valentine's Day from Shabby Apple!

The last item on my Valentine's Day wish list is this gorgeous bright "Magenta Moment" dress. It's a long gown and one of the most stunning dresses I've seen in a long time. If you're planning on having a ball, literally or figuratively, this gorgeous dress is the perfect one!

Find the perfect, flirty, feminine outfit for Valentine's Day from Shabby Apple!

So tell me, which dress on the list is your favorite? Did you spot a dress on the Shabby Apple site you just have to add to your closet? I'd love to hear all about it in the comments below!


Photo Credit: Shabby Apple