Wedding Day 'Do

Today, my friends are getting married. We're all so excited! I'm still missing this guy. And all of us are missing Sancho. Who couldn't make it to the wedding. And Jose, who is out fighting the fire. Man, 3 very funny guys! And they're all MIA.

But we're trying to not let that bother us. And I'm taking my "Maid of Honor" duties seriously. As always!!! That's why we have another 4AM post. Why? Because I have to head out, and pick up some breakfast, the bouquets, and make sure we have everything we need. Lots to do. Especially this early, in the morning. And ya, I hit the "Snooze" button more than once. Before deciding, I just better get up...

I'm totally off topic now. But I wanted to show you our "Hair Inspiration" for the day. Mrs. Manders will be doing our hair and makeup. Yay!!! And Louisa picked out this cute updo...



Nice hairstyle. Especially for an outdoor, Summer wedding. In the desert! We also have these cute little headbands. And the colors of the wedding, are nice and fun! Totally reminds me of Summer. Tangerine and Lime. Oh. My. Goodness! I also hear, the wedding cake tastes AMAZING!!! Can't wait!!!

I better get moving. I'm really excited!!! Weddings just do that to you. And honesty, there has been so much going on. I'm just ready to dance the night away. How many hours...until the dance begins? Because Lola, is ready to "Bust a Move!" Have a Happy Saturday!!! ♥

Finally!!!

Let me tell you a little secret. I have the most annoying hair, known to man! It's not curly, not straight, not pretty. Just frizzy. And puffy. It has a mind of it's own. And honestly, I call my hair..."The Chia Pet."

I'm not blessed. You see, I have 3 older sisters. 2 are my Dad's daughters, 1 is my Mom's daughter. They all have this glorious curly hair! The kind that is insanely kinky, curly, and gorgeous. Mine...looks like I've stuck my finger in the socket. Oh ya, I did that once. When I was a baby! Did that mess with my hair? I don't know. But it is so annoying!

In high school, almost every girl that I cheered with, wanted to "straighten" my hair. Well, I avoided them at all cost! My best friend, became the clip barrette. And the scrunchy...when I cheered. Sponge rollers, and eventually the hot rollers, were my best friends.

But right before I started college, I found the good 'ol hair straighteners. I bought a cheap-o pair at Target. I don't even remember the brand. But I spent $15. They worked OK. But with my thick and frizzy hair, I was far from perfectly straight hair.

Months later, I found CHI. Oh my goodness! My life changed. My hair, for the first time ever, could be stick straight. It introduced me, to new hairstyles. Easy, breezy days. Simple life. If I just had those bad boys with me. :)

Heck if I remember the brand of the 3rd pair I got. I can't remember. But these 2 pair, have been life changing. I know, that sounds crazy. Being that it's just hair. But honestly, it's the truth. That pair of CHI, are worth every penny! Dry hair, from beginning to end, could be straight in under 5 minutes. No lie! Pin straight, in 5 minutes.

Then, last summer they died. OK, I'd had them for almost 10 years. But my babies were no more! I took to that other pair. The ones I can't remember the brand name. And well, they got me through 3 and a half more hairstyles. Yes, I said a half! In the middle of doing my hair, there was no more heat...

Well, I didn't feel like investing another $100 or $300 at the time. So I tried to embrace my crazy hair! I bought all sorts of hair products. Researched them. Asked around. For almost a year now, I've embraced the texture of my hair. A little curly, a little nutty, a little frizzy. Seriously, my hair has a mind of it's own! All it's own!!!

We'd been going good. I took to braids. Various "up dos." A range of products. Silently, I welcomed the days when Manders was in charge of my hair and makeup. When I had to perform. When for a few brief days, my hair could be tamed.

I also did research. And had my little list, narrowed down to 2. The GHD. And Sultra. Pretty decent investments. I'd recently purchased a Sultra hair dryer. And well, I just couldn't make a decision on hair straighteners. No matter how many reviews I read. How many YouTube videos I watched. Or how many people I asked. But it was down to 2...

I never talk about these things. Especially with this guy. What would he think? Until about 2 weeks ago. My Guy finally asked why I've been wearing my hair up so much. I never wear it down anymore. See ladies, guys do notice these things! I told him what had happened. And he gave me that look. Like why in the heck, haven't you bought whatever you need to buy? See, I told you, I rarely shop. And I almost never, use this guy's money, for myself.

On the second day that my friends were here, I got a little surprise. I'm almost 100% positive that Mrs. Manders helped out here. :) I got this precious little package!!!



Life changing I tell you! Life changing. :) I get to now straighten my hair. Whenever in the heck I feel like it! Since I got my set of GHD straighteners, that's been every single day! I know. But really, even I had missed those super straight locks.

If you're on the fence about hair straighteners, I'd say..."Bite the Bullet!" If you have fairly fine hair, not too textured, a pair from Target will do fine. But those of us, with more complicated hair, well save your pennies. These are worth every single one!

Had I not been so stubborn, I would have bought these months ago! Perfectly straight hair, in just minutes. I've also curled my hair with this set. Super quick! And curls that last all day. Believe me, in the heat and humidity that we've been dealing with lately, this is pretty incredible! I just can't believe, that I lasted 11 months, without my "hair best friends!" ♥

Going Red?

Every few years, I get this itching...to make a major change. Do something crazy! You know, throw everything in the air...and see what happens. And I'm just talking about life. Sometimes I'm taking about little things. Like hairstyle. Or hair color.

You see, I've always had long locks. For the last few years...extra long locks. And well...I'm getting a little tired of them. Mostly, I just need a change. It doesn't help that Manders is in town. And every single day, that she does my hair or makeup, I want her to live with us. And every single day, I complain just a tad bit, about the new white hairs that are invading my head! I'm only 29. What's up?

It might be stress. I'm a full time college student. With a full time internship. At a hospital. Pretty stressful. If I do say so myself. On top of that, I've got a boyfriend that travels for work...oh 40+ weeks out of the year. I'm trying to make 4 houses...into homes for us. Oh, and I have a sick parent. I'm a little stressed out. But I do believe, my white hair is genetic. You see, my paternal grandma had snow white hair! As did most of her daughters...my aunts. I just think, I'll be snow white too...in a handful of years.

So I took to my friend. The professional. And we started shooting around some ideas. Like a new hairstyle. Take about 10 inches off. Add some sassy-ness back in! As soon as we're done with these gigs. And maybe, a new color. Like say...RED?!?!?! I know. But the truth is, my Dad was a natural red head. And although I was born with jet black hair, over the years it has lightened. Naturally. Every single summer! I know have dark brown hair, with tons of red in it. So why not jump off the cliff?



This is actually, just a few shades redder than my natural color. Not much. And I'm also ghostly white. I'm not sure what happened to my Chicana genes...



Ya, I'm not convinced with this color. But I do have a cousin, and niece with this shade of red. To me, it's a bit too "on the orange side of things." Although Manders says, it will work well with my complexion. I'm just not feeling it...



This is actually perfection to me! I've got dark eyebrows like this. But a lot thicker. But honestly, I LOVE this color and style!!! Just red enough...but not too crazy. Or unnatural.



Oh, yes! I'm in LOVE with this darker color. Kate Walsh pulls it off so well! I like the hint of red. With the mystery of the dark color. :)



Let's not forget Debra Messing's gorgeous locks! LOVE the richness of this color. With the dimensions. Highlights and low lights. This color is gorgeous!

So I'm off to talk to Manders. And make some sort of decision. We probably won't do it right now. Since I'm performing, the entire time she is out here. But in just a few weeks, I'll be making weekly trips back home. For weddings, baptisms, and Father's Day. That's when, I am sure to take the plunge.

What do you think I should go with? I don't worry about maintenance. Believe me. I'll keep up with that. I'm just curious, what people think I should do. Just remember, I have pale skin, dark and thick eyebrows, and brown eyes. Hmm, which way should I go? ♥

Hair Ideas...

For a long while now, I've wanted to cut my hair. Do something with it. Get an actual "style" going on. Part of that, is I'm looking for some change. For a little fun. Something different. More "grown up." You know what I mean?

Most of the time, Manders cuts and styles my hair. But now that we're a few thousand miles apart, it less and less often. We're usually trying to get my hair cut, right before a show. When it needs to be long enough, for the hairstyles, that I need for the shows. Which is not what I want for my "every day hair."

Then when we're not around each other, I just go with this guy. When he gets his hair cut, so do I. At this cute little barber shop. Definitely not a place, to go for a new style. Just a trim.

To be honest, I've got some rather annoying hair. "Chia pet hair." I've never really liked it. But in the last few years, I've grown to embrace my hair. My dark brown hair, that has tons of natural red highlights. The crazy hair, that just can't air dry. The same hair, that begs for a hair straightener. Something that I still haven't replaced...almost a year after mine went to hair straightener heaven!

Most days, I'm simple. A little hair product, a hair clip or 2, and I'm done. With those curly waves. That by the end of the day, end up, in a loose bun. On top of my head.

So I've been doing a little research. Hoping that when the gigs are all said and done, later this month, Manders can do something with my hair. Anything! I don't want to wear it in a bun, all summer long. And our next big round of gigs, isn't until late summer. My hair will grow back by then.

I've searched and searched, for some ideas. But the ones I'm leaning toward most, are here. What do you think?



I can go for it. And cut off all my hair like Jennifer Aniston. What a fresh feel for summer. :)



Or maybe just some texture like Kate Moss. Add some fringe. A little choppy layers. Something a little less formal. A lot more fun!



I could stick with longer locks. Just learn to really style them. With this style, I'd still have to cut off about half of my hair. Darn, why did I let it get so long? I've just been lazy about my hair...

Personally, I've never really had short hair. The texture of my hair, just would create a HUGE mess!!! Weeks before I graduated, I cut my hair. Shoulder length. Loved it! Then it grew back. So quickly! And I didn't bother much with it. The first summer that I lived in the desert, I cut it just above my shoulders. Loved it! Managed to keep it that short, until the Fall. When school started again.

But now, I'm itching for a change. Who knows, maybe I'll venture even further. And change the color. I just want something new. Fun. And a little more, well "put together." I'm telling you, living in the South, makes you realize these important things. Like having a real "personal style." And I so badly need one! ♥

So Fun!!!

I was doing a little research for some babies. Some beautiful baby girls. And I happened upon one of the cutest Etsy shops ever! Full of adorable accessories for baby girls. Sweet head pieces, that make me want a baby of my own!



I don't know what's cuter. The headband, the ruffle dress, or the baby! This would be so perfect for Miss Savannah Belle! I can't even begin to tell you, just how perfect it would be. This Nana just might have to order this! :)



"Hold the Phone!" I can't get over how cute this hat is. With the little veil. And all those flowers and feathers. Let's not forget that adorable little dress!



Lastly, I can't say enough about this whole ensemble! Totally reminds me of Baby Jelly. But the colors also remind of Gabi. Oh my goodness! This is so cute!

I want to order one of everything, from Miss Ruby Sue! And these adorable dresses, I want to make one in every color!!! I wonder how quickly My Guy and I, can make a couple of baby girls! :) Just kidding. But really, I might have to start ordering from this shop. For my Goddaughters!!! ♥

Hair Inspiration

I can't lie here. I've been in a bit of a "Hair Funk" lately. Either, I straighten my hair, and wear it down. Maybe throw it in a messy ponytail at work. Or I wear it, totally natural at home. All crazy curly, with a touch of product, to hold the curl. If I wear my hair this way, I generally, clip it up.

Honestly, I wish that Manders was around. All the time! To do my hair. She always has some amazing hairstyle. Something simple, but with tons of impact! Oh, if I just had her skills. Then maybe, I'd do things like this...



Yes, I've been inspired! I want to wear braids. Back in high school, I adored braids! Wore french braids, instead of ponytails. When I was a cheerleader. Not the usual kind. But 2 braids, that lead into one. Oh, I miss my braids! The top middle picture, is my inspiration. For tomorrow. When I hangout with My Bestie. Then we meet My Guy, and this guy, for dinner. Yes, I might just put a little effort, into my mile long hair! ♥

For the LOVE of Headbands!

I've been loving headbands for a while now. I have at least 20 saved to my favorites. Trying to decide which ones to buy first. They're all so beautiful. And they make any bad hair day, instantly a GREAT hair day! Here are 5 of my favorites...



This Poppy Headband, oh it just makes me smile. And why wouldn't it? Those flowers just scream fun to me!



Love Stitched roses. On a headband! Are you serious? I might just die from happiness. Because, hello, it's simple and beautiful!



This fabulous headband that Miss Ashley is wearing, well it started my love for headbands. It lead to many late nights of searching Etsy, for the most perfect headband. And honestly, those colors just make life happier!



Yes, this entire picture makes me smile! The headband, hair, and winter-y accessories. Just Lovely Things knows exactly how to do it! It all makes me want Fall and Winter to come soon! So very soon!



Can you tell that I LOVE Just Lovely Things headbands? Yes, they are beautiful. And this one, is just so girly! It makes my silly "Palm Tree" hairdo a little more tolerable, and fashionable.

Yes, I'm in LOVE with headbands these days. If you have any favorites, please leave me a link. Or if there is a shop, that you think I should know about, please tell me! I'm looking for more amazing pieces to add to my collection. Please point me in the right direction. ♥