6 Things You Don't Need to Know

1. The boyfriend and I got to screen the new movie Ted last night! First of all, watch a hilarious movie for FREE…BEFORE it comes out? Yes, please! The movie was seriously freakin hilarious but is definitely on the raunchy side so beware if you’re not into what my mom calls “penis humor.” I found it be rom-comish with just the right amount of cheese. It’s a definite go see! Oh, and Marky Mark is only looking better with age.

Credit

2. I think I’m losing my mind. I’ve got so much going on with working full time, taking two summer school course (one is five weeks and one is six), blogging (which I WANT to do), friend dates, boyfriend dates, attempting to get to the gym, attempting to do laundry, attempting to clean. I’m normally pretty good at multi-tasking but lately I’m just losing it! What do I mean losing it? Hmm…let’s start off with spelling things wrong, sending emails to the wrong people, forgetting to do something until the last minute after thinking about it nonstop.

Example: Remember the entry on the Sephora giveaway to tweet bacon to Anna & Lauren. I spelled Lauren’s twitter handle ON MY BLOG POST as @oklauren. Turns out it’s @ok_lauren. I mean kind of hilarious? Some random girl must be REAL confused about why some psycho bloggers are tweeting her with "bacon." 

Source: wordandimage.wordpress.com via Caroline on Pinterest

3. I finally tried iced coffee again after 3 years. I have this thing where I tried something a few years ago and claim I will never try it again. Then a weird mood comes along and I try it and realize I'm an idiot. This pertains to food. I’m taking back my hatred for iced coffee. It is yummmmmmmmy. And yes I previously drank HOT coffee in the summer.

4. I went to the Bare Escentuals store in UTC last Friday and confessed my issues with their Bare Minerals. I’ve used it in the past but felt it got kind of clumpy. I need serious coverage sometimes, something that isn’t going to aggravate my acne, but is going to stay on. They sold me a few new products and I have to say I’m REALLY happy. More on this next week! I have a post about my WAR ON FOUNDATION coming.

5. Ikea is my heaven. The roommate and I rearranged our living room & bought some new small pieces at Ikea last week. We felt it was too model-home-like. It was really pretty and everything went together well but it wasn’t homey. It was like no one actually LIVED there. Does that make sense? We’re going for teal/green accents. Anyone want to see how we turned a bookcase into a showcase? It used to be covered in framed pictures but we scrapped that.

Source: images.businessweek.com via Prime on Pinterest

6. In honor of my upcoming birthday, I decided to run a 50% promo code to all sponsor ads from today thru Sunday. Yep, small ads are $2.50 with the discount. So basically free. Or taking me out to Starbucks for half a grande skinny latte. USE PROMO CODE: FIDDY

Blogging Secrets with The Coffeehouse

Tiffany at The Coffeehouse is hilarious and real, which are probably two of the most important qualities I like in a person. Not to mention, I get the feeling she's sincere. One could say I have a blog crush. I about died at the post she wrote about her dog eating the couch. (Make sure to check that one out!) Her blog is one of my recent faves. I wish I had found it sooner. Today, she's sharing a little bit about herself and blogging thoughts through my blogging secrets interview series. A big thanks for participating Tiffany!

Enjoy!

What do you blog about?

Hi there. I'm Tiffany, husband is Dan and lab is Sherman. I blog over at The Coffeehouse, a blog that has absolutely nothing to do with coffee. Instead, I blog about everything, everyone and their dogs. Literally. I love dogs.

Why did you start blogging?

I started blogging because my husband had just started his 214th hobby (truly. he has that many) and all I was doing was going to work all day and walking my dog at night. I have always loved to write and at the time, I was just getting in to photography. So, a blog seemed like the perfect hobby for me.

What's something your readers don't know about you?

I am 110% introvert. I think most of my readers might think that I am an extrovert. Ha. Oh man would that be the day. Nope, all introvert. Every single personality test that I've taken says so.

Describe your personal style in five words.

Cheap. Casual. Comfy. Cheap. Cheap.
What?

What can't you live without?

My dog.

Although ... he literally just ate off the armrest to our leather couch, so maybe I could live without him for a little while. Nah, I don't think so.

What inspires your blog posts?

Mostly my husband (and Sherman). They are my life right now. And what happens day to day ... what happens in our little life ... that is what inspires me. I don't live a glamorous life by any means. But, I think if you write about what you truly love, it will interest people.

What about when you feel uncreative?

Ha. I just had this happen to me HERE. I was at a loss for good blog ideas. So, I just started looking around the house. Looking for something to spark an idea ... something I could take a picture of ... something I could write about ... and BAM. My crappy old phone jumped out at me. And there you have it ... a blog post about a crappy old phone.

How has your blog changed over time?

Picture sizes. That's a big one. When I first started blogging several months ago, I thought my medium-sized pictures were ginormous. Well, now my pictures are "large" and I still feel like they could be bigger.

How has blogging changed you?

Blogging has made me realize that there is a whole other world out there. Awesome people ... great friends. People I can connect with. People who have gone through some of the same things I have. It's reassuring. It's refreshing. It's blogland.

What advice do you have for new bloggers?

Number one would be ... enjoy it. And if there is a day that you don't enjoy it ... take a break. I've realized that although I love to blog almost every day, everyone needs a break sometime. Take that break and feel good about it.

Also, if you want to make a button ... go HERE.

Please do not try to make buttons without first reading the WIKI instructions. Trust me ... it will take you three hours.

Last but not least! What blogs inspire you?

How much time do you have?

Well, I love Casey @ Casey Leigh / The Wiegands because I can look at pictures of kids all day long.

I also love Erin @ Living in Yellow because she's my best friend.

Ok, that's a lie. She knows me, but she probably doesn't go around telling people that I'm her best friend like I do. But man oh man is she hilarious. And awesome.

From Me to You

I never celebrated my blogiversary (it was a few weeks ago!) And since I love you folks I thought I'd celebrate now with a little giveaway to my favorite store.

Better late than never, right? Right!

Are you a beauty junkie like me?

Want to win a $25 Sephora gift card?

Okay cool. Because I'm giving one away ;)

If you want to use it on me, I'm dying to try orange nail polish and benefit high beam!

Entry requirments:
1. Follow yours truly on GFC. Comment saying you follow me!

Extra Entries:
Please use a SEPARATE comment for each additional entry! Thank you, "management"
1. Follow me on twitter.
2. Tweet to me about the giveaway!
3. Follow me on Instagram.
4. Follow me on Pinterest (Even though I don't really use it.. ha!)
5. Follow me on bloglovin.
6. Tweet the word "bacon" to @ok_lauren & @theniceblog (I love pranks...and these two will love it too..I hope)

Entries will be allowed until Sunday July 1st at 11:59 PM PDT! The winner will be announced Monday July 2nd :)

May the odds be ever in your favor!

ps-Like giveaways? Check out Delightfully Darling!

Birthday Wishes

I'm having a birthday two weeks from today.

This.

This.

This.

These.

This.

This.

An EC planner!

A girl can wish, can't she?

Blog Love.

Meet some sweet new blog friends! Happy Friday!

Ashley is one of the sweetest bloggers I’ve come across, no joke! She blogs about everything lovely from flashing, to pinterest style DIYs, and anything sweet. Read more about her here.

Meet Ashley.

I'm a twenty-something Kentuckian turned Tennessean. I've been settling in the beautiful state of Tennessee with my southern gentleman....and soon to be husband! I'm fashion trend obsessed, a crafter, an ice cream connoisseur, a lover of country music, and all things social. This is my little corner of the world to share my opinions, favorite memories, cute finds, awesome people, and life story. Come hang out for a bit!

Tumblr. Twitter. Blog.

Andrea is gorgeous, has amazing style, and blogs about the things she loves and her everyday adventures. I love blondes and I know you'll love this blonde too!

Meet Andrea.

Hi Ladies! My name is Andrea or Miss Andrea Lee as my family calls me and I blog at Tickled Pink.  I’m a twenty-something girly girl who loves golfing, volunteering, shopping and happy hours with my friends.  I love to travel but nothing beats relaxing at home with my crazy cat, Mr. Kitty.  Recently, my boyfriend became an attorney and we are now trying to figure out our life together.  Follow me on my pink (and sometimes green) journey!

Instagram @missandrealee Blog.

Blogging Secrets with Life is a Sunset

Chelsea's blog, Life is a Sunset, was one of the first blogs I found when I started blogging. She is open, honest, and vulnerable with her readers. I admire that in her so much. I'm a more private person but Chelsea's blog makes me feel like it's okay to open up. Just reading what people comment on her blog is inspiring. She brings that out in people! She is a strong girl (I know this from just reading...#stalker) and her blog is nothing less. I love her twitter analogy below, it's such great advice! 


Enjoy her blogging secrets...

What do you blog about? 

    -I blog about my life. It’s as simple as that. My life has changed drastically since I started blogging (more on that later) so I blog about the lessons learned, the things that inspire me, and my dreams. Also, I blog about the fun things – beauty products I love, my travel adventures every so often, and my latest obsessions (currently Fifty Shades of Grey) You'll see everything from me talking about my love for fostering homeless animals, to the newest additions to my Etsy jewelry business After Sunset, to my favorite fads from the 90's. 

Why did you start blogging?

     -Writing is my passion. I had probably about four little tiny blogs throughout the years that were used to keep my closest family members up-to-date with my life, especially after leaving my hometown to venture across the country for a couple years. Then, while I was over there living in Utah, I had really lost touch with my writing and knew it was time to start again. It was a chance for me to start a new blog where I could write and share my take on life. I needed an outlet, a venue, something new and Life is a Sunset became all those things and more for me.

What's something your readers don't know about you?

    -My readers probably don’t know that my feet have been shrinking. Let’s just say I used to be a 7.5, went down to a 6 for the past several years, and now… I can comfortably fit into a 5.5! Eek! I keep trying to blame it on the fact that I stopped dancing after college – lost a lot of uh, muscle… in my feet. Totally random, I know.

Describe your personal style in five words.

   -I am horrible at this. Does that count? I’d say colorful, accessorized, layered, dynamic, and fun!

What can't you live without?

    -I could say something like sushi BUT to be honest, I couldn’t live without my family and music.  

What inspires your blog posts? 

    -As far as finding inspiration for my blog posts, I find it in everyday things: songs, books, conversations. It hits me while I’m stuck in traffic or standing in line at Target.

What about when you feel uncreative?

   -When I’m uninspired or uncreative, one of two things happens: I either jump on Pinterest, start the pinning frenzy, and something hits me and I blog OR I don’t post for the day. Sometimes it just doesn’t come to me and instead of forcing it, I just take the day off!

How has your blog changed over time?

    - As I mentioned earlier, my life has changed drastically just in the past year of blogging. Because of that, my blog has changed along with it. I've really learned a lot about myself this year and I think I really found my voice. I think that with the changing tides of my life, my blog will continue to gradually flow along with it, while still keeping its main foundation.

How has blogging changed you?

    - I have found some of the most meaningful friendships through blogging. I had no idea it would be possible to connect with so many women from all over the world. I don't know how I would have gotten through the challenging times this year if it weren't for so many of them. I have been inspired, moved, motivated, and encouraged to continue growing as a woman. Blogging has truly brought more meaning to my life. To have a venue where I can be me - where I can write and share and learn - it's a beautiful thing!

What advice do you have for new bloggers?

   - Be you. It seems obvious but I think it's easy to get caught up in what you think you "should" be blogging about. Be genuine, be honest. If you're having a bad day, write about it. Chances are, there are a hundred people out there also having a bad day and it helps to know there is someone out there who can relate. Also, join Twitter. While I "found" many new friends by finding their blogs or having them find mine, even more friendships developed over Twitter. It's a forum for all of us to interact. Kind of like we all get to sit at the same lunch table during lunch :)

Last but not least! What blogs inspire you?

    - Story of My Life. Keep Calm and Carry On. The Bargain Blonde. These three blogs were some of the very first I ever found before I started my own and I always enjoy my time as I peruse their posts :) Thank you, ladies for being such wonderful examples!

Thanks Chelsea for sharing!! 


PS-Thanks for all of your comments yesterday! I promise to respond to each one it's just taking a little while. I'm about half way through so if you haven't heard from me...it's coming!!

So you want to complain about bloggers

I've compiled a few blogger complaints about blogging I've seen on twitter that I just don't understand. Do you??

Source: get-thinspiration.tumblr.com via Gioia on Pinterest

1. Leaving your blog link in your signature.

WHY do some bloggers have a problem with this?? I understand when people comment solely with ‘hey I’m having a giveaway!!!’ or ‘FOLLOW ME & I’LL FOLLOW YOU!’ that it’s annoying and disrespectful in a way. My blog isn’t yours to promote yourself. But why is it not okay to leave your blog link at the end of your comment? What if I want to come find your blog? What if I find your comment is funny and want to see what you’re all about? Can we all not share readers?

2. Pinterest.

Some bloggers complain that some posts are only a rehash of Pinterest. I mean as long as it’s credited to the right source, why do you care what someone else’s blog posts are? We’re never going to go through every single photo on Pinterest. Sometimes it’s awesome to see ideas bloggers like!

3. Some bloggers don’t portray their “real life.”

Not everyone is comfortable sharing their relationship or family problems on the Internet. And yeah, everyone fights but SOME relationships just don’t have a lot of drama. My boyfriend and I argue. We’ve been in fights. But honestly, we don’t fight a whole lot and when we do it's generally civil. It’s normal for us to not have a lot of drama. Sure, our relationship isn’t perfect all the time but you won’t see me blogging about how annoyed I was when xyz happened. Why is not posting about this mean what I post isn’t my “real life”? Some of my favorite blogs seem like a dream world. They are SO lucky! Does that mean I don’t think they have issues sometimes? Nope. Does that mean I think their entire life is just traveling and being happy? Nope. Just because you don’t see it on their blog doesn’t mean you get to be jealous and complain.

4. I had a great post today, so many page views, and NO comments.

Cry me a river. Page views can tell you a lot more than comments. Some of my favorite posts I’ve written have had just a few comments. Some of my less favorite posts have 20+. Not everyone is going to comment. That doesn’t mean you don’t have readers. And no one likes a complainer. People like honesty, they just don’t like complaining about petty things. Blog for yourself and hopefully the rest comes with it!

Do you have some insight on this that I'm not seeing?

Links I Loved.

I've been REALLY inspired by a few blog posts this week so I thought I'd share what made me smile.

This guest post at Glass and Sable by Anna is such a FUN series post (SUCH a great idea!) I loved learning little home/closet/tool secrets about A and others. And Glass and Sable is an ADORABLE blog. Just beautiful.

This post by Stephanie about enjoying the moment in your relationship was refreshing. I've been loving her blog lately. Like read it every other day lately.

This post by Raven made me DIE of laughter. Honestly, I go to Raven's blog when I'm having a bad day. 

This post by Shalyn about being hard on ourselves just spoke to my heart. I'm such a lurker on her blog. I never comment. I wish I did because I think she's awesome. #stalker.

This post by Ashley made me want to quit my job, empty my bank account, buy a one way to ticket to Maui, and never look back.

Also, I'm GIVING AWAY an ad space on my blog for the month of July at Jenni's blog today so go enter enter!!

Happy Friday! Have a fabulous weekend!

Five Things You Don't Care About.

1.       I went to the gym Wednesday and Thursday night for the first time in over a year! ((By saying Thursday night I'm hoping I'll actually go tonight)). I don’t think I’ve ever sweat more in my life. Seriously. I ended my little workout in the sauna. I’m sure people are going to call me immature for saying this but WHY do people get naked in the Sauna. This is a PUBLIC ((okay members only)) place. This isn’t your house. This isn’t the doctors. I don’t want to see your cellulitey legs. I don’t want you to see my cellulitely legs. That’s why I keep my clothes on. Bathing suits? Sure! I don’t want to see your nipples. Sorry. It had to be said.

Source: Uploaded by user via Laura on Pinterest

2.       I have been feeling under the weather this week ((which is why I haven’t blogged as much)) and have watched 14 episodes of Pretty Little Liars. That’s right. 14. ((My boyfriend is also out of town)). I finished season one FINALLY and have watched the first seven episodes of season two. I LOVE THIS SHOW. I don’t care if it is on ABC family. This week my favorite is Spencer. My favorite character changes every couple of episodes. Do you watch?

Source: via Ashleigh on Pinterest

3.       I’m getting my hair colored next weekend! It’s been four months since I last got it done. That may not seem like a lot for some of you, but as a blonde I was used to getting it done for eight weeks ((it thrashed my hair)). I’m still contemplating strawberry blonde but I may also just go for a brighter blonde. I’m sure it’ll be a last minute decision. That’s how I do things.

Source: flickr.com via Charmaine on Pinterest

4.       Lauren still has not had her baby. Every day I wait for a text that something has happening. Nope. Nothing. Nada. Zilch. COME OUT BABY G!

Source: 1.bp.blogspot.com via Amanda on Pinterest

5.       I haven’t been able to stop talking about Whole Foods all week. I went grocery shopping there last Sunday and picked up some of the yummiest grocery store food I’ve ever had. I kinda wished I hadn’t though because that place is SO expensive! I spent $47 and bought 16 things. That may sound decent but 5 of the things were $1. ((I have a peanut butter crunch cliff bar obsession)). The hummus dip, the premade pizza, the vegan peanut butter fudge, the stash I made at the olive bar, the blueberry juice….OMG. I am never excited to eat at home. This week. I’ve looked forward to eating at home. Unfortunately my budget does not allow for $50 worth of food that can’t feed me an entire week.

Source: Uploaded by user via Marlee on Pinterest

Blogging Secrets with Lemons, Avacados and the Bay

One of the first bloggers I met from San Diego was Tammy. I've met her in person a few times and even from the beginning she was extremely welcoming. It's nice to feel welcome somewhere where everyone has met before...except you! She has a lot of happy to share in this blog world and I know you all will take a lot out of this interview. 

 A big thank you to Tammy for taking the time to share today :)

((Make sure to go say hi and check out her "renovation" tab! I looooove their kitchen, living room, bathroom, okay entire house.))

Enjoy!

What do you blog about?
I blog about the beachy kind of life in San Diego. You know, boardwalk bike rides, sunny days, the boyfriend, and fun times with friends. I've also been known to blog about personal goals, the little happy things in life, fitness, and fashion.

Why did you start blogging?
I confess I was a blog lurker/lover for years and had toyed around with the idea of starting a blog but couldn't commit... "what would I write about?? (each day for that matter), I like taking pictures but I'm not that exciting..,  I like clothes but seriously get dressed up everyday and take photos everyday??" I don't know about all that.
Well, in December 2010 my boyfriend bought a disaster of a home which just happened to be walking distance from the beach, and suggested that we start a blog to share the renovation of our home with our family and friends. I agreed, cough was thrilled, and one evening last June we started LA&B. At that time we both blogged about our house, but we realized that blogging about home renovations quickly becomes a little tiresome and boring. Before I know it, Nadav stopped blogging (read: I took over) and LA&B became what it is today... a dairy of our beachy kinda life and a place for me to share the things I love and enjoy.

What's something your readers don't know about you?
When I was in college I worked with a little boy who is blind. He really inspired me, so much that I taught myself how to read and type Braille so I could helps him with his classroom assignments.

Describe your personal style in five words.
I.Live.At.The.Beach.
which really just means that in 5+ words my style is: beachy, eclectic, relaxed, comfortable, and a little bit sweet =P

What can't you live without?
I can't live without the people I love. The love of my family, my boyfriend, and friends makes life worth living.
I also can't imagine life without my cell phone. Seriously, what did I do before a cell phone came into my life? How did I manage to meet friends at the mall or stay in touch? =P

What inspires your blog posts?
The desire to connect to connect with others, express myself, and be creative. I'm also (obviously) really inspired by life in San Diego. I love to document the things I do and the places I go. Most importantly, I'm inspired by the desire to better myself and become the best version of me.

What about when you feel uncreative?
I head outdoors, and take a walk or go on a beach bike ride. By the time I'm done I have usually changed my perspective or been inspired in some way. And really... if all else fails, I head to Pinterest. =P

How has your blog changed over time?
I actually sat and let this question simmer for awhile. My blog has changed a great deal over the past 11 months, but it took me awhile to pinpoint exactly how it has changed. However it seems that the more confident I became in my blogging "skills" the more real I became on my blog. Basically, I was more honest and more "myself" with each blog post. I spent less time joining linkups just to "fill space" and more time writing genuine posts. And the truth is, I really like how my blog has evolved.

How has blogging changed you?
Blogging has changed me in so many great ways, and it's probably changed me in some ways I can't fully grasp right now. Only time will make me aware of those changes. =) Specifically, expressing myself through blogging has somehow allowed me to grow more comfortable in my skin. I am more honest, and am more "ok" with myself than I have ever been. Also, networking with other bloggers and planning blogger meetups has made me more confident and more friendly, open even. I love meeting bloggers and making new friends.
I'm also more aware of my surroundings than I have ever been. I have developed a much greater appreciation for living in the moment. I'm constantly bringing out my camera to capture a beautiful sunset, happy times with friends, and even a yummy looking cupcake.
I've also found that I am much more disciplined than ever before. I'm learning the importance of managing my time, scheduling blog posts, and doing my best to stay on top of that inbox.
Most importantly though, I have found that blogging is something I truly love to do. There are few things greater than that.

What advice do you have for new bloggers?
I just wrote a post about the Do's And Don'ts of Blogging. It's full of lots and lots of advice for new bloggers, check it out. =)
Also, realize that blogging is a wonderful thing, but it takes time. Writing posts takes time, connecting with other bloggers takes time, and growing your readership takes time. However, if you really love blogging it is so so worth it. I am so thankful for the connections I have made through blogging and the opportunities I have encountered because of blogging. Point is, put in the effort and you will be rewarded.
And some advice about growing your blog?
Blog blog blog, and blog often. Readers like to see new content and they are more likely to keep coming back to your site if you are regularly presenting them with new information. I also appreciate an interesting writing style, large photos, and a pretty blog design... and puhhleeasee do not automatically set music to play when someone enters their site.
Also, be yourself. Don't try to "fit into" a specific blogging type or style just because you think it will help you grow your blog. The truth is you are wonderful and interesting in your own way, and chances are people will enjoy reading about you.

Last but not least! What blogs inspire you?
I read so many wonderful blogs, but a few of my favorites are:
Rockstar Diaries, Story Of My Life, Shades Of Gray, Adventures of Newlyweds, Sometimes Sweet, Secondhand Sundays, Lovely Little Things, La Mia Vita, Cupcakes and Cashmere, Kendi Everyday

Mind Travels

In San Diego right now we have this glorious thing called June Gloom.

The beaches are cloudy, windy, grey, and slightly too cool to enjoy it. While this happens every year, every year I get just as bummed. I've gone to the beach the past three weekends and two of the weekends the weather was really blah. It's so depressing! It's summer! No one wants to wait another month to get their beach on.

My best friend went to Costa Rica last weekend and now I am longing for a tropical vacation to get away from all of the grey beach days. Since a long vacation isn't going to happen (this summer) I'm trying to mentally enjoy my last vacation instead...or what I like to call "mind traveling" ;)

I went to Hawaii for the first time last summer and couldn't believe how beautiful it is! It is honestly breath taking. I decided to share some of my pictures from my trip so if you need to it will help you mind travel too ;)

Have you ever been to Hawaii?

High Low.

Not a lot of lady of many words today. That's because I have my mind on something...


I want these for summer!

Wedges. Sandals. Don't play it safe and dress up your day time or night time.

Would you wear this style?

Source: ginger-snapped.tumblr.com via Lorena on Pinterest

Source: dreemcloset.tumblr.com via Amanda on Pinterest

Source: purpleemoon.tumblr.com via Sera on Pinterest

Source: goodgoodgorgeous.com via GoodGood on Pinterest

Source: getthelondonlook.tumblr.com via Taylor on Pinterest

Source: store.delias.com via Jaime on Pinterest

If I had to be thankful for something...

Source: mintdesignblog.com via Frances on Pinterest

I'm so thankful to be employed and while I'm not where I'd like to be financially, I'm so thankful to be able to not worry about not paying bills. Even if a lot of days I feel like my patience deserves an award for some of the customer service type issues I deal with, I'm lucky in a lot of ways.


I'm thankful for knowing boredom again. This is my third week of not having to commute to school after work and last night I was honestly BORED. TV, books, internet lurking, none of it is as exciting when you're not procrastinating. Another reason I need to get my butt to the gym or buy some workout videos!


I'm thankful to be in a great relationship. It's been over two years and I still get excited to hang out with him. That's saying something if you ask me.

I'm thankful for my living situation. I have a nice apartment that was recently remodeled, a roommate I rarely see (not that we have some sort of roommate feud...it's just nice sometimes), inexpensive rent for San Diego, and walking distance to a great local beer/bar scene.  I complain about parking and crime, but I feel very safe in my hotel style apartment.


I'm thankful that I finally feel like I'm learning something useful in school. I feel like I'm going to have something to contribute after I graduate. Communications isn't rocket science, but it's nice to know I'm getting something out of all of my hard work and not just a piece of paper that says now you can apply for jobs!


I'm linking up with Tracy and giving thanks today! Join us! 


What are you thankful for?

How To: Relaxed beach waves

.1. Turn on flat iron to HOT!! You will need the heat or this won't work very well. This is a no brainer, but make sure your hair is DRY. Please don't fry your wet hair on my account. I did this on second day hair.

.2. Part hair into sections (thick hair may need more sections).

.3. Braid each section and fasten with a rubber band.

.4. Flat iron each braid starting at the top of the braid. Make sure to go slow. I actually found I got a better wave if I clamp and hold the top of the braid, move down to the next section of that same braid, and so on down to the hair tie. Do not untie. Repeat to same braid so each section of the braid is clamped twice.

.5. Move on to next braid and repeat step 4.

.6. Repeat until each braid has been "clamped" four times (or two rounds of two series of clamps!)

.7. Using a lightweight hairspray, get six-twelve inches away and spray your entire head lightly.

.7. Wait a few minutes.

.8. Undo braids.

.9. You're done!

I like my "beach" waves more on the hippie side, so it becomes a really loose wave like the photo above. You can do more clamps or even blast with a blow dryer after the hairspray for more of a defined wave. If you want something kinda crazy, after clamping you can even wrap the braids LOOSELY around a curling wand. (Make sure the wraps aren't too close to one another on the wand)

My hair waves pretty easily except for the top of my head ((where it counts)).

This braid trick does it perfectly!

Good luck and I'd love to hear your feedback :)

A baby announcement.

HA! Not Mine...made ya look ;)

Do you know my blog friend Lauren? We hit it off in the blog world last August/Septemberish and have even met IRL. We text, tweet, instagram, facebook, facetime, email…you know we’re blog lovers.

Well…this little lady is havin another baby girl (she also has a sweet little one who is 20 months) J I say little lady because of the picture below. Homegirl is tiny.

In honor of her baby girl’s arrival she’s hosting a baby pool/giveaway! Whoever guesses the closest date and time of the baby's birth without going over will win a $25 amazon gift card!! YOU MUST ENTER BY TUESDAY JUNE 5TH AT 11:59 PM PST. The winner will be announced after the baby is born ;)

Here she is last week at 38 weeks

 (I'm pretty sure her legs are smaller than mine right now...)

Her DUE DATE is June 13^th.

To enter:

1.       You must be a follower of my blog via GFC.

(Even though she’s hosting this baby pool, Lauren says you don’t have to follow her to enter because she’s going to be blogging sporadically when the baby comes…so while it’s not required…I highly suggest it ;) she’s a hilarious lifestyle blogger and I know you’d enjoy! )

2.       You must comment with a DATE and TIME that you think the baby will come.

The winner will be whoever comes closest to the date AND time WITHOUT GOING OVER.

If two people guess the same winning date and time, whoever entered it first will win. So try not to guess the same as someone else! :) Who wants a $12.50 amazon gift card, right? I have a list of like five things I need for the house that I would use the gift card on. What would you use it on?

Best of luck and yay Lauren!!!