Hide Damaged Hair {Tutorial}

 

As busy moms, we are often left very little time to do our own hair in the morning.

Usually, it’s a mad dash to make sure the kids are well-fed, groomed, dressed appropriately, and dropped off at school on-time with healthy lunches securely packed!

Most mornings we are lucky to get a brush through our hair before drop-offs, while the rest of the time we end up sporting top knots or ponytails.

Unfortunately, these sorts of updo’s can lead to some serious hair breakage over time.

We decided to look into some new ways to do our hair that promise to be quick and easy… while still looking polished.

We found this great {short} video tutorial on how to create beachy waves that helps to minimize the appearance of dry, damaged hair {since we also go too long between cuts — yikes}!

 

{The Look}

 

  [Read more…]

What Ails Me… Migraines

 A couple of months ago, I hit a new low

{which is one of the reasons I finally headed back to the doctor after years of not going}.

Husby was at work for a 48-hr shift and I was home with my four little ones.

I had a migraine that was so bad…

that my oldest son {age 8} had to make ego waffles for his siblings for dinner

{so embarrassing to admit}….

I found myself running to the toilet to vomit…

I was sure that this was going to be it…

the time that my brain would finally cease and I would die of a brain aneurism or something

{however unrealistic that actually may be}.

 My 6 year old, plagued with a look of helplessness and fear, came running…

asking if I was ok.

He took it upon himself to get me a hair tie.

Later that night, after the pain lessened to a point I could tolerate…

my oldest son took me to the prayer box in my bedroom…

with tears in his eyes, he showed me a handwritten letter on a small piece of paper….

a prayer to God,

asking Him to make his mommy feel better.

I was completely overwhelmed and brought to tears with the sheer sweetness of his heart….

that his initial instinct was to pray.

I was crushed,

at the same time…

thinking about the affects this would have on my children….

seeing their mommy so frequently sick with migraines.

[Read more…]

Fashion Trends We Love

 

FASHION TRENDS WE LOVE…

                                         and hope will never go out of style!

 

 

 

1. Ballet Flats + Leopard print

This is a 2-in-1 for us.

We love a good quality ballet flat like this one from JCrew…

and we can’t get enough leopard!

 

2. Chunky Jewelry both Colorful + Gold

Another {lovely} find from JCrew.

A beautiful necklace can be quite a statement piece!

We love the turquoise mixed with gold!

 

3. Vintage Cat Eye

This dramatic, yet pretty makeup technique has been popular for decades!

Try this great tutorial to achieve the look!

 

4.  Skinny Jeans + Grey

Who doesn’t love a good pair of skinny jeans?

These Hudson’s are particularly fabulous in the color grey…

{my personal love}!

Perfect for wearing with your favorite pair of boots!

 

5.  Nautical Stripes + Infinity Scarfs

Another 2-in-1!

We {heart} stripes and love the look of a polished infinity scarf!

 

6.  The Top Knot

A classic knot or a messy bun,

either way…

an easy way to look pulled together while going a day

{or two},

between washings!

Try this tutorial!

 

7.  Polished Nails

Essie nail polish is not only affordable,

but good quality for a lasting manicure/pedicure.

We love the bright colors…

and of course,

all of the shades of grey {wink, wink}!

 

8.  Boots, Boots & more Boots!

A girl can’t possibly have enough pairs, right?

There are endless varieties out there…

but these from Free People caught our attention with the zipper detail in the back!

 

January Birchbox Review

Do you LOVE beauty products?

I certainty do… so when I heard about BIRCHBOX,

I knew I had to give it a try!

For ten dollars a month

you get a BIRCHBOX mailed to your home which contains

a variety of hand-picked beauty & lifestyle samples!

 

 

 

 

 

The January BIRCHBOX

contained five different beauty samples:

*****************************

Embryolisse // Lait-Creme Concentre 24 – Hour Miracle Cream

{full-size, $16}

“A favorite of models and makeup artists,

this French moisturizer heals dryness and leaves skin primed for foundation.”

I really do like this product.

A little seems to go a long way.

I have been using it after the shower

and before I put on my makeup.

It is not greasy and soaks in well.

 

 

The Balm Cosmetics // Put a Lid on it Eyelid Primer

{full-size, $18}

“Keep that pretty eye shadow crease-free with this stay-put primer,

which also prevents smudges and smears.”

I happen to LOVE primer.

Perhaps it is my skin, but I really feel like I need it

in order for my makeup to last throughout the day.

I had just run out… so this was a great treat!

It works beautifully!

 

 

Ojon //Damage Reverse Instant Restorative Hair Serum

{full-size $25}

“Repair stressed strands with this aromatic hair treatment –

exotic ojon and macadamia oils work together to smooth and hydrate hair.”

I have been using this on my wet hair,  just prior to blowdrying.

Honestly, I haven’t noticed a difference with this product.

I think I prefer Moroccan Oil in both smell and

overall control of my thick hair.

 

 

 Aerie // Shimmer Fragrance

{full-size $14.95 – $39.95}

“This light-as-air blend of bergamot, peony, and vanilla feels fresh and warm.”

I do agree… it has a fresh smell.

I tend to get headaches with new fragrances…

unfortunately, I did with this one, too.

Miss Sophia Blue was fond of it, however.

 

 

Eyeko // Skinny Liquid Eyeliner

{full-size $15}

 “This UK import features a user-friendly pen applicator and super smooth formula.”

Okay… I saved my favorite product sample for last!

I was impressed on the sample size.

It honestly is as big as my MAC liquid eyeliner.

I have used this a few times in the past week.

It stays put, but still washes away easily at the end of the day.

I am super happy with this liner and love that it is only $15 regularly.

It glides on easily and is perfect for that vintage cat-eye!

 

 

Overall, I was pretty happy with the samples I received!

Ten dollars seemed like a fair amount to pay

since the eyeliner was a decent size.

 If you do decide to sign-up, just know there can be a short wait.

After signing up on their website, I did have to wait

approximately three weeks before

I received an email indicating that I had 72-hours to pay

and put in my shipping information

{after the 72-hours, they go on to the next person on the list}. 

Please let us know if you already receive samples from BIRCHBOX,

and if so, what your experience has been like!

I am excited to see what February brings because

 I {heart}

beauty products!!