Featured - The Fresh Factor

My beautiful friend and local blogger Kasidy asked me to write up a feature on Guatemala. (Can you tell I'm excited??)


Please, go check it out. While you're at it, feel free to follow her. ;)

Attempts at curly hair

If you've checked my FAQs, you know I have naturally curly hair. If you've seen my Pinterest pins lately, you can see that I'm infatuated with amazing curly/natural hair.

My coworker asked me this week if I relax my hair. Answer is, no. She asked why I didn't wear it curly, and I told her that my curls aren't that great. [insert pouty face]

They used to be pretty great. I dyed my hair and it all went downhill from there. My curls circa 2001 in one of my senior portraits:

I wore my hair curly less than five days in 2011. When I did, it was because I was in Guatemala or Hawaii, and flat ironing it was pretty pointless.

When I do attempt to wear it curly, as I did today, it is normally slightly wavy and really limp. I know that washing my hair, after it's been straight for a while will not hold any type of curl. I washed my hair twice in two days. I used only conditioner the second time, which was this morning.

I'm going to try to stick with it to get it back. Cross your fingers and say a prayer that some natural curl not this lame flat limp wavy crap is what sticks.

(hello craptastic bangs - they got tucked back after this photo)

Guatemala: One Month Away!!

Another personal post.

I am so excited to have the chance to volunteer at the Casa Angelina in Guatemala next month. I visited in June of 2011. Not to be cliche, it was life changing. I can't wait to see the kids again.

I've worked hard to get there, picking up a seasonal job to help finance the trip. I also began a fund raising campaign that is available to anyone willing to donate. My goal was to find 100 people to donate $10. I'm about halfway there to date. :)





Here are some photos and the video shot from my last trip there. Enjoy!

Cheers!

(photo by Canary Grey Photography)

TWFC - Caped Crusader

Good things come to those who wait. And those who sign up for those ridiculous emails from retailers I frequent. On Sunday, hanging out with family going through my emails on my phones,

I saw this picture:

I quickly went to the website to check pricing and availability, and I felt disappointed when it was not there. What a freaking tease.

On Wednesday morning, I get to work, check my emails, and there it is: Banana Republic TAKE AN ADDITIONAL 40% off sale. That was enough to get me into my local store to check out the options.

I strolled around the store, and there it was! Not only there it was, but holy crap(!), it was marked at $99 with the 40% off. The coat was originally $198. I strolled out paying a mere 30% of the ticket price. Merry Christmas to me indeed. ;)

Despite the snowless ground, it was actually really cold outside:

Shirt: Old Navy; Cardigan: H&M; Skirt: Gap; Tights: Target; Booties: Nine West;
Cape: Banana Republic; Bracelet: F21; Lipstick: MAC Ruby Woo

I hope everyone is enjoying their holidays!

Mister Postman

I love getting packages.




It fits, it's amazing, and yes, outfit pictures are coming. ;)

Gift Wish List: Sense and Sensibilities

I firmly believe that an amazing gift speaks to the recipient, offering an experience well beyond the initial gifting.

Here my gift wish list based on my favorites and five senses.




1. Sight - Harry Potter 8-Film Complete Set. My best friend and I have shared joy in this series for a good while now. Midnight premieres, getting attacked by little crabby old ladies at the theater (I kid you not), and of course our crush on Ron Weasley. A movie marathon is calling me.

2. Smell - Marc Jacobs Daisy Eau So Fresh. When Calvin Klein discontinued my signature sent, Euphoria Blossom, I had to look elsewhere. I prefer light clean and floral scents. This fragrance hits the spot.

3. Touch - West Elm Sculpted Origami Pillow. Chilly temperatures and a need for chic calls for this pillow to snuggle up to. I love West Elm accessories and decor pieces. This pillow has a gorgeous knit texture.

4. Sound - A Charlie Brown Christmas: Original Soundtrack. You can keep your ridiculous Wham! and other crazy holiday music. After working in retail for five years after high school, I really began to hate holiday music. A Charlie Brown Christmas, however, different story. I love Jazz music. This soundtrack brings back childhood memories while keeping my adult sensibilities in mind.

5. Taste - Salted Caramel Chocolate Peanut Bark. No explanation needed. ;)