Sister Goldenhair

I have naturally wavy hair. It’s not curly, it’s not straight, its wavy and quite unruly. Now that its shorter & in a cute bob, it’s much more manageable. However, there are some days I need a bit of extra help. I am trying to limit my exposure to chemicals, so I’m going the all natural route. I haven’t found an all natural gel, but I did make my own.

 

Its super easy-mix together plain gelatin, hot water and essential oil.  That’s it.

It’s the same combination I used to use to spike my hair back in my punk rock days. It washes out easily, and is actually good for you too.

Mommy makeover

I'm a wife and mom, first and foremost, which takes up a lot of my time. Between working full time, homework, cleaning the house and taking the Little Man to activities, I don't have a lot of time to do my hair and make up, so I try to keep it simple. Every so often though, I need a mommy makeover.

I didn't look awful before, but I could definitely use a bit of lightening up.

I decided to add some more layers and bangs.

I'm a Jersey girl at heart, so the higher, the better.

End result? I love it, even if I'm not smiling!

Suedehead

I used to be blonde. In high school, I was blonde, thin and tan. I looked good. Fast forward 24 years later, I am a middle aged, chunky, zoftig , pale pasty white mousy brown mom. Quite frankly, I wasn't happy with what I looked like. I would look in the mirror and think, who are you??
I made the decision that I was done with boxed hair color and was going to get mine colored professionally. I didn't want to commit to whole head color, opting for highlights.
For years, I used to go to Becky at Salon Facci. In fact she did my hair and make up for my wedding. However, she is in NJ and I'm in SD. I decided that no matter how much I hated my hair color the worst that could happen would be needing to cut it off.
So I held my breath, said a prayer and called Stewarts.
During the process I looked like a cross between someone from Whoville and an alien.
It was the longest few hours as I waited to see how it turned out.
I love it!

Did you know that Morrissey and I are birthday twins?

Ochie Chiun

I love, love LOVE Pinterest! I unfortunately can waste a lot of time on there! (Are you on Pinterest? If so let's be friends! I, of course, am Mommydom) it reminds me, as does Etsy, that there are some incredibly talented people out there!
The other day I was looking for something different to do with my hair. I was attending my friend's ordination to the priesthood (Episcopal), but prior to that I had to run errands and be a mom. I wanted something that looked pretty but would last all day.
I came across a cute braided curly half up do that was perfect for my needs.

I started by moussing my hair.
Then I used a small barrel curling iron, lightly spraying each section, to keep the curl.
Do not brush, so they look like waves!
Take the front pieces of your hair and braid, pinning it back with a clip.
And...your are done!
Mine didn't exactly look like picture on Pinterest, but I was quite pleased with the results!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nlu164B8LXw&feature=youtube_gdata_player

Blue Sky Mine

 
 
When your hair is shoulder length or longer, it takes a lot of damage and abuse. As a result, it doesn’t always look great.
 

 
You can tell a lot about a woman by how her hair looks. Chances are, if she doesn’t take care of her hair, she isn’t going to take care of a lot else.
 

 
 One way to keep your hair moist is using a hot oil treatment. There are a variety of commercially prepared ones, and then there are that you can make at home. ½ c olive oil (more if your hair is longer), heated in microwave
 
 

wrap in a Towel, run through a dryer and is nice & warm Work oil through hair, starting at the root to the tip. Wrap head in towel. Let sit for at least 15 minutes, shampoo thoroughly.

Monday Monday

I am now just over 6 months post surgery, and I am finally starting to get back to feeling like me again. I don't have as many twinges of pain as I did. My energy level is coming back. The hormones are starting to regulate, although I do still have my days. I alternate between angry and very, very sad. I am still struggling with the post surgical body image...my scar is long, and I have no muscle tone in my stomach.
Things are progressing nicely, but I need to get me back.

me, and the little man 2007

I don't have the quick answer, and I am pretty sure its going to require a lot of hard work and determination. I did run a 5k last month, but since then, I've stopped training to be perfectly honest.

from google images

When I hit the 6 month mark last week, I actually feel like I hit a wall. I came out of the surgery enthusiastic to work out, and then smack! I was more highly motivated a few months ago than I am today.

pilates class-perfect for that tummy bulge
picture from google images

So, I need to regain my motivation. I need to get back on track and get my body back. Its bathing suit season, I am spending a lot of time at the pool with the little man.

lazy river at drake springs

I won't say that I am embarrassed by how I look, I just know it can be better.

http://www.shabbyapple.com/

I don't have an easy answer on it either.

aren't these bathing suits divine?
http://www.shabbyapple.com/

I do know that I am not feeling super comfortable in clothes right now

I love these clothes!
http://www.shabbyapple.com/

and I am not really feeling the love back.

hole in one, mini golf at thunder road
pre-surgery August 2010

I am feeling LARGE.

from google images

Add to it, I am growing my hair out,

I loved my hair like this! 2006 style, not the most flattering pose, but oh well!

camp kaleidoscope 2009

so I am at that awkward stage, where its not quite long,

the long hair style I want

 but not quite short either.

the hair style I've been wearing since, oh 1995

Its there. And its frustrating, because I can't quite do what I want with my hair-

have you checked out http://www.whippycake.com/

like a great updo

from google images

 or a messy braid.

another awesome site! http://www.lovemaegan.com/
great tutorials & super fashion

Its Monday, the dawn of a new week. I am going to try my hardest to get back on track and get back to business.

my love hate relationship, the elliptical

Time to hit the elliptical.