oh hey

I did it. I became “that girl”. You know the one.  She writes semi-regularly and then gets engaged and completely ignores her blog for weeks upon weeks. I’ve seen it happen so many times, and I always swore I would never become her.

Hi. I’m her.

So now it’s that awkward stage where I figure out what to write. Do you want to hear the engagement story? Do you never want to read a thing about the wedding? (Foreshadowing: this is going to be near impossible.) Do I just go about my business telling you about whatever is on my mind like normal? (Mind has become overtaken by wedding.)

I guess I'll just talk wedding.

I hinted at it back here. And I'm finally ready to announce it. We are getting married in Mexico!

Mexico... here we come May 2014!

Save the Dates are ordered. Wedding party has been asked. Next up - dress shopping!

royals

You guys, have you heard this song?

I've played it on repeat over the past few days, and just can't get enough of it.

If you're in the mood for some enlightenment, check out the About section she wrote for this video.
The crazy thing is she's all of 16 years old. Pretty sure I was most worried about what outfit I was wearing on a Friday night when I was her age. Not to mention I think she's already better at applying eyeliner than I am. Girl's got talent in so many ways.

I promise to have some fun wedding stuff up on the blog as soon as some big decisions have been made and finalized. Until then, enjoy this jam!

yes.

That's what I said!

  

Here's to us.

Our future. Our past. Our travels. Our obsession with football. Our love.

Now, let the planning begin!

hot head

 

Hey hey. I hope you all had a great Memorial Day weekend. Mine was incredibly relaxing and I was actually looking forward to getting back into the work routine today.
 

To all of you who curl your hair on a regular basis, talk to me. I need to know what you use to protect your tresses from the heat of your appliances.

For years I was super lazy and would simply blow dry my hair and leave it in its naturally stick straight state. I have recently become a little obsessed with the curling iron (and wand) ever since my friend and hairstylist taught me how to curl properly, giving my hair that wavy, effortless appearance. If only it was effortless. Turns out I like curling my hair so much that I completely fried it over the past six months between hair cuts.

 

I could use what my friend sells at the salon, but am really looking for something budget-friendly - $30 or less. I've mentioned before that I have had great luck with Phyto hair products, so I might try out their Phytokeratine Reparative serum. I am definitely looking for other options though as I research, so if you use a serum and love it, please let me know!

the black keys

For my birthday, Blue Eyes gave me tickets to see a band I've been dying to see since being introduced to them with this video back in 2008. 

It's hard to believe that six years after that video was shot, they're selling out arenas like the Sprint Center. I love these guys from Akron, Ohio and can't wait to see them again. What an amazing show.

time saver

*So I'm just going to jump right in here and pretend I haven't been MIA for 3 weeks* 

I think most of you will agree with me that any tricks or tips to save some time these days is as appreciated as a J. Crew sale on pay day. No?

I bought this tube of Freedom polymer top coat from Julep over a month ago with the hopes it would give me a Shellac-like manicure for a fraction of the cost over time. With wedding season in full swing and making a commitment to tighten my budget, I spent $18 on the Julep top coat hoping my skepticism of its seemingly-radical product description would prove incorrect.

After over 10 at-home manicures, here is what I have found.

The Pros:
1. Dries extremely fast and effectively. Like I can take out laundry from the dryer five minutes after I've finished applying.
2. Gives nails the high-gloss gel look.
3. Comes off easily with regular non-acetone nail polish remover.

The Con:
1. Doesn't last nearly as long as a gel manicure. I get about 4 days before the color starts chipping.

For me, the multiple benefits outweigh the one disappointment I have had with this product.

PS: I was not compensated in any way for this review, just my thoughts and hope it's helpful for you!

spring shoe

It may have been 20 degrees last night in Kansas City. I may have been boycotting my coat closet for the past month against the weatherman's advice. And right now I'm inconveniently obsessing over these shoes from Zara. Aren't they amazing? Best shoes I've seen all season.

image