Starting My Hair Education // Better Late Than Never

Last year one of my goals was to learn more ways to do my hair. I think that I did accomplish a few small things, but overall didn't get that far. I think hair has just always been difficult for me. 

I grew up with my curls in a slicked back ponytail or bun because it would typically get frizzy during the day at school. And if it was ever down, it turned into a triangle... not flattering. 

It wasn't until high school that my friends told me that my hair looked nice down and naturally curly. I believed them, and since then I have at least tried to let my curls be noticeable.

Beyond curls there is straightening.... and I have so much hair it takes forever and a day to straighten it, which makes me crazy... so I think I've been putting the rest of my hair edu off a bit. 

But over the weekend I purchased this fantastic book (that I wanted for Christmas) and have begun to play around with it. And I'm finding it surprisingly fun!

So far this is SO helpful and I have accomplished several average attempts at different buns and braids. But the instructions, tips and photos are really helpful, and make me hopeful that I can learn to do my hair in all of these gorgeous styles! :) To buy on Amazon, click here.

I also purchased a medium and extra large hair donut. It's much too soon to share any pictures of my actual hair... but I thought I would recommend these products to anyone on a similar journey, or anyone who loves doing their hair! :) 

Even if this is an old goal, it's better late than never right?

Do you use a hair donut? Which size do you like best? Do you prefer to roll it, or just use it to wrap your hair around? 

-so far, wrapping it around works best for me. But one of mine snaps as well.. so that will be interesting to try!

Have you read this book? Which styles have you tried? Which do you hope to accomplish after lots of practice?

-I've learned the French braid (yes, this is new to me..) the fish tail braid.. to no avail, the basic bun, the triple braid and braided crown. I want to accomplish beautiful ones like the Grecian braid, Dutch Braid and Mermaid Braid! 

Thanks for Reading,

Alexandra

2013 Goals Revisited.. How'd I Do?

26 Goals for 2013:

1) See an ocean. {no the gulf didn't count}

2) Attempt to make my own Macarons.  Surprisingly successful & easy!

3) Learn to use my sewing machine & make something cool with it.

4) Visit 5 new places.

5) Open my Etsy store.

6) Read at least 25 books, 5 of which must be classics. (15 & 2)

7) Upgrade my blog.-{photo label, new topics, better design & layout, ads for other bloggers etc.}

8) Visit a BIG flea market, the kind where you need a wagon!

9) Start buying all organic butter, organic cage free eggs, organic half and half and creams.

10) Actually make green cleaners and clean with them.

11) Start more "upcycling" crafts.

12) Try 25 family recipes and learn a story about them.

13) Buy and care for 2 house plants. 

14) Set up an emergency savings account. 
15) Clean out everything that is underneath the bed, and then use that space in a more useful storage way.
16) Start using eco-friendly laundry products to take when we do our laundry.-{no, we don't currently have a washer/dryer} :(
17) Learn to arrange flowers.
18) Floss & Use Fluoride Rinse 3 X's per week.-{did you know? Flossing regularly is said to help your immune system enough to add years to your life?!?}
19) Make a cleaning schedule.
20) Move More.-walk 3 x's per week after dinner, do yoga 2x's per week, do other workouts {belly dance, Kristi yamaguchi, just dance on the wii} 1x per week

21) Learn to do my hair-{use my diffuser, try blowing out my hair, other styles besides my typical ponytail}
22) Start sending more mail and giving more gifts just because.

23)Host 12 get-togethers.
24) Drink no more than 3 sodas per week. {Seriously, I drink WAY too much soda}
25) Make a menu-making and grocery shopping schedule to ensure less eating out and better budget meeting.
26) Reach 75,000 blog views.

Even though I didn't check off as many goals as I would like, it was an incredible year! I feel like I got to do so many great things!

Other Accomplishments:

Finished the Divergent book series
Finished the Hunger Games book series
Checked several things off of my 2022 list (Still coming soon!)
Moved to a bigger, nicer apartment
Got a furry friend
Beat my blog view goal by A LOT! (almost 95,000!)
Sat front row at a Celtic Woman concert!
Traveled A Lot (both near and far)!
Saw more concerts than any other year!
Did some seriously successful thrifting on many occasions!
Celebrated second great year of marriage!
Started working on my wardrobe development more.

My goals for 2014!

How did you do on your 2013 goals?

What are you planning for 2014?

Thank you for reading!! 

Alexandra

Jewelry Haul // August 2013

Howdy all! 

One of my goals for this year is to post about more and new topics.. and I've done ok so far.. but one thing I've really been wanting to post about is fashion. 

I've been working hard to revamp my wardrobe and accessories... and here is some of the evidence! 

I guess August was the time for me to buy accessories! I'm having a major attraction to all things fuchsia and mint... which are apparently everywhere!

I love that these pieces are bold, but easy to wear, many of which will rotate nicely into my fall wardrobe! (click on the image to zoom)

Here we go!

1. Mini Heart Charm Layering Necklaces, Forever 21, $1.80 each.

2. Red Dangle Drop Earrings, Target (clearance), < $5

3) Mint Pave Posts, TJMaxx (sale), $11.

4) Sterling Silver Pave Bows with Pearls, TJMaxx (sale), $14!

5) Mint & Navy Cluster Earrings, J Crew Outlet (sale), ~$16

6) Mint Beaded Statement Necklace, Francesca's, $26.

7) Fuchsia Beaded Statement Necklace, Francesca's, $26.

I love all of these pieces, but am especially obsessed with the two necklaces! They make dressing up jeans and a t-shirt SO easy!

So far they look great with everything I've paired them with! Plain t-shirts, striped ones, blouses, tops with lace accents.. the possibilities are endless! 

I love that I can just throw these necklaces on with an otherwise basic outfit and feel all dressed up! I've gotten so many complements already!

Moral(s) of the story: 

1. Search the clearance jewelry at your favorite places! You can find some great deals that are often great basics or on-trend... or just something you've been looking for.

2. A statement necklace (or two!) are worth the investment! You'll wear them more than you'd think! Plus they come in so many colors, shapes, lengths and sizes! Francesca's has a TON, go check them out!

Have you found any great steals on the clearance rack recently? 

What statement jewelry do you like best? How do you style it?

Leave me your links and thoughts in the comments!

Thanks for reading!

XO,

Alexandra

26 Goals for 2013!

Chances are if you read my blog, you know I am a big goal person. 

I try to set them daily, weekly, seasonally, yearly and even longer term than that. 

This year, just like any other.. I made a list of goals for the coming year. 

I am really excited about this list and consequently for 2013.. so here you have it!

26 Goals for 2013:

1) See an ocean. {no the gulf didn't count}

2) Attempt to make my own Macarons.

3) Learn to use my sewing machine & make something cool with it.

4) Visit 5 new places.

5) Open my Etsy store.

6) Read at least 25 books, 5 of which must be classics.

7) Upgrade my blog.-{photo label, new topics, better design & layout, ads for other bloggers etc.}

8) Visit a BIG flea market, the kind where you need a wagon!

9) Start buying all organic butter, organic cage free eggs, organic half and half and creams.

10) Actually make green cleaners and clean with them.

11) Start more "upcycling" crafts.

12) Try 25 family recipes and learn a story about them.

13) Buy and care for 2 house plants. 

14) Set up an emergency savings account. 
15) Clean out everything that is underneath the bed, and then use that space in a more useful storage way.
16) Start using eco-friendly laundry products to take when we do our laundry.-{no, we don't currently have a washer/dryer} :(
17) Learn to arrange flowers.
18) Floss & Use Fluoride Rinse 3 X's per week.-{did you know? Flossing regularly is said to help your immune system enough to add years to your life?!?}
19) Make a cleaning schedule.
20) Move More.-walk 3 x's per week after dinner, do yoga 2x's per week, do other workouts {belly dance, Kristi yamaguchi, just dance on the wii} 1x per week

21) Learn to do my hair-{use my diffuser, try blowing out my hair, other styles besides my typical ponytail}
22) Start sending more mail and giving more gifts just because.

23)Host 12 get-togethers.
24) Drink no more than 3 sodas per week. {Seriously, I drink WAY too much soda}
25) Make a menu-making and grocery shopping schedule to ensure less eating out and better budget meeting.
26) Reach 75,000 blog views.

Why it is NOT too late to make your 2013 goals!

1) Goals are much more about little steps than they are about big successes. Many people think that if they don't start right at January 1st or do something successfully every week during that they have failed. This is just not true! Small steps and victories are the best way to gain self confidence when it comes to goal setting!

2) Goals give you a reason to do something fun or something good for yourself! Many nights I sit around wondering what to do with my evening. When I have goals I can spend time working towards them instead of wasting hours of facebook. At the end of the year, even if I didn't finish my goal, I definitely made steps in the right direction & probably had lots of fun doing it!

Check out my other post: 7 Tips for Goal Setting Success!

I hope that this list inspires you to make goals for 2013!

What is on your 2013 list?

All for now,

Alexandra  

Coming Tomorrow: My evaluation of my 2012 goals!