hair did, nails did, everything did

Today was a BIG day for me. I'm talking (literally) can't sleep, need-a-stiff-drink-ASAP kinda big day.

 After almost 24 years of not having enough in me to lighten or highlight my hair, today I went for it and got it balayaged. AND I LOVE IT... I feel like I've been missing out on a big part of my life by only ever doing all-over dark colors in the past. What was I thinking.

I highly, highly suggest Marissa at Sergio's on West Liberty for those of you in the Pittsburgh area. If you are contemplating changing up your hair and are nervous about it like I was, she is that go-to-gal. I couldn't be happier with how it turned out.

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Now on to some products I use to ensure my color stays as long as possible. There's nothing worse than doling out a bunch of cash to get that perfect color only to have it demolished by the sunlight.  

>>Miracle Volumizing Shampoo by It's a 10: sulfate free/color protectant, adds texture, shine, & more... check out their site for carrying stores near you

>>Color Safe Volumizing Conditioner by Big Sexy Hair... available in many drug stores, grocery stores, etc.

>> Miracle Blowdry Volumizer by It's a 10: UV protectant, humidity resistant, adds volume, hold, & more. Use this for styling or as a finishing spray.

Some other products I use are:

>>tousle waves spray for when I'm feeling lazy

>>frizz-ease to tame my mane

>>& flexible hairspray (ALWAYS flexible hold. No one wants that 8th grade crunch)

shop my closet +++ (grey marl long dress & UO scarf)

Sorry for the selfies (shameful)-- I just really like my hair. 

ta-ta for now  XXOO

hump day happenings

For you 9-5ers, today is the fabulous hump day. A particularly good hump day may help to get your booty through the 2 day stretch to the weekend.

As for me, I only work 3 twelve hour shifts a week so I don't know how this feels (sorry guys).  BUT... I do know that I was cancelled from work today and got a free-day-hump-day. Holler.

I started off my morning with a little coffee, some leftover chia pudding, and a lil' tanning sesh on my back patio. I also decided to tackle my belated spring cleaning... and my god was it necessary. I am officially self-proclaiming myself an organized mess. From the outside, you would think that my room was clean...but dig a little deeper and you will find SO MUCH random, misplaced junk in just about every nook and cranny. This is probably due to the fact that I am crazy and can't sleep if there is clutter-- everything must be out of eyesight vision and all drawers/closets must be closed. This, in turn, causes me to shove sh*t in random places to disguise my messes. Ugh, the struggle.

Anyway, after cleaning for 450238 hours, I cozied up to watch the storm (tornado warning, what?) and lit a candle. (other 2 >> fresh lilies and citrus and mercury bowl pineapple bamboo)

Now on to the good stuff- food.

I had a spaghetti squash so I did what I usually did with it. I pierce the squash (as I would a potato), microwave it for about 10 mins, then scrape the "noodles" out. I usually add to my fav Rao's marinara sauce by sautéing some cherry tomatoes, minced garlic, and fresh basil in olive oil first then heat it up all together with the squash. I top it with some fresh romano and BOOM... got myself some superrrrr satisfying carb-free spaghetti. 

If you haven't dabbled with spaghetti squash as a pasta replacement, now is the time.

I'm ending my productive day finishing up this hilarious book that I mentioned a few posts ago and am going to catch up on Season 2 of Orange is The New Black. 

Oh and not to mention, I'm off until Saturday night... praise the Lawddd!

< shop my closet: ASTR scalloped tank >

What gets you through the work week?!

nyc bound >> what's inside my bag?

NEW YORK CITY BOUND T-1 DAY.

Sa'll good baby baybayyyy!

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For any of you crazies who even care what's inside my bag, this post is gonna give you the low down. Of course my actual luggage has twenty-too-many outfits & shoes for a 3 night stay, but my carry on is pretty much an essential-only zone.

Ok so let's take a look at what's inside of my {cosmetic} bag that's inside of my bag:

1.) My makeup featured on: Face Candy Essentials. You never know when you'll be in need of a freshen-up.

2.) An old emptied makeup compact filled with bobby pins. Nifty, eh!? Makes for a little organized storage spot for your bobbies. If you're anything like me, those little shits end up everywhere- (i.e. car, rug, wallet, hanging from strands of hair on my head, etc.- fml.)

3.) A large hair clip. Maybe I'm living in the 90s but I never stopped wearing these.

4.) We already discussed my vaseline obsession.

5.) As if vaseline wasn't enough-->>EOS lip balm in Sweet Mint.

6.) EOS hand cream in Berry Blosom. 

Moving on to the more essential of essentials...

7.) My blacked-out sunnies. Great for people watching (aka creeping) or for disguised sleeping.

8.) My iPad. 

9.) My planner. Why not plan my next trip while on my trip?

10.) My green-inspired mini notepad-purchased at Target. I'm big on lists. I have lists floating around everywhere. Electronic lists, written lists, mental lists, you name it. Most are not completed. At least I tried.

11.) Fuzzy socks!! These are a must when traveling. Nothing is worse than cold tootsies.

12.) A good book. I will let you know how that one turns out.

Am I missing anything?

super tea boosters & a not-so-attractive smoothie

Smoothies and juice bars are the craze right now. I must admit, a few weeks ago I went crazy trying to find an organic one in Pittsburgh. I am not kidding when I say I Googled and Urbanspoon'ed 7 locations and when I arrived they were either A.) closed or B.) non-existent. This brought me back to a similar chain of events: a failed hunt for home-made donuts in Panama City, FL. Let's just say when I have a craving, I have an effing craving. Anyway, I opted for a green smoothie from Panera that was probably filled with a bunch of chemicals & added sugars. Whatever.

Even though my organic smoothie hunt was a bust, I love making my own at home. I always base my smoothies with ice and plain greek yogurt. Then add in whatever fruit I have in the fridge. 

Here's a recipe for one of my personal favs:

I usually stick to berry-based smoothies. All of the berries in this smoothie are a great source of antioxidants with fab health benefits.

Chia seeds are another ingredient I always toss in. These can be used in so many recipes and serve as a teeny-weeny superfood. 

(shop my closet: H&M Leopard Harem Pants)

I also found these Republic of Tea super tea booster supplements at Williams Sonoma. Add just a teaspoon of either to help with your digestion or metabolism. 

Can be used in smoothies, oatmeal, yogurt, baked goods, and more.

{fab finds} does window shopping even exist?

Looks like a little afternoon stroll turned into a shopping spree for me...... again.

Story of my life. Ugh.

It was a nice day in Pittsburgh yesterday so I tried to do some casual perusing down Carson Street. "Window shopping" doesn't really exist in my blood so I knew where this perusing was headed. Nonetheless, I stopped in a few boutiques and came out with some new stuff to add to my closet.

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First stop: Threads on Carson. This is pretty much a dude store... but of course I managed to find something. I'm always drawn to graphic Ts so I snagged this KR3W one in grey (featured above). I liked it because when you look in the mirror it reads "WERK" ("Ya better werk, b!*c#"-- B.Spears reference!). You can purchase this online too at Zappos.

Second stop: Decade on Carson. I got this NEUW Patti Tank in Chartreuse along with an awesome ring (no link available. sorry) & a Deadburydead marrow necklace. Solid finds, no regrets. Moving on...

Third stop: Figleaf on Carson. I managed to escape with just one purchase-- this Street Level cross-body in camel. I couldn't find a link to this exact bag, but Street Level brand is sold here, here, and here. 

(yesterdays shopping #OOTD)

Tupac ShakurRrRr or Rosie the Riveter? Either way, I don't care. obsessed with UO hair accessories.

What are your favorite stores for online shopping? Share your secrets below!