beauty: ombre bob

A year ago, I would have never imagined that I would actually cut my hair. I loved my long hair but I was just so tired of taking care of it so I wasn't really styling it anymore. Pretty much a ponytail everyday for this busy mom. I've had gray hairs since I was about 18 so just touched up my roots about every six weeks with a cheap box of hair color. 

This past August, I finally decided I wanted a change so I went for it. I said goodbye to over 8 inches of hair and I don't regret it at all. Since I was saying goodbye to tons of hair, I figured it was also time to forget the DIY home hair color jobs. I have naturally dark brown hair but my skin is very fair. My stylist added in caramel highlights in August and since then I've gotten lighter and a more ombre look since my hair grows so fast. Keeping it darker at the roots keeps me from looking super overgrown in just a few weeks. My hair typically grows at least an inch a month. Yesterday, I went in for a trim, color, and style. I love how it turned out. She used a texturing spray and then used a one inch flat iron to curl it. This is definitely my favorite hair style that I've ever had. Thanks so much, Kahli!

Want a look you'll love? Contact my stylist, Kahli Markham, at Renew {336.430.6712} to set up an appointment.

beauty: goodbye, 8 inches

Last Tuesday, I took the plunge and cut off 8 inches of my hair to donate. I had wanted to do it for awhile but I was too chicken to actually go through with it. I loved my long hair but I really wanted a change. Something easier to manage and more fun to style. I found a style on Pinterest that I loved and it gave me the courage to finally make an appointment to cut my hair and add some highlights. I love how my hair turned out! My stylist did an amazing job on my cut and color and I couldn't be happier! Change is good!

the inspiration.

before.

goodbye, 8 inches.

the back.

side.

side.

curls with a curling iron.

air dried waves.

beauty: hair "secrets"

I get asked pretty often about my hair care routine so I thought I would share a few of my hair "secrets" here. Before I begin you need know about the natural texture and thickness of my hair. It's naturally wavy/frizzy if I don't do anything to it and it's long and thick. Without a good hair care routine, my hair is a big hot mess.

My biggest and best secret is that I always wash my hair every three days. This has changed the condition of my hair and scalp incredibly! My skin is very dry so washing everyday was making my scalp very dry and really, it's just way more work to wash your hair daily. Plus it's so good for your hair to retain it's natural oils. It's so much healthier with less frequent washing. Between washing my hair, I use Suave Dry Shampoo.

Before I go to bed, I spray the dry shampoo just to my roots and brush through really well. I pull my hair back with an elastic and then I'm done. I brush it again in the morning and style as needed. So simple and it leaves your hair looking clean and smelling fresh. It's only about $3 a can. I've tried more expensive dry shampoos and I've found this one works just as good, if not better than the more pricey stuff.

Another secret of mine is to wash your hair at night. Towel dry and then pull it back with an elastic. I don't even really brush it at all until the next morning to prevent breakage. To achieve waves in the morning, I braid my hair. The picture below is what it looks like in the morning after washing and braiding. I brush the roots of my hair a little and then add a little hairspray. Just re-braid before bed (and add a little dry shampoo) to repeat the look the next day without washing.

Like I said above, I always only towel dry after washing and let my hair dry naturally while I'm sleeping. I have a waterproof cover on my pillow. I've gone to bed with my hair damp for most of my life so it doesn't bother me at all. I literally only use a blow dryer on my hair a couple times of the year and it's usually when I get my hair done by my stylist. 

To achieve a straight hair style, I wash before bed, towel dry, and pull back with an elastic. In the morning, my hair is mostly dry so I brush it thoroughly and then straighten. 

I use a wet/dry ceramic hair straightener by Conair. It's about $30 and mine has lasted 3 years and it's still going strong. It works great even if your hair is still a little damp from washing the night before. It leaves my hair straight with no frizz. I really believe the key to eliminate frizz in my hair is the fact that I don't use a blow dryer. 

I also use coconut oil monthly on my scalp. Just apply coconut oil, massage into your scalp, leave on while showering, then shampoo and conditioner as normal. It leaves my hair a little "shiny" but after your next washing, it makes your hair look so much healthier and it's great for your scalp.

If you have any questions, feel free to comment below and I'll answer. Hope you are having a great hair day!

Julianna: second haircut

Julianna just got her second haircut. It's been about a year since her last one so it was time. Her hair is so long and pretty and it's even more gorgeous after a trim. She told me on the way there that she wanted her hair to look just like mine. 

She was so serious during the entire hair cutting process. 

She kept her eyes on the mirror pretty much the entire time.

She got a couple inches cut off the ends and a few long layers (like mommy).

And she did such a great job. She listened to Kahli, sat still, and was such a big girl. 

 

Check out that gorgeous hair on her! Can you believe that hair belongs to a 3 year old?!

It was a wonderful experience thanks to Julianna's great behavior and our wonderful hair stylist, Kahli! 

Thrifty: stripes

I am loving stripes and patterns right now. Several of the past few tops that I've thrifted have been stripes. I picked out a striped shirt yesterday for church and this morning to take Olivia to the doctor. Check out my almost completely thrifted striped outfits! Oh and maybe one day I'll wear my hair down again but with this super hot summer, humidity, and a newborn- up is the way to go!

Top: thrifted; Charlotte Russe
Tank Top: Old Navy
Shorts: thrifted; Gap
Earrings: The Jewel Box



Top: thrifted; Gap
Tank Top: Old Navy
Skirt: thrifted; Apt 9. Kohls
Necklace: Dominican Republic (I found this pretty necklace on our honeymoon!)

lettin' my hair down

Julianna always wears her hair in what we like to call the "waterspout". It's a pony tail on top of her head; either in the middle or off to the side. If you've seen JuJu, you've seen the waterspout. Well today she had to have her bath in the morning since we were out later than usual the night before. So her hair was wet and wet hair is more difficult to put into a spout. Today was the day Julianna let her hair down (or mama left it down). She looked older and more like her mama (I think). She was adorable as always! And presenting, Julianna with her hair down...

got hair?!

Julianna was born with a head full of hair. Within her first 2 months, she lost quite a bit of it. Then around 5 months it started growing again. And now... she has tons of thick, beautiful hair! I usually put it up with a hair tie with a bow. Now, her bangs have gotten so long that she's going to have to get her first haircut. It will be just a trim to get the hair out of her face. I LOVE her hair so we're not going to take much off. Any tips for baby's first haircut?

her hair is falling out!

Well, our little Julianna is FINALLY losing some of that hair that has covered her arms and back since she was born. She's starting to look like like a furry little monkey baby and more like a little girl! While I was drying her off after her bath last night, the hair was just coming right off as I wiped her skin with the towel (wish the hair on my legs would do that--I could save so much time shaving). The hair on her head is thinning out too. She has a few bald spots but I have a feeling that when it comes back it, it'll be even darker since Josh and I both have such dark hair.

Julianna is now officially in size 0-3 months. She's outgrown all of her newborn clothes. Our little peanut is getting big(ger)!