Hair Diaries

I've had long, dark hair for a LONG time. I think it's what looks best on me, and believe me when I say I've tried it all - long hair, shot hair (like, Charlize Theron short), medium hair, bleach blonde hair, black hair...you get the idea. I've really done it all, and I'm not afraid to take a risk - it's just hair, and mine grows very quickly. However, after trying all of these styles, I'm happiest with my long, dark hair, but I'm itching to change it up (a bit).

my current hair ...

 I'm still trying to decide what to do, but here are some ladies with gorgeous hair inspiring me today. 

close to my current hair cut/color 

I know Giuliana Rancic said ombre hair is so 2011, but I can't get over this girl's gorg hair!

love this color - maybe a good change for summer? 

another ombre stunner

basic dark brown (what I'm normally drawn to) 

images via 

Which color is your favorite? 

5 Minute Fall Hair

I am constantly in a rush to get out the door, and having a baby only makes it more difficult to be on time. I'm not a person who feels comfortable going out in sweatpants and no makeup, but I also know I don't have 2 hours to get the perfect blowout each day. Quick hair and makeup is totally key - last week I posted about my beauty must-haves, and today I'll share a few of my favorite 5-minute hairstyles for ladies on the go (but really, who isn't?). 

the sock bun

tutorial HERE

the topknot 

great tutorial HERE 

wear a hat (i was pregnant here, but i'm always wearing hats) 

the tuck

the messy side braid

the twist

the high pony

the low pony

the wrap

What are your 'go to' styles? 

My Beauty Must Haves

Being a new mom means having a LOT less time to myself, especially in the beauty department. It's all about how quickly I can throw my makeup on and curl my hair before she wakes up. This has really allowed forced me to cut out many steps I used to take and get 'back to basics.' Here are my must haves...many of these were on my list before becoming a mom, but these are the products I'm definitely using on a daily basis.

1. BeautyBlender + Cleaning Solution - a great way to apply liquid foundation; perfectly blends makeup for an airbrushed look (I use this sponge wet). The cleansing solution is a MUST - I used to use any antibacterial soap, but the cleanser works much better!

2. MAC Pro Longwear Foundation - one of my favorite foundations. I also use Mary Kay liquid foundation. The Pro Longwear foundation provides great coverage without feeling too 'cakey.'

3. Eyelash Curler - unfortunately, my natural lashes are not long and luscious...so an eyelash curler is a must!

4. Rosebud Salve - I am constantly applying Rosebud to my lips. It is the only product that continues to moisturize and make my lips feel soft and smooth.

5. Buxom Lip Polish - hands-down best lip gloss EVER. This gloss leaves a minty feel on your lips and plumps those babies up! As much as I have tried to find another go-to gloss, (it is pricey and doesn't seem to last long) I always break down and buy one three more. I just purchased a great RED in their new, 'full bodied' line; I'll be sure to update you on how I like that one.

6. Buxom Lash - Buxom wins again - my favorite mascara. As I mentioned, my lashes are not naturally full/thick, and this is the best mascara I've tried (and I've tried em' all).

7. NARS blush - I use NARS, Bare Minerals, and Mary Kay blush. NARS has so many shades to choose from, making it simple to find an 'everyday blush.'

8. Simple Cleansing Wipes - great for a new mom (or anyone with long days). My hubby first bought these for me while I was in the hospital, and they are great for nights when I'm too exhausted to wash my face, but don't want to fall asleep with makeup on (a BIG no-no)! I have very sensitive skin, and have never had a problem with these.

9.  Mary Kay Concealer - I have always had dark circles under my eyes, and waking up at all hours of the night definitely doesn't help. This is the best concealer for full-coverage; it covers any dark, red, or uneven spot and is a great price point!

10. Clarisonic Cleansing Brush -  I have the Clarisonic Classic, but have heard great things about the Mia as well (smaller, travel-size version). This is one of my 'essentials' when it comes to skin care - my face feels so much cleaner and more refreshed.

11. Angled Liner Brush - I use this brush for eyeliner, as well as eyebrows - both essential in making my eyes look more 'awake' than they actually are. 

What are your beauty must haves? 

4th of July Beauty Finds

Wishing you a safe & fun 4th of July tomorrow! Visit Becky's blog to view my guest post dedicated to beautiful dressing areas!

The Weekend & 'The Bump'

It's almost the weekend! Tomorrow night, we are heading to LA for the Laker's game. I haven't been to a game since we moved to California, and it should be exciting, considering it's the playoffs! Sporting events and fashion can be tricky...and there's a very fine line between what is 'acceptable,' and 'What the french toast is she wearing?!' We all know what I'm talking about...

I love me some Kim K...but the uni-sleeve fur jacket...really? 

Here's a more subdued look that I'll be going for tomorrow...let's call it 'effortlessly put together.' 

caftan tee - leather jacket - jeans - wedges  - handbag - cuff - necklace - lip gloss - nail polish

The caftan tee is perfection for my ever-growing bump (see below), and I'm loving the hair! Do you think this falls under the 'appropriate' category? What do you usually wear to sporting events? 

'The Bump'

Have a fabulous weekend!

Currently Obsessed With

Happy Thursday! How are you? Today, I am sharing items I am currently obsessed with. Most of these fab items are part of my daily routine...and they bring happiness to my life. Enjoy!

1. Tazo Green Ginger Tea - A great way to start your day! Green tea has SO many health benefits - it fights heart disease, lowers cholesterol, burns fat, helps prevent diabetes, and best of all...it's delish! 

2. Barefoot Dreams 'Bamboo Chic Light' Wrap -  I looooove this robe! Barefoot Dreams makes amazing wraps and robes (I have two)...they are worth the $! They last forever and you can't imagine how soft and yummy they are until you feel it for yourself. I even had to buy my hubby one...he was jealous. 

3. Buxom Lash Mascara - I have tried SO many different brands of mascara...and this is by far my fav! The brush is amaze - my lashes definitely look the best with this...NO clumps! 

4. Vitamix - I got the Vitamix as a gift from my parents, and I couldn't be happier. This amazing blender makes smoothies, dips, steaming hot soups, ice cream, and so much more...well worth the $! 

5. Moroccan Oil - Great for gals with thick or curly hair! I have long, thick, curly hair and I only use a dime size amount of Moroccan Oil on wet hair. Cuts drying time, and leaves hair silky smooth! 

6. Alessi Tea Pot - We got this tea pot as a wedding gift and I am obv obsessed! Tea just tastes better when it's made the old-fashioned way...don't you think?

7. Clarisonic - I got a Clarisonic cleansing brush for Christmas, and I don't know how I ever lived without it! My face feels so much cleaner and more refreshed after using it. Check out all of the benefits on the Clarisonic website. 

8. The Firm - This new, NBC show is based on the John Grisham novel. Let me just say...it is addicting! New episode tonight on NBC...it's only the 2nd episode, so head over to Hulu to get caught up, you won't regret it! 

Put a Sock In It

Hello, lover! Here is my quick tutorial on a simple, yet elegant hairstyle. Great for those days you're rushing to get out the door - me, every day. Add a bit more drama to your bun with a sock...yes, a sock. "Class it up" and wear this bun low, or aim for high style (think Carrie Bradshaw) and place on top of your head.

If you want a twist around the base like Carrie's, just leave a section of the pony out on step 4

1. Start with a high (or low, depending where you want your bun) ponytail

2. Cut the toe off of a sock that matches your hair color 

3. Roll the sock in a doughnut shape

4. Place the "doughnut" at the end of your pony and begin to roll the hair around the sock 

5. Keep rolling the sock down until you reach the top of your head... and voila!

If your hair is shorter or extremely soft, you may need to secure with bobby pins.