Here's what I've got, babe...

After my first ShakeO bowl I was h o o k e d. Now I rarely sip a ShakeO from a glass - but rather spoon it from a bowl! And since I gobble most of my ShakeO bowls at lunch, I thought—duh, what says lunch like PB&J? Amirite?! A few trial & errors later {not enough grapey taste; not enough peanut taste; way to peanutty...}, I finally found the perfect blend. In pure bowl-O style, I loaded it up with ice to turn it into that creamy consistency that you'd dig into with a spoon, and then dressed it with toppings that compliment those PB&J flavas! Easy peasy, jelly-beany. PB&Jelly-beany, that is. Peanut Butter & Jelly ShakeO Bowl Servings: 1 Total Time: 5-10 minutes {depending on how snazzy & quick your blender is} Ingredients Shakeology 1 packet Vanilla Shakeology 1/2 frozen banana 1/2 cup frozen mixed berries 1 cup raw baby spinach 6 oz. Greek vanilla yogurt {I like Light & Fit Greek} 1 Tbsp PB2 Splash of almond milk Splashes of water, as needed Ice {and LOTS of it!} Toppings 1 dollop almond butter {or peanut butter} 1 dollop grape jelly {or any flavor jelly you fancy!} 1/2 fresh sliced banana Granola Nuts, seeds & raisins Instructions Throw all Shakeology ingredients into blender and blend until completely smooth. Continue adding ice until consistency mimics ice cream. You should be able to take a scoop with your spoon and it stays on your spoon instead of dripping off like liquid. Pour your ShakeO into a bowl and top with all toppings. Get creative - add whatever you think lends to the PB&J flavor. Dig in with a spoon! And now...it's what, Brian? Psst...More drool-worthy ShakeO recipes: Strawberry Shakeology: Acai Bowl Style Peanut Butter Banana Cream Pie Shakeology #fitness #fitmom #health #recipe

I love, love, LOVE a good romper. My Spring & Summer wardrobes contain quite the collection of rompers—so much so that their designated section {are you surprised that I have "designated sections" in my closet? I didn't think so.} takes up nearly a 1/4 of my closet from April to October. With this devoted love of rompers I can't possibly go without them from November to March, but the freezing temps in the DMV don't really lend to a romper's functionality—ie itty bitty shorts. When the temps tease of crisp Spring air, the romper-lover in me starts to itch for that comfortable yet fashionable one-piece. But alas, my closet still wreaks of my Fall & Winter wardrobes, aka, heavy, cozy, frigid-fighting layers. When it's not quite time to dip into the Spring totes, but you just M U S T romp-it-out tonight, put together this transitional getup that fulfills all needs {and romper dreams}. Dip into your Fall/Winter wardrobe & channel Blair Waldorf's love of tights, boots that serve as fashionable ankle-warmers {and gracefully hide the warm fuzzy socks beneath} and a cozy vest that doubles as a warming layer & an understated "coat." You're fulfilling your hankering for rompers, keeping your current wardrobe in-tact & leaving the option to shed that outer layer in the case that Spring teases with that random day of warmth in March. It's a fashion win-win-win. This boho-meets-vintage look screamed for a hippy-meets-Brigitte Bardot 'do {say that five time fast}. Half crown braid + center part = the perfect modern-Bardot baby. Romper: Langford Market {no longer available} Similar & Similarly WANT // Vest: Wet Seal {an A N C I E N T find & one of my most prized bargain buys at $7!!} Similar {& MAJ sale} & Similar // Tights: Target {the B E S T—soft, stretchy & perfect thickness. I only have them in about 12 colors...} // Boots: Kohl's {oldies} Similar & Ca-UTE // Watch: Amazon, Similar & Yesss {all things elephant} // Rings: H&M, Forever21, gifted {random oldies} Similar {& p e r f e c t for this modern Bardot look—because Nicole Richie really is a modern Bardot.} & Similar // Necklace: Forever21 {no longer available} Super Similar {and a two-for-one!} #fashion #beauty #shopping #accessories #style

Floppy hats—are they practical? Sure. They shield from the sun, they guard celebs from the paps, and they do a K I L L E R job of hiding roots. But do we really wear them for that reason? #letsbereal No. We wear them because they are flippy, floppy & fabulous. Because they take any outfit from, "cute", to "hello, lover" <3 Brown, black, beige—I own them all, I flop them all. On another note—don't let your eyes deceive you - this incredible location is not an enchanting forest, although it does transform into one through the lens. Believe it or not, this is where I grew up. Not directly living except for a blip during my 20s, but I grew up going to every event, occasion & festivity under the sun at this land of enchantment. Though, then, it was just, "the farm." Nothing enchanting, magical or soul-wrenching about it. Then, a friendor {Misa*Me Photography} asked for location ideas—somewhere with open space, fields galore and glamorous outdoor charm {there is such a thing}, and I flippantly said, "well, my family has this land..." Being the fabulous photog she is, she saw something I never saw—the enchantment. So she gathered a team of the most beautiful, kind & glamorously enchanting people & props and turn "the farm" into "the enchanted forest." Now, it's the same ol' place...I just have a different perspective <3 {P.S. Photo cred to my raggamuffin-of-a-sister—who knew she was a closet bloggographer?!} Coat: JollyChic {the w a r m e s t thing you ever did bundle in} // Cardigan: JollyChic {if you haven't already noticed, this site is a shopaholic's k r y p to n i t e!} Also love this geometric style & asymmetric neon style. See—addiction! // Pants: J.Crew Factory {oldies} Similar & similar with bonus leather striping // Hat: Forever21 {gifted}, Similar in brown & black // Shoes: Kiki La'Rue {a FAV & a must!} // Necklace: Nordstrom Rack {in-store sale, no longer available}, Similar & Hello baby blue L O V E R {Wishlist} // Rings: Tribal Stackables - Forever21 {oldies}, Similar & MAJ{Wishlist}; Grey Chalcedony ring - H&M {no longer available}, Similar & ROCKS my world {pun-intended} {Wishlist} // Bracelet: DC Eastern Market {gifted}, Similar & Chevron-twist! // Lip Cocktail: Kat Von D in Rosary {hard to track down! May be able to scour Amazon} topped with Covergirl Lipstick Embrace 335 {also found at Target} #fashion #style #accessories #beauty #shopping

One week. O N E week, people. If you're not in wrapping mode, you're in panic mode. And if you're still in shopping mode - well, then, god save you, my child. Just kidding, just kidding. Breathe. Deep breaths. It's not too late. Thanks to Amazon Prime {sent from the gods} & late store hours, you have plenty {read: not many, so get your inner-elf in gear} of time to get your bestie//wife//girlfriend//fiance//mom//auntie//teach//coach//every other woman in the world the gift that will have her thinking you planned well in advance. Little will she know... These are a few of my favorite things... Cozy Cardi from The Loft {$80 + 40% off!} - The colorblock number is sold out online, but may still be found in stores. No matter the color, it is the coziest thing I've ever owned—worth the buy. THE Beachwaver {$129} - For the curling impaired and the experienced. I am a stylist and use a motorized curling iron and I am not afraid to shout it from the rooftops. Quay, bae-bae {$50} - Quay is the new Ray. Okay, maybe they don't replace the classics, but they certainly mix it up! Styles vary - widely & cutely. They're real...really {$24} - Falsies in a bottle—every girl's dream. Plaid anything {$14} - If it's plaid, just buy it. In case you haven't heard - plaid is the new black. Infuse it {$20} - Plain water is so five years ago. If it's not infused with lemon, berries, cucumber, or whatever other concoction you cut up, it's just not worthy. Bootie {$39} - Any store with shoes will have booties because they are "running" rampant these days {see what I did there? ;-)}. But these happen to be uber comfy, the perfect height, and the most neutral color of all time. Oh, and affordable. #bonus Color me pretty {$10} - You have no idea how therapeutic coloring can be...especially when accompanied by wine. What?? I was told to color outside the lines. {Psst: Make sure to get some good coloring pencils to go along with this! Even better if you nab a sharpener, too.} Poncho Mama {$22} - Along with booties & plaid, you're going to find a poncho of any shape, size & pattern in just about any store. I fancy this one, but you can find them anywhere from Old Navy to Target to Nordstrom Rack {and beyond}. Ahem, are you seriously still here?! Tick-tock, Santa's helper! Happy shopping :-) Psst...More things to add to your list: Top Ten: My Must Have Hair Products Top Ten: My Must Have Beauty Products #fashion #Hair #beauty #style #hairstyle #shopping

The other day I told someone who I had just met that I have lost nearly 80 pounds since my heaviest. Her reaction is one that still gets me, every time. She jolted her head back, eyes wide, and said, "I don't believe you. You're so FIT." Slightly embarrassed, but equally as proud, I say, as I always do, "It was a process." From start-to-finish, my fitness "process" has been 20 years in the making. I should really say, "from start-to-today" because it's a process that will never, ever end. BUT, it does evolve. The workouts I do today are a far cry from the workouts I did 20 years ago {I say that literally—as my workouts today actually make me want to cry sometimes...}. But that doesn't make the workouts I did 20 years ago any less important, OR strenuous. Because back then, when I was 80 pounds heavier, a 1 mile run was debilitating, a 20 minute yoga session was draining and any amount of time with Jillian Michaels evoked pure hatred. Despite how I look {and most importantly—feel} today, I too had to start somewhere. So I hit up the fitness aisle at Target, stocked up on every DVD I could find, grabbed a pair of 3 lb. hand weights, and pressed play—every day. If you're a beginner and you don't know where to start {or you're rusty and don't know where to RE-start}, do what the new-age kids do—hop on Amazon, prime ship (or instant video play) every program on this list, add a pair of 3 lb. hand weights to your cart and press play. EVERY DAY. Running Despite running around the soccer field for years as a teen, I still couldn't run a mile without getting winded. Hell, I couldn't run half a mile without feeling like I was going to die. I never ever thought I would run a half-marathon and I would frequently say I hated and dreaded running. Well, consider me a changed woman, because a good run is now my therapy of choice, and I can bust out four miles at a mild pace while zoning out on replays of my favorite CW shows—all without the dread. This was in a world pre-Pinterest {I know... the shock, the horror, the boredom!}, but now there are a ton of "Couch to 5K" pins to get your started. Still, my go-to trainer for runs, near and far, is Hal Higdon. Hal Higdon 5K Training for the Novice Hal Higdon 5K Training for the Intermediate Hal Higdon 5K Training for the Walker {"Who says you have to run to finish a 5K?"} Yoga "I don't feel like I get a real workout when I'm doing yoga." Yea, been there, said that, didn't feel it. Well, Bob Harper officially convinced me in his Biggest Loser Weightloss Yoga. "Try this weightloss yoga—you'll feel it!" Truth be told, I still "feel it" today because that workout still gets me! It was the first workout that was finally able to get me to fall in love with yoga & get all sorts of namaste. Plus, anyone who has worked out the First Lady is the M A N, in my book. Biggest Loser Weight Loss Yoga {Bonus: no prime shipping needed—there's an instant download option!} Jillian Michaels Yoga Meltdown {Follow the modifier if you're a yoga newbie} Denise Austin Shrink Your Fat Zones Pilates {A little old-school style, but the stretching and strength will make you feel long and lean!} Cardio There are many ways to bust a cardio sweat, other than running. Most of these offer a quickie workout and a modifier to lead you through if you consider yourself a super-novice. The best part is that you can increase to the more advanced level within the beginner-esque workouts to make them last longer and carry you through, month after month, and even year after year! Biggest Loser Boot Camp {Another Bob led workout} Jillian Michaels One Week Shred Jillian Michaels Ripped in 30 Biggest Loser Cardio Max Strength In the beginning I was a cardio-whore. All I wanted to do was come up red-faced and dripping in sweat. I thought it was way more important to shed pounds than to tone and bulk up. But I was so wrong because I quickly learned that incorporating weights and strength training 2-3 days a week would not only enhance my cardio workouts, they would make me burn more calories in a shorter amount of time! Balancing between cardio and strength is key. Kathy Smith Kettlebell {although this video isn't that old, it has a 90s workout feel that I secretly love. Where's a leotard when you need one?!} Jackie Warner Power Circuit Training {who doesn't remember and love gym owner-turned-reality star Jackie Warner?! I used to dream of working out at Sky Sport.} Jackie Warner One-on-One Training {I completely credit Jackie for jump-starting my abs. Cause, just look...} Workout Sets Working out at home makes you your own workout boss—you have to set your schedule, push yourself, and imagine that Jillian is yelling directly at you through the TV. Sometimes it's tough to find the energy and dedication to press play every day—that's why workout sets that come complete with set schedules help to keep you on track. Start with something small, like a 30-day set. Who can't commit to one measly month!? Then up the ante with the infamous BeachBody set: P90x. Jillian Michaels 30 Day Shred P90x {long after P90x reigned DVDs across the world, Tony Horton got a word from the wise and realized you didn't need 93 minutes of yoga to get a true workout. So, if you don't have an hour+ a day to dedicate to Tony, pick up P90x3 for a condensed but equally as tough version! } Amazon is calling your name, and Tony, Jillian, Bob & the gang are waiting for their fresh meat... Up Next: The process continues with fitness frenemies for the advanced worker-outer! https://www.nikkicagle.com/post/2015/12/09/my-fitness-frenemies-workout-dvds-for-the-advanced #health #fitness #workout

Fall is my a b s o l u t e favorite season. The crisp air, the pumpkin everything, the colorful skylines, the bonfires & boots & scarves & F A S H I O N. I think my Fall wardrobe is my favorite of all—and yes, I have a separate wardrobe for every season, would you really expect anything less?! Summer's 70's fashion flare {pun intended} of fringe & crochet & platforms is carrying into Fall with wide legs & floppy hats & funky patterns. I for one am so very excited that this 70s love affair continues... When you have access to corn fields as far as the eye can see, rustic accents like a rundown barn & a photog for a bestie - well, you narrow your favorite 70s trends and get groovy for the camera...baby. All incredible photos by the uber talented & passionate Erin Michelle Photography. My blog shoots will never be the same! {Thanks, gf <3} {70's Dolled Up: A Flouncy Wrap Dress} {I felt like such a doofus twirling my dress & acting like a super model - but I adore this picture. Note to self: always, always trust your photog & just go. for. it.} Dress: Kiki La'Rue Boutique {A favorite online shop that I frequent...like, once a month #noshame} // Floppy Hat: Forever21 {Gifted}, similar & similar with flair // Platform Wedges: Wet Seal {super oldies}, similar & Steve Madden's {the shoe god} // Gold cuff: Francesca's {no longer available}, similar & intricately similar // Necklace: DC Eastern Market {not available online}, similar & tassled // Earrings: Target and similar yet textured {70's Dolled Down: Jean on Jean} Jeans {bottom}: H&M {not as old as the actual 70s, but pretty dang old}, similar {and yes, please! I've always wanted a pair of fab jeans from Madewell} & HOT {also, similar} // Denim shirt: Target {few seasons old} but similar & similar // Shoes: Nordstrom Rack {sale last season}, similar Jessica Simpson & similar {with fringe!} // Purse: Gifted, but similar & adorable bucket style // Bracelet: World Market {oldie}, similar // Necklace: Lucky Brand {no longer available} but super similar // Ring: Oldie {so, basically, who knows!}, similar Happy 70's Fall, ya'll! Psst...More fashion inspo: Cool for Culottes All That Glitters is Gold #shopping #fashion #style #accessories

It's no secret that I d r e a d washing my hair. As odd as it sounds - I work all week to build up that grit and style and wiping the slate clean just bums me out! But, when you typically go 5+ days without washing {go ahead and shudder, but I'm saving my hair from stripping its natural oils. Now what?!}, the styles you wear throughout the week must evolve with the grit build-up. By Day 6 it is almost always UP, because, let's be real - no matter how incredible Kenra products smell, on day 6 they get a little stale {more shuddering}. My go-to Day 6 'do is the big ass ballerina bun - brought, taught and coveted by ballerina babe Lauren Conrad. Now, I'm going to tell you something that may shock you. Ready?... I don't know how to do the actual "sock bun." Not in the sense of when you're using an actual sock. Or a fake sponge-sock thingamabob. Or whatever it is you crazy kids use to fill out your ballerina buns. I just don't get it, and my stylist hands can't maneuver it. Thanks to LC, I never have to succumb to the sock. All I use is my god given natural locks, and a few essential materials. Materials Hair elastic Few bobby pins Few hair pins (yes, there's a difference) Teaser comb (I like one with a bristle brush) Kenra Finishing Spray {Photo cred to the hubs <3} Step 1: Gather your hair into a high tight pony, using the elastic hair tie. {Stylist tip: I like to spray the sides/top/bottom of my hair a bit with the finishing spray and smooth back with the teaser comb for a super sleek look.} Step 2: Using your teaser comb, back-comb the pony until it's a huge, bristle, ratty, knotted mess. Get in there and MESS that pony up - don't be shy! The puffier the ponytail, the bigger the bun, ya'll. Step 3: Now L I G H T L Y smooth just the outer edge of your ponytail - but leave that teased poof in the middle so it still has some good girth. I very lightly smooth just the outer later. {Stylist tip: We're not going for Nutcracker-perfect-ballerina-buns here. Messy is sexy. Don't worry about those flyaways - no one's looking at them - they're all looking at that fab bun.} Step 4: Now twist your pony just a little, but not too tight that you flatten the thickness of your "tail." Step 5: Loosely wrap the tail around your head and tuck the ends under the bun once you've fully wrapped around. Don't worry about making the bun's circumference, placement and shape perfect right this moment - we'll mold that baby shortly. Step 6: Secure the bun in place with your hairpins. I typically use one at each directional point (north, east, south, west). Here's where you want to make sure the placement of the bun on your head is where you want it to be, because you'll be securing it in that spot. It's bulky and sturdy enough for you to just kind of push around until it's center {see why we gave it such good girth early on?!} Step 7: Now fluff out with your bun out! I like to make my B I G. Using my hands I just lightly stretch, pull and "fluff" until it's as big as I want him to be {yes, my bun is a guy - I don't stereotype on ballerinas}. Step 8: Now that you've tossed your bun about, you've likely caused a little disruption of that smooth outer shell. Go back over your bun and LIGHTLY - I emphasize LIGHTLY - comb around the outer shell just to smooth to your liking. Again, remember, we're not trying out to be a sugar plum fairy. Modern buns are NOT perfect. Actually, they are. They are perfectly imperfect. Once you have smoothed and secured your bun, go ahead and spritz with your finishing spray, smooth any flyaways on your sleek sides, and shellack that bun in place. {I didn't think I needed a picture step for how to use hairspray. If you haven't figured out how to pop off the top and spray, this tutorial may be a little advanced for you ;-)} Step 9: Rock out with your non-sock-bun out!! #hairtutorial #hair #hairhowto #hairstyle

It's about to be the biggest day of your {hair's} life! It will likely be the most photographed, most gawked at, most coveted day of its existence since birth—when, let's face it, your "hair" was more of a peach fuzz. So, before your hair makes the biggest entrance of its life and walks down that aisle {where e v e r y o n e will be staring at the back of your style}, do yourself a favor and get a trial! I teamed up with {aka, gossiped with} some of my favorite stylists to bring you our inner-stylist thoughts about your trial—the good, bad, and just. DON'T. Even. If you still have questions about your trial {whether I'm your chosen wedding day stylist, or not!}, add them in the comments and I'll steer your hair in the right direction. DO Stalk your stylist's work. With social media access these days, it's near impossible not to catch a glimpse of some of your stylist's previous work. Make sure their style is your style. If you're looking for a soft, romantic, Taylor-Swift induced style and there's nothing even remotely in the realm of soft and romantic on your stylist's page, chances are that's not their style! DO Your prep work! Send your stylist pictures ahead of time with notes as to what you like. That way, at the time of the trial the stylist will be fully prepped and able to consult with you over the direction of your wedding hair. Typical trials include one, maybe two takes on a style - not ten. So make sure you have a pretty good idea of the direction you'd like to go. Which brings to me... DON'T Have the trial so far in advance of the big day that you a.) find another style on Pinterest that you'd rather try on your actual wedding day, b.) forget what you did/didn't like about the trial that you'd like to alter for the big day, or c.) didn't have your hair piece/veil in yet so you couldn't see how that would be incorporated into your 'do. The trial should be a part of the festivities leading up to your big day—I suggest having it done 3-6 weeks before the wedding so it's final, fresh in your mind, and lends to the festivities! DO Arrive with completely dry hair. Unless your wedding day hair will be a fancy blowout {which is usually reserved for the mother-of-the-bride & grams}, you should have pre-blown tresses when you walk in for your trial. Now, this isn't to say that you have to come pre-styled—we can work with just about anything, as long as it's not wet {get the point?} or stick straight. Curls are a plus! Anything that has a little built up grit {products, previously styled, a little dirty} is a bonus because it will help the style mold & hold. Trust me when I tell you that we'll have much more detailed hair-prep instructions for the big day, but for the trial, we can fly with dry! DON'T Show up with your entire bridal party, immediate family, second cousins, neighbors, Kindergarten BFF and grandma. This is your trial. While we do encourage you to bring your mom ormaid-of-honor or a chosen person {or persons - two is fine!} whose opinion you value greatly, we try to discourage from an entire peanut gallery. Sure, it gets crowded and we get a little overwhelmed, but this suggestion is really for your sanity. Your entire crew is not going to agree on a style, which will sway your feelings about your wedding 'do and ultimately lead to indecisiveness. Stand your ground! You want it down, not up. You want it curly, not straight. You have a very different style than grandma, so don't feel the pressure to beehive-it-out {though, I'm totally up for that}. This is your hair, your decision, your trial. DO Be open to suggestions. I know, I know - I just told you to freeze out the peanut gallery - but when it comes to your chosen group of trial attenders, and when it comes to your stylist, they may be seeing something you're not. Getting married in the thick of Summer with the DMV's humidity level? It may be time to consider an alternative to a completely down 'do. Will the back of your wedding gown be intricately designed? Time to ditch the lifelong dream of a half updo and let that dress shine with an updo that doesn't block the view! A stylist will ask you questions about your look for the entire day and you two will work together to come up with a style that compliments your look—and doesn't deter from it. Or, at least, that's what a stylist is supposed to do... DO Speak up! The whole point of a trial is to see what works—and what may not work so well. If you're particular about your swoop, let the stylist know. If you're afraid of being too Snookie-ish, speak now or forever sport your poof. Stylists have very thick skins—we have been beaten and bred and prepped for situations just like these. Your quirks about your hair are not insults to us—we want you to be completely in love with the look you wear on your big day! However, that's doesn't mean you can nitpick to death... DON'T Be a prickly picker. That flyaway piece, that droopy bobby pin and that curl out of place that you keep eying in the mirror—those aren't going to be there when you say 'I do'. The trial is to create the concept of the look, discuss the outcome, make tweaks and notes about how to edit it next time around, and then wait to see the 'do of your dreams come to fruition on the big day! Yes, I see that piece - no, it's not going to be like that on your wedding day. Duly noted. You picked us, now trust us, because we know how important your hair is for the biggest day of its life. Alright ladies, don't be shy - anything else you were wondering about the anxiety of a bridal trial?? Ask away! Psst... How about a little bridal trial inspo? 2015 Wedding Hair: Halftime Favorites #Hair #weddinghair #style

With Valentine's Day right around the corner, I thought I would share my super sweet {in taste & gesture} Pink Champagne Cupcake Recipe! And by "my", I mean, adapted by Sassy Mama in LA. {You may remember these pink-beauts when they made their appearance in my inaugural blog post} The shamps not only adds a moist-meets-fluff factor from the bubbly, but using pink shamps brings just a tinge of extra of sweetness. This may sound odd...but I can almost TASTE the pink. And do you know what pink tastes like?! Sweet, sugary, angelic romance. Yep, all of that just by biting into these bitty-cakes. Now, I know what you're thinking—why would my manly-man enjoy a mouthful ofpink? Trust me, it does something to make your heart pitter-patter and melt, all at once. BUT, if your man is just u t t e r l y repulsed by eating something pink {Hi, Daddio!}, feel free to dye it black—like his soul. {Just kidding...sort of.} What's e v e n better about adding shamps to cupcakes? The recipe doesn't call for the whole bottle—so, by all means, if the shamps is popped, pour yourself a glass! {Don't mind if I do... Cheers!} Hubs, wifey, fiance, gf, bf, bestie, workplace, girls' night in—whoever or whatever the recipient—pop the shamps {pour yourself a glass}, follow this recipe {sip another glass}, and get your fizzy-cake on {accompanied by that last glass}. Pink Champagne Cupcakes {NC notes in pink!} Makes: 18-24 Cupcakes Total Time: Approximately 30 minutes Ingredients 1 Box of Class White Cake Mix 1 1/4 C + 3T of Pink Champagne 3 Egg Whites 1/3 C Oil Pink Food Coloring {drop to your likeness of pink!} 1 Container of Vanilla Frosting Optional: frilly sprinkle decor for topping Instructions Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line 2 12-cup muffin pans with cupcake liners {Note: you may not end up using all cupcake slots}. In a large mixing bowl, add the dry cake mix, 1 1/4 C pink champagne, egg whites and oil. This is where you have to make the decision between pink, or black {or any other color that suits your valentine's preference}—once that decision is made, add as many drops of food coloring as you'd like until the batter is coloriffic. Now, at this point it always comes to the "mix with a mixer for 3-minutes on medium" step—yea, yea, mixer, smixer. Unless it's made from scratch, I'm not busting out the mixer. I whip out my trusty whisk or cake spatula and get in my arm workout for the day. Mix until no lumps appear, approximately 2-3 minutes {I suggest switching arms before the starting mixing arm falls off into the batter}. Fill the cupcake liners approximately 2/3 of the way up—do NOT fill to the top or your cupcake will overflow. And that is w a s t e d champagne, people. #partyfoul Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. While you cool your 'cakes on a wire rack, "whip" up the frosting {I use "whip" lightly, as you're really just opening a tub of ready-made icing} by transferring the contents of the container to a small mixing bowl and add in 3T of champagne. Yes, it will bubble, but it will settle as you stir - so gets to mixin'! Once combined, pop in the fridge so it thickens back up a bit while your cupcakes completely cool. Once your cuppy-cakes are cooled, grab the icing, fancify it as you'd like {I used Wilton Tip #106}, and ice each pink fluffy mound. Optional: Top with extra decor {I used a mix of CakeMate Silver & Gold "Glitter", Wilton Pink Sparkling Sugar & Cake Mate Classic Pearls. Go big or go home!} Now you are free to indulge in your pink champagne cupcakes {hey, if you made them for yourself, no one is judging—we're our own first & forever Valentine, right?} or package them up to pass on to your 2015 crush. Mine just so happens to be the same one as in 2014...and 2013...and all the way back to 2002 <3 Happy Valentine's Day, lovers! #recipe

Everyone who knows me, knows I loathe clean hair. *Blech* What am I supposed to do with this squeaky-clean, free-flowing, natural, freshly-washed hair?! Dirty it up! That's what. When you spend a good portion of your week with gritty strands, you get creative with how to style them. One of my go-to's for sprucing up a dirty-'do is by incorporating a headwrap. There are SO many ways to wear a headwrap - these are just a sprinkling of my favs! Things a headwrap are good for: Transitioning from clean, down & bohemian to dirty, gritty and pony. Masking roots! Insta-accessorizing tool. Taming those pesky in-between bangs. Taking your style from boho-babe to sweet princess in the swoop of a bow. Finding a headwrap that can make all five of these things happen, while staying stylish, practical & most importantly - staying PUT - is a task. That's why I'm o b s e s s e d with Simply1Love's headwraps. Hello gorgeous, tribal, diverse, beauty - wrap me up! And what's a headwrap without a hair tie? Simply1Love - at it again. Not to mention: floral halos,turbans {LOVE a good turb}, festive hair ties, Mommy & Me scarves {anything mommy & me is just ah-dorbs}, hair jewels & so much more! I'm a frequent Etsy-shop swooner & daily Instagram stalker. Join me - shop, stalk, swoon - WRAP. Psst...Hair how-to's got me like - more, more, more! I Like Big [Hair] Buns {And I Cannot Lie} Beach-Waved Bob Tutorial #hairtutorial #hairhowto #hairstyle

You or your bestie are engaged—yay! At that very moment you official committed to a good 90 minutes a day of Pinteresting to build up the secret photography/florals/seating arrangements/photobooth boards, and now it's onto—dun, dun, dun—finding the p e r f e c t style to compliment your dress {which also has its own board, obvi}. You find one that you love, but it's only the back, and what if the front is like, totally sleek and plastered to her head? *Gasp* So you type in something that Pinterest may be able to decipher and return results on: "front of bridesmaid hair half updo loose curls." You, along with Pinterest, are lost. You resort to bringing multiple print-outs of pictures to show the stylist and hope that she can piece together the style you've mashed together from similar-ish pictures. Now, don't get me wrong—as a stylist I love an out-of-the-Pinterest 'do that we create together. "Something a little like this, but incorporate this, and maybe have a braid?" I'm all about it. But that's usually reserved for the very laid-back bride or bridesmaid who doesn't really care about the outcome or has specifics about how the front should look. The majority of my updo's-to-be come to me, Pinterest-defeated, saying that they found the style they want but only the back, or only the front - and so, what does the other side look like!? Oh, if I had a penny for every defeated Pinterester. So, this past wedding season I set out on a mission {with my trusty sidekick assistant/photog} to capture every updo from e v e r y angle. Pin away, my dears, pin away. 1. {The Beautiful Mess} 2. {Big Bridal Bun} 3. {Braided Bangs & Messy Updo} 4. {Braided Side Bun} 5. {If Elsa Had an Updo} 6. {The Sleek Center-Part Kardashian Bun} 7. {Classic Romance Updo} 8. {Classy Crossover Bun} 9. {Eva Longoria Inspired Updo} 10. {Flower Crown Girl} 11. {Flower Girl Side Bun} 12. {Grown-up Ballerina Bun} 13. {Intricate Braided & Twisted Bun} 14. {Curly Bun} 15. {Romantic Side Cluster} 16. {Small Chic Side Bun} 17. {Sweet Low Chignon with Tendrils} 18. {Taylor Swift Side Swept Updo} 19. {Twisted & Intertwined Updo} 20. {Vintage Rosettes Updo} Psst...SO much more wedding hair inspo: Bridal Trial Hair: Do's & Dont's The Best of 2015 Wedding Hair #hair #hairstyle #SilverLiningsSalon

It's January, majorly post-Labor Day, and not even close to Memorial Day, but yes, ladies & ladies {gents don't so much care} - I am in WHITE. Not that I e v e r believed in following the fashion rules {my mom used to yell at me for wearing two different socks to school—I started young}, but naysayers will tell you that white after Labor Day is the number one fashion faux pas. But you know what? I will wear my white, mix my patterns, mash-up gold & silver, and by god, I WILL rock my UGGs until the end of time. Fashion faux pas be damned. Who's with me?! Excuse me, sir, do you know where I can find a Starbucks? Pants: American Eagle // Shirt: TJMaxx find, plus my favorite piko style tops from Kiki Larue // Vest: Francesca's // Scarf: Oldie, but similar fav from SheIn // Booties: Old Navy // Necklace: Nordstrom Rack in-store sale find, but similar, and look at this beaut! // Watch: Paris flea market find // Bracelet: The Loft // Earrings: Flea market find, but very similar from Francescas // Sunglasses: Kate Spade {gifted} // Purse: Vintage Coach {gifted} Psst... More fashion inspo that semi-follow the rules ;-) A Love Affair With Fall {And Loft Pants} That 70's Style: Two Ways #shopping #style #fashion #accessories