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

HAPPY NEW YEAR! At long last, a blog is born. If I had a dollar for every time someone uttered, "you should totally start a blog," then a.) I would be a multi-millionnaire by now {disclaimer: that may be an exaggeration}, & b.) I would have known how very complicated it is to create, implement & launch a blog, & would have used said multi-million dollars to pay a very capable designer to create, implement & launch it for me ;-) {Mad props to designers & bloggers out there—HTML is no joke!} But alas, here I am, blog & all, with a massive smile on my face. No one is more excited about this launch than I am! I can't wait to flood your Blogger, Pinterest, Facebook, Twitter & Instagram feeds with styled shoots, hair how-to's, beauty must-haves, healthnut recipes & workouts, hostess inspo and so, SO much more. For now, I just wanted to say, "Hi, ya'll!" & "Happy New Year!!" & leave you with your first taste of silver linings...or should I say, pink & glittery linings? ;-) Sweater: Kohl's {SUPER SALE—may be sold out online, but check your local stores!} & Similar Style & Essence // Skirt: Target {oldie!}, Similar, Similar & Hello L O V E R {Wishlist} // Bracelet: Hautelook {Christmas gift}, Similar // Earrings: Kate Spade{Nordstrom Rack steal!} // Rings: H&M {oldies!}, Similar & Hello L O V E R {Wishlist—and not crazy far-fetched at that price!} // Champagne Flutes: Martha Stewart {oldies! Only found on Amazon—for a steal, I might add} Stay tuned for more! In the meantime, let's get acquainted ;-) Hop over to the About section to get a taste of who I am and what this blog has in store. Over the next few weeks I'll be featuring posts that highlight my passions, but I'll also be peppering in some more of my story so you can get to know the REAL me! I find that you don't truly know someone until you know what's in their closet, purse, medicine cabinet {Father of the Bride, anyone?}, pantry, DVD player, iPod, or heart <3 I can't promise I'll blog every day, or every week, but a wise Blogger BFF once told me, "Your blog is all in what you make it—all in what YOU want it to be." {Let's get this party started! First fellow-blogger shout-out to the ever-so-stylish New Yorker: Popcorn & Pandas} So, without further adieu {because we've waited way too long}, let's create some silver linings, shall we? ;-) #life #beauty #style #health #workout #hostessinspo

2015 wedding season returned with a b a n g! Creations' biggest year yet {LOVE that I get to say that every year!} started out with romantic, soft, twisted & twirled do's - and yes, the braid stuck around, too ;-) As we enter the busiest of the two major wedding seasons {Spring & Fall}, I wanted to share a recap on some of my favs of 2015 thus far! Hopefully they will give you some inspiration as you plan out your trial, bridesmaid 'do, mother-of-the-bride coif, and even guest style for your 2015 Fall special event! CONGRATS to all of my gorgeous girls in 2015!!! 3.28.2015 - Lindsay + Alex Photo credit: Michael Moss The inaugural wedding of 2015 was also the w i n d i e s t day of the year. These girls wanted soft, romantic, cascading curls - and why not!? But all I'm thinking of is the First Look that happens pre-ceremony, and girls walking down the aisle with wind-blown hair all awry. Product people, product. Nothing made me happier than seeing the last pictures of the evening - hair all intact. {Shoutout to the best assistant on the block. I could never get this far with weddings without you! You can't have her - don't even think about it.} 5.2.2015 - Keri + Chase Second stylist: Amber Mortimer{@hairguroo} Photo credit: Mike Busada With a 12 woman wedding party, plus moms & grams', my trusty sidekick & a newly coveted second stylist was essential. On the most gorgeous day of the year {seriously, everyone couldn't stop saying it - it was that gorgeous}, we rocked the socks off these intricate styles. The bride kicked off a 2015 trend of natural, flowing, effortlessly-looking curls, that kept her looking like her, but elevated. Talk about a g o r g group of girls! 5.9.2015 - Jen + Erik Photo Cred: This Rad Love {Sarah Williams} Prep meets polish. You'd think this wedding was set in Charleston, with it's southern charm & classic color palette, but it was set quaintly on the outskirts of DC. Each girl had their own take on a polished yet graceful 'do - soft and sweet and natural. The hair really was an accessory to pull the whole look together! {Creations a la Nikki did all styles except the last on the right} 5.24.2015 - Mallory + PJ Photo cred: Carly Fuller The style you choose for your wedding day, or your BFF's wedding day, should scream "you"...but just slightly fancier. Each of these girl's styles was the epitome of who they are: simple, classy, flirty, fun, edgy...and even Kardashian ;-) 5.31.2015 - Karisa + Jake Photo Cred: CJK Visuals {Caitlin Kellagher} What do you get when you pair a romantically twisted updo with a baby's breath flower crown? An ethereal bride <3 The girls' styles were youthful & fun - just like them. The perfect start to Summer wedding season - aka, amen for updo's! Stay tuned for the latter half of 2015's wedding looks - when the DMV humidity finally dwindles, the air gets crisper, and the do's get even softer. P.S. Coming soon... How to prep your hair for your bridal trial and How to prep your hair for your actual big day! Psst...some more DIY wedding-worthy styles: I Like Big [Hair] Buns {And I Cannot Lie} Beach-Waved Bob Tutorial #hair #weddinghair #style #hairstyle

Again, I feel like I'm totally abusing Shakeology. It's touted as this super healthy, nutrient p a c k e d shake, and I'm shaming it by turning it into some of my favorite delectable desserts. Or am I?? This take on chocolate covered strawberries {with an extra zingy punch of mixed berries—like raspberries, blueberries, blackberries and strawberries} is just 300 calories {300 calories!!} and it tastes like I should be sneaking sips when my healthy alter-ego isn't looking. In other words, it tastes like a chocolate berry milkshake. In additional other words—make it. No need to hide in the closet to drink it... Gather up the following ingredients, throw it all into a blender, and watch the milkshake-O magic happen: 1 packet Chocolate Shakeology {or 1 scoop} - 160 calories 1 cup frozen mixed berries - 70 cals 3 fresh strawberries {stem & fixins' trimmed off} - 15 cals 1/2 cup fresh blueberries - 40 cals 1/2 cup unsweetened original almond milk - 15 cals 1 cup raw spinach - 0 cals Ice, as needed, and additional splashes of water, as needed - 0 cals {in case you were wondering...} Just to prove this not-so-guilty pleasure is exactly 300 calories - that all adds up to...300 cals. Go ahead, check my math while you sip on your chocolate covered goodness. #recipe #fitness

I can't tell you how many times I have chopped inches-upon-inches this season. All in the quest for the "It" long bob—the lob. I don't think I have to tell you that it's A L L the rage these days. Those fresh blunt ends, the collarbone skimming angles, and the flounce & bounce that comes along with the life of a lob—you must. have it. now. Everyone from Alexa Chung {the original lob'ber}, to Julianne Hough {rocking a double trend, with pink!}, to Jessica Alba, and even known long-haired beauties like Vanessa Hudgens, Jenna Dewan Tatum & Sarah Hyland are taking the plunge! Seriously—e v e r y o n e. If you're one of the brave who made the cut, or if you're considering it but you're worrying about how to style that bad boy - I've got you covered! I would never leave you chopped & lost. Along with the "It" bob, the "It" style to go along with it is fitting for the Summer: beachy waves! There's a trusty technique & slight secret to get those perfect lived-in, blunt tipped, tousled waves. Let's roll through, shall we? Step 1: What's my #1 rule, ya'll? Prep from birth. You know this, so I know you're already following. But just in case you need a refresher: prep freshly-washed damp hair {towel dried} with root lifter & mousse to add some grit. Then blowdry {roughly - not smooth - feel free to use some blowdry spray to protect from the heat!} or let airdry. Step 2: Section out the hair from ear-to-ear by leaving a small layer at the bottom and clipping the rest up. {Hint: I would say I end up with four or so layered sections from start to finish} I typically do a light mist of Kenra's Silkening Mist on each layer to protect from the iron heat and reduce frizz. {See my full list of must-have hair products here!} Step 3: Now here's the trusty technique—you are going to do ALL curls vertically, not horizontally. So while you would normally hold the iron out as if it's laying flat, you're actually going to hold it straight up and down—like you're holding a flag pole {because you totally walk around holding flags, right?!}. Spray a 2-3 inch section with hairspray, then clamp your iron around it, being careful to continue holding it vertically as you curl. {TIP: You also want to leave about an inch out at the ends - this will help with that blunt tips look} Step 4: After holding the curl for a few seconds, you want to lightly pull the iron down {it's still straight up and down - right!? Right.}. Here's that slight secret: as you pull the iron out of the hair you are going to roll over the ends to completely flatten them - as if the last inch of the curl was flat ironed. {Tip: You could actually curl the whole head and then go back through and flat irons the tips when you're done! But who wants to add extra steps and more tools? To each their own!} Step 5: Repeat throughout the whole head, layer by layer, 2-3 inch section by 2-3 inch section. And here's the key {okay fine, there are three major keys to this 'do}: don't touch any of the previously curled hair while you finish. None. No touching. You will look like Medusa and it's fine—just assure your boyfriend/husband/girlfriend/bestie that it will not look like this in the end. Pinky promise. {Side note: Notice in Step 5's picture that the ends are all straight, yes? Don't forget to "flatten" the tips!} Step 6: Nooo touching. Just leave it. Do your make-up, get a drink, gab on the phone, whatever - just don't touch it until your curls are completely cooled {takes about five minutes}. Step 7: When your curls are completely cool to the touch {if it's still warm to the touch—stop. Back away from the curls and let them cool. If you dive in to them, don't come crying to me when you have frizzy humid curls. Heat loves moisture—your hands carry natural moisture—let's not give heat what it wants, okay?}... Anyhoo, where were we? When your curls are cool, put a tiny dime-sized squirt of serum into your hand, rub it between your two palms, and then get. in. there! This is a tousled look, not a coiffed look. Just use your fingers to separate the curls and crunch slightly so it gives a lived-in look. Step 8: Spray for hold and walla! Beachy-waved bob perfection <3 {Thanks to the gf for being my forever (guinea pig) model. Check out her blog here, & her photo magic here!} Psst... Check out my step-by-step tutorial on the Khloe Kardashian "S" Curl! #hairhowto #hairstyle #hair

They "say" Spring is right around the corner... I'll believe it when I can see actual grass beneath the mounds of snow & ice. But, just in case, we should probably start stocking up on layered essentials to help us transition from Winter to Spring. Because who am I to deny a shopping opportunity? ::wink wink, nudge nudge, shop shop:: Here's to lightweight layers, pastels, curve-hugging dresses, tribal chic, jungle-inspired, airy romantic tops, classic trenches, rompers & so many more Spring trends I am d y i n g to purchase & pull out of the totes <3 Countdown to Daylight Savings, aka, the end of Winter depression: 7 days! Countdown to Spring: 18 days! Countdown to a new seasonal wardrobe: In Progress Dress: Target in Navy {peep your local Target before purchasing online—I got mine in-store for $11?} // Sweater: Old Navy {ancient} Similar & Similar {in a variety of colors} // Tights: Target {my absolute FAV tights—I only own about 47 colors. The softest, stretchiest & thickest tights. Not to mention the chipper chicken price {that's "cheap" for you non-Father of the Bride quoters}—if they tear, just buy another pair!} // Tan Suede Booties: Kohl's {couple seasons old, but forever classics—a must invest!} Similar & Spring-worthy! // Sunglasses: TJMaxx {oldies} Similar {almost spot on!} // Necklace: Wet Seal {oldie} Similar// Thick Bracelet: World Market {no longer available—check out other options in my Military Chic post!} // Stackable bracelets: Variety buys from Nordstrom Rack, Forever 21 and god knows where else—but don't worry, stackables are a dime a dozen—Similar & Similar {because, anything with an elephant} // Rings: Tribal Stackables - Forever21 {oldies}, but here's a recap on some others from my Flippy Floppy Hat post—Similar & MAJ {Wishlist} #fashion #shopping #style #beauty

While I l o v e a good gab sesh about wedding styles {like my gushing over my favs styles of 2015 thus far}, this particular rundown of do's and dont's comes from years and years of befuddled brides, unprepared bridesmaids and *GASP* fallen wedding-day hair. Photo by CJK Visuals How should you prep your hair for your wedding day? What information should you provide to your stylist ahead of time? What should you expect to go down on the big day? Should your bridesmaidsall get their hair done? Do you come with wet hair, or dry? So. Many. Questions. Don't stress ladies—there are far more wedding-related details to stress about, like, what are you going to eat first {after all of that pre-wedding fasting}?! I reached out to some of my fav local stylists who are at the top of their wedding-hair game {no malicious competition here!} to get their input on this subject. Of course, each stylist has their own preference of wedding hair prep, but here are some basic do's and dont's for the most important day of your hair's life! First, and MOST important DON'T, which doesn't really fit in the line-up just yet, but is SOimportant that it gets front billing. DON'T ever, ever, ever sit in your stylist's chair on the day of your wedding with WET hair. E V E R. Unless—and this is the tiniest unless—you are getting a fancy blowout, which most often applies to moms, grandmas, and short-haired beauts. We don't even want to hear the words, "I washed it this morning so it's still a little damp." No, no, NO! If you see the blowdryer come out, and you know you're not on the schedule for a blowdry, this is not a good sign for you. What happens is, you have now added a Blowdry to your hair service, on top of the updo that you've already requested - so this becomes a.) two services, and b.) a time suck that pushes the very pristine schedule back and runs the entire bridal party late. You don't want to be that person—trust me. Aside from the fact that we don't want you arriving with wet hair, we actually want your hair to be a little dirty & gritty, which would, of course, require your hair to be, what...DRY. Look, I know this is harsh, and you're thinking, what a stylist Nazi{!!}, but I promise you it is for your own good. You don't want to be the bridesmaid that holds up the bride from walking down the aisle to the man of her dreams, right? Right. {Rant over.} Just DON'T. Okay, now back to our regularly scheduled discussion... DO Scout & book your stylist well in advance of your wedding day! During high-wedding seasons {April-June & September-October in the DMV} your favorite stylist will book up in a f l a s h. If you don't want to have to settle for your cousin's mother in law's grandmother's stylist who perfected the perm in the 80s, you want to get your date on your stylist's calendar ASAP! {FYI, I book up, on average, 9 months to a year in advance—less popular wedding months may still be available a few months out!} DON'T Skimp on the details. My first response to a bride almost always includes a bevy of questions that will help both of us in the planning process. A few at the top of the list that are a m u s t know: date/time/place of the wedding; location where you're getting ready {if different from the wedding venue}; whether you're having a first look {or not} and what time you'll need to be completely ready; how many ladies will be having hair services; what time the photographer is arriving to capture you slipping into that gown, etc. DO Have a trial! 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. But of course, there are ways to prep for a trial, too—I've got you covered! DON'T wait until the last minute to provide details on who is getting their hair done, and whatthey're getting done. The sooner, the better. In fact, you can send me you and your girls' looks as you come across them—even if it's 9 months prior to the big day! I start building out your file the second you officially secure your date with a deposit, so feel free to pad that file with as many details as your heart desires. I also accept Pinterest links to private boards where you and your girls have been hoarding hair ideas. About two weeks prior to the wedding I use these pictures to build out the final schedule and pass along to you/your girls/your coordinator so we are all on the same page and ready for the big day! {If this is something you would like, I'm sure any stylist would be willing to build out a schedule! Feel free to ask me for an example.} On a side note, while it is up to each bride as to whether they want their entire wedding party to have their hair done professionally, I will tell you that it looks much cleaner, streamlined & stunning for each girl to have a done-up 'do. If your bestie is hair-savvy and can handle her own, that's awesome! But you wouldn't want 5 out 6 of your bridesmaids to be dolled up, just to have the 6th stick out like a sore thumb with her self-done limp locks. Something to ponder! DO Provide a contact person/number/email for day of coordinating. These days, wedding coordinators are uber helpful in running the show {such as a F A V of mine—Pop The Cork Designswith darling Jenna}. But whether you have your very own Frank Eggelhoffer, or a friend or cousin who has graciously offered to be the vendor coordinator for the day, make sure your stylist has the contact as well. Reasons we may need to bug the coordinator: to find out what room you're in at the hotel; to have her/him track down the tardy bridesmaid that should have arrived 5 minutes earlier for her time slot; for payment at the end of the service as you're slipping into your gown, etc. The resilient Franck DON'T stick your stylist in a bathroom to do hair all day. 1.) No ventilation and three cans of hairspray leaves us sounding like a 3-pack-a-day smoker. 2.) We have to clear out every time a girl has to pee...and most wedding days offer a bevy of girls. And 3.) The limited space is not conducive to doing our best work—especially if there are multiple stylists whipping up your wedding do's, not to mention several bridesmaids fighting for a mirror to check their make-up or hair. Really, we're flexible, and we can work anywhere. Sure, we'd love to be set near open french doors, with ample plugs at our disposal, the largest table in the history of time, and plush yet low-back chairs. But let's be real - most hotels offer a tiny desk, horrid lighting, windows that don't open, the highest back chairs they could find, and one measly plug. We come prepared with surge protectors & patience, so we will work it out anywhere...other than the bathroom ;-) DO arrive on time—in fact, run before time, preferably 15 minutes before your scheduled time. Ideally, a stylist will run ahead, and if that's the case, he/she would rather stay ahead. Better to be early than late! A lot of girls spend the entire day, from start to finish, at the bride's chosen location, enjoying mimosas, the wedding station on Pandora, and taking in the day's festivities. This is the best possible scenario for a stylist, as all we need to do is yell out for the next girl, instead of having the coordinator anxiously track down the bridesmaid that no one has heard from since they last saw her dancing on the bar at the after-rehearsal party. DON'T be so preoccupied with wedding day chaos that you can't sit and enjoy your hair service. We know there are last minute things to be done - cards to be signed, speeches to write, directions to give, seating charts to be rearranged, calls to be made, etc. But getting up and running around, stressing over who is doing what, prolongs your hair service and sets off the schedule. The day is here, the deeds are done, now sit, relax, mimosa and enjoy. Bride, bridesmaids, MOTB, it doesn't matter - I'm betting you all deserve the relaxation at this time. {P.S. Again, another reason why day-of coordinators are great - they can handle those last minute tedious tasks!} DO take the time to HAVE FUN!! This is likely the first time, and may be the last time for a while {as life intervenes} that you and your closest girlfriends and family are spending the day together, getting all glammed up, sipping on shamps, and anxiously counting down the hours to the best day of your life. Every single bride or bridesmaid says, "Wow, we still have so much time," just to turn around hours later and say, "Holy cow, where did the day go!? We have to get dressed!" It flies. So step back, take it in, and know this is all for you, or your bestie, or your daughter—enjoy it. Happy wedding day—happy wedding hair!! <3 Oh, and one last DO—remember to tip your stylist! Afterall, she/he holds the bobby pins to your wedding day hair ;-) Psst... More wedding hair inspo! 2015 Wedding Hair: Halftime Favorites! #hair #hairstyle #weddinghair #SilverLiningsSalon

Things I hear e v e r y time I am doing a head of hair: "Oooo, what's that smell?" "What was that, that you just used?" "What do you suggest I get for {XYZ}?" "Can I see that bottle?" It's time we put those questions to rest with my Top Ten MUST Have Hair Products. You'll notice right off the bat that the list is heavy on Kenra products. I can assure you that I am not a Kenra Professional rep, even if my list screams otherwise. Over the years I have gone through my fair-share of hair product lines—using hairspray from this line, shine spray from this line, root lifter from this line, and on-and-on-and-on. I was a product line hussie! But the more I use Kenra products, the more loyal I've become. Long, short, stick straight, massively curly and beyond, Kenra has always come to the rescue. Their products are light-weight, yet hold like a champ, and most importantly - they smell like hair heaven. Now that you've heard my borderline-embarrassing profession for Kenra products, you can only imagine the level of the other products that have graced this list. To be in the ranks with my beloved Kenra speaks very highly of the three non-Kenra products, so they are not to be overlooked! Start your own love affair with the following ten products by following the links & instructions below! 1. Malibu Miracle Repair Wellness Reconstructor {$30, 12ct} - Malibu products are great for swimmer, well water-exposed, damaged, stripped & color-treated hair. This is my absolute favorite deep conditioning treatment that I do at least bi-weekly for 10+ minutes. 2. Kenra Professional Volume Mousse 12 {$16} - Daisy a dollop! All you need is a dollop the size of a ping pong ball {remember that mousse rises once it's sprayed into your hand, so start on the smaller side}, rub between your palms and distribute through your hair from roots to ends while hair is damp/towel-dried. 3. It's a 10 Miracle Leave-In Plus Keratin {$20} - My favorite spray-in/leave-in conditioner that smells super fresh and will help that Wetbrush glide through your hair with ultra-ease {yes, yes, a top ten must have hair tools list including the Wetbrush will be coming soon!}. 4. Kenra Professional Silkening Mist {$21} - The day I discovered the Silkening Mist was the day that oily hair across the world rejoiced. This "shine spray" is actually a mist {what gave it away?}, so it creates a silky shine layer without saturating your hair with too much oil. 5. Rusk Shining Sheen & Movement Myst {$14.50} - Now, for those times when you DO want a heavier sealing shine spray, like a finishing shine spray for a sleek look, this myst does the trick. Bonus: it smells like men's cologne in the most appealing and non-overwhelming way. This is my number one best smeller and provokes the most, "mmmhmm, what was THAT!?" questions. 6.) Kenra Professional Platinum Recovery Polish {$22} - My newest Kenra obsession, rightfully nicknamed: The Magic Elixir. Used as a finisher to any style—straight or curly—this drenches your strands with a light serum that magically erases frizz & any fried-esque looking flyaways. 7. Kenra Professional Volume Spray 25 {$17} - This is my most prized Kenra obsession. It has gotten me through countless weddings, tamed even the most unruly hair, and has likely been my most repeated hair product purchase to date. 8. My Amazing Repair & Shine Secret {$20 & up} - The secret is out! A teeny tiny M&M-sized dollop of this on damp/towel-dried hair will ensure a silky, shiny, free-flowing blowdried or air-dried style. 9.) Kenra Professional Root Lifting Spray 13 {$16} - Whether I'm going curly, straight or air-dried, I never ever skip the root lifter. Because no one wants to look like a dragged-down wet dog. Pump those puppies up! Your roots, that is. 10.) Kenra Professional Platinum Blow-Dry Spray {$22} - A spray that smells like fluffy clouds, protects your hair from heat, leaves you silky & shiny...and cuts your blowdry time in half?! I didn't believe it either—but now I won't do a blowdry without it! Which, by the way, takes nearly half the time #truestorybro. #hair #shopping #beauty

You'll soon realize that I don't particularly have a "style." And if I do, it's nearly impossible to pinpoint and define. I like trendy...with a hint of flair—but not just one type of trend - e v e r y trend. I {always} put my own twist on every coveted wardrobe piece so that it works for me, my short little frame, my proud little curve, and my {ahem} lack-luster womanhood. What works for me may not work for you—and likewise, there are undoubtedly styles that I drool over that I just can't pull off {gauchos, circa 2003—it wasn't pretty}. My style evolves with my mood, and sure, there are times when I look back, grit my teeth {insert emoji}, and think, "bad mood, eh?" But at one time or another, it worked for me—or maybe it didn't, but {shrugs} ya win some, ya lose some. #fashionwars Call it Hunger Games-inspo, call it Top Gun-style—call it what you want—but I just call it today's mood: military chic with a hint of edge. I scoured the world for a jumpsuit that would fit this shorty, and when I did, and it was a whopping $19.95, you bet your bottom dollar that I stood in that ridiculously long post-holiday sale line at H&M. An hour of my life I won't get back—and a jumpsuit I'll cherish forever...no, really, I don't get rid of things easily. This may very well still be keeping my closet company in 30 years... {Not brave enough for an actual shaved side panel? Welp, neither am I. #fakeittilyoumakeit} Jumpsuit: H&M {no longer available} Similar in black & Similar in shorts! // Shoes: Target {oldies} Similar & Similar & T O N S of styles on sale at Nordstrom Rack {don't mind if I might...} // Necklace {gifted - American Eagle} Similar // Bracelet: World Market {no longer available #wompwomp, but it's where some of my F A V jewelry comes from, so let's see what else they have...} Similar in silver {mixing metals is so totally approved these days} & Similar // Ring: H&M {no longer available} Similar {and I also love/want/need!} // Earrings: American Eagle {oldies & some of my most worn studs} Similar {love their multi-metal packs!} & Similar #fashion #style #shopping #beauty #accessories

When I first set out on my fitness journey I taped my number one inspiration on the back of my bedroom door—Britney Spears and those fab abs. That picture was the last thing I saw before walking out to face the day ahead—a day full of choices: healthy or unhealthy, active or lazy. That image on the back of my door got me through many a 'doughnut vs. celery' and 'stairs vs. escalator' decisions. Mind you, this was, oh, I don't know - 11 years ago? But have we SEEN the new Women's Health cover? Girlfriend's still got it! Two years ago I stumbled across (or, likely, Instagram-ed across) someone's post of a workout calendar—genius! Five minutes later I was on Snapfish creating my first custom workout-inspo calendar. How could I not have thought of this before?! I hung it right in front of my treadmill, so I could stare the inspiration right in the face. There's something about staring at, "PR - Two little letters that make every runner smile," that makes you sprint that extra 30 seconds just to get the chance to jot down "PR!!!" in that day's square. There's also something so rewarding about looking back over a month's work that pushes you to conquer the next month with even more determination. As one of the best health moves I ever made, I now pass on my 2015 workout-inspo calendar to you! May it encourage you to sprint a little farther, throw that kettlebell with a little more oomph, and stick that crow for your own personal 'PR' moment! {Major Snapfish calendar deal until January 13, 2015!! 60% off all photo calendars using code: 60BKCAL.} 1.) Sweat More, Bitch Less. {or, do like me - Sweat More, Brag More ;-)} 2.) Sore. The Most Satisfying Pain. {LOVE to hate it} 3.) Run With Your Heart - Not With Your Legs <3 {Heart gets you farther—trust me} 4.) The difference between your body this week & next week is what you do for the next seven days to achieve your goals... {Repeat, repeat, repeat} 5.) Workout because you love your body, not because you hate it. {Working out is NOT a punishment—it's your body's reward} 6.) 4 Simple Rules: Never miss a Monday; Never go 3 days without exercise; Workout at least 3 days a week; Never give up {Mantra status} 7.) Losing Weight is Hard. Being Fat is Hard. Pick Your Hard. {I've done both—I can tell you which one is harder. What do you think?} 8.) I will beat her. I will train harder. I will eat cleaner. I know her weaknesses. I know her strengths. I've lost to her before. But not this time. She is going down. I have the advantage because I know her well. She is the Old Me. {This is my absolute FAV this year—it hits me right in the heart which then trickles right on down to my running legs and makes me FLY. I purposely put it in August to help me push through that downward Summer lull and kick-off Fall, aka, running season, on a high!} 9.) PR. Two little letters that make every runner smile. {My FAVORITE thing to get to write on my calendar} 10.) Sometimes I feel like giving up. Then I remember I have a lot of motherf$&%'ers to prove wrong. {One of which is myself—I can be a hell of a mother F'er} 11.) Crawling is acceptable. Falling is acceptable. Puking is acceptable. Crying is acceptable. Blood is acceptable. Pain is acceptable. Quitting is NOT. {Kapeesh?} 12.) No one ever drowned in sweat. {This is comforting to me, because I glisten like a hog} You can get the exact calendar I created on Snapfish here! Happy 2015 - Happy Health - Happy Jogging - Happy Jotting! #fitness #health

Every girl has her go-to beauty regimen, bag of Mary Poppin tricks & new finds that she's o b s e s s e d with. I, of course, take obsession to a whole new level. When I find a product I love I devote my life, spending money, hair, skin & nails to that product. Sure, I add a newbie into the mix every now & then, but seldom does it make the every day rotation. You've got to be GOOD—real good—to make that list. Needless to say, these top ten must have beauty products are T H A T good. You'll notice that there aren't any hair products on this list... Silly rabbit, don't you know me well enough by now?! There's a whole top ten dedicated to those must haves. Your flaky skin, dry hair, stagnant complexion, cracked lips, limp lashes & pasty skin will rue the day they met this list... 1. Mary Kay Oil Free Hydrating Gel {$32} - I can't tell you how many years ago I added this to my regimen, but I can tell you that it will never, ever, leave. And if it tries, I will findddd youuuu {nod to Wedding Crashers...anyone? Anyone?}. The best way I can explain this is that it's like milk for your face—it just quenches the heck out of your skin, & you're instantly oh-so-baby-soft. 2. Coastal Scents 22 Piece Brush Set {$32} - Once upon a time I had a gorgeous set of make-up brushes from Sephora on my Christmas list. Of course they cost way more than my face really deserves {let's be honest} & I didn't really do my research to see if they lived up to their pricetag. Enter the hubs—researcher extraordinaire—who came across this seemingly incredible deal on Amazon for a massive set of brushes that had 4.5 stars. Come Christmas morning I open said set of brushes that was NOT on my original list—skeptical, party of one! But all it took was one swipe across my cheek & I was SOLD. These are the b e s t brushes I've ever owned, & I have been around the block with some make-up brushes. At that price you can replenish every year—not that you would need to because they hold up amazingly! Bottom line: buy the brushes, and always trust your hubby's researching abilities. 3. Aquafor {$4} - I used to be a faithful Burt's Bees girl, & although it's still in a periodic rotation, this little tube gave it the regular rotation boot. I credit this marvelous find to my step-sis who swore up & down that it would patch every crack in your lips. Sunburn, windburn, winter cracks, summer chaps—this cures all. And yea, it's a measly $4 at your local drugstore, so stock up—for life. 4. Younique Moonstruck 3D Fiber Lashes {$29} - Remember how I got around with make-up brushes? Well, just consider me the pimp of mascara, because my bevy of tubes was nearly embarrassing. I had four varying kinds in my make-up kit at all times, with a sampler waiting in the wings to mix it up whenever I felt the usual tubes weren't cutting it. And then someone says, "you should try fibers!" One glance at a before & after & I was hooked. The proof is in the pudding...or, in this case, in the fibers. I love those little shreds of magic! Trust me on this one, the price, the oddity of painting fibers {of what look like shreds of carpet} on your lashes & the double tube application is every bit worth it the second you see your lashformation. 5. Coconut Oil {$9} - This isn't just a beauty product, it's a phenomenon. You can now find it anywhere from your local drugstore, to the grocery store, & even at bulk-buy warehouses like BJs and Sam's Club. And yes, yes you do want a massive tub of it, because you will go through it faster than you can say, "pass the coconut oil, please." How? Well, let's see, I've used it as a hair mask, while cooking or baking, on dry skin, to minimize mosquito-bite itching, & have heard tales of adding it to your coffee & using it on diaper rashes. You can literally put that shit on & in everything. E V E R Y T H I N G. 6. Kat Von D LadyBird True Romance Palette {No longer available ::sad face:: Similar & Similar} - Hi, my name is Nikki & I'm a total palette junkie. ::Hi, Nikki:: Ya see, palettes are like a beautiful collaboration of colors that just look so comfy cozy together that I just want to own them and give my face a chance to cuddle with them. Is that so much to ask?! My Christmas list is always laden with five+ palettes, and I use them all on rotation, as needed. But every now & then you come across a palette that you use once, maybe twice, maybe even t h r i c e a week! Now, I know this sounds crazy, but when you have 15+ palettes at your fingertips you don't want to show favorites, but, let's be real - a classic matte palette is just going to hit your make-up sweet spot. And this little LadyBird certainly did. 7. Pink Sugar Perfume {$30-$60} - While I also have at least 10+ scents on my vanity shelves at all times {half of which are of the Britney Spears variety—don't knock it 'til you've smelt it!}, this one is a l w a y s one of them. It's sweet, it's decadent & it just screams girly! *Shopping Score: scope it out at Nordstrom Rack or TJMaxx for half the price! 8. MAC Cosmetics: Prep + Prime Fix {$22} - When you work two jobs, are constantly on the go, by the end of the day your face starts to feel like it might crack from daylong stale make-up. No bueno! Spritz this little hydration-nation on your face and you will instantly be rejuvenated. It's more than water—it's magic in MAC bottle. 9. POND'S Cold Cream Cleanser {$4} - I'm going to let you in on a top family secret...come very, very close...closer now...POND'S, ya'll, POND'S. Yea, that tub of white cream that your grandma used to cake on her face—that's the stuff. Fun fact: Pond's cream was created all the way back in 1846, & there's a reason why it's still gracing drugstore shelves worldwide. It WORKS. My grandma used that stuff for as long as one can remember, & although she passed a couple years ago {insert heart emoji}, she did so with baby soft wrinkle-free skin. W R I N K L E-free, ya'll. Would I lie to you? No. Go buy some POND'S. 10. L'Oreal Sublime Bronze ProPerfect Airbrush Self-Tanning Mist {$8} - As a licensed cosmetologist I have access to some of the finest self-tanning products, & while I still remain faithful to Tan Towels, I could never find a spray that 1.) was inside my monthly self-tanning budget, 2.) didn't stink like rotten bananas, & 3.) left me with a bronze-glow & not an oompa-loompa inspired-tan. That's when a bestie turned me onto this drugstore buy {or, if you're like me, you subscribe to it on Amazon and it shows up on your doorstep every month like clockwork... Time to tan!} & I'll never go back. If I ever hear one word muttered about it being discontinued I will buy the lot of it & never live a pasty day. #beauty #hair #shopping

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