Hey, friends!  Did anyone notice yesterday made my 100th post??  Not I.  I knew it was coming up, was getting a little excited and then let it just slip on by without even a mention.  Poor guy.

I survived my first three classes and have one more to go.  That’s the one I’m absolutely terrified of.  Drawing.  The exciting part, though, is I have a couple of 40% off coupons to go supply {and fabric} shopping at Hobby Lobby.  That’ll help my shake the anxiety I’ve been feeling.

Here we are on the edge of one month looking into the next.  September, my love.  With September comes warm cheerful breezes, colorful crisp leaves blowing in the breeze, chilly mornings and open windows at night.  Not to mention cardigans, boots and scarves.

Oh yeah! Don’t forget pumpkin muffins, bread and lattes!

What I want to focus on today, however, is the changing of hair color which comes with the changing of the seasons.

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As with the past two years, warm and red shades are being seen more and more.  Red is a love-it or hate-it hue, though.  Its bold and beautiful {or maybe I’m a little biased}.  However, you can’t just go with any shade.  

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If you’ll notice, most natural redheads have a very different skin tone.  They require that warmth to keep from looking washed out.  Most people have a skin tone that requires cooler colors.

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Do not fret, though, there is a shade for you.  If you’re interested in going red analyze your skin tone by holding different colors up to your face.  If you find more earthy tones causing your complexion to look more yellow, washed out or sickly, while the bold and bright colors brighten you, you’ll want to pick a cool red.  

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I know what you’re thinking: Cool red? That doesn’t make sense!  Let me explain.  If you choose a red that has some purple in it {such as burgundy} you’ll have your cool red hair and pretty skin tone, too.

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Those of you who thought the earthy tones worked best for your skin, you want to stick with the red reds, copper reds and golden coppers.  These will look fabulous next to your soft pale skin.

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Ok, so I’m sure some of you are still saying, “Uh… I dunno about all that red talk.”  I still have a solution for you.  One being that maybe you do like the red, but aren’t sold on going all over.  I suggest you just add a few streaks in.  It will add beautiful, crisp dimension to your locks.

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Then there’s still some of you that just say ‘no’ to red all together, and that’s fine, too.  I do, however, still suggest adding some thin lowlights {like highlights but darker} to your hair in a shade warmer than what you already have.  I pretty much promise you’ll love it.

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So, are you ready for Fall?!  I am so ready. I’ll be adding some darker streaks to my own hair pretty soon, too.  Its time for a little change and I am all for going ‘Fall.’

What are your style plans for the coming season?  Any changes to be made?  Hair? Nails? Wardrobe?

It has arrived.  My last weekday before school starts.  My last Friday to lay around in my jammies ’til noon, if I see fit.  Monday, its back to routine, back to schedules, back to work. 

At least this semester, thanks to my amazing fiance, I have just school and my family to keep up with. I’m not trying to keep up with a job and all the responsibilities that come with it.  What a load off.  Shew.

Well, on with the wedding planning, yes?  I’ve been searching for the perfect dress for Lilie.  I still haven’t quite decided if I’m just going to make it myself or buy one.  Either way, I’ve been surfing the net for ideas.

I don’t want anything fancy, complicated or swimming with design and color to defer from her natural beauty.  I’m thinking just a sold maxi would be great, with some flowers thrown into her wild curls.

Let me share a few that I’ve found and taken a liking to.  You know what my little sprite looks like, so picture them on her and let me know you’re thoughts.  

And, as usual, just click on the images to be taken back to their home site.

{I thought it would be sweet to have her wear white, since I obviously shouldn’t, according to tradition}

{I love Lilie in brown. I thought this one would be especially cute with a black eyed susan in her hair}

{Ok, I know I said no patterns, but I do so love this one}

{I like Lilie better in bold, rather pastels, but I thought if I went with the navy dress, the lace/crochet details would go well together}

The more I look, the less I find that fits the idea I have in my head.  I may need to go fabric shopping soon.

So, what do you think?  Tell me, both, your faves and the ‘not-so-much’ ones.  I’m going to pick my top three, once I do some more looking around, and then pull in the little lady to make the final decision.

Thank you so big for your help!  Happy Friday and I hope your weekend is awesome!

Hola, beauties!  I attempted to write this post out on the patio.  Alas, the Kentucky heat {humidity!} won.  

I long for the days of early Fall.  Rustling winds and flying leaves.  Boots and scarves.  Will Autumn ever return?

Patience, young grasshopper.

Thursday it is.  Time for a Summer of Growth installment.  School starts Monday which marks this the last Thursday of my Summer break.  This calls for a recap.

Throughout the series, I have touched on the subjects of the following:

• Cooking here, down there, out there, and down here
• Self Discipline here, there and yonder.
• Patience and more Patience
• Taking care of yourself
•  Taking Pictures up there and right here
• Good Books to Read
• Spirituality and Quiet Time
• Motivation

Shew!  I think that covers them all.

And now for my conclusion.  How have I done?  Patience-wise, I think I have improved, some.  Self discipline….? A never-ending battle.  

My quiet time has been slacking, but Billy and I have started up a time shared.  We’re reading a Max Lucado book and starting John in the Bible.  It warms my heart to no end.

Things like visitors and life events threw off my running habit and I never got back into it.  I did, however, win some totally awesome running shoes that have given me the motivation to get that started again.  

I plan to start Monday and run Monday, Wednesdays and Fridays after I drop Lilie off for school and before I have to be in class.  I think that’s a good plan. Yeah?

Cooking?  I’ve tried some fun and tasty dishes this summer and plan to keep that experimentation up.  I actually like looking when I have the time, energy and tools to do so.

Books.  I haven’t read as many as I would have liked, but some really good ones, they have been.  And pictures?  Non-stop.  I’ve taken lots of good ones.  I’ve even gotten the other two family members a bit interested.

So, all in all, not perfect, but not a total waste, either.

How about you?  Have you learned or improved through out this series?  Is there anything you have worked to improve this summer?  Were you successful?  

Friends!  I’m back! Let me guess, you’re thinking, “Uhh, you left?”

Remember way back at the beginning of the summer when I was having terrible computer problems, which only ended with a dead pc?  Then I went on to using the school’s lab and then borrowing our neighbor’s desktop in exchange for Billy’s game system.

The troubles are over.  I finally was able to purchase my very own again.  I shopped around, compared prices and got an awesome deal at Best Buy on a MacBook Pro and I’m very happy with my purchase.

Just in time for school, too, huh?  Only a few more days!

I’m still trying to decided whether or not I want to venture away from WP.com.  I would love to have more design freedom.  I just wish I had someone close to teach me all the ins and outs of WP.org.  That way I could handle it all myself.

*sigh*

Oh well…. I’ll keep you posted.

Signing off!  Hope the rest of your day is great.

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Hey there, my beauties! My, this house has been so quiet and still the past few days.  My illies {Billy & Lilie} have gone off to start their school year.  I, however, do not start for another week and a half.  Thus, I have been left behind to hold down the fort.

Being that next week is my last week of Summer break, I need to start winding down this Summer of Growth series.

Today, I want to share some inspirational quotes that will help you stay on this path to a better you.  I know sometimes it gets frustrating when you don’t/can’t see the results, but just remember to be patient with yourself and don’t give up.

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Let us strive to improve ourselves, for we cannot remain stationary; one either progresses or retrogrades.
Mme. Du Deffand

The safest principle through life, instead of reforming others, is to set about perfecting yourself.
B. R. Haydon

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Change yourself and fortune will change with you.
Portugese Proverb

Slumber not in the tents of your fathers! The world is advancing. Advance with it!
Mazzini

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Hold yourself responsible for a higher standard than anyone else expects of you.
Never excuse yourself.
Henry Ward Beecher

If you follow me on Twitter or Facebook, you may have read a post, this morning, similar to what I’m about to share.

Something is strongly on my heart this morning and I feel the need to get it out there.

Lilie started school on Monday and I couldn’t have been more happy or excited for her.  Its an all day, 8:00-3:00, days a week program at a private Lutheran school.  The fact that we’re able to provide something like this for her is a big deal to me.

When people ask me about her first day, I always get questions like, “Are you nervous?” and “Yes, but how did mommy handle the first day?”  Well, mommy handled the first day just fine.  The second day was just as easy.

And then there was today.  Day number three.  I think I’m one of those people that has to chew on things for a bit before I get the full effect.

I pulled up into the drop off line, just like the past two days.  A teacher opened Lilie’s door to help her out, just like yesterday.  We exchanged kisses, I-Love-You’s and I wished her a good day and she hopped out….just like yesterday.

 But as I watched her trot into the school and pulled the car away, it hit me.  ”Look how far we have come,”  I thought to myself.  My eyes filled with tears, as I became so overwhelmed with thankfulness.

I thought back to when her father and I separated.  How my life seemed to just fall apart in front of me.  All my plans, dreams, goals.  Crushed.  I had no clue how I was going to support us both and give her the life I so badly wanted for her.  

A point in my life where I had lost all faith.

 Now, here we are just two and a half years later.  We have a lovely home, a nice car, good clothes to wear, healthy food in our bellies, a great school with a godly environment for Lilie, we belong to an awesome church and we’re accompanied by a loving, loyal man to help and support us all the way. 

{Summer 2010}

I’m a planner.  A control freak.  When things didn’t go my way, I threw my hands in the air and faith to the wind.  I focused solely on supporting my daughter and surviving this life.  I knew what I wanted, but just kind of put that all on the back burner and just focused on doing what needed to be done. 

{Fall 2009}

I often look back on that time in my life and every time I do, it seems I find a new lesson being taught.  Through all the storm clouds, I now see so many rays of sunshine beaming through.

Today, I look back, again, and find something new I think God was trying to communicate to me.  ”Let go.  I have a plan.  Take a break and let me take care of things.”

Remember that control-freak nature I admitted to having?  I think God was using that event in my life to remind me I’m not the one in control.  He is.  I was just holding on so tightly, it took a really good shaking up to make me see things His way.  At a time I was so strong in my faith, I still couldn’t just give Him control.

Its only nine in the morning and the Lord has already reminded me of such a valuable lesson.  To have faith and let go.

 To trust He will get us where we need to be.

 I’d like to share a couple verses with you:

‘‘Do not fear, for I am with you; do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.’’ Isaiah 41:10

“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.” Jeremiah 29:11

Have you ever experienced a life altering moment, only to look back and see that maybe it wasn’t to hurt you, but to teach you and build you up to be the person you are now?  

I hope you’ll share your lessons in the comments below. 

If you’re new here, I want to welcome you with a big, happy,warm smile.  I hope you’ll have a look around and check out my About page to learn more about the blog and me! I hope you enjoy your stay!  Come again, soon.

Hey there, darlin’!  Have the kids gone back to school yet?  Mine has and I don’t start back for another two weeks.  The house has been so quiet and still.  That just means plenty of time for me to clean….ugh.

Moving on…

We last left off with leave in conditioners, in our search for the best {most inexpensive} hair products.  

Today we’re going to move on to styling products.  I don’t know about you, but I {personally} can’t stand the feel of product in my hair.  I want my hair to actually feel like hair.  Not crunchy, waxy or sticky.  Ew.

Here is a list of the go-to products I always kept at my station in the salon:

• Chi Silk Infusion – This is probably the most pricey product I’ll suggest to you.  But it is so very worth it.  If you blow dry, curl or flat iron your hair at all, you need to be using this product.  Not using it is much like sticking your hand in a hot oven without an oven-mit. Yikes. Not using a product like this is where much of your burnt, dry, split ends come from.  Plus it leaves your hair silky smooth and shiny.  Use wet or dry, focusing on the bottom half of your hair strands.
• Paul Mitchell Sculpting Foam – Love this stuff.  I used this on almost everyone.  Its super light, moisture balancing and gives a great hold.  I leaves your hair soft and shiny, instead of weighed down and crunchy.  Don’t even get me started on the scent.  This stuff smells glorious.
• Aquage thickening Spray Gel – Honestly, I’m not so sure about the ‘thickening’ part, but I love this stuff other wise.  Unless you’re a dude, I’m not a fan of gel.  Its heavy, sticky and hard.  That’s why I love this product.  It gives you the soft not-so-heavy feel of a mousse, but a stronger hold like a gel. 
• Beyond the Zone Noodle Head Kick Up Your Curls – Sheesh, that’s a long name!  But totally earned.  Its a creme for your curls.  I use this on Lilie, mostly.  Her hair is still so soft and light, it doesn’t take much to weight her fluffy curls down.  This stuff rocks.  It gives her curls a boost along with a great all-day, super soft hold.  You’ll have to go to Sally’s to find this one, though {cha-ching}.
• Short Sexy Hair rocked Out- Men and women, both, will love this product.  I warn you, though: use with caution.  I’m not kidding with i say a little goes a long way.  This gooey, sticky stuff will give you some major rock star hair.  Its great for styles with defined or messy layers.  Billy loves it for his hair.  It gives him the style he wants without looking crunchy and stiff like gel.  It has so many great uses.  I suggest having a stylist show you exactly how to use this before purchasing.  
• Fusion Finishing Spray – Unless you’re wanting a super stiff hold for your wedding or prom do, this is my favorite hair spray.  I love using this when I curl my hair.  It gives me a great all-day hold that’s still bouncy and touchable. Another Sally’s find, that will make your wallet super happy.

And that’s it!  Do you or have you used any of these products?  If so, what’s your take on them? 

I’d love some feedback!

Hello, my loves!  Hope your weekend was as splendid as mine!  I am now the proud owner of a four-year-old!!  Yep, I tried my three-year-old in for an older, more worn in model.

Yesterday was Lilie’s fourth celebration of birth and we celebrated like rock stars.  Strawberry ones! Strawberry Shortcake was the chosen theme for this year. As a lover of the sweet smelling cartoon, myself, I was more than happy to oblige.

The party was a total success.  No rain storm, unlike last year.

The weather was absolutely perfect for lots of outdoor play.

The cookie cake was fabulous {and waaay cheaper than expected}. 

And gifts?  Don’t even get me started.

Operation Birthday was a complete and total success.  I couldn’t have asked for smoother sailing.

And today is her first day of school!! Ahh!  What a big week this is starting out to be.

But don’t think, with all the fuss, I’ve forgotten about the task at hand! For today’s Monday musical, I wanted to share a song I’d never heard before until just the other day.  The video has been up for about ten months and I’m not sure how well-known it is, but I wanted to share it, none the less.  Its fun, up beat and a little zany.  I like zany, though, so its ok.

So, here’s your video to get your Monday rolling off to a good start.  Her name is Zowie and this is Broken Machine.

Thursday has arrived, again!  Weird how that keeps happening, huh? 

As I’ve written before, I think having a quiet time is great for everyone.  It brings us back to center, clears our head, reminds us what’s important and is a great refresher for the brain.

Today, as part of my Summer of Growth series, I want to share with you something Billy and I have been talking about doing.

I think this post is mostly speaking those of you who are spiritual and in a committed relationship of married. 

I think its important for a couple to be on the same page spiritually.  If not, I think it would be hard to connect on that next level that comes with serious relationships.  If one of you is a follower of God and the other isn’t, one will always be bringing the other down.  Whether it be mentally or physically.  

I think it would be hard to walk with someone, in hopes of the same destination,when each of you are walking different paths.  Eventually, something will cause distance between you.  Does that make sense?

Billy and I are both Christians.  We love going to church together.  I love the closeness it brings and I love the strength our faith seems to bring to our relationship.

One thing I wish we could do is attend Sunday school or a couples’ Bible study together.  Alas, our church is an hour away and making the drive more than once a week does no good for our gas budget.

We have come up with a solution, however.  We’ve decided to start sharing a quiet time.  Every night, Billy and I usually have a couple hours of alone time after Lilie goes to bed.

That gives us ample time to fit in a little Bible study/quiet time.  Nothing huge; just 15-20 minutes of time spent together with the Lord, each night.  We’re in the process of picking a study out to start. 

I’m looking forward to starting this with him.  I’m excited to see what it does for a faith and for our relationship.  

I just feel so incredibly lucky blessed to be with a man that actually wants to do this with me.

Want to read more about having a quiet time? Chech out some of my older posts:
One Word. Many Meanings. 
Why vs. Thank You
How to Get the Most Out of Your Quiet Time 

Do you think being on the same spiritual page can affect a relationship?  I’d love to hear your opinion.

Once question I’m asked the most is “What styles would look best on me?”  First of all, I say as long as you’re comfortable with the cut, you like the style and its something you can manage, then who’s to say there’s a specific cut for you?

But then again, studies show that people as a whole think oval face shapes are the most appealing.  The ideal shape to have.  So must of us try to get a style that will enhance or hide certain features so that we appear to have oval faces.

Lets talk face shapes and complimenting styles, shall we?

Here are some examples of oval faces.  Any haircut/style can be worn on an oval face.  They have full freedom with picking haircuts.

Square or rectangle faces lack the softness or curves of oval faces.  To compensate, they should go for styles that are soft and have movement.  Wearing long straight hair would just add to the straight hard edges of the face.

Round faces are the opposite of square whereas they’re nothing but curvy.  The photo on the left shows that a style lacking in layers accentuates the roundness.  the next two photos are full of messy and/or flicked layers.  Lots of layers work best for round shapes.  But don’t do too much curling.  A messy style that allows the ends of the hair to show and be free seem to work best for this shape.

Pair shaped faces are wider in the jaw and chin area but more narrow in the forehead.  Styles that contain more width and volume in the top but are more narrow in the chin area compliment this face shape.  Short hair styles work great.

Heart shaped faces are just the opposite of the pear.  Their width sits more in the forehead with a narrow chin.  You don’t want a style with much volume above the cheek bones for this style.  Try to keep fullness below your eyes and cheek bones to create more width around your chin.

Well, I think that pretty much covers them all.

Do you think your current style is working for or against your face shape?  Do you think you will you be making any changes after reading this??