I have never been one to bash public schools. As a matter of fact, I grew up with a public school teacher and have quite the appreciation for them. Its a job I might not survive. However, I have a growing discontentment with sending my own child to public schools. Now, if we lived in the very school district my stepmother teaches in, I would happily send her to that school in a heartbeat. I’ve heard nothing but wonderful things and love the training the teachers get there. It truly sounds like a wonderful place to work and attend.

I want my child to be open-minded and able to survive in the real world. However, I’m not crazy about my 5yo being around other 5yo’s kissing and no one’s doing anything about it. Or when little boys pull up her dress and the teachers just brush it off with little to know discipline. Or the random substitute that has a class for one day and has no problem telling them she’s “tired of their crap.” Also, my child is no angel and I know how limited teachers can be on disciplining. Sometimes you have to play hardball, though. Instant consequences and added responsibilities that aren’t always possible in the moment at shcool. Not to mention this whole bullying epidemic. I’m not even sure how much I really buy into that. Is it the teachers? Is it the parenting {both bully/victim}? {let the comments ensue on that one.}

Mostly, though, I don’t like complaining. And I don’t want to be the parent constantly calling or going up to the school with a problem. I’ve always said, “if you’re not going to try to do something about it, don’t complain about it either.”

I’ll be honest, I’ve never been a fan of the idea of homeschooling. I heard stories about social problems and fear of the real world. Kids that just ended up awkward and sheltered, sometimes behind and/or over-judgmental.

More and more, though, I feel a growing interest in homeschooling. I’ve seen, read and heard a lot of great feedback from it lately. There is a wonderful woman in my life, right now, that I greatly admire, whom home-schools six children. They are all wonderfully well-behaved, respectful and sociable. They are all involved in activities AND she and her family completely run the kids’ program at our church, planning and running Sunday morning, evening, wednesday night club and occasional events. Did I mention they do a fabulous job of it?? Putting aside the fact that she might secretly be supermom, I think it comes a lot from homeschooling.

I read a great article about a doctor who decided to tackle homeschooling with her IT husband by her side. She talks about the flexibility, personalized education, and {my favorite part} the way it has changed their parenting. I admire this family’s way of living. They share all responsibilities and sound like they all appreciate each other more and run smoother because of it.

I’m not saying I’m about to quit my job tomorrow and jump into it. My family is definitely not financially able to do that, yet. But it is definitely something to think about. Besides, I am trying to get into a field where its perfectly acceptable to telecommute or completely freelance from home.

What are your thoughts on homeschooling? Do you or anyone you know do it? I’ve love to hear from you.

Trees are budding, flowers are blooming, temperatures are rising and Spring is in full swing. Change is in the air and I can’t quite figure out if its just the seasons or something in me, too. This girl just can’t sit still, huh? Whether its inspiration, eating habits, routines, or profession related, I feel like I’m constantly itching for something fresh and new. Funny considering my fear of change. But hey, I’m a woman, after all. I like to call it growth.

I’m antsy in my career, itching in my location and absolutely starving creatively. My mind feels stale and unfulfilled, like part of me is missing. I finally promised myself to intentionally pull out my pencil and paper to doodle and draw more with plans of pulling my ink and brushes back out. I’ve been wantint to experiement with watercolor for several months now, anyway. Why not start with the basics of technique with black and white only, which I already have {and save money}. I’ve been playing more with lines and patterns than illustrations. Also, I took my camera everywhere this weekend, as I’ve missed playing with the natural light.

I think what I really need is a getaway. A change of scenery to get away from the repetition which has me in such a rut. My mind needs renewed and refreshed. Alas, it will be at least Summer ’til we can get away like that. I foresee a day trip to Nashville in the very near future, at least, though.

But for now, I’ll just have to keep trucking along, knocking on every potential door of opportunity I come to. Eventually someone will answer the right one. The sooner, the better.

Its been a while since I’ve posted anything in the Locks and Ringlets category. Surprising, I know, since I’m in a salon every day.

With Spring–and therefore transformation–just around the corner, I wanted to highlight some up and coming trends. Though not entirely new, they’re a new way of doing something we already love.

First off, casual looks. You’ll see styles that are less polished and perfected move more and more to something a little more loose and relaxed. Think boho/hippie chic type looks. You will not hear this happy bed-head complain. More natural means less time spent getting ready in the morning. Maybe now I can go back to the way I was wearing my hair before I went back to the professional world.

Taylor Swift / Jessica Biel

The next trend to look to change is ombre. No, it won’t be disappearing anytime soon, rather transforming. Instead of having all of the ends lightened, you’ll see ombre highlights. What was already a subtle yet striking look is becoming more subtle. My favorite part is the low maintenance of the style. This is a great style for someone looking for something a little different but little upkeep. Plus, its not too drastic.

Miley Cyrus / Jessica Biel

If you were hoping for something a little more dramatic and eye catching, I have another color trend up my sleeve for you: dip dye. You can make it as bold as you like.

dip dye

As for formal styles though, things will have a more polished retro feel. We’ll be moving away from the messy, undone looks–which hurts my unkempt heart–and more towards clean and traditional. Think beehives and twists, as well has down with soft waves. Perhaps finger waves? Me next!! Traditional elegance is very much in.

Julianne Moore / Jessica Chastain / Right

 Since I generally start adding some highlights this time of year anyway, I think I’ll be trying the ombre highlights really soon. I’m already wearing the messy waves. That’s just what I needed: an excuse for unkemptness in the salon. Messy hair equals happy hair, if you ask me. But I do love the polished look of Jessica Chastain’s red locks.

Which look will you be seen in first? There appears to be a little something in there for everyone. Will you be changing things up?

After attempting to grow my hair out for the past 6.5 years, I think I can finally say I’m there. Not to my goal length, but definitely past that middle, in-between, stage that no one can stand. I’m not so jealous and tempted by every whimsically cropped cut I see.

One of the things on my bucket list, though, is to cut my hair off again, one day, without regretting the decision {as I always do}.  I figure if I haven’t by my thirtieth birthday, that will be the time to do. Don’t hold me to it, though. I’ve been burned a few times by bad haircuts. Well, not so much that the cut it self was bad, just bad for this face.

I’ve been seeing a lot of adorable do’s lately, though. I’ve felt the yearn, but not quite the urge. Does that make sense? So, I thought I’d try to relieve some of the hunger with a post featuring my latest favorite short cuts.

I’m not sure which one I could pull off best, but I’m guessing the middle one.

What about you? Are you a long or short hair kind of gal? Or guy?? If you are/were a short hair kind of person, which one of these would you choose?

This is a day that I didn’t expect.  I’ve always been the mom who promotes my child’s independence as much as safely possible.  Though she’s my one and only baby whom I consider my greatest accomplishment, I don’t want to smother her with it.  I want to give her just enough room to be who she wants to be confidently and responsibly.

When asked about how I felt prior to her first day of kindergarten, I was certain I wouldn’t be a weepy mom.  After all, I’m excited for her and her new adventure.  I’m also excited for us and the new adventures we’ll be able to share together as she gets older and able to do more.

I’ve always been a very emotional person {ask my old girlfriends}.  However, I’ve gotten better at hiding it over the years.  Then I woke up the morning of Lilie Jo’s first day of school.  The emotions hit me like a pound of bricks.  Before I even pulled the covers back, I found myself in the middle of a full on crying session.  Here I was proud, puzzled and crying uncontrollably.  You have no idea how badly this confused me.  It threw my whole morning off.

Lilie Jo, on the other hand, handled it like a champ.  I hid my emotions from her and encouraged and fueled her excitement, instead.  She came home happy as a lark, going on and on about how it was “the best day ever.”

I am so proud of what a good person she already is.  Lilie Jo is so compassionate and full of empathy.  She is creative, thoughtful and very clever.  Her powers are usually used for good, thank goodness.  Friends come easily for Lil and her perspective is beautiful.  She is such an amazing little lady.

My greatest accomplishment, indeed.

No, not Christmas in July, but I am making a list.  Though it may not be Jesus’ birthday, it is time for mine.  August 1st is just around the corner.  Along with that is my shiny new job.

I haven’t had a job outside the home {other than school} in a little over a year.  That meant lots of jeans, t-shirts, and leggings.  When I traded in my life as a working woman for one of a full time mama/student, I also traded in my shopping allowance and a lot of my efforts to look anything other than comfortable.

With the power of these two events combined, I have been lucky enough to be gifted with a personal shopping spree to refresh my professional wardrobe. I. am. ecstatic. Not to mention thankfully blessed.

Being the die hard list maker I am, I’ve been organizing my shopping trip.  Creating a sort of mental list and needs.  This also allows me to plan ahead while shopping, in order to get the most out of my dollar.  I may not be able to get everything on the list, but I will keep an eye for good deals specifically on these.  I like to buy some what classic pieces with which I can mix up with each other and existing pieces to create more outfits.

Note my dress code for the salon: mostly black, white and/or gray.  Jeans allowed in these colors.  I can accessorize and wear shoes with color.  I need to dress professional, but take into mind my industry {I’m leading a salon}.  I’d like to be some what stylish, yet sophisticated and classy.

Though the temperatures show no sign of dropping too soon, I plan to shop with the coming seasons in mind.  I can mix these right in with what my current collection.

Sources:
1Target  2Charlotte Russe 3Target 4Style by Marina  5Charlotte Russe  6H&M 7Target  8Blowfish Shoes 9Bamboo Shoes 

I’ve been pinning like crazy, to my Style board.  I’m crazy over plaid and/or wool blazers.  Also, shoes.  Always shoes.  Being that I won’t be working behind the chair, my feet will be able to manage wedges or a chunky heel, more often.

Though we still have a couple months left of Summe weather, what fashion trend are you most looking forward to this Fall?

Friends, I’m so excited to host a very inspiring guest post from a strong woman and mother.  Please give a warm southern welcome to Heather.

I wasn’t prepared for the storm. When my daughter was born on August 4, 2005, my life appeared to be perfect. How could I think otherwise? I had my parents, in-laws, and friends all around me to help greet my little one’s entrance into the world.

Storms are like that sometimes. They begin with just a few dark clouds, but instead of breaking up, they continue to grow. That’s how my life was. I went back to work, but I didn’t feel well. I was exhausted and having trouble breathing, so I went to see my doctor. After a series of tests, I was diagnosed with mesothelioma cancer on November 21, 2005. It was only 3-1/2 months since Lily came into our lives. The type of cancer I had was pleural mesothelioma. It is caused by asbestos exposure and affects the lining of the lungs. Apparently, I had been exposed about 30 years earlier as a child.

The doctor gave me about 15 months to live, but I couldn’t do that to my husband and child. I had to help myself for them. In early February we left Lily with my parents in South Dakota and flew to Boston where I underwent surgery to remove my left lung. I spent 18 days in the hospital and another two months in recovery before I began chemotherapy and radiation treatments.

One of the realities about being so ill is that it shows you who your friends are. Many people I thought would be there took off and others whom I didn’t expect to see gave us their full support. Kids I babysat as a teenager returned the favor and watched Lily while my parents worked. People I went to church with surrounded my parents and gave them the love and support they needed. In Boston, I made new friends with people who were going through the same thing I was.

One of the most difficult things for me was watching my baby grow from a distance. My mother emailed me photographs and my husband printed them off, but it was hard not to cry. I wasn’t there to deal with the bottles or to see Lily scoot. Yet, I knew I was fighting this fight for her. Cancer can be funny that way. It’s a storm that no one ever expects, but there are many good and loving things that come along with the bad. My daughter, my husband, my new friends, and my parents are a few of the things I’m most grateful for.

Heather Von St James is a 43-year-old wife and mother. Upon her diagnosis of mesothelioma, she vowed to be a source of hope for other patients who found themselves with the same diagnosis. Now, over 6 years later, her story has been helping people all over the globe. She continues her advocacy and awareness work by blogging, speaking and sharing her message of hope and healing with others. Check out her story at the Mesothelioma Cancer Alliance Blog.

My favorite {and most faithful} hair client visited the other day.  My little sister, Ariel, has always had long hair.  She’s never been allowed to cut it more than the occasional trim.  The shortest it has ever been was still about half way down her back.

But then she grew up, moved out, and got married.  So before she even got all the way home from her honeymoon, she stopped in to change that.

We colored over all of her blond streaks and added some violet to the very front.  These photos {not the subject} are terrible, and I apologize.  The sun was going down and we were using her phone camera.  The purple really shows up more than it appears, here.

Her hair is so soft and healthy after getting rid of all that baggage she’s been carrying around for years.  She looks like a whole new woman ready to start this new life with her husband.

This is the first time in almost 20 years that my hair is longer than hers.  It was just such a huge change, I couldn’t not share it.

{photo by Billy Jarboe}

Happy Friday, friends!

What. A. Week.  ’TGIF’ has never meant so much.  My baby girl comes back home, today.  I can’t wait to have her perfect little body wrapped around mine.  Oh, I’ve missed her so.

This weekend promises to be nothing less than exciting, too.  My little sister’s wedding has finally come.  I’m responsible for the hair, makeup, the flower girl, a groomsman and photography.  Possibly even a little decor, too? *shew wee* I imagine if there’s an after party, I won’t be at it.  I hope to use the rehearsal, tonight, to do my own little rehearsal shoot.

Hope your weekend is nothing short of amazing! Plans??

Hey, darlin’! Have the lazy days of summer kicked in for you just yet?  If so, I have the perfect solution to perk you up.  Well, your skin, at least.  I have put together and gifted several jars of coffee and cocoa facial scrub, lately, and everyone has loved it.

I use organic coffee and coconut oil.  I melt down the honey and the coconut oil before mixing into the dry ingredients.  I go between almond and rum extract/flavor to add to the scent {as if coffee isn’t enough}.

Now let’s break down why this scrub is good for your skin.

• coffee - caffeine reduces redness and inflammation {evens skin tone}
• cocoa – more antioxidants than red wine or green tea {more interesting info about cocoa}
• honey – antioxidant; keeps skin hydrated and fresh; protects skin from sun; treats acne; absorbs impurities {my favorite home skin care ingredient}
• coconut oil – smoothes and moisturizes; protects from microbial infection; contains vitamin E and protein {good for skin whether applied internally or externally}

A few tips for the coffee cocoa facial scrub, before I set you free, though.  You don’t have to use any extract of flavor to adjust the scent.  Either way, you’re going to smell coffee.  That was perfectly fine with me.  Also, I didn’t restrict the scrub to just my face. I really love this stuff.

When it comes to your coffee grounds, I would suggest using no courser than what you get already ground.  Depending on how fine/course you want your scrub, you can grind it down to espresso and still get good results.  Also, if your scrub hardens, you can warm it up and/or add a small amount of milk and stir.  I suggest using a batch within about two weeks {longer if you store it in the refrigerator}.

There you go, darlin’.  Let me know how it goes!