3 Ways To Hide Your Bangs

Going on two months ago I had a hair appointment and wanted something "different" to, you know, jazz up my style.  Against my better judgement I decided on bangs.  I've been growing them out ever since I left the salon.

It's at this point that I must let you know that I have a fantastic hair stylist and the issue I have with my bangs has nothing to do with the haircut she gave me. She gives one of the best hair cuts I've ever had. Thanks Lore! (If you are from Western Iowa and looking for a stylist, check out Lore's Hair Salon!)

Like I said, I've been growing out these bangs ever since I walked out of the salon.  They are taking for-ev-er to grow out so I've figured out three ways I can hide them.  Here they are...

Style One| Work them in with the rest of your hair.  This takes a little extra curling, teasing, and hairspray but it's effective.  You can hardly tell they are there! :)

Style Two| Twist and pin. Starting at your part twist your bangs back and secure them with a bobby pin.  This is my go-to style. 

Style Three| Wear a headband. It doesn't get any easier than this!

By the way, I make this decision every couple of years even though I know I'm going to regret it.  If you ever hear me say anything about getting bangs again... please stop me. :)

Any other simple solutions?! Please share!

Nail Love - Essie Nail Polish

I am a girly-girl! Hair, make-up, clothes, jewelry - I love it all! Ok - I love sweat pants too but if I have a reason to get dressed up I do.

One of the things I've really gotten into lately is painting my nails. I definitely like having my nails professionally painted, but to work that into a weekly schedule is tough and expensive so of course I've had to rely on my own nail-painting skills.  I kept seeing Essie Nail Polish advertised so I thought I would give it a try and I have to say, it is the best nail polish I have ever used!

Via

My nails are pretty weak so for nail polish to stay on and not chip for more than two days is like a small miracle to me. I can go about 5 days (or longer if I put on their top coat) without the Essie nail polish chipping off.  My sisters used the Essie nail polish I brought home over Easter and they love it too - they said it stayed on longer than normal.

The other thing I love is that it only takes two coats of nail polish for rich, even-looking color and doesn't take hours to dry.  So, if you are convinced, you can find Essie nail polish at Target and they have a huge selection of colors!

Can you tell I'm excited about it?!

Oh and just so you know, this is an unsolicited product review, Essie Nail Polish has no idea who I am.  I just wanted to share one of my new found favorite products with you!

Pinterest Purchase - 'Naked 2'

Pinterest got me!  I found this pin on Pinterest via one of my friends, which lead me on a shopping excursion to Sephora to purchase this Urban Decay - Naked 2 eyeshadow palette.

Via

Seriously - who wouldn't want to look like Carrie Underwood?!

Even though this pin boasts the original Urban Decay Naked palette, I opted for the Naked 2 palette.  I loved the colors!

Urban Decy Naked 2 palette

The Naked 2 palette comes with 12 eyeshadows that are rich in color, go on easily and blend well.  I must say, I'm impressed!  Yeah, it was $50 but it came with a lip gloss and eyeshadow brush!  If you take your favorite eyeshadow x 12, the price is about the same or less!  (I usually wear Mary Kay eyeshadow, which is $6.50/eyeshadow x 12 = $78, that's how I justified my purchase)

If you want to check out my Fashion board on Pinterst click here!

So friends, I'm curious - what have you found on Pinterest that you had to go out and buy?! :)

What To Pack For A Warm Weather Getaway

Via



We are getting ready to go on a 6-day vacation to Mexico!!! We can't wait to spend our days on the beach and by the pool drinking fruity drinks (and maybe a couple of Corona's)!

There is a down side to this vacation - I hate packing.  Absolutely hate it.  It causes me stress just to think about it...

Luckily, I found this list for what to pack for a weekend getaway to somewhere warm in Lauren Conrad's book titled "Style." I modified the list to accomodate a week-long trip. Here is my version of the warm weather getaway packing list!

Packing List: Warm Weather Getaway

2 bathing suits

1 cover-up

1 pair of cheap sandals (to wear to the pool or beach)

1-2 sundresses

1 set of "beach bum" clothes (comfy shorts + t-shirt)

1 pair of jeans (I prefer straight leg jeans because you can roll them up to capris)

3 pairs of shorts

4-5 cute tops (t-shirts + tank tops)

1 jean jean jacket (they go with anything)

1 party dress

1 pair of going-out shoes

1 pair of "nice" sandals

2-3 necklaces (pick your favorites)

2-3 pairs of earrings (pick your favorites)

1 hat (cap or big hat)

1 beach bag

wristlet (don't leave home without one)

pajamas

undergarments

1 pair of sunglasses

make-up (your favorite look + waterproof mascara)

bathroom essentials

camera

ipod

book/magazine (any suggestions?!)

What did I miss?  Anything that is a "must have" for your warm weather vacations?