Two Ways To Extend Your Salon Colored Hair

Happy Friday babes!  I hope that you all had a great week!  So today I wanted to chat about salon color.  Lets face the facts: we all know that gettin' your hurrr did is mega expensive, and that fresh color unfortunately fades pretty fast.  When my hair has reached that point where my color has faded, and it's time to get back into the salon there are two products that I turn to that help with reviving my color, ultimately giving me a couple extra weeks until I have to go back in the salon and fork our some more cash.  Read on for more deets.

When I first moved to Miami, I was shocked at the high prices that salons charge to get my normal hair coloring done.  This lead to me search for other options to extend the life of my salon color.  I came across two great products that I had never heard of, and after extensive online research I decided to give them a try.

The first is a line of conditioners formulated by Aveda.  Their "Pure Plant" conditioners are all natural {made with plant extracts} and are developed to neutralize & enrich your existing color.  

You simply apply to your hair after shampooing, and leave on for around 5 minutes.  The more you use the conditioner, the deeper your color will get.  If you don't like the color, it will generally fade after a couple washes.  Pretty simple, right?!  

A word of warning: The darker shampoos look like chocolate pudding, and will leave a tint to your hands.  Don't stress!  The tint comes off easy.  Since I apply this when I'm in the shower, I just use a body scrub or my loofah and it comes right off my hands :)

Also, save yourself the money, and don't try the shampoos in this line.  They don't deposit color the way the conditioners do and are a big waste.

When I notice my color starting to really fade, I typically use my Aveda conditioner twice per week until my next hair appointment.  I love the color that it gives me.

For my brunette sistas, there are two options: Black Malva or Clove {which is what I use}.  

Blonde haired babes can try out Chamomile, and red headed vixens are best with Madder Root.

The second product that I completely recommend for extending your salon hair color is Sebastian Cellophanes.  This is an ammonia free color depositing gloss that adds mega shine to your strands.  You know when you go to the salon and get a glossing treatment done to your hair?  This is the same stuff + color.

They come in 10 different colors, so that you can perfectly match up to your current color.  I personally use the "Golden Brunette", "Deep Brunette" and also the "Clear" glaze.  The clear glaze is great for just doing a simple at home glossing treatment.  The results typically last for 2-3 weeks depending on how often I'm washing my hair.

Make sure you wear gloves when applying - cellophanes will stain your hands, and are a little more difficult to remove than the Aveda conditioners.  If it does get on your skin, windex will remove it {I know from experience that the organic window cleaners won't remove it, the real deal windex will}.

I purchase mine from a local beauty supply chain called 'GBS The Beauty Store'  but you can also buy the cellophanes online on amazon.

 I hope that this information was helpful for you!  If you have any questions about these products or want to share any products that you love for extending your color, feel free to drop me a line or leave a comment below.

Have a great weekend & GO SEAHAWKS!!! xx

Neutral Spring Cravings

Thank goodness stores are starting to carry more warm weather clothes!  Out with the bulky sweaters, and in with the cute dresses & summer sandals!  If you know me, you know that I love my neutrals and since Spring is right around the corner, here are a few things that caught my eye this weekend while doing a bit of online shopping.

Loving this navy blue fringed scarf {found here, affordable version here } //  Gorgeous Chloe aviator sunglasses {here & affordable style here} //  This beautiful chiffon blouse looks so similar to pricey Joie blouses {under $30! here} //  The prettiest shade of pale pink polish from Chanel "Rose Moire" {available here} //  Obsessed with these AG jeans, they need to be in my closet asap {found here} //  I purchased this adorable chambray jacket over the weekend - love! {here} //  Perfect espadrilles w/ a capped leather toe slightly resembles Chanel's version {available here} //  Vegan "leather" tote in a rich cognac hue looks much more expensive than it is {only $59! here} 

Hope you all had a great weekend :)  Thanks for stopping by! xx

Clean and Healthy Peanut Butter Granola

Homemade granola is the perfect quick & nutritious snack, but most of the store bought versions actually quite unhealthy.  Often loaded with high amounts of sugars, unhealthy fats, and preservatives, they're a nightmare for your body that is labeled as "healthy".

Making your own granola at home is not only super easy, it also allows you to control exactly what you're putting into your body.  In this recipe we're swapping out nasty & unhealthy vegetable oil for coconut oil which is rich in vitamins, minerals, and fatty acids + adds a really nice light flavor to the granola.  We're also substituting refined white sugar for raw organic honey which is an excellent source of antioxidants + B vitamins.  What we're adding in is peanut butter, unsweetened shredded coconut, crunchy peanuts, and plump raisins - yummmmmy!

This granola recipe is out of this world good!  While it's perfect as a snack on its own, give it a try on top of greek yogurt, or as your morning cereal with almond milk!

**I have to mention that today's recipe comes from one of Adams friends, Shimmy.  He stayed at our house a few weeks ago and him & I bonded over our love of fitness and all things peanut butter.  He was kind enough to share his recipe for clean PB granola with me - so thanks, Shimmy!!**

 

Ingredients

3 cups rolled oats {not instant}
1 cup roasted peanuts; halved
1/4 cup wheat germ
1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
1 cup coconut oil
3/4 cup raw organic honey
1/2 cup creamy peanut butter {I used an organic variety where the only ingredient was peanuts}
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 cup raisins


Directions

Preheat oven to 300 degrees F.  Lightly spray a 13x9 inch baking dish with cooking spray {I use a coconut oil version}.

In a large bowl combine oats, peanuts, coconut, wheat germ, cinnamon, and salt.  Set aside.

In a small saucepan over low heat, combine coconut oil, honey, peanut butter, and vanilla extract.  Stir constantly until the mixture is creamy & completely combined.  Do not allow to simmer.

Pour the peanut butter mixture into the bowl with your dry ingredients, and mix well to incorporate.

Spread granola into your prepared pan and bake for 30-40 minutes, or until firm and golden brown.  Allow granola to cool in pan, then break it into chunks.

Transfer to an airtight container; add in raisins, and mix until combined.

To extend freshness, store in the refrigerator.

Enjoy!

OOTD - Stripes + Military Jacket

Can I just take a moment and say YAYYYY SEAHAWKS!!! 206 Pride baby :)

Ok, now that that's out of my system.....

We've been finally experiencing some cooler temperatures, and I don't think that I'm alone in saying that this is a welcome change!  The current 60-70 degree temps is such a nice break from the always blazing hot Miami weather that we are usually blessed with.  I've been able to wear sweaters, boots, and cute jackets - one of which is my green military jacket as pictured below.

Shop This Look: 

Lily Aldridge for Velvet jacket {available here}

Swell striped dress {under $50 here}

Zip back suede booties {found here, budget friendly version here}

Chloé Marcie Small crossbody bag {here}

I bought this jacket last Spring for our safari in Africa, and I never thought that I'd get so much use out of it!  It's such a perfect light layer to throw on, and goes with just about everything.  I love how the sides cinch up to give it more of a feminine shape!

I paired my jacket with my new favorite dress that I recently purchased from Swell {hard to see in this pic, but the dress can be worn off the shoulder and has cute little side pockets!}, neutral colored suede booties, and a Chloe purse.  Such an easy, effortless outfit that you can quickly throw together and still feel cute in!  

Since military jackets aren't going anywhere this next season, I've created a set with a few of my faves that I found online available in all different price points {including the one that I'm wearing!}.

 Shop These Jackets:

One. Lily Aldridge for Velvet [my jacket] {here} //  Two. The cutest jacket from Hollister {here} //  Three. Desert Darling Utility Jacket {under $40! here} //  Four. Lightweight military jacket from BB Dakota {here} //  Five. Love the studded detail of this jacket {also under $40 here}

Happy Shopping!! xx

Workout Playlist

Hi girls!  Hope you all had a great week!  My week was spent endlessly researching hotels, and activities for our 1 year anniversary trip which is coming up in a couple months.  Even though we do work with a travel agent, I like to control where we are staying, what we're doing, etc.  When I'm in this planning stage, I tend to become like a mad woman obsessed with reading hundreds of reviews on tripadvisor......my hubby knows by this point that it's best to just let me do my thing & stare at my computer screen for hours on end.  I'm not sure if this is "normal" behavior, buy hey, it works for me and we always go on amazing vacations so I guess I'm doing something right!

I'm happy to report that we do have our schedule locked down and all hotels + flights are finally booked!  We're taking a couple weeks and traveling to Israel (so excited!) and Southern Italy (even more excited!) and it will just be so nice to experience different cultures, and make unforgettable memories together in foreign surroundings.  In my opinion, that's the best part of traveling :)

Anyhoo, absolutely none of this has to do with today's post!  Amongst planning our vacay, I also started back up with my regular gym + pilates routine this week {this chica is soooooore!} and thought I'd share my current workout playlist with you guys.  I mainly like house music for working out so this is a one hour mix of mostly upbeat, newer songs that really help me power through a cardio sesh.  I hope that you find a few new songs on here to add to your own current playlist :)

**All of these songs can be found on itunes**

I'm really hoping to get a recipe post up next week for you guys - I've been doing mostly Isagenix meal replacement shakes this past week which is why I haven't done one sooner.......

Thanks so much for stopping by, and I hope you all have a beautiful weekend! xx

A Few Makeup Faves...

Hola babes!  Today I wanted to chat about makeup.  These are a few of my current favies.....

Foundation: Makeup Forever HD in #140 if I'm pale {like right now} or in #155 if I have more of a tan.  This has always been my favorite foundation; I've used it for years, and don't plan on switching anytime soon!  If I'm out running errands during the day, I'll mix one pump of moisturizer w/ one pump of this and make my own tinted moisturizer for a more low key look.

Highlighter: YSL Touche Éclat in 2.5 is another product that I've used daily for years {for probably around 6 years!}.  This is an absolute must have for me, as I can't leave the house without using this under my eyes - olive complexion + the darkkkk under eye circles that I've been genetically blessed with are no bueno.  If I'm going out to dinner, I'll also use it to highlight my cheekbones and a small amount on my chin but I try not to go too crazy with the highlighting.....have you guys seen those pictures on Pinterest where they give you a diagram of where you're supposed to highlight and contour?  I've tried that and end up looking weird!  Maybe it's just me.....

Blush:  Right now I'm having a moment with my mineralized blush from MAC in 'Warm Soul'.  I go back and forth with several different blushes in my makeup case, but I love how this highlights my cheeks and gives it a subtle glow.  The pink shade is also said to be universally flattering.

Eyeliner: Stila Stay All Day is my all time favorite eyeliner.  It's waterproof, easy to apply, and literally does stay all day! 

Mascara: Chanel Le Volume is a new product that I'm trying out.  I purchased it last month and love the volume and separation that it gives my lashes.  It's really thick and you only need one coat to give definition to your lashes.  People ask me if I'm wearing falsies when I wear this - it's a keeper!

Eyeshadow: Bobbi Brown Shimmer Brick Compact in 'Nude Glow' is also a new purchase from last month.  This limited edition compact is absolutely gorgeous!  The neutral & golden hues work perfectly with my skin tone and look beautiful at night.  They blend really well with other matte colors so that you're not too over the top shimmery.  I've also used the lightest color as a highlighter on my cheeks!

Lipstick: Hug Me by MAC is the perfect nude lip color.  It's slightly darker that natural lips and looks gorgeous on all skin tones.

Lip Balm: Bobbi Brown.  Love, love this stuff.  It is formulated with wheat germ and olive oil and provides mega moisture for my dry lips.  It is nice on its own, but also works very well under lipstick without compromising the color.  

Brow Powder & Pencil:  Anastasia Beverly Hills Duo Brow Powder.  I've been using this for about a year, and don't think that I could ever go back.  Personally, I think that filling in my brows completely "finishes" my look.  This powder blends perfectly, looks 100% natural, and lasts for hours.  I also use the Brow Wiz pencil {recently has been re-packaged} from Anastasia to define my arches.  These two products combined give me perfect brows!

Perfume:  Lastly, my Jo Malone perfume in Blackberry & Bay is a must have for me!  I know that it's technically not makeup, but not a day goes by that I don't use this!  It smells heavenly; a very subtle, light scent and is NOT the least bit overpowering.  I always get compliments on this perfume when I wear this!

Shop My Favorites

What are your makeup faves that you recommend? {as if I need more makeup!} Would love to hear about your current obsessions :) xx

Resort 2014

It's that time of year again when most people are freezing in the majority of the country, and our favorite stores are rolling out the chic tropical destination getaway clothing. 

I, for one, am a resort wear addict.  I'm always drawn to the simplicity of beautiful tunics, linen pants, oversized floppy hats, and luxe leather accessories.  This years pieces are no exception and today I've put together some of my favorite looks for resort 2014.

So pack your bags, ladies!  {Wouldn't a tropical vacay be soooo nice right now?!}  Even if you don't know where you'll be headed this Spring at least you know what you'll be wearing :)

Look 1. Obsessed with this beautifully printed silk dress from Tolani {here} //  Look 2. These laidback beach pants are perfect for throwing on over your bikini, and you can't beat the price {under $40! view here} //  Look 3. You can't go wrong with a sexy little one piece! {here} Style yours as with an oversized cardigan and denim cutoffs /  Look 4.  Love this whole look and nautical stripes have been seen everywhere on the runways for resort '14.  Striped top, Dolce Vita {here and more sizes found here} and Lovers + Friends maxi skirt {here} //  Look 5. An affordable basic black biniki {like this one} Pair with a boho kimono, and an oversized hat! //  Look 6. All white paired with neutrals is always chic {crochet top here and adorable lace scalloped shorts here} //  Look 7. These printed pants have the exact look as Joie pants but for 1/3 the price! {view here}

Don't forget about your accessories!

Billabong clutch in a fun print {here} //  Neutral colored Tkees flip flops {here} //  Some hip tortoise shell Karen Walkers {available here} //  Love the color of these classic Ray-Bans {here} //  The cutest Soludos espadrilles {here} //  A trio of layered gold chains {view here} //  Casual leather heels {here} //  A chic raffia/linen/ envelope clutch with cute suede tassel {here} //  Perfect leather flats {here}

Happy, happy Friday and cheers to the weekend!! Thanks for stopping by! xx

Decorating With Dough Bowls

A while back, I purchased a vintage wooden dough bowl from Pottery Barn.  I had been seeing them used for home decor for the past couple years, and always admired the rustic element that they added to any space.  I am so glad that I bit the bullet and brought one home because the decor possibilities are truly endless with them!

Since the holiday season is now officially over, I decided that it was time to update my tablescape with a fresh new look.  All that was needed was a few simple supplies from Michaels + Pottery Barn, my dough bowl, and random sized candles from around my house.  Here is how it turned out.....

This is so easy peasy to recreate!  All that you will need is:

• Wood bowl or tray such as this vintage one from Pottery Barn {budget friendly options found here, here & here.}

• Decorative Moss - I used two different kinds; a basic variety from Michaels on the bottom of the bowl as a filler, and a fancier version from Pottery Barn {not available online, but identical version here} because it has a more vibrant color + texture.  The two mosses blended together beautifully!

•  Candles - Pillar candles in various heights {I used 7 in total}.

So simple right?  I love how the color of the moss really pops against the candles and the color of the dark wood!  I kept the rest of my tablescape pretty simple with a beige linen table runner, and a few plain glass votive candles because the centerpiece really brightens up my whole table and in this case less is more.  I'm really pleased with how it turned out :)

If you're on the fence about forking over a couple hundred dollars for a vintage dough bowl, I would really urge you to source out Etsy & Ebay which both have quite a few listed and I've seen some really good deals on them in the past!  The vintage bowls have so much character; mine has cracks, and small holes all over but that's what makes it unique!  Wooden dough bowls are such a versatile home decor accent to have in your house as you can really use them for just about anything including seasonal decorations {view an old post here}.

Here's a few more looks that I found online that I absolutely love and will definitely be recreating in the future!

image via Pottery Barn

image via Houzz

image via Pottery Barn

image via Houzz

image via Houzz

image via Pottery Barn

What do you guys think?  I love the image with the orchids - so clever!

Hope you guys are staying warm with these crazy cold temps across the country!  Thanks so much for checking out my blog! xx

OOTD - Ripped Denim

Confession: I have a white denim addiction.  I have probably have around a dozen pairs of white jeans sitting in my closet.  That age old rule of 'don't wear white after Labor Day' is completely dumb and seriously outdated.  Hello, haven't they heard of winter whites?  I wear white pants all.the.time; white + neutrals, white + gray, white + navy.  I'm starting to think I may need an intervention!

You get the picture, right?  Basically I needed another pair of white jeans like I need a hole in my head, but when I laid eyes on these super distressed Frame Denim beauties, I had to have them!  They are shredded to the max with perfectly placed rips.  They are soft + so stretchy {which is a must right now as holiday weight gain is no bueno for this girl} and the sales gal from Intermix told me that they've sold out of them twice in the past few weeks because all the celebs are wearing them right now - not that that dictates my decision to purchase in the least bit.  ;)

As a result of the sales girls carefully crafted wording, yet another pair of white jeans has been added to my wardrobe, and here is how I styled them this past weekend when we went to the movies {Anchorman 2.....beyond awful, I fell asleep!}.

Shop This Look:

Frame Denim {available here} 

AllSaints tee {old, but similar here & here}

Nine West wedge bootie {here}
Scarf {old}

A small little side note: About a month ago, I saw an image on Pinterest of a gorgeous girl wearing the most perfect suede wedge peep toe booties I have ever seen.  I became obsessed with finding those shoes, I literally searched online until 3am one night with no luck {and I'm usually really good at finding just about anything online!}.  I tracked down the original source of the photo and traced it back to the girl who has a fashion blog and decided to hit her up about the source of her booties that I was coveting.  I was kind of nervous randomly contacting someone but never the less, sent her a short + polite email asking her what brand of booties she was wearing in that particular photo.  Shockingly, she never responded to my email.  

I never did find those specific open toe booties, but I did find these extremely similar Nine West booties that I'm wearing above {which I love!}.  Anyways, the point of all of this is to let you guys know that if you ever have any questions for me that you don't feel comfortable leaving in the comment section of my blog, you can always feel free to email me!  I promise that I am a very normal + down to earth gal and I know how nerve wracking it can be to put yourself out there.  I will never ignore your questions/comments :)

Hope you all have a great week! xx

Fitness Fashion

Happy 2014 ladies!  If you're like me and over indulged over the holidays, you probably made it a priority to get into the gym and hit it hard come January 1st.  I'm in need of a serious detox {way to much sweets + wine this past month}, and need to get my butt back on my workout routine!  In my opinion, new workout clothing is such a great motivator to get you amped up to be back in the gym!  Nothing motivates me more than new shoes, and gym clothes because I actually want to go to the gym and wear it!  

I've been browsing the 'what's new' section of some of my favorite online stores lately, knowing that I needed a little retail "encouragement".  I picked up a few new pieces that I can not wait to wear to Pilates + the gym!  Here's what I bought along with some other gym swag that I still have my eye on.....

Shop These Items:

Leggings: Blue Side Stripe Leggings {here} //  Nike Leopard Print Legging {here} //  Side Mesh Inset Capri Legging {view here} //  Blue Capri Legging {here} //   Tops: Drapey Neckline Hoodie {here} //  Black lightweight knit racerback {under $20 here} //  Off the shoulder sweatshirt {on sale here} //  Criss cross back tank {here} //  Accessories: Toe gripper socks {here} //  Stone textured water bottle {view here} //  Two tone non slip yoga mat {here} //  Nike Free 5.0 {here}

A few quick notes:

• I recently discovered the brand Zella from Nordstrom.  Girls, where have I been?!  This is definitely going to be my new go-to brand for workout clothes!  The quality can easily be compared to Lulu Lemon for about half the price.

• I lalalove anything off the shoulder, and that white slouchy off the shoulder sweatshirt is my new fave!  I purchased it a couple weeks ago, and have been living in it!  Perfect for throwing on over your tank after you leave the gym, or just for lounging around your casa.  Thinking about getting it in gray as well now that it's on sale......

• If you're into Pilates or Barre, than you know that toe socks are essential.  Until now, I had never seen fun colored toe socks {all my current ones consist of basic black}.  They come in more colors and styles as well.

• I am loving the stone textured water bottle!  They claim that because of the unique composition of the bottle, beverages stay cold for up for 12 hours!  So cool {literally}!! 

What was your new years resolution?  Anyone make fitness related resolutions?  Mine is to do more charity work :)  I would love to hear what yours was.....