looking back | looking forward

It's good to look back and reflect on our days, weeks and years. How can we grow as people if we don't do that? It's important to stew over what we've accomplished. To be proud of ourselves for doing the things we set out to do. Doesn't matter what it is. Maybe you did that home improvement project that you've been putting off for years and finally you pushed yourself to get it done or maybe you simply got rid of soda in your diet. Whatever it is, reflect on it and feel good about it. 

We need to ponder all that we didn't do too. Things that we need to get better at or need to work on. Personally, physically or at your work place. It's all good. We all need to grow as people in all those places. I'm not perfect in any of those, and if you think you are, most likely you are lying to yourself. Sorry, this is where I would insert hashtags #sorrynotsorry #thetruthsucks! It's okay to be aware of these things, I wholeheartedly believe that it already makes you a better person when you see things you need improve on. Huge pat on your back. 

Write it down! I'm serious. It's the best thing you can do. People can think it's a waste of time but I assure you it's the first step. Have a notebook dedicated solely for scribbling down your reflections of the past year. Heck, write down reflection of your day or week if you think it will motivate you and help your soul. I do. I reflect in my own ways and sometimes I write things down (like here on my blog!) or sometimes I take time to meditate on them. Either way it's allowing me to see what needs to change. 

Change. It can be scary for many. I encourage change! I love change!! I have faith in change and what it can do to the human spirit. Be whiling to change one thing. It can be something for the better of yourself. Change something in your diet, change your style a little, change your hair (do it!), change, change, change. It's ok to change. You always hear, "don't let anyone change who you are." Truth. However, you can let yourself change who you are, you are in that driver seat, you have the power to swerve off the road. Plus, I just change things for the hell of it. Like last week, I went to the drug store because I was in need of some new mascara and instead of buying the usual black color mascara I bought dark brown. I know, I know, call me crazy. I seems so small but when I was in that isle looking at all the different mascaras for a good fifteen minutes it didn't seem like such a small change. The change was good by the way!

Enough of my motivational preaching! 

Teamwork. This year has been, to say the least, amazing! We moved to Washington last December (still can't believe we've been here for a year already) and with that being a huge accomplishment for us it's been a challenging year non-the-less. With me being in cosmetology school full-time we had to figure out how to compromise and work as a team. For the first time ever I wasn't around as much as I was before. My husband, Bobby, had to learn to be a full-time parent and work from home all at the same time. Huge kudos to him for being able to pull it off. Since we live on an island it took a ferry and two buses for me to get to and from school each day. The trip to school was a chore on it's own. Most days I loved it and had no problem. The ferry time allowed me to study, do homework or even touch up my hair & makeup if I didn't get it down at home. It was nice to have that time to wind-down on my way home. And I won't lie, sometimes I took a nice 30 minute nap, sprawled across those ferry seats. Hey! You got to do -- what you got to do. Honestly, I confess that some days if I didn't have that nap I don't think I would have been able to go home and function. By function I mean come home, be coherent and cook dinner while trying to get in as much time to connect with Sebastian & Bobby. It was hard. I think for us as a family that was a great triumph. We learned more about teamwork than we ever have. 

I did it! I set out to become a hairstylist and I did. I jump up and down every time I say-- I'm a hairstylist!! I went to Toni & Guy Hairdressing Academy where I truly believe I got the best education I could possibly wish for and at the same time met good people and made memories. I graduated at the top of my school and dived right into taking my state board tests. One written test and one practical test. Passed each test with 90% + and then just the other day received my license. It's real and it happened. I worked hard for this dream. 

As I'm sitting here writing it's such a surreal feeling, where I'm at in life. It's emotional and so many other feelings as well. I think my family only really understands how much of this has been a dream to me, the biggest dream of my life so far and it's done. My heart races just thinking about it. Now, I  set forth and keep this dream alive. I feel lucky knowing that I'll be able to do what I've only dreamt about for days to come. Year 2014 really was a huge focus on me and what I wanted. It's exciting and humbling to know that I was given the opportunity but now I long for this New Year to be about the grow of my family. 

I like to look forward to my hopes for the New Year! 

Family & Home

- a house! We are currently house hunting and hope to buy our first home by this summer. 

- be involved in Sebastian education more than ever. 

- plan road trips/adventures & live in the now.  

- regular date nights with the hubby. 

- start saving for a "real" vacation-- Disneyland for Sebastian's 8th birthday. 

Health

- whole 30 program

- gain more muscle & loose more body fat 

- cut stress, meditate more 

Self

- more artwork on my body, start on my chest piece. 

- be more social, go out more, let loose! 

- take compliments.

- pamper myself and do things for "me."

Career  

- learn and grow as a hairstylist.

- push myself to be the best.

- never let fear get in my way. 

- aim for success in the first year of being a hairdresser.

Creativity

- write more of my novel.

- pick up my banjo.

- take a photography class.

- keep blogging for the love of it! 

What are your hopes for the New Year? Do you write them down? Go ahead, comment and share them with me, I'd love to hear them. 

hair trends of 2014

We are always trying to be trendy. Us girls, am I right? It's in our DNA. Looking back on the 2014, now that it's almost at an end, there are so many different hair trends that I've seen. It's nice to know hair will never be out of style! There's always something new and exciting going on. Here's everything to do with hair that has made an impact on year 2014 and will continue to make an impact going in to 2015!

Ombre. We all know what ombre is right? Ombre is a borrowed term from the French language which means shaded or shading. Normally it's darker at the roots to the mid-shaft and then gradually gets lighter from the mid-shaft to the ends of the hair. Ombre has been huge this year and when done properly it can be a very lovely look and is over-all very low maintenance. 

Fringe. There are so many different ways to wear a fringe and this year a solid fringe, like Lea Michele wears, has been really trendy. Having longer fringe and parting it down the middle turns any hairstyle into something edgy and interesting. Lastly, I've been seeing lots of deep side parts with heavy sweeping fringe, shown on Taylor Swift who I've been spotting wearing her hair these days. 

Pixe. Crop. Quiff. So many celebrities have chopped off their locks this year. If anyone can convince us to do it it's Jennifer Lawrence. She is the spokesperson for the classic pixie crop. Anne Hathaway was another who went from long to really short due to her role in Les Miserables and even though the dramatic change was because of a movie, she has grown it out to an elegant short pixie. Of course, Miley Cyrus helped with the quiff look that has been so popular this past year with an undercut and longer lengths on the top. All in all, the various pixie crop styles will always be around and mostly thanks to all the wonderful celebrities who show us that women can totally rock short hair!

Middle Part. The middle part has made a reappearance. It use to be a thing of the past and considered old school to wear your hair down the middle exposing the forehead. Not anymore, now we find ourselves struggling with growing out our fringe to achieve this look! A middle part is something that is so fashionable right now, proof is right on the runway. Even with a middle part there are lots of different ways to complete the look you are trying for. You can keep it classically modern and make a stick straight part directly in the middle. You could have the part slightly skew off center to keep it casual. If you find that you are a little uncomfortable to take the leap and put that middle part in because you might have some pesky roots showing, just make your part a big messy opposed to a clean straight part. Your roots won't be as "in your face." 

Ballerina Bun. The high, on the top of your head buns or low near your neck, either way it's an awesome "go to" hairstyle whether you are trying to dress it up or just about to go do errands. I hope this look stays for a while or at least until I grow my hair out so that I can pull this off (it might take 10 years!) or better yet it doesn't matter because I'll be doing it anyways. If you have collar bone length or longer try it out! It makes you look taller, I swear!

Bob. Lob. These are sweeping the nation, eerrrr at least sweeping my social media. I feel like everyone and their mom is getting this classic cut. You really can't go wrong with this hair cut. I know I've been talking a lot about face shape but when it comes to a lob, it's a two thumbs-up for anyone out there. Bob's will be forever vintage and will always in one form or another be around. Personally, I love a sleek blunt chin length bob, like the photo above. Bob's are fun and can potentially turn into a lob!

Plaits. Braids have been huge this year! They are everywhere. There are Instagram account specifically showing off braids. I love the look of them and as a stylist I love creating with them. There's so much that can be done with weaving hair together. Different designs and patterns. You can be fancy or simply be practical. I think it's fun seeing celebrities incorporating different braids into their looks as they walk down the carpet as the paparazzi snap photos of them. If you have long hair and don't know how to braid, well, what are you waiting for? You are lucky to have those locks, get on Pinterest and search some easy tutorials to help you learn. 

What trends have you followed this year and what do you think will follow us into the new year? Do you have any goals for your hair? Are you growing it out or are you planning a dramatic change for 2015? Me, I'm growing my pixie crop out to hopefully a sassy chin length blunt bob. I've been dreaming of it for months now and it's been tough, but I'm going to power through with the help of inspiration from all around me.

Pike Place market

There's something special about these few days between Christmas and New Years. A whole new year is about to start and we're just trying spend all the time we can with either other cherishing the days when Bobby has off so that we can head out of the house and adventure to far off places, or in this case across the bay. 

We rode a ferry over to downtown Seattle to spend the day. The aquarium was first up, where we have had a membership to and now that the end of it is nearing we thought it would be fun to check up on our aquatic friends. The trip there is usually a quick one with the aquarium not being super big but this visit it was especially fun because of all the different activities stationed around the building. Sebastian is all about participating in everything possible. Face painting, coloring, listening, conversing. He's good with it all. I love this age. It's nice to be able to sit back and enjoy watching him interact with so many different people. He makes our lives so interesting! 

We holed up inside the aquarium for a little while to wait off the quick rain shower that we got, trusting in the our weather app saying it was going to clear up and it did. We journeyed up to Pike Place Public Market. After getting over the fact that there's always so many people there (mostly wandering tourists) I really truly love everything about the market. So many things to see, eat and take photos of. So many people from all over the world and so many interesting things happening around us. Today we saw a man on the corner of the street playing his guitar as it's balancing on his chin! We gawked like crazy people and so did most around us.

Our first stop was at Mr. D's Greek Delicacies. Our tummies were rumbling and couldn't resist passing by. Bobby got a lamb gyro while I got an amazing spinach and feta spanakopita which is a savory pastry. We give it too thumbs up! We walked around a bit taking in the market. 

Le Panier was our last stop. Most the time it is. The coffee is good and the french pastries and goodies are delicious. It's almost always mobbed and we have to stand around and throw ourselves at chairs when they come available but that's just how it is down there. We sat around stuffing our faces yet again, this time Bobby and Sebastian shared the ever-loving classic chocolate croissant while I indulged in a pistachio eclair. I highly recommend it, it was seriously the most rich, creamy, tasteful dessert that I've had in a long time. 

I'm thankful for days like today. Spending time with my boys while enjoying the PNW air. 

Merry Christmas!

Happy Christmas Eve everyone! All is merry & bright at our house. I'm probably wearing leggings and a huge sweater as we speak and most likely stuffing my face with a yummy poppyseed roll my mom baked last night. Sebastian woke up as excited as ever which warms my heart beyond belief. It's funny how children really make this time of year so magical. Before I had Sebastian my feelings towards Christmas weren't as warm. Just ask the people around me during that gloom of my life. I hated Christmas music and movies and all that come along with Christmas. But now that Sebastian's been around for quite a few years things have changed for the good. I love all those things and more. 

This year seems to be the first year that Sebastian is really truly believing in the magic of Christmas. He's never been this excited about all the details of Christmas. We had to answer lots of questions this year and our elf-on-the-shelf, Jack, was the most talked about critter in our house this year. Tonight is the big night in our house. Our tradition is that we open presents on Christmas Eve! You know what's the best part of it all? Seeing Sebastian's face light up when his eyes land on all his gifts under the tree. That's worth existing on this universe! 

Christmas is really all about family. I hope everyone has the chance to be around the ones they love the most, people who make you feel happy, make you laugh and allow you to be yourself around. I hope you get to eat good food, listen to festive music and make memories. I leave you to your merrymaking and share this poem that made me thankful for having this joyous Holiday in our lives! 

Recipe for Christmas All Year Long

Take a heap of child-like wonder
That opens up our eyes
To the unexpected gifts in life—
Each day a sweet surprise.

Mix in fond appreciation
For the people whom we know;
Like festive Christmas candles,
Each one has a special glow.

Add some giggles and some laughter,
A dash of Christmas food,

Stir it all with human kindness;
Wrap it up in love and peace,
Decorate with optimism, and
Our joy will never cease.

If we use this healthy recipe,
We know we will remember
To be in the Christmas spirit,
Even when it's not December.

By Joanna Fuchs

pear

A pear face shape usually has a forehead that is narrow and a jaw that is the widest area of the face. When I think of pear I instantly think of Kelly Osbourne. She has the purest form of a pear shape. She's a great example since she's done so much with her hair over the past few years.

Kelly proves that you can do long, medium or short with her face shape. She's lucky in regards to having a nice neck that also helps with all that but really I believe that even if you have an angular jaw that you shouldn't hind behind your hair. Pear shapes can absolutely wear longer lengths but having some hair frame the face helps with softening the jaw as well as helps leave some hair at the face when you have one of those days where you need to pull your hair up. Bobs or lobs are cute and so in style right now but I think it's important to leave some fringe to softly drape the forehead. 

Minnie Driver is another face that comes to mind for a pear shape. She has worn her hair pretty long and textured throughout the years and it works for her because of that very actively textured hair that softens her features.  

Always know that no matter what face shape there is always a way to constructively achieve a hairstyle that balanced and suits your wants. 

Christmas is coming

Can you believe that Christmas is just a few short days away? I'm loving it. I've been baking cookies like my life depended on it. Not to mention it's been helping me not go crazy with being home full-time. It's been tough going from super busy barely home to being home 24/7. Oh well, due to all that we're all going to gain ten pounds after all the cookies I've made.

Need any last minute cookie recipe ideas? I found some here that you may like to try out.

Hey, if you have Amazon Prime, today is the last day you can order to get two day free shipping and for it to arrive before Christmas! Get on that!

I love these 5 creative ways to wrap gift cards. I know we can all use that. Gift cards are our savior.

Hot Cocoa with Peppermint Whipped Cream. Yes. Please.

Here's something to help add a little whimsical touch to your Christmas dinner table. Elf shoe napkins!

Who can pass up some photo booth props. Such a fun way to make memories with your family and friends this year.

Are going to a Christmas work party? Need to look fancy. I love how this blog has some basic makeup tutorials to help us out.

(playlist via)

FA LA LA LA!

curried chickpea salad

I love chickpeas! And I love curry. Combine the two and magic happens. Lately, since I've been home more often, I've been wanting to make a quick lunch that is simple yet tasty. I made enough to be able to store it in my fridge for a couple more lunches this week. It's a perfect combination of flavor and texture and you can eat it so many different ways.

Ingredients:
1 can chickpeas
1 stick celery, chopped
1 green onion, chopped
1/4 cup carrot, shredded
2 tablespoons mayo, tahini or hummus
1/2 tablespoons curry powder
1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar

Directions:
In a small bowl mash chickpea. I simply used a fork. Add in chopped celery, green onion and carrot. Mix in binder, I used tahini but you can use mayo or hummus. It's a little just to help hold everything together. Lastly, stir in the curry and vinegar.

I made a sandwich using the curried chickpea salad topped with spring greens, tomato and cucumber. This salad would be great as a dip with crackers or served with cut up green peppers or pita.

Enjoy!

my wishlist

When my husband asks me what I want for Christmas my mind usually draws a blank. It's quite silly really because there's a million things I would love to have but it's something about being put on the spot that it all just rushes out of my head. This year most of everything on my list is to do with anything hair related. Now that I'm going to be a licensed hairstylist I need all the fancy things that come along with it. Of course, I'd like other things as well and today I'm sharing them here. I love wishlists. They are so fun to put together and they are usually how we do things in our house. For birthdays and Christmas we all write down out all that we fancy. Do you make a wishlist? It's kind of embarrassing but I usually keep a wishlist throughout the year so that I don't forget at times like these! 

1// Tarte brushes are to die for and makeup and all it's glory is something I want to start a collection of. This foundation brush is a must have for me!

2// No Rest For the Rad Tee...Need I say more? I think not. 

3// I've been on a hunt for the perfect septum jewelry for a long time now. I've been trying to find something that is good quality that isn't a million dollars and that also fits my personality. I found it on Etsy! I don't know why I never went there to begin with. I found this amazing handmade piece from Indonesia. Head over heals for it! 

4// These platform shoes have been rubbing their laces in my face for a while now. I found out about them on Instagram for months now. But then again everything on Deandri is perfect. 

5// PUG! I have no link to share with you on this one. A pug is on my wishlist and has been forever. This dream won't be happening at least until get a house so until then it's just that..a dream. But if you know me then you do know a pug tops all wishlists out there. Amen. 

a dream

A year ago going to cosmetology school was just a dream. I've had the same dream for quite some time. Once I started at Toni & Guy that dream of going to cosmetology school was finally achieved. I still remember my first month of going and how starry-eyed I was with all that was coming together. It was a great feeling. Days, weeks, months went by with the same feeling of happiness of finally being able to pursue my dream. 

It was a lot of hard work. The traveling got to me from time to time with the long journey I had to make each day to and from school but it never brought me down. I aimed to learn all I could learn and never let fear get in my way. 

Friday was my last day. It was bittersweet. I couldn't help but walk in the doors of Toni & Guy Seattle Academy, at 7:30am, and just look at everything. It was my home for ten months. I came early everyday and hung out with a village of mostly younger people, some who I had absolutely nothing in common with other than the fact that we were at the same school learning the same things and others who I ended up creating a serious bond with. The group of diverse instructors who taught me literally all I know became my idols. 
I couldn't help but go through my day telling myself, "this is my last shampoo here", "this is my last haircut here".  And at the very end of my time the hardest part of it all was saying goodbye to my regular clients. Nancy, who I've been seeing twice a week for months become a special friend who I had meaningful conversations with. Then there was the fact that my little sister was the one of the front desk girls and being able to see her on a daily basis was beautiful blessing in disguise.

Since then I've gone through my practical and written testing in order to receive my license and let me tell you, I hands down haven't felt this confident or overwhelmed with pride with anything else I've done in this life. Both tests were a breeze and I couldn't help walking out of them with a huge smile on my face. I can thank my education and my passion for that! 

Here's to accomplishing a huge dream and not letting anything stand in my way! 

{via}

Ninja Blender DUO with Auto-iQ Technology

I don't know about you but having a blender in the kitchen is a must. Making delicious smoothies are my favorite. I've had a Cusinart blender for a few years but it's been slowly deteriorating. So when Ninja sent me the Ninja Blender Duo with Auto-iQ to use in my kitchen and tell you all about it I couldn't help but do a little happy dance. This blender is something from my dreams! It's a 2 in 1 blender with one Total Crushing Blender and with two Nutri Ninja Cups.

One of my favorite features of this blender is the Auto-iQ. When I first saw this blender in action at the International Food Bloggers Conference I didn't really fully grasp what the Auto-iQ really was until I got to push a button and see for myself. Each button on the blender is strictly designed to fit each jar. So some buttons are for use of the blender and some are for using the cups. The technology behind Auto-iQ  is all about that unique pulsing, blending and pausing patterns to achieve the best results. It's really awesome how these patterns work. Before with my other blender I had to continuously stop and start the blender to get it to mix and blend my smoothies all the way and even then they were never quite like I wished they would be. So much work! With the Ninja Auto-iQ it automatically does all that after you press the button. Once! 

When placing the blender on onto the base it locks right in so that there is no shifting around as well as the top of the blender with it's secure lid that locks so there isn't any accidents with it popping off or mixture coming out the top! The stacked blade within the blender is like nothing I've seen. Typically blenders blade are restricted to the bottom of the blenders but Ninja has a stacked blade to insure ultimate blending, crusting or pureeing. 

There you have it! I totally recommend this blender to be one that sits on top of your kitchen counter to use for all sorts of things. The best part about it is that it completely breaks down fruits, vegetables, seeds and ice within seconds. Winner!

c/o and sponsor by Ninja Kitchen