Limbo

thrifted top, Urban Outfitters skirt, Forever 21 earrings, Bakers sandals,

This outfit makes me feel like I should be riding a magic carpet. I don't know if it's the print of my top or my flowy skirt, but I like it either way.

My project at Texas Monthly will be over soon, probably by the end of this week. Both my boyfriend and my best friend are graduating this Friday, so if I'm not done with my work at the end of Thursday, my project might run over into next week. I work both Saturday and Sunday at the bridal salon, so I'll have to squeeze in celebrating somehow.

Even though I graduated over five months ago, it seems like it was just yesterday. It feels weird to not call myself a "student". If I'm not a student, what am I? Maybe I'll feel differently when I find a job that I actually consider a career. Which reminds me, I should start checking the Houston job market again since I'll be moving in July. It's going to be like I just graduated all over again, applying for any job that seems applicable to my work experience. I'm definitely not looking forward to writing a ton of cover letters and never hearing back from possible employers. Searching for a new job is never enjoyable unless you know the right people. So...does anyone know who's hiring in Houston?

Domestic Distractions

thrifted shirt, Gap skirt, Banana Republic wedges, vintage scarf

So far, I've kept up with my resolutions to start exercising and stop shopping. I know it's only been a week since I've started jogging, but it's already been about three weeks since I've bought an article of clothing. I'm not lying when I say that's an accomplishment for me. If you know me at all, you know that I'm a shopper at heart. I'm just trying to stay busy so that I don't even have time to think about shopping. It was easy this past weekend because we were out of town, but it's been harder to keep my mind off it since we got back.

All I can think about is the Goodwill Blue Hanger outlet and those huge bins filled to the brim with treasures for me to find. It's kind of a problem.

I kept myself occupied yesterday evening by convincing my boyfriend to help me finally put away our Christmas tree and clean out our extra closet. Then, I cooked dinner and folded the laundry. If domesticity is the only thing keeping me from shopping, I'm all for it.

Mint Green

Lulu*s dress from the TxSC clothing swap, Forever 21 earrings, Banana Republic flats

Today is my day off! I have so many errands that I've been avoiding, but I'm hoping to be super productive today. Even if I don't get everything done, at least I'll make a dent in my long list.

One of the things I need to do ASAP is buy a new computer. I'm currently using Matt's computer because my last three computers died. It all started in December when I dropped the HP laptop I'd had for over three years and completely broke the screen. I borrowed Matt's mini laptop for about a month, but then one day, the operating system was gone. I have no idea what I did wrong. Matt was nice enough to let me borrow his old laptop from a couple of years ago, but it's on the brink of death. It's no wonder he's freaking out that I've been using his computer lately.

At first, I was just planning to buy a low-cost PC laptop, but the more I think about it, I really want a MacBook. Unfortunately, that's about twice as much as I can really afford. I guess that's what credit cards are for, right?

Little Black Dress

Gap dress, Zara flats, Forever 21 necklace, vintage bracelets

When Matt saw my hair up like this, he asked me if I had any little fake birds to put in it. Normally, Matt doesn't have the best ideas when it comes to fashion and hair, but I realized it wasn't a half-bad idea. It might be kind of cute to pretend like my ballerina bun is a nest and put a little bird, a couple of tiny eggs, and a few twigs in it. I probably wouldn't wear it out because I'd get the "are you crazy?" stares, but it might be fun for a photo shoot or something.

This dress is the first purchase I've made using my employee discount.since I've been back at Gap. I held off for two weeks, but as soon as I saw this dress the morning we got it in the store, I knew I had to try it on. I really hoped it wouldn't look good, but of course, it fit wonderfully. It's the perfect go-to little black dress that can be dressed up or down. I love it so much that I wore it two days in a row after I bought it. And I'll probably wear it again this week!

HANA Flat Iron Review

I was recently contacted by Misikko to write a review about one of their best-selling products, the HANA Professional 1" Flat Iron. That meant I would have to test one out myself, so they sent me one for free! I thought I would just be getting a flat iron, but it actually arrived in a huge box with tons of other goodies and products. It was like getting an early Christmas present!

I kept pulling out more stuff from the box including makeup, a hair towel, a sleep mask, HANA styling serum and a lot more. I spent so much time checking out everything else, I completely forgot about the flat iron for a couple of minutes.

After oohing and ahhing at everything, I got down to business and began unwrapping the iron. It was inside another case in the metal box, which showed how well-protected they kept it. I was also sent a few other carrying cases and accessories including a silicone mat to set it on when using it.

Lo and behold, here's the flat iron in all it's glory. The first thing I noticed was how light it was. It has a nice grip and was very easy to use. I used to flat iron my hair all the time back in high school, but then I got lazy and started wearing my hair naturally in college. Even though it had been awhile, I remembered how important it is to use a protecting serum like the HANA Shine Shield Thermal Protectant I'd been sent.

The serum is similar to BioSilk, but less greasy. I used a nickel-size dollop and spread it first on the ends of my hair and then over the top part of my hair. I divided my hair into sections and started flat ironing from underneath and worked my way up. It took me about 10 minutes to flat iron all my hair, which is really fast for me. It was all thanks to this awesome flat iron!

The iron didn't pull at my hair at all and my hair glided through the plates smoothly. It heated up quickly, so I didn't have to waste any time in getting started. As you can see, the iron left my hair really smooth and it felt soft and silky. I highly recommend the HANA Professional Flat Iron for anyone looking to replace their old one or for someone who wants to buy their first flat iron. In fact, I'm giving my old one away and keeping this one because it's that much better.

Thanks Misikko and HANA for allowing me to test out such an awesome product. In addition to flat irons, Misikko sells a ton of professional level beauty products including hair dryers and curling irons. They even offer free shipping and returns on most of their products, which is always a plus.

Let's Talk Hair

Gap tank top, Urban Outfitters skirt,
estate sale necklace from my step-mom, Montego Bay wedges from Payless

You might have noticed I've been wearing my hair up like this a lot recently. It's super easy, looks really pretty and if you wear it overnight, you wake up with curls! I've had quite a few people compliment me on this hairstyle here in Mexico (which is not as easy to explain in Spanish as I thought it would be), so I wanted to share the video I learned it from. It's definitely become my new favorite hairstyle and I think it would work on many different hair types and lengths. I hope you try it after watching the video!

While we are on the subject of hair, tomorrow I'll be reviewing the Hana hair straightener I received from Misikko, a great website that sells the best professional beauty products. Stay tuned!

Army Chic

thrifted skirt, Gap shirt, necklace from Buffalo Exchange,
vintage jacket from Cream Vintage, DV Dolce Vita booties

Holy moly, I haven't been this stressed out in awhile. There are a million other things I should be doing right now (getting ready for work, studying for my final in less than 24 hours, preparing for my upcoming interview, cleaning my apartment, buying an external hard drive, and packing for Mexico), but blogging has become sort of therapeutic for me. And I could really use some therapy right about now. I have so many things that need to get done before Thursday because I'll be gone for a whole week. I plan to continue blogging while I'm in Mexico, as well as getting my Etsy store up and running (yay!), writing a review about the Hana hair straightener I received as a gift from Misikko, working on a few posts for Broke and Chic, and of course, laying on the beach and drinking the days away. Oh and somehow I plan to squeeze in working out in the awesome hotel gym. OK seriously, I'm going to stop listing everything I need to do because I might start hyperventilating. Moving on to less stressful subjects...

Do you like my new hairstyle? I don't normally wear my hair up, but it was really dirty and I was in the mood for something different than the Big Bun. I'd remembered seeing this hair tutorial awhile back and thinking it looked pretty easy. Turns out, it really is! I threw a headband in my purse and put my hair up at work in less than five minutes. After I took out the headband that night, I had really nice curls that framed my face perfectly. I definitely recommend trying out this style if you're looking for an easy and pretty alternative to a ponytail.

Inspired by Bill Cosby

thrifted sweater from Goodwill Blue Hanger, Levi's jeans from
Urban Outfitters, DV Dolce Vita booties

When I saw this sweater tucked beneath a pile of (metaphorical) crap at the Goodwill Blue Hanger, it was love at first site. The friends I was shopping with pointed out that it was most definitely on The Cosby Show at some point. Of course, that gave me all the more reason to buy it. Bill Cosby had good taste in sweaters, right? It's definitely one of the coziest and most colorful sweaters in my closet now. So worth the $1!

Aside from the sweater, my outfit isn't very Cosby-like. I've definitely never seen Bill sporting skinny jeans, wedge booties, or a ballerina bun. I don't usually wear my hair in a bun either, but I've been getting really bored with my hair lately. I don't want to cut it because I know I'll regret it, so I'm going to start trying new hairstyles instead. I never do anything with my hair, but after watching this tutorial from one of my favorite bloggers, B. Jones Style, I'm inspired to try some different styles. I'm thinking something with braids next...