Dove Hair : My Hair Story

This post is part of a social shopper marketing insight campaign with Pollinate Media Group® and Dove Hair, but all my opinions are my own. #pmedia #MyHairStory #DovePartner  http://my-disclosur.es/OBsstV

I think most people who have known me for a long time, would say that I have some pretty fun hair. Although I don't really experiment with anything crazy anymore, I did at one point take a few more chances when it came to hair color, length, and style. From a short blonde inverted bob, to a shade of purple-ish black in college, I am sure I will look back one day and ask myself what I was doing. Actually, I am already wondering that.

Although I may not be in the same frame of mind I was 10 or 8 years ago, I always remember making choices that made me feel good. I always wanted my hair to be a reflection of me, and I never really care what anyone else thought, and I still don't. Even now, at 29, I make choices for my hair based on what makes me feel beautiful and confident. 

It's now 2016, and my hair is a huge part of who I am. I love the confidence it brings me, and how great I feel when I am taking care of myself and my beautiful long locks. Using the right products has always been extremely important to me- not matter what color or style my hair may be. When it comes to picking my products, I always rely on a brand that I know won't let me down. Dove hair has been around for a long time, and the name is trusted and used by women all over the world. When I heard that NEW Dove Hair Regenerative Nourishment Collection was hitting stores, I knew I had to try it. I am in love with the softness and vibrant look my hair has right now. I owe it all to Dove Hair. 

As a woman who has been dying her hair for over 10+ years, keeping my hair healthy is extremely important to me. This line from Dove Hair helps eliminate signs of damage, helps your hair feel healthier over all, but is also infused with Red Algae + Keratin NutriComplex. The formula repairs the internal structure of damaged hair, reconstructing and strengthening it. The serum in oil helps repair split ends and instantly provides shine and softness to your hair. 

Next time you are at Target, grab the new Dove Hair Regenerative Nourishment Shampoo, Conditioner and Serum in Oil.  Your hair will thank you!

 

Valentine's Day Guide

1. Young and In Love Pullover / Love this, and the "not with you" part is hilarious!
2. Never Ending Key Bracelet /  I love keys and this bracelet is beautiful! 
3. Karen Walker Sunnies / I love huge sunglasses, and KW is my favorite. The bigger the better!
4. Kat Von D Lipstick /  I want to start trying new lip colors out, and this color is gorgeous.
5. Rag And Bone Fedora /  This hat is a serious splurge, but it's beautiful and the color goes with everything!
6. So Kate Pumps / Nothing says VDay like a pair of red bottoms, am I right? 
7. Hunter Boots / Not only fashionable, but so useful for any inclement weather coming our way!
8. Tarteist Lip Paint /  I love this nude color, perfect for an every day look.
9. Tory Burch Handbag / I love this color, and TB makes the best bags, great quality and texture.
10. Initial Bag Charm / Love this little charm keychain, so adorable and perfect for every bag.

Valentine's Day is the perfect day to add some color into your wardrobe! I love pops of red and pink paired with black or neutral colors. I think my favorite thing about Valentine's Day is how much love people share on that day. Yes, it's a hallmark holiday, and yes it's overrated, but overall the true meaning behind it (for me personally) is showing the people in your life that they're special, and loved. What are your plans for this upcoming Valentine's Day? 

Influencer Marketing For Dummies

Since the evolution of the internet, most people stray away from reading actual books, and sadly, I think this is a travesty. I love reading, especially when it's a book that sparks my interest and keeps me wanting to read more, or learn more. 

I am so excited to share my review of Influencer Marketing For Dummies with you guys. Upon receiving the book I immediately started reading, because as a blogger, I want to constantly be in the know for anything up and coming, and for ways to master my craft. 

One of my favorite parts of the book, was Chapter 4 : The New Rules of Engagement. This chapter touches upon compensation, creating contracts, and also the going rates for influencers. I think that as a blogger, it's always important to stay up to date on things involving monetary decisions. As a freelancer, every blogger (unless under management) manages their own time, events, posts, and campaigns. I really loved reading about going rates for each social platform, as well as expectations per platform and different factors that can affect each post.

Another favorite of mine was Chapter 11: Video Influencers. I really have wanted to jump into YouTube for quite some time now, and finally have taken the steps to do so. I am really interested in marketing through video and the book really goes into detail about building a brand, and why it's so important to stay consistent and how to commission sponsored video content. I also really loved Chapter 19: Ten Reasons Influencer Marketing Campaigns Fail. I love how honest this part of the book was, and it's interesting to see why some campaigns fail over others. What I took away from this section is that it's extremely important to stay authentic, and stay true to the brand you're representing. 

Overall, the book really hit home for me. It helped me feel motivated, but also helped me redirect where I want my brand and blog to go in the upcoming year. I also think it's really important to maintain professional relationships with the brands that I work with, so it was a really nice way to freshen up on all of the knowledge that you need to know as an online influencer. I think I gained a lot more knowledge about social media platforms, and I feel very confident knowing that there are different ways to approach brands with ideas and campaigns that can truly be successful.

If you'd like to win a copy of this book, I am giving one away on my Facebook page! Simply like my page, and check out the post about the book, and leave a comment- nice and simple! I will be picking a winner by EOD January 12th, 2016. Only one winner, and winner must be age 18+ and a resident of the US.

I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.

Schoola + The Malala Fund (Donate today!)

One of my favorite things to do, especially around the holidays is to help support organizations that help others. Today I am so happy to be teaming up Schoola who is working with the Malala Fund to help empower girls through education.

You can read more about how Schoola is connected here. 

Schoola is committed to raising $100,000 for the Malala Fund through the sale of clothing on their site, and have the help of some very generous corporate donors, including ModCloth and Athleta. They are offering 70% off retail prices , which is awesome, because these items are completely brand new, and in the process you are helping those in need. You can shop the pants I am wearing, or new items from Gymboree, Tea Collection, Modcloth and Athleta, as well as secondhand items donated by individuals.

 

So, I am sure you're wondering how can you help? You can request your very own Malala bag here, to donate clothing on behalf of the Malala Fund, with 40% of proceeds going to help girls gain education around the world. I am sending over some of my gently used clothes, and the best part is that it's free, easy and every little bit helps!

(photo of bag)

Stocking Stuffer Gift Guide | Blogger Version

I love finding little perfect things that are great for every one on my list (especially the ladies!). These are some products I highly recommend that I have been using for a while now, and am in LOVE with. I often get asked what I use on a daily basis, so here are some of my favorites, and some ideas for stocking stuffers for the upcoming holiday next week!

Got2B Smooth Operator- Perfect for those fly aways, and great as a shield before applying a curling iron/flat iron or blow drying. I have dry ends, so this really helps before I style my hair. 

Got2b kinkier gloss ‘n define curling mousse - When I decide to wear my hair curly, this is the stuff I love to use. It's not crunchy, and is made with nectar oil and mineral salt to help boost those curls! I also love the way this smells!

jimmyCASE *His&Hers*- These cases have been a HUGE lifesaver for Ryan and I. Ryan is always running around, and also hates carrying a bulky wallet, so this really comes in handy for him. We use them at the gym, at work, and even when we go out. For me personally, I love not needing a purse, and having exactly what I need all in one! I love my iPhone 6s wallet case, and Ryan(being more conservative) went with the custom iPhone 6s case. We haven't looked back since, they're so convenient, and perfect as a stocking stuffer or gift for your significant other! 

No Nonsense Opaque Tights-  I love tights, especially in the winter, and this is the perfect stocking stuffer! Any fashionable lady would love a pair of these, and they're opaque so the color is really  vibrant!

Carol's Daughter Black Vanilla Combing Creme and Monai Dry Shampoo - These products are also two of my favorites! I am in love with the scent of this black vanilla combing creme, and it's perfect when my hair is feeling dull, and needs a pick-me-up. The dry shampoo is made with conditioning Monoi, an ancient Tahitian beauty secret, which smells amazing, and lasts all day! 

Goldwell Dry Shampoo- I love the smell and feel of this dry shampoo. There are a lot of dry shampoos out there that will turn your hair white, or make it flaky, this doesn't do either of those. All it takes is a few sprays, and a brush through your hair, and it looks as good as new. This is great for in between washes, and it's perfect for those unplanned nights when you need to head out- but don't feel 100% ready.

Nars Brushes (Contour Brush, Kabuki Ita Brush , Botan Kabuki Brush)- I just picked up both of these beautiful brushes at a warehouse sale, and I am so happy I did. I love experimenting with makeup, and these two brushes are perfect for contouring, and applying blush. I love both brushes because they're made with quality bristles, and they last forever! Again, a perfect stocking stuffer for any lady who loves beauty!

Starbucks Ornament & Travel Mug-I love coffee, and so does most of the population. Getting someone something coffee related, is guaranteed to make them happy. I love this little ornament, and ceramic cup. I carry multiple travel cups a day, and this one is perfect for my morning tea or coffee when I am leaving for work.

Asparagus and Lemon Refreshing Gluten Free Pasta Salad

This post is part of a social shopper marketing insight campaign with Pollinate Media Group®, Barilla®, but all my opinions are my own. #pmedia #GlutenFreeBarilla http://my-disclosur.es/OBsstV 

I am so excited to be teaming up with Gluten Free Barilla Pasta today to bring you a healthy and refreshing pasta salad that is perfect for lunch or dinner. As you all know I am the queen of pasta salads, and this recipe is a little different, but still delicious! If you haven't checked out my other recipes with Barilla, you can see my strawberry basil pasta salad here, and my meditteranean pasta salad, here. This recipe is a little different for a few reasons. The main reason is because I am using Barilla's new Gluten Free pasta for this recipe. It's also a dish that you want to serve warm due to the ingredients, and olive oil drizzle. 

I really love preparing different dishes around the holidays. My family always chooses me to make any of the pasta dishes, and I try to focus on staying healthy, and preparing a delicious meal that everyone will love. Gluten free pasta is great because it has non GMO ingredients, it's healthier and tastes just like regular pasta!

For my Gluten Free pasta I shopped at BJ's wholesale club and got a 4 pack of pasta for a very reasonable price. Since I come from a big family, this is perfect for the parties to come in the next few weeks. You can also visit BJ’s Wholesale Clubs on December 22nd and 23rd to see an in-store Barilla Gluten Free pasta demo at select clubs. You can also visit Pinterest to see other delicious Barilla  Gluten Free pasta recipes!

Making this pasta is very easy! Here is how to make your own at home.

First, start by bringing a pot of water to a boil.  

Once the water is boiling , salt the water and add your Gluten Free pasta. 

While your pasta is cooking, you'll want to sautee your asparagus and brussels sprouts. 

Add a few tablespoons of olive oil to a pan, cut up your asparagus, and sprouts and then squeeze a full lemon on top, and season with salt and pepper.

You'll want to cook your asparagus for about 10 minutes on the skillet. When that's finished, add the cooked asparagus and sprouts, and squeeze half a lemon into the pasta. You'll also want to drizze olive oil on top to avoid a dry pasta.

Enjoy!

How To Stay Stylish & Warm For The Game!

Everyone knows that football season is the craziest time of the year for me. Not only am I busy, but I work football Sundays at my family's establishment, so I get to see all of the fans and I get to be in the midst of everything going on. Since it's such a huge part of my life, (I have been working these Sundays for almost 8 years now!) I take it all very seriously and I love being a part of the action with so many different fans that come into the restaurant. 

That being said , comfort is key. Me being a fashion lover, I always try and experiment between comfort, and chic outfits. I feel like you can easily balance out an outfit by wearing different colors that compliment each other, all while not sacrificing your comfort or style. These pants from NFL.com are so comfortable, and I am in love with the pattern.

 For this outfit  I tried to center it all around the pants. I love how comfortable these pants are, and since the weather is a little on the chillier side, I threw on a long cardigan and comfy tee to bring it all together. This hat is awesome too, so comfortable and warm, and perfect for the upcoming holiday season. The colors are bright and fun, and I love that I can represent my team, all while staying warm and comfortable the whole time! 

So how do you represent your home team? What's your favorite article of team clothing you rock on game day? 

I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.

One Year Short Of 30

Aren't birthdays such a funny thing? Every year I become less excited about getting older, and more excited about figuring out how to look younger, feel my best, and be at my healthiest. Every year comes with a set of challenges and learning experiences that never cease to amaze me. This year was an interesting one for sure. I got engaged, switched careers, made the cover of a magazine, and maintained this blog like I always do. I am so lucky to have this online journal of sorts to keep for years to come.

One thing that I thought about yesterday that made me sad was the fact that I don't really write anymore. Besides the occasional outfit post, I feel like my blog has become less about my personal life, and more of a "business" if you will. Sitting down to write this post seemed a bit odd, because it's been a long time since I really shared some personal feelings on here. It's not on purpose either, life just gets busy, and sometimes I honestly don't feel like I have time to think, let alone write. As I sit here and write this while I sniffle and sneeze, I can't complain at all, because at this moment, I am finally feeling relaxed!

So this year, my post will be a little bit different. Every year I do a post about what I have learned (Last year's post), or what I know thus far. This year will be less outlined, and more of me just thinking through typing. 

Every year I find myself learning so many different things that are important to me, and I think the most important thing I have learned is that it's SO incredibly necessary to surround yourself with the greatest of people. I have lost people that I thought would always be here, and although it saddens me, it also makes me realize that maybe they just weren't meant to be there in the first place. Finding yourself, and letting go of things that don't benefit you anymore, is simply part of the process. I think one of the most important things I have come to realize this year is that my friends and family mean so much to me, they are the true guiding light of everything that I am, and I can't wait to grow older with all of them in my life.

I have also learned, that most of the little bullshit that bothers us in life simply, does not matter. What matters is waking up and feeling like you're being the best you can be. Whatever that means to you, just be it. You're waking up knowing you're doing what you want to do, and making yourself proud-that's what matters. We all have different roads to travel, and at the end of the day it doesn't matter which way you go, as long as you're happy and as long as you're a good person, good things will come. I truly believe that we all get what we put out, and positive always attracts positive.

I tend to be really hard on myself by nature, and this year has been nothing different. I am a perfectionist who strives to succeed in everything that I do, and this can be both a blessing a curse. I have also learned that it's important to embrace who YOU are. The good, the bad, the ugly, the pretty, the crazy, it's all apart of you, and it all needs lovin- so love yourself, because no one is going to do it for you.

So this year, I am focusing on the things I am grateful for, and trying to let go of the things that don't help me grow. I find my happiness in the little things nowadays. Going on dates with Ryan, photography, snuggling with Ollie, spending time with my family, watching movies over and over, cooking dinner, and most importantly, making time for this little blog that has brought me so much love. Although I am struggling with the thought of getting older, I do love my birthday, and I love my life at this present moment. 

The possibilities in life are endless and I can't wait to see what the future holds for me. Thank you to everyone who reads this blog, and to all of those who have supported me through every endeavor- big or small. This blog is a huge part of who I am , and the past five years wouldn't have been the same without this creative outlet in my life.

Here's to 29! Let's kick some serious ass!

Cyber Monday Favorites!

Hey guys! Hope you had a great weeekend, here are some of my favorite pieces from the sales going on today, linked right into the photo! Enjoy shopping today!!

BLACK FRIDAY Deals & Instagram Outfits!

Guys, it's finally here! Time to do some crazy guilt free shopping because EVERYTHING is on super sale right now! I went through and researched all the awesome places I love to shop, and made sure that I could share everything with you guys today. Here are some of my favorite stores, and what deals they're having this Black Friday! Also stay tuned because I plan on doing a full Cyber Monday update too! The best time of the year starts now, hope you all had an amazing Thanksgiving, and I can't wait for the holidays to be in full swing. Happy shopping!

Adriano Goldschmied - AG Jeans - CODE: AGTHIRTY

Take 30% off site wide 11/30 code AGTHIRTY

Shop these outfits below:

Amazon-  CODE: 30BLACKFRI
30% off select clothing , shoes, accessories, jewelry, and watches
Some of my favorites:

Anthropologie: CODE: SHOPTOIT
25% off everything!
Some of my favorites: 

Chicwish: CODE: BLK20
Extra 20% off
Some of my favorites:

Dolce Vita:  CODE: BLACK20
20% off + free shipping
Some of my favorites:

Madewell: CODE: CALMDOWN
25% off your entire purchase

Nordstrom: No Code Needed
Up to 50% off select styles for all + free shipping and returns


Shop some of my instagram looks below:  

Outfit Details:  Skirt (on major sale right now) | Faux Sherling Vest | Boot Socks | Tory Burch Tote (similar) | White Long Sleeved Shirt

Outfit Details: AG Jeans in Twilight | Jeffrey Campbell Booties | Nordstrom Tote

(reversible, I want it in every color!) Lace Blouse | Floppy Felt Hat (on sale in camel!)  

 Outfit Details: Jessica Simpson Platform Booties (on sale- under $80!) | Sole Society Weekender

Outfit Details: Fringe Oblong Scarf | Steve Madden Suede Pumps | Polka Dot Sweater (similar)

Outfit Details: Madewell Tee | AG Jeans | Beanie | Top Shop Booties |

 Hooded Olive Jacket | Braided Necklace

 Outfit Details:  Faux Fur Coat | Tory Burch Tote (similar) | Top Shop Booties | Everyday Leggings | Astrological Necklace | Turtleneck Dress 

Outfit Details: Green Plaid Shirt | Sweater Dress | Converse Slip Ons | Beanie

 

Dove Hair : #LoveYourCurls

This post is part of a social shopper marketing insight campaign with Pollinate Media Group® and Dove Hair, but all my opinions are my own. #pmedia #LoveYourCurls #pmgdove http://my-disclosur.es/OBsstV

When was the last time you looked at your hair and said "hey hair, thanks for being you!" Not often I'm sure.  It took me years to truly understand and appreciate my hair for all that it is. I always had wavy/messy curls that never looked right, and for years it frustrated me. I have never been the girl who can get out of the shower- and air dry with no issues. It's always been a work in progress for me. I would constantly wear my hair up because I couldn't deal with how my hair handled humidity or any kind of rain situation.

I finally decided to start loving my hair and realizing that there are so many great things about it. I love how thick and wavy it is, and I also love the wavy curly ringlets that come along with it. Even though they aren't tame like I want them to be- I wouldn't have it any other way. I know most women want what they can't have, but it's time we all start embracing what we were born with. Loving something about yourself can seem difficult, especially when you don't feel like it's what you want. My best advice? Learn to roll with it. If your hair is wavy in the wrong ways- start using products that help keep it looking shiny and great. 

In the last few years I have learned how to tame my waves, and it's made so much of a difference for me. Although my hair may not be perfect- I think it's pretty perfect for me, and that's all that matters.

I am so excited to be teaming up with Dove Hair today, and to be able to share that they have an awesome Dove Love Your Curls Emoji keyboard! It's so awesome to be able to customize what your hair looks like in emoji form! Curly hair for the win!

Download the Dove Love Your Curls Emojis in the App Store and Google Play Store to show you #LoveYourCurls!

To follow along and keep up with Dove, make sure you follow them on all their social channels! 

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