Before I can get into today's post, I need to catch those of you up to speed who missed my blog post from a few days ago---that I accidentally deleted. Pshh. 
A few of you have something like this and love it as well! I'm thrilled with it- it's been SUCH a great investment for me and my thick, wavy hair. Ugh! Whenever I wash and style, the heat from the dryer, plus a VERY hot straightening iron, can take it's toll on my hair.

As I said in my last post (before it vanished by my own hand) I styled my waves with the diffuser on the T3 hairdryer in 4 MINUTES. I timed it. It usually takes about 10-15 to get my head completely dry.  Several of you asked for a video and before and after shots with me actually using the new contraption- I understand your skepticism. I honestly wouldn't put down that much money either, if my hair wasn't so thick and coarse. :-/  So, here's the video- Haha! I sped it up, added some tunes and chopped it up nicely....save the last bit when I start blow drying. That was all one shot. It took me, again, about 4-5 minutes to style/dry with the hairdryer.  This is my daily curly hair routine. It's the quickest way to do my hair.



Production Notes:  1. I use quite a bit of hair product to make sure my curls withstand humidity. My hair is more wavy than curly- so I have to make sure they stay curled and not blah. Yes, I am aware that gels especially can dry out hair, yadda yadda. I use what works:  

Frederick Fekkai Curl Cream (NOT in the video. I was out)
Cheap Curl Hair Gel  
Tresemme Curl Mousse  
CHI Heat Protection Spray  
Tresemme hairspray    

2. Upside down face/chin is NOT attractive and this video was more for fun than a serious tutorial. And let's face it- I'm no expert video editor. lol.

3.  Maroon 5's new album has been playing nonstop in my car. So you better hurry and watch the video with the music because I'm sure You Tube will take it down. ha

4. If you're confused, still, about how to use a diffuser to shape and define your curls and get LIFT at the root, just remember to start at the bottom, placing the hair in the diffuser and lift all the way to the root and hold, digging the diffuser's "fingers" underneath the hair to give lift. Release slightly and push up and hold in place again.

5. The "7" signal I give at the end of the video meant that I ended my drying at 6:27. I started at 6:23 a.m.   

5.  This hairdryer is the shit.   

Next up: Straight hair blow-dried with the hairdryer. Curious to see the outcome myself.... :-)

I've been waiting all year for what showed up in my mailbox yesterday......

I just love the little midnight blue, felt satchel it came in! So cute! They even knew I wa sa Libra. *sigh* Now what to buy? If you can believe it, I don't know. Get a little power in my hands and I freak out like a spaz. It's only 15% that you get to use for your birthday month- at least it's something. And it can't be used online. So, I'll have to travel 3 hours to shop. Good thing I have several friends I can also visit in that area.

I watched some TV last night. Cool, right? haha! Ever since the last episode of LOST I haven't really had any regularly scheduled shows I like to watch...but I watched my first- AND LAST- episode of "Glee."


Look. I wanted to like it. Seriously, guys...I am quintessential lover of all things dance and music- but it's cheesy. Just too much cheese for me. I made an exception because last night was the Britney Spears episode. Duh. And I'm pretty sure I should have a copy of this episode just because it's Britney-centric...OH and the girl in the show named Brittany...she can dance her ass off. Her dance/singing numbers in the show were fun and entertaining- took me back to Britney's "Slave For You" days. And my memorization of all Britney's dances. Yeah. Challenge me to do any of them....I dare ya.... The other remade songs and dance numbers were just almost too horrible to watch. LOL. Sorry. Just my opinion.

I did, however, watch the new show "Raising Hope" that came on immediately after Glee, and was ROLLIN'! Hilarious. The dead tooth? My gosh. Loved it. Watching it from now on. :-)

Tomorrow, tomorrow! I finally got the hair dryer video tutorial sliced, diced and slabbed together. I love editing videos! It's nothing grand, mind you, but fun nonetheless.

Anyone else seen it and like "Raising Hope"??
Happy Hump Day!
(Do the Humpty Hump.... yeah, do the humpty hump.)

I accidentally deleted my precious post about my new, lovely hair dryer.... Dangit! haha! Oh, well.

I plan to have a "make your wavy hair curly, hair tutorial" video up soon- plus some before and after shots using the new hair dryer, since some of you are skeptical as all get out. ;-) I would be, too. No worries.

This weekend I tweaked my blog layout- I get bored with my layouts with the drop of a hat....and where did those 300 followers come from?? I didn't even realize I had that many followers. I thought I was still at 20. OkK. So where are you all hiding?? All you secret followers- if you don't leave a comment on here today, I'm making my blog private and you're going to have to be invited to read my shit........Yeah, just joking.  Thanks for reading....If you're still reading after this, CLEARLY very early written, Monday morning post.

I have a confession....Usually I don't drink ANY coffee. It makes me crazy-wild and jittery..... AND irritated when my work computer moves slower than crap. But, this morning I had some....I had no creamer this morning for said coffee....I did, however, have Bailey's. White and creamy beige. I have to have some whiteness to my coffee....so I just poured some in.........I'm feeling pretty OK for a Monday morning.

Please tell me some of you have seen 'Ole Gregg...hence the Bailey's "white and creamy beige" reference from above? *sigh* If not, here ya go. Happy Monday. Don't stop watching until you've at LEAST seen the Bailey's part, mmkay?

Cheers- here's to you and all you Bailey's drinkers on this MUCH-anticipated Monday morning.....NOT.

:-)

Some of you might remember my guest bedroom post from a few months back- I was having issues deciding on colors, curtains, decor and on and on and on....

Well, my mind changed again at some point.

At least on the "color" of the walls....I remember in college I changed my major 4 times my freshman year simply because I was worried that I was choosing the wrong career path or I simply didn't like the classes I was taking.  I finally ended up where I belonged- in the journalism building. But, damn, it took me forever.

Long story short- I MAY or MAY NOT have bought THIS fabulous pink and silver metallic wallpaper for an accent wall in the bedroom....

I know you must be thinking I'm nuts to stick up some sticky, bobo ass wallpaper, but I assure you-- this ain't yo mama's yellow and green 70s wallpaper-- a wallpapered accent wall is SO in these days ;-) Really. truly. And I think the look is straight-up GLAM and screams JENNY.

I've decided to keep the other complimenting colors in the room simple...I'm talking: grays, whites, pinks and MAYBE a few splashes of yellow.

I found the photo below online today- this is exactly what I pictured in my mind, and here it is! NOTE: JUST the way the walls look. None of that baby bullshit. haha!

I'm keeping the remaining three walls in the room a light grayish/silver.

Real life photo of the sample wallpaper and my new gray duvet from West Elm. The pink color, of course, isn't showing up true-to-life in this picture, but you're just going to have to trust me.

All I can think about is mirrored nightstands and vintage-glam decor right now- I cannot wait for the finished product!

Would you ever or have you wallpapered in your place??

I admit, I'm a wee bit scared. It's not exactly permanent, but quite the bitch to take off, I hear. Good thing I'm 98% sure I won't ever want it taken down...

Thank you, Lisa, for inspiring my blog post today- i.e. giving me something to blog about today.

I've been on the prowl for a mini dress that I like- maybe not AS short, because I also want to be confortable and confident. I have a few options bookmarked- so once I decide which one to buy I'll reveal MY version.

Happy Friday- I don't know about all of you, but I'll be catching up on my sleep this weekend.

It's VERY rare that I find anything I find cute at Old Navy.  Its even MORE rare that I find anything that fits well at Old Navy.  The other night I was browsing online stores, as usual, and came across some items at Old Navy that I thought were definitely worth a try-on. At the time I wasn't doing anything so I hopped in my car and went to Old Navy an hour before they closed (I was nice and put everything I tried on BACK on the racks in their correct spots. I'm too damn nice sometimes). Here's what I tried on:
Cranberry Cord Dress- I had high hopes for this dress, but it was JUST OK. See in the photo how the waist nips in? Yeah- it was NOT like that. It was a shapeless mess. I loved the color and how comfortable it was and I decided I still wanted it- I will try to get the waist tapered in. Is that possible? To have JUST the waist tailored in? I'm sure it is, but wondering if anyone has had experience with that.....

Cowl-Neck Dress- I really loved this "dress." In reality.....It's a tunic, people. Even the reviews online explain how short this "dress" is once you get it on. I'd definitely rock it with some black leggings. I originally had my eye on the Moonlight Sonata Blue color, but in person it was UGGGG-LEE. The striped was the cutest to me. Definitely purchasing.


Cord Bell Skirt- CUTENESS! I LOVED this skirt OH so much. The khaki color was a great basic, but what you can't see is how darling this blue-gray version is. Trust me.

I just can't stay away from you guys! I knew my hiatus wouldn't last a week, but just in case, I didn't want my blog to be sitting here untouched. lol- Listen, I appreciate all of the comments and that you all understand that blogging and reading others' blogs can be time consuming. It is for me at times, anyway.

As someone who works with social media, I always have in my mind the rule we always tell anyone interested in starting a facebook fan page, Twitter account or blog- it needs to be timely and up to date. I guess I just put pressure on myself to keep up with this blog almost daily and I just couldn't do it anymore (As silly as that sounds. Not trying to get dramatic here- it's just a blog). And I won't do it. This isn't for my job, this is my own personal crap. I've decided to blog when I feel like it and not just because I feel that I should or need to.

That being said-- Today? I FEEL like blogging :-)



I'm getting those mid-day slumps right now...It's right after lunch so that's when it usually hits me. Do you get those at work? if so, about what time do you start to feel draggy and how do you remedy that? Or maybe you don't. Personally, I don't like drinking caffeine because it drives me crazy. I feel all paranoid and shit. Like someone's watching me. That's an exaggeration, but you get the point.

Until next time!!

I'm in a mood this morning, boy.

That being said- I'm taking a break from my blog. It's getting on my nerves.

I need to concentrate on my running. I would actually like to complete all 10 miles on October 24.

And honestly, I'm sick of reading other running blogs in which the authors complain that they "didn't do so well" on their last 5K, with a "horrible" time of 30:00 minute. Really? Kiss my ass and stop whining. That's pretty good, if you ask me...then again, it depends who you ask. These blogs usually inspire me- but not right now.

I'm also sick of the "fashion" blogs I read on a daily basis.

Usually I wouldn't mind reading these blogs. In fact, I obviously love to read these types of blogs. Those are what interests me: healthy eating, running, fashion and random. But right now, all it does is frustrate me to no end.

This weekend FLEW by didn't it?

Here are the two outfit photos from last week that I forgot to upload Friday. :-)


Do you notice anything different about my hair in the two photos? hehe. I had it cut Thursday- it needed it BADLY with its nasty split ends. I miss the length already- thankfully my hair grows fast.

Today I cooked!! Crockpot Salsa Chicken, an Oatmeal bake for breakfasts this week and Ranch-Cheddar Turkey Burgers.  All of these recipes were tweaked to make them healthier- I love having lunches and dinners prepared ahead of time.

Things haven’t gone as planned for me so far this week- ehh, not a big deal, but it always seem to kinda frustrate me no matter how small the plan may be.

Failed Plan #1: My running. I expected to get back to my running where I left off before I got a cold. HA! Not so much. The 6 miles I wanted to accomplish is still eluding me. I ran Monday and Tuesday and couldn't even get to 3 miles before I was exhausted and ready to haul ass OFF the treadmill. Hmmm- I thought once you came back from a sickness you were supposed to be even more full of energy. Pshhh. Not for me.

Failed Plan #2: The cute yellow dress I was supposed to wear tomorrow for the sorority function. Mmm, yeah. UPS tracking says it won't be here until MONDAY. Monday. I hate you UPS.

I also can’t stand The United States Postal Service at the moment because I sent an entire box full of sorority goodies to one of my fellow Chi Omega's to use YESTERDAY- and she still hasn't received it. By the time it gets there tomorrow, IF it gets there tomorrow, I'll be there and I wasted money to ship a damn box. LAST WEEK. No, I didn't get a tracking number. Pardon ME, but I guess I didn't expect the box to take an unnecessary detour to some damn LOST island to hunt polar bears with Jack, Sawyer and Kate.

My rant for today is over.

Happy Thursday!

Starbucks' Pumpkin Spice Latte was a huge bummer for me. After seeing all of the raving about it on others' blogs I finally tried it today. I don't taste pumpkin. All I taste is nasty in my mouth. lol. Not sure what's up with that, but I'm sad I didn't like it. I always enjoy Fall smells/tastes. Peppermint White Chocolate Mocha sounds delicious- I think I'll try that next time. Do you have a fall scent that you just can't get enough of? Mine is definitely Candles By Victoria's Simply Delicious candle. Mmm mmm MMM!!

This week has me going to a few appointments (eye doctor and haircut!) and on Friday I'm hitting the road after work to attend my sorority's Big/Little Night! This excites me because I haven't attended any Chi Omega function since 2006 when I graduated college. Not even a Homecoming game! Sad, yes. To better describe what Big/Little night is: As a new member of a sorority you'll get a Big Sister. She's just a woman who has been in the sorority for a year or more, who will basically be there to help you out with school, etc. It's a wonderful thing and really allows you to have a better sense of "belonging" in the sorotity as a whole. Sounds cheesy, I'm sure to those who don't have a clue about sororities, but I assure you it's cool stuff. :-)

Anyway, I'm going up Friday with MY sorority little sister to see MY little sister to the 5th power (haha yeah I made that term up) get her little. It's a like a big chain of "family members." It's just nice to still be involved in the organization, which is essentially what a sorority is. It's the greatest organization I was ever involved in, for so many reasons- and the great thing is that I'll always be a member. I just don't have to pay dues anymore as an alumane. Muahah! I bought this dress to wear for the event. Had to represent with the Straw color. Chi Omega's other official color is Cardinal  ;-) So I'm thinking a red cardigan.....



That's all the boring blab I'm doing for today. Happy Tuesday!

Ahhh...the holiday weekend is almost over- and I'm already sad. Going back to work after having a holiday is hard work, man.

I just got home from my parents house- took the Chihuahua clan- and grilled some hamburgers. I actually don't have anything to catch up on before tomorrow so not sure what this evening will have in store for me. Probably just vegging in front of the TV, enjoying my last hours of freedom. :-)

I did go for a run this morning- Being sick for that week or so pissed me off, haha, but so glad to be back running. Only got in 2.3 miles, but I'd rather have that then nothing. My goal is to get that damn 10K DONE this week for my long run! 6.21 miles I WILL complete you.

This article, by a Brandi Hamrick, totally has me up-in-arms EXCITED!! Seriously, I'm physically perked up after reading this article.

It's so hard for me to explain (some of you may relate) but as a 26-year-old woman with an awesome career, a home I OWN, what I think are decent looks, intelligence and a sense of humor I'm starting to feel pressure to be in a relationship. Not from myself, but from others. They may not do it intentionally, but the things they say or do could be perceived that way.

I have honestly NEVER had a serious relationship. Ok, Ok...I can say I've been in ONE-HALF relationship, but that's a heartbreaking story. Have I dated? Of course. I'm no dating virgin by any means- but I've never had that one guy come over to meet my parents. Never went to a boyfriend's house for the holidays. Nothing like that. Of course, I wish I had that sometimes, but honestly, God's honest truth- it doesn't bother me.

I can remember from an early age what my mom told me: "Don't rely on a man to take care of you. Your father and I want you to have a career of your own and be able to support yourself."

This stuck with me and I wish that more parents would teach this to their young daughters. It's so important, in my opinion, for us to have our own voice. To know WHO we are, what we want from this life- afterall, we only get one go at it.

My personal philosophy is while it's awesome to be your own person- it's definitely OK to rely on a man- IF this man is worthy of YOU. It's OK to be happily married or in a relationship, but as this article says continue to enjoy your friends, enjoy your hobbies. This may seem OBVIOUS to most of you, but I have friends who don't get it. I've seen with my own eyes, these friends pathetically go from relationship to relationship....simply because they don't know what to do WITHOUT one. I mean seriously y'all? I NEED my personal time. I thrive on it. If I don't have it- I get pissy. lol (Shoutout here goes to Big and Little Pissy! ;-) )

Everyone's lives are different. There are different path's for every woman- I wasn't one of those women who met their husband in college- and I still have yet to find him. But until I do, I'm going to do what I want, when I want and enjoy the hell out of it- and will CONTINUE to do so even AFTER I meet the man of my dreams :-) No matter what your feelings on the subject, this article is extremely positive and encouraging.


Don’t Play Hard to Get…Be Hard to Get!

Recently a guy asked me why all the really great catches are so hard to get. Men are genuinely intrigued by women who are actually hard to get. There is something mysterious about her that leaves him wanting more. The gals who just “play” hard to get are easy to spot because their games have a systematic method to them that is a big turn off.

Back to those oh-so coveted women who are just hard to get. They have everything: great personalities, careers, style, fun-filled balanced lives, confidence, and numbers of men drooling over them. They don’t have to play hard to get, they are hard to get. Why? Because who they are as a person doesn't depend on who they are dating, or if they are even dating at all. For the rest of this article we’ll call them Wonder Women.

Tips on How to be a Wonder Woman:

1. Have your own life- Keep friends and hobbies outside of your guy. Even when you start dating someone in particular, don’t let these things go. Wonder women aren’t always sitting by the phone waiting for their guy to call, they are out living life. Women who play hard to get will often purposely not answer the phone when guys call, women who are actually hard to get are just busy.

2. Make yourself a priority-Wonder women know they can’t be all they are to everyone else if they don’t look out for themselves. Stay on top of your health and happiness. Do things that you love. Eat well and exercise. Women who play hard to get practice all these healthy habits long enough to land a guy, women who are hard to get make them a priority and a lifestyle.

3. Go for your dreams-Don’t be embarrassed about what you want out of life. Wonder Women achieve things in life for themselves, not just for men. Have the confidence to go after your passions and dreams. Do what it takes to make your dreams a reality. Complete whatever training, schooling, or steps you need to achieve your goals.

Isn’t it easy now to see how women who are truly hard to get, live balanced lives? They excel in many areas of life so they aren’t as concentrated on having to have a guy. They want a man who will add something to their lives; they don’t want a man because they need one. Wonder Women don’t swoon over every guy that pays them attention. They are very selective. Wonder women don’t have to “act” busy because they are actually busy out doing all the things that make them truly special.

Brandi Hamrick
Life and Dating Coach
http://www.brandihamrick.com/
Visit to ask me your questions

My "Wear-Something-Else-For-God's-Sake-Challenge": Days 1-3