I have a deep desire to wear the perfect ponytail. I didn't always have this obsession, until the premiere of Buffy the Vampire Slayer. It's true. At the end of the season Buffy wore a leather jacket, and my quest for the perfect ponytail began.
See:
The picture may be a little blurry but you get the idea. I've tried for years to duplicate it, but it has still remained elusive.
And then I saw Brenda Lee Johnson's ponytail from The Closer. And again I set off on a new ideal, something else to try...
This one I know requires a curling iron, which I don't have time for during the work week, but still... it just never quites get there.
And finally there is this one. From Haley James Scott in Season 4 of One Tree Hill....
And yet no...
Maybe I just need someone to show me how. Or get a stylist to do it. However, I don't think my quest for the perfect ponytail will stop any time soon.
My question to you is, what beauty trick eludes you? Or have you been able to conquer it, and please share with me!!
I always want to feel pretty. Without question. You can use the adjectives here: beautiful, gorgeous, out of this world, whatever word that you ascribe to being pretty is the word I want to be. Daily. The problem comes because all too often I don't feel that way. Far from it. Yet, an involuntary impulse within me makes me want to be pretty every day, and therefore makes it impossible to leave the emotion behind.
So when I gave the challenge on Tuesday to tell yourself every day that you are pretty, I had already been doing so for over two weeks. And this firsthand account is what I have found:
To be honest I would forget to tell myself I was beautiful in the mornings. I was rushing to get ready, but when I was at work or I had a moment to actually look at my reflection, whether I felt it or not, I would tell myself out loud (not too loud for others to hear - I said pretty, not creepy) I was beautiful. I didn't always believe in that moment, but later on I would catch a glimpse of myself and I couldn't help but see something good reflecting back.
The more I told myself this one thing the more effort I put into my hair, make up, and clothes, and I already put quite the effort. However, there was an element to it that hadn't been there in a while: fun. I had fun picking out my outfits, decided what color to put on my eyelids, and how I should wear my hair.
It has put such a wonderful spin on my thoughts toward myself in the past few weeks that I believe I will keep going. I recommend it to everyone, especially you, the one who thinks that by doing so you will gain nothing. Why not try it? Why not, for a few days, or weeks try doing something that requires nothing more than telling yourself, what others already see. And yes, they do see your beauty, far more than you do.
And now for the giveaway. The subject of beauty is so deep for women that there is a multi-billion dollar industry that caters to the subject. However, I think the attack on women, and the subject of beauty goes far deeper than simple appearance. One of the best books I've ever read on the subject and one that touched me so deeply on it was the book, Captivating, by Stasi and John Eldredge. So profound on the subject that if you have not read it I want to give you the opportunity to read it now.
I'm giving away one copy of this book to my readers, you may give it away to any female you know who needs to read a book that was written specifically for them in mind. I'll keep it open until next Thursday, June 9th. To enter just comment on what makes you feel beautiful.*
* No out of US entries (Sorry!) and this contest is entirely supported by me, and in no way related to anyone else.
So, day four slipped through my fingers yesterday as I went to bed around 8:30 pm. I was a little tired, and I'm not exactly sure why, but extra sleep is always good in my book.
Now for the big activity. I got my hair cut. And this wasn't just a little trim here. I got bangs. I'm sure the more I get to style it the more photos I'll be able to take, but I like the style so much I had to show you. Cause I'm that way.
I did watch Clean House this morning on the Style Network so....
BEFORE:
MEETS AFTER:
I like the new look, and I knew when I told Vickey what I wanted (in an abstract-hope you can read my mind sort of way) she would do brilliant. So glad that I found her.
Now there are only three other elements I want for the new year: rolling pin, melon baller, and new hat.
Oh, and feel free to follow me on Twitter where I link to cool articles and different things that I forget to post here. (twitter.com/rstrdsunshine)
So I have a new banner. I actually have quite a few planned for the upcoming year, but this is the first.
Now onto the fun stuff. I love stocking stuffers. Usually more than the gifts I receive. I don't know why, but in my house they are always fun, personal, and very surprising. So, I thought I would give some ideas on last minute stocking stuffers or small gifts you can get if you need to:
For the Baker/Cook:
The Pioneer Woman Cooks - if they don't already have it. I don't know anyone who doesn't like this delightful and funny woman from Oklahoma.
Best part? Retail is $16.99
(obviously this is for someone special)
Other Ideas:
- Measuring Cups
- Measuring Spoons
- Whisk
- Good Peeler
- Apple Corer
- Ice Cream / Melon Scoop
- Baking Pans
- Baking Bowls
For the Music Lover:
Bill Graham Presents:
If you have a music lover in your life this book is great. Bill Graham was one of the most famous concert promoters and this autobiography with a finish by those who knew him best and comments from the acts he booked your music lover is in for a delightful and insightful treat. I can not express how amazing this book is.
Retail price is only $16.99
Other Ideas:
- iTunes Gift Cards
- Amazon Gift Card
- Life by Keith Richards (Rolling Stones)
- Motley Crue: The Dirt by Motley Crue
for the Fashionista:
The Fashion File: Advice, Tips, and Inspiration from Mad Men
I have a great friend that I would give this too who is both fashionable and into Mad Men. I have a sister who would also like this. I personally want to read it and get it myself. You can pick this up in many stores.
Retail $18.00
Other Ideas:
- Gift Card to Sam Moon or other beloved place
- Make up kit from Ulta (they have several to choose from)
- Really cute socks
These are just a few, but hopefully they will give you some ideas about the people in your life.
It is September 1st. I even got to work at 8:30 like I've been trying to do for the past week. I know you're thinking that sounds lazy, and it is, but to be fair I have not been myself since I got back. I'm trying to get back into the swing of things and it is tough. Much harder than I thought possible.
I've had several people tell me that they miss my emails and after I came down from the cloud of euphoria after such sweet comments I decided I'll start writing them again. This is where Blog comes in. Yes, I haven't quite got my blog to where I want it to be, but I've decided to at least make every Tuesday my 'email' day. And just because I'm not in Mexico doesn't mean those strange tales don't still happen to me. I think the ironic thing is that irony seems to define my life and I find it quite funny.
I've been gone a while so there is much to tell, but alas I'm going to keep it within the week because otherwise you'd stop reading half way through... I realized that Mexico had a profound effect on me this past Saturday when I went to a barbeque. Oh, the food was delicious (and not served in big metal barrels either), but there were mosquitos. After I realized that I had been bitten several times (because I didn't put bug spray on... so maybe not that profound), I didn't panic because I had something in my purse. That is right I had anti-itch cream, thank-you Mexico.
As for the title of my email well you know me. I like things that are related and begin with the same letter. This shouldn't surprise you though... so brushes? Oh yeah, this past Friday my brush broke in half! Let the hair jokes commense. Then on the same day, several hours later I was about to put my computer bag into my car when the strap snapped falling to the ground and giving me a cut on my thumb that throbbed like no one's business. I couldn't figure out why it hurt so bad until I saw the blood...
Fred is okay. I know I checked. The CD Rom was open, but I figured that was Fred just sticking his tongue out at me for dropping him in the first place.
On a cool note front those of you who are big Wizard of Oz fans it will be playing on the big screen Sept. 23rd at 7:00 pm for the 70th Anniversary! You can get tickets online by click here. Well until next week when I have my stuff together... hopefully. If you were to receive a thank-you card or vanilla from me, it is coming. Did I mention getting back into the swing of things is tough?
Having a good or bad hair day does effect you. Don't deny it, we know the truth. That is why when I've decided to change a few things in my life I started with a hair cut. There is just nothing better than a good haircut. So, for the next few posts I will be discussing hair cuts, products, maintenance, and over-all health cand care. Since I've already had a hair cut and feel great about it I will start with cuts.
The photo to your left is Bethany Joy Galeotti, or in this photo, Haley James Scott. If I could pull off those bangs I would in a second. This was probably my favorite hair style from One Tree Hill and I still love it. For those of you not addicted to this drama, this was season four. We're now on to Season 7... not that you wanted to know.
My hair actually use to be this long, but I wanted a change and so after seeing the photo on your right of Natalie Portman, I decided to cut it. Mine never did quite look like this, but it was super cute all the same, once I got some of it to grow out. You see I didn't get my stylist on the day I decided to cut my hair (appointment mix up), but I was too eager to change it and went with someone else! BIG MISTAKE!! That is why I urge you to find a good one and stick with them! Lesson learned!
Feeling Good: Everyone has a bad hair day.
Looking Good: Everyone can look this good with the right sylist.
As I had stated before, I am trying to make this next year of my life better. I'm trying to improve the feelings I have for my body, and make improvements where I can. And the first easy way I find to do this is a hair cut. The photos of me in red is what my hair looked like before. The photos of me in green is the new style.
