Spring Fever...

♥,

                   

Butter London available at AMBIANCE

Nike Sky Hi/Liberty Dunks available here

Party In Your Pocket mini clutch available here

Easy peasy, super pretty FISHTAIL BRAID...

It's hair tutorial time again!  Leah + I have a great new one for you...  

A gorgeous FISHTAIL braid!  

I love love love this pretty hairstyle, and I love even more that it's the kind of thing you can do yourself at home.  I'm excited to try this on Evelyn.  It's a really fun alternative to a basic braid.  It looks really complicated and intricate- but this took Leah less than 5 minutes.  Really!  And look at how it brings out the highlights in Kannyn's hair.  SO cool.  ♥

Leah's step-by-step, easy peasy instructions:

1. Brush hair into pony tail, this may be a low side pony or in the back.  * a side note: I'd like to point out that when doing this on oneself, it will be easier to do a side pony version, but by no means is it impossible to do it in the back.

2. Secure with clear elastic band and start by splitting the hair into two sections. 

3. Beginning on one side pull a small section of hair from underneath. Pull this section around and across to the opposite side. 

4. Repeat this process going down the divided pony tail until you reach the desired amount of hair braided.

5. Secure with the second clear elastic.

6. Gently tug on the braid if you would like a wider fishtail. 

7. Optional- If you desire a looser braid, cut the top clear elastic. 

Spray and TA-DA, you're done!!  :)

Kannyn's tunic - Free People, Trapeze Top

Leah's nail laquer - Butter London, Queen Vic

{Both available now at AMBIANCE}

Romantic Crown Braid... tutorial!

The lovely Leah was kind enough to collaborate with me on a GREAT hair tutorial earlier this week!  I'm really excited about this because it went so well, that we're already talking about the next one!  Personally, I can barely manage a decent ponytail- but Leah made this look like a breeze!  She and her friend Andi did such a beautiful job.  I really hope you enjoy!  ♥
*note - Ok, apparently I don't know how to count, since I have more steps than Leah. Aaand I guess I don't like the #8?!  Whaaat? It still works.

Leah's step-by-step guide:

You'll Need - A comb, bobby pins, 2 clear elastic bands, styling product (like a pomade or paste) + hairspray!

1. Comb hair  and part on side. You choose how deep you want the side part to go.

2. Create a diagonal part using a comb, ending the part just below the ear on the opposite side.

3. Begin an inverse braid. This is an upside down french braid. Taking the hair under instead of over allows the braid to "stand up". If this is too difficult, do a traditional french braid in it's place.

4. Taking hair only from the crown to incorporate into the braid continue the braid all the way down.

5. Secure with a clear elastic band.

6. Do the same thing on the opposite side.

7. Once braids are finished and secure, gently tug them apart, creating separation and a larger, more imperfect braid. You can be subtle about this or you can go big and really pull the braid apart.

8. Pull the braid around the back of the head just above the nape and secure with bobby pins just above the ear.

9 . Take braid from the opposite side and cross over the first braid, securing with bobby pins as you go. Remember to tuck in the loose ends of the tail of the braid!

10. Spray with hairspray.

YOU'RE DONE!  :)

Leah's bracelets/Andi's necklaces: Heather Gardner 

Denim Jacket: FREE PEOPLE 

Andi's floral top: FREE PEOPLE 

Leah's nail polish: Butter London "Trout Pout"
{all of the above available at AMBIANCE}

What's on your nightstand?

I'm a bit of a nightstand fanatic. Can you tell?

I love having my favorite goodies, current books, lotions, potions, and yummy-smelling stuffs 

close at hand when I go to bed- and when I wake up in the morning.  I neeeed a plant next to me.  Constantly.  I secretly harbor grand plans for an austere, minimalist room with nothing but my lamp and a glass of water on the nightstand.  But, what will I read?  And what about when my feet/lips/hands/face feel dry/chapped/uncomfy?  What about those 2am thoughts that simply must be written down, immediately?! 

This nightstand-glimpse says everything about me.   That I'm obsessed with my own comfort, that I can't camp to save my life, that I pack way too much, that a lifetime of allergies dictates an ever-present hanky... and the books!  They'll tell you the real truth about me...  

I'm a sassy-mouthed wordy, a reluctant Francophile, a mama... and I'm still learning.  

 Here's a peek at the current situation:

Clockwise:

Eau de Parfum, "Brigitte" by Tocca -
Everything by Tocca feels so over-the-top glamorous. Even in jammies.

Candle, Votivo "Rush of Rose" no. 55a - So pretty and fresh. The smell reminds me of my grandma.

Mustela Baby Lotion - I've used this for 12 years... Light, refreshing, and it smells like my 3 babies!

Butter London 3-Free Nail Laquer - This polish is beautiful, durable, and free of the nasty stuff.  :)

Fresh Sugar, tinted lip balm in "Passion" - Smells amazing. Feels even better! The best.

Micron Pen by Sakura - Archinerd essential.  Kinda can't live without my 005.

Notepad by Rifle Paper Co./Artist, Anna Bond - Tricks me into thinking my to-do list is a pleasure!

Hair tie - Remember these?  I love them.  They look like gumballs!

Pin Cushion - My mom always had these around the house when I was little, and I'd pull their ponytails.

Matches - Sacred Heart by HomArt

Hand-me-down phone, courtesy of my friends at MNKR.  It's time for a new one.  :)

Plant. - Necessary.

Hanky. -  Never, ever more than a few feet away from one.  Dozens. Fijian souvenirs. Allergy gear.

Rosebud Salve - Sooo good on dry spots. Addicted to it.

Chloe - It gives me sweet dreams.

Glasses, Betsey Johnson

Books:

-Lollygag: Quirky Words for a Clever Tongue, Chronicle Books
-Bringing Up Bébé by Pamela Druckerman

Girl about... the love!

A Valentine in your hair? Absolutely!

My Pre-V-Day favorites...

Ruffled tunic, Free People

Beaded cardigan, Charlotte Tarantola

DIY'd jeans, Current Elliott

Butter London in "Come To Bed Red"

Greeting Card, "Lovesick Sea Creatures" by Jeff Claassen

Bag, Vintage (from my grandma)

Heels, Prada

Books: Love Poems" by Pablo Neruda and "Tranquilista" by Kimberly Wilson

Candle in "Macaron", Voluspa

Aaand... a humongous heart ring complete with flashing lights. :)