Words of the Wise

Pony Tail

Try it yours

Ah yes, the pony tail.  I don’t know if it is the dry Arizona climate or just the fact that I forget to “put my hair up” from day to day (with the exception of working out, doing chores or running errands on the fly).  Of course, there is no better feeling then getting hair off the back of your neck after a long day at work but in terms of everyday styling; I’ve totally neglected the up-do.  Until, recently, of course! 

I think it was the “sock bun” that inspired me to start pulling my hair back more often.  Or maybe it is a seasonal thing, as the weather gets warmer?  Hence, I am going to share with you my most favorite pony-tail style.  I don’t know the exact name of this style but hopefully the pictures and my attempt below at giving directions will fill in all the blanks.

Pony-tail style guide:

1. Absolutely, do not do this pony-tail with freshly washed hair.  You will want some dirty product in your hair to give the pony some texture and volume.  Although, do as you wish.
2. Tease your crown.  You are going to want some volume at the crown of your head and if you have bangs, give them a little bit of a tease, too.  I tease my hair almost everyday, so this step comes naturally for me.  If you prefer an absolutely sleek look, go for it.  I think this style is fool proof.
3. Lightly brush over the teased mess you have created with a soft-bristle round brush.  You will just want to smooth over what rats-nests you may have created.  Spray with a firm hold hair spray (or whatever you prefer) to keep the shape.
4. Let the hairspray dry completely and gather your hair effortlessly half way between the center of the back of your head and the bottom of your hair line.
5. Secure with a nylon hair tie (or whatever hair tie you typically use).  Slightly tease the bunch of hair that is now your pony tail for added volume.
6. You are going to gather one of the longer strands of hair falling from your pony tail (closest to your scalp).  Make sure you’ve got a good handle on the bunch of hair and begin to wrap it around the base of the pony tail (where the hair tie sits).  Wrap the hair around until it exhausts itself.  Secure and tuck the strands underneath the pony tail with two bobby pins.
7. Spray your head as you feel necessary with extra hair spray and presto—you are done!

The whole process takes about 5 minutes, max (even though my directions could be interpreted as longer then that).    

This look is uber chic, totally glamorous and wicked easy to pull-off in a hurry.  Hail to the pony tail gods, this look is fabulous!

Shades of Gray

Shower Curtain

Bathroom Concept

No, I am not talking about my mood or the popular book series.  But, rather my obsession with the color gray in regards to home décor. 

Recently, I've been adoring (most) shades of gray in a major way; especially when showcased in the home!  Gray is obviously a neutral color but don’t mistake gray as being boring or drab.  I believe the color to be super chic when paired with crisp classic white or other subtle neutrals such as beige or other neutral pastel colors. 

Gray can also stand as the perfect back splash for accent colors such as: canary yellow, ocean blue or an electrifying magenta.  While the color gray may ordinarily be perceived as uninteresting; quite the opposite is true if executed properly.  Meaning, you can leverage the color to be as dramatic or simplistic as you are comfortable going with.

To me, the color gray creates an atmosphere of both peace and tranquility (both attributes I value within a dwelling space).  The deeper the shade, the more dramatic (obviously) your space will feel.  Is your abode in need of some trendy, yet timeless flair? 

Try a shade of gray.

A Tale of Two Necklaces

 

Two great statement necklaces—with a click of a button!  After living in Flagstaff for some time, I’ve become somewhat familiar with online shopping.  Both these necklaces are standout pieces that can bought online.  Also, want to know a dirty little secret?  These styles are “knock offs” of large retail store offerings.  Think: Anthropologie and J. Crew's finest.  I will explain in specifics below.  So, take the guesswork out of shopping and simply point, click and wear! 

(One)

Inspiration: Anthropologie “Stormy Seas Necklace” 

(One) Stormy Seas Necklace

The scoop: The original “Stormy Seas Necklace” sold retail, at Anthropologie, somewhere around $100 to $250 depending on how elaborate the beadwork, etc.  Contrary to the necklaces’ popularity, it is my understanding that Anthropologie is no longer selling this necklace!  The good news: there are countless private jewelers/dealers (think Etsy, EBay, Amazon) that sell their own “knock offs” of the iconic necklace. 

Where to buy: I would recommend buying from an Etsy dealer, Fresh Eclectic Ornaments, for the most comprehensive selection of styles and affordable price.  You can even custom order your necklace from scratch!  However, doing a general search in Google Shopping for “Anthropologie Stormy Seas Necklace” will see an abundance of options! 

Additional Commentary: My only major suggestion would be to consider selecting a style with a jersey chain.  The amount of beadwork makes the necklace awfully heavy and it is comforting to have soft material lay on the back of your neck, as opposed to a metal chain.  The other fancy feature about a jersey chain is that you can tie the necklace to various lengths depending on the neckline of your shirt, etc.

(Two)

Inspiration: JCrew“Bubble Necklace”

(Two) Bubble Neckla

The scoop: This necklace has been posted all over Pinterest and I have also seen it in the JCrew store retailing for a pretty $150.  Can you find it cheaper?  You betcha!  At around $20 or less, you can absolutely purchase this necklace.

Where to buy:  If you are on a budget, I would recommend buying the “Bubble Necklace” on EBay.  However, if you are comfortable dropping $150 on the authentic necklace, I would recommend buying direct from JCrew.  Remember: when purchasing from EBay, you are probably either buying a knock-off or a factory item.  On the EBay site, simply search “JCrewNecklace” and you will see many hits.  If you’d prefer to forgo the bidding process, you can easily purchase within the “Buy Now” section. A fun necklace at an achingly affordable price? Perfection!

Additional commentary:   Again, if you are buying the “Bubble Necklace from EBay it is most likely coming from a distributor/dealer/factory owner in China.  So, do not anticipate receiving the necklace overnight.  You should prepare for the necklace to arrive no sooner than two weeks after your payment goes through, as it is being shipped from China.  I know friends who have bought through these dealers and they had complete success.  Remember, patience is a virtue!

Purr-fect Pumps!

Animal print, like floral and stripes, seem to have completely overwhelmed my closet.  Whether it be a sassy cheetah, leopard or zebra print—or even a subdued snakeskin—animal-inspired prints have drawn my attention, season after season. 

Meaning, yes, I am not afraid to wear animal print—even in the dead of winter!  In fact, this winter, I recall being stuck in a situation in front of my closet trying to pick out an outfit which did not include some kind of animal print... quite the dilemma, right?  

While I think animal print clothing is fabulous, my recent obsession has been animal print footwear (i.e. leopard pumps).  I get giddy just thinking of all the styling possibilities associated with throwing on a purr-fect pump (I had to do it!).

Sorry for being a tease, these Madewell pumps have been so popular, they sold out completely.  But good God, aren't they gorgeous?

I may be too radical in my theory but consider this: animal print is really just another neutral.  So have fun with the exquisite textures and playful prints and don’t be afraid to take a walk on the wild side!

Refresh: Date Night

Sticking to my promise to blog on a more frequent basis, I couldn’t be happier than to stumble upon this Date Night material.  Who wouldn’t be stoked to stumble upon a list of 77 Date Night Ideas? 

Believe it or not, a few weeks back, I referenced one of these Date Night Idea blog posts and it was a complete success.  One of the date suggestions was to buy a puzzle.  So, what did we do?  We bought a puzzle at a second-hand book store for $6 (in which we had in-store credit, so it puzzle was essentially free), a bottle of red wine and a ball of pizza dough to make a home-made wood-fired pizza. 

I have to tell you, I hadn’t completed a puzzle for at least ten to fifteen years prior to a few weekends ago but we had an absolute blast!  Literally, the puzzle provided some of the best entertainment we could have asked for.  Not to mention, a puzzle is an engaging way to spend time with your significant other (i.e. team work, communication, sense of accomplishment, thought-provoking).  Puzzle night was a blast and I know that Mac enjoyed himself just as much as I did. 

If puzzling isn’t your idea of fun, I found these (and added a few) date-night ideas:

• Paris night: get a baguette, French wine, and cheese!
• Blow some steam at the batting cages (yeah!)
• Watch the sunrise, then make breakfast together
• Moonlight hike (check to see when the full moon is in cycle)
• Visit garage sales and refurbish your new-found treasures
• Buy an ethnic cookbook and take a stab at preparing your very own cultural cuisine
• Go kayaking
• Act like a tourist and visit destinations within your community

For more ideas, check out the premier source: 77 Super Fun Date Ideas

Cheers to keeping date night a fresh occasion!

A Splash of Color, Please!

I know I am not alone when I say that color can be a major source of inspiration for almost any occasion.  Whether you find yourself in a position of selecting a shade of nail polish at the nail salon or caught in a pickle of choosing a lavender blouse over its neon green counterpart at your favorite boutique—these color driven choices exhibit our everyday. And, for that very reason, is why I am absolutely so in love with fashion, design and architecture.  Color has the power to motivate and enthuse beyond our wildest expectations.  And that, precisely, is why I am in love with color, color selections, color combinations, color schemes, color palettes (okay, I think I'm done now). 

The following website, Design Seeds, is a concept I fell in love with before I even knew it existed (if that is even possible?).  I first discovered this revolutionary site while browsing my Pinterest account (go figure!).  Friends had posted these neat color combinations inspired by photographs and I was instantly amused, clicked on the website and couldn’t get enough of it!  For people who feel hopelessly inspired by color, this site hits the creativity jackpot spot-on. 

I need not say much more about my experience using Design Seeds; but, I welcome you to browse around and see what creative journey this site has in store for you.

Do you have a new project you are working on around the house?  Are you planning a wedding or pitching a concept at work?  These color combo palettes may just be the solution to elevate your idea to the next level.  Or, do you simply feeling bare-bones dull and uninspired and need a dose of color inspiration?  Open Design seeds and you’ll feel instantly amused.  My philosophy being: Design Seeds was created to help you appreciate the color around you so you, too, can live brilliantly!

Cinco de Mayo

Blackberry Margarita

Ahhh, weekend!  I’m so glad we meet again. 

Tomorrow is Cinco de Mayo; do you have any fun festivities planned?  Will you make a margarita from scratch?  Brew some delicious homemade sangria?  Gather with friends for a Mexican fiesta equipped with spicy fajitas, fresh guacamole and/or crunchy tacos?  The possibilities seem limitless.  And, on that note, I seem to have developed quite the appetite!

What's more thirst quenching than an ice cold margarita?  

This blackberry margarita looks like a refreshing spin on the classical margarita and a fusion of flavors I’d love to try.

I have not made this recipe but my mouth is watering just looking at those juicy berries!

Ingredients

For the Blackberry Syrup:
1 cup blackberries (fresh preferred but frozen (thawed) will work)
¾ cup simple syrup

For the Blackberry Margarita:
2 ½ oz tequila
2 oz blackberry syrup
1 oz triple sec
1 oz lime juice
½ oz simple syrup

 

Directions 

For the Blackberry Syrup: 

Combine blackberries and simple syrup in a blender or small food processor and puree until smooth. Pour into a fine mesh strainer over a container and push through the strainer using a spatula to separate the seeds and skins from the syrup. Store the syrup in an air tight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.

Blackberry Margarita:
Combine ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice and shake well. Fill glass with ice and pour in cocktail. Garnish with blackberries.

Seems simple enough, right?  Now if only 5pm would just hurry up and get here!

Have a fun-filled and safe weekend of celebration.

Kombucha

Cherry Chia Kombucha

Oh hey, blog.  Nice to see you, again.  I’ve seen I’ve neglected you, again.  I am sorry and I offer my sincerest apologies. 

Okay, so what’s new in the life of Rachel?  Not too much I’d say.  I am so happy spring has officially arrived.  With a trace of color on my skin, I am happy to report I have been incorporating pastels into my wardrobe like its my j-o-b and the pastel colors make me feel extra feminine and youthful (not a bad combo, eh?).  Mixing the pastel pieces with bold bright hues has been a fun way to remix my spring closet.  Statement necklaces have continued to inspire me and my collection seems to be growing at an exponential rate.

Also, I have discovered a deep obsession for drinking Kombucha (ancient fermented tea elixir).  I started writing a blog post on my love for Kombucha last week but I didn’t have the motivation to finish and post it, oops!  So maybe I’ll do a brief recap here and now to get the whole thing over with.

Bottom line: I highly recommend the GT’s Synergy Kombucha.  My favorite flavors are: Cosmic Cranberry, Gingerade and my beloved Cherry Chia.  Kombucha offers a multitude health benefits including: increased energy levels, a decreased appetite, an aid in digestion, healthier skin and hair, and even a stronger immune system.  Be careful, this product is dangerously addicting. Also, I do know a few people who have had adverse reactions to this product and I do believe this product is a natural diuretic, so be easy if you are a Kombucha virgin!  Also, many of the flavors (especially the originals) are fermented; therefore, do not shake before opening unless you are prepared to be sprayed. 

My favorite flavor, as mentioned above, is the Cherry Chia.  The Chia flavors contain chia seeds and come in three delicious flavors (grape, raspberry and cherry).  The chia seeds bring their own added health benefits to the already healthy beverage.  Drinking the Chia Kombucha is similar to sipping on liquid Jello—it is that much fun!  The consistency of the tea is so fun and enjoyable to drink.  What more?  The chia seed is a nutrient-rich super food that provides sustained energy for your body.  How so?  The chia seed is packed with more than 8 times the omega-3’s found in salmon and contains more antioxidants than blueberries and more fiber than oatmeal.  A truly incredible super food, indeed.

Try GT’s Synergy Kombucha at your local supermarket or natural health foods grocer.  Safeway offers a large selection at an affordable price (around $3 a bottle).  Check it out!