PURPLE!!

I have been wanting to dye my hair purple for over a year now and finally got up the guts to ask my bosses for the O.K.  I just wasn't sure if it was professional enough for the office environment I'm in, and I didn't even know if it was professional to ASK (you can tell I'm quite the overthinker . .)  Well, they O.K.ed the color change, and I am happy to say that I will be taking the color plunge early next week!

Here are a couple inspiration pictures (found on Pinterest) of the color / shade I'm going for.  A lot like Kelly Osbourne (:

 

I am so excited and can't WAIT to post pictures of the finished product!!

Feeling Colorful

I picked up this little baby before we took our trip to Mexico last month.  It is truly the perfect tunic, and I wore it almost every day while we were in Mexico.

I have been wanting to incorporate more color into my daily outfits lately, so I thought I'd give it a whirl for work.

The multicolor chevron tunic is from Francescas

I am loving these studded loafers lately and have been wearing them quite often.  I feel like they 'chic'-en up any outfit.  From F21

I recently started following http://hello-gorgeous-blog.blogspot.com/ and am definitely feeling inspired.  She makes daily dressing fun and takes all her pictures with her phone.  Hey . . I can do that :D

Tiny Moments

 Such a sweet baby.

 My handsome boy.

 Niece Tayla playing dress up with Auntie JoJo's shoes.

Talya's take on what Auntie JoJo should be wearing.

When I see stars, that's all they are

I love, love, love this star sweater.  Cautionary note: It sheds.  A lot.

Putting a collared shirt under a sweater / top is something so easy to do to completely change your look.

 I also love the look of a necklace over a collared anything.

 Yes, i know my legs are white.

Collared Shirt - Express / Sweater - F21 / Necklace - Francesca's / Pants - Gap / Shoes - F21

UGHS. #notokbutdoingitanyway

Just a random outfit post . . . because I can (I meant that in the least brash way possible, promise.)  This outfit really isn't that inventive / trendy / cute, but what the hay.

They actually don't look that bad!  O.K. O.K. I'm just making 'comfy' excuses.

I do love this sweater.

Look, our carpet looks clean!  It's an illusion!!

Sweater - Crossroads Trading Co / Jacket - Papaya / Necklace - francesca's / Jeans - Sway Chic / You know where the boots are from . . . :D

Healthy Eating

You know . . . because I'm such an expert . . . (insert heavy sarcasm here.)

Let's be real.  I love my cheese and candy, and I haven't worked out consistently in months.  But I'm-a-changin'.  Yes, I am.  And you can too!  It's really easy, promise.  My healthy tip of the week is going to the grocery store on your break at work, buying stuff to make salad, and keeping it in your work refrigerator.  It's really that easy.  And cheap too!  I spent less than $17 at the store for lettuce, cauliflower, tomatos, onions, lemons, and avocado that will probably last me a week.  At least.  Factor in going out to eat everyday for a week, and you are definitely saving money.  Another tip: try substituting salad dressings for lemon juice - healthier and cheaper (:

My beautiful salad (yummy too:)

One of my reasons for getting healthier is to have more energy to play with these adorable pups.

Yeah, Mom.  That's the spot, right there.

Tiny Moments

Hope you all enjoyed your weekend and got your taxes done :D

Cheese!

If you know me, then you know I have a love affair (er, obsession) with cheese.  That's why I was so stoked to find these 'Cheezy Jalapeno Muffins' (as I call them) on Joy The Baker.

My finished product.  They are so yummy and moist inside.

Also, they are super easy to make.  Trust me, if I can do it, you can!

First, preheat your oven to 375 F and start by greasing and adding a bit of flour to a 12-muffin tin so that the muffins don't stick when cooked.

Then, mix 1 1/2 cups flour, 1 tablespoon baking powder, 1 tablespoon granulated sugar,

and 1/2 teaspoon salt in a medium-big bowl.

Get another bowl (small-medium) and mix 1 egg, 1/4 cup melted butter, and 1 cup whole milk.

Add both of the bowls you just made into one big bowl and mix it all up.  Next, add 3 cups of grated sharp cheddar cheese (or whatever cheese you like) and 3 tablespoons of diced jalapeno peppers (this is not spicy, so if you like it spicy, double up!)

Lastly, pour the batter into your muffin tin and cook for 25 minutes.

I was able to use a spatula and scoop the muffins out of the tins right out of the oven without them crumbling at all.

Enjoy!

Lemon Yellow Face Mask

I recently broke out all over my face, chest, back, and other areas of my body in tiny, itchy bumps.  After a quick doctor's visit, it was deduced that I'm allergic to the sun . . . and sunscreen.  I can only use super mild / sensitive products for my skin, and that includes anything that could end up touching my skin; IE: laundry detergent.

I expressed my discontent to my boyfriend about not being able to go cosmetic shopping like normal for fun, girly products (sometimes I think I like the pretty packaging more than actually using the product.)  But the more I thought about it, it seemed to turn into a positive.  Natural, homemade products are great for sensitive skin and affordable.  It also gave me the idea to try facial masks made of household items to nourish and moisturize my dry skin.  I think I'll make it a regular feature on here, so please let me know if you have any fun concoctions you'd like to share (:

I call this recipe the 'Lemon Yellow' Face Mask.

Mix the following and apply to your face:
-1 egg
-1 teaspoon of Olive Oil
-1 teaspon lemon juice
After 10 minutes, wash off.  It's as simple as that!

 

I found that the mask tightened, firmed, and left my skin feeling silky smooth.  It also smells amazing!  I don't know if this is wishful thinking, but I feel like the soothing nature of the mixture also decreased the redness and itchiness from my face.

Inspired Dressing

I recently read a blog post from the fabulous Cupcakes and Cashmere on 'Inspired Dressing'.  Emily, the blog's head honcho, suggests arranging your closet in a way that inspires you.  Namely, adding personal touches like pictures and pieces you're loving at the moment.  Since I am on quite a strict budget these days, I'll take any tips on personalizing a space without dishing out the dough.  Below are two photos of a little rearranging I did in my closet to make it more pretty.  Please ignore the cheap, mismatched hangers (I said I'm on a budget!)  This is a great, fast, and easy way to revamp your space without spending any money at all.

Not the ideal hangers (I would like to get nicer ones that all match), but I rearranged my clothing based on color and added items of mine that I'm loving right now + a few personal items.

A beautiful piece my boyfriend bought me last Christmas from Society 6

Tropicana

I absolutely LOVE that tropical prints are still going strong.  It's like the modern take on the cheezy 'Casual Friday' hawaiian button-up, dontcha think?  Except 12397893750384502348 xs better.  Here are some budget finds to wet your Hawaii Five-0 whistle.

Love the color of this gorgeous print top from Forever 21

Adorable print bustier from Macys

Uber cute tropical fedora from Forever 21

Chic version of the trend from Asos

Our Youngest Daughter

My boyfriend and I decided a while ago that we wanted to adopt a third dog.  Particularly, we wanted to find a dog that was rescued or came from a high kill shelter.  Warren (being the craigslist king that he is) stumbled across an organization called DPS (Doggie Protective Services :).  They rescue dogs from terrible situations (set to be put down, abandoned, etc.), foster them, and work dilligently on finding them loving homes. 

DPS had a story about a breed of 1/2 husky 1/2 heeler pups that were found abandoned, in the wild, with absolutely no hair.  A lady took them in and nursed them back to health using hydrogen peroxide mixture baths.  Note: this was after she had taken them to vet and was told to put them all down.

Thank God (Buddha, Allah, or whoever) for this lady.  We met all four pups and chose a sweet baby girl we ended up naming Mac to come home with us.  She has been the most amazing addition to our family, and I am brought to tears when I think about all that she has been through in the short time she has been on this planet.

The picture that went along with the story that convinced us to go and meet these pups.

Our girl is the one on the far left.

Since this picture, all have been adopted into loving homes.

Mac hard at work with Daddy (:

We have the luxury of Warren working in a dog-friendly environment so that she does not have to be left alone at home.

Mac at Uvas Reservoir.  She's a better swimmer than her big sisters!

Mac with her sister/bff/idol/trouble making mentor - Mickey.

Mac Rosene White the first day we brought her home (:

Holiday, celebrate.

My family isn't religious and doesn't place too much significance on the 'meaning' of holidays.  Holidays are more of just a time for us to all get together, and that's why I love 'em.  It's difficult to get everybody together with hectic schedules, and holidays allow for no excuses (work, other events, etc.)!  Here are a couple pictures from Easter with the fam.

My hunny and baby niece, Talya.

My dress is from lulus

Love this picture of her < 3

Beautiful Grammy and Talya

If you ask Talya how old Grammy is, she says '14'.

If you ask Talya how old Papa is, she says 'Really Old' lol.

Seester and Dire

Laughter is the best medicine.

I'm full of cliches.  But really, laughter is the best medicine.  I have been re-realizing this in the past week, and having dinner with my girlfriends last night cemented it.  Why have I briefly forgotten this truth and stopped laughing as much?  It must be because I'm such a serious adult now - paying my own, rent, bills, and whatnot.  Well I vow to begin anew.  To take myself less seriously.  Laughing lets you escape from all of the bull.  But of course there is the non-bull as well.  Most of my friends have something serious going on in their lives right now that I wouldn't dare laugh at.  However, taking time out to laugh about something (anything!) can make a world of a difference.  Try it, and I promise you'll feel better (: