Let's Talk Hair -- {Hana Flat Iron Review from Misikko!}

Hello lovelies!  I'm back to talk hair with y'all.  Yes, hair.  My hair is one of the things I take the most care of!  I visit the salon once a month for color and am always styling it everyday. {Surprisingly, it's very healthy!}    I am a big fan of both curling my hair and wearing it straight.  A few weeks ago,  the awesome people at Misikko presented me with the opportunity to review their Hana Pro 1" hair straightener.  Of course, I jumped at the chance!  I was so psyched to give it a try and was pleasantly surprised to see a few other goodies sent with it!  

As soon as it came, I tried it out.  It heated up quickly and was very smooth over my hair.   I have wavy/slightly curly hair to begin with and have had the keratin treatment in the past so my hair straightens pretty easily.  I went over it a few times and my hair was left straight and soft.  I could have went over it more for a straighter/sleeker look but I prefer my hair with body so I was happy with its overall appearance!

{The pictures below show two separate times I use the Hana 1" Straightener.}

{I was sick so don't mind my appearance here! ;)}

 So while I love my hair straight and thought it did its job well, I'm thinking that I look better with curls!  

Maybe I'll just have to check out the curling irons selection at Misikko!  ;)

So there you have it!  Do you prefer to straighten or curl your hair?

Anyone ever tried a Misikko product before?  What did you think?

Happy Monday! xo

To Blog or Not To Blog?

I feel like that's the big question I'm always asking myself.  Every time I come back from a mysterious disappearance from the blog world, I say that I'm going to make a come back and try and get back into the swing of things and stick around.  And well, I've said that about 3-4 times over the last few months and my comeback has never lasted more than a handful of posts.   

I just don't know what it is.  BUT . . . I keep wanting to come back.

Things are definitely different for me now in comparison to when I started blogging.  I have a lot of my plate.  Over the past few months, I've made the absolute best of my summer!  I've done so many amazing things that have keep me busy 24/7 but I have to admit that I kinda miss having this place to share it.  Now that school is starting, I'll go back to working 3 jobs.  It's really a lot to handle and I'm just afraid if I try to start up again that I won't be able to stick around.

Honestly, I don't even know why I'm rambling away.  I guess I wanted to be real with you guys and just fill you in on where I disappeared to.  I am so grateful to all my loyal readers who have stuck around and haven't unfollowed when there were no updated posts in the feed.  My blog has even continued to grow with followers in my absence and that amazes me.  I think that's what encourages me the most to find a way to make a comeback because I do love the blogging community and all the friends I've made!

So with that being said, I'm not really sure what this blog's future holds but I appreciate each and every one of you who have supported me on this journey!  You rock! 

And well since there are no rules here in the blogging world,  I may be popping up again soon!  You just never know! ;)

Until next time!  XOXO  

A Fifty Shades Inspired Trip?

Hello lovelies!  So if y'all follow me anywhere on social media, you'll know that I love to travel and have been severally bitten by the travel bug.   

{seriously!}

I'm constantly planning trips and have quite the travel bucket list that I'm slowly but surely trying to tackle! ;)

You can see it here!  {That reminds me ... it's probably it need of an update to show some progress made!  Another time ;) Anyone else have a travel bucket list?}

Well on that list, I mention that I'd like to go to Portland, Oregon and Seattle, Washington.

This is one of the items that needs updating.  I haven't been there but I have new plans for myself when I do finally make it there.   

I have to find someone . . . 

Any guesses on who that may be?! 

Yep, that would be Christian Grey! 

I would love to visit Escala in Seattle and the Heathman Hotel in Portland.  

{I wrote a post about Escala a few months ago -- you can find it here.}

{Escala}

{Heathman}

Can you believe that hotels are now offering "Fifty Shades" packages?!

{via}

{excerpt via CNN Article -- you can read it all here.}

In addition to the Heathman, other packages at various hotels include . . .  

Unless Christian Grey is included, I'm not sure!  But I'd still love to stop by Escala and the Heathman when I do get to visit Seattle and Portland! :)

What do you think?  Would you ever want to live out your fantasies with one of these packages? ;) HAHA

Happy Thursday! xo 

 {photos / information via 1 / 2}

You Can't Plan Everything

With my birthday approaching, I've been doing a lot of thinking.  I always thought that I'd be at a different spot in my life by now {I'm going to be 28}.  I thought that I would have a successful career, be married, own a home, and be just about ready to start a family.  

Originally, I thought that I had none of those things.  

But I realized after thinking about it that I do have a successful career.  I have been a teacher for 6 years.  I may not have any job security {since I'm let go each year} but that is not my fault {thank you, horrible economy!}.  I work my behind off everyday to make sure that I have a job each school year and so far I have.  I have faced many challenges and struggles but I do always end up with something so with that being said I guess that I can say that I do have a successful career.   

So I have one of the previously mentioned things.  

The others are a work in progress.  And you know what ... that's okay!

Why?  Because there is a plan for everyone.  

"But I have learned that you can't just create your own timetable and will it to come true." 
-- Emily Giffin, Something Borrowed

And as much as I love to plan, there are things that are outside of your control that you can't plan.   

When it is my time to find the perfect person for me, I will.  

When it is time for me to own a home, I will.  

When it is time for me to start preparing for a family,  I will.  

But until then,  I've come to see that so many other things have happened in my life that I wouldn't take back for anything!  I've been so lucky to have tons and tons of amazing experiences that I will remember for a lifetime!  I have the best family and friends a girl could ever ask for, I have the sweetest dog, I travel, do things I love, and get to see new things, I laugh and enjoy life everyday, and most importantly, I am happy and healthy.

And that's all that matters.  Everything happens for a reason and one day, I will have all of the things I've always wanted!

So forget thinking like this . . .

Source: polyvore.com via Michelle on Pinterest

And remember . . .

Source: occasionallycrafty.blogspot.com via Michelle on Pinterest

Source: polyvore.com via Michelle on Pinterest

Source: quotediary.me via Michelle on Pinterest

Source: kushandwizdom.tumblr.com via Michelle on Pinterest

Source: thatonerule.com via Michelle on Pinterest

So that's my piece for today! I'm sure many of you can relate! Well at least I hope you can! ;) 

Live your life to the fullest! Don't plan, just enjoy it with a smile! :) 

Happy Wednesday! xo 

Winner Winner, Chicken Dinner!

Hello lovelies!  I'm totally slacking in the blog world and am struggling tremendously with blog topics so if you have any suggestions for me I'm all ears! :)

I do have exciting news to share!  Y'all know how much I love my Jason Aldean and how much he means to me so I'm happy to announce that he has new music coming out!  On Monday, his new song,  Take A Little Ride, will be hitting radio stations!  I CANNOT WAIT!  I've been itching for new music for months and months!  

.... and ....

WE WON a contest!  My mom and I entered Jason's "Fly Over States" contest and were so happy to find out we were the winners!  We submitted our paper airplane through my mom's account so she got the recognition but she deserves it the most!  She introduced me to Jason over five years ago and I'm so lucky that thanks to her we are able to fly all over to see him!  Our bond has grown even more through our love for him and I will always be grateful for our special relationship!

So that's that! :)

And again, if you have blog topic suggestions, feel free to throw them my way!

Happy Tuesday! xo

2012 Bucket List UPDATE

Hello lovelies!  Since we're halfway through 2012 {can you believe it?!}, I thought it was time to do a BUCKET LIST UPDATE!  I was even thinking about creating a summer bucket list ... hmm, what do you think?!  

My 2012 Bucket List 

• visit at least 5 new places  WORK IN PROGRESS: (1) Nashville, Tennessee,  (2) Atlanta, Georgia, (3) Athens, Georgia, (4) Macon, Georgia, and soon-to be (5) Denver, Colorado [trip is planned for July 20-23]

{Atlanta and Athens, Georgia}

{Macon, Georgia}

 

• continue to travel for Jason Aldean concerts  WORK IN PROGRESS:  (1) Nashville, TN, (2) East Rutherford, NJ, (3) Atlanta, GA, (4) Nashville, TN,  (5) Camden, NJ, (6) Bethel, NY,  (7) Holmdel, NJ  ** Tickets have been purchased for #'s 5 , 6 & 7-- they just haven't happened yet ;) 

• visit 10 new (non-chain) restaurants  WORK IN PROGRESS:   (1) H20 {sushi}; (2) Fancy Lee {sushi}; (3) Joe's Crab Shack {Nashville!}; (4) Glen's Dinette, (5) Monsoon, (6) West Egg Cafe {Atlanta!}, (7) Sticky Fingers {Macon!}, (8) Burgers, BBQ, & Brews {Atlanta!}

{Georgia Benedict at West Egg Cafe} 

• read 20 books   WORK IN PROGRESS  (21/20)  -- I've also decided to increase my goal to 30

Books Read:

(1)  The Fidelity Files by Jessica Brody

(2)  Love Under Cover by Jessica Brody

(3)  Fifty Shades of Grey  by E L James

(4)  Fifty Shades Darker by E L James

(5) Fifty Shades Freed by E L James

(6)  Wife by Wednesday by Catherine Bybee

(7) The Marriage Bargain by Jennifer Probst

(8) She Woke Up Married by Suzanne MacPherson

(9) Hysterical Blondeness by Suzanne MacPherson

(10)  And One Last Thing... by Molly Harper

(11)  The Lucky One by Nicholas Sparks

(12)  Perfect Timing by Jill Mansell

(13)  Good in Bed by Jennifer Weiner

(14)  Single in the City by Michelle Gorman
(15) Simply Irresistible by Jill Shalvis
(16)  Sweetest Thing by Jill Shalvis
(17) Head Over Heels by Jill Shalvis
(18)  Small Town Christmas by Jill Shalvis
(19)  The Diary of Darcy J. Rhone by Emily Giffin
(20) Married by Monday by Catherine Bybee
(21) Where We Belong by Emily Giffin  

• bake and cook at least 5 NEW recipes each month  WORK IN PROGRESS  {Update posts on the blog 1 / 2 / 3 }
• go to more Yankee games and a football game
• participate in volunteer/charity work and raise money for a good cause  
• have a spa day
• continue to be crafty    Does making a photo book on Shutterfly count?!    
• LIVE each day to the fullest!   ALWAYS!!
• reach my ideal weight -- work-out and cook healthy regularly (at least 3-4 days a week) WORK IN PROGRESS: I am going to the gym a few days a week and doing my best to eat healthy.  
• take photography classes 
• go sky-diving

I'm actually very proud of the updates on this list!  It looks like I'll be able to cross a lot off come the end of the year! :)


Do you have a bucket list?  What is on your list?

Happy Tuesday! xo

Lots of Instagrammin' in June

Hello lovelies!  I'm playing catch up today!  Are you ready for some instagram photo overload?!

Here are all of my instagram pictures from JUNE since I've slacked on linking up weekly!
{If you follow me already, I'm sorry you're seeing these again!}

{The best time of my life . . . CMA FEST in NASHVILLE!}

{More from CMA FEST in Nashville!}

I'm still debating how I am going to share all of my pictures!  These are just some of my favorites from my trip!

{Eden's Edge / my puppy love / pretty flowers / a clean room / polished nails / delicious food / elementary school friends / a vintage 1960's camera}

Are you on instagram?  Look for me . . .  @missblondiexo

{Linking up Savanah & Ashlee}

Happy Monday! xo

It's JULY!

Hello lovelies!  July is here!  July is one of my favorite months!  I wonder why?!  Hmm... maybe because it's my birth month that I happen to also share with my little puppy love, Brandi.  :)

June wasn't the best month for me between ending work and having surgery {debating on whether or not I should share my story} but I did travel to Nashville for CMA Fest and I guess it makes June sound not so bad! :)   July, on the other hand, I am more excited for!  I have so much going on this month!

Let's see what I've got going on  . . . 

Source: google.com via Amanda on Pinterest

Freedom Fest concert with Jana Kramer, Kip Moore, Jerrod Nieman, Justin Moore, and Dierks Bentley

Source: gigglesgalorenmore.blogspot.com via Adelle on Pinterest

4th of July BBQ

Source: magicsprings.com via Lindsey on Pinterest

Josh Turner concert

Source: planetgapyear.com via Danielle on Pinterest

Trip to Denver, Colorado

Source: cmt.com via Nichole on Pinterest

Thompson Square concert {in Denver}

Source: google.com via Lori on Pinterest

Kenny Chesney, Tim McGraw, and Jake Owen concert {Brothers of the Sun tour in Denver}

Source: jasonaldean.com via Dawn on Pinterest

And the best for last . . . Jason Aldean concert for my birthday!  {Yes, he's coming here to see me ;)}

Source: circleofmoms.com via Lori on Pinterest

Can't forget all the BIRTHDAY celebrations!

You're probably saying that's a lot of concerts! If you know me, you know I'm a concert junkie and if you're new to the blog, then you now know I love country music and concerts! :)

 What are you looking forward to in JULY? xo

Book Review: Where We Belong

Hello lovelies!  I've been on such a reading kick lately and have almost completed my reading goal for the year already!  Can you believe it?  Time to up that goal!  You can follow my recent reads on Goodreads, if you'd like.  Find me here.  :)

Speaking of Goodreads, I was very lucky to win an advance copy giveaway of the book, Where We Belong by Emily Giffin.  Emily Giffin is one of my favorite authors!

{Where We Belong will be released on July 24, 2012!}

Synopsis:  The author of five blockbuster novels, Emily Giffin, delivers an unforgettable story of two women, the families that make them who they are, and the longing, loyalty and love that binds them together.

Marian Caldwell is a thirty-six year old television producer, living her dream in New York City. With a fulfilling career and satisfying relationship, she has convinced everyone, including herself, that her life is just as she wants it to be. But one night, Marian answers a knock on the door . . . only to find Kirby Rose, an eighteen-year-old girl with a key to a past that Marian thought she had sealed off forever. From the moment Kirby appears on her doorstep, Marian’s perfectly constructed world—and her very identity—will be shaken to its core, resurrecting ghosts and memories of a passionate young love affair that threaten everything that has come to define her.

For the precocious and determined Kirby, the encounter will spur a process of discovery that ushers her across the threshold of adulthood, forcing her to re-evaluate her family and future in a wise and bittersweet light. As the two women embark on a journey to find the one thing missing in their lives, each will come to recognize that where we belong is often where we least expect to find ourselves—a place that we may have willed ourselves to forget, but that the heart remembers forever. {via goodreads}

REVIEW: {as it appears on goodreads}  As a huge fan of Emily Giffin books, I was extremely excited when I won an advance copy of Where We Belong.  When it arrived, I couldn't wait to tear into it and once I started, I didn't put it down until I was done!  

The writing style in this book was very similar to Emily Giffin's other books, which was one thing that drew me in instantly.  I love how she uses her gift of storytelling and great attention to detail to draw her readers into the lives of the characters in each of her books.  All of her books are also told through first-person narration, which really helps you to get into the mindset of the main character.  Where We Belong, was similar to Heart of the Matter, in the sense that it alternated between the two main characters, Marian and Kirby's points of view.   It was very easy to follow and helped give more depth into their lives, relationships, and more importantly, what they were thinking and how they were feeling.  

Without saying too much about the storyline,  Where We Belong, is about a woman named Marian in her mid 30's, who is questioning her future with her current boyfriend, when unexpectedly an eighteen year old girl named Kirby shows up at her door changing everything.  Kirby is Marian's daughter, a daughter she gave up for adoption 18 years ago.  As the story unfolds, you learn what Marian's life was like at eighteen years old, why she made the choices she made, and what Kirby's life was like growing up and what brought her to the decision of searching for her birth mother. As you learn all of those things, you begin to see a formation of a different relationship between Marian and Kirby and how different events shape you, teach you, and cause you to reevaluate where you are in life and find where you belong! 

Where We Belong is a heartfelt and emotional story, that will hook you in and one you will not want to put down!  Emily Giffin fans (especially) will not be disappointed!  DEFINITELY A MUST READ!

Have you read any Emily Giffin books?  Which one is your favorite?

{I'm linking up with Heather at Blonde .. Undercover Blonde for Book Club Friday!  If you've read any books and have reviewed them on your blog, feel free to join!  I always look forward to adding new books to my reading list!}

Happy Reading! xo

{images via google.com}

COACH Sale

Hello lovelies!  I decided to have a blog sale with some accessories. 

All items are either brand-new or used in like new condition unless otherwise noted.

All single purchased items offer free shipping. 

{Sorry for the sun glare, they look brand new.  No marks or scratches.  Perfectly clean.}

COACH signature wedge sandals {size 9.5; could fit size 9 comfortably as well}

LIKE NEW condition -- only worn once.  

Retail value: $94

PRICE:  $50.00 (or best offer) with FREE SHIPPING

COACH green & gold bangle

LIKE NEW condition -- only worn a handful times.  

Retail value: 98.00

PRICE:  $30.00 {or best offer} with FREE SHIPPING

Feel free to let me know if you have any questions!  And if you see something you like but want to negotiate the price, let me know and maybe we can work something out! :)

If you're interested,  please let me know in a comment below with your e-mail address.

Items are on a first come, first serve basis!

All payments will be collected via paypal.

Thank you!

Have a great day! xo