Monday, October 31, 2011

All About Hair

So I finally get to show off my haircut decision. I know you've been sitting on the edge of your seats all weekend waiting for the reveal.....
As it turns out, I did decide to chop off a few inches of locks. Not a ton--3 inches--maybe 4 with the layers. However it feels SO SHORT to me. My hair hasn't been this 'short' in forever. I get that it's still considered to be long hair but it feels short to me. Pieces fall out of my pony tail....I can't remember the last time that happened. I like it though. It feels so fresh. Very healthy. It's a good change even though it's not a huge change. I like.
(Shirt--J.Crew. Jeans--Rich & Skinny. Oxfrords--Staccato (China)

Since we're talking about hair, I thought I'd share my favorite hair products. I get asked what my favorites are A LOT. When I say I've tried all the hair products out there, I'm not exaggerating. So here we go on my opinion of the best products out there.
Let's start with the products I could never live without. Big Sexy Root Pump and Bumble and Bumble Grooming Cream. The BS Root Pump is my all-time favorite product and has been since my first week of beauty school. It elevates your roots like non-other. Some people don't like the way it feels the first few times you use it--it definitely has that 'I can tell there's product in my hair' feeling but if you use it a few times you get over it. And it's worth it.

The B&B Grooming Cream is what I use when I curl my hair. Again--I put it in wet hair. It really helps in molding hair the way you want it to look. It's also my favorite product for men who like to have 'messy' hair. I put it in their hair dry because it doesn't give them that 'wet' look but the perfectly 'Brad Pitt I Didn't Try Hard' look.

Shampoo: I honestly love a lot of Shampoo's. I switch it up a lot. But if I could recommend a brand that's very consistent with great shampoo/conditioner that I'm never disappointed in it would be Redken and Bumble. I could say a lot of wonderful things about both but I'll just say both brands are winners.
Hairspray: While I mix it up a lot with my shampoo I tend to stick with my favorites on hairspray. Big Sexy Spray & Play, Bed Head Masterpiece, and Sebastian Shaper are my go-to's. Shaper is the firmest, followed by Big Sexy and Masterpiece plain smells delicious.
Just Because: Tonic from Bumble is wonderful. It's the greatest smelling product ever. It's like a lotion for your hair--spray it in wet hair daily. Equally great for guys and girls. It's also a good product for spiffing up your do and giving it a little revival in the middle of the day especially if you wear your hair naturally curly.
Poof Help: If you have that difficult hair that can't seem to hold a poof--put this in your hair. Aveda Pure Abundance. It's a powder. Sprinkle it in your dry roots and it helps give it that little oomph that your stubborn hair needs to get a good lift. Not gonna lie, you will very much be able to tell you have some type of product in your hair.
Healthy Help: Finally, this is for all of those girls out there that need a little help in the unhealthy department--Particularly those blondes who get a lot of color frequently. It's A Ten is what hairstylists call a miracle product. If you have damaged hair, you will be able to tell a difference in your locks by the time you finish this bottle. It's like a leave-in-conditioner (by the way, I recommend EVERYONE use a leave-in-conditioner) and it helps repair your hair in a really great way. Spritz in every day before you dry your hair. If you have really damaged hair, or if you get your hair colored a lot, I highly recommend a deep conditioning treatment at your favorite salon at least two times a month. I'm really big on keeping hair healthy.

If nothing else, please use conditioner. I can't tell you how many of my (former) clients don't use a conditioner which is so crazy to me. Your hair will get VERY DAMAGED if you don't. They always say "If I use conditioner my hair gets too soft and I can't fix it." I get it--but that's what products are for!!!

Sunday, October 30, 2011

China Photobook

Here's a few shots of China I took with my camera I thought I would share with you guys. I don't have a lot from Hong Kong because my battery ran out. PLUS, this camera is so stinkin heavy and literally makes my back ache if I carry it all day! So I didn't take as many photos as I probably would on a trip but I got enough to get the jist. Enjoy!













Thursday, October 27, 2011

Delay

I've been trying to blog all day but Blogger is being difficult and won't let me upload pictures. Therefore, I cannot reveal my hair decision to you yet. Blogger messes up all the time! I'm so over it.
Other than my hair appointment and a little Halloween costume tweaking, my day didn't involve much. I had 3 episodes of Greys Anatomy to catch up on. Ive been watching that show since the very first episode but I'm kinda over it now. I play with my phone while it's on almost the whole time but I don't want to quit watching it. It's like a book for me. Once I start it, I have to stay committed.
Time for bed. No Ambien tonight. Crossing my fingers I can actually get good sleep. Excited for the weekend tomorrow! It's going to be a very, very fun one. Will explain next week. :)

Costumes & Haircuts

Happy Hump Day! I spent my day searching for a Halloween costume and I managed to find (almost) exactly what I was looking for! Scotts friends are having a party Saturday night and I always love a good Halloween costume party. Scott typically hates getting dressed up because he always feels stupid but I think he's okay with our costume choice this year. I originally wanted to go as Mary Poppins and Bert because I saw a super cute couple dressed as that on Pintrest but Scott ax'd that idea. Bummer. It would have been so adorable! You can steal that idea if you want.
I'm getting my hair cut tomorrow and I'm having such a hard time deciding what I want to do. I never really make it a big deal because I typically just get a good trim. I can't decide this time if I want to do the same and keep letting my hair get longer OR copy Lea Michele's do circa SAG Awards 2011. Tough choice....
I'm addicted to Ambiens I think. My doctor got me some for China and I took one every night to help with the time change and I slept SO good!! Then, I took two on the flight back from China and slept 12 straight hours! Amazing. The 15 hour flight suddenly became 3 hours and I was beyond delighted when I woke up as the pilot announced we were descending. Greatest flight moment ever.
Since I've been home I've taken 2. I have a lot (sorta) left and I know once they're gone that'll be that. Mom told me to be careful and not get dependent on them. It's just so nice to be able to fall asleep within 20 minutes of taking it and actually STAYING asleep. It's a whole new way of sleep for me and I really, really like it. Ahh to just be normal and sleep well like most people do. That would be so nice.
M'kay this is starting to kick in. I'll let you know what my hair decision was tomorrow. :)



Tuesday, October 25, 2011

Happy Birthday Holly!!

Today my sweet, loyal, precious, adorable and perfect little girl turned 15.


Holly Luttrell I love you more than you could ever know! Then again, I think you know how much I love you. Your sweet and loyal heart is why your family loves you as much as we do. We had no idea that 15 years ago, a 7 pound furball of spunk would capture our hearts as much as it has. We also didn't know that we would be lucky to have you in our lives as long as we have! I don't know what I did to deserve as good, smart, sweet and perfect dog--for so many years--but I thank God for such a wonderful blessing every single day. He knows how much I love you and how much happiness you bring me and I think that's why he's let you bless my life for such a long time! There will never be another like you. They say you only get one great dog in your life. I know without a doubt you will always be that one great dog that I'll think of every day and will forever hold a special place in my heart. There is nothing I wouldn't do for you and nothing I would change about you. You are my everything. Happy Birthday Sweet Holly!!



Friday, October 21, 2011

Back To The States

It looks as if I'm doing two Friday posts but it's Saturday here so that's just not the case! I'm sitting in the airport waiting to go home. I'll arrive in Little Rock in exactly 24 hours. Then there's the dreaded drive to NWA which I'm hoping I'll be capable of doing when I touch down. If not, I'll stay at my parents house but I'm VERY anxious to give my two favorite people lots of hugs and kisses so I'm praying for sleep on the plane and plenty of energy! I'm going to take an Ambien on the flight this go-round. I didn't on the way here and couldn't sleep well at all and was SO TIRED by the time I got to Shanghai. I just hope it can really knock me out and not make me just groggy. That would be miz!!!


My China trip was good. About what I expected. The food was a bit of a disappointment, like I said yesterday, but it wasn't horrible. Mom and I finally had a good meal last night. We went to Mortons and it was heaven!! Plus, the view was incredible. Top that off with a bottle of Schramsberg and we ended our trip to China in a pretty fab way!


I'm coming home with an extra suitcase full of artwork, clothes (from H&M and Zara), and lots of fun goodies that you could only find in China! I can't wait to show Scott all of the fun stuff I got! As you can tell, I find myself at a loss while on a vacation without my husband....


I think my favorite part of Shanghai was the secret little market Grandpa told me about. My favorite part of Hong Kong was the view at the Stanley Market. I won't miss the crazy cab drivers who are confused and think they're in the Indy 500...or whatever that car race is called. Nor will I miss the smell. No offense Hong Kong but you are very smelly!!


Finally, I'll say I've never in my life encountered nicer people than the folks here in China. It blew my mind how helpful and kind they were. All of them! So, So, SO nice. Oh and all of the ladies have Crazy Good style. They're just all around fabulous!


Time for home!

Hong Kong Day...I've Lost Track

Ni Hao! How's America doing today? I'm a little homesick for it to be honest! No worries, I'll be heading back tomorrow. I've thoroughly enjoyed China but I'm craving my home.


I miss my husband and my sweet little doodlebug. I think if he were here I'd be content but he's my buddy and I miss my buddy.


Mom and I seem to do the same things over and over every day. I'm not really into doing shopping I can do in America. Other than a little stop by H&M and Zara of course. I love all of the authentic stuff which is limited to just a few areas so we seem to keep going back to those spots. We've been here for so long--we've seen all there is to see. May as well keep going back to our favorite spots!


I must say the food has been a bit of a disappointment to me. I feel like I haven't had a good meal in over a week--and I'm not a picky eater! I always look forward to what I'm going to eat when I'm in a new city. Theres just nowhere here (that I can find) that seems appealing. We have eaten at a few local spots that were good but not incredibly delicious by any means.


Mom and I are on our way to buy a new suitcase because we've bought so much stuff! Whoopsie! Shopping here can be a bit addicting. It's like "well, I really don't need that set of 8 chopsticks but they're cool and it's very China-like so we should probably get it." Oh well! I'll probably never come back unless Scott wants to visit it so I guess it's okay.


As you can tell, I really don't have much to say. Better devote my time to soaking up my last day in Hong Kong!

Wednesday, October 19, 2011

Hong Kong Day 2

Yesterday was a really fun day. Mom and I went to this place called Stanley Market. It has a lot of clothes, bags, electronics, etc. Mom and I weren't really interested in anything there but the artwork did catch our eyes. There were about 4 different artwork stores and we spent the majority of our time in those. We both purchased a lot of really amazing artwork. The paintings are so textured and very unique--like nothing you could find in the states. They're done by a famous artist here in China so not one piece is the same. I'm really excited to show Scott!


Speaking of Scott, I really miss him! We're really only able to communicate via text. I've hear his voice once since I've been gone. I'm ready to see my sweet husband again!!


The Stanley Market is right on the ocean and there are a few outdoor restaurants to eat at. After we were shopping we decided to sit in those chairs and enjoy a glass of wine while looking at the incredible view in front of us....


I always have a moment where I go on a vacation and see a beautiful landmark and think to myself "I'm so lucky to get to see this" and yesterday was that moment.


After spending about 4 hours at Stanley Market we set off for The Ladies Market.


I'd seen The Ladies Market on an episode of Gulianna and Bill once! It only comes out at night from 7-11 I think, and the best way I can describe it is sort of like the fair. Everyone has tents set up--all of them selling different things. Again, the artwork caught mine and Moms eye and we bought even more beautiful paintings!


That was just about the extent of our day yesterday. I don't know what we'll do today. I think I'm FINALLY adjusted to the time change so I have a lot more energy now to get out and about and explore!

Tuesday, October 18, 2011

Hong Kong Day 1

Nothing too terribly exciting to report from yesterday. I flew on a China aircraft which was an interesting experience. They're really no different than an American airline except they're much nicer. Everything over here is nicer and more thoughtfully planned.
The flight was only 2 hours but you know how flying is--it's seems to last all day. We got to our hotel in time to eat dinner and shop around a bit. We took this old train to The Peak Tower. It's the highest point in Hong Kong and we dined at a restaurant overlooking the entire city. It was very beautiful!


A little shopping around the area later, and we were tired and ready for bed. We go to bed so early and get up so early. Definitely not used to this time change!!
Off to do more shopping!!

Monday, October 17, 2011

Shanghai Day 2

Hi friends! Yesterday was incredible! We visited old Shanghai and it was one of the coolest things I've ever seen in my life.


We stayed for many hours and took tons of photos!


This was one of my favorite spots. So colorful and what you always think of when you think of China!


The detail in the architecture is incredible! I can't imagine how long it took to build these buildings way back when!


It was a hot tourist spot. So many people were there! Not many Americans though! I've gotta say I've never felt so outnumbered!!


After we spent many hours there and collected many souvenirs, we went back to the secret spot Grandpa told us about to pick up just a few more items.


This is what it looks like! It almost looks like a sketchy flee market but if you look inside of their tents...


They're super nice! Lots of silk clothes, bags, chopsticks, jewelry, etc. etc....


There's too many cool things to choose from! I love these little men but decide not to get one. There's only so much space in my suitcase sadly...


I've only seen these "brushes" at the market grandpa told me about. I've bought a ton of them! They're so neat and colorful and I feel like they're very special since I've never seen anything like it before. I'm going to put them in a clear vase and display them in my home. A very cool China keepsake if you ask me!


Love all of these old clocks! Wanted to get one for Scott to put on his desk but they're quite heavy and pretty expensive.


Beautiful china pieces--one of a kind and hand painted!


Tons and tons of jewelry. Of course I've stocked up!


Trying to talk the lady into giving me a cheaper price! It's not too hard to do. They start out with a crazy high number and you always talk them into half...of half of half! Haha.


Shanghai at night! Stunning!!!
Okay! In the cab and off to Hong Kong. We'll have all day to explore and I'm looking forward to what's in store!