The Day I Donated My Hair

February 22nd. It was a sad day. A day full of horrible memories of watching my mom take her last breath. Of making phone calls. Of meeting with the funeral director. I will never forget that day in 2012. But this February 22nd, I wanted to turn it around. I wanted to honor my mom and continue living onward and upward as I know she would force me to do with any other loss.

So, I had made plans to chop off my long locks and donate them in her name to someone who needed them much more than I did. To a woman somewhere suffering from that sick monster we call "cancer," undergoing rigorous treatments, hanging on desperately, and losing her healthy hair in the process.

In the end, I know we'd all choose our life over our hair. Unfortunately, my mom didn't have a choice this time around for either. But, in the cancer battle she fought when she was younger than I am, she lost her hair. And I'll never forget those stories of the treatment she had to undergo, as chemo was in its early stages at that point. My mom is a miracle. She is my hero. I honestly don't know how she did it.

But I guess she gave some of that bravery to me because I marched into the greatest salon ever, Salon Ink in Mission Hills that Friday morning and couldn't have been more excited for the big chop. It meant more to me than any other haircut before. This was for her. For everything she taught me. For everything she helped me stand for. For everything she inspires me to be. For all the love she filled my life with.

I was ecstatic! It felt so great to feel the weight lifted as I heard those snips. To sit there and  look at that hair of mine in a ponytail. To just sit there and hold it. I guess it symbolized something much deeper for me on that day.

However, don't be fooled. My hair looks nice and lovely in the picture above but the backside looked like someone just took scissors to it and chopped my hair off. Oh, wait... that really happened ;) So, my stylist got to work, I explained to her the meaning behind my donation, and I walked out those doors feeling like a new woman!

This is the shortest my hair has ever been and I couldn't be happier with it. It's fresh. It's meaningful. And to be honest, it made February 22nd so much easier to get through.

And just as a reference, here's how long my hair was before the big chop! 8+ inches longer.

Although February 22nd will always be the day my mom died, like I said, setting this goal to donate my hair gave me something positive to look forward to and took my mind off all the negative. I just hope she approves of the new look ;) My mom always liked me better as a blonde. Sorry, Mom. Had to stick with the "bronde." :)

[I donated my hair to Pantene Beautiful Lengths and highly encourage all of you to make the big chop one day too!]

My Long Hair Care Routine

One week from today, I'm donating my hair! This is something I've wanted to do all my life and next Friday, on the anniversary of my mom's death, I'll be chopping off 8+ inches of my hair in honor of her.

Some of you have asked what products I use on my hair and today I wanted to share with you what my "long hair care" routine has been these past couple months. First of all, let me say that my hair grows rather quickly. I have fine hair but I have a lot of it. When my hair gets really long, volume is pretty tough to get, as the length pulls down.

Scissors haven't touched these locks since the very beginning of July so, needless to say, my hair and bangs are pretty unruly at this point. Here are my go-to products I've used and loved to keep my hair as healthy as possible until February 22nd arrives:

1. TRESemme Breakage Defense Shampoo - No complaints here. I am a huge TRESemme fan because you get a lot of bang for your buck. This shampoo has lasted me almost three months and, believe me, that's a long time for this "shampoo everyday" girl!

2. Brocato Rootfix Root Lifter Mousse - Unlike most other mousses, this mousse doesn't foam up into a cloud of fluff. I spritz is straight into my roots about one minute before blow drying and, let me tell you, I can definitely notice on the days I decide to skip this step. It gives my hair that added "oomph" to last through the day and night!

3. Brocato Swell Volume Leave-in Volumizing Conditioner - I mean, what part of the name doesn't make you want to use it? This spray is my saving grace. Not a day goes by without this in my hair. Not only does it nourish my hair with vitamins, but it thickens my hair. I only spritz this on the lower three or four inches of my hair while it's wet, do my make-up while it really soaks into my hair, and then blow dry it.

4. TRESemme Breakage Defense Conditioner - I don't know about you, but I have tangly hair to the max. There are several conditioners out there that don't seem to do a thing for the tangles but this one isn't one of them. It strengthens my hair, de-tangles, and smells yummy!

5. Brocato Cloud 9 Hotshapes Miracle Flat Iron & Curling Spray - When you have long, un-trimmed hair, I will warn you that it usually doesn't style very well. I've relied heavily on my clipless curling iron to give me loose, voluminous waves. The waves mask my grown-out, uneven layers and make my hair seem a bit less dramatically long. Because of all the daily heat I'm applying to my hair, this spray not only protects and prevents heat damage, it also leaves your hair feeling "silky and smooth."

6. TRESemme Extra Hold Hairspray - What can I say? I like my hairspray. I didn't grow up in the dance competition world for nothing! Although I no longer use enough hairspray to make my hair a firm object, a little teasing and hairspray around the crown is necessary to keep my hair from being pulled down flat onto my scalp.

Long hair = heavy. Hairspray = my best friend.

I have loved my longer-than-usual locks and it's been so wonderful to see my natural highlights brought out in the long waves. My hair has blown perfectly in the San Diego salt air, but it's time for this hair to go to someone who needs it more than I do. I'll soak up the last few days of wrapping it seven times around the barrel of my curling iron. Then, it'll be time to try something new and, for that, I can't wait :)

Any questions? Let me know!

My Short Hairspiration

Thank you all for the beautiful birthday wishes! It was a fantastic day and I will be sharing some pictures and stories of the day soon! Today, I just wanted to drop in to share some hairspiration!

As I mentioned in my post about things I plan to do in 2013, I will be chopping my hair off in February to donate it in honor of my mom on her anniversary. I'm still not sure exactly how much I'll end up donating [at least 8 inches!] nor do I know how short my hair will end up being. However, I decided to start thinking of possible styles and cuts!

It's no surprise that I am digging Ashley Benson's shorter cut! I mean, her character Hanna Marin on Pretty Little Liars is probably one of my favorite characters ever and we would totally be best friends forever. And, yes, I'm thinking I might just go "California Blonde" again ;) Why not?

So, what are your thoughts? Should I go for the "Hanna Marin" cut? I know it would be a big change! I love all the texture and would definitely bring back the side bangs! I still have another month or so to figure it out but this is what I'm leaning towards! I prefer to go in and show the stylist a picture rather than just winging it :)

What celebrity styles have you gone with when cutting your hair?

Until next time, friends! ;)

Let's Talk Hair

I'm realizing that I haven't talked hair much on here, except for this mention of Gretchen's beautiful "swoop" last year. I have what I like to call the "natural ombre" look :) I dyed my hair brunette back in April of last year and it has gradually turned into its own color. The brown has faded into a golden blonde at the ends and I kind of dig it. That's not to say I won't go back blonde one of these days :)

Anyway - color is one thing but texture is a completely other thing. My hair is FINE. It has a bit of a wave to it when I don't blow dry. Oh, but I always blow dry it - always. The wave has no rhyme or reason. It's loose enough to not be curly but wavy enough to not be straight. Luckily, I have a lot of hair so, although it is fine, it still gives me something to work with.

I could go on and on about my haircare routine and styling preferences but I just want to focus on one thing today - how I get that crazy little wave in my hair to go "buh-bye." Enter the HANA Pro 1" Flat Iron by Misikko. 

[I know. I can't stop staring at those beautiful light blue plates either.]

Misikko contacted me, asking me if I'd like to try out that bad boy above. I had read on blogs before about their products and having heard only good things, I couldn't wait to see what the HANA Flat Iron would do for my hair. Not only did they send me the flat iron, but they sent a bunch of other goodies too!

I'm pretty sure I had already ripped through and scooped up all the e.l.f. products they had included because I was just that excited.

Now, let me first show you what my hair looks like right after blow drying it [sans hair brush]

So, yes, you would be correct in saying that even blow drying my hair doesn't get rid of that weird wave I have going on. Don't worry, I do brush my hair. Here's what it looks like after running a comb through it.

Better, but still not up to par for date night, right? My hair still felt a bit more coarse than I prefer and it just didn't sit right. I like silky, I like smooth. I like to look at my hair and see a finished product. So, I let those beautiful blue HANA hot plates work their magic.

The thing I notice the most is how my hair feels. Not only does my hair move effortlessly between the plates, but it feels super soft when I touch it as well. I've also noticed the shine in my hair now! The HANA Flat Iron makes my hair so much more manageable and the best part - it's SO quick!

The flat iron heats up in no time, has adjustable heat settings, and like I said, the design is high quality. I've had so many flat irons that will pinch my hair, pull it out, or make that disgusting "tearing" sound. Some of you might know what that sounds like - not a pleasant sound when you realize that's your hair DYING. Well, I've been using the Hana Flat Iron for weeks and that hasn't happened once. Quality, I tell you.

And did I mention the beautiful blue plates? ;)

Head on over to Misikko and pick out something nice for yourself. Or just drool over the Croc Hair Straightener like I have been. I mean, it looks like a crocodile - pretty neat if you ask me! Make it in leopard print and I'm sold! :)

Favorites This Friday

Happy Friday, friends! This may sound weird, but, I can’t believe the weekend is almost here already! Hey, I won’t complain though.

Today, I’m sharing some of my favorite finds this past week.

Favorite Outfit

This outfit is definitely something you could find me wearing. The only things I’d change would be the length of the skirt {it’s a teensy bit too short for me} and probably the color of the heels. I’d choose something just a bit more earthy in tone}

 

Favorite Witty Idea

The Little Book of Earrings is a great way to store your earrings whether you’re traveling or just need somewhere to keep them organized. Because of my love for big, chunky earrings I’d love a BIG book of earrings :)

 

Favorite Decor Idea

These wallpapered ceilings definitely catch my eye!

Favorite Quote

This quote reminds me that no matter how hard a day or moment or time that we fall, what makes us become better is how we react.


Favorite Beauty Tip

I’m excited that my hair is longer so that I can start side-braiding again! The secret to this braid is to braid a strand before you braid all three together!

Tell me which of these is your favorite! :)

As always, feel free to find me on Pinterest to follow my finds throughout the week! That’s a whole lot of f’s that I used in that sentence. Fluff.

Guest Post: Ashley from Diary of a Reporter

A new week is here and I sure am happy for that! I made it safely to Virginia just hours before the rain from Hurricane Irene started coming down! It is so great to be back in my familiar hometown among many of my loved ones and years of precious memories. I have tons of pictures and stories to tell from my cross-country trip so be sure to check for those this week!

However, today I'll be spending a good portion of my time unpacking and settling in. Fun, fun! While I'm away doing those things, sweet Ashley from Diary of a Reporter will be taking over my blog for the day. As soon as I found Ashley's blog, I couldn't stop reading it. Plus, I just loved the conversations that we started having. Ashley is such a genuine and down-to-earth person with the warmest heart. She makes me laugh through her adorable vlogs, and sometimes tear up through her inspiring posts about life. She's a beautiful woman on the inside and out with many wonderful things to share and I'm so happy to have her here today with such a fun post for all of you!

----------------------

Hey girls! I'm Ashley from Diary of a Reporter and I'm so excited to be guest posting for Chelsea today!

Something that is making me pretty happy right now: braids are everywhere. Are you all as obsessed as I am?

Source: summertimeandamericanhoney.tumblr.com via Dana on Pinterest

Source: imgfave.com via *consonant on Pinterest

Source: lovelydisco.wordpress.com via Avalon on Pinterest

I thought so. Gorgeous, right?

Since my braiding skills are novice at best, I have rounded up my favorite braid tutorials from around the web. And now I'm sharing them with you :)

{One} Waterfall braid.

{Two) Super easy side fish tail up do.

{Three} French braid up do. And another, here.

{Four} Pretty cool rope braid.

{Five} French braid head band.

Braiding tips:

- practice while sitting on a low back chair/sofa as you can then rest your elbows on the back; easier to braid.

- keep your hands against your scalp as you braid which gives a tighter braid

- a little product, such as a hair spray or light volumizing spray, gives the hair 'grip' so it won't slide around while you braid

tips via.

Thanks, Chelsea, for letting me take over your blog for a day! Hope you girls found this helpful. Have a great day!

----------------------

Okay, these braids are all too cool. Who's coming over to do my hair for me? Once my hair is longer, you know I will be trying that rope braid!! Which one is your favorite?

Speaking of hair, Ashley just recently got the cutest haircut {she did it all by herself - yup, told you she's amazing} and it looks fabulous on her! Hop on over to her blog to see for yourself, and while you're there, say hi and check out her art, stories about life, and fun vlogs! I'm sure you'll love her right away too :) Thanks so much, Ashley for the adorable hair ideas!! I think many of us will be brushing up on our braiding skills now ;)