Fall, a time to...

... reflect.

Greetings from my lovely, comfy couch on this fall-like Sunday. I took a slightly longer hiatus then usual from writing for many reasons I still have yet to uncover. My life has changed in many ways over the last two months, with school ending, and work beginning. 

School coming to an end really caught me off guard, not because I didn't realize my time there would be over, cause believe I counted those hours like it was my job, but because I didn't know if I was ready for it to be done. The last year of my life was, well, Paul Mitchell. I lived, and breathed, the brand, the culture, the lifestyle. My time in school changed me in many ways, for the better. I grew up where I needed to, evolved, and became stronger. I gained an amazing education, and made some amazing friends along the way.

But now, I am moving on to the next stage of my life. Work. I love where I work, the salon is amazing. The girls there are truly great people, and I love going to work everyday. Yet, somehow I feel like I can't find my place anywhere. Something in me is... lost. What is missing though, I don't honestly know. Or am I just not allowing myself to be happy?

Reflecting over the last year beings so many emotions to the surface. It really means moving forward and not bringing along anything from the past. This is probably the hardest thing for me to do. I don't want/need a boy to make me complete. I have my career, I have my best friends, and I have myself. But something just seems to feel like it is missing...

On a lighter note, there are so many good things that have happened with this shift in my life. I now work next to a Whole Foods, andddd a Starbucks :) I found a blog that posts pictures on the Olsen's fashion, and they are like who I look up to other then DVF (don't judge me).

 I blast Adele every day and sing as loud as possible in the car, which could very well be the reason I remain single ;) At the end of the day at least I can still make myself laugh just cause of how weird I really am. This life isn't easy, and there sure as hell isn't any handbook. But oh well, just trying to remember the little things are what matter.

 So, till another time, enjoy whatever it is that makes you happy :)

Remembering.

In a 5th grade classroom, my world stopped, as it did for millions of people all over the USA. 

Fear, anger, and confusion filled all of us as we watched our great nation be attacked. 10 years later we think back on those days some with hatred, some with sadness, and some with pride that we as a nation came together. The lives of those we lost, the families torn apart, the pure anger that pushed us through another day are things we will never forget. 9/11 forever changed us as a country; we are STRONGER. I remember looking at my mom as we rushed out of school, and in all seriousness, asking her if we were going to be okay. For the first time in many of our lives we were frightened that as a country, we weren't safe. For days, even months, after the flag was flown high. On cars, on houses, anywhere someone could see that we as a country will not be defeated. Recruiting offices flooded with young men and women willing to risk their lives defending us. Not only is this a day to remember those we lost when the towers went down, when the Pentagon was attacked, and when flight 93 was brought to the ground in PA, but the soldiers we have lost since then. Thank you to everyone who lost their lives on that day, you are some of the bravest people this country has ever lost. 

Forever will your name have a special place in our hearts.

well hello :)

Well, hello everyone :) or anyone who is reading this I should say. I haven't been writing a lot lately because, well, I am not sure what it is exactly I would quiet like to say. This past month, seeing as it has been a month since I have written, has been one of a kind. I traveled to New York City, found an amazing salon, and hopefully opportunity, experienced the Alexander McQueen exhibition at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and discovered I am stronger then I know.

This past week I have come to the conclusion that I worry too much. Not that this is a new development or anything, I just have come to terms with the fact that I can not control anyone but myself. My happiness is not determined by someone else, it is not calibrated by the likes of someone else. it is and will be always determined by me. My sadness, my joy, my freedom, and my hope and faith in this life is in my hands. Where the hell have I been? To not have realized this before? However, that is life. My desire to be who I am at all times is tested so often that I forget who I am in the first place. And truthfully that scared the shit out of me. What I want from life isn't fortune, it isn't material objects, nor is it fame. What I truly want is to be happy. For as long as I can remember my happiness comes to me from making others happy, and I enjoy it! I enjoy seeing a smile being brought to someone else's face because I made a joke, or tripped on that invisible rock that seems to follow me around. My humor, my ability to give someone my smile when they are feeling low, that's what brings joy to my heart. This sometimes means I get hurt because people think that they are, and will be, able to walk all over me. But you know, for real, and for once I feel like telling everyone to kindly, and politely, shove it. 

This may come to some as a shock, and it may take them some time to remove their jaw from the ground, but I feel as though it will liberate me in ways that I need at this moment in my life. However, my timing... well, let's just say it isn't always precisely accurate. I am a lover, a fighter, and someone that will remain loyal to you to the day that I die, but I will not be walked on.

I pride myself on who I am and what I know I  can accomplish. My confidence needs a little work, my determination is at it's height. I know that I can do great and it is those that look down at me that keep me going. I wouldn't be able to feel at peace with this if it wasn't for someone in my life that has always proven to me since I met her that being a fighter means being who you are. 

Lisa, if you're reading this, you have shown me what a true fighter is. We've had our ups and downs, and you have had a year that has served you things that you wouldn't have imagined, but your resilience, and strength has surpassed anyone's expectations. Eternally, and humbly I thank you.

Heres to the beginning of the rest of my life. 

Cheers.

Cheers!

... to postivive > negative, aka my new look on life :)

So, first and foremost, I shall explain my little hiatus from you all. Lately, I have been doing a little revamping of well, myself. I found that I was in a bit of a rut, and to me, that was simply unacceptable. To give the best of myself to everyone else, I must give the best of myself to myself. It sounds silly but it's true!  How can you give your best, when you're not your best? You can't, and if you think you can, you're doing what I did, lying to yourself. Needless to say, something needed to change, and after speaking to some of the most inspiring and admirable people in my life, I came to one conclusion. 

Positive > Negative. 

Now that that is out of the way... hi everyone!! I am so happy to be writing tonight because I feel I have so much to say! This past weekend was the fourth of July and I really accomplished a lot. After, accepting my new attitude and turning every negative thought into a positive one, and I mean EVERY thought, it felt like I had a little angry person in my head! I made a promise to myself that I wasn't going to let anything stand in my way. This new attitude gave my so much new energy and passion for what I do! And today, was a true testament to exactly that.

I had the pleasure of having a lady by the name of Ann sit in my chair today, and we both had no idea the impact she was about to make on my life. Ann was unhappy with her hair from her last visit, and wanted something that would make her feel better. After formulating what was going to be done, I began applying the color, aka talking time! If you don't know me I love to talk, sometimes a little too much, but what I love more is learning about the amazing people I have the opportunity of meeting everyday. Let me tell you, Ann works in social services, and it takes an impeccably strong individual to do these jobs. Ann told me of someone she works with/for who has disabilities and after being removed from a neglected atmosphere, is now safely in a nursing home. Something you might never have known by looking at someone is that they've never had their hair altered, they've never had that amazing salon experience, and they're never enjoyed a haircut they've received. All these things were true of the lady that Ann was so kindly introducing me to through her loving, and passionate words. Caroline, is in her 60s and has never had someone make her feel beautiful. Now, I'm sorry but that breaks my heart, and there I was sitting in the middle of the clinic floor with tears in my eyes, heart breaking, for this woman I've never met. Ann asked me about bringing her in to have her hair done, and what that could look like for Caroline, considering she also has chemo once every two weeks. (Annnd enter more tears.) Instantly, I told her that when she emails the owner of my school in regards to making this happen that, if it was alright with her, she include me as the person to have the pleasure of having Caroline as my quest. Now, anyone would be capable to do her hair, but I already felt so attached to her. 

My point to this is that being in the beauty industry we have the power, the ability, and most of all the responsibility to do whatever we can to make someone feel beautiful. That's what it's all about right? Life if about celebrating the people in it, it's about empowering each other to be the best that we can be. Yet, we tear each other down, we say negative things, and we judge. I can not say that I have never been guilty of any of the above, but I can say that I am making a strong effort to change the way that I think. Something that has been on my mind a lot lately is how much we, as a society, judge. I vow to anyone, and everyone, reading this that I am making an effort to change that. I don't know how much I can, or if I will make any difference at all, but to me it's more then that. 

I know that this posting was on the longer side but I just wanted to share with you something that truly touched my heart. Today I woke up hoping to do my very best, and I learned that my very best is always ready to be tested. I am beyond thankful to be in this industry with the power to make people feel beautiful. You never know what someone is going through, so I leave you with a challenge. 

Take 5 minutes to do something small for someone, even just a smile can change more then you will ever know.

Thank you so much for reading, and thank you for whatever it is that you do each day! I truly appreciate you :)

tk.

Fashion Focus: Celeste.

Good Morning! 

I am super excited to be starting my Fashion Focus section to the blog! I couldn't think of anyone better to kick of this awesome piece then Celeste! I go to school with Celeste at The Temple: A Paul Mitchell Partner School, and her fashion amazes me. I sat down with her the other day and we chatted about, well, what other then fashion.

I asked her a few questions I find really helpful to ask when you find someone's style that you really enjoy...

Where are most of your pieces from?

"Charlotte Russe, Forever 21, H&M, and thrift stores" were some of her top places. She doesn't feel the need to break the bank to create her own awesome style, which is something I don't think a lot of people realize. You can find some amazing pieces in the craziest places, and thrift stores really are an amazing place to look! If you've never been to a thrift store I highly suggest you check one out :)

What inspires your style?

Celeste didn't surprise me here either, her style is so spot on to what is in that when she said, "I spend a lot of time online, and looking in magazines to see what is hot and in". When you are going to put something together it really helps if you have someone, or something that inspires you, to go off of. Magazines were among the other things Celeste listed as ways she gets ideas, and becomes inspired to create the amazing looks that she does! What I love most about her style is that she still makes it her own. She looks for what she wants to achieve, but she doesn't fully just take that look she makes sure that she stays true to her personal style. Always make sure that you put your own little twist on things :)

Outfit Breakdown:

Shirt: H&M

Pants: Lucaya

Shoes: Gussini

Belt: H&M

Accessories: Forever 21

Celeste really is an awesome person to follow for fashion because, she's always coming to school in these kick ass outfits! I am truly thankful that she let me into her fashion world, and I look forward to breaking down some more pieces of hers for you guys! Stay tuned and look for more Fashion Focus pieces and more questions answered from this month's fashion bad-ass, Celeste!

Thank you all for reading & stay inspired!

tk.

Forever 21

Charlotte

H&M

I'm still here :)

Hello everyone! Today is kind of gross out, I'm not going to lie, it's very muggy and humid. Therefor, after my lovely court date this morning(only received one point!) I headed over to Barnes & Noble, my absolute favorite place, to take a nice relaxing mental day! This month has flown by and been rather packed full of events, can't say I am complaining. However, I absolutely can't wait till my New York trip on July 16th! The past couple weekends I have been making some purchases and I really want to share some of my favorite with all of you :)

One of my most important, and needed, purchases was a brush set from Sephora!

(the outside is a gorgeous silver, metallic packaging)

(the inside is a nice basic compiling of brushes you need for everyday use)

My next favorite purchases were an amazing liquid foundation frmm DiorSkin called Sculpt, and I am in love! Also I bought the powder foundation as well to set it!

(liquid)

(powder)

Clothing wise I picked up two pieces from Nordstrom, my second favorite place ever, and they fit perfectly into my everyday black and white attire.

Love this skirt; it has great flow to it and is comfortable! I wore it to New Jersey and back!

This shirt wasn't online so you'll have to forgive the lovely camera phone shot. The shirt is extremely comfortable as well, and the lace really makes it elegant at the same time!

Here we have one of my favorite shoe brands of all time, Vans. They are truly an outstanding shoe, and they will last you. Known for making an incredible skating shoe, Vans has really branched out with their lifestyle collections, as well making the brand wearable for even the non-skater! (From the Vans store.)

Lastly, I picked up this bracelet from Buckle. I have a bracelet already from Humanity, which is who makes this bracelet as well, and I love the message it sends out. People are always asking me what they say, and it just makes for an awesome conversation starter! This is one of the fancier, more elegant studded bracelets. It is connected by a magnetic clasp, and is a little more pricier then the others. However, I strongly suggest picking on up they go with everything and they really are awesome pieces to have!

Humanity Bracelets-Buckle

I also this week went to New Jersey, as I kind of stated before, for a show called the What Inspires You Tour. It was a little taste of some of the best in Paul Mitchell, and it really was a wonderful refresher. They did some crazy things that I was able to see in Las Vegas when I went in February, and I just want to share a few photos with you!

Robert Cromeans!

:)

Alright, so this has been a long one I know. But I have been trying to sit down and get this together for what seems like forever! As soon as I post this I am going to start my new Fashion Focus piece where I will be pulling some people who's fashion I admire and picking their brain for where they get their style! So stay tuned :)

Stay Inspired everyone!

tk.

Oh! I almost forgot my new business cards came in, aren't they adorable!?

Oh, where does the time go...

... when you're doing hair :)

Good evening, everyone! It has been a little while since I've had a few minutes to sit down and write, but today was such a good day I had to! Today, I had the pleasure of doing one of my oldest, and best friend's hair :) I am assuming she likes it considering the photo I am stealing is currently her profile picture!

the lovely Elise.

Elise came in with her hair roughly 4 inches longer, if not more, and some rather special fringe. We went ahead and opted to take her straight across bangs, that were immensely grown out, and transition them into a side band that she can allow to grown, and shift into the rest of her hair. I point cut her basic shape to take out some weight, and juts blew her hair out straight. After hitting it with the smoothing iron to put some hair into place, she was set to go! Also, since Elise will be studying abroad this upcoming fall, so she won't be able to receive a haircut as often as I'd suggest; this was also put into consideration as to how much hair we ultimately would be removing.

After Elise's hair was complete, we went for a bit of lunch at one of my favorites, The Orchard. As usual, it was delicious, and I hope Elise enjoyed it too! I know we both enjoyed our next stop, The Candy Kitchen. Now, this isn't the Candy Kitchen you all might be familiar with found all over Ocean City, MD, it is a local candy shop found in downtown Frederick. We both picked up some chocolate covered pretzels, and a few other delicious goodies! Yumm :)

Fed, happy, and in a wonderful mood despite the awfully hot weather, I headed back to school. Due to the heat school wasn't too bumping today, therefor I took the opportunity to get my hair done :) Taking away the red, and adding some blonde pieces to the front, really helped me change up my look while keeping the awesome cut I have currently. I really enjoy my hair color at the moment as it allows me to be more adventurous with my make up choices! I encourage anyone who feels a little bored with their look, or looking to change it up some, to ask your stylist (or me!) to use either a block color method, or throw in some peak-a-boos to brighten up your everyday look! 

This week has been so inspiring, and I truly am so lucky to be in this industry! My future might be making a few turns for the better sooner then I thought but, I couldn't be more thrilled! I hope everyone is having an outstanding week, and thank you for reading!

Sending inspiration & dreams your way!

:)

tk.