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.

Trying something new :)

I hope you enjoy :)

I was driving home in traffic today thinking to myself, and talking to myself, sometimes even out loud (don't act like you've never done it), and for once I was productively using the time and came to some conclusions. First, I shot down my own idea of making YouTube videos. Not just because they'll end up hours long because I talk so much, but because I don't think I am prepared to jump into that pool of thought. Therefor, I'll stick to writing. Which brings us to number 2! Yes, I'm aware this probably already exists, but I thought to myself, why not infuse the concepts used on YouTube into my already existing blog? Light bulb! Stay with me people, number three then had to be compiling an organized plan of action as to how I was going to conduct this genius thought and make it happen. That part didn't get fully developed to say the least, but I do know where I want to go with this, so we shall see what happens!

My first ever blog haul!

A haul, for those who don't know, is usually in the form of a video where someone shows, and explains, all the things they may have recently purchased. Over the last few days I purchased some items that I thought would be cool to share :)

1. The first thing I came across was this awesome bow ring from PacSun! At only $8.50 I couldn't resist! (And if you know me I LOVE bows!) It's already received many compliments!

Sorry for the bad lighting, I was driving!

2. These awesome shoes from MRKT, were a steal! I really wanted this style of shoe so badly, and after an hour of searching at DSW they were waiting for right there in the sale section at 30% off :) Not to mention they are crazy comfortable, always a plus!

Bad picture off internet via cell, they're in my car currently :) yes I'm being that lazy.

4. This one would be my new book! I previously talked out it in my last post, and will do a full review soon! It is amazing, a must read!

5. Graduation for a lucky few is this Friday, and although I have a few dresses that would be appropriate and easy to choose from, why not use the excuse to get a new one :) This one is from Lauren Conrad's line for KOHLS, LC. It's the perfect blend of visual appeal, function, and comfort for the event!

6. Lastly, I really wanted a side bag (you know the ones that are really popular right now) just bigger than the one I currently own from Target, and I just couldn't find one I really liked. So, while I was wondering around KOHLS I found this little nugget of heaven hiding! And yes, it was even on sale!

(Bad lighting)

So those were all of my major purchases lately, and I'm really excited to use them all! Breaking in the shoes has begun, and I already picked out jewelry for the dress on Friday! Needless to say I am currently content with my spending addiction at the moment, the first step is admitting you have a problem :)

Before I go I really wanted to share my favorite staple piece of the month!

This crochet vest from Lauren Conrad via KOHLS is amazing! My friend Lyss had bought it and I borrowed it so much I just went out and bought her one so I could keep mine :) It helps dress up or down any outfit, is light weight and easy to wear! It's instantly become a staple in my Spring/Summer wardrobe!

Well I hope you enjoyed this, and I hope to do some more things such as reviews, how to's, tutorials, and much, much more! Feel free to leave me any comments and/or suggestions on facebook!

Thank you so much for reading, and I'll write you soon!

xoxo,

tk :)

Dreams are the fuel to my life.

Hi everyone! It's been a little while since I've written anything, it's been kind of crazy around here. Mostly I've been trying to figure some stuff out and figure out where I want to direct my life. It's not just answering questions like where do I want to work, but it's deciding the type of people I want to surround myself with, and if they are going to help me be a better person or hold me back. Where I am right now in my life is very important to where I will be in the next five to ten years. I've been looking around on YouTube, watching videos, and mainly just getting inspired. Hours later I find myself so immersed in beauty videos, tutorials, how to videos, and vlogs. 

Suddenly, I got this surge of inspiration; not only inspiration, but passion. I know where I want to go, and I know it is going to take a long time, and some true, old fashion hard work, something I think my generation doesn't understand entirely. The generations prior to mine worked very hard to get where they wanted to be, and sometimes I feel like my friends, and the people around me don't want to put in the time. I've been guilty of this, as I'm sure many people have, but I also never wanted anything this bad before. I am willing to do whatever it takes, and hopefully it pays off. 

Right now something that's been giving me a lot of inspiration and focus is, Kelly Cutrone's new book, 'Normal Gets You Nowhere'. This book is in your face, real, and not afraid to take chances. Cutrone's whit and sarcasm truly sets the tone, and amplifies her no shit attitude. Not afraid to bring topics to her reader's attention, Kelly talks about anything from her PR company, to sex, to what it takes to make it in the business world. If you're looking for a good sense of direction, and you're not afraid of the attitude, I strongly urge anyone to grab a copy and enjoy!

Lastly, I really feel the need to talk a little about my outlook on life. I really feel like everyone needs to remember to take a little break and focus on what means the most to them. Friends, family, whatever it may be, just remember what matters and what doesn't. I might be in the beauty industry, but that doesn't mean that I can't take a day off, and not do my hair and make up. I've noticed myself getting a little into material things more then I usually would, and I just want to kind of pull myself out of that before I let it get worse. Right now I'm torn, I'll be honest. People have ben really disappointing me and it's made me pull away from them. I find myself getting bossed around, and I don't stand up for myself. I'm at a cross roads, do I just pull away and focus on my career and future, or do I try and talk things out? This week is packed with hair to be done, graduation to attend, and some decisions to be made. Not to mention one of my oldest, and bets friends was in an accident this past weekend, and it really upset me. I haven't really heard from him in a while, and it just sucks to be away from him and his family during something like this. I just ask that you keep him in your prayers and pray for his recovery and return home. I know he will be fine, he is too stubborn, and too hard headed to not get back on his feet.

Well, today turned out slightly lengthy, but if there is anything that anyone got out of this just remember how important life is, and always let someone know what they mean to you. 

xoxo,

tk.

For the heart,

... is an organ of fire.

Good evening everyone! Today has been a roller coaster of emotions. Have you ever had one of those days where everything just hits you, and you're not quite sure why? Well, that was today. I wanted to cry, I wanted to laugh and be hyper, I just simply didn't have the emotional capacity to do any of the above. I decided after feeling horribly sick, to take the day off, and actually rest. After being visited by two of my best friends, and resting, I felt better already. But a lot was, and is, on my mind. When Alex came over we talked a lot, as usual; but not the usual was being discussed. Instead of dumb gossip we really talked about life, feelings, and where we were headed. This conversation is what sparked my new series, which I am so excited about! 

I really want to showcase the unique, amazing plethora of people that are in my life. The people I am privileged to have in my life are going in so many different directions that it is almost crazy difficult to keep up! Over the next few weeks I will begin interviewing a wide variety of my friends, peers, teachers, and most of all the people that I truly look up to. Until then I really am just trying to focus on where I want to be, and how I will get there. I know my plan and no, I'm not telling you just yet! So please keep your eyes out for the interviews to come, any title ideas for the series?! Let me know!

Here are some pictures I've found some inspiration from recently, take a look :)

Please keep Joplin, Missouri in your prayers, they need us.

Inspire someone tomorrow :)

xoxo.

Anchors & Bows.

It's currently 3 in the morning which naturally seemed like the perfect time to get some things off my chest. This past week, and even the weeks before, have been really unsettling for me. Friendships, relationships, school, home, job searching, and most of all planning have all been on my mind. School will done for me by the end of the summer, leaving state boards to follow shortly after. Not only is time dwindling down, but it is dwindling at a very fast rate. Making decisions has never been an easy task for me to say the least. But where to spend my life, where to make my next fresh start, it's a lot to consider. I have been thinking so intensely about it all that I tend to freak myself out, horrible habit, I know believe me. I have come to some conclusions, well, let's call them possibilities, conclusions is too permanent for me at this present time. I know that I want to move, how far? How drastic? I am not sure, but moving is something that will happen, and needs to happen in the near future.

I need change. Plain and simple. My ability to control myself and distance myself from those that I need to is, well, nonexistent. I know that to better myself, and to be the person that I know I can be I have to remove myself and start fresh. Places like California, aka really freaking far away, and South Miami, are some of the selections I've made thus far. But honestly it hasn't occurred to me until recently that I let everyone tell me how to act, what to do, and how to be. I follow this path because people have deemed it appropriate. It shouldn't matter, because I am me. I am finding my spot in this world. I have fallen into an amazing career and I absolutely love it! I wouldn't want to be doing anything else. I have changed, and people have told me so many times recently that I seem different. It feels good to know I am on the right path and sometimes I just need to take a step back and truly realize how blessed I am. Old friends have re-entered my life, I've met some new amazing people, and I am ready to be the person that I was always meant to be :)

People change, and that's okay. It's taken me a long time to realize this, and now that I have I'm okay with it. At the end of the day I just want everyone to be happy. I might have some people in my life right now that aren't helping me get to where I need to be, but I know that no matter what I will get where I am going. Where ever that may be :)

... just wanted to show off the new hair that inspired the change :)

Truly lucky to have everyone in my life that I do, and couldn't ask for more!

Thank you everyone :)

xoxo.

I'm destined...

... for greatness.

This weekend was just short of crazy. Saturday I was lucky enough to be a part of some lovely young ladies prom preparations. First was Kelsey :)

(Isn't her dress to die for?)

Kelsey's hair was simple yet elegant, just like her. This dress was so amazing that she didn't need crazy hair or jewelry, not that she needs it anyway. We just curled her hair with a wand and pinned it up, and she looked gorgeous! I hope she had an amazing night, and I can't wait to do her hair for graduation :)

Ps. Ms. Linda made a kick ass lunch :) Thanks Ms. Linda!!

After purchasing a Full Throttle I was ready for my next four gorgeous ladies :) Morgan, who's hair I recently took from a dark, dark brown to a nice overall lighter tone with a full high light, was next on my list. A low and elegant side bun, easy but so much fun with her long hair. I prepped by curling with my CHI Orbit. Slightly messy, but still contained to it's shape and pinned to with stand the evenings festivities, she was ready to go!

(She looked gorgeous!)

Satisfied with her hair Morgan was out and Nicole was up! Nicole, having shorter, shoulder length hair, I slightly curled and pinned over to the side and personalized with three flowers :)

(No idea what she's doing here, as usual :)

For the home stretch I helped Brooke and gave her hair, which HATES to do anything related to a curl, some "bend". Her hair is gorgeous on it's own anyways :) And as for Bethany, I just added some gold and deep plum to her eyes to help play up her make up. 

(And of course you can't even see Brooke's hair, to see look below)

The day was long, the girls were a riot, and the finished product was amazing :)

I learned a lot Saturday. I learned that if I put my mind to it I can get anything done, that I'm good at what I do, and oddly enough I like working on a tight time schedule, and knowing things need to be done at a certain time. Not only did I do two color corrections this week, with the help of my mom of course, but I helped 5 girls get ready for prom. And if you don't remember prom is quite possibly the biggest event in their lives thus far. I'm scared for their weddings :( 

I might not know where I want to go, but I know I'm doing the right thing :) Thank you ladies for allowing me to be a part of your big day and night, I hope you all had as much fun as I did! You're all so beautiful, I had only the best to work with :)

Sending love and inspiration your way :) xoxo.