Phew glad that's over... NOW on to my FAVE time of year!!!

I sure am glad all this election stuff is over. I love politics and I love being able to exercise my rights but geez it gets to be a little much!! I may not agree with the policies and opinions of the man elected but I do very much respect his position and will pray everyday he makes good choices that will benefit this AMAZING nation as a whole. Enough. Done. Moving on with life. 

Is that the holidays knocking on our doors??!! It sure is and I love it!!! I can't wait to fill my house with even more bright colors, lights & glitter!! I've been so busy balancing school, work & living that I didn't decorate for Halloween but I am so planning on making up for it in Christmas decor! I love the excitement of all the mumbo-jumbo associated with the holidays...the family get-togethers, the food (yummmmm!!!) & most of all the SHOPPING!!!! Which brings us to BLACK FRIDAY!!! Its like crack for extreme shoppers. The bestie & I look forward to not sleeping, standing in line & freezing our tushes off prob just as much as some guys look forward to the Indy 500 or the Superbowl!! Especially now that she has a mini-me the deals are too ridonculous not to. We've had a blast every year and I'm sure this one won't disappoint!!! 

And speaking of shopping have you fashionista's checked out Hazel's Haven? OMG perfect little boutique!! It's the perfect mix of trendy and classic. Meagan has FABTASTIC style and her store has something for everyone. Trending items like waxed denim and studded details, a + inventory that is proof you can dress great no matter what size you are & even a few things for the guy in your life!! The accessories make me squeal with delight. EEEEECK!! Purses, sunglasses & the jewelry...goodness the jewelry...sparkly things just make me weepy!!! I'm pretty excited about this new addition to Fort Smith. And the new addition I made to my closet last Friday at the grand opening...these printed pants make me at a loss for words (which if you know me, NEVER happens!!) 

Amazing, right??!! I wore them with a
scoopy black tee & my black wedge booties...
why I didn't take a pic is beyond me??!! 

What's new with school?? I'm so glad you asked!! :) School is FANTASTIC!!! Ready for it to wrap up but I couldn't be happier with my choice to do hair!!! I'm def exhausted and too old to be having this hectic of a schedule but it will def pay off in the long run. I'm super proud of the progress I'm making and I totally feel like this is my thing. Check out my friend Trish's before and after...

Gorgeous!! Toot...that was my horn!! :)

I just qualified for the big CAPER 2013 trip!! Its an educational convention in Las Vegas were we get to learn and rub elbows with Paul Mitchell's leading stylist. Basically anyone who is anyone will be there, John Paul DeJoria, Robert Cromeans, Dave Holland, Stephanie Kocielski & Takashi Kitamura to name a few!! It's a once in a lifetime opportunity as a student & I am jazzed to say the least!! We're also about to move locations and we're all super excited about that. New shiny school!! :) 

That's about it for now. I can't wait for my next chapter!! I can't wait to be able to blog more again. I love/need this outlet...there's just something about having something you're proud of that you created all by yourself. Hope every one has a great Wednesday!! Until next time...

Be fabulous-

Ging

Oh how I've missed you...

My life has been an absolute whirlwind since school started!! But I LOVE IT!!! I wouldn't change a thing!! Okay...I might add a little more sleep to the equation but who knew doing something your passionate about would make all the difference!! I've always been a happy person but I think this is the first time I've ever just been happy/content with all aspects of my little life!!

I'm about to have a career...how cool is that??!!

School is going better than I ever expected. I just finished my 8th week of Core!! (OMG how time flies when your busy!!) We've covered almost all the basics...color, foiling, perming, makeup & my fav cutting!!! I absolutely love cutting!! I had a total terrified moment the first day of cutting. It's so permanent!! But I had to remember Miss Dolly-head wasn't gonna complain about the cut or cry if I stabbed her, so SNIP!! Once I made that first cut, there was no looking back!! I can't wait to move on to the Adaptive stage and learn how to adapt the haircuts to real life guest. I know this next year & few months is gonna fly by but I just can't hardly wait to get out there and do this!!! :)

Even with the extremely limited schedule I have now (work, school, sleep, repeat!!), believe it or not, I've still found some time here and there to SHOP!!! Facebook shopping is soooo unbelieveably convenient. Probably too convenient but I love it!!

"RUN CARD & SHIP" --- OH YEA IT'S THAT EASY!!!

But it's kinda like a competition. If your not on top of the post, you just might miss out on a Must-Have item. Scary right??!! It's almost worse than eBay on the competitiveness for me...I can't stand it if someone else swoops in there and gets something I want!! But that's the thing with the Facebook shopping...you can't hesitate or its GONE!! Thanks to my friend Crystal, I stay up-to-date on postings when I have to be unplugged!! I have to take a second and give her some props!! I'm so so so proud of the little fashionista I've turned her into!! She's proved to be quite the little shopper...brings a little tear to my eye!!! There was a moment this week with a dress from Maude that I was worried I created a shopping MONSTER!! But we've made a pact for no shopping for a couple weeks, then we could celebrate our thriftyness with a trip to The Rage!!! It's one of our favorite Facebook shopping pages!!! Here's my most recent Rage purchase...

Cutest thing you've seen all day right??!!

Here are some of my FAVORITE Facebook shopping pages:

The Rage

Freckles Boutique

the Blue Door boutique

Maude Shoppe

Girly Girl Boutique

Reign Shop - The Garment District

Reign doesn't technically do the "run card & ship" but they are in the process. I needed a pair of the bright orange skinny jeans they posted and they hooked it up. Yay for fabulous customer service!!

And of course...

Suite One

& Beauty's

but they are in the Fort so I try to actually go in person to shop!!

That's just the tip of the iceberg with the favorite Facebook boutiques but these few should be a good jumping off point!! Hope everyone has an amazing weekend and I'm going to make a point to make sure and blog at least once a week. Until then...

Be fabulous-

Ging

Polish this!!

I've had an ongoing 28 year battle with biting my nails and finally, just maybe, think I've broke that disgusting habit!!  I remember Mrs. Jackie bribing me at DayCare with polish, they even told me I'd end up with a worm in my stomach that would eat it's way out...didn't phase me. When I had my veneers done, the dentist told me I wouldn't be able to bite them...WRONG!!! So one day when I had chewed my finger to new skin and could barely key at work because of the pain...I decided this is ridiculous...I'm so girly but look at these icky fingers!! No more!!! It's been about 6 months since I've nawwed them to the quick, knock on wood, but I think I'm finally over it. Now, I still pick at my cuticles a bit but my nails are long enough to paint and here begins my obsession with nail polish!! I love it all...normal, matte, irridescent, metallic, crackle and don't forget the GLITTER!!! My all time favorite brand is China Glaze. They have the best glitters and for me and my nails it last the best. OPI is my runner up. They have amazing colors but for some reason it chips a little faster but that just means I get to paint them again. Not such a bad thing!! I'm a sucker for 'SPECIAL EDITIONS'. And also for their names. If I'm stuck and can't decide (and TJ's with me or I would just buy both) I let the names decide!!! Here's a few that top my list...



China Glaze Ruby Pumps
By far the best glitter red ever. And I mean EVER!!!
It's full coverage and just the right amount of sparkle.
I buy these 2 at a time!!!



China Glaze Bad Kitty
This is the newest member of my collection!
It's more sheer but still a great color.



OPI Ink
All time fav OPI color.
It has just a touch of sparkle and who wouldn't love
that deep rich purple.



OPI Rainbow Connection
Muppets Collection Holiday 2011
Always sold out!! Arrgghhhh!!!
I can't even find it on Ebay for under $20 and I need this...
ok want...no it's a need...for my 30th birthday.
I have to have confetti nails...I just have to!!!

While I was on the hunt for the Rainbow Connection, most brands have a confetti-like polish but I'm not very trusting of just any polish, I stumbled upon Deborah Lippmann. She's a celebrity manicurist and let me just tell you, in her Lippmann collection, she has some FABULOUS colors. They run about $18 a bottle but I have a feeling it's totally worth every penny. If you've ever used her brand, I'd love to know what you think. Here are a few of her colors that are probably going to be making a home in my polish bag soon!!

deborah lippmann Candy Shop
a bubblegum pink glitter
What's not to love??!!



deborah lippman Happy Birthday
Party in a bottle!!!
Her version of the confetti polish...
and its called Happy Birthday...it's a sign...it's meant to be!!!

 Obviously I have a glitter addiction...it's just so shiny...and I'm just so easily distracted by shiny objects!!! There are so many great colors out this season. From earthy tones to basics that have been turned up a notch, don't be scared...experiment...step out side your comfort zone and try a color that makes you smile even if it's not something you would normally choose. Because really what's the worse that could happen...you might love it...you might hate it...it's not permanent so go wild...or just glittery!!!

Be fabulous-
Ging

Cuckoo for COLOR!!!

This was never more evident to me until a few weekends ago when the Bonds' girls and I went shopping for black (all black dress code at school...idk how I feel about this...get back with me!). I was so distracted by all the great colors stores had out in lieu of spring...I left the mall with one black top. ONE!! I had permission to shop and all I left with was one measly top off the clearance rack at JCP, someone should have checked to see if I had fever!! But I was very happy with my frugal-ness...almost spent more on lunch than the top!!! Here are some of Springs brightest trends I'm lusting over...

ae.com
Colored Jegging
Blue, Red, Pink, Yellow, Gray, White

I love colored pants!! I'm much more likely to layer color than prints and I love to start with a bold base. Obvious in that I only owned one pair of black pants until recently!!!

Crazy about the Aztec inspired prints
from Old Navy

Love love love this burnout dolman...
so much I bought the blue one!!!
from Old Navy

I love bold color but I'm also loving some of the pastels from the Spring runways. Minty greens, peachy pinks, creamsicle oranges, and sky blues are just some of what caught my eye. 

Vera Wang, Tibi, Tory Burch

Alice + Olivia Spring 2012
Sparks in Spring

That skirt is FABULOUS!! A tad crazy maybe but something about it makes me lust!!!
Peter Som Spring 2012
Marie Claire

I can't wait for Spring!!! I am so excited for school to start even though I will be dressed head to toe in black most days. Sigh. Just means those days I don't have school I'll probably look like a Crayola explosion!!! 

Be fabulous-

Ging

I have a dream....and a yummy fish recipe!!!

It feels like its been an eternity since I've blogged and OMG I have missed this so much. We've had such a busy month or so and I spent most of that time getting my ducks all in a row. I've wanted to go to Cosmetology school for years now and it was just never the right time and/or the schools around here just didn't give me the feeling I'd be at the level I expected when leaving there. 

I extended my search area for a school and stumbled upon 

PAUL MITCHELL THE SCHOOL. 

Becky & I visited last spring but it just wasn't going to work out financially then. Even though it felt so right I just couldn't get everything lined up to make it work. 

BUT now the time is right and it's HAPPENING!!!! 

I start school March 12th and couldn't be more jazzed about it!!! 

It's insane how when something is meant to be and the timing is right it just works out so smoothly. I finally realize why every time I started UAFS it was stressful and boring. I was trying to force something to be right just to say I finished something instead of following my heart. If you spend your life waiting for your dream to be CONVENIENT, you'll wait forever!!! It's never going to be ideal for me to work 8 hours, drive an hour, be in class for 5 hours and then drive an hour home at 10pm. 

It's just what I have to do for my dream to happen!!! 

It's going to be a crazy 18 months but I'm so ready for an adventure!!!

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

Being so so busy it's going to be very important that I eat right and try to be as healthy as possible with my food choices. I made a totally delish dinner last night!!! It barely took 20 minutes to throw together and it was just so pretty I just have to share with you!!!! 

I originally saw the recipe here from Pinterest (of course)!!!  

Food is hard to capture...kept steaming up my lense...
but you get the idea!!!!

MAHIMAHI with CUMIN OIL & PINEAPPLE SALSA

The Fish

-Cod Fish (I used a 12oz bag from the fish section at WalMart. There was plenty of salsa for 24 oz.)

-2 TBSP EVOO

-2 tsp ground cumin

-1/4 tsp salt

The Salsa

-1 C chopped fresh pineapple

-1/4 C finely chopped red onion

-2 TBSP chopped cilantro

-1 tsp minced fresh jalapeno 

-1 TBSP lime juice 

-2 tsp EVOO 

-1/4 tsp salt

Preheat your broiler on high and move your rack to where the fish will be about 8 in from heat.

Cover your broiling pan with foil and lightly oil it.

While the fish was thawing, I started the salsa so it 

would have time to mingle.

Chop the pineapple, red onion, cilantro & jalapeno. 

Put in a bowl and top with the lime juice, EVOO & the salt. 

Stir and let it hang out.

Lil bowl of yummy confetti!!!
I love colorful food!!! 

Go ahead and mix up the EVOO, cumin & salt.

 Once the fish is thawed pat it dry and place on 

the foil covered broiling pan. 

Brush the fish with the cumin oil and broil for 8-10 min.

When it's done, remove from oven and place immediately on 

a plate. Top with salsa & you have yourself

a super easy healthy dinner!!! 

Look at that little piece of heaven!!
The combo of the cumin with the sweetness of the
pineapple was to DIE FOR!!! 

Not positive on the calories or fat but 

it couldn't possibly be bad for you!!!

Hope you enjoy!!!

I also would like to be...idk what you call it here...culinarily correct...

this is really a Chutney. We had a pretty big debate last night over what makes

it a Salsa vs. a Chutney. Well thanks to goole we got our answer!!

A Chutney is a fruit based mixture that is usually better consumed immediately. 

A Salsa is usually vegetable based 

(Tomato is considered a fruit right?! My argument exactly!! But whatever!!) 

but it has a much longer shelf life.

It was difficult to say but I admitted he was right...

I plan on cooking a lot in the next few weeks, when school starts I just won't have the time. I'll try and share anything promising with you guys!!! Stay tuned for Rachael Ray's Turkey Meatloaf Burger!!! It's like Thanksgiving on a Bun and one of our favs!!! Until then...

Be fabulous-

Ging

Baby it's cold outside!!!

Brrrrrrrrr!!! Well it's officially the first day of Winter! Can you believe Christmas is Sunday??!! What?? I know!!! It just hit me last night that it's THIS WEEK!!! Hopefully all your gifts are bought and wrapped pretty with a bow, you're stockings hung & you've got extra milk and cookies for the Big Guy!!!
We took a quick trip this past weekend to Branson to finish our shopping up...I'm pretty sure we have single-handedly stimulated the economy!!! Coach Outlet was def worth the trip. And I absolutely LOVE LOVE LOVE the Landing!!! Apricot Lane, Francesca's, White House Black Market & many other great stores all in one spot!! I saw so many great trends...cropped sweaters, textured leggings, FUR FUR FUR, lace & crochet details, and tons of bright colors!!! Here are a few of my favorite!!!

I love fedoras!! Check these I found
on Glitter Guide. This site is amazing!!
If your even a touch of a
girlie-girlie, you'll love it!!! 

REALLY REALLY REALLY want a sequin
mini!! In fact I probably NEED this for
New Years Eve!! Love how they layered
with all the texture and tones!!
Free People

DRAMA!! Rock a bold eyeshadow
with neutral lips!! 

Or flip it around...put the
color on your lips with a
natural eye and
never-ending lashes.
Vintage Teal

Black-on-Black
How can you go wrong?? Especially trying
to conceal those Holiday pounds!!!
Throw in an accessory in a bold color or print
for a totally together look!
My Heartistry

I am completely head-over-heels
for this look! In fact, I'm so
wearing this combo to work
tomorrow!!!
My Heartistry

Hope you at least a bit inspired to glam it up. Even though this is the season of giving, don't forget to do a little for yourself!! Imagine how great you'll feel if you look fabulous while being your-JOLLY-self!!! 

Be fabulous-

Ging

What to buy?? What to buy??

Got all the Christmas shopping done yet?? Almost??!! Now it's down to just finding that perfect gift for those hard-to-buy for people on my list...Mom, Dad...yes you!!! Why I leave the tough one's for last, I just don't know...What do you buy for those people that:

A. Have most everything they want.

B. If they do want something they go buy it themselves!! 

And then when you ask them to give you some ideas, they give you the "I don't want anything but to just spend time with you" spill. LIE!! Everyone likes presents!! And they know you're gonna buy them something, so why can't they just be helpful!! Oh, if it was only a perfect world!!!

For us that do live in the real world and have come to a brick wall on what to buy, here are some ideas for those hard to shop for people...

1. Massage! Hello...who wouldn't be thrilled with an hour of relaxing during the stressful holiday season??!! Check out Inner Peace Body Studios Premiere Massage and Body Studios in Fort Smith. Plus as an added convenience to you, you can buy and customize the gift certificate right from their webpage.
Coming very soon, your recipient will also be able to schedule their appointment online as well!!
Heavenly peace without the hassle!!

2. The Gift Certificate. I understand some people consider it impersonal to give a gift certificate as a present but in my opinion they are FABULOUS!! Especially if it's to their fav store...that says to me, I know you love this store but there's too many great things for me to pick just one, so enjoy choosing what you like!! And honestly if someone just doesn't know what I would love (so crazy, I love everything!!), I'd much rather get a gift card than have to do the teeth-clinched grin while saying 'I love it'!!! And then take it back to the store and wait in line before I can go choose what I want and stand in line again before I get to have it!! Gift certificates are good will towards men!! And, have you seen the huge rack of gift cards at Walmart & Walgreens?? Talk about one stop shopping!! They have everything from restaurants, to department stores (don't worry if there isn't a store nearby...reason #48396591688 to online shop!!), iTunes, even for FarmVille, YoVille & any other Ville people play on Facebook!!

3. Homemade goodies!!! Who doesn't love Christmas candies & chocolate dipped anything??!! Check out Pinterest for some great ideas. Here are some of my favorites...

Christmas Sugar Cookies
Our Italian Kitchen



Peppermint Chocolate Cake Pops

52 Kitchen Adventures

Oreo Snowman Pops
The Idea Room

 

Snowman Cocoa Stirrers
Make 'n Mold

 

4. Gift baskets are always an easy option when you can't find that one perfect gift. Try to make one up based on their hobbies or favorite past times.

Movie Fanatic

Popcorn

Boxed Candy

DVD's (pick a theme)

Maybe even gift certificate for the theater (see #2 above)

Coffee Lover

Mugs

Coffee

Cocoa

Snowman Cocoa Stirrers

Biscotti



Or pick a hobby....I knit so a basket full of yarn, patterns, & needles would thrill me!!! The ideas are really limitless. Check out these cute ideas from (of course) Pinterest...

Bakers Christmas Gift
The Art & Soul of Baking

Who doesn't need a sewing kit??
Texas Cottage list 10 great ideas for
gifts in jars!! Everything from
cocoa's to cookies to
homemade vanilla.

Hope you have a few ideas brewing now! Santa will be here in 18 days!!!

Stay warm & be fabulous-

Ging