Makeover

Hi lovelies!!

I recently posted about my hair trials and tribulations, and the drive to "makeover" my hair.  Well,  as I am sure you have noticed there have been a few changes around here too!  This may be a minor, short-lived ongoing process as I settle into a new name (coming soon!) and a new topical theme.  Though AOA served me well for awhile, I felt it somewhat of an obligation to fulfill the theme I had set for it.  The theme, though a very large part of me (planning, organizing, and events) felt much to contrived to really connect with readers the way I wanted to.  So going forward, this blog will be full of things I find inspirational and that I hope you find inspirational too!!

I am going to try my hardest to not make this a mommy blog, no offense to mommy blogs, I just think there are plenty of spectacular mommy blogs out there that are far better than one I could do!  However, there will be some baby/child related things, I plan on publishing helpful and inspiring tips/tricks and ramblings!

If there is a topic you would like to see me cover, please feel free to post in the comments section of any past or current posts, or e-mail me at jrude88{@}gmail{.}com with the title Blog Topic Idea.

I hope you will enjoy me on this exciting ride!

xoxo

-J-

Processed to Curly

Hi lovelies!!

I hope all is well for you all!

For my first post back I will be starting a mini-series that is to last about 6 weeks (hopefully).  Many of you may not know this, but I actually have VERY curly hair, or I used to until I started straightening it and iron curling it twice a week.

I don't know if it is because I haven't had a cute in ages, well months, or the fact that I style it so frequently, or being pregnant, or ALL of the above, but my hair is awful now!  It is so fine and damaged around my face and the top of my head but underneath is so luxurious and thick.  I swear I have at least 3-4 different kinds of hair on my head, which is entirely possible!  I know I have at least 3 types of curls on my head!  The front and top are kinky/frizzy, the middle is wavy, and the underneath is on the curlier side of wavy.

So in order to correct or help mend the damage I am putting my heat styling aids aside for 6 weeks.  One reason is what I am assuming is horrible damage.  The other is out of sheer vanity.  I have found that unless my hair is done and styled I do not feel as though I look attractive.  Ummm, yuck! I have curly hair, if I take care of it, it should be beautiful!

Also, I am trying to break the styling habit, because I certainly will not have 30-45 minutes every 3-4 days to style it with a newborn! I'll be luck to shower every 3-4 days!!

So lovelies, today I am starting a 6 week journey to healthy, natural hair.  I will update you once a week for the next six weeks on the progress of my hair!

I have stopped using conventional shampoos and conditioners for washing, at least for the next couple of weeks to rebalance my hair.  In turn, I am using a baking soda mixture and an apple cider vinegar diluted rinse.  I have used this method twice and so far my hair is softer, but much, much frizzier!  But I chalk it up to hair detox! Hahaha.  I am considering adding a Nioxin(R) product into the mix called Diamax(R).  Now I do not necessarily have thinning hair, I don't believe, but this product is said to increase the shaft size of your hair, making it more voluminous.  And since one of my main issues is the thinness around my face and crown, it may be worth a try.  I have also noticed a general "thinning" or loss of body in my hair.  This is most likely due to any chemical treatments and heat styling over the years.  So, I thought I would take a step in slowing the process.  Hey, its worth a try, right?!?  If I do begin to use this product, I will let you know when I start, and how it is progressing.  I will also let you know if I add a curly friendly shampoo & conditioner back into my routine.  It will most likely be Paul Mitchell(R), a brand I grew up using, or rather my mother used on my hair and I never stopped until those awful rebel teen years.  I could write an entire post on Paul Mitchell(R), and I may when I do re-incorporate their products back into my routine.

That is all for now loves.  I hope you have had an incredible weekend and have a safe, FUN Fourth of July!!!

xoxo,

-J-

Update & Return soon!

Hi there lovelies!

Boy oh boy have I certainly missed blogging! The past few months have been absolutely insane!  I graduated in December.  While I was wrapping up school, I was working a full-time AND a part-time job and trying to keep AOA above water!  Sadly, AOA got the short end of the stick in the job graduation hoopla. :(  Also, in December, I had the amazing opportunity to be part of a newer bar in Downtown Indy and work there during Super Bowl! Let me just tell you how incredible that was! And time consuming!  Shortly after Super Bowl, I left that job.  Chaos! Let me tell you!  And then again shortly after leaving that job, I found out I am pregnant! Woohoo. All at once so many life changes.  And just a month ago, I moved, with my family to Central Oregon.  So far, 2012 is proving to be a rollercoaster!  But such is life, right?!

So with all of that being said, I am trying to find away to focus (and balance) my business, business plan, and new life!  So please bear with me during these exciting, exciting changes!

Xoxo,

Jess

Finger Printed.

Idea 1:

 

Idea 2:



Idea 3: (My FAVORITE!)


I simply love the combination of BOTH fingerprints.  Either having his on her wedding band (& vice versa) or merging them to create a heart!  Spectacular idea!  I think this would be perfect on wedding invitations!!

Ok,Ok... This may not be a cute way to photograph your wedding bands, but seriously, AWESOME!  This would make a GREAT 1-year anniversary present! *hint, hint*

I now present Mr. & Mrs. ...

Mr. & Mrs. Forks

Mr. & Mrs. Place card!

Mr. & Mrs. Mug & Wine Glass


Coffee Mugs! Perfect with a nice slice of cake!

I think these are all cute personal touches you can add subtly to your wedding! Also, you will get to see your significant other with their new salutation! 

Ring(s) of Fire

Hi lovelies!!!

I hope y'all are having a great summer and staying safe from the heat and sun!  Check out this post for important sun safety tips!

Now.  Onto cute ways to snap those freshly polished wedding rings you just exchanged!!!

Exhibit A: Hand-prints in the Sand!



Seriously, how precious is that!?! Cute honeymoon or beach wedding idea!!

Exhibit B: To Put it in Love



ummm GENIUS! The only problem may be if you don't have this adorable piece of art... But clever nonetheless!

Exhibit C: Scramble? Scrabble!



I LOVE Scrabble! And if you are my friend, you know this... It is a terrible obsession, and if I can talk you into playing with me, it will happen!  But seriously, precious!  I would do this with both rings! Yours and his!! I can find so many creative things to do with the two photos!

Exhibit D: Home is...



I love this idea! Or the idea of printing a short phrase that is meaningful to you and placing your rings in the "O"!!

Exhibit E:  Just Desserts!



I may have a sweet tooth for this particular idea, because I love s'mores! Still sticky sappy sweet its so cute!

 Those are just a few creative ideas I have seen!  Make your engagement session, wedding and honeymoon as personal to as you can!! It is truly a day you will never forget!

I Spy with My little Eye....

image via Tumblr

EXCELLENT reception game!  And a great treat for the Bride and Groom!!!  I think this is a great way to engage guests!