Oahu

I'm back! I think I forgot I had a blog. Okay, that's a total lie. How could I forget you guys? But when you go on vacation, it's a little difficult to get into the swing of things again and so this is my first post in almost a week. I need to plan for my blog better next year. That's one resolution for my list.

My time in Oahu was spectacular. Although I prefer the low key atmosphere of Maui, Oahu has so much to offer in terms of activities, shopping, and nightlife. It truly was one of the most eventful vacations I've had to date. I already posted quite a few pictures on Instagram, so I'm only going to show you my favorites or what you didn't see (otherwise this would be a mile long). My best friend invited me to a wedding, and we met up with all of our old college friends. It's such a different experience going on a trip with multiple people than it is with just your husband or boyfriend. We really didn't sleep the entire time because we wanted to get everything in before our six days were up. I think we did!

The view from our hotel balcony was unreal.

North Shore

There's nothing like drinking from a real coconut!

We were there for Pipe Masters! How cool is that? 

The Pearl Harbor Memorial had me in tears. It was powerful, and an honor to see it in person.

My girl for life. 

Quick little video from a night out for dinner :)

I hope you're having a great week and are looking forward to the weekend. The countdown is on until Christmas! As usual, I'm ill prepared. 

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Haircare

I've recently received a couple reader emails about my current hair routine. To say these types of emails are incredibly sweet and flattering are an understatement, because I really don't do much and I HATE doing my own hair! I really think a lot of it has to do with genes. Mine is as frizzy and unruly as my dad's (thank you for that Mr. man)

I haven't changed things up too much, but I do want to let you know the products I swear by. First, let me say that my hair is naturally wavy, but not the "pretty mermaid" kind. I have a ton of it, but the actual texture is very soft and fine. I wash it every two days, and can't go any longer because that's just a personal preference. I have friends who wash theirs every day, and I have some that can go up to four. I think it depends on your hair's texture. It also depends on your lifestyle. Every two days is perfect for me. So that's the back story. You ladies know I chopped it early this year after frying it during and after my wedding and honeymoon. I felt a new sense of self after getting married, and I wanted my outer appearance to reflect that, however slight the change might have seemed.

                                                                                 Before:

After:

So as you can see, the color is still the same. My hair is naturally pretty dark, but I do darken it up with all-over color about two or three times per year to keep it rich. If it ever looks lighter, it's either the sunlight or it's faded a bit. My color holds a lot of red.

Products I use:

 Clear Total Care shampoo/conditioner. 

You can buy it at any drugstore, it smells amazing, and it's really whipped my dry scalp into shape. It does contain sulfates, which was something I was against for a long time, but now that I don't color my hair very often, I really don't mind. It's also super affordable. 

Macadamia Deep Repair Masque 

I use this about once per week for extra moisture. It really helps to soften my ends and eliminate extra frizz. Don't get me wrong, my hair is still frizzy as Hell even after using this, but it's less so.

I mentioned the Aveda Volumizing Tonic a few weeks back, and it really is the lightest but most effective volumizer I've ever tried. 

It really adds some natural body to my fine hair without weighing it down too much. 

TRESemme Keratin Smooth Treatment

I only use this when I want super straight locks. It really works, to my own surprise! It sounded like a gimmick to me, but I tried it using a coupon and I really enjoy it. It works with the heat of your straightener. I use a GHD by the way, and have for years now. Before that, I loved my Chi. Both are great if you're in the market for one. I don't curl my hair very often, maybe just a couple times per month. I have a Hot Tools for that. And I'm laughing because I just realized that my hair is all curls in the pictures above!

Fekkai Glossing Cream

My all-time favorite for shine and smoothing after I finish styling my hair. If you haven't tried it, you need to.

Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray

My friend introduced me to this, as well as many of you beauty bloggers who convinced me I needed it. There's a wonderful salon in my area that sells it exclusively, so it's quite convenient (albeit expensive). It's really pricey, but worth the volume it provides. Nothing makes my hair bigger than this. Not that I have big hair at all, but it does reach the ceiling until I smooth it down with a brush!

So this seems like a lot, doesn't it? I don't feel it in my routine though, probably because I don't use these on a daily basis. I hope this helps any of you who are interested in new products. I can attest to the quality of them all. 

As you read this, I'm looking like a boho queen in Hawaii. Or at least I hope I am! I didn't pack really any of these products. Nope, just random minis I found at CVS. I like to go au natural when I'm by the beach :)

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A Classic Trench

Wearing //

Express trench

Express sweater leggings

Michael Kors satchel

Sole Society booties (last year), similar style and color

Dior addict lipstick in "New Look"

This little trench coat was almost perfect when I received it in the mail during all of the crazy sales. Almost. The sleeves were too long, so I took it to my tailor and she was able to shorten them for me. I'm so happy she did. Gone are the days when I rolled up everything! Before I met my tailor, I would just deal with extra material by cuffing sleeves and rolling up jeans. I didn't mind so much back then, but now that I'm older and the college days are in the rear-view mirror, I feel sloppy rolling up my coats. I'd rather pay a little extra because I know that means I'll actually wear the piece more often.

How are you ladies doing this week? I'm getting ready to hop on a plane with my best friend and I feel obnoxious saying that I'm headed for Hawaii again. Six days, five nights on Oahu. I've never been to that island, so I'm very excited to explore and compare it to Maui. I'm still going to post maybe one or two more times while I'm away, but just know that I might be a little silent on your blogs until I get back. Don't forget to check with my fellow bloggers tomorrow when the Express gift card winner is announced! I'll probably post something on Instagram since I won't be sitting behind my computer.

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