A Simple Message

Justin Timberlake may have brought "Sexy Back" but I would like to bring the old fashioned, handwritten letter back. That's right. Get out your stamps and put your walking shoes on in anticipation of taking a casual stroll to the medium size bold blue box.

These days everything is sent virtually, meaning through a text message or an email. Heck, we don't even pick up the phone anymore to make a phone call and, get this, actually have a conversation. Okay, okay, I get it, the world is busy and you may not have time for the hour long convo but if you're going to write something out via keyboard wouldn't it be nice to have it written out with a pen on a piece of paper?

Years ago, while I was growing up I can say I had the honor of receiving many, many handwritten letters from my friends at school. We would write them up, fold them in a precise way so the one corner would tuck into the other side ever so smoothly. Nothing made me more excited then to open my locker and have a small, tangible message for me. It was my generation's way of "gossiping". There was no such thing as text messages throughout the day. If you wanted to socially interact with your friend(s) (or that guy you were crushing on) you would have to wait until fifth period or whenever you made your way to the other side of the building to open your locker up again.

Fast forward to the present day. After a long day at work I stumble home to find my mail box filled with bills (my favorite! Yes, that was sarcasm) and loads of junk mail. But when I receive an envelope that is presumably handwritten, I immediately set aside every other "letter" and proceed to sit on my couch without even kicking off my shoes. My face beams to think that someone took the time to write out a card that may say something as simple as "thank you" or "I hope this card makes you smile". Some of the best cards I receive are from my one and a half year old niece. Of course her mom does the thoughtful task of picking it out and signing " Love, Ella" but it just makes me so happy. Now, I'm not implying to write a letter for every little message that pops into your brain. Who has time for that?! I am simply saying that maybe when we haven't talked to someone in awhile and want to reach out or know of someone who is going through a difficult period in their life a tangible hello opposed to a text is a gentle upgrade.

Handwritten letters and cards show that you took the time to care. It's sweet, kind and nice. And in the world we currently live in, where life is so complicated, those three words are the best. If you can make someone's day, do it.

I am almost positive the person at the receiving end will greatly appreciate it.  If they are anything like myself they will store it in a shoebox to show the generations ahead.

Rockin' Hair

Before I became a woman that encountered many, many outlandish dates and then was able to relive my stories by telling my clients in my chair, I was a little girl who always wanted to become a hairdresser. Until this day, I wake up loving what I do and have the chance to make people feel good about themselves and give them a good laugh as well.

While I am "catching up" with my clients I also like to suggest possible "looks". From the heavy bang trend on the gorgeous Kerry Washington, to the tousled, almost effortless look of Blake Lively these are just a few suggestions I try to give my clients. Hair that is ready for anything, including an art exhibit opening to a dinner date night, these styles are ready to be taken out on the town.

For a more elaborate look, I am in love with old Hollywood glamour which Reese Witherspoon has seemed to have mastered. This is definitely a higher "glam" look that would be great to wear to a wedding.

Green With Envy

I am LOVING the color green lately! I thought I would never venture out with this color but recently I have purchased a green eyeshadow ( I hope I don't look like I should join the circus after applying this shade!) and I was told to wear it with a nude lip. When I see a rack of clothing I gravitate towards anything in kelly green. Earrings are amazing in emerald!

Possibly a night out on the town with friends or significant other ( or a first time date!) be daring enough to show off some green.

Valentine's Day is Cheesy?

Congratulations, we have all survived Valentine's Day. I hope that everyone woke up the next day, took themselves to the drugstore and bought a discounted chocolate heart. Because who doesn't love candy that is 50% off ? For the rest of the population who had just a little too much lovin', I hope the duct tape (or handcuffs, whichever you prefer) was easily removed from your wrists and you showed up for work on time. 

What do woman really want? With a majority of female clientele I can tell you that woman are not that picky. I swear this to you guys! Honestly, just put a little thought into it and we appreciate pretty much anything you do! 

This past friday, the day after Cupid's "big day" I got to hear about what everyone received. Flowers (roses) were mainly given with a side of jewelry and flowers, but the most creative idea comes from one of my co-workers boyfriends. He gave her a block of cheese ( with a side of Tiger Lilly flowers, her favorite) because well, she loves cheese. If that doesn't say "I love you" I don't know what does. Of course she had requested this dairy treat and if you think your significant other is lactose intolerant, I would strongly vote against this idea. 

Tradition is nice but not always necessary. Moral of the story, men ( and you too ladies!) think outside of the box because the person on the receiving end will pretty much always appreciate it. 

 

A New Year Date

Merry Belated Christmas! From what I can see everyone has survived the season but technically it is not over yet because New Years' Eve is right around the corner. And that is another reason to celebrate. Whether it is a big night out on the town or a house party everyone will be ringing in the new year one way or another.

Recently I had read something on social media that was asking people if they would consider having a first time date on New Years' Eve. My initial response was why would anyone want to do that to themselves because New Years' Eve comes with enough pressures but was I being too close minded? Maybe it would make for a great night and start to the new year. First, where do people go to fulfill this date without having a ton of tension? Secondly, do they go alone or with another couple? Lastly, what if there is no connection? Are you stuck for the rest of the evening or are their back up plans for each individual if things go sour?

I have no answers to these questions because never has one of my first dates ever landed on December 31st. What I do know is sequins of all color, whether worn by a male or female, should be displayed on this very evening. What's better than to bring in 2013 with something sparkly and shiny?

On that note, I would love to hear feedback if anyone decides to be adventurous enough to take the first date plunge on New Years' Eve and/or wears sequins. In that case I want photos of all that glittery goodness!

Love.

As we await for the end of the world to come upon us, let's take a minute to reflect on what is really going on in the world.

I like, actually LOVE to give everyone a good laugh and usually this is my platform to mix humor with anything that is relatable; true events that have happened to to me as well as what I hear from my clients, family, friends, etc. As much as I would like to comment on " the apocalypse", better known as 12.21.12  I would rather just say what everyone really needs is love.

I'm anticipating that maybe, just maybe, 12.21.12 is really a rebirth of kindness. Hopefully this will signify people starting to be kinder to each other.

I mean, who really wants to live in a world without love? I know I don't.

So in honor of a new beginning, and NOT the end I purchased a new pair of very inexpensive earrings (pictured below) with possibly the nicest word on it.  I think they might become my favorite.

The Beatles had it right all along. "All You Need is Love".

What to Give?

Christmas. A time for giving. But what do you get that special someone in your life? Does it depend on how long you have been together? Or what if this is your first Christmas together?

I'm not even sure I can speak on the behalf of most woman because I am not very traditional. I am not that " He should of went to Jared" kinda gal. Love to me means he went to Ticket Master, purchased tickets to a sporting event ( hopefully the Yankees! ) and then would buy me a beer once we get there. See, easy. Personally, I think we are not such complex creatures to buy for. Men would beg to differ. And I don't envy them for a minute. But.......wait! You guys are not the easiest to buy for either! As a woman it is so hard to be creative. What guy wants another sweater or tie? Regardless, it is always the thought that counts. 

In my early twenties I started dating someone just a few months before the holiday season. I think I bought him a sweater and cologne. I just purchased a new car a few months earlier and he lived in a  not-so-great section of town. He bought me a gift card and The Club. And when I reference  "The Club" I mean that erect piece of steel that locks to your steering wheel for vehicle safety. The device that if someone really wants the car and knows what their doing they could steal it in a few minutes flat. I may be a sarcastic person and find everything funny but, I have to say, I found this a bit charming. He knew he didn't live in the best area but did know I would come to his house to spend time with him and his family on the weekends. It was his way of saying "come, visit and feel some comfort that your shit won't get jacked real quickly". So sweet. We dated for quite sometime and my car was never stolen. My purse was another story. I would have to hide it when his Uncle with a stealing problem would stop by. 

Guys, Gals, good luck shopping for one another. I hope that you all find the perfect gift that compliments your significant other. 

Good luck!