I CUT THE BEEHIVE!

Today is my twenty-seventh birthday. It's my Golden Birthday... 27 on the 27th. I'm not sure why, but for my whole life, I've always told myself that 27 would be my favorite year... and now that 27 is finally here, I can't wait to see what it brings.

Also, I kicked my birthday off with a "why not" of all why-nots:

I've always been a fan of change, and for this new year of mine, I'm embracing it fully. I ended up having 12 inches cut, and I'm donating my hair to Children With Hair Loss—they accept all kinds of hair and since the tips of my hair were bleached a few years ago, I picked their charity because some of the others have requirements against bleached & highlighted hair. I went to Kendall of Roots Salon in Boise (208-514-5895) and can't recommend her enough. This new cut is spunky, sporty, and of course—extra saucy. Why not, right?

Last year as I blew out my candles, I made sure that I didn't wish for "babies or anything crazy like that." This year, let's just say I can't promise the same, though I'm in no rush to make any changes that big (or small) quite yet. Oh, 27, I can't wait to see what joy you'll bring.

Here's to new short hairstyles and a brand new year!!

Messy Bun Updo

Since my hair has gotten longer, it's harder for me to get it into (and keep it in) a messy bun. My messy bun go-to these days is a triple-bun of sorts that—after adding a fancy hair clip c/o Lilla Rose by Rachel (win one here!)—turns into a pretty little updo.

I do this hairstyle by creating a ponytail at the nape of my neck. I then pull my ponytail through the hair-tie, stopping halfway down my ponytail to create a simple "poof" of hair. I then create another "poof" of hair with the rest of my ponytail. Then I tug and tug until it looks nice and a couple pieces fall out of the bottom poof, those of which I then tuck back into the hair-tie at the middle of the bun, hiding the hair-tie and creating a third "poof." Since that probably makes no sense at all, I plan on doing a video tutorial for this look so stay tuned for that to come soon.

Would you like to see a tutorial of this hairstyle? What's your messy-bun go-to?

Lilla Rose Giveaway on Aunie Sauce!

Recently, I was contacted by Rachel from Lilla Rose about checking out of her Flexi Clips. I've heard of Lilla Rose before, and for some reason hadn't jumped on the bandwagon of ordering anything. To be honest, now that I've tried these clips, I'm in love. I had tried one a long time ago, but it was a tiny one and it didn't hold my whole ponytail. This new medium one I ordered not only holds my whole ponytail, but I can do awesome French twist-inspired buns without bobby pins, hairspray or any worries. It's honestly a lifesaver. I tote my Flexi Clip in my purse with me everywhere and by the end of the day, my hair is usually twisted up into some fun updo with my brightly colored clip (see the left and top right photos above!).

Today, Rachel is doing a giveaway on my blog Aunie Sauce for one Lilla Rose item of your choice! All you need to do is CLICK HERE and leave a comment on THAT POST! 

Find Rachel here: Lilla Rose Site // Facebook // Pinterest // Email Newsletter // Flexi Clip Sizing Video

My Hair Identity Crisis

Top: very, very old (like, wore it to my high school senior Honor Society banquet in 2005 old), Skirt: Thrifted F21, Belt: old, Shoes: Mossimo, Bracelet: Premier Design, Photos: Taylor Love Studios

Despite taking a year off from using heat or styling tools, an excess of hair products, teasing often, and "doing" my hair—and even though I knew my hair was growing—it never seemed to get any longer... until I saw these photos! I looked at them and thought, "That's me?"

Here's where I get frank with you... I feel like I've been having a bit of a physical identity crisis lately.

• First, I'm still not used to myself with brunette hair (I've been brunette now for over 3-months... my longest brown-haired record yet!). After being a blonde for 26-years of my life, this change—though one that I like—still catches me off guard. 
• Second, my hair has almost always been a mid to short length. Never did it ever come down to my bra straps in the back. And now that it does... it's just different. I'm not used to myself, the way my hair feels (it's getting thicker due to my lack of highlighting & damaging habits), and how it looks. 
• Third, I haven't dyed my hair since early April, and I'm very surprised at my lack of roots. I had thought they would grow in ashy blonde like before... but I really haven't noticed them and it's throwing me for a loop. Am I a brunette now? A real brunette? 

Anyway, I think that all of this, coupled with a recent bit of weight loss (more on that later) has had me asking, "Who is that person in the mirror?" To be honest, I'm not always sure... but I like her!

What's your preference? Blonde or brunette?

Is My Hair Falling Out?

I realized something yesterday—I think my hair is the longest it's ever been. It currently stops about two inches below my bra line in the back. It's fun having longer hair... I've always been a shorter-haired, chin/shoulder-length kind of girl. But you know what I'm noticing? It seems like my hair is falling out! 

Here's what I do to my hair on a usual basis. I wash & condition (a couple times a week) with Joico or Yes To products. After the shower, I loosely wrap my hair in a towel for about 10 minutes to absorb moisture, and then I just let it down and let it air dry—without brushing or combing it (my hair dries rather straight and tangle-free). I don't use many products (the occasional beach spray), and I occasionally use hair spray. I don't usually tease it and I never use heat styling tools. On the days when I wake up with 2nd day hair, I put in a little dry shampoo and put it up into a pony/bun/braid—nothing too special.

So... basically—wash, shampoo, air dry (no brushing or combing), and the occasional dry shampoo when it's dirty. That's all. It's a really easy routine, but am I missing something? All day, I find stray hairs on my back, on my clothes, around my office, and if I even touch the bottom of my hair, it seems like strands come right out. I claim to be the hair expert, but then why does it seem like my hair is falling out? Am I the only one in this hair battle?

Now, I've spoken to a friend about this, and she suggested that since I don't usually brush it, that the hair falling out is what most people probably catch in their brush in the morning. Also, I've heard that when your hair is longer, more does seem like it's falling out. Long-haired ladies, is this true? It honestly makes me want my short hair back (and we all know that Daniel wouldn't complain if I cut it, because he encourages me to do it daily... see this post for proof)! Anyway, does anyone have any advice? Maybe I'm just being paranoid... but any input is appreciated!

Just A Little Bit Darker...

Since going dark was the first thing I've done to my hair in over 2 years, the color faded a little quicker than I would have liked—especially on my previously highlighted tips. I went back and had the same shade put on again, and this time I think it's here for the long haul. ♥