gone tomorrow

It's well overdue, but I've cut off all my hair. I had been growing my hair out since we were engaged in December 2008 (it was a little past my earlobes at that point) and I hadn't cut or trimmed it at all (even the frayed end bits would add to the volume of the updo).

My hair in Dec/Jan 08 (the right is pre-engagement and the left is post. sorry for the two-toned awfulness, I was in the process of going back from brown to blonde)

I had no real intention of cutting any of it off (no post-wedding chop plan), it had been so long since I'd had it shaped that I figured I could make something of my limp hair with some clever scissor help. After the Oscars and after I'd made a hair appointment for said shaping, Garrett (husband) suggested the Carey Mulligan look. She has a pretty round face and so do I, and I rarely resist suggestions as to hairstyles, so I considered it. Garrett was afraid of being responsible if I hated it, so I left it up to Mallory (Oak Street Hair Group in Birmingham if you need a stylist).

(updo for Valentine's Day 2010)

I knew what she'd go for, she prefers short hair for herself and she's not the kind of personality that will cut your hair an inch longer than you want just because they are afraid you won't like it if it's as short as you say you want. So, I let her do it. I'd received mostly cries of "Yes!" on my unofficial facebook poll, with a few no's (including my sister who said it was thinly veiled rosemary's baby hair, and since I have yet to see it, I didn't let that ruin it for me).

(random, fairly recent pre-cut hair. sorry that I have 0 pictures of it down but it looked so bad unless I curled it. it was well past my shoulders, if that helps.)

I was so nervous driving back with my haircut, Garrett didn't know which I would get, the Mulligan or the trim, and I was desperately hoping I hadn't transformed into a completely unattractive boy. He loved it, which is fortunate, since I'm stuck with hair fit for a pixie for at least another 6 months.

I hate reading long posts online, so I will leave it there, but I intend to discuss my revelations that come along with having short hair, and would love to hear your own hair adventures or answer questions.

Vibram five fingers

If you've been to an outdoor store in the past few months, you've probably seen the shoes that claim to be the new barefoot. For the website, check out Vibram Five Fingers.

My husband is sure he'd want to run if he owned a pair. I feel like they are probably a novelty that will die out in a few years. I know they're saying that people wearing normal shoes all of the time is reducing the use of muscles in our feet and that doing activities barefoot (or with these barefoot like shoes) would retrain our muscles... but I'm also recalling a study a few years ago about how flip-flops had ruined our feet because there was no arch support. (Or is that just for people with already flat feet?) 

That didn't keep me from trying them on, and I didn't try on multiple pairs. I have 2 toes that don't separate all the way (it's hardly noticeable), and the fabric between the toes was really uncomfortable there. I think I'd have to go up a size or two from my regular size to remedy the problem (the website faqs says they don't have custom pairs for webbies like me). It's not likely I'll shell out $100 for a pair any time soon, though I like the idea/look/oddity of it. 

Has anyone actually bought a pair that they can weigh in on?

Beauty Girl Mag Green Event

I had so much fun at the Beauty Girl Mag Green Event last week and wanted to share a few pictures! All of the vendors I met there were fabulous, Jessica from Birmingham Glam, Tiffany from Studio Flower, Shaun from Blonde Salon, Anne from Arbonne, Martha from Johnny Green Seeds Wines (a local organic wine supplier), and of course Brittany from Beauty Girl Mag!

There were door prizes, mini-makeup lessons, a hair before and after treatment, and wine tastings. The event focused on going "Green" with your skincare/beauty regimen, something I'd never really thought about. I'm sure Brittany will have a post up soon but here is a sneak peak at some images from the event!

All photography by Spindle Photography. You are welcome to use as long as you credit the source!

Mallory & Eric are competing for a free wedding!

My friends Mallory & Eric (of previous engagement fame over at Spindle) made a video for a contest over at Project Wedding Alabama to win a free wedding! The wedding is being sponsored by a lot of really fun and creative local vendors, I'm jealous that I'm already married. If you live in Alabama and want to enter, visit the site for rules and enter by May 2, 2010 (the wedding date is 9-25-10).

Go see their super cute video and comment/vote to help them win!

Ajalon Printing & Design:: Vendor Feature

I received an email a few months ago from Trish Jackson of Ajalon Printing & Design about featuring their letterpress wedding invitations on my site. While I typically focus on local vendors, not all of my readers are local, and I know that I spent most of my time online when I was planning my wedding. Trish was kind enough to send me some samples to photograph and I picked my favorites to feature.

If you order by April 30th, 2010, you can get 100 invitations with blank envelopes and 100 RSVP postcards for $439 (We used RSVP postcards for our wedding invites and it cuts back on the postage for the RSVP and invite weight pretty significantly).

style Avani

Fleur Reception Card

Jessica Invitation

Rana 1

Anne RSVP card

Sindhu Thank You cards

Feel free to check out the rest of their designs on Ajalon's gallery. Some of my other favorites are the Laura, Jennifer, and Baroque. Ajalon is located in Santa Rosa, California, but are available online for everyone and at a really great price!

Beauty Girl Green Event

Beauty Girl Mag is a website for girls about inner and outer beauty and confidence, and is based here in Birmingham! Beauty Girl Mag is hosting an event at Blonde Salon and Spa on April 14th to talk about how going green can be applied to your body as well! I'll be there and I hope you will as well!


The event is FREE and you can RSVP on facebook!


Here's more info from Brittany, founder of Beauty Girl Mag:

Okay, so maybe you're not sure what to think of the whole "green" movement that has swept over America. Maybe you're not convinced to buy only organic fruits and veggies from your local farmer's market or trade in your SUV for a smart car.

 

But do you really know how important it is to use organic/natural products on your face and hair? After all, it is your body we're talking about!

 

BeautyGirlMag.com is hosting an organic beauty event at the Blonde Salon and Spa in Homewood, Al. BeautyGirl's Green Event will take place April 14th - 6:00-8:00 pm

 

The event will feature products from Aveda, La Bella Donna, Arbonne, and Good for You Girls. This will include product demos and a mini-makeover from our very own local, celebrity makeup artist from Birmingham Glam and an organic wine tasting.

 

There will also be goodie bags for the first 50 guests, which will include Aveda hair products and Good for You Girls coupons. In addition, you don't won't to miss the chance to win a great giveaway- Arbonne gift basket and Good for You Girls skincare kits.

 

Come and enjoy a fun evening. Go green starting with yourself first!