What I'm Wearing..

I love this white dress and I simply won't hand it over just because it is after Labor Day.  I just won't.  So I slipped on some stockings that cheat and show people that I still have my summer glow with a circle scarf and my hipster hat.  I mixed my prints with some "fresh" plaid flats and striped Tommy Hilfiger (post brand re-image) sweater.  Since I rolled out of bed at 8:55 and had to be at work at 9 (plus it's a 7 minute walk), this is me with no contacts, no makeup, and my hair isn't brushed (added bonus of hipster hat).

How do you like my new bangs?  I've always wanted eye grazing blunt bangs and by a unfortunate bang trim fail, I got them.  What do you think?

PS. 5 months and 10 days of no poo!

Remember to subscribe to my lovely blog, and twitter, and tumblr xoxo, mfh

Prenatals

No, I am not prego.  Today while I was browsing through the store I stumbled into the vitamin aisle and remembered reading that Lauren Conrad swears by taking prenatal vitamins for expedited hair growth and health.  Seeing that I am slightly obsessed with Lauren Conrad and since her hair is absolutely stunning and beautiful and longgg, I'm not going to argue with her logic.  I have always wanted long hair, I often long (see what I did there?) for lengthy hair that I can twist into a beachy side fishtail braid or sweep up into a romantic updo.  But I just never seem to have the patience.  My hair grows out just longer than my shoulders and I get so bored that I need a dramatic change and just chop it all off.  Not anymore my friends!  I solemnly swear (that I'm up to no good...as always) that I will grow my hair long and I will not cave into a dramatic change.  If I need a dramatic change in my life, I will go back to blonde or change my makeup or reinvent my personality or something other than cutting my locks.  My goal is to grow my hair long and luscious and have beautiful bouncy curls and hair health that means my hair will stop falling out and a gross rate and these prenatal vitamins are my medium of doing it.  Not to mention that these pills are actually adorable and pink and not too big.  I'm supposed to take them once a day, with meals.  So tomorrow morning, while I am pouring my big bowl of lucky charms (case and point of why I'm not ready to be an actual mother) I will pause and think of my long hair as I wash down my new vitamin.  Stay turned for more wacky ideas that I randomly come up with and commit to, it's always interesting to be maryFREAKINGhalpin. ;]

Ps.  Lauren Conrad's hair stylist also recommends rinsing your hair with apple cider vinegar once a week, which I use as my "conditioner" for No Poo!

Remember to subscribe to my lovely blog, and twitter, and tumblr xoxo, mfh

No Poo Challenge: Month 3

I have spent my entire life, hating my hair.  I have thick, curly mousy brown hair and I have spent most of my life trying to change it.  I have been dying my hair since 7th grade and straightening to death every day for years.  This summer, I took a risk at letting nature work itself out and not washing my hair.  Now, it has been three months since using shampoo and I could not be happier.  My curls are actual...curls!  They are perfect ringlets.  They are bouncy and voluminous and beautiful.My hair is not greasy at all.  Not the slightest bit.

Unfortunately, there are a few downsides.  I am still shedding like crazy.  I don't know if this is more or less than normal with shampoo or what.  Maybe it's all the dead hair finally leaving my scalp to make room for all the non-damaged hair in result of going no poo.  Also, I have noticed that my hair actually got too dry and lacked moisture and grease.  So I bought some sulfate-free conditioner (note to self:  Suave shampoos and conditioners do not contain sulfates) and have been using that.  Now, my routine consists of using my baking soda mixture once a week or once every other week and using conditioner about every other day.

My hair is soft and supple and has beautiful curls days after getting it wet.  I absolutely ADORE my no poo routine.  It has significantly cut down on my shower and primping time and has given me great results.  This may possibly have partly to do with spending my summer on a lake and being in the water every single day and air-drying my hair in the wind off boats.  I am curious to see how my hair adjusts once I go back to Boston and am no longer rinsing my hair in the mineral-rich lake and have the winter havoc left on my hair.

Remember to subscribe to my lovely blog, and twitter, and tumblr xoxo, mfh

I Failed.

I failed. I'm sorry, I'm terrible.  Lock me up and throw away the key.  Well, okay, maybe it's not that bad.  But I didn't break my promise and lost my goals.  I strayed away from 45 in 45 and spent A LOT in my no spend month.  It was disastrous.  But I totally don't regret it.  I just got back from a week long trip to the East Coast to see my wonderful beau and besties and if I wasn't so gosh darn tired, I'd tell you all about it.  But alas, you will just have to perch on the edges of your seats until tomorrow when I have enough energy to discipline my fingers to write my saga.  But I wanted to tell you that I failed you all and am very, very sorry.  I hope that in time you'll forgive me. ;]


Until tomorrow, please subscribe to my wonderful blog, and if you so desire you can follow me on twitter and even on tumblr      kthx, you're the best! :]

45 in 45: Day 10

My sunburn has subsided enough to stop wearing pants.  So I took the opportunity to wear my favorite summer dress.  Paired with a wide belt to make me look super skinny (best investment EVER) and a blazer to look more polished.  Of course, I can’t forget my signature bow headband.  The black flats are suede on the outside and have sheepskin on the inside and are more like slippers with a sole than anything else.  I grabbed them for $6 from Target last winter and have almost worn them through.  Each article of clothing I am wearing today is my favorite, and together they make the perfect outfit year round.

Below are pictures from my new room!!  Much more comfortable than the tent. ;)

This is the awesome view from my window (don't mind the gross screen!)

45 in 45: Day 9

Over the weekend I took full advantage of my new room, complete with indoor plumbing, tile, and very few bugs, and all of it’s immentities like a kitchen, full lake-side view, and swimming pier.  I eagerly jumped in the water, ready for a day of frolicking in the water to stay cool and reading and laying out by the pier to get hot.  Unfortunately, the sun took advantage of me.  Even though I slather the lotion on, I ended up a toasted shade of tomato red.  My face got the worst of it, complete with huge raccoon circles from the top of my eyebrows to mid-cheek from my sunglasses.  I spent all Sunday continuously rubbing after-sun lotion on it, hoping that the label comes true in that it repairs sun damage and prevents peeling.  I applied, reapplied, and applied some more.  If only I had done that with my sun lotion, I wouldn’t be in this position!  When it came to today’s outfit, I chose a pair of black skinny chinos to cover my two-toned legs (red in the back, brownish pinky white in the front) and a very light loose shirt that instead of wearing a bra, I can wear a camisole underneath.  My usual glittery sandals are my go to shoes, for pretty much any outfit.  My hair is a complete mess, so shortly after this photo was taken, I threw main hair in a bun and was on my way.

45 in 45: Day 8

I absolutely love this dress and would wear it everyday if you let me.  It's incredibly flattering and it the only maxi dress that I have found that was the perfect length for my short little body.  I love how the coral and the navy look together.  Paired with my fresh lake hair do and glittery sandals, this is really the perfect summer outfit.

45 in 45: Day 7

As much as I tried, I could not drag myself out of bed this morning.  It was truly unfortunate when I finally rolled onto the floor 15 minutes before I had to be at work.  I went for the classic New England Prepster look, which is my go to look.  I love it.  Simple, but elegant enough for casual workplace.  What do you think?

45 in 45: Day 6

After a particularly late night and a particularly cold morning (isn’t it supposed to be summer?!?) I hurried up and threw these on before I died of hypothermia.  I was planning on wearing black flats (although my new black boots would be even better!) with this, but it was down pouring, again (isn’t is supposed to be summer?!?! again), so I reached for my go-to “rain boots” and threw the belt on to tie it all in.  I think it’s supposed to be raining for the rest of the week, so I’m pretty stoked about that, NOT.

45 in 45: Day 5

I'm a day late, I know, I know.  Busy day yesterday...

Another freezing morning where I could barely get out of bed.  I picked out my clothes the night before though.  This outfit usually looks better with a brown or green cardigan, but those aren’t part of my 45 in 45, so I had to make do with this navy Ann Taylor.  It actually turned out to be a really nice day, so after work I ran back to my cabin, threw on my bikini and caught some of the last rays of the day.  Success.

45 in 45: Day 4

This morning it was impossible to get out of bed.  It doesn’t help when the alarm clock on your phone is being twitchy and doesn’t really work.  Luckily, I woke up on time anyway.  But then the actual process of pulling myself out of bed was extremely difficult as it was FREEZING in my cabin.  I was wearing sweatpants, a sweatshirt, and a t-shirt and curled up under a thick comforter and a doubled-over blanket and still shivered most of the night.  It also didn’t help that I did not pick out my clothes the night before, so there was even less temptation to get out of bed.  Finally, I wrapped a blanket around me and shuffled out of bed, once again reaching for thick wool socks, black pants and boots.  In order to keep my outfit looking summery I paired a lightweight flowery eyelet tank with a short sleeve grey sweatshirt blazer.  This blazer was the seat of all impulse and extravagant buying, I shelled out an entire paycheck at Lucky Brand for the blazer and a pair of jeans.  FYI, this was part 1 of Christy and I’s matching outfit habits.  Even after I shimmied into my layers of clothes, I was still freezing, so I pulled on a hoodie over the whole thing, grabbed my backpack, and rode my bike to work.

I should have walked through the gym sooner, I bumped into about 10 people I knew, all staying in woodcraft cabins.  Looks like I won’t be so lonely after all. J

And you really can't beat the sun setting over Culver while your feet are dangling in Lake Max.  I wish these pictures did justice, but they don't.  I've resolved that I will try to watch the sun set every night, and maybe tomorrow I will bring my real camera to take pictures, or maybe I'll just take a friend.

 

45 in 45: Day 3

My romper.  Oh, the love for my romper is immense.  I have been looking for a romper for over a year now, but never pulled the trigger on actually buying one.  A couple of weeks ago, my friend, Tess, and I went shopping and she convinced my to give this one a try.  It was only $10, so really how could I go wrong.  Since then, I've barely taken in off.  The fabric is so soft and comfortable.  It's navy so it goes with everything and flattering on my skin tone, and the elastic on the top keeps it up.  It can be worn strapless, but I usually tie the straps into little bows so I can wear it with a bra.  Later in the summer, it will make for the perfect beach cover up.  I absolutely love it, and if I wasn't in a "no buy" month, I'd be constantly searching for another one.  Today, I'm making my way back to the shack by the lake, and reached for the romper because it's an effortless travel outfit.  Our journey will also include going to another lake in Indiana to our favorite fried-food restaurant where you eat fresh fish on a picnic bench overlooking a lake.  At sunset, it's to die for and a summer staple in my family.

This is my dog Scooter, although I like to call him Mr. Tinkles.  Don't we look alike!? :)

No Poo Challenge: Day 29

Another update on my No Poo challenge.  It has now been 29 days and I have used Baby Power to dry out my roots 3 times, used baking soda once, and apple cider vinegar once.  I have noticed that my hair is noticeably softer and shinier.  It has been three days since I have used the baking soda and vinegar and my hair is not greasy at all.  I have noticed though, that my hair has been falling out.  Every time I run my fingers through my hair or brush it, several hairs fall out.  I don't know if this is normal or not.  My best guess is that I'm getting rid of the dead and damaged hair, but I'm really not sure.  Does this happen to anyone else?

45 in 45: Day 2

I went home to Chicago last night, and slept for 13hours.  I didn't realize how physically and mentally exhausting it was to live in a tent while starting a new internship.  I woke up at 1:30pm today and proceeded to lay in bed and watch tv and movies all day, so I did not actually get dressed.  This leaves me one more original outfit in my arsenal for the next 42 days of this challenge.  If you must know, today's "outfit" consisted of navy blue mesh shorts and a black and pink long sleeve tee (both courtesy of Culver).

45 in 45: Day 1

Today started absolutely miserable.  It poured and poured and lightening-ed and thundered all night.  It woke me up several times and I’m determined I have a leak somewhere in the cabin, but I have yet to locate it.  I’m sure it will emerge in time.  It did not let up an ounce this morning.  I had pre-planned my outfit for “casual Friday” with jeans, but decided to dress them up with a cashmere sweater, bow headband and hot pink ballet flats.  But after waking up to a damp room with pouring rain, I reached for warm wool socks and leather boots which I use as fancy rain boots.  It finally stopped raining around 10am  and brightened up outside to the point that my office had a lunch excursion and ate by the lake.  I’ve decided to go home for the weekend to pick up some more essentials, so when I got back to my cabin I immediately adjusted my clothes for the warm weather, and am now wearing navy mesh shorts, a light blue button down, and a grey cardigan.  I promise it actually looks a lot cuter than it sounds, although the shorts and shirt are both pulled from my Culver uniform…

45 in 45

This is becoming my summer of challenges.  First it was No Poo, then 101 in 1001, and now it’s 45 in 45.  That means I have 45 articles of clothing (including shoes, not including belts, jewelry, under-things, or workout clothes/pajamas) for 45 days.  I can only wear those pieces.  This will be interesting.  This challenge is inspired by the blog Kendi Everyday who is doing 30 in 30.  At Culver, I wanted to pack lightly and only bring the necessities while I’m in my interim housing in the forest, and was planning on bringing more later when I move into my actual dorm.  Now, I plan on skipping the extra load of clothes and rethinking my current collection.  Luckily, I am an expert packer and have a diverse mix of light summery pieces, neutral work clothes, and a few basics (do hot pink ballet flats with rhinestones count as basics?)  Anyway, I have these clothes and these clothes only until July 25.  I will try to post pictures everyday to keep track.  I’d love your feedback on what you think of this latest challenge as well as feedback on any of my outfits!