THURSDAY THINKING

WELLNESS WEDNESDAY: This should be interesting...

"Breakfast".  Find the recipe here.

I'm writing to you from Day 2 of the Dr. Oz Detox.  Yes, I am one of those people who has convinced herself that 3 days of starvation in the form of ill-textured and unplatatble drinks will ultimately lead to me transmogrifying into the sprightly, lithe, man-slaying woman I know I am destined to be.  No, this is not the second time I've attempted this detox in 2013.  Yes, it is.

I've always had trouble finishing cleanses. Something about the conscious restriction of solid food triggers the rebel side in me and I ultimately end up getting so angry with myself for saying I can't have something that I experience a rage-induced blackout and about 20 minutes later wake up next to a box of Sprinkles cupcakes (once it was actually a pot of quinoa because that was all I had in my kitchen after a typical "junk food banishment").  

But, I figure it is 2013 and I'm pretty sure I'm committed to being a healthier person (she says, regretfully, as she chokes down the last of her "lunch") so I've decided that every week I'm going to test out a healthy (and palatable) recipe to share with you all. If any of you have recipe suggestions let me know please! Oh, and keep an eye on my instagram…if you see a sprinkles cupcake box in the next 36 hours, you'll know I've failed…and I'll probably be a lot happier than I am right now… x x

REBEL PHASE SERIES: Much Ado About Bangs (and short hair)

WARNING: IF YOU HAVEN'T WATCHED THIS WEEK'S EPISODE OF GIRLS THE FOLLOWING POST MAY BE VERY CONFUSING AND NOT AT ALL FUNNY.  FEEL FREE TO FORGO READING AND ADMIRE THE PICTURES.

There's something going on with women and statement hair cuts.  Maybe it's the women's movement propelling into a new segment of those who refuse to listen to Cosmopolitan's 27,000 "pointers to getting your man" all claiming that the only way to get said man is by having long hair to hide your face (and opinions?) behind, but I figure it this way-- 

Michelle snagged Barack...

Hannah (Girls) has, well, Adam…

And I have, well…

Hmm….this argument is rapidly losing its validity.  Anyways, Hannah and I have our pride (and are not devalued) so why don't you lay this thing down flip it and reverse it (again, Girls). 

Anyways, all fictional or nonfictional, single or first lady, short haired women of the revolution aside, here are some women who will make you very certain to hide the scissors next time you pour yourself a cocktail. I'm insinuating that these cuts are so hot that if you don't hide the scissors you may wake up cuddled next to your detached ponytail after overindulging in skinny girl margaritas this weekend…in case my phrasing wasn't clear. 

(All images from Pinterest)

HOW TO: STAY BEAUTIFUL THIS WINTER

There are certain harsh realities we choose to forget as we progress through the various chapters of our lives: braces...the period before my mom would allow me to use a straightener...Birkenstocks.  While we actively select most of these memories to push deep into the attics of our minds, some memories manage to sneak into these dusty boxes without our knowledge.  In my case, the memory of winter in Chicago managed to hide itself so well that I voluntarily made the decision to leave my warm home in Los Angeles and move back to Chicago in the dead of winter ("I just want to have seasons so that I appreciate the warm weather", says the girl who had clearly lost touch with reality).  

In an attempt to reeducate myself on how to function in this season, I did some research on how to protect oneself against (in my opinion) the worst part of winter.  It makes hair flat.  It  makes noses bleed.  And it causes innocent, unsuspecting people to shock themselves every time they have the audacity to switch on a light.  The culprit of all this and more? Dry air (or low humidity, according to Discovery Health).  Here are 6 natural remedies to bring moisture back into your life.  

1. Cucumbers. Cucumbers are a natural remedy for chapped lips!  Next time you have an at-home spa day put some thin slices on your eyes and lips for 10 minutes. 

2. Aloe vera. There are different types of aloe vera oils and soaps you can buy at drugstores like Walgreens.  Shower with aloe vera soap or apply aloe vera oil directly after showering for supple, shock-resistant skin. 

3. Vitamin E oil.  Just like aloe vera oil, you can apply vitamin E oil onto the skin after showering.  

4 & 5. Olive oil and Flaxseed oil. Studies suggest that ingesting 1 tablespoon of olive oil or flaxseed oil daily will keep skin looking soft and healthy. 

6. Coconut oil. This is my saving grace for all seasons. Not only is it a better cooking alternative to olive oil (it can withstand more heat than olive oil which turns rancid and oxidizes when heated) it also serves as a daily moisturizer and a deep conditioner for hair.  I use coconut oil as a nighttime moisturizer.  I also coat my hair with coconut oil once a week (leave it on overnight then wash it out with your regular shampoo/conditioner and style).  

Do you have any tips to beat this weather  Let me know! Stay warm x x

Info source

Info source

MOMENTS

"The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy." Martin Luther King Jr., 1963 

QUICKIE!

(Proenza Schouler jacket, Topshop shirt, Sportmax skirt, Givenchy boots)

Quick post!  The fam and I have been running around since we got to DC last night.  From The Madison Hotel (which is gorgeous--the roses in the picture are real btw and glorious and intertwined with silver-painted leaves...which is now on my list of home decor DIY projects) to the Presidential Inauguration Fashion Show to Neiman Marcus (because I decided I needed a new dress for tonight's ball...yeah, I'm fancy huh and so are all these intimidating politicians, apparently).  Two things I've learned since arriving here: 

1) DC kids take these balls very seriously--the formal wear section of Neiman's was all disheveled and picked through.  Lucky me I managed to score a perfect floor length La Petit Robe di Chiara Boni...suckas. 

2) Ordering the "Sweet and Salty Fudge Brownie Sundae" (with a side of "Hand Selected Baby Greens", because I'm being healthy) is a perfectly acceptable lunch on-the-go.  

HEY...SO...CAN I MOVE IN?

You know when you graduate and realize you spent 4 years hopping around desperately trying to find your "passion" before time is up?  Then 20 minutes after the final buzzer rings and you are walking out to your car smelling of defeat with a hint of panic it finally hits you that you actually hate field hockey and even though all the cool girls in your grade are playing it you'd rather be in the school musical? Woah..that tangent turned into baggage real quick.  Sorry 8th grade...back to college.  Substitute field hockey for psychology and the school musical for interior design and you have an Architectural Digest/Elle Decor fanatic and avid pinterest peruser who will never have the proper degree to get paid to turn empty rooms into pieces of art.  But at least I can share these masterpieces with you.  I guess that's better than field hockey...just because you get to wear skirts doesn't mean that it's fun...says the psychology major who clearly has unresolved issues.

Anyways, this is one of my absolute favorite blogger's bedroom/closet/living room.  I'm in the midst of playing "interior designer" in my new apartment so I've been overdosing on home decor.  In other words, expect a lot more of these posts for the next few months.

Ladies and Gentlemen, Aimee Song's pad.

 Images via Song of Style...seriously check her out, I promise you won't be disappointed. 

PS - I'm literally about to leave my house to go to DC for the Presidential Inauguration...lots of fun pictures and stories to come! x x