a winter's tale

Sometimes, the whole drying my hair, and then straightening it, and then putting shit in it to keep it from frizzing routine is too time consuming/ I don't feel like it. Especially, if I'm working with day-two hair and wearing it down isn't an option because it may or may not look a little greasy, it's good to have some back up hair ideas on stand by.

Enter: the pony tail.

Effortless. Easy, yet you still give off the impression that you tried a little bit more than simply throwing on your favorite baseball hat and calling it a day. 

And the beauty of the pony tail is that it can be styled in so many ways, and look like a completely different hairstyle each way. It doesn't have to be the same-old, slicked-back, the-higher-the-pony-the-closer-to-heaven pony tail. 

Here are some of my favorite styles. Some I already do really well attempt, but I plan on trying the other styles as well!  Are there any pony tail tricks you've got up your sleeve? Do share!

The Bow

This pony tail look is super feminine and sweet. Add a little flair to

a simple pulled back pony and wa-la! It's an easy way to dress up a casual hair-do.

Inside Out Ponytail

This was a staple hairstyle for me growing up, and I have to say,

I think it's making a come back. This is as easy as it is pretty, and I love

how casual chic it is.

The Messy Mid-Head Pony

What I love about this look is that even though it's slightly unkempt,

it can be worn for both informal and formal occasions. Basically,

this is a looser version on the classic pony tail. Let your hair

be a bit bumpy and wispies be free!

My go-to pony tail style is this one. It's so easy to do, and what's ideal is that

it's meant to be a little messy! This style doesn't have to be perfect which is

exactly why it's a good option for a quick hair fix!

The Braided Head Ponytail

Incorporating braids into your ponytail is right on trend. It looks more like

a cool up-do than a regular pony tail. I also love how this model wrapped

a braid around the pony tail holder.

The Twisted Section Pony

This take on the pony tail adds an element of surprise that is both elegant

and feminine. I love how simply twisting and fragmenting off the pony tail 

creates a totally different look.

The Low Fishtail Pony

This look is one of my favorites! Fishtail braids have such a cool

look to them. Paired with a low pony tail, this style is perfect for casual,

daytime looks, or a night out with the girls.

Here's my version of the low fishtail pony. I pulled back my

side bangs with a couple bobby pins, then fishtail braided

the rest of my hair.

So, what do you think? Would you try any of these styles?

Photo credits:

GalMeetsGlam

PoPularHaircuts

StatusCrave

GirlsBeautyLook

Self Magazine

Work Out, Twerk Out

The adventure continues...

As I mentioned in my last post about my goal of living a healthier lifestyle, it's not easy for me. I work out quite a bit, but I also enjoy food. I had just joined Weight Watchers in an attempt to get my snacking habits back under control.

Since then, it's been about three and a half weeks, and I've lost 8 pounds. This is fantastic news because it means that if I get my face out of the fridge for a couple weeks, I can get back to my 'normal' weight. That's all i wanted out of this: I wasn't trying to drop an unrealistic amount of weight in a month. My goal was to just get back to where I was. I am going to continue with the WW program, and hopefully, combined with my workout routine, I continue to see improvement, both physically, and more importantly, how I feel.

Lots of happy shout outs to my trainer, Tim, for keeping me on task and making sure I show up ready to work during our training sessions. I don't think doing WW alone would be making a difference. He's been awesome at keeping the workouts interesting, changing them up a little each time to ensure my muscles don't adapt preventing me from plateauing and getting the best workout I could.

I'll keep you guys posted on the progress!

Onto equally as exciting news...

New workout gear! I've mentioned before that I love Fabletics, and now I'll mention it again. I ordered two more pairs of workout capris, two sports bras, a sweater and a top. I've worn everything but the sweater so far, and can definitely say that I really like the pieces a lot. The Fabletics leggings that I got - the Lima Capris - have maximum compression which is super important when you're doing various cardio exercises at the gym. I have an issue with my spandex falling down (#FlatAssProblems) so the maximum compression helps combat that issue and keep them in place.

The two sports bras I got - the Vaasa Sports Bras - have medium-support. They're OK for working out with weights, but I wouldn't suggest going for a run with them.

Here's what I got...

First outfit: Gust

This outfit combo is called Gust. I purchased all three pieces. I love how
all the pieces go together, but can also be mixed & matched with other
workout clothing.

Austin Wrap

Vaasa Sports Bra

Lima Capri

Second outfit: Authority

This outfit is called Authority. I absolutely love the top and how it
shows off the pattern on the back of the sports bra.

I decided to get the top in cobalt blue to match a pair of my sneakers,
and add some color to the outfit

Switch Back Tee

I like that you can wear it backward or forward, and it's cute
with a cami under it.

Vaasa Sports Bra

Lima Capri

What do you think of the outfits? Would you wear any of those pieces? Fabletics has a bunch of other pieces you can mix and match as well, but I love how they put together outfit suggestions for you to make it easier.  Here's a link  to the Fabletics website... happy browsing :)

Until next time,
GJU