Tuesday, July 9, 2013

Updates + A Delicious Dinner

Ty and I had a fantastic 4th! We got to spend Wednesday through Sunday with my family and it was so great to have a few extra days plus the weekend. Our time was spent relaxing by the pool, eating (way too much), celebrating my sister-in-law's birthday and a lot of time visiting. I love holiday weekends!


My aunt and uncle have the most gorgeous pool you have ever seen. 


I have a cute husband. He also has a heart of gold.

Have you guys tried the Shaken Peach Green Tea Lemonade from Starbucks? Let me just say that this is the best drink ever. I'm having a hard time not buying one of these every single day. It's that good!

Last night we had friends over and I made this Spinach Pesto Taco recipe. O-m-g, this was seriously delicious and will become a staple in our house. We had ours with guac and cheese dip. There's nothing better than a yummy taco recipe and our favorite dips!



Is anyone as in love with this guy as I am?


Des, you have to pick Brooks. I mean, look at that face and that HAIR. 

BUT... I'm also really into this guy...


Chris. So, so cute and seems really genuine. It's hard to choose a favorite between Brooks and Chris. My guess is that these two are the final two.  I've become obsessed with this show... 

love, the Blair Abode

Monday, July 8, 2013

My Top 5 Hair Products

I think I've read every single hair tutorial about beachy waves out there. Beachy waves are my absolute favorite hairstyle. They are easy and I've always preferred a messy look when it comes to hair. I have extremely thick, course hair that has a lot of wave/curl to it so beachy waves make life simple for me. I think simple is important... no matter what. I read this post on beachy hair and I think it's my fav (I love how she talks about embracing your hair... whether that's wave, straight, curl.. whatever).

I got to thinking about my own hair routine. I try A LOT of products! I have tons of hair products in my bathroom right now. I usually switch up my products a lot and don't typically use the same ones unless I just love it. I always use the same shampoo and conditioner that I mentioned here. Lately I've noticed that I have been using the exact same products each time I wash/style my hair. These are what I consider my "can't live without" hair stuff. If I could only have 5 bottles of stuff in my bathroom... this is what I'd pick!

Note: I always wash my hair at night and I wash it twice a week. This usually happens on Sundays and Thursdays. Those days seem to work the best for me. Before washing my hair, I brush it with a paddle brush and after washing my hair, I comb it with a wide tooth comb and proceed with the following products (in order of when I apply them):

I tried this about 6 months ago and it's a must. My hair tangles so, so easily and I have to use a detangler when I comb it after my shower. I love that this is a detangler plus the benefits of an oil. I can tell a difference in my hair since using this.

Dove Hair Therapy, Nourishing Oil Care, Detangler

After combing my hair, I always apply this mousse. This is from the Wella Brilliance line for course, colored hair. It smells delicious, it's lightweight and I think it helps set my hair for any style.



After I apply the mousse, I always spray my hair down with this. I spray quite a bit into my hair and then scrunch my hair with my hands. This spray locks in curls and helps boost curls/waves. I've tried every drugstore curl spray and this one is always my favorite!


After I apply those three products, I stop. I finish up my nightly routine and start heading towards bed. I may watch a T.V. show or gather my things for the next day. I like to have about 30 minutes to an hour awake and up while my hair begins to dry. After that, I go to sleep with my hair down and still damp. Most people are mortified that I go to sleep with my hair wet and claim they could never do that. Try it, use these products and try it... It just may work.

Once I wake up and am ready to style my hair I apply this. Who knew Bath and Body Works had beach hair mist? I've tried about 425 beach mists and I really like this one. I have a few others that I like as well but this smells so delicious that I've decided it's my favorite.

I spray this all over my hair and scrunch with my fingers. Beach spray adds texture, boosts waves and gives you some volume. I love it!
Malibu Heat Beach Waves Hair Mist - Signature Collection - Bath & Body Works
That's all I do... My hair is finished and I'm ready to head out the door.. If needed, I will add a few curls to spots that may be too straight or need some volume. I use a 1 in. curling iron for this (this only takes about 2 minutes - I literally may add just a few).

I finish with a spray of my favorite hair spray... This hairspray is light, workable and perfect for hair that isn't washed daily as it doesn't leave a residue in your hair.


My favorite part of this hair routine is that it doesn't require any heat. I don't have to dry, curl or straighten it... I think this style holds up best during the summer heat/humidity too.. I snapped a picture last week after I finished my hair and this is what it looks like...



What are your favorite hair products? Have a happy Monday!

love, the Blair Abode

Tuesday, July 2, 2013

Summer Colors

I love to paint my nails. I ALWAYS have my toes painted and about 99% of the time my fingernails are painted. I prefer to get a mani/pedi but I try to only have them professionally done every few months. All of the times in between... I do them myself at home. I have stumbled upon a few colors this summer that I love. Pretty nails just make everything about you look more polished and put together (I think).

Here are my summer favorites...

1. Sephora Pastel Pop Scented Nail Polish Duo in Strawberry


Strawberry is the polish on the far right. It kind of has a pink/purple tint on the computer but in person it is very pink. I used to never wear pink polish but this one totally changed my dislike of pink polish. The other end is a glittery gold top coat. All of the colors are beautiful and you cannot go wrong with either one!

2.  Klean Color Nail Lacquer in Mystic Grass
This color is the perfect turquoise. I try to buy polishes that have a shimmer to them because they apply so much easier than a matte color. This has that perfect shimmer that makes applying so easy. This color just makes me think of a mermaid!

3.  Sally Hansen Complete Salon Manicure in Peach of Cake

This polish was actually given to me by my aunt. It may be my favorite summer color of all time. It's hard to appreciate in the picture but it is the perfect shade of peach that looks gorgeous on. Last time I used this polish, I added the gold shimmer top coat that I mentioned above and it looked awesome.

4. OPI in San-Tan-Tino
This is the perfect neutral for summer. You have to have a good neutral for summer. You just have to! I have this on my toes right now and it doesn't matter what you put on your fingers... it's going to look good. I love bright colors, but I don't like to have the same color on fingers and toes. So, I prefer to have a neutral on toes or fingers and a bright on the opposite one.

Those are my top 4 this summer! What are you painting your nails with lately?

love, the Blair Abode