Favorites (june) Edition

Oh no... a month has gone by and I've neglected this little corner of my world.

So much has been going on and it's been hard to keep up with normal life, however, I'm finally settling down and excited to share a few (random) things I am currently loving. 

1. Wet brush

Looks like a normal brush, right? Wrong. Look for that little "the Wet brush" logo. 

So when I went to Lark for my Blowout, the stylist used a Wet brush to comb my hair out post wash. If you have long hair, I feel like it's Hair 101 to know that combing it out with a brush is often a disaster. Maybe I am speaking for myself, but it creates more tangles and much more time. For that reason, when I saw her coming at me with a brush, I assumed disaster. Imagine my surprise when she effortlessly detangled my hair with this magical "Wet brush" device. I bought one shortly after and am still (confused) and amazed at how well it works. I have almost completely ditched my hair pick at this point. I don't know what their secret is.. it looks like a normal brush...but I'm telling you. I see these everywhere... I got mine at Beauty First. I've also seen them at Sally and they are on Amazon for a few dollars cheaper. Try it!

2. Batiste

I know I have already mentioned Batiste dry shampoo (and yes, it is still my current favorite) but last week I ventured out of my comfort zone and bought the "blonde" edition. As you can see, they have several shades to accommodate different hair colors. I am LOVING the blonde type, even more so than the original. It smells really good and it's nice to not worry about any white powder traces in your hair. 

I snapped this at Beauty First so you can see the options

3. Banhwich Cafe

AHHH. Sometimes it seems like if I am not talking about products, I am talking about food. And maybe it seems that way because it is that way. Guys, you have to go here. HAVE TO. If you haven't already. It is a north Lincoln spot that opened a few years ago. I went a couple times at random, and then quickly became addicted. Then I kind of forgot about it, then I went back and became re addicted to the point that I can hardly drive by without going there. This isn't a great review for the overall cafe because I always get the same thing... this delightfully spicy and full of flavor chicken sandwich. And bubble tea. Ohhh bubble tea. So much going on while drinking that stuff. It's just overwhelmingly great. My standard Banhwich meal featured below. And now my mouth is watering. 

Strawberry Bubble Tea 

4. Concerts

Easily one of my favorite parts about Summer is  the massive increase in outdoor concerts. It's overwhelming to the point that I have a concert listed nearly every weekend until September. Whether I will actually attend all of these is somewhat up in the air.. but I want to. The combination of country music and a Summer night is so hard to beat. 

David Nail 

Zac Brown Band 

Alright, thus ends just (a few) of my current favorites. We'll chat again soon!

Love, 

simply(FIT)

Hi everybody!

Just a quick post for my Lincoln people (or if you want to travel!) ... simply(FIT) is offering FREE Pilates classes this week. Yes, FREE. I don't think that happens too often!!

For those of you that missed "Winelates" last week.... it's just that. You missed out! Look how much fun we had..

This week will be just as wonderful, sans wine. Pilates is a phenomenal core workout and Roxanne is an excellent instructor. If you haven't tried Pilates and have always been curious, this is the perfect opportunity.

The location will be different this week and the schedule is below! You have nothing to lose....

And, while you're at it, check out simply(FIT) blog for fun exercise tips and good reads in general! 

Happy Monday,

TeamMates

I wanted to share a quick post about something I am very passionate about.

If you live in Nebraska, you have likely heard of the TeamMates Mentoring Program.  A couple of years ago, I decided to sign up and subsequently was matched with a sweet, beautiful girl who was finishing up third grade. Fast forward a couple of years and I now have the privilege of seeing an incredibly intelligent, caring, and driven fifth grader every week.

Tonight, Lincoln put on a wonderful recognition dinner honoring the mentors and mentees. Dr. Shane Lopez, author of Making Hope Happen was the speaker. Dr. Lopez shared on the importance of causing a "ripple of hope" for the people in our lives, and the dramatic effect that it has.

It was inspiring to see the testimonies of graduating mentees and the impact that their mentors have had over their lives.

Long story short, my heart is very full and it made me so thankful that Lincoln is a city that has people willing to be there for it's children. So, I would like to encourage EVERYONE to join in this amazing opportunity.


You can find out more about how to get involved HERE. Help double the impact!

*Note..TeamMates has chapters in Nebraska, Iowa AND California. If you aren't in any of these areas and believe your city could benefit, YOU could help start a chapter! 

I promise you will never regret becoming involved with this organization. Check it out!

Blow Bar Uncovered

There are a lot of things I love about living in the Midwest, and living in a fairly small city. Countless things. However, there are a lot of things that big cities offer that I think Lincoln should have as well! One of these things is BLOW BARS. Before anyone becomes concerned, understand that a Blow Bar is defined as a salon that only styles your hair. Only. No cuts, no colors. Wash and style. But blow bars use a technique to style your hair that varies depending on what style you want. 

See this article on the booming blow bar industry 

Anyways, I was planning to get a blow out the next time I was in Phoenix...or if I made it to Chicago in the next month or so. Then, I remembered that I was going to be in Denver this past weekend, so I did some checking, and sure enough....Denver had a few Blow Bars! I could hardly contain my excitement. My friend and I scheduled an appointment at Blow Dry Lounge in Denver for one of the afternoons we were there. 

First, let me tell you what my expectations were for the Blow Lounge. Basically, I understood that I could pick any style I wanted and they would make it happen. This particular lounge was different from the others I had researched in different parts of the United States. At the Blow Dry Lounge it was not a flat rate, it was based on your hair length (shorter hair was cheaper than longer hair). So, basically you are paying anywhere from $20-$45 depending on your length. Another difference was that any styling tool was an extra $10 (straightening, curling..etc.) This did not seem to be the norm from what I had researched, so that was disappointing. Lastly, they didn't have "style packages." It was just "a blow out," not a "look," so whatever that meant for your hair...well...that was what you got! 

I had been looking forward to this experience for quite some time so I wanted to document it and share it! Basically, I told the girl who did my blowout that I wanted a lot of volume and (since I didn't want to pay extra) I told her to just give me as much volume and curl as she could with the round brush. 

I'll let the pictures do most of the talking....

As you can see, at the end I had SEVERAL large round brushes in my hair...just chillin. It actually is not uncomfortable at all. 

And... post blow out! (Look at my friend's hair.. amazing!) 

In conclusion, my first blow out was something of a disappointment. As you can see, my hair is smooth and has some volume...but it is not nearly what I was expecting. Don't get me wrong, it was a very enjoyable experience. However, I was hoping for some MAJOR volume, like... crazy volume. So, maybe next time (there WILL be a next time) I will be VERY specific. 

Does anyone have a blow bar experience? Please do share!

And who thinks Lincoln or Omaha needs a Blow Bar!? Me too....

Holiday Treats... for me.

There are five things I wanted to accomplish on the three week break that I have from classes:

1) Read (for fun)

2) Get a massage

3) Get a facial

4) Spend time with friends 

5) Bake... a lot. 

I know... I know. Hefty goals. 

These are the things I think about, however, when I am drowning in homework and reading (the NOT fun kind) and tell myself "just wait until break, there will be time then." 

Well, I am proud to say that I still have a week left before I am officially back to the grind... and I have accomplished ALL FIVE! 

I got a massage basically an hour after I took my last final. I have read four books so far. I have seen a lot of friends, spent time with some of my favorite people, and have plans for more in the next week! As far as baking, Christmas festivities took care of that. I have made more batches of cookies and desserts in the last 2 weeks than the last 3 months combined. 

And... as of today, just got THE BEST facial I have had in years. 

I see Sweet Jane salon all the time when I am driving on 'O' Street. I always thought it looked like such an adorable place! A couple weeks ago I checked their Facebook page and stumbled on Casey Donner with Sweet Jane Salon. I called to schedule an appointment, and I was NOT disappointed! Casey was running a special for a facial + microderm. I could not have been more thrilled to hear this news! My face was starting to look like the walking dead. Having a cold for 2+ weeks, this weather, my dry skin and overall lack of care lately combined into an unattractive mess. 

Fast forward to my appointment. Sweet Jane Salon is as cool as I imagined it from the outside. Such a fun space near downtown Lincoln and decorated so stylish and fun. Casey's spa area is relaxing and has the perfect vibe. As far as the facial, I couldn't have been more pleased. Casey did an amazing job and it was the most relaxing 45 minutes I have had in quite some time. As I am sitting here now, I feel like I have a new face! My skin feels smooth and firm, and my complexion looks brighter! 

For those of you who have never had a facial, there are various options depending on your skin and each facial can be somewhat customized for your needs. Also, what some people may not realize, is that facials typically include massage for the arms, shoulder, neck and scalp. A scalp massage is heaven... and getting your skin treated at the same time... bonus! What are you waiting for?! 

If you need a winter pick-me-up, get in touch with Casey at Sweet Jane Salon and schedule a facial soon! You will not be disappointed, trust me. Thanks Casey!