Hair in 2013 Posted by Unknown | Thursday, January 31

Getting my hair done these days has become a luxury. The kind that allows me to sit in silence, get my head massaged, read a magazine, have someone ask me if I would like a glass of wine or coffee, oh the feeling of being served, right! As I was thinking about what I wanted to do next, I was inspired to check out the latest hair trends for 2013... 

The skinny - 


1. the side part 
this year we will be seeing much more of the side swoop bang and side part vs the straight down the middle look. 

2. solid color
oh yes it is true, the ombre trend is coming to a halt, so luckymag says and solid color is back

3. straight & bangs
sleek+straight is in this year and of course so are the bangs after Michelle Obama rocked the look at the President's inauguration

4. natural wave
it seems so simple when you say natural but it takes some work to get these soft loose semi curls, but the effortless effect is the goal

5. messy bun
thankfully this is still cool because even if it wasn't it is my go to hair style almost daily! A messy bun and lips is all it takes. 

Hair in 2013 by ahndeamay featuring a haircare

Bridal Spring 2013 Posted by Unknown | Wednesday, January 30

I know it's just January, but in the fashion industry spring has already hit the runways and lines are being released. This is the time of year as a shopper, I get annoyed with retail for switching out their lines while it's still snowing. As a designer I am gather inspiration, preparing for upcoming photo shoots and getting very excited about launching the new HeirBloom shop! Finally taking the plunge from strictly custom orders to a new website with squarespace and an online shop for purchase.  The concept has always been about my story repurposing old with new.  Using what I have learned about styling and pairing the non obvious together makes for something unique and interesting. You can expect so see some really fun repurposed diy projects, family history features, behind the scenes and the new spring look book. 

As I have been hunting for inspiration, here is one of my Style Boards showing this seasons playful and romantic color pallet. If you are on polyvore... let me know! 

One Piece 3 Ways + Style Story joins The Little Style File Posted by Unknown | Tuesday, January 29

A little announcement today on Style Story! One of the great things about instagram is you kind of get to know someone through their daily photos.  A glimpse into their lives, style, likes, what your eating, your kids etc.  This is where I became friends with the girls over at The Little Style FIle.  If you haven't been there yet, you will want to. You can see a bit about the editors, Betsy and Kristin here and read the full announcement of contributors on their blog today here. Make sure to subscribe to The Little Style File and Style Story for all the new posts, tips, giveaways, diy's etc. Here is an example of just one of the things I will be sharing with you.

Saving money and space while keeping your kids stylish is a novel idea. If you have littles sharing rooms, or just like a good deal, the key is buying less and making smart statement purchases.  Look for something as a neutral base that can be built on. I love stripes, probably have way too many in my kids closets, but I also love pairing it with other patterns, color, denim and so on. You will not go wrong with a black and white stripe. It dresses up nicely like with the red knit skirt and fur and can be worn more playful like with the fleece polkadot and sneakers. Also, don't be afraid to go bold by adding a muted floral print on bottom and a pop color shoe. The denim jacket adds a casual feel and this outfit would be so adorable with a high bun! 

A few rules to keep in mind when shopping

- stay away from anything too graphic, you don't want it to be obvious you are wearing the piece multiple ways

- choose knits, jackets, tops, skirts, pants even shoes that can be versatile 

- remember neutrals are no longer just black, white, cream, brown and gray. A denim polkadot top would be fantastic, or even a metallic skirt or animal print skinny jean. 

- have fun, let your kids influence your picks

My favorite phrase when styling is "it's not how expensive but how you put it together" and as a mom of 5, dressing smart is essential. I gather inspiration from some of my favorite brands and may choose to spend a bit more on a statement piece for quality and trend but then stock up on basics from stores like oldnavy and target.  Sticking to these simple rules will help give your little fashionistas a chance to express themselves without even knowing who's working behind the scenes. 

One Piece 3 Ways by ahndeamay on Polyvore

girl sweaters faux-fur vest / Gap Striped Pocket T / SCISSOR Floral Girls Twill Pants / CHLOE D1 Ivory Baby Girls Tights, $32 / Old Navy Girls Super Skinny Pop Color Jeans / Old Navy Girls Denim Jackets / Old Navy Girls Micro Performance Fleece Zip Vests / J.Crew Girls' classic glitter ballet flats / Old Navy Girls Cable Knit Sweater Skirts / J.Crew Girls' Converse® Jack Purcell® glitter canvas sneakers

Family Talk - The Truth About My Problem Posted by Unknown | Monday, January 28

hello monday, a very dreary monday and honestly a monday I don't even want to use proper grammar. Do you ever just get really tired of doing so many things that you loose track of what your doing?  Hi, my name is Ahndea and I have a problem called "over doing." I was born with this.. and for some reason cannot STOP or SLOW DOWN! Sometimes I think because I am in such a busy season with toddler twins and basketball and gymnastics and school pick ups and projects that I have to keep running the gerbil wheel because if I stop, even for a second, I may just not get up.  As you know, I am in my 3rd week of the January Cleanse and am feeling great physically, but this week is about reflection and your soul. Actually taking the time to think... I know a novel idea right? But funny enough, it is actually one of the hardest things for me to do at this stage of my life. To think about me and what I like or don't like, goals I would like to set, dreams I may have, areas I would really like to improve on or even just what would be the best decision when faced with many.  I was known to coin the phrase "it's not about what you say, but what you ask." questions lead to answers and answers to learning.  I loved the thrill of a job interview, knowing I was entering a game of chess and the right move would get me the job at the highest pay.  The first one to speak, looses and negotiation was king! Those were the days of corporate business and client relations, the charts with goals and numbers to exceed. Money and praise and maybe a bit of pride. Fast forward 10 moves, 4 c-sections, 5 littles, relationships gained and lost, financial pressure, economic spiral, baggage increased and a whole lot less of me or margin to process and feel think about how I can slow down, deal with life, changes, pains and choices.  Kind of like being squeezed tighter but with nothing coming out, right? 

I would like to say I reflect joy and grace and wisdom and all the wonderful attributes a mother or wife or the women I have studied about throughout history. I am challenged this morning in my time of reflection to consider this verse in Luke 10:38.  I have asked myself, was martha missing an opportunity by serving and doing as mary sat and listened. Martha's intentions were pure but were they necessary? Was the doing a distraction? What is the "one" thing?  

Now as they went on their way, Jesus entered a village. And a woman named Martha welcomed him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet and listened to his teaching. But Martha was distracted with much serving. And she went up to him and said, “Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her then to help me.” But the Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her.”

Thought provoking, yet also brings a sense of peace. I have so many loves and likes and interests... is that normal?  Am I normal? I kind of liked the fact that I wasn't but sometimes find myself distracted with the entertaining or that perfect host. I can get lost in my own swarm of ideas, and not remember to listen first.  Ask first. 

Cleanse - Week 3 - Stabilize Posted by Unknown | Wednesday, January 23

I am now in week three of the cleanse and feel really great. I did have a bit of a cheat this weekend and actually got sick! I found it really interesting that after removing dairy and gluten for a couple weeks and adding it back, even for 1 meal, can really give your stomach a shock! A few things... I am feeling lighter and more energized. I have really loved all the juicing and am now craving my juice over sweets or the starbucks I used to have regularly.

My skin...

 

I have to say, I can tell a difference in my skin, more dewey and fresh looking. The dark circles I would wake up with have seemed to diminish some. I will take that!

Here are a few recipes I am eating in week 3

Gluten Free Rolled Oats + 1 Tbs peanut butter + bananna 

Veggie Tostada

sautéed veggies in coconut oil + gluten free corn tostada + fresh lime guacamole

Cleanse - Week 3 - Stabilize by ahndeamay on Polyvore

Frontera® Foods Cucumber Lime Salsa / Frontera® Foods Peach Mango Chipotle Salsa

Party Nails Posted by Unknown | Tuesday, January 22

Painting my nails the other day I accidentally created this cracked like appearance and loved it! My original plan was to do a french tip in the bronze and of course, I messed that up and kind of liked it so tried messing up on the other nails and there you have it. 

Start with painting your nails a pretty robins egg color

Paint the bronze like a french tip and then begin to brush downward, kind of streak it a bit

Fringe 2013 Posted by Unknown | Thursday, January 17

Fringe 2013 by ahndeamay featuring animal print scarves

Parker sequin dress / L*Space l space / Sam Edelman boots / Boutique 9 leather shoes / Kenneth Cole Reaction shoes / House of Harlow 1960 suede flat boots / 7 For All Mankind high heel boots / Teardrop earrings / Kenneth Cole jewelry / Tinley Road rhinestone jewelry / Fringe necklace / Michael Kors animal print scarve

Cleanse Week 2 - Revive Posted by Unknown | Monday, January 14

Week 2 Cleanse - Revive by ahndeamay on Poly

I made it through week one feeling great!  I think the almonds kept me alive! Starting week 2, I am down 6 pounds and someone even noticed that my skin looked "fresh" this weekend which means we are right on track.  Week 2 of the cleanse:

Revive:
re·vive  

/riˈvīv/

Verb Restore to life or consciousness: "both men collapsed, but were revived". Regain life, consciousness, or strength.

Synonyms resuscitate - resurrect - quicken Restoring your body this week by adding some gluten free carbs will taste like heaven! I will still be doing the am/pm juice, which is detailed in week 1 but have switched over to pink grapefruit juice for the am and absolutely love it.  Also adding, barley, oats, legumes, brown rice and non dairy subs for cheese and milk. So having 1/2 cup of granola with almond or coconut milk for breakfast is perfect.  My new fav dinner or lunch is pomegranate seed salsa... it is fantastic!  Here is how to make it: - 1/2 cup pom seeds - 1/2 of a lime squeezed  - 1 tsp of Apple Cider Vinegar  - 2 shakes of lime pepper ( Durkee's Brand) - 1/4 cup chopped green onion - 1/4 cup chopped cilantro Stir and serve with rice chips(lundbergs fiesta lime) or mix on a salad.  Vitamins - multi, cod liver oil, digestive enzyme or probiotic (you can get all of these at garden of life)  Work Out - This week I will start incorporating my cardio regiment. 3 days a week cardio and 1 day stretch or yoga.

January Cleanse Posted by Unknown | Monday, January 7

January has become one of my favorite months because for me, it is a month of new beginning!  A chance to start over, reset, repurpose and challenge yourself to go beyond your current limitations. We all get comfortable and "busy" and well just lazy sometimes, and motivating ourselves to follow-through with our goals well sometimes just seems impossible. So here we are January... a new year, a new day, a new opportunity. How will you start your January?  Do you have any annual resolutions? We all know gym memberships spike and after gorging ourselves from November to the New Year, most of us are ready to get on a health plan, or "eat clean" if you will. 

Our tradition has been to start the Monday after new years.  We have done many different types of cleanses and detox plans in the past and with friends like Jordan Rubin you are bound to get educated and learn the "Raw Truth" about healthy eating. I have gathered lots of info, from some of my favorite health experts, and have come up with a total mind. body. soul. reset that caters to my needs.  I think it is important to be realistic and know your body well enough to not choose a low glycemic fast, when you have low blood sugar and will either faint or kill someone! As a busy mom, I need lots of energy and if you plan consists of exercise, keeping your body fueled is critical. So, this cleanse is 21 days, and it is broken out in phases by week. Each week I will post about the next phase and the components, recipes, tips and thoughts from research and leaders in this in the health industry. If you have a family, you can incorporate your kids on a elementary level by making it a fun family event. No candy, refined sugars or processed foods! You will be surprised how they will jump on board and get excited to try some new foods with you. 

Phase 1 - Detox & Cleanse 

- After several months of overeating and indulging in refined sugars, my body is ready for a purge! Ha, so to start this week, we will be doing AM juicing, All day cleanse drinks and PM Juicing.  

AM Juice - If you have a juicer, you can make your own with Kale, Kiwi, Apple, and Spinach, or I really love the Bolthouse Farms juices, they are natural, non dairy and very yummy.  

Cleansing Drink - I make a big pitcher in the am filled with water, 10 organic lemons, 4 tbs of organic maple syrup and 2 teaspoons of cayenne pepper. This is kind of to taste, so you may have to add more or less of something.  You can drink this all day, as well as 100% pure coconut water. 

Snacks - Raw Almonds are a great snack and almond butter. If your feeling really hungry have some almonds or a tbls of almond butter. You can have up to 20 almonds per day. 

PM Juice - This juice is an all veggie, celery, tomato, spinach, red and yellow pepper, green onion. This is hearty and kind of tastes like bloody mary, minus the alcohol. 

* During this first phase all veggies are free as well as grapefruit, kiwi, apples, carrots and blueberries. You can snack on those all day in addition to your juices.

I will do this until next Monday and then move into the next phase which will include replenishing, vitamins and exercising. I will do yoga and stretching in this first week only. 

* Disclimer: I am not a licensed medical professional so make sure to check with your nutritionist or Dr before attempting any cleanses. 

Cleanse by ahndeamay on Polyvore