Straight Hair Minus the Heat

Have I mentioned I did this?

 Brazilian Blowout

This treatment is AAAAmazing!  My hair is seriously hard to deal with and especially in the summer.  Three weeks before I did this treatment, my hair was in a pony tail every day because the humidity had it out of control and not to mention it felt like straw.  I really struggled committing to one of these treatments for several reasons:

1.        I’ve heard a lot of scary accusations about the chemicals involved.  The rumor that it contains formaldehyde is not 100% true.  However, it does contain chemicals that if heated to a certain temperature, they can convert to formaldehyde.  There was a big stink (no pun intended) that came out about it and wanted to pull it off the market, but the company was able to prove that the amount of chemicals in the straightening product was miniscule.  They also provide that if used in a well-ventilated area, they would not be harmful.  Let’s be honest here though…did you really think a semi-permanent straightening treatment wasn’t going to have some chemicals in it?  When you get to the point that I was at…YOU DON’T CARE!

2.       It’s expensive…period.  The price depends on how long it actually takes on your hair.  Obviously if you have longer hair it will cost a bit more. 

3.       The Brazilian Blowout is product specific.  You cannot wash your hair with any products containing sulfate or sodium chloride.  Supposedly these are cleansing chemicals that most shampoos contain to give you all those suds.  However, if you have dry or damaged hair, they can add fuel to the fire.  A lot of companies have tried saying sulfate-free products are better for you and more organic.  Supposedly sulfate gives you cancer, but what doesn’t?  Sulfate-free products are pretty easy to find.  Right now I am just using the BB products, but found some sulfate-free products at Sally’s that were very inexpensive. 

With all that being said, my friend Lauren convinced me that her roommate had done it and had awesome results.  I hopped on You Tube to see the live action and couldn’t believe how it could work so well…even after a couple of months.  So I did it and check it out!

Dried Naturally

Straightened with low heat and just a few passes with an iron...crazy!!!!

Powerful Day

I admit.  I can be a bit self-centered at times.  I grew up an only child and not that it's an excuse, it’s just the name of the game.  So, I have a bit of a self-centered wish.  I witnessed one of the most amazing experiences today and I pray that it isn’t the last time I visit.  Living in Memphis certainly has its disadvantages.  The lack of nature and scenery, segregation and crime (have I mentioned there was a double homicide two blocks over in my neighborhood last week?).  Among all the bad there are some very special aspects of Memphis that I would put up against Time’s Square, the Washington Monument or the Grand Canyon any day. One of which I visited today. 

St. Jude Children’s Hospital.  It literally brings tears to my eyes to try and articulate some of the images I saw today.  My team at work went and took a two hour tour (which I demand anyone do that lives near Memphis) today.  Obviously I couldn’t take pictures to post on this blog, but I can tell you what I experienced.  Among many memorable images: multiple waiting rooms filled with patients under 18, barf bag holders, funny sayings everywhere, inspiring artwork covering the long hallways, a baby sister carrying her big sister on her back because she was too weak to walk, unimaginable hope and courage, parents pulling their toddlers in wagons with masks covering their tiny faces and a mother carrying her 10 year old like a baby after an intense round of chemo because he was too sick to walk. 

I found myself at that back of my group almost all morning.  Almost too much for me to take in.  I don’t remember everything our sweet tour guide unveiled to us because I was so busy watching all of the magic.  It’s incredible.  Living in Memphis you hear so much about St. Jude…everywhere you go they ask you to donate money to St. Jude…and you do because you’re a Memphian.  But until today I didn’t really know why it was so important for me to add on that extra dollar to my Fresh Market bill or even more importantly, give my time at Make-A-Wish to honor these sweet individuals. 

My self-centered wish is obviously to take a trip to this incredible hospital and give your money, time or talents to this sacred place.  Or, just find something that is important to you or that makes your spirit tick and donate your time or money to it.  Then go visit and see where your hard earned dollars go or what your time means to that organization.  I promise you this…it’s better than any vacation you will ever take, more encouraging that buying a house or a car and it makes going to work every day that much easier.  We’ve got it made….so be thankful.

Want to visit?

http://www.stjude.org/stjude/v/index.jsp?vgnextoid=181febc7a7319210VgnVCM1000001e0215acRCRD

Help Seth Wood!!

I posted a couple of month's ago about an amazing guy's music, Seth Wood.  He is working on funding the beginning of his new album (EP) and has created a crafty way to do so!!  Check him out:
http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1891225709/help-seth-make-his-new-ep

Not only is this clever, this is much needed to be able to create his incredible music.  I don't know about you, but I love me some Seth Wood and need you to donate for my listening pleasure.  Thank you.

Here is a link to some of his music: http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/abraham/id306891655

Little Treasure

Discovered something today via some friends that’s going to rock your world…not sure you’re prepared for this:

http://www.vestique.com/

They have the cutest little dresses and jewelry that WON'T break the bank!  PS: I see a lot of UT-game ready accessories that I just don’t know if I can live without!  You’re welcome and happy shopping!

 

6 Years Old

I know that I haven’t posted in a while…and really have no excuse since I’m not in school anymore!!  And I know some of those that read this do not live in Memphis, but regardless of where you live…you should read this and send them some prayers…they’re going to need it.

http://erikandkatekrull.blogspot.com/

This is why I volunteer with Make A Wish...this is not a wish I am working on, but just an example of how precious life really is and why organizations such as MAW need you...

True Friendship

Let me first begin with telling you I have the most amazing friends a girl could ask for...really anyone could ask for.  Even though I live hundreds of miles away from most of you, you continue to amaze me with our friendships.  So, this post is by no means  to discount our friendship.  I cherish each and every one of you more than you know.

As some of you know, a dear friend of mine, Ashley had her little baby last Thursday.  There are no words to describe our friendship.  Ashley probably knows more about me and my annoying tendencies or what I'm going to say before I do!  She and I were two peas-in-a-pod and can't really think of another person I would love to be more like.  She was the planner, I was more spur of the moment.  She was more cautious (probably to keep us out of trouble) I was an instigator.  She was my rock through just about every challenging aspect of my life.  It's crazy to think that she is now a mother, but I can't imagine anyone that will be any better.

I thought today about some of girlfriends that have had babies this year and it made me realize something extremely special.  Fultz's Emersyn turned 1 year ago yesterday.  My friend from elementary school, Lindsay had her baby boy in November.  Savannah had her little girl a few days after Valentine's.  And now Ashley has her little one.  It's amazing that I'm just now realizing this, but I've realized such an incredible thing about friendship this year and really just this week.  I realized this week after Riggs made his precious debut that I am literally so in love with someone that I don't even know.  I'm dying for pictures posted or for updates from Mom and Dad on how they're adjusting.  It's honestly a love that you can't really explain and I'm not even the one with the baby!!  I already love their baby almost as much as them.  I've discovered that, that's what true friendship is.  You don't have to talk to that person every day or see them every weekend or even every Christmas.  True friendship is measured by loving something about them that you don't even know or know how to explain.  I have been lucky enough to experience that 4 times this year.

I cannot wait to meet Riggs and my blessing for him is that he finds precious friends like Ashley and Watson.  I pray that he gets to experience the joy and friendship like his Mom and Dad have shared with George and myself for years and years.  xoxoxoxo

Bridal shower before Ashley's wedding '06

Graduated college together May 2006

We were in each other's weddings and our husbands were also in each other's weddings!
My wedding 2007

Countless Game Days together

Traveled the world together-Italy 2010

I cannot wait to add a plus one to our crew of 4...I have a feeling little Riggs is going to be a fabulous addition!

xoxoxo

Yea, Mon!

Last Friday morning at 6:00 A.M. (yes that means we got up at 3:30 A.M.) we actually caught our Delta flight without any problems to Jamaica for some fun in the sun with old friends.  

One of George's friends, Chad 

got married to his sweetheart on Monday. Chad was also a part of our wedding and a dear friend, so it was obvious that we were going to Jamaica to witness the nuptials.  

We had such a fabulous time...all you need to know is there was sunshine, a beach, good friends and a swim up bar.  Yep, my week was perfect!!

Our "Ocean View" room...hmm....

The wedding site

Matt's ready!!


The trouble makers

Kendra and Chad



Chad, Matt, Justin, George and Chris

Chad and George at our wedding in '07

We had some not-so great entertainment and some fabulous entertainment.  Check out these guys and their mad talent on the steel drums sporting some Michael Jackson!!!  I was seriously fascinated by them!  The sound quality isn't great, but you will get the idea.
 

*Disclaimer....I do not know the lady in the blue, but she is hilarious*

Such a great time and I hope to get back somewhere warm soon with the hubby!!