The Fancy Ginger went to NYC for Christmas....

Good evening and HAPPY NEW YEAR'S EVE from this side of the world.  I cannot believe that this will be my last post of 2014!  2014 was such a roller coaster ride.  I am so excited for 2015 because....1. This is the year that we should have flying cars (according to the "Back to the Future" trilogy--super stoked about that). 2.  I turn 30 in April, which I am honestly very excited about.  3. I like that 2015 ends in a 5...I just feel better when years end in a 5.  

When thinking about what I should write about in my last post, I had so many ideas.  Since I just got back from a wonderful trip to NYC, I thought I would write about that.  Tomorrow, I will post my Holiday Haul...aka--all of the wonderful things I bought whilst frolicking through Manhattan.  

*********************************************************************************

Before going through everything I did in NYC...I must give you all a disclaimer.  My sister lives in NYC, so I have been there several times, which means I don't do a lot of the tourist-y things I used to do. But, that doesn't mean my trip was any less fancy, of course. :)  Here is my time-line of events:

December 24 (Christmas Eve)---I got up at 3:00 am (no one should ever get up that early) to get ready for my flight...which was supposed to leave at 6:00 am.  However, when my family and I arrived at the airport we found out our flight was delayed for 4 HOURS!!!  This information meant that we had to change our connecting flight in Chicago...and thus began a day of stress.  Although, if you are traveling/flying in the winter, over a holiday you just have to expect delays and change of plans.  It's almost always inevitable.  

I had to sprint through Chicago O'Hare (FYI--great cardio workout), because we were late for our next flight..only to find out that this flight was also delayed.  So again, we had to change flight arrangements.  On the upside--the American Airline employees that helped us were super nice, and extremely festive.

 Dad and I on a plane...pretending not to be stressed.

 Mi Madre y yo. :)

Finally, we landed in NYC.  I took a taxi to my sistah's apartment, got ready, and headed to Wall Street for dinner at an amazing Italian Restaurant, followed my Christmas Eve service at Trinity Church-Wall Street....which we snuck out of...because we were soooooooooooooooooo tired.  

Dad and I on the train...we look so awake and happy. 

December 25 (Christmas Day!!!)--  Well, as per usual, I started to get sick...sinus infection.  But, that didn't ruin my Christmas fun.  We had a lovely, lazy day full of family, friends and food.  And, of course, we watched A LOT of Christmas movies. 

Merry Christmas!

December 26 (Boxing Day)-- Woke up...yep...my sinus infection was still there.  But, I mustn't let that bring me down....we are going to SOHO to shop!  YAY!  We went to Top Shop, Birchbox Soho (my heaven), and lunched at a wonderful little place called Mother's Ruin (BEST GRILLED CHEESE AND FRENCH ONION SOUP EVER).  That evening we went to the Rockette's Christmas Spectacular.  If you are in NYC over the Christmas season...you MUST go to this.  It's a very fancy thing.  

We ended the night by going out for dessert at Sugar and Plumm in the Upper West Side.  I had a S'mores sundae....which was so good, and very fancy.  

Me standing at the front door of my heaven.....Birchbox Soho.

Inside the store...isn't it glorious?

Mom and I at Sugar and Plumm.

December 27--I am still sick..but it's ok, because I have good medicine now. :)  My sister had to go to work, which means I was on my own to meet up with my parents at their hotel near Central Park.  Even though it is pretty easy to navigate the NYC Subway system...leave it to me to always get off at the wrong stop...or take a train going the opposite direction that I need to be going in.  I am pretty proud of myself this time--- I managed to get to my parent's hotel without getting to lost.  We met up with my sister for lunch, got our hairs did in the afternoon, and went to the musical "A Gentleman's Guide to Love and Murder" (hilarious).

Getting fancy. 

After the show, we met up with my cousin Kurtis and my sister's roomie Ryan, to help celebrate Ryan's 30th birthday.  It was a great day!! :)

My sistah and I. :)

December 28-  Feeling a little better...finally.  Went to church with my parents and sister, followed by brunch at Calle Ocho (amazing spanish-fusion food)...with Kurtis and Ryan.  The rest of the day was spent in my parent's hotel--just hanging out and relaxing.  We ordered a pizza and watched Harry Potter that night.  It was great.  

December 29-  My sister had to work again, so I met up with my parents and we walked through Central Park, and went to the Guggenheim.  I loved the art....well most of it.  I am not really a connoisseur of modern art--and they had a whole modern art exhibition called "Zero" going on.  All I can say, is that the title was pretty fitting (just my opinion).  

But, they had early Picasso's, a few Van Gogh's, and  a Monet that I really loved.  If you love art- I would recommend the Guggenheim. 

After that, I had a truly New York experience, of getting ripped off at a hot dog stand.  I am not even mad about it. 

After that, we strolled through Central Park some more and met up with my sister for some more shopping and a movie.  We went to "Into the Woods."  I LOVED THIS MOVIE!!!! 

My favorite part of Central Park.

December 30- Time to go home. :(  I had a car pick me up at my sister's apartment.  I used Carmel car service, and they were wonderful.  It is more expensive than taking a taxi.  But, if you are in an area where you can't always hail a cab, this is the way to go.  My driver was very friendly, and got me to the airport in 10 minutes (no joke).  We had wonderful flights home...none of the airports were busy (which kind of surprised me). 

*********************************************************************************

There you have it---my fancy NYC Christmas vacation. If you ever get the chance to go to NYC at Christmas--do it--it is truly magical.  

I hope you all have a wonderful and safe New Years.  Thank you for reading my blog, and hope you all enjoy my upcoming posts in 2015. :)  Cheers and stay fancy!!

Fancy Blogmas Days 14-20....December Birchbox

Hello beautiful and fancy people of the blogosphere!  Well, I wanted to get this post up last night.....but after supper I decided to take a wee-nap and didn't wake up for another 4 hours.  Yikes!  Don't get me wrong...I love my naps--but 4 hours at night is a bit much.  So, here I am on a cold Saturday, listening to my boy, Justin Timberlake, and finally blogging about my December Birchbox. I will also show you my purchases from Sephora that I discussed in my previous post.

Let's get this party started.........

*********************************************************************************

December 2014 Birchbox

(Theme:  Decked Out)

(This pic doesn't do the box justice....it was so pretty and fancy)

I am going to start off this un-boxing post by just stating that this was, hands down, my favorite box I received throughout 2014.  I love everything I received this month, and that does not always happen.  Don't get me wrong, I am a huge Birchbox fan, but every once-in-awhile I get something in my box that I do not care for, at all (e.g., eye-liner samples).  But,  for me, this month's box was on point.  

Here is what I got:

Acure Organics, Sensitive Facial Cleanser- Full-size, $14.99-  I have not had a chance to try this cleanser, but I am definitely excited to use it. According to the description on the tube, it's free of fragrances and has argan oil...which seems to be all the rage in skin and hair care, nowadays.  Birchbox gave me a travel size tube of this cleanser, which will be perfect for my upcoming trip.  

*****Hold on, JT's "Cry Me a River" just came on---I am jamming out, in a very brooding way right now....having a moment.  Fancy Ginger trivia--- Justin was not actually my favorite *NSYNC member....he was #3.  1. Lance Bass 2. JC Chasez 3. Justin Timberlake 4. Joey Fatone 5. Chris Kirkpatrick (sorry Chris...someone had to be #5).  I am sure I have a picture of my childhood bedroom, somewhere...it was definitely an *NSYNC shrine.***

And, I am back...

Benefit Cosmetics, They're Real! Mascara--Full-size, $23-  I was crossing my fingers and toes, hoping I would get this in my box this month.  I literally, jumped for joy when I saw it (it really doesn't take much to make me happy)!  I am already a huge fan of Benefit, and I had only heard great things about their new mascara.  I have used this mascara for a couple of days now, and it is amazing!  It made me look like I had false lashes on, without all the mess of the glue (and let's be honest, I probably would have glued my eyes shut).  My lashes looked so full and beautiful.  I will definitely be purchasing this in the full-size version.

Dr. Jart+, Black Label Detox BB Beauty Balm- Full-size, $36-  I really like Dr. Jart+ products. I wasn't sure how I would like the BB Beauty Balm, but I have used it on my face everyday since I got my box, and it is wonderful.  It has SPF 25 in it, which is great for my fair-skin, and it just makes my skin look brighter, more even, and polished.  I have a lot of Birchbox points and I am going to be using them to get this product in the full-size version.  (For those of you who are Birchbox subscribers, did you know that you can get points for referring friends, reviewing the products in your box, and by purchasing items in the Birchbox shop?)

English Laundry, Signature for Her- Full-size, $70-  This is such a lovely perfume.  I actually layered it with my vanilla body-mist from Victoria's Secret (I know, big risk)--and it smelled great.  

TONI&GUY, Prep Heat Protection Mist- Full-size, $15-  This product smells SO GOOD!  Let's be honest...all of TONI&GUY's products smell great.  I don't know a whole lot about hair-care products, but one of the main things that will attract me to a hair-care line, is whether or not they smell great...not like a chemical.  Not sure if that's an intelligent way to pick products...but that's the way this Fancy Ginger does it. :) I have spritzed this on my-hair before using my hair-dryer in the morning, and I have definitely noticed that my hair is softer and smoother.  If you are looking for something to protect your hair from damaging heat--I highly recommend this product.  

Gap & Birchbox-- I love both of these companies and nearly had a coronary when I found out that they had teamed up, and that I get $10 to spend at Gap--just for being a Birchbox Subscriber.   YAY---it's a Fancy Ginger miracle. 

If you are interested in finding out more about the products that I received in my December box, you can check out the Birchbox website. 

*********************************************************************************

This week, I also received my order from Sephora (see my previous post)! I am not going to write about it, because I haven't tried it...since it's also a gift for my sister (spoiler alert).  I purchased stila's Putting on the Glitz gift set.  But here is what it looks like:

(Isn't it fancy?  I also took a picture of the free samples I received from Sephora.)

*********************************************************************************

Thank you for reading.  I think my next post is going to be all about packing for a trip...I am horrible at it.  If anyone has any tips, please share!  I always leave my packing to the very last minute, but I am determined to be a bit more organized this time...because I have no choice.  

Just thinking about packing is getting me stressed.  I need to go do some yoga, stat.  

Stay fancy everyone!

Fancy Blogmas Day 13...a small Sephora haul...

It is quite a dreary Sunday where I live. :(  But, I just got back from spending the afternoon/supper-time with my parents. Whilst there, I took advantage of their washer/dryer and did my laundry...a.k.a--I ran out of quarters to utilize the laundry facilities in my building.  Not that you needed to know all of that information, but what else does one write about on a Sunday evening?

My mom spent the entire time I was visiting, watching Hallmark Christmas movies. Ugh...I am not a fan of these particular movies.  To be honest, they annoy me.  But, my mom and my sister love them, so I shall endure--and try to keep from inserting sassy comments here and there. ;)  

*********************************************************************************

I wanted to give you a little update on my recent Sephora purchases.  I love Sephora!  I wish that there was a store in the town I live in, but alas--I have to travel at least an hour to get to the nearest Sephora.  Luckily, everything is also online--and I love online shopping.  

A few weeks ago I received a gift card in the mail from Sephora for being one of their Beauty Insider members.  It was only $15, but it was burning a hole in my pocket--so yesterday I decided to use it.  I only purchased 2 things, because I am gearing up to go on my Christmas vacay--and I am going to be shopping a lot....but I still wanted to let you know what I purchased:

1.  Diorshow Mascara by Dior in catwalk black ($25)-- I bought this for my sister, because I am a good older sister...and because she loves this mascara.  I have never used it before--but I know that it makes her eyelashes pop.  It's a bit on the spendy side...but it's Dior...and very fancy--so what can you do? It's a splurge...and sometimes you need to let yourself splurge.  You know what I mean?

2.  stila Putting on the Glitz Lip Glaze Set ($35)-- I have been a fan of stila for a long time.  Their lip glazes come in a variety of colors, and are just lovely to wear.  When I saw this set on the Sephora website, I knew I had to get it! It comes with 8 different lip glazes, and a gold headband.  I am going to split the glazes with my sister, and give her the headband--because I think it would look super cute in her hair.  Very fancy! I also think this set would be good to split up and give each lip glaze as a gift all of your girlfriends. 

***Spoiler alert, Elizabeth---this is your stocking stuffer--Santa told me you would want this.****

I will show you all pictures of these items when they arrive---which should be in a few days.  :)  Also my Birchbox will be arriving at the end of the week, so I will show you all what I received this month.  Yay--I love mail! 

*********************************************************************************

Because of these purchases, I FINALLY made it to VIB status at Sephora.  Which means that I can get in on sneak peek beauty products, receive a little birthday gift, 10% off of my next purchase, and a complimentary makeover on my next visit to a Sephora store.  Just an FYI, if you go into a Sephora  they offer makeovers to anyone--but I believe you have to make a purchase of $50 or more in order to get one?  Don't quote me on that, but that is what I was told during my last visit.  

If you like Sephora, I highly recommend signing up for their rewards program. It's free to sign up, and as you earn points you can earn certain rewards like deluxe samples or full size beauty products, ranging from cosmetics to hair care to perfume. :)

*********************************************************************************

Thank you so much to all of you who are faithfully reading this blog.  It warms my little Fancy Ginger heart.  Right now I am watching "How the Grinch Stole Christmas"--Jim Carrey version.  Now this is a Christmas movie!!!

Until next time---be kind and stay fancy!

Fancy Blogmas Day's 8-12--my December beauty faves...

Happy Saturday evening everyone! For lack of better words...I stink at this whole Blogmas thing.  I have been so busy, and it seems like the only time I have to write a proper post is on the weekends.  I would rather take the time to write a fabulous post, than quickly put something together that doesn't make any sense at all. So I apologize for those of you who have been waiting for my next post (or maybe you weren't :)).  Call it an excuse...but I prefer quality over quantity.  Don't you?
*********************************************************************************
Tonight's post is all about my December beauty favorites...a.k.a the products that I have been using all month in my beauty routine.  Many of the products that I will show, are ones that I have posted about in my past shopping haul posts...but I always think it's good to revisit some of these items. :)

I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE to sleep...it is one of my favorite things in the whole wide world.  So, when I look for products to use on my hair, skin/face--they can't be complicated to use...and they can't take long to apply.  I have my morning routine down to a science.  Most mornings I am done getting ready in 25 minutes...and I am out the door-- on my way to Starbucks or the HyVee gas station to get some Caribou coffee--it's only $1 for 20 oz. folks!!
 *********************************************************************************
Let's get started with my beauty faves/routine.  One of the things that I have just done this year, was organize all of my cosmetics.  I separated all of my makeup into separate container, and labeled them.  The containers that I used.....old Birchbox boxes.  I get so many of them, and they are good boxes---I didn't want to just toss them.  This has been such a time saver, since I used to dig around all over the place trying to find things, and now they all have their own special box. :)

***I am so organized when I want to be.***

Face Beauty Faves:

*  I have been using St. Ives' Blemish Control Apricot scrub lately--and I love it.  It always leaves my skin feeling clean and polished.  I don't usually get a lot of blemishes anymore, but I find that this scrub helps me prevent anything nasty from popping up....I am just a little paranoid about that. 

*I received Eslor Firming Collagen Day Cream in my November Birchbox.  I love the smell (it reminds me of my how my Grandma Ruth's bathroom used to smell...is that weird?).  Not sure if I really need a firming cream right now...but again, preventive measures.  

(Eslor Firming Collagen Day Cream, St. Ives' Blemish Control Apricot Scrub)

*On my eyelids, under eyes, and anywhere I need a little extra coverage, I have been using Benefit's Boi-ing Industrial-Strength Concealer in 01.  This stuff makes me look awake (when I might not be), and covers any imperfections that may have popped up overnight.
*I use Jouer's Luminizing Moisture Tint (SPF 20) in Pearl to provide my face some much needed sun protection (yes, even in December you need to protect your face/neck from those rays).  I love this product.   It's a little more spendy ($38), but I have been using this for several month's now, and I still have a lot left in the bottle.  

(Benefit Boi-ing Industrial-Strength Concealer, Jouer Luminizing Moisture Tint)

Cheeks:

*  This month the products that I have been using on my cheeks are both from my Boxycharm subscription boxes, and from the same cosmetics brand.  To contour my face/cheeks I have been using Ofra's Americano Bronzer.  I dust this below my cheek bones,  on my jaw line, and hair line.  Being a ginger, I am so pale, that this just gives me a little bit of a healthy glow...and it has shimmer...I love shimmer.

* On the apples of my cheeks I have been using Ofra's Blush in Paradise Pink.  I think this is the perfect blush for winter.  It makes it look like I have been frolicking in the snow...without the feeling of frostbite.  Win-win!

(Ofra Americano Brozer, Ofra Blush)

Eyes:

*I have loved using MICA Beauty's eye primer.  It keeps my eye makeup in place like a pro.  If you recall from the November Birchbox/Boxycharm post, this was quite an expensive eye-primer.  Not sure that I will buy it again when I run out--because of the price---but it's going to last me a loooooonnnnnng time. 

*I don't wear a lot of eye-shadow, but I love wearing eye-liner.  I have been switching between Stila's smudge stick waterproof eyeliner in violet and Sephora's eye shadow in precious gem (I apply this with an eye-liner brush).  Both are such lovely wine/purple colors--which I am addicted to right now. Stila's eye liner is super easy to apply, and the Sephora eye shadow has a lovely shimmer/glitter in it.  

*I have always used Clinique's Naturally Glossy Mascara in Jet Black. It's a classic and I love it....which is why it will probably always be in my beauty favorites. 

(Stila's Smudge Stick Waterproof Eyeliner, Clinique's Naturally Glossy Mascara, MICA Beauty Eye Primer, Sephora Eye Shadow)

Lips:

*I am so addicted to lip products, it's not even funny.  It's become an obsession.  This month my favorite products are all in that wine/marsala color (a.k.a 2015's color of the year....woohoo).  Before I put on my lipstick or lip stain, I apply a lip balm.  I have been using Benefit's Lolli Balm....this is the 2nd stick I have gone through in 3 months....I love this stuff.  It is so hydrating and provides just a hint of lavender color.  

*Next, I use Cynthia Rowley's Creamy Lip stain in Dahlia. The staying power of this product is wonderful, and the color is lovely.  You can even put more layers on to build up the drama.  Depending on my mood....I like to make it look really dramatic.  I am soooo brooding sometimes. 

*I have been switching between two lipsticks this month:  Stila's Color Balm Lipstick in Brigitte and Albeit's Lipstick in Dahlia.  They are both wonderfully moisturizing...and a great color for this time of year. 

(Stila Color Balm Lipstick, Albeit Lipstick, Benefit Lollibalm, Cynthia Rowley Creamy Lip Stain)

*********************************************************************************

There you have it, my December beauty favorites. I feel like this post took me 5 hours to write....which it probably did.  I need to stop erasing everything and rewriting it all....talk about being ridiculous.  

Anywho, tomorrow's post is going to be all about my Sephora holiday beauty haul.  It's exciting, and goes to show you all that when I get sent a gift card to Sephora in the mail, I am never able to save it for long.  

I will also discuss some more important holiday things---I know....that sounded really intelligent.  I have to go, Paul McCartney is playing on my Pandora now...I am having a moment.  

Love and Fanciness~ The Fancy Ginger

Fancy Blogmas Day 7--festive nails

Good Evening!  Two posts in one day...it's a Blogmas miracle.  This is going to be a short little post--and I do want to preface it by saying--I am HORRIBLE at doing my own nails.  But, I think I have found something that has helped to make my nails look like they were some what professionally done...without actually having to go to the nail salon to get a manicure--and paying $25-30 for a full-set done.  Although, I do like having someone else do my nails at times....who doesn't?

*********************************************************************************

Last month, one of the schools that I work at had a vendor fair, and one of the vendors that were there was Jamberry nails.  For those of you that do not know what Jamberry is; this is a company that primarily makes nail wraps--aka stick-on nail polish.  They have, literally, hundreds of designs to choose from (so overwhelming).  When I was at the vendor fair they were selling wraps-buy 3 get 1 free. I believe that a single sheet is $15.  So, you know I had to jump on that deal.

Each wrap sheet has enough for me to do my nails and toenails 2 times!  That is so cray cray.  I will say, that it does take a little bit of time to do your nails this way--but it is so worth it.  There is a process to do it, but it's good for me to practice some patience.

 The wraps I purchased were all from the holiday collection.  The one I am going to show you below is called Reindeer Games...how adorbs is that?  Here is what I used to do my festive nails tonight:

(If you are wondering what the scissors and hair dryer are for---in order to make the wraps stick, you need to heat it up--so I use my hair dryer...and I cut the excess wraps off with my scissors and perfected the shape with a nail file.  I also used NCLA nail polish in Call My Agent, on one of my nails just to switch things up.)

(Up-close picture of my nail wraps...so cute)

Finished product---not perfect...but so festive and fancy....and cute. :)

That's all everyone!  Hope you enjoyed this wee little Blogmas post.  Stay fancy!

Fancy Blogmas, Day's 4, 5, 6....reflections on a fancy year...

Hello fancy readers!  I bought a new coffee creamer the other day, and it is my new obsession---Coffee Mate Chocolate Chip Cookie!  Yum, Yum, Yum.  I have so much to discuss today. 

 Since I last blogged a few days ago (which I know...I am horrible at this blogmas thing), an exciting thing happened in the world of the Fancy Ginger...and fancy people everywhere---Pantone revealed the 2015 color of the year....MARSALA!!!  I love this color.  It is described as a wine/deep red/brown color.  I even saw on Birchbox that they are calling it a "new neutral."  So, get ready for some more of my thoughts on this color...and some of my fave beauty/clothing options which are in this color.  

*********************************************************************************

I have started to received Christmas cards and letters this year, and it has dawned on me that I have never actually sent a letter or card out to anyone.  My parents usually send out a card updating friends /family on what my sister and I are doing...which is usually being fancy....so I don't worry about it.  I am a big mooch that way. But, perhaps 2014 is the year that I should write up a Christmas letter.  I think this blog is the perfect place to put this letter...get ready for some fanciness......

*********************************************************************************

Dear Fancy People, 

I hope this letter finds you all well and happy, and full of Holiday cheer.  This has been quite the year,  for the Fancy Ginger--full of highs and lows--but the good parts definitely outweighed the not-so-good parts.  And, of course, this year was full of fanciness and fancy times. 

The beginning of 2014 was a bit rough--both of my wonderful Grandma's passed away-within 2 months of each other. Although, it was and is still very sad to think about....they both taught me how to live my life with fanciness, laughter, and love.  And that is how I will remember them. :)

This summer was full of many fancy times with my best friend.  It started by going to a Backstreet Boys concert...which was AH-MAY-ZING!  I love a good boy band concert.  Next, we went to San Diego--where we frolicked in the ocean and were fancy.  I also got to spend time with my Aunt and Uncle, and more fanciness ensued.  The summer was capped off to another trip to Kansas City to visit my best friend----and go to a JUSTIN TIMBERLAKE concert!!!!   There are no words to describe the 20/20 experience.  I love JT!  

I am still doing what I love, everyday--and I am lucky that I get to make a living from doing what I love.  I also started this blog, which has been so much fun!  I love talking about fashion and beauty.  I am no expert, but it has been a wonderful experience.

My parents and I are traveling at the end of this month to see my sistah for Christmas!  You can bet that will also be a fancy little trip.  :)  

There is so much hurt in our world, at the moment.  I hope you all have love, peace, kindness...and fanciness. 

Love, 

The Fancy Ginger

I love to pose with Christmas lights....feel free to copy my fancy pose.   

Merry Fancy Blogmas Days #2 & #3...Blogmas is hard...

Ho, Ho, Ho....Merry Blogmas.  Surprise, surprise--I am horrible at keeping up with Blogmas.  This is why I am posting Days #2 & #3 in the same post. You guys what is the deal????  But, it's the effort that counts, correct? 

I decided to get sushi for supper tonight. It's been a month since I have had sushi!! That is so crazy!  I literally stuffed myself with sushi.  It hurt--but it was a good hurt, you know what I mean?

*********************************************************************************

When trying to think of something to write about for Day #2 & Day#3 of Blogmas, the only thing I could think of was my hair....I know, so exciting.  Not only am I the Fancy Ginger because it's a clever name, but I am really a ginger--if you haven't noticed already.  I was born a ginger (redhead, for those of you who prefer that term), and have never had to dye my hair this glorious color....which, by the way, you won't find in any bottled hair dye or salon...trust me.  I am lucky, but I didn't always think I was. **cue sad, after-school special, music**

Growing up, I went through a phase of wanting to have blond or brunette hair.  There are just not that many redheads in the world....and especially where I grew and where I live now---we are the minority.  However, I have grown to appreciate my ginger locks....especially now that they are growing increasingly lighter.  Something, which I am told does happen to ginger hair...but I will not have gray hair--ginger hair doesn't turn gray (yay!).

*********************************************************************************

These days, the biggest dilemma I have with my hair, is not about the color (like I did when I was in my teens/early 20's), but rather if I should keep it long or short?  This summer I chopped my hair off, and I really liked it that way for a week or 2...and then I wanted it grow it long again. Apparently, it takes hair a really long time to get long once you've chopped it all off.  You would think I would learn my lesson, since I do this to myself EVERY SINGLE TIME!!!!  

You see--I like to pretend that I can do fun braids with my hair (I can't french braid...but I fake it with a little twisting action)--this is VERY difficult to do with short hair.  Don't get me wrong, I think short or medium hair is sooooo cute....on everyone else...but me.  Does anyone else have these frustrations? Is this just me?  This is such a random post.  

On the other end of the spectrum...long hair is also frustrating.  Because you have to really "try" to make it look nice...and I don't always like to brush my hair.  It hurts and it's time consuming....this ginger is on the go..or just extremely lazy.  Sometimes it's hard to tell.  

But, I love long hair.  It makes me feel like the Little Mermaid I find it's always a good thing to feel like a Disney character. 

*********************************************************************************What has really helped me with my hair problems is...no surprise here...Birchbox!  They have a ton of great hair tools/products for all different hair lengths/types.  They also come out with regular tutorials on how to style your hair or use the different/new products they have. 

I know I am kind of a broken record about this....don't worry, Birchbox doesn't pay me to say any of this stuff....I am just such a great fan.  And, if you subscribe to their box (only $10/month for ladies!) you can get some samples of their and favorite hair products they offer in their shop.

I am also a huge fan of Aveda hair care products.  Mainly because they are all natural, and they really do work.  For the longest time I was using the Smoothing Shampoo and Conditioner (I just ran out), and it really did help to smooth and tame my thick locks.  

As far as drug store brands go, I LOVE Tresemme.  They are inexpensive products, but they work...and I think they smell great!  

*********************************************************************************

There you go....completely random post for Blogmas Days #2 and #3, but hopefully you find it helpful. :)  Now it's time for the fancy ginger to go to bed!  Adios! 

My hair is not quite Little Mermaid length, but it's getting there. :)

Happy Fancy Blogmas Day #1...

It's finally December...and I guess I am saying 'yes' to doing blogmas.  I am going to try uber hard to post every single day.....like really, really hard.  I promise.  For realz.  

Currently, I am watching 'Bizarre Foods with Andrew Zimmern.'  This is my go to show when I don't feel like watching anything else.  And, even though "Elf" is on ABCFamily right now, I am just not in the mood for an overly sugared up Will Ferrell---does that make sense?  So, here I am watching some guy eat really gross food.  I am feeling a little queasy.  

Welcome to my Monday evening, ladies and gentleman.   I know.....the excitement is a wee-bit mind blowing.  

********************************************************************************

I received a $15 gift card from Sephora (cue choirs of angels) in the mail today.  One of the things I love about Sephora, and I would recommend to anyone who shops there, is the Beauty Insider Rewards.  Each dollar you spend, you earn a point.  With the points that are earned you can pick a beauty product from the items they are featuring at the time you choose to redeem your awards.  

I have yet to redeem any of my awards.  I keep saving mine up, since I want to earn the "big" prize....whatever that may be.  

If you are looking for stocking stuffers--Sephora has a whole much of inexpensive and fancy items to choose from. 

*********************************************************************************

Alrighty kids--I have to go.  Happy blogmas one and all.  Be fancy!