The Hair of the Matter

I have been growing my hair out for the last 8 years or so.  It started out very short in almost a boy cut.  My goal has been to grow it to my waist, while at the same time not suffering from the dreaded “in between hair”.  All girls absolutely hate this phase of hair growth and I was determined not to have to deal with it.  So, to that end it has take me longer to grow my hair out.  I noticed about a year or so ago that my hair hadn’t really grown much in the last couple of years.  I saw some pictures of the back on my hair that someone took randomly at a church picnic and it suddenly hit me that my hair was exactly the same length a year later.  Now, keep in mind, I only get my hair cut and colored about every 3-4 months, so I really should have had more hair growth than that.  My AWESOME hair stylist that I have been going to for over 14 years, is always very careful not to do more than “tip” my ends.

So, I started looking for supplements and for the last about 50 + days I have been taking something called Maxi-Hair by Country Life, along with 2,500 mg of biotin twice daily.  I take them in the morning and the evening.  The Maxi-Hair is a time release pill. 

After 50 days I can honestly say that my hair has grown about two inches!  My hair is very layered, but the very ends are now only about 4-5 inches from my waist.  So, these supplements are definitely working.  I get mine at the health food store down the street from me, but you can get them online as well. 

One of these days I will actually take a picture of my hair so you can see.

The Flaw of The Matter

Dita Von Teese mentioned (yes, her again) in an interview recently that women shouldn’t share their insecurities about their bodies with their men. The idea is that we should keep our thoughts on our physical “flaws” to ourselves. The quote was, “Yes, I have lots [flaws]…But I'm not going to point out my flaws, because then they'll be more noticeable. The world would be a better place if women kept their insecurities to themselves. I say, 'Accept them, live with them'.”

Do men find such lack of confidence attractive? Or would they find a woman, that was more confident (i.e. kept her insecurities to herself) more attractive? No man that I know wants to hear the whining, and to be frank I get tired of my own mental whining. I can’t imagine someone else being subjected to it. lol

Most of my guy friends have mentioned that confidence in a woman is very attractive. I am sure that is not true of all men, but probably most. We live in a time where there is so much focus on physical beauty, really to the exclusion of character. Shouldn’t a woman have both? And I don’t mean we all have to be gorgeous or wear a mass of makeup and dress sexy. I mean a woman that takes care of herself inside and out. Shouldn’t that be the goal? To be the “whole package” if you will. I am NOT talking about getting hair extensions and plastic surgery. I am talking about working with what you have and treating it with the respect that God’s Temple deserves. Showing a care for being appropriately dressed and above all exuding the Holy Spirit in character. I only have to look to Song of Solomon to see that beauty has a place.

So, I think I tend to agree with Dita. There are way too many cartoons and jokes about the eternal question, “do I look fat in this?”, for there not to be some truth in men just not wanting to hear about our supposed flaws. He might not even see it as a flaw at all…until you tell him.

Song of Solomon 4:1-4

Behold, you are fair, my love!

"Behold, you are fair! You have dove’s eyes behind your veil.  Your hair is like a flock of goats, Going down from Mount Gilead.  Your teeth are like a flock of shorn sheep Which have come up from the washing, Every one of which bears twins, And none is barren among them.  Your lips are like a strand of scarlet, And your mouth is lovely.  Your temples behind your veil Are like a piece of pomegranate.  Your neck is like the tower of David, Built for an armory..."

 

DISCLAIMER: I feel I should restate for the record that while I enjoy Ms. Von Teese style (off the stage) and some her insights into style, femininity and such, I do NOT agree with her chosen profession. It’s tawdry, and there is no way around that. Just wanted to make that clear, so there’s no confusion.

Taxing Situation

I’m a moron. Okay, I am not a moron, but I clearly didn’t read the find print on my tax deductions when I filled the form at my new job. Well, the print wasn’t really “fine”, the reality is I just didn’t pay attention. Grumble grumble. In short, I took too many deductions. When I look at the form, I see what I was thinking when I did it, but sheeesh! Argh!

Thankfully, my State return will more than cover the Federal, which is who I owe, but what a bummer. =( I moan, but I am really super thankful about the State covering the Federal. This could have been a much bigger deal than it was. =/

And it’s a lesson learned…PAY ATTENTION!!! Sometimes being a grown up is a pain in the neck, ya know?

More Thrifting

I recently did some more thrift shopping and found some real treasures.  Well, what I consider treasures anyway.  I definitely found at least two vintage sweaters, which made me very happy!

I love these man styled trousers.  They don't quite fit, but should soon.  I can't wait to wear them!

This sweater has sentimental value.  My dad had "golfing" sweater just like this.  My sister and I appropriated it and I am not sure what happened to it.  Finding this for $5 made me a VERY happy girl.

Terrible photo, but you get the idea.  This is a Kimberly sweater and a real vintage find!

I love this top. I was worried it was a little too "Where's Waldo", but with a black pencil skirt and black pumps, it has more of a Parisian feel.

I love how these two look together.

I was drawn to this lovely tangerine color.  Can't beat $9.

Jeans, glorious jeans

This is one of the best articles I have come across with options on what kinds of jeans to buy for different figures.  The pictures are proof positive and the prices aren’t too bad.  I have about 15 lbs until I am at my goal weight, so no new jeans for me yet, but I am totally book marking this page for future shopping excitement!! 

Costumes, Glorious Costumes.

I am now dying to see the movie W.E. I have heard things about it off and on since Madonna started making it. And to be honest, I don’t care for Madonna on pretty much any level however I am fascinated not only by the story of Wallis Simpson, but by the costumes in this movie. I am a pushover for gorgeous clothes and this movie seems to have it.  It really makes me wish hats would come back in fashion!!


You can see the glorious clothes in these stills from the movie.

Natalie Dormer.  She looks so different from when she portrayed Anne Boleyn.

The real W.E.

You can see the trailer here.

Shabby or Chic?

I adore this mirror, but I shudder to think how much it is.

I ended up in San Francisco for New Years this year.  To be honest, it’s the first time in YEARS I have done anything for NY, but stay at home and sleep through it.  Yes, yes, I am a volcano of excitement.  ha! 

Anyway, I had a blast, but the thing that really got my attention was the apartment I was at.  It’s a small one bedroom flat, that is probably about the size of my downstairs area.  The smallness didn’t take away from the charm!  The woman that sublets it from my friend has a quirky shabby chic style that is an odd combination of shabby chic and tri-athlete.  She had wonderful mirrors everywhere, curtains over the closet, a wardrobe with all kinds of pretty glitzy fake jewelry all set out in a lovely display and an old white stained secretary type bureau/desk.  I wanted to take pictures of it all, but it seemed to invasive considering the girl wasn’t even home.  It really got my home design juices flowing!! 

I love my small place.  It is just under 1000 square feet and is an upstairs/downstairs set up.  Unfortunately for me, I definitely do not have gift for interior design.  My sister has an amazing gift for design both in homes and in her wardrobe.  She has the best ideas!  Some of my things are here given to me by her and I love them!  (I’ll take some pictures).  I remember years ago going over to her apartment and she had Greek styled columns that she used to set her television on.  It's little things like that, that really set a place off!!

Having said that, my mission is now to try to find some affordable ways to dress up my place.  Thankfully for me I have discovered a love for Thrift Shops.  First on my list…mirrors, at least two big one.  =)  I’ll keep ya posted.