Proud to be an American!

Ooooooh how I wish this was posting weeks earlier than it actually is!  Haha!  So is life.

The Fourth of July.  It really is one of my favorite times of year!  I mean, parades, good food, good friends, fireworks...what could be better?!?  Oh yeah - and SUN!!!  It's one of the few dates that us in the PNW can pretty much guarantee will be sunny.  And the sun-kissed faces and red "tan"lines the day after are proof that we enjoy it to the max!

This year, we entered our kids in the Kiddie Parade once again.  We do it every year and the kids have come to love it.  They were SO excited to decorate their wagon and wave their flags and dress up, so we went all out as usual.  We even got crafty and made some toilet paper roll rockets for a little pazazz!  Hollywood was very proud, given rockets are pretty much his favorite thing ever!

This was my sneak peek on Instagram the day before the festivities!

The clothes this year were a piece of cake.  Cocoa's outfit from last year still fit (yep, she's that tiny, don't let the pictures fool you!) so all we needed was a $6 red t-shirt for Hollywood.  Easy enough, right?  Being that it is also National Afro Day, Cocoa rocked her Fro's on the Fourth (and even won this year's Instagram competition)!

A few friends have asked me what the Kiddie Parade actually is.  You just sign your kid up and show up with your registration info (a simply form you print out online) and check which category you want to be "judged" for.  I don't remember all the categories but we always check "best stroller/wagon".  We never win though.  All the fun is in the kid's faces.  They get a participation ribbon, and those who do win for their category get to be at the front of the parade.  Then come 11:30 we all walk the parade route and wave at everyone watching, and then sit at the end to watch the big parade!

"Yaaay, participation!"

Me with my BFF who willingly faced the crowds with us!

When we reached the end of the parade, our friends Joe and Trish (and their little cutie Katie) were there saving a spot for us to watch the big parade.  Our little ladies hadn't seen each other since last year's parade, but ran into each other's arms squealing anyway!  

We found the BEST spot across the street from air conditioned bathrooms and a FREE popcorn stand!  The kids were in heaven.  

Had to show you my FRO-TASTIC little lady!!!

I promise I did NOT pose this - she did it all on her own and I (thankfully) captured it!!!

After the police motorcycles and firetrucks, things got even MORE exciting when an ice cream truck came buy throwing popsicles and ice cream sandwiches into the crowd!  My kids each got their favorites and savored them with joy.

Oh yeah, and the kids got an amazing opportunity to sit on a police motorcycle!  They were both a little freaked out by it, but mostly because of the hot seat.  They agreed to a picture and then they were OFF!  All in all it was a great day, followed up with great food, and great fireworks to end the evening!!!!!

But if you really wanted to summarize the fun, you could just take a peek at my Instagram posts for the day!!!  Hahaha!  

Hope y'all had a great 4th of July as well!  Proud to be an American!!!!

Makeover

It's been a long time coming.  And if you've been reading between the lines you may have caught a hint or two.  These solid-toned dark locks of mine have been in dire need of a makeover for quite some time now.

Well...it's finally happened!  I took the plunge and made a change, letting my dear friend transform my look.

I gotta be honest, I kind of thought my kids were going to have some major opinions on it.  But neither of them said a word (and really hardly seemed to notice) as they wrapped their arms around me.

Cocoa did tease me that now I looked like her.  When I asked her, "you think mama's hair looks like your hair?" she answered "NO!  I-uh back" (translation, "no, mine's black) followed by a huge giggle.  Yeah...someone got her jokester attitude from her daddy ;)

I've got to admit, I still sometimes shock myself when I look in the mirror...but I'm slowly getting used it.  I better not get TOO used it though because in a couple weeks it's changing again!  Trying to get my hair to that icey blonde I keep drooling over!!! =)

Fashion Friday: Things I Love

Valentine's Day isn't exactly a highly celebrated event in this house...but it took even a further backseat this year.  We recently returned home from a mini vacation to Whistler, BC (which you can catch glimpses of if you are following me in Instagram or Facebook) and since then we have been battling one thing after the other.  Yep - both kids are sick...and new symptoms keep popping up so I don't think the end is in sight yet.  As if that wasn't enough of a reason, my hubby turns the big 3-0 next week, and assuming we both aren't hacking up our lungs, my parents are supposed to take the kids so we can have a weekend of sleeping in (yep, sounds heavenly, doesn't it?)  Not to mention we're planning an actual vacation (airplane and all) so the funds are being set aside for that.

So...I'll save the money on flowers and chocolates and diamond jewelry (do people actually do that for Valentine's?) and virtually share with you some of the things I love in the fashion world right now.  The top ten things that are calling my name and inspiring me (and you can see much more of that on Pinterest, where all these photos have been pinned by moi).

1. Cat Eye and Red Lips

This is my GO TO look and the quickest one for me to do, not to mention it works well with my porcelain skin.  If you aren't in the practice of using liquid liner (or a creme liner) it might take some getting used to...but there are TONS of pins on Pinterest giving you a step-by-step for this easy yet glamorous look.  And the red lips - they're just the icing on the cake.  But nothing makes me feel put together (even on the days I haven't had time to brush my hair) like some red lipstick.

 

2. Soft Vintage Curls

I'm sure it's no shock that I love the "Old Hollywood" look and these soft waves and ringlets are the perfect way to achieve that look.  Once you figure out the right way to set your curls, it really doesn't take much time at all (especially when you apply your cat eye and red lipstick as it cools).  

3. Pastels and Lace

I already hinted to you about my obsession with pastels in my post about the inspiration for my creative space remodel.  Blushing pink and mint green being at the top of my list for my pastel picks.  But add lace into the mix and you have the epitome of feminine.  It's no surprise that I'm a girly girl, and I love nothing more than getting dressed up!

4. Icey Blonde Locks

I've been trying to find the time to switch up my look with a new hairstyle for months now.  It has been SOOOOO long since I've been platinum blonde, and I must admit, it's calling my name.  The cost and time of the upkeep is the only thing holding my back but I WILL find a way to incorporate some blonde SOMEhow!! 

5. Pleated Skirts

These pleats are feminine and flirty and just my style!  And I love how they can be easily paired with a simple tee for a classy and sophisticated look...and easy to pull off for a busy mom!  I've seen these all over in all different lengths and depending on what top you pair with it it can go from pretty casual to glam!

6. Hi-Low Hemlines

I've been drooling over these since last summer but after Cassadee Pope's incredible performance on The Voice wearing this stunning number, I FELL IN LOVE!  I know there are some pretty risque versions of this look out in stores, but I think these three nailed it on the head in terms of modesty and style.

7. Texture and Layers

I love to incorporate lots of texture and layers into my look with scarves, jewelry, or different fabrics.  It adds some visual interest and intrigue.  It also gives a unique touch to any outfit and shows off a little of your personality!  

8. A Touch of Sparkle

It's right there in my title - This Domesticated Diva.  What diva doesn't add a little sparkle whenever she can???  But obviously we all know there's a huge difference between body glitter and a little touch here or there.  Maybe I couldn't differentiate the two back in my cheerleading days...but rest assured, I can now.  And here's a couple perfect examples of just the right touch of sparkle!

9. A Pop of Color

I'm a hairstylist.  An artist, in my own sense.  I NEEEED color.  I thrive off color.  So an all neutral or black and white ensemble???  That's just not me.  But add a simple pop of color and I'm a happy camper!  I know many of you can pull of neutrals with style and grace.  Maybe it's my porcelain skin or the dull shade of red in my hair right now...but that is just not my thing!  Even if it is something as simple as some bright peek-a-boo strands or funky nails...it makes a huge difference in my world.

10. Infinity Scarves

Yes, I know not everyone can pull them off.  My mom, for one, insists they make her look like she has no neck.  Her words, not mine.  But with two little kids looking for anything to pull (I have holes in the hemlines of all my tanks to prove it, not to mention a pile of jewelry for my husband to fix) infinity scarves have proved to be a lifesaver for me.  Especially for someone who has a constantly cold neck.  And when you live in Washington...that often INCLUDES the summer months.

Vintage Dutch Girl (my sister in law) made this one for me - super cozy, inexpensive, and she has a wide variety of fabrics to choose from!  See for yourself!

My favorite scarf from Fashionable Scarves, which you may have read about a time or two on here.    Great cause and beautiful product...you don't want to miss out on owning one (or several) of these!

So tell me ladies (and gents)....what has been your fashion inspiration so far this year?!?