110:365

Vest by Nike, sweater by Gap, jeans by Rock & Republic, shoes by Nike.

I have a lot of hair. All of that hair is after my hair stylist takes a razor to it. Oh man....

So all that hair made me think about my high school days. In high school, I had my hair cut by the same stylist as when I was a little kid. Small town folk don't mix things up too much...My hair stylist was approximately one length around the track away from my house and I typically walked there, unless the weather was horrific.

In high school, I started to get influenced by people around me and had a strong desire to play around with dying my hair. Since my mom was the one writing the check, that wasn't an option, seeing as it more than doubled the bill. My Mom always said, "People pay big bucks to get their hair to be your color." At that point in time, eye rolling was a big hit, and I'm pretty sure I was really good at it...sorry Mom. So that's when I would roll my eyes and say, OK, OK, I'll wait to dye my hair.

Well it wasn't too long after that, that people actually asked me how I got my hair that color! I told them that it was all thanks to my Mom and that it sure enough, was natural. So from then on, I never questioned my Mom's advice to wait to dye it until those dreaded gray hairs show up! So far, so good.

Listen to your mom. Moms know best.

Jennica

109:365

With the holiday season in full swing, it's common to cram your schedule full with holiday parties to the max, and fill your stomachs to the max while you're at it. Though this can be all too satisfying in the moment, be sure to pump the brakes, so that your body will thank you later. (I can't believe I just said that since I'm usually the one stuffing my face!!)

According to a dietician in Salem, Oregon, Elizabeth Somer, here are some tricks to saving calories this holiday season.

1. Be Choosy. Only eat the foods that are most symbolic of the holiday season. (a.k.a. you won't really  have access to them until next Christmas!You know exactly which goodies I'm talking about).

2. Don't skip meals. Just because you're planning on attending a party, that doesn't mean you shouldn't eat breakfast! Breakfast is the most important meal of the day. And lunch is just important too!

3. Sample, don't gorge. Just because it's there, doesn't mean you have to eat every last bite. Take small samples from many different things so your taste buds can have a hay day!

4. Be polite, not nice. Just because someone is offering it, doesn't mean you have to take it. Mentally prepare ahead of time to graciously say no thank you, avoiding all of your loved ones' coaxing.

5. Just say "no" to alcohol. It's easy to pack on the calories with just one drink, and just one drink can break down your defense of saying no to food. Late night munchies are the worst - or the best; depends how you look at it...  If you're planning on drinking, either dilute your beverage (make the hard drinks lower octane), or make sure to have one or two non-alcoholic beverages in between. This helps you to pace yourself and saves calories, unless we're talkin' eggnog. No calorie saving with eggnog.

6. Loosen up. Sometimes people are so worried about avoiding food and beverages that their fun is ruined. If you're not drinking, bring a bottle of water to sip on throughout the night. Or if you're on calorie overload from party number one, throw in a piece of gum to help you avoid digging in for round two.

7. Never arrive hungry. Always plan on eating a normal meal prior to arrival, or at least snack on something healthy before you jet out the door. That way you won't run off with the muddy buddies. Ok, let's be honest, you're still going to run off with a death grip on the muddy buddies bowl, but at least maybe you'll get full before you get to the bottom of it.

8. Think whole food. Load up your plate with lots of veggies and fruits. That way you will get full from low calorie grub.

9. Mama says, "take your vitamins!" For brain power, make sure to take your omega 3's, and take a daily multi-vitamin to keep your energy high for this go-go-go time of year!

If you attempt these steps above, you should be golden to NOT pack the pounds this holiday season! Good luck!

Cheers and be safe.

Jennica

108:365

Not sure what brands I'm wearing but the boots are Cole Haan. The End.

So if you are someone who saw me today, you may be thinking, "Hmmmm, I don't remember her wearing that shirt..." It's because I'm pretty sure I didn't take my jacket off all day! This weather is chillin' my bones and I just need it to snow already if it's going to be this cold. Late start please. Also, can all children in the Oregon area wear their PJ's inside out tonight so we can have a snow day? Thank you.

Tonight I got a pedicure with my bestie, who is moving very far away in a matter of weeks. Sigh. More to come on that on another blog day, but regardless, we got pedicures. And it's not just any pedicure, but the kind where they cover your eyes with an herbal eye cover, wrap your feet in warm towels and paint your toe nails while you are fast asleep. Worth every penny!  However, the down side to this is that it happens to be the middle of December and we had to walk in 27 degree weather across Bridgeport Village to dinner. We decided it may not have been worth it to get pedicures after all. It was quite likely that we may not have had any toes by the time we got to Twigs because they practically shriveled and froze off just before we arrived.

Moral of the story? Wait for summer for pedicures. But actually don't because it's totally worth it.

Jennica

107:365

Scarf from T.J. MAXX, jacket by Lucy Love, jeans by Vince, booties from Italy.

If you haven't seen The Hunger Games: Catching Fire, pencil it in your calendar. Immediately. Direct orders. Doctor's orders in fact. I just had the pleasure of watching it and was on the edge of my seat The. Whole. Time!! I will not give anything away but I will say it's worth your time and money to see it in the theatre if you're into that type of movie.

I have to say, my favorite part about the movie, no spoiler alert necessary, was the fashion of course; women's AND men's! Every intricate detail was well thought out and executed from glamorous wigs to simple knits, every piece simply unique! I want to meet the brilliant minds behind the costume design, and thank them. Thank them for not staying inside the lines like they were taught in kindergarten, thank them for taking abundant risks, and for not turning back for one split second. I want to thank them from thinking in colors, and for listening to their grandmas and mothers who taught them to sew. Our eyes thank them.

Now go watch the movie.

Jennica

106:365

Top by Just Ginger, sweater by Vivienne Tam, pants by BCBG, heels by Cole Haan, hat by Shokay.

This is what I wore today for 28 conferences, without the hat of course. But I wanted to wear it to show you that an elegant knit hat can be worn with a nicer outfit to keep you toasty warm on a blistery day such as today! I did wear the hat to and from my car, the frigid air stinging my hands. If only I had the matching scarf and gloves to complete the set! Unfortunately, I didn't think about it at the time of purchase. #firstworldproblems

So exhausted. Must sleep. Conferences = Loooooong days.

XOXO,

Jennica

105:365

Striped shirt by Bellamie, jacket by Halogen, sweats by Victoria Secret, shoes by Nike, head band by who knows? But it's keeping me nice and warm on this chilly day!

It's a sweats day folks. That's right, nothing to see here. I have been on survival mode for the last week with how busy I've been and I have a big day tomorrow, so that's all for now. Have a great week and Christmas is just around the corner!!

XOXO

Jennica

104:365

Steamy steaming

Peplum top by Paper Crane, sweater (can't see it...) by Moth, coated skinnies by rick and skinny, heels by Baby Phat, jacket by Tracy Reece new york.

Yesterday, (yes I'm a day late with my blog - deal with it!) I wore the outfit to the left. I wore this outfit to a bridal photo shoot that I styled for Human Beauty Bridal. This has been a long time coming and lots of time, energy, and passion has been put into this shoot. We are so excited to see how the photos turn out from Haley Graham Photography and can't wait for the video by Leanne Miller!!!  They are so talented. I loved how interactive they were with the models, how thoughtful they were about their visions for the images, and how positive they were throughout the whole day.

When I first showed up, Courtney and Kendall had layed out some scrumptious chocolate covered fruit, nuts, and an array of beverages for the team. There were also two tables, one with all Kendall's beautiful work of jewelry, veils, and an array of other accessories. Stepping forward a few steps, Courtney was working away, getting our first model Katie, ready for her first look - to the right. From cover up to eyelashes, she had it all ready to doll up our beautiful models.

Meanwhile, I had the responsibility as part of my styling duties, of steaming each dress to ready them for finessed photos. But regular steaming is boring. Therefore I did steamy steaming. If you look at the image above, you will better understand the strategy behind steamy steaming. It's an art really. I had to practice. Come to think of it, I actually had a lot of time to practice at the shoot. Steaming wedding dresses may sound easy. It's not. It takes forever. Those dang wrinkles are as stubborn as a mule, and I had to keep refilling the water in the steamer. In the end it all worked out, and the dresses from Charlottes Weddings and More and Anna's Bridal turned out stunning - even more beautiful than we could have imagined!

Also, while picking up the dresses at Charlotte's, I saw a veil that I LOVED!!! Saw that it was $250, and thought to myself, I can make that. That's a dangerous thought people. These kinds of thoughts lead to actions and actions lead to late, late nights. Soooo, a hair piece, a necklace, and a veil later, it was midnight. To the left is a shot from my phone of Katie working it with my veil. :) I will post more detailed photos at a later date.

Cheers to a successful day, fun working with awesome and talented girls and a collaboration that turned out better than we could have imagined!!

XOXO,

Jennica