I’m All Over the Place

Hi, guys! Happy Monday! Just stopping by for some shameless self-promotion.

1. I’m recapping my wedding over on Weddingbee! If you’re interested, you can see all my posts here: weddingbee.com/author/panther. The latest post features an epic battle between my bridesmaids and my wedding gown’s zipper.
2. I’m going to Chicago this week for a comedy festival for work! I’m so excited! I’ll be dusting off the old journalism skills to cover tons of shows and interview some awesome comedians. I’m be live-tweeting the whole trip from @STEPHatTBS. Follow me!

And, because nobody likes a post without pictures: Hey, look! My nails match my belt!

Nails: “Lightning Orange” by Gel II | Belt: J. Crew (similar)

So, how were your weekends? What are you guys up to this week?

     

Got Ombre’d, Kind Of

I got my hair ombre’d! I can’t believe I’m putting this picture on the internet, because I have a terrible case of Pig Eyes, but here it is:

It’s very subtle (though not as subtle as it looks in this photo), because a red-blonde combo is hard to do without getting a ketchup ‘n mustard look. My stylist also put a little bit of blonde in my bangs, so it’s not even technically all the way ombre. So I guess let’s talk instead about my new favorite wave-making method. I learned it from this awesome Refinery29 tutorial, which I found via the lovely Katie at She likes ruffles, he likes truffles.

Two random tips that weren’t in the video: 1) Let your hair cool completely before you run your fingers through it. 2) The bigger the curling iron and the more hair you use, the looser the waves. When I was done, my husband said my hair looked “Real Housewifey,” which may not have been a compliment, but it’s kind of what I was going for, so I’m cool with it.

I’ll use stronger hairspray next time – my waves had fallen pretty flat by the end of the day. This was taken around 8pm:

Have you learned any cool hair tricks lately? Please share!

     

I Swear I Don’t Shop That Much

I just want to discuss a few things with you guys.

First, you’ve all heard about The Shops at Target, right? I think word has spread, but just in case: Target is working with small boutique owners across the country to bring a line of their products to Target stores for six-week runs. I got this amazing coral tray for just $19.99 from the Privet House shop – which I love, and not just because the original is in Connecticut (my homeland).

I also picked up these navy blue seahorse bookends. I believe they’re by Target Home, though I can’t find them on the site to confirm. Either way, $9.99, y’all!

I’m a sucker for anything nautical, and some day, these will hold up my cookbooks on the imaginary cookbook shelf in my imaginary nautical-themed kitchen.

Next, I also would like to congratulate my sequined Coach bag: she had a baby!

My new Coach Poppy Zippy wristlet was another early birthday gift from my mom. It’s perfect for separating out my must-haves in my massive purse, and I love that I can take it on the go if I only need a few things.

And lastly, I just wanted to let y’all know that I finally found a pair of subtle cat eyes that look OK on me! Please observe this super-awkward photo I took of myself in my backyard.

They’re the Oakley Fringe. I know Oakley isn’t that hip, but I don’t really have the funds for designer right now, and plus, I tried on all the designer cat eyes in Nordstrom and they all looked terrible on me! I love how these fit my face, and what’s cool is that because Oakley is a sporty brand, they’re really sturdy and great for running. I’ve wanted a pair of cat eyes ever since I spotted the beautiful Karen Walkers and House of Harlows at Atlantic-Pacific, so I’m happy as a clam.

Have you picked up anything exciting lately?