Same Girl... Fresh Face

Well hello blog lovelies...

Notice anything different? {cough, cough}

I mean how about my bloggie face lift? Not sure if you boos noticed I was still writing as a future Mrs... Meanwhile I'm approaching my 4th wedding anny. Oopsie. 

Clearly my blog took a back seat to the otherwise insane behind the scenes bridal and event glamming that's been going on. So I called upon Chelsea, owner of Bella Lulu Ink, to glam me for change. Well by me I mean my bloggie but you get it. Allison, (you now her right? Hehe) suggested Chelsea's etsy shop to me because she has fantastic options to liven up your blog quickly and easily. Allison knows my limited tech abilities. I.e. trouble shooting questions like "how does my computer turn on?" etc. Enter Chelsea.... Sure enough Chelsea actually set this whole look up for me... In like no time, and at a well worth it price! If you ladies are thinking of starting a blog or just giving yours a fresh face, get with Chelsea asap! 

Now, to this new blog. Previously, my blog was more focused on the shennanagains that any newly engaged or married gal would experience mixed with some other goings on like... I don't know weddings and glamming etc. I feel like a different gal now that 30 has arrived. Thats right 30. This handsome muffin planned a super fun birthday weekend of adventures.

Despite the multiple crisis situations like... several trips to urgent treatment, a broken hand, and the home we rented in Nashville for SEC weekend canceling our reservation 1 day before we arrived... the weekend was a great success. NEVER RENT from this guy if you would like to actual stay in the house you rented.

I don't know, maybe it's a quarter life crisis, maybe it's self employment, maybe it's just that I'm living a totally different life than 4 years ago? Hell I'm living a totally different life than 8 months ago. It's happier, lighter, and everyday is different. I think that this happier, lighter life style truly prompted a need for a new look, one more current to who I am now.

They say your 30s are some of your best years. You are more in touch with who you really are, and you accept who that person is a lot more easily than your 20 something self would have. I believe that. I also think you are a little more accepting of who other people are. I think that's the best part so far. Your friends, strangers family, they all have traits that aren't like your own and sometimes, they don't mix well. In your 30s that's ok because you know who they are, love them anyway, and hope they reciprocate that love for you when you are being an asshole. 

The 30s have also become the year of the baby for our group of friends. I guess I knew this time would come and I am delighted to hear the baby announcements as they roll in via our group texts before they hit social media. Hiding a pregnancy for 12 weeks is quite a hurdle itself in this group of gals. Pass the wine. In this summer to fall alone we are about to have a little league team of babies. In fact we had two precious peanuts join the world just this week! Welcome little Miles and Camden! I'm sure there are still some sneaky mommas out there who have not yet shared their surprise because they aren't at the 12 week mark yet. Fear not, I won't taste test your drinks or demand you to do shots with me. 

There's so much to enjoy about this stage of life and I am so grateful to be in this place right now. I think that's the direction that my blog will be rolling to. We are a unique group of friends. Super close, doing well in our jobs, having been happily married, dating, or enjoying single life, maybe there is a baby on the way. We are trying to spend time together and experience all the new things our growing city is offering each day, and being ever faithful to UK Athletics. Oh and we love having a million group photos.

Q: So how does living, loving, and being in Lexington look in your 30s when you are on the adventure of growing a company with your amazing business partner, loving on your husband/family/friends, and trying to be out and about in Lexington enjoying what's new? 

A: I'm not sure yet... but let's find out together! 

It Was the Year 1938...

Hello Hello!

Hope all is swell in your worlds today! So far since my last post on life goals, things have been moving right along. Gym, Broccoli, Washing my face... all on par for now. As I started to delve further into these goals I began researching a few things. Whats on the list? Well it goes as follows:

1.) New exercises to work on at the gym. You know, so that I don't get bored after 20 minutes and decide that having walked 1 mile and pretended to know how to use the ab machine is a sufficient work out.

2.) New recipes that include mainly veggies and meats. Thus far anything mixed with Spaghetti Squash is my jam. I mean seriously this stuff is so easy to make, facades itself as a pasta, but is actually a veggie and only 42 calories a cup. Boom. Your mind has been blown. My favorite spaghetti squash recipe is to cook the squash, separate the inside into "noodles" by scraping it out with a fork. Then create your favorite pasta sauce and top the squash. I usually go ground turkey, tomato basil sauce, fresh basil, mushrooms, broccoli, and a little bit of mozzarella if I'm feeling frisky. 

3.) PinkLouLou Valentine's Weekend Mini Glams! Our NYE Mini Glam sessions were such a success that we decide we better bust them out again for the big V Day. You can learn more about these bad boys and book yours with us today by visiting our boutique site here. :) They will be a blast! Champs, apps, and girl gossip while glamming? Don't play, you know you'll be there.

4.) Learning more about Beautycounter Products and the culture of the company and how it originated. One of the most eye opening things I learned can be revealed in this super quick and sweet 2 minute video. Please enjoy. 

I'm sorry, but did she say 1938 was the year the US last passed federal law regulating what we use in products that we put on our freaking faces, skin, lips, eyes, hair etc? WTF? To really give you a sense of what was going on in 1938 let's check out some advertisements of the time...

 

Umm this is a lingerie Ad from March 15, 1938. I thinks some of these are actually coming back 77 years later.

 

An Ad for basically what existed prior to the rolodex... I actually didn't know there was something before that... Anyway it appears that its a "Ideal Xmas Gift" so hop on that for next year. 

Apparently, this lady took an adage from Beyonce's playbook and just woke up like this. Oh plus vitamins of course. 

I mean you get the picture... it was a long freaking time ago. The government tends to regulate most everything else for our "safety", but why not these products that we use everyday? I'm a little shocked that this issue has not been addressed by any of the major beauty companies out there to but I guess if its "not broke don't fix it", right? Well something is broken, and Beautycounter saw the need and stepped into fix somethings. We live in a world with almost unlimited access to the best foods, exercises options, sometimes jobs depending on the year, and even knowledge at our fingertips due to the growth of social media/ the internet. It's amazing to me that Beautycounter is about to turn only 2 years old in March and already reaches thousands of women across the US with 1 main mission in mind. 

To get safe products into the hands of everyone.

This is why I knew I had to be part of this change and part of the growth in this incredible company. You can learn more about the mission and other terrifying facts about the chemicals in most of our daily products here. To be a part of the change yourself, take the first step and checkout some basic products that you can use in your household. My post last week explains what basics you can start with here. There's even quick links to purchase with me. {Wink, Wink}

Meanwhile, when I was doing research on the above ads from the 1930's I found some amazing dating tips from the same time period. I mean with Valentine's Day right around the corner I figured we could all brush up with these little gems. They are super helpful after all. 

You can ask my husband, and I think Brad Paisley agrees, you will always be waiting on a women. I'm sorry that I'm not sorry.

Meanwhile, in 2015, I'm trying to figure out how I can convince my husband to learn to spray tan me. Guess I've got this all wrong.

Sometimes I sit like this, but maybe also in my underoos. I think that violates this rule and the next one.

I wish I could find my girdle. 

Oopsie. I do this within the first 30 seconds of being in the car. Every. Time.

Wait, he doesn't want to talk about the puppy picture I found on Pinterest?

Ok, in his defense, she appears to be giving him a wet willy and I think I'd be annoyed too.

Well, this is a good point. Maybe don't talk to your waiter about how you were just here last week with your other boyfriend and it was actually way more fun than this guy with all the rules about stockings, mirrors, and wet willys.

Well hell, don't be getting clever now. Good thing most of us are just silly.

Maybe she should've sat at that other guys table? He seems cool with the public head rubbing.

Passing out is maybe not your best move. But hey, he's still paying the tab so that's a win. Plus, she looks super comfy and still has her cocktail in hand like a true lady. No spilling on that pencil skirt, girl.

Ok single ladies, get out there and get you a man for Valentine's Day. Then call us for your Mini Glam. :) 

Cheers,

D

Skincare First... Then Makeup... and other Life Goals.

Hello Lady Loves and Happiest of Fridays!

I am still in shock that it is now 2015. Where did 2014 go? I feel like it flew by in a flash and then it was on to the next. I'm sure you are reading a lot of 2015 proclamations at this time of the year. Sorry, this will be slightly in that vein too, but hopefully informative in your personal success goals for 2015 as well. I have some goals that I am going to reveal to you... some embarrassing and some pretty fun. In an effort to try my best to make the most of 2015, and not let time slip away, I think having a group to answer to is helpful.

2015 Personal Goals... yikes.

The Big Thirty is upon me in only a few short months. March 13th to be exact. If you've read my blog before you know that I did pageants, danced competitively, and basically spent the majority of my life up to this point dieting. That said, I hate dieting. I absolutely love carbs in any form. Bread is #1 on this list followed more specifically by pizza. The fact is that I have, what I assume is a 700 pound woman living inside of me. Its a struggle daily to remind her that I can't afford to buy new pants right now so we need to not gain weight. So I would like to attempt to get between my competitive pageant weight (which was 105) and my wedding weight (which was 115) by my 30th bday. Possible? Yes. Easy? Not exactly. I am currently 126. EKKKK. I just told you my weight. Don't repeat that. I'm only slightly over 5 feet tall so I think hitting 112-114 is an attainable goal. More so than anything else... what you eat makes the biggest difference in your weight loss and overall feeling of your health. Sadly the old saying "You are what you eat." is accurate. My name is Dana and sometimes I am a whole loaf of bread from Malone's, perhaps a delicious cupcake from Gigi's, or even an ever delightful slice of Jet's Pizza. For the next 2 months I plan to be mostly green veggies, fruits, and meats. For some amazing meal plan and cleanse options visit my buddy Bryen here. I have followed one of his cleanses for years now when I am in need of a reset on my body. It ALWAYS works, when I WORK IT. Enjoying some gym time won't hurt either. 

In addition to the weight loss goal... taking care of my skin is next on the list. Why forget about your skin health when you are already focusing on the inner and outer health of the rest of your body? As a makeup artist, people ask constantly what to use makeup wise to have the best skin possible. The answer is not makeup alone. The origin of the solution is washing and moisturizing your face. If you aren't taking care of your skin, makeup can only go so far on a daily basis as well as for a special occasion. I mean the point of makeup is not to look like Mimi from Drew Carey.

While I do enjoy a nice toddlers and tiaras style headshot, this is not the goal image for a Tuesday dinner with the gals. The point is to look like a naturally enhanced version of yourself. With 30 fast nearing I was afraid if i didn't make it a priority now to handle skincare first... I might look like an old mop in like 10 years. Not great for business. For this reason I have become a consultant for Beautycounter.  Allison and I both decided it would be a huge benefit to the brides who patron PinkLouLou Design Studio if we both became consultants so we could provide the natural, safe, and effective products made available to us through Beautycounter. I am taking this in stride because I had to get in the habit of ritually washing my face each night and applying moisturizer both day and night. Believe me ladies, after a night of cocktails the last thing I was to do is lather up, but I'm trying to make it a focus. So far, we are good, 8 days in of course, but good. If you are interested in trying any samples of Beautycounter to see if this is a goal you can set for yourself... hit me up dana@pinklouloudesignstudio.com . If you want to just give a few of the products I recommend a go... then order here. :) I suggest starting small and adding on as you like products. The good news is that there is a "no questions asked 30 day return policy" if you don't like a product. Thats pretty amazing if you ask me. The full Essential Face Collection is a big assortment as shown below.

I would say to start small, like I did, and select maybe 2 products you can commit to using everyday. I actually selected 3 products for myself and they are the Routine Cream Cleanser, AM Hydrating Cream, and the Lustro Oil #3. I mix the oil with my moisturizer. I struggle with rosacea on my face and the #3 Oil has really helped cool that out under my makeup. The next addition for me will be the PM Hydrating Cream because I have loved the AM Cream so far.

2015 Professional Goals... Bring it!

For some reason, personal goals are always a little more daunting than the professional ones. I think when you love what you do it never seems like much work... just more like your life. Allison and I were truly beyond blessed in 2014 and could not be more grateful for those who supported our work. 

Weddings galore is what we really want. In 2014 we were so excited to work with our brides and we worked with a lot of them! In 2015 we want to keep that momentum growing and building and work to have as many amazing brides as we did last year, and then some. From bridal party chats full of laughs to pinning the final veil in, this past year was more than we could've hoped for. 

Marketing like whoa. You may have thought we marketed before, but in 2015 we plan to bring the heat. We stepped it up with some awesome opportunities with KY Bride Magazine and the new Lexington Scout Guide. GET YOUR COPIES PEEPS! Social media is such an incredible tool to grow our business and to help spread beauty tips and ideas to anyone, anywhere. Sometimes I slack on the social media game like not blogging for a long period of time... forgetting to post photos to my instagram, pinterest, Facebook, and twitter. No more. Prepare to want to unfollow me. Just kidding... don't unfollow me. I promise they will be worth scrolling through. 

Say 'YES' to new things and don't be scared to try something different. We typically pride ourselves on saying 'Yes' to requests and finding a way to make it work. I think 2015 will bring a huge assortment of new opportunities that we didn't know would be out there for us and we are ready to take them on. From photo shoots to destination weddings we are ready for some adventure. 

Meet, greet, and collaborate with vendors, old and new, even more. We are lucky to be able to work with some of the most incredible vendors out there and if there are opportunities in 2015 to do that more... we're in. If you are a vendor with an idea in mind of something you need hair and makeup for, contact us! We would love to pass ideas around and find a collaboration that works for us all! Reach out to me at dana@pinklouloudesignstudio.com. 

Sell things. A lot of the things. We have a shop via our website which you can check out here. We want to expand that shop and bring more unique gifts to our brides and their bridal parties. Send us your requests! We both want to expand the sales of our Beautycounter collections as well. We truly feel that this line of skincare, for adults to kids, will be hugely popular with those conscious of using health focused products.

Welp friends. I think that about covers it. Stay tuned for updates on how these goals are coming. Especially the birthday weight loss goal. If you see me devouring Drake's tater tots... remind me that your read this. 

Cheers to 2015 and to you!

Dana

Those Little Touches

Hey Boos... This is a little party planning follow up from the previous post. :) 

With the holidays upon us there are some key party tricks I feel we all need to have in our back pocket should an impromptu parlay arise... or even a well planning soiree. 

There is a piece of advice I feel we should all consider when we party plan that I certainly take to heart in my own way when planning...

“Before leaving the house, a lady should stop, look in the mirror, and remove one piece of jewelry.” -Coco Chanel

This quote from a woman who certainly knew how to party like a lady in her day is completely spot on with attire. Now, let's apply this quote to the idea of party planning, but let's think the opposite. I know your immediate reaction is to assume that I like tacky things... but I swear in parties this theory is true. Your tacky assumption is correct in my love of glitter and sometimes I do remind myself to tone that down. Im thinking in more simple terms here... Maybe its one extra flower in your arrangement, a couple candles intermixed along your table, or maybe its as simple as changing the lighting just a bit. I love things to look full and plentiful because it seems like theres more than enough to go around. These are the "Little Touches" I end up finding myself engulfed in right before any party. These are also the things that literally bring my husband into his own personal hell because it typically requires an additional set of hands. 

There are a few staple pieces I have on hand at my house that I use as my "add ons" for a party on the regular. These are cost effective, simple, easy to store, easy to transport, and add that little extra touch anytime your husband comes home and says "I forgot to tell you, XYZ and their wives are coming over tonight." While you scurry around, mostly to make sure your underwear aren't the first thing sitting on top of the unfolded laundry basket for everyone to see, you can also throw these items out on the table and you look like the hostess with the mostess. 

Typically, 5 minutes before anyone comes in my house, I am still hiding things under our furniture and wiping dust off surfaces with my sleeves so they appear clean... but hey I look ready. Your friends will compliment you but secretly envy your preparedness for this impromptu event. Jokes on them if you are like me...

Important party success supplies include: 

• Paper Straws in Multiple Colors - Who doesnt like drinking out of a fun party straw? I try to keep at least one box around, but I plan to add on with some multi color packs to really step up my straw game. Because thats whats truly important in life. Cheap and Fun. Ideal.

• Mason Jars - Ladies we are in the south so these ALWAYS work. For those of you who aren't, they still work because mason jars are the shit, but as an alternative perhaps a stemless wine glass set. Anywho... stemless glass and/or Mason Jars are perfect for SO MANY THINGS! Think about is... holders for straws as mentioned above, holders for utensils, candle holders, mini vases, serving device for desserts, the possibilities are endless and these are REUSABLE which makes the investment worth it! Oh and also, you can drink out of them. Clearly. 

• Folding Tables - Invest Girls! A Small plastic folding table is ideal for any occasion. Toss a table up and make it a bar, or a dessert scape, or even just have it handy in the event that a flip cup game ensues...preparation for a surprise game is clutch. You're setting the party tone and let's face it a drinking game is rarely not happening. 

• Table Cloths/Runners - Tossing a table cloth on a folding table makes the the party look well planned and clean. Add a table runner and minds will be blown. People think runners are only for weddings... wrong. Runners are kinda my fav right now because they really step up the look of any get together and guests minds are blown... "OH My gosh... your table runners are so cute. " Swoon. I know girl. Grab ya some from Smarty Had a Party for quite the steal. 

• Poster Board and Metallic Sharpies - Ladies, the main thing that can take your party from "Oh this is nice" to "Oh Wow, look how cute!" is labeling. I swear to the Lord above that putting a sign next to a bowl of Candy that says "Candy" is mind blowing for guests. Honestly there's something mentally for a guest who sees a label on something that draws the conclusion that the hostess spent time on this. I do. Im a slave to all marketing and in my mind a party label is just that. You are marketing to me your chips and salsa, and sister Im buying because of your delightful chalkboard mini stand labels. God, I love mini things too. That alone gives you hostess points. Labeling things is where I really loose control in parties. I love signs, labels, notes, directions, and most importantly glitter. I get crazed when drawing these out and I literally label everything.  I. Can't. Stop. Myself. 

• Tea lights/Flameless Tea Lights - These are so fun for anytime people come over. Set them out in your stemless glass or mason jar and they just add a simple glimmer or planning to any event. Target and Crate and Barrel normally have good flameless tea lights, the Dollar Tree normally has real tea lights for very inexpensive...duh $1 for a bazillion.

Where can you find all this gear?

• Ummmm The Dollar Tree - For any party you are planning go to the Dollar store First and Last to find items. If you go at the start of your planning you can save money on items you were planning to get and get ideas for other "Little Touches". After you do the rest of your party prep, breeze back through the Dollar Tree and see what other gems you find.

• Marshalls/TJ Maxx/Nordstrom Rack - Places such as these alllllways have the key go to party accessories you never knew you needed. I can't tell you how many times I have kicked myself for putting down that $12.99 such and such that I didn't let myself buy, when now it would be perfect for a table scape. Just buy it. 

• Save on Crafts, Shop Wild Things, Smarty Had a Party - I am obsessed with these sites. I buy things from these places for almost all parties. Whether its awesome lights to inset in a ice bin of cocktails or mini disposable serving pieces for appetizers... these are the bees knees. Shop them. And be glad you did.

• Hobby Lobby - Needs no description. I could spend an entire day shopping there and small to moderate fortune. Much to my husband's dismay. 

Lady Bugs I hope these tips and tricks are useful in your party preparation for the Holidays and in having an impromptu party whenever you may need to! I am interested to hear your ideas on parties and your favorite places to find goodies! Where do you shop? What are you staples? I would love to add pieces to my party collection!

Cheers!
D