Sunday, January 6, 2013

#11…Dye My Hair…Check!

[The Preface]

I have never died my hair before and well, when it comes to my hair in general, I’m pretty particular about what happens with it and who I let touch it. My hair texture is hard to explain – it’s fine, curly, long, and non-chemically treated (until now). I grew up going to two hairstylists, and now that I live in Indiana, I don’t particularly trust the talent (no offense). I didn’t like the responses I was getting when consulting about hair color from local stylists, so I took it upon myself to… wait for it… do it myself.

[The story]

The basic premise was simple: turn hair into a different color than before. So, I researched different hair coloring kits and colors, what would look good with my skin tone, and what would preserve the health of my hair. I narrowed it down, went to Target, and spent $6.99 on Garnier Nutrisse’s Nourishing Color Crème in 535 Medium Golden Mahogany Brown.

Thanks to modern day technology I was able to watch a how-to video on Garnier’s website which featured a beautiful woman (with crazy white teeth) dying her hair – hassle free, mind you – in the comfort of her own bathroom. The process looked super simple so clearly I wanted to be just like her. So, I put on my gloves, wrapped a towel around my shoulders, and mixed my color. Then, the fun part…

I’ll back up and mention that the woman in the video RAVED about how good the oils smelled and how great the non-drip formula was. All I can say is, home girl is a LIAR.

Before the dye even made it to my scalp, I had DRIPPED the [explicit word] on an eyebrow AND an eyeLASH. In panic mode, I carefully removed the dye only to find out that the “aroma” of the dye does not smell as amazing as the woman assured me. So there I was, afraid I was going to end up with an eye infection and one medium golden mahogany brown eyebrow, and I hadn’t even touched the hair on my scalp! It was a HOT MESS.

Dying your hair at home is a high-pressure task. You essentially have just a few minutes to apply the dye and have to ensure you aren’t making a mess. In addition to that, you have to stay focused because the mess SMELLS so bad you don’t want to faint in the process. All in all, I completed the process and my hair is officially a different color than before.

I honestly can’t tell much of a difference, but overall, I feel like I look like me with lighter hair. IDK… you be the judge!

IMG_1295 (2)

[ The Lessons Learned]

1. They say leave it to the professionals for a reason. I don’t want to say I did a bad job, but a professional would have (hopefully) done a much better job.

2. If you can’t get a professional, get a friend. Definitely have a friend help you out when dying your hair at home. I think it will help alleviate the stress of it all.

3. You should probably get like one shade lighter than what the websites suggest when you DIY. I bet I would have ended up with a slightly lighter result.

4. This will not be my last endeavor with at home hair dye! I have to try this at least one more time so that I can end on a much better note.

A [somewhat] successful task completed off my list. Here’s to hoping the next feat is a little less stressful. Until next time:

Peace, Love, and Gumbo,

Ashley

Friday, January 4, 2013

Updates on the 25…

I’m sorry I haven’t posted in a while! Because my birthday falls at the start of the holiday season, I got a little sidetracked. However, I’ve started quite a few things on my list. Here’s some updates for my loyal followers!

1. Write a cookbook: This is going to be good! I have dedicated 2 hours every Sunday to this. So, I plan to have some teasers for your cooking pleasure… stay tuned!

2. Knit a blanket: Ummmm, I have a braid started. I think I’d better pick up the pace!

3. RUN half marathon #3: I will run the Holy Half Marathon this spring on Notre Dame’s campus. I’ve started “training”…

4. Grow my hair out: started!

5. Read a Book… start to finish: I’ve chosen the book. You’ll have to wait and see what I’ve picked!

11. Dye my hair: I’m literally typing this post as I am waiting on the dye to settle in…

12. Run a 30-minute 5K: Well, I ran a few 30-minute 3K’s on vacation. Needless to say, I have a little work to do!

20. Rock red lipstick: I’ve purchased the shade!

23. Get 25 subscribers to my blog: I have 9! However, I’ve checked on the blog stats and I have almost 350 views! CRAAAAZY! Please subscribe to help me meet my goal! Tell your friends!

Just wanted to show you I have not forgotten about updating my peeps! We’ll be in touch soon…

Love, Peace, and Gumbo,

Ashley

Sunday, December 2, 2012

Drumroll Please…

In case you are interested, I would like to explain how I came up with this list. In thinking about what I haven’t done but would like to do, I have developed a list of things (some projects and others just one-time experiences) that I think would be a great filler for my 25th year. I am holding myself accountable for each one (and hope you hold me to it as well!) and hoping that by this time next year, I’ll have some great words of wisdom to pass on to you.

And so, the moment you have all been waiting for! Here is my list of the 25 things I would like to accomplish while I’m 25…If there was background music I would be playing it would definitely be something from Beyonce.

[The Projects]

1. Write a cookbook. I love to cook (and I’m actually really good at it). So, I’d like to compile my personal recipes into an official cookbook…with the hardbound cover and everything.

2. Knit a blanket. Knitting is a hobby I took up a few years back. It’s really relaxing, but I have nothing to show for it. I hope it turns out well!

3. RUN half marathon #3. I have completed 2 half marathons already, so now would like to conquer the super physical aspect of the race. I would like to… wait for it… run the half marathon (13.1 miles) in 2.5 hours. OUCH.

4. Grow my hair out. I really don’t like hair. I usually grow my hair long enough in order to give 10 inches away. I will be “long hair don’t care” for a whole year, and make the BIG cut when I’m 26! I need help on how big that cut will be!

5. Read a book… start to finish. I really don’t read. At all. I stopped that once I graduated college. I haven’t picked the book yet, but I’m actually looking forward to reading it!

[The Adventures]

6. Travel to Seattle, Washington. I have always been fond of Seattle (probably for it’s famous coffee). So, I want to travel to the northwest and see the sights, namely… bringing me to number 7. Go to the original Starbucks and drink my soy mocha when I… number 8. Go to the original Nordstrom. I cannot wait. Of course I can’t go anywhere without trying the food, so I would like to…number 9. Indulge myself in whatever the signature food of Seattle is. Obviously I need to research!

[The Things I Haven’t Tried But Kinda Always Wanted To]

10. Take up cupcake-caking. Because secretly I love Martha Stewart and she said this is the new thing in baking. And clearly, I’m hip.

11. Dye my hair. Yikes!

12. Run a 30-minute 5K. That’s about a 10 min/mile pace. I think that will be child’s play…lol.

13. Take a trapeze class. I have the gymnastics background, so circus training seems like the next clear step in my acrobatic career. In case you don’t know what I’m talking about, I urge you to watch Sex in the City, Season 6, Episode 8 “The Catch.”

14. Go Wine Tasting. The wino’s Disneyland.

15. Find a fitness activity. I don’t know what this will be, but I’d like to take up some sort of fitness hobby. I know that once the half marathon is over, I won’t start running again until I decide to train for the next half. Whether it’s taking up dance or Flirty Girl Fitness, I’ll keep you posted!

16. Watch the films nominated for “Best Film” at the Academy Awards. I’ve never done it, but this should give me something more to judge than the fashion.

17. Experience Wrigley Field. I love the Dodgers, but something about seeing a Chicago Cubs game sounds like a blast. For those who don’t like baseball, no one asked you! :)

[The “Fears” I Want to Conquer]

There are some things that I just “don’t do,” some things that are really not my style. So, a few of these (very uncomfortable things, mind you) are fears to conquer… ugh. As a disclaimer: I’m pretty conservative, and just typing these things makes me antsy!

18. Purchase a dress you should only wear when you’re a twenty-something. AKA a freakum dress (thank you, Beyonce). AKA a Real Housewife of Atlanta dress (thank you, Nene).

19. Rock said dress in public! With stilettos, of course.

20. Rock red lipstick. To coincide with #18 and #19.

21. Wear a bikini. Summer 2013. Va va voom! I’ve said it once and I’ll say it again, I don’t think you’re ready for this jelly. HAHA, again, thank you Beyonce.

22. Do something “new” fashioned. Whether it’s asking a guy for his digits, or being the bold woman all my feminist fans would be, I will be stepping way out of my comfort zone people! Maybe with #21 this won’t be so bad, haha.

[The Things That Are Important But I Only Added Because I Needed a Few More]

23. Get 25 subscribers to my blog. If I can inspire 25 people, I have done my job!

24. Be open and honest during this journey. This includes posting pictures throughout the year! I welcome your comments, too – although the dumb ones won’t get a response.

25. Accomplish all 25 things on this [amazing] list. I don’t want to say that I never finish what I start, but what a way to bring in 26!

So there you have it! Happy reading to you all!

Love, Peace, and Gumbo,

Ashley

25 Things To Accomplish While I’m 25

Many die at 25 and aren’t buried until they are 75.

- Benjamin Franklin

No offense, Mr. Franklin, but I’m not going down like that!

Somehow turning 25 has become associated with senior citizen status, that when we turned 25, our fun and excitement quota expired. It’s no argument that 25 is a milestone; it’s a big deal… right? Everyday we hear about young celebrities and athletes living life the the fullest; for them, fun NEVER stops. But then in the real world, we know that we ride the struggle bus DAILY just to get by. No offense to all you hard workers out there (because I’m right there with you), I’ll have what the Kardashians are having! I don’t feel old, nor do I think I had my last taste of fun last week. Hence my inspiration for blogging about this year and deciding to share this (rather personal) journey with you all.

For those that know me well, you know that I prefer to keep my business to myself. For those that know me REALLY well, you know that everything I do has a theme. So of course, my journey through the next 365 days will revolve around the 25 things I would like to accomplish while I’m 25. I hope that I am able to inspire at least one of you to accomplish a milestone in your own life, just as I plan to bring the noise this year.

Before I get to my list, I’ll leave you with a quote from The Bucket List, with a motto that is close to my heart:

I believe you measure yourself by the people who measure themselves by you.

I welcome your comments and stories as we take this journey of my 25th year together! Happy reading!

Love, Peace, and Gumbo,

Ashley

Monday, July 4, 2011

Welcome to my blog!

fleur de lisWelcome to my blog, Peace.Love.Gumbo! My idea to blog started as a New Year’s Resolution (yep, it is, in fact, the month of July), but better late than never. January-June 2011 were BUSY to say the least, but I’m at a place where the tempo of my day-to-day life is ready for a new endeavor or two. With thanks to cafepress.com, the idea of Peace.Love.Gumbo for the title is fitting—it encompasses the spirit that I think I have. You will come to find out that those three simple words are the butter to my bread.

So who am I? My name is Ashley—a Creole from Southern California. I love my family, my friends, the Fighting Irish, the sun, food, drink, etc. I like to think I’m happy-go-lucky, but if I’m honest, people bug me. In other words, I go with the flow as long as someone is not on my nerves. There’s a whole lot more, but I’ll leave it up to you to find out!

So why am I blogging? Well, like I said earlier, I love my family and my friends. I am ALWAYS busy. My blog is my opportunity to keep my peeps up-to-date with my life. There are so many stories to tell and people to talk about and my family and friends have the right to know! I know a lot and I do a lot, but I tend to think that’s not as important as others do, so hopefully this will remedy that problem.

So what can you expect? People think I’m quiet and reserved (ha!), but really, I’m just busy. So, as you journey through this blogosphere with me, expect nothing less than a good time.

Stay tuned and happy reading!