DIY Hair Accessories

Hey guys! So I really need and wanted to do a fun DIY post, and i got caught up in crafting this weekend, so sorry I am a little late.

I am trying really hard to grow out my hair, and I am in the in-between stage right now. You know, the stage where its too long to just leave alone, but not long enough to do anything super cute (like the fun updos I see all over pinterest). I was thinking and browsing the web, and I found a great way to dress up your do, and the best part is, its easy and can be done just using old clothes around the house.

Here are a few I made over the weekend:

Cute huh! They also can be pinned to a plain tank top, cardigan or purse to add some color. Below are some amazing blogs with tutorials on how to make these cute little flowers :)

Elizabeth Carls No Sew Flower Tutorial

The Mother Huddle Flower Clip Tutorial

Infarrantly Creative Felt Flower Tutorial

Trend Alert: Pastel Pretty

Pastels are hot on the runways right now, and with spring right around the corner, this couldnt be a more perfect shade to get you ready for the sunshine.

Spring Is In The Air by sheandme featuring a floppy hat

Chiffon dress
£30 - bankfashion.co.uk

Sheer top
$50 - modcloth.com

Current/Elliott current elliott boyfriend jeans
$180 - net-a-porter.com

Matiko red shoes
$193 - lulus.com

Converse high top sneaker
$72 - asos.com

Monsoon summer clutch
£25 - monsoon.co.uk

Dorothy Perkins flower ring
$15 - dorothyperkins.com

ASOS enamel bangle
$11 - asos.com

Floppy hat
$13 - gojane.com

Essie nail polish
$8 - zappos.com

Day 13: Simplify Your Life

Need more ideas? Check out this fantastic website for over 72 ideas to simplify your life!

sources:
http://www.webmd.com/balance/guide/cut-stress-simplify-life?page=2Da

I have been reading this amazing book called "Finding Your Own North Star" by Martha Beck. The book talks about how there are two sides to each of us,

our essential self, and our social self. For example, when we see a huge, delicious cupcake, our essential self says "EAT IT" while our social self says, "YOUR ON A DIET, AND THIS WILL MAKE YOU FAT." The book talks about finding happiness within ourselves, and points out that the way to do this is to push away our social selfs, and let our essential selves break through once in a while. A great way she has recommended to do this, is to do something childish once in a while. Now, Im not talking about this in a negative sense, like telling your friend you are pissed at that she is not invited to your birthday party. Im talking about doing something fun that you enjoyed doing as a child. This is a great way to let go, and have some fun.

Here are a few childish activities to revisit that will give you an instant boost in happiness.

Remember when you were little, and the sun was shining as the first hints of spring were shining through? What is the one thing you begged your parents to do? ICE CREAM PLEASE!

Or cake, pie, smoothie, milk shake etc. Whatever your sweet tooth is craving, indulge yourself! And don't skimp out....get the toppings, the cone, whatever you want. Dont let your mind tell you that this once ice cream cone is going to destroy your diet, its okay to let yourself have some sweet in your life once in a while. So next time you are reminising about the old ice cream stand you used to frequent as a child, go grab a cone and enjoy it!

Ahhh, the days when a Friday night consisted of hanging out at the local roller rink, and hoping you will hold your crushes hand during couples skate :) Those days have passed, but roller skating is still a great way to have some fun while being active at the same time. So next time the weather permits, strap on those skates and enjoy the sunshine.

The elation you used to get when making a pretty craft in grade school, still exist deep inside you. Let it out! Next time theres a rainy day and you have nothing to do, get some crafting supplies and create something! Theres a feeling of happiness and accomplishment that will overcome you when you make something. Need some inspiration? Check out this website, Craftgawker. It has thousands of ideas for easy DIY crafts for the home, hair, body, face etc. 

This is a perfect activity for a sunny, spring day. Grab a blanket, some snacks, a good book and head out to the nearest park. Set up camp under a tree, and just relax. Feeling energized? Go have some fun on the ol' swingsets. Swinging is actually a form of exercise, who knew?

Theres no better way to feel good and help others while doing so than volunteering. It is proven that being around children awakes your inner child, and you will be doing something good at the same time. Need some ideas? Check out your local YMCA, church or children's organization for volunteer opportunities.

I hope these ideas sparked inspiration and motivation to release your inner self once in a while, and just have some fun without thinking about anything else. Doing this is a great way to free your self from all the inhibitions you face in every day life. You will feel free, and happy. 

Have Some Fun!

http://www.guardian.co.uk/society/2011/jun/19/peggy-orenstein-pink-conspiracy-cinderella

Rosewater: A Little Known, But Very Powerful Solution.

This is one of the most important keys to living a truly happy, and stress free life. We tend to so often stress about the future, or dwell on the hurt from before. Our minds are constantly spinning to the point where we forget to savor the moment we are currently in before it becomes another regret in our past.

Benefits of Living In The Now
Living in the present, and having a current state of mind is proven to rid yourself of anxiety, depression and stress. Savoring the moment without having to worry about the future or the past will leave you feeling liberated, and just free.


Ways To Live In The Present


1. Quiet Your Busy Mind
Quiet your mind and just be. Instead of thinking about, and analyzing every little aspect of your life, just do. You will feel so much better, like a hundred pound weight lifted of your shoulders. Next time you go out with your girlfriends, instead of thinking about how everyone is going to stare if you dance, just dance and let go of your inhibittions. You will feel like a brand new person.

2. Think Like A Dog
This is a beautiful thing, your dog doesnt remember what happened ten minutes ago, and they have no clue whats going to happen ten minutes from now. Your dog lives completely in the moment, as there is no other way for them. When you feel your mind start to wander, remember, you are right here right now, and nothing that happened before matters nor is anything thats going to happen. Immerse yourself in the present moment you are in.

3. Savor The Moment
A good exercise to start off with is to quiet your wandering mind, and start thinking about what is going on exactly at the moment you are in. Start to describe to yourself exactly what you are doing right now. This will push aside any stresses about the future or your past.

4. Forgive Your Past
Have a lot of hurt in your life stemming from past relationships or instances? As terrible as those things might be, the only way you can truly live in the present is to let go of the past. Write a letter to the people who have hurt you, and tell them you are forgiving them as you have chosen to move forward with your life. You don't have to actually give them the letter, just writing it will release you from the prison those hurtful relationships have kept you in for so long.

5. Realize You Cannot Control The Future
Worrying about the future is the direct result of knowing deep down we cannot control what is going to happen, and for a lot of us, that is a very scary thing. Coming to terms with this can free you from these stresses. Knowing that yes, something bad can happen in the future, but when and if it does, you will handle it then, and you will be okay. Right now, you are happy and at peace so let go of the constant thinking about "what could be" and focus on "what is".

Learning to live in the present is an art perfected by some of the happiest people in our world. To practice this lifestyle, is to get just another step closer to a happier life.

Day 11: Say Something Nice