Because who doesn't love braids?

  I've been a hair stylist for almost 4 years now. I  still remember the first day I learned to braid. Cornrows to be exact... No one in the classroom knew how to braid and unfortunately cornrows were the ONLY braid they taught us in school. I wasn't satisfied with that alone. You can say I was somewhat of an overachiever... I knew that if I was going to make a career out of hair that I needed something to set me apart from other stylists. I was determined to make braids that something.  Every day in class I would finish all my work early so I could spend extra time on my braids. I ended up learning the hard way. A LOT of trial and even more error. My classmates got tired of me practicing on them, so mannequins became my best friend. It was a frustrating time but eventually I got to the point where I could look at a picture and somehow figure out how they did it. I've always been a self motivated person, but I knew if I challenged myself with something publicly, I would stick to it. Thanks to the beauty of social media, I did my very first "30 days of Braids" while I was still in school. A different braided hairstyle on clients and classmates every day for 30 consecutive days and it quickly became "my thing."

 *Side note: I make it a priority anytime a client brings me a picture of something they want done, wether it be a braid, cut, color, ect. to examine each photo thoroughly. Communication is THE most important thing in this industry. A lot of times people don't realize the little things that cause different results. It's my job as your stylist, to educate you on why that is. For instance: The texture of your hair vs. the person's in the photo, the underlying pigments on your hair vs. someone else's, even something as simple brown vs. blonde can result in hair looking completely different when styled EXACTLY the same. Same thing with goes for makeup. Keep that in mind next time you see a photo of someone's hair or makeup that you're trying to duplicate. It will make the world of a difference. *


Here are just a few of my personal favorite braids I've done on my amazing clients!

If you are interested in booking an appointment or if you have any questions please feel free to call  Hair Graphics Salon in Lake City, FL (386) 755-2325

Year 4 and many more...

Matthew and I are celebrating our anniversary on Thursday but I just couldn't wait to post these pictures! It's so crazy to think that I have spent almost HALF of my life with this man. Our story is simple but sweet..  We became friends when I was 12, started dating when I was 14, got engaged when I was 18, Married when I was 19, and at age 23, we are 4 years and counting! It has been a roller coaster to say the least, but a fun one at that! I'm thankful to spend life with someone who loves the Lord and loves me more than I thought humanly possible. Cheers to us!

For anyone asking: My little sister Kaylee takes all of my photos! No matter what the occasion... If you see a photo on my blog, she's the pro behind the camera! I know, I'm a lucky lady because seriously, she's amazing!

Fake Fall because well... Florida

 Beanies are my second favorite thing in the whole world. I literally live in them during the cooler months. It's kinda weird with my shorter hair now, but I dig it... It's chill. My most favorite thing in the world is my Bitty girl. We decided to pumpkin patch it up and have some sisterly bonding time today and as you can tell by our photo shoot, it was successful!

Can we talk about how beautiful my mom and sisters are?


Outfit Details// Flannel Dress: here // Booties: here // Beanie: (old) similar here and here

Canadian Tuxedo for the none Canadian

 My life has been so hectic as of late. For that reason I am thankful for rompers. Although some might find it depressing that it's still warm enough to wear a romper in mid-October, I'm not even going to complain. The beauty of it all - there's no stress of "What am I going to wear?" on busy mornings! Literally, you don't even have to put on pants. That's a win if i've ever heard one.

 Speaking of wins, these shoes have basically been glued to my feet all week. They have that "You think I put effort into this outfit because I'm wearing heels but really I didn't" vibe. Are you guys noticing a trend? haha! The great news is, aside from them being, "8 hours on your feet, hairstylist approved" These babies are on sale! Go snatch them up while you can!

Romper via Pacsun (old) similar: here //
Chambray via Tj Max similar: here //
Heels via Target //
Crossbody Via Target (old) similar: here //
Sunnies Via Old Navy //
Watch via Michael Kors

Current feeling: Thankful

 Technically this is a life and style blog.. So, due to a recent turn of events I decided to make things a lil personal today. Growing up in a large family has been one of the biggest blessings in my life. Sure, I've had people make their fair share of comments such as, "You're all from the same two parents?" or my personal fave, "Wait, theres more of you?" Ten children doesn't seem like a lot when you're one of the ten... but apparently we make a scene everywhere we go.

 Within the last year a lot has changed for me. My family has always been close but realizing how precious these times are and how quickly things can and will change has made us closer. I have 6 brothers and 3 sisters. One of my brothers is older than I am, making me number 2 of the clan. So I've had the shotgun seat watching all these little chitlins grow up. It wasn't until my sister, Ashton got married that I really started to slow down and "smell the roses." I think I sometimes have this false way of thinking things will always be this way but then reality hits and hits hard. My family physically will not be able to fit under the same roof much longer.  Chad and I were both fortunate to stay close after we married. Ashton was the first to move far from the nest. Arkansas is a painful 14 hours away, but we make the best of it.

 This weekend, My little brother proposed to his beauty of a girl and I was so thankful he asked me to help by photographing the moment. It's bittersweet to think we are adding another to the bunch yet the possibility of them moving away after the wedding is very high. Hence the turn of events that inspired this post.  Jeremiah 29 :11  For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

God has a plan for each and every one of us. Plans for a hope and a future. I personally am excited to see the plans the Lord has for each of my brothers and sisters. In the meantime, I'm going to cherish every little moment and reminisce all the memories. 

                                            *Chad's wedding* 2008  ( Pre-Bitty )

                                                      *My wedding!* 2010

*Ashton's Wedding!* 2013

These lil babies are so presh! Let the wedding festivities begin! .... AGAIN :)

Let's be Trendy

I love nothing more than Black & White paired with a bold lip. Throw in a trendy fall hat and in my eyes, it's a recipe for perfection. This week I had been searching high and low for a dress to wear for an upcoming event.. The struggle I have is my legs are too long. I know,  but it's a serious struggle when you look like a teeny bopper in every dress known to man. I was feeling sorry for myself when I found these pants. Praise the Lord for Forever 21, am I right? Long legs are a blessing more so than a curse. These pants helped me see the light.

                    Pants via forever21 //
 Top via Nordstrom (old) similair: here //
Hat via forever21 // watch via MichaelKors