Easy Breezy Bouffant

So this hairdo is not my fanciest or my favorite, but is definitely the most used. It's like those comfy, worn out slippers we all have lurking in our closet. You don't wear them to a wedding, or really anywhere else, but around the house is fine :) 

I have been debuting this hairstyle since the 9th grade. It's been with me through thick and thin (literally - I feel like I've lost half of my hair since I've had kids, anyone else?) I've worn it with my hair long and short, with my hair half up and half down. On top of my head and down at the nape of my neck and pretty much everywhere in between. It's been my fall back hairdo through early mornings in high school, college, student teaching, teaching, and finally into momhood :) Nothing else is quite as fast or easy. 

It got the nickname 'bulbous bouffant' after watching a skit in high school that featured the phrase. Check it out here, right at 2:30. My friend and I have called it that ever since. I think it is quite fitting. So without further ado, here is my version of the messy bun, aka the bulbous bouffant:

Step 1: Start with leftover hair 

(in other words, day old/unwashed/somewhat crinkled and frizzy hair is perfect :)

-Also go round up a lot of bobby pins and some elastics.

*I had to go locate some more bobby pins midway through. They were under the bed.

 Step 2: Gather the hair above your ears into a ponytail and secure with an elastic.

*Confession/Tip: I always use rubber bands from the newspaper for this hairdo because sometimes it gets tangled and then I don't feel bad about cutting them out.

I know some beauticians everywhere are cringing right now.

Step 3: On the last go-around with the elastic, make a loop with your hair.

 Step 4: If you have long hair you will need another elastic.

Loop the ends up and secure with the elastic. 

Step 5: Tuck in any stragglers and loose ends into the elastic.

 *This is the perfect place to stop if you want to look like a unicorn ;)

but for everyone else:

Step 6: Repeat the same with the bottom half of your hair.

 This is looking lovely isn't it?! Aren't you glad you stuck around for it!

Now you can look like a camel :)

-But if you really must, you can continue on for 

Step 7: Separate your top bun/unicorn horn into pieces by pulling from the front and back.

Repeat with the lower bun/camel hump.

  Voila, you're are a froofed camel now :)

 Step 8: Grab the bobby pins, and go to town pinning, twisting, pulling, and froofing in any and every direction until you have the biggest bulbous bouffant in existence :) 

Aren't you so glad you stuck with it to the end? -Actually, don't answer that.

You have to admit, it is the perfect example of a bulbous bouffant, right?!

I realize that may not be a good thing...

However, while it may not be the most beautiful thing, it sure is well loved around here ;)

PS. I am in desperate need of some bang advice! They are getting long and thin, plus I have some baby hairs that just started to grow back after having my kiddo and they aren't blending well, so I need an update. So should I get 'swoopy bangs' or fringe?

*Disclaimer - Three crackers, one fruit roll up, a dinner roll, and multiple cheerios were harmed during the making of this tutorial...

The pile of rubble thrown from the high chair by Thing 2

Black Friday-Cyber Monday Sale!

I hope you enjoyed your Thanksgiving! I want to let you know about my Black Friday/Cyber Monday sale over at my Etsy shop.

All headbands, scarfs, and accessories are buy one get one free, up to the same price!

 

All custom orders are 15% off until Monday!

For more info click the pictures, or check my shop out here.

Anne Shirley Inspired Romantic Chignon

*FYI: Check out my Black Friday sale here:

So, I'm just a little bit obsessed with everything Anne of Green Gables. Am I the only one? I pretty much have the movies memorized, and have often been known to quote them. - I know that's super nerdy, but I just love the way "high-faluting mumbo jumbo" rolls off of the tongue :)

I always wished that I could live in Avonlea, be best friends with Anne and Diana, and have Green Gables as my house. (I've even longed for red hair a few times.) When I started dating, every prospective suitor was sized up and compared to Gilbert Blythe, -they never had a chance (except for the hubs of course :) And if I ever have a girl, Avonlea is the top of my list. -I just need to convince my dearest other half now. He didn't go for the name Gilbert either :(

The whole saga (except for the unfortunate third movie Anne, The Continuing Story - I've tried to erase that from my brain) will be forever etched into my heart. -Especially that bridge scene at the end of Anne of Avonlea. Be. Still. My. Heart. I rewind that at least 5 times every time I watch it. So good!

So in honor of all things romantic and whimsical, I came up with an Anne Shirley inspired chignon :) This dreamy hairstyle is easy to do, which makes it even better. Just grab your favorite stretchy headband, spend a few minutes froofing, drag your husband/significant other out of the house, and head out to your very own "Lake of Shining Waters" and you'll be all ready to re-enact that romantic bridge scene. (I'll let you know how that goes down at our house ;) Or, if certain people don't cooperate, you can just plop down on the couch to watch it here. (The bridge scene starts at 9:25, but you can watch the whole thing too) Seriously so good!

Step 1: Start with dry, teased hair.

Step 2: Grab a stretchy headband, and put it around your head, on top of your hair.

Step 3: Section off a small piece of hair from the front of your head.

Step 4: Tuck the hair into the headband, and pull all the way through.

Step 5: Repeat with both sides, until it looks like this:

Step 6: Divide hair into three sections, left, right, and back.

Step 7: Braid the three sections.

Step 8: Push up the back of your hair to add volume and tease the braids.

Step 9: Tuck the left and right braids through the headband and pull them down to the back.

Step 10: Loosely braid the three braids together.

Step 10: Pull the braid up to one side of your head.

Step 11: Tuck the tail into the headband and bobby pin in place.

Now go grab your string of pearls and puffed sleeves, so you can thoroughly enjoy adding a little more romance to your life. -Even if it's just watching Anne and Gilbert for the 7th time on repeat :)
What is your favorite part?

Link Parties Here

Emma Inspired French Braided Bun

Do you ever have those mornings where you want to imagine that you're living a romantic life like Emma Woodhouse, with nothing to do but embroider pillows, pick strawberries, and flirt with Mr Knightley? -I'm sure that all of that would get old after awhile, (except for flirting with Mr. Knightley of course ;), but Gwyneth Paltrow makes it seem so lovely.

 

However most of you are probably like me, and don't have the luxury of having maids to do your hair, so most days I go for a pony tail. But there are some days that I crave a little extra romance, so here is the perfect solution: 

This hairstyle utilizes an easy upside down french braid to make the back elegant, a quick bun on top, and your favorite accessory to maximize the romance, while minimizing the time you have to spend on your hair.

With such an easy hairstyle, you will have plenty of extra time to devote to the romantic things in life, like arranging flowers, going on picnics, and ribbon shopping. Or the more pressing things, like changing poopy diapers, cleaning the kitchen sink, and sweeping the pile of debris left on the floor after snack time ;) Or optional things if you're like me, such as pinning things and blog-stalking ;) As an added bonus, if the neighbors stop by, which they only ever do when my hair isn't done AND my house is a mess, at least my hair will be done this time ;)

 Step 1: Start with dry, brushed hair. (I let mine air dry :)

Step 2: Flip your hair over. You can pretend you're a rocker if you want to.

 

Step 3: Take a small section from the nap of your neck and start a french braid.

Step 4: French braid your hair just to the top of your head.

This is what it should look like from the back.

Step 5: Put an elastic at the top of the braid to keep it in. 

Step 6: Flip your hair back over 

(I may have pretended to be in a hair commercial when I did that :),

make sure your part is how you like it and pull it into a pony tail.

 Step 7: Loosely twist the pony tail around the base and on top of your head.

 Step 8: Pin the front into place.

 Step 9: Wrap the rest of the pony around to the back and pin into place. 

Pin in any other stragglers.

Now you are finished and have a super simple, but elegant updo that you can embellish with your favorite headband or hair accessories and then pretend that you're Emma for a few moments.

What are some of your favorite movie hairstyles? Let me know and I'll try to recreate it!

Nap Time Creations

Link Parties

A Little Bit About Me - Leibster Style

My bloggy buddy Lauren, from the my new favorite blog The Thinking Closet, tagged me in a post meant to help starting bloggers network and get to know other bloggers. You must go visit her blog. She is amazing at so many things and such a sweet person. I already feel like we are bosom blogging buddies (to paraphrase Anne of Green Gables ;)


Anyway, here are the fun rules:

Rule #1.  Post 11 facts about yourself.

Rule #2.  Answer the 11 questions posed by the person who nominated you.

Rule #3.  Nominate 5 other bloggers with less than 200 followers for the award.

Rule #4.  Create 11 new questions for your nominees.

Rule #5.  Go to each blogger’s site and let them know about the award.

Rule #6.  Thank the person who nominated you and link back to his/her blog.

I don't know very many blogging people since I'm brand spankin' new at this myself, so if you are reading this and would like to play along, feel free to nominate yourself, answer the questions and leave your blog address in the comments. I would love to get to know other newbies!

Here are my facts:

#1. I look super young (in case you hadn't noticed), but I'm not :) So many people tell me I look or sound like I'm 15, I've even had someone kindly tell me I looked like a 12-year-old (lucky me, I've always wanted to look like I'm stuck in some kind of perma-puberty ;) They always end with, "You'll appreciate it when you're older." I'm still waiting for that day to arrive... Anyway, I've graduated college and taught school before I had kids (so no, I wasn't a teenage bride), just in case you're wondering :)

#2. I picked up sewing seriously after marriage and kids. My first ever sewing project back in the day (when my mom was trying to teach me the basics), ended up with a gigantic hole in the middle and the sleeve sewn where the back was supposed to be. -I still don't even know how that was possible. Thankfully for the internet and tutorials, I can actually sew a straight line now!

#3. I love all things vintage and old-fashioned! I've always loved Anne of Green Gables, Pride and Prejudice, and Doris Day. So I used these as my inspiration for my Etsy shop - Ruffly Ribbons.

#4. I played the violin and piano all through high school, and love classical music!

#5. I am in love with figure-skating. I can't wait for the winter olympics so I can watch it nonstop! 

#6. I was obsessed with Harry Potter and Lord of the Rings back in the day, and went to the midnight showings, but no Twilight for this girl.

#7. I grew up on a mini farm, with chickens, goats, pidgeons, hamsters, gerbils, iguanas, dogs, and cats, but don't have any pets right now. Maybe one day. I just really don't know if I can handle the hair.

#8. My sister and I love to go thrifting. In fact, we've been doing it our whole lives. Growing up my mom bought all of our clothes from a thrift store when it wasn't cool. I was always so embarrassed, until I had to buy my own clothes and realized how awesome it was to get name brand clothes for a fraction of the price. I'll never go back!

#9. I went to JC Penneys every year on Black Friday for 7 years to get their free snow globe, and nothing else. I stopped last year because I've turned into an old fart and don't want to wake up that early if I don't have to ;) With two kids, sleep has turned into my most prized commodity.

#10. I went on a dream vacation last year to Maine and Vermont. It was heaven. I want to live in New England someday.

#11. I do not shop at Wal-Mart. It's been 5 years now and I have absolutely no regrets! I hated the lines, the ornery people, and the commotion, so I decided to quit cold turkey. It has been so liberating

My questions:

#1. Where are you sitting right this very moment?  Describe your surroundings.

I am sitting in my front room, quietly typing on my laptop so as not to wake up napping kiddos. (Really I should be cleaning the house, but who wants to do that ;) I'm looking at my two blue and pink vintage chairs that I found from the classifieds, my vintage chandelier that I got from a friend, and sitting on my mostly reupholstered sofa that I've been redoing for a couple months now. Maybe one day it will be completely finished!

#2. What inspires you?

Nature and gardening. I love being outside in my flower gardens. It's so refreshing. 

#3. What is one holiday tradition in your family?  (Any holiday.)

For Christmas we do a homemade gift exchange that can't cost more than $5. It's awesome. Last year my brother made me a homemade birdfeeder out of a paint can. My favorite was making my little brother a homemade Hogwarts sweater with a thrifted sweater and felt.

#4. What is your favorite hot drink? 

Hot cocoa topped with peppermint ice cream.

#5. What is one goal you have for the upcoming year?

Finish our basement! We live in an old bungalow that has lots of 'character' and have been slowly updating it.

#6. What is one goal that you accomplished during this past year?

Redoing our mudroom and laundry room.

#7. What is one work of art (painting, film, play, poem, book, etc.) that has made an impact on your life?
The Book of Mormon

#8. What is one quote that you live by?
“I don't want to drive up to the pearly gates in a shiny sports car, wearing beautifully, tailored clothes, my hair expertly coiffed, and with long, perfectly manicured fingernails.
I want to drive up in a station wagon that has mud on the wheels from taking kids to scout camp.
I want to be there with a smudge of peanut butter on my shirt from making sandwiches for a sick neighbors children.
I want to be there with a little dirt under my fingernails from helping to weed someone's garden.
I want to be there with children's sticky kisses on my cheeks and the tears of a friend on my shoulder.
I want the Lord to know I was really here and that I really lived.” 
― Marjorie Pay Hinckley

#9. If you could be anywhere in the world right now, where would you want to be?

England, visiting Jane Austen's house.

#10. If you were forced to spend the rest of your life in a library, museum, or zoo, which would you choose?

Library for sure! Peace and quiet + unlimited books sounds like heaven when you have kids. -But most days I feel like I live in a zoo ;)

#11. What never fails to make you laugh?

My kids. They do and say the most exasperatingly funny things! Like decorating my bathroom with my lipstick... Embellishing runs in this family ;)

Funny Girl Inspired Braided Headband Bun

I remember watching Barbara Streisand in Funny Girl and being enchanted with her hairstyles.

Here is my tribute to her romantic braided chignon on the front cover.

Step 1:

Take a section of hair from your side and braid it. Repeat with the other side.

 Step 2: 

Wrap both braids around to the other side and secure with bobby pins to create the braided headband.

Step 3:

Add volume to your hair by back-brushing the section behind the braids.

This is a great place to stop if you want to leave your hair down.

 Step 5:

Gather your hair into a loose pony tail, pushing up to add extra volume. 

Step 6:

Divide the pony tail in half.

Step 7:

Loop the top half up and the bottom half down and secure with another elastic.

Step 8:

Tuck the ends back into the elastic.

Step 9:

Tuck, pin, and play with your hair until it lays how you like it.

 Now you have a finished bun! 

And of course, I love to embellish everything, so you can pin your favorite flower to the side of your bun for a romantic effect! Mine here.

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