Beach-Waved Bob Tutorial

I can't tell you how many times I have chopped inches-upon-inches this season. All in the quest for the "It" long bob—the lob. I don't think I have to tell you that it's A L L the rage these days. Those fresh blunt ends, the collarbone skimming angles, and the flounce & bounce that comes along with the life of a lob—you must. have it. now. Everyone from Alexa Chung {the original lob'ber}, to Julianne Hough {rocking a double trend, with pink!}, to Jessica Alba, and even known long-haired beauties like Vanessa Hudgens, Jenna Dewan Tatum & Sarah Hyland are taking the plunge! Seriously—e v e r y o n e.

If you're one of the brave who made the cut, or if you're considering it but you're worrying about how to style that bad boy - I've got you covered! I would never leave you chopped & lost.

Along with the "It" bob, the "It" style to go along with it is fitting for the Summer: beachy waves! There's a trusty technique & slight secret to get those perfect lived-in, blunt tipped, tousled waves. Let's roll through, shall we?

Step 1: What's my #1 rule, ya'll? Prep from birth. You know this, so I know you're already following. But just in case you need a refresher: prep freshly-washed damp hair {towel dried} with root lifter & mousse to add some grit. Then blowdry {roughly - not smooth - feel free to use some blowdry spray to protect from the heat!} or let airdry. 

Step 2: Section out the hair from ear-to-ear by leaving a small layer at the bottom and clipping the rest up. {Hint: I would say I end up with four or so layered sections from start to finish} I typically do a light mist of Kenra's Silkening Mist on each layer to protect from the iron heat and reduce frizz. {See my full list of must-have hair products here!}

Step 3: Now here's the trusty technique—you are going to do ALL curls vertically, not horizontally. So while you would normally hold the iron out as if it's laying flat, you're actually going to hold it straight up and down—like you're holding a flag pole {because you totally walk around holding flags, right?!}. Spray a 2-3 inch section with hairspray, then clamp your iron around it, being careful to continue holding it vertically as you curl. {TIP: You also want to leave about an inch out at the ends - this will help with that blunt tips look}

Step 4: After holding the curl for a few seconds, you want to lightly pull the iron down {it's still straight up and down - right!? Right.}. Here's that slight secret: as you pull the iron out of the hair you are going to roll over the ends to completely flatten them - as if the last inch of the curl was flat ironed. {Tip: You could actually curl the whole head and then go back through and flat irons the tips when you're done! But who wants to add extra steps and more tools? To each their own!} 

Step 5: Repeat throughout the whole head, layer by layer, 2-3 inch section by 2-3 inch section. And here's the key {okay fine, there are three major keys to this 'do}: don't touch any of the previously curled hair while you finish. None. No touching. You will look like Medusa and it's fine—just assure your boyfriend/husband/girlfriend/bestie that it will not look like this in the end. Pinky promise. {Side note: Notice in Step 5's picture that the ends are all straight, yes? Don't forget to "flatten" the tips!}

Step 6: Nooo touching. Just leave it. Do your make-up, get a drink, gab on the phone, whatever - just don't touch it until your curls are completely cooled {takes about five minutes}. 

Step 7: When your curls are completely cool to the touch {if it's still warm to the touch—stop. Back away from the curls and let them cool. If you dive in to them, don't come crying to me when you have frizzy humid curls. Heat loves moisture—your hands carry natural moisture—let's not give heat what it wants, okay?}... Anyhoo, where were we? When your curls are cool, put a tiny dime-sized squirt of serum into your hand, rub it between your two palms, and then get. in. there! This is a tousled look, not a coiffed look. Just use your fingers to separate the curls and crunch slightly so it gives a lived-in look. 

Step 8: Spray for hold and walla! Beachy-waved bob perfection <3

 {Thanks to the gf for being my forever guinea pig model. 

Check out her blog here, & her photo magic here!}

XO,

Nik

Psst... 

Check out my step-by-step tutorial on the Khloe Kardashian "S" Curl!

Tropical Paradise "Swirly" Shakeology

I know I'm usually on here touting about my love of nutrition, health & fitness, but the truth is... I have a very deceiving love affair with swirly drinks. Yes, swirly drinks. Ya know, the kind that oozes out of a machine that has been so nicely swirling your favorite flavor{s} into frozen concoctions? Yea, that's a swirly drink. I countdown to my very first PIDA of the season {Pain in de ass - for all of you Ocean City Seacrets virgins}, and literally melt at the first sip--the perfect combination of rum runner-meets-pina colada. Swirled, appropriately. But, I don't discriminate against any swirlies - catch me at a Fat Tuesday and I'll mix-and-match any flavor I can get my mouth on.

So, leave it to me turn a nutritious-packed Shakeology into a Summer tastebud-pleasing flavor. Adding in bright fruit like pineapple and peaches, mixed with a Strawberry pack of ShakeO, gives this power-shake the flair of swirlies, with a teeny tiny fraction of the calories - and absolutely NO guilt. Though, admittedly, I totally feel guilty sucking this down - it's that deceivingly good!

Trust me when I tell you that I have thought more than once about adding a splash {or two} of liquor to this bad boy - but I almost feel like ShakeO packets across the world would shudder. Sans alcohol, the only ingredients you need are:

• 1 packet Strawberry ShakeO {or 1 scoop}
• 1/2 cup frozen peaches
• 1/2 cup frozen pineapples
• 1 cup fresh spinach
• 1/2 cup unsweetened original almond milk
• Ice to your liking

Throw it all together in a blender {no rhyme or reason} and blend until smooth. Then sip, melt, and try to refrain from grabbing the rum...

XO,

Nik 

A Shopaholic's Secret Sifting Spot: The 'Maxx

Hi, my name is Nikki, and I'm a certified shopaholic. I was born with this disease, and it has only grown with age & experience. I have so many clothes in my closet that I dread putting freshly washed clothes away because I know it will be a serious maneuver & workout mission to get one more piece of clothing to fit. Yet, I continue to shop—I just can't help myself. But how, HOW do I shop so much and leave no debt in my trail? It's not because I'm a millionaire, because I am certainly not. It's because I am a sifter. Sifting is my t h e r a p y—I could sift for hours on end, Starbucks in hand, without a care in the world. And where do I do said sifting? {So many questions about this disease...} The Maxx. TJMaxx, to be exact. Sure, I sift other places, too, but the Maxx was one of my first sifting-grounds, and it's still my go-to place for bargain-meets-trends pieces.

   

Need a special occasion dress for a date night in 4 hours? To the Maxx. Need a "this says business-but-fun" outfit for a conference? Maxx. Need Coachella-inspired beachwear, new wedges, a rug for the entryway, a long necklace to go with your Coachella-wear, and a gift for Mom—but you only have time to go one place? Good thing the Maxx has it ALL.

If you have never been to TJMaxx—go, now. If you don't live near a Maxx—move, like, yesterday. Oh, but wait, did I mention that the Maxx is now ONLINE? You can thank me any time—and also, apologize to your husband for me. It's not my fault—it's the disease.

 

 

 

 

{Hi, Mom! Having my mom shoot this Maxx-style was quite befitting—considering I got the disease from her. It's hereditary, don't you know?}

Dress: TJMaxx {in-store} Another floral flouncy option online, a solid flirty option, a super fun cut-out option & just a patterned little shift that I adore! // Black Bandeau: AE at TJmaxx {in-store} A bright option online, a graphic patterned crop, an a w e s o m e structured bodice crop & hellooo stunning animal print! // Shoes: TOMS Shoes {no longer available} Similar & NEW bright beauties // Jewelry: A mix from the Maxx {in store} & elsewhere—Necklace: Similar & Similar; Bracelets: Similar & Gorgeously unique square rose gold {wish list!}; Earrings: Similar // Sunglasses: TJMaxx {in store} Similar Balmain {!!!} & Similar House of Harlow

Happy Maxx'ing! 

XO,

Nik

Commit to Fit: The 6 Commitments That Helped Me Lose 80 Pounds

Ninety-nine percent of fitness & nutrition enthusiasts will tell you, "it's 20% fitness & 80% food," and while I completely agree that nutrition is a huge part of a healthy lifestyle {as I detail in 10 Health Hacks for changing my life & body}, for me, a much larger part of my health journey {and challenge} came from fitness over food.  

Around the time I was 20 years old I decided that I wanted to get in shape for my 21st birthday. Why then? I have no idea. Other than the fact that we were having a huge party with all of our friends, and maybe for once I wanted to feel comfortable in my own skin. I used to look at outfits and say, "I wish I could wear that—I'm totally a skinny girl trapped in a fat girl's body." But it never actually dawned on me that I could be fit {I now H A T E referring to myself, or anyone, as "skinny"—fit is the new skinny}, that I could actually wear those outfits. Where the heck does one even start!?

I didn't set out on some major fitness journey—I never really had a fitness goal in mind, EXCEPT - I really, really, wanted to be able to run one whole mile straight, without stopping, and certainly without dying. One measly mile—THAT was considered a feat to me, my biggest challenge. Looking back, I chuckle at that challenge. But to that girl—to the out-of-shape and uncomfortable girl—one mile was a big damn deal. So for all of you out there thinking you'll never be able to run a mile, or do five push-ups, or hold a one minute plank, to you I say: you've got to start somewhere. And the first place to start is with a commitment.

Commit to Fit

Fitness should be just as much a part of your day as brushing your teeth—it should be an instantaneous action. There should be no debate in your head—don't even entertain the idea of talking yourself out of it! Would you talk yourself out of brushing your teeth, taking a shower, or getting dressed? Okay, fine, some days, but you'd better be really dang sick! Same goes for fitness—unless you're on your death bed, NO EXCUSES. Here are my commitments to fitness that keep me on track:

1.)  Create a calendar: Not only do I create a workout inspo calendar every year to keep track of my workouts {you don't have anyone to beat but yourself—keep track so you can d e m o l i s h that last PR!}, I also plan out my entire workout schedule the week before. Some people plan their meals—I plan my workouts. When I'm following a program like PiYo {we'll get there later} or Hal Higdon for running it's easy because the schedules are made for me. But when I'm freestylin', I have to set them ahead of time, otherwise I'll hem and haw on which one to do until I end up doing nothing at all. Once you know what you're doing for the day, you can build yourself up for it! Or, you may dread it—but just like work, the dentist, and sitting in traffic, you're going to have to do it anyway, so suck it up buttercup!

2.) Get dressed ASAP: As soon as I walk in the door from work I walk right upstairs and change. You know how they say that once you put on the workout clothes you'll be more likely to actually workout? SO true. Try sitting around in workout clothes all night with the guilt of not putting them to use! If I sit, game over. Change, hydrate, power up the DVD player, press play. No going back now! 

 

3.) Sweat in style: Speaking of workout clothes - invest in some CUTE ones. You know how when you go out on the town and you're in a super cute new outfit {you know what I'm sayin', guys!} and you feel that much more amazing?! Same goes for working out. If you're dressed frumpy & dumpy, you'll have a frumpy & dumpy workout. If you're cute & colorful you'll have a bright & intense workout! One of my go-to tricks is to wear a fairly tight tank because it makes me more aware of my core when I'm working out, which makes me suck it in more and e n g a g e those abs. Wearing a tank is a workout in itself! My fav sports bras are from Victoria's Secret; I've gotten some great yoga pants from Target; and Old Navy's workout tanks always motivate me to get my sweat on. 

4.) Think about what you gave up: Did you get up super early for this? Did you already expend some of your day's calories on a little pre-workout fuel {a little PB, some GU Chomps, a little protein shake}? Did you already tell a friend {or Facebook} that you were "totally going to get your sweat on"? You've already lost your sleep and some of the day's calories—don't lose your dignity by NOT actually working out when you said you did! Sleep is valuable—I would be so mad at myself for wasting a morning of sleeping an extra hour and then not even working out. What was the point of getting up before the sun!? Don't make it pointless—make it worth it.

5.) Treat yourself RIGHT: I used to look at working out as punishment. What was I punishing? Myself, for being unhealthy, of course. Ate a poptart? That's 100 crunches. Had a swirly drink? That's 2 miles. Did some late-night pantry snacking? That's an early morning make-up session. No, no, no! You're not in "trouble" for allowing yourself to indulge. But you SHOULD treat your body with the love & respect that you would treat someone else. Stop torturing yourself—you deserve a treat every now and then. It doesn't make you a horrible person, or weak, or a failure. Instead of punishing yourself through a workout after indulging, why not "treat" your body the same way you just treated your taste buds? If I treat myself to a frozen margarita {did someone say margarita?!}, then I should also treat my body to a good HIIT. Don't be mad at yourself and take it out on your body—love yourself and show your body some fitness-sugar. Because there is nothing—n o t h i n g like the euphoria you experience when you finish a workout {exceptttt maybe a marg...kidding, I'm totally kidding}. You deserve that euphoric feeling—treat yourself to THAT. 

6.) Remember WHY you're doing this: In one of Jillian Michaels' Body Revolution videos, when you're almost at your breaking point, she challenges you to "remember your why—WHY are you doing this!? Don't say to get fit. What does that MEAN?!" Why did you start this, why are you doing this video, or going to the gym, or squattin' it like it's hot? There's a reason at the end of that sweat-dripping workout. What is it?? Is it because you want to look amazing at your 21st birthday, or you want to walk into your high school reunion and put everyone to shame, or wear a bikini on your 20th wedding anniversary, or to prove to yourself that you can do it!? Whatever your 'why', whatever you're end game, focus on that and run, squat, burpee - S W E A T your way towards it. 

7.) Sentencing to Fitness = Life: The most important thing to understand when you're making a commitment to fitness is that it's not a quick fix—it doesn't happen overnight, and once it does happen, it doesn't stay that way forever. Not without a lot of continued work. I used to think I would hit my goal and then ween back a little, or maybe even a lot. But every time I hit a goal, I found a new one—a new event to work towards, a new plateau's ass to kick, a new program to try. It sounds daunting, having to workout for-ev-Ver {make sure to pop your bottom lip on the "Ver" - Sandlot style}, right? Well sure, if you haven't started yet. But trust me, once you start and you see how great it feels, you'll never want to stop. Going a few days without working out I can instantly tell the difference - and it's not just about my body, it's about my energy, my mind, my whole outlook - everything is blah-zay. The second I start working out again I feel amazing—so amazing that I want to feel like this forever. 

Make a commitment to fitness. Start small—buy some cute workout clothes {that's the easy - and FUN - part!}, pick a workout program to try {recommendations coming soon!}, set a date & just go for it! You may have to do push-ups on your knees, or only squat down halfway, or only run a quarter mile, but I promise you, I PROMISE you will get there. I couldn't run a mile, ya'll. And in 2012 I finished a half marathon. I know, I know, it sounds like every other cliche fitness story—but it's real, and it was HARD, and a lot of the times I hated the whole dang process—but I did it, and I can honestly say that my weight journey is my most proud achievement to date. College graduation was cool, promotions are awesome, and launching a blog makes me giddy, but losing 80 pounds, crossing the finish line of a half-marathon, and looking at before & after pictures? That's the bee's-freakin-knees, ya'll. Commit, and feel it. 

Share how you commit to being fit in the comments, below!! What gets you going, what keeps you engaged—what is your WHY?! 

XO,

Nikki

P.S. Did you ever notice how much I mention Jillian Michaels anytime I'm talking about a pain-inducing workout?! My full list of "personal" electronic trainers & my favorite {most hated} workouts coming soon!