Just be nice.


One of the most interesting parts of having a blog for me, is finding that hard line within the fog of sharing personal and professional information. I started this blog originally to connect with my current clients outside of the salon, give them industry related information and connect on a personal level. In the past year and a half of having this website, much has evolved, but I am still trying to identify how much of my personal life is sharable before it just becomes annoying to others. I’ve claimed to be a beauty and lifestyle blog, and for me, the two are directly connected. 

Just when I decide to pull back, and create only beauty and fashion related content, I get emails or facebook messages asking lifestyle related questions. Again, this is such an interesting spot for me, my intentions were never to showcase my personal life, but I wear my heart on my sleeve and my passions are always present, so trying to downplay that is foreign in itself. 

In the past six months especially, I’ve had many cosmetology students and fellow beauty professionals contact me privately through this website. I’ve had childhood friends I’ve lost touch with reach out to simply say they read or love the blog. Many other women in long distance relationships connect with me to vent and just seek hope that it’s worth it… or possible. SO many people ask for MORE personal content.  

So I’m in a funky spot today, day one without my partner in crime. And I sobadlywant to sit here at my quiet desk and chat about fashion week or the Grammy’s, but my personal resolution for the blog is to not force content, and speak passionately. And today, all I’m feeling, is like a total sloth. 

If you’re new around here and recently tuned in… I get to live with Sammy for four months out of the year, and we’re apart for eight. Today is day one of the new eight month cycle. (You should have seen me at the airport this morning…) Our fourth season away, and it only gets harder. It’s a strange thing, because people know about us, but no one really knows us. 

So with all that rambling, I actually do have a point: BE NICE. Everyone is struggling with something. For me, right now, it’s regaining balance and feeling an emptiness. JUST BE NICE, it could make all the difference in someone’s day. 

You have the power every single day to be a daymaker, why would you want to be anything else?

As much as I love talking about nail polish and cap sleeves, one of my favorite things to deliver is inspiration.

My love was posted in the Washington Post a few days ago, and I can’t help but share it!
[CLICK HERE FOR GOOSEBUMPS] 

You don’t have to be a baseball fan to be a Sam Palace fan. When we met, baseball was the last thing on my mind—- I didn’t even know the difference between a ball and a strike. But Sammy was this dreamy guitar playin flirt, who at the time was the perfect candidate for my summer fling. We’ve been long distance for three years now, and he inspires me every single day. 

Sammy’s story is a long one, it’s incredible, exhausting, RARE… and his own. It’s not one that he shares, or I share even. It’s too long… hard to understand it if you’re not in it. The minor leagues are so close yet so far from the glamorous televised big leagues. 

No matter what kind of day I’ve had, it’s nothing compared to his- yet he NEVER complains! No matter how much work goes seemingly unnoticed, he doesn’t slow down. He’s beating the odds every game, every homestand, every season. 

This article is just a TINY itty bitty glimpse at Sammy’s story. I hope it inspires you too! STAY TUNED.

XO
AJ 

blink. blink. blink. goes my cursor…

As you may have read HERE, I’m on a new earlybird quest. Yet here I am, staring at the blink blink blinking at 1:03 AM!

So good morning, let me update you on happenings:

• Photoshoot today involving blogging, daisies and GLITTER with Emilia Jane Photography was more relaxing than I’d expected :)
• New “BRIDAL” tab coming soon.. like a few weeks soon!
• Boat load of beauty tutorials coming soon. Tell a sista what you’d like to see!
• YOUTUBE channel coming soon-ish. Still nerv…
• My heart is hurting [good pain] from all this long-distance-loving. 
• My love for Chicago is multiplying almost as quickly as the rats in Lincoln Park
• I’m getting back into yoga this week. Who do I think I am taking all this “time off” from it?
• I’m close to upgrading my desk chair from high school student living at home to city girl blogger furniture. REALLY excited about it!

Okayyy, maybe now I can catch some Z’s, or talk in my sleep, or starfish on my bed… or whatever I can do in less than 5 hours of sleep!

Sweet dreams,
AJ