9.14.2012

{Thoughts. Thoughts. Thoughts}



Who doesn't love a good side eye?
It says, "I'm too tired to move my head, but I'll look in your direction"
I know the feeling all too well. Especially this week.

Lately, I have a lot going on in this mind of mine.
Have I mentioned how hard it is to get back into the swing of things after vacation?
We all know it is.
So these thoughts may partially be due to that,
or the fact that I haven't had coffee at all this week yet. Not a good combo.
I had a little personal wake up call this week...
The truth is, sometimes the last thing I want to do is get on a computer at night after I've spent all day on one. Sometimes I just want to relax with my husband on the couch and do nothing. Sometimes I don't have the perfect thing to blog about or say. Sometimes I (we?) get caught up in the blogging routine so much, that when the comments aren't pouring in, I feel down on myself. 
That is just silly. 
I think we all get overwhelmed sometimes. I've reminded myself that this is okay. 
During these times, I think about the main reason I started blogging in the first place (my own love notes, aka journal) and also of all the sweet emails, comments, and friends I've made through blogging. Those keep me going.
While having these thoughts, I came across this post this post, and this one, then instantly felt better. Turns out, I'm not going insane (not right now at least). 
We all go through this.

Sigh. I feel better already.

On a more positive note for this lovely Friday...
I have found some new things that make my life a heck of a lot easier.

Enter...

I know you have seen reviews for this bad boy floating around, but allow me to tell you why I prefer it over any other flat iron I've used:

1. Lightweight: The Hana is perfect for traveling because of it's sleek body and it's so much more lightweight than any other flat iron I've used. It doesn't weigh your arm down and it's much easier to pack in a suitcase.

2. Less Breakage and Split Ends: I've noticed a huge difference in this area. The bottom tips of my hair aren't breaking as much, and look stronger. 

3. Powerful: Without compromising the strength of my hair, I've noticed that the Hana takes me less time day to day. I don't find myself having to go over a section of hair more than once, which is huge for me. My hair is pretty curly/wavy, and I was always having to go over each section at least twice to get the look I desired. Not with the Hana. This gives me an extra of 10 minutes of beauty sleep at least every other day. ;)

There are a lot of different flat irons on the market nowadays at low price points that say they do the same job that the more expensive flat irons do (Hana, CHI, Paul Mitchell, etc), but I truly believe they do not. I tried one for a bit but it gave me split ends like there was no tomorrow, which is why from now on  I'm sticking with the Hana. It's price point doesn't break the bank, and it also comes with other beauty goodies in the package with it! I also use HANA's hair dryer, so it's safe to say I'm a HANA girl now.

 If you are in the market for a new flat iron or would like to upgrade yours, go visit Misikko's website


Moving on to the next lifesaver....
2. Have you heard of Glam Grab?




Glam Grab holds accesory auctions twice a week via their facebook page. You have the opportunity to to bid on price-fixed accesories ranging from $15-$40. 

Here's the deets on how it all goes down:


1. Customers like our page at www.facebook.com/glamgrab
2. Register at www.glamgrab.com
Information is never shared with 3rd parties
3. Attend our Facebook auctions
Mondays at 7:30 p.m. CST and Wednesdays at 11 a.m. CST where quantities are limited and prices are fixed
4. Comment "GRAB" on items to bid
Here's where we're different, other auction sites allow email posting - we protect our fans!
5. Pay your Paypal Invoice a
nd receive your glam in just days!


*I love this idea because sometimes I'm just too busy to shop around on certain websites online, but when I go in to check my facebook I see some pretty jewelry I want to get my hands on! Makes it super easy to find affordable items. Why didn't I think of this?!


Now, the lovely girls at Glam Grab offered to give away an item to my lovely readers and I wanted to pick something different that you haven't seen, so today you have the chance to win their pink stone necklace that I'm wearing in the picture below. Not everyone has it, and it's one of my favorites right now. It's even prettier in person.



{also wearing Glam Grab earrings}


HERE'S HOW YOU CAN WIN:


Mandatory Entires:
1. You must follow Keep Calm and Carry On
2. Go "like" Glab Grab Accessory Auction and leave a comment on their wall letting them know KC&CO sent you to enter the giveaway! 

Additional Entires:
2. "Pin" this giveaway on Pinterest!

Leave me a separate comment below for each thing you did. 

This giveaway will be open until Thursday, September 20th, and the winner will be announced here and via email Friday, the 21st.  

Go enter, friends! I can't wait to find out who the lucky winner is.

3. The last thing making my life easier?


The weekend, weddings, and my in laws. Billy's cousin Shannon is getting married this weekend and I'm thrilled to have another family wedding, where I'm not the bride, and can actually mingle with everyone and not worry about a thing! 


I'm really looking forward to spending an entire weekend catching up with them. Billy's parents are actually doing a similar vacation with their friends soon that we just did, and we plan on filling them in on all the good spots. 

Speaking of, my San Francisco post will be on Monday! I MISS that city terribly, and it's only been a week. *If you missed my Napa Valley recap: go here

Here's a little teaser...






Have any of you had the same thoughts about blogging that I have? Share with me!

Who has tried the Hana flat iron or is interested in trying it?


Don't forget to ENTER the giveaway below! 


xo


59 comments

  1. OK, so how is the HECK do I get one of those Hana straighteners!? I want to try one!! Also, I have been thinking about not blogging lately, thoughts!? anywho, TGIF!!! tailgaiting tomorrow?? luh you!

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  2. Oh I really want the Hana hair dryer! I hear ya on the blogging stuff. Sometimes we just don't have time to organize pics and write something creative! Life is busy. I try not to get upset if I don't have a new post every day b/c that is not why I started blogging in the 1st place.

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  3. We all have our days, you do an amazing job despite the drought you're feeling. <3 We really do all go through it, it's just a matter of who is able to stay positive through it... which you are!

    Side note? I'm really loving the shirt you're wearing in the Hana photo. haha

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  4. i think that is def. part of the blogging experience. if you're a blogger you have felt the exact thing. i know i have. but the best part about that is that it is fleeting.

    have a fabulous weekend!

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  5. I just got my Hana iron last week. LOVE IT.

    I had these thoughts back in the middle of summer and took a mini blog vacation. I was overwhelmed with improving my blog and what it took to that (time, money) which I didn't have and I panicked. In the end, I'm just blogging how I wanna blog and if it succeeds then it does, if it doesn't, it still makes me happy.

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  6. Have I told you lately that I love you? Seriously. Your blog has always inspired me to keep blogging [and keep calm and carry on and all that jazz!] I've definitely had those days/weeks/months where I'm like, "Woof. Only a couple comments? What am I doing wrong? Should I keep spending all this time blogging?" But then I think about the friendships I've made [ahem, youuuu!] and the times I realized my post did mean something to someone, even if they didn't comment.

    It's okay if a week goes by where we just want to spend time with family or just do nothing at all. Because the truth is, we have made those FRIENDS who will be there no matter what - whether we blog that week, whether we write a silly post that isn't all that great after all, etc. We all LOVE you to pieces!!

    Hana flat iron - love it! Used it this morning :) Glam Grab - love it too! Haven't bought anything yet but the anticipation before the auction gets me all hyped! Seriously, why didn't we think of that?? P.S. Can't WAIT for the SF post! Eeeee! P.P.S luv u g2g k bye.

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  7. Like Glam Grab on FB

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  8. oh yeah and left them a comment.

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  9. I've been following KC&CO for a long time (obvs) and I liked Glam Grab on FB and wrote on their wall!

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  10. I liked Keep Calm & Carry On on FB!

    Also, I definitely have those days where I get in a blogging slump, and I find it funny that posts that I spend a ton of time on don't seem to get comments and then short little posts get the most feedback...the blog world is weird :) But it's also awesome! Have a great weekend girl! xo

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  11. I've been having the same feelings towards blogging lately! I've been so busy, and the little time I do have, I want to be with the hubs and my pups instead of the computer. But I love my blog! And... I feel like comments have been going down lately too, which is super disheartening! So I totally get your feelings! :)

    I just got my Hana in the mail last week. I'm posting my review next week... LOVE that little guy!

    Can't wait to read all about San Fran!!

    Have a good weekend pretty girl!

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  12. I think EVERYONE that's a blogger has these same moments as you. I think it's important to remember why you started your blog and that's solely for you! :)

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  13. Please don't leave blogging. Just please.

    I'd never even know that you were in a slump.

    Can't wait to see more cute pics from your vaca!

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  14. I agree with everybody else, ALL bloggers have that feeling every once in awhile. It's only natural.

    Chin up buttercup :-) Have a great weekend!

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  15. Can't wait to hear about San Francisco!

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  16. I SOOO want to try the Hana flat iron. I use a Chi right now, but I hate having to go over my hair twice...how can I get the hook up?!

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  17. I have the SAME thoughts...and you are SO right about being on a computer all day long just to get on the blog at night. It's too much! Everyone understands...so girl, enjoy your Friday and weekend!! xo

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  18. Hey girl!
    I totally agree with how you are feeling. I think the thing you need to always remember is why you blog... Why you want to share your life with the world. You have a fantastic world to show everyone and we all love it! When you feel like you want to take a break, don't feel bad; expressing it like you are is exactly what you should do. Writing and sharing you life with everyone is exhausting but you are great at it; so don't get discouraged!
    Enjoy the wedding, your weekend and take a couch filled break session with the hubby and your adorable fur-child (I do this often - or try to!).

    PS - Great giveaway - I entered all that shaz.

    <3
    Erin
    www.cali-landchic.com

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  19. I have been loving all of your Cali pics! The Hubs & I are actually heading to San Fran, Yosemite, and Napa in a couple weeks for our 1 year! Any suggestions when it comes to places to eat or things to see around San Fran other than the stuff in the tour books?!

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  20. Whew! So many things to comment on here. I have the hairdryer and i LOVE it. I've had it almost two years and it's still going strong. have a great weekend!!

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  21. I don't have a blog but I still love to read yours ( and many others) daily! I have always thought of starting a blog but I just haven't got the courage yet! Keep up the good work! I entered the giveaway I liked your FB page, and pinned it!

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  22. Girl I've been there too! Sometimes it's just tough and there's too many things going on and directions to be pulled in. Keep up the great work and I can't wait to see the San Fran post! :)

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  23. Love this post!

    I follow you on GFC!
    x

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  24. I liked glab grab accessory auction on FB & left a comment!
    x

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  25. I know we all get in a funk sometimes. They're no fun, but you'll shake it soon! You're a great blogger, and I think all comments have been lower lately. I'm pretty sure people are all transitioning from summer to fall and figuring out what that means as far as routines. And I know for me and going back to school, now is the time that I have to start going back to working out in the afternoons and cooking, and I have to figure out where blogging fits in for me as well. And congrats on getting the Hana straightening iron. I really want to review one of those or their hairdryer! I need a new hairdryer so badly. I use Jewelry Nut auctions and have bought a few things. I've been so impressed with their quality lately. :) Have a wonderful weekend Katie!

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  26. I feel the same way at times! Blogging can be overwhelming at times! Don't get down on yourself! Your blog is wonderful! :)

    xo

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  27. Awesome giveaway! I'm headed over to check out their Facebook page now (I'm a sucker for businesses where buying is as simple as commenting on a pic.. it's just too easy).

    I really want to try a new flat iron. I've been using a chi for years but I think it might be time to give another brand a try! The chi flat irons I've used have always broken after a year or two and I'm thinking mine won't last much longer. I'll definitely be checking out the Hana when that happens.

    Love your blog by the way. I know it gets hard sometimes but I love reading your posts so don't quit! :)

    Clarissa

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  28. I like Glam Grab Accessory Auction on Facebook!

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  29. I pinned the giveaway on pinterest!!

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  30. I left them a comment on their page!!

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  31. I can't wait for your San Fran post! That city is dear to my heart and I am lucky to be only an hour and a half away from it :) I enjoy following your blog!

    californiagrownblog.blogspot.com

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  32. Oh girl, I have been having these feelings too! I just keep reminding myself that I am the only one putting the pressure on myself.

    I think you do an awesome job and should keep up the good work!! However, I know that we all need a little break sometimes and that is totally okay!!

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  33. I like them on Facebook :) I hosted a giveaway for them last week or the week before - where am I??? Haha!

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  34. I like Glam Grab on FB and I left a comment!

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  35. I follow KC&CO via email
    keshakeke@aol.com

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  36. I like Grab Glam on Facebook and I commented that KC&CO sent me
    keshakeke@aol.com

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  37. I like KC&CO on Facebook
    keshakeke@aol.com

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  38. I pinned this giveaway on Pinterest http://pinterest.com/pin/118993615125485196/
    keshakeke@aol.com

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  39. "Liked" Glab Grab Accessory Auction on FB and excited to start seeing new fab jewelry!

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  40. I am trying to get back into blogging and with so many other things going on, it's hard to keep up with it all. I totes share the same feelings of coming home from working on a computer all day and just wanting to veg out with the boy.

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  41. Liked Glam Grab on Facebook and commented!

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