Hair Care: Intensive Repair

Intensive Repair Shampoo & Conditioner c/o Dove

It is no secret that I am always trying to get my hair longer and healthier. I have said it on here many times before how I struggle to get long luscious blonde hair. Everyone's advice, stop highlighting, stop straightening or curling, stop blowdrying and it will grow. Well since all of those are not an option to stop, they are a must in my world, I look else where to repair the damage I cause.  When Dove asked me to review the Intensive Repair Shampoo & Conditioner I jumped on it. Anything to help these golden locks look fresh and damage free!

I love Dove products, I am already a fan of their deodorant & body wash so it was no surprise to me that the Shampoo & Conditioner would live up to my expectations. First off it smells amazing! There is nothing better than walking by someone and have them say, wow your hair smells great! (insert ego boost!) Second, you honestly need just a small amount. I tend to use more conditioner than shampoo because I want to make sure each end gets the repair it needs! I don't put conditioner on my roots (I feel that can weigh hair down) so I stick to the front stands that frame my face and the ends of my hair. 

I was more than impressed with Dove's Intensive Repair line & can't wait to see how much healthier my hair gets over the next little while. My dry ends that I refuse to trim are healing nicely, my hair has more bounce, and no longer holds that "hay" look.  If you are a struggling blonde like myself you'll want to check this out yourself! Also, check out Dove's Great Hair Affair Sweepstakes page, where thousand of prizes are up for grabs! 

Dove understands that having beautiful, healthy-looking hair gives you the confidence to feel your best. Whether your hair is dry or damaged, Dove has a tailor-made solution for your hair care needs.  After just one wash hair is shiny, healthy-looking and full of life. Thanks to Dove, you can look and feel beautiful from the inside out.

Disclosure: Compensation was provided by Dove via Glam Media.  The opinions expressed

herein are those of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of Dove.

Because of Jackie | guest post

This lovey lady is Meagan, from Because of Jackie & she is fabulous. One of the best dresses fashionista mom's out there. Take a little read.... 

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Oh hey there! My name is Meagan and I have a blog called Because of Jackie. I blog about style, shopping, life and other fun nonsense. Come on over and say hi sometime, 'kay? 

Now let's move on to the (hopefully!) good stuff. (Because sometimes guest posts are boring, right?)

I came up with the idea for this post on a morning when I had (surprise!) under five minutes to get dressed before bringing my daughter to school. I was on the ball with everything else (fun lunches packed! backpacks in car! kids ready!), except looking down at 8:40am and noticing that I was still in my pajamas and yelling to the kids "get in the car we have to go we are going to be so lateeeeeeeeeee!" Said exactly as you read it in one long run on sentence while dramatically sticking my feet into the holes in my distressed boyfriend jeans. Picture it.

So, after that whole debacle and racing into the school just in time I came up with a simple way to get dressed (and look cute!) in under five minutes. I originally had a more late summer look and then modified it to work for Fall as well with a jacket if you need it. Here goes:

1) Have a couple of go to fun tops! I think it is important to have a couple of tops in your closet that are special, or have a detail on them that elevated them above the basic tee shirt. I bought this faux leather sleeved tee at Target and wear it a ton. It is casual enough to be worn with jeans and can also be tucked into a pencil skirt and worn with (red! studded!) ankle boots. In cooler weather I like a printed top in a fun pattern, similar to this one here. 

2) Buy a pair of boyfriend jeans! Boyfriend jeans are an item that I wear a lot during the week, both dressed up and down. They are slouchy and cool looking and worn with sandals are casual and don't make you look like you are trying too hard. At night I like to wear them with strappy heels and a peplum top. 

3) Wear a headband or fun hair accessory! One of my go to accessories are headbands, worn around my head boho style. I find that they instantly create a fun look and make a simple outfit look funky and fun. I think you can trade a headband in for a cute hat (perhaps a studded one) or hair accessory.

As for hair accessories in colder weather, I tend to wear a beanie in a cool color or pattern (red! leopard!) and feel that spices up my look enough.

4) Add a bright bag! I love bags that have a fun element to them and often switch them out every other day or so depending on my outfit. My hot pink Cambridge Satchel looks great with simple looks as a pop of color, and my black and white tote adds a fun pattern to looks with more personality. I keep my most used bags on hooks in my pantry by my door and switch out my makeup bag (with sanitizer, lipstick, wipes, mirror, travel brush, bandaids, etc.) and wallet and whatever else I need that day. I don't carry a ton in my bags and this makes it easy to switch them a lot. I also have a wine colored crossbody bag (see above!) that I bought at Target and looks great in this deep color for the Fall season. I wear mine constantly!

5) Have an accessory (or two) that jazz up your look! I don't know about you, but I find that if I put on one of my long necklaces I instantly feel more put together. I can have no other jewelry on, yet I feel good with a funky pendant or several layered dainty necklaces. I have a couple in constant rotation and I'm always on the prowl for more. 

Lastly, exchange the sandals for a fun pair of boots. I have been eyeing these fringe boots and adore my studded ones as well.

There you have it! My not so patented get dressed in five minutes and still look cute formula. I think having a uniform of sorts for looking good in a hurry and feeling good about what you put on in that five minutes is important, whether you are going to playgroup or heading to the office. 

Tell me, what is your fave in a hurry look?

Oh! I almost forgot! I recently published an ebook called, "Adventures in Blogging: A How To Guide to Creating (and Running!) a Successful Blog." You can find it HERE.

Because Shanna Said So | guest post

Hi, Classic & Bubbly friends! My name is Shanna and I blog over at Because Shanna Said So. I am so excited to be here today while Stesha is making her trek back to the states. Her and I are more than just blog friends, we made our friendship the real deal last month. I will chat about that in a minute.

In case this is your first time meeting me, here is a quick run down on what you will find at Because Shanna Said So. I blog mostly about personal style (aka outfit posts), fashion finds and of course my random life. 

Stesha asked all of us to chat about some sort of adventure in our lives and knew immediately what I wanted to share; my adventures with blogging. 

When I started my blog almost two years ago, I had absolutely NO idea what I was doing, what blogging was all about or what was to come over a few short months.

I am a walking, talking example of what blogging can do for someone...quite honestly, it's been a life changer.

Now, please don't think that I am here to brag or toot my own horn. I just wanted to share with you, especially for those that are new to this whole ginormous world of blogging, that with hard work, dedication and not giving up, amazing opportunities can come your way through starting and maintaining a personal blog. 

First and foremost, I have made some of the most amazing women, some of which I have had the chance to become in real life friends with. Hello, Miss Stesha. She came to stay at my house for four days. Talk about online friendship dating...yes, you can totally make REAL friends online.

 

I have been blessed enough to travel across the pond, yes to LONDON, because of blogging. Earlier this year I was honored in becoming the Wallis Blogger Ambassador for the U.S. and had the pleasure of flying to London for a few days and meeting the U.K. based brand. It was an experience I will never forget and would have never had if it weren't for my blog. 

Most recently, I had the chance to team up with Nordstrom and co-host an event with them. Another dream come true and an opportunity that I was so gracious and honored to have been apart of. I sound like a broken record, but again, this all came to fruition because of writing a blog and having big dreams.

  

So, here's the deal. The deep rooted meaning of this post was again, not to be vain or showy, it's to show each and every one of you that with hard work, perseverance, dedication and believing in yourself, the opportunities are endless when it comes to blogging. It can get so overwhelming, tiring and curate plenty of self doubt, but at the end of the day the adventures that come along with it are priceless and memories to last a lifetime.

So, I encourage each one you to shoot for the stars. You never know, one might fall right into your lap. Don't give up and always have fun.

Thanks for having me today, Stesha and to all of you who read my post today.

I would love it if stopped by Because Shanna Said So and said hello. You can also find me on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. I look forward to connecting soon!! xoxo

One Big Giveaway!

Fall is HERE!! And in celebration of the fabulous season I have teamed up with 19 other fabulous bloggers to bring you one great big giveaway! 

 Rolled Up Pretty // Classic & Bubbly // North Carolina Grown // The Beauty Snoop

Fred Rongo // Style After Hours // Just Dawnelle // The Quick Journey

Karly Kim // Fashion on the Fly // Jody Beth // Liberate Normal

Purely Poised // Shabby Loves Chic // SALT // A Rambling Fancy

Sophistifunk // Apple of Gold // Auteur Ariel // and here's to you, Mrs. Robinson 

...have put together an amazing giveaway for you today to celebrate Fall! The best part of this giveaway? There are NINE amazing prizes which means there will be NINE winners which also means your chances are pretty dang good in winning one of them! The first prize will be a $300 VISA GIFT-CARD to use for whatever the heck you want (I know, awesome!), as well as these eight fantastic gifts...

1. Freshly Picked 2. Kingdom and State 3. Shop Riffraff 4. 7th and West

5. Olive and Birch 6. The Quick Journey 7. Just Dawnelle 8. Outfit Additions

...from our eight fantastic sponsors (please go check out all of these sites, you'll love them!)

You want to enter? You can do so right here...

One of the nine winners will be chosen via Instagram as well. How you ask? Post about this giveaway using one of the pictures of the Fall loot above, and make sure you hashtag #fallgiveawaysarewhereitsat because that is how we will be choosing the winner.

May the luck be on your side!

Thank you to all of the sponsors and bloggers. You all rock.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Cashmere & Camo | guest post

Today  I am so excited to introduce Brandy from Cashmere & Camo! She is a Canadian blogger, who funny enough grew up in Vernon, the same 50k populated town I did. She is currently living in Calgary Alberta and we share a love for camo pants paired with stilettos!
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  Hey there Classic & Bubbly followers! Lovely Stesha asked if Cashmere & Camo could contribute a guest post while on the open road. I wanted to share a bit of my recent wanderlust to South Carolina. Imagine old world charm, miles of beach and fantastic southern hospitality. We took in some surf at Myrtle Beach, the historic boardwalk at Georgetown followed by a plantation tour and some fantastic eats in Charleston (I highly recommend you make the stop at Magnolia's for the pecan pie if you are ever in Charleston). Other highlights to the trip? Taking in live music at Murrells Inlet to the wee hours of the morning and stopping at a quaint spot for a glass of rose bubbly- just cause ;)    

Channelling some Scarlett O'Hara

And since I was trying new things out like shrimp grits, I figured I might as well go for a ladylike indigo high-low dress with a bejewelled Anthropologie belt and headband (seen worn as a necklace). My rose gold flats from Target were a requirement on the Charleston cobblestones.          

Pearls & Pastries | guest post

Hello! Happy Monday to you all, I have asked a few special ladies to guest post for me while I make my way back down to Arizona and get settled in. I slacked last week at planning ahead (typical!) but this week I have 4 fabulous ladies who are here to entertain you and since I am on a journey this week they are going to talk to you about a journey of their own! 

First up we have the wonderful Lauren from Pearls & Pastries! Her life is full of sequins & confetti, to say the least I am always jealous.  Enjoy!! 

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Hello Classic & Bubbly Readers!! I am so excited to be doing a guest post for Stesha!! We can all agree she is absolutely fab and her blog is amazing!!!

First I would like to start by introducing myself, my name is Lauren I am the voice behind the blog Pearls and Pastries Shop and Instagram Pearlsandpastries ! I am a lover of  pink, gold, happy, and sparkly things! I come to you today to talk about how I started Pearls and Pastries. This is a question I get asked quite frequently and when Stesha mentioned a post about adventure......I couldn't think of anything more of an adventure then starting your own business!

It all started with 1 sequin hanger 6 VERY short months ago. I made the hanger and I would hang my outfits on it for the next day, it became a very fun part of my day. I then naturally needed all of my girlfriend's to have one also! I made sequin hangers for my dearest friends. shipped them out. and patiently waited for calls saying they received them. I had so much fun giving them that little extra happy in their day. What girl wouldn't want to open up a package full of confetti, glitter, and sparkle?!

Soon my idea became a dream, then a sale, then a blog, then a etsy shop, finally a full time job..all I can truly say is BLESSED and THANKFUL.

First I want you to know that if you have a passion for something..GOT FOR IT! You can do anything! 

With your passion comes inspiration. therefor make a creative space! I covet my office, first thing I do each morning is grab a cup of coffee and sit at my desk. looking at all of the fun, inspiring, motivating things in the room only which drives me to do more.

Second be yourself! People will love you! 

Third believe in yourself! No matter what you will always have fear and self doubt....ITS YOUR JOB TO SHHHHH IT :) and turn up the volume on your voice of love! 

Fourth no matter how small your idea may be do it. If you love something chances are someone else out there loves it just as much as you do! 

Fifth fill your life with people that support and lift you. It is our job to support one another, lift each other when the other is down and tell one another " Hey you!!! You are pretty darn amazing, keep your chin up" 

I look for inspiration in lots of places but 2 places I go to frequently are Lara Casey and Alex Beadon

"Check them out you will be filled with inspiration, happiness, and drive after you do!"

One thing I owe a large part of my success to is this print from Lara Casey....we all can relate :) 

I hope you walk away from reading this post believing that you ARE amazing and that you truly can do anything you want to! 

If sparkle is your thing I want you to be able to grab that little spark of inspiration! 

for all Classic and Bubbly readers YOU GET 30% OFF YOUR ENTIRE ORDER!

Visit the Pearls and Pastries Shop and use code MAKEITHAPEN for 30% off! 

XOXOXO

Lauren 

and I'm off!

I am off! Roadtripping it down from Vernon, BC Canada, to Phoenix, AZ, United States. You are going to want to follow along on Instagram I promise! @SteshaRose. One of my best girls is doing it with me and we are stopping in Vancouver, Seattle, Portland, San Francisco, and LA!

Seeker Camo

Today is my last post of the LuLu*s all day long series & I saved the best for last. These camo pants are  da bomb! Seriously, a huge obsession & the best part is EVERYTHING goes with them. Throwing together an outfit can take less than 5 mins & I swear you will have everyone oohing & awing.  

pants c/o LuLu*s (here) // sweater: Diva's Boutique // boots: Steve Madden // watch: MK

A super comfy look for those casual Starbucks PSL mornings. Just as the leaves start to change and head to the ground your pants will blend right in. This oversized sweater is perfect for staying warm & the best part is you can eat all the pumpkin muffins and no one will be able to tell!

pants c/o LuLu*s (here) jacket & shoes: Forever21 // sweater: Nordstrom // watch: MK

Want to look a little more put together? Maybe you are meeting the girls or your man for lunch? Ditching the boots while adding oxfords & a denim jacket works perfectly! Camo pants can honestly be paired with almost any color out there so don't be afraid to step out of your comfort zone & mix it up!

pants c/o LuLu*s (here) // shirt: Nordstrom // purse: Phillip Lim for Target (here)  // shoes: Forever21 // watch: MK

For the night time look add some heels & a blouse, a Phillip Lim purse, & you are ready to rock the town.  Even though there is no grey in the pants I paired a grey blouse just for contrast & tada it worked! 

Hope you enjoyed seeing as I styled the sweater / dress / heels / and now the pants for an all day long look.  I know being on the go can get tiresome so it is always important to stock your closet with essentials! Be sure to check out LuLu*s for other great finds!

Seeker Camo Skinnys

linking up with Because Shanna Said So & The Pleated Poppy!

LuLu*s Fashion Flashback!

Today I have a special treat for you, we are skipping Life According to my iPhone that will resume next week, but for today I want to tell you all about Fashion Flashback. LuLu*s is hosting an ah-mazing contest called: LuLu*s Fashion Flashback! They are asking you to go through and dig out those old photos to see just how fabulous you used to dress even back in the day. This is ironic for me because I have been searching through old boxes in my moms garage to find high school and childhood memories. Naturally this has been taking up a fair amount of time over the past few days.... imagine me sitting on the ground with box after box opened and spread all over the place! 

What I noticed about searching through photos, there are a million photos of my sister alone posing politely, and all of mine?! I am either in the photo with my sister or running around so they are blurry! Apparently I was not the sit still kind of kid.

Yepp thats a little neon and color blocking even back then! And check it out not only a headband but a huge bow in the front of my head. Always making a statement! 

Mix & match patterns seemed to be trending at age 4! Who said things have to match, that rule never applied to me and my style. 

Do you see that denim jacket? And colored pants? Is it weird that I currently have this exact outfit (minus the fabulous velcro shoes) in my closet? I also have my bangs french braided, which is an exact hair style I still love. Either I am still 6 or times have not changed much!

Ohhhh dont you forget those awkward years! High waisted pants, pink turtleneck, and oversized teal earring. This would seem as if it was a spring or summer outfit but I am clearly standing in front of a christmas tree. 

Welcome sweet 16! My first time to San Diego with my mom. I am almost positive I wore rocket dogs and anything from Hollister as often as I could. If you look closely enough you can see how small my sunglasses were. Thank god that trend is out, oversized eyewear is a must! 

Lets close it off with a senior year party pic. This outfit I remember so vividly in my mind, I wish I had a full body shot just to show you how awesome I thought it was! I wore Ugg boots, a denim mini skirt this white long sleeve and a Von Dutch trucker hat. I think my parents took one look at me, stopped breathing, and then said whatever. Always pushing the edge of fashion. 

I hope you enjoy this trip down memory lane.

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I am also honored today to be co-hosting Funday Monday link-up with Molly & Carly!! Make sure you link-up your post! 

A few of our favs from last week:

/ Reverse French Tip / Blue Bell / Bohemian / Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken /

The Rules for #FundayMonday Link-Ups:

1. Follow your hosts Molly @ still being [molly] , Carly @ Lipgloss & Crayons , and your guest hosts for the week Lauren from Fizz and Frosting and Stesha from Classic and Bubbly 2.Grab a button and / or post a link back here in your BLOG POST (NOT your blog’s main page) so your readers know what all the #fundaymonday-ness is about. We love you guys linking up and we do go through and read all your posts… so if you do not give credit, we will have to remove your link. That’s no fun, right? Right. So be nice and share a link! Pretty please? 3. Link your blog post up using the linky tool below! It can be ANYTHING! An outfit post, a giveaway, a story, a recipe, whatever. Why? Cause it’s #fundaymonday! 4. Visit a blog or four that you’ve never been to before and leave a #fundaymonday comment – you never know, you might “meet” someone new that you will lurve! 5. Have fun! Cause it's Monday!

Want to cohost #Fundaymonday? We are currently accepting weekly cohosts..........please email us at carlybrydon@gmail.com for more info!