How To: Get Your Curl On via KISS InstaWave

A lot of people have been asking me about how I get my curls, well today’s the day where I’m going to show you! Getting perfect curls is very simple to do when you have the right tools. Currently I am using the KISS InstaWave which is a fully automatic tangle-free hair curler that creates long lasting curls with ease! No need to be a professional!

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Tools:
KISS InstaWave
Bumble and Bumble Pret-a-Powder
TRESemme Thermal Creations Heat Tamer Protectant Spray
TRESemme Tres TWO Extra Hold Spray

Go get your curl on! 🙂

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How to: Vacation the RIGHT way

I just wanted to let you guys know that I’m on vacation this week in SB and L.A. so there will be a scarcity in blog posts, but do follow me on Instagram (@snippetswithalex) to keep up with my adventures 🙂

You know those vacations when you’re so preoccupied with getting through all the must-do attractions that you end up needing a vacation from your vacation? Well, I know all about that. I used to make a list of all the things I want to do on vacation and end up hopping from one thing to another without any down time. Now I know better. Vacations are supposed to be when you get away from the busyness of life and let your body, mind, and soul rest. It was hard for me to come to terms with the idea that it is OK to just be still and it is OK to not do anything for a change. I used to feel guilty for not being productive. Have you felt that way too?

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I don’t want you to miss out on the opportunity to give yourself that time of rest and rejuvenation, so here are my five tidbits on how to have a restful vacation.

1. Sleep in
Yes, the early bird does get the worm, but in this case the rested bird will get the energizer bunny.

2. Do what you want
I am the type of person who likes to do things by myself at times. Did I go see a movie by myself already? Yes. Did I go out to  breakfast with nothing but myself and a good book? Yes. Do I feel good about it? YES.

3. All about the people
Yes, I do like to do things by myself, but that doesn’t mean that I don’t want community. This specific trip was for me to visit my good friends and catch up with them — no need to go on any adventures or extravagant activities. Some friends were worried about not being able to keep me “entertained” during my visit. But you know what, heart to heart conversations over coffee does wonder to the soul.

4. Walk to places
If it is reasonable, take the time to walk to your destinations! Sometimes it is hard to slow yourself down because of habit, so force yourself to by walking. Trust me, it definitely helps.

5. It’s okay to splurge a bit within reason.
I’m not saying to blow hundreds of dollars doing who knows what, but I’m saying it’s OK to get the steak if that’s what you’re feeling.

Thanks for reading and hopefully you will have at least one restful vacation this summer. 🙂

Happy Monday!

Oh and the giveay ends TONIGHT at MIDNIGHT.

Don’t forget to enter the $50 to Boden Giveaway!

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How to: Cover up your Post-Holiday Food Body

I don’t know about you, but after two weeks of saying “Oh what’s just one more cookie?”,  “It’s the holidays!”, “I’ll work out afterwards.”, or “I’m on vacation!”, I can hardly recognize my tummy. Food baby? Definitely yes.

I woke up this morning regretting everything I ate the past two weeks. I know I made my annual resolution to exercise more, but how do I dress the body that I have now, food baby and all? Well, here are some tips that I compiled on how to hide that post-holiday food body of yours…

1. Wear skinny jeans
I know you probably don’t feel skinny, but skinny jeans (I’m talking about the shape, not the jeans you wear when you feel skinny) will help elongate your legs. Make sure that your pants aren’t too tight around the waist or a muffin top will happen. It also helps if the pants are not a super low riser.

2. Wear heels…
preferably a pointed toe because that helps elongate the legs as well.

3. A loose top
A tunic or blouse that flares out from your stomach will help disguise it until you follow through with your New Year’s resolution of working out at least 4 times a week. But be careful to not get a baggy shirt. There’s a difference (explained in next tip).

4. Still shows off your figure
Please don’t throw a garbage bag over yourself and call it a day. You are still beautiful, despite the couple of pounds you may have gained over break, so why do yourself a disservice? Make sure the clothes you are wearing still shows that you have shape. I suggest wearing something that accentuates your waist (usually the smallest part of your body). Maybe add a belt over a loose dress or shirt or choose a top that tapers in at the waist but is still loose in the stomach area.

5. Add some flare
Accessorize! Sparkle and flare always helps to gravitate the eyes towards that accessory, rather than towards your hips.

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Coat
Wearing: Anthropologie
My Picks: Humble Chic $98   //  House of Fraser $410 $205
(I tried finding less expensive ones, but had no luck! I’ll let you know if I stumble across a better deal.)

Shirt
Wearing: Thrifted (I found it for only $20!) – Free People $98
My Picks:  Old Navy $29.94 $27.97   //  Lulu*s $49 $39

Pants
Wearing: Gap $69.95
My Picks:  Old Navy $34.94 $29.50 //Madewell $115

Shoes
Wearing: Talbots
My Picks:  Ecco $75  // Michael Kors $125

Necklace
Wearing: Anthropologie
My Picks: Forever 21 $8.80 // Urban Outfitters $28

Don’t forget to follow on BlogLovin’! 🙂

How to: Survive Post-Holiday Blues

Ah, the holidays are over. Right now you are probably experiencing Christmas-withdrawl, food and sugar comas, family overload, smaller bank accounts, and back-to-work anxiety. Just know that you are not alone in your post-holiday blues.

Here are some of my suggestions on how to deal with the transition back to real life:

1. Ease your way in by rewarding yourself every two hours for surviving with leftover Christmas chocolate.

2. Secretly listen to your favorite Christmas carol at least once a day until you are ready to let go.

3. Start walking in the morning for at least 10 minutes, and increase your time every day as you begin to get used to your ligaments moving again.

4. If you are experiencing an extreme case of anxiety, take 5 shots of a peppermint mocha latte. Slowly ween yourself off.

5. Space out your use of your Christmas gifts. Don’t use or wear your gifts all in one week! Spread it out so you can enjoy the excitement of new things longer.

6. It’s okay to leave your Christmas tree up for a little while longer. Just remember, the longer you wait, the harder it will be. I suggest the last day to keep it up should be Jan. 11. Longer than that, and it will probably be a fire hazard, if it isn’t already.Don’t say that I didn’t warn you!

7. Read your favorite blogs (wink wink) to get your mind off your post-holiday blues.

Hopefully that list will help you get through!

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Here are some snippets of my vacay!

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Half Moon Bay – Coastal Walk behind the Ritz Carlton

20140102-150203.jpgGot to spend a week with this cutie pie!

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The grandchildren. Yes, we are extremely mature.

20140102-145742.jpgSome mansion near Caroline Park – Redlands, CA

20140102-145754.jpgAwesome palm tree we found

20140102-145804.jpgStarting my couple of days in Santa Barbara with Backyard Bowls of course!

More picture and outfits in a wee bit! Follow me on Instagram for more snippets and FIRST LOOKS of outfits before they’re published!

For the Men: How to Buy Clothes for Women

Alright men, this is for you.

A male reader recently asked me to write a post about how to buy clothes for girls. Man, it’s hard enough to buy clothes for yourself let alone another person….let alone a girl!

Ok, here’s my take on the matter.

Please Don’t
1. Buy bottoms. – It’s really hard to find the right fit, so unless you know how to dress your girl to the T, don’t even try.
2. Bright and Outrageous Patterns/Prints – It’s hard to decide what pattern your girl may like
3. Generic gift sets – Shows no thought whatsoever.

Safe Bets:

Sweaters / Cardigans
You can’t go wrong with the size or shape.

1. Forever 21 $22.80 // 2. Lulu’s $63 // 3. Anthropologie $138

Chiffon/Silk  Loose blouses
Easy fit, good fabric, and feminine


1. Forever 21 $13.80 // 2. Old Navy $25  // 3. Ann Taylor $79

Graphic T’s
Comfy, relaxed, and shows creativity!


1. Old Navy $9.97  // 2. Lulu’s $28 // 3. Free People $68

Jewelry

You don’t necessarily need to give her diamonds…

1. Banana Republic $35 // 2. Anthropologie: $48 // 3. J. Crew $150

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I hope this was helpful and that you will feel confident when shopping for that special girl of yours. But please, if you decide to go with my advice despite the THOUSANDS of hints she gave you about the #1 thing on her wish list…don’t blame me.

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REMEMBER: If you have a styling question or an idea for a blog post, feel free to click the “Ask a Question” at the top of the page and ask away! I can’t wait to hear from you!