Saturday, July 5, 2014

Hair Me Out...

Good hair care is a must for me.  I'm a firm believer of getting regular trims and only washing my hair twice a week.  Yes, you read that right, twice a week.  I read in an interview, a few months back, that Lauren Conrad said that she only washes her hair every four days.  At the time, I was washing my hair daily and still suffering from extremely oily hair so, I decided to give it a try.  The first two weeks were really tough. This is what I called the training period.  On occasion I actually said "my hair is going through a training period".  After the so-called "training period", my hair and scalp, out of nowhere, started to regulate and look healthier.  I can't pinpoint the exact time when I realized it but I remember getting so excited.  I mean, no washing and drying every day, or even every other day.  I now only wash my hair every three days.  

The day of the wash I will let my hair air dry, add some leave in conditioner, spritz my hair with some heat protectant and then add some texturing spray to give it some volume and movement.  Then I'll style depending on my motivation level that day. 

On the second day of no wash, I add some dry shampoo to my roots and rub it in with clean hands and style (usually I'll curl it).  Before bed on the second night I dry shampoo my scalp again.  This actually works better than dry shampooing the morning of.  It absorbs any oils that are produced over night and also helps create volume.  

The third day of no wash I usually will wear a high ponytail, a bun, or I'll curl my hair again.  I will also touch up some spots with dry shampoo in the AM. 

With all the products and heat styling that I do, I usually apply some coconut oil to the ends of my hair for preventative measures the night before I wash my hair.  Split ends are the worst!  I will also deep condition my hair every other week or so, to add some moisture back in.  Wow, I didn't realize how much I actually do to my hair.  

What is your hair care routine like?  Share in the comments below!  


XOXO,

LT

Thursday, July 3, 2014

Tulle-ing Around


I've been having a major crush on tulle skirts lately.  They have been all over the blogosphere and I, simply cannot get enough!  I have something really exciting to share with y'all next Tuesdays!!!  (Hint hint... it has lots of tulle...)

In the meantime, let me leave you with how I would style a tulle skirt, if I had all the money in the world.  


Tulle-ing Around


Wednesday, July 2, 2014

Summertime Crab Cakes

Can you believe it's already July?  I feel like June came and went too fast.  July is going to be a busy month for me. Scott and I are flying back to Boston at the end of the month for my bridal shower and to finalize some major wedding details.  Oh, and we're moving the weekend before we leave for Boston, I almost forgot about that small detail since I haven't really packed a thing.

With all that being said, I am taking this long weekend as a chance to be productive, I will pack and donate clothes I haven't worn in awhile.  But first, I will attend a 4th of July party in Chicago's Bucktown neighborhood!

I want to share this crab cake recipe with you all. It's perfect for that 4th of July soiree you'll be attending or hosting.  This is one of my favorites and it has always been a hit when i've made it.  I add some corn to give it a little something extra.  If you are a purist, please leave the corn out.  My feelings will not be hurt.

I like making these little guys bite size so I don't feel as guilty eating a dozen of them they are easier to eat while mingling with friends!

Let me know what you think. I hope you enjoy them as much as I do!


*This recipe at it's core, is not my own. However, through trial and error I have tweaked it to make it my own. 

XOXO,

LT 

Monday, June 30, 2014

Monogram Dreams #MonogramMondays

Happy Monday you guys! 

I've been getting pretty giddy over the thought of being able to start wearing monogrammed accessories soon.  If y’all don’t know already, I’ll be heading to the chapel (so to speak) in November (eeek!) and will finally have a middle name. When my parents and I came to the States they directly translated my name from Chinese leaving me without a middle name. In our culture the family name always comes first, then the middle name and lastly the first name.  My name was translated with my middle name (Le) as part of my first name, leaving me without a middle name.  I mean… I was the original North West… sorry KimYe, what you thought was edgy and unique turned out to be pretty basic. Ha. just kidding.  We love everyone here at Lace and Full of Grace, no hate.  Okay, back to my story, so I’ll be changing my Last Name to my middle name and becoming LTT!  

I already have a bracelet and ring picked out to purchase.  A gorgeous necklace in my possession to wear on my wedding day from Jennifer Zeuner, who I had the pleasure to meet at Neiman Marcus last year!  She’s so lovely and talented.  If you’re not familiar with her jewelry you must check her out.  Click here for her Website. 

What are some of your fave monogram items?  I've been swooning over the items below... 


Cheers!

XOXO 

LT


Thursday, June 26, 2014

Wine, Dine and Dressed to the Nines

Earlier this week I met up with some dear girlfriends for dinner at this new restaurant in Chicago, Bottlefork.  Sadly, it started to rain downpour just as we arrived, so any chance of us sitting outside was quickly eliminated.  We sat towards the back of the cozy restaurant and I quickly caught a chill and wished I had packed a scarf or pashmina.  I made a mental note for the future, to always slip a scarf into my bag.

I made an inspiration board via Polyvore for my next Wine and Dine date with my girlfriends.  And I had to include a scarf and my favorite lipstick of all time!  

Dinner Friend Dates




What are some of your go to pieces for dinner dates with friends?

Cheers!

XOXO

LT

Wednesday, June 25, 2014

Scrappy's Corner

Scrappy
It's no surprise for those who know me that I am simply obsessed with my pup, Scrappy.

Scrappy is a 2 1/2 year old Silky Terrier my fiancĂ© and I rescued from the Anti-Cruelty Society  in 2012.  He is the love of our lives and we simply cannot imagine a life without him.  About a year ago, we purchased an online deal for BarkBox for Scrappy, a monthly goodie subscription for dogs.  10% of BarkBox's proceeds get donated to pups in need and all the goodies that come in the boxes are things that have been carefully curated to include only the highest quality treats and toys for your four legged family member.  

I plan to include Scrappy's next BarkBox delivery on the blog, keep your eyes out for it!  

Cheers,

LT

Tuesday, June 24, 2014

Brooks Brother Semi-Annual Sale

I love a good sale. I am your stereotypical lady who easily gets swept off her feet by this simple four letter word.. SALE.  So when I saw this Brooks Brothers' tweet about their Semi-Annual Sale, I had to head directly to their website and do a little "window shopping" (what is the internet version of that term?).  Earlier in the day, I purchased a pair of shorts and a shirt for Scott, the fiancĂ©, via Gilt.com, which he graciously thanked me for then reminded me that we have a wedding to pay off.  HA!  Like I would forget!


Scott's new wardrobe additions; Shirt, Shorts


 Here are some item's I'm swooning over from the sale.





Cheers!

LT

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