Peaked my Pinterest: Pull Through Braid

I am so in awe of this style braid. OK, so it's not actually a braid at all, but a series of rubber bands and pulling the hair through. I not only love how it looks, but I also love how you can form this style in any direction on your head. (Check out how Kaitlyn wore it like a faux hawk here...pretty much my all time favorite.)

 Here is what you will need:
(I linked all of my favorites below)

Brush
Dry Shampoo (optional)
Hair Spray
Teasing comb
Elastic ties

I got everything on the bathroom counter and then kept my phone set to the above video. At this point, I had watched the video once already, so I decided to use it the second time through as a step-by-step helper.

Here is my first attempt:

You guys, it was SO easy. The video was so helpful and it only took me about 25 minutes from the moment I began teasing the top to the last bobby pin. I can't wait to wear my hair like this again and also to mix up where the braid starts and ends. I think a faux hawk on myself will my by next attempt. I can do it...it may take a few tries, but I can do it! ;)

Is this a style you would wear? Have you ever tried a pull through braid?

Peaked my Pinterest: Shop the Look

There is so much style inspiration to be seen on Pinterest. I love adding looks to my folders to go back later and recreate these outfits. I do this by using what I already have in my wardrobe or I do some shopping ;) 

Here are two looks that I can not wait to recreate this coming fall:

\

(source) 

(source)

Do you look to Pinterest for inspiration as well? Would you wear either of these looks?

Peaked my Pinterest: Watermelon Cake

The minute I came across this image on Pinterest, I knew I had found the ultimate recipe for our annual 4th of July party. I have been out of control obsessed with watermelon lately -- like, I'm concerned I might sprout seeds if I eat one more piece (#sorrynotsorry). It's so refreshing and makes such an easy lunch when combined with arugula, feta cheese and balsamic dressing...my mouth is watering just typing about it!

You can usually count on me for a party dessert (cupcakes specifically), so I wanted to stick with a healthier option this year, as I knew there would PLENTY of sweets to go around. How cool that this looks like a typical cake from the outside but provides a shock factor when you cut in and realize it's made of fruit...

Check out how easy this process was...

1) Cut off all watermelon rinds

2) Cover whole watermelon in lite whipped cream (or if you have more time, make this vanilla version)

3) Coat entire watermelon in sliced almonds

4) Add blueberries on top of watermelon for festive red, white and blue look

 If you're skeptical of this strange combination of flavors, don't be! The sweet, juicy watermelon; crunchy almonds; tart berries; and fluffy whipped cream taste refreshing and light together. It was the perfect summertime dessert! 

What do you think of this recipe? What is your fruit of choice this season?

Peaked my Pinterest: Spring Maxi Style

(source of pinspiration)

Recreate this look on Because I Shop Too Much:

earrings // dress // jacket // hat // shoes

Peaked My Pinterest: Leather Leggings Style

I love leather - jackets, purses, pants, you name it. I bought this pair of leather leggings at Express after Thanksgiving and they have been a staple in my wardrobe ever since. They fit like a glove and look great with everything from a flowing blouse to a casual t-shirt. 

Top: Loft (swap w/Lisa) // Pants: Express // Bag: Just Fab // Shoes: Just Fab // Necklace: House of Gemmes (swap w/Lisa)

Here are a few other #fbloggers whose leather looks we love:

(Atlantic-Pacific)

(Sophistifunk)

(the daybook)

(gal meets glam)

Do you have a unique way to style leather leggings and transition them into Spring? 

Peaked my Pinterest: Romantic Side Braid

You all know by now how much a love a great braid. I pinned this on Pinterest a few months ago and waited until I got my new Hair by Suzie extensions to try it out.

Here is my take on a romantic side braid:

 

1 & 2) Create a side part and pull all hair to the opposite side.

3) Begin a regular French braid at the top, near the part.

3) Continue creating the French braid along the side/hairline moving towards the ear.

4) Add hair from the opposite side by taking horizontal sections and bringing them around to the front where the braid is located.

5) Finish braid and secure with hair tie. Begin to pull and loosen braid. Loosen braid to desired size.

8) Spray with finishing spray. I also added a bobby pin or two down the center of the braid to keep a few fly-aways in place. 

What do you of this romantic look? Would you try it for a night out? 

Peaked my Pinterest: Avocado Toast

I don't know about you, but I am in love with avocados! I eat one a day and literally have to stop myself from eating more then that. It's an addiction :) When I saw this pin on Pinterest I knew I was going to snoop around and find some new ways to enjoy my avocados. I am so glad I did!

I give you avocado toast (makes a great breakfast or lunch):

Ingredients: 

- 1 ripe organic avocado

- 2 slices of whole wheat bread or English muffin (you can sub with gluten free)

- Red pepper flakes

- 1 fresh organic lemon

Directions

1) Cut avocado in 1/2, remove pit. Squeeze avocado into bowl and discard the outside.

2) Squeeze 1/2 to 1 full lemon onto your avocado. It's completely up to you how much to add. I start with half and then usually end up adding a bit from the other half.

3) Add red pepper flakes. You can use as little or as much as you want. The more you use, the spicier it is!

4) Using a fork, mash it all up then place it on top of toast.

That's it! Super easy and super yummy meal alternative. You could even make 1/2 of this as a mid-day snack!