I’ll Die Living Just as Free as My Hair.

Okay, so several people have asked how I got these curls from no heat. So here's a quick step by step tutorial of how to get this look.


Here is what you need:
Hair
A headband
Optional:
Mousse
Hairspray
Water

Step One:
Brush your hair completely dried hair out. Part it to your normal side. (Or if you are like me, brush it the opposite way, because one side curls better than the other ;).)


Step Two: (This is optional.)
Run your hands under some water. You don't want them dripping but just wet. Then run your hands through your hair, getting it damp. Once you hair is barely damp, add a little bit of mousse to the dampened hair.


Step Three:
Get your headband ready.


Check!

Put your headband on like this...


Step Four:
Grab a little section of hair from the front. I start with the side that has my bangs. Take the section you picked up, and circle it over the headband and through, letting it drop. It should look like this if you're lost.






Step Five:
Pick up the section you just curled around your headband. Then, add another little section to it, loop it up and around the headband just like you did with the first piece. Here's what it looks like.



Step Six:
Keep doing the exact same thing, just adding a little section of hair at a time.


Step Seven:
You guessed it, keep doing the same thing. UNTIL you get a little bit behind your ear. Then stop.


Step Eight:
It's time to start the other side. Just like you did with the first side, pick up a small section of hair and loop it up and around the headband. Once again it will be like this.



Step Nine:
You guessed it, add another small section and loop it up and around the headband.



Step 10:
Yep that's right, keep going until you've reached just behind your ear.


At this point, here's what your hair should look like all the way around. :)



Step Eleven:
Now that you are at the back of your head, this is where it gets awkward to do. You don't do anything differently. Stay focused on one side of your hair. You do the exact same thing as you've done the whole time. Keep wrapping until one side is completely wrapped. Then move on to the other side and do the same thing. Make sure that all of your hair is wrapped around the headband.



Yes, the back looks a little messy, but it will be okay. It's hard to make it look neat, but if you take your time it can look better.


So all your hair is wrapped and it looks like this





Step Twelve: (optional)
spray your hair with hairspray, you don't need to cake it on, just a little will do.

Step Thirteen:
The easy part, go to sleep! Or if you did yours neatly, you could wear it like that during the day. Either way leave it in this for a while. I'd suggest a few hours, or if your hair is like mine leave it over night (8 to 9 hours).

Step Fourteen:
Take your hair out of the headband. Be careful doing this, because your hair will be stuck, so just go slow don't rush it. I start with the back because its easier.





Step Fifteen:
After you have taken the curls off of the headband and remove the headband. Spray your curls with hairspray. You can wear your hair like that or style it differently. Here are some looks that I tried. These were all done without heat and without teasing. Enjoy.









You could also brush out your curls a little if they are too tight. :)




So here is the look, and how to do it. If you have any questions about it, just ask me. I tried to do it pretty detailed. It's super easy! It only takes like five minutes to do. I hope you enjoy it!

P.S. I got this idea from Pinterest. So, this isn't mine.

I'm Still Here.

I'm so thankful that the month of November. It was a bad month, and I hope that's the worst one I have for a long time. A bunch of stuff went down. I was super stressed with school projects. I had so much homework over thanksgiving break. Really? What is that?

It's now December and I'm super excited about this month. Not even because of Christmas though. I'm just happy for this semester to be over, it's been the hardest one to date. I'm looking forward to my Christmas break so that I can spend almost three weeks with my friends from back home. I'll have time to visit them all!

I also have some unfinished business that I need to take care of whenever I'm home. I need to get things off my chest, and realize that there will never be a good time to clear it up.

I really would like to start blogging a lot like I used to. I've only blogged a few times this year and it makes me sad. However, I went over 1000 views last month, so for that I'm thankful and happy. I'm just surprised that people would view my blog that many times. For those of you who read it, I just want to say thank you! I truly do appreciate it. :)

p.s. I've also rekindled my flame for Lady GaGa thanks to her A Very GaGa Thanksgiving special!

"Blood in the water."

This has been one of the toughest and worst weeks of my life. Never have I felt so depressed and just over the situations in my life, than I have this week. I won't go into the details, but just know that this have been a trying week. I've almost made it through, I just have to get through the weekend, hard I know!

Lately, I've just been feeling really stressed with school. I don't know what I'm doing with my life. I feel like it's going to waste. It's hard to pretend like I care anymore. I'm tired of school...I'm tired of it. I just don't know how I'm going to make it to graduation which may be 2 to 5 years away.

I've also been stressed about personal issues. I'm just tired of being untruthful. I'm tired of having to threaten my reputation against others. I'll do what I have to, but I'm not a fan of it.

I also got sick this week! :( boooo! I believe this may be the worst. I have a headache and my nose won't quit running (i think it thinks it's in a marathon...ayooo!).

So all of these things put together are really breaking me down. Plus the fact that I'm really missing Krystal Rhodes, like none other. I hate that I can't just pick up the phone and call or text her. No! She has to live in a different country! While I'm super happy for her, I just want to be able to talk to her when I want to! Time Zones and skype are just not cutting it. I need to be in the Ramsey Lake State Park with Krystal and a bag of hot fries, maybe 2 bags of hot fries, that way we have plenty of time to talk about our issues without becoming hungry! So.....long story short...whenever you return to America...more importantly Ramsey, I demand that we have a park date!

Easy Silence.

Okay, so here is a little update on my life. I've been living in Mattoon for 2 months as of yesterday. I love it. I don't love Mattoon so much, but I love not living in Ramsey. While Mattoon is still full of rednecks, and people I don't care much for, I've started to become close with several people here. I'm surprised by the fact that people are still so judgmental and stupid. When I walk through the halls, I don't become deaf or blind, I can see and hear you making fun of me. I'm glad that growing up in Ramsey, has made me accustomed to this, and it doesn't phase me. I love living on my own. It's not what I expected, but it's very enjoyable. I assumed that I would be bored 24/7 but I'm not. I've been keeping myself occupied with crappy movies and tv shows that I watch online. Very cool and fun stuff obviously. I also haven't lost touch with my friends from Ramsey/Vandalia, which is pretty exciting. I'm not lonely either, I figured that I would feel lonely quite often, but I just don't. I'm content with being by myself. I get along with myself more than I used to, I guess you sort of have to whenever it's just you and yourself right?

Lately, I've been trying to figure out what is next for my life. I still can't seem to come up with a game plan. It's kind of discouraging, because I feel like I'm running out of time. I know that I need to start applying to schools for next fall. I just don't know what schools to apply to because I don't know what I want to do. It's a sucky situation. I feel like I was ill prepared to plan my future, whether that's my own fault, my parents, or the school district I grew up in, I'm unsure. It doesn't help that by nature I'm very indecisive. Also, another thing is, when I do transfer, do I want to cheer/try to cheer? I really just don't know. Yes, I love cheer, but I don't know that I'll have the time at a university, or if I would even make it. As you can tell my future is just a blur still and I don't know what's going on in it.

Well, enough procrastinating, I have homework that's due in a little bit. :)

"Bring It Back"

So, a while ago, I posted a list of things I wanted/wanted to figure out in life. I have until the end of the year to finish I guess. So I'll bold the ones I feel I've accomplished. :)

"I'm sure this list will change and be added to. However, here is my tentative list of goals for 2011.

1. Be Genuinely Happy.
2. Be More Comfortable with myself (not judge so harshly, be happy with my body, and the likes.)
3. Move Out!!! :) :)
4. Decide on a Major.
5. Be more honest with my friends and family.
6. Not be such a judgmental facetious person.
7. Let people go from my life that are leeches, or one sided friendships.
8. Get my Septum Pierced. ^.^
9. Blog more often (hopefully at least once a week, I know you all cannot wait! :P)
10. Be more creative (writing, musically expand horizons)
11. Start Sewing again.
12. Crochet something nifty!
13. shop strictly at 2nd hand stores (for everything except underwear and socks)
14. Eat Better.
15. Commit to Zumba :D
16. Go to The Fox at least once.
17. Do something with signing (whether making videos, or finding a place to sign for)
18. Drink More Water! :|
19. Maybe ween myself off of facebook/technology. Not let it run my life.
20. Make Someone's life better/volunteer/do something for someone else.
21. Not procrastinate so much!

In 2011, I'm hopeful for more things. I feel that making them a goal is me trying too hard.
1. Finding out who I really am.
2. Finding new friends. (like more, not different)
3. Losing some weight.
4. Finding a lady friend :p
5. Living with little regret. "

I've come a long way in the last few months. I can honestly say that my life is so much better now than it was back then. I'm so much happier now, it's unbelievable!

"Cheer Up."

1. Post a picture of yourself in your uniform


2. Reason when & why you started cheering
I started cheering to prove a point, that I could do it and not make fun of it. That I actually liked it and it interested me!

3 Your squad’s name, colors, and mascot (optional)
Grade School - Ramsey Rockets (Red and White) High School - Ramsey Rams (Orange and Black) College - Lakeland Lakers (Red, Black and White).

4. Write about your squad members
My squads throughout the years have been the best people ever. I've never had any problems with anyone I've ever cheered with. They have always had my back, and have been my best friends. I have memories with everyone from the squad I've been a part of! :)

5. Your favorite stunt
My favorite stunt, hmm. I really like "111's" I also like thigh stands with a one man lib.

6. Your favorite jump
Rights are my best!

7. Your favorite cheer
RHS Say it again. R-H-S Our power is unlimited we are the very best. We can't be beat and we won't be stopped. Go, fight, win Rams take it to the top!

8. What’s positions you have held in a stunt group
In Junior High I was a base, then I've been a back spot ever since.

9. List any cheer injuries
multiple jammed thumbs, countless bruises, loose teeth, bloody noses, bleeding gums, black eyes...nothing major.

10. Your cheer pet peeve
I hate hate hate double jointed elbows and bent wrists! They both disgust me equally!

11. Your proudest moment in cheer
Making my college's cheer squad.

12. Your favorite cheer movie
Really!? Bring it on! Duh!

13. Your favorite celebrity cheerleader
Snooki! haha :p

14. Who was your first cheer coach
My first cheer coach was technically Mrs. Tamborine, but Jennifer Hunt took over before the year really got under way.

15. How long have you been cheering
I've been cheering since 6th grade with the exception of both of my freshmen years of college and high school.

16. Why you love cheer
Cheer means the world to me. It's helped me so much! Read my post about why I love cheer haha.

Tomorrow, Tomorrow. ♥

So...Tomorrow is the day that I've spent part of my whole life dreaming about, but more specifically, tomorrow is the day I've been waiting for for the past year. Tomorrow I move out on my own. My own! By Myself! No one else! Just Me! It's a giant step for me. I'm super excited,but at the same time I'm nervous. It just feels so surreal. I've dreamed of moving out of Ramsey for forever, especially in the last 5 years. While I've had some great times in Ramsey, I've also had some very bad times. While I know Mattoon, Illinois isn't the biggest town in the world, it's much larger than I'm used to. I'll be living in a town, not 15 minutes from a town! I'll have a shower that works, a home that doesn't smell like cigs and animals, no daily fights! I can live like a normal person! I will no longer have to feel like I'm white trash when I'm really not! That's probably the biggest plus.

On the downside, I'm going into debt to make this move! I can live with that though. I was bound to go into debt at some point in my life, why not enjoy my life!? Another downside which isn't a big deal is I'll be further apart from people that I love. However, it's not that big of a deal because it will only be 20 minutes further for most of you! Maybe you'll be more apt to come see me since I won't be living in the middle of no where!

All in all, there are more up sides for me than there are down sides. I'm pumped, and that's all that really matters. :)

Never Grow Up

(So...I'm fully aware that I suck at keeping my blog updated, for those of you who read it, I apologize! I'm busy,but I'm sure I'll be having a lot more time in about a month!)

However, for now I'll update you on my current state. For the past year, I've been looking forward to move out of my parent's house and out of the small town(technically village) that I grew up in. I've been dreaming of this day my whole life. To get out of this judgmental hell hole where everyone knows your business. But, as the time draws closer, I'm getting nervous, scared, anxious, and just altogether freaked out a little bit. The day I've been so excited for may end up being the day I fear.

Don't get me wrong, I'm super excited to still get out of this town, and the small-minded people that dwell in it, I'm also nervous that things won't be like I want them to be. I'm not even sure how I'm going to support myself. I haven't saved near enough money, like I thought I would. So, in attempts to pay for it, I applied for a student loan tonight. It's scary thinking that I'm going in debt to live by myself...is my happiness worth going into debt for. Right now the answer is yes, I just hope I don't come to regret my decision.

Although, I've been looking at apartments for about a month now, here and there, not like every day. But...I hadn't been having very good luck. Today I went to look at apartments in Mattoon with my mom, and I found one. I'll be living in a Studio apartment about the size of my living room, for $400 a month, which is all utilities included except internet/cable. So Goodbye television drama addictions! I can deal with that I think. Before I settled on this apartment I looked a few before today. The first apartment I looked at today, I probably would've went with if it weren't for the landlord. He was downright immature, shallow, and unprofessional! He commented several times about my piercings, saying that he couldn't even look at me with "those decorations in my face." He asked me how much I weighed like that even matters! Also, he informed me that I'd never find a job or girlfriend with long hair, a beard, and "those decorations." That I would scare off the ladies, at least then I wouldn't have to worry about getting a girl pregnant. I was so pissed, it was the worst start to today, but it ended on a positive note.

P.S. I was singing Taylor Swift's "Never Grow Up" to my mom on the way home after I put down my deposit. It was a bittersweet thing! It kind of speaks to what I feel, but probably will more so once I'm out of my parent's house.

I know that you are probably bored, so I'll leave you...I just wanted to update! :)

Hair.

So first off, I apologize for never posting anymore. I've been super busy finishing the Spring semester of college, preparing for cheer tryouts, getting my first job, and thinking a crap ton. So I'm making time now, and I thought I would just give away my daily routine to keep my hair looking good. haha

1. This is the most important. Take care of your hair by not taking care of your hair. Don't Wash it. Seriously, I wash my hair probably 2 times a week, unless I'm doing something where it needs to look 'excellent.' There is no reason to wash your hair everyday, all you are doing is wasting time, money, and water. Not washing my hair definitely works for me, my hair rarely gets greasy so it can withstand days of not washing. Yes, I know this sounds gross but, those of you who know me, my hair never looks disgusting, unless you see me at home. Also, stop dying it every other week. It damages and fries your hair. I mean dyeing can be fun, but is it worth it? Also, if you want your hair long...YOU HAVE TO STOP CUTTING IT!

2. This goes along with not washing your hair, wear the same style for a few days. If I straighten my hair on Monday, I'll get at the least two days of wear out of it. However, if you don't want to keep the same style mix it up. Either go over your hair with a curling iron, simply wet it and scrunch, or throw it in a pony (this doesn't have to be boring, do a braided bang and a straight pony).

3. If you feel that you can't go without washing it, then you fail, but you should just throw it up in a messy bun on the very top of your head where you cannot feel it. lol That's what I do.



Once you have taken those things into consideration my 'daily' routine begins.


(Take your messy bun out and brush it)

After my hair has finally acquired ample grease, I wash it. Right now I'm using Aussie Shampoo and Aussie Conditioner, I got the huge bottles for 5 bucks a piece at Wal*Mart. Not expensive! Before I wet my hair, I brush it out, make sure there aren't any tangles or anything, because you'll more than likely just pull hair out as your washing it.



Apply your shampoo, make sure to massage it onto your scalp, make sure your entire head and hair is covered with shampoo. I like to leave my shampoo sit on for a minute or two (Since I don't wash it a lot), let it really soak up all that grease and nasty-ness. Depending on if I have my brush in the shower with me, I very gently and cautiously brush the shampoo out of my hair while the water is running on it.



When the shampoo is completely rinsed, I then take a generous amount of conditioner and smear it in my hair, taking the brush to distribute it evenly throughout my hair. I leave the conditioner on for 3 to 5 minutes. I put the conditioner in and then wash my face and body to allow it time to set in.



Once the times up and the conditioner needs to come out, I also brush this out of my hair with the water. Seriously though, go slow and be cautious, there is a reason you're not supposed to brush wet hair, you're supposed to use a comb. It can break your hair off like crazy.

I always try to squeeze as much of the water out of my hair before using a towel. So, I stand in the shower and let my hair drip a few times and squeeze and repeat 2 more times. I have a lot of hair and it holds moisture too well. Once that's done, I put it in a towel, and leave it there for a while letting it dry on it's own.






If you can wear your hair natural and like it, then skip this part! However, I don't like the way my hair looks naturally so I generally straighten it. First, I apply some Got2Be flat iron and blow drying lotion to my damp hair. I brush it through to distribute it, then I blow dry it which takes me around five minutes. I give my hair a rest by waiting five minutes before moving on to straightening it, to let it cool down a little.










I use a straightener I picked up at Salvation Army for a dollar so it's nothing spectacular. It's Andi's I believe, anyway I really like it, and I think new they're like 20? At any rate, I straighten my hair in 4 sections. I take my time, and do small portions of hair, that way I only have to go over it once or twice to get it as straight as I want it. I straighten a section, then put it in a pony tail so it doesn't get confused with unstraightened hair. I keep the unstraightened hair in a high messy bun on my head, and as I take down a section I brush it, so it's not tangled. After I have completed everything, depending on where I'm going, I'll tease it, spray a little hair spray to get rid of fly aways, and when I have it, I use shine spray to give my hair shine and to keep the fly aways at bay.



So, I get complimented on my hair quite often, and this is what I do. It's not hard at all, it's not anything special. This is my routine and you know my results.









(Obviously I'm out of shine spray hence the flyaways lol)