Hairography 2013

I thought it would be fun to take a look at all my hair colors and styles for 2013. My hair has a slight identity crisis, or maybe I just get bored easily....

From left to right: I started 2013 off with my natural hair color because I had been pregnant and did not dye or cut my hair the whole of my pregnancy. Then I added a little bit of lavender, then a little bit more...

Of course it washes out pretty fast, and I was over my long hair now that I had a baby to pull it all the time, so I got a swanky hair cut, then died it pink. I could not get the pink out for the life of me and decided I'd do a crazy Paramore-ish red, which later faded to a gross orange. I'm lazy and the upkeep of red was too much for me and my poor pillow cases. 

I really wasn't sure what to do about the orange, so I dyed my hair brown around May. Of course brown is my least favorite color for my hair to be...bleached and back to lavender, which was very pretty in my opinion. 

Now I normally only use Manic Panic, but a few years ago I bought this huckleberry blue in Color Jamz, and looking fondly back at the pictures, picked up another bottle. It took forever to fade, until I finally just bleached it out, and one of my lovely friends dyed my hair mint green with Pravana. Sadly it washed out in only a couple of washes, and it took a whole tube to cover my hair, so it jut wasn't worth the effort to maintain even though it was so pretty.

I kept my bleached hair for a bit, then I was enchanted with Manic Panic's Enchanted Forest. This color was gorgeous and lasted forever. Of course forever is a long time, and I needed change. Sadly I thought using dawn soap with baking soda was the answer to getting it out, and really damaged my hair. 

When I dye my hair I use mostly conditioner, so in an effort to make my hair feel less like straw I mixed lots of conditioner + manic panic's ultra violet, hot pink, and a splash of pastelizer which resulted in the pretty pink color (I put the photo's in the wrong order). Unfortunately, I didn't get the dye everywhere and had to cover with more purple a few days later.

Right before Amelia's birthday party, I dyed my hair back brown, then headed to my stylist to just cut it all off.

I can never make up my mind about my hair, but I've decided to always just do what feels right to me at the time. Sometimes I get a little self conscious about my crazy hair when I get people coming up to me non stop or staring. Then I remember that it's my hair, and having it be bright and fun makes me happy. It's just hair, it will grow back.

Do you dye your hair? What's your favorite product?

Best Bits of 2013

I've been a tad under the weather these past few days, but I didn't want to miss out on a little review of some of the best bits of 2013! 

1. I opened my online shop to sell my dolls and illustrations! 

This is a big one for me because one of my resolutions for this year was to BE BRAVE.

I had a hard time choosing which platform to use, and ended up with an Etsy and a Storenvy, but I've had the best response from Storenvy. I also met an awesome group of artists and crafters, who have been super supportive and become great friends! If you're looking for a handmade community Storenvy is the place to be! 

I am also excited to say that even though my little shop wasn't open for very long, I made 10 sales this year! Which is just amazing! I've had a great response to my artwork, and I've been cooking up all sorts of cute ideas for 2014!

2. I learned about zines from my rad friend Sonya!

I drew this for her as the cover of her next zine! 

I've also bought so many zines, with plans to buy more. I have an idea for a zine of my own, I just need to make some time to draw everything....sounds like another goal for 2014!

3. I had my 1 year blogiversary giveaway.

I moved my blog from Wordpress to here, but before I did, I had a wonderful giveaway with great feedback. It was so much fun!

4. I finished my 52 week project!

I actually finished something! This is a real challenge for me, because I am all over the place. For instance, I still haven't finished my 30 Days of Lists from March....Amelia made it easy for me to do this challenge because I am constantly taking pictures of her. I'm trying to figure out what to do for 2014's challenge. 

5. Blog re-design!

This is a more recent accomplishment, but I am very proud of my logo and blog redesign. I just got my business cards in the mail today with my new logo. I'm super excited about this brand that I am creating, and look forward to where I can take it in 2014!

I just want to thank everyone who reads my blog and who has supported me by purchasing items in my shop or an ad space. It really means the world to me! I hope you have an awesome New Year's!

Goals/Resolutions for 2013

[caption id="attachment_131" align="aligncenter" width="584"] by Kelly Rae Roberts[/caption]

When thinking of my goals/resolutions for the New Year, I remembered this post and print by Kelly Rae Roberts. It has inspired me to get this year started on the right foot, to focus on the positive, and not to forget to just live in the moment.

2013 Goals/Resolutions:

1. Be Brave: This year is all about taking chances, and doing all those things I only dream about. Being brave is also about letting go. I plan to ask myself, "is this holding me back, or moving me forward?" This covers a broad range of topics, from my art to my home.

2. Embrace Change: There have already been so many changes in my life and the year has barely started. Having a baby has changed my life completely, and the transition to motherhood has been a bit rocky, but I think I am starting to get the hang of it. We have lots of big decisions to make, and I have no idea where they will take us. What I do know, is that embracing the changes and keeping a positive attitude will keep me happier than worrying and fretting.

3. Stay True: I feel as though I am at a turning point in my life where I am changing and growing as a person. I want to embrace this change, but stay true to myself. It's crazy how much my tastes, style, and thoughts are evolving. I'm not sure if this change has to do with turning 30 or becoming a mother (perhaps both), but I'm definitely growing up and it's kinda weird.

4. Celebrate Everything: This year I want to celebrate and document everything. I think this year will be exciting as I see it through the eyes of my daughter. Watching her grow everyday has been cause to celebrate, and I can't stop taking pictures of her and kissing her cute face. Everything seems new and exciting as we just live each day as a new family. I am working on doing a 365 photography project, and it only seemed natural that Amelia is my muse. :)

What are your goals/resolutions for 2013? Leave a comment, I'd love to know what is going on with you for 2013!