It's ok. {Round 2}

Anyone else think this week is flying by?!

This has been my week. Cats, cowls, and nail polish.

Anyways, I'm linking up with Neely for It's Okay Thursday...


It's ok...

to be sooooo excited about the Weddings we have booked this year. One is a lifelong friend of mine and I'm so thrilled that they chose us to photograph their big day!

to come to the conclusion that I focus much more and am WAY more productive in the mornings when I drink Red Bull as opposed to coffee.

to be a little annoyed that it's so cold out. Again. Still.

to have full fledged conversations with my cat when he consistently wakes me up at 3am for no reason. "Why, Tric, why?! Ugh" "Meow" "Ugh... I don't know what you want..." it goes a lot like that... then he gets booted out the door. Momma needs her sleep. #crazycatlady

to be thinking about a little sale at Nora & Jac. Who doesn't love a little discount? ;) And on that note to get all warm and fuzzy inside when I read sweet emails, tweets, and blog posts about my cowls.

to keep it short and simple today.

Have a fantastic Thursday, y'all!

Random Wednesday.

It's Wednesday. It was 60 degrees. It's January 30th. And it's storming... if that's not all random. I don't know what is...

I'm linking up with Shanna at Because Shanna Said So... for Random Wednesday!

Are y'all ready for the round of randomness...
I didn't think I liked lemon in my water until I started drinking this "skinny water" stuff {more on that later} and honestly, I've found it really refreshing. Granted there are other things in it, but I predominately taste the lemon. And then at a newborn session yesterday, our client, so sweetly gave us some ice water... with lemon. And it was so good... maybe my tastes are changing... or maybe I'm just a weirdo cause I thought I didn't like it. 

We are doing a little redecorating in our living room - this is what happens when you have two fashion girls living under the same roof... the need for things to always be pretty. Our color scheme - aqua, mustard, and plum. Fresh and fun!! Every night when I'm drifting off to sleepy land, I scroll through Pinterest... it's like a lullaby or something. {I know I should read or something... but I like to stimulate my creative mind}... Anyways, I've found a few projects that I think will be done to really make our living space POP!

Chalkboard Paint. {Source}

Aqua Antlers. I've been dying to make these... and luckily Dad said he has a pair in the garage... he looked at me a little weird when I asked if I could have them... but I think he's used to my off the wall thoughts. {Source}

Pillows! Lots of color and fun fabrics! {Source}

Florida Georgia Line... loving this new country band right now. Although their songs are making me long for summer nights. But they're just feel good, fun songs. I can't help my love for country music...
I'm trying really hard to not feel completely defeated by my lack of gym time the last two weeks. Being away in ATL for a week threw me off - horrible excuse, I know - but let me have it, k?! ;) I'll get back it... I know. But sometimes it's so hard to not be so hard on myself for missing a few days. Why must we be so hard on ourselves? 
And with that I think that concludes my random Wednesday rant... 

Sunday Social {In Depth}

We're gettin' deep, kids... And linking up with Neely for Sunday Social.

What is your ideal way to relax? Ideally - I'd go to the beach, not take my phone, and just be there. Have a little digital detox. Realistically - I catch up on my DVR, cook, or read {well, I used to read...before I got too busy *sigh*}.

Where is your favorite place to be? The beach or just on the water somewhere. Y'all... it's been far too long since I've chilled on the beach and I'm dying to get my toes in the sand right now. This cold and snow that Ohio has been consumed with this winter is k.i.l.l.i.n.g. me.

Who do you consider your biggest role model? My parents. I've met a lot of people in my life, a lot of influential people. But my parents are two of the most amazing. They are hard working, down to Earth, supportive and love unconditionally. They have taught me so much and have always pushed me to be the best version of myself. If I can be half the people they are when I grow up, I'll be happy. ;)

How funny is this picture?! Gotta love the 90s. I couldn't not post this little gem. You are welcome. ;)

What does your life look like in 3 years? Good I hope... I don't know, I always have a hard time with the "Where do you see yourself in 5 years?" questions... I could see myself a thousand places. Want a million different things... but the reality of it, it'll change. Drastically, I'm sure. So in 3 years, I want to be happy. Spoiling the hell outta Harper, teaching her life lessons. {Always paint your nails, you'll never meet a leopard print you don't like, cowboy boots look cute with everything - ya know, the important things ;) #bestauntever} Enjoying life, my friends, my family and everything that goes with that. Vague? Perhaps... but I'd rather that than to be sorely disappointed. 

If you could go back and change one decision, what would it be? I wouldn't. Sure things have happened in my life that would have changed the entire course of my life... but then I wouldn't be where I am. And I like where I am. I have been blessed with some of the most amazing people in my life - fantastic experiences - and it's hard to want to have changed one thing knowing that all that I have now would be different. 

What is your biggest accomplishment in life thus far?? Growing up, learning lessons, realizing that not everything will always be the way that I want it - but it'll still be okay in the end. Being comfortable in my own skin. Figuring out what's worth the fight and what's not... I think all of those things are monumental accomplishments, honestly.

Happy Sunday, kittens! I'm off to work for entire day of boudoir mini sessions!!!

It's okay...

It's okay...

to have drank a large coffee and a red bull and still not feel completely awake.
to watch listen to Keeping Up With the Kardashians while working instead of jamming to music.
to wear my workout clothes to work in hopes of motivating myself to go to the gym when I'm finished.
to find inspiration for what to pack for my trip by perusing on Pinterest.
to think Kourtney Kardashian is absolutely gorgeous.
to have failed on getting on the treadmill yet this week... but I HAVE done the #plankchallenge and other cardio so I call it a success still.
to kinda be in roadtrip mode already.
to have ordered Girl Scout cookies - only to text back a few hours later and add more to my order. Thin mints, they're my weakness.
to be lusting after this bag... I'll never drop that much on a bag...

but she's pretty isn't she???

to be completely ready to get away for a couple of days...

I'm linking up with Neely and Amber today for "It's Ok Thursday" - are you linked up??

Happy Thursday, lovers! 

Don't forget to check out the shop and our Facebook page!

Semi Wordless Wednesday

Things I'm LOVING right now...

Turquoise nail polish  - why don't I have this color? I need it. NEED. IT.

Striped Vases - bright, pretty vases... yes, please. I think these are needed for spring.  I sense a DIY day in the future!

{Source}

Coffee Sack Pillows... first, Sew Caroline is one of my most FAVORITE blogs. Second, before she posted this DIY, she posted a picture on Instagram... so I spent the weekend looking for coffee sacks at antique malls back home... I love, love, love this... and will be adorning my living room with these babies soon!!!

Happy hump day, pretties!

Be. More. Awesome.

Yup... I've complained about all the people crowding the gym because of their New Year's resolution... but, truth be told...

I'm one of them. 

I just happened to have belonged to the gym BEFORE 2013. I just didn't make it there in December, and November was a bit of a rough month with me and the gym as well. BUT before that... I was doing okay... that counts, right?

Source

However, somewhere I've found the motivation to get back into working out and eating better. And I've been very successful so far. Surprisingly, I've lost 7 lbs since before Christmas. I'm going to credit being sick to some of that. And the rest goes to my cutting down on my carb, sweets, and booze intake - and getting my bum moving again.

And it helps when my instagram and twitter feeds are full of people and friends doing the same thing. My friend, Nikki and I are doing the Plank Challenge {#plankchallenge} again. Everyday {aside from today - oops} we see how long we can hold a solid plank. Right now I'm at 2:12 - Nikki is almost over 3 minutes. The trick... turn on some good music, get in position, and focus. It's amazing how quickly your core begins to strengthen.

Before Christmas I had started the couch to 5k program. I was into week 3 when the gym and I had a falling out... so I haven't attempted it yet this year, but hopefully this week I'll be able to get back on the treadmill and pick up where I left off. {fingers crossed}

This leg workout. 

And with eating... I think it's just to be more mindful of what I'm eating. I don't want to obsess or restrict myself from certain foods. It's just about moderation. Eating more fruits and vegetables. Limiting my breads and sugars. I've done well with it - I am quite knowledgeable of food and good vs. bad.

Chicken Pesto Bake from SkinnyTaste

My ultimate goal is to lose 20 lbs. But I think setting small goals and rewarding myself during the process will keep me in check and motivated...

Last weeks goal: Work out at least 4 days. DONE! 
Reward: Whatever my heart desires at Starbucks. {I haven't collected on this yet!}

This weeks goal: Complete week 3 of Couch to 5k.
Reward: New workout outfit.

Next weeks goal: Still working on it... I'll be in ATL for half of it... so it'll probably just be managing to get a workout in at all while we're away.

Do you set workout goals? Large? Small? How do you reward yourself? What are your tips and tricks?

Follow me on Twitter and Instagram to see my #plankchallenge and everything else I post. ;)

Happy Monday, lovers! We have a jam packed week of photo shoots at work {including my new niece...Eeeeek!} and I have cowls to make and send out before Friday. Oh, and gym time. And blogging. Jeez Louise, I'm already tired just thinking about it!

Green Smoothie... Say what?!?!

Smoothie's are all the hype right now... ya know, with everyone's get fit New Year's Resolutions and all that fun jazz...

And I tend to stray away from them because they're full of sugar, or I don't feel full, or they just take way too much time to make.

THEN... my friend, Brandi posted a photo of a green smoothie... I asked what she put in it... SPINACH!!! Admittedly, I was kind of grossed out but also slightly intrigued. So I googled "spinach smoothies" and found  the 5 Day Green Smoothie Challenge on The Beautiful Mess blog.

I decided that the last smoothie she listed sounded good - and I had all the stuff...

So this morning, I tried it.

Green Smoothie Recipe {adapted from The Beautiful Mess}

1 handful of baby spinach
1 cup fresh pineapple
1/2 banana
1/2 orange
splash of skim milk
ice

And let me tell ya - this baby was DELICOUS!!! Sooo refreshing! My only wish is that I had put yogurt or protein powder in it so it would have kept me full longer. Tomorrow, I'll try that.

I was completely a skeptic to this whole "Green Smoothie" trend... but I have jumped on the bandwagon and loving it.

Have you tried spinach in your smoothies? What are you favorite recipes??

Happy Friday, kittens!

Currently.

Loving... Getting back to blogging. I've missed it - but it just wasn't going where I wanted. I'm also loving the love I've gotten with my cowls. I love the sweet tweets saying they love it or that they've worn it everyday. It seriously makes my day. Who knew that this little thing I knitted for myself would be such a hit with everyone else. I couldn't be more thankful and humbled by it. Oh, and morning cuddles with my kitten... okay, he's almost 4 but still...

Watching... All the winter premiere's of my favorite shows! Biggest loser was on Sunday night - which totally motivated me to get back to the gym even more. I was tweeting back and forth with Nikki about eating right and exercising. I watched The Bachelor on Monday night... did y'all see the Fifty Shades of Grey girl?! WHAT was she thinking?! #peoplebecrazy. AND tonight... NASHVILLE comes back... I'm obsessed. It's hands down my favorite show on right now. It made the absence of One Tree Hill not so hard to take this year. #imissyoubdavis

Wishing... That all the New Years Resolution people would get out of the gym. Selfish? Maybe... but c'mon... Saturday mornings used to be a very empty and peaceful time at the gym, now... it's jam packed. I get it, and more power to those of you... but I just want a treadmill. That's all.

Eating... Healthy. After all the junk from the holidays. And the booze... it's time for a detox! I made veggie pizza on Monday {I make a mean pizza!} and it absolutely hit the spot... I know pizza isn't the healthiest, but far be it for me to deny myself one of my favorite foods... I'll just add tons of veggies! Last night I took a stab at stuffed peppers filled with ground turkey, zucchini, and couscous. They were delicious!!!! And tonight is pork tacos... It's nice to get back in the kitchen and cooking. It's one of my happy places.

Reading... Nothing. I have a stack of books to read and even more on my Kindle app on my phone. But between knitting, Full House being on all night, and the holidays... I haven't even cracked open one of those books. Maybe soon... maybe.

Looking forward to... Going home this weekend to see my new niece. Guys, she's the most adorable thing... EVER! And I usually don't think newborns are cute... that's saying a lot. I also may be biased - but whatever. ;) One of our old friends is coming down to meet her too... it'll be a nice weekend. I'm also looking forward to Nashville/Atlanta next weekend/week with Amy. We are going to ATL for Imaging USA {a photography conference} but we thought we'd stop in Nashville on the way down Friday night... and y'all - my inner country girl and country music lovin' heart is BEYOND excited!

I was inspired to do this "Currently" post by Illy at Much Love, Illy - she's one of my favorites!!! What are you doing currently?! Leave a comment or link to your post!

I finally got my shop up and running - I'm working on getting better photos of the cowls - but for now, these will do. Go check it out! And I'm offering 15% off until January 16th. Enter code WELCOME at checkout!

ANDDDD I launched my FB page... make sure to go "like" it! {I'm still working on the html code for my social media buttons... grrrrrr!}

Happy Thursday, lovelies!

So... I've moved.

I've been toying with this change for awhile. A long while actually. While I liked WordPress... I don't feel as if I could ever make it look the way I wanted without spending a lofty amount of money. And quite honestly, I just didn't have that money laying around. So... I stopped blogging for a couple of months. Reason being... I just didn't like the way it looked.

Sad. I know.

I have also been toying with opening up a shop for a bit. I just didn't know the avenue that I wanted to go with it.

But then...

A couple of weeks before Christmas I had made myself this...

A bright, colorful, super soft cowl. And had a HUGE response to it. I hadn't intended on making and selling them but after seeing all the love that my first two got... I decided - why not?! Instead of searching for a niche in the handmade world - one found me. And I couldn't be happier. Or more grateful! 

Since then I have made and sold quite a few - but have used Facebook, Instagram, and word of mouth as my main avenues of selling. 

And after I thought long and hard I decided that opening an online shop would be extremely beneficial. 

With that... Nora & Jac {the story behind the name will be in a later post!} was born. Again, I struggled with whether or not to keep my blog name as Messy Hair & Cowboy Boots or to change it all so it's more cohesive. I bit the bullet... and here we are. I'm starting 2013 completely fresh. New blog, new shop, and lots of exciting things in store. I hope you'll follow me on this new adventure!

Don't forget to follow me on Instagram and Twitter.

Coming VERY soon... my Store Envy shop!!!

p.s. This little guy is still a work a progress so bear with me until the dust settles!