My name is Melanie and I'm addicted to Toms...

say hello to one of my newest pairs of Toms. if you know me, you know my FAVORITE pattern is houndstooth and like i always say "herringbone is a close second."

and what do you know...i have a herringbone pair at home waiting to be worn.

as of now, my running total is seven pairs. and i'm seriously contemplating on getting the tweed ones too.

i've just admitted to myself that i have an addiction to toms. what can i say, they are sooo comfortable. to me, they feel like nice form fitting socks. and to be honest with you, i haven't seen any kicks lately that have me excited. i think the last pair of kicks that i was really excited about were my stella mccartney adidas shoes that I got in japan.

until i can find some kicks that really get me feeling like "I HAVE TO HAVE THESE!," i'm happy buying my toms and providing shoes to kids in need.

my addiction started in this order:

olive canvas

natural burlap

earthwise slate

pomegranate cord

blue metallic linen

and then the houndstooth and herringbone ones shown in the beginning...

if they keep coming out with designs i love, i'm happy giving shoes to kids in need.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Make Yourself!

While working and listening to pandora, I came across this ad.

I loved every word in it so I took a snapshot of it! It's motivating and absolutely true. If they made a poster of this, I would put it on my wall so I could wake up to it everyday. As a matter of fact, after my iphone finishes updating, this will be making this my wallpaper. Well, maybe just the words b/c I don't know if I want random athletes that I don't even know about on my phone.

Anyhow, it intrigued me so much that I clicked the link. (Click here to get to the site.) I watched the video and was excited. Excited to get my workout on. So I kept browsing through the site, I was getting disappointed b/c I thought all they were advertising was the clothes...and then I came across this:

There's an app called Nike Training Club (NTC). Looks pretty cool. I'm downloading it now, and as soon as I try a session, I'll let you guys know. If any of you already have this and used it please let me know what you think.

I'm excited. #OperationMelanie

My Very First Birchbox - July 2011

So I finally received my very first Birchbox. I'd been seeing ads for this in magazines and always wondered about it. I thought the concept was pretty cool and I visited the site many times before I finally bit the bullet and just opted in.

Basically, every month Birchbox sends you about 4 -5 samples of beauty products for you to try. The website has information on the products and even videos on how to use it. And, if you like a product you received, you can buy it straight from the site. You also get points for every purchase you make on the site, and every 100 points gets you $10.

Apparently, this is the very first month that Birchbox collaborated with someone to have their favorites put in the box, so this month was a special edition. They collaborated with Cynthia Rowley.

Here is a list of items in my box. (sorry the picture quality sucks)


And, here's what I got:

I've already tried a couple of items in the box b/c I really excited, ANNDDD I wanted to write this blog. I was thinking of doing a youtube video too, but I decided not to. (If you want a video about it, let me know.)

Love the Zoya color, but, as you know I'm obsessed with shellac manicures b/c they last soooo long, so I don't know what I'm going to do with this. Perhaps, make a prize pack and hold a contest or keep the pack for one of my fundraisers. Maybe even one of my nail polish obsessed cousins will ask for it and I MIGHT be nice and give it up.

I have yet to use the Redken Shine Flash. I'm actually really excited to use this. Per the site, it makes your hair look shiny and gets rid of flyaways too. I plan on using this the next time I curl my hair, so I'll keep you posted.

I haven't eaten the Kind bar yet, but I did see a Kind bar in an article listing the 50 best snack foods. (Click here to read the article.)

The Ahava hand cream was the first thing I tried. It did feel a little thicker but absorbed and spread over the skin quite nicely. It left almost a powdery feel. There was a little hint of a smell, I don't know how to describe it, but it was nice smell.

I also tried the Philosophy face wash last night. It claims to be a one step facial. I have to say it did leave my face feeling soft and nice. But I feel like there needs to be a second step, like a moisturizer to go along with it.

That's all for now. I'll be sure to keep you posted with my results for the Redken product.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

My Run Today...

My run today was grueling. My legs were tight even after stretching and never loosened up during the run. I stride didn't feel right and neither did my breathing. And of course my time sucked ass!

But I did get there. I did get my run in. Most importantly, I pushed through to the end. And really that's all that really matters.

You'll have your good days where you feel like you can go on forever. And you'll have your bad days where it feels like it's the hardest thing you've ever done, even when last week felt so easy. But, your most challenging days are your most rewarding.


- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Summer Tip for Your Hair

I've been wanting to do this video for quite some time. I actually thought about doing this video before I filmed my "easy summer make up look" video. I've finally had time to film, edit, and load it.

I hope you enjoy:

Here is where you can find information on the Matrix Sunsorials line: http://www.matrix.com/products/biolage/sunsorials/

I originally bought the Matrix Sunsorials products from Ulta, but I couldn't find them on the site or in the stores. I did however, find them on amazon.com, but I don't remember them being as expensive as they are listed on there.

Here is where you can find information on the Redken Color Extend Sun line: http://www.redken.com/products/haircare/color-extend-sun

I bought the Redken Color Extend After Sun Shampoo at Ulta $13.50

Here is where you can find information on the Fredric Fakkai Marine line: http://www.fekkai.com/collection/marine-hair/

Here is where you can find information on the Bed Head Some Like it Hot line: http://www.tigihaircare.com/consumer/en-us/bedhead/bedhead-products.asp?product=SLIHShampoo&categoryID=1

I actually found the shampoo and conditioner in the 25.36oz for $14.99 each at Marshalls.

shellac update

i did a shellac post and video last month and told you all how shellac is a nail polish that lasts about 2 weeks minimum without chipping. so to you non-believers or to those of you that are simply just curious as to what a shellac manicure looks like after 2 weeks...well i pushed mine out a lot longer. i got my nails done on friday, june 10th and didn't get my nails done again until tuesday, july 5th, a little over 3 weeks. here's what mine looked like before i got them done again.

PLEASE BE AWARE...THIS IS NOT A PLEASANT SIGHT TO SEE!!

but yeay for me, my nail lady got new colors for the summer and my nails don't have to look hideous anymore.

i got "ooba ooba blue" and "canival hangover"

colbie caillat at harlot - july 8, 2011

last friday, colbie caillat did a free happy hour concert at a bar in the city called harlot. luckily for us, some of our friends were in line since about 330pm. so, we were some of the first to walk in and this is how i got such a good spot to watch her.

here are some snippets of the songs she did. there's just something about live music that makes it so much more for me. i hope you enjoy...