Happy New Year | 2017

HAPPY NEW YEAR DOLLS!

I'm very excited about 2017! This past year has definitely been a year of changes, growth, adjusting, checking and readjusting. I'm very thankful for my many adventures, accomplishments and even the mistakes.

& Of course It wouldn't be a New Year post if I didn't mention my 2017 goals are

Getting in the best shape of my life while 

Meditating daily which will hopefully encourage me to focus on things that really matter and 

SAVE like my life depends on it, so I can 

Invest in my dreams and future like never before...all while

Being madly in love.

Thank you guys so much for continuously reading and being a part of my life for these past few years. 

Cheers,

Courtney

Checking In...

HEY Y'ALL! Just checking in to say "hello"! I've been extremely busy with birthday festivities, travel, work and all the craziness of life in general. I've been doing quite a bit of Fall shopping and I have a ton a post ideas so stay tuned in the next week or so for Fall fashion and beauty posts and maybe even a video! 

 Shorts-Zara

Body Suit-Zara

Sweater-H&M

Sandals-Aldo

vegas, missed flights, orlando & more...

Hey Loves! It feels like every time I post I’m returning from a hiatus and that’s probably because that’s the case.:-/ As always, life got in the way, but I thought it was only right to give you an update of where I’ve been & what I've been up to.

I surprised my fiancé with a birthday trip to Vegas (we went early April). It was my first time in VEGAS and it was definitely an adventure. Everyone should definitely go to Vegas at least once! So let’s get into the trip…

In true Courtney fashion I missed my flight, due to shopping (WHO DOES THAT)!? After that fiasco we finally made it to Vegas, checked in and the sleepless fun began!

We stayed at the MGM Grand Hotel & Casino and I loved it. The room was modern, the hotel was huge and the casino was my favorite of all the other ones I visited while in Vegas. I won money, lost money, ate…a lot, shopped a little, drunk some, explored a ton and had an amazing time. I probably slept a total of 16 hours in 4 days.

A few weeks later I was off to Orlando for a family vacation. It was a nice little getaway. I explored Orlando, danced all night in a Jamaican club, spent all day at the pool and of course...I ATE! My favorite part of the trip was a cute little brunch cruise. The ship sailed on St. John's River and the view was absolutely amazing!

& then it was back to normal life...

Happy New Year | 2016

Happy New Year! We're nearly a week into the new year and I'm extremely excited for the beauty that will be 2016. I spent a large portion of 2015 impatiently waiting for things to happen, towards the end of last year I decided to create the life I want. I'm a firm believer in changing your mind and your life will follow.

Instead of focusing on the things that could or should be better,  I've been focusing on the thoughts and actions it takes to create those things.  It's not enough to want something or feel like you deserve something simply because you are you or you're a great person. There is an abundance of people in the world living complacent lives and feeling as if they want or deserve more. I decided I no longer want to be one of those people. I've opened my heart and mind to all the abundance that life has to offer.

My first step was job hunting like a mad women and not being afraid to ask for the pay and flexibility I wanted and deserve. Well now that that's checked off my list, on to my other major goals...

• Continuing to eat clean and becoming fully Pescatarian (Right now I'm Pescatarian + Turkey:)
• Decorating every space I occupy on a regular basis to be welcoming and relaxing - feng shui
• Cleaning every night and before I leave my house so my home welcomes me back
• Exercising at least 3 times a week, to start...this one will be tough for me at first
• Saving - I have to get my shopping under control and depend less on the thrill of shopping, my goal is to always save more than I spend even with bills calculated in the money spent
• My blog will be a major focus this year because writing has always been a major passion and this will be my investment in myself 
• I'm in the process of deciding the next step in my education - Master's or Certificates in my career field
• Most importantly mental health - this year I will breath, smile, cry, meditate, laugh, dance, sing, relax, and repeat

I look forward to this journey with you all and as always thank you for coming along.

XoXo,

Courtney

it's been a while...

Hey Y'all! I know...I know...It's been a while! Over the past few months there has been many changes in my life. I got a new job and shortly after moved into a new place. With all the much needed changes came a lot of adjusting, tons of unpacking and organizing, which that I'm still in the process of working through.

I came back to hundreds of views and that's motivated me to turn it up a notch with the content and the frequency of my posts.

I want to commit to a posting schedule, I'll start with every Sunday and then move into twice a week...Even though I'm writing this Wednesday night and scheduling it to post tomorrow...Thursday :-/ LOL

Thank you all from the bottom of my heart for continuing to be a part of my journey.

XoXo,
Courtney

Finding the Perfect Hairstylist

Finding a hairstylist that takes her time, cares about hair health, is able to deliver the results you ask for, is professional and actually styles hair well is harder than it sounds.

When I moved to a city like Atlanta I thought I would have no problem finding a talented hair stylist, but boy was I wrong. With so many claiming to be "Weave-ologist","Master Stylist" and "Veterans" you'd think there would be too many great stylist to choose from.

So far, I've been to four hair stylists at four different hair salons. I've come across extreme unprofessionalism, lack of attention to hair health, hair damage, and just down right bad service. It left me wondering if I would ever find a stylist worth paying my hard earned money. I believe I've finally found a stylists I will be going to for a while & I'll share more about her in an upcoming post.

Now that I've been through a couple of stylists and had my share of horror stories I feel that its only right to share some of the tips I've learned in picking a stylist who will make your hair both beautiful and healthy.

Tips:

• You get what you pay for. Do not attempt to find a quality stylist by searching for the cheapest one. You may have to spend a few extra dollars for someone who is more qualified and uses quality products and tools.
• Ask Questions. Before you book your appointment do not be afraid or feel like a bother for asking questions. Find out about the products the stylist uses, how long the stylist has been doing hair, if the stylist can do the specific style you want and if the stylist is familiar with styling your hair texture.
• Get the price up front. Make the stylist aware of what you want done specifically and get the price so there will be no surprises.
• Take before and after photographs. It's always nice to have something to compare your final outcome with.
• Bring a picture. This is the best way to illustrate exactly how you want your hair, but be mindful all hair types are not the same and won't look the same in a style.
• Be professional. Although the salon is often seen as an informal place it is a place of business, so be comfortable and enjoy yourself, but always be professional and on time.

I will be sharing my hair story and following my hair journey here on Fashionofliving.com.

Stay tuned.

XoXo

Courtney