Update & Giveaway!

Well to say it's been a while since my last blog post would be stating the obvious. I miss you guys!!

June and July kicked my butt! I had six weddings in June alone, and worked overtime in the salon, traveled to see Sammy, and the blog just naturally fell to the back burner.

As I gear up for August, I'm implementing healthy changes. I'm excited to say that I will no longer be working more than 40 hours in the salon. Between weddings and the salon, I have been logging in 60-80 hours a week, and though I LOVE my job, with it comes physical stress. That physical stress has left me waking up in tears from joint pain, and with little to no time left over to fit in exercise.

It's time to make myself a priority. I don't want to get burnt out, I want to work as long as it makes me happy, and I doubt that time will ever run out, IF I take care of myself.

One of the blogging perks, that hasn't slowed down even though I haven't been posting, is smell-good-snail-mail! I am blown away by the generosity of the beauty industry! I've finally taken the time to try out a bajillion products, and would love to share what I think of them with you! But first, I'd love to give you some to try yourself!

I'm psyched for this Beauty Box Giveaway! In it one lucky lady will receive:

• Color WOW Shampoo and Conditioner (HOW have I never tried these products before. Just wait 'til I share they're Root Cover Up with you!)
• Real Chemistry Luminous 3 Minute Peel AND Environmental Rescue Mask (The best face mask I've ever used. Period.)
• Muk Argan Oil Shine Spray (Fancy!)
• Murad Refreshing Cleanser (I'm jealous of whoever wins this.)
• Soften Her Exfoliating Pads (Ingrown hair - beware. These lady exfoliant pads are magic.)
• Aveda Energizing Body Cleanser and Volumizing Tonic (Lovely little travel buddies.)
• Crest 3D Whitening Mouthwash (Fresh breath AND whitening. Double. Whammy.)

Stay tuned for my full reviews and tutorials coming soon!

You have until Friday at 9am to enter the giveaway! To win, you must leave a comment below with your Instagram handle, and follow @YourStylistAJ on Instagram. The winner of this $250 value Beauty Box will be announced and shipped on Friday!

XO AJ

Independence Day

I hope you have the most amazing holiday weekend full of SPF, fireworks and time with people who make you laugh 'til you cry!

I'm headed to the family lake house to do just that!

XO AJ

Photos by Stoffer Photography

Life Update and WWW Findings

Lately has been crazy! I've been traveling for weddings and Sammytime, slammed at the salon, and have had two weddings almost every weekend! I'm SO happy because Sammy's in town for a few days for the Nationals @ Cubs series, and I have two beauuuutiful brides this weekend. Life is good.

I've had braces for about a month now, which you've spotted if you follow me on Instagram. It has been a challenge feeling hot, eating, talking, kissing... basically I'm being an even bigger diva about them than I thought possible. But it'll be worth it right?

How is the 4th of July already next week? I can't wait for some family time at our lake house in Northern Michigan! Sunblock, ice cream, long walks, chats with Grandpa, snuggles with Grandma. Yes.

This looks like an amazing experience.

This is seriously me before I knock on a bride's hotel room door.

A sweet cuff for you or a friend.

LOVE this cover.

Literally shaking my head.

We should try this!

Brilliant.

I finally bought this bathing suit!

My face when someone I follow pins a REAL ugly updo.

The temp tats you need for summer!

The perfect from day to night lip creation!

So pretty. Must try.

XO AJ

Knot Bun // Hair Tutorial

I love a polished, classic style... but I love a perfectly imperfect look even more. Enter the Knot Bun. This look is fun with a little black dress, or a tank and cutoffs. You decide which fits you best!

To get the look, follow these simple steps!

1-2. Divide your hair into two sections that resemble pigtails, then tie them in a knot.

3. Below the knot, tie a clear elastic around the ponytails left out.

4. Below the clear elastic, tie another know.

5. Below the second knot, tie a clear elastic around the ponytails left out. (If you have shorter hair, this look can be done with only one knot, if your hair is especially long, you might need three knots!)

6. Roll the knots upward and pin into place, leaving the "tails" out.

7-8. Tug at the crown and loosen the look a bit.

Complete the look with hairspray. Pictured here is Aveda Witch Hazel which I love for a light hold.

If you try this look, please post and use the hashtags #YSAJtutorial so I can see your masterpiece!!

XO AJ

Photos by Stoffer Photography

When in doubt, be both sincere and fashionable.

I get so many requests for outfit posts, so I figured it was time to start listening! Click below to be directed to each item.

HAT // TANK (sold out, similar here) // BLAZER // DENIM (on sale!)// SHOES (sold out, similar here)

XO AJ

Photos by Stoffer Photography

Arugula and Sweet Potato Salad

It's that time of year! Time for fresh foods and lots of green! I try to maintain that mentality all year, but this winter was enough to drive any girl deep into a bowl of mac 'n cheese. This salad is one of my favorites! Lots of ladies is my family make it, but this is my twist on a fresh yet filling ensalada!

YOU WILL NEED:

• Baby Spinach
• Baby Arugula
• Sweet Potatoes
• Roasted Sunflower Seeds
• Craisins
• Lemon
• Olive Oil
• Salt & Pepper
• Parmesan (OPTIONAL)

Now, here's the tricky part. I decided not to give you any measurements here. How dare I right?!

The "correct" way to make this is to go for a 1:1 ratio of greens and sweet potatoes. That version is SO good, but I'm working hard in the gym and in the kitchen to be smart and control my portions, and though sweet potatoes are good, good for you, AND paleo, there're still higher in calories than say, arugula. So in these photos, I used two sweet potatoes for a big bowl of greens. It's enough that you can get a sweet potato cube into every bite, but that you still feel like you're being true to the word "salad".

1.Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

2. Peel and cube sweet potatoes.

3.Toss cubes in olive oil on a baking sheet. Place in oven for 15 minutes. After 15 minutes, place under broil until the edges begin to brown.

4. Add as many sunflower seeds and cranberries as you prefer

5. Next mix fresh lemon juice and olive oil. I like a 2:1 ratio here, with two parts lemon to one part olive oil. Also, add salt and pepper to this if you prefer!

6.  Once browned, add your sweet potatoes to the salad! Next, pour over your dressing mixture.

7. I love to top this off with a little bit of fresh parm. If you're really behaving, you can absolutely skip it!

ENJOY!

If y'all try it let me know in the comments below! AND if you'd like to see more healthy recipes, I'd love that feedback from you as well!

XO AJ

Dirty Girl.

I don't wash my hair. Ok, I do but I mean, it needs to be a special occasion.

Once or twice a week is all I have the patience for. I love doing hair, but is there a girl out there who enjoys roundbrushing their own hair? If that girl is out there please come forward so we can give you a round of applause.

I swear by dry shampoos, texturizing sprays and recycling my curls.

Typically my weekly hair schedule looks a little like this:

Day 1- Shampoo, blast dry, curl

Day 2- Add dry shampoo, brush through, peace out

Day 3- Potentially add more dry shampoo, recycle the Day 1 curls into a cute pony

Day 4- Add more dry shampoo, brush through, recycle hair into an updo

Day 5- Shampoo day! OR.... if it's an early morning or I'm feeling lazy, another updo, or a fun hat with a side fishtail braid!

Updos work best on dirty hair. A braid crown doesn't even really look good to me unless it's three days deep in dirt.  Always dirty and always purrty.

I challenge you to skip an extra shampoo day this week! Hit snooze sister ; )

XO AJ

Crest 3D Whitestrips Review

How did it take me this long to whiten my teeth!?

If you follow along on Instagram, you saw this sweet gift from Crest a couple weeks ago. I was so excited to play with my new toys, and after only three days, I feel whiter and brighter! I seriously can't imagine how fresh my teeth will look after a couple more weeks!

Forget spending hundreds to bleach your teeth through your dentist! These new Professional Effects strips were nothing like I remember from years ago because they DON'T MOVE a muscle when they're on. I had an entire conference call with these babies in, and they didn't shift or get ooey gooey. Yes please.

PS. This cute tank is available here. PSS. Get your whitestrips here.

Products were gifted by Crest, but the opinions here are always my own : )

The power of a noun.

I’ll never forget sitting in Mrs. Metzger’s 8^th grade English class that day.

“What are you waiting for? I said go! My goodness this generation is slow. Get up to that board!”

Just moments before, we were asked to choose a word that described ourselves. We all popped right up after Mrs. Metger’s scolding demand, and took turns writing our word, and passing the torch.

Once settled back in our seats, the world’s longest acrylic nail tapped on the side of the world’s thickest glasses while studying our words. “Whoooo chose passionate?” she howled.

I was so proud. I knew it was a good one! I knew mine was the best! I’m a Stroud, passion is in our blood. “I did.” I admitted.

“You better keep that passion above the belt missy.” She successfully embarrassed me as the rest of the glass giggled.

I was so upset. Did she REALLY think I was getting frisky with my pre braces expander leaving a ginormous gap in my teeth, the fact that I was wearing a bra I didn’t need, let alone rocking a unibrow. C’mon. My word was perfect! I was passionate.

I don’t remember what the rest of that lesson was, but I give Mrs. Metzger an F.

This story isn’t supposed to spotlight middle school hussies or bad teachers, but that as far back as I can remember, I’ve believed in my passions, and followed them. I’ve failed. A LOT. I’ve learned so much more.

I’m tired and happy. Scared and excited. Undoubtably passionate.

I was eliminated this morning in the fourth round of the Allure Beauty Blogger Awards. I’m OK! I’m maybe even slightly relieved. I’m fine with it because it lit a fire in me just like Mrs. Metzger. It motivated me in ways I didn’t know I had! It pushed me to do things like get in front of a video camera, add even moooore to my plate, allow myself to be judged and voted for or against, and actually compete FOR my passions.

I’m not left with an award, but I’m so proud of myself. I made it to the top 10 Beauty Bloggers in the nation in the eyes of the respectable Allure Magazine! My 13 year old self would be so proud, and more importantly, my 25 year old self is pretty damn proud too.

Learn through your failures, they teach you more than your successes.

Your Stylist, AJ

Photo by Kina Wicks XO

Seeking Balance

"I know you can be overwhelmed, and  you can be underwhelmed, but can you ever just be.... whelmed?" -10 Things I Hate About You

Do you remember that silly comment from such a classic movie?

I want to be whelmed. I'm an extremist, and labeled as dramatic by my friends and family often. Everything always seems to be the best ever or the worst ever. I'm typically under impressed or raving about an experience. Nothing is ever just fine. What I'm really saying is, I lack balance, but strive for it constantly.

I started a pen and paper list last week of general goals to help achieve balance. This is my list, but maybe it will help you make your list. We're all so great at setting new goals when newness comes. New year, new job, new home, new relationship... but we don't need to rely on change to create change. 

Who's with me?

READ MORE. I often let my mind believe I have writer's block. Really I think I'm just tired and after a 12 hour day can't creatively write for the blog. I'm determined to read more. Some of the best advice I've ever gotten was, "If you want to be a better writer, be a better reader."

SAVE MONEY. I'm fairly good at this already, but I'm better at spending it. I set a new goal for my savings account, and it's important. We're adults. We can LIVE, but we can also be well prepared for LIFE.

EAT CLEAN. I have such a love/ hate relationship with food. I'm sure it's something I'll forever struggle with. Clean food makes me happier than junk food, once I've established routine. I need balance here more than anywhere in my life. That doesn't mean a kale smoothie followed by Ben & Jerry's. The two don't cancel each other out, (but trust me I've tried believing that).

WAKE UP EARLIER. I'm a natural night owl. The problem is, after working all day, I still have a blog, emails, and life waiting for me. Those things only get 50% of my energy after a long day. I need to be most productive in the morning, so I need to have a bedtime, and a wakeup time, both setting me up for success.

MEDITATE. We're all so busy. The little time that we aren't busy doing something, we're caught phone in hand, Breaking Bad on, and thoughts on steroids. I'm really dedicated to working on meditating regularly.

VISIT GRANDMA. Family is so important, and I come from a damn good one. Living away from literally everyone I love isn't easy, and it's important to make time for family. Laughing is medicine, and my family makes me laugh until I cry. I'm actually laughing out loud thinking about them.

SWEAT 5x A WEEK. I'm so guilty of the "I don't have time" excuse. My body is too important to not make time for. I'm more motivated now than EVER. PS. If any of you wanna work out together I'm always down!

PAY IT FORWARD. If you can afford Starbucks, you can afford to hand the cashier a $10 bill, pay for the person behind you, and leave the rest for a tip. You might just make someone's day. But paying it forward isn't always in the form of payment. I challenge all of us to find little ways to pay it forward, and make someone smile when the need it. We're all in this together.

SCHEDULE DOWN TIME. I work in my down time, I don't take days off, I email from bed when I should be sleeping, and I sometimes feel like time is passing me by. Starting this week, I worked in a little bit of down time. Me time. Without down time, many of the other things on this list aren't possible. Consider it recovery time : )

SHOW THANKS. "Thank you" is one of the most powerful phrases for me to hear. I assume that means it's as nice for others to hear it. Saying "Thank you." and SHOWING "Thank you." are two very different things. I think we can all work a little harder to show how much we appreciate the people in our lives and the strangers that we meet.

XO AJ

The ADORABLE bag above is available here! 

 

Allure Beauty Blogger Awards Challenge 3

I MADE IT TO THE THIRD ROUND OF THE ALLURE BEAUTY BLOGGER AWARDS! This week's challenge was "A Week in Beauty". Pretty broad right?

For this challenge, I wanted to focus less on my personal beauty routine, and more about the lifestyle I lead within the beauty industry. As a hairdresser, and owner of a bridal hair business, my life in beauty isn't about me, it's about YOU.

Check out the video for a little baby glimpse into my world, but more importantly PLEASE head over to Allure.com to #VOTEforAJ.

Two voters will win a Samsung Galaxy Note 8.0 tablet worth $399. All voters will also be entered for a chance to win the grand prize: a trip to Rancho La Puerta in Mexico, plus $1,000 worth of Revlon products.

XO AJ

When you know...

World, meet Andrew and Rachel. These two hotties met and married in under a year, because when you know you know. There's something so beautiful in waiting for your person, only to find out it was totally worth the wait. I am so inspired by the love these two have, and their outstanding ability to throw a romantic party for their closest friends and fam.

For Rachel's hair, we didn't even do a trial! She just described a little imperfect side updo and had this amazing BHLDN headpiece that stole the show! This look is one of my favorite to date.

OH! And P.S. These photos were captured by the everamazing Stoffer Photography!

Love you both so much.

XO AJ

P.S.S. The winner of Wednesday's Spring Dress Giveaway is Erica Kratt!! Congrats girl! Dress will ship out next week : )

Spring Dress GIVEAWAY

I'm crazy excited about today's giveaway sponsored by Bonnie & Clyde!

This supercute minty blue dress is one of my faves. It's jersey knit lining will keep you comfy, while the chiffon high low detail adds an element of fancy. This dressy or casual spring piece could be yours! Just enter  below by Friday at 9am!

The deets:  -Dress is a Lucca Couture size M -Belt not included -Shipping on me! -Entires must be in by 9am Friday, 4/25

a Rafflecopter giveaway

XO AJ

EASY Hair Tutorial

Buns2

You may recognize this pretty head of hair from our HoneyBuns Tutorial! This tutorial is even easier! It reminds me of a french twist because of it's vertical architecture, but is a little younger and more fun to look at!

1-2. Begin by creating three sections horizontally, and clip the top two out of the way.

3. Next, twist your bottom section up into a bun, and secure with bobby pins.

4-5.  Continue to work up the sections, twisting them into buns, and securing with bobby pins.

6. Complete the look with your favorite hairspray!

Don't forget to tag your creations on Instagram using the hashtag #YSAJtutorial

XO AJ

Thank you Emilia for the gorgeous photos!

VOTING has opened!

GUYS! Voting has opened!

Being a finalist in the Allure Beauty Blogger Awards just got real. Today is the first day of voting, and Challenge 1 is a good one!

Head over to Allure to vote for Your Stylist AJ, and keep me from getting eliminated! You can win some seriously great prizes just by voting. : )

XO AJ

Inspiration Station

Lately I've been sucked in and inspired by these two Tumblr pages:

The Glossier Nerd  & Her New Tribe 

Go ahead, get lost in them!

I've been consistently inspired by neutrals with an overdose of texture. What's been inspiring you lately?

XO AJ

#ALLUREBBA

Guess what?! I'm a finalist in Allure's Beauty Blogger Awards!

This year, Allure chose their top 10 picks to compete as finalists in the competition. When I got the call that I was one of them, I just about passed out. I stopped walking, sat straight down on the sidewalk, and tried to act normal. But this isn't normal, this is HUGE.

All my life, I've set large goals, but sometimes, I let the largest ones pass out of fear. Fear is a powerful feeling, and one of my personal goals for 2014, was to ignore fear, and only follow the words "I AM" with words of optimism and strength. I would love to win this competition, but I mean it when I say I already feel like I've won. Challenging myself to even apply for a spot, and putting myself in the vulnerable position of letting America vote either for or against me, is such personal progress. We all have insecurities, and some of mine had to be broken down in order to make this happen. I am so proud of myself for that, and at the very least, I will take that away from this experience.

Beginning this Monday, April 14th, we finalists will compete in up to five challenges, and YOUR votes can keep me in it to win it! And get this- you can win incredible prizes just for voting. Not a bad deal right?

I'll keep you posted each week as the new challenges are released! I'm excited to share my love of the beauty industry and hope you guys enjoy what I've been working on!

Thank you so much to Allure for this opportunity! I'm also just beaming with gratitude, as the close friends and family in my life have shown an incredible amount of support.

See you at the first Challenge on Monday! Until then, you can see my intro video and interview HERE!

XO AJ

Easy Fancy Bun Tutorial

Emilia Jane Photography

Hi lovlies! Welcome back to another tutorial! This Fancy Bun is SO easy, but looks just a little extra special than your typical bun. Check it out!

To get the look at home:

1-2. Leaving the "sides" out from the ears forward, gather the back section and place into a low ponytail.

3. Twist the pony and wind it around the base of the elastic.

4. Secure with hair pins.

5. Take the first side section and twist away from the face.

6. Place the twisted section above the bun, and loosely wrap what's left over around the bun, securing with a bobby pin.

7. Repeat on the other side.

8. Rock your Fancy Bun and put it on Instagram using the hashtag #YSAJtutorial

XO AJ

Thank you to Emilia Jane Photography for capturing this look for us!

Dearest Thomas West Salon clients and friends!

I am continuously blown away by your loyalty and generosity! Some of you have been my client for over four years and I have loved getting to know you and hearing about your life!

As you’ve likely noticed, my books have gotten increasingly busier. I often have a four week waiting list. Though I do my best to accommodate everyone, sometimes even working 12-14 hour days I can’t get everyone in. Some say this is a good problem to have, but I’m always concerned with keeping you happy, and apologize for any inconveniences regarding my schedule.

Typically stylists increase their prices somewhat regularly. As their business grows, so does their price point. I’ve worked hard at Thomas West Salon for over four years, and never increased my prices. After a recent meeting with Tom, we have decided to increase my prices.

I hope you understand, and continue to see me! This increase was a difficult and big decision, but in my industry, it’s like getting a raise, and I hope you feel I deserve it!

As of April 1, 2014 my prices will be as follows:

Women’s Haircut $80

Men’s Haircut $50 (no increase)

Blow Dry $50 (no increase)

Color/Base Bump $80

Partial Foil $150

Full Foil $200

Thank you again for being so amazing! I hope to see you soon!

XO AJ

Photo by Emilia Jane Photography

I Declare a Snow Day

It's March 25, and I just opened the curtains... to find yet another layer of the fluffy white   wet and cold stuff. I've had a crazy work load, brewing up an exciting project- (coming to you April 9!), and I'm declaring today a snow day!

I've made some tea and a fire, and spent the early morning on Pinterest. I'm dreaming of Spring and have faith that it's JUST about to make it's debut!

I'm psyched that opening day is days away! What are you most excited about for the break in weather?

XO AJ