Purple Pea Coat

Another day in the windy city. Even though it was beautiful and sunny, the wind froze every part of my body. I really should invest in a warmer coat, but I do like my purple one. Guess what I found today...an urban outfitters outlet store. I had no idea it even existed, but the sales were amazing. I scored a pair of $5 shorts, along with tights, gloves, a hat, coat, sweater, and tank top. It was pretty successful. Now my wonderful weekend is over and I am headed back to school in the morning. I'm not looking forward to waking up at 5:30.

Don't forget to check out my sponsor spotlight on Life as Twiggy and enter my giveaway.

Until next time, Mandy

Jam 'n Honey

I love going out to breakfast in the city, well actually I love going out for any meal in the city. There is such a variety of food and there are thousands of restaurants that look amazing. One of the many disadvantages of living in the tiniest suburb in the world is that there are no good restaurants, or really any at all. I spend most of my nights at home making macaroni and cheese. Don't get me wrong, I love macaroni, but I would rather try it at a wonderful restaurant. So finally getting to my point, I tried a new breakfast place the other day and it was quite good. Before I go to breakfast, I tell myself that I should not get eggs because I don't really like them. But every time I look at a menu I end up ordering something with eggs in it. I don't know what's wrong with me. I need to learn more control. Speaking of control, I have been growing my hair out for a few years now. Freshman year I had a sudden urge to chop it all off and I have been paying the price ever since. I swear my hair is the slowest growing thing in the universe, but it has finally passed its awkward length, except my nonexistent bangs. They hit right at my chin and are quite bothersome. So my question is should I keep trying to grow them out or should I go back the the straight across bangs? I had them a year ago and I really liked them. I have already scheduled an appointment, but should I go through with it? Help me please.
Don't forget to enter my giveaway.

Until next time, Mandy

Henna Hair Dye

So last night I took a trip over to Lush to get my henna. They apply it right there in the store for you, which was so much fun. Everyone that walked in gave me strange looks, but you probably would too once you see what this stuff looks like. I'm going to be completely honest with you, it looks really disgusting. Here are some photos of the process.

Henna comes in four colored bricks. I chose the marron because it said that it would give me darker chestnut hair.

I know I don't look very attractive, but the henna is super messy so you have to wear clothes that can easily get ruined.

In order to put the henna on your head, you have to chop it up and mix it with boiling water. Yes, I know, it looks like mud.

Before we started the henna.

As you can see, it's like a big pile of mud on my head.

So gross. It hardens so quickly. My hair was so heavy I could barely keep my head up.

She was so nice. I would definitely go back and ask her to do it again.

My lovely saran wrapped head.

This really isn't a pretty process. I kept the henna in for three hours and then washed it out in the sink. I'm so glad that my aunt and uncle helped me or I would never have gotten it all out.

And here is the final product. This isn't the greatest picture, but it will just have to do. So my hair did not turn darker, but it did turn somewhat red. Each light gives it a different color, but there are definitely some red highlights. The henna makes your hair super shiny since it is all natural ingredients. I liked the way it turned out, it was just surprising. I really recommend this for anyone who wants a temporary healthy dye, but you will have to accept how nasty it looks. 

 

Until next time, Mandy

Button Socks and Patterned Tights

Everything: Urban Outfitters

I had a lovely day in Lincoln Park. It started off with breakfast at Jam n' Honey, where there was a jar of nutella at every table. From there I took some outfit photos. I just realized that I am head to toe in urban outfitters. Then I hit a couple stores and Mandy B's bakery. I am loving the snickerdoodle cookie I got. Then I went to Lush to get my hair hennaed. The girls there were so sweet and the service was just great. They apply the henna right there in the store for you, how awesome is that? The process was long but so much fun. I will be posting pictures of the application and the results tomorrow. Right now I am going to go wash out my hair. Wish me luck because the dye looks pretty green right now. I am crossing my fingers that it turns out.

Until next time, Mandy

Dose Market Part One

 

Here are some photos from Dose last week. How awesome is that newsstand?

Since it's President's Day, I have a four day weekend, which gives me a much needed break from school. I am headed to the city in a few minutes for a weekend full of fun and relaxation. I plan on watching movies, shopping, working out, and eating. Probably more eating than working out, let's be honest. Tomorrow I am planning on hennaing (I don't think that is really a verb) my hair. Have any of you tried it? Last month I went to Lush and I saw these huge bricks of henna. They were so interesting, I had to ask what they were for. The women working told me that they are a natural way to dye your hair and that it makes your hair look extremely healthy. She also told me that they could do it for me right in the store. I want to try the deeper chestnut brown at first to see if it works in my hair. If I like it, I want to try the rouge next time because it gives you subtle undertones of red. Let me know what you think about henna.

Remember to enter my giveaway.

Until next time, Mandy

First Giveaway

My mom's company tends to give her many free samples of jewelry and purses, which means I get to host giveaways. I love the colors of this necklace, they go together so well. I will choose the winner on February 22nd so make sure to enter.

To enter: Follow GraceandViola on Google Friend Connect and leave me a comment with a place I can reach you if you win.

For extra entries: Follow on Bloglovin' and Twitter

If you would like to host a giveaway or guest post on GraceandViola please contact me.

Until next time, Mandy

You Stole My Heart

Happy Valentine's Day everyone.

Here are just a few photos from our weekend in the city. Who knew balloons could be so difficult? I was almost strangled a few times. Other than that, it was a wonderful day.

Wil and I have been together for almost two years and I am so happy to be with him. He supports me in whatever I do and I am so lucky that he helps me with my blog. He really is my best friend.

Until next time, Mandy