Friday, May 29, 2015

What's in my Bag? | Video



Hello loves,

It's the return of the Youtube Channel!  I haven''t uploaded anything since my Christmas Tag video - and finally got a chance to film with a proper camera.

Here is my long anticipated "What's in my Bag" video!



Be sure to head over - like and subscribe.

xoxo,

Traci J

Thursday, May 28, 2015

Summer Hair Refresh | Balayage

Hello loves! Since I've been home - I have been DYING to get into the salon. I really need to touch up and refresh my color and cut for summer. I stopped into my favorite salon, Raw Salon and Spa in Burlington, WI - to get more blonde put in at the ends of my hair and brought up more around my face. The result - AMAZING.




Check out the before and after shot!



I am so happy with the way it turned out! Are you updating your hair for summer? Let me know in the comments! If you are in the SE Wisconsin area - you have to check out Raw Salon and Spa - they are doing amazing things!


xx,
Traci J

Thursday, May 21, 2015

A Little Bit Of Love | Life Lately and Bonus DIY

Hello loves,

I've talked a few times about being Maid of Honor for my friend who is getting married this summer. A few weeks back I hosted her bridal shower - along with her mom and other bridesmaids - and I thought I'd share a few pictures from the day! (At the end see a little mini DIY for Bridal Party Survival Kits).

Me and the beautiful bride!






Of course I had to do a Mimosa Bar!





How delicious does our dessert table look?






I put together these adorable little mason jar "Wedding Emergency Kits" to give to each of the bridesmaids (and the bride of course) for the big day!

I purchased 6 blue mason jars from Target and filled them with lotion, oil blotting sheets, band aids, bobby pins, ibuprofen, chapstick, and some chocolate! They turned out so cute and hopefully will come in handy for the wedding.

What are your bridal shower or wedding survival tips? Let me know in the comments!

With love,

Traci J

Thursday, May 14, 2015

15 Hanson Songs That Aren't Mmmbop



Hey loves,
Yesterday I left on a road trip with my very best friend Kristin.  She and I are on our way to Tulsa, Oklahoma to attend our very first Hanson Day!  I'll let you read about Hanson Day here.

Yes, that Hanson. 1997 'Mmmbop' Hanson with long flowing hair and always surrounded by the question "are they girls, or not?"



I have been an avid Hanson fan since 1997 (I was 6) and wanted to share with all of you some of their greatest songs - that aren't Mmmbop.  I promise you won't be disappointed.

1. Get The Girl Back - Anthem
Starting with latest single off their most recent album, Anthem.  This music video features Nikki Reed, Kat Dennings, Drew Seeley, and Drake Bell.



2. Give A Little - Shout it Out
Give A Little was released in and is a fun, quirky song with an even quirkier music video. This song spent a little bit of time on VH1s video countdown and had a tiny bit of radio play.



3. Thinking 'Bout Somethin' - Shout it Out
What could be better than Isaac, Taylor, and Zac reinacting a scene from Blues Brothers and having Weird Al as an accomplice? Nothing. Nothing could be better.



4. Been There Before - The Walk
Been There Before has a true rock and roll vibe and was featured on the band's second album produced on their very own record label - 3CG.



5. Scream and Be Free - Anthem
This is a feel good summer anthem - off of their latest record, Anthem. Hey, that's neat.



6. If Only - This Time Around
It's the year 2000 and Hanson has harmonicas and an RV in the desert. This song is great - but the music video is better.



7. Lost Without Each other - Underneath
If this song doesn't inspire you to have a solo dance party in your bedroom - I don't want to know you.



8. Madeline Acoustic - Middle of Nowhere Acoustic
Madeline was originally released along with Mmmbop on Hanson's breakout album, Middle of Nowhere. Ten years later, in 2007 the band rerecorded Middle of Nowhere live and acoustic.



9. Crazy Beautiful - Underneath
This will rekindle your 1997 crush on Taylor Hanson. That guy can sing.



10. Every Word I Say - Best of Hanson Live and Electric
Every Word I Say is one of my favorite Hanson songs - specifically off of Live and Electric. The band's passionate vocals are absolutely stunning.




11. This Time Around -This Time Around
Cheesy music video aside - and Ike not having grown into his mouth yet (seriously, that thing was huge) - Hanson's major single off of their second studio album was/is a hit.



12. The Walk - The Walk
This was little Zac's breakthrough as a band member.  He showed off his incredible vocal ability (and piano skills - who knew he wasn't just a drummer?!) in this beautiful song.



13. Sonny Get Your Gun - Facing the Blank Page
Sonny Get Your Gun was released on a Member's Only EP a few years back - and again features Zac on lead vocals. It's another painstakingly beautiful track.




14. Penny and Me - Underneath
Penny and Me was my JAM in 2004 (and the sole reason I want to name my future daughter Penelope). My Dad liked it so much that he had me burn him a CD with the song on it 6 times because he didn't know how to work the repeat button in his truck.



15. Dream Girl - Strong Enough to Break
Now I don't know if I could ever pick ONE favorite Hanson songs - but this one is pretty close. It's a bonus track that didn't quite make it onto Underneath. If you don't think they are talented after listening to this - I... I don't know what to say.



I hope this opened your eyes (and ears) to a world outside of 'Mmmbop.'  Did you enjoy any of the songs in this list?  Will I run into you in Tulsa this weekend? Let me know in the comments!

xx,

Traci J



Oh... and here's 'Mmmbop." You didn't really think I could leave that one off - did you?







Thursday, May 7, 2015

Summer Essentials Haul with Shopathome.com

Hello loves,

I've recently returned home to Wisconsin after a year of traveling - and let me tell you - I am so excited to kick off summer.  With spring starting to heat up, I've started getting my makeup and wardrobe summer ready! 

So this week I'm bringing you a summer themed haul with help from my friends over at shopathome.com! Shopathome.com is a website that gives you cash back at TONS of your favorite retailers just for shopping. Two of my favorite places to shop are Ulta,and Target (no surprise there) and both of them are featured on shopathome! In this haul I'm getting myself summer ready top to bottom - meaning face makeup and footwear ;) 

Let's get into the haul!


My Summer Face Basics




My Summer Footwear Must Haves
Vogue Etzel Fisherman Sandals
Lilly Pulitzer Pineapple Flip Flops
Layla Sneakers
Sam and Libby Toni Sandals
Kendra Rhinestone Sandals



What are you stocking up for this summer? Will you be getting cash back just for shopping with ShopAtHome? Let me know in the comments!

With love,

Traci J

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