Makeup Bag Monday: Haircare Favorites

Good morning, readers. It's been a while since I've done a Makeup Bag Monday! Today, I'll tell you about my favorite haircare products.

Garnier Sleek and Shine Moroccan Sleek Oil Treatment for Frizzy Dry Unmanageable Hair ($6)

At the risk of sounding dramatic (what else is new), this $6 product is literally life changing. It's made my hair so much softer and easier to work with. Al's Tip: LESS IS MORE. Seriously guys. My hair is pretty long, and I only use a dime size amount. Also, start at the tips, then pat the remainder on the roots. Too much Moroccan oil will make your hair look greasy. Also, there's 3 times you can use this: 1) in the shower instead of conditioner. Let it sit, then wash it out. 2) (My Favorite) Apply a dime size to damp hair. 3) Apply a bit to dry tips. You can find this product at any drugstore.

Carol's Daughter Monoi Repairing Collection ($20-$32)

This Repairing Hair Mask, Repairing Sulfate-free Shampoo and Repairing Conditioner not only smells amaze, but it works wonders. My friend Danielle recommended this to me, and right away, I was hooked. It changed my hair, leaving it healthier and stronger. My breakage has drastically gained strength, and it's totally worth the cost. Al's Tip: If you're a little apprehensive to spend this type of dough on shampoo, opt for the 3-Piece Starter Kit. The travel sized bottles will give you a taste of what Carol's Daughter can really do for you. You can find these products at Sephora. 

The Wet Brush ($10)

I needed a new brush and decided to try something new, and boy, am I glad I did! This brush eliminated frizz like I never knew a brush could do! While you are brushing your hair, it somehow works the knots out beautifully, leaving a no tug feeling! Al's Tip: While this brush is called a "wet brush" it also works great on dry hair. Don't let the name fool you, this brush is perfect for all the time! You can find this product online.

Salon Grafix Dry Spray Shampoo ($7)

I have finally found it! The perfect dry shampoo! One that doesn't leave you hair white, or smelling odd, or feeling dry. This is odorless, colorless and amazing. Shout out to my friend Ally for discovering this. Al's Tip: Don't even waste your money on others- this is the best. Trust me. This search has been long and extensive. You can find this product at any drugstore. 

Lovin' That Louie

Lovin' That Louie by aldome91 featuring semi precious jewellery

This edgy, cool look was inspired by the bag: the Louis Vuitton. With it's classic, yet fashion forward vibe, I wanted to create a look that encompasses that same energy. This look has all different price points, ranging from a $3 pair of earrings, to a $1,250 bag. 

H M rib tank
$11 - hm.com

Jacket
$64 - newlook.com

River Island dark blue denim jeans
$32 - riverisland.com

Ankle booties
nastygal.com

Semi precious jewellery
express.com

Forever 21 diamond shaped earrings
forever21.com

Mossimo brown gradient sunglasses
target.com

Blue mascara
macys.com

Revlon lipstick
drugstore.com

HerStyler blow dryers iron
beauty.com

Absolutely Loving That DV Dolce Vita Romper

absolutely loving that dv dolce vita romper by aldome91 featuring a black and white romper

I love pops of color, tailored fits, and mixing elements of sleek and funky. While the #bumbleandbumble surf spray will give the hair a relaxed, cool look, the #dvdolcevita romper and the #katespade bag give this look a chic and polished vibe. I love mixing the two elements, because the outcome showcases my personality well: confident, feminine and go with the flow.

Dolce Vita black and white romper
revolveclothing.com

Cole Haan sandals
colehaan.com

Kate Spade pink leather purse
nordstrom.com

MICHAEL Michael Kors watch
nordstrom.com

Tory burch earrings
nordstrom.com

J Crew j crew bracelet
jcrew.com

Bumble and Bumble styling product
sephora.com

God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, The courage to change the things I can, And wisdom to know the difference.

Ever since I was younger, I have always looked up to my older brother, Beau. He always wanted to take care of me, or “Missy Moo”, as he called me. I called him Brother Bear, and we were as close as any siblings could be. He was my best friend. Progressing from a playmate who taught me the best hiding places for hide-in-seek, to a protective teenage brother who gave me rides to school, Beau was always there for me whenever I needed him. After Beau went to college, I would frequently visit him. It soon became clear that the partying lifestyle had gotten the best of him. I suddenly found our roles reversed, and it was me who was taking care of him. Eventually, Beau went to a rehab facility. This was a scary time for Beau and my family, and I questioned whether or not it would be good for him, or if rehab would even work. 

It was a chilly spring Saturday morning when my mom, dad and I arrived to Saint Chris for the first time to visit. I looked around at the grounds, surprised at what I saw. When my parents told me the week before that Beau was going to rehab, I pictured a metal building with hallways filled with flickering, yellow tinted lights. I didn’t expect the large oak trees, old house-like buildings filled with character, or laughter coming from the yard.

It was clear just after a week of Beau being there that something was changing in him. He was becoming alive again, and had the light in his eyes that I missed seeing. I was so proud of him already, but I still was worried. People relapsed all the time. I knew Beau had the strength inside of him to continue in his sobriety, but I wasn't sure if he knew yet.

Today, exactly two years later, I am proud to say that my brother, Beau Domingues, is two years sober. Beau, I cannot express how proud I am of you. You continue to surprise me everyday, and your strength is inspirational. I can't wait to see you pick up your two year chip tonight.

When asked to describe his journey of recovery in three words, Beau's response was "Happy, Joyous, & Free."  "The best thing about being sober is that I can have a relationship with my family again." Beau said the thing that most surprised him about himself is that he can "still have A LOT of fun in recovery." When asked how his life has changed from two years ago to now, Beau said, "Words can't describe. I was numb to the gift of life before. Now I have the privilege to experience life itself." His advice to anyone who is trying to get clean is "It's not easy, but its simple. Take suggestions. Read the Big Book. Work the steps. Call your sponsor. Go to meetings. Don't drink. Pray & meditate. Lose the ego. Humble yourself."

This blog post is dedicated to anyone and everyone who is in their journey of sobriety, any family members of alcoholics and addicts, and, most importantly, my big brother Beau. After all these years, I am still looking up to you. Your courage and strength have shown me that I can do whatever I put my mind to. You haven't just changed your life...you have changed mine too; more than you will ever know. 

I love you so much Brother Bear. 

Love, Missy Moo

Noel Martin: Turning Dreams Into Reality

Many people have great dreams of what they want to do with their lives. The thing about conquering these dreams, however, is that it takes more than most people are able or willing to give to fulfill them. Not only must you have talent, you must also have determination, passion, and the desire to do what it takes to get to where you want to be. Noel Martin possesses all of these things, and more. 

After attending high school with Noel, it was obvious that she is a unique person, to say the least. She was extremely creative and opinionated, never altering herself to conform, but instead embracing her traits, and standing out.  Her dreams were too big to fit in Covington, Louisiana, so she packed up her sewing kit and desire to be a fashion designer, and relocated to Georgia to attend Savanna College of Art and Design. After a few semesters of strengthening her talents at SCAD, she moved to the Big Apple, New York City, where she now attends Parsons the New School for Design.

Two highly prestigious art schools and many boxes of hair dye later, Noel Martin has truly blossomed into one of the most gifted and passionate people I have had the honor to know. Because she possesses the talent, desire, and determination, Noel has done what most young designers will only ever dream of…she has been selected to preview her Pre-Fall Collection in New Orleans Fashion Week this March. This blog post is dedicated to Noel, someone who has shown where hard work and passion will get you. Congrats, Noel! I knew you could do it!

Above are sketches completed by Noel Martin.

To visit Noel's online portfolio, go to http://www.behance.net/noelmartin

The Secret: The Law of Attraction

Good morning readers! Today I want to blog a little bit about something that I feel is life changing. It is called The Secret. This teaching is based on the Law of Attraction, and believes that positive thinking and attitudes attracts MORE positivity in your life. For more information about this amazing life lesson, you can visit The Secret's website or The Secret's facebook page .

 

I just wanted to take this time to share a few of the quotes they have on their Facebook page, because I believe that when done correctly, this can really change your life and your perspective.

What you focus on grows stronger- You can't stop negative thoughts by wishing they would go away, pushing against them, or feeling bad about having negative thoughts. Any focus on negative thoughts gives energy to them and increases them! Your mind has to be set on positive thoughts and good thoughts because then you're giving energy to that. It's just a matter of practice and determination so that if you find negative thoughts creeping into your mind, immediately turn your focus to positive and good thoughts. And deliberately think them until you feel better!

Gratitude is the open door to abundance- If you make time daily to list all the things you are grateful for, and you milk the feelings of gratitude, you will feel amazing every day. Your frequency will be high and you will move through your days so happy to be alive, bringing joy wherever you go, positively affecting one person after another. When you live a life like this, everything you want will come before you even ask.

What this power is, I cannot say. All I know is that it exists. – Alexander Graham Bell- No person or power in the outside world can compare to the power you have within you. Seek the power within, as it knows the perfect way for you.

I hope that this might have helped each in every one of you in at least a small way. Thank you for reading!

XOXO,

Al

Fresh Start

Since it's now a new semester, it's a perfect time to start fresh. How many of us start the semester saying, "this one will be different! I really am going to give 100% to my grades and shoot for that 4.0!" Probably all of us! But why not really do it? There really is no time like the present. I was always one of these people who always said this until last semester, when I decided to quit making excuses, buckle down, and focus. I decided to write this blog post with some tips on how I went from being all talk to all walk.

1. Make a Master Calendar- So this week, the teachers will give you your syllabus and schedule. What I did last year was create a calendar on Word and post every single due date for every class I was taking. It only took about an hour and it was really helpful to have done for all year long! 

2. Make a Schedule- Staying on schedule is so important. If you have a break between classes, why not dedicate that time from reading over you notes? A little studying every now and then really does go a long way.

3. Choose Your Job Carefully- This one might be a bit more tricky, but if you can, try to get a desk job where you can study on your down time. Yes, these jobs exist. You can literally get paid to study. Jobs such as receptionist jobs, on campus jobs, and student worker jobs are the types that you want to look for if this seems like something that would help you. If definitely helped me!

4. Study Groups- My roommate Catherine and I have a kitchen table, so we studied there often. My friend Emily would come over a lot, and us three would (attempt) to do school work together at the table. I'm not going to lie, we'd get off subject sometimes and just chat, but we did get a lot of study guides and note cards done through the chatting. If you'd rather hang with friends then study for that exam, why not do them at the same time?

5. Think About This- Last year, a teacher of mine told us something we all obviously already knew, but for some reason it made me think. "It might be your parents, it might be you, or it might be the state or scholarships, but it doesn't matter who it is, someone is paying for your education and spending money for you to learn. Don't waste that money. Pay attention while you are here." She's right though. College is fun for the partying aspect, but at the end of the day, we are here to learn and we're paying for it. So why not give it your all and do great this semester!

I hope something in here helped you! I hope everyone has a great semester. Thanks for reading!

xoxo, Al