The Social Porcupine

Mirror + feet selfie with my two littlest sisters.  June has been one of those months that's been packed full of plans, most of which I managed to complete despite all the curve balls life threw into the mix. Fun and exciting, if not somewhat stressful and very exhausting. The major-minor disappointment: My novella did not make it as a finalist in ACFW this month ;/ But I was happy for its month of being a semi-finalist. Now onto the fun things: I MET UP WITH SOOOO MANY BLOGGER FRIENDS AND DID A TON OF HIKING!    Erudessa from The Flowering Vales  and I first met through a knitting forum site called Ravelry.com. We eventually started writing letters and sending packages to one another ... and finally, since we only lived four hours apart, my family went up to see hers. We both have tons of kids—they liked to get onto us for having one less than they ;p—but we had tons of fun. I've since been up several times to see them, usually with another sibling....

I've been obsessed with tye dye for a while, but sadly haven't had much opportunity to actually learn/ dedicate much time to learning how to do it much myself. I did try  ice dying  once and while I really loved that, it only made me more appreciate the art of tye dying. When I volunteered at Above Rubies several years ago, I met this wonderful, fun person called Tye Dye Mary. I loved sitting with her at social events and parties, or helping her with her packages when she dropped them off at the office I worked at. She was just so much fun and has such a colorful, vibrant personality that totally suits her career ... tye dying. I think it's because of her that I love tye dye so much and would love to someday learn how to do it.  And it's because of her that I'm willing to trade an arm and leg in order to own a few of her lovely pieces ...  I love this dress. It's nearly perfect for hiking ... I just wish it was about three to five inches longer...

Having long hair is pretty you say? It's also hard. Plus, I'm very picky. I don't like cheap products. I don't like spending tons of money. I like things to be pretty — but not gaudy. I like simple and outstanding. I like practical — something that is easy to do and matches with most of my outfits. And so, for most of my life I hid my hair under a hat. And then for the next half of my life I braided it — for awhile I added a scarf or ribbon into that braid. But I don't always feel like looking like a home schooled nerd or gypsy. A couple years ago I discovered Lilla Rose hair clips. And have consequentially been falling in love. I currently only own four (counting the one featured in this post): two mediums, one extra small, and one mini. I love all of them. And have found amazing, simple, stunning hairstyles that fit my perfect fashion need of  business casual + excited hippie .  In this post I'd like to share a few things: A Lilla Rose give...