Another year older.....but never felt better.

Another year older!  32 years older to be exact.  Do I feel old?  Nope.  Not in the slightest.  Even though deep down I have always been an old soul, I always love to laugh, enjoy life and have a good time.  This past year reflecting has been a whirlwind.  Moving, buying our first home together, and having a baby.  WOW.  So much in so little time.  I am very happy and blessed.  Thank you to my family and dear friends for making my life so full...love you all.   A little reflecting is in order.  Past years in photo....

That's lil ol' me, with my daddy.  He has passed on but I like to think he is always watching over me.

21 years young....and so much to learn.

Ya know, you gotta WIG IT OUT every once in a while.  Feeling so alive at 25....

29 years young....and eager to make the last year in my 20's the best..

Living the pixie life....I wanted to take this huge hair leap of faith before I turned 30.  I succeeded.

My induction into the dirty 30 club.....a memory I will always cherish.  

My dirty 30 party bus.....

Blurry, but the best time ever.....

I remember the wish I made that night....it came true.  Her name is Finley.

I have no shame in wishing myself the Happiest of Birthdays.  I have made a ton of mistakes, followed my passions, dreams and as a result have been given a shit ton of blessings.  And for that I am thankful and glad that I am one year older and ready to embrace this year with arms wide open.  32...you ain't bad at all.

Cheers, xo

Dinah

Total weirdness that I have encountered as a new mom.....

So,  I have been totally humbled and grateful for the friends and family who have been parents for a while give me great advice that I now use and find extremely helpful to raise my daughter.  However, I have definitely come across total and complete weirdness along the way....like scratch my head, laugh for days type of stuff.  For example, here are some phrases that were actually said to me.  No lie, prepare to laugh, or just say to yourself, Really?

1. "Oh you are not breastfeeding....I'm sorry".   WHAT?  Who the hell asked you.  And seriously, why does a stranger even ask or care?  I did what was best for myself so that I could properly care for my child.  Eff off.

Are you scratching your head???  wink.

2.  "Oh you use Pampers diapers....that's a terrible choice".   

3.  "I can't believe you aren't co-sleeping with your baby."   (Well that's funny, I bet their kid is 5 and still sleeping in their room) Maybe not, but I don't ask.  Mind your business!  My child is just fine in her crib which was purchased and all done up for her to actually sleep in.  Get it?  Mmmkay.  I don't ask you how you choose to raise your child.  If you want to have your baby in your room, no judgement.  I could care less.  

4. "You are already going on an overnight date with your husband and your child is only a month old"?    Ummm yeah, why not?  My marriage didn't stop just because we had a baby.  Calm down.  

5. "You look way too trendy for a new mom".    (Yep, that was actually said)  What did you expect, a replica of the walking dead?  I am a person who will always have individuality and style while being a great mom.  Was I exhausted in the beginning?  Yes.  But when I went out I did my best to feel good about myself.  I feel like mothers sometimes pass soooo much judgement instead of just being supportive.

Take a joke....I am a person who is learning to raise my child just like everyone else.

6. "So you don't make your own baby food"?  "Why"?  HAHA.  No.  I find it very convenient to go to the store and purchase perfectly healthy baby food in individual jars that are labeled and all that good stuff.  Oh snap!

7. "I feel so awful for you that you chose a c-section".    Gee thanks.  I mean yes it was surgery and there are always risks attached.  However,  I labored for 24 hours and pushed for several hours with no progress.....thanks for the support. 

I know.  Being a parent is automatically going to put you in situations where you often leave scratching your head.  It's life.  I am trying to get used to it. 

To the new mommas and seasoned ones  out there....I got your back and will always support anything you choose to be right for your child and family.

Peace,

Dinah xo

Punk rock, posters, colors...oh my!!!

While I was reading my latest issue of Cosmopolitan yesterday and enjoying a delicious brew in my hand my eyes stopped dead in its tracks at this amazing art that was compiled onto an iphone cover.  If any of you love punk rock, 90's grunge, new wave and classic rock like me you will die over these images.  I had to do some research and find out who and what in the hell these fantastic ideas came from.  I discovered the inspiration is from the AMAZING Mike Joyce.  The drummer from The Smiths....THE SMITHS....I die.  He owns the company Stereotype designs located in NYC.  He started a project called Swissted and has taken actual vintage music flyers and transformed them into these bright, magnetic, super cool posters.  For all the info on his project Swissted....look here.  So many of his fans went crazy over these posters so he started an official Swissted shop.  You can shop for yourself here.  Again, I know so many of my friends who collect music posters and if you have not seen these, you must check em' out.

This is what sucks me in....Art, music, creativity.  I love it all.  

Seriously, can you believe the colors??!!!

Call me.... call me any, anytime...call me.

I'm in love.....le sigh.

xo, Dinah

Music rocks my world....

As an extreme music lover, I often listen to all types of music.  I love to post playlists based on my moods, or maybe by inspiration from a memory, hairstyle, a movie, it doesn't matter because music is one of  the most influential aspects to all my creativity and passion in my life.  That includes my loved ones who support and encourage me as well.  Here are some tunes that make me think of my friends, my daughter, my passion for hair and fashion, or just life lately.  As always, my playlists are never in any particular order or specific genre.  I prefer mostly obscure artists (not top 40)......I am not a hater of today's music it just isn't my style.  I was raised with such incredible music growing up.  So old school jams are always my go to.  Also,  I am an old soul deep down.  It's true.

Guns N Roses- Sweet Child of Mine
Fleetwood Mac- Seven Wonders
The entire new Jack White album (Lazaretto)
Beach House- Silver Soul
The Beatles- Something
St. Vincent- Digital Witness
Jenny Lewis and The Watson Twins- You are what you love
The Smashing Pumpkins- Rocket
Stevie Wonder- You are the Sunshine of My Life
Roxy Music- More than this

If you feel like listening, enjoy. 

Keep calm because it's almost the weekend and let the music play.

Xo,

Dinah

Birthdays call for birthday wish lists....

It seems crazy that my birthday is right around the corner.  Last year I could not celebrate in typical Dinah fashion because I was carrying my little Finsters ;-)  No complaints, however this year I will have the best of both worlds.  Spending time with my loves and daughter and also celebrate with friends too.   This is my favorite time of year.   Fall is coming, new make up and wardrobe changes can only be a natural  added bonus for my birthday.  September, I love you.  Thanks for being the bomb!!

You all have wish lists, must haves every year on your birthday, right?  Of course you do.  Don't lie!  I do.  And every year I make a list.  It's nice to share it with you all now.  I actually most of the time write lists down as I think of new ideas or things I like.  Here are my favorite things I waaaant soo bad this year...(of course a couple are truly fictional). Duh.

This hair, this will be my birthday hair.

Anything, from Baublebar.  I have an obsession.  Especially this gem.  In Blush.

My Wisconsin cosmetology license.  That is no joke.  I have been patient and just want to start my career again.  Pretty please.....

Red lipstick wouldn't hurt either xoxo!

A girl can dream....

Jeffrey Campbell shoes. And you can't take a girl outta her wedges, how else can I feel tall without tripping?  

This scent, in love.  

And last, but not least

Rag and Bone ripped Grayson skinnies....muah!

If your birthday falls this month, which I know quite a few (who I LOVEEEE)  you gotta share your wish lists! 

In the meantime, Happy Birthday month to me!  

Peace,

Dinah xo

So long summer...

Being back in the midwest has been great.  The winter was a little challenging for me, but this summer made me a believer again.  Madison is such a great city, and I feel more at home each day.  I still miss my friends all over the US but I know change is good, and it takes getting used to.  I look at some of the shots over the past couple months and I am very thankful.  This summer was very good to me and my family.

Finley says, "Bye bye summer".  Xo.

Peace,

D

Current hair that I die over....

Now that I am growing the pixie I am hugely inspired by some amazing color and cut ideas to try on my clients or yours truly.  Whether you have longer hair or short and in transition like myself, here are some amazing inspiration/pinspiration worthy styles that I would love to try on others and meee. Winky!

Someone who is in the process of growing out their hair and have a darker mane would look fantastic with this incredible natural looking ombre.  That is my goal ....and I encourage others in the between stage should try it on for size.  

GAHHHH, this is so rad.  I like very short hair and I admire boldness in women who have the guts to do it.  I did,  and it was the best ever.  The pink brings a very feminine approach to a shattered, undercut pixie.  

The long tendrils with the intense copper intensifies a natural dark brunette. A little bold but so beautiful. 

Anything asymmetrical is my ultimate favorite style to create.  I love how messed up you can make it while cutting with such precision at the same time.  And it's a really easy style to try if you are not willing to grow your hair completely out from a short cut, so you can have it long in areas while going the opposite direction on the other side.  

I am loving all the good hair vibes lately.  It's tempting me to go wild with some color....stay tuned.

xo, D

My celebrity crushes...sigh...part Deux!

I have a strong belief that anyone who may or may not read this post will not have just a few celeb crushes.  You will have favorites, but I think you gain many more over time based on when or if your tastes have changed.  ;-)   If you are curious to know my first selection of celeb crushes,  read this first.

Taylor Kitsch       

My good lord, this beautiful man really made me a believer in his recent movie roles lately.  He is an incredible actor.  He made me cry my eyes out on the HBO original movie "The Normal Heart".  If you have no idea what movie I am referring to watch the trailer here.  And I always have thought he was gorgeous, but now I think he is gorgeous on the inside.  Le sigh.

Mark Ruffalo

Need I really explain this one?  He is sexy, one of the best actors in film, and also rocked my world on the movie I mentioned above.  I would enjoy styling him up for a photo shoot and interviewing him over a beer...that would be swell in the highest form. 

Annie Clark 

If you love the amaze band St. Vincent, she is the reason.  Her voice, her style, the quirkiness about her I adore.  I have a crush on her talent. 

Jason Sudeikis

He makes me laugh so hard. And he is super easy on the eyes.  I could watch "We're the Millers" every day.

Jenny Lewis

This amazing singer/songwriter was introduced into my life by a very dear friend.  Friend, you know who you are.  She is one of my most favorite musicians.  Between her solo projects and the various bands she was in Ms. Lewis is a one of a kind singer.  Her voice is just incredible.  Smooth and pitch perfect.   I have seen her perform solo and twice when she was touring with The Watson Twins.  Stellar...

Josh Hartnett

His recent role on Showtime's Penny Dreadful, gives me goosies. 

I am sure I will post a part Trois sometime. 

Peace,

D xo

I am an extrovert....with a little kinks

Hey friends!

I have been thinking about the differences lately in people and whether or not they are truly just an extrovert or an introvert.  I truly believe most people are not just one or the other.  I know that since I am mostly a people person I sense that a lot of people have kinks.  I do, and let me explain what I mean by this.

I am by nature a highly extroverted person.  I thrive on my friendships and being around my friends and family.  I love to get to know new people and develop friendships with like minded people like myself. I also cherish my friendships where my friends are true to themselves and if they are more introverted I could care less.  I adore them in fact.  The kinks that I have are that I am a highly extroverted person with an introverted twist.  After I spend time with the people that I love and meeting new friends I have to have time "alone" to decompress.  I could almost be a hermit for a couple days and not communicate with anyone.  Now that I am a mother that is entirely impossible.  Before my hubster and I had our daughter, I always needed time alone.  I would either go for a drive by myself, or read in my room for hours.  If he wanted to go golfing or mountain biking I would get excited because I knew I would be getting time alone to just "be".  I think now since I stay at home with my baby girl my idea of decompressing is just being at home with her and when she naps, I nap.  The time where I feed her is actually highly decompressing.  When she looks up at me and eats it fills my tank up so to speak.  After some time with her and my husband I am ready to get back out there and be my social self.  I think people should embrace their kinks and own up to it if anyone ever questions it.  Who cares if you want to cover yourself up with a blanket and not come out for days, I love you anyway.  Who cares if you want to have a dance party with hundreds of people every day and not calm down...I love you anyway, but I would have to bow out and have some time alone, HAHA!!!  

I think my point is this,  please just be what you want and own up to your kinks.  But I also truly believe when you surround yourself with the ones you love and also bringing in new people in the mix it is quite refreshing.  My loved ones who know me know that I love to have a good time, laugh, socialize and have fun.  If I was at a social event and someone in the room was quiet and shy, I would do my best to welcome them and open them up.  We are all people with kinks.  Embrace them!

So go on with your bad ace self and either sit in on your couch and watch tv, or go to da club and dance your booty off.  I love ya!!

Peace,

D

A little photo sesh….

Hey friends!

I have to boast and brag about my BFF and her photog skills!  She started out last year and I am just amazed at her talent!!!  When she came to visit me last month she was so kind to take some shots of my Fin and yours truly!  If you have kiddos and are in the D.C. area you must look her up!  She specializes in children mostly but I know she has taken some engagement and family shots too!   She has a heart of gold and I am lucky to have her as a friend!   This is not her full time profession, but I swear she could make a career out of this!  

Here are some of my favorite shots!

I look at these shots and I tear up every time.  A picture shares so many emotions and a lasting memory.  

I love you Kristin!  Thank you for capturing these precious memories for me.

xo Dinah