Hair Tutorial: The Bouffant Bun

Here we are and its Tuesday!! Not only that, but its the second-to-last day of the month, and then its August! Okay what's with all the exclamation points.. Anyways, I have another hair tutorial for you today, and this is one that I've been doing a lot lately! I've worn it out on hot dates and just to run errands with my hoard of children, and no matter where I go people compliment me:) So! I decided that i really needed to do a tutorial for it so I can send all those lovely people here to see how its done!

Usually I don't stick to just one type of hairstyle for weeks in a row, but one type I've stuck to this summer has been buns! Big surprise I know since the whole world wants to keep their hair off their neck during the hot months, but I've been experimenting with so many different kinds of buns, and its taking a lot of restraint to not post millions of buns every day here on the blog.haha This one's the exception! 

What I love most about this style as I said before is that its effortless enough to wear to a ball game and then on the other hand its so chic and elegant! It only takes me a few minutes to complete, and even though I don't feel like it needs a whole ton of instructions, you know I like to be thorough! Besides what's worse then confusing or incomplete tutorials? :) Here we go!

Supplies:
- fine toothed comb 
- 1 hairtie
- bobbypins
- hairspray
Method:

Step 1: start with slightly dirty hair for grip:) put a finger by your ear and draw a straight vertical line from one ear to the other, sectioning off the front and cliping it up for later. 
Updates: Take the rest of your hair and pull it up high on your head into a ponytail with one hairtie. (you're essentially just making a high messy bun next.) Take the ponytail in one hand and a hairtie in the other and pull your hair almost all the way through the hairtie. leaving the last couple inches of hair out so once you twist the hairtie you have a big loop of hair. 

Step 2: Now grab the middle of the big loop of hair with the fingers through the ponytail, pull the hairtie half over your now smashed bun of hair, twist once more and pull the hairtie all the way over to the other side. You should be left with a messy knot of hair secured well. Pin the sides down a bit if you wish with bobby pins.

Step 3: pulling the front of your hair down, split it in half, then split both halves in half so you're left with four quarters. Comb one of your bottom quarters to smooth it out, and wrap it under and up over the bun, pinning to secure. 

Step 4: do the same thing with the other bottom quarter. next take one of your top quarters (teasing the back a bit first if you wish) and smooth it diagonally over your head towards the opposite side of your bun, and go around coming back up around and pinning. 

Step 5: Do the same with your last quarter, fluffing out the top a bunch with your fingers and spraying with some good hold hairspray. Go over your head in a two way mirror if you have one to make sure there aren't too many fly-aways going on all over the place, and to secure your separated sections for that really structural look, and you're all done!

Thanks so much for visiting today! If you like what you see don't forget to follow my blog on whatever vain of social media you prefer because I am just about everywhere, and be sure and let me know if there are any tutorials you'd like to see, or what you like or don't like about this one, etc!

Have a lovely Tuesday everyone, and I'll see you tomorrow!!
xo, Emily

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Maternity Style// BlogHer Look with Leather and Grey

Hey Friends! So most of you know that I had the opportunity to attend the BlogHer conference in Chicago this past week, and now I'm back to give you a *brief* little recap (more details to come:)), as well as show a bit of my BlogHer style! This outfit also happens to be the last in the Maternity Fashion Collaboration that I've been participating in for the last couple months, and I'm really gonna miss it! ::

As all of you know that have blogs and or spend a lot of time online, blogging is a massive community made up of people posting from their computers in their pajamas, so the chance to meet thousands of like-minded people in real life and make those connections is really a fantastic experience! I truly believe that you take out what you put into these conferences, but I feel like I walked away from the airport on my way home having taken away far more then I even expected. I feel such a sense of community, so much support, its overwhelming! 

Follow their blog links to see outfit details and more of these ladies fab style! as I said this is the last post in the collab, so be sure to follow along, bookmark, or pin to pinterest now so you don't lose these posts!

Abbey from Along Abbey Road

Tiffany from I Am Style-ish

Lynzy from Sparkling Footsteps

and Laura from A little bif ot Laquer

The job is full of so many fantastic and fulfilling opportunities, even for a busy woman like me with so many little babies to take care of on top of everything else. I can still accomplish amazing things and make an impact for good, and feel so much achievement, and so can you!! I felt when I went there that I was in a really good place, but I didn't realize just how much of a good place, and how much farther I can take this with the same efforts taken in slightly different directions. There are so many huge things coming for The Freckled Fox, and a lot of little newness-es *wink* and changes will be happening all over the place here, so be on the lookout! and be excited, be extremely excited, because I am:)

Thanks for visiting today, don't forget to follow the link below if you've missed the current giveaway going on, and I'll see you tomorrow for something really fun!

xo, Emmy

P.S. All of the outfit pictures were taken by my talented and gorgeous (new from blogher) friend Elisabeth from Beauty Blondie! Seriously, go check her out:) Thanks again girl! 

P.P.S. If you used to follow my blog with Google Reader and still wanna keep up, don't forget to 

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Friday Finds #71

This week I found...
...this light and casual ensemble that really makes me want to take the kids to the lake!

When love is all too hard to hold... by diegolohve featuring short shorts

...this combo of mozzarella and tomatoes with basil and balsamic. looks so refreshing and delish

via

...this hammock situation is out of this world perfect. I want a sitting chair hammock so bad!

via 

...this recipe for chocolate peanut butter pie. the end.

via

...this pewter bunting necklace from Lisa Leonard Designs. So simple and fun!

via

...this set of mugs which simultaneously make me cringe and really want one!

via

...this set of striped bottle vases from anthropologie. I love the style for summer!

via

...this awesome looking recipe for beef and bean burritos from the pioneer woman. Hungry!

via

...this comfy and cute pair of boots from free people! You'd have to have great ankles to pull these off:)

via

...this cute and fun summer DIY found on we heart it. looks easy too!

via

Thanks so much for visiting! There are so many things I want to make and do and see before summer ends. I hpoe you're really enjoying your July!

xo, Em

P.S. Google Reader's gone, so if that's how you followed my blog and still wanna keep up, don't forget to 

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A Michael Kors Giveaway!

Hey everyone! I really love Giveaway days because I feel so happy that I can bring something extra special to you guys. I've done a new giveaway every week in July so far, and it looks like there will be one every week in August as well! I have so many wonderful bloggers and companies to introduce, so be excited! ...be very excited:) 
I'm starting this week's giveaway today because its the official first day of the BlogHer Conference in Chicago, and I'm sort of in a celebratory mood! I'm so excited about all this weekend has in store, and I hope this giveaway gets you as excited as I am! Lets take a look:

I've been a huge fan of Michael Kors ever since Season 1 of Project Runway, so when I had the opportunity to giveaway this fantastic clutch I had to take it! Its from the The Michael Kors Berkley Collection, is made of soft genuine leather in a metallic 'gunmetal' grey, and is a little over-sized at about 8" tall and 12" wide. I love it so much! I also couldn't resist pairing it with this gorgeous all-season scarf from collection18 that has a million different colors of grey, and this 100% wool black floppy hat from the David & Young D&Y. And on a side note, the items have a combined value of almost $300! I just love how each item can work for every month of the year, because I hate transitioning things out of my closet with each season change:) But I'll stop going on and let the giveaway begin! 
a Rafflecopter giveaway

We're so happy about all we've been able to cram into into the warm weather weeks, and I hope you've been having a great Summer so far! Thanks for stopping by today, and good luck with the giveaway!

xo, Emily

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Cherry Mousse Parfait

Hey guys! I'm always happy to share recipes with you, because even though its kinda random to mix hairstyles and fashion and food together, I really really love cooking and creating in the kitchen, and every time I hear of a reader making something and enjoying it, it makes me so happy! This recipe is one I'm really excited to ad to my recipe box, and I can't wait for you to try it!

The hardest part about making a recipe is deciding what to call it half the time, and this was the worst case of that! Its kindof like a no-bake cheesecake, but it also tastes like cherry pie, and then its pretty zesty so I wanted that to be part of the name. you see my delemma? haha but in the end its really a creamy cherry mousse with yummy lemon zest throughout and crisp, crunchy graham cracker crumps on the top and bottom in parfait form. wowey!  delicious. and oh so summery. (also Martin used the word 'posh', so that's another plus!) I may have eaten my whole serving up and then started helping Ellie finish hers, despite her protests... okay lets get to the recipe! :)

Cherry Mousse Parfait

Ingredients:

Crust- 

- 8 graham crackers, in small crumbs

- 4 tbsp butter, melted

- 1 tbsp sugar

- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon

- dash of nutmeg

Filling-

- 1 8oz pack of cream cheese

- 1/3 cup sugar

- 1 tsp fresh lemon juice

- yellow zest of one lemon

- 1 tsp vanilla

- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract

- 1 cup chopped fresh cherries (about 16)

- 1 tub frozen whipped topping, thawed

- 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream

Method: 

Step 1: for the crust, preheat the oven to 350 and I use a mug to crush the crackers into course crumbs. Use your hand mixer to beat in the melted butter, sugar, and spices till the crackers are well coated. Pour them evenly into an 8x8 pan and bake for 10-12 minutes, stirring a bit half way through. 

Step 2: For the filling, Mix the cream cheese together with the sugar, lemon juice, zest, vanilla, and almond till it becomes smooth and silky. Use a wooden spoon to blend in the cherries and whipped topping till well combined. 

Step 3: Using a regular soup spoon, add 3 heaping spoonfuls into the bottom of each dish, and shake a bit to help settle. Pipe or dollop the filling equally into each dish, then divide the remainder of the crumb topping evenly over the filling. Cover and chill in your fridge for a minimum of 2 hours. Once your timer goes off, whip your heavy cream for 2-3 minutes or until you've achieved stiff peaks (don't over-beat), then of course add it evenly to each serving dish! You can also choose to ad a few large lemon zests for a garnish, as well as a literal cherry on top! Nothing can beat that:)  

Normally I try not to make things that require forethought.. beyond buying a little something extra at the store:) but this is indeed a good exception to the rule, and we'll be making these a lot in the future! I hope you give these babies a try, then come back and tell me what you thought of 'em!

Thanks for visiting today, and make sure to stop by tomorrow for somethin pretty exciting!!

xo, Emily

P.S. I'm publishing this post from my hotel room in Chicago right now, and I'm having such a blast! If you wanna follow along better and get in on my traveling adventures first hand, find me on Instagram!

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Maternity Style// Little Black Dress with Wedges

jewelry set - Fred Meyer, dress - thrifted Target, wedges - Target, purse - Steve Madden, lip color - 'charlotte' c/o Radient Cosmetics 

This summer has been a funny one for clothes. Even though I've been pregnant more in the last four years then not, I still haven't managed to accumulate many maternity clothes at all. I suppose its because local stores were so pricey, somehow my jeans still button through to the end, and my shirts are all so long and stretchy anyways that growing was never an issue for most of my clothing. This year though since I've never been pregnant in the summer before, I'm starting to realize there are a few key items needed for battling 100 degree heat while toting around a small melon 24/7, that I simply do not own. Items like freakin shorts for example? So, basically I've been living around the house in my bicycle shorts and big Star-Wars t-shirts with my hair piled haphazardly high on my head. Its pretty sexy let me tell ya. On the plus side though, there are a couple maternity items I've bought on clearance or something that I've not really been able to sport while pregnant in the winter. Items like this dress!

What is your go-to wardrobe for hot Summer afternoons? Thanks for visiting!

xo, Emily

P.S. Google Reader's gone, so if that's how you followed my blog and still wanna keep up, don't forget to 

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What's in My Blog Conference Bag (Top 10 Essentials)

Hey guys! So I wouldn't really call myself a blog conference expert (though I would love to change that in the future), but I've been to enough conferences and conventions that I feel I've learned a thing or two, or three:) So today in the hopes of passing on a bit of that info that I had to learn the hard way, and also prepping myself a bit more for my trip this week (that I've been mentioning way too much lately), I'm going to share my Top 10 Blog Conference Essentials by way of this little peek into my bag:)

I was brand new at this too not so long ago, and I did my fair share of begging around for advice from my fellow bloggers, so I'm here to save you a bit of trouble! Weather you plan on going to conferences next week or next year , I hope this helps! :)

1. Business Cards, and also a spacious pocket or pouch to keep all the ones you'll be receiving. Networking is so important at these things, so be fearless in your card swapping! 
2. A Good Notebook and some Colorful Pens. I love color coding a bit for different topics while taking notes. Helps enormously later on when I'm digging through those pages later on! 
3. Your Cellphone. Kind of goes without saying! Your day to day schedule, class reminders, twitter, connecting with new friends, Instagram, the list goes on! 
4. A good shoulder bag. You'll be grateful for the hands-freedom that a comfy straped bag will provide, what with all the multitasking you're going to be doing with your hands already.
5. Your Camera. We're bloggers right? and what are blog posts without some great pictures, I ask you! :) I also can't pass up the opportunity to take pictures while I explore new cities, and most of the time your camera phone just doesn't cut it. I'll probably bring my DSLR, but I used it to take these pictures so... :)
6. A few small snacks. Maybe its just because I've been pregnant a lot in the last four years, but I always need to have a few little various nibbles on my person to keep up my energy. Maybe some nuts, or a pack of life savers. Your nerves will thank you:)
7. Portable Phone Charger. So important! Don't spend any valuable networking, class,  or party time tethered to a wall while your phone charges! Instead walk from panel to key-note or enjoy lunch etc while your phone charges safely right in your purse.
8. Your favorite Gum. First impressions are everything at these things! You'll be meeting hundreds of new people a day, and you don't want anyone to remember you as that girl.haha
9. Good Walking Shoes. Okay so maybe they don't go in my bag, but they're on the list for a reason! You'd better believe that I'll have a few too many pairs of heels in my suitcase, however you will be walking and running down so many halls and across so many busy streets. Don't handicap yourself by wearing your feet out the first day for fashion's sake and paying the rest of the week. Not worth it!
10. A little Emergency Kit with safety pins, band-aids, bobby-pins, etc. You never know when you'll be far away from your hotel room with a sudden wardrobe malfunction or sore heel. You may even help a few fellow attendees out as well!

Well I hope you've enjoyed taking a little tour through my bag, and if you have any questions I'd love to answer them! We bloggers are great at sharing our opinions aren't we? Also we love hearing them too so feel free:) I'll have lots of other things in my bag you can be sure, but you get the gist.haha

I really do love these conferences, I love the community, I just wish I could afford to (or that my husband and kids could do without me enough that I could) go to them all year long! Have you ever been? if so, which one or ones have you attended?? 

Have a great week ahead guys and gals,

xo, Em

P.S. Google Reader is no more, so if you wanna keep up with posts don't forget to... 

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