the fake "real" me

Question: is the "natural" version of yourself always the goal? Should we always be trying to go for "me but better"? What if the "me" that we were born with doesn't really feel like "me", even once it's "better"? Case in point: I am a natural blonde... dark blonde, but definitely blonde nonetheless (my eyelashes are practically clear. fun. not.) I do NOT feel like that in ANY way reflects me, though. To such a degree in fact, that even after four months with my "natural" colour, when a girlfriend dyed her hair dark, my first reaction (jokingly) was "Copycat!" Only to realize that she WASN'T copying me. At all. (Reacting to my incessant goading, maybe. Copying, no.) So, you know what? I don't care if I have to ALWAYS colour in my brows and lashes. Or if it makes me look more "harsh" or pale. I feel SO much more comfortable. So I'm wondering: are there things YOU do that you KNOW might not be the most pretty or flattering or whatever, but you do anyways because they're YOU? Anyhoo, here's a pic of my new mane (full disclosure, though, it's MUCH inkier in real life, and not red at all... too bad... kind of.)

new music tuesday

Well kids, I'm still working on the list, so I'll be updating this throughout the day, but I really wanted to be able to post this video from Toronto singer Lights (and yes, that's her real name. She actually had it legally changed. Kids these days.) Though I dug some of her singles, a lot of her promo stuff seemed centered around "Oh, Lights is so pretty. Lights is a sex kitten." Seriously. I mean, I guess it fits the whole pop scene, and it's by no means trashy or Britney-esque or anything, but it doesn't exactly inspire me to go out and download her album, y'know? Then I had a chance to see her perform on MTV Canada (which has been cranking out two pretty great, funny, and loaded with tasty new music goodness, shows: MTV Live, and the Aftershow. I know, right? Music? On MTV? Go figure.) And honestly, she was so sweet and humble, and there was no auto-tune (DOA.), and then she performed "February Air" acoutiscally, and now I covet her hair. And that's just how it goes. Check it out below: Image above from here.

other people's weddings: Stephanie & Dave

A short-haired, cupie-doll-faced bride with a dress made out of AMAZING stripey fabric... Love it. And oh my goodness! Am I ever a sucker for the looks on grooms' faces when they first see their brides! Make me grin every time! Images from here.

other people's weddings: Kelli & Toby

Are you kidding me??? A treehouse? That is amazing! Honestly, as soon as I saw the treehouse I was totally sold. Add in the super cool (and undoubtedly cost effective) paper garlands in the trees (such creative repurposing!), and the GORGEOUS palette, and I was a goner! Images found here by Brookelynn Photography.