Hair Today, Gone Tomorrow?

Someone left their March issue of Allure magazine in the break room at work. The cover asks, “What Does Your Hair Say About You?” I immediately started to question just what my hair was trying to say… and proceeded to the article.

Turns out the cover was misleading, it was actually a really beautiful Hitchcockian spread that showcased different coiffures inspired by his films.

But I’m left to wonder. I mean, it's amazing what a change to the tresses can do:

Emma Stone is on my radar! Do you remember how gorgeous she
looked at the Golden Globes? I love her as a blonde (supposedly it's her natural hair color).

What woman isn't girl crushing on Gwyneth? Sleek or beachy, her hair is always fab.

Would love to be able to rock a braid like Sienna.
Still, she's so sultry with her hair down.

My #1 girl crush, Zooey Deschanel. OK, she basically looks the same in both photos,
but I'd kill to have her luscious locks. It's perfectly thick, something I totally lack.

Katie Holmes is a chameleon, with each new cut, she seems like a new person.
Is it me or does she even look different with side swept bangs vs. a middle part?

I actually found an online quiz that supposedly tells you what your hair says about you. It's totally for fun, surely not that accurate... but I took it just to see what happened. Apparently, I'm young and fresh (I'll take it and wish it to God it was the truth): check it.

Do you think your hair says something about you?

xoxo these nails

Looks like I'm not the only one indulging in colorful expression. The recently launched "xojanedotcom" has been consuming a fair amount of my time. And then I stumbled upon this (click on the link for a DIY tip)...

photo via xojane.com

Heavens to Betsy, I'm in love.

Let it be known that Jane Pratt was my idol in the day. Sassy magazine spoke to me in a way that's virtually impossible to explain. It spoke to me in a way that no other magazine did at that time. More importantly, it spoke TO me, not at me. The writers seemed to understand what it felt like to be young, different, opinionated, confident, lost... and they likely did.

Jane was just 24 years old when she started Sassy. Can you imagine? I've heard all kinds of stories about how crazy she is in real life. I'm not sure it matters to me. Hell, I can be crazy too at times. I'm just going to stick to being thankful that she still tries to speak to my generation. No matter how old we get.

Color Me Happy

Lately, few things have been as therapeutic as the painting I've been doing.

Though I did manage to get one canvas under my belt this year (for baby L!), what I'm actually finding super soothing is changing the tips of my fingers... over and over and over again. As things heat up outside, it seems the brighter the better. I'm enamored with blues, corals and my favorite recent score, Minted, Revlon's gorgeous sea foam green. Subconsciously, I've been building outfits around them too. It took a while for me to recognize what was happening... But, hey, ain't no shame in my game.

Sally Hansen Xtreme Wear, Pacific Blue

Sally Hansen Insta-Dri, Racey Rouge

Sally Hansen Xtreme Wear, Blue Me Away!

Revlon Top Speed, Violet

Sally Hansen Salon Effects, Collide-O-Scope

Revlon, Minted

Doubled up: Wet 'n Wild Wild Shine, Rain Check + Sparked

Side note: I would love to be the Grand Poobah of nail polish naming. It's my dream job. Wouldn't it be AMAZING?

New 'do, New Duds

my sweet Blaineford

So I got my hair did. Styled by my dear friend, Blaine, at Jose Luis Salon here in Austin. Though he's been doing my hair for more than five years, we've been friends for something like 15. I love him dearly, he's an angel, you would love him too. He's a good listener, he's funny (and always laughs at my jokes, BONUS!), super fun to be around, has great taste in fashion, art and music and absolutely loves what he does. Plus, he's really good at it! He's always on the cutting edge of his craft. He told me to go for ombré before it became all the rage. He knows his stuff... Naturally, his clients adore him too.

This time around, we decided to go for something edgy. I had been hesitant since I have been freelancing, but we all need a good change from time to time. It's kind of like Krista meets Joan Jett, which later I'll have to talk about as well. I'm a big proponent of "WWJJD?" (what would joan jett do?). She's guided me through some major, err rather, minor decisions. Thanks, Joan!

My new herrrrrr. At the salon. Necklace and dress: Forever 21.

I have to say, I'm digging this look. I'm still trying to learn which way I want to do it (there are boundless options and that's the most fun). And I was pleasantly shocked on Sunday when I did absolutely nothing and it styled itself, cha-ching!

Of course, now I'm left with that feeling... I tend to get it anytime I get a haircut. I want to completely revamp EVERYTHING, I need to hit the gym. Buy some new makeup. GET A NEW WARDROBE. How does this happen in an INSTANT? Out with the old, in with the new! Do you get that way too?

Air dries like a dream. Dress: Walgreens!

Tank: Ultra Music Festival

After a LONG day at work.
Necklace: Henri Bendel.
Shirt: Forever 21.

If you're in the market for something fresh and live here, please go see Blaine — tell him I sent ya!
xoxo,
Krista

P.S. did you watch Glee tonight? They covered Black Kids, I'm Not Going to Teach Your Boyfriend How to Dance with You. CRAZY. Fun!!

I miss you already

One week ago today, we lost our beloved grandfather. Though he's left us in presence, he will ALWAYS be with us in spirit. He would have been happy to know that it wasn't blisteringly hot the day he was buried, in fact it was quite cool and we think he may have had something to do with that. We celebrated his life and what a wonderful man he was. We laughed, we cried, we shared stories and we went to Chinese buffet.

Robert Eng

Robert Len Him Eng, born in Suey Kong Village, China on August 28, 1923 entered into rest at the age of 87 on April 26, 2011. He is survived by his loving daughters, Mayline, Elizabeth, Judy and Pricilla, sons Albert Eng and Kenneth Eng, and sons-in-law William and Raul. He is the grandfather of 14 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren. Other survivors include sister, Jin Lui of San Francisco, California, sisters-in-law Angie Louis and Clara Garcia Fuentes, and nephews G.C. (Jay) Ng and numerous nieces and nephews in San Antonio and San Francisco. He is preceded in death by his loving wife, Hortencia Garcia Eng, his parents, 4 siblings and son-in-law, Al Hogan. At the age of 14, after traveling alone 19 days, on a ship from China to California, he arrived in San Antonio in 1938. He attended an American school and also attended the Chinese school while working alongside his father and brothers at Sunny Side Grocery Store. It was there that he learned his great work ethic. He eventually moved to Laredo, Texas where he managed the Shanghai Café and that was where he met his future wife. They lived in Laredo until 1965, when they moved to San Antonio, where he worked at family-owned Tai Shan Restaurant. Eventually, he retired in 1995 from HEB Grocery. In his retirement he enjoyed traveling to China, San Francisco, Mexico City, and taking cruises with family and friends, Lon and Diana Potter. He enjoyed cooking for his family, especially during Thanksgiving and Christmas. The family extends its appreciation to the medical staff at CTRC, especially his chemotherapy nurse, Terry. Also thanks to the staff at 2d Baptist Medical Center, especially nurses Matt and Sandy. Extra special thanks to Maria Elena Gonzalez for her love and care for the past five years. Visitation will begin at the Alamo Funeral Home on Sunday, May 1, 2011 from 3:00 pm to 8:00 pm. A funeral service will be held at 10:00 am on Monday, May 2, 2011, at Alamo Funeral Home and interment will follow at Mission Burial Park South on S.E. Military Drive.

Pop,

We miss you so much already. Thank you for so many wonderful memories. I'm so proud I got to know you from the eyes of a child and from the eyes of an adult. I loved riding roller coasters with you as much as hearing you discuss politics. I'll miss knowing how much the cost of a hot dog and a baseball ticket were in the '40s. I'll miss your boisterous laugh, your sharp wit and knowing how proud you were of us. I'm so thankful to have had such an amazing grandfather. I'll still come visit you and you will always live on in the stories we will tell about you. I love you.

Heavy Heart

Proud Pop, 2001. Notice the UT t-shirt, my alma mater. 

I know it appears I've abandoned this before it's even started, but I guess as is usually the case with me, I have impeccable timing. I started this thing just as the health of my dear grandfather, aka Pop, is deteriorating. He's battling cancer — one more time.

It's been really hard the last couple of months. But he's strong, a fighter. Always has been and I hope will 'til the very end. As hard as it is to write that.

I can't even describe how much I love Pop. I mean, honestly can't describe it, I'm struggling to find the words to explain it to you right now.

He was born in China and moved to Texas at a very young age. He met my Nana, who is Mexican, in Laredo when they were both very young. They married and started a family and settled in San Antonio. He speaks Chinese, English and Spanish. Though he still has a Chinese accent, it's amazing to watch him speak Spanish, particularly since I never learned! I know, it's really lame, but I attempted it in high school and college. I understand un poquito.

When I was little, my favorite book was Hop on Pop by Dr. Seuss. I don't even remember what it's about, but I do remember being so proud that I had a Pop. And I'm still proud and I'm frightened and sad about the day when I don't have one anymore. I'm thankful that I've had him for so long. I'm really not prepared for this. I assume you never really are.

He was born in 1923. He loves to talk and can tell you how much milk or gas or bananas cost in, say, 1942. And he'll tell you every single time he sees you. I love it when he starts his tirades about politics or how he'll start certain sentences with, "It's like the people always say..." or when he says stuff like, "I dunno?!" or "What the hay?" all with a thick Chinese accent. It's adorable.

December 2008

He never learned to drive, but he and my Nana's favorite ride at the amusement park was that drive-the-car ride. You know, the one that allows you to "drive" along a track, waving at those standing by. He loved to drive her around. I always loved that about them. I can picture it now.

We lost my Nana almost 20 years ago, very suddenly. She was 64. We weren't sure he'd live much longer without his beloved, he told us he was ready to go too and I was so worried, but he's still here! TWENTY years later.

He battled colon cancer not too long after Nana passed. Years after fighting that, he got cancer again, in his arm. They removed pretty much the entire muscle, but he fought that too. A couple of years ago, he was diagnosed with lung cancer. It's been hard. Much harder to fight. And I hate it.

He has always been super independent and self-sufficient. My grandfather lived alone after Nana passed and despite not ever driving, he totally got around, riding the bus and walking everywhere! These days, he lives with my Aunt (thank God for her!) and uses a walker around her house, a wheelchair when we go out and is on oxygen 24 hours a day. He's not able to get up on his own, so my Aunt or one of my Uncles or his care provider must help him.

It would be a lot better if he weren't in so much pain. Though he'd NEVER tell me so, I know he is. When I call, he tells me he's good and always wants to know how T and I are doing. He's a trooper. Makes me wish there was something I could do to take it all away from him. He's got a lot of life left in him, I know it.

With everything happening so fast, my family all came over from the East Coast to check in on him, try to lift his spirits. Possibly say goodbye. It broke my heart to think that this might be the last time they see him. But it worked. His spirits were lifted and for the last three weeks, mine were too.

You should have seen how happy he was to see everyone. My sister and her family came first with her husband and two baby girls. He got to meet my youngest niece for the first time and she absolutely adored him (as is usually the case), she's only 6 months old! He ate it up, it was so awesome to watch. He also got to video chat with my brother's wife and children and he was over the moon.

March 2011 with my angel of an Aunt.

Seeing everyone literally put a spring back in his step. When it was time to go to lunch the other day, he practically ran back to his room to get his hat. My Aunt spotted him, but still, we couldn't believe how fast he was moving.

When we got to the Chinese buffet, one of his favorites, he had plate after plate of shrimp. He used to always tell me to never eat the fillers like egg rolls or rice, to load up on the seafood. "You need to get your money's worth!" How fantastic that hasn't changed. While we were there, it was also so cool to watch my baby brother taking such good care of him. He wheeled my Pop around helping him choose what he wanted, cracking the crab legs open for him, making sure he was okay and really not eating much to put Pop first. In the sadness of it all, it was a proud moment.

My point is, it's just been a hard time. And worse, they just ran some tests and found some more spots on his brain and in his shoulder. He's started radiation already. My Aunt tells me that it's supposed to alleviate some of his pain by the fifth treatment. He's already had three and she said she can tell he's doing much better.

Bless her for taking such good care of him. She told my Mom that as long as she's living, Pop will never live in a home.I'm so thankful and I love her to pieces. I'm ashamed that I probably don't articulate how appreciative I am of her.

So this is why I've been MIA. I'm thinking about him a lot.Have spent a lot of time with family lately. My mind is elsewhere.

He was there for my high school graduation, he was there when I graduated from UT and he wants to be there for my wedding. Quite frankly, I want him to be there too. He's always been our proud grandfather. I hope he knows how very much he's loved and that we're really proud of him too.

Mock My Mockingbird

Have you seen Portlandia? Love it. I find myself putting it on a Hulu loop (frequently at work). The cool thing is most of my co-workers walk by exclaiming, "Portlandia!" Guess the feeling is mutual. We all dig it. The humor that totally makes fun of things that are all too familiar, particularly for my generation... and well, living in Austin.

A few weeks ago, I finally came across one that totally makes fun of ME. It's me to a T, even the end, when they're totally freaked out by the real birds. I mean, birds are dirty aren't they? I jest, -kind of-.

I'm not sure when it all started. Maybe because I've always wanted a sparrow tattoo. When I created my twitter account, I craved anonymity and found this cool little photo online that I felt epitomized me or at least what I wanted to put on my body.

Ever since then, I seem to be a bit of a collector. Exhibit A:

I could wear a different bird necklace to work for two entire weeks and never wear the same one. And I'm certain the collection will only grow.

I have rings, earrings, I painted a giant canvas that hangs above our bed and I also own some tees, but was too embarrassed to show off everything.

I will, however, show you one of my all time FAVORITE pieces, a big splurge and treat to myself, my Marc by Marc Jacobs hobo bag. I LOVE everything about it. The bohemian style, the floral ditsy print lining, the luxurious feel of the supple leather and, of course, the BIRD on it...

So I guess I'm a cliche, but I can't stop. And frankly, I don't want to. Please tell me there are other girls out there who are just as fanatical?