My husband isn’t much of a sweets guy, but he really loves vanilla ice cream topped with lots of Hershey’s syrup. The ingredients in Hershey’s syrup are less than stellar, so I wanted to make healthier homemade chocolate syrup for him to enjoy on his ice cream! If I had known it was this simple, I would have been making this chocolate syrup for years! This chocolate syrup also makes amazing chocolate milk!

That’s it! Who knew it was so simple?!

Enjoy!

XO, Keri

Check out my bio here!

If you are like me, when my hair looks fabulous– I genuinely feel fabulous. Isn’t that the truth though? Bad hair days send me straight to Starbucks to get myself a pity latte. Over the past few years, I have been trying out new hair products to find something that would have me walking out the door in the morning full of confidence.  My biggest struggle was finding products that would keep my locks looking great throughout a long work day.  Working on a college campus has its quirks (surprise rain storms, humid summers, frigid static-inducing winters), but I have finally found a regimen that is working for my weather woes.

Living in southeastern Virginia, humidity is probably my most-combated foe (next to turning down chocolate and crafting supply shopping sprees).  When I would check the weather in the morning and see the moisture percentage reaching the high 90’s, I used to throw in the towel and call my (hair) day a wash—until I discovered Bumble & Bumble.  I discovered Bb when my salon made the switch from Paul Mitchell (I will mention PM again, stay tuned!).  My stylist used Bb’s Straight Blow Dry product when blowing out my hair with a round brush, and I immediately fell in love.  My hair (naturally frizzy and thin) had body and movement… and it was soft!  I had never been able to achieve volume without hair spray and a teasing comb, which didn’t leave my hair very touchable.  I decided to completely sell my soul to the Bb Straight line and got the shampoo and conditioner, too—and I am so glad I did!  The smoothing agents fight frizz during humid summers, and the moisturizers keep static at bay during dry winters.  I know what you’re thinking—this girl works for Bumble & Bumble.  I really don’t!  I just genuinely love their products.

Shampoo | Conditioner | Blow Dry

The one set back I have found with these products is how oily my roots may feel on the days that I don’t wash my hair (I really do try to make it an every other day event).  There are a couple of ways to avoid this:

Tip #1:  Try out a dry shampoo. I have not always had the best luck with dry shampoo, but I am still in my “experimenting” phase with the product.  Sometimes I roll old-fashion and dab some baby powder on my roots, although I will admit I am not a fan of the scent.  Bb’s Hair Powder is next on my list of product trials, and it even comes in different colors (white, blonde, brown, red, and black).  I will let you know how it goes!

Tip #2:  Use a clarifying shampoo once a week. I use Bb’s Sunday to strip my hair of a week full of product and oil build up, but my stylist mentioned that a Suave or White Rain shampoo can also work if you are looking to save a few dollars.

Tip #3:  Avoid putting conditioner and other products too close to your roots.  This is simple, really.  Your scalp produces oil at your roots, so it is natural that they might appear oilier than the rest of your hair in-between washes.

Tip #4:  Get a bad hair day buddy for the off-wash days.  My friend Suzie and I coordinated our BHD for moral texting support.  I’m serious, we do this.

Tip #5:  Wash your hair every day if you really feel like you need to.  Although some might argue that this is not the best practice, if you’re using nourishing products, and you truly have thin hair that needs to be squeaky clean, do what feels right.

Bb Hair Powder | Bb Sunday Shampoo | Bed Head Shampoo | Bed Head Conditioner | Paul Mitchell Lavender Mint Shampoo | Suave Shampoo

I said earlier that I would mention Paul Mitchell again– my stylist recommended that I switch shampoos every so often, as hair can become used to a product and will eventually lose some of its efficacy.  There are two other brands of products that I love using when I am not using Bb– and I would even recommend them for regular use if you find that you like them.  Paul Mitchell’s Tea Tree Lavender Mint and Bed Head’s Moisture Maniac shampoo and conditioner are a couple favorites of mine.  The Paul Mitchell set leaves me feeling fresh and clean, while the Bed Head set gives me an extra boost of softness if my hair is feeling particularly dry. I even found the Bed Head set at TJ Maxx!

What products have you found that work, or don’t work?  Have you tried these products and liked them as much as I have? I would love to hear from you! 

XO, Bethany

Check out my bio here!

 Shop the items: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6

XO, Jenny

To claim the $16 Personalized Note Card Set Promotion:

Look for this offer on our Facebook Page and then head over to the store to use it.

P.S. They make great gifts!

To enter the gift card giveaway:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

XO, Jenny

No purchase necessary; void where prohibited. By entering into this sweepstakes, the entrant acknowledges that they are eligible for this sweepstakes according to all laws set forth by their state of residency. Sorry, U.S. residents only.

We’re obsessed with the bold dots bangles in blue, fuschia, and ivory (pictured below), which are elastic so they will fit most! We also love this flower necklace which is the perfect statement piece for any spring or summer outfit!

To enter:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Good luck and thanks for reading!

XO, Louisa & Jenny

No purchase necessary; void where prohibited. By entering into this sweepstakes, the entrant acknowledges that they are eligible for this sweepstakes according to all laws set forth by their state of residency. Sorry, U.S. residents only.

1. 15 Free Fonts:  These fonts are fun, unique, and free!

2. Strawberry Lemonade:  The most delicious drink recipe for all those spring and summer barbeques!

3. Justin Timberlake:  Excited to buy my {Nashville} tickets this morning! See if he’ll be touring in your area!

4. Oh La La:  I’ve had my eye on this print for a while. It’s time to bite the bullet and buy it for my new office!

5. How To Frost Cupcakes:  Great tutorial to follow if you want professional looking cupcakes!

6. The Power of a Statement Necklace:  Some fun tips on wearing spring’s hottest accessory!

7. Maddie the Coonhound:  I am obsessed with this adorable doggy and all of his cute pics!

8. Gold Leaf Succulent Pots:  The perfect DIY project to try this weekend! I can’t wait to make them for my porch!

Did you come across anything fun on the web this week? Please share!

XO, Louisa

Shop these items: One | Two | Three | Four

XO, Jenny

Rockers | Striped Pillows | Monogrammed Pillow | Door Mat | Wreath, Orchid, Stool via TJMaxx

Remember the Front Porch Inspiration Board I posted last month? Well, I’m slowly chipping away at my list and purchasing the items I picked out. Stripes & monograms, a welcoming door mat, and a mint green garden stool, which I absolutely love!

So what’s left? I need to order the planters I want from Frontgate, which are pricy so I’ve held off, hoping I’d find something I’d like better. But no luck yet! Some ferns which I’ll pick up at Home Depot next weekend, and the most exciting part, a lantern! I definitely need to get this ordered soon as my husband already took down the light that was up there. I’m on a mission &  I’d love your opinion!

Here is the front of our house:

I plan on hanging a lantern centered over my front door. There are SO MANY gorgeous option and it’s so hard to know which one will look great but below are a few contenders.

Clockwise from top left: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6

Any of them stand out to you? Please share your thoughts!

XO, Louisa

Once I re-launch the site, I will be doing a giveaway on For Chic Sake. So stay tuned!

XO, Jenny

One of the things that I am most excited for this summer is going to the farmers market on the weekends and bringing home lots of fresh local produce! Until the farmers markets open up, I have been frequenting a year-round produce stand near our house. Today, my favorite find was the peewee avocados. Peewee avocados are usually less than half the size of a normal avocados. I have found that they typically have a more firm texture and a subtler avocado flavor. At 4/$1 I couldn’t help but stock up! Next time you have a surplus of avocados, you should try this unique version of guacamole! The addition of feta adds an unexpected flavor that keeps drawing you in and the apple cider vinegar pulls it all together with a bit of tang!

So tell us, what are you most looking forward to about this coming summer?

XO, Keri

Check out my bio here!