Happy 2026!
2026 Super Moon
Wow! Didn't 2025 go by like a blink of an eye...
We are now 6 days into the New Year, and already a ton has happened or is in the works!
Yup, this is how our kitchen was during the holidays of 2025
My home remodel is just about done! Fingers crossed, this time next week I will be contractor/worker free in my house. Oh, how I dream of the days of only myself, my sweetie, Eloise, and Frankie roaming around carefree and noise-free (except Ellie barking passionately at the dang squirrels!)
I can not wait to cook again, collecting new recipes that are in the queue.
I missed out on decorating and baking for the holidays, so a "holiday" party is in the works after our new living room furniture arrives late winter!
Casa #7525, Home Sweet Home
I will be writing another blog about all the ins and outs, ups and downs, struggles and victories on our home remodel project. It will include everything from how I got treated by some, bad and good... how we saved money without cutting corners, what I would do differently, and what I would do the same... Stay tuned if you are so inclined...
One of the “friendly” reminders to the “staff”
2026 is the Year of The Horse, not just any horse but "The Fire Horse"... beginning with the Chinese New Year on the 17th of February.
The combination of the Horse (representing freedom and spirit) and the Fire element (representing passion and intensity) makes 2026 a highly dynamic and fast-paced year.
It is predicted to be a year of rapid progress, innovation, and social expansion.
This sounds like a great time to change up your look if you have been thinking about it!
Let's talk hair!
I re-imaged" the salon during the holidays... (because remodeling my home wasn't enough crazy...)
Thank you to all those who have noticed the little touches that have changed.
I wanted to refresh the salon after almost a decade from its opening, but also wanted to maintain the cozy "speak-easy" style.
I hope all of you will see it soon and continue to feel comfy, warm, and safe!
Here is a small list of hairstyles that are coming out to play in 2026. I hope this may inspire you!
HAIR TRENDS 2026
Scandi Layers:
Very soft face-framing layers. Making any hairstyle cut below the chin airy and effortless
The "Ripped" Bob:
A modern, choppy bob. The intention is to have a lived-in, tousled "I woke up looking this fabulous" hairstyle
Mid-Lengths:
just past the shoulders, ideal for easy styling, just long enough to put up on those days you need your hair outta your face but then easily shake it on down...
The Side Part:
Making a strong comeback, adding lift, softness, and symmetry to any haircut. Just off the center, gone are the days of center or extreme side parts.
Effortless Bangs:
Soft, wispy French/Birkin bangs."Un-done" fringe that's fuller than piecey bangs but not solid thick straight across bangs.
Named after Jane Birkin, the gorgeous gal that the bag was named after also!
Statement Pixies:
Sharp, bold pixie cuts that emphasize individuality. Another super chic, easy-to-style hair design that is being recreated!
An editorial shoot for a film I had the pleasure of doing hair and makeup for
Color trends for the year!
I don't know about you, but I'm already over the greyness of each day.
To help, I look to my wardrobe for a pick-me-up...
Throwing on colorful items may not seem in season, but it sure adds positivity to any dark, cloudy, rainy day!
These are seven of the "must-haves" for 2026, and I concur!
1. Hot Pink! ( or as I called it as a child, "Pink on Fire!" (one of my favorite colors!)
2. Canary/Sunshine yellow
3. Chartreuse, aka Yellowish Green
4. Cobalt Blue ( okay, this IS my very favorite color!)
5. Teal or, as I call it, "Tiffany Blue" ( another fav of mine)
6. Orange (no nickname for this one.... ORANGE!)
7. Cloud Dancer ... awarded color of the year, I describe this one as a" dirty white" ( no, I'm not talking about the majority of elected male officials...)
Pink on Fire, one of my many color choices that I LOVE
One last thing...
Some may remember that I was planning on walking the Camino Frances this coming May.
Well, unfortunately, my walking partner/mountain man is currently in a boot due to a stress fracture.
I didn't want to push him to train and to heal quicker, cause as they say, "If you want to make God laugh, tell him your plans..."
So we are waiting for another time, and I booked an amazing trip for us.
Instead of checking the box of the Camino Walk, we will be doing SEVERAL bucket list items.
First, we will be going to Iceland. Staying for a day or two and driving around the entire "Golden Circle and buckle list item: going into The Blue Lagoon!
Flying then to Belgium.
I have wanted to take my hubby, who (fun fact) used to own a brewery, to a pub in Bruges, where every beer has its own mug... this reflects a core part of Belgian beer culture, where unique glasses (goblets, chalices, tulips) are designed to enhance each specific beer's aroma, carbonation, and flavor. Can't wait to take him to THE BEER WALL BAR, his mind and taste buds will be blown away!
After crossing the border into France, a HUGE bucket list item is to be at Normandy during D-Day... yup, going there then!
On to my favorite place in the world... nope, it's not Paris... Mont St Michel!
After spending 2-3 nights at this Benedictine abbey, founded in 966, we will venture to the tip of the North/Western France coast, then down to the Loire Valley, and over to Versailles, Paris, and Champagne!
Two things love the most, especially paired together: My mountain man and France….
Another thing I am really looking forward to is taking as many photos with my Nikon.
I believe all the landscapes I will come across will make for a few great photos, a few HUNDRED, possibly THOUSANDS....
Landscape Photography… a passion
Our trip is booked.
We will leave at the end of May, returning mid-June.
My calendar is up to date, so make sure you prebook your next couple of appointments!
If you have any fun facts, ideas, or knowledge of these areas... I would love to hear.
Also, if you know anyone who is buried at The American Cemetery by Omaha Beach, I would love to pay my respects...
I truly wish everyone a peaceful 2026. Let us be kind to one another, remember to talk with respect, and of course make sure you get in as many big belly laughs as humanly possible (with or without peeing your pants)... regardless of the weather, politics, or what your loud-mouthed relative, friend, neighbor, or any other human may say out loud...
Be well, mentally, physically, and spiritually... we only get one shot here on this planet! Xx
Go Seahawks! Go Bills!
My mantra for the month
"When I am caught between a rock and a hard place, let me be water. Let me be water. Let me be water. "
John Roedel
