{Thoughts. Thoughts. Thoughts}

Who doesn't love a good side eye?

It says, "I'm too tired to move my head, but I'll look in your direction"

I know the feeling all too well. Especially this week.

Lately, I have a lot going on in this mind of mine.

Have I mentioned how hard it is to get back into the swing of things after vacation?

We all know it is.

So these thoughts may partially be due to that,

or the fact that I haven't had coffee at all this week yet. Not a good combo.

I had a little personal wake up call this week...

The truth is, sometimes the last thing I want to do is get on a computer at night after I've spent all day on one. Sometimes I just want to relax with my husband on the couch and do nothing. Sometimes I don't have the perfect thing to blog about or say. Sometimes I (we?) get caught up in the blogging routine so much, that when the comments aren't pouring in, I feel down on myself. 

That is just silly. 

I think we all get overwhelmed sometimes. I've reminded myself that this is okay. 
During these times, I think about the main reason I started blogging in the first place (my own love notes, aka journal) and also of all the sweet emails, comments, and friends I've made through blogging. Those keep me going.
While having these thoughts, I came across this post , this post, and this one, then instantly felt better. Turns out, I'm not going insane (not right now at least). 
We all go through this.

Sigh. I feel better already.

On a more positive note for this lovely Friday...
I have found some new things that make my life a heck of a lot easier.

Enter...

1. HANA Pro 1" Flat Iron

I know you have seen reviews for this bad boy floating around, but allow me to tell you why I prefer it over any other flat iron I've used:

1. Lightweight: The Hana is perfect for traveling because of it's sleek body and it's so much more lightweight than any other flat iron I've used. It doesn't weigh your arm down and it's much easier to pack in a suitcase.

2. Less Breakage and Split Ends: I've noticed a huge difference in this area. The bottom tips of my hair aren't breaking as much, and look stronger. 

3. Powerful: Without compromising the strength of my hair, I've noticed that the Hana takes me less time day to day. I don't find myself having to go over a section of hair more than once, which is huge for me. My hair is pretty curly/wavy, and I was always having to go over each section at least twice to get the look I desired. Not with the Hana. This gives me an extra of 10 minutes of beauty sleep at least every other day. ;)

There are a lot of different flat irons on the market nowadays at low price points that say they do the same job that the more expensive flat irons do (Hana, CHI, Paul Mitchell, etc), but I truly believe they do not. I tried one for a bit but it gave me split ends like there was no tomorrow, which is why from now on  I'm sticking with the Hana. It's price point doesn't break the bank, and it also comes with other beauty goodies in the package with it! I also use HANA's hair dryer, so it's safe to say I'm a HANA girl now.

 If you are in the market for a new flat iron or would like to upgrade yours, go visit Misikko's website! 


Moving on to the next lifesaver....
2. Have you heard of Glam Grab?

Glam Grab holds accesory auctions twice a week via their facebook page. You have the opportunity to to bid on price-fixed accesories ranging from $15-$40. 

Here's the deets on how it all goes down:

1. Customers like our page at www.facebook.com/glamgrab
2. Register at www.glamgrab.com
Information is never shared with 3rd parties
3. Attend our Facebook auctions
Mondays at 7:30 p.m. CST and Wednesdays at 11 a.m. CST where quantities are limited and prices are fixed
4. Comment "GRAB" on items to bid
Here's where we're different, other auction sites allow email posting - we protect our fans!
5. Pay your Paypal Invoice and receive your glam in just days!

*I love this idea because sometimes I'm just too busy to shop around on certain websites online, but when I go in to check my facebook I see some pretty jewelry I want to get my hands on! Makes it super easy to find affordable items. Why didn't I think of this?!

Now, the lovely girls at Glam Grab offered to give away an item to my lovely readers and I wanted to pick something different that you haven't seen, so today you have the chance to win their pink stone necklace that I'm wearing in the picture below. Not everyone has it, and it's one of my favorites right now. It's even prettier in person.

{also wearing Glam Grab earrings}

HERE'S HOW YOU CAN WIN:

Mandatory Entires:

1. You must follow Keep Calm and Carry On

2. Go "like" Glab Grab Accessory Auction and leave a comment on their wall letting them know KC&CO sent you to enter the giveaway! 

Additional Entires:

1. Go "like" Keep Calm and Carry On Facebook

2. "Pin" this giveaway on Pinterest!

Leave me a separate comment below for each thing you did. 

This giveaway will be open until Thursday, September 20th, and the winner will be announced here and via email Friday, the 21st.  

Go enter, friends! I can't wait to find out who the lucky winner is.

3. The last thing making my life easier?

The weekend, weddings, and my in laws. Billy's cousin Shannon is getting married this weekend and I'm thrilled to have another family wedding, where I'm not the bride, and can actually mingle with everyone and not worry about a thing! 

I'm really looking forward to spending an entire weekend catching up with them. Billy's parents are actually doing a similar vacation with their friends soon that we just did, and we plan on filling them in on all the good spots. 

Speaking of, my San Francisco post will be on Monday! I MISS that city terribly, and it's only been a week. *If you missed my Napa Valley recap: go here

Here's a little teaser...

Have any of you had the same thoughts about blogging that I have? Share with me!

Who has tried the Hana flat iron or is interested in trying it?

Don't forget to ENTER the giveaway below! 

xo