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You Guys, I'm on Buzzfeed.

As you guys may have noticed, I've seriously been slacking on the tutorial front.  

So, imagine my surprise when I found one of my tutorials on BuzzFeed's "27 Gorgeously Dreamy Vintage-Inspired Hair Tutorials list.  I guess I shouldn't be that surprised.  Isn't that what the internet is for?  Recycling images from nearly two years ago in new and exciting ways.

Anyway, I wanted you all to see it.  And to know that my tutorial hiatus isn't because I don't love you, because I do.  It's because I started picking up more freelance work, and going to school for interior architecture (more to come on that!).

So this isn't goodbye, it's give me a few weeks to catch up, and I'll be back with some new and different stuff. 

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So, once again, it has been FOREVER since my last post.  I'm really trying to work on that.  

In all honesty, I've been SUPER busy.  And not in a generic, "I'm soooo busy" way, but more like I just went back to school (more on that soon), and have two jobs as well kind of way.

Anywho, while I get my act together and start making more tutorials, here are some that I've done for Cult Cosmetics over the past few months.

For full instructions go here.  

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I've been so busy working and going to school, that I've been behind on the tutorial front.  I am working on some new stuff this week, so keep your eyes open for some new spring hair and nail tutorials. 

In the mean time, check out  this layered dots manicure tutorial I did for Cult Cosmetics here.  

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This is an excerpt from my pub slush​ Project Blogger feature.  Check it out, and read more http://bit.ly/1cs1gmW!!

"Anything leather makes me feel badass.  I recently started taking classes towards a Master’s degree in Interior Architecture.  Any time I get anxious walking around campus, I automatically feel unstoppable carrying the beautiful black leather backpack my Mother bought me for Christmas."

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One of my besties Amanda co-founded and is the Vice President of an amazing crowd funding platform for emerging authors and books.

Check me out on their Pubslush Project Blogger series!!

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This post is me making an effort to acknowledge those of you out there in the throws of a really eff-ing cold winter.

That is my oldest sister Erin, who lives in New York and has been enduring through the polar vortex.  One of her Christmas presents from me this year was the hat she's wearing.  I knit it for her out of baby alpaca yarn and it is so soft and comfortable.  I wanted to put a very large pom pom on top, but she wasn't feeling it--so this one remained pom pom less.

Anyway, if you knit and/or are interested in learning how to let me know and I will post the pattern and some helpful video resources I use.

Cheers!

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LA Flower Market

If you can look at a bouquet of fresh flowers and not instantly feel happier, well then my friend, you might want to check for a pulse because you are definitely not human.

Last weekend, in an effort to increase warm and fuzzies, I visited the LA Flower District.  And let me tell you, mission accomplished.

The area is located in DTLA on Wall St. between 7th and 8th.  It is sprinkled with shops specializing in different botanical offerings, as well floral accoutrements such as a variety of vases, ribbons, and display options.  Most of the shops, including The Original Los Angeles Flower Market, offer both wholesale and individual sales which means you’ll be shopping alongside floral boutique buyers, party planners, fellow flower enthusiasts, and brides on a budget. 

The highs of the excursion included floral eye candy, purchasing from local growers, seeing hanging glass vases for considerably less money than trendy retailers, and scoring a dozen roses for $4.75.

The lows include the smell of urine walking from my street parking to the Flower District, and waking up early on Saturday.

All in all, it is a must see for all Angelenos, and visitors. Be sure to check out my Top 5 LA Flower Market Tips over on at ShopCoolie for all the ins and outs of making the best of your trip.

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How are the resolutions coming?  

I'm trying my hardest to keep up, and refocus after the holidays on my plant based eating plan that eliminates dairy and limits refined sugars.  I know what you're thinking:

"Oh yeah Tori, plant based pshhhh, In case you didn't realize there is a polar vortex happening and imma need some comfort food to cope."

Enter: Chef Chloe.

If you are or have ever thought about going vegan or plant based she is your go to gal.  She has augmented many comforting and traditional recipes so that you don't feel like you're suffering for making healthy choices.

Chloe is so good that she won the Food Network's Cupcake Wars with a vegan recipe she developed against competitors that had all kinds of yummy butter, and dairy tools in their corner.  Seriously.

Even if you're not ready to fully commit, at least give her Sweet Potato Mac n' Cheese a try!

Through my experience, what I put into my body is directly reflected in my appearance.  

Dull skin--drink more water.  

Bloated-- what fiber are you eating and how much salt?

Mild acne--hello candy binge.

Weak nails & hair-- are you getting enough protein & iron?

I'm not saying you can change your genetic makeup, but you'd be surprised how eating properly can make you feel like the best version of yourself.

If you have any questions about vegan recipes or anything else related just ask!

xoxo

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Here is an close up shot of the Knotty Cobalt Crown Jewel Lux Pony.

So freaking cute.

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So, I'm not going to lie, it has been a while.  We all know how the holidays go; eating until you no longer fit in your clothes, socializing with family and friends, drinking like a 55 year old man, and generally slacking on all your other life duties.  I, however, have managed to stretch the holidays into mid-january.

Sadly, they are officially over and 2014 is in full swing, which leaves me with countless resolutions.  Again, in the spirit of being honest, some of these resolutions will be abandoned before Valentine's Day (I'm talking to you 'exercise more'), but some I will fiercely stick to and transform from resolution to habit.  

One of the keepers is being more consistent with posting on here.  But, I can't do it alone.  I need inspiration, and that is where all of you guys come into play.  What do you want to see and hear? What questions do you have? What is generally on your mind? Do you have any beauty tutorials or tips of your own that you'd like me to post on here? Let me know and together we can make 2014 amazballs(sp?).  

Anywho, I'm going to kick things off with a simple braided tutorial for those days when you only have 5 minutes because you're so busy getting ish done.  

1) Start with soft blown out hair.

2) Use a comb to create a deep side part.

3) Use a teasing comb to tease the crown of your hair, as well as the both sides of your hair.  Be careful not to tease too much of the top layer.  Otherwise you will get ride of the smooth look that we are going for.

4) Take the side with more hair, and twist the front section.  

5) Secure it with bobby pins to the area right above/behind your ear.

6) Next, pull all your hair to that side of your head and begin dividing it into 3 sections so that you can braid it.

7) Braid away.  You can braid as far down as you'd like.  I chose to leave a pretty long tail unbraided so that I could tease it, but that is just my personal preference.  Do what your heart desires.

8) Secure the end of you braid. I used the ADORABLE crown jewel lux pony in cobalt from ShopKnotty. Then to finish the look, I teased the tail of the braid, and spritzed the look with hair spray.

If you have any questions let me know!

xoxo

Tori

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Happy Thanksgiving!!

Gratitude is a key component to happiness. In an experimental comparison, those who kept gratitude journals on a weekly basis exercised more regularly, reported fewer physical symptoms, felt better about their lives as a whole, and were more optimistic about the upcoming week compared to those who recorded hassles or neutral life events (Emmons & McCullough, 2003);

Head over to my Instagram and enter to win a bunch of hair goodies simply by showing your gratitude.

Entering is as easy as 1-2-3:

1) Follow @toritutorial and @shopknotty on Instagram

2) Post a picture of what you’re most thankful for this Thanksgiving season

3) Tag that picture with #toriknottygivethanks as well as @toritutorial & @shopknotty.

The winner will be picked on 11/29 at 1:00pm PST.  Enter as many times as you’d like!

So excited to bring you fabulous people some goodies, and celebrate gratitude at the same time.

If you have any questions let me know, otherwise start giving thanks and tagging it!

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By now you should be asking yourself, "How can this one headband be used to create so many different looks?".

You should also be asking yourself, "Have I entered the #toriknottygivethanks Instagram giveaway to win this awesome headband and more?"

Go to the top of my website, and click on my Instagram link for details on how to enter!

In the meantime, here are the step by step instructions on how to get this awesome braided flapper look.

1) You know the drill, start with day old hair parted in the middle.

2) Put on the Knotty Chain Headband/Necklace so that it sits over your hair and roughly in the middle of your forehead.

3) Divide your hair into the right side, and the left side.

4) Braid each side, so as to create braided pigtails.

5) Pull the braids back, and pin the to the back of the headband,  Secure to headband, as well as the hair above the headband.

6) Pull the braids apart a bit to loosen them, and finish off the style.

7) Spritz with hairspray.

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Usually I keep this blog pretty girl specific, but today I am switching it up!

Check out some photog work I did for KendamaUSA in San Francisco last month.

Big congrats to Jake Wiens for becoming the newest KendamaUSA Pro.  Also shout out to Colin Sander, my hubby <3, for putting together a great announcement edit.

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9 Steps to an Event Worthy Updo

1) As always, start with day old hair for easy styling.

2) Use a teasing comb to back comb the crown of your head.

3) Pin crown poof into place.

4) Put the Knotty Chain/Necklace Headband on so as to border the poof you just created.

5) Part the hair in front of the headband in the middle.  Take one side, twist it back, and pin it behind your ear into the headband.  Repeat on the other side.

6) Take your ponytail and feed it underneath the headband in the back.  

7) Next take the remaining hair that pokes out the top, and fold it over to create a nice polished edge.  Pin hair into place using bobby pins.

8) Pin any remaining areas of the hair style into place so that it feels secure.

9) Spritz with hairspray.

Party on!

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Yesterday, I was waxing poetic about how AMAZING the Knotty hair accessories are and how you should all try them....

Today I am THANKFUL to announce that I'm partnering with Knotty to do a Thanksgiving Giveaway!! 

One of you will get to try each of the items above (hair bow, chain headband, chain hair tie, ombre natural hair ties, and the safari hair ties) for free!

Entering is as easy as 1-2-3:

1) Follow @toritutorial and @shopknotty on Instagram

2) Post a picture of what you're most thankful for this Thanksgiving season

3) Tag that picture with #toriknottygivethanks as well as @toritutorial & @shopknotty.

  The winner will be picked on 11/29 at 1:00pm PST.  Enter as many times as you'd like!

So excited to bring you fabulous people some goodies, and celebrate gratitude at the same time.

If you have any questions let me know, otherwise start giving thanks and tagging it!

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I don't know if my lack of hair tutorials has tipped you off, but I've been in a hair rut.  Just feeling generally uninspired, and lackluster about it.

Thank heavens I found Knotty!  They've single handedly taken me from blasé to blown away.  They have a variety of great hair ties & accessories, but the one I am coveting most at the moment is the Classic Chain Headband/Necklace.

The possibilities are literally endless.  I was able to come up with 4 different styles with this one item.  The one above is the dressed up voluminous ponytail and it literally takes 5 minutes.

 You'll need:

-The Knotty Classic Chain Headband/Necklace.

-Day old hair

-Teasing comb

-Clear elastic hair ties

-Hair spray

How to:

1) Start with day old hair that has been brushed out.

2) Put the headband on and only push it back about an inch or so from your hair line.

3) Take your teasing comb, and begin to back comb your hair.  Start from where the headband ends, and work your way  to your crown.  The goal is to create as much volume as possible.

4) Pin your voluminous poof into place for added security and to ensure that when you pull your hair into a ponytail you don't lose any volume.

5) Use a clear elastic hair tie to pull your hair into a low ponytail.

6) Use the teasing comb to tease the ponytail.  Don't hold back.  The bigger the better.

7) Use a clear elastic hair tie to secure the bottom of your hair.  Leave a good amount of hair on the bottom.  This enables there to be a bigger contrast between the voluminous poofs, and the sleek bottom.  

8) Use a clear elastic hair tie in the middle of the two already in place in order to create the separated poofs.

9) Spritz the look with hairspray.  

There you have.  The fastest way to chic, effortless hair.  Enjoy!

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I'm loving that flannel and plaid are having a moment.  It makes getting dressed comfy, and fun.

I paired my Zara Checked Shirt with waxed blue jeans, and army inspired green jacket with matching flannel lining, Cole Haan boots, Massada sunglasses, and a black and white hat I recently knit for my husband. 

How are you planning on wearing this seasons flannel & plaid?