Calling all readers!

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A week from now, I'll be visiting the "happiest place on Earth" - Disney World!  My family is going for my niece's 4th birthday, and we're all so excited about it!  Caleb and my dad will be heading back to work after our Disney adventure, but my sisters, niece, mom, and I will be continuing our time in Florida with a visit to Tampa Bay and Miami, where my grandparents live.  It should be great fun!

Because I want to spend as much time with my family as possible (we're usually about 5 hours away), I don't plan on publishing any new posts while I'm gone.  However, I'd like to schedule some posts ahead of time so that I don't drop off the face of the planet (or at least the blogging world).

This is where you come in...

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Looking back: The day I became a Mrs.

One year of marriage!  Woohoo!  I can't believe today (June 26) marked our one year anniversary.  The time has flown by so quickly, and Caleb and I are so thankful for the past 12 months.  We can't wait to spend eternity together!

In true celebratory fashion, I'm reminiscing by sharing some of the photos from our wedding day.  (This post is going up kind of late tonight because I spent the entire day with mi amor.)  It was truly a spectacular, magical, stupendous day!  It was modest, but perfect; quaint, but filled with love - and I wouldn't change a thing about it.  These pictures will always remind me of the joy my wedding day brought me and the beautiful life I started with my Caleb.

*Disclaimer: You are about to enter picture overload.  Sappiness will ensue.  You've been warned.  :)

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Looking back: Engagement photos

Caleb and I celebrate our one year anniversary tomorrow!  We're so excited!  I thought it would be fun to share this milestone with you all by featuring photos that we have taken over the course of our time together.  Yesterday, I shared some pictures from our dating years, and today I'm sharing some of our engagement photos.  They were taken by a friend of ours, Jonathan, on our college campus and around our quaint college town.  It was his first time to ever take engagement shots, so it was fun for all of us!  Johnathan was super enthusiastic, which made the experience all the more memorable.  I love the way our photos came out, and they will always remind me of the joyous time of our engagement.

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Reminiscing

This weekend, Caleb and I celebrate one year of marriage!  The anniversary has me reminiscing about our dating years.  We have so many precious memories, and I'm so thankful for our formative years as a couple.  We had so much fun together!  Some of our favorite memories are our travels together - from Miami, to the Bahamas, to San Diego, to Chicago, and everything in between!  But I'm also so appreciative of the time spent in our quaint college town, where we attended plays, sporting events, banquets, and just enjoyed our time together.  It is in these years that our love began to blossom, and now it's flourished into something that I thank God for every day.  Our dating years set the foundation for the life that we're building together.

Join me as I take a trip down memory lane...

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John Frieda giveaway

This week was all about John Frieda product reviews, and now it's time for a giveaway!  Over the course of the past five days, six fabulous products have been featured, and now you have a chance to win them all, courtesy of John Frieda!*

Here are the products up for grabs...

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Guest Review: John Frieda Sheer Blonde Go Blonder Controlled Lightening Spray

Happy Friday!  Jenni here from Engineered Style.  Thanks for joining me on the last day of John Freida reviews on Splendiferous Inclinations!  I blog from the perspective of an engineer, constantly looking for ways to re-engineer my style and life, while meeting the constraints of work on a construction jobsite.  I was delighted when Jessica gave me the opportunity to try out this new John Frieda lightening product.  My work outfits may require long pants and closed toe shoes, but my hair can be any color, length or style that I please!

Several months ago, I decided to brighten up my dark blond hair with highlights.  I haven't done anything since, so I have some faint lines about 2"-3" from my scalp...I like to think of it as my own version of an "ombre" look (ha!).  Here is a glimpse...Check out the rest >>

Review: John Frieda Frizz-Ease 3-Day Straight

I love having curly hair, but every now and then I like to change up my look by styling my hair straight.  However, in the past, this meant straightening my hair multiple times a week to maintain my look.  When I first heard about John Frieda's Frizz-Ease 3-Day Straight Semi-Permanent Styling Spray, I was anxious to see if it would live up to its name.  Admittedly, I was quite skeptical, especially since the Texas humidity often destroys a straight 'do by the end of the day.

Imagine my surprise when the product actually did perform excellently!  

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Links a la Mode: June 23

Hello, lovelies!  I hope your week is going fantastic!  My week just got a little better because I am being featured in this week's edition of IFB's Links a la Mode!  If you haven't done so, I hope you'll take the time to read my featured post - it's one of my most popular ones to date!  Also, take gander at some of the other posts featured this week...there is some really great material!

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Review: John Frieda Luxurious Volume Anytime Hair Refresher

Next in line for my week of John Frieda reviews is Luxurious Volume Anytime Hair Refresher.  Let me start off by saying that I love dry shampoo, and this is one of the best ones I've tried.  What I like so much about it is that it helps eliminate oil between washes, but it also revives volume in hair.  My hair tends to fall limp after a couple days without a wash, but this product really adds some much needed body.  Just spray onto roots and style.  That easy.

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Review: John Frieda Touch-up Flyaway Tamer

Yesterday, I talked about the shampoo and conditioner from John Frieda's Full Repair line.  Today, I'll be reviewing another product from the line: Touch-up Flyaway Tamer.  John Frieda's website describes the product this way: "Crystal-clear formula with Inca Inchi Oil weightlessly smoothes flyaways and frayed ends to keep full-bodied styles perfectly polished.  Ideal for on-the-go touch-ups and boosting shine."  I must say, the product actually works exactly as described.

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Sometimes I'm cheesy

I wore this outfit on a date night with my husband, but let's cut to the chase.  There are few things I love more than date nights with my husband...especially date nights that involve chips and queso.

There.  I've admitted my weakness.  

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Review: John Frieda Full Repair Shampoo and Conditioner

I have been using the Full Repair Shampoo and Conditioner together since I received them at the John Frieda Salon Tour, and I have been pretty impressed.  The shampoo cleans hair very effectively without over-drying, and following up with the conditioner has left my hair silky soft.  Usually, I don't style my hair with too much heat, but I've been straightening my hair more often lately.  This system has helped keep my split ends under wraps, and my hair does not look or feel dry at all.  Also, I don't like to use shampoos and conditioners that have a strong floral or fruity fragrance, and this system has a wonderful clean, fresh smell that I love.

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A charming blogger meetup

This past Saturday I attended a DFW blogger meetup put together by Julie of Rosy+Tart.  We started off at Charming Charlie for some accessories shopping, and the store was kind enough to provide us with drinks, snacks, and, best of all, a 20% discount!  (You know I love to save!)

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John Frieda Precision Foam Colour: A demonstration and review

I have a special treat in store for you this week!

Remember my John Frieda Salon Tour post?  Well, I've been using all of the products provided to me by JF, and now it's time for reviews!  I also wanted to try JF's new Precision Foam Colour, so I went out and bought a box myself so I could see if it really is as easy to use as all the ads suggest and let you know my thoughts.  What's best is that this review is kicking off a week of reviews, culminating in a John Frieda giveaway featuring 6 full size JF products! Over the course of the next 5 days, I'll post reviews of each product, and, on Friday (the fifth day), I'll post the giveaway, where you'll have the chance to win all the products I reviewed!  (The Precision Foam Colour will not be included in the giveaway...just think of this as a little preview!)

If you're interested in learning more about John Frieda's Precision Foam Colour, watching a demonstration, and hearing my review, check out this video, and be sure to let me know what you think!  Be sure to stay tuned the rest of the week to learn more about the products that will be included in the giveaway on Friday.

p.s. Many thanks to Vimeo for freezing on my most awkward face ever.  I am humbled by your kindness.

Neutrals and neons

Mixing neutrals with neons is not a trend that I would usually choose to take on.  In fact, a quick glimpse in my closet will reveal very little in the neon family...I've just never really thought it was my thing.  However, I was determined to pull something off for the most recent edition of Bloggers Do It Better, put together by Kristina of Pretty Shiny Sparkly.  I searched for the most neon-esque things I could find in my closet (neutrals definitely weren't a problem), and came up with this outfit.  I am so glad I was challenged to do something new with my wardrobe because I really love how the look turned out.

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Inexpensive summer outfits

Summer may not officially be here yet, but it certainly feels like it in Texas and in other parts of the country. Temperatures are rising, and shorts, tees, tanks, and sandals are making appearances in vast numbers. And summer is the perfect season for your most casual wear - after all, it is the season to visit theme parks, zoos, and other hot, outdoor places. You shouldn't have to pay an arm and a leg in order to bare your limbs and stay cool (or at least be as comfortable as possible), and, fortunately, you don't have to. Purchase a few basics for summer with a few personal touches. Just check out all these easy, casual summer looks - all priced at $50 or less. Accessorize with pieces already in your closet, and you can put your saved pennies toward your margarita fund...or whatever else floats your boat.

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Calling all blondes

Remember when I mentioned in my post about the John Frieda Salon Tour that I plan to review several JF products and then host a giveaway?  Well I need your help with one product!

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Beach totes

As the temperatures get hotter and hotter this summer, more and more of us will be flocking to the beach.  There are so many necessities for a day in the sun - sunscreen, a towel, sunglasses, a book or magazine...the list goes on and on.  That's why no beach trip is complete without a beach tote.  Luckily, there is a plethora of fashionable options to suit any style, and, even better, you can find plenty that are reasonably priced and won't burn a whole in your pocket.  Just check out these totes, all priced under $50 each:

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A look back: Romania

Three years ago this month, I spent time in Romania while on a mission trip.  I have so many wonderful memories of the country, and I often think of it with fondness.  The primary reason for going there was to work with Romanian children at an orphanage in Tulcea, and the children placed such an imprint on my heart that my time in the country turned out to be my single most life-enriching experience to date.

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Missing something

Have you ever put together an outfit, realizing that something's missing before you even walk out the door, yet succumb to mediocrity and depart your home because you just don't have the time to fix it?  Loaded question?  Yes.  But that's pretty much what happened with this outfit.

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John Frieda Salon Tour in Dallas

Today I attended the John Frieda Salon Tour in Dallas at the Shops at Park Lane.  I received a phenomenal hair transformation, courtesy of one of the JF stylists on the tour, and learned a lot about JF products.  Overall, I had a fantastic time!

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John Frieda Salon Tour

I wanted to let all my Dallas-area readers know about the John Frieda Salon Tour that's going on at the Shops at Park Lane this weekend.  Come Friday or Saturday for a FREE hair consultation and transformation - should be fun!  I'll be there tomorrow!

As the tour continues, it will be stopping at other cities across the country, as well.  To see if it's making its way to your neck of the woods or to find out more information, just click here.

More plastic surgery...blog style

I've been trying to find a template that I like, so you might have noticed that I've been playing around with my blog design.  After much work, I think I've finally settled on this one.  Please let me know what you think!

A little floral dress

Let's be real...outfit photos outside of my apartment are not quite as exciting as outfit photos in Mexico.  Now that I've pointed out the obvious, let's move on.

One wonderful thing about being back home is having my pups with me again.  I have June on my lap and Leila curled up next to me as I write this.  They're my little loves!

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Coming home

in resort lobby, before leaving for airport

Leaving vacation is always bittersweet.  Caleb and I had a phenomenal time in the Riviera Maya, and there's not a thing we would change.

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Last full day in Riviera Maya

Like every other day on our Riviera Maya trip, our last day was full of fun and excitement.  It was definitely Caleb's favorite day because we got to visit the ruins in the old Mayan city of Coba.  It's in the thick of the jungle, so it included a lot of walking (and, ahem, sweating), but it was so cool to visit what was once a thriving city.

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Long, beautiful day

Hi, beautiful people!  I hope your week has been fabulous - it flew by for me!  If you've missed the past few days, I've been reminiscing about the vacation my husband and I took to Riviera Maya.  The sites were gorgeous, the food was delicious, and the memories will always be cherished!

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Vibrant workout clothes

Caleb and I ate a LOT of delicious food while on vacation, which only means one thing...now I've been hitting the gym a LOT.  However, just like any other aspect of my style, I don't like my workout gear to be boring.   So, I turn to an old favorite: color.

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History's beauty

At my core, I'm a nerd.  There's no denying it.  And so is Caleb...don't let him tell you otherwise.  Perhaps this is why we get giddy about seeing Mayan ruins.  The history of it all never ceases to amaze us!  While some want to lay out by the beach all day sipping margaritas, we're happy to get off the resort and learn first-hand.

Imagine our surprise when we got the best of both worlds at the Tulum ruins...

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Jungle tours and a moonlit swim

Our first full day in Mexico was definitely a memorable one.  We started off the morning with a zip-lining tour over the jungle at Xtreme Kingdom - which was so fun!  We've zip-lined on several other occasions (even at a different park last year in Cancun), but I never get bored of it.  On this trip, we got to zip-line upside down!  It was so exhilarating!  We bought the photos to prove it, so I'll put them up as soon as I get around to scanning them.

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