Photography Prints & Handmade Necklace Giveaway

Hi everyone! I wanted to let you all know of a giveaway that Lindsey and I are doing in celebration of opening our new online shops. She has started selling her photography prints and I have started my new jewelry and accessories line, xWanderLu$t.

The giveaway will consist of a set of prints photographed by Lindsey and a Blue Goldstone Necklace made by me (seen above)!

You can enter below, but basically you can earn multiple entries through sharing the giveaway contest picture through Facebook and Instagram, and hashtagging "HelloWanderLustGiveaway". A winner will be randomly selected March 11th!

Also, be sure to show some love and like our pages to support us, and follow us on Instagram and our blogs!
Thanks so much everyone!

Instagram::
KronicQueen
HelloMrRabbit

www.facebook.com/CourtnieMarieRoss
www.facebook.com/HelloMrRabbitBlog

www.CourtnieMarieRoss.com
www.HelloMrRabbitBlog.com

www.etsy.com/shop/xWanderLust


a Rafflecopter giveaway

The Benefits of Juicing

As many of you know, I have recently within the past few months started juicing. I have been wanting to improve my health, and this is a great place to start. When I first got my juicer, I started with a week long juice fast to cleanse, "reboot", and detox my body and rid it of toxins. Because, trust me, I didn't have the best diet! I knew it was time for a change, especially after watching the documentary, "Fat, Sick, & Nearly Dead" about a man who juice fasts for 90 days straight. Pretty extreme if you ask me, but he ended up literally healing himself of his health problems, and getting down to a normal weight for his height and age. I really suggest if you decide on a juice cleanse to consume at least 2000 calories. You want to be sure to not starve, because that will end up messing up your metabolism. Adding fiber to your diet while on a juice cleanse is also VERY important. You can do this by adding dissolvable fiber powder to your juices, or adding pears and prunes. If you do decide on a juice cleanse, PLEASE talk to your doctor first. There are many debates out there about juice cleansing. Personally, I don't think I could go more than a week. I love food too much!

There are many benefits of juicing, such as increased energy, better complexion, strengthened immunity and bones and also a reduced chance of cancer, strokes, diseases, and more! Fruits and vegetables contain minerals, antioxidants, enzymes, and vitamins that are fantastic for your body and health and by juicing it is easier to receive these nutrients, instead of having to eat pounds of fruits and vegetables. I really love the website Juice Recipes because you can select which fruits and vegetables you have and it will show you a list of the different juices you can make and the benefits! I definitely recommend checking it out.

It may seem like a chunk of money out of your pocket at first, but isn't it worth it, for your health? I think it is! You will definitely be thanking yourself in the long run.
Juicers are anywhere from $50-$200, sometimes even more. The average cost of a decent amount of fruits and vegetables per week is at least $50 too.

I definitely recommend juicing to everyone, the possibilities are endless when it comes to recipes. The juices are always delicious, the health benefits are amazing, losing the winter weight I have put on has been easy, and I feel great. Knowing that I have taken the steps towards a healthier lifestyle makes me very happy, and I know it will make you happy too!


If you have any questions feel free to comment below! Thanks for reading!

Surviving the Mercury Retrograde

It's about that time again, Mercury in Retrograde, the first one of the year and this time it's in Pisces and will last until the 28th of this month until turning direct.
Some of you are probably reading this and asking, what does that even mean? Well a Mercury Retrograde occurs Mercury's orbit slows around the Sun, and appears to be traveling backwards through the zodiac. This is only an illusion though, that we call retrograde motion. Think of it as if being on the highway next to a car going the same speed as you, and then they start slowing down, causing it to appear as if they were going backwards. The Mercury Retrograde only happens a few times a year.


Mercury in Retrograde for 2014:

• February 6th - February 28th in Pisces, then Aquarius
• June 7th - July 2nd in Cancer, then Gemini
• October 4th - 25th in Scorpio, then Libra
  

Mercury was considered the messenger of the Gods, and represents expression, thought processes, communications, travel, and how we interact with others. Whenever Mercury goes Retrograde there is a tendency for those things to not go exactly as how we planned, sometimes even haywire. There is usually a lot of miscommunication, travel delays, canceling of plans, missed/dropped calls, computer glitches, car problems, and more... 
However a positive mindset is a powerful one, and Mercury is often known as a "trickster" and although things may look bad on the outside, initially they might not be terrible. But just in case, I have provided some tips on how to survive (lol) the next couple weeks, check them out!

• Remain flexible
• Reschedule appointments
• Allow yourself extra travel time
• Relax & meditate, reflect within
• Back up your computer files
• Be extra mindful of your words
• Don't sign important contracts or make any major decisions
• Keep a lighthearted sense of humor, try not to take things personally
• Stay positive

I also have put together a list of healing stones that will be good for you to carry with you during this retrograde. I don't know about you, but I always prefer to carry my bag of stones with me wherever I go and it's looking like they are going to come in extra useful these next couple of weeks.

• Emerald
  -Will help smooth communication
•  Amazonite
  -Removes fear and anxiety
• Obsidian
  -Will help stabilize and balance electronic devices
• Blue Calcite
  -Keeps lines of communication open and clear
• Moonstone
  -Eases anxiety and helps you keep organized
• Selenite
  -Will help you become more centered 
• Fluorite
  -Helps with focusing
  
  Although a Mercury Retrograde is said to not exactly bring out the best in us, trying to look at it in a positive way will shed some new light on it. It is said that during this time we have heightened inner awareness, and this time is good for reflecting within ourselves, and re-evaluating our past. Make the best out of the next few weeks, because although it may appear to be a negative situation, there is always a positive side! :) 

3 Things to Know Before Coloring Your Hair!

Hi guys, I decided to make a post dedicated towards hair coloring. I get asked questions all the time about my hair, such as what products I use, how to achieve a pastel tint, how to keep it vibrant, and more, so I'd figure I'd share with you all :)!

First, I'd like to explain the different types of hair color. There is semi-permanent, demi-permanent, and permanent hair colors.

1. Know the difference
Semi-Permanent hair colors are only temporary, and last 6-12 washes. Since they don't contain ammonia or developer, they are usually referred to as a "stain" since they coat the hair, instead of penetrating the hair.
Demi-Permanent hair colors last longer than Semi-Permanent, but not as long as Permanent. It doesn't contain ammonia, but a small amount of peroxide that allows the hair cuticle to slightly open to absorb more color. Demi-Permanent dyes usually last 12-24 washes.
Permanent hair dyes are great if you are wanting long-lasting hair color, but only if it's a color you are okay to have for a long, long time!

2. Know the brands
Other great hair color lines include...
-Ion Color Brilliance
-Clairol
-Wella
-Redken
-Paul Mitchell

But don't worry, I haven't forgotten the list of great brands for crazy colors...
-Pravana
-Special Effects
-Directions
-Manic Panic (if you're looking for something temporary)


3. How to prevent fading
So, now let's say you colored your hair, and of course you want to keep your hair color vibrant, and long-lasting. Whether you color it yourself or go and get it done at a salon, the less you color your hair, the less expensive it will be. To prevent your hair color from fading, first I suggest not washing it everyday (dry shampoo really is going to become your hair's best friend). Besides, when you over-wash your hair, your scalp goes into panic mode and starts to over-produce oil to try to make up for what was stripped away by your shampoo and keep its natural balance.

My favorite dry shampoo is Tresemme' but there are many other great brands out there! When it comes time to wash your hair, I strongly suggest using cold water. It keeps the hair cuticle closed which will prevent hair color from bleeding.

A great conditioner will also keep the cuticle closed, and also of course add moisture, which in my case is faaantastic, considering I had to bleach my hair to get a pastel purple. I have had luck with L'Oreal Paris Total Repair 5 Conditioner. It makes my hair super soft, and it's very inexpensive and easy to find.





I have found that these 3 tips will make a big difference, and I suggest them to anyone who is new to hair coloring, or simply wanting to learn more! If you have any questions, please leave them below and I will answer them.
I greatly appreciate you taking the time to read this, for more posts, please follow my blog!

So, You Want to Become a Model?

So, I get asked all the time, “how did you get into modeling?”. Girls have been messaging me asking how they can get into it as well, so I thought I would make my first blog dedicating to telling my story about how I got started so that way it can also help aspiring models who are out there :)
Honestly it was like the snowball effect, after I did a few shoots, more opportunities were presenting themselves, I ended up meeting a lot of new photographers and I am truly grateful so far for my journey! I have always been captivated by the models in magazines ever since I was young. I’ve always been into fashion and expressing myself and dreamed that one day I would see myself in magazines. I have only been published in a few but I am definitely working on many more! The feeling is incredible!

I first started uploading pictures on Model Mayhem, which is what I would consider the Facebook of the fashion industry. On that website you can find and post casting calls, traveling notices, and you can post in forums and network with many individuals within the fashion career world. It really is an awesome site! The only thing with Model Mayhem is that not just anyone can create a profile – professional pictures are a must because the staff reviews your profile before it is live. I uploaded some senior pictures that my cousin did of me, and some other edgy pictures I had done with a friend around that time. After my profile was reviewed and accepted, I updated my profile and bio with a little bit of information about myself and what kind of work I want to add to my portfolio. I love edgy, creative, and high fashion stuff. I also went ahead and posted in the casting calls section for people in my area to collaborate with. The next day I logged back on, and I had over 10 messages! I was surprised, and very happy!

Throwback Picture July 2011

That summer was full of many photo shoots, I was doing at least 2-5 shoots a week. Some of the pictures were portfolio worthy, some weren’t. After all, I was a new model and was doing trade work. Not once have I EVER paid for any of my portfolio pictures and I urge you not to either when you first start out. I say this because it is common that a lot of us within the fashion industry first start off doing trade work. So don't hesitate when it comes to reaching out and asking someone to do a photo shoot! Remember to focus on building your portfolio with many different looks, it will help you book more jobs when you become more experienced.







ALSO ALWAYS BRING SOMEONE WITH YOU TO YOUR PHOTO SHOOTS! If the photographer says you can't bring anyone then don't even work with them! SAFETY IS KEY!!!

Another thing I must mention is to be VERY careful if you meet with an agency. Please know that REAL AGENCIES INVEST IN THEIR TALENT! THEY WILL NOT MAKE YOU PAY A DIME! I have met with 3 different agencies who all wanted me to invest in their photographer to help build my portfolio, or pay a monthly fee to be on their website. Real agencies make their money off commission after you get paid from a job they booked you for. I have known many models who have fallen for these fake agency scams and it is truly sad how they get your hopes up only to end up stealing your money. So if there is a company who is marketing themselves as an agency yet they are asking you for money, your best bet is to just walk away right then to prevent wasting anymore time.

Please don’t ever get discouraged in this industry, not saying it is a hard industry to be in but it isn’t the easiest either. Always work hard for what you want to achieve. Never feel shy about messaging photographers and saying “Hey! I love your work, want to shoot sometime?” & Never be afraid of rejection. Keep your head up, be persistent, stay determined and all of your dreams will come true! The Universe will make things happen for you that you will never expect, so keep your head held high, seize any opportunities that come your way, and stay grateful and humble <3
Much love,
Courtnie Marie Ross
Model – Makeup Artist – Hair Stylist
http://www.CourtnieMarieRoss.com
http://www.facebook.com/CourtnieMarieRoss