I feel like I’m always sharing little pieces of my life with you all on this blog, but I realized recently that I’ve never really showed you what I do for a living.  At the beginning of the summer, I decided to stop working as a marketing copywriter so that I could dedicate myself fully to something else I really love… hair and makeup!

I was doing weddings VERY occasionally on the side, and I wasn’t sure I could make a real career out of it.  But the moment I invested in myself and went for it, I had plenty of work!  Want to see some of it?

Weddings are my absolute favorite thing to do— there’s nothing more fun than hanging out with a bride and her family right before she’s headed down the aisle…

And more recently, I’ve been doing hair and makeup for photo shoots, which is a LOT of work, but also incredibly fun.  (I’ll be sharing some of those photos with you soon!)

You can check out “my other life” by visiting www.kimguiley.com or liking my hair & makeup page on Facebook.

Do you have “another life”… something that you do on the side of work?  Ever thought of making it your career?  Are you a fan of any of the wedding looks above?  Share in the comments!

Even as a hair and makeup artist, I’ve never quite felt comfortable in lipstick.  Unless I’m rocking bright red lips, I feel like most lipsticks don’t look quite right on me.  I tend to go for more natural makeup looks, so I’ve been on the hunt for something noticeable but not over-the-top.

You’ll never guess where I stumbled onto this perfect shade: Victoria’s Secret!  I’ve never purchased beauty products from VS before, but their Color Drama lipstick in Heartbeat is just what I was looking for.

It’s feminine without being too girly, noticeable without being too bright.  Plus, the formula is super creamy and soft.  I plan on wearing it along with this outfit while I’m in Portland :)

What do you think of my new favorite lipstick shade?  Have you ever shopped at Victoria’s Secret for beauty products?  Got your own favorite lipstick to share?  Tell me about it in the comments!

This week has flown by, and I couldn’t be happier because this weekend is full of excitement!  The main event: Travis and I are putting on our wedding ensembles (or slightly tweaked versions of them) and doing a photo shoot with one of my favorite photographers, Susannah Gill.  Check out her lovely blog for photos of her latest work… I love how she captures sweet little moments between her clients that might otherwise be missed.

But before we jump into all that photo shoot fun, let’s check out some browse-worthy links from around the web…

I made this keychain last night at the California Academy of Sciences’ Nightlife!  (It was hosted by a craft fair :)

Do you schedule sex?

This before and after kitchen makeover is awesome… what an upgrade!

Love this Babushka carafe.

I can’t wait for Fall to begin so I can start wearing tights again :)

The best shade of blush for your skin tone.

Simple, beautiful bangles.

Cute birthday card tutorial!

I adore everything about this gal’s hair…

Antique engagement rings are swoon-worthy, don’t you think?

This makes me smile :)

And follow me on Pinterest for more fun finds!

What are you up to this weekend?  Got any fun plans?  Would you ever do a second photo shoot in your wedding attire?  (Even 11 months after the wedding, like us?!)  Share your thoughts in the comments!

Happy Friday, my sweets!  This weekend is especially fun because Travis and I are going to Outside Lands, a three day music and comedy festival in Golden Gate Park.  It features awesome musicians from Sigur Ros to Stevie Wonder, and it’s within walking distance from our house, woo!

So let’s kick off this weekend with some fun web finds, shall we?

Create the perfect color frosting with this frost by numbers cheat sheet!

Awesome temporary tattoos.

Would you elope?

Try this neat lip illusion… it works!

Make your own custom iPhone case.

I’m kind of obsessed with this beautiful upholstered ottoman…

Travis and I are taking this Tuscan Bike Tour on our anniversary— can’t wait!

I love the idea of making my own professional-looking cookbook, don’t you?

Fall boots are officially back in stores :)

A book recommendation for your weekend…

Words worth remembering.

And don’t forget to check out more fun finds on my Pinterest page :)

The top knot has become a style staple in 2012— it’s the perfectly-imperfect look that will keep you looking chic without being overdone.  Reader, Carissa, wants a step-by-step guide… here you have it!

My hair is currently too short for this look, so I’m using my trusty mannequin, Amanda, as a model.  (You may remember her from my post on ombre hair color…)

For this look, you’ll need:

-1 hair elastic

-bobby pins that match your hair color

-a comb

-hairspray

Step 1: Use your fingers to pull your hair into a high pony.  Skipping the brush and using your hands will add texture and dimension to your hair so it’s not too perfect.

Step 2: Use the comb to backcomb your ponytail a bit.  My mannequin has very thin hair— the thinner your hair, the more you’ll want to backcomb.  (It helps to create a voluminous bun.)

Step 3: Collect all of your hair above your head, smoothing the outer layer slightly with your hands.

Step 4: Twist, twist, twist your hair until it starts to wrap around itself like a bun.

Step 5: Pin your wrapped bun into place with your bobby pins.

Step 6: The bun will probably be a little smaller and tighter than you’d like, so once it’s pinned, lightly pull it apart with your hands.  The backcombing will help it all stay together.  (And if little pieces fall out, all the better!  It’s supposed to be somewhat messy.)

Step 7: Spray with hairspray, and you’re done!

What do you think of the top knot look?  Do you ever rock it?  Excited to try out this tutorial?  Share in the comments!