mad about moss

I've spent the better part of a year growing my hair out. The emergence of sock buns was my inspiration. All of my girlfriends in Chi-town have long hair and I was mildly envious. Everywhere I looked ballerina buns mesmerized me. My goal: to grow my hair long enough to put a bun on top of my head.

A few weeks ago, perfectly aligned with the Mad Men Season 6 premiere, GQ published a piece on the fabulous Elizabeth Moss. I saw the pictures and my desire to keep growing my hair out all but evaporated.

After a few heartfelt discussions with my best friend, co-worker, and mom, Tuesday night I took the plunge. I chopped off over four inches. Lucky for me the girl I got at the Aveda Institute was fantastic. I couldn't be happier with the results!

A woman's hair is an interesting beast. I've found that the decisions we make about our hair often represent inner emotions and feelings. I love the fact that I'm brave enough to chop off my hair. It makes me feel brave and fierce. And yet, sometimes I think having short hair makes me different in a negative way. I crave the perceived safety and security of long hair.

Hair is funny business. Complete madness at times. Thank you Miss Moss for inspiring me to make a change. Right on que.

P.S. I never tried an actual sock bun but I did make my goal. Leave it to a haircut for me to break my blogging silence. I'm back!

Elizabeth Moss photos via GQ

Music Musings: It's Pioneer Day!

Waiting for a new album has been torture but Pioneer day is finally here! The Band Perry doesn't disappoint (not that I had any doubts). I've been listening to the album on repeat all day. So far I'm especially loving "Don't Let Me Be Lonely" and "Mother of Mine". I'm sure I'll know all the songs by heart by the end of the week.

It's been over two years since I first heard The Band Perry's breakout hit song of 2011: "If I Die Young".

Ironically, it was my best friend Sarah--miles away on her church mission in Illinois--who introduced me to the group. In one of her letters she told me about this song ("If I Die Young") she heard playing that was absolutely amazing. She included some of the lyrics and tasked me with finding the artist. That's when the love affair began.

I spent that summer back home in Everett, WA living with my family before heading off to The Windy City for grad school. Still budding new artists, The Band Perry was playing the state fair circuit. My entire family, including my brother's boyfriend Ian, attend their concert. Third row baby.

After the show we waited in line for two hours to meet Reed, Kimberly, and Neil. They are truly some of the most warm-hearted, gracious people I've ever met. Meeting them was a true thrill and something I'll always remember.