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Friday, January 27, 2012

Rag Curls!


We all have those moments when we wish our hair was either shorter/longer or straight/curly. I've always wanted curly and super long hair. After years of persistence I've finally got fairly long hair, it's almost at waist length! My hair is fairly thick so I've always struggled with the weight of it, but I've finally found several hairstyles that works for me. I just adore braids.

Now what about those curls? I've always stayed away from using heat as it equals damage. But, as the avid period drama watcher that I am I've been quite fascinated by the rag curls the lovely ladies back in the days used to use.  A few years ago I decided to give it a try and who knew how easy it could be!

So this is what you'll need:

  • Brush/Comb
  • Strips of cotton - use an old sheet or a shirt you no longer use
  • Mousse or any other product for curls

 Do this:

  1. Wash your hair in the evening
  2. Brush/Comb your hair gently and part your hair. I do mine on the right side.
  3. Separate a front section of your hair. Depending on how tight you want your curls, for softer take more hair and for tighter less. It's more about trial and error, if you take too much it might be difficult to roll it up.This time I took about 1½ fingers width of hair. I take my section from ear length as it give me that vintage look. If you take it from the top of your head you'll end up with 18th century hair, which might be nice but perhaps not for an every day occasion. :)
  4. For a better hold I apply some mousse to my length at this point.
  5. This might take a bit of practice of you're new to it. But I found the best way is to take a rag, wrap it/cross it around the tip of the sectioned hair and then roll the hair from bottom to the top. Be sure not to roll it too tightly as it may not dry. Tie the rag around the hair. 
  6. I usually go from side to side when I take my sections, makes it more even.
  7. Once you're done just sleep on it. Lately I've put on a mesh cap for that extra hold.
  8. Once you wake up, remove the rags. Depending on the look you wish to achieve you may either let your hair be as it is (as in the photo below) or gently brush it. For your tips not to frizz too much, gently hold your hand under your hair and follow the curls when you brush it, it makes a huge difference. I usually apply some oil to the ends, but mousse works as well. 
Done! Now you're ready to take on the world with your new gorgeous retro hairstyle.  

Wednesday, January 18, 2012

Agadir finds

Been absent from the blog for a while now and I do apologize. Life has been busy this last week, I've been trying to get my thesis proposal done and I got assigned my supervisor today. Things should run more smoothly from now on as I'll get some structure in my life.

Today I thought I'd show you guys 4 of my favourite things I bought in Morocco.


You can't leave Morocco without buying Berber made silver jewellery. The only difficult part is to actually decide on what you want to buy since there's so many pretty things. However, I finally decided on a lovely antique looking ring with a gorgeous opal. I always thought opals looked magical since they shimmer in different colours depending on the light. The necklace is the Hand of Fatima. It's lovely and simple which makes it a great piece to wear on a daily basis. Apparently it's supposed to be a symbol of good luck and a powerful protection against "the evil eye".


I've been wanting a brown waist-belt for quite some time now, but I just haven't found one that appealed to me. However, when I was walking through Agadir's souk my eye suddenly caught a glimpse of this medieval looking belt. I can imagine wearing it with a green or white dress once it gets warmer, will be a perfect accessory for this spring. The bag was my last purchase and probably the best. The photo don't do it any justice, but it's a raven black leather bag with real coins attached to it and right in the middle is my birthstone turquoise.

Apart from these things my mum bought a gorgeous necklace and bracelet, adorable slipper from her and me, spices, argan oil, and Berber tea (mint tea) with a beautiful kettle. Be sure to check back, since I'm sure you'll see more of these things and me on the blog in the nearest future.

Sincerely,
Olivia

Tuesday, January 10, 2012

Moroccan Winter

My New Year's Eve was spent in Morocco with my mum. We lost out on the fireworks, on the other hand we got to spend one week in the sunshine so I'm definitely not complaining as I got to warm my frozen limbs.


Early on New Year's Eve we took the flight from the sunny but chilly Copenhagen airport.


We watched the London fireworks on TV and on the other day we went out to have a look around.


Living in Agadir meant that we had just a short walk away to the promenade.


The promenade goes along the 9 km long beach and it is a great place to go for a run/walk.


What I always enjoy to explore once I'm abroad is food. My top choice was couscous. Yum!


Walking around in markets can be quite an experience with the air filled with the smell of spices.


Agadir does perhaps not look as traditional as Marrakech, but this restaurant was breathtaking!


Another pleasure of mine was to drink mint tea out of beautifully decorated glasses.


On Friday we went on a small excursion to Taghazout, a very popular destination for surfers.


Taghazout is a small fishing village along a rocky coast and with a gorgeous beach.


Everywhere are cacti, so one has to be careful while going down to the beach.


What a rare sight! I actually got a tan, even though it might be hard to notice. ;)


1 week is far too little to see everything, but I was quite content with having seen camels at the beach.


Each evening I got the enjoy the beautiful wonder on the horizon as the sun went down. I shall miss the warmth and the beach, but it also feels good to be home again. This year will bring many new things to my life. I've only got one term left until I graduate and until then I will have to figure out what I want to do with my life. It will definitely not be an easy choice, but I'll listen to my heart and only time will tell what the future holds.