Of all of the placed I have traveled, Colorado – BY FAR – tops my list of favorites. Its absolute beauty left me completely speechless from the moment we could see the Rockies out the plane window. What a place to spend my 27^th birthday!

As a preface to telling you about my STELLAR trip, let me explain why I had such an *extravagant* birthday celebration this year. 6 months ago exactly on my birthday, I lost my mom to a long, valiant fight with lymphoma. My mom was my BEST friend, my only safe place, and the best mom anyone could ever imagine (I know, everyone says this, right?!) But my mom was truly one of the most kind, giving, inspirational, and wonderful women to ever walk this planet, and I am sure of that.

This was the last picture I ever took with my mom.

My mom never made a big deal about birthdays – I didn’t have parties every year, it was never a big, lavish celebration; that’s not to say that I never had birthday parties – I did have a couple! But we really had low-key birthdays – both of us – most years. And I loved it. We got to spend time together, she always supplied the cake/cupcakes of my choosing (lets be real, it was always either a giant cookie cake or funfetti). And every year – literally – she would tell me, whether it be by a note in my lunchbox as a kid, to phone calls and texts as I got older and had a cell phone, “X number of years ago, at this exact time, was the happiest moment of my life …” As small as this gesture was, it became my birthday norm. I always was happy to get that call from her. But this was the first year I wouldn’t get that. So, in order to distract myself from having a sad birthday, I went across the country to celebrate with my family!

I can't even begin to tell you how incredibly stoked my husband and I were to travel somewhere that we both somehow knew would be our soul-state, without ever visiting. (spoiler alert – we were right).

Oh, the adventures we took were incredible. In the midst of chugging water the entire time we were there, because it combats altitude sickness - yes, that's a thing - we really felt that we lived that week. Something about Colorado, its beauty, nature, and abundance of activities to choose from, really made us feel alive. Not the mundane routine of daily life that, sadly, most people get used to these days. - us included; where you work to go home, to sleep, to work and so on. No - this was completely different. We had an insane thirst for getting outside and being active, seeing new things, challenging ourselves, breathing in the thin air, being healthy, and truly taking in the beauty that this state has to offer.

Our first full day there was so challenging and rewarding - we slapped some snowshoes onto the bottoms of our boots and took off on one heck of a hike. It. Was. Beautiful.

Everything you would imagine when you think of a snowy Colorado mountain - deep green, fluffy pine trees that tower over you, capped with clumps of white. There were fallen trees in our path and animal tracks everywhere. I felt like we had been dropped off in some perfect fairy tale land. And man, when we reached the top, and got a look at that view ...

You could see forever (or what felt like it). It was so overwhelmingly wonderful to really feel so small. I think that is what I love most about Colorado. The giant Rocky Mountains, the nature, the animals - they all reminded me just how small I am, and really made me appreciate every moment, and everything in my life.

 

On my birthday, my family certainly knew me well - and if you get to know me (which I hope you will), you will learn quickly that a day filled with snowboarding and horses is just about the best day I could ever have. We went out to the slopes, caught the first lift up, and had a day full of exploring the mountains. It is so different than the slopes I grew up on over on the East Coast. Back home, the runs are short - you're lucky to get a 10 minute run from top to bottom. In Colorado, the mountains are massive, and the slopes seem completely endless. The day prior had been slightly warm, so we were warned by a local friend that the slopes would be pretty crusty. Our first run down we laughed - "crusty" to a Coloradan is still heaven to a measly North Carolinian. All powder, no sheets of ice to navigate around. It. Was. Epic.

And as if my day hadn't already been made on this birthday, we went down to an adorable place called Bearcat Stables. This place was so rich with history, tucked back into the mountains in Cordillera. We ordered drinks, went out to a bonfire, then hopped onto a real sleigh and went on an amazing nighttime horse-drawn sleigh ride. Out there, the stars are incredible. I am telling you, I have never seen anything like it. On the clear nights, you could literally see the milky haze through part of the sky that was the Milky Way. We learned all about the family that originally owned the cabin at Bearcat, and the horses, and what they do today. Once the ride was over, they let us hang with the horses - YIPPEE! Then we went in, where we were served a full formal meal. And let me tell you, it was incredible. Wow. We all fell so in love with one item in particular - the cream of white asparagus soup - that we convinced the chef to give us the recipe! (It sounded like a tricky one, so I'll let y'all know how that plays out when I give it a valiant effort).

The next day (I know, we were busy, busy!) we went snowmobiling - which we were superrrr stoked on. It's literally one of the only things on my husband's personal bucket list. It was a 3 hour, 35 mile expedition with a small group and THE best guide. I am telling you, if you ever find yourself out in the Vail, Colorado area and are looking for an amazing time - hit up Vail Valley Tours. Jeremy Morris was our guide and, man, he was great. He taught us everything we needed to know about the machines, and everything we wanted to know about the area.

We teetered between 9,000 and 11,000 feet above sea level for our entire expedition. One spot we stopped was this beautiful panorama where you could see the front face of the Vail slopes to your left, and one of the Colorado 14ers on your right - Mt. of the Holy Cross. 14, 006 feet to be exact. It was breathtaking. Jeremy filled us in on his adventure driving his Jeep up the side of that 14er all the way to the peak, and other awesome adventures that Colorado has given to him. At one point, when he saw me jumping around in the *deepest snow I have ever been in*, he filled me in that next to every tree, there is an air pocket, and if you find it, you can sink into the snow. So, naturally, I went to find one. Travis had to pull me out.

Jeremy took us off trail, down some incredibly scenic and steep small runs through the trees, down to this area locals call the "playground". It was this massive open space where you could tell snowmobiles go all the time to goof off. There was a snow track you could race around, and in the surrounding areas of chaotic tracks, the snow was as deep as 9 feet! There was a yurt tucked back on the tree line, where we all parked our snowmobiles and headed in for some hot cocoa and a meal. This place was in the middle of nowhere, with a generator for electricity, wood fireplace, a few tables, a couch, and some rad art. They fed us an incredible meal of veggies, Caesar salad, garlic bread, and 3-cheese lasagna, with fresh-baked cookies for dessert. Man it was good, especially in the middle of a day filled with cold air constantly blasting your face.

 The ONLY downside to this trek - we didn't see a moose. Boo. Maybe next time!

The rest of our trip was filled letting loose and being completely silly, with little explorations of Vail Village, Edwards, and the surrounding areas. We did a lot of exploring and checking out all the local shops. Vail Village is incredibly quaint. I can see why people don't ever want to leave. Picture giant, cotton ball-sized snowflakes pouring from the sky, walking around these tiny streets, looking at little shops, bars, and restaurants that are the epitome of cozy- see?! Is it too soon to go back?

Our last night, we took the gondola about halfway up Vail mountain to a cute little grill nestled on the side of the mountain called Bistro 14. We ordered some appetizers, I had a "Snuggler", which my mom had in the very same spot last year (hot cocoa and peppermint schnapps), and thawed from the snow. Once we were toasty enough, we walked a couple hundred yards over to the tubing center, where we braved the blizzard to get a couple runs in. Let me just tell you, those snowflakes were like needles on our faces at the speeds we were zipping down the mountain. Next time, we will take our goggles and gaiters for tubing for sure!

When my mom passed, my world stopped. I didn't know how I would keep going - I lost half of myself when I lost her. She was my person. So how would I ever be able to face my first birthday without her? This trip really helped to kick start my life again - it reminded that this beautiful world is still spinning, and I need to take every second I have and make the best of it. You can either let the loss destroy you, or make you stronger. And thanks to my amazing family, I was able to stay busy and surrounded with so much love that I didn't sit in sorrow on my day. I am so grateful to them all, and my wonderful husband, and the incredible beauty and perspective Colorado gave to me.

And the cherry on top? - with this trip, we marked off our 5th and final item for our Anniversary Bucket List - and with some time to spare! I can't wait to make our next list in a few months and start planning more adventures!


yours,
the pal you'll most likely find tucked away somewhere in beautiful Colorado

Words. They can carry so much weight, in light of any situation. Whether they are racing through your mind or rolling off the tip of your tongue. They’re monumental, colossal, and yet sometimes prosaic and mundane. Sometimes their meaning is blatant, other times subliminal. Words placed together in just the right order can have transformative power. This doesn’t mean these words have to be complex or even grand, simple words such as “actually, I can” can be significant enough to inspire change, motivate, or simply resonate with someone; to allow them to feel validated. At least for some of us. We here at Love Mala spend hours pinning thoughts, words, and ideas to inspire us, no matter what the context. Words can find a way to heal you, inform you, to drive and excite you. And isn’t that lovely?

Sometimes in life, with all of its charming, sometimes chaotic, but mostly favorable moments, it’s really nice to have words to lean on and to pull strength and resolve from (or at least we think so). We personally like these words in the form of quotes. Now before we get into the nitty-gritty, we’ve made our cheese factor (aka sappiness levels) abundantly clear here on Love Mala, but we wouldn’t say that the overtly cheesy, inspirational quotes that you’d find in Michael Scott’s office are our go-to necessarily. That’s not to say they’re undervalued, because an obvious “kick ass” or “keep it you” is always appreciated!

The two of us frequently bond over being drawn to quotes that can help clarify a situation, substantiate feelings, and/or to simply light a spark. Whether we are really down in the dumps, are trying to find the courage to do something hard or new, or are floating on cloud 9, finding quotes that are applicable to our current moment in life can be incredibly transformative and truly life changing – at least for us. Quotes that remind you to find grace within yourself, to choose love over everything else (including but certainly not limited to loving yourself), and to see the beauty and principle in certain situations. Quotes that give you the strength to hold on, or to let go. Quotes that remind you that, hey, you are totally rad, and should remember that always. The ones that will fill you full of beaming love during the best of times but also see you through, when you are tackling something challenging and seemingly relentless. We suppose the beauty of quotes is that they rid you of feeling isolated, no matter the event. Happy. Sad. Nervous. Ecstatic. Someone’s been there, someone’s done that and it’s all been felt before and there’s something more comforting about that than maybe even the original satisfaction of the quote. See, the internet is a beautiful thing these days, connecting you with others who share life experiences, traumas, joys – it’s a sense of family (sort of) - for us, through finding those perfect words reminds us that we are not alone in anything we are going through, happy or sad; there are people out there who get it; get you. And without getting too ridiculous and philosophical over here maybe that what is about, feeling understood, included, and complete.

If we had to sit here and tell you all of our favorite quotes, well, you would literally be here for days. So on that note, here are a few that are close to our hearts at this moment in our lives. Who knows, maybe some of you will be touched by our favorite words too!

Opportunity is missed by people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work. 

- Thomas Edison

 Let everything happen to you. Beauty and terror. Just keep going. No feeling is final. 

- Rainer Maria Rilke

Do everything with so much love in your heart that you would never want to do it any other way. 

- Unknown

Never argue with someone who believes their own lies. 

-Unknown 

If you look after goodness and truth, beauty will take care of itself. 

- Eric Gill

Our worlds collided, and in an instant your ocean had color because of my sky. 

– R. M. Drake

Perhaps the greatest charity comes when we are kind to each other, when we don't judge or categorize someone else, when we simply give each other the benefit of the doubt or remain quiet. Charity is accepting someone's differences, weaknesses, and shortcomings; having patience with someone who has let us down; or resisting the impulse to become offended when someone doesn't handle something the way we might have hoped. Charity is refusing to take advantage of another's weakness and being willing to forgive someone who has hurt us. Charity is expecting the best of each other. 

- Elder Marvin J. Ashton

Unfuck yourself. Be who you were before all that stuff happened that dimmed your fucking shine. 

- Unknown

Be gentile with yourself, you’re doing the best you can. 

- Unknown

So there. It seems we’ve made some kind of self-discovery, or maybe not, but at the very least you know just how much we love quotes over here. Enough, is the answer. Feel free to comment here and let us know your favorite quotes/words that have inspired you. Share the love, people! And with that, we bid you lovely pals, adieu.

Never fear, my post about dry shampoo is finally here! For those of you who know me, you know how much and how ridiculously regularly, I proclaim my love for dry shampoo. I could write sonnets about my love for dry shampoo. I mean, good grief! Pure, unadulterated love is what I got for you, dry shampoo. Something you must also know about me is I'm bit of a prodigious over-exaggerator, a connoisseur of all things extremely appreciated. But as I mentioned last week, never apologize for loving the heck out of a lot of things.

Anyway, holy digression. Dry shampoo. One would believe that dry shampoo, as a blanket statement, would be for simply de-greasing your hair (isn't that the grossest thing you've ever heard? Stick around the post is going to get even better). However, I'm here to tell you, while that may be its primary purpose, it can be useful for other hair applications as well. Here's the deal, in my rather embarrassingly extensive use of dry shampoo, I have found that I couldn't narrow down one favorite, so today I have a line up for you and the reasons I love each. Disclaimer: this is not a sponsored post- all of these products I've paid for with my own money and personally endorse! Links to each item will be at the end of the post.

As noted, I don't gravitate towards one brand, I usually have at least two different kinds on hand and cycle through them, depending on what I'm going for. Now, before we get into the specifics (I promise I'm getting there, scout's honor), I wanted to mention that I use dry shampoo daily. Sometimes multiple times a day. Let's be real, usually multiple times a day. For me, what works is a good thorough spray at night, all over my head, focusing it at the root of my hair and massaging it into my scalp. This will help absorb any excess oil throughout the night and make your morning a little smoother and quicker. And if you're like me, this is extremely helpful in the morning, as I get caught up in the details and tend to be a few minutes late to anything. Hey, I'm working on it, I did read an article recently that said people who are regularly 5-10 minutes late, tend to be Optimists, by way that they believe they can get more done in the allotted time than they actually can. So there, smell ya later, you realistic on-timers! Kidding, but seriously, back to the bread and butter here. I also use dry shampoo in the morning before I style my hair, by spraying a few times throughout my hair to give it that freshly washed look and also for volume/texture. The truth is, I'm very apathetic when it comes to wanting to wash my hair (Mal and I bond over this weekly). So over the last 3-4 years, with the help of dry shampoo, I've trained my hair so that I only have to wash it once or twice a week. While in between those washes, putting my hair up in a bun and taking quick and easy showers. In my experience, over time, the less you wash your hair, the less oils it tends to produce to compensate for "dry hair" (because washing your hair, strips you hair of its natural oils). This is what I meant by "training my hair". Bonus if you color your hair, less washing will also prolong the life of the color. This method of hair washing also works great for me because I love that tousled, slightly unkempt look that it provides. Which, is a total win-win for this lass!

In no order of how much I like them, I'll start with Dove Refresh+Care Volume Dry Shampoo. This is the closest dry shampoo that I've found that actually reminds me of how my hair feels and looks the day after I wash it. It has a very fresh and crisp feel to it, with a weightless and airy formula. I like to use this the first day or two after I've washed my hair, not only as it helps to absorb oil but also feels like very little product is in my hair and continues that newly washed feeling. Bonus, it also smells really good, I know my husband has made comments that he likes the smell a lot too! So thumbs up, Dove!

Next up, is TRESemmé Fresh Start Volumizing Dry Shampoo. You might notice the word volume as a trend in my dry shampoo repertoire, as this is a quality I greatly look for in them, due to my hair type. I have a lot of hair but it is fine and it tends to be very smooth and any product that applies heavy can weigh my hair down. I love that this dry shampoo can not only serve its traditional purpose but also provides a lot of volume and movement and at a great price point too! Like Dove, this comes out as a fine mist, leaving very minimal residue, which can be easily resolved by a quick massage of the product into your scalp. If this counts, it also has a citrus smell that reminds me of the tropics, which anybody can appreciate!

Batiste! This dry shampoo comes in several formulas, I like the original best (this is also a personal favorite of Mal's)! This stuff cleans up your hair and absorbs oil like nobody's business! My favorite aspect about this dry shampoo is that the formula has a beautiful thickening-effect by adding texture and body to my hair, while simultaneously absorbing oil. It leaves my hair looking (and smelling) fresh and clean and with the added benefit of texture, which I use to give off that tousled look. Doing the bare minimum to my hair is the goal and this product allows me to do just that! Side note for any interested in the tinted shades, I have only tried “dark and deep brown”. I will say that the product does perform similarly, however, the one drawback for me, which was enough to keep me coming back to the original, is that because the spray is tinted brown, it can leave color on your scalp (aka brown spots). You have to be extra conscious to rub the dry shampoo in very well, which you should do any way but I was worried it would show in my part, so for me going back to original just worked best. I do have a blonde friend, who uses the “light and blonde” tint and she absolutely loves it, as it doesn't show on her scalp at all and blends in very well with her hair. She says it's also great for helping cover up your roots when you're getting close to needing a salon appointment. Needless to say, Batiste has concocted a sweet ass formula and this will continue to be a regular in my beauty arsenal.

New to this line up, as of two weeks ago is Not Your Mother's Clean Freak Refreshing Dry Shampoo. Not only do I stinking love the packaging and the name but the formula is just as amazing! I had high expectations of this product, as I have used their Dry Finish Texture Spray and Sea Salt Spray and absolutely love both! This product cleans up your hair by absorbing oil flawlessly and it has a beautiful matte finish that I appreciate, especially because I can reach for this several times throughout the day for a nice touch up when needed! It also works very well in combination with their other products from the brand, I love that it goes on weightlessly and smells great too! You really get your bang for your buck with this product and I can't tell you how much I have loved using this!

That sums it up, folks! I know you never thought we’d get here, but alas! Conclusion is such that, if you are not already on the dry shampoo train, get your dang ticket! I can guarantee you’ll be better for it, well I mean, I can’t guarantee but I can pretty much tell you if you love any excuse to not wash your hair and have it looking as if you did for 5 or 6 days, you’re going to like it! Let us know what you love and any recommendations you have and as always, we are happy you stopped by!

xoxo, your tousle-haired mermaid

Dove Refresh+Care Volume Dry Shampoo: Buy this on Dove.com HERE (You can find it a local store near you here as well)

TRESemmé Fresh Start Volumizing Dry Shampoo: Buy this on Ulta,com HERE

Batiste Dry Shampoo: Buy this on Ulta.com HERE

Not Your Mother's Clean Freak Refreshing Dry Shampoo: Buy this on Ulta.com HERE

Forget your sleeve, any of you wear your heart smack dab on your shirt, front and center? Yes? Well, you're in good company here. In honor of good old St. Valentine, we have decided to talk about something near and dear to most of us - our hearts. 


 

From the dawn of October 15 1990, I have been a softy, some things never change. It is one of my greatest strengths, offering empathy, love, patience, loyalty, the list goes on.  Ironically, this virtue is what also makes me and people like me, vulnerable. With what can feel like sometimes heightened susceptibility to emotional wounds. Thankfully, it has long since come to my attention how to embrace that quality, be proud of it. Allow it to help me possess a feeling for beauty and find courage to take risks and live my life with intention and fully. This doesn't mean there haven't been hardships or that there won't be. But I'm telling you, learning how to envelop that soft heart of yours, set free those unbridled passions, and simultaneously, learn how to guard your heart when it matters, will make a world of difference.

Delicate. Emotional. Sensitive. Soft. Words people throw around to describe someone who feels more, reacts more, expresses more. I know in my life, I've certainly heard a few of those. Mostly in a positive context but I know, especially when I was younger, I was put on the chopping block for some of those words. Truthfully, I used to be embarrassed by my sensitivity. Embarrassed by my stupidly ridiculous, almost innate ability, to cry when any emotion became too intense, whether it be happiness, sadness, you name it. Embarrassed by what allowed me to empathize and sympathize with people, what allowed me to love harder and faster than most, and generally what made me a decent human being. It wasn't until I was in college, that I realized this is what made me the very person I felt proud of. The person that allowed me to forgive and forget when there was no apology (recent life lesson: forgetting is the best revenge, my friends). It was also the person who allowed me to find beauty in the world and in people and love others wholly, uncomplicated, and sincerely. 

For me, what was very helpful in having this generously large heart on my sleeve, was learning how to protect it and maybe even more importantly, how I reacted to things. Firstly, one hard lesson I have had to learn is just because I'm offended doesn't mean I'm right. One of the drawbacks to being more sensitive is that you can be hurt easily. Part of growing up, at least for me, was getting thicker skin and understanding when I truly had the right to feel offended. As I'm sure you well know, the truth is, people think differently, act differently, believe differently, and therefore set different expectations for themselves. Sometimes these expectations are the root of a lot of indifferences, simply because you might expect more from people because you would be willing to do that much. What I have to remind myself, even now sometimes is, "act without expectation". Three simple words from the philosopher Lao Tzu and yet, so commanding and paramount. Realizing this and actively letting it affect my reactions and also reminding myself, that most things aren't personal, greatly helps lessen the amount of times I'm compelled to feel offended (whether that's with sadness or anger). Being able to enact and practice this, will help you go along way in enjoying the parts of your heart that make you so loving and soft. Some days this is a challenge and some days a breeze but trust me, it's a beautiful habit to form. And if it all goes to hell one day and your heart aches, go back to the basics and just try and be kinder than you feel. You're not going to be perfect because you're perfectly human. Most importantly, be gentle with yourself, chances are, you're doing the best you can. We are all in the same boat, figuring ourselves out and trying to navigate this life as best as we can.

So *give a damn* is the lesson here. Give all the damns. You'll be better for it. If your heart is sitting on your sleeve, be proud it it. Don't roll up your sleeve, show it off! Okay, are you loving this metaphor, it's larger than life. Side note: I'm all over metaphors and puns, the literary game is strong with this one. But I digress, go with your heart-laden sleeves and grab life by the horns! Go at life full throttle; love life and let it love you right back.

OK people, let me just paint this picture for you – my nickname in kindergarten was “cry baby”. Cool. Now that you know me, lets jump in.

I am a huge sap. I have been all my life. Labeled with words that you are taught are “bad” from a very young age, like sensitive and emotional. It used to bum me out that I was poked fun of because – yes, I cried (probably excessively) in kindergarten, and that stuck with me through high school [I went to the same school from kindergarten to grade 12], so perfect. Because these were such "negative" words to me growing up, I was embarrassed of my sensitivity. Why was I less than other people just because more water came out of my eyes?? When other people had their feelings hurt (whether I was a participant or a bystander), subsequently my feelings were hurt. But how could this be a bad thing?

Well, it turns out, it wasn't all that bad - at least not for the reasons I thought it was. Being empathetic and sensitive actually was great. It actually made me a softer, more understanding human. But, where it really turned around and bit me in the ass, for quite a long time, was in the area of wearing my sensitive heart on my sleeve, for other people to do with it what they please. It has taken me many, many years to wrangle this mess to a manageable place (and lets be honest, I am still working on certain aspects of this). My biggest mess was (and is) with my expectations of others. Why, if I can put myself in others' shoes and feel their pain and do umteen things for them, would they not do the same for me in return??? This one is still tough for me to understand sometimes. But over the years, I have really started to understand that I am creating my own heartbreaks through expectations. Boom. Epiphany. Why did I do this to myself? Learning to not expect anything (which sounds cynical, but really it isn't intended to be at all) was the biggest relief of my life. Doing to do, not to potentially receive back. Giving and caring and loving and helping to do just that - and if I get nothing in return, not even a "thank you", so be it. I do those things because it is good, and it is kind, and it is right. The subsequent response is not personal; it is simply the receiving person being who they are - and that's okay too. Stop being so sensitive, Mallory. 

The older I have gotten, the more I appreciate my sensitivity – that word that was so toxic to my youth - it has made me more kind, patient, understanding, and overall a better person. I have an incredible appreciation for my ability to empathize and sympathize with everyone, in just about every situation. Wearing my heart on my sleeve has been (although a curse - I thought - in my childhood) such a blessing; it has allowed me to experience so many things, love SO many people, and has really given me a sense of self awareness that is so monumental to who I am as a human being that it makes me genuinely sad (I know, I know) to think that there are people out there who do not experience these things. 

I mean really, I get sad when bugs are killed, ok?! That’s just me. Im a huge sap with an overwhelming appreciation for life of all shapes and sizes, and damnit, I am proud of it.