Tuesday, September 24, 2013

Personalized Mason Jars

Let's be real - there's nothing classy about Solo cups. And since I have a pretty bad obsession with mason jars, I seize every opportunity to use them. This party was no exception. In keeping with the pink and black theme that I've taken the liberty to assign, I bought some hot pink puffy paint and got to work.


You will need:

Puffy paint
Mason jars
Printed out templates
Tape
A steady hand

A note: Wash your jars first (if they're new) to reduce the risk of washing off paint before the first use. If it washes off after the party, that's on them.

1. First, I printed out the names I wanted personalized then taped them to the inside of the jars.

2. It's a good idea to practice writing a little bit on a piece of paper or have a paper towel handy to wipe mistakes off the glass. Another tip: before writing each name, place the cap on the bottle and stand it up side down. This brings all the paint to the point and reduces your risks of air popping out when you're trying to write.

3. Since I'm a lefty, I had to trace from right to left so that I wouldn't smudge the paint. This worked to my advantage because tracing one line at a time was much easier than tracing letters in their entirety.

4. Once you've written out the name, you can do some minor touch ups with a wet q-tip before the paint dries.

5. Let the jars dry over night and enjoy some drinks in your new glasses!


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Monday, September 16, 2013

DIY Glitter Banner


I searched throughout several stores to find a "bachelorette" themed banner I liked but hated most of them. Then it occured to me to make one and after scouring the internet for ideas, I came up with a relatively simple banner to cook up. Warning: IT'S MESSY. Why is glitter such a bitch to clean up??? [Update: I found glitter on my dog today - several days after completing this project.]

You will need:

Computer & printer
Scissors
Mod Podge
Sponge brush to apply glitter
Copious amounts of glitter
A dish to contain as much glitter as possible
Twine
Hot glue gun

1. Select font & size for your phrase and print it out.
2. Cut out letters.
3. Apply Mod Podge to paper (I did this over a piece of wax paper to avoid a gluey mess)
4. Place letter in a dish that's filled with glitter face down until it's completely covered with glitter and shake off excess. (I discovered this technique half way through the project so the glitter was already everywhere but maybe you can save yourselves)
5. Once the glue has completely tried, lay out the letters and place them face down.
6. Lay the twine over where it will be attached to the letters and apply a line of hot glue to secure in place.
7. Once the hot glue has dried, I suggest laying a sheet of wax paper over the banner and place something heavy on it over night to avoid curling.
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Thursday, September 12, 2013

dirty is the new black

I've always had oily hair so not washing it daily was never an option. The idea of going just one day without washing my hair made me cringe. But when dirty hair became something I could no longer ignore, I started doing some research. I kept trying to talk myself out of it but eventually I bit the bullet. Donning a shower cap, I took my first shower without touching my hair. Afterwards, I still felt dirty because my hair wasn't wet and freshly cleaned but it wasn't long before I realized this was completely mental. After I brushed it, dry shampooed it and styled it, I felt clean and pumped. My once lifeless hair had volume and gave me instant confidence. It's been a long road to discovering the perfect dry shampoo so I'll save you the time and trouble and share my experiences with you. Aside from the last product being the best, the rest are in no particular order. 

Pros: Inexpensive, easily found at any drugstore.
Cons: It made my hair look dirtier.
Repurchase? No.
I should disclose that this was the first dry shampoo I had ever tried so this might be my own fault. I should really give it another go before saying I wouldn't use it again but I'm too afraid to take that gamble.

Pros: Smells clean & fresh; non-floraly.
Cons:
Repurchase? No.
I've heard about this brand via YouTubers but I've never actually seen it in the store so I'm not sure how easy it is to find (I received mine in an Ipsy bag).

 Pros: Doesn't too white on hair.
Cons: Strong scent, difficult to work in residue.
Repurchase? Yes.
This is your basic dry shampoo. There is really nothing special about it but nothing really deterring me from buying it again, either. Unlike some other brands, the white spray doesn't show too much on your hair when applied but what little there is, is more difficult than others to work into your hair.
Pros: Product comes out brown.
Cons: Expensive, disgusting odor.
Repurchase? NO.
This is what I suppose is a high-end dry shampoo but the bottle I received had an extreme odor that I was not expecting, nor was it pleasant. I really hope that it was just a bad bottle because at $25 it should smell incredible.
Pros: Offered in several pleasant scents, works into hair easily.
Cons: Shows very white when product is applied, runs out quickly.
Repurchase? YES.
Ever since I started using dry shampoos, I've wanted to use Batiste because every beauty blogger I follow raves about how great it is. One in particular mentioned always being able to find it at TJMaxx and that's exactly where I get it now. It's a couple dollars cheaper at TJMaxx than it is at Ulta but I think Ulta offers buy one get one 50% off from time to time so weigh your options. Pretty much all of the scents are nice, obviously I like some better than others but I don't hate any of them. My only issues, albeit decent issues, with this product are that I run through them SO FAST. That might be my fault, though. I tend to go heavy with it. Also, it shows a lot of white BUT it does work in better than others. These are not deal breakers for me, I still love Batiste!
And now, the best for last! ....
Pros: No white residue. None!
Cons: Runs out quickly (might just be me though), brown shows on hands if you apply/touch too much.
Repurchase? YES!
Just when I thought the original Batiste couldn't get any better, I found it in brunette! My main issue was how much white showed on my brown hair but those problems are gone now that I use this brown one. This particular one is more expensive at Ulta and alike but it's the same price as the others at TJMaxx for $5.99! Blonde? Don't fret, yours can be found right here. I assume it comes in some shade of yellow but I can't be sure since I've never used it. Note, there are always more brown ones than blonde at TJMaxx which is fair because blondes can use the regular "white formula" (I just made that up) without any issues.

What's your favorite dry shampoo?!
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Tuesday, September 03, 2013

August Favorites


1. 99 Problems but a Baby Ain't One by Megan Silianoff I met Megan last fall at Lucky Mag's FABB event and she was so nice and down to earth. After meeting her, I started reading her blog religiously and found out that she's so much more than an awesome blogger! And now a published author! Without giving too much away - she's a cancer survivor, new mom, and hilarious - okay I just gave it all away but still read the book because it was great! Never have I read such a creative balance of strength and humor. I seriously admire her! Go follow her over at Greetings from Texas, k? K.

2. NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer was a splurge worth every penny. After hearing so many wonderful things about it, I knew I had to try it and I'm so glad I did. I've been using Maybelline's Dream Lumi Concealer for a while now just waiting for something better to come along. This NARS concealer is medium to full coverage with all day wear. I couldn't ask for more. Check out my full review here.

3. Tree Hut Shea Moisturizing Shower Wash I was at Ulta when I realized that I was almost out of body wash. The simple and organic packaging caught my attention (I'm a sucker for packaging) and the scents got me hooked! Not to mention they're $4.99 a pop and "buy 2 get 1 free" - I just couldn't resist. I purchased Almond and Honey (my fave!), Coconut Lime, and Brazilian Nut. I love subtle, natural scents and these are so amazing. You must try.

4. John Frieda Luxurious Volume I discovered this product at Harmon and it makes a huge difference. I have really flat hair and cringe at the thought of teasing it. Adding a few pumps of this to my damp hair before a quick blow dry adds great height without the damage. It also smells amazing!

5. Urban Decay Naked Basics Palette "Faint" I've always been drawn to defining my eyes in one way or another and eventually became addicted to liquid liner. But such precision is time consuming and since I'm always usually late in a rush, I just don't have the time or patience. I got this palette a few months ago but didn't start seriously using until this past month. Even when I only have a few minutes to throw my face together, it's enough time to dab some of "Faint" along my outer lower and upper lash lines. The quick addition of color makes a huge difference and takes my eyes from looking naked to... POP. Love this color!

6.  Maybelline theRocket Volum'Express Mascara I never had a favorite mascara... until this one. I had jumped around from the various Maybelline mascaras for while not really being impressed. The waterproof formula does a great job at holding the curl and lasts all day but isn't a fuss to remove. I use "blackest black" for long, voluminous lashes and "brownish black" for when I want a more natural look.

7.CND Shellac Gel Polish in "Studio White" I don't know where I got the idea for white nail polish but when paired with a nice tan, it's my absolute favorite summer color!! I rocked this shade twice this summer which is a total of 4 weeks for gel manis - that's a decent commitment. Normally, I pick a color and LOVE it but by a week later, I'm sick of it and ready for my next mani. White was the only time I stalled getting another manicure because I didn't want them to remove it. I'm definitely going to miss it while I retire it until next summer. :(
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