Revlon Lip Butter

Revlon ColorBurst Lip Butter lipsticks are my new very favorite thing. I just purchased these 2 the other day (Colors are Candy Apple and Berry Smoothie) and I am already wanting more. They have just the perfect amount of pigment along with some super awesome moisturizing power for this dry season.

I purchased mine at Walgreens for about $8 each. I think I will wait to buy more until they do a buy one, get one 50% off special. You can also find them and see swatches here.

Happy Wednesday. Is it Friday, YET?

You Rock, Valentine Sunglass Gifts!

Long time, no post! Life has been crazy lately!

I love Valentine's Day. I know it has such a reputation of being a "corporate holiday," but I like how my husband and I celebrate. Every year since we met, we spend V-Day together in a traditional fashion. Drive through Wendy's, then a picnic in front of the TV with a rental movie. When we feel REALLY crazy, we may even run through the Dairy Queen parking lot and pick up Blizzards! :) Anyway, I digress. Back to the idea I want to share!

 

My friends this year will be receiving "You Rock" Valentine's Day cards and Sunglasses! Here are the materials I used:

• Sunglasses, of course! I purchased mine for only $1.39 a pair from this vendor on ebay. I know we are getting close to the holiday, so you can always swing by Dollar Tree and pick some up for a buck a piece.
• Designed sheet of cover stock. I know I have an in on this one because I'm a graphic designer, but don't let that stop you! Michaels / Hobby Lobby have awesome scrapbook paper selections and stamps/stickers you can use!
• Ribbon
• Paper Hole Punch
• Eyeglass Cases (optional. I used them only for the cards I was going to mail to protect the sunnies)

 First, I designed by sheet and cut it to a larger size. This one is cut to 5.5" x 8.5" to fit an entire family's Sunglasses.

 I found it easier to punch 3 holes in a role to insert the arm of the Sunglasses to hang down from.

Tada! This set is for a family we know. One for Mom, Dad, and Baby (picked hers up at Dollar Tree) 

This pair is for a friend in Germany. I know it will have a long way to travel, so used a case to protect it. 

 Then cut down the sheet smaller with some scrapbooking scissors.

And tied it in place with a ribbon! I think she will be pleasantly surprised to be receiving a pair of sunglasses for Valentine's Day!

ENJOY! I'm excited for our day.

Traveling Craft Kit: Friendship Wrapped Headphones

I know. The concept of this is pretty "Duh, Melissa." But I am excited to share it anyways.

As my friends, family, and husband know, I have a very difficult time sitting still. I like to keep games on my iPhone, iPad, and crafts in my purse. Of course, traveling with crafts is pretty limited. Crocheting takes too long for my patience level, and knitting..... No way in H-E-double hockey sticks my brain will ever wrap around that. I have been making tons of these DIY Tangle Free Friendship bracelet headphones, and all of them are made on the go! I posted 2. See the links below!

My most recent pair made for Momma: Here

This link below includes the Mod Cloth instructions on how to make them: Here

So little of materials, and all materials so small. They even fit perfectly in a coin purse or eyeglass case! 

Only materials needed to include in your on-the-go headphone kit is your thread (I find it easier to wrap them around the embroidery thread holders beforehand), headphones, nail clippers to cut thread, and super glue. (Super glue optional. I like to use it to be extra safe. After all, these things do take hours to complete.)

This little on-the-go kit is always in my purse. Easy for me to take out to work on during my lunch hour, road trips, when I'm watching a movie, on a plane and during layovers. 

I think I'm going to make little kits for random gifts for birthdays this year, and for my friends and family that aren't crafty, a completed set. :)

Happy Monday!

Another Pair of DIY Friendship Bracelet Headphones!

I was so proud of my DIY Tangle Free Friendship Bracelet headphones, I had to make another pair! For my Momma, of course!

Wanna get the tut? Here is my link for the first pair I made.

This time, I used crochet thread that blended from one rainbow color into another. It made these go by ALOT quicker than the first pair (Turns out, not having to switch colors all the time really shortens the process). Which was nice, since they seemed to be about twice as long.

I know Mom will love not having to untangle her headphones every time she works out at the gym.

Happy Friday!

Sweater to Cardigan Transformation DIY

Ok. I'm going to be honest here. This definitely wasn't my genius idea. But I was pretty excited to find it! I had a few sweaters in my closet that have been untouched for awhile (and I HATE throwing away clothes). I also love cardigans. I was especially excited to see that I could skip the sewing machine. Here is the link for the full tutorial!

Note to self and to you: Use the skinniest hemming tape you can find (while being sturdy enough to hold). The stuff I used was 3/4" and took what I think was too much for the opening of the sweaters. They still look good, it could just LOOK BETTER next time. :)

Instagram Collage Wall Art

I love the website "A Beautiful Mess." I am always checking on it to see their latest DIY's that they have posted. I recently found this one before Christmas.

Here is the Tutorial

I was so excited to make one for myself to remember the year 2012. Only difference between hers and mine is the size. I went with a 16" x 20" rather than her square 12" x 12". Go big or go home. That's how I roll. :)

Here is how it turned out!

I liked it so well, I made 3 more for some very close friends (Facebook Instagram stalker. Busted.) They were a hit!

Good bye, 2012! Happy New Year!

Cozy Sweatpant Christmas Gift Basket!

Looking for a low cost, but heartfelt gift to give a family or friend this year? Why not go with sweats?! I love my collection of sweatpants (who doesn't?!) and find myself in them ALOT around the house during the holidays.

These super easy and didn't cost much. I purchased the hot cocoa, coffee mugs, and Basket at Dollar Tree and hit up Target and Walmart for the sweatpants. This one was made for a dear friend of mine.

I used some scrap die cut circles I found at my print shop that was going in the garbage. I hand wrote HAVE A on one, COZY on another, and CHRISTMAS on the last one. Then layered them, and tied them to the basket. I could have just slipped a card into the basket, but I will admit, I was in a bit of a hurry when I did these.

This was done for a family of three. Mom, Dad, and Baby will enjoy a cozy Christmas!


Happy Holidays! <3

DIY Chapstick Christmas Gifts

I really wanted to do something outside of the norm this year for Christmas "Cards". Thinking about it the other day, I remembered this Burt's Bees Chapstick gift mailer that I had found online awhile ago: 

http://www.giverslog.com/?p=11402

BINGO! Everyone's lips get dry this time of year. I started with her idea, then ran with it a little bit. End product? Chappy Holidays!

Materials needed:

• Chapstick (I got mine on sale 2 for $3 at Walgreens)
• 2 1/2" x 8.5" sheet to roll around chapstick bottle. 
• Masking tape
• Sharpie Marker
• Scissors

First, design your 2 1/2" x 8.5" greeting sheet of paper. I am a graphic designer, do designed mine on the computer, but you can get creative other ways if you like! Scrapbook paper, stickers, stamps, etc.

Cut out your sheet to fit.

Apply Masking tape to the edge and lay chapstick on top so that it will roll evenly inside the sheet. Then roll, roll, roll!

Write Unroll me with your Sharpie Marker on a piece of masking tape to seal.

I made bunches and they only cost .65 cents to ship each one (I shipped mine in small envelopes.) I can't wait to hear about what my friends and family think of the little surprise gifts they will be receiving in the mail!

These would also make wonderful stocking stuffers. Enjoy!

DIY T-Shirt/Tank Top Dress

I was totally inspired by Kelly W's T-Shirt Tank Top dress on Cut Out and Keep's website. Here are her instructions.

I immediately grabbed some vino and got to work. I found an old tank top and Sublime Shirt (the Sublime shirt had a stain on the sleeve, and I just couldn't part with it.) Took me about an hour or so and was super easy. Here was my final project!

Notes for you and myself when making another:

• DON'T USE WHITE FOR THE BOTTOM! Seriously, what were you thinking, Melissa?!
• Cut the bottom into more of a triangle so that it allows more room for your hips and flairs out at the bottom. Mine ended up being pretty tight.

Happy Monday! Have a wonderful week!

DIY Quick Sparkle Gem / Rhinestone Earrings!

The other day, I was making another one of my frequent trips to Michael's in search of some rhinestones. When digging through the craft section, I stumbled across these beautiful gems! 

A smile immediately took over my face. I COULD MAKE THESE INTO EARRINGS! And they only took a few minutes to make!

All you need is earring post blanks, the gems (they are only a couple bucks and come in every color imaginable!) and  E-6000.

Put a dob of glue on the earring post, then place it up towards the edge of the gem. If you place it in the center, the earring will not sit right on your ear. I did some in black, too!

Let earrings dry for 24 hours.

I wish my photo did the earrings justice. Darn iPhone. It picks up so many colors in the light! I will definitely be heading back to Michael's to purchase more colors. The best part? Each package came with 10 pieces (5 pair) so I have enough left over to give as Christmas Presents!

Have a wonderful week!

DIY Chalkboard Key Hangers

Every time I perform in a play, I like to give handmade cast gifts that relate to the show. Right now, I am in a child-like spelling show, so I brainstormed ideas that centered around letters and education. Also, I like my gifts to be functional. Wah Lah! DIY Chalkboard Key Hangers!

Supplies:

• Unfinished wood frame (I bought mine from Walmart for .97 cents each)
• Black Chalkboard Paint (I used Americana from Hobby Lobby)
• Command Strip Picture hangers (To hang it on the wall without causing damage to paint. You can use a regular toothed picture hanger if you would rather.)
• Command Hooks
• Black Acrylic Paint
• Clear Nail Polish or Clear Spray Paint
• 4" x 6" Design of your choice
• I used 4" x 6" chip board to go behind the design to give it some support. This is optional.

I made 11 total. First start with a layer of chalkboard paint. Paint vertically or horizontally. Let dry for one hour, then apply a second coat in the other direction.

Wait time specified on Chalkboard paint for drying, then apply your key hook. I used white Command Hooks to save time. This crafty girl likes to work fast! Paint the hooks black to match the chalkboard paint with acrylic paint.

Seal with Clear Nail Polish or Clear Spray Paint to prevent chipping of the black paint on the plastic surface.

 I went to the computer and designed each person's first initial onto a neat vintage background, then inserted theater masks on the top and bottom. This is the fun part! Get creative and customize for the recipient or yourself! 

You can also design a last initial and use a hook on each bottom corner.

Cut to 4" x 6" to fit the frame.

Optional: Glue onto 4" x 6" Chipboard for durability.

After Command Strips are dry, apply them by cutting the rounded surface off the bottom of the adhesive strip.

Place Command Picture Hanging Strips to the back on the top. Follow instructions on back panel.

Cure Chalkboard surface by coloring in the paint with chalk, then rub off with a wet towel.

All done! All 11 only took me a couple hours to complete. These would make wonderful Christmas presents, His and Hers for newlyweds, birthday gifts, co-worker presents.... the list can keep on going. The chalkboard is great to leave reminders for yourself or for anyone in your family.

And of course I had to make one for myself. 

Happy Thanksgiving!

Eyeglass Review from Zenni Optical

Received my package from Zenni Optical on Friday. It was like Christmas! :) With the prices and selection offered at Zenni, having a large stash of frames on hand to match any outfit is possible. Honestly, I didn't spend more that $13.00 on any of these 4 frames! (Except on the sun glasses, I did fork over the $5 in addition to tint the lenses.) Only took about a week and half to receive them. 

I love them all, but I think the skull and crossbones are my fav! Can't wait to order more!

Heat Free Curls / Waves Overnight!

There are several reasons I prefer sleeping in rollers over curling my hair every morning.

• I can sleep in a little later. If you're anything like me, mornings suck.
• No damage to my hair. I find that curling my hair everyday always shows before my next hair cut. Split end city!
• The cost for most of these methods I use is minimal.
• It takes me less time to throw my hair in rollers before bed than it does to curl my entire head.

These are the items I like and use the most often. The ways I use them works for me. I had to run around a few days looking an awful lot like Carrie Bradshaw from Sex and the City before I nailed my methods that work for my thin, long hair. I encourage you to try my ways AND maybe try some different options to make them work for you!

With all of these tutorials, I use my trusted Beyond the Zone Super Sexy Wave Spray which I have ranted about in my Sally Beauty Supply Favorite post (see here)

 Conair Spiral Curlers

I really enjoyed this tutorial. However, I found that using these

with wet hair like she did made me look like a poodle for about half of the next day. My trick is to use them with dry hair with product only. These can be purchased at Wal-Mart, Target, or Amazon.

Curlformers

I have the "Long and Wide" (come in a pack of 8) and the "Extra Long and Extra Wide" (Come in a pack of 4) Curlformers on hand. The "Long and Wide" Give me much tighter curls that fall looser throughout the day, where as the "Extra Long and Extra Wide" give me big, beautiful waves. 

On the "Long and Wide" Curlformers, I use them on Dry Hair. Once again, I find the curls to be too tight if I use them on wet. However, the "Extra Long and Extra Wide" Curlformers have to be used on 50% Wet Hair, or the curls fall out quickly.

I found that I had to buy 2 packs of each for my hair, and all of them are used. They do have Curlformer Styling Kits available that include around 40 rods, but they will put you back about $65.00. I don't have a need for that many, so the smaller packs did just fine for me. I'm sure those with thicker hair or those that want tighter curls will need to make the larger purchase.

Super Bendy Rollers

(7/8" Diameter)

When using my 7/8" bendy rollers from Sally Beauty Supply, I put them in my hair as if I have mohawk and use little clips on the ends of my hair to make sure they stay. They don't bend well enough to avoid using the clips. I lightly spray my hair with water and place product in my hair. I wake up with big waves when I use this option. Caution: Place the curlers on your head where you don't usually sleep. I tend to sleep on my side, that the mohawk works best for me. It's really painful if you sleep on these.

Super Bendy Rollers

(3/4" Diameter)

I found this video online, which is how I was introduced to these Super Bendy Rollers. I do mine identical to how HauteBrilliance does. These don't hurt so much to sleep on like the 7/8" ones do.

Traditional Sponge Curlers

Last but certainly not least, are the sponge curlers. Definitely never have a problem sleeping in these :) I use them with 50% wet hair with smoothing cream and a little mousse. 6 does it for my thin hair, and I place them all pretty low. End product is beautiful, big curls that look like the results I get with my curling iron. 

Above picture was done with 3/4" Super Bendy rollers. Photo was even taken 24 hours after I took them out. Enjoy!