March 12th, 2013
One of the first things I notice about a girl’s appearance is her nail polish. I think it says a lot about her, or perhaps just her lifestyle, and whether she opts for something bold and bright or minimalist and subtle. I’m really specific when it comes to the polishes I wear – nothing with shimmer or sheen (though I’m okay with glitter) and in colors that are truly opaque. Based on my rather obsessive criteria, I’ve compiled a list of favorites (you can click on each photograph to see the full post), ranging from the palest pink to a dramatic dark. Of course I switch it up with other shades from time to time, but these are my classic go-to’s that I’ll always love.
What are your signature nail colors?
P.S. You can also see my “Lipstick Guide” here.
January 30th, 2013
I like to give out little Valentine’s Day mementos each February, whether that means making homemade cards, or giving out baked goods. This year I was inspired by my mom (who has a love for tea) to create Valentine tea bags, complete with cute little sayings. They’re easy and customizable and I love the idea of spreading the love anytime someone sits down for a cup of tea. Follow the steps below to create your own version.
Items you will need: coffee filters, card stock paper, twine, a pen, a needle, loose leaf tea of your choice (I used Jasmine) & scissors.
Step 1: Fold a coffee filter directly in half and cut out a rectangle, using the folded crease as one side.
Step 2: Thread a needle with pretty twine. This can be a bit tricky but I purchased a needle with a large hole which made it a breeze to get the twine through.
Step 3: Sew up the two longer sides of the rectangle, leaving the top side open. I used the back-stitch sewing technique to make it very sturdy, which is explained here. Make sure when sewing up the two longer sides to leave excess twine at the top, this will be used to hang the tag from later.
Step 4: Add your loose leaf tea to the top opening.
Step 5: Sew the top opening up (as you did in step 3), then fold the two corners in and fasten with a staple to create the iconic “tea bag” shape. Include the extra string you left (in step 3) when stapling.
Step 6: Create two heart shaped tags out of the construction paper and sandwich the end of your excess string between them with glue. I wrote Sweetheart candy sayings on one side and put glitter on the other side.
Final product
January 18th, 2013
{Daily fresh-squeezed citrus in order to treat (him)/avoid (me) getting sick}
Last week went by unnaturally fast, so I guess it only makes sense that this one felt sluggish and tough. But we’re supposed to have temperatures in the high 70s for the next few days and my parents are coming to visit, so things are looking up. I can’t wait to take them to some of our favorite restaurants and explore the city a bit. I hope you all have a wonderful weekend.
{I’m all about an easy foldover clutch in a luxe fabric}
{Making handmade glittery birthday cards to have on hand}
{Erasers in the form of cute confections}
{I plan on copying this succulent window garden}
December 13th, 2012
{Gift wrapping essentials, organized}
I’ve always fantasized about having an entire room dedicated solely to wrapping presents. It makes the act of gift giving so organized and enjoyable. Since I don’t have the space for a gift wrapping room (let alone closet), I followed the advice of an old Better Homes and Gardens article (here) and made a station on the back of my closet door. I bought this storage system and filled it with all of my essentials,* most of which I tucked into mason jars.
{Gift tags}
{Wrapping and tissue paper, boxes, and little bags}
{Colored twine, twist ties, butterfly accents}
{Side view – I keep both regular tape and double sided for easy accessibility}
{Sparkly toppers, ribbons, Sharpies, scissors, hole punch, ruler}
{Finished wrapping station}
*ribbon, twine, glitter tape, tape, double-sided tape, scissors, scalloped edge scissors, ruler, gift tags, boxes, paper bags, tissue paper, wrapping paper, bows, raffia, glitter.
Most items were bought at Cost Plus, Paper-Source, and Michael’s.
