Stephanie's DIY: Great Lips!

 
Many of you ladies no doubt have your perfect lipstick that you can't live without, but when it breaks or shifts at its base you're left with a goopy, sloppy and unreliable stick!  Solution, found!

Instead of breaking up the stub and just squishing it into a little sampler pot, here are two great suggestions  incorporating the same idea to help get a professional result.  What's also great about these methods is that you can use them to modify a color you already love by trying these little tricks:

1)  Add extra lip gloss to the mix to dilute your color and make it more of a stain for a daytime look.

2)  Add some shimmer from your eyeshadow or another cosmetic if you want a change from your usual matte color.

3)  Mix in another color if your routine usually consists of blending two colors anyways! 

The trick to these is to find your ratio of color vs. added ingredient.

 
PS:  Hold on to this post for the summer months when your car and purse are bound to make a few sticks melt!  Also, remember that if your favorite shade gets discontinued, you can now salvage all those ends that you thought you'd never use.

 
Have a great end-of-the-week and pucker up!

Stephanie

(Images via Vizualize us)

Stephanie's DIY: la moustache!

Sometimes you just have to let loose and have fun, and what better way than this great little party favor?!  Get your guests talking and laughing with these hilarious, photo-op inducing moustache straws!  Whether you're throwing a theme party - think carnival or vintage, or you're just looking to pay homme-age to all the men out there and have the women give them some competition at your next get together, these are beyond great!  The instructions are very simple and a great project to do with your friends.  The 'staches have been all over Hollywood lately in the form of jewelery and other accessories, so why not bring a little twitch of the nose and shake of the lip to your table?!  

Stop being so serious!!  Have a great day lovely readers!

Stephanie

(images via Vogue Italia via FGR   demitasse, Betsey J)

Stephanie's DIY: a better you!

This week's DIY will be a little different; I'm going to suggest work on the most important thing in your life- YOU!  I will, without regret, be the one to tell you that yes, you have to keep your resolution this year.  There's no better time than now and as the old chinese proverb goes, "A journey of a thousand miles must begin with a single step." 

Last year I managed to kick the worst habit I've ever had- smoking.  I come to you with the experience of success, the bitterness of wanting one more, and the sweet serenity of being freed of the want to win. 

Whether your goal is to travel more, be a better friend, eat healthier or learn to love yourself and the things you already have, the steps are all the same.  My favorite new habit is to bite off what I can chew by starting small.  It's not easy at first so I know I have to work my way up to a full achievement with every new challenge.  Here's the link to an article in TIME magazine with some real expert advice on how to attain your goals and another one  with some apps to keep you on track.

Remember, you're worth the effort and dedication.  This is one DIY that you shouldn't avoid attempting!
  

Good luck gorgeous readers!

(images Tyra, Doll My Face, Visualize Us, I hurt I am in Fashion)

Stephanie's DIY tip: gingerbread cookies

The holidays are here!  Regardless of what occasion you're celebrating, chances are that you're surrounded by comfort food this week.  I wanted to give you a traditional recipe because in the hustle and bustle of the holidays, we sometimes forget about the things that keep this time of the year simple.  It was hard for me to settle on this one DIY specifically  but then I realized tradition wins over modern any day, for everyone.  Have a great week everyone, enjoy your family and friend time, and most of all BE SAFE! 

Happy Holidays!

A recipe with nothing but great reviews!

(images via Canadian Parents, Tomkat Studios, Susannah's Kitchen)

Stephanie's tip: Holiday Centerpieces

I don't blame you for thinking "summer" at the mention of fresh flowers on your table, but let's remember one thing- just like every perfume has it's occasion, the same goes for floral arrangements.  The holidays are a great time to bring that sweet smell back into your home, especially if you're hosting a get together with loved ones.  When making or buying your holiday floral arrangements, think magical!  Baubles, candy canes, acorns, white and red roses; let yourself be inspired by all the glitter and sparkle of this snowy, warm-your-heart time of the year.  If flowers are too traditional for you and you want something a little edgier, you can always grab a few large vases and fill them up with bare branches, holly and a string of lights to add some ambiance.  Just remember to have fun, this is your creation!  PS:  Speaking of holiday plants... May the mistletoe be very good to you this year!

(All images from here)

DIY: Stephanie's B-oooo-tiful Halloween Wreaths

via katydidandkid.com

 http://thinknext.com/

 via marthastewart.com

 

Pottery Barn 

Martha Stewart: how-to

via lowes.com

 These wicked wreaths are absolutely to die for!  Regardless of witch one you prefer, they're so easy to make it's scary! 

Although Halloween is still over a week away I thought I'd give you all a head start with this project considering that it might take a little time to make.  I've included two "how-to" links to get you started but I'm pretty sure that once you get going your imaginations will take over and you won't even need them.  These wreaths are a great way to decorate for Halloween and to add a little flair to this spooky celebration. Have fun!

Black Wreath & Scarecrow (my favorite one)  How-to tips.

 A few more seasonal fun images...

Happy Halloween season!

(Via Amy Atlas, Mary Ruffle and We heart it, Brocante Home)

Stephanie's manicure tips: how to nail the moonicure

Whether you're going for a retro vibe, glam-glam look or you're just being indecisive about which of your two favorite nail colors to use, I've got a tried and trusted method for you!  No, it's not complicated and yes, it works!  I've featured here two different versions of the "Moonicure", also known as the "Moonie Mani", one look with a natural moon and another with two colors.  Fun fact: This style actually started in the 1930's and 40's.  Welcome back!

You can also watch a how to video:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=maHStEQ9_dM

(Images via  all4women.co.za, stylelist.com,  www.glamouronline.hu, fortiesfashions.blogspot.com)

Stephanie's Lovely Hosting Tips

Summer may be over but let's face it, when you're hosting a get-together with close friends and loved ones your home will heat up in no time.  Looking for a pretty way to keep those drinks cool?  Try adding berries or flowers (or anything your heart desires) to your ice-cubes.  Get your guests talking!  Don't forget that if you want your ice crystal-clear you have to boil the water for 2 minutes prior!  

Happy sipping!

(For berries, for petals / flowers,),  Everything Fabulous, My Party File)