Watercolor Haul

Alas! I have a new camera! Special thanks to my parental units for getting me a new camera for Christmas after my outdated one decided it didn't want to function properly. I am beyond happy. I really missed taking pictures!

My boss got me a Hobby Lobby gift card for Christmas, so I went straight away to pick up some new watercolor supplies! I would have preferred the better quality paints, but I didn't want to spend a fortune. I decided since I am no professional, I am going to try "The Fine Touch" brand from Hobby Lobby. I also picked up some brushes, paper pads, a little sealable pallet and a waterproof ink pen. Get closeups and more info below! :)

I got a cheap set of $5.99 round camel brushes in the sizes 2, 4, 6, 8, 10 and 12. (The Fine Touch)

I also got a $7.99 with a size 2 liner and rounds in the sizes 8, 16 and 24. (Master's Touch)

My little plastic folding palette was $2.99. (Master's Touch)

I picked up a $3.99 Pitt Artist Pen too. I got the 0.6 mm fine tip with black India ink. (Faber-Castell)

Next, my cheap paints! lol I got this $13.99 set of 24 tube watercolor paints. (The Fine Touch)

I will have some color swatches below! You can also see them in my palette.

I got 6x8 and 9x12 paper books too.

Here is what the palette looks like when it's open. There are 20 paint wells and then 5 other areas to mix colors. There are also little brushes holders and a place to place your thumb. Pretty decent for the price. It will work for now! I squeezed in my paints and will wait for them to dry. They can be activated again with water. :)

 Here are some quick color swatches of the paints. I got most of them here. I think there was one blue and then the gray and black that didn't fit into my palette. I might end up scraping out a red or two later to make room for those though. A few of the reds look quite similar. I didn't use a whole lot of paint and there is still plenty, so it won't be much of a loss. :)

All together I spent about $30 on everything. I used a 40% off coupon on my paints!

I will share some of my little paintings soon. :)

I'm glad to have the always important camera back so I can start sharing again. See you soon!

Apologies!

I haven't been posting lately. One of the bigger issues is that my camera is no longer working.

Quite depressing! But hopefully after Christmas I can start up again. :)

Easy Show Ribbon Display

If you compete in anything or show animals, you are bound to collect some ribbons! I've been showing rabbits for about 10 years and have a rainbow assortment of ribbons. It's been a long time since I've had any out on display. I have a large trunk at the foot of my bed that houses all of my awards, but I decided I wanted to display some of my favorites and add a little color to my room. :)

Materials:

This is a super easy way to display your ribbons! The only things I used were two nails (or thumbtacks), and a piece of chain used for lighting. You can find all types of linked chain like this for cheap. If not, anything similar and sturdy will work!

This first part might require a helper. Just stretch out your length of chain until you have the desired drape effect, or pull it taunt. However you like! Get it centered and level, then add your nails or thumbtacks into the wall. :) Hook on your chain and taadaa!

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Well... that was simple enough! Now add your ribbons!They can come with all different types of hangers on the backs. I had ones with string loops, hooks and pin enclosures. They all worked for this project. :)

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Here are two different hook backs. These are easy, just hook them wherever you like.

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 Loops can be a pain, but I doubled up the string and tied some knots That way they didn't hang so low. These were put on each end to cover the nails in the wall and the ends of the chain. With a little bit more work they can be tied to a link of the chain. OR you can forget the string and use a little bit of crafting wire or even a wire Christmas ornament hook. Use the pre-punched holes in the cardboard backing to hang it. :)

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This is a ribbon with a pin backing. Another easy attachment! Just like pinning it to fabric... honestly easier! lol

See, that was super easy! I didn't want to spend a bunch of money on ribbon displays I've seen online, so when I saw that chain just sitting around from an old light fixture we had... I knew I could use it. :3 Hopefully it has given you some ideas too! See you again soon!

Books, Books, Books!

Reviews and hauls and such! Goodbye summer... it was nice knowing you. Lots of reading time now though! lol ;)

August 2014 Ipsy Bag & Look

If you have never heard of Ipsy, check out their website to learn more!

This is my second Glam Bag! I like the products, but they are super small sample sizes this month. I know it's a sample subscription, but boy are these tiny! lol

Take a look at everything I got in my bag this month, with swatches and more info. I also created a look with all the products from the bag!

The bag this month is round and white with orange polka dots and zipper. The theme is "beauty schooled" and it reminds me a little of a pencil case. :) 

The Products

1. URBAN DECAY - Perversion Mascara

2. LORD & BERRY - Silk Kajal Kohl Eye Pencil

3. COASTAL SCENTS - Shadow Palette Sample - Set 28

4. ABSOLUTE - You're the Balm - Green Apple

5. DR. BRANDT - Pores No More - Pore Refiner

Color Swatches & Info

1. URBAN DECAY - Perversion Mascara

"Get bigger, blacker, badder lashes with our ultra-creamy, lengthening and volumizing mascara. So intense you might need a safe word, Perversion glides on and gets you sexy in one stroke. (Yet it won’t quit until you say when.) It’s insane how black it is…the purest, deepest, most intense black color imaginable.  Perversion has a creamy, full-bodied texture that’s not too dry, not too wet. This allows just the right amount of “pull” so it glides through lashes. The result: incredible control for insane lashes. Go ahead and pile on coat after coat. Want to apply more before you go out at night? No problem. Even if it’s been all day since you applied, more Perversion always means more beautiful lashes. Our formula NEVER gets brittle or clumpy." 

I actually do like this mascara... but I don't think I want to pay $20 for it! It does seem very creamy though. It glides on super smooth. I didn't notice clumping either. The results below are after only one coat of Perversion.

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2. LORD & BERRY - Silk Kajal Kohl Eye Pencil

"A kohl eye pencil that lines, defines and shades the eyes with rich colour and a silky-smooth finish.
Ophthalmologist tested and gentle enough to be used on the inner eye."

Tiny little pencil. The full size is $15. I would have to agree with the description above, but I wouldn't want to use this anywhere it might come into contact with wetness. From my experience with kohl pencils, they smudge pretty easily, yeah?

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3. COASTAL SCENTS - Shadow Palette Sample - Set 28

"Coastal Scents Shadow Palette Samples are an ideal way to try these highly pigmented, stunning shadows. Each miniature-sized palette offers four specially selected, complementary shades to create a variety of looks."

I got the more tame colors this round. Very pretty though! They are super soft and the pigmentation is great! I could use these colors in quite a few different combinations too. The colors in this palette are: Cocoa Diamond, Reef Coral, Rainstorm and Bronze Peach.

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4. ABSOLUTE - You're the Balm - Green Apple

"Treat your lips with the ultra-moisturizing Duo Lip Balms from Absolute New York. Our lightly tinted, creamy, conditioning formula softens, smoothens, and protects lips for a seriously kissable pout. Discover this must-have duo for sensationally soft and luscious lips!"

 I recieved green apple, but it reminds me more of watermelon. In my opinion it smells pretty yummy and goes on thinly and smoothly. Popping this nomnom in my purse. It has a very light pink tint. Also the only full sized product in this months bag.

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5. DR. BRANDT - Pores No More - Pore Refiner

"A cult favorite, Pores No More Pore Refiner Primer is Dr. Brandt’s quick fix for flawless, photo-ready skin. It is the miracle base to create the perfect skin canvas for long-lasting makeup and well-preserved skin. This velvety formula absorbs excess oil, minimizes pores, blurs fine lines and is resistant to sweat and humidity. Prime, touch-up and treat while perfecting your makeup."

Well, I was impressed. I hate my big pores and I saw a noticeable difference very quickly when I put this just on one area of my cheek. I'll only use it on special occasions because this baby is $45 for an ounce! It is a light flesh tone in color and smells a bit like an acne cream medicine. I can see why it's one of their best sellers.

The August 2014 Glam Bag Look

Here ya go! I used the Coastal Scents eyeshadows, Lord  & Berry eyeliner and the Urban Decay mascara. :) Quite a nice "natural" kind of look. Simple for back to school too. Can't go wrong with some nice neutral eyeshadow. Brown shades are always my go to colors.

 

Summer Fun

It has been FOREVER. I am sorry to have been away for so long... no excuses!

Instead, look at my adorable nieces! Summer is so swell. <3

My Smash Book [6]

Long time no see! I woke up early today and had a 4 hour long smashing session. Here is a set of pages that I finally completed! The Princess Pages! I think every girl goes through that stage. ;P These pages have been sitting half done for months, but they are all done now! I started a bunch of pages too. I'll share those some other time though. :) Don't want to shove too many pictures in one post! lol

I also updated some other pages that I already had. Here is the new and improved bunny page!

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Here are previous pages:

U.P. Trip

Greenfield/The Henry Ford

Birds

Butterflies

Bunnies (now the old version)

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I used lots of random pink, purple and red things. lol Whatever I could find that was girly! Other embellishments include a charm bracelet, burlap flower, ribbons, etc. I also cut out pictures and passages from fairy tales. Parts of  Cinderella, The Frog Prince, The Goose Girl and Beauty & The Beast are there. :)

NYC Expert Last Lip Color

In my Influenster Uni Vox Box, I recieved this Expert Last Lip Color in the shade "Forever Fuchsia" by the brand New York Color. At first I was skeptical about such a bright pink, but I love it! This lipstick is creamy and moisturizing with a bit of shine. There are 20 different shades offered, ranging from plums to peaches to true reds. The best part is that you kind find them at your local drug store for only $1.99!

Benefits

Wears up to 6 hours

Long-lasting shine

Amplified color

Velvety and glamorous finish

Perfectly outlines lips

Doesn't feather or bleed 

 

 This color is actually very wearable and I am definitely going to try some more colors! I'm quite impressed. :)