Even though it’s not perfect, this is probably my favorite NOTD so far. I’ve seen this done with longer nails, but I think it looks cute on my super short nails too. I took my sweet time using a tiny paint brush and a pencil tip dipped in nail polish. I’m going to be sad when I have to wipe these butterfly wings off!
Monthly Archives: March 2012
Hair How-to: The Sausage Ponytail
This hairstyle is making a comeback, and I’m thrilled! I actually started to wear my hair like this during group fitness classes for functional reasons. It keeps my hair out of my face and makes it easier to comb through after I turn into a sweaty mess. I’ve had many people asking me how I do it, so I posted the video hair tutorial below. You will need clear elastic bands (the smaller the better) to section off your ponytail. I like to do different versions of this style by varying the number of elastics and/or the size of the poofs (I made the poofs even bigger for the pictures).
DIY: Starfish Headband
It’s getting warm outside, and my summer clothes are finally waking up from hibernation! As I make my way to the beach, this darling starfish headband adorns my hair while all the mermaids look on in envy. To make your own, simply hot glue a starfish or two to a plain headband. You could also use seashells or sand dollars. It doesn’t even have to be a headband – you could affix the starfish to a hair pin or barrette. Enjoy!
NOTD: The Monet
This weekend I am flaunting this vibrant impressionalist-inspired manicure. Abstract flowers are simple to do because perfection is not obligatory (and let’s get real, perfection = boring). Little blobs of paint form the rosettes and leaves, very similar to NOTD: The Leopard. The green polish, my primary inspiration for this look, came in my March Birchbox today. Happy Saturday!
NOTD: The Cotton Candy
MOTD: The Drama Queen
This look is all about lashes! It’s fun to play around with false eyelashes, especially since my real lashes are fine, sparse, short, and straight. If you haven’t worn falsies but want to try it, just go for it! The more you try the easier it becomes. Don’t worry, they won’t budge until you peel them off.
The Makeup: Loreal Magic Smooth Souffle Foundation in Classic Tan, NARS blush in Exhibit A, Maybelline Color Tattoo Eyeshadow in Bold Gold (used as a lid primer), Bare Minerals Liner/shadow in Onyx, Maybelline Gel Eyeliner in Blackest Black, Duo Eyelash Adhesive Dark Tone, Andrea Modlash False Eyelashes, Revlon Colorburst Lip Butter in Creamsicle
DIY: Polymer Clay Bangles
This was my first time using polymer clay, and let me warn you, it is a little addicting. I was so enthralled by the striking effect of combining colors that I built an impressive Jenga-like stack of clay bangles (about 20 high) on my desk. Some have a marbled appearance (pictured above), and others are striped like a hula-hoop.
Polymer clay typically comes in little colored squares, available at Michael’s [1]. To make your bangle like a striped hula-hoop, start by breaking off a chunk and mashing it up with your fingers to soften. Using the palm of your hands as a rolling pin, roll out the chunk on a flat surface into a worm [2]. Take a second color, roll it out into a worm, and intertwine the two worms [2 & 3]. Roll out the worm combination to smooth, and check for size by wrapping it around an old bangle [4]. Mash the two ends together to form a ring, and bake in the oven at 275 degrees for 30 minutes (or according to the clay package) (don’t bake your old bracelet). For a marbled look, mash up different color chunks together with your fingers first, then roll it out into your worm, check for size, and bake.

NOTD: The Fuchsia Sparkler
MOTD: The Sunset

The Makeup: Boots No. 7 Intelligent Balance Mousse Foundation in Almond, Benefit Hoola Face Powder Bronzer (sample size), Smashbox Photo Finish Lid Primer, Diorshow Blackout Mascara (sample size), Maybelline Master Drama Eyeliner in Vibrant Violet (upper lid) and Midnight Master (lower lash line), Coastal Scents Metal Mania 88 Eyeshadow Palette (see arrows), Revlon Colorburst Lip Butter in Sweet Tart
DIY: Painted Sole Heels
Check out my Louboutin-inspired heels! I actually wanted to paint them neon yellow, but I was anxious to get it done only having red paint at home. I must admit, I’m really glad I went with red because they turned out awesome. I know Louboutin fans would not be happy with me, but well, sorry. I’m thinking that I am going to do this with all my heels now, maybe go for neon yellow or electric blue next time. It was very easy to do, and well LOOK AT THEM!!!! I’ve had these heels for years, and now they look like new shoes. You can tell I’m excited.
You will need acrylic paint, Mod Podge gloss, and a small paint brush (and of course, a shoe). Take your shoe and clean the bottom, making sure it is free from debris. Take your paint brush and apply two coats acrylic paint letting it dry in between. I DID NOT PAINT THE ENTIRE SOLE. I only painted the inside of the heel up to where I saw scuffing (see 4th photo above). So basically, only the part that does not come in contact with the ground is painted. Finish with one coat Mod Podge GLOSS to give it some sheen (the paint dries matte). Enjoy!




