Apartment Therapy's January Cure

Have you guys heard about Apartment Therapy's January Cure? It is their January challenge to pretty much get organized and clean to get you out of those January blues. Most of the challenge has been seen on Instagram, Twitter and Pinterest, but you can still join in on the to-do- yes even though tomorrow is the last day.
Each day you receive and email about the asisgnment, a couple of links to assist you and everything to help you reach your goal for the day. Even though the challenge is almost up, it is still a great way to spruce up the home and get it in working order...a bit of spring cleaning done early!

Method Cleaning Supplies via my Instagram

One of the challenges includes green cleaning. Here are my Method green cleaning sprays I use to clean around my home. Target had a killer sale on them (3 for $8- and I had a coupon) so these were super cheap...and one was already on clearance. So, this is what I did for one of my challenge days.

Again, even if the challenge is over tomorrow, it is not too late to get started on some home revamping to start the 2013 year off right!!

DIY Jewelry Shadowbox

I have been fascinated with shadowboxes for awhile now. I have always love the various styles and designs so many people have done to create a scene for display. Between the ones that are interchangable as the decor in your living room to the ones that are a permenant display of a vacation or momentos, they have always made me want to make my own.

I was lucky to snag up a very large shadowbox at Michael's for $1.49 on clearance and I have been brainstorming like crazy to come with a great idea to put it to use. Now, I can finally share with you guys what I did with it!

I have been eye-ing this super cute jewelry display from Home Goods for a bit now, without buying it. I am one of those shoppers who goes "I could make that" and ultimately does not buy the item because I want to make it myself. And, I did.

For my display, I added some scrapbook paper I already had to the back for a fun design and used push pins I had in my sewing kit to hold the jewelry in place. The shadowbox already has a foam back so it was super easy to add in the push pins to hold my necklaces. So, instead of paying $15 for a jewelry display at Home Goods, I made my own for $1.49 for the shadowbox (since I allready had the other items on hand).

Here is the shadowbox - hung above my already full jewerly box. I think it turned out amazing - and much more stylish than the one from Home Goods.

DIY Valentine's Day Wreath

I have been busy looking for some great decoration ideas that will vamp up my home without breaking the bank account. Pinterest always has so many great home decorating ideas you can do for just pennies. I found this great heart-shaped wreath and knew I could replicate it with some simple and cheap items.

You will need:

• Hot Glue Gun (one stick of glue will do)
• Heart-shaped wreath (found at any craft store- I snagged mine at Joann Fabrics)
• 1 ball of yarn (I found mine on cleanrance for $0.59 at Michael's) **the amount of yarn you will need will be determined by the size of your wreath. I had a small wreath, so I only needed one ball of yarn**
• 1 sheet of pink felt
• 1 sheet of red felt
• 2 bamboo skewers (or salvaged fallen wooden sticks will do too!)
• 2 yards of ribbon (to hang the wreath)

All I did was hot glue the starter piece of the yarn in the back of the wreath and wrap the entire foam wreath with the yarn. I found that I needed to hot glue some layers of yarn down to ensure the yarn would not move - best to keep it glued where you know no one will see the glue). You will also have to hot glue to last piece of yarn to the back of the wreath as well to ensure it does not come loose and unravel.

Next, I cut the red felt sheet into a large heart and the pink sheet into the D-shape for the fletching of the arrow. Then, I cut two bamboo skewers to fit on my wreath (for the arrow). I stabbed each one into the wreath- securing the bamboo skewer in the wreath with a drop of hot glue in the hole I made. I hot glued the felt pieces onto my wreath and used my ribbon to create the loops needed to hold the wreath up on the wreath holder for my door.

Here is my finished product!! Good Luck and feel free to message me if you have any questions!!

My Makeup Routine

My Makeup Routine

I have always gone for the basics that I really love- products that are worth splurging on that work well with budget favorites. Here are the products I use daily for my makeup!

1. Bare Minerals with SPF 15 - this gives my skin a bit of color and really helps even out my skin tone- no BB Cream required with this amazing product. I have been using this makeup for years and I am thankful you can now purchase it at the mall or online. This particular powder is great for covering up blemishes and uneven skin tone. I have relatives that use it who swear it covers up under eye circles and starting age spots. Great for any skin type- it is even great to wear to bed.
2. Bare Minerals Mineral Veil - this is pretty much airbrushing in powder form. Recommended to go on top of your Minerals Foundation powder, this finishing powder helps keep the flawless look compete. I really love how, when combined with the other mineral powder, I look like I have had my makeup done professionally!!
3. NARS Blush in Orgasm- This is a super light weight powder that packs a punch. A bit more pricey of an item, it does last quite a bit. I have tried other blushes, but this has always been tried and true! A great staple to your makeup routine.
4. MAC Eyeliner - This black is bold, agressive and long-lasting. It goes on super smooth but will smudge well for a smokey eye. I have been a fan of MAC products for a few years now. It is more of a splurge item (NYC pencil liners work well too) but this has staying power that cheapies just do not have. When I splurge, I splurge on this item.
5. CoverGril & Olay Simply Ageless Primer - I am so glad these two companies came together and created a great product line. This primer I actually put on after my Oil of Olay face lotion and before my Bare Minerals powders. It keeps the skin fresh and youthful and keeps the moisture of my skin in check. I have tried pricer products (Smashbox, anyone?) but this is a great budget alternative I think I will stick with.
6. CoverGril Professioanl Super Thick Lash Mascara- I have always been a fan of the tried and true of the Maybelline Great Lash classic, but this is my new BFF. My lashes are not thick but this product will not tell my secret. Whatever they use, it works. And, the brush helps prevent clumping so my lashes look full and not fake!
7. Revlon Colorburst LipGloss- I love, love, love this product. I picked it up a couple of months ago for a bolder oxblood/red combo and have never looked back. This gloss has lasted all day and has proved to be killer looking in photos. Always a plus during the holiday season!
8. Wet N Wild Color Icon Collection in Walking on Eggshells- this natural eye combo really makes my blue eyes pop! It is light and airy and goes on super smooth. For a drugstore budget item, this product packs a punch. I have used it to make the under part of my eye pop- without the darkened look around the eye. It makes me look awake - when I have just rolled out of bed. It is a basic when I just wanna put on something quick before going out to start the day.

These are my favorite products which are now a part of my daily routine. Some pricey, some budget, but all worth every penny to own.

Budget Beauty Buys

Budget Beauty Buys

I love products that pack a punch but do not break the bank. These are some of my favorite daily beauty products I use every day.

1. TRESemme Naturals Shampoo- literally one of the best smelling conditioners I have found. I love the scent and it is super lightweight for anyone that needs the conditioner without the weight. I love that it doesn't come with a lot of heavy chemicals so my hair stays healthy without all that interference to imbalance my hair.
2. Organix Renewing Moroccan Argan Oil Shampoo- I really fell in love with this shampoo after my hairstylists told me it was a great alternative to Pureology's Hydrating Shampoo. Not only does it save me money but it gives me the hydration my hair tends to need.
3. Clean&Clear's Exfoliating Daily Face Wash- I tend to get really bad bouts of acne about once a month. This help keeps my skin in check and since it does not cost a lot, using it more than once a month is easy peasy on my budget.
4. Dove Nutrium Moisture Body Wash - I love, love this bodywash line. My skin in the colder months needs so much moisture. Luckily, I can skip on having to layer on the heavy lotion thanks to this bodywash. I have not found a scent I have not liked and I feel so super soft after using it. I have even used it as bubble bath too when I have been in a fix.
5. Vaseline mini-tub- this cute little mini goes straight in my purse or pocket without taking up so much space. It is perfect for a quick dip of the finger to keep my lips smooth and chap-free. I tend to get chapped lips easy during the winter months and this helps keep my lips from feeling the burn!
6. Oil of Olay's Daily Complete Face Moisturizer- this product is my go-to for my face. I do not know anyone that is allergic to it and it does not break me out. I have been using it for years and I swear to anyone that asks that it really does help against the aging process of my beautiful skin. Right after I get out of the shower, I cover my face and neck. This is my little fountain of youth in a jar.
7. Neutrogena's Make-up Remover Cleansing Towelettes- I love how easy these are to use. After a long night out, I am ready to go to bed (not wash my face). That is why I rely on these soft towelettes to remove all my makeup from my night out. It cleans my face quickly so I can go to bed. Best part is they are alcohol-free so they will not burn to clean off the eye makeup. I do have to wash my face the next morning, but I do that anyway.

Anyone else know of any great budget beauty items they love and swear by?!

DIY Earrings

I came across this pair of earrings on Pinterest and I figured I could make my own...and I did!

It was super easy to make and the best part is that I had everything I needed on hand (easily purchased at a craft store like Michael's).

• Aventurine Beads - I used three different sizes ( one lg, 2 med, and 3 smalls per earring)
• Oval Chain - silver (any will do- depending on the style you want)
• earring hooks
• Head pins - you will use these to connect the beads to the chain.

Insert one bead onto a head pin. Using the round nose pliers, bend the head pin at a 45° angle. Using the side cutters, trim the edge to about ¼". Using the round nose pliers, make a simple loop to secure the bead. This creates the mini charm.

Making the color bead dangles:Using the side cutters, trim the edge to about ¼". Using the round nose pliers, make a simple loop to secure the bead onto the chain. I used one bead per link in the chain.

Attach the rectangular bead to the fish hook ear wire. Repeat steps to complete earring set.

Thrifty Weekend Finds

This past Saturday I did a bit of thrift shopping. I love thrifting- the idea of snagging up a little gem hiding just for you thrills me to no end. I love that my finds always fit in my budget and more often then not, I do not have to do any revamping to the item - clothing, furniture, etc. This weekend was no different.

I score a Sm Cordory American Eagle Jacket, Sm Red Target Raincoat. Two (other not pictured) BKE Jeans and a Coach handbag. What great finds and they all fit me so well. I cannot wait to share some upcoming photos with you all. Can you believe I got two jackets, two pairs of jeans and one handbag....all for $15!!! I was in heaven! It is amazing what you can snag up for under $20. Anyone can be stylish- it is knowing where to look. And these all make great staples for any closet. Happy Hunting!

Makeup Organization

Before!!

I have been really good about keeping my makeup fairly organized but I felt maybe it was time to reorganize things to start this New Year off right. It was looking a bit cluttered! In search for a new way to organize my makeup, I was fairly certain that I wanted it to be somewhat easy to access daily and still allow room for additional items. Thankfully, on Pinterest, I saw this and knew it was exactly what I was looking for. And, the best part is that I had all I needed on-hand to do this re-organization so this project was FREE - which is exactly in my budget.

AFTER!!

It was super easy to re-create. I used the same exact drawer system (purchased at Walmart a few years ago for $5 in the office supply section). The bottom drawer holds my eyeshadows, eyeliner, and mascara. The top drawer holds my powders, my face lotion (I always use the Oil of Olay in the jars), lip liner, lipgloss and lipstick. On the top I have a basket (dollar section at Target) that holds my brushes, liquid makeup and a pouch (from Sonia Kashuk for Target line) that holds my travel mini-makeup samples. I also have a small container that holds my mini perfumes and burts bees lip jar. My Vera Bradley mini-bag holds my spare makeup brushes.

It has been easy to use and find everything and the drawers make it easy to hide any cluttered mess on the inside of the drawers. I love how it hides everything and yet is so versatile. It has made getting ready so much faster now I can find everything.

Jewelry Displays

A mess!

I find that I have a ton of jewelry. I find pieces, fall in love and tend to not get rid of any. But, storage for my ever-growing collection has become a bit of a challenge these days. I told myself one of my New Years Resolutions was to organize this a bit better and even though this is going to be quite the process, I am off to a good start. I was so lucky this weekend to stumble across a few clearance items in Target that is helping me in my challenge to organize my mess a bit better.

First thing I came across was this super cute plate in the bathroom decor section. It has this simple sweater detail that makes this simple item have just a bit more pizazz! For only $4 on clearance, I was able to find a place for my easy grab-n-go pieces, like my watches and earrings.

Next, I snagged up this adorable DVF Jewelry Box I have been eyeing for awhile now. Thankfully, they had one left (without any blemishes) for $14. Now I have a place for some of my more bolder statement pieces! Bonus that this piece is also perfect for decor - so if you do not want to store jewelry, it would be perfect for other items if your choosing.

I could not stop myself from buying this coffee mug tree. For only $7, I finally have a better storage option for my bracelets - and it lets me see what colors I have. The down side to this piece is that it will only hold a few of my bangle-style bracelets- so many of the other ones are still being stored in my jewelry box. But, I have not given up on the hunt for another bracelet tree!