Friday, July 26, 2013

Friday Favs - My Favorite Beauty Products!

Yikes, Friday again? I'm not complaining...but where did the week go?! For this week's favorites I am sharing my favorite beauty products! While I am by no means a expert I AM a licensed esthetician and worked in a hair salon for over 6 years...so I do know a few things. :) I use quite a mix of professional & drugstore products. I think the key is to splurge on a few great products and save $$ on others.

Favorite makeup sponge
Flawless Face Blender by Crown Brush

I picked up a blender sponge at a trade show a few years ago and haven't used a regular makeup sponge since! The blender gives such a great (flawless!) finish. My favorite is from Crown Brush. It is $9.99 but its washable so when taken care of it lasts forever. I wash mine just like I would a brush and have had it for over a year!


Favorite highlight brightener
Clariol Shimmer Lights Shampoo

I have very dark hair naturally so my blonde highlights tend to get orange & brassy. A little squirt of this bright purple shampoo twice a week keeps my blonde, well, blonde. I always mix it with my regular shampoo and caution against using it everyday to avoid blue hair! A small bottle is available for $8.49 at Sally Beauty.


Favorite frizz fighter
Moroccanoil Light

This is my biggest splurge but it is 100% worth it. I always use a pump on my wet hair before combing it out. This is great on dry hair as well so I run a little through the ends of my hair post-blowout. I prefer the Light formula since my hair get oily easily. I would only recommend trying this product if you are ready to become an addict. A full size bottle usually runs about $40 and authentic products are only available through a salon.


Favorite foundation
Rimmel Match Perfection

If Moroccanoil is my biggest splurge this is my biggest steal! I tried this foundation a few years ago when I ran out of the fancy (read: expensive) brand I had been using. Immediately people started complimenting me on how nice my skin was. It gives just the right amount of coverage to hide to scary bits without causing "cake face". Oh, and it stays on all day. A 30ml bottle is $5.99 and you can find it at CVS...or just about anywhere.


Favorite hair brush
Phillips Monster Vent Brush

I never expected to be so attached to a hairbrush...but I just dare you to take away my Monster Vent! I've dropped this thing in the toilet (clean, thank you), pulled it out and sterilized it. The natural bristles don't tangle and leave you with smooth, shiny hair. There is a reason this brush has over 70 positive reviews on the Folica website where it sells for $11.95. (I use the 4.5")


Favorite body wash
philosophy Senorita Margarita

This stuff is amazing. Enough said. Did I convince you? Buy your own from Sephora for $16.50. It lasts forever.


Favorite makeup remover
Unscented baby wipes

I'm letting you in on a big trade secret! Unscented cheapie baby wipes are the best makeup remover out there. If you have normal skin you probably don't need to use a strong cleanser everyday, in fact it could actually dry out your skin. I use a wipe (or two if I'm wearing lot of makeup) followed with a little Murad pore serum & moisturize if needed. You can pick up a pack of wipes at any drugstore for about $3.


Now that I've shared my favorites I want to know yours! (Especially eyeliner, I just can't seem to find one I love)

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Thursday, July 25, 2013

Purple & Gold Pocketfold Wedding Invitations

I made these beautiful pocketfold wedding invitations for my sister-in-law's brother & future sister-in-law (got that?!). She picked a stunning color combination of plum purple & antique gold. Since the colors were so striking we decided to keep the wording & design on the simple side.

Pocketfold Wedding Invitaions by The Pink Lantern

Gold is having a major moment right now and judging from what brides have been requesting this seems be the hottest color combo for upcoming fall weddings.

Pocketfold Wedding Invitations by The Pink Lantern

I started making wedding paper goods back in 2007-2008 while planning my own wedding. I've learned so much since then & my skills have greatly improved. I am so lucky that I've been able to turn this into a successful business. I still have to pinch myself to be sure it isn't a dream! :)

Pocketfold Wedding Invitations by The Pink Lantern

It has been a joy working with Barbie. I will be making lots of matching goodies for her September reception, so stay tuned for more!


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Tuesday, July 23, 2013

A little bedroom inspiration


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Isn't this a lovely little bedroom? It just goes to show that even when you are short on space you don't have to sacrifice style. There are so many elements that I love in this room. The aged mirror wall, the chandelier (although I can't live without a ceiling fan), the tufted headboard...I could go on and on.
I did a little digging and discovered that this is the bedroom from Kim Kardashian's former apartment. She is definitely one of the most polarizing celebrities out there but I do the way those Kardashians decorate! I found a few drool-worthy elements so you can create your own version.


Amelie Mirrored Armoire from Neiman Marcus {source}


Antique Louis XV Chandelier {source}


Seville Tufted Headboard from Target {source}


Global Geo Bedding from Target {source}
We have & love this bedding!


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Friday, July 19, 2013

Friday Favorites!

Favorite Funny

It has been sweltering in PA this week, yesterday my car thermometer read triple digits at 8:30pm. I would much prefer a blizzard (really!).

Favorite Spot to Snuggle Up

How inviting does this space look? Lots of Ikea items styled to look super luxe!
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Favorite Chic Powder Room

My taste is always evolving and I love change...Sometimes I think it's a blessing to be a renter. It prevents me from putting up grasscloth wallpaper on a whim. ;)
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Favorite Nautical Bedroom

I am helping design "my" bedroom at the lake. Brian came up with a red, white & blue color scheme (he really wanted a Phillies theme). Those colors lend themselves to a nautical theme perfectly. I love how this room is nautical without being overly themed.
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Favorite Event Hair

Isn't this beautiful? My friend did a waterfall rope braid in my hair for a wedding. It was perfect for a hot summer evening!

Favorite Quote

Our lives have become so centered on social media and sharing even the mundane. Unless it is something really special I just don't see the need to share what/where I ate for dinner, what I bought at the grocery store or that my dog is house broken. It can be easy to fall into the trap of doing things for the adulation of others but I try hard to do what truly make me happy.


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Wednesday, July 10, 2013

Sundae Campfire Cones

I've seen variations of Campfire Cones floating around the web all summer and on July 4th I had an opportunity to try them out!



We wanted to keep our ingredients simple: waffle cones, pineapple, marshmallows, chocolate chips, peanut butter bits, whipped cream & cherries. (Basically an ice cream-less sundae!)



Step 1: Grab a cone and fill it with your favorites! We found that marshmallows work best on the top, they stick together and keep all the goodness in the cone.
Step 2: Wrap your cone in tin foil. Be sure the edges are all sealed.
Step 3: Place wrapped cone around campfire. (The grill works well too) You don't want to put the cone too close to the flames though, your waffle cone will burn!



Step 4: Wait about 15 minutes, open carefully (it's hot!) and ENJOY! In my opinion it is best to take the cones out before everything inside melts to a liquid (see below). Ooey gooey melty goodness, without third-degree chocolate burns.



While munching on our cones we kept thinking of ingredients to try next time. Some of my favorite ideas included strawberries, crunched up cookies, Nutella & banana slices. Mmmm...

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Friday, July 5, 2013

Moss Initial Wreath - Tutorial

Moss Initial Wreath


I've received a few questions about how I made the mossy monogram wreath I shared in last week's Summer Porch post. While I don't have many pictures of the process I figured I could still put together a little tutorial for you. :)

Supplies:
-Grapevine wreath (full size, not mini)
-Sheet moss (I picked mine up at Joann's- Panacea brand)
-Wooden initial (I used a thin plywood one from Michael's)
-Burlap ribbon
-Hot Glue Gun
-Twine
-Scissors
-Sharpie

First thing is first - lay out an old sheet or trash bag. The moss is messy! Unfold your sheet moss, it looks like this:



Flip the moss sheet over. The kind I used had a sticky back so it was covered in paper. That was perfect because I was able to just lay my R down and trace it with a sharpie. Be sure to trace a piece to fit the front! That means you'll want the letter to look backwards while tracing. Cut out your letter then peel off the paper backing. Even though the moss is a little sticky I hot glued it to the letter since this was going outside. Work in sections so your glue doesn't cool before the moss is stuck. I could recommend cutting a little outside of your traced letter, that way you can fold the moss around the edge of the letter. I didn't think to do this, so I ended up using scraps to cover the edges. Either way works!

I didn't cover the back of my letter, it is just facing the door so I figured there was no need. I hot glued a few twine ties to the back and used them to attach the letter to the grapevine. This worked great because I was able to weave the twine into the grapevine for a good {yet hidden} hold.

Finally I tied a burlap bow. I attached the bow as well as the long ribbon ties. By attaching the ties it has helped keep the burlap from fraying, a lesson I learned from my Christmas wreath. I've had my wreath outside for several months now and it is holding up really well. I believe this is in part to the sheet moss opposed to loose moss. As my wreath has been outside the moss has changed color a bit, you can see the difference from the first & last pictures. It started out bright green and is now a muted green-brown. I actually prefer the latter, I feel like it looks much more natural!

Moss Inital Wreath


I'm linking up with: Glamorous, Affordable Life, Liz Marie Blog

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Monday, July 1, 2013

Adding Summer Curb Appeal to a Cookie Cutter Condo

Condo Summer Porch


We live in a condo and there are lots of rules about what you can and can't do to the exterior.
-Everyone must have the same exact front door, porch light, fire alarm, etc...
-"Decorative" items are to be kept to a minimum.
-No planting of perennials allowed!
I was able to come up with a few small touches to take our entrance from stark & impersonal to warm & welcoming. First up, a little burlap garden flag. Cute, no?

Condo Summer Porch


My solution for the "no planting" rule - I filled an urn! At first I was skeptical about how a single urn would look but our porch is too small for a pair. I actually really love the look...symmetry schmmetry. I've seen potted hostas all over the web this spring and decided to try one. I wanted to add some color so I framed my hosta with hardy wave petunias. They are flourishing even though the area is pretty shaded!

Potted Hosta with Wave Petunias


To dress up the front door I made a mossy monogram wreath. I actually made this a few months ago as my spring door décor but I love it so much I decided to keep it out for summer. I just added the pink blossom to tie it into my potted flowers. I've had the wreath outside for a few months and it is holding up really well!

Moss Monogram Wreath


Considering what I have to work with I love the results! :) I hope this gives you some inspiration to dress up your apartment, condo or house. Even if its a rental it doesn't need to be blah! How do you make your entrance welcoming?

Condo Summer Front Porch

I'm linking up with: Project Inspire{d} at Setting for Four, Tutorials & Tips @ Home Stories A to Z, Give Me The Goods Monday @ Rain on a Tin Roof, Liz Marie Blog


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