Category Archives: D+I+Y

NYX Soft Matte Lip Cream

authenb

My makeup routine is simple and nearly nonexistent most days. When I come across products that I feel work for my super basic routine it makes me ecstatic.

Generally if I’m breezing out of the house like most days, I will fill in my very sparse eyebrows, put on some mascara, and add some color to my lips. This NYX product is a soft matte lip cream. Since it is matte it can be a bit more dry so make sure your lips are exfoliated and moisturized before using it.

My sister and I adore this color (Transylvania).Many ladies with deeper skin tones aren’t always sure about certain lip colors but I LOVE the way this compliments our skin. Enjoy!

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Update | Trash to Treasure

authenb

When I first saw this trash I knew it could be treasure, I just had to figure out what it should be. At the beginning of the year I created a pencil chart so that each student could keep 2 pencils in the classroom at all times. Although I made it sturdy, it didn’t stand a chance against 2nd graders who often stuffed 5+ pencils in their pocket. Over stuffing resulted in ripped pockets that could hold no pencils.

It was a full size poster board numbered 1-20.

Over stuffing caused pockets to rip!  

 

Just like my pencil chart, each space is numbered and each student has two pencils. The carton is a sturdy packing cardboard that should last through the rest of the year. You can try this same thing with a shoe box, egg carton, and pretty much anything you can poke a hole in. Enjoy!

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Holiday Nails DIY

authenb

Here’s a really simple holiday nail design to wow your friends and family at holiday parties and gatherings. The best part is that you can do it yourself! Yay DIY!!!

  1. Start with your base color. I chose red and white just to show two different designs.
  2. Use a thin liner brush(got mine at the dollar store) or dip a paper clip in the nail polish to make your lines.
  3. Make 3 straight lines starting from the same point.
  4. Then make smaller lines branching out from each the first set of lines you made. Do as much or as little as you want.
  5. For the tree design place one dot at the highest point that you want the tree to start. The bottom of the tree will be the widest point. Fill in middle like a triangular shape then make points to make it look more like a tree. Fun and easy huh?!?!?

Enjoy!

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Buy Vs. DIY

authenb

I was out browsing stores when I came across this beauty at Kirklands. It was on clearance for around $10. It’s a wonderful way to organize your jewelry. It hangs in the closet so it is out of sight. The individual zippers and pockets mean less clutter and reorganizing later down the line. I even put buttons that have come off of clothing in there so they don’t get lost.

I think with little effort I could make something like this but why spend time and energy on a DIY project that could be tedious when it’s beautifully made already for $10 bucks! (I got the G monogram for our last name just in case the hubs ever wants to store his jewelry in here.)

Enjoy!

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Essie Sleek Stick Nail Designs

authenb

While I was at the dollar store getting some things for my Halloween costume, I came across some ESSIE sleek stick nail coverings. The packaging says they are UV cured and long lasting. I couldn’t believe I had come across an ESSIE product in the dollar store!!! I first felt like, “How good could they be to end up in the dollar store?” My second thought was, “It’s too cheap not to try it!” I put them on as instructed. Making sure to wash my hands with soap and water to remove oils and dirt. I then followed up by cleaning each nail with an alcohol wipe. The package includes the nail stickers, a nail file, instructions, and  a clear stick to push cuticles with. It does not include alcohol wipes.

I tried the croc’n chic design and they came out looking really cool. I have very small hands so getting a good fit for each nail was a slight challenge but I worked it out. I put them on Thursday before Halloween and 5 days later they are in better condition than my regular nail polish. They nail stickers survived for 5 days with the following activities: trick or treating with a 2 year old (Lots of picking him up), showers, cooking, and TEACHING! There is some chipping at the very tips of my nails but not as bad as my nail polish would be. So far, I can’t say my $1 was wasted. I will be sure to update again about maximum wear time. Has any one else tried the ESSIE sleek sticks before? If so, what was your experience?