Third Batch of Soap

As a child I loved creamsicles in the summer. As an adult I love them all year long! I've been know to make orange sherbet and vanilla desserts. When I was thinking about possible soap recipes the notion of a creamsicle scented soap seemed very appealing (apPEELing!). The end product smells so yummy that I'm tempted to take a bite!

Here's the recipe:
Creamsicle
16oz Clear Soap  Base colored Orange w/ yellow & red Labcolor liquid colorant
16oz White Soap Base
0.25oz Orange Valencia EO
1/2 tsp Vanilla Fragrance Oil

Make-up Product Review: L'Oreal Infallible Stars Collection Lipcolour

I love me some red lipstick! With that said, I just had to try this product when I read Kandee Johnson's review: L'Oreal Infallible Lipcolour. OMG, she was right! Not only is the color Beyonce's Red a fabulous red but this product is not going anywhere...literally!

It reminds me of a product that I used to use years ago by Max Factor called Lipfinity except that the formula feels much lighter and actually doesn't wear away at all, not even in the center of the mouth after eating & drinking. After Lipfinity was release several other cosmetic manufacturers (Covergirl Outlast Lipcolor, Maybelline Superstay Lipcolor, Revlon Colorstay Overtime Lipcolor, to name a few) came out with very similar products but, in my opinion, nothing compared to Lipfinity until now.

I will be trying out other shades from this line. Stay tuned...

note: The seperate conditioning balm is pretty much the same as that of the other similar products out there.

Second Batch of Soap

 Boy Soap  Recipe:
1lb Hemp base
1lb Aloe base
1 tsp Tea Tree EO
1 tsp Eucalyptus EO
1 tsp Fresh Bamboo EO
2 tsp Coconut Oil
1/2 tsp Blue Sapphire Lab Color
1/2 White Mica

 Smells like boys...

First Batch of Soap

I made my first batch of soap yesterday. I created a recipe of my own based on the proportion of other recipes that I have read online. My goal was to make something that I can use on my face, so I didn't add any fragrance or essential oils (for scent-- thought it might be irritating).

Heres what I used:
16oz of Goat's Milk base
16oz Honey base
3 tbs Coco Butter
1/2 tsp Coconut Oil
1/2 Olive Oil
1/2 oz of apricot seeds
1/2 oz of oatmeal

I poured the concoction into a loaf mold and let it harded for several hours. Then removed it, cut into 8 bars and wrapped each in plastic wrap.

Lesson learned: the hot soap must be stirred until it has cooled down considerably (I thought I did this but read an article with a better description of how the soap should look after I had already poured it) so that the exfoliants added stay suspended in the mixture instead of sinking to the bottom of the mold as mine did. Also, the soap has a mildly greasy feel...too much oil? Not sure.

Anyway, I didn't do too badly for my first attempt. I even washed my face with it last night and this morning! More to come!

Soap!

I need another hobby like I need a hole in the head. But soap making...I've always wanted to learn about soap making! I have this idea in my head that I will learn the process, create awesome soaps and them open an Etsy shop to sell my soaps. It might be a pipe dream for now but I'm on my way.

Above is my first amateur attempt at melt and pour soap making. I bought a cheapy kit at A.C. Moore when I was in NY last month and just got around to testing the waters of soap making. The materials included in the kit aren't very good quality but it was good enough for a mere amateur such as myself. I also just purchases some real soap making supplies from Bramble Berry to really get going once I have it down pat.

I have been intrigued by soaps that have chunks of colored soap pieces within a opaque base. So I learned a little about this method on youtube. I think that this method would work out a lot better if I made a huge batch and cut each bar individually but I used the starter kit materials and the individual bar mold for the ease of learning and not being wasteful of my limited materials.

For a first try, I think it turned out ok. The blue, pink and orange translucent chucks were all dyed and molded separately and them chopped up and dropped into a white opaque base with fragrance added. I used cucumber-melon fragrance, which I'm not crazy about, but wanted to try everything that came in the kit.

My better quality supplies arrived yesterday so I will be attempting more soap (better quality soap!) in the very near future!

At-home Animal Print Mani!

I love animal print-- leopard, cheetah, zebra-- you name it! My sister recently had an awesome manicure done with leopard print nail art on one nail on each hand. It was gorgeous....but really expensive. I figured that I could definitley do an at-home version for much, much less!

So here what I used:
Out the Door Topcoat
Orly Bonder Basecoat
Sally Hansen Complete Salon Manicure Nail Polish, Choco-Latte
Sally Hansen Nail Art Pen, Black and gold
 
I did my usual mani: starting with a coat of Orly Bonder, 2 coats of color, then used the nail art pens to create the leopard print, and then finished with a coat of Out the Door as usual. And ta-da-- a cute mani for the week!
 
 
 
 

Leaf Yoke Top and it only took me 7 months (haha)!

Well, tonight I finally put the finishing touches (applied i-cord edging on the neck and arm holes) on my Leaf Yoke Top. It turned out beautifully.

This top was my first project using short-row bust shaping. The short-rows created an extra pouch of fabric for my busty top half. What a difference it makes. It is so much more comfortable when there isn't any pulling across the chest. Not only is it more comfy but it looks soooo much nicer when the pattern isn't distorted when I squeeze the DDs into a B-C space.

Naturally, I'm planning on wearing this top tomorrow-- no need to block LB Cottonease. I even have the perfect shoes to wear with it!

Everything's Coming Up Roses

Yesterday I went to Chinatown (WinMil Fabrics) in search of some fun fabric to make fabric roses. My primary thought was to adorn cheap wife-beater tank top necklines with them. I love the irony of mixing casual/dress down with fancy/dress up elements. Then I figured that I might make some hair clips and/or brooches with them. They're so fun and easy to create. I'm really digging the raw edges (I tore the fabric into a strip rather than cutting it). It adds a nice dimension. We'll see.

After fabric shopping, I walked to Back Bay. I wanted to go to For Eyes to check out some new frames. The temple hinges on my current pair have had it. I had no intention of buying until I tried these on:

They don't look like much but they were very complimentary on. And I got a deal! Love it. Should have them but the end of the week. Yay for glasses that don't constantly slip down my nose. I also fell in love with these but I figured that I couldn't really justify new sunnies since mine are in perfect condition. Wah...maybe in a week or two I can reconsider a potential frivolous purchase.

I also checked out Anthropology while I was in the area. I love that place for inspiration. Unfortunately, all I was drawn to were big Jackie O-type sunglasses. I have such a one-track mind!

This morning I broke out the sewing machine to hem a pair of yoga pants that I've been meaning to hem since November and sewed a pillow that I cut the fabric for ~3-4 years ago! Done and done! I'm feeling pretty productive. I even washed my sheets...now if I could only motivate myself (clad in freshly hemmed yoga pants) to get my ass to the gym!

Yo-Yo Necklace

 

My creation from yesterday's crafternoon with Holly & Jenny. Isn't it neat!?

Bazaar Bizarre 2009

I went to the Bazaar Bizarre on Sunday. I love going every year-- it's so inspiring. I picked up a few coasters, to match last year's mixer coaster, for my coffee table.

I love the vintage photos that the artist had available. I love retro!

I was also in the market for a nifty print of some sort to replace the Wassily Kandinsky that I had hung temporarily in the living room. I used a piece of black tag board to mat the print.

Seems a little dark so I might change the mat to make it pop more. Wonder what color I should go with?

I also couldn't help but grab up this adorable little airplane/take-off pouch! I already have it stuffed with knitting!

***

Other improvements:
A short bookcase for the foyer along with a cool lamp, large glass centerpiece and cool metal damask print bin.

Glass pull handles for the little piece that I refinished. I like this piece much more with the addition of the pulls.

My house really came together!

"New " Living Room!

Finally! Here's the full affect:

Here's the corner of my new sectional sofa:

Here's the opposite corner with a piece that I salvaged from the curb and refinished:

Still have small touches to finish but it's almost there. I finally feel like this is MY home!

Notice the new Wii!!! I had to part with the last one but she's all mine now. I'm dying for Beatles Rock Band, Band Hero and Wii Fit!!!

PIA Saturday

Something sunny needed to come out of this day!

This past Saturday I rented a UHAUL and drove down to Ikea in Stoughton, MA.I was so ready to get my couch. The website showed that the particular couch I was interested in is only available in the Ikea stores and could not be ordered on the website.

I picked up the UHAUL and drove down there so that I'd be there as soon as the doors opened. Once there, I got a free coffee from their cafe (they know the way to my heart) and then at 10am, I started for the show room. I found my series and sat on it to make sure that it was comfortable and looked through all the fabrics to make sure that I was picking one that I loved. I went up to the sale person to ask some questions and she said, "we don't stock this model in the store. It needs to be ordered."

WTF? Really? How come I was told that the store stocked it and that it was in stock at this particular location when I called? I was beyond irritated. I just spent $65 on a UHAUL and I can't even use it? And now I have to order the sofa and pay a $100 delivery charge. I don't think so.

I went straight to customer service and made my case detailing the poor customer service and told them that they needed to make this right. They were able to eat the $100 delivery charge, but I still have to wait for my new sofa. I was really hoping to go home with it and set up my living room. Wah.

Though I couldn't get what I wanted as far as the sofa went , I was able to find a few other necessities. I found a grill pan, a TV entertainment shelving unit, candles, an ironing board, fabrics (I used the yellow to cover a canvas to hang on the wall-- see top of the post), a wok, and some glasses (of which the bottom of the box fell out causing 3 of the 6 glasses to crash to their deaths). I put the TV unit together immediately and set up all my electronics on it and even had room for my mesh metal magazine baskets on the bottom shelf.

I made a pit stop at Target afterward to return that hideous rug that I ordered and a poster that was delivered damaged. I found a replacement rug for the living room in a cream color for the same price. I was envisioning more of a cafe au lait but I was unable to find it so this will have to do. I moved my black leather woven rug that was in my living room to my dinning room-- under the dining room table. That was a fun task to do without any help. Below is a WIP...just not of the knitting variety.

Once I got back to town, I unloaded and returned the UHAUL. I took a trip to Back Bay to go to Trader Joe's and to hit up Urban Outfitters for album frames-- on sale for 2 for $20 (usually $15 each!). I grabbed two. I framed a couple of records that I got in LA a couple of years ago. Pretty sweet, huh!?

 So, things are coming along slowly but surely...slower than I'd like. Hell, my mom & sister are coming for a visit next weekend and I'd like for them not to have to sit on the floor! We'll see.

On my own

The ex finally moved out. The past month was truly a test. I think that I made it through with minimal damage. I was really sad and weepy on Sunday night after all was said and done but ever since I've been fine. I think that I was just working up to this point all along. I already mourned him.

So now I live alone. For now. Strangely, it was an easy transition from taking care of two to one. He's having a rough time (good!) but I'm being the self-proficient person I've been since childhood, really. I thought that I would be terrified and lonely and afraid to go to sleep at night. It has been fine. The cat is sadder than I am (she misses her feline friend).

So my new situation has brought about the need for new furniture. I've never owned a new sofa. I've always had hand-me-downs or Good Will specials-- not that there's anything wrong with that. But it's time to buy my first brand new living room!

I've been doing a lot of "window shopping" on the interwebs. I want something modern with clean lines. I found a sectional on the Ikea site that I adore. I *think* that I like the Sivik Dark Gray, but I'm going to check out the fabrics at the store over the weekend. I ordered and already received (and assembled) a new coffee table from Target. I also ordered a new area rug which was delivered today but it needs to be returned. It's not at all what I was expecting. I'll make a Target return trip this weekend. I think that once it's all here I'll feel like I have my living room back. Feeling like my apartment is a "home" is very important to me.

I'm also looking for a funky piece for my front foyer. I want a buffet/credenza with a funky flair. I really like this one and this one. Also for the foyer, I have to get a few record album frames to display some fun records that I have. And I'm in the middle of creating some fun art for over my sofa.

I'm keeping everything else intact as is. Just need a few changes and some some new stuff sans memories. Time to make new memories.

True Blood Love and Short-Rows!

Ok, I have a True Blood obsession. Can't help it. Love it. That said-- I'm obviously attracted to everything True Blood (see this post if you don't believe me). I ordered the 8-book Sookie Stackhouse series and am on the second book. And I have no will power because yesterday I bought this:

I know, I have problems.

I bought these over the weekend:

I'm actually not 100% sure why I bought these because I've been planning on being Joan Jett for Halloween all this time but I'm so enamored with vampires these days that I just couldn't help myself.  I think I may have had a change of heart. Sorry Joan!

On to the short-rows...

I've used short-rows before. I get the concept. I was just always to afraid to use them for bust-shaping. Pretty dumb for a girls with DDs, huh!? Well, finally I took the plunge. I used this article to guide me. After figuring out my calculations, the knitting began. Short-rows are super easy; it's just a matter of knowing where to place them and how many to knit. See the wedge of fabric I've created using short-rows? Hope it's big enough for my boobies!

Make-up Review #3

I walked into Macy's and couldn't avoid the MAC counter...not that I was planning to. Their Holiday Collection just came out! Eyeshadows to die for, seriously. I couldn't pick just one. So I didn't....and $41 later, I was going home with 2 brand spanking new Mineralize Eyeshadow Duos.

I use the following products to create this look:
* M.A.C.Mineralize Eyeshadow Duo in Midnight Madness and Under Your Spell
* Avon Big Color Eye Pencil in Vanilla
* L'Oreal Extra-Volume Collagen mascara
* e.l.f. Feather Proof Moisturizing Lip Liner in Natural Blush
* Revlon LipGlide Color Gloss in Fuchsia Flash (discontinued, I think)
* NYC Waterproof Eyeliner Pencil in Smokey Plum
* NARS Blush in Orgasm

Review time...

Already reviewed NARS Bluch in Orgasm, Avon Big Color Eye Pencil in Vanilla, L'Oreal Extra-Volume Collagen Mascara.

MAC Mineralize Eyeshadow Duos are fabulous and limited editions! As all of MAC's shadows are, they are highly pigmented. They can be used wet or dry and are extremely blendable. I only used the purple shades from each pot. I use the lighter lavendery purple on my lid and a bit on the lower lash line. Then went in with the darker smokier purple shade and applied it to the crease and blended. Love the effect. The formula is velvety soft and as vibrant as it is in the pot. However I did not use the accent shades yet (copper and gold). Though the purple shades are just extremely shimmery, the accent colors are more glittery. I think that they'll be good to use when I'm going for an outrageous going-out effect. I'll keep you posted.

Of course I used the Avon Big Color Pencil in Vanilla on my brow bone to highlight! I also used a liner on the upper and 3/4 of the lower in a plum. NYC Waterproof  Eyeliner Pencil in Smokey Plum is pretty decent for such a cheap brand. It was smooth and creamy to apply and stayed put all night.

On to lips. I used e.l.f. Featherproof Moisturizing Lip Liner in Natural Blush to give my gloss something to cling to. I've previously review an e.l.f. eyeliner but the texture of the lip liner formula is slightly smoother and easier to apply. Once my lips were lined I used Revlon LipGlide Color Gloss in Fuchsia Flash. It's an older product that I couldn't find on their website an more so I figure that it's been discontinued. This is too bad because it's a great gloss and a really fun shade with staying power. C'est la vie.

So that about wraps up this review!

Leaf Yoke Top...why do I rip thee?

I've been working on this on and off for the last couple of weeks. The yoke knit up incredibly fast, but I've had to rip the front and the back a few times. The instructions in for the first section after picking up stitches from the yoke are no accurate but there was no errata to speak of. Oh well.

I plan on replacing the folded hem with a simple lace pattern at the hips. When it's done it'll be too cold for a sleeveless top but I'd like to wear a long sleeved tee underneath. Hopefully I'll finish it this month!

Make-up Review #2

I was happier than I looked in this pic, I swear

I really don't go out very often. Now that I'm man-free I better gt back into the swing of things. Saturday night I went out for dinner and drink with one of my girl friends. I've been so down because of the man situation that I've just been feeling really ugly. Not exactly in a good place.

 Wish my pics were better...sorry for the dark shots.

I figured that if I wanted to feel good on the inside I better pretty up the outside. I wore my black jeans, a tunic-y t-shirt w/ peacock feather & paisley detailing, 4 inch black wedge sandal (don't have to worry about a short bf anymore!), this necklace, and a black motorcycle jacket. I figured dark and smokey eyes were in order but decided to break up all the black with a dark blue shadow and pale lips.

I use the following products to create this look:
* Revlon Matte Eyeshadow in Riviera Blue
* Avon Big Color Eye Pencil in Vanilla
* L'Oreal Extra-Volume Collagen mascara
* e.l.f. Brightening Eyeliner in Ash
* e.l.f. Healthy Glow Bronzing Powder in Sun Kissed
* Avon Beyond Color Plumping Lipcolor SPF 15  in Twig

Review time...

Revlon Matte Eyeshadow is a nice rich dark blue shade with a very matte finish. I layer the shadow from my lide to the crease, keeping the color more concentrated closer to the lash line. I do like this formula, especially for $4.99, but it can be a little hard to blend. I think that that may be true for most highly pigmented matte shadows. Lots 'o' blending! I really like this color though.

L'Oreal Extra-Volume Collagen Mascara is one of my favorite dramatic formulas. It thickens and lengthens dramatically. It is the only formula that I've found to date that can compare to L'Oreal Lash Architect, which I haven't been able to find in ages. According to the website it doesn't appear to be discontinued but where, oh where art thou?

I already review Avon Big Color Eye Pencil in Vanilla here. I won't bore you with the details. I used it on my brow bones, but not on the inside corners this time. I wanted to keep the effect smokey.

e.l.f. cosmetics are comparable to NYC, the cheapo drugstore brand. e.l.f. has a great selections but the quality is just mediocre. What do you expect when most of the products are $1!? I found the liner to be dry and hard to apply. I tried to warm it up a bit and then apply to upper and 3/4 of my lower lash line. The warming up seemed to have helped a bit. Though it's not the best liner.

The bronzer is really nice and subtle. It gives glow and creates radiance but doesn't look orangey and/or unnatural. I used it in place of blush and applied it to each side of my face in a number 3 motion (about 1:35 into video) to create a natural sun-kissed look.

Slicked on and blotted Avon Beyond Color Lipcolor SPF 15 in twig for an understated lip. This formula is very velvety and not the least bit drying. This shade is very neutral, which is exactly what I was going for.

I need to remember to smile.

Cozy Cowl

I knit this cozy accessory last weekend and as soon as I did, the weather warmed up. Like, to 80. Damn. Today is going to hit 76 so who knows when I'll be able to wear it!

It was knit in Lion Brand Lion Cashmere Blend in Black on US 10 needles. It took approximately 1.5 balls of yarn and it is of my own design. You don't really need a pattern for a seed stitch rectangle with YO buttonholes!

I used the left over buttons from my FLS from earlier this year. I apparently really over estimated how many I needed for that project.

And there you have it. It looks cozy and warm. I'm planning on wearing it with my motorcycle jacket to give it a feminine touch. But first it has to cool off.

My First Makeup Review!

I LOVE eye make-up. I don't always wear it but when I do I like to apply it creatively and have fun with it. I'm addicted to buying all kinds of eye make-up products-- especially when I find them on sale. I mostly buy and wear drugstore brands but do occasionally splurge on more up-scale brands. I have a weakness for Sephora, but usually just browse unless I'm specifically looking for something.



I use the following products to create this look:
* L'Oreal Carbon Black Voluminous Mascara
* L'Oreal Carbon Black Lineur Intense
* L'Oreal H.i.P. high intensity pigments Bright shadow duo in Brazen
* NARS Blush in Orgasm
* Avon Big Color Eye Pencil in Vanilla
* Mark by Avon Glossblossom Ripening Lip Tint



Review time...

I'm a big fan of high-pigment eyeshadows. It's tough to find this at the drugstore but there's the occasional exception. L'Oreal H.I.P high intensity pigments Bright Shadows are pretty decent for the money. I purchased Brazen-- a duo of bright pink and chocolate brown, which is what I am wearing in these pictures.

These shadows are true to the hues in the pot and are pretty blendable. Not as blendable as my Urban Decay singles are but considering that they are half the price at $7.99, these shadows are well worth their cost.

Avon Big Color pencil in Vanilla is a great shade to use as a highlighter. I applied it to my brow bones and the inner corners of my eyes to brighten my look. It's a nice blendable formula and a great shade. Just wish it didn't have little flecks of glitter. Shimmer is fine but glitter isn't really my thing, though it's not terribly noticeable with this product.

Last week CVS had a special on L'Oreal Carbon Black Voluminous mascara Carbon Black Lineur Intense. $4.99 each sounded good to me so I brought them home. I'm not a huge fan of L'Oreal Voluminous mascara usually because I find that it's too natural, but I wanted to see if Carbon Black was more dramatic. In my opinion, there's nothing worse than putting on makeup and not being able to tell that it's there. I guess if I wanted "natural" I forgo the makeup!

Let me just say that I really like the long, thin shape of the felt applicator that the Carbon Black Lineur Intense has. It makes it much easier to apply the liquid liner with precision and creates a thin line that you can gradually build up by adding a little liner at a time without it becoming caked on and flaky.

The Carbon Black Voluminous mascara needed a couple of coats and wasn't as dramatic as the L'Oreal Extra-Volume Collagen mascara but the formula applies very evenly and NO CLUMPS! This, I like.

NARS Blush in Orgasm is totally not something I would normally buy just by seeing the shade. This shade has gotten a lot of hype from people saying that it is a universal shade that is flattering on everyone. When I first saw it as Sephora I thought that there was no way that this peachy-goldy tone could look good on me until I tested it. And...I loved it. It's now my go-to blush.

Mark's Glossblossom ripening lip tint is a nice thinner-consistency gloss that "ripens" to a rosy pink shade once applied to the lips. It's actually a knock-off of Smashbox's O-gloss Intuitive Lip Gloss, but I think that it is actually a superior product comparatively. I like the consistency of this product better-- O-gloss is a bit sticky-- and I like the Glossblossom's shade is slightly more intense.

So there ya have it.

Any suggestions for what I should review next?

Ishbel for Michele!

My Ishbel is finito! I wet blocked it last night and it was dry by this morning! So of course, I'm wearing it now. Couldn't resist.
On a seperate note, I got and drank this last night:
It is delicious blood orange flavored soda inspired by HBO's True Blood series! Love it.