DIY - Upcoming Plans

Now that I'm not immersed in wedding planning, I have time again for DIY projects. I'm so glad. I've missed them. The projects are my time to destress.  Plus, when I'm finished, I have a great item to wear, use or in this case, eat.

 

1)  Blinged Out Headphones - My company just remodeled our offices and we now have an open floor plan.  I purchased these plain, white, headphones to lessen the noise and I'm planning to decorate them with flat back rhinestones.

2) Homemade Thin Mints - I found this recipe for homemade Thin Mints on Pinterest. They are {msL's} favorites and you only need two ingredients!

3) Nail Art - I snagged this kit that contains dotting tools and striping tape for less than $5.  I can't wait to try out some new nail designs. Like this one.

4) Glitter Nails - I want to try out this manicure with nude polish and essie luxeffects in Stroke of Brilliance. I think the nude and blue combination will be fantastic.

5) iPhone Case - Even though this case is fancy, it lends itself to so many things. I'm planning to cut pieces of paper or wallpaper to place behind the filigree cover.  It will jazz up the amazing cover even more.

Do you have any plans for upcoming DIY projects?

Frugal Fashion Friday - GOLD Rush under $50

Normally gold isn't my first choice but this week I spied the sweater below and then did a little window shopping on the Stella & Dot website.  There are some amazing gold pieces in their new collection.  Since it's Friday, I thought I'd stick with our frugal theme and find some great gold items under $50.

Cross body bags are a weekend staple for me.  At under $15 this one from Target is perfect.  These statement earrings from Stella and Dot are amazing! They're gold but I love that it's almost an accent to the creamy stones and the rhinestones. Over the summer I scored a pair of sunglasses almost exactly like these from Urban Outfitters. They are a fun alternative to my standard black frames. The gold beads of this Stella and Dot necklace look like stones and I love that it compliments the Foundation bracelet (with tiny green stones) without looking too matchy matchy. This green and gold cocktail ring from Stella and Dot is equal parts vintage and cool.  All of the Stella and Dot pieces work well together.  The chunky heel and cap toe of these blue suede pumps make them look like a pair my Mom owned in the 60's.  The bright blue is fun.  I've been on the hunt for a new iPhone case.  These used combined or alone create five different looks.  The cut out gold cover is so sophisticated.

Searching for all of these fun items has given me a new appreciation for gold.  Do you love gold?

Happy Friday Real Girls!

My Birthday Wish List - The Dream

Hopefully I'm not the only one that has a realistic birthday list and a dream birthday list. As a fashion girl there have always been those quintessential items that I want and long for but for me are not realistic. Mostly, it's because of the cost.  I just can't justify spending that much.  Others, they are possible but not in the budget right now. My realistic list is the one that I give to {msL}or my family when they ask what I want for my birthday. Today  I thought I'd share my dream list with you.  On Friday, my actual birthday, I'll share my realistic list.

 ASOS Leopard fur coat / Christian Louboutin leather pumps / Louis Vuitton Epi Leather Speedy / Alexander McQueen Knuckle Duster Clutch / Stella & Dot Pegasus necklace / Apple® - iPad® 2 / Levenger Circa iPad Foldover Notebook / TOM FORD Black Orchid Perfume

• A Leopard fur coat (faux of course) has been on my list for a long time. I found this version at Asos and love it but spending over $100 on a coat right now isn't in my budget.  I've started saving and hopefully it will still be available when my piggy bank is full.  
• The Stella & Dot Pegasus necklace is fantastic.  It's a little more expensive than most of the Stella & Dot pieces. I'm planning to use my hostess credits to buy it but I'll have to wait a bit to save the rest.
• Oh, Christian Louboutin, why do you have to make such great shoes?  And those red soles. They are irresistible.  There are lots of great styles but if I can only have one pair, they would be a classic pair I could wear for years. 
• Every time I use a friend's iPad, I feel a bit of envy.  My iPhone has become a piece of technology that I can't do without.  I'm sure an iPad would be the same.  
• As much as I love technology, I still love to take notes by hand. The Circa iPad Notebook by Levenger would be the best of both worlds.
• The Alexander McQueen Knuckle Duster clutch has been on my lust list for a long time. It's the perfect combination of pretty and tough.  I'd love to wear it with pretty dress. 
• A few years ago, I tried on Tom Ford's Black Orchid perfume and fell in love.  I didn't fall in love with the cost but it never left my must have list. Someday...
• The Louis Vuitton Speedy is the perfect bag for me. I love the top handles and size.  The simplicity of the Epi Leather and the single monogram are classic. 

My dream list is just that, a dream.  Hopefully, one day, when {msL} wins the lottery, I'll get the items on my list.

Warm, Pretty and Tech Savvy

My iPhone is my favorite daily tool and has become a trusted blogging friend. I definitely can't live without it. The DC area has a rough winter coming and I'm sure I'll be doing lots of outdoor activities. Freezing while I'm snapping photos, texting or tweeting isn't an option. My regular glove don't work because I can't wear them and use the touch screen. Last year I snagged my first pair of tech gloves (aka touch screen gloves).  I got a fleece pair on sale at the end of the season from Target. They are a fun raspberry color. I like them but I'd love to have a leather or a cashmere pair. My hands get cold easily so gloves are must. There are pretty options available in lots of styles. Here are some of my favorites.

Echo Ruffle gloves / Nordstrom Cashmere gloves / Fownes Brothers ashmere Lined Leather gloves / Velvet gloves / Echo Leather Ruffle gloves / Wool Blend Cuffed gloves / Mossimo jeweled gloves / Echo Wave stitch gloves / Echo Bow gloves

My Favorite Travel Items

Tomorrow we are off on a little family vacation. I can't wait to get away for a few days. My packing tends to be a bit different when I fly than when I take a road trip. Since airline rules have gotten more stringent, I have reduced my carry on items considerably. If I check my suitcase, I usually only take one bag on the plane with me. My on board bag contains the items I'll need in flight. Everything else gets packed. I thought I'd share a few of my must haves for travel.

Clockwise from the top: Coach Chelsea Shopper, Love Quotes Rayon Scarf, Mary Kay Satin Lips Balm, Fashion Mags, Headphones with retractable cord, iPhone, Bobble, Gum

I have a Coach tote that I purchased at Marshall's more than 15 years ago.  It was a little pricey for me at the time, even though it was a great deal. The bag has paid for itself many times over and it still looks great. I can fit all of my purse essentials as well as my travel items, even my magazines. Because of this awesome tote, I only have one carry on (when I check my suitcase). They no longer make the style I own but the Chelsea Shopper is similar.

Last spring I snagged a Love Quotes scarf during a shopping trip to Loehmann's.  I own quite a few pashmina type scarves that I purchased from street vendors for about $10. I hesitated to buy the Love Quotes scarf because it was $35 (which was a steal, they sell for $70+) and most of my similar scarves cost less that $20. Now I regret not purchasing it in a few other colors. It's the softest and largest pashmina type scarf that I own. It's perfect for travel.  It serves as a regular scarf when it's chilly but also as a blanket or wrap on the plane. I use this scarf constantly and it still looks brand new. If you can find one for that amazing price, good for you!  It would have been a great purchase even if I'd paid full price. I highly recommend purchasing one.

My lips always get so dry on an airplane. As much as I love lipstick, I don't usually wear it on a long flight.  Lip balm is much better for me. Mary Kay Satin Lips, lip balm is my all time favorite.  It's super moisturizing, without being greasy and it lasts.

I can't believe that I've managed to save the March issues of Vogue and Harper's Bazaarfor this trip.  I haven't looked at them at all.  It's an amazing exercise in restraint. I usually open them as soon as they arrive. I've even surprised myself.

A few years ago my sister gave me a pair of headphones with a retractable cord. My headphones always got tangled in my bag before I got this pair. I love them.

Music, videos, audio books, Kindle app, all on my iPhone.  Enough said.

Ear popping is one of my least favorite parts of air travel.  I always carry gum with me and chew during take off.  It helps me tremendously. 

I drink tons of water but hate to purchase bottled water.  Many bottled waters are just filtered tap water.  They charge a fortune for bottles of water at the airport, not to mention the waste of throwing the bottle away when you are done.  The Bobble, is a reusable water bottle with a built in filter.  You fill it with water from a faucet or water fountain and as you drink, the water is filtered. It's a fantastic invention.

I will be traveling until Monday.  I'm going to try to do a few posts from the road about my travels.  You can also follow me on twitter.

Frugal Fashion Friday - Free (or Almost Free) FUN!

Today is Frugal Fashion Friday but instead of fashion, today is all about FUN!  I love doing things that I enjoy that are free or almost free.  I thought I'd compile a list of the things that I love just for you all.  This weekend you can try them out, no matter where you live and they are all budget friendly.  I even have a few ideas for Valentine's Day gifts. It's a very popular holiday and one of the biggest days to give gifts. I have a confession to make, I think Valentine's Day is a Hallmark holiday.  I think that you should tell your special someone "I Love You" every day. But my Honey is a big mushball and loves Valentine's Day so I celebrate for her.

At the County Fair - we cashed in our change for the entry fee and a ride on the Ferris wheel

Create a Carpet Picnic -  Grab your favorite goodies and create your very own indoor picnic.You don't have to cook a full dinner, you could just do snacks and finger food.  If you're feeling adventurous, you could create your own campfire using a Sterno can.  Using the Sterno heat you could cook hot dogs, and s'mores. Just grab a can of Sterno and put it into a heat proof dish. I use a ramekin and a plate underneath.  You can purchase a pack of wood skewers from your local grocery store for a few dollars.  Grab your hot dogs, marshmallows, and other items. Then light your Sterno and you're ready to go.

Visit an Art Gallery or Art Museum - In the DC area the Smithsonian museums are completely free. It's one of the most amazing things about living here.  Check your area for free or low cost museum admission. If you don't live near a free museum, check out a local art gallery.  It will be a great place to see new and emerging artists and it's free! You can also Google "free art museums" and you'll get results for your city or all over.

When I think of art and romantic gestures I always think of the movie Some Kind of Wonderful. Keith paints a picture of Amanda and gets a friend's dad to hang it in the art museum. The dad lets them into the museum after hours and the painting is hanging in the gallery. That's not my favorite scene in the movie but it's a good one.  If you haven't watched it, you should.

Consult a Going out Guide - There are tons of apps for checking out the local happenings.   My favorites are the DC Going Out Guide and Got Eventz.  They are both free apps that provide info on local movies, music, events, restaurants and bars. The DC Going Out Guide is an extension of the Washington Post. Check your local paper or tv station they may have their own app. Got Eventz provides details nationwide.

Got Eventz Lite (free) App Interface

There are free apps for restaurant reviews and reservations like Urbanspoon and Open Table.  You can also use these great tools online.

In the mood for a movie? You can check movie times or buy your movie tickets on your phone or online using Fandango.

Progressive Dinner with Friends - Enlist a few of your friends to join with you in a progressive dinner.  Each house or apartment makes one course.  You travel to each location and enjoy.  The only cost for you is the course you have to make and possibly gas (if you need to drive). You can just plan a few courses or create a cocktail time along with your dinner and dessert.

Visit a Playground or Go Sledding - Nothing can bring out your playful side by doing something child like. Once my Honey was very stressed and I took her to the neighborhood playground to swing.  How can you be stressed when you are flying through the air on a swing like a five year old? Winter is also perfect for child like pursuits.  It doesn't cost you anything to grab a trash can lid or plastic bin lid and sled down the local hill.  When you're done, you can go home and make some adult hot chocolate. 


Snap Photos - If you have an iPhone or an Android you can use a photo app to create fun photos that you can post and print. Take photos of your fun. I have an iPhone so as you know I love Instagram.

You can download photos and print them out. Incredibooth  is another fun app.  It creates a photobooth on your iPhone or iPad.  Snap pictures together or of each other and save them for later. They make a great gift or even better, "just because". Incredibooth is only 99 cents on the app store. There are several different photo options available with the app. You can also buy add-ons if you'd like. Download your photos to your computer or email them and post them online or print them out.  The possibilities are endless. A great DIY!

There are tons of other photo apps available at different prices. I'm a fan of the free or low cost apps.  My service is through AT&T.  I'm very happy with the options and services I get through them. If you have an Android you can check out these cool, free, photo apps for Android.

If you don't have a smart phone, you can use the camera you own or use a disposable camera. You can have it processed as digital images to print or share online.

Create Your Own Card - If your an artist and can create amazing personal cards, I'm jealous! If art isn't your thing I have a simple solutions.  Use a blank piece of paper or card stock and clip phrases out of magazines and newspapers that express how you feel and add a picture or two (from the magazine or from your phone).  Write your own message inside. A handmade card is more personal than one you purchase. You don't have to be Picasso to cut fun phrases out of magazines. Just use your imagination and your DIY ideas. It doesn't have to be fancy, it's from the heart.

I love finding creative ways to have fun on a budget.  Creating unique and memorable gifts and memories is always special.

DIY Inspiration - Winter projects

When I'm looking through blogs, shopping and generally surfing the web, I find DIY inspiration in lots of places. Cold weather always inspires me to do DIY projects.  I can ignore the nasty weather outside and at the end of the day (or a couple), I have a fun new item to use or display.  My ideas are running wild right now.  I've started on some new boots and I'm waiting for a blank phone case I ordered for my next project.

Using some glitter spray paint and a pair of inexpensive boots, I'm going to copy these $795 Giuseppe Zanotti boots.  I just ordered a clear iPhone case and I have a stash of Swarovski crystals waiting to adorn my iPhone.