Monday, November 25, 2013

Kitchen Backsplash

We have slowly been making our house a home but within the last 6 months we have really accelerated the process.  A backsplash in my kitchen is something I have been longing for.  I couldn't stand to see the splatter stains on the white walls behind the counter and they were near impossible to get out.  After a semi exhaustive search we made our decision.  

When we came across these Lantern Tiles at Home Depot I fell in love with the shape but the colors they came in did not work with the colors of our kitchen. After a little more research we found the perfect color online.  We ordered one sheet to make sure it did look as good as we thought and we were right!  

Here are a couple of before pictures.




Halfway done!


We chose to go with a dark grey grout that blends really well.


Here is the finished product.  My husband also added LED lighting under the cabinets.  The kitchen finally feels complete.....except for a curtain.  I guess there is always something to be done.


Monday, November 18, 2013

October Birchbox Review

I know I am super late in posting about my October Birchbox and for that I am so sorry.  Im not sure where the time goes and my boys have decided that 4:30/5AM is an acceptable time to start that day.

The theme for October's Birchbox was "Beauty Buzz" and was all about the products they love.  From award winners to celeb favorites.  Although I did love 2 of the items I received this was not my favorite month.


DDF® Wrinkle Resist Plus Pore Minimizer Moisturizer Serum - This serum is amazing!  I have a friend that recently signed up for Birchbox on my recommendation and received this in her first box. She immediately purchased it.  The serum is very lightweight and feels satiny on your skin.  It is great under make up and I actually have seen an improvement to my skin.  This item is a little pricey but as I get older and the wrinkles have started I don't feel guilty purchasing something that makes my skin look better and most of all makes me feel good.

Atelier Cologne Orange Sanguine Cologne Absolue - I was not a big fan of this fragrance.  I do not reach for an orange/citrus scent when wearing perfume.  It was a nice smell just wouldn't be my go to.


theBalm® cosmetics Stainiac - This multi purpose stain was a great addition this month.  I love a lip and cheek stain and this one was my favorite so far.  The color gives a very natural, rosy, just ran a mile tint on the cheeks.  I do like it better on my cheeks than my lips.  It is a very subtle lip color which is pretty but I was hoping for something a little bolder.

SARAHPOTEMPA The HALF-UP™ -  (Not shown)  This is an item that is used to make a bun. Unfortunately, I did not get a chance to use this product before I gave it to my sister.  She needed to wear her hair up for an occasion and thought it would be worth a try.

ChapStick® Hydration Lock - This addition to my Birchbox was something they like to call a "Birchbox Find." It is an item they find and believe to be so great everyone needs to own it.  I was not all that excited about seeing the Chapstick since I basically already have a lifetime supply but I will say this is great.  It glides on your lips and does not feel like you are wearing anything.  Definitely worth picking up as we are heading into chapped lip season.

Sign up here for Birchbox to start getting your own fun goodies each month. 

Tuesday, November 12, 2013

Holiday Party Perfection


We are moving into holiday time, and with that comes tons of invitations to parties, happy hour functions, and special events. Sometimes women struggle with what really is the right look to wear among co-workers, in-laws, and acquaintances. We don't want to overdue it. This outfit is not too hot, think little black dress with a plunging V neck. It's not too cold, think buttoned up cardigan and corduroys. This look is just right. The ensemble has just the right amount of dress-up to be able to wear to any one of those fun outings. And, emerald green is one the best colors for the upcoming months, as it screams holiday.




1. Crepe Jacket/ H&M/ $49.95
2. Scuba Top/ Intermix/ $39.00
3. Arctic Feather Earrings/ Anthropologie/ $14.95
4. Paneled Clutch/ Forever 21/ $19.80
5. Skinny Ankle Jeans/ Kohls/ $26.40
6. Capri/ Barneys New York/ $79

 From Amie's Fashion File

Thursday, November 7, 2013

"10 Things To Do Each Day" Sign

For the past 10 years my whole family has taken a vacation for a week to Rhode Island every summer.  It was only last year that we discovered the cutest shop minutes from the house we stay in.  The shop features all sorts of great beach themed housewares that I absolutely love and after this past summer I walked away with more than a few DIY ideas.  This sign was the first thing I decided to make my own.  


My husband recently treated himself to a new router and cut out 2 pieces of wood for me to choose from. 


After picking the rectangular piece I typed up all 10 sayings in different fonts and layed them out on the  wood for positioning.
  

Once all in place I rubbed pencil on the back of each piece of paper and traced the letters.


After tracing all the letters I picked out the paints I wanted to use and started painting....very carefully.


Each letter was painted at least once.  Some needed a second and third coat to fill them in and make the paint look even.  I found an image of a scroll online, printed, traced and painted it on to give the sign a finished look.



I am really happy with the way this sign came out and have it hanging next to the boys room.  Such a simple list and I am going to try to do each one every day!