Today...

Today is my niece's 1st Birthday!

A year ago she was this big:

And that little cutie is now this cutie:

She is such a doll!

Pumpkin Silhouette

I realize pumpkin silhouettes are hardly a novel concept.  In fact I had a different idea about it in mind up until I got to the craft store to pick up what was in my head.

It turns out that Hobby Lobby doesn't read my mind so the cute, faded tans & blues with a white pumpkin silhouette were trashed.  But I saw the houndstooth paper and thought - why not?

So I made sure I had the following:

1.  Plaque/ Frame of your choice

2.  Paper of choice

3. Mod Podge

4.  Foam paintbrush for mod podge

5. Foam Pumpkin

6.  Good knife to cut said pumpkin

7.  Paint/ Spray Paint in color of choice

8.  Glue for Pumpkin - that holds!

To Begin:

Spray Paint your Plaque/ Frame the color of your choice.  If you bought paint - I would just give a couple coats to the outside edges since they're the only ones that will be seen.

 Step 2:

Once your paint has dried, you will want to cut your paper of choice so it fits nicely in your plaque/ frame and mod podge/ glue it onto your plaque or place it in your frame.  Like so:

When using Mod Podge, I've always noticed that it bubbles like mad.  So I stuck a book on there while I waited for it to dry:

Step 3:

Once the glue/ mod podge is dry, give a nice coat of mod podge to the top as well.  Unfortunately you can't stick a book on to avoid bubbling.

Step 4:

While you're waiting on your Mod Podge to dry, cut your foam pumpkin as evenly as possible.  I used a serrated knife and hoped that it wouldn't just break off into weird angles.  Luckily this little pumpkin was pretty dense and cut fine, with a little elbow grease.

Step 5:

Once your Mod Podge has dried completely, it's time to glue your pumpkin on.  I have no idea how anyone else gets their pumpkin on, but I know foam stuff never wants to cooperate so I used super glue.  Warning: don't glue your finger to itself.  It makes crafting kind of hard.  Yes - that is from experience.

Stick the pumpkin where you would like it on your frame/ plaque and then while it dries, weigh it down with something.  I used my book again.  In case you're wondering that's "I am Number Four" by Pittacus Lore.

After your pumpkin is good and dry, remember, it's still foam - don't pick this up by the pumpkin - foam sticks to nothing and no one and you'll be lucky it has some stickiness because you used the strongest glue you could find!

That's it!  Simple enough.  I am in the process of looking for a picture hanging...thingy to nail into the back so I can display it from a wall somewhere, but for now - it's sitting on my shelf:

I like the color and I like how it can be both Halloween and Fall related.  I think it's going by my front door.

Linking up:

See "I like to Party" tab up top

Best of Lately: Fall/ Halloween

You guys...it's cooling down!!!

Last weekend I was in Denver - where it just felt like Fall was rolling in.  The temperatures were lower - we're talking in the 70's.  I know that doesn't sound very low - but compared to the 90's it's been here in Utah - it was a very welcome change.

While I was there we did some shopping at the nearest outlet malls where I got a great deal on this jacket:

Levi Denim Jacket

Except I spent WAY less than that because it was Outlet pricing and there was a sale on denim jackets.  I stole this for $48.  And truthfully, I mean this chick no offense, I totally wear it better.  (Is it just me or does this chica need to find better fitting clothes?  Or maybe eat more hamburgers.  I'll go with the latter.)

I also bought this sweater from Abercrombie & Fitch:

Blythe Sweater

It's on clearance already - so I snagged it.  What is clearance for Abercrombie, is usually about where I feel comfortable paying full price for something.  I don't think I've ever bought anything full price there.  It's an "I'm kinda cheap and sticking to my principals" sort of thing.

Now I just need the weather to drop about 40 degrees and I get to wear them!

We can kind of feel the cold weather coming thought.  Even though it'll be in the 80's this weekend - it's something you just know - cold weather is rolling in.  (See, already 10 degrees cooler!)  And before you know it, it'll be time to go see the changing leaves in the canyon and do the Alpine Loop.  (Scenic drive here in Utah - if you're all about Scenic Drives and you haven't been - I highly suggest it.  Also - bring a camera.)

It might be WAY too early, but I'm already cracking out the fall scents this week.  My warmers have this scent in them:

Autumn Sunset

For those of you who are up to date on their Scentsy Products - this isn't discontinued - look for it again on September 15th.  (My SIL is my consultant - she kind of loves me since I can't stop myself when it comes to the catalogues.  I currently have 6 bars on order, but I'm waiting until the 15th to put it through.)

Also super cute from Scentsy:

Pumpkin Warmer

Guys...I want it BAD.  And it's all...on sale this month.

But aside form the fall shopping and smells and drives, I have been inspired to do some fall crafts.  I've gone through my blog roll - a feat, I can assure you because that list is LONG.  And I've found some unbelievably cute crafts that gave me some ideas.

We'll start off with Eighteen 25:

SUPER cute Skull Art & Tutorial.  Lolly Jane guest posted, however I can't seem to find this post on Lolly Jane yet.  So I'll link to both pages.  

I don't decorate for Halloween...yet.  I know I will when I have kids old enough to appreciate the fun.  Right now I just decorate for fall.  But this gave me an idea - so stay tuned.

I LOVE how adorable these turned out.  You should see the girl skull up close - it has cute feathery eyelashes and everything.  And I LOVE the stache and bow tie on the boy skull.  Super cute!!

Craftoholics Anonymous posted this cute tutorial on a fun Witch's Hat that would be adorable on any shelf or mantle.

The best part - it seems relatively simple and the outcome its super cute.

Crafts Unleashed posted these cute Baker's Twine Pumpkins.  These are definitely more my speed with my current Fall themes.  And from what I've seen - Bakers Twine is everywhere.  You just have to google search and you can find some reasonably priced.

Bat Frame from A Pumpkin & A Princess

This is super cute.  Also a good idea if you have a little boy who is obsessed with Batman.  Halloween Decor for a month and for the 11 remaining months it goes back in Jr's bedroom.  I love it.

You can totally steal this Halloween Printable over at Craft-O-Maniac.

It's free!  And she has all sorts of themes as well.

And this cute Houndstooth Pumpkin wreath was made by Jen over at Tatertots and Jello.  I wonder if that woman has ever had a craft fail.

This makes me want to go make a wreath - pretty bad.

Well that's all for right now.  There are still about 30 different things I'd like to do to my house including pretty fall pillows and pretty fall wreaths and accents but I have to cool it because, believe it or not, I do not poop money.

Hopefully you're having a fantastic weekend.

Seriously?

So someone hacked into my PayPal account last week.

I got an email letting me know that I just spent $100 at Walmart.  Considering I didn't, I had to go through the fun of notifying PayPal - still no word from them, by the way, and calling Walmart.  Both "put in an inquiry."

Since my account has my visa information just sitting in there, I had to get a new card too.  Luckily I didn't have too many bills automatically linked to my card, but still - hassle.  My bank also put in an inquiry as well so we'll see how that goes.

I was told by Walmart that the thief bought two $50.00 iTunes gift cards.  Which automatically went to a yahoo account.  And here's the fun part - Walmart wouldn't tell me the the yahoo account - because clearly it wasn't mine and clearly that's privileged information.  Yeah - Walmart protects their thieves.  Had she told me, I would have posted it publicly, sent a few nasty emails that mostly center around the theme of "If you're so technologically savvy, here's a thought: GET A JOB!"  And encouraged everyone I knew to send this tool a strongly worded email as well.

But the likelihood that this was just a temporary email, made special just to steal from me with, I'm assuming my rant would have fallen on deaf ears.

I hate people sometimes.

It's...kind of a big deal

BSU vs. Michigan State

The "Smith Family Season Opener Party" is in Colorado.

And it's going to be loud and crazy!!

Pictures to follow.

My Reviews: Heaven is Here

I've read about 10 books since my Fifty Shades adventure.  Seriously.

But this is the one I'll review because it was amazing.

At this point, if you blog, you've heard of Stephanie Nielsen or better known - Nie Nie from the Nie Nie Dialogues.  Let me tell you, if you're having a day where you just need some perspective, you need to read her blog.  She is just inspiration all over the place.

And her book was no different.

She never really goes into detail about her recovery in her blog.  She'll give bits and pieces but she never really truly shares what she's been though.  Until this book.

Hands down, the most inspirational book I've ever read.  After I read it, I wanted to hug everyone I knew, I wanted to hold my husband a little closer and I want to be a better person.

I had heard all the news stories and had watched her on TV specials when they explain how she had burns over 80% of her body and how she was in a coma for four months, but it was so much, much, much more.  Her experiences were horrifying and humbling.  Her recovery was grueling and heartbreaking.  You wouldn't blame her for being bitter, but she's not.  She admits to having hard days, but she is so uplifting and inspirational.  What a beautiful life she has and she is such a beautiful person.

If you want a good read, that makes you want to be better and put your life into a little more perspective - this is a MUST READ.

I just love her even more now.

Revlon Expressions Experiment!

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Revlon for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

 

I got some fun stuff in the mail last Friday:

 

 

Revlon PhotoReady Perfecting Primer & Revlon Colorstay Eyeshadow in "Inspired."

 

I'll admit I squealed a little, which caused my husband to ask me what was wrong and when I showed him, proudly, what I got in the mail...well I just didn't get the same reaction.  In fact I think the word "nerd" was tossed around but I wasn't paying attention, I had make up to unwrap.

 

Revlon asked me to try out a couple of new products for the "Revlon Expression Experiment."  An experiment to get women to break out of their shells and try new things! I didn't know what I was in for and I was worried I was getting sent some "mulberry" lipstick.  Why? Because whenever anyone besides myself tries to put make up on me - they ALWAYS put Mulberry colored lipstick on me - without fail.  But Revlon decided to push my comfort level another way with new products to try in colors I wouldn't choose for myself.

 

The first product:  Revlon Photoready Perfecting Primer:

 

This is a great primer for before you apply make up or to use as a foundation.

 

Let me first tell you, I have pores the size of Texas so I can't begin to tell you how excited I was to try this out and see what kind of results this gave.

 

 

I used it today and this is my before picture:

 

 

This is straight out of the camera, all I did was crop it so I didn't include the rest of my scary face.  Also there is a HUGE, and I mean scary-huge "blemish" that has taken up residence on my chin as of yesterday so my chin will not be photographed.

 

My pores are awesome at collecting dirt and grime and producing pimples not unlike that of an adolescent boy.  As you can see I have some awesome red spots that are either healing blemishes or ones that are threatening to make an appearance.  Just lovely.

 

 

Fun Fact: Did you know that you can go on Revlon's website and check out online tutorials on how to use each product?  True story.  I actually watched this tutorial to make sure I wasn't skipping a step.

 

 

Now - I used a few pumps and IMMEDIATELY started noticing my skin's appearance was looking more smooth and almost creamier.  My skin never does that - ever.  So you can imagine, I was pretty excited. 

 

This is my skin after:

 

Yes, the right side of my face is just blurry, but in my defense - it is REALLY difficult to take pictures of yourself in a mirror with a DSLR camera.  But the left side of my face is actually in focus - no blur, no airbrushing, no editing whatsoever.

 

The effect is smaller looking pores and a matte finish which is very nice.

 

Also after using this I noticed I didn't have to use as much concealer and gave my skin a smoother look:

 

Again - this is no editing whatsoever.  Just cropping out scary almost-dry hair.  

 

My skin never looks this smooth.  I love the effect and I'll definitely keep using this because it's such a nice change!

 

 

---

Now - this second product I was sent is not your Mama's eyeshadow.  In truth it's not my normal eyeshadow either.  I always keep it neutral with browns and tans, and if I'm feeling fancy, some shimmer.  So this definitely is above my comfort level.

 

 

This is Revlon Colorstay 16 Hour Eyeshadow in "Inspired."

 

 

My first reaction was "Green and blue...on me?!!"  I was once told that I have the perfect eye color because I can wear any color of make up because my eyes compliment most shades.  I don't know if this was brown nosing, but this helped a little when I went to try this out.  

 

The back comes with four step instructions about which colors to use when and where.  It was helpful but I still decided to go back to the video tutorial for a little more help.

 

And then I started with Step One which is the highlighting color to put toward the inner part of the eye and also along the brow:

 

 

Please ignore my intense need to fill my eyelash extensions.  Highlighting the eyebrow and inner eye really makes your eyes open up a little - or at least that's how it goes in my situation so the first step wasn't anything too new.

 

It's the next two steps that were new to me - 

 

Step Two: Apply the turquoise shadow to the entire eyelid.  Step Three: Apply the green shadow to the outer eye for dimension.

 

 

I was worried this would resemble stage make up or look a little clown-like, but I was pretty happy with how pretty the colors compliment one another and aren't nearly as intense once they're applied to the eye.

 

The Fourth Step is to swoop the deep purple along the crease of the eye for a dramatic effect:

 

I also decided to apply eyeliner and mascara to the bottom lid as well for this step.

 

Again I was a little worried this purple would make the overall effect too intense and it would look ridiculous on me but I think the purple really sets the other colors off as well.

 

This is the finished product:

 

I think it turned out well!  I'm happy with it and I think it would be the perfect eyeshadow for a night out.  Especially now with all the bright tops and fashion - this would compliment a turquoise or purple top really well.

 

Also - the "16 Hour" wasn't a lie.  When it came time to take my make up off - and we're talking after midnight - it still looked fresh - no weird creases or fading and no odd streaks of color on my cheeks.  Can't complain!

 

I was really apprehensive about trying a new eye shadow, especially with blue and green because in my mind, those colors were reserved for the late eighties and early nineties, but clearly I was wrong.  It was a lot of fun playing with new shades and I'll wear this eyeshadow more often.  I'm glad Revlon pushed me a little with trying new things.

 

It's important to be pushed in new directions sometimes.  Have you ever seen that lady in the grocery store straight out of 1992?  The hair, the make up, the pants?  And you think, "Well maybe...that year was really good to her...?"  More often than not, it wasn't.  That lady probably just got so used to doing the same thing over and over again, with her hair, make up and style, and nobody every pushed her to try something new.  And now after so many years, it's all she knows.

 

Without trying new things, new styles and being even a tiny bit adventurous, life gets a little dull.  It's empowering to try new things and to evolve your own style.  How will you know your limits of style and color and "how big is too big when it comes to hair" without pushing it?

 

I mean look at me?  I never thought I could pull off blue and purple eyeshadow, but I must say - I freaking killed that look.  Now I'll wear it more often.  In your face 1992 lady!

 

Because I realize I can totally pull off these looks, I believe I'll try Revlon's Super Lustrous lipstick in Nude Attitude - because nude lips is what's up.  Also I'd love to try Revlon ColorStay Longwear nail polishl in Midnight...or Marmalade...or Bold Sangria.  Ok, it's a problem.