How to perfectly apply lipstick (a tutorial)

Okay, so you all know from my last  "what i wore," post I am totally obsessed with lipstick now. Never trying any other kind then the one I own from Bare Esscentuals. I went to visit my friend who happens to work at Mac (lucky!) and she not only helped me pick out the perfect shade of wine colored lipstick she also showed me how to properly apply it. So I thought I would share. : ) Keep in mind I am not expert, I didn't even know how to apply lipstick before this for gosh sake!

I slather my lips in Aquaphor.

Then I exfoliate them with a towel.

This stuff is amazing by the way.
Then I apply this primer that softens and fills in any cracks in my lips.

Then I line both my lips and fill in the ENTIRE lip with lip liner.
I never knew this before, I helps the color not bleed and helps your lipstick last longer too.

Next, apply your color.
I used Mac burgundy lip liner, Mac Prep+Prime, and Mac Amplified Dark Side.

I think the secret to wearing dark or bright lipstick is to go easy on the eye makeup.
 I am just wearing liner and mascara.

Dont forget to check your teeth. Lipstick on teeth......not cute!

All done!

My guilty and not so guilty pleasures

Looking at blogs and cuddling with Bella.
Not guilty at all.

It's It. Two oatmeal cookies sandwiched with  ice cream covered in chocolate, need I say more? A little guilty.
 Okay guilty!

But guilty tastes sooooo good!

Visiting my friend who works at Mac and getting fabulous new make up.  See how I use it here: How to perfectly apply lipstick

Not so guilty.

 Chocolate Cheerios.
Not so guilty, hey it has fiber.

 Facebook, aren't we all hooked on this one? Checking it several times daily?
Maybe a little guilty.

Whats your guilty and not so guilty pleasures?

Deck the Halls

Fa, la la la la, la la la la!

Stella and Dot Holiday Sale 25% off!

CASABLANCA BIB NECKLACE

$89 

$66.75 SALE

LAYLA STRETCH BRACELET

$34 

$25.50 SALE

OLIVIA PEARL & RIBBON NECKLACE 

$39 

$29.25 SALE

These are just a few lovelies there are more here: Stella and Dot

Cross some gifts off your christmas list and dont forget to treat 

yourself!

~Nicole~

My Christmas list

L.O.V.E

Dear Santa, I want this beauty under my tree!

~Nicole~

Caleb's 9th Birthday!

Homemade blueberry cheese cake for the birthday boy!

Kevin, I and the grandparents bought him a Kindle. He loves reading.

Here is his reaction after he opened the Kindle. I think he likes it!!

Happy Birthday Caleb!

DIY Stella and Dot Jewelry Display

Yay, I am having my first Stella and Dot trunk show next week! 

I am so excited and so nervous at the same time. Mostly because I can be shy and I am really bad at remembering names. I guess its a good opportunity to get better at both those things.

I made my own jewelry displays using spray paint, scrap book paper, glass dishes and thrifted frames. I also found inexpensive necklace displays at the craft store and Ross. My collection is small just because I am just starting out, hopefully soon I will have more jewels to show off.

It came out really cute and almost shabby chic looking.

I put scrap book paper in the painted frames. 

I bought that bird jewelry display at Ross (cheap) and spray painted it white to match the rest of the decor.

I distressed the paint ont he frames a little, I love how they turned out!

I spray painted the backs of thrifted glass plates. Not bad for $1!

~Nicole~

Faux Bun Tutorial

I do not have enough hair to create a bun by wrapping and twisting my hair. So started to do this faux bun. Its great for unwashed hair or the day after a blowout. Plus it EASY, I am not good at doing hair so if I can do it, you can too.

Start with dry hair. Put into a ponytail on the highest part of your head. I run my fingers through it because I want a messy look.

Take 1/3 of your hair and fold it over and tuck it into your ponytail.

It will look like this. You can pull some hair out  for a larger size bun.

Then take half of the remaining hair and do the same in the front, tuck it into your pony and pull a little out.

Tuck your last section of hair into your pony. You will have some strays and the ends of your hair might stick out. Just keep tucking in strays and use bobby pins if needed.

Here is the finished look. I like to pull on it and shake it to make it more messy and casual.

Here is the back.

Wha La! Easy Peasy, right?