Candy's Head Dress! :-)

I have been interested in buying a head piece/jewelry.  They are showing up everywhere but I have yet to find one worth buying or that I can afford.  I have to say one person I think works the look very well and has pieces anywhere from $200.00 to $500.00 NICOLE RICHIE!!! (I know right!!!.....she's soooo amazing and a fab designer!!) :-)

So I made one myself.  It's a very simple piece, that took me no time because I brought the chain links, linked them together and added a key charm :-)  I would like to take the time do some elaborate handmade pieces in the future. Or purchase some that are my style.  Until then, here it is.............

Back view, Key Charm detail

If you can tell, Laylah got into my mascara (again) while I was making it. haha

Front View

Side View :-)

Next time I will defiantly where this piece with my extensions to look extra hippie chic :-)



Happy Head Pieces :-) Love Candy Girl!

Blinged out Lilac Letters for Laylah :-)

Things are a changing :-) and I'm supper excited about it!!!  If you are like me, you can't stand for a room to stay the same way for very long! Even if you don't buy new things, changing the position of your sofa, tables, or TV etc. gives you a different vibe. Or shall I say a different chi ;-)  I seriously change around every room in my house every other day.  It can be as small as the position of a candle haha.

Sooooo, I'm totally redoing Laylah's room!  She had the standard pink room with white furniture.  We switched out her white 4 in 1 crib (we ended up using it 3 different ways), and went with Espresso furniture.  I kept thinking this type of furniture was fit for a boy, and all the advertisement paired it up with blues and sporty items! I finally said forget it!!, thought outside the box and I'm going to pair it up with shades of violet! Purples, lilac, lavpp-]]\ (that was a small message from Scarlett :-) hehe) lavender and other soft shades. 

I hope to add a lot more personal pieces and crafting to her room this time! I also want to come up with some ways to include her involvement.  This should be fun!

My first piece........I still love the idea of letters spelling her name on the wall so I decide to repaint the letters she already had.  I didn't have purple so I decide to mix red and blue ,little to dark, so I mixed in a little white, better, but not really! Laylah helped me make a decision by secretly painting/scribbling on some of the letters while I wasn't looking.  So back to Hobby Lobby I went! They still had the exact same letters from 4 years ago and they were still 50% off. Whoop! 

It took about 4 coats to look good.  I remembered when I painted her pink letters, I painted it with a texture because I couldn't figure out how to paint with a smooth coat. :-)  I also added some bling this time to shine it up, I'm very satisfied with the outcome. 

Here they are.....

Make use of a Tank Top you NEVER wear!!!!

Every girl knows Costume Jewelry is a must!!!! It's that certain pair of earrings that only go with that one outfit! You know the earrings we spend a couple of bucks on for that one night! They might fade out with a couple uses.  Or the earrings that are sooo big they get tangled up in our drawers.  How about you don't even know what you own cause you CAN'T SEE IT! We wish we were the "celebrity type" with the walk in closet space not only for clothes but our accessories!  Its not necessarily the fanciest but......I might have a solution for your earrings!! It doesn't cost anything, ITS FREE!!!!!I know all of us have a tank top, t-shirt, or piece of cloth we NEVER use!

I took a tank top I never use, pinned it to my bathroom wall with thumb tacks and poked my earrings in them!!! YEP that easy! Now I can see all of them when I get dressed, I know what I have and they're not being tangled in my jewelry box! I keep my precious jewels (which are usually smaller in size) in my jewelery box! 

TIP:  I usually put all the backs to the earrings in a section of my jewelry box.

This is helping me a lot until I come up with something that's a little more fancy ;-) I told my mom about it last year and she told my aunt. They LOVE it!!  Now I am sharing it with you, because I know a lot of us have this problem and I'm sure you are dying without this solution! haha

Let me know if you have any similar interesting ideas!!

Happy earring and other miscellaneous item hanging :-)

Love Sweet Candy Girl! :-)

DIY: Dip Dye Bleach Denim

I have really got back to my creative side of DO IT YOURSELF fashion!! I have been exploring ideas and since it is summer time I thought it was appropriate to revamp some denim shorts.  This idea is as easy as it looks! Seriously just dip your shorts in bleach and POW! A new fun casual look for the summer!

What you need:
1.) Pair of shorts
2.) Bucket
3.) Bleach
4.) Gloves

This is from last year on one of my favorite fashion sites whowhatwear.com

Steps:
1.) Fill bucket up with bleach and a little water. ( I did not do any measurements, I try to stay away from things like that unless I'm really clueless haha) Make sure it is at the level you want the color to change. Remember you could always do more but you can't take away.

2.) Put on your gloves....

3.) Place shorts in bucket standing upright....

4.) Let them sit for and hour checking on them occasionally until desired look

5.) Get them out and rinse with water..

6.) Wash them alone for the first time,then they should be fine to wash with other things as long as the bleach is washed out

7.) POW.....New shorts :-)

Here's mine...........

I think  should distress mine a little more :-)

I did these before I thought about my blog so I don't have a before pic....sorry!  This is an outfit I put together for a day of running errands :-) Mustard tiered tank and wedges...Perfect!

Here's to mommas workin summer fashion!!
!!!!!TRY IT!!!!!!!!
Hugs and Kisses...Love Candy Girl!! <3

My favorite products for SEX IN THE SINKY!! :-)

Over the years I have received many compliments about my hair and how "healthy" it looks.  I just want to share my experience with these professional products just in case you have been looking for something new.  During the past year and a half I have been faithful to one brand of Shampoo and Conditioner. Is it Paul Mitchell you say?  Why of course it is! haha I know its good to alternate so your hair doesn't get "immune" but I don't wash my hair everyday, every other day, or even once a month hahaha JUST KIDDING!
Going to school with a bunch of women talking about hair everyday, you understand that for different styles, colors, textures, climates, chemicals general rules can be broken!! 

So I have been getting chemical relaxers since the age of 5......I know it sounds crazy but believe it or not my mom was educated by a hair dresser in the 80s that everything would be okay.  I don't have a bad story about all my hair falling out or anything like that but my brain is fried ;-) hehe If you know me you would think it was really odd that I still get them considering how much I talk about being "natural". 

Since I do use a powerful chemical that is extremely damaging, These products have been repairing my hair keeping it in tip top shape!  Here they are:

Awaphui Wild Ginger Moisturizing Shampoo
Awaphui Wild Ginger Keratin Cream Rinse (Conditioner)

Why I love it?..............Keratin is the natural protein in our hair that is stripped away by various treatments.  This product gives love to our hair making it whole again :-).  It's also 100% Sulfate-free which is a harsh detergent that can strip your hair of its natural oils.  I know a lot of us are addicted to the lather but I think this sulfate free shampoo lathers pretty well.  Last but not least....Awaphui is a beautiful flower that grows in Hawaii! John Paul Mitchell Systems has their own Awaphui farm there....Cool huh?

Deep Conditioning treatments are a MUST!! Once a week I use this:

Awaphui Wild Ginger Keratin Intensive Treatment
Keratriplex Treatment

You can purchase this and use it at home as directed.  The Keratriplex Treatment (pictured to the right) is usually done by a professional in a salon.  It is a concentrated keratin protein blend that repairs your hair.

If you want to try a product before buying it, find a salon that uses the particular brand and have your hair stylist show you how it works!

I know how to give myself good sex in the sinky!! ;-) Hopefully your getting it as good as I do!!

So here's to Happy Healthy Hair
Hugs and Kisses Love Candy Girl :-)

DIY: Short and Sweet Facial

So we all know that a weekly, monthly or even yearly trip to a spa for what ever reason can be extremely expensive.  As I get older I am realizing that caring for my skin is JUST AS IMPORTANT as a hair or nail salon!  With that said, I gotta do what I can! I LOVE being pampered!
Not only does it feel good but taking the proper steps and time to deep cleanse your face limits aging, blemishes and helps your makeup look flawless.  Don't get me wrong, a clean face does not solve all problems!  Your diet as well as environment etc. play a huge role!  I just want to give everyone a couple of steps to follow on a weekly bases (besides daily cleaning) to help the appearance of your skin and make you feel groomed and beautiful. 

There are various types of facials as well as products that people swear by.  I will tell you that most of the products that are pictured can be purchased at your local drugstores.  This is something you should be confident about performing IN YOUR OWN BATHROOM BY YOURSELF!  While attending cosmetology school we worked with a product called Dermalogica which was great!  It's a professional product so you can imagine how much each would cost for a consumer.  With that said, I do like to purchase plant based, natural and organic products while at home.  Of course I buy other things, it's all about MODERATION (one of my favorite words!!)  There are also more complicated steps you can add but remember, this is a short and sweet facial that I like to perform on myself weekly. 

What you need: (Short and Sweet steps In Red)                           
                         1.)Towel       
                         2.)Water
                         3.)Cleanser
                         4.)Exfoliate
                         5.)Mask
                         6.)Moisturizer

First get in a relaxing mood, turn your music on, run a warm bath with essential oils, light a candle and take a sip of your cocktail. :-)  Or if you don't have time, at least try to get the door closed, :-) but if your kids are home running around, just skip this whole part and at least try to get the 4 steps done! haha :-)
                 
                         
STEP 1
Cleanse your skin like normal with your choice of soap.  I would also go a little further and cleanse the neck area as well.  If you wear heavy makeup try a make up remover or whatever you use to take it off first, then use soap to clean your face.  I just started using Gentle off eye and lip makeup remover from MAC (oil and water based)  For years people have been using baby oil! :-) 

RINSE

STEP 2
Exfoliate your skin gently with your choice of facial scrub.  Remember that the movement you apply

imitates a massage so try using upward circular motions starting at your neck and moving in towards your nose.  This lifts your skin up and helps limit sagging that NO ONE wants.  Don't have a "scrub"?, you could always use sugar, sea salt, or baking soda mixed with water. It will dissolve quickly so don't use too much water! Why exfoliate? To remove dead skin cells :-)

RINSE.... BONUS: STEAM:  Steaming will open pores more to extract more impurities. This is easily done in a hot shower or dipping a towel in hot water, ringing it out then placing over your face until it cools)

STEP 3
Apply the mask on your face using those same upward motions. Or apply it with a fan brush like you may see in the spa.  Clay based mask work well with oily skin and Gel or Cream based for dry skin. 

Homemade Recipes:

Oily Skin:  1/2 tsp lemon juice, 1 egg white, 1tsp honey
Sensitive Skin:  1 cup natural yogurt, 1/2 oatmeal
Dry Skin:  1/2 cup avocado, 1/4 cup honey (I have used this recipe before)
Combination:  1 rose, 1 tbsp rose water, 1 tbsp natural yogurt, 1 tbsp honey
         
*You can find many recipes online!!
While the mask is setting, add 2 cucumbers and you will really feel luxurious.  Why cucumbers? For years it has been known to reduce puffiness and dark circles :-) This is also a perfect time to get in the bath and relax!!  Leave the mask on for as long as directions call for, until dry, or really just your preference.  Why use a mask?  It pulls out the impurities, removes dead skin cells and brightens appearance of skin :-)  One time I let the mask sit on a blemish over night and the next day it was gone. (It was small but it worked)

RINSE WITH COOL WATER TO CLOSE PORES

BLOT YOUR SKIN DRY WITH A SOFT WOVEN TOWEL

STEP 4

Moisturize your face applying it in the exact same way (upward motion).  Don't have a "face moisturizer"? Lotion will do! I would try fragrance free since lotions with fragrance tend to have alcohol agents that tend to dry out the skin leaving it with none of your skins natural oil.

And this is how I take care of my skin on a weekly bases besides my daily cleanse.  You should try it to!! It might give you more confidence leaving the house with no make up and even make your makeup look better when you put it on.  Pamper yourself even in your own home.  Everyone needs to look and feel fabulous at all times!!  YOU DESERVE IT!!

- Facials and Cucumbers, Love Candy Girl :-*

                                                     

                                 

                                

                                

                                

         

More Outside Adventures!

Outside Outside we can't get enough, yeah outside outside where things are pretty tough hahaha (hey it was the only thing I could come up with) :-)  We have truly been enjoying this weather, not to hot and not to cold! Thank you lord for our eyes to see, legs to walk and nose to smell a rose.  The day we took off to Botanical Gardens (I talked about it in a previous post), I was set on making it to the Butterfly House.  I found out it wasn't there but in Faust Park, and No Not Forest Park where I thought it was too!ha  Come to find out the Sophia M. Sachs Butterfly House is a division of Missouri Botanical Garden. http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/visit/family-of-attractions/butterfly-house.aspx

I promised Laylah we would go see Butterflies because she beams at the sight of them! Says they are so "cute" and "beautiful".  Just today she said she seen a yellow one with pink polka dots, ummmm not sure I believe that one but she has a great imagination.  Anyway, another mistake I made was using my GPS to type in Butterfly Garden which took us to a little area with hammocks and benches on campus.......I was pretty confused, then it clicked oooohhhhhh it's the Butterfly House not Garden hahaha So we called it a day and tried again a couple days later with success.......

We took a look at all the insects and other things they had displayed.........

*Orange Cockroaches (I remember these out of everything) uuhh

Then we headed into the mini theater which showed a 17 min video on how the caterpillar turns into a butterfly.  Which sparked the childhood memory of "The Very Hungry Caterpillar" by Eric Carle!! I had already purchased that book for Laylah a while back but hopefully she will appreciate it a lot more now! 

Then we went into the humid area where the butterflies were flying up, down and all around.  It was interesting to be surrounded by so many.  I'm not sure you would ever get this opportunity just hanging out outside.  There was one particular type of butterfly that had a gorgeous colbolt blue color when it opened its wings but I couldn't catch a picture.  Which is another one of the many reasons I want to invest in a really good camera.

So my best picture was this one.........

What kind is this you ask?.....I don't know :-)

So after we spent about 20 minutes inside we were on our way out and saw a great photo op in this butterfly chair :-)........

We didn't end the day there, come to find out the St. Louis Carousel was walking distance right next to the Butterfly House along with a park.  My mom and I had no idea because there were no signs or anything about the Carousel.  We even walked in unsure of what was going on and if we were supposed to be there.  Plus the worker's enthusiastic skills at the Carousel were weak! Especially for a Saturday along with a private party being held in the next room.  I felt like I wanted to take the microphone and take over! haha Despite all of that, my little girl loves a carousel.  Scarlett even had her first ride.........

*I said Laylah smile...she said "No".... oh well :-)

We headed over to the park for some running around and swing time.  Plus hoping the girls would be ready for a nap on the way home :-) 

Here's a few pics of me and my little lollipop (I call her that cause she keeps going and going and going) haha

The day was full of St.Louis adventure.  Just another way to enjoy the days with my family.  That part of the day ended with sprinkles of rain that turned into a big storm which is a whole other story. haha

So here is to Health, Love and Happiness

-Love Sweet Candy Girl