De-Glitterize

I mentioned here that removing glitter nail polish was not exactly the best part of my fun, sparkly manicure. After some good ol' fashioned web research, the consensus is (drumroll, please...) :

Step 1: Saturate cotton with acetone or polish remover (a remover with acetone works best).
Step 2: Place the cotton on the nail and wrap each finger in aluminum foil. Press down.
Step 3: Leave on for 5 minutes.
Step 4: Pull the foil off and your glitter polish will glide off, too!

The above text was snaked directly from the Refinery29 website, which is a great beauty site that tends to always offer the best summations of info. So there you have it - A little time consuming with the 5 minute wait time, but I say wrap 'em all at once, and it will be nearly time to take them off again by the time you finish the prep work on the 10th digit.

Better than taking a granite sander to your fingers, anyway.

Image courtesy of favim.com

Holi-Daze: More Inspir-WRAP-tion

When Julie of Julie Ann Art offered up a collection of gorgeous gift wrap ideas, I knew I had to share. Some uber-simple, some tough, but all just lovely and inspirational. Click here to see!

I especially loved this one - Who hasn't run out of gift wrap for that last box and not known what to do? Voila : Find a coordinating color, a piece of ribbon, and make it look like it was meant to be!

And this collection, while falling more into the whoa-that's-complicated category, is so beautiful, isn't it?

Loving the derivations from the traditional red + green + gold. Happy wrappin'!

Holi-Daze: Wine Bottle Wrap

Instead of buying yet another wine bottle sized gift bag or slapping another ribbon around the neck, how 'bout trying something different with that hostess gift this year?

Enter : Furoshiki

There are a positively endless amount of furoshiki options out there for different sizes of gifts, but as we hit the holiday get-together circuit, what's easier than grabbing a bottle of wine and heading out the door?
Armed with nothing more than a scarf (or a large fabric scrap,or even a table linen) and a rubber band, try this:

Psssst! Square scarves are super easy to come by at your local thrift store for practically pocket change.

Holi-Daze: Hassle Free Gift Wrap

'Tis the season for trying to cut straight lines, walking around all day with tape stuck to unflattering places, and struggling with scissors and curling ribbon.

Image courtesy of cgtreasures.blogspot.com

Check out these super simple (not to mention super lovely) wrapping ideas from RealSimple. There are 21 of 'em, so you're bound to find something you can bust out in just a matter of minutes.

Sorry, tape still necessary in most cases. Keep a mirror handy.

Holi-Daze: Happy Feet

Next up on the personal holiday shopping list :

Stiletto Hardware

Image courtesy of en.paperblog.com

I don't know about you, but as much as I love the look of a sky-high heel or the perfect, slim-line ballet flat, the truth is : They suck.

Your heel throbs, the ball of your foot eventually goes [blessedly] numb from pain, your arch is screaming for support. Why do we do it, girls, why??

But we do. So here's why Stiletto Hardware is different from your average drug store gel pad : Memory foam. Yes, like the mattress. That way it offers actual * GASP * comfort to your foot, as well as offering the shock absorption qualities of the gel pads. Find them through the Stiletto Hardware website, where these gems retail for $7.95 a pair and they offer free shipping on orders over $10.

Stock up before you're teetering around those holiday cocktail soirees!

Holi-Daze: Wine Stain Remover

Kicking off a little mini-series today of sneaky tricks to utilize during this holiday crush that's fast approaching.

Under 40 shopping days until Christmas, peeps, can you handle that?

Anyway. First up on the things-you-never-knew-you-desperately-needed list :

Wine Away Red Wine Stain Remover

I've heard nothing but stellar reviews of this stuff, and although I'm not a huge wine fan I know there's no worse combo that gorgeous winter white and a glass of bordeaux. A handy spray bottle that uses no bleach and is safe around kids and pets, Wine Away can remove or fade a stain immediately... Although some toughies may need a run through the wash (or trip to the dry cleaner) to really make them disappear.

Regardless, enough of a trick to not have to carry an emergency brooch to cover a spot on your shirt or have to maniacally move furniture to cover a carpet blotch and keep the party going. Find it at Drugstore.com for $8.99 for 12 ounces, or your local Rite Aid (complete lists of stores that carry it here).

ReDub the Bub

As celebration season approaches, you're bound to have some leftover sparkling something-or-other. Heed this tip from Real Simple Magazine (via CupOfJo) :

Drop a raisin into a bottle of flattening champagne (or prosecco, or whatever). Any smidge of carbon dioxide left in the liquid will glom on to the wrinkly raisin and then release in the form of tiny bubbles.

Presto! Reinvigorated bubbly.

25 Ways To Wear a Scarf

Did you know there are 25 ways to wear a scarf? This charming vid shows you how, PLUS click on any image at the end to see a video with a detailed tutorial of the one(s) that grab you. Enjoy!

Updates

Okay, I KNOW.

I haven't posted here in what, a month? Ridic. But look at this and tell me I haven't been busy! It's been a CRAZY few months of projects and planning, but I do have a few updates for you.

I mentioned CrowdTap a while back - Well, about a week ago I applied to be a part of a group to test a product. Specifically the Old Navy Style Council's test of women's outerwear. Low and behold I was chosen to participate, and received a coupon in the mail to go choose ANY PIECE of women's outerwear FOR FREE. Not only that, but they sent a coupon for me to give to 'a stylish friend' so another lucky duck could cash in as well.

It seems to good to be true, I know, but I am living proof it's legit : Went to my local Old Navy yesterday, and although the cashier looked at the coupon long and hard, once she rang it my $89.94 neon red/orange thigh-length felted coat went down to a big fat goose egg. Woooooot! So get yourself over to CrowdTap and sign up. It certainly paid off big time for me, and the cost is just answering a few (0-5) survey questions a week.

My Wool-Blend Double-Breasted coat in Rowdy Red

Image courtesy of OldNavy.com

Another update is on Missoni for Target. You all shared in my glee at scoring three pieces : A chiffon sweater, velour hoodie, and a pair of ballet flats. After a short delay (4 weeks instead of 2) I received the chiffon sweater and it is stellar. The velour hoodie met a much sadder fate - Cancelled. Target to the rescue, however, sending me a $25 gift card for my disappointment. The ballet flats are estimated to show up sometime in December... If they show at all. But hey, if Target's handing out $25, I'll take it. They can certainly pay me $50 for not getting anything.

Image courtesy of ItsAllFreeOnline.com

All for now... And, let's face facts, probably all for a while. Feel free to follow my project-o-rama over on In Knots: Attempting a Handmade Wedding if you need a dose in the meantime.

Daily Values

Image courtesy of LuneVintage.blogspot.com

Tap In

I know, I know, ANOTHER link to someone else's content. But as I stated from the beginning, I solemnly swear to post only good stuff on this blog, remember? And I've stuck to it, yes? Alright then.

I recently discovered Crowd Tap via a friend's Facebook post, and I'm diggin' it. You know those product survey results you're always hearing about and wonder "just who, exactly, is this "THEY" that does theses surveys?!" Well, it's you if you join this free site.

Basically you answer questions with a click or a sentence, and earn points and cash.
No, really.
Once you've earned said cash, you can either have an Amazon.com gift card sent to you in the amount, or donate it directly to a charity of your choice. Mine is the ASPCA (animal rights - not the crazy ones who throw blood, fyi), and the logo is loud and proud on my "profile" on Crowd Tap.

And not only that, but a lot of the companies will send you free product to be tested in the market place. I'm currently awaiting Old Navy's newly redesigned flip-flops to show up in my mailbox. No. Purchase. Required.

Free stuff and good works? I'm tapping in.

Step Up[Grade]

Want to get in on the tribal trend without breaking the bank? Check out the latest DIY entry from Geneva on A Pair and A Spare. Best part? Works on heels OR flats, and it's hardly a bank buster - Pick up a couple cheap-o necklaces from Forever 21, break 'em apart, and use the beads on some craft store-bought black string or elastic (or pick up a few packs of beads from your local craft store while you're there) . Drape on a pair of tired black shoes in your closet. New shoes for $10 or less... Just how I like it.

Here are her inspirational shots, from the Burberry money-suckers to her finished project product:

Hot tip: If you have an idea for bead colors you want but can't find them, go the route of buying ready-made necklaces*, pick up a can of spray paint (I like Rustoleum brand), and make them the color(s) you desire. You can do this with any jewelry... And believe me I'm going to.

*It's easier to shellac the ready made strands rather than trying to spray loose beads as they roll around. Not that I have any experience with the latter... *cough cough*

Mani-cure

Trouble making your at home mani-pedi look pro? Check out this step-by-step image via one of my all time fave blogs ...love Maegan

I find it handy even without reading the text, but Maegan has a larger copy on her site, along with some dreamy nail art inspiration shots. Dig in.

Nixing the Chicken

Keratosis pilaris (KP), known commonly as 'Chicken Skin', affects - ready? - nearly 50% of the population. That's half the world, we're talkin' here!

What is it, exactly? Well, the scary scientific definition is that KP is  an incurable and chronic genetic follicular disease. The reality is that it's those ugly but harmless bumpy and/or red patches of skin that run most commonly on the backs of your arms. They're caused by too much skin growing around each of your hair follicles.

Image courtesy of BumpsOnSkin.com

It's something I've dealt with my whole life - Trips to the dermatologist as a kid, lactic acid lotions, oatmeal soap, and, since mine is on my arms, calves, and entire jawline, forever having people ask me if my "bad sunburn" hurts. I have scars all over my arms from picking at these unsightly blights for 25+ years, and it's flat out embarrassing. My friends and I even refer to my jawline as "The Beard" because it becomes so inflamed when I exercise or drink.

Lovely, right? Yeah.

Now after all that depression, here's a ray of light: DERMAdoctor's KP Duty Lotion. I've heard about this magic elixer for a while, but at $36 for 3 ounces.... Ouch. You'd think I would have been desperate enough to bite the bullet, but no... I'm cheap.

I finally did though, and let me tell you: After three days - THREE DAYS - I see a difference. I am significantly less red, and my skin is noticeably smoother. Three frikken' days. Even I can't believe it. I'm not using it on my face (some reviewers say you can), but there is marked improvement on my arms. I plan to give it a go on my calves post-haste.

What makes it work? Basically it combines three acids (don't be scared.): Glycolic and Lactic for exfoliation, and Azelaic for pore refinement. Mixed in with those heavy hitters you've got soothing willow bark and tea tree oil, which also reduce redness, and lastly Dimethicone, which hangs on to moisture like camel in the Sahara.

Sold? Buy it here for $36. Also offered up for sale are a body scrub and wrinkle cream with the same medicinal properties.

I don't know why the chicken crossed the road, but at least now it's taking it's skin with it instead of leaving it with me.

 

Image courtesy of LiveStrong.com

Note: I have extremely sensitive skin when it comes to medicated potions (no benzoyl peroxide, very little salicylic acid, etc.), and this hasn't irritated my skin in any way.

Dreamland-Dot-Com

If TheWoreRoom is the extent of your fashion-y blog reading then girl (or boy, we're equal opportunity here), are you missin' out! Even if you aren't into crafting or styling, the world of Do It Yourself (DIY) fashion is out there for the inspiration-taking.

One of my current obsessions is P.S. I Made This. It's bordering on a sickness as I find myself on this page daily, new post or not.

Blow-your-mind blog-ess Erica Domesek has the single most incredible knack I've ever seen for seeing something beautiful, sucking out it's essence (in the best way), and recreating that beauty in a crazy-skilled - and generally quite simple - manner.

Maven of Recreation, Ms. Domesek in her drool-inducing craft room ~ Image courtesy of Shine on Yahoo.com

Erica's beautifully easy-to-read blog is a dream for DIY-ers and inspiration seekers alike.

Inspiration 'bulletin board' for a pompom purse DIY segment

Image courtesy of psimadethis.com

Not only does she pull her DIY ideas from runways around the world, but from the hottest trends in home goods as well. Every tutorial features a scrapbook-like layout of needs and short-n-sweet instructions.

I'm going to try this with cheap-o vessels found at my local thrift store for pennies.

P.S. I Made This also features DIY archives, so you can peruse the pages (highly recommended), or get straight down to business on a project of your choosing. And Erica's latest project: A book of her best and brightest, for sale on Amazon.com

Image courtesy of Amazon.com

So go, click forth, and be inspired. You can do it... Really!

Sneaky Slippers

Think of this as a 'happy new year' to your feet.

Heels are fantastic: Pretty to look at, legs look longer, skinny jeans look better, the list goes on. But at what cost to your toes? We've all been half way through an event and hit that point of utter agony that leaves us considering walking barefoot for miles through the unclean streets of Rome... No? Just me who did that? Well, if I'd had these in my bag, I wouldn't have had to risk life, limb, and a chance at stepping on a hypodermic (I didn't, for the record.):

Collapsible - and actually cute - flats!

These, which I recently purchased online through PacSun.com (on sale now in limited size selection in silver and gold for $19.99 + 50% off), are by Report, but there are lots of different brands and styles on the market.

Keeping in mind that I had to buy the giant size, those with more human sized clompers will find these even more convenient for tucking in an evening bag. However, I picked up the XL (11-12), and they are much closer to the 10.5/11 side of the spectrum. If you're on the cusp, order a size up.

Keep in mind that these are slippers, not shoes. Nearly as thin as thick socks, they aren't meant for traversing the outdoors or schlepping between home and work - More for comfort at the office or relieving pain on the dance floor.

I'm pretty sure a pair or two in gold or black will be sneaking into my closet pretty soon too.

How To Be A Football Cheerleader (Without Showing Extra Skin)

Football season is in full swing, which means if you're female and attached in any way to someone male, you're feeling a little lonely.

Image courtesy of fezzart.com

Personally, I dig it. Love the college ball, and have finally made my foray into the NFL Fantasy Football madhouse this year as well. I wear the jersey, I don the colors in public places with other crazies, I yell at the tv.

So I thought I'd offer a few basics so maybe - just maybe - it gets a little more interesting for the ladies out there. And if not, at least you have a phrase to whip out and sound impressive.

Image courtesy of globalodyssey.blogspot.com

Basic #1: Downs
Each team has 4 tries to go 10 yards. If they don't make it, other team's ball. So when you hear something like "third and seven", that means they're on their third try and still have seven yards to go to make the ten happen. If the 10 yards are made within the 4 tries, First Down has been achieved. They then get 4 more tries to go 10 more yards, and so on.

Basic #2: Extra Point(s)
After a team scores a touchdown (six points), they have a choice to either kick a field goal for 1 point, or try to score another touchdown beginning from the two and a half yard line (which is the same place the ball is snapped from for the kicker if that road is taken). That's called a Two Point Conversion, and is much riskier, making both the point and glory payoffs higher. Here's the tricky part: Field goals can also be kicked apart from TD scoring to earn 3 points. This is usually chosen when a team is close to scoring a TD, but can't get it together. Rather than risk not making first down and turning over the ball with no points at all to show for it, they call in their kicker to try to get them 3 points before handing it over to their opponents.

Basic #3: Safeties
One last way to score points. Here if a team gets flattened in their own end zone, the team that did the steamrolling gets 2 points and possession of the ball.

Image courtesy of conferencecenteratnorthpointe.com

Of course there's an infinite amount of other things to decipher, but that should get you started. Games of any sort are much more fun to play or watch if you know what's going on.

 So tag along to the sports bar and if it still doesn't do it for you, at least there'll be snacks.

Image courtesy of foodnetwork.com

Mop It Up

Oil. It's gross, but it happens to the best of us. Face gets shiny, hair gets dull, nothing a girl can do but begin again, right?

Nope.

Tried and true brand Clean & Clear to the rescue:

Image courtesy of Walgreens.com

Their blotting papers hit all the high points:
*Remove oil.
*Don't disturb makeup (even my powder bronzer stays put - magical!)
*Allow the grossly satisfying visual of the paper turning clear when the oil hits it.
*Once that strange plastic package is off, the papers live in a slimmer-than-a-gum-pack case and are non-crinkly and silent to use.
...And here's one they don't advertise:
*Run it down tendrils of hair or rub on your roots for a quick oily hair pick-me-up.

That last one's my new favorite.

Walgreen's also makes a what's-the-difference knock off that will save you a few bucks too ($4.50 vs. $6):

Image courtesy of Walgreens.com

I've taken quite a shine to these.

Banish the Belt Bump

Trick of the day:

Image courtesy of New York & Company

In this time of tunic length everything, how's a girl 'sposed to hold her pants up without creating an extra roll?

Easy. If you have to wear a functional belt under that long-length shirt, simply turn your belt to the side, and fasten normally. This creates the illusion of a flat front to your pants, and by nesting the buckle to the front or back of your hip bone, the lump all but disappears.

Magical.