Holiday 2010 FOTD (Face of the Day)

With the Christmas Holidays looming nearby I want a make-up look that is festive, yet easy to do.
That being said, when I think of the Holidays, silver, gold and lots of sparkles come to mind.
Naturally I busted out all of my make-up supplies...

 My New favorite lipstick!!  And that's saying a lot since I don't normally wear any lipstick.

Ok, I lied, that's not all of my make-up, but that's the main necessity for me, or at least it was what I used to create this look  ^.^

Let's begin:

For the sake of showing you what make-up really does, I went bare as I applied to my eyes.  No, not bare as in naked (you dirty bird, get your mind out of the gutter ~.^ ) Bare as in a fresh canvas, a fresh make-up free face...

Gaaaahhh!  Isn't that terrible?!!  I look like an addict of some sort.  This is the result you get from lack of sleep, so my advice, sleep at least 8 hours a day if you can.  It doesn't help that I couldn't get my camera to focus either so I just snapped it anyway.

I will make a nice tidy list of everything I used at the end of the post, but for now, I'm gonna break it down.

Matte Palette

Shimmer Palette

Using Bhcosmetics Matte Palette, add color 11 to eyelid.

Switch to the Shimmer Palette and add color 77 to crease and bring into a V shape onto outercorner of eye lid

 Using color 44 from the Shimmer Palette apply under brow bone

 Switching back to the Matte Palette mix color 1 with 12 and 23 and apply right under brow

 Now we are ready to fill in our eyebrows...

 ...and apply eye liner

The final touch is applying our falsie lashes

For an extra touch of shimmer or sparkle I dusted a little bit of silver sparkles over top of my lids.

 Christmas Holiday 2010 FOTD

Face:
Loreal Studio Secrets Magic Perfecting Base
Covergirl Simply Ageless Eye Concealer
Mac Prolongwear Spf 10 Foundation

Eyes:
Bhcosmetics 88 Matte Palette
Bhcosmetics 88 Shimmer Palette
Quo Liquid eyeliner
Quo False eyelashes
Covergirl Lash Blast Mascara

Cheeks:
Sephora Blush Me in Corail Frisson no 5

Lips:
54 from The Body Shop

And because I wouldn't be me if I didn't act like a goofball I snapped a few extra's

What's your FOTD for the Holidays??


XoXo,
Zxen

Easy Peasy Inexpenssive DIY Holiday Ornaments

Aaah the Holidays.  A time for family, joy, happiness, feasting, stress, running haggard, endless shopping, the list goes on and on.

This year save yourself some time and money with these easy peasy and inexpensive DIY Holiday Ornaments.

Trimmings on a tree can get quite costly, so here's a few inexpensive ornaments you can make yourself, or with the kids.  Save the money and share a special memory in the making.

Click on the links to be directed to a homepage with full DIY instructions.

Got a burnt out lightbulb and not sure what to do with it?  Now you can keep it and reuse it for an ornament.

Reindeer Lightbulb Ornament

*Living A Better Life*

Parental assistance required!

Paper Bauble

*Homemade Gifts Made Easy*

Some parental assistance required.

Salt Dough Decorations

*Homemade Gift Ideas*

I remember making these as a child, I always want to eat them :)

Salt dough, very pliable but yucky tasting.

Ribbon Candy Garland

*The Mother Huddle*

Simply ingenius!

Pinecone Decadance

This one is more or less self explanatory.  I don't have a link for this pretty ornament, but it would look great on your tree wrapped in fancy ribbon.

Buttons Galore

Again this is pretty self explanatory.  Use wire to weave in and out of buttons, twist into a hoop at the top and garnish with a ribbon bow.

 Felt Gingerbread Ornaments

*How About Orange*

These are too cute and easy to make.  Click the link for the design.

Remember, the Holidays are about you and your family.  Start some traditions today and watch them bloom into a yearly event done by you and the next generation and the one after that and so on.

You don't have to spend a lot of money to have a wonderful Christmas, when you're with your family, you're already blessed with the best gift.

What traditions do you have?

XoXo,

Zxen

Easy To Decorate with Flowers

I absolutely adore flowers!!
I have them all over my house and this doesn't just stem from the fact that I work with them daily.

Since I started my job with Lakeshore Inc. I've learned more about flowers than I've ever known. I used to think a bouquet or a center piece was a bunch of flowers thrown together to make a bunch. How wrong I was. Flower arranging is an art, but it doesn't have to be costly and it certainly doesn't have to be frustrating.

A lot of people are too afraid of flowers to even try, that used to be me, but let me be the first to say that there's really nothing to it, and the more you do it, the easier it becomes.

Flowers can be an easy way to decorate your house for a special occasion, a girl's get together, a relaxing atmosphere or a romantic evening with that special someone.

Often times I find though the flowers are pretty in themselves, what you choose to display your flowers in/on is just as important as the flower itself and can add or take away from the look.
Be creative, and go with your gut instinct.
Remember, if it's leaving a cringe on your face, think how your house guests will look.

Below you'll find images of easy to do it yourself creations that won't blow your budget or leave you cringing.
Most of these beauties you can find in your own backyard or growing wild in a field. Stop and pick a few the next time you go by them.
Beautiful doesn't have to be expensive!
Less is always more!!

Passionate Peony

*Photo by Dreamy Whites*

The traditional floral symbol of China, the State flower of Indiana and the 12th wedding anniversary flower, peonies are known as the flower of riches and honor. With their lush, full, rounded bloom, peonies embody romance and prosperity and are regarded as on omen of good fortune and a happy marriage.

Lovely Tulip

*Photo by Unknown*

The 11th wedding anniversary flower, it's said that the tulip's velvety black center represents a lovers heart, darkened by the heat of passion. With the power to rival roses in their red variety and the sweet charm to express simple joy when yellow, it's no wonder that in addition to all it's other symbolism, in the language of flowers, a tulip bouquet represents elegance and grace.

Bountiful Daffodil

*Photo by Unknown*

Symbolizing rebirth and new beginnings, the daffodil is virtually synonymous with spring. The March birth flower and the 10th wedding anniversary flower, a gift of daffodils is said to ensure happiness. But always remember to present daffodils in a bunch - the same legends that associate this cheerful flower with good fortune warn us that when given as a single bloom, a daffodil can foretell misfortune.

Dashing Daisy

*Photo by Sir Harrison Photography via Project Wedding and Unknown*

The most accepted daisy flower meaning is purity and innocence, you will also find the meaning of a daisy flower as a loyal lover, patience, beauty and even secrecy between two people. It is commonly related to the 5th wedding anniversary and can be given to a new mother to welcome a new born baby, lovers have also gifted daisies to each other as a token of their undying love.

Beautiful Blossom

*Photo by Dreamy Whites*

In the Japanese culture, the cherry blossom represents the cycle of life and how our lives blossom and fall. The cherry blossom tree is one of the most popular good luck symbols in Japanese tradition. Generally speaking the tree tends to evoke a positive response in anyone who tries to associate themselves with any aspect of the cherry blossom tree.

Sweet Lilly of the Valley

*Photo by Red Shoes*

Lilly of the valley is the May birth flower and has the flower meaning of humility, chastity, sweetness and purity. This delicate flower is a favorite among brides and party planners as it is wonderfully fragrant and elegant.

Remember to have fun with it.
Change the water and flower food every three to four days to freshen your blooms and you'll find they'll last a lot longer.
The point isn't to show off, though naturally you'll want to show the world your tastefully put together creations, but to enjoy what you're doing. You never know, it may just turn into a hobby.

A few creations I absolutely adore!

Follow this Link and scroll to the bottom of the page for easy step by step Basics to Flower Arranging.

XoXo,
Zxen