Moon Over Mumbai

This is my latest nail polish color. I only have two coats on, but if you put another coat or two, it is more light grayish colored than a neutral sheer. I really like this color and used to put a pink over it, or under it. The pink was another sheer OPI color (I'm not sure which one though :]).

Nautical Stripes

|Tank: {No longer available}Similar Tank| Shorts: {No longer available}Similar Shorts| Similar Necklace| Similar Sandals|

I just got a haircut today and my hairdresser decided to curl my hair, therefore I needed to change into something cuter for the day. I love my Banana Republic top, it has everything I love; stripes, v neck, racer back & a zipper in the back! I also just bought these shorts from Banana Republic Outlet. They are the Ryan fit (low rise and straight through hip & thighs) and navy blue. I really like them. Some time soon I will show you what I recently bought, which are mostly basics. I hope you all have a great day!

 

DIY Swifer Duster Cloths

I have read several tutorials about how to make swifer duster cloths using microfiber cloths, and decided to make my own tutorial that is simpler and quick. Here is what you need:

- sewing machine
- 4 microfiber cloths *each duster is 4 cloths together* (I bought a pack of 10"x10" microfiber cloths; the final result is about 8"x8")
- thread (I used white, you can color coordinate your thread if you choose)
- scissors
- a ruler
- fabric pencil/marker
- Swifer duster handle (as a guideline)

Let's get started!

 This is my 10"x10" microfiber cloth I bought at JoAnn's in a pack of three. First, cut the trim off. I did this because I didn't want the trim to scratch any surface I dust; however, you will cut off about an inch on the top and sides in the end. So, at least cut the bottom off where the swifer duster holder will come off.

Next, pin 2 of the cloths together and sew them together down the middle. Repeat with the other two pieces.

Now pin all 4 pieces together and sew down the middle.

Now that all 4 pieces are sewn together, lay them down and take the top piece of fabric and fold it over. *Like flipping a page on a book, you want to "read" the next piece of fabric.*

After "reading" your piece of fabric, lay down the swifer holder so the little middle piece and right piece are on the right side of the crease.

Now, use your ruler to mark where you will be sewing. You will be sewing through 3 pieces of the microfiber, leaving gaps where the two little parts of plastic come out.

Now, repeat these steps on the other side. *Go back to your original page- all 4 pieces flat, and go back one more page- 3 pieces of microfiber on the left, 5 on the right.*

Now put your "book" back to its original position. Next, I made my piece 8"x8" by cutting off excess fabric.

At one of the ends, I closed it off by about an inch on both sides of the middle seam. This way the fabric at the top won't curl over towards your hand, or fall off the swifer.

Finally, start cutting each microfiber piece. I tried to alternate the little "slices" for each piece. I go in roughly 3.5" or 4". And after that, shake it out, OUTSIDE since there will be a lot of loose pieces-cut microfiber is messy! Then I just wash it with my towels and there you go, your own swifer duster cloths!

I hope you enjoy your new dusters! I am a beginner sewer, and this was pretty easy! Please comment below if you have any questions!

Zoo

|Tee Shirt| Shorts {no longer in khaki}| Similar Crossbody Bag|

Here are some pictures from the zoo:

P.S. Otters & Elephants are my favorite :]

Happy Birthday Angela!

|Similar Jeans| Blouse| Similar Blazer| Watch| Ballet Flats| Similar Earrings|

Tonight I went to dinner with a bunch of friends to celebrate my friend Angela's birthday. And for anyone else whose birthday is today, happy birthday, I hope your day was amazing!

Chambray & Black Jeans

Image from Google & Photobucket

Inspiration.

Reality.

|Chambray| Similar Jeans| Watch| Flats| Similar Earrings|

These are my favorite pair of stud earrings. I believe they are from Banana Republic about a year or two ago.

White Shirt & DIY Necklace

|Oxford| Similar Jeggings| Keds| Watch| Similar Purse

This is the final DIY necklace from this post. When I braided the beads together, it looked like a braid. However, I was scared to put too much tension on the beads and string (for fear of breaking the beads or something stupid), so the braid wasn't very tight. I think it still looks okay. What do you think?

-The bracelet in the first photo was one that I made out of a gold chain and white leather on either side, secured together with clear jewelry string  and tied off with a decorative button.

DIY Necklace

I tried this necklace tutorial, seen on my Pinterest board. It was fairly easy, however my braid looks like a loose twist. I think if I made more, my braids would look better & tighter. I was afraid of too much tension on the beads and string that it would break; with my luck, it would... I'll upload a picture tomorrow of this necklace and my outfit!

-I made my bead strings to be about 6 inches long.

Yankees Game

|Hat- Special Edition from 2003| Shirt- Old Navy, no longer available online| Shorts| Watch| Laces Bracelet- from Cooperstown years ago|

I went to the Seattle vs. Yankees game on Saturday & this was my outfit! Though the Yanks lost, it I had a fun time with my family. Plus I got to see the new stadium! I hope you all had a great weekend!

Yes, I'm a tourist

{Blouse, Similar Cardigan, Similar Jeans, Sunglasses}



*The Coach wristlet is fairly old, but the Sutton Signature Nylon Go Go Wristlet is similar.  

If you want to know what I was wearing on my feet, just plain old sneakers- they really make this outfit :]. I usually wear sneakers since I do a lot of walking while on vacation, or even at school. Obviously sneakers or shoes with good support will benefit you in the long run. I love flats and heels though, but I only really wear them on dressy occasions or work. When I get back I'm going to break in my flats since they are barely used and give my blisters every time I use them. Hopefully I can start wearing them!

I hope everyone is having a fun summer! Send me your vacation outfit pictures to be featured on my blog! :]

Perfect Manicure

Image from natsnailartlincoln.com

After trying to achieve the perfect at home manicure, I think I finally found a way to have a beautiful DIY manicure (and pedicure). With the help of pinterest, I found several tips to quicken drying time and a more polished, polish.

First, I trimmed my nails, filed and buffed them out to make them look nice and shiny.

Next, I used Burt's Bees Lemon Butter Cuticle Balm, in this set; and put the balm around my nails with a brush (you can use a Q-tip too). Make sure you do not get any of the balm on the nail! Your nails must be clean, smooth and dry in order to have a pretty polish.

Then you can start with your nail polish! Remember to use a base coat to help ensure less bubbles and a smoother application of color. I put on the base coat on all my fingers, then start with color right away. Usually I do two coats. Next, without letting the polish dry and become easily pliable, I put on the top coat.

Here comes another important step: A bowl of cold water. After putting on the top coat, wait two minutes for the polish to dry, then immerse your nails in a bowl of cold water for three minutes. The post on pinterest says you are done after this, but the nail polish is still not fully hardened- if you go to sleep after or do normal activity, you end up scratching your polish. I then wait about five minutes, then immerse my nails again in the water for about two more minutes to ensure a harden and dry nail polish.

*I only put my thumb nails in the water for the extra time, and when I woke up the next day (I do my nails at night), I had scratches all over my other finger nails. I just put another top coat on those nails and they look perfectly fine! (And feel smooth).*

Tip: If you are doing your toes and your fingers, always start with your toes first. You don't need to put your toes in water since they will be dry by the time you finish your fingers.

Here are my results:

The colors I used were Essie's Poppy Art Pink & Lady Like. (Base Coat & Top Coat were OPI).

Nail Color: Turquoise & Caicos

I am currently wearing Essie's Turquoise & Caicos. It is a really pretty summer color! I also tried a trick from pinterest, seen here. It really does work! However you can still smudge the polish after you soak your hands in cold water for 3 minutes, so be careful!

Electric Blue

{Similar Capri, Similar Top, Similar Shoe}

Black, White & Turquoise

{Blazer, Blouse, Similar Pants, Similar Shoe}

Unfortunately it was hard to find a similar purse to the turquoise Coach purse Amanda had :[. But whatever purse color you choose, coordinate with your jewelry like Amanda did here with a turquoise beaded necklace and ring.

What colors do you like to wear with black and white? Comment below!