Summer 2013 Fashion Obsession: Maxi Skirts

Hello all! I've missed blogging oh so much! The past 6 months have been hectic in preparing for graduation and college. But, things have slowed down and I'm ready to get back into blogging. Thanks for sticking with me readers! :) I hope that this summer, I can bring to you interesting, encouraging and inspiring posts for your closet, mirror and your heart!

To start us off…I'm going to share with you my newest obsession in fashion trends for the summer! Maxi skirts! Maxi skirts can bring elegance and a soft side to any outfit. They're perfect for summer evenings or a walk on the beach. I've found several DIYs for Maxi skirts that you can find on my Pinterest page (click here to see it). But below are just a few pictures of inspiration for your maxi skirt obsession!

With Love!

Shelby 

Valentines Day: Lovely Nails!

I'm so excited to start posting Valentines Day themed posts! Valentines Day is one of my favorite holidays! :) And you don't have to have to be in a relationship to celebrate it! A few years ago, I absolutely hated Valentines Day because I was always the single one who never got any Valentines. But as I've gotten older I've realized that Valentines Day is about friends and family, the ones who have always loved me!  Rather than some guy who hasn't known me very long. :) To get you in the Valentines Day mood, try one of these terrific nail designs!

Christmas Snacks: Chex Mix!

Chex Mix is my favorite snack to make during the holidays! If you haven't made this fun snack before, I encourage you to give it a try! It's a pretty straightforward recipe. You can also find several variations of the recipe. I think that this season, I'm going to try and make the bold chex mix.

Original Chex Mix Recipe

3	cups Corn Chex® cereal
3	cups Rice Chex® cereal
3	cups Wheat Chex® cereal
1	cup mixed nuts
1	cup bite-size pretzels
1	cup garlic-flavor bite-size bagel chips or regular-size bagel chips, broken into 1-inch pieces
6	tablespoons butter or margarine
2	tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
1 1/2	teaspoons seasoned salt
3/4	teaspoon garlic powder
1/2	teaspoon onion powder

1.	In large microwavable bowl, mix cereals, nuts, pretzels and bagel chips; set aside. In small microwavable bowl, microwave butter uncovered on High about 40 seconds or until melted. Stir in seasonings. Pour over cereal mixture; stir until evenly coated.
2.	Microwave uncovered on High 5 to 6 minutes, thoroughly stirring every 2 minutes. Spread on paper towels to cool. Store in airtight container.
Oven Directions Heat oven to 250°F. In large bowl, mix cereals, nuts, pretzels and bagel chips; set aside. In ungreased large roasting pan, melt butter in oven. Stir in seasonings. Gradually stir in cereal mixture until evenly coated. Bake 1 hour, stirring every 15 minutes. Spread on paper towels to cool, about 15 minutes. Store in airtight container.

Favorite Christmas Movie: Home Alone

Home alone is one of my favorite Christmas movies of all time. Macaulay Culkin's character, Kevin, gets left home alone when his family goes to spend their Christmas in Paris. He has to defend for himself against the "wet bandits" (a pair of robbers that clog the drains and leave the sinks on of the homes that they rob). Kevin's set ups to outsmart and hurt the pair of robbers will leave you laughing your socks off. :D If you have seen Home Alone before, check out a few of these pictures! 

Stocking Stuffer Idea: Homemade Lip Moisturizer

I've found another great stocking stuffer idea! If you're the crafty type, try making this Homemade Lip Moisturizer! If you'd like to add some color to your moisturizer add in some of your favorite lipgloss or lipstick! Also, you can add in shimmer or glitter!

This recipe makes enough to fill  6 to 7 – 1/2 oz containers depending on how full you make them.

Ingredients needed:

3 Tbls Coconut Oil

3 Tbls Honey

1 Tbls Beeswax

Using a small saucepan over low heat combine your coconut oil, honey and beeswax.  Stir continually until it is all melted and combined 5-7 minutes.  Remove from heat and carefully spoon into containers.  I used a measuring spoon to fill my containers to ensure I didn’t spill and each container received the same amount. I put 2 1/2 teaspoons in each container.

This is what they looked like right after they were filled.

This is what they look like as the started to cool and harden.  I allowed them to fully cool, about three hours before placing the lids on them.  I also tried to whip the mixture after it was melted to see if it made a difference and then spoon it in.  You can see from the photo below, other than looking messy I didn’t notice a bit of difference, so save yourself some work and spoon it in.

Have some cute little sticker labels made for the tops of the tins and you have some super cute little frugal yet practical homemade gifts!  I have been using this since we made it and love it!

Via: http://thefrugalgreenishmama.com/2012/05/diy-homemade-natural-honey-coconut-lip-moisturizer.html

"Owl" Be Home For Christmas

I don't know about you all...but I've got this crazy love for owls. They're interesting animals and usually resemble wisdom. And they can turn their heads almost all the way around...that's pretty cool. :D Check out this adorable owl ornament you can make with felt! I've included a link to the pattern for the ornament! Happy crafting!

Owl Ornament Pattern

Merry Christmas! 

~Shelby 

Stocking Stuffer Idea: Cozy Toes

Here's a great stocking stuffer idea! Buy some socks and a matching nail polish color and put them in a plastic baggy with the tag on the front saying:

"Wishing you warm cozy toes all winter"

Merry Christmas

Shelby