Gardening in High Heels

March 31, 2015

Creative Closet: Sassy Stripes

March 31, 2015

Sometimes, you nail every photo. You can’t narrow down the awesome shots, so you include all the pics. And other times, your camera won’t focus, it’s getting too dark and lightening them just makes them grainy, and you’re lucky you have four photos.

Guess which kind of week this is?

But I really like stripes and I love this dress from Express and I couldn’t not share a little something for The Creative Closet today.

Here’s a rough idea of the outfit:

I’m still into mixing patterned / bold tights with patterned / bold dresses, so I thought this was the perfect combo. Stripes, polka dots, and Converse sneakers. Can’t get much better than this. I wore it to work last week with my favorite tan booties, but I just wore them last week, so I dressed it down with sneakers.

Dress: Express
Necklace: Chloe and Isabel
Cuff bracelets: Studebaker Metals
Tights: I forget!
Shoes: Converse

How do you wear your stripes?

March 30, 2015

Spring clean: makeup organization

March 30, 2015

A few weeks ago, I spent ages (okay, a few hours) rounding up all of my makeup and sorting through it. I have a problem ~~hoarding all the makeup~~ seeing and storing what I have. I’ve been trying to do #365DaysofEmpties to lighten up my collection, but it’s still raging out of control, so I had to find a better way to sort and store things.

To get rid of what I had:

It pained me so much, but I asked myself these five questions. If it was old, I didn’t like it, and/or just hanging out for the sole purpose of hanging out, I did my best to get rid of it.

How old is it?

If you’re unsure if something is still good, check out this post to know when something is telling you, Hey, I expired. Or just do a search on Pinterest for “makeup expiration;” all of the recommendations are mostly the same.

Do I have this already in a similar shade?

If so, the older one or the one I like least has to go! If it’s a backup for a product I love and use, though, it’s definitely staying.

Could I give it to someone else?

If it’s a new product (or mostly new and has been cleaned properly) and I can give it to someone who will use it, I will! Anyone want to do a blog makeup swap?

Is it hanging around because I don’t use it and I feel bad throwing something away?

I’m so guilty of this. I can’t throw away something if it’s still usable, even if I don’t use it.

Is it half-finished and I just have to make a point to use the rest of it up?

Guilty of this, too. I can’t throw something away if it’s usable AND I still have product left to use.

To store what I have left:

What will allow me to use this the most?

I’m so guilty of “Out of sight, out of mind.” If I don’t see it, I’ll forget about it. So I pulled out a few of my favorite lip sticks/glosses and have them in their own holder outside of the sorted boxes of lip balm, stick, stain, and gloss. I just pick the color I want for the day and go without having to paw through endless boxes (or yesterday’s work bag). Then I’ll swap/rotate out weekly to start playing favorite with others and as the seasons change.

Can I group/store this with similar products?

I have a Quirky Zen Cosmetics from Jonathan that I love and was going to use for eyeliner, but I know liquid eyeliner should be stored on its side and I have pots of gel liner that wouldn’t fit. It doesn’t make sense to have eyeliner stored in different areas, so I use an empty Birchbox box to corral everything and the brushes stay in the Makeup Zen nice and neat.

Use what will work for you

Maybe you have an extensive collection and need more drawers/containers that I need. Maybe you only need a three-drawer container with one drawer for eyes, another for lips, and a final for face (at one time I could fit everything into a small storage tower like that. Oh the days).

Use what works for you. If a large organization project makes you shake, don’t do it! If you need clear drawers instead of closed boxes, go find them!

Try other sections of Target

I found a clear desk/mail sorter in the clearance stationery/desk supplies section. I was going to try using it for brushes and corralling small items. That didn’t work, so I figured out something else to do with it.

But my point here is to think in terms of other sections of the store. If the makeup caddies aren’t what you’re looking for, maybe another organizational section will have something you like. Or try a totally different store, like Marshall’s or even Staples. There’s nothing a little spray paint can’t make prettier!

Take unused items out of the collection

Weed out the new items that are waiting to get opened (like mascara, lip gloss, etc) to lighten up what is in the visible places. It also helps me to use up what is left in an old container before I move on to something new. I have a bad habit of wanting to use something the second I buy it. Even toothpaste. I’m like, “Yes, I want to try that Wintergreen flavor now!”

So by sorting unopened makeup into groups for eyes, lips, and face, I can take out exactly what I need (new blush? mascara?) without having to paw through everything and make a big~~ger~~ mess.

Also, join me for the #LipStockChallenge – a different lipstick every day until I run out. Post your photos with the hashtag to play along!

Those are my secrets for taming my makeup collection. What are yours?

March 29, 2015

Sunday Lately, 13

March 29, 2015

I sat down to write this and a few hours later, barely churned out anything. Some weeks are like that; the writing just doesn’t come as easily. And that’s okay.

Dwelling

I’ve been spending too much time on the Animal Friend’s website. When I say too much time, I mean any time spent on there is too much. I love dogs, grew up with a dog mostly always around, work with dogs in the office.. I will eventually adopt again, but I can’t right now and, ugh, it makes my little dog-loving heart hurt.

But I’m going to be a puppy aunt tomorrow! I’m so excited to meet my best friend’s new dog. I’m going to spoil him.

Helping

I feel like I’ve been helping for the past month and seeing so little in return. Blah. Next topic.

Forgetting

OMG too many things. Do you ever have weeks like that? I need to go back to making constant lists of stuff to do.

Switching

It’s time to switch clothes for the season. I’m like Meghan: I’m not a pastel person. I have some bright colors in my wardrobe, but I wouldn’t call any of them pastel. I pretty much just wear summer dresses with tights or plain, dark shirt with some crazy bright necklace.

Relying

On the fact that I’ve run half marathons in the past to get me through running this one with really very little preparation. I’m starting to get worried.

What have you been up to lately?

March 27, 2015

Easy lamp DIY makeover in five steps

March 27, 2015

In case you haven’t heard, I’ve been doing a lot of cleaning. Most of that means taking things that are no longer working and getting rid of them. But I have a bad disease of saying, “I can make something with this!” and hanging on to things for ages.

For example: I thought I was going to do some awesome project with empty beer and wine bottles. So I started to save them. Now it’s a habit and I’m like, “Woo, I have a six pack….of empty bottles…” Maybe I can sell them on Etsy to people with more follow-through.

Anyway, when I saw these lamps, I saw DIY project written all over them. For $10, I have all new lamps. How did I do it? Simple: spray paint. Next to Mod Podge, it’s my favorite craft supply.

Let me tell you how I took these lamps from beat up and dated to shiny and new.

Step 1: Decide you can make something out of this.

Spray paint is my friend. I love spray paint. I took a can of spray paint to old, beat down chairs and they now look decent enough to be used in my dining room. But that’s beside the point.

These lamps were in my Grammy’s apartment (I believe) and somehow ended up in my father’s basement. They were used for a while and eventually replaced. They still worked, so we didn’t get rid of them.

And they still work years later! I’d love to redo the wiring, but that’s another DIY for another day.

Step 2: Decide what you want them to look like.

I was going for a mercury glass effect thanks to the brilliant mind of Jonathan. I went to my second favorite craft place (JoAnn Fabrics) and found silver spray paint and spray paint that makes a webbing effect.

Dude, it comes out just like Spiderman. I felt so cool.

Spray paint is the best thing when DIY-ing. I love Rustoleum because it covers everything and lasts for ages (or until you spray paint again)!

Spray paint is the best thing when DIYing. I love Rustoleum because it covers everything and lasts for ages (or until you spray paint again)!

Step 3: Take it to the paint!

Be sure to tape off all parts that shouldn’t get painted (wires, the top bulb receiver thingy). I don’t care how careful you think you’ll be, you will get paint all over. I’m a pretty good DIY-er, but my best talent is making a mess.

I did two coats of silver and a coat of the black webbing. I’m slightly disappointed the black didn’t show up better with the webbing paint, but the ridges make it difficult to see.

I almost stopped at painting them just plain silver. It looks so sleek, but it also kind of looks like a soup can. I have a hodge-podge of furniture right now, but collection-center chic isn’t what I’m going for. So I added the webbing paint on top to try to give it some texture, dimension, and those little crackles in the mercury glass.

Super simple lamp makeover using spray paint. New lamps in under an hour for about $10! Spray paint updates anything and it's virtually mistake-proof!

Step 4: Have painters’ remorse.

I checked Instagram and got a comment from a friend saying that she’d buy these from me if the wooden part was painted gold and the base stayed the same. And I got painters’ remorse. That would have looked awesome. I was seriously upset I didn’t do that.

But then I remembered the white ceramic part is old and pretty beat up. Instagram just made them look pretty and white.

Plus, I can always paint over them again if I want to.

Step 5: Find somewhere to put them and revel in your DIY powers.

These guys hung out in my garage for a week because I wasn’t sure if I was going to add another layer of webbing, either black or gold. I still could. But once you decide, Okay, that’s enough paint, now you need to figure out where to put them.

The lamp shades that were also found in the basement are a little tooooo tall, but hey, they’re free. And the lamp base itself is pretty big, so I guess it balances out.

These are going to hang out in my bedroom and my living room until I have my office in order because I originally had the intention of using them as lighting in my office.

Super simple lamp makeover using spray paint. New lamps in under an hour for about $10! Spray paint updates anything and it's virtually mistake-proof!

There you have it. Five steps to a DIY lamp (or anything) makeover. I cannot tell you how much I love taking something old that someone would say isn’t worth keeping and turning it into something shiny and new and pretty again.

Have you done any projects recently? What did you DIY?

March 25, 2015

Award season

March 25, 2015

The always-hilarious Laura from Life with Lolo for some reason thought I was groovy enough to be nominated by her for the Sisterhood of the World Bloggers Award! I’m not gonna lie, I’ve gotten nods (thank you, thank you everyone) in the past for various awards and I usually don’t get to write the post in time because ~~I just forget~~ other things come up.

As Laura says, “Lazy ass, party of one..”

But I felt in my soul like I needed to step it up and do this one. I have to say, some of these really made me ponder. I want to entertain and be deep at the same time. That’s quite the paradox.

Before I start, I’mma be serious for a moment. Thank you to everyone who reads my writing and takes the time to comment and share it. I love you guys. I wouldn’t do it if it weren’t for you. The connections I’m making with you, whom I would never have met if it weren’t for the internet, are so meaningful to me.

I feel like I’m meeting people who are my long lost sisters. You dig?

So, on to Laura’s questions!

What is the very first thing you do in the morning and the very last thing you do before going to sleep?

First thing in the morning is hit the snooze. Literally, hit it. I use Sleepcycle as my alarm in conjunction with my UP24 and to snooze, you shake/hit/otherwise bring harm upon your phone.

The last thing I do is either text Jonathan (cue the awwws here), read, or watch an episode of whatever I’m currently in the middle of on Netflix.

What are your favorite boy name & girl name for your future children (I know you have them) or just in general…?

I seriously don’t have a favorite name.

Where’s the farthest place you’ve ever driven to (or road tripped) why did you go and who were you with?

The farthest distance that I’ve driven is to Williamsburg, Virginia to visit my mom. I’ve done it alone, I’ve done it with Jonathan, and I’ve done it with my mom. It’s been since November and I think this is officially the longest we’ve gone without seeing each other.

This whole full-time job thing is getting in the way of random car trips.

What is the best gift you’ve ever received?

So many.

If you could see one person or group in a dream concert (alive or dead) who would it be?

I’m so close to saying Anberlin. I saw their farewell tour on my birthday last year with Jonathan (another road trip!) and I’d love to bring them back.

What is one food that just grosses you out?

Honestly……I don’t think there is a food that grosses me out. I like just about everything. I haven’t tried snails, though, and I wouldn’t eat a puffin, but it isn’t because it grosses me out but because puffins are so cute.

Has someone close to you lost someone in their family? How did you handle it (this is happening right now to me, help!)

I think I’ve had more deaths in my family than my friends have had in theirs. The times that someone has had something happen, I just try to think about the person and how they handle situations.

If this person needs to come to you naturally, make sure they know that you’re always available. Badgering them to talk is not going to do anything. On the flip side, if they need to talk everything out, ask questions and listen more than you speak.

What is your favorite tweet or instagram you’ve ever shared? Show us the link!

So to find this picture I had to go back two and a half years in my Instagram feed and there were so many good pictures and memories that I wanted to share. Dogs, cute hair cuts, good nail polish days. Lots of food.

But these are my favorites. I was going to include only the Franktuary menu because that was the night I met Jonathan, but the duck is just too cute to pass up.

Boring fries were anything but #foodtruck #fries #carbs #boring #signs

A photo posted by Angelica Ross (@syntaxxerrorrr) on Jul 28, 2012 at 8:02pm PDT

So much awesome in one picture. #quackpgh #tbt @thejonathang

A photo posted by Angelica Ross (@syntaxxerrorrr) on Oct 17, 2013 at 7:23am PDT

What is the one purchase you’ve made on your own that you are most proud of?

There have been some expensive purchases that I’ve made in the past. My laptop, a nice camera, some of my college education, but I’m going with my car on this one. It’s been the most expensive and the biggest decision.

I negotiated myself (could use some work there), payed the initial costs myself, and am paying off the rest of the car myself. I also paid for insurance and this year’s AAA membership myself. Boom.

What is your job and where do you work (because I’m nosy like that).

I am a Marketing Consultant at a SaaS company in Pittsburgh. It’s more customer service than consulting, but that’s where this blog and my freelance social media contract work come in. It’s a lot of work and a lot of balls to keep in the air, but it’s a necessary evil. Sadly, this job doesn’t pay too much, so I do need to work on the side so I can squirrel away what I can.

That’s what I have to say about Laura’s questions. I am having serious anxiety with this nomination thing. Are you “too big for this?” Is this something you’d like do? Am I missing someone? Ugh! If you’re up for it, I’d love to nominate:

Jaelan at Making Mrs M
Katy at Wild and Wanderful
Meghan at Hayes Days
Julie at Artwork by JM
Beth at The Fashionable Eye
Michelle at Sole for the Soul
Kristin at My Life as a Teacup
Jess at In Pursuit of Simple
Nadia at The View Is Beautiful

And answer:

What is your favorite ice cream flavor?
What did you want to be when you were little?
Puppies or kittens?
If you could watch one movie for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Where is your favorite place to find inspiration?
Have you ever made something from Pinterest that totally worked (or failed)? What happened?
What do you drink when you go out?
Heels or sneakers?
What’s your best-kept blogging secret?
What is one thing you haven’t told your readers? Spill the beans!

Creative Closet: Sassy Stripes

How do you wear your stripes?

Spring clean: makeup organization