Summer: A Time of Parties

If your Summer is anything like mine, it is jam-packed with birthdays, anniversaries, baby showers, bridal showers, weddings and the like.  One thing to make your gift stand out more so than anyone else's is to theme it out!  I always like to add a personal touch to the way I package my gifts.  I do themed diaper cakes and gift baskets, or I create a personal wrapping paper scheme that all goes together and fits the likes of the person receiving the gift.  I will include a couple photos...of baby shower baskets and birthday gifts I have done.  If you don't have time or the resources to create a specific theme then go the extra little bit to make the package look great:  use a very decorative bow or mix various ribbons and papers together to make your package stand out from all the rest.

As for hosting your own party?  Well the same principles all still apply.  It is not all about money, but rather all about the details and personal little touches that make everything else so extra special.  I will be including a full blog entry on Summer party planning later this Summer as I dive farther into planning my best friend's bridal shower.  Most of the deets are a surprise to her though, so I cannot divulge any juicy secrets for my own personal events this Summer until after they all pass.
So here are a couple gifts I have done in the past (some very themed and detailed, some as simple as just adding extra ribbons or contrasting the paper), and perhaps I will update with another entry on this subject after the next upcoming even passes---my boyfriends birthday next week.  I will post with all the cool themes I did for his gifts!

(Above) All casino themed, personally crafted handmade.

Playstation Themed paper

Birthday Gift, contrasting papers

Diaper Cake Gift Basket

Gift Basket Finished

Gift Basket Finished 2

Purple gift.

Girl's Noah's Arc Basket

Make Your Mascara Work

To achieve the best mascara look, I prefer to use Maybelline's Falsies Mascara (very black) in conjunction with Maybelline's Mega Plush Mascara (very black).  I do two light coats of Falsies and one coat of Mega Plush to maximize my eyes.  Doing so allows me to create the glamorous look of false eye lashes without looking so fake.  I often get asked if I am using false eye lashes, and my answer is always "no."  This is my trick, and I swear by it.  One thing I really do love about both of these is that they look great on their own for a less dramatic touch.  I also really love the fact that they, not only are inexpensive, but also do not clump right away---like many brands promising the same look---so purchasing both together is quite worth it and cost effective.

What I love:

*Eyes appear wider and more awake.
*Cost effective way to achieve dramatic false eye lash look.
*Lasts all day and night.
*Doesn't smear or smudge easily.
*Washes away cleanly.
*Can be worn alone or together to maximize your budget, purchase, and look.

Keep in mind:

*If you have lighter hair, then you may want to try a lighter shade of mascara---darker is more dramatic, however for blondes anywhere from brown to dark brown or brown/black would probably suffice.  Also, I would NOT use both of these together if you plan to use a waterproof mascara; using too many layers of waterproof mascara may require ripping your eyelashes out to remove the make-up if you choose to do so.

Oh, and the best part?  This is not just a Summer tip; this is an all-year-round tip!  Enjoy!

Fashion Tip Of The Day

Citrus Summer: A Tangerine Affair

I find myself obsessed with nothing but citrus for this upcoming Summer 2012 season.  From everything to nail polish and lip gloss, including denim shorts and bikinis!  I am especially loving the tangerine and orange variety. This is not to say that I am not also quenching my fashion thirst with some lovely lemon yellow, lime green, and grapefruit pink shades as well.  Here are a few faves of mine to moisten your beauty pallets!

Above are:  1) Essie Poppy-razzi collection showcasing---> Action (my personal favorite) and Bazooka (similar to Brazilliant of last years Summer collection, but much more matte and neon).
2)  Express Neon Shorts in orange made of cotton/spandex.  A great alternative to denim or leggings, available in several shades, and a fun pop for all the ladies out there wanting to add some vibrant tastes to their current wardrobes!

I hope you enjoyed this delectable post, and I look forward to posting more fashion and beauty hints, tricks, finds, and trends in the future!

Welcome to The Powder Room ladies.