Post - HydraFacial Blues: My Sensitive Skin Type Did Not Relish This Facial!

I have to say the day after effects of the HydraFacial are stunning! My skin was absolutely glowy, sparkling clean, and free of any imaginable impurities thanks to the added extractions.

Then a few days creep by and my skin became a greasy, oil slick with small, angry bumps that are still appearing. Hopefully, they will subside, but the waiting period is not fun.

I have had two previous HydraFacials with mixed results. I had similar results to what is occurring now during my first, but thought that maybe the esthetician I had, might had been a little rough with the suction device/extractions.

 The second time I had this facial, with a very skilled esthetician, my skin was stunning and had not one issue, so I am on the fence about this treatment. Again, I had this treatment with the skilled esthetician, but came out with the same results as my first facial.

I would not recommend this facial for anyone who has very sensitive, acne prone skin, even though many spas will suggest it, since it uses water and a gentle suctioning device. It is similar to microdermabrasion, but uses water instead of crystals.

One other little tip, this facial is not cheap. My facial cost $190 with extractions. The extractions are extra.

So go ahead and get hydrated by the HydraFacial, but do so with this post in mind.

All Keyed Up: Decorating A Papier Mache Key

While searching the shelves of a local craft store, my mother found a decorative, antique-looking, papier mache key. After she brought it home, I “unlocked” my creativity by using  random scraps of tissue paper, newspaper, gel window gems, antiquing stamp pads, decorative foil and scissors and metal embellishments (brads) to design a key fit for a queen! 

Decoupage was the method I used to create my key. Decoupage is an art technique where you glue random scraps of paper onto an object using a watered-down glue. You then place a thin layer of the watered-down glue mixture on top. This makes a clear, varnish or shellac-like top-coat. Continue collaging on tissue paper and adding watered-down glue mixture top coats for sturdiness. 

To make this ravishing keepsake, you will need: 

• Papier Mache Key 
• Watered down glue (50 water/50 glue mix) or Modge Podge 
• Small bowl or cup for glue mixture 
• Paint brush to brush on glue mixture
• Various scraps of color-coordinated tissue paper 
• Thin strips of newspapers 
• Decorative letter and small circular-shaped brads 
• Gel Window Gems 
• Pinking Shears (scissors with zig-zagged shaped blades generally used to prevent fraying in fabrics) 
• Decorative foil
• Antiquing Stamp pads
• Optional: Colored computer paper and quote about “keys”. 

How To: 

1. Gather all items needed for the project. Create watered-down glue mixture (50/50) and place in a small bowl or cup. 
2. Rip small pieces or color-coordinated tissue paper into random shapes. Use paint brush to paint glue mixture onto the papier mache key. 
3. Place ripped pieces of tissue paper in desired pattern over painted on glue mixture. 
4. Then place a layer of glue mixture on top of ripped tissue paper pieces to create a varnish coat. Continue this method over entire key. 
5. Use pinking shears to cut small strips of decorative foil and a circular shape for middle of key. Wrap around and glue down foil pieces on top of key as shown using a sturdy glue such as Elmer’s School Glue. Glue on circular shape using watered-down glue mixture. 
6. Place random Gel Window Gems in between decorative foil and circular shape in middle. 
7. Apply a coat of watered-down glue to top area of key you just decorated. 
8. Cut thin strips of newspaper and glue onto the key in a cross hatch design. Apply another coat of watered-down glue mixture to the entire key. 
9. After the glue mixture has dried, use antiquing stamps to “age” the key using a cosmetic sponge. Gently rub antiquing medium over the key.
10. Find the letters J, O, Y from a pack of decorative brad letters. Cut backs off of letter brads with regular straight-edge scissors. Be very careful, brad backs are notorious crafting missiles. 
11. Glue on brads using a thick craft glue. 
12. Optional: Find a quote about keys on the Internet such as “The key of happiness is having Dreams. The key to success is making Dreams come true.” Type out the quote using a word processing program and print onto colored computer paper. 
13. Cut into desired shape and poke small holes into shape using decorative brads. 
14. Fasten backs of brads. 
15. Glue quote shape onto key using glue. 
16. Use stamps to give the quote shape an “aged look”. 

Now everyone will be “all keyed up” over your talent and artistic ability!

Crimes of Fashion: Decade of Disturbance: The 80’s

I may have been jamming to Disney on the stereo and chillin’ in my crib, but even I can remember the abominable and ghastly crimes of fashion committed by 80’s hollywood starlets to your average soccer mom. I’ve listed a few of the most heinous criminal offenses of 80’s fashion below. 

1. Fluorescent everything. If I wanted to glow in the dark like an orange safety vest, I would have worn one. From shoes to clothing, garish and technicolor pinks, greens and yellows ruled blindingly supreme. 
2. Perms the tighter the better. When did looking like a wet poodle in need of a combing become a fashion do? Curls and twisted ringlets made hair resemble a fried and cumbersome rat’s nest. 
3. Large plastic jewelry in geometric shapes. Ladies, this was just plain tacky. Wearing a gigantic pyramid shaped pendant larger than your head with a matching set of earrings which looked like they belonged on the side of a bunny’s head was not cool. 
   
4. Acid washed jeans. Light colors bring attention to so many flaws as this pear-shaped woman knows. Acid washed jeans were like a spotlight in the dark for the anatomically-challenged female. 
   
5. Stirrup Pants. Unless you are going riding, swear off this horsey attire. 
   
6. Large Bows on Grown Women. If you aren’t five, this just don’t jive. 
   
7. Shoulder Pads. Why does anyone want to look like a linebacker for the Chicago Bears in their “power suit”?
   
8. Crimped hair. Let’s make our hair look like bad wallpaper that should have been hung in your grandparents' living room.

And the list continues....

All photos are from the website In the 80s .

Add a Little Color To Your Life: Revlon Colorsilk Beautiful Permanent Hair Color in 51 Light Brown Review

Revlon Colorsilk Beautiful Color Permanent Hair color  in 51 Light Brown offers even, crisp color at a budget-savvy price. It did a nice job covering up grown-out highlights, had a pleasant fragrance and gave similar results as those pictured on the box (my color came out slightly darker than shown). The formula which is free of ammonia and allows even damaged or porous hair the freedom of coloring without the worry of total hair destruction. 

The one tip I would give stay-at-home colorists is to buy two boxes if their hair is particularly long, curly or porous. My hair literally drank in the color and there was just a slight bit of OMG! is there not enough color moments, but alas all was well. 

For those looking for a decent (a few stray grays are still visible at crown), well-made product that gives hair plenty of shine and vitality, run don’t walk to your local supermarket or drug store to buy this classic hair color which is now offered in a Permanent version. 

Remember, this is not your mama’s Revlon Colorsilk which lasted only 28 washings. It is the Colorsilk of the new millennium!

Glossy and Saucy: Suave Moroccan Infusion Moroccan Argan Styling Oil Review

From mangled to magical perfectly describe the transformative powers of Suave's Moroccan Infusion Moroccan Argan Styling Oil. The results of this therapeutic and non-greasy oil, which  has become one of the most popular beauty phenomenons in recent years, on my extremely dry and previously bleached strands were incredible!

Before applying the oil, my hair was in rough shape. It looked parched, damaged and beyond repair, but with only one use of this exotic potion it became silky smooth and luxurious. In other words, it looked like the healthy manageable hair that years of styling, dying and stress have alluded us, but no more!

I now have beautiful, bouncy, glossy and saucy hair that could make even a hair model green with envy. The best part is the price tag, which is easy on the wallet. I don't know how you do it Suave, but you put the pricey MoroccanOil brand to the test!

Give Us Hope: The Hope Chest in La Grange, Illinois

Look fabulous, do good, and feel great became my new motto after I entered this charming, boutique-style resale shop in La Grange, Illinois, just steps from Stone Avenue Station. 

What’s even better than quality, slightly used, name brand and designer clothing at bargain basement prices? The fact that all the proceeds go to the Pillar’s Constance Morris House, which is a shelter for abused women and children. 

As I shuffled through the lovingly color-coordinated racks of women’s and children’s clothing and shoes, I was stunned to find more “fashion-dos” than I have ever found in local department stores. The Hope Chest definitely has a special place in my heart and its cause gives “hope” to all the women and children in need of their services.

Photo Source: The Hope Chest Facebook Page 

Fashionable Wisdom: Fashion Quote of the Week June 9th - 15th

Enough said. Ouch!

Source: http://www.missmalini.com/2012/05/04/top-10-fashion-statements-we-love-to-quote/

If the Shoe Fits: A Unique Way to Display Just the Right Shoe Collectibles

Row after row of marvelous shoes await me as they beckon from a shimmery golden rack. The only problem is that my feet are not the size of your average America Girl doll. So unless I find a way to magically zap my tootsies into min-toesies I'm out of luck.

The striking shoes beautifully displayed on an old plant stand are the long forgotten, wildly popular collectibles, Just the Right Shoe, sculpted by Raine in the late 1990's and early 2000's.

Through a quick Google search, I found that these little lovelies are still being manufactured and can be bought on the Just the Right Shoe website.

Read on to find out how my mother created this shiny display.

To Create the Shoe-In Display Stand 

You will need:

• An old multi-tiered plant stand
• Sticky-backed foam in a variety of colors 
• Scissors
• Spray Paint (optional) 

1. Scourer your local antique mall, estate or garage sale for a plant stand. 
2. Spray paint to alter color. (optional) 
3. Cut foam to fit shelves. For extra stability, remove paper from sticky-backed foam and press onto the shelf. 
4. Artistically arrange your Just the Right Shoe collectibles on the plant stand. 

Voila, your Just the Right Shoe Display Stand is a shoe-in!

Junk to Gems: Turning Vintage Jewerly into Hot Fashion

Give me an A!: Dream up some custom jewelry letters. (Source: iLoveToCreateblog.blogspot.com)

Does that garage sale gem scream granny more than glamorous? Does that necklace send you back to the era when disco and polyester were king? Do not despair, a quick fix here and a quick fix there will turn that bauble into a fashion statement that will cause many to stare.

Peruse these quick vintage accessory rxs that turn your vintage flair into a total fashion affair!

Creative and Cute Ways to Use Vintage Pins, Necklace, Earrings and Buttons 

Source: http://petitehermine.blogspot.com/

• In the shadows. Create a stunning work of art using a shadow box.

Source: http://www.fashiondivadesign.com/diy-accessories-with-old-buttons/

• Cute as a button! Vamp it up with a vintage button necklace. 

Source: therealgalveston.com

• Turn your table setting into a bling revolution! Glue vintage jewelry onto a napkin holder to make an embellished napkin ring. 

• It's a shoe-in! Design shoe clips with vintage earrings. 

Source: rustic-crafts.com

• What's your initial? Construct custom jewelry letters. (See Above) 

• You're twisted. Use a large scarf as a belt. Pin a beautiful broach on it to make your very own polished and pretty belt buckle. 

Source: http://www.angelesalmuna.com

• The write stuff! Invent the most beautiful jeweled notebook by removing earring backs. Glue earrings in a desired pattern using a hot glue gun.  

Green With Envy: L'OREAL Colour Riche Army Brat Eye Shadow

The decadent and luxurious colors offered by the beauty titan, L'OREAL Paris, have always been innovative, fashion-forward and ultra luxe right? But just wait until you have tried the massively magnificent Army Brat quad that defies the green eyeshadow: what were you thinking? rule.

With a flick of a eyeshadow applicator and fool-proof instructions printed on the back, you will make fashionistas everywhere "green with envy" at you instant eye appeal. 

The perfectly complementary shades blend flawlessly from an iridescent jadite green to a totally fatigues-inspired military green that will leave you feeling picture perfect on even the most battle-worthy of days.

L'OREAL Colour Riche Eyeshadow in Army Brat 

Time Out for Teacher: Best Salon in Illinois: Wesley James Salon

Spring break is in full swing this week at my daycare, so vacation time beckoned on my work schedule. What better way to put a "spring" in my step by removing the winter doldrums of dry, staticy and brassy hair then getting a new hair cut and style!

I skedaddled my way to a local salon with an elegant moniker, Wesley James Salon, and have to say I am overjoyed with their hair-roic results. Goodbye flat, lackluster color, Hello gorgeous!

Below you will find a review I posted on Yelp.com describing the glorious events which followed upon entering this upscale, low-brow salon with more charm than a dimpled smile.


This salon gives you knockout style without the pompous attitude of their downtown cousins! The staff gave me some of the most shear-ly phenomenal service I have ever had in my many, many, many hair -rowing encounters. 

My stylist, Kelly, is a hair genius who expertly applied subtle shades of natural blonde highlights and erased some very coppery tones from my hair, to create a shimmering mane full of vanilla and carmel decadence! I also received a precision haircut that even the most persnickety client would be drooling over.

If Hollywood knew of her beauty talents, the stars would be breaking down the doors of this quaint and secluded salon located in the adorable town of Clarendon Hills. 

Another point I would like to make about the staff is their dedication to client satisfaction. Since Kelly had another client waiting, another stylist, Jaclyn, asked if she could blow-dry my hair so Kelly could attend to her next client. Talk about a teamwork! 

Jaclyn is a blow-dry goddess. I have thick, curly hair that sends most stylists into full blown panic attack mode, but Jaclyn wielded her mighty round brush and proclaimed victory over my unruly locks in no time flat! 

I left the salon glowing and feeling like I had just won the hair lottery! Thank you Wesley James Salon!