DIY Bird Cake Toppers & Base Part 2

If you remember, a couple of months ago I made our bird cake toppers. After meeting with our baker and determining the size of our cake and how many layers we need, we found out that our top layer will be 6 inches and our birds are too fat to fit on top so I had to look for newer skinnier birds. Luckily, i found a pair that are just as adorable. We'll probably use the other birds on our sweetheart table.

Here's a step by step process of making the base:

Materials needed: 6 inch styrofoam circle, white fabric, hot glue gun, lace, spanish moss, and lots of patience

First, I cut two 6 inch circles out of the white fabric.

Then I cut a strip of white fabric to run along the side/edge of the circle.

I hot glued them in place.

Hot glued the spanish moss on to the top of the base (small sections at a time).

Then I started hot gluing the lace around the edge.

I used 3 layers of lace to get the look that I wanted.

I spray painted the birds, dusted them with blush, and clear coated them with a flat spray paint. You can refer to my previous post for more details on making the birds.

I hot glued the birds onto the base.

My Costume- Lady Gaga The Meat Dress

My orignial costume idea was a sexy witch but at the last minute I decided to get more creative. I rushed out to Jo Ann Fabric and got this bloody mummy gauze-like fabric, a red cami from Dots, some black fishnets, and wig! It took me close to 4 hours to sew this and put it all together but it was well worth it. I pinned the fabric around the cami and sewed it; adding a few pieces here and there to give dimension, ripped up the bottom, made it into a v-neck, and tied a belt around my waist.

The shoes were my favorite part. I've come to notice that I only wear these red heels on Halloween. I wore them when I was a nurse, when I was Betty Boop, and now this year as Gaga. I covered them in fabric and secured it with thin white ribbon that I criss crossed.

To stay with the theme, my fiance went as a butcher aka Gaga's Meat Packer. He wore a bloody tee shirt with a white lab coat and jeans.

We had such a great night and I had so much fun being creative with this costume. I love Halloween!

What did you dress up as this year?

Happy Halloween!

NYX Nude & L.A Colors Black Sparkle tips

I did these really quick before heading out the door last night and I'm really liking the tips.

Costume post ~Coming Soon~

Saturday's OOTD

Remember my "Black Friday Shopping Haul" from the other day, well I didn't waste any time ripping the tags off and wearing my selections! A bunch of us went out to a nightclub and then to the casino. There aren't many pictures because it was a sloppy night but here's and idea of what I wore:

Coolwear Black Tunic Dress

Betsey Johnson Bow Tights

Steve Madden CARRII
Pearl & Metal Beaded Necklace (worn as a bracelet) (old)

As high as those Steve Madden heels are, they were actually comfortable! The only issue I had was that my foot occassionally wanted to slip out but I think that was because of the tights.

Wedding Wednesday Doubting My Dress

So, here's the dress I bought:

Oleg Cassini

I've been having serious doubts about my dress lately. I have certain wedding websites and blogs that I check on a daily basis for inspiration. It's not that I've been looking for a new dress but I've seen a couple of dresses on these sites that make me feel like I made the wrong decision. When I said yes to the dress, I was torn between two dresses, the one pictured below and the one I picked. I picked the Cassini because I felt like the ruffles on the Gaudi should have been less structured and my fiance thought that it looked like a "mummy dress." But what do guys know about fashion?

Pronovias Gaudi

Then I stumbled upon the Pronovias Estepona. This dress is pretty much my dream dress. Problem is, it's from 2007 and I can't find it anywhere. I called, googled, researched, and nothing. I even tried to find a seamstress who could make it and I still turned up with nothing. 2 of them never returned my calls and another one said she wasn't comfortable taking on the task.

Swiss Dotted Tulle

Ruffles and bows going down the back

This is the girliest dress out there and I can't have it!

Then I found this one:

San Patrick Edimburgo

San Patrick happens to be the sister company of Pronovias. I think it's safe to say that I am a bug fan of Pronovias. Luckily, this dress is from the 2010 collection so I can still get it. I love the ruffles and the buttons down the back. The only thing I would change is I would remove the shoulder strap and make it into a sweetheart neckline.

So, now I'm torn, yet again. Do I try to sell my dress and buy another one? Should I risk it 7 months out from our wedding? Any other brides-to-be or past brides ever have this wishy washy feeling about their dress?

Pretending to be a Celeb.

One of the newest blogs that I started following is A. Co Est. 1984. Her OOTD's are so inspiring and she has a great sense of style not to mention an incredible shoe collection that would make any girl extremely jealous! Recently, she responded to a few questions- celebrity interview style. I loved the idea so I thought I'd do the same. Check out her answers here.

I kickstart my day with... a big cup of coffee! I can't function without it.

Other daily essentials... water (that's pretty much all I drink besides coffee), chapstick, my laptop, and phone

Recent splurge... The wedding! I haven't been splurging too much because all of our $$$ is going toward the wedding right now.

Dreaming about... warm weather, beaches, and the bright shining sun! I hate the cold.

Beauty indulgence... weekly face mask and bi- weekly pore cleansing mask (review coming soon)

Can't stop watching... reality t.v! I'm addicated to Jersey Shore, Keeping up with the Kardashians, and Teen Mom right now.

Top shop... Forever 21 and ASOS (a newly found favorite)

Working out to... my ipod on shuffle. Dance/techno music usually gets me motivated.

Signature scent... Juicy Couture Viva La Juicy, Paris Hilton Sheer, Victoria's Secret Halo (not sold anymore but I was able to track a bottle down on ebay!)

You won't find me... watching baseball. I don't get it! It's so boring to me. Football? yes. Baseball..no way.

I heart... my fiance, chocolate, and chardonnay.

I encourage you to post your answers!

I also encourage you to check out a some of the blogs that

I ♥ at the moment:

Ciao Bella

Cheryl's Beauty Blog

I am Syle-ish

sketchbook six

Miss Natty's Beauty Diary

Ramblings of a Makeup and Shopping Addict

NOTD OPI Siberian Nights

OPI

Siberian Nights (R52)

I really like this color for this time of year. It's a rich eggplant color. It almost looks black at first glance but it has a hint of purple when the light hits it.

What I used: Sally Hansen Double Duty Strengthing Base & Top Coat (as a base coat), 2 coats of OPI Siberian Nights, Sally Hansen Maximum Growth Quick Dry Top Coat

Yesterday's OOTD & I Got Bangs!

I was working from home yesterday and I had to run a few errands at the end of the day so I kept it really casual ---and warm! It's getting so cold here!

Gap Gray Basic V-Neck Top

Abercrombie & Fitch Furry Lined Hooded Jacket

Abercrombie & Fitch Emma Jeans

Australian Sheepskin Button Boots

(super soft furry lining of my jacket)

I got a trim the other day and after all of these months of growing out my bangs, I decided to get bangs again! I told my hairstylist to give me a trim and bangs and I let her decide how to cut them. I have a lot of trust in her because she is great at what she does and I couldn't be happier with my decision.

I bought an Aveda product that she recommended for bangs that I'll post a review on soon.

It's a Black Friday ~Shopping Haul~

I found these super hot Steve Madden pumps and I am in love! I still haven't ordered the Fifi pumps featured in this post. I'm not sure what size to order! Listen to how crazy this is- I have a pair of Steve Madden boots that are a 7.5, a pair of Madden Girl pumps that are a 6.5, and these Steve Madden pumps are a 5.5! I typically wear a 6.5 in most shoes but I'm so confused with their sizing and I have no clue what to order so I'm going to have to wait until I can get to King of Prussia Mall.

Steve Madden

CARRII Black Patent

(very similar to Caryssa which has a black sole)

1.25 inch platform

5 inch heel

I love the reflective silver soles!

Coolwear Black Tunic Dress with Shoulder Pads

Cut out back

Shoulder detailing

Betsey Johnson 3 pack of tights

(1 bow, 2 black)

If you remember, I also found these cute Betsey Johnson socks a few weeks ago.

I think the cold weather/winter depression is setting in and my shopping haul reflects that with all of this black. I'm mourning the loss of my sunny, warm beach days. Winter depression or not, I couldn't have passed up these purchases- I just can't wait to wear them!

Do you get hit with "winter depression" as the cold weather starts to creep in?

Countdown to Halloween!

I'm hoping that my costume gets here in time. I ordered in on eBay and it's coming from Singapore. I'm getting a little worried that I may have to throw something together last minute because the tracking information says it's still in Singapore even though I ordered it 2 weeks ago!

I found this cute witch's hat (with headband) the other day so this is all I have so far.

How cool is the cage veil with little spiders?! I love it!

Rosettes, tulle, and feathers!
I can't wait for Halloween. I love dressing up!

What are you going to be this year?

Saturday's OTD

I know this is pretty bad, an outfit of the day from Saturday and it's Friday! I have been overwhelmed with working and trying to tie up loose ends with wedding planning before the holidays hit.

BCBG/Miley Plaid Boyfriend Shirt

Strawberry's Burnout White Basic Top

Strawberry's Black Leggings

Dollhouse Black Boots

Tiffany & Co. Silver Bangle Bracelet

I will to try my best to get on here more often and post.

What do you girls want to see more of?

OTD? Reviews? Makeup? Wedding planning details? Something else?

I ♥ Steve Madden

Steve Madden

Fifi

5.5 inch heel

1 inch platform

Satin & Tulle

I am so thankful for Steve Madden because his designs allow all of us girls who love shoes (but can't afford to buy a closet full of Louboutins) to still have a stunning collection!

I know I already bought a pair of ridiculously cute heels (from ASOS) to wear on our wedding day but these are hot and they are calling my name. I promise you, the ASOS heels will not be neglected if I buy another shoe. I'm confident that I will wear them plenty of times. Also, if you remember from my last post, the other heels were a little wide in the heel area so maybe I should get something with a better fit since I have to wear them all day.

Do you see what I'm doing here? I'm totally talking myself into buying them. Do you ever do that to yourself to justify a purchase?

What do you think? Get them or stick with the other pair?

NOTD Sally Hansen Extreme Wear

Sally Hansen Extreme Wear

Gunmetal (22)

I absolutely love this nail polish! The color is is a beautiful grayish navy blue color. It's so different from any of the other polishes that I have and I think it's a perfect fall/winter color.

The quality is amazing too. I painted my nails Monday night and there were only a few very minor chips by Thursday. I just corrected them by painting over the tips of my nails where there were chips and it stayed. (picture taken this morning) Usually, when I try that trick they just keep on chipping anyway.

A few months ago I purchased Sally Hansen Complete Salon Manicure Polish which was $8 or $9 and it chipped off pretty bad after a few days. This Extreme Wear Polish is only $3 and it holds up way better than the more expensive option. I am definaltey going to buy some more polishes from that line!

I have not been compensated in any way for this review. This polish was bought with my own free will and with my own hard-earned money.

Winner! Winner! Chicken Dinner!

The winner of my very first giveaway and a $35 gift certificate to CSN is.....are you ready?!?!

Tammigirl!

Congratulations!

I want to thank those of you who entered.

This giveaway was a lot of fun so I'm sure I will have another one in the near future.

Tammigirl- Please email me asap

and I will send all of the exciting details your way so you can start shopping!

Forever 21 OTD

Forever 21 White Burnout Longsleeve

Forever 21 Gray Ruffle Cardigan

Forever 21 Black Leggings

Dollhouse Black Boots

My New Skin Care Routine

I received this Philosophy Skin Care set as a gift and I've been using it for about a month now. I have noticed a bit of a difference in my skin and it's a good difference. I haven't been breaking out at all lately. I have combination skin that is more on the oily side and I usually break out once a month (right around that time) but my skin has been under control lately and I'm really loving it.

Purity is a one-step cleanser that claims to "melt away all face and eye makeup in one simple step, while lightly hydrating the skin" and it does just that. I usually have to use an eye makeup remover after washing my face but I haven't had to do that after washing with Purity. I would use a toner after washing my face at night and I would end up with a lot of color (my foundation, blush, powder) on my cotton round but now it comes up clean so I only use my toner every so often now.

Hope in a Jar original formula is safe for all skin types. There is a HIAJ that is specially formulated for dry, sensitive skin too. I have to be careful when it comes to moisturzers because sometimes they are too greasy for my skin and they will leave me shining (not in a good way). The original formula is lightweight and it absorbs right into my skin so there's no oily residue left behind. I really love the feel of this moisturizer because it feels almost like silk and it leaves my face feeling really soft. MAC Prep & Prime Skin leaves my face super soft; it's a comparable feeling to that.

When Hope is Not Enough facial firming serum helps to protect against aging. This is actually applied after washing your face and before you moisturize. It is a very lightweight formula that absorbs instantly into my skin. It does have a strange smell though that kind of bothers me but as long as it keeps my skin wrinkle-free, I can deal with it. It bothers me that we can't know for sure if we are using the right products to ward off wrinkles until we get older. Does that ever cross your mind as well?

Hope in a Tube high-density eye and lip firming cream is heavier/thicker cream that is supposed to minimize fine lines around the eye and lip area. Most eye creams are heavier and I think that's because the eye area needs more attention as the skin is much more delicate.

Have you tried Philosophy products? Which products do you recommend?

Disclaimer: I received this set as a gift from a family member. I am not affiliated in any way with Philosophy and I have not been compensated in any way for this review.