Wednesday, May 29, 2013

Brow Sculpt & Tint Tutorial

Hi guys!!  Sorry it's been so long!  We've been super busy lately.

As I was in DESPERATE need of doing my brows, I thought I'd throw a tutorial your way.  Now please keep in mind, I really truly recommend getting your brows done by a pro, as they can easily be goofed up.  Also, all brows are different.  It completely depends on what you already have to work with, your natural shape, and what you want; such as full & natural or high arch & thinner.  I always consult before I mark my brow territory & then show you what I'd like to remove & keep & so forth.  Most pros should do this unless you've been going to the same person & really happy with your shape. Shape does depend on your face too!!  Everyone should get a customized brow as in everyone's face is different & natural brow is different too.  Also some good tips to know! Both brows are never truly 100% identical.  Overly thin brows are out & steer away from hooks or question marks.  Brows should have a little more density & rhythm...they should connect!  As we head into tinting....don't EVER tattoo your brows!!!! This should never ever happen! It never looks good on anyone!!!!  Cheers to your best brows! : )

Set up for waxing & tinting.  Should be very clean & Aesthetician should use
a new stick for each wax application.  
I used to be on the fence with brow tinting but fell in love with it, when I had it done in November for my wedding in Mexico.  My brows are super light & wanted a little color for days at the pool & beach & for quick getting ready to hit the town, with little maintenance.  I actually recommend brow (& lash) tinting for everyone.  The tint will enhance your natural beauty & give you pretty definition to frame your eyes. I am also a HUGE fan of eye lash tinting...tutorial coming soon!!  These services, I highly recommend having done by a pro, as well, as they can be very tricky.

1. Measure "start" of brow by aligning stick with
corner of outer nostril straight up.
2. Measure arch by aligning stick with
outer edge of nose/corner running
straight through pupil.  This
can change depending on width of face & nose. FYI


3. Align stick with corner of nose & outer edge
of eye.



4. Note: marks made for start, arch, & end.
I measured the other brow between photos.
5. Connect the lines.  Your brow shape should have
straight lines connecting your start, arch, & end. 

6. Comb brow hairs to prep for trimming.  
8. The last half of the brow should be combed
downward & trimmed with scissors curving down.
9. Start by waxing the middle area.  Apply
muslim strip pressing up & down.  Taught the skin
& yank muslim in a downward motion.

7. The front half of the brow should typically be trimmed up top
with the slanted scissors curved up.





11. Follow with top from arch to end.
Follow the same directions & don't
forget to taught the skin.
13. Apply wax from arch to end.  Follow with muslim.

12. Apply wax from start to arch.  Always press
muslim in direction of hair growth & pull in opposite
direction.

14. Always prep skin prior to tint
application by coating the skin around the brow
with either vaseline or a jojoba oil.  This
prevents staining on the skin.
In a small bowl squirt your color of choice.
There is no need for a ton of color
as this is a small area of hair.
*My favorite pro tint brand is Intensive.
Anything from Sally's Beauty Supply is
not worth purchasing.

15. Squirt the same amount of developer ......
16. Mix with applicator brush.
17. Apply color to brow hairs.
Color is light & becomes darker...


Color darkens
End result of my color choice
"Middle Brown".












Tuesday, May 7, 2013

Our Nursery

As we prepare my old dressing room to be a nursery, we are utilizing our resources as much as possible.  We purchased a used glider & ottoman from an Oak Park neighbor, which I will change the pad covers with a fabric, I found at an Oak Park Resale shop.  Our crib was given to us by my lovely sister in-law.  An old dresser of mine, we plan to sand down & paint a lovely shade of mint green, while changing the knobs, which I've been scoping out, from anthropologie.com.  A changing table is being passed on by my sweet aunt, which may get sanded down & painted.  I have some other fun girlie items that will get painted & reused or simply used to give our little girl's nursery some personality.  I love that we are reusing so many things as it gives the nursery our own fun loving recycled vibe.
As we discussed things we liked & disliked regarding nursery decor.  We agreed to go with a palette of fun loving colors (no pink...as I don't really care for pink much) and deck the walls with maps and woodland animals.  We weren't very fond of the nursery themes we found available, so we went with things, we thought would be special.   I found some great ideas from Etsy and can't wait to get this room finished.
I am so anxious for this little one to arrive!!!! Happy 26 weeks, this Thursday!! Only 2 weeks away from beginning our 3rd trimester. (YIPPPEEEE!!!!!!)

Some undecided items are seen below.  Comment & let me know, which you like best.  : )

mint, blue, yellow, peach, coral colors

another version of our color combos


different shades of mint
homey and delicate

inspiration

not quite this bright but inspiration

one map we chose, above.  will get framed can be found at uncommongoods.com

another map to be framed as wall art.  uncommongoods.com

we can't decide on the fox or rabbit shown below.  But these wall hooks are too adorable!
anthropologie.com

possible dresser knobs
anthropologie.com

another hook that I'd love to place on the back of the nursery door.
anthropologie.com

another dresser knob possibility
anthropologie.com

rabbit wall hook
anthropologie.com

rabbit dresser knobs
anthropologie.com

room inspiration

hedgehog clock
etsy.com

owl clock etsy.com

fox clock etsy.com

squirrel/rabbit clock etsy.com

fox clock etsy.com

duck in pond clock etsy.com

you are my sunshine wall art, already planning on a peach or coral color.
etsy.com

Thursday, May 2, 2013

Mother's Day Gift Ideas

As Mother's Day is approaching and I am on my way to becoming a Mother, I've thought of some ways I can make this one a tad more special, than the rest.  I don't know if I will accomplish just that but know we are in for a very pleasant day.  We always do enjoy our Mother's Day outings.  I'd love to make it more special because not only is my mom my best friend but I know she will make the most wonderful grammie!!!  I know my daughter will want to be with her Grammie more than anyone in the world.  My mother has even stated that is her aim.  : )


For Mother's Day the past few years, my sister, mom, & I spend the morning getting pedicures and enjoying breakfast, brunch, or lunch.  This is something we all enjoy, especially mi mammasita.  It's relaxing and doesn't take up an entire day.  We have done low key pedi's & simple breakfast from Onion Roll to lunch at a really cheap taco joint.  We have even done the cheap quick pedi/mani places to the slightly more expensive fancier establishments.  They are all equally enjoyable as we spend time together chatting up a storm & laughing our fannies off.


I know some mom's to be may expect something special for Mother's Day, I personally do not think you should be honored as a Mother on this special day, til you actually go through the process of down right being a mom.  Being a mom is a very tough job with many beautiful rewards, where I think then Mother's Day is appreciated even more so!


; )

Happy Mother's Day to all those beautiful wise women out there.  I hope you enjoy the day with your child(ren).

Here are some gift ideas I thought would touch any Mom's heart:

 Brunch is always yummy!
 Pamper mom with a facial, mani, or pedi.
 A nice framed photo of you & her can always have a lasting impression.
jayneboutique.com Jayne is located at 7423 Madison Forest Park, IL 60130
This is an absolute gem of a boutique.  You can find many great gift items!  I love the vibrant colored wristlets, you can even throw in a great smelling hand cream and fashionable ring or earrings.  
a pretty ring stating the obvious!
An enjoyable day at the Shedd Aquarium, Field Museum, Planetarium, Museum of Science & Industry, or one of Chicago's art museums can be a great day to remember!