Chunky Raglan Knit Sweater Tutorial

Hi everyone! Welcome back! Today I have a Chunky Raglan DIY Knit Sweater for you all :)

Materials: for XS

Striped:

3 skeins color A

1 skein color B (even if doing large size you still might only need 1 skein. I did a version with 103 stitches around and was able to do 20 rows of stripe and still have some left over)

OR

Solid:

4 Skeins


Scissors

Tapestry needle

Several pieces of scrap yarn to test fit and size as you go and to hold arm stitches when working the body

7 regular stitch markers and 1 different stitch marker

Size 15 32” circular needles

Size 15 16” circular needles

OPTIONAL size 13 32” circular needles and size 13 16” circular needles if you want the ribbing to cinch



Skills:

Knit

Purl

Yarn Over



Abbreviations:

XS – Extra Small

S – Small

M – Medium

L – Large

K – Knit

P – Purl

YO – Yarn Over

CO – Cast On

PM – Place Marker

TOG – Together

BO – Bind Off



Pattern:

XS (S, M, L)

Neckline:

CO 47 (49, 51, 53) Stitches with 32" circulars and use bind off method to join. Place 1 different stitch marker

Rows 1-4: K1 P1 ribbing. (Or 1.5”) *you can use size 13 needles if you want the ribbing to cinch*



Yoke (increases for armholes)

Row 1: K2, PM, YO, K 14 YO, PM, K2, PM, YO, K 5 YO, PM, K2, PM, YO, K 14 YO, PM, K2, PM, YO, K 5 YO.

Row 2: Purl all stitches including YO’s

Row 3: K2, YO after marker is moved to right needle, K to next Marker, YO, K2, YO after marker is moved to right needle, K to next marker, YO, K2, YO after marker is moved to right needle, K to next Marker, YO, K2, YO after marker is moved to right needle

Rows 4-17 (21, 25, 29): Repeat rows 2 & 3.

Row 18 (22, 26, 30): Purl all stitches including YO’s

**End of Yoke/Shoulder Increases**



Divide for Sleeves and Body:

K to first marker, remove marker, K to next marker, remove marker, K1, place next stitch on scrap yarn, remove marker, place stitches from here to next marker on same holder, remove marker, place 1 stitch on same holder, tie scrap yarn in a loop so no stitches fall off, CO or YO 1 onto right needle, K to marker, remove marker, K to next marker, remove marker, K1, place next stitch on scrap yarn, remove marker, place stitches from here to next marker on same holder, remove marker, place 1 stitch on same holder (will have to remove marker that signifies start of round, place 1 stitch on holder and put marker back on left needle), CO or YO 1 onto right needle, tie scrap yarn in a loop so no stitches fall off.



Body:

Row 1 (color B): P1, P2 TOG, P to next CO or YO under other stitches on holder, P the CO/YO, P2 TOG, P to beginning.

Row 2 (color B): K

Row 3 (color B): P

Rows 4-11(color B): repeat rows 2 and 3

Row 12 (color A): K

Row 13 (color A): P

Rows 14-21 (color A): repeat rows 12 and 13

Row 22 (color B): K

Row 23 (color B): P

Rows 24-31(color B): repeat rows 22 and 23

Row 32 (color A): K

Row 33 (color A): P

Rows 34-41 (color A): repeat rows 32 and 33

Row 42 (color A): K

Row 43 (color A): P

Rows 44-51 (color A): repeat rows 42 and 43

Rows 52-56: K1 P1 Ribbing. (Or 1.5”)

BO



Sleeves (make 2) 16" circulars

Color A

Pick up stitches so that you begin at the top of the shoulder and not the armpit. Also make sure that the right side of the sweater is facing you and not the inside (see video for better description). Also pick up 3 (3, 4, 4) stitches along the armpit (there should be a gap in stitches here).

Row 1: Knit to exact middle stitch (count and divide by 2) also don’t knit the middle stitch. PM, K1, PM, K to beginning.

BELOW WEBSITE IS HOW TO CALCULATE THE SLEEVE!
http://www.getknitting.com/ak_0603mfcalc.aspx

Row 2: Purl to 2 STS before marker, P2TOG, move marker, P1, move marker, P2TOG, purl to beginning

Row 3: Knit

Row 4: Purl

Rows 5-9: repeat rows 3 & 4

Row 10: Purl to 2 STS before marker, P2TOG, move marker, P1, move marker, P2TOG, purl to beginning

Row 11: Knit

Row 12: Purl

Rows 13-17: repeat rows 11 & 12

18: Purl to 2 STS before marker, P2TOG, move marker, P1, move marker, P2TOG, purl to beginning

Row 19: Knit

Row 20: Purl

Rows 21-26: repeat rows 20 & 21

27: Knit to 2 STS before marker, P2TOG, move marker, P1, move marker, P2TOG, purl to beginning

Row 28: Purl

Row 29: Knit

Rows 30-35: repeat rows 28 & 29

36: Purl to 2 STS before marker, P2TOG, move marker, P1, move marker, P2TOG, purl to beginning

Row 37: Knit

Row 38: Purl

Rows 39-44: repeat rows 37 & 38

45: Knit to 2 STS before marker, P2TOG, move marker, P1, move marker, P2TOG, purl to beginning

Row 46: Purl

Row 47: Knit

Rows 48-52: repeat rows 46 & 47

Rows 53-56: *K1 P1* repeat * to * until end of each round.

BO


Weave in ends!

One Skein Crochet Winter Vest

Hi everyone! I'm back again with a new crochet tutorial! I'm so excited to share this with you all because it's the first crochet pattern that I completed that is a garment that you can wear out or over a cute dress. I'm so happy it worked out and I can't wait to see what you guys create :)

Please check out my YouTube video below to watch me make it and below for the written pattern!

Front Body

Below is done in size small, for medium do 2 more rows and for large do 4 more than the small size. 

S (M, L)

MAKE 2

Row 1: chain 2, hdc in 2^nd ch from hook. ch 2, turn. (ch 2 counts as a hdc)

Row 2: 2 hdc in first hdc. Ch 2, turn.

Row 3: hdc in first stitch (counts as an increase because of initial ch2 and turn) across to last ch. Hdc 2 in last ch. Ch 2, turn

Row 4-10 (4-12, 4-14): RPT row 3. (18 ch total for small)

Row 11 (13, 15): mark opposite end of row with a removable stitch marker. Hdc in second stitch (not what your ch 2 is connected to but the next stitch) and hdc across until last stitch. Hdc 2 in last stitch. Ch 2, turn.

Row 12 (14, 16): hdc in stitch connected to ch 2 (first stitch) and across. Ch 2, turn.

Rows 13-20 (15-22, 17-24): repeat rows 11-12 (13-14, 15-16). ( 29 stitches total)

Row 21 (armhole shaping and collar decrease) (23, 25): ss in first 5 stitches. Hdc 2 together. Hdc across until you reach last two stitches. Hdc 2 tog. Ch 1, turn.

Row 22 (24, 26): hdc 2 tog hdc across. Ch 2 turn

Row 23 (25, 27): hdc in second stitch (not one connected to the ch 2). Hdc until last two. Hdc tog. Ch 1 turn.

Rows 24-29 (26-31, 28-33) repeat rows 22-23 (24-25, 26-27) (14? Stitches for small)

Row 30 (32, 34): hdc in second stitch (not one connected to the ch 2). Hdc until last two. Hdc tog. Ch 2 turn.

Row 31 (33, 35) (shoulder shaping): skip first HDC and hdc in next 4 stitches. Ch 2, turn (leaving rest of row unworked)

Rows 32-37 (34-39, 36-41): repeat row 31 (33, 35). 

Bind Off

Back

MAKE 1

Measure your back from side seam to side seam and make a chain as long adding 4 more chains (crochet shrinks as you work the piece) (2 count as first hdc)

Row 1: hdc in third chain from hook and hdc across. Ch 2 (counts as first hdc) and turn.

Rows 2-9 (2-11, 2-13): hdc in second hdc, hdc across, ch 2, turn.

Row 10 (12, 14): hdc in second hdc, hdc across, ch 1, turn.

Row 11 (13, 15) (Shaping armhole): ss in first 5 stitches, hdc 2 tog, hdc across till last 7 stitches. Hdc 2 tog, ch 2 and turn.

Rows 12-15 (14-17, 16-19): hdc in second from hook, hdc across. Ch 2, turn.
Rows 16-20 (18-22, 20-24): hdc in first stitch (inc) and across. 2 hdc in last stitch. ch 2 turn.

Bind Off.

Seam up side seams

Seam shoulder seams

Seam back collar together and then seam to the back neck hole. 

Weave in ends and block if desired.

If you have ANY questions please leave a comment below, on the video on YouTube or send me a message on Instagram @dahi.knits !

Enjoy and good luck!

Xx

Steph

Easy Crochet Moccasins Tutorial

Hi everyone! Today I FINALLY have a new crochet pattern to share! It is accompanied by a YouTube video as well so don’t forget to check that out below too :)

MATERIALS

6.5 mm crochet hook

Size 6 super bulky yarn (I used about 1/3 skein of Bernat Blanket)

DICTIONARY

SC = single crochet (go through chain, yarn over, pull through, yarn over pull through the two stitches on your hook)

DC = double crochet (yarn over, go through chain, yarn over pull through, yarn over pull through 2, yarn over pull through last two)

Treble Crochet (yarn over twice,  go through chain, yarn over pull through, yarn over pull through two, yarn over pull through two, yarn over pull through last two)

SIZES

I wear a size 8.5-9 women’s US and these were a ~bit~ loose on me. (I’m thinking they would’ve been more snug if I was also wearing thick fuzzy socks!)

You can start with any number of chains as long as it fits across the widest part of your foot. 

For length, you will do as many rows to fit the length of your foot. (I did 14 rows)

INSTRUCTIONS

SOLE

First make a slip knot and chain 8 (or as many needed to cover the width of your foot)

Row 1: 1 sc in the second chain from the hook. *1 dc in the next stitch, 1 sc in the next stitch*. Repeat from * to * until the end of the row. Chain 3 and turn.

Row 2: Sc in the second stitch in (on top of the dc). The chain three counts as the first dc. *sc in the next stitch and then dc in the stitch after*. Repeat from * to * to the end of the row. Chain 1 and turn.

Row 3: Sc in the first stitch (on top of the last dc you did in the last round). *dc in the next stitch, sc in the stitch after*. Repeat from * to * till the end. 

REPEAT ROWS 2 AND 3 UNTIL YOU REACH YOUR DESIRED LENGTH

***QUICK TIP***

An easy way to remember how to work this pattern is that if your first stitch when you turn is a dc then you should have chained one and do a sc in that first stitch. If your SECOND stitch is a dc then you would have chained 3 and then skipped the first stitch (single crochet) and have single crocheted on top of the double crochet. 

Leave any comments below or on the video if you get stuck and need help!

SIDES OF SHOE

Once your shoe is of the desired length, you will chain 3 and turn your work so that you are working down the length of the sole. 

Row 1: You will dc around the perimeter of the sole and slip stitch to the first dc. Chain 3.

Row 2: Start dc’ing from the second stitch all the way around until the last 5 stitches. In the last 5 stitches you will sc and chain 2 (counts as first dc of next row) 

TOP OF SHOE

Row 1: In the second chain dc across to the end. Chain 2 & turn.

Repeat row 1 until the top piece is long enough to cover the top of your foot so that your foot does not fall out of the shoe when wearing it. (I did 4 rows)

ATTATCHING TOP TO THE SHOE

To attach the top to the rest of the shoe you will chain one and line up the edges of the top to the edges of the sides of the shoe. Now you’re going to sc along these two edges, seaming them shut as if you were joining two pieces in a side seam or a hat. You will work this starting from the left side, around the front and up the right side of the top of the shoe. There is a good visual of this in the video! Once you reached the beginning, chain 3.

TOP FLAP OF SHOE

After chaining three we will now be creating 4 more treble crochets across those 5 stitches to create the top of the shoe. You will skip the first stitch and place a treble crochet in the second.

At the end, bind off and tuck yarn.

FINISHING 

Fold over the treble crochet flap and thread some yarn through the underside so each loose end of the yarn is coming out of the top. Tie in a bow and you’re done! There is a good visual of this in the video too!

Don’t forget to make 2! 

I hope you all enjoyed and if you have any questions, feel free to leave a comment here or on the video for this pattern!

Good Luck!

Xx

Stephanie Marie

DIY CROCHET FLORAL BIKINI TOP | CROP TOP EM CROCHE

Hi everyone! Welcome back!

I've posted a new video on my YouTube channel on how to make a floral bikini top!

Watch the video below and you can follow along with the written instructions. Please note, the instructions for the cherry blossoms are found here! It's not the same exact link as the one I used, but I basically used a generic flower pattern.

PATTERN:

5 mm hook (bikini top)

3.75 mm hook (flowers and contrasting band)

Medium weight yarn in 2 colors 

Cup Sizes:

A - 24 stitches

B - 26 stitches

C - 28 stitches

D - 30 stitches

Size xs/small

Row 1: Ch 71 stitches, turn

Row 2: SC 70 stitches, CH 2, turn

Row 3: Skip 1st SC and DC into the second SC *CH2, skip stitch, DC in next stitch* Repeat from * to * until the end of the row. Ch1, turn

Rows 4-6: SC across, CH 1, turn.

Row 7: Fold work in half and mark the center stitch with a marker. SC across until you reach the stitch right before the marker. CH 1, turn.

Row 8: Mark cup size number of stitches out from where you are on your work. SC to the marker, crocheting into the marker point this time, CH 1, turn.

Row 9: SC to midpoint, ch 1, turn.

Row 10: Place a marker 7 stitches in on both sides of your cup size in stitches. SC 6, SC 2 in the marker, SC to next marker, SC 2 in that marker, SC to the end, CH 1, turn. *REMEMBER TO PLACE MARKER BACK INTO THE SPOT WHERE YOU SC 2*!!

Row 11: Repeat Row 10 (SC 6, SC 2 in the marker, SC to next marker, SC 2 in that marker, SC to the end, CH 1, turn).

Row 12: Mark mid point, SC to marker, SC 2TOG, mark spot again, SC to the end, CH 1, turn.

**AGAIN ALWAYS REMEMBER TO PLACE THE MARKER IN THE SAME SPOT!**

Repeat Row 12 until you have 4 SC left on your work.

WORKING THE STRAP:

1. SC 2TOG on your 4 SC left, CH 91, turn.

2. SC across (90 stitches) and SC 2TOG, Bind off.

TO MAKE OTHER CUP:

Start with ROW 8 to make the other cup!

CROCHET FLOWERS:

Please follow the link above to learn how to crochet the flowers.

Make 6-8 depending on your cup size.

CONTRASTING STRAP:

Using the smaller hook used for the flowers, chain a chain that is 3 times the length of the initial 70 stitches. 

I SPENT HOW MUCH ON HELLO KITTY?! | Hello Kitty Café Boston Vlog

Hello, everyone! Last month I took a trip to Boston to visit the Hello Kitty Café Truck that arrived for the day. It was expensive but worth it! Watch my vlog above and stay tuned for the Primark/Hello Kitty Café Truck Haul coming soon :)


P.S.
I spent $117 buying one of everything on the food truck haha. Leave a comment below if YouTube sent you here!


Xx
Stephanie

Too Faced, Lipstick Queen & M.A.C. | Spring Makeup Haul 3.20.17

I went impromptu spring makeup shopping yesterday! I originally wanted to purchase my first high-end foundation (preferably Nars Sheer Glow in Mt. Blanc) however they didn't have it at the Sephora I was at. I forwent the foundation for three other impromptu items! And I say "impromptu" because as we were driving past Ulta, I remembered they were having another 21 Days of Beauty event. I ran in and grabbed the Too Faced Love Flush Long-Lasting 16-Hour Blush in "How Deep is Your Love?" The packaging is adorable and they had quite a few shades to pick from! There is a decent sized mirror inside as well as the cutest printed design on the blush itself 😍

While in the checkout line I saw a display for the Lipstick Queen Frog Prince lipstick! Every time I tried to purchase it, it was always sold out. So I, unfortunately, spent an extra $25 but hey, it was worth it! I also struggle to find a "your lips but better" color that won't smudge or ball up so this color was perfect! It does, however, dry my lips out a bit so I suggest a chapstick before applying.

Last, but not least, I went to my local M.A.C. counter. Now I know makeup goes bad but I never had an issue with concealers. I have the Urban Decay Primer Potion in Eden and it is definitely bad. I know it's also an eyeshadow primer so I only use it when applying eyeshadow or liner to my lids. However, when applying my eyeshadow on top of the primer, it makes these skip marks and just seems like the product dries out once applied. It makes everything look bad so I wanted to upgrade to a M.A.C Paint Pot in Painterly. Hopefully, this product won't give me the same issue if it does go bad (fingers crossed I use it before that happens!)

I will probably do another makeup video on my YouTube channel for a spring makeup look using these new products! 

Happy Spring! 🌹💐🐰🌸

Xx Steph

Weekend Makeup & Hair Tutorial

Hey everyone! I posted a new tutorial over on my YouTube channel! Go check it out and give it some love <3

Xx
Steph

Bullet Journal | Plan With Me January 2017

Bullet Journal Flip Through & Pen Collection | Oct & Nov 2016

Hi everyone! I hope you're all doing well! I have another Bullet Journal related post for you today. While filming my December 2016 spread, I went into detail about the pens I use to create my spreads. I hope you enjoy the video and let me know if you have any questions below!

Xx Steph

Bullet Journal | October 2016

A new video is up on my channel! I decided to start a Bullet Journal and we'll see how it goes for me... more updates on how I like it will be in another video!

Xx

Steph

How to Hide a Cold Sore | Daily Makeup Routine

It's finally October! Yay! With the new month came chapped lips so I decided to do a lip scrub for the first time in a long time. I figured it wouldn't work (it didn't) and thanks to that idea, I got a few cold sores because I irritated my lip too much haha. If you've ever had a cold sore then you feel my pain. They can be so annoying but as long as you apply Abreva on the cold sore multiple times a day then it'll go away withing 5 days. So I decided to show my everyday makeup routine with an added eyeliner bit and how to conceal a cold sore! I bought these little Abreva Conceal patches two years ago when I had a cold sore and a wedding to attend. They definitely work well as no lip products will penetrate the patch and it's barely noticeable! You can, however, see it a bit up close but it also feels good to keep the air away from the sore for a bit too. 

PRODUCTS MENTIONED:

Beauty Blender: https://goo.gl/RbktXe

Rimmel Match Perfection Foundation in Ivory: https://goo.gl/43QI0R

Maybelline Fit Me Concealer in 15 Fair: https://goo.gl/cnj5R7

Urban Decay Primer Potion in Eden: https://goo.gl/h1FR1I

Rimmel Stay Matte Pressed Powder in 001 Transparent: https://goo.gl/iNA642

Kiko Soft Touch Blush in 100

City Color Highlight Trio: https://goo.gl/WJEUog

Salon Perfect Brow Defining Powder in Taupe/Mink: https://goo.gl/KNlIQk 

Benefit Goof Proof Brow Pencil in Medium: https://goo.gl/M7c04H

Urban Decay Naked Basics Palette in Naked 2, Faint, Venus and Crave: https://goo.gl/iMVHwB

Tarte Lights, Camera, Lashes Mascara in Black: https://goo.gl/vee5w6

Abreva Conceal Cold Sore Patch: https://goo.gl/azXfPh

Sephora Cream Lip Stain in 13: https://goo.gl/ekk4O3

Leave a comment below on what you would like to see next! 

Oh, and Happy Fall!

Xx

Fall Bath and Body Works & Yankee Candle Haul 2016

It's finally September! So do you know what that means? I can finally break out the fall outfits and fall scents are released! I had quite a few coupons for Bath & Body Works so I decided to use them after leaving work one day. I had one 20% off your purchase coupon, a $5 Signature Body Lotion and a Free Mini Candle. I also found a "spend $10 get a free item" coupon in my email and then I was told that RetailMeNot would probably have the same coupon and I could use both if they have different SKU numbers. So, of course, I looked for another coupon on RetailMeNot.com and I found one! So for $70 worth of products, I only spent $37! 

Above I have two shower gels and one body lotion. Both shower gels were my free items with each of the two $10 purchases with a coupon. The body lotion was my choice for the $5 body lotion. Can you tell that I love apple scents? Pumpkin Apple Cider is described as "the warm scent of mulled apple cider, autumn gold pumpkin and buttered rum". Champagne Apple & Honey is described as "a juicy blend of pink lady apple, sparkling champagne and jasmine honey". Both are quite amazing but I got a set of the Pumpkin Apple Cider because it's a warmer scent - which I love for the fall!

Next came the mini candles! I had a free mini candle coupon so one of these was free and then I purchased the other two mini candles in addition to a PocketBac hand sanitizer to equal $10 so that I could get another free item. I chose to get a set of three of the same scent of mini candles because I have a ceramic Buddha statue that has three lotus blossoms that you can put tea lights in. Previously, I used Cranberry Woods mini candles but they just finished burning through. The trio I got is called Vampire Blood with a cute cartoon skeleton-esque vampire. The candle itself is a nice strawberry red color too which is my favorite! Online and on the bottom of the candle, this scent is described as, "blood red strawberry, midnight blooming jasmine and dark Transylvanian plum". Also, the silver lid has a cute design with "Boo!" debossed in it.

Okay, so there are a few things I love and two of those might be fuzzy socks and unicorns (I swear I'm an adult). I wasn't sure if I could use my 20% off on top of the $5 Body Lotion Coupon so I chose to get another pair of their aloe fuzzy socks! I have quite a few pairs of these and I thought the sparkly hedgehogs were the cutest of the options so I got a pair of those to use my 20% coupon on. The PocketBac hand sanitizer is in the scent Dreamer Berry Wish and I really only bought it because it has a unicorn on it (and smells fruity of course).

For my other $10+ purchase for a free item, I bought a 3-wick candle that was on sale for $12.50! I absolutely LOVE the scent Flannel. I had smelled it a few years ago after it was out for the season and I am so happy I got my hands on it again! The label features the candle's name Flannel with a red and black plaid scarf in a wicker basket. The brass colored lid also has a special fall design with a debossed maple leaf. Online and on the bottom of this candle the scent is described as, "crisp autumn air, bergamot, heirloom mahogany and soft musk". I typically don't buy cologne-scented candles but the crisp autumn air is another scent from Bath & Body Works that I like but mixed with the other scents is just amazing!

My last stop of the day actually was Yankee Candle and I haven't been in one of these stores since I was maybe in elementary school? However, I saw that they were (finally) having some sort of sale which included $5 12 packs of scented tea lights. So let's imagine my -_- face when I just bought the 3 mini candles for my Buddha statue at Bath & Body Works... hah! But I bought them anyway in the scent Apple Pumpkin. These literally smell divine - nice and warm like fall scents should be!

Kiko: Makeup by Milano Review

While at the mall a few months ago, I noticed a new makeup store and from the looks of it, it looked as if it were an expensive makeup brand. What cheap brand has their own store anyway? But I went in to check it out because I love makeup and OMG they're about the same price as any drugstore brand like NYX or Maybelline! My excitement though when I realized I could buy more than one product haha. So I got a few and even went back for more to stock up! They also offer amazing deals and most of their products have a heavy discount.

I have very dry skin all year so I love trying new face creams. I used to use the Garnier Moisture Rescue Gel-Cream but when I discovered this one, I decided to give it a try. I also went back and bought a few more when they were on sale! So it promises 24 hours of hydration which I think it covers a significant amount of that time. However, it does leave your skin oily/greasy (which didn't break me out) and it then leaves a bit of a hard layer on my face powder due to the oil. I've now started to use blotting sheets after applying the face cream and my foundation! I'm not sure if they still sell this in stores because I could not find it online but I would recommend any of their moisturizers!

This is Kiko's Soft Touch Blush in Cookie (100) as a bronzer! One of the employees recommended it to me as a bronzer and it works like magic! I love the slim packaging and that the product itself has some shimmer to it. I wear this as my bronzer year-round! I think this blush/bronzer would look nice on fair skin since it is a lighter shade and an added bonus is the little mirror inside which is perfect for doing your brows on the go! This retails for $3.90 with 67% off. 

In addition to moisturizers, I loooooove lip products. This is the Creamy Lipgloss in the shade Pearly Strawberry Pink (102). It is similar to the Revlon Just Bitten Kissable balm stain in formula and packaging, however, the Kiko version's scent (mint) is only present after it is applied and is also very subtle. I love easy lip-glosses such as this one because you can just pop it on and go with no mirror needed! There is a bit of shimmer but no chunks of shimmer! This lipgloss retails for $9.00 on their website.

The final Kiko product I bought was this eyeshadow stick. I wanted a neutral color but I thought I had purchased the bronze one instead of this skin-tone color because it is VERY light even on my fair skin.

June IPSY Bag

I have been receiving the IPSY bag for quite some time now and I feel as though it has never really hit the nail on the head with me. I'm typically sent hair products like a sea salt spray and I actually hate using them. I have thin, straight hair and they never work and I also do not like the look of crunchy waves in my hair. Recently, I went onto the IPSY website to change some of my preferences so I will give it one more try for the July bag but after that I might switch to another! Let me know in the comments below your experience with the IPSY bag and what your favorite monthly bag is!

This first product is a blush by Seraphine Botanicals in the shade "Happy Hibiscus". It's almost like a bronze color but with pink undertones. It is also listed as a blush for all skin types! Also, the packaging on this blush is so adorable. I love clean, plain packaging and the added laurel design around the name is so cute! This product is also not tested on animals, gluten-free, GMO-free and vegan!

Next is a beach spray by Marc Anthony. Again, I never use these products so I don't know why I'm sent them but it did leak a bit and the smell is amazing! It basically smells like a coconut suntan lotion so if you love the scents of summer, you'll love this product.

I've received quite a few nail lacquers in my IPSY bags and I have another for this month! This one is by Adesse New York and is an organic infused nail lacquer in the shade "Irina". The shade is a nice blue-gray and perfect for the summer if you do not like neon/bright shades but in some lights is almost like a lavender. The one thing I didn't understand when I opened this month's bag was that the cosmetic bag that came with everything is neon with bright colors and designs but none of the products are bright or neon. 

The last product I got was a sample size of Urban Decay's "Fireball" eyeshadow. It is to celebrate Urban Decay's 20th birthday and "Fireball" happens to be their most iconic shade. In some lights this shadow looks peach and in others pink due to it's duotone nature. I love that it comes in a small magnetic tin so that I can depot other shades that I have and add it to them!

Xx Steph

What I Ate Wednesday: Cranberry & White Chocolate Chip Cookie in a Mug

Who doesn't love desserts? I know I have a giant sweet tooth so in celebration of my recent purchase of two cake in a mug books, I've decided to try a recipe out! I typically make a chocolate flavor but I chose to switch it up a bit (for the first time in forever!)

Mending a Ripped T-Shirt

Long time no see! Since I am graduating from university soon there is no better time than the present to get started again. As I am a certified seamstress now (woo!) I have been getting quite a few clients in the past month so I figured I would film a quick mending tutorial! This was somebody's favorite t-shirt and with a few quick stitches it is brandy-new again. Enjoy!

Xx
Music: https://soundcloud.com/mirajetouch/kruisemode-human
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/m33ow/

Things I learned studying abroad

I recently studied abroad in Paris for 7 weeks at Sorbonne University. Unlike most of the students in the same program, I lived with a family. This was such a different experience than the other students because aside from breakfast, I had to make lunch and dinner for myself. Living at home I have mastered breakfast and of course lunch but dinner too? It was a whole other world for me and I realized I need to learn how to cook before I graduate this coming May!

Louis Vuitton Foundation (near the new business district)

Another thing I learned was that money isn't everything. Growing up money was always something dangled in my face by parents or friends who had things that I couldn't get. Living with my amazing host family taught me how a real family shows how they care for one another. It opened my eyes to what I have been missing all these years.

La Tour Eiffel

One thing that I definitely regret is how I spent my time. I was so hung up about not wanting to go out so late at night because it doesn't get dark until 10:30 pm in Paris. I never got to see the Eiffel Tower twinkle in the night sky. I also had the opportunity to visit all of the amazing museums, which I did visit with my fashion class! However, I regret not going back to see them fully and enjoy the experience.

These are just a few things for now, but with all of my ranting, I really loved Paris and all it had to offer. It was a wonderful feeling to be away from home and those troubles, especially not having to work!

10.21.14 Autumn/Fall

 

 

I finally have a few minutes to write a blog post! Woo! Haha. So anyone else super excited about Fall? I know it's been fall for a month now, but I just wanted to share some Fall inspiration with you all as a quick update. So I was accepted to go on my department's NYC Trip for our professional development and the semester is starting to pick up with exams, projects and I'm starting to do my fashion show pieces! I've been pretty busy lately! I also am meeting with an adviser to study abroad in either France or England next Fall. I'm debating between Sorbonne in Paris or the London College of Fashion. 

Xx

7.2.2014 Shopping Haul: PINK, Old Navy, Lush and Bath & Body Works

I have done a whole lot of shopping (i.e. buying unnecessary clothing) recently... but seeing how I got a new job at PINK, I've just told myself it's for work! I did, however buy the Lush and Victoria's Secret purse/body set last month while training in another mall.

I haven't bought anything from Lush before, so I went all out and spent $30 on bath bombs and a hand lotion (that actually smells horrible but is for a good cause). I still haven't tried any of the bath bombs because it has been really hot recently and I haven't bought a new book to read to occupy myself.

Dragon's Egg Ballistic $6.25

Tisty Tosty $6.35

Pink Mini $4.95

Twilight Ballistic $6.25

Smelly hand cream $5.95 

All proceeds to Women's Empowerment International Foundation: Priceless

 

Today, I went to Bath & Body Works because their SAS sale is still going on. All candles are 50% off and the mini Pomelo Grapefruit candle was $2 originally $4.50

The Gelato candle came out to be $5.00 originally $10.00. They didn't have many left so I think the sale will end soon!

 One of my coworkers was wearing this orange tank today from Old Navy and yes, I was that girl to go buy it because the color is gorgeous. At $6, who could say no?!

This was probably my biggest bargain I have ever got. While I was working in another mall to train for my new job, they were still having their SAS sale. All the beauty and makeup was 75% off and I didn't think this would be a part of the sale. As I prepared myself for the $30.00 purse and set of Love Spell lotion, mist and body gel my coworker told me my total was $8.03. The purse is actually good quality too. Definitely isn't real leather, but the texture is smooth like a cow's bottom haha.

 

And, last but not least, a shirt for the Fourth of July on Friday! PINK is currently having a sale on all 4th of July shirts so I got it 30% off and it came to $17.46 which sounds so much better than $24.95 for a cropped tank top haha

Enjoy your 4th everyone! I will be working till 6:30 and then going to my aunt's party for food and fireworks :)

Xx