Okay, so quoting part of The Night Before Christmas might be a little odd, considering it’s the wrong time of year! But today feels like Christmas to me (hence, this has been going through my head all day!). My mom is flying down to spend the week with us and I’m super excited! I haven’t seen my family since Sailor Husband and I bid them adieu two days after the wedding when we hit the road for Florida. Mom and I are more than just mother and daughter; she’s my best girl friend, thrifting buddy, sewing partner in crime, and lover of quiet afternoon teas. So I’m really looking forward to spending some time doing our favorite activities, catching up on all the Virginia “gossip”, and just hanging out!
As you can see, despite my excitement, I did cram a photo session in today! I love how this dress turned out, though I must admit that I don’t think the style is the most flattering to my bustline. It does nothing to enhance my already small cleavage, but I’m not going to dwell on that. lol! Isn’t it cute though?! I really feel like a princess wearing this–or Alice in Wonderland (my husband’s opinion!). I have uploaded a bunch more photos to my Flickr if you’re interested, and of course the earlier detail photos I posted can be found here I’m dying to wear it when Mom and I go to afternoon tea this week!
Must be off–I have to do a couple things before Mom gets here! I’m rather nervous: this is the first time she’ll see our little home… lol!
Today I’m a bit preoccupied with cleaning the apartment in preparation for company this week. (I’m so excited–it’s our first, out-of-town guest since we moved in!) But in the midst of all the scrubbing and tidying, I’m dreaming of refashioning this rather dowdy frock (left). I picked it up for $0.25 last October; the style is not appealing, but the vibrant–almost 20s feeling–fabric caught my eye. (Any surprise, considering it’s practically the same colors as my blog layout?! lol) So I’m thinking of taking in the sides, shortening the bodice, and generally making it a bit more youthful and “me”. It’s just pinned on the form right now, but I hope to start tonight!
Oh, and thank you all so much for your opinions regarding my ad question last Friday! Your input has helped me quite a bit; though I’m still mulling over the topic. (If you’d still like to chime in, please do!) Have a lovely Monday!
A short, but sweet post of my favorite links for this week! I’m a bit preoccupied today with menu planning for the next two weeks, making some homemade tomato sauce for our pizza tonight, and contemplating which sewing project I should pick next? I have at least three that are vying for my attention–plus a mending basket that is begging to be attended to. lol.
I have also been contemplating the idea of offering advertisement spots on the site. Now I will freely admit I’m of two minds about this. On one hand, I like the idea of an ad-free blog; it allows a certain amount of freedom and visual “quiet”. On the flip side, the extra revenue to help support the cost to run my blog would be nice, as would the ability to help other small and independent businesses reach new customers. What are your thoughts about advertising? Do you find it helpful or just a distraction? If I do begin offering advertise (and right now it’s a big “if”), I’m thinking of either doing a handful of ads that I personally vet (e.g. those that I feel fit best with the focus of this blog) or signing up with Project Wonderful. Something for me to definitely think about!
I have been quiet on the blog-front this week because I’ve been furiously (and very happily) sewing up my sundress! Three chilly afternoons and several 1940s musicals later, I’ve finished the dress excepting the side zipper–which I forgot to pick up last time I was at JoAnn’s. I did try it on yesterday, and have officially decided this is my “Grace Kelly Dress”! Though I look nothing like her, it’s just a dress that screams Grace Kelly. And the style calls for a delightfully poufy petticoat; so I’m pairing my favorite pink one with it. If I could only find the perfect pair of springtime pumps to pair with it…
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Now I just need to get a zipper, so I can stop staring at it pinned to my dress form, and actually wear it!
I’ve had many people ask me what my favorite red lipstick is, and the answer really isn’t easy because I don’t have just one! I did a video for my YouTube channel going over my favorites, but just in case you can’t view it, here’s a breakdown of the red lipsticks I’ve used; many of which are quite affordable for those of us on a beauty budget.
I have also heard good things about Bésame Cosmetics red lip color, but have yet to try them–anyone have any experience? I’m thinking of a few of their lipsticks as splurge sometime around my birthday in May. lol!
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A word about technique… I have found that two things can increase the longevity of bright reds (since they like to transfer very easily!): wearing a liner all over my lips and lightly blotting the lip color after applying it (before using a gloss). Taking off a bit of the excess really helps! I have tried some of the long-wearing lipsticks in the past, and haven’t been terribly pleased with their staying power or the fact that my lips become horribly dry after a few uses. So I make do with keeping a tube of my favorite red and a cute compact mirror in my purse at all times for quick touch-ups!
So, I’m interested: do you have a favorite red lipstick? Do share!
