Sally Hansen Salon Effects Real Nail Polish Strips: Product Review

Nails on Day 1

I don't usually do product reviews but was SO impressed with the Sally Hansen Salon Effects Real Nail Polish Strips that I just had to share them with you! This is the second time I have used the polish strips and they are a fun way to wear a wild pattern that would be impossible to paint. 

Sixteen polish strips are included in each box so you can find the perfect fit. once nails are clean and filed you simply remove the protective plastic, rub polish strip onto nail, and file off access. If you don't get the perfect placement the first time I have found that I am able to peel and replace polish strip a few times without any damage. My manicure usually last about a week and then begin to chip like any regular polish would. I was very impressed that they didn't peel off in a whole strip, which is how I applied them. 

I have to say, the polish strips are a bit expensive for one application, but I find them on sale on a regular basis and think they are totally worth it to spice up your nails every once in a while. I give them two thumbs up, literally!

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**UPDATE**

Nails on Day 10

After 10 days my nails were slightly grown out and a bit worn at the tip but still looking great! When you are finally interested in removing your polish you can simply use any polish remover you may have on hand.

*These opinions are totally my own and were not solicited by Sally Hansen.

How to Make a Chapstick Cozy

Do you get tired of losing your chapstick in your coat pockets, at the bottom of your purse, and night stand drawers? This quick craft will become your saving grace! (That is a side from the real saving grace of Jesus...) And you can use your favorite scrap of material.

To begin cut two pieces of cotton material, one 1 3/4" x 5" and on 1 3/4" x 9".

With right sides together fold larger piece in half and iron. With wrong sides together fold small piece in half and iron. I found that ironing these pieces made them much easier to work with.

Place the smaller piece, which will become the chapstick pocket inside of the larger piece. The raw edges of the smaller piece will be in the center of the larger piece.

Leaving the raw edges of the larger piece unstitched, sew around the long sides and fold of the larger piece, catching the raw edges of the smaller piece in the seam. I used a 1/4" seam allowance.

Turn right side out.and your chapstick pocket will appear. Its already taking shape!

Place the raw edges of the larger piece inside the hardware. I used hardware originally intended for key fabs. Place chapstick holder with hardware between a towel or other clean, soft material. Gently tap hardware closed using a hammer.

 That's it, you're done. You now have a chapstick holder that took you less than 30 minutes to make and will save you a TON on madness!



If you would like to own a chapstick cozy, but don't have a crafty bone in your body, no worries! You can purchase one from my Etsy shop Sew Help Me by Marissa!
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*Update, I recently included this post in a Chic on a Shoestring Decorating link up!

Upscale Sweater Skirt and Coastal Glasses

I can't tell you all how long I've been looking for the perfect sweater to upscale/refashion into a skirt. I had countless matching sweater and sweater skirt sets as a child and LOVE that they are in fashion again!

We're we cute?!

Needless to say I was THRILLED when I found this sweater skirt because it took a lot less work to upscale and was adorable.

Before: Does this skirt says 90's mom to anyone else?!

I did a lot of reading up on sewing on knits before I began this project because I didn't want it to unravel when I cut off the extra length. In the end I used my rotary cutter to make a clean cut.

Cutting off a few inches.

Next I serged the unfinished edge using two needles and four threads. Finally I turned up an inch and sewed the hem down using a stretch stitch.

Serged and ready to be hemmed.

I love how the finished product turned out. I styled my newly upscaled sweater skirt with a bright cardi, dark tights, boots, and my new glasses from Coastal.com and was ready for date night with my husband.

Finished product.

New hem line, much higher!

I recently ordered these glasses from Coastal.com FOR FREE because they were my first purchase. I only had to pay for shipping and handling! I suggest you check them out.

Free glasses from Coastal.com

Potato Preserves

I saw somewhere on Pinterest (go figure) that hanging your potatoes and onions in nylons will preserve them. So, when I got a run the size of the Grand Canyon in my hose I figured I might as well give it a try.

Here they are, hanging in my cramped little city apartment pantry. We will see...

2013 Valentine Blogging Party

My goodies from Melanie!

I was thrilled to open my mail box yesterday and find a BIG, HEAVY box from my Valentine Melanie at Moments In Time. She thoughtfully enclosed a Valentine's Day card, TONS OF CHOCOLATE, organic lip gloss (which I have heard AMAZING things about,) an adorable mug, mini-notebooks, and a meal planner. As a newly wed I am especially excited to use the meal planner. For only telling Melanie a little bit about myself over an email and any blog surfing she may have done I have to say she really nailed my perfect Valentine! Thanks Melanie!

As you may remember I am participating and a Valentine Blogging Party this year hosted by Lauren at From My Grey Desk, Alycia at Crowley Party, Ashlee at Growing Up A Thomas, Casey at The Wiegands, and Nicole at The Style Hatch. Before this party I was following From My Grey Desk, where I found out about this neat little party, and have enjoyed the other girl's blogs as well. You should check them out for yourself!

Fabric Flower

Today I finally got on board and made my first fabric flower! Thankfully it really was as easy to make as it appeared because I was testing this craft out for a group project.

Our church is hosting a "God is Wild About You" ladies spa night in February and I am planning to share this craft with the ladies there. Have you made other fabric flowers? Do you have quick and easy crafts ideas? Feel free to share them!

You have probably seen a BUNCH of tutorials on fabric flowers, I used one I found on Pinterest from Ruffles And Stuff.