Animal Print Makeup – Go Curvy

There is a weekly online show that I watch, and love called Go Curvy.  The video below is a segment on doing animal print eyeshadow.  I thought it was so awesome, I had to share it with you all!  This would be great to try for a fun night out.  I love playing with makeup to get different colors or effects because why not, right?

 

What is your favorite way to change your makeup style?

What’s Your Love Song?

It is that time of year again.  You know, worrying about what to do for Valentine’s Day.  Should we go out?  Should we go away?  Will he finally propose?  Instead of the traditional ways to celebrate, why not change things and create a new tradition for you and your partner, or if you are single, for yourself?  There are so many ways to celebrate that don’t have to include something that is overly sexual.

Married / Long term relationship:  You had better put some serious effort into whatever you are doing.  Whether it is a nice dinner out on the town, or a special candle lit dinner for just the two of you, it needs to be something personal and with thought behind it.  You should know your partner well enough to know what they will find memorable and special.  Don’t forget the flowers either and a gift.  I suggest you two hire a babysitter (if you have kids) and cook together.  If you both aren’t the cooking type, enroll in a class together.  Plan to start something that will help you two grow together and just have fun.

Somewhat serious dating:  This is when you have been with the person under a year and have only recently decided to become exclusive.  This doesn’t require that much of a commitment on Valentine’s Day but fresh flowers and a simple gift works best.  This does not require the big ta-do, even though a lot of you expect it.  It’s not fair to expect all of that from someone you have a fresh commitment with.  Valentine’s Day is not a competition.

Casual daters / Single people:  If you and your current other half haven’t made plans yet for the big day, don’t sweat it.  In fact, I’d suggest you and your single friends go out to a singles party that night or plan to have your own singles mixer.  This is a great way to meet other singles or just make a new friend.  It doesn’t have to be overly done and can simply be a pizza, beer and Netflix night.  Break out your baking tools and create Valentine’s Day cookies or a cake together.  It can turn very intimate if need be.

Family Valentine’s Day Party:  It is a growing trend for kids to be part of the celebration.   I know some schools still have parties dedicated to handing out Valentine’s Day cards, candy, cookies and other sweet treats.  Don’t stress that all the food and desserts have to be red or pink in color – the fact that you are spending quality time together as a family means more and will have a lasting impression.

Get creative this year, and don’t break the bank – unless you were planning on buying that $10k ring.  There are plenty of ways to make this romantic holiday special instead of handing out a coupon book for free hugs.  It is important to remember to give and share – love is more than expectations, pressure and jewelry.

 

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What are you planning to do this year?  Like/Comment/Share

BoOoOo!

It’s a cool morning here and all of social media is buzzing about pumpkins, desserts, Halloween and boots for Fall and the upcoming Winter season.  My personal favorite is sweet potato cake and pumpkin muffins.  I also love Halloween too.  I love the dressing up, socializing with friends and all the free candy, or at least the candy that is dirt cheap the day after Halloween.  I know around this time a lot of stores are running ads for costumes and those Halloween Adventures are starting to pop up around towns across the US.  For the most part, this is a great resource for all the fake blood and guts you need to make your Halloween the most memorable.  The downside?  Their selection for anyone over a true size 14.

The last time I bought one of those prepackaged costumes, it was over priced (surprise) and fit okay but not great.  I would have liked it in a size larger but what are you going to do?  I have spent a lot of time searching out stores that have some extended sizes but they end up being incredibly expensive.  Why would I spend $50-$70 for something I’m wearing for only a few hours that will invariably end up with some food or drink stain on it?  Chances are I won’t wear it again another year either.  If you are into spending that kind of money, Torrid would happily take your cash.  They have various Halloween styles that are $50+ and are sizes 12-28.

What about those who can’t afford to spend that or simply don’t want to?  Make your own costume.  You would be surprised at how easy this is and how inexpensive.  Unless you want to get into something more intricate with sewing great detail and so on, you can find most pieces you will need at a local thrift shop.  They always have various items that can be pieced together to create a unique costume that actually will fit and won’t break the bank.

General suggestions:

  • Pirate/Gypsy/Witch:  Look for ruffled blouses, corsets, long flowy skirts, scarves to wrap around your head and old costume jewlery to accent your outfit.  If the outfit doesn’t look distressed enough, you can use an exacto knife or razor to shread some of the fabric in small areas then run it through the wash.  It will come out looking a bit worn and faded.
  • Disney like characters:  I’ve seen more adults wanting to dress like Cinderella or Belle lately than little girls and that’s great.  It is easy to find similar style gowns and the accessories on the cheap.
  • Various Animals:  These are easy enough depending on what kind you want.   A little makeup, headband with ears or horns and you are good to go.
  • Medical Staff:  Most thrift stores don’t carry old scrubs but Walmart actually sells scrubs.  If you are a great seamstress or know someone who can sew, get an outfit, cut it up to how you want and boom – costume.
  • Cop:  Same goes for being a Cop or a Sexy Cop of some kind.  Finding the various parts of the outfit is easy enough and fake handcuffs aren’t expensive either.
  • Various Book or Literature Characters:  It is very easy to find things to put together so you can look just like your favorite character.  Especially since a lot of book characters channel the fashion of years ago so finding the old plaid or worn clothes is an easy find.

For all the other special additives such as fishnets and tights, I have found that Burlington Coat Factory does sell it in plus sizes.  I know Walmart does sell it in plus sizes as well but I haven’t tried them personally.  I may this Halloween season though.  I invite you to be creative this year and find something that you like and want to be.  Don’t feel limited or intimidated by what is on the rack because it isn’t your only option.

Good luck, stay safe and enjoy the sweets!