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Wednesday, December 21, 2011

Face Moisturizer

There is only one brand of moisturizer that I trust when it comes to keeping my face feeling and looking great, and that is Shiseido. We all have different types of skin and I just want to share what works for me. I have tried many different brands such as Clinique, MAC, Lancome, Origins, Olay, but they never really worked out for me. Either they made me break out, made my face too dry or oily, or turned my face red. During the Summer time, I like to use Shiseido's PURENESS Matifying Moisturizer Oil-free. I like how it controls the oil on my face and leaves a matte look without having to apply powder to reduce surface shine. It also is non-comedogenic, meaning that it does not clog the pores. During the Winter time, because of the cold, my face gets a little dry and I switch to a different moisturizer. I use BENEFIANCE WrinkleResist24 Day Emulsion. It has SPF 15 and it reduces the appearance of fine lines, which I definitely need. LOL. You can buy these products at Sephora, Macy*s, Nodrstom or online at Shiseido. They are pretty pricey, but worth it. Make sure to keep your receipt. If it doesn't work for you, you can always return it back to the store. Once again, I'm not a beauty guru... but these products work for me.

Sunday, December 11, 2011

Santa Monica

Today, we took Danica to Santa Monica for the first time to see the pier, beach and nature. The weather was perfect, not too hot nor too cold. Of course, I took tons of pictures of Raul and Danica. My hair is still very short due to Chemo and my face is swollen from steroids... so, no pictures of me. Ahhhh, can't wait to have long hair again. Anyway, we love Santa Monica!





Friday, December 9, 2011

Leica, The Make-up Guru

Do you know any girl out there who doesn't like make-up? So, I may have lied... I'm not a make-up guru. My friend, Charlane, got me a gift, even though my birthday already passed. Isn't she an awesome friend? I think so. And not just because she gave me a gift, but she always keeps in touch with me. I wish I was a good friend like she is. I'm really bad at calling my friends. Anyway, back to the main subject.... I got this collection of lip products from Sephora. It's called "Sephora Favorites: Give Me Some Lip." I knew exactly that I would love everything in the box, because it came with my first love: Benetint by Benefit. I was right about my hunch. I've tried everything and they are all great lip products. My favorite is the Juicy Tube by Lancome. It has this sweet scent that reminds me of a candy I used to eat when I was younger, although I don't remember what it was. I love it so much that I wear lip gloss even when I'm home. Haha! Ok, I might as well give you gals a full review. The Kat Von D is awesome and gives you a nice nude color. Buxom lip gloss makes your lips look fuller, again a nude/coral color. Smashbox lip gloss is a nice pink, just perfect. Tarte lip pencil has a perfect red tint, not too red, which I love. Benefit gives a natural red tint and because it's a tint, it doesn't smudge. I love this collection. It really is a must-have. So, if you don't know what to get yourself for Christmas (and yes, I know we get ourselves a gift or gifts) then do yourself a favor or shall I say do your lips a favor and get this lovely collection. Thanks, Charlane =)

Sunday, December 4, 2011

Bokeh

The best gift that my husband has given to me is my Nikon D5000. I love it because it takes great pictures, even though I don't really know how to use a DSLR. I did take a Photography class in college and learned a bit, but that was such a loooooong time ago and I don't remember most of the stuff. Basically, since I don't know much about changing the settings or putting my camera on Manual mode, I just use Automatic and change the Aperture setting. I love the Bokeh effect that you get when you put the Aperture on the lowest possible setting. I plan to take Photo class again... one day...

I love Bokeh:







Thursday, December 1, 2011

Not the Gas Station

So lately, I've been seeing the Chevron pattern a lot and I just love it. I made a birthday card, using a Chevron stamp I bought from Michaels. This rubber stamp is currently my favorite item. Have I mentioned that I got it for 70 cents? Yes, you read that right. I found in the dollar bin and used my 30% off during the Black Friday sale. So when I say I love Chevron... I'm not talking about the gas station :)

Here is my latest project:

Monday, November 28, 2011

Handmade Christmas

Hello, everyone! If you're like me and can't find the perfect Christmas ornaments for your tree... then just make your own. Yes, you read that right ;) All you have to do is find your favorite scrapbook paper, punch whatever shape you'd like, then punch a small circle for the hang wire and simply hang it on your tree. It's very simple and inexpensive. Here's mine:


I made the garland out of tulle (it's available on my Etsy store - http://ohcrop16.etsy.com), papers used are pink and glittered silver, and shabby chic tags (also available on Etsy). The topper is a silver star, which I got from Target for $5. The red berries are something I've had for a couple of years.

Just wanted to share pictures of these boys:



Cooper is a Bichon Frise and belongs to my friend, Erica. Mr. Miyagi is my Pekingese.
Merry (early) Christmas!

Wednesday, November 23, 2011

Good News

So I've been contacted by the Field Producer of the show, "Extreme Makeover Home Edition." The Tulle Garlands that I've been making and selling on Etsy are a great hit. I have agreed to donate 120 feet of Champagne-colored garland and also some Styrofoam Christmas Trees for the show. It will go to a deserving person/family, which the show has picked out and will build a house for. Isn't that awesome? If you are familiar with the show, then you know that you always end up with tears rolling down your cheeks because you just feel for the family and you're happy that they were chosen. I am very happy to be chosen as one of the vendors for the show! Because I am a Stay-at-Home Mom, I really have no source of income. Fortunately, I have a husband who supports my hobby... but it's not enough this time. The materials for the items I will be donating to the show are kind of pricey. To raise money, I decided to have a 15% off sale with coupon code 15 CHRISTMAS. So please drop by leics16.etsy.com (the link is also on the top left of the blog) and help me raise money for a great cause. Thanks everyone.

Here are some new items in my store:


Here's how it looks on Danica:


                                                  


Monday, November 21, 2011

My Fave

So yesterday, I was able to make some cards. Here is my favorite:


I do have two sisters... my favorite one will get this card. LOL. Just kidding. I love them both equally. Anyway, I love how this card turned out, with the pink and the aqua ribbon... and let's not forget the butterfly with bling!

Friday, November 18, 2011

Gigs

I'm so excited about some projects I will be part of. I wish I could tell you all about it, but it will have to wait until it actually happens... so stoked! Will keep you guys updated....

Thursday, November 10, 2011

My JOY

Everyday, my husband would ask me why I love him. Everyday, he gives me a reason to love him... so it's not difficult to come up with new answers each day. I'm so blessed to have him in my life. He really is my best friend and I don't know what I would do without him. If you haven't done so, include God in your marriage. It is the best decision we have made as a couple. I love God and praise Him for the many blessings He has given me - a loving husband, for healing me, giving us Danica and just being with us always.

Wednesday, November 9, 2011

A Shabby Chic Christmas

I am so excited about Christmas! Aren't you? If you have visited my Esty shop, then you know what kind of Christmas I'm having. Yes... I am having a Shabby Chic Christmas. My poor husband... everything will be too girly. Oh well! I run this household. I may not be the one bringing the bacon home, but I run this household. LOL!

Here are some items I'm currently selling on my shop:





This one is not for sale:
LOL


She's my little sweetheart. She is 9 months and 1 week old. I love her so much!

Tuesday, November 1, 2011

Mac and Cheese

(My friend, Sara, requested this recipe. Shout out to Mommy Sara and her lovely girls!) What to do with left over Mac and Cheese??? Make 'em into balls and fry/bake them. They're super easy to make and the kids will love 'em. Have three shallow bowls ready - one for flour, one for egg wash and last one for bread crumbs. Make sure that the mac and cheese is cold. With an ice cream scoop, shape the mac and cheese into meatball-sized balls. Now dip in this order: flour, egg wash then bread crumbs. Deep fry (I prefer to bake 'em) and you're done!

I made this with the help of my friend, Charlane. Although, we deep fried this one. I made my own bread crumbs, too. Next time, I'll add some herbs to it so that it would taste better...


and here's my little nine month old, not so little anymore...


Friday, October 28, 2011

My Sweet Girl



I can't get enough of this little girl. She always knows how to make me smile... I love her!

Thursday, October 27, 2011

Christmas

It's Christmas on my Etsy shop already! I've got garlands, wreaths and decors. Please visit my shop and support my hobby: ohcrop16.etsy.com



Monday, October 24, 2011

I did it!

I made brownie pops. They are so good and easy to make. You can make 18 pops from one pan of brownie or cake, whichever you prefer. I ate one just to try it out... I'm not really a dessert kind of person. Anyway, I made it for the kids at church and they loved it! Definitely going to make some for Danica's first birthday. They look lovely, too.