Boston Tourist

I've always loved Boston. And by Boston I mean Fenway Park, bars in Fanueil Hall, and seeing live performances in the Theater District. But today I actually did the most touristy thing in Boston - The Freedom Trail! Two and a half miles of history!

Our first stop was the Charlestown Navy Yard. We explored the USS Constitution, Museum and USS Cassin Young.

Navy or Marines?

After Betty got her Navy fix...I spotted a sign that said "Marine Barracks." Of course I needed a picture! After I snapped a quick picture a man asked me if I had an interested in the barracks...I told him my husband is a Marine..and he offered to give us a mini-tour. I found out that it is actually the oldest Marine barracks in the country!

After a quick lunch we jumped back on the Freedom Trail. Our next stop - The North End! We saw Copp's Hill Burying Ground, Old North Church, Paul Revere statue, and shared a huge canoli at Mike's Pastry! The most touching thing we saw was the Memorial Garden...there was a blank dog tag for every person lost in the Afghanistan and Iraq wars.

Next was the part of Boston I'm really familiar with - Fanueil Hall. All my favorite bars are here! We went to Union Oyster House, saw the Holocaust Memorial and took super touristy pictures with Ben Franklin (and yes, I paid him to pose with me!)

Our next stops were Old City Hall, King's Chapel Burying Ground, Sam Adams and John Hancock's graves, State House and Boston Common!

The tour ended 2.5 miles away from where we started....so we had to walk all the way back to meet the train! Needless to say my feet are killing me! The weather has been so crappy, I can't stop sneezing and sniffling...but I had so much fun in the city today...so it was totally worth it!

Etsy Bloggers Featured Artist - Mystic Wind

I almost missed it! It's the last day of the month, so my last chance to feature this month's featured artist from the Etsy Bloggers! Ok, well, not really, I've been known to do it the first week of the next month too. *shhh* don't tell anyone! Let's get a cheer for procrastination! Moving on...

Etsy Bloggers Featured Artist - March 2011

Here's three of my favorite items from her shop!

Pink Rose Floral Glass with Pearl Necklace

Blue Butterfly Button Ring on Black Filigree Band

Frilled Purple and Green Flower Earrings

Don't forget to check out this weeks Giveaway!

Coming up Tomorrow - Featured Friday!

Spring Wedding Outfit + Quest for Nude Pumps

Got this email from a reader: "Can you show outfits a petite guest could wear to a wedding? My closet is full of business attire. I'd like to dress up, but tastefully and appropriate for a wedding."

I think weddings are the perfect excuse to go out and buy a dress. Life's too short to not wear pretty frocks. H&M is probably the first place I'd look, but BCBG or even Forever 21 offer viable options for a Spring/Summer wedding.

If I absolutely must pull something from my closet of dull business attire, I would choose a colorful sheath dress. A la the Asos pencil dress. This is how I could wear it conservatively for work:

Dress: Asos Tailored Pencil Dress in Petite 0/UK 4, hemmed (buy here)

Pumps: Ann Taylor Perfect Pumps sz 5 (buy here)

Blazer: Theory sz 00  Akoya pearls: eBay

And for a not-too-formal wedding, I'd make the following changes:

1. Lose the blazer, or swap it for a cute cropped jacket or a shrug or elegant wrap
2. Instead of conservative pearls, don a statement necklace
3. Swap plain pumps for chic heels with a platform
4. Add a small evening bag or clutch
5. Get nails did and gloss your lips

Necklace: Forever 21 Beaded Bib Necklace (buy here, also comes in teal)

Bangles: H&M   Wallet: LV   Nails: Essie Jelly Apple

I don't like the quality of F21 necklaces, but I was drawn to this chunky piece. After I got home I coated the metal in cheap clear nail polish (reader tip - thank you!), and now store all my costume necklaces in individual plastic bags, as that's supposed to prevent oxidation.

Pumps: Nine West "Rocha" in Taupe, sz 5.5
Swing Jacket: Banana Republic sz 0 (old, altered)

I got this dress back from the tailor, and the alteration cost almost made me weep. Tailor said $10 for the hem, but $25 total if I wanted to keep the back slit (it had to be reconstructed like so). So byebye $50 to get both dresses shortened. See reviews of this dress by fellow petites in the Alterations Needed Forum. Elle did a post on regular vs petite sizing and Ping did a post on the petite.

Next up, a pair of true nude (not brown, not porcini) pumps is a wardrobe must-have, so why is the perfect pair so darn hard to find? I thought about going straight to the popular Corso Como's that Elle has...

Corso Como Delicious Pump in Nude

...but I wanted a slight platform to further elongate the leg. Below are three options that I entertained:

1. Enzo Angliolini "Kylin" in Nude, sz 6 (5.5 was sold out)

Thoughts: the platform was chunky (look at that thick sole in the back view) and wide. Pointy toe not as classic as almond.

Verdict: Return

2. BCBG "Tinas" in Tapioca Santos, sz 5.5

Thoughts: the color was an effervescent pearly white in person...very bridal and definitely not nude. Toe a little too round for my liking. These DID fit very snugly though...so the 5.5 either runs small or is true to size.

Verdict: Return

3. Nine West "Rocha" in Taupe, sz 5.5

Thoughts: 5.5 fit well, but pinched my toes (never happens!). Not a fan of the wooden sole and heel (I think it makes the shoe looks cheaper). Also, Target's Mossimo Versie in Taupe is a very close dupe for this shoe at less than half the price.

Verdict: Best for me out of the three...but pinched toes hurt. Return.

Here's a look at all three compared to the popular Ann Taylor Perfect Pumps. See how the Ann Taylor ones just have a cleaner and sleeker silhouette? That's why I shall remain a loyal PP wearer.

I will say that my quest for the perfect nude pump has finally ended, in a huge splurge. They're not perfect because they don't have a platform, but I've been considering them for a while and they were love on my feet.

Thursday Five

 <center><a href="http://flipflopcombatboots.blogspot.com/search/label/Thursday%20Five"><img border="0" src="http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b245/cntrystr05/1-19.png" /></a></center>

Helloooooo Thursday!
Hope everyone is having a fabulous week!
Grab the words, write your post...and don't forget to link up!

Delightful

Happy

Superb

Gorgeous

Loved

1. I signed into Facebook the other day and read some delightful news from the hubby! He hasn't been smoking for three days! YAY hubby!

2. Veronica came over for dinner the other night. It makes me happy that my college roommates still look forward to my cooking!

3. Me and Betty went to the Nashoba Valley Winery with my Nana. The wine was so yummy...I'd love to go back for a tour! We had a superb time!

4. I've been feeling less-than-gorgeous lately. I need to get my butt in gear, eat right and workout. I only want to get a few pounds off, but I know if I don't do it sooner than later I'll regret it!

5. Please show your puppies some extra love today. Read this story of an amazing dog and you will not want to let go of your puppy. Warning: Some of the photos are graphic. This story has seriously touched me and I can not stop thinking about little Patrick. It breaks my heart....but makes me feel happy that he is so loved now!

 

Social Networking Karma!

Check out this week's Giveaway featuring Mama's Little Monkeys!

Celtic Camo Bead Woven Bracelet

What is Social Networking Karma? Why am I talking about it? First let's back up and examine the idea of Karma...

Karma, the Golden Rule, "What goes around comes around," - whatever you call it, it's a concept that has been around for for a long time. When you do nice things for other's, it often comes back to you in wonderful and unexpected ways. Right? 

Now let me ask you a question. Do you ever get tired of promoting yourself? I know I do! There have definitely been times when I get tired of tooting my own horn and where I feel like I'm just blabbing to the universe with no feedback. The various social networking sites were starting to feel pointless. That's when I started thinking about Social Networking Karma. 

Green Kabbalah Jasper Pendant

Now, I don't want you to think I came upon this idea on my own, this has been a long process and I know that there have been a lot of different artists who've given me individual ideas that I eventually pulled together into a whole!

How it works: 

Social Networking Karma happens when you promote artists (authors, bloggers, etc), other than yourself. You can do this in a lot of ways! See something you like? Share it on Twitter, Facebook, Plurk, or your blog! Then, and this is key, tell that person where you've shared it and send them a link. You'll be amazed at the results! 

Since I've started practicing this habit the results have blown me away. I've had people e-mail me and tell me that I've made their day because they had a horrible day and having someone do something nice just totally floored them. I've had people tell me that they were considering shutting down their shop, then I promoted them, and it made them think that maybe there is some value to their work. I've also had a lot of people return the favor and promote me in one way or another.

There's no feeling like it! When they return the promotion, it's great, but it's the people who's day's I make, or who I end up building a relationship with them as a result, that I love :) 

Damask Pin Cushion by Destash City

One of our featured giveaway artist's shops!

I'm going to be talking about some different approaches to practice Social Networking Karma over the next few weeks. Specifically we'll be talking about Twitter, Facebook, and Blogging. I may add to that list as I continue to explore the topic! 

#100factsaboutme

I started my 100 Facts About Me list on Twitter (follow me! FlpFlpsNCmbBts) but I was having a hard time remember what facts I've already posted...and coming up with new interesting facts. So, when I saw this meme I had to join in! Megan Writes is doing a four part #100factsaboutme series, I'm joining late so I'm linking up 1 - 50! I'll link up the rest next week.

1. I'm a lefty, but I bat, bowl, and (mini) golf righty.

2. I've never met a food I don't like. Go ahead, try me!

3. I always celebrate my birthday for a week. No exceptions.

4. I've seen every episode of SVU. Obsessed? Yes!

5. I think it's weird when people mourn a celebrities death. (And yes, I've been told I'm heartless.)

6. I only drink water, coffee, and alcohol. No soda or juice for this girl!

7. I wish I could eat out every night.

8. I moved to NC for no reason at all. No school, job or friends.

9. I've been to England, France, Ireland, St, Thomas, Aruba and Jamaica.

10. My favorite candy are Reeses Pieces.

11. I'm a'ok with not having a license.

12. I moved in June 2009. I average a visit home every 2.5 months.

13. I have my BS in History.

14. I'm obsessed with blogging.

15. I always want to go to Disney. My first time was in 1997 and I've been 8 times.

16. My favorite cousin changes depending on who I'm talking to.

17. I love cover bands.

18. I start every morning with two cups up coffee, The Early Show, The Today Show and The View.

19. I love sunglasses. The bigger the better!

20. I love flying alone.

21. Autumn is my favorite season.

22. I met my hubby online.

23. My favorite ice cream is Almond Joy!

24. I have a few pet-peeves: I do not like know-it-alls.

25. I also do not like people who chew loud/with their mouth open.

26. And lastly, I do not like when people "ew" the food I'm eating and enjoying.

27. I take my coffee with two splenda and skim milk.

28. I quit everything I start: dance, Girl Scouts, softball, clarinet....

29. I'm a planner...but it's frustrating when people rely on me to plan every social events.

30. I'm sick of people bailing on me. So frustrating.

31. My favorite movie is The Cure. Most people have never even heard of it!

32. I've seen Kenny Chesney in concert 16 times.

33. Monkeys are my favorite animals at the zoo.

34. My favorite TV show is LOST...I'm lost since it ended.

35. I have never seen an episode of Jersey Shore. I'd like to keep it that way!

36. I'm CONVINCED I met James Taylor at my great-grandfathers house. No one remembers this...or believes me.

37. We rescued Little Miss Miley. We think she had 3 homes before us.

38. I have a younger sister, Michelle.

39. My birthday is December 1.

40. Danny is not the only military man in the family. My cousin in the Army. My grandfather was in the Army and a Merchant Marine. My uncle was in the Air Force. Great-grandfather was in the Navy. And my Uncle Rick is a Marine.

41. I once lost 60lbs by doing Slim Fast.

42. I sell Avon.

43. I hate snow!

44. I really like wine. Me and Danny are members of the Duplin Winery Heritage Club!

45. I do not waste electricity. In fact, I monitor our daily use and unplug everything not in use. In return our electric bill is about as cheap as you can get!

46. I used to hate The Office. But when I was drugged after getting my wisdom teeth out...I became a big fan!

47. Peanut butter milkshakes from Cookout are my favorite!

48. One time I roadtripped to New Jersey for Sonic and Joes Crab Shack.

49. I miss college.

50. I wear baby SPF 50...and still burn.

Soap & Glory

Products mentioned:

Sexy mother pucker in aprircot

Spuer eyes eye gel

Wonderfill wrinkle filler

The fill monty wrinkle filler

Mini Hand food

Glad hair day everyday shampoo for all hair types

The scrub of your life

Scrub your nose in it

Heel genis

Hand food

Flake away body polish

The Righteous butter

Clam one calm all bubble bath

Clean on me shower gel

Slimwear, anti cellulite cream for firming

Moisturising mist

Socks, gloves & nail file

The breakfast scrub

Off your face cleansing cloths

Moreemilk

Giveaway Feature - Mama's Little Monkeys

This post has been closed.

Check back on Monday for the next one!

This week's feature is on Amy, of Mama's Little Monkeys, but I always call her Mama. She's a wonderful artist, a dedicated Mom, and a great friend :)

1. Where can we find your work and what do you create?

Fabric Button Badge Reels at http://www.badgereels.etsy.com
www.badgereels.artfire.com
Handmade baby toys, gifts, and more at http://www.mamaslittlemonkeys.etsy.com
www.mamaslittlemonkeys.artfire.com
Fabric Destash at http://www.destashcity.etsy.com
www.destashcity.artfire.com
Nap Mat Covers at: http://www.napmatcovers.etsy.com
Eco Friendly Cleaning Items at http://www.MicroMops.etsy.com
www.micromops.artfire.com

Proud Founder of http://www.handmadelouisiana.etsy.com

2. What's your favorite part about being an independent artist?
The flexibility to create what I want when I want...to a point. I love the fact that if I need to run my sons to school, or take them outside to swing, I can put work on hold and do that!!


Whew she's busy! I've always found that inspiring :) 

3. Where do you find your inspiration?
Generally my children. Much of what i create was made because of them, they wanted it, or it was something to make life as a mom easier! Also, I tend to buy fabric because I love it, then later decide what to make with it!

4. What advice would you give to other artists?
DO NOT GIVE UP! It took me at least 18 months to find my niche (the badge reels and eco friendly cleaning supplies). It takes years sometimes to get into a good groove of creating, business, bookkeeping, and yes, actually turning a profit! Keep trying, keep networking and keep LEARNING!

Isn't She Great?

Here's What You Can Win:

Business Card Holder

Michael Miller Business Card Wallet

Keep your business cards and more safe and handy in this adorable business card wallet 

made from Michael Miller 3-D Zoo designer fabric.

You can either win the one shown above, pick another business card holder,

or receive a $10 gift certificate! Don't you just love the options?

So how can you win?

1. Comment on this entry
2. Share your favorite item from her shops (scroll up for links)
3. Plurk or twitter about it and leave a comment with link.

4. Promote the item on Facebook.
5. Blog about it and leave a comment with link
6. Purchase an item from her shop (for 5 entries) (link above)

Important: All entries must be submitted by comments on this blog post.

I'm keeping track of the entries, so telling Mama about them won't help :P

Giveaway Ends Saturday 4/2

Interested in doing an artist feature/giveaway on this blog? Just let me know!

What's coming up? Tomorrow - Networking Karma! Wednesday - Etsy Versus Artfire

Sponsor Lovin': Scentsy Basket Party and Winner!

Yesterday I had an Avon and Scentsy Open House and Brunch! Some of my closest family and friends came over for a morning full of eating and shopping...seriously, what's not to love about that! My bestie, Katie, is my Scentsy go-to-person. Even in Massachusetts I'm showing her business some lovin'! I'm totally looking forward to my hostess rewards too...I'm just going to need to find room for all my new Scentsy! You can join the fun by visiting my Avon store here and Scentsy party here! And if you're interested in hosting your own basket party visit Live.Love.Scents on Facebook!

It was such a good time! Mom was melting Pima Cotton in her Liberty Warmer...so they were both pretty popular! I had a bunch of Avon samples in the bathroom, I think everyone really loved those! I can't wait until both shipments come in so I can make pretty bags for everyone!

Now for the winner of the Maggie's Closet giveaway! If you haven't visited the Etsy store, make you sure you don't miss it...the hats are too-damn-cute! The lucky winner of a hat of their choice is....random number 13! Mama to be Uncork and Unwined! Please e-mail me at fsc200408@yahoo.com with your choice of hat and address!! Congratulations!

Thank you to all my lovely March sponsors! Please visit all of their websites and start shopping!

Everyday Makeup for Beginners (Updated Video) & Small Giveaway

**The winner of my cameo giveaway has been announced here. Congrats, Danielle!**

I've received many emails from women who are just starting out with makeup, and are unsure where to begin. I was in the same boat a year ago, but have since ended up with a simple routine that works for me, for the time being. My skills are rudimentary, so I'm hoping to learn tips from a beauty guru friend soon.

I did think twice before posting this (as the internet is a haven for people who like to criticize and judge), but I'm pretty comfortable with my bare face. As one discovers and uses more makeup, I think it's important to not become dependent on it to feel acceptable. That being said, makeup can really do wonders to enhance features. Nature gave me small eyes and stubby lashes, but in this video you can see the effects of some simple shadow and liner.


If you are just starting out with makeup, feel free to play around and skip steps that you don't need. For example, if you have great skin, then concealer and foundation may not be necessary. If you don't like the feeling of eye paint aka liner, then you can skip the liquid liner and instead darken the liner eyeshadow.

Products used: Make Up For Ever Duo Mat Foundation in shade 203, MAC Select Cover-Up in NW25, Rock & Republic Blush (sadly discontinued) in Immoral, ELF Eyelid Primer, NYX Smokey Eyes Palette, Lorac Liquid Liner, and Lancome Definicils Mascara.

At first I was overwhelmed with the selection of shadow brushes, but I guess they really do have their own purpose. I recommend at least the following: flat shadow brush, precision shadow brush (for lining), and fluffy blending brush. You can get them for $1 to $3 a pop on ELF (be sure to search around for coupon codes).

As I'm wearing more makeup, I realize the importance of taking it all off at the end of the day. I absolutely love Lancome's Bi-Facil eye makeup remover. It's very pricey at retail but I buy the sample-size bottles in bulk on eBay (can you tell I love eBay?). I've tried a few drugstore brands and some irritated my eyes so badly I went and asked for my money back. Lancome's remover is super gentle and a few wipes is all it takes.

I have an extra NYX Smokey Eye palette from Ulta which I'd like to give away to a reader. To enter, please just be a follower and fill out the form below:


Readers - I am trying to find a liquid waterproof liner that has amazing staying power but won't break the bank. I've retired my old cheapie NYC $3 liners because they flake off. This $23 one works beautifully, but is too pricey for me. Any suggestions?

Pay It Forward 2011

I got these lovely earrings (and I'm wearing them right now!) from Jennifer of JPrideJewelry! It's all a part of Pay It Forward 2011!

These earrings were perfect because I was planning on making myself some small purple earrings - so I think she read my mind :D

If your not familiar with the Pay it Forward concept here's out how it works: When you pay it forward you do nice things for other people, and all you ask is that they pass it on to someone else! It can be some thing simple, $5 at Starbuck for the car behind you, even just smiles or opening doors, but it's always fun! There's something wonderful about doing something expecting nothing :)

So how does this work? The first 5 commentators on this blog post will get something free from me! All I ask is that you turn around and do the same thing. It's on the honor system, I'm not going to check up on you, but I guarantee you'll have fun doing it!

Please include your favorite color in the comment :) and make sure I can get a hold of you to get your address!