Enchanting Rose Teacup Exchange: Fall 2017

Once again, Stephanie from The Enchanting Rose has hosted her teacup exchange!  I always look forward to this event, and enjoy putting together a package to send out, and receiving one from a different kind lady every year.  This year I was blessed to have been given a package from LeAnne.  It was her first time participating in the exchange, and she put together such a lovely box for me!  Today I'm sharing with you some of the wonderful things that were inside it.

First the very cute tea cup with a scripture verse in an elegant script (and blue, of course!)

A few packs of green Elephantea, which are honestly so adorable (there were also several packets of raspberry tea, but...I drank all of those - so delicious!)

My favorite part, though, is that gorgeous bookmark and the lovely table runner.  LeAnne hand wove both of these on her looms at home.  How neat is that?  They are both beautiful and sturdy, and absolutely amazing.  I have already put the bookmark to good use, and look forward to using it often.  

So many thank yous to LeAnne for putting together such a darling package, and to Stephanie for putting the exchange together for us yet again!

Classy Beach Fashion: Swimdress from Rey Swimwear

Summer is certainly coming to a close.  The calendar and the internet are in agreement that it is high time for fall, but the weather here has shifted back into the high 80s low 90s! Looking ahead at the forecast, it seems as though today will be one of the last of the hot season, and though I won't quite be pulling out the sweaters tomorrow, I did want to publish this "summery" post before the autumn weather officially sets in.

I mentioned before we were planning to do a lot of traveling this year, and we certainly have done much of it already! Knowing we would be making plans to visit Florida several times, I decided to take advantage of the Rey Swimwear sale on Black Friday and place my second order with them.  All of their swimsuits are designed to be classy and modest.  I couldn't be more pleased with my suit! 

I chose Marie in Garden Party.  I had been eyeing this one for a long time, and in the end decided it was too good and opportunity to pass up, especially knowing I would get use out of it!  This is a lovely, two-piece swimdress that is perfect for almost any swim scenario.  I've worn it swimming in the pool, the beach, walks on the seashore and even to a little beach restaurant.  The skirt gives it such a feminine touch, while also basically eliminating the need for a cover-up.

The suit is two pieces: the dress and separate high-waisted bottoms.  Both the lining and the outer fabric are excellent quality, but the skirt itself is unlined which makes it lighter. The two front straps can tie together either as a halter, or you can add the removable back straps and tie them to the front to create two separate straps (as I did.)  I had absolutely no problems with them coming untied or unhooked!  They sell individual tops as well, so you can mix and match different patterns and colors (I personally can't wait to get a pink top to pair with these!)

** Thanks to my mom for taking the pictures of me during our vacation to Siesta Key this past February!

Sewing Project: 1700s Colonial Williamsburg printed gown

I have been absent from the blog this summer, mostly due to our numerous travels and road trips. Which have been absolutely amazing can't lie. But I am sorry for my post neglect.  Now that I am home long enough to get a post together, I'm very excited to share one of my biggest sewing projects! Our church's teen history trip in July spent two days in Colonial Williamsurg, and I spent a few weeks leading up to the trip sewing a historical gown for the occasion.  It was 100 degrees outside those two days, but it was completely worth it. ;)

This is my second attempt at an 18th Century dress, but my first where I looked for historical accuracy.  I ordered the fabric in specifically from Williamsburg and set to altering a pattern.  There are also several layers under the dress to give it the proper shape of the times: Shift; Stockings; Stays; Pocket; Bum-roll/hip-roll; Petticoat; Neckerchief; Dress. (Perhaps I should do a post on all of the underpinnings later?)  The stomacher (front panel) of the dress is removable, and the petticoat ties shut.

Now, I did my research, but there are several nuances that I was not sure of, so I bought myself two books while there to hopefully help in the future.  I know there are seamstresses out there who are more well-versed in historical sewing than I am, so if you have any tips I would love to hear them! I feel as though I should have another petticoat, and perhaps a lighter neckerchief (although it actually does match in person.) The sleeves are a bit off, but they were so tricky I wasn't going to try and alter the pattern there any more. My stays could have been laced a bit tighter but...it was hot. Also, I believe I should have a hat, or at least some head covering, but I was low on packing space and my hat did not quite work with my dress. All of that aside, I was very excited with the way it turned out.  Really, nothing beats going to such a historical place and feeling like you a truly a part of it! 

Enchanted Rose Teacup Exchange - Spring 2017

I've gotten so far behind on my blog, I can't deny it.  And honestly, this post is quite late in coming, but I really did want to get it up all the same.  Stephanie at The Enchanting Rose hosted one of her Teacup Exchanges this spring, and I was so thankful to participate. Above I've posted the pictures of what I received in the exchange; it is always such a blessing to open the package and see what someone else has taken the time to put together, and this time was no different.

 I received this lovely package from Salinn.  The teacup itself is simply charming; look at those butterflies! Of course there were chocolates and teas and all sorts of fun extras. And the fun notebook that I cannot wait to use! Thank you so much Salinn!

ipsy Glam Bag | Make-Up Review

I know; my poor blog has been neglected this month. Between catching a cold and keeping up with all of my commitments (some of which entered into my weekly blog time) I have yet to get a post up. However, this has given me time to truly give my ipsy subscription a chance before writing this post.

What is ipsy? 

As you may have gathered from my photos, ipsy is a make-up subscription.  Once a month they send you five make-up products (and a cutsey bag) based on your own preferences.  This is my fourth month, and I have been so pleased with my experience I thought I would share it with you!

When you first sign up for your ipsy "Glam Bag" they have you take a quick but thorough quiz to get a feel for your beauty preferences.  This little questionnaire gives them a feel for your favorite types of make-up, skin type and color, sensitivities, brands you are partial too, hair type, and products you love! With all of this in mind, the people at ipsy assemble your Glam Bag based on your personal style.

Once a month, they send you the Glam Bag, which consists of one make-up bag and 5 beauty products based on your prestated preferences.  This could include mascara, lipstick, foundation, nail polish, hair products, face masks, and the list goes on.  

Once your Glam Bag comes in, and you have time to test out and enjoy your products, you get the option to review the items.  The brand, the product, and how it personally works for you are all included in your review, which then goes to help them decide how to better choose your next bag.  Let me say, I decided to actually follow up with reviews this time (something I am usually quite forgetful about) and I am so glad I did! My bags are improving every month and I am loving my make-up products.

Also, I cannot forget one of my favorite parts of this subscription: it is only $10 per month! And yes, the shipping is free! On top of that, every review you post works towards your points system.  Enough points earned equals a bonus gift in your Glam Bag for the month you decide to redeem them.  Along with reviews, you can also earn points by telling your friends, which is exactly what I am doing here! So I will leave you with my own personal referral link, in case you decide you would like to join ipsy yourself (which I highly recommend if you are interested in trying out new make-up products in a fun and affordable fashion!) 

https://www.ipsy.com/new?cid=ppage_ref&sid=link&refer=19gau

** this is not sponsored, I merely reviewed this for my enjoyment, and yours! **

Siesta Key - Vacation

Hello again!

This year is going to be full.  The plans are already being written down, the dates set, the changes and adventures just on the horizon.  There is an excess of life wanting to be lived.

This February, we started our crazy year with a trip to Siesta Key, Florida, to rest, relax, and rejuvenate.  Few things make my body feel better than a good dose of sunshine, especially accompanied by saltwater and sand.  We spent the days reading good books, eating wonderful food, admiring the stunning sunset, and walking the shores.

I took my camera out a few days, and wanted to share some of the beautiful sights we saw.  For the most part, these are either straight out of camera or edited with basic brightening and contrasting.

Dressing Like Jane Austen

I must say, I have a love for all things Jane Austen.  When I heard about the "I Love Austen Week" hosted by Hamlette I knew I had to participate (even though vacation planning put me almost too late.) There are lots of fun reviews currently being posted by all sorts of Jane Austen lovers right here, and I highly suggest you go check them out if you too are a fan of her works. And if you are not familiar with Jane Austen, you especially should go look around, and be prepared to find a new wondrous world opened up to you!

My post today is a quick look at how we can find ways to create our own regency wear with what we have on hand in today's world.

The First basic item, of course, is your gown.  The fabric, style, and colors can very depending on the type of event you are attending, or your own personal preferences. I chose my colors when I was sixteen, and this was my first historical project, so my colors are a bit darker than period accurate - but I liked them anyway. ;) I have worked with the Simplicity pattern 4055 with much success (pictured here) and Butterick B6074 (with alterations and changes because it was far less agreeable.)

Next are accessories.  Elbow length gloves are perfect (watch that you match creams and/or whites, depending on your gown color!) Also a small reticule is great to have to hold your personal items for the night. Thrift stores and antique stores are probably the best places to start looking for these.

Jewelry is not difficult.  Simplicity was valued, so a modest set of pearls or a small cross on a chain will accent the dress nicely. Hair adornments were also a favorite, and really such fun! I found all of these at Charming Charlies.

Don't forget to go join the fun yourself, and look around!

Current Love

It is the end of January already! I had a lot I wanted to accomplish this month, and if I'm honest, not all of it got done.  But that is okay!  I still checked off several items, and had a lot of fun in between.  While my newest blog post ideas are under construction, I'm sharing my most recent favorites of the new year.

• Bread and Wine by Shauna Niequist.  I have seen this book come up several places, and I simply had to try it.  I am by no means even close to finishing, but it was one of those rare books where the introduction gets your attention.  I quickly realized this book is going to be less about food and more about family, friends, fellowship, and faith.  

• Blanket Scarves.  I got one for Christmas, and I love the added warmth more than I anticipated. Madison at Minnie Muse just posted a "how to wear" tutorial, and I am so excited to try new ways to style my scarf!

•  13 Seasons of NCIS.  My mom, sister, and I have been watching through these on Netflix for over a year, and we just finished season thirteen.  It has been a lot of fun - a lot of laughs and, I'll admit, a lot of tears (especially at this most recently finale!)

• The Coolest Little Plant.  My dad bought me this lovely terrarium for Christmas, and I love it.  Review in the process... ;)

• Knee High Socks  from Kohl's.  Seriously, I have several colors and patterns and they are the best thing almost all January occasions.  They slide right over leggings too! 

• Beauty and the Beast trailers.  Also, the trailer music.  Beyond excited for this!

• Extra Cuddley Kitties.  A fuzzy cat who wants to sleep on your lap is one of the best ways to end a day.

• At Last, Tea.  English Breakfast has been my lately go to, ironically after dinner.  I've also kept sketching my tea cups.  And I am quite fond of my ever growing little collection of teacups that I am surrounded by in my room. :)

What have been your favorites lately? 

What are you looking forward to most?

Art Project & Tea

I have a bit of a shorter post today - reason being, I'd love some feedback! (reason #2 being my minimal talent with the phone camera...) I've been projecting lately (no shock there) and my latest arts and crafts indulgence has me at the sketch book.  I drink a lot of tea (it's actually getting pretty insane) and though perhaps I could reuse all of those tea bag tags that simply go to waste.  Simply put, I added some cutesy teacups to go with them, and have been going through the different teas in the house ever since.

So do tell, what do you think? Comments, suggestions, tips, thoughts?