My Favorite Things Party: Mom's Afternoon Out

Hi readers!  When reading my June MOPS magazine, I saw this really fun idea for a favorite things party (yes the song is also going through my head--you are not alone).  I decided to host it for a Mom's Afternoon Out.  Here's how it works:

1. Each person will wrap and bring five of a favorite thing that costs less than $7. (think beauty product, food, journal, art supply, baking ingredient, cleaning supply. Anything goes!)
2. When you arrive at the party, you will write your name on five pieces of paper and place them in a jar.
3. Each person will pull five names from the jar, explain why they love the item, and give one to each of the five people.

Here's a sample of some of our favorite things:

• dry shampoo
• gummy bears
• scrubber sponges and cleaner
• fancy dish soap
• Jamberry nail decals
• coffee mug
• eos lip gloss
• candle
• hand sanitizer
• body lotion

Sounds fun right?  We also played a few rounds of Heads Up on the iPad.  Here are a few picks that I took.

Trendsend: Stitch Fix for Moms

Hi fellow subscription box fans!  I was really excited to try this service since it says they are for moms.  I took a peek in their online boutique to make sure that I liked some of their stuff then requested a box.  It took a few weeks to arrive (no big deal since I already had others on the way). I got irritated though after reading their FAQ page and realized that they don't price match.  In other words if something in their boutique goes on sale after your box ships, you DO NOT get the sale price.  That's really crappy in my opinion especially since it's their clothes.  It's not like I went to Macy's sale rack and am requesting a lower price.  I really think they should reconsider this policy. Anyway enough chit chat as I climb down from my soap box.  Here's what I got:

1.  Peyton Jensen Johnny Racerback Dress $68
     This was super comfortable but way too big on me.  Felt more like an overpriced swimsuit cover
      up.  Verdict:  Returned

2 & 3. Eight Sixty Floral Seamed Tank $49.99 & Joes Jeans Livia Boyfriend $179

           This shirt was not my style at all.  I keep requesting no all over floral prints because they are 

           not flattering on me.  The jeans were probably some of the softest denim I've ever felt.     

           However, the rise was a little high for comfort and I just couldn't stomach the price tag. 

           Verdict: Returned both.

4 & 5.  Junk Food Summer Forever Tank $48 and Cloth and Stone Easy Pocket Short $78

            I kind of liked this top although it was a little big.  "Summer Forever" is perfect for my life 

            here in Florida.  However, it was priced at $37 on the Evereve website and no price matching.             I still didn't love it more than other graphic tees I've seen at Old Navy for much less.  The   

           shorts were a linen material and wrinkled easily.  The color also wasn't my favorite.  Verdict:

            Returned both.

6 & 7.  Michael Stars Scoop Tank with Tie $58 and Under Skies Cabo Soft Short $48

            This top was a little too big (was labeled "one size") and made me feel big.  I didn't like the 

            was it looked with the shorts.  The shorts were really comfortable and versatile.  I felt like 

            they could be dressed up or down.  I think I was really sold on them when I paired with a 

            navy tank top instead.  However, these were one of those items that was more than $10 

            cheaper on the Evereve website.  Therefore, I returned them and bought off the Evereve site

            for a better deal.  Yes, I know that I'm paying for a service but it makes me mad they won't 

            price match on their own site.  Verdict: Shirt returned and shorts purchased separately.

Have you tried Evereve's Trendsend yet?  Did you have any keepers?

Ipsy Glam Bag July 2015

Hi readers!  My July Ipsy bag arrived and am definitely liking it better than my first one.  Here's what I got:

But first, how fabulous is this bag??  I'm really loving anything tribal right now.  This bag is a keeper!

1.  Be a Bombshell Lip Balm French Kiss

     Love this lip balm and the color!  It's a great neutral that makes my lips feel moisturized and look        fabulous.

2. Tarte Waterproof Bronzer

    I'm not really a bronzer fan (or a fan of any tan since I've had skin cancer removed).  However, the     color on this one is good and not too dark.  Probably won't buy again though.

3.  Jor'el Parker Classico perfume

     At first sniff, I really thought this was going to be too strong.  It did smell nice once on my skin      but it didn't last very long.  Wore off in a couple hours max.  Nice to keep in my bag though since it's  in a roller ball for easy application.

4.  Eau Thermale Cleanance Gel Soapless Cleanser

     I was skeptical to try this when I already have a cleanser that I like, but I ended up really loving it.      It removes my makeup nicely and makes my face feel really clean.  It boasts helping with acne too      so that's a plus!

5.  Jelly Pong Pong 2-in-1 Shadow/Liner

     I was really hoping to love this product, but it's just o.k. at best.  It doesn't glide on very smoothly        and the color was kind of blah.

Have you tried Ipsy yet?  If not, you should check it out:

https://www.ipsy.com/new?refer=uf36z

Giving Old Hardware New Life: It's easier than you may think.

Hi readers!  I have recently started upcycling an antique dresser and pulled off the old hardware to clean.  I've looked around and as of now I plan on using the old hardware instead of buying new.  Something about it makes me want to keep it.  Therefore, cleaning was a necessary step.  Here's what I did to give new like to this old hardware:

1.  Fill a disposable container with hot water, dish soap, and a little white vinegar.  Honestly, the brand doesn't matter.  Also, I just eyeballed the amount.  FYI:  After soaking a few hours, the water will be disgusting.  I know this probably goes without saying but PLEASE DON'T reuse this container for food.

2.  After soaking a few hours, use a scrubber sponge to clean away the grime.  Rinse with water and you are done.

Easy right?  Here's a look after scrubbing.  I like how they still look antique.

Stitch Fix July 2015: At Least One is a Keeper

Hi!  I was really looking forward to this month's fix and was hopeful that I would keep at least one item.  My last couple of fixes have been less than stellar and was starting to think that my stylist had lost her touch (or I've become more picky).  Here's what I got this month:

1.  Kut from the Kloth Melissa Tencel Shorts

These shorts were really comfortable, but the color was so light (and I think the sizing was a little big).  I tried on these shorts with a variety of color tops and nothing seemed to look right except white.  Didn't keep.

2.  Renee C Galinda Printed Maxi Skirt

Why yes!  I did keep a maxi skirt last month so I must want another.  I'm torn because I don't really know how many printed maxi skirts one really needs.  Pretty colors though.

3.  Brixton Ivy Clifton Embellished Henley

This top truly had potential, but was clearly not made for women more endowed.  Didn't keep.

4.  Papermoon Penfield Textured Tank

Stripes are not my friend.  I've indicated this, but keep receiving stripes :(

5.  Fun2Fun Patson Pleated Henley Top

Love the color of this top, but it's just way too long on me.  Think I'm going to have to start requesting a smaller size.  Didn't keep.

How have your fixes been recently?  Seems like since the arrival of summer, things have gone downhill.  Better luck next month for me I guess!

Avengers Party Favor: DIY Crayon Roll Up

For my son's 3rd birthday party, he wanted an Avengers theme.  I mostly bought what I loving call the "Party City Special."  Basically, I bought all of the decorations and necessities from there.  The 2 things I made myself were the invitations (using Marvel's free comic strip maker) and the party favors.  I saw some ideas online and ended up doing my own pattern for crayon roll ups.

I'm a beginner seamstress so believe me when I say if I can do it, you can do it too!

Step 1:  Cut fabric in strips measuring 11x4 (can be smaller depending on your notebook size) and cut pockets 4x4 in a coordination fabric.

Step 2: Fold top of pockets over and stitch (so it doesn't fray over time)

Step 3: Iron fusible interfacing (pick one the feels the same thickness as the fabric) to the inside (wrong side) of the fabric.

Step 4:  Stitch the pockets onto the piece of fabric that you want to be the inside.

Step 5:  Pin together the two piece of fabric with right sides facing each other and stitch almost all the way around, leaving a small opening to turn the fabric inside out.  Then stitch closed.

Step 6:  Stuff and enjoy!

Front Door Fashion Box #2: Still No Outfit Keepers

After not buying much from my first box, I requested a second box from Morgan.  She contacted me after a few weeks and said that she would like to have a phone conversation to make my second box better.  She was super sweet and helpful.  We chatted for a few minutes about my needs, fit, likes and dislikes, etc...  She got right to work and my box shipped the following day.

Personalized Notes Included:

Here's one of my favorite tops that I kept by Askari.  I liked the necklace but am sitting on some Stella Dot credit so it had to go back.  The jeans gave me major muffin top so returned those too.

I considered keeping this dress but it was completely open back and I HAVE to wear a bra so back it went.

Just horrible.  Enough said.  I'm a size 6 and this makes me look a lot bigger.

This top was just horrible and uncomfortable.  The jeans were just ok since they gave me a muffin top too.  Both went back.

This necklace and cuff bracelet were both cute but also went back due to needing to spend my Stella Dot credit first.

This shirt by Splendid was definitely a keeper.  Green is one of my favorable colors.

I debated for awhile on this Ella Moss top, but didn't love it enough to spend the $138 price tag.  It was also a little out of my comfort zone after requesting not to receive all over floral.

I kept these Level 99 slack shorts since I liked the color and they are super comfortable.  Kind of regretting it though because after wearing them half a day they are so stretched out they are falling off.  Must be the tencel fabric I guess??  Not loving the top or scarf though.  Felt like I was going to the country club for a game of bridge.

I went back and forth on this Askari McKinley dress and even sent Morgan a picture for opinions.  She suggested a smaller size and no belt (the belt was my suggestion since it was so big).  I requested an exchange for a smaller size and am waiting for the replacement.

Have you kept any full outfits from FDF?