Everything's coming up Rosie

Hi everyone. It's time for another DIY (here's last month's with links to past DIYs), using items from my latest Eco Emi box (below is a photo of what I had to work with this time), and since I took so long to do one, I actually have two. Both are hair accessories inspired by a guilty pleasure of mine, a show called "Made in Chelsea."

Yes, I just admitted that this nearly 37-year-old likes to watch a reality show about a bunch of 20-somethings. I find it entertaining, and I like their style, as you can see represented in today's projects (okay, maybe it's not quite their style, but you'll get the idea). Both resemble items for sale on Amber Atherton's (a girl from the show) My Flash Trash online jewelry boutique.

First up is the current "Celeb Pick" from the site, a floral headband known as the Wine Whole Lotta Rosie Headband (obviously, it is covered in roses, but Rosie also happens to be the name of Amber's friend on the show). I made my own version of it, using the tissue paper and decorative shreds from this month's Eco Emi box, along with an old headband, some baby hair ties and a glue gun.

To start, I braided some of the decorative paper shreds. I needed to make two braids to cover the length of the headband.

I set the braids aside while I made some tissue paper flowers, much like I did in this past DIY. I cut strips of the tissue paper and then cut those into rectangles.

I cut the small rectangles into tear drop and heart-shaped "petals."

Once I had enough "petals," I began to form the flowers, starting with three tear drop shapes, one in a dark purple and the other two in burgundy.

Then, I wrapped two heart-shaped dark purple "petals" around the center part.

I continued to build up heart-shaped burgundy petals to create a full flower ...

... and secured the ends with a baby hair tie (this will come in handy for attaching the finished flowers to your headband).

Repeat these steps to make more flowers; five to seven should be sufficient for decorating your headband. 

Time to add all the embellishments to your headband. Start by using a glue gun to adhere the braided decorative paper shreds. Two braids should be exactly enough to cover the length of your headband.

You could leave your headband as is at this point or add the flowers.

I used the hair ties at the base of the flowers to attach them to the headband.

Here's what I look like wearing it (along with the Purely You berry red lip gloss from this month's Eco Emi).

Next up is a simple pastel bow, similar to the sparking ones on Amber's site. All that's needed is the purple sheer fabric pouch from this past month's Eco Emi box and a hair clip, as shown. 

Start by removing the ribbons from the fabric pouch.

Fold the top third of the bag inside itself.

Do the same with the bottom third to create a small rectangle. Set aside.

Tie each ribbon to the clip, as you can see in this pic.

Pinch the center of the fabric rectangle to form a bow and attach it to the clip by wrapping the ribbons up around it and back down again. 

Cross the ribbons through the open clip ...

... and tie them around the base. Cut off the excess ribbon. 

Here's your finished bow.

I decided to try the bow on (without my Purely You lip gloss; I forgot to reapply it after lunch), but I think I'm a little old for it.

It looks perfect of Hayden, though :-) 

Anyway, this post is getting rather lengthy. I'm thinking about making a stain glass effect out of the scrap tissue paper on the window of the metal box from this month's Eco Emi. Hopefully, I'll let you know if I get around to it.                

Just in time for a test video with our new camera

I can't believe it's the last day of February, as well as Eco Emi's 2-year anniversary (I'm so proud of Christine; check out the Q&A I posted with her on my blog last year). I was wondering if this month's box would make it on time, and to my surprise, it arrived in my mailbox this afternoon.

 

Although Hayden and I were caught a little off guard (we were busy having another spa day, doing foot soaks from "Green Beauty Recipes," applying that fun peppermint foot stick from our November Eco Emi and painting our toe nails), we were excited to test out the video function on our new camera. Watch our video and see what you think.

For those of you who are unable to view the video, here's a list of what we received and our thoughts:

Serenity Vegan Hair Gel by ily: This is a really nice size sample of hair gel. It has a refreshly light fragrance, probably due to the agave extract in it. Since my hair has a tendency to get frizzy, I can't wait to use this one, if my hubby doesn't snag it from me first. I did, however, apply it to a section of my hair as a test. It made my hair silky soft and held my curls in place.

Exfoliating Foaming Vegan Cleanser by Suki: I'm familiar with this brand and have only heard good things about it. This particular product smells like those hard candies that are shaped like lemons and have a dusting on the outside. It must be the sugar in it. I wonder if it is edible. Ha ha :-)

Berry Red Lip Gloss by Purely You Minerals: I have to say that this color is sexy and reminds me of fresh crushed berries. It's a little sticky at first, but it looks great. The texture and shine is similar to MAC lipglass, although Purely You is probably better for you.

Peppermint Spice Lip Balm by Moody Sisters: Hayden and I just adore the little kitty cat on the tube. We also like the oval shape that makes it easier to hold on to, especially when the person applying it is only 3-years-old (the lip balms are usually Hayden's favorite item in the box). It has a mild peppermint scent that is perfect for my little lady.

The Amazing Trio Packets (Barley Grass, Wheat Grass and Alfalfa) by Amazing Grass: I am a huge fan of Amazing Grass. I received a sample package of Amazing Grass Amazing Meal in a past Eco Emi box and have been stocking up on the original flavor ever since. I have it multiple times a week. This green trio has my name written all over it.

Pumpkin Spice Bars by Athena Bars: Apparently, the blueberry bar from the November box was so popular that it was requested to be featured again. I gave my blueberry one to a friend last time, since the bars contain dairy, and it was well received. I happen to know someone else who'd love this pumpkin spice flavor, so it won't go to waste.

Collagen & Almond Enriching Moisturizing Lotion by Aubrey: I like this brand and am curious about this lotion. However, I'm not sure about the collagen and elastin. Although this lotion is Leaping Bunny approved, I don't think it guarantees that it is vegan. I'm assuming collagen and elastin come from animals. Does anyone know the answer to that one?

Key Lime and Mint Gum by Vitacare: I received this gum in pomegranate and mint in a past Eco Emi. I liked it so much that I usually have some in my purse for when I'm unable to brush my teeth after eating. The key lime and mint gum is the same flavor as the mouthwash I use by the same company. Love it!

Thanks for checking out our video and reading today's post. We hope to do a follow-up DIY, as usual, soon. Any ideas?     

A taste of Oscar Night

The other day, I shared my Oscar Night inspiration in Rawdorable cupcake form, as well as some of my other ideas for celebrating the big night. As you know, it's a family tradition around here to dress up, walk the "red carpet" (it's literally a scrap piece of red carpet or material), vote for our favorites (who we think will win the real awards) and eat foods fit for the occasion.

For example, I opted to make Wolfgang Puck's Kale Salad with Date Compote he planned to serve at the Governor's Ball. That's my plate at the top of today's post. I just had to take a pic for you. I loved the combination of kale, other greens, fresh herbs, paper-thin radishes, fennel and shallots tossed/marinated in a lemony vinaigrette, sprinkled with sliced almonds and drizzled with some aged balsamic. So good.

Oh, and the date compote took the dish to a whole new level of deliciousness. I highly recommend this recipe.

As for the attire, we opted to dress like Academy Award nominees or characters from the nominated films. I decided to go as Best Actress nominee Jennifer Lawrence (she won BTW). Here I am getting glammed up for the evening. 

Since I thought my sisters could be showing up as her character in "Silver Linings Playbook," I put together some pieces from my closet (a tank top that I tucked the straps in to create a strapless bodice, a sheer slip that I allowed to slip out beneath it and a matching long narrow skirt) to resemble her possible wardrobe malfunction at the Screen Actors Guild Awards (it really wasn't a malfunction, although she did reveal the concealed sheer part of her dress).

I, on the other hand, was dealing with my own possible wardrobe malfunctions. Due to the fact that my top wasn't meant to be strapless, I kept having to adjust it throughout the night. I wouldn't say it was flattering, but posing with this cute little lady was worth it. She was going to be Cosette from Les Miserables, but a Sugar Rush character from "Wreck-It Ralph" won out in the end.

Two of the boys also went with the "Wreck-It Ralph" theme. My nephew Colin was Fix-It Felix, while my son Jacob kept it simple with an old school Nintendo controller shirt. The controller was used in the movie to type in the Contra code for all you classic Nintendo fans. My other nephew Cameron took a more grown up approach as a dapper (Hayden loves that word) James Bond.
  

Of course I was right about our guys. My sister April's boyfriend Jack, my hubby Matthew and my other sister Lori's hubby Darren all sported the sweats and trash bag look that Bradley Cooper wore quite a bit in "Silver Linings Playbook."

April and Jack made the perfect couple from the movie. Not only did Jack come as Bradley Cooper's "Silver Linings Playbook" character, but April dressed similar to Jennifer Lawrence's character.

Lori surprised me by having a costume change, neither costume involving Jennifer Lawrence. She started out as a character from "Les Miserables," which you'll see in our group pic, and later paired up with her hubby, representing "Argo" (yes, Darren had a costume change, too). 

My mom also took on "Les Miserables" by putting together a silly interpretation (it's more like a serious tearjerker in the movie, though) of when Anne Hathaway's character is forced to cut her hair for very little money to pay for her child's care. Notice the scissors in her hair? Please kids, don't try this at home.

My dad went all out as Lincoln. Need I say more?

Here is that group photo I mentioned (just ignore the fact that Jacob is pretending to eat Hayden's arm; the "Wreck it Ralph" Sugar Rush game is full of candy). We definitely had a blast.

Hope you did, too :-)