Makeup

She watches me closely. I set my powder, blush, mascara, and eyeshadow on the counter top, and fish around the bag for my chapstick. I run my hand across the collection of different colored bottles until I find the scent that is perfect for that day. I sweep up my bangs with a bobby pin and put the rest of my hair back into a messy bun. She quietly stares from her viewpoint down below.

There is magic in doing things 'like Mama' now. She begs to hold the brushes and dusts her face with them, trailing over closed eyes. She insists she needs lipgloss and perfume, too. I tell her those things are just for mamas, because little girls don't need them. And I wish I could make her believe that she is the most beautiful girl I know.

It's a lesson of beauty. She demands an explanation for what each item does and why I need it. She pretends to understand the reasons I give her. After trying to describe how mascara goes on eyelashes, and why I need to wear it, the whole thing makes me feel a little silly.

And I'm glad. Even if only for a few more short years, she sees me as I will always see her- in need of nothing to change me or improve me somehow. That I'm enough when I wake up in the morning.

If I could be anyone in the world, it would be the person she thinks I am.

DIY: Hair Ties (Fold Over Elastic) + A Giveaway!

I first heard of these cute, shimmery hair ties in a magazine somewhere- probably Glamour or Marie Claire. However, the price for just one was more than the pack of 100 (boring) rubber band style that I usually buy from Target, so I pined away but didn't think I'd ever own any. When I saw a post from Ines about them, I instantly decided I had to make them.

The hair ties couldn't be easier to make, and take about 1/2 second to finish- even quicker than the t-shirt scarves I made. Piece o' cake, my friends. Just buy your desired color of 5/8" fold over elastic, or FOE for short. It's usually sold by the yard.

Different tutorials might tell you different lengths, but I found that right at 9" is a good length to cut- you might want slightly more or slightly less depending on the thickness of your hair and whether you plan to wear them on your wrist. (I am never seen without a hair elastic on my wrist...unless it's already in my hair.) Cut at a diagonal so they won't fray.

Once you've cut the elastic, fold it in half, and tie a knot at the end, pulling on the elastic to get the knot tight. You'll have just a little length sticking out. It's up to you whether you use the matte side or the shiny side- I prefer the shiny side, personally.

And you're done. How easy is that?

Obviously, they are made to be worn in your hair, and mine seemed to tangle in my hair less than the skinny ones I usually buy. But they're also adorable worn on wrists as an accessory- think a cute/non-1995 version of the scrunchies craze.

So here's the coolest part- okay, coolest three parts:

1. You now know how to make them. You hold the power!

2. If you don't feel like making them, I happen to have the colors you see (most of the light blonde/champagne color, but also the blue and magenta, plus some black, white, and a light green/gray), and if you'd like me to make you one or more, comment or email me (chambanachik@gmail.com). I'll sell a few (through PayPal) for $1.50 each (includes shipping of 50 cents- i.e., each additional tie would only be $1), so let me know. I plan on getting more colors in the future and expand it a bit.

3. Another option if you don't want to make them? How about winning a few? As promised, once I hit 250 likes on the blog Facebook page, I wanted to celebrate with a giveaway. So if you'd like a new look for your hair/wrist, you're in luck, my friend! The winner will receive her own set of hair ties!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

New Shoes for Old Women

I don't remember my parents buying new clothes. I'm sure they must have at some point during all the years we lived under the same roof, but it would seem to be rare. Recently, I was helping my dad sort through some  musty boxes tucked away in his attack, and found all the shirts I remember him wearing when I was little. I remember the plaid, the stripes, and the old firehouse logos on his navy blue firefighter uniform tees. He was still holding on to them in case they fit again, I suppose.

As a kid, I chalked it up to the fact that my parents wore the same things because they were just that- parents, which equaled terribly old, which equaled terribly out of touch with anything fashionable. I assumed once they reached 30, life basically ended, and with it, their sense of style. It never really occurred to me that my mom or dad would want a particular pair of shoes or a new top. Of course, when you're that small, you believe the world centers mostly around you, a little around your siblings, and not at all around your parents other than their role to care for you.

The funny thing is, in many ways, it must have- it certainly does with Millie. Money is tight, and so it usually goes to something she needs. She gets a new pair of jeans when the pairs she has get too short. She gets new shoes as she outgrows old ones. And she even gets a pretty bow or cute pair of tights on occasion- and really, it's a bit selfish of me when she does, because in many ways, it's better than when I get something for myself. Dressing her up in new clothes is exciting. It's not that we (or any other parents) feel as if there's some big sacrifice involved- her happiness makes us happy. (And, yeah, her cuteness makes us melt..)

But after looking at my worn pair of charcoal grey Chucks and realizing I'd been wearing them since before I even met Sky, I decided it was time for something new- for me. Armed with coupons on top of sale prices, Sky and I went to the shoe store and each walked out with boxes. The rarity that is parents shopping for themselves had just taken place.

And even though I'm not a bit more cool or even a little less old, I propped up my feet this afternoon and felt pretty content. Shoe shopping can do that to a girl.

Hairdo

It's been a long 18 months of hair growing for this girl. 

I finally thought we at the point where I could pull up a little bit into a cute ponytail. 

It was so exciting to give Millie her very first hair style...

but Millie did not share my enthusiasm. 

Goodwill Hunting

Browsing through the clothing racks at Goodwill is hardly a novel idea. I've seen lots of bloggers do it, and I've been shopping there ever since I can remember. I remember having some mixed feelings about it in high school- I would think to myself, "This vintage t-shirt is so cool because it's unique, but I hope no one knows I bought it for $1.99 at Goodwill." 

Nowadays? I would wear a t-shirt proclaiming "I BOUGHT THIS FOR $1.99 AT GOODWILL!" I don't care! I'm proud of any way I can save money, and usually just wonder how people are able to stomach paying full price for anything.

Our town's Goodwill used to be located quite literally next door to my high school. It was small, cramped, and full of 80s prom dresses (which always entertained me). But in the past year, it moved into a much larger space, which means more things to browse and more room to breathe. I was finally able to visit, and I'm pretty pleased with the results.

(I apologize for the horrible photos.)

For just a little over $20.00, we were able to buy five shirts for me, two shirts for Sky, and an outfit for Millie. Just one of these things alone would have cost $20.00!

Green sweater- Forever Twenty One
Yellow plaid shirt- Mossimo
Grey tunic sweater- Free People
Blue striped sweater- Old Navy
Red loose tee- American Eagle

Top plaid shirt- Basic Editions
Bottom plaid shirt- Levi's
Long sleeve romper- Carter's

The only downside to Goodwill shopping? It makes me wish summer would get here quickly, because garage sale season is the best shopping season!

Fifteen Dollars of Feisty

I'm not bold- not with my speech, not with my actions, but above all else, not with my clothes. My favorite colors to wear are black, white, grey, and occasionally brown. Yes- I'm one of those girls. I accept it and own it.

So animal print? I detest it. Bright colors, sparkles, big patterns? Almost never. And fur? Completely out of the question.

Until I happened upon the clearance racks at Target last week. I moseyed over to the 70% off section, threw nearly every winter coat my size in the cart, and Millie and I headed for the changing rooms.

While she checked herself out in the full length mirrors, I slipped on the first jacket, glancing at the price tag as I did. Only $15.00! It was a fitted black wool peacoat with cute pockets, gold buttons, and a belt.

And fur.

Just a bit around the collar, but I might as well have been wearing head to toe Target red for the jolt it gave me. I studied the girl in the mirror in front of me. I studied her from the side. I spent a couple minutes in that coat, just letting the feeling of boldness sink into my bones. Then, I tossed the it into the cart, and wheeled down the aisles with a bit of a cocky grin. Sometimes it's okay to be a rebel, and this rebellion is just my speed.

Sky isn't a fan, and I'll probably take the fur part off as the weather begins to warm. But it gets downright chilly here in Illinois. Every bit of that faux fur warmth is needed these days.

So, if only until the biting cold fades, I'll wear my coat, and feel the glow of glamour. Beige sweater underneath and no lipstick or high heels- but it's the little things. And though no one else will recognize the bravery I'll be quite literally wearing on my sleeve, I will know. 

Maybe the secret is what makes it so delicious anyway.