Easy DIY Bat Garland for Halloween

As I was preparing for Halloween I had this crazy idea to make a bat garland, from a plastic table cloth. Dare I say a batty idea? I dare. So I traveled down to the Dollar Tree and picked up a black plastic tablecloth. I almost bought 2 just for good measure but glad I decided against it. I wouldn't have used it. I def had enough material.

I decided to fold the table cloth the way you do when you make a people chain. It's the same folding method for making a paper fan. I chose this way because most garlands want you to cut out like 100 bats. This way I only have to cut one! No brainer! If you don't know how to do that, or what I mean. Please ask and I'll clarify.

Next I needed a template. I took a piece of packaging cardboard that came with the giant spider I just bought. It was the right stiffness, but bonus, it had a simple image of a bat on it. I just used that image as a reference for my own and drew one on the back.

Then I cut the bat out and used it as a template and placed it on top of my folded tablecloth. I cut out everywhere except on the folds. Don't cut the bat out all the way. He needs to be able to attach to the next bat, and they will be attached at the folds.

In some places the bat might be attached to another spot like on the wing, below. This is just because there are soo many layers to cut throughout and you may not cut through every one. If this is the case, then just snip where you need to.

Then I pulled it open. Voila. ( cue angelic chorus) This was perfect, and with just one cut we had over 30 ft of garland. Then hang away. I chose over windows and in doorways.

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Hope this inspired you to make some fun and easy Halloween decorations. The kids love it!!

xoxo, Janean

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No Nonsense. This is Fashion.

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of No nonsense for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

I love blogging! And I love it even more when I get awesome stuff sent to me to review! I was stoked when the good people over at No nonsense tights and leggings sent me over a pretty package of beautiful tights and leggings!

If you know me, then you know that I LOVE fashion and I LOVE tights and leggings! What a perfect fit this review was for me! I was sent some beautiful light pink, or nude colored for us fair skinned folk, tights and some awesome purple corduroy leggings! My two favs, corduroy and leggings. I am a sucker for some corduroy, that is for sure. Before I tell you about the millions of items of clothing I pulled for my closet to style these items with and what I chose, I want to tell you a little bit about No nonsense. These are some of the most affordable, accesible and fashionable tights and leggings out there. Im pretty sure most of the tights and leggings I already own are No nonsense. You can practically find them everywhere. It is a fabulous brand. They have also recently teamed up Jill Martin who is going to be the face of the brand. They couldnt have picked a more fashionable or worthy candidate. She is a real working woman just doing her thing and being fashionable. You can see more of  her here, with No nonsense on Facebook.

I loved these tights and leggings. Literally my bed is piled high with outfits I pulled, the possiblities are endless, but lucky for you, the photos are not. ;)

I paired the tights with a pleated and lace trimmed skirt, some bootie pumps and a peachy pink shirt. Inspired by a ballerina look, I pulled my hair into a bun and thought it looked lovely, girly, and classic. Loved this outfit. The tights were the perfect thing for this outfit. Elegant and sweet.

 

The leggings, which are also super rad and I was so happy to receive, were purple. I decided to pair them some thigh-high boots and a striped slouchy, comfy cardigan and I have got myself  the perfect fall outfit! I love these things! Man, they are soft!

I wanted to show you the versatility of these things, so I also paired them with some heels, because who doesnt love heels and leggings? Really.

I really and super excited to wear these things ALL winter long. However long that ends up being here in Southern California. In between the bikini months, I will be wearing my tights and leggings. Watch for them.

xoxo, Janean

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Easy DIY Lace Mask for Halloween Costume

For Halloween this year, I am planning on being, well, maybe I shouldnt tell quite yet. But I am super excited about my costume and think it will be pretty cool. I have decided to wear a mask with it. But not your normal everyday run of the mill mask. I wanted a super elegant mask, very feminine, and super classy. I really love the look of the lace masks I have been seeing online. Here is where I drew my inspiration from.

Now, these masks can cost you a pretty penny, if you want to buy one, but, why not MAKE our own. For cheap?

I started with some greenish lace that I already had, but lace is readily available at all fabric stores and is pretty cheap too, depending on how intricate it is, but simple lace, cheap. I picked up a cheap plastic mask from Joanns for $2 for the shape and eye placement. I seriously did consider though, skipping the plastic mask and making a paper mache mold from my own face. Then I realized how ridiculous that was and decided to eat the $2. Worth it! And last but not least, Fabric Stiffener. This was the fabric stiffener I bought, Stiffy. Worked great, although it did cost $7 and the bottle is huge, way more than I needed for this project and I'm pretty sure you can buy small bottles at most fabric stores for like $2. Alas, this was all Joanns had so I bought it.
I placed a square of lace over the mask to see how much I needed, cut it out and then cut the shape the way I wanted the mask to look, while laying it over the plastic mask. So that I knew where to cut. This was fairly easy. Once I had the shape I wanted and the eye holes cut out, I poured about two capfuls of Stiffy on a ceramic plate, dipped my lace in it and squeezed off the extra. Then I draped it on the mask while it dried so it would take its shape. I let mine dry on a paper plate, just so none dripped off onto the counter. Although, even if it had, it would have been easy to clean since Stiffy is waterbased.

As soon as it was dry, which took about 2 hours, I had my mask.Oh and it dries clear. I was worried it might not. but it totally did.

With a little clear stretch elastic for the band, it will be complete! Im really stoked about it and think it turned out great! You could also just use the elastic band that came with the plastic mask, which would be easier, but hey.

In other news, I can't stop buying Legos for my child who loves them with all his heart, but really isnt old enough for them yet. We just buy the little things, like this helicopter for example. It took us about 10 minutes to assemble it together and it took him about two minutes to decide he wanted the cock pit open and took the whole thing apart. Ugh. Honestly, if I see pieces on the floor, I just throw them away... Just lookin out for the baby. Worst mom ever?

Oh, and I had to treat myself to some Halloween Oreos. I love Oreos, never buy them though, but it is Halloween. And really, who can resist those cute little super festive black and orange cookies? Not me. They would look great with this project!

Hope your having a great Wednesday!
xoxo, Janean Pin It

Back Pain

Dear Friends,
I apologize for the hiatus. I had a fun filled weekend. Went to a baby shower with these crazy cats.

Love my Fam.

Had so much fun, that night I threw my back out. I was leaning over into the boys luggage and then I felt excruciating pain and couldnt move. I was in so much pain that I seriously thought I had a slipped disk or something and would need back surgery. We went to Urgent Care the next morning and they gave me a huge pain killer shot. The Dr. told me I could have it in the arm, the nurse came in and informed me that the arm didnt have enough muscle tissue to support the shot. Much to my chagrin, I had to take in the tushy. Lovely. As if I wasnt in enough pain already. THAT HURT! They also prescribed me with a muscle relaxer which knocked me out like a light and had me sleeping for days... The pain is almost gone now. Phewf. Any way I just had to get this little post out to let you all know where Ive been and that I am still alive. Barely.

 

xoxo, Janean

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Cheap and Easy Bathroom Decor

I have a ton of apothecary jars! I just love them and think they are so beautiful and give a lot of elegance to a space. I like the versatility they provide while decorating. They can be used seasonally, filled with candy or themed decorations, be used as a terrarium to house a sweet little plant or filled with fake flowers or potpourri or a candle for any room. I picked mine up at Home Goods, which is where I think, they are priced best. But you can also find them at TJMaxx, Ross, Marshalls, and the likes. Don't let yourself pay full price for these. Ever. If none of those stores are by you, you can get them online. Somewhere that has great prices for these jars, is save-oncrafts.com. Love that website! It's insane prices and great items. Totally worth checking out. I put mine in the bathroom. I have a lot of space on our jack and Jill sink and didnt want it cluttery, but still wanted whatever I put there to have functionality and elegance. I filled my vases, with cotton balls and q-tips. The total cost was 4 dollars, and I think it looks really chic and the jars hold so much it will last a long time. Down the road, I might take out the seashells and sand and fill them with white bars of soap or different fancy scrubbing sea sponges. But for now, it was cheap since I already had it, and it looks great too! Take a look.

Xoxo, Janean

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IPL PhotoFacial Review Part 2

I rushed out of the house as soon as The Hus got home. No makeup on, except for some lip gloss and a little mascara so I could at least have some sense of self repsect, and not totally feel like a slob. I pulled up to this lovely little Dr.s office. Inside it was nice and airconditioned. It was super hot yesterday, so the A/C was a nice break. I was immediately greeted with a little paper work.  A mini questionaire about my health history and another about my skin condition ie, how easily I burned, etc. I snuck as many pictures as I could.

As I sat there and filled out the forms I noticed how nervous I was. My heart was racing as fast as someone trying out for the olympics. I was borderline shaking. I was SOOO nervous anticipating the pain. I had heard it was painful from some people and heard there was nothing to be afraid of from others. One friend even recommended a Vicodin. Holy moly I was nervous. I tried to pretend I wasn't, as I sat there in the lobby.

 But I definitely was.

After sitting there waiting for about 20 minutes or so, it was my turn to come on back. I was welcomed by a sweet lady, Carolyn. And told her I was suuuper duuper nervous. She was very kind and assured me I had nothing to worry about. I asked if I could take pictures with my iPad for my blog. Which may or may not have been my way to assure she did her very best.
Still nervous I took pictures of Carolyn, seeing that she would be doing the procedure and the machine we would be using.

 Not sure whether or not she knew how nervous I REALLY was, I decided to prove it to her. I went to put my iPad in my purse and then as soon as I set it down it fell out of my purse onto the floor.
Oh, you dropped your iPad.
Whoops! Oh, thats ok. Its fine.
Really? Its fine?
Yeah, the case is made for stuff like this. Totally fine. (*big sigh, fake smile)
(best purchase I ever made, btw.) I saw it at Target for $100 and almost bought one. Good thing I checked online. Amazon. $30 bones. Hello! No brainer. My kids drop my iPad ALL the time, but this totally protects it. From baby slime too.



And then as if that wasnt emabarassing enough I went to sit down on the chair (table?) and sent it spinning as I hung on for dear life and the roll of paper covering the chair, (you know, toilet seat cover paper) went flying off.
"Whoa! Hold on to yourself there!"
"Yikes!" I stammered as I had to regather myself and sit slowly on the chair.
We hadnt even started yet and I was already sweating. How embarrassing. First we talked a little bit about what I wanted to get out of the procedure and then we moved on to the part I was fearing most. The laser. I was so so so so so so scared. She covered my eyes with some cotton roll stuff and then put goggles over that. I imagine the cotton swab stuff was to cover any cracks so the light couldnt blind me too badly. But I did have to keep my eyes closed the whole time, which totally upped the anticipation level and super freaked me out. She started out by doing 4 test zaps. The anticipation was KILLING me!! I was so scared. I heard the whirring of the machine heating up and then ZAP!! Whew! Not to bad. Not bad at all actually. Small, minor, bit of pain, but not really. It felt like a little tiny prick. Each zap was a different setting of strenght on the machine. Starting out on the least powerful setting. Even level 4 didnt hurt that bad.  I mean it hurt a little, but I was totally fine. Then after about 15 minutes she came to examine the 4 spots to see how my skin reacted to each setting so we could determine the apropriate strength for my skin. Level 4 it was, ladies and gentleman. Part of me was kind of proud of myself for having the tolerance for the highest setting. I mean I have given birth before! How hard could this be? We worked the face in rows. Before we zapped each row, I would ice it. After the first row, I had had enough! HOLY GUACAMOLE CANOLE SHIZ BALLS THIS HURT!!!!! Zap after zap after zap after zap. Oh my gosh this hurt! It felt like searing hot tiny needle pricks and a burst of flames. As I lay there just waiting for each zap and hoping it hurt less, but then getting zapped and realzing it only hurt more I started tearing up. It was just intense. Super intense. Intensely, intense. When we got to the halfway point of my face I wanted to cry. I just kept thinking, "wow, beauty really is pain", and "I am such an idiot," and of course.. "this better freaking work!!!"
Finally! 2 melted ice packs and 30 minutes later. We were done. Hallefreakinlujah! Wow! That was WAY more painful than those first 4 zaps led me to believe. As I left the office my face was slightly red and a very sensitive.

You can see the redness in the photo of me leaving the office. Dont worry, Im not driving and snapping. Im still in the parking lot.
Here is what my face looks like today. Still a little red and the sun spots I had before are getting darker. They are supposed to get darker first and then "flake" off. Gross I know.  But Im hoping they just come off in the shower. This whole process should last about a week to 10 days I think.

And then 3 more weeks from then until my next appointment in October. Heres to hoping I can wear makeup soon, beacause really I see myself and think, MAN! How I do I expect to get any respect from the people at the grocery store looking like this! And I can really only post so many photos of my none ready self, before my self esteem starting slipping down the drain. YOWZA. But really, I looke like this about 85% of the time.

Oh and I made this shirt myself. Well, added lace to the sleeves myself, but whatever. It was super easy. If you're curious, post it below and I will do a tutorial.

And to make myself feel better I made some guacamole. Probably the best guac I have ever tasted.

 Looking for the PERFECT guacamole recipe? Here's what you will need.

Avocado
Cilantro
Tomato
Yellow onion
Green onion
Lime juice
Salt
Thats it! No more Pace Picante and an avocado or heaven forbid a guacamole mix. Nope. This will be all you need. And it will be delicious and fresh! Sorry, I dont have a pic. I ate it all.

xoxo, Janean

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Photofacial & Weekend Review

My Dear Lovelies,
Anyone out there ever wanted to have a fancy facial? I know I have. I have just dreamed about going to the spa every week to get a different facial or body wrap or whatever else they claim can be done to make your fat melt and your skin glow. Oh, and in this little day dream, I would be drinking some fancy Italian soda or tropical smoothie in a crystal goblet. Cause, ya know, this is my fantasy. Well, today is my lucky day... minus the crystal goblet. I am embarking on a never before seen or traveled journey for yours truly. I will be getting my first IPL Photofacial, and I can't wait. Here's what an IPL Photofacial is supposed to achieve:

Eliminate your skin discoloration and uneven skin tone with our innovative Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) system. The IPL photofacial is a revolutionary method of photo rejuvenation that improves your skin’s texture, tone and appearance. A series of IPL photofacial treatments will diminish flushing or redness of the skin associated with Rosacea, reduce hyperpigmentation caused by sun damage and age, erase broken capillaries, and smooth roughly textured skin. IPL therapy also stimulates new collagen to form, thereby reducing fine lines, minimizing pore size and mild acne scarring, and increasing skin elasticity.
There is absolutely no down time following an IPL laser treatment, so you can enjoy your daily activities. During your IPL series, you will notice imperfections fade away as a more radiant, healthier and clearer complexion appears. Give us a call in our San Diego Laser Clinic for IPL photofacial treatment today!

After having horrible acne in my teen years and then overcoming it with Accutane, my skin went through a lot. Throw in two pregnancies and crazy hormones on top of that and you have a ripe recipe for some skin discoloration. It doesnt look horrendous or anything but I think that I need the color and the tone evened out.
I am documenting this, so you guys can be along for the ride and hopefully I can give insight into whether or not this works or is the right thing for you. I purchased my facials through a LivingSocial Deal (kinda like groupon) and I will be having a series of 3 facials. All one month apart. Here are some pictures I took today. Completely without makeup so you can see what the befores look like. Bear with me as I bare my face to the world.

Notice the tiny little spots of brown and red? Hopefully those will be gone. Fingers crossed!
I will keep you guys posted!
Moving on to this weekend. Fam came and left. the mini cried and cried and cried, and then got really mad at me, when they drove away. Here's the Ikea guest bedroom they stayed in.

Even though it was sad to see them leave, they left me with plenty to remember them by. I love when my mom and dad come to town. My mom lets me sleep in and gets up with my kids, brings them presents, cleans my house and frequently makes dinner AND does the dishes. And my dad buys lots of groceries and yummy goodies.

I guess if they have to leave at least they left me with a full cupboard and one less trip to make to the grocery store this week. We miss them though! At least the holidays are right around the corner! Which reminds me, I have some costumes and decorations to make!
xoxo, Janean
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