Rock that smile

I took a workshop put on by Portland Bloggers where we worked with some amazing photographers like Marge Jacobsen on our photography skills (or lack their of).  I LOVE this glam, rock n' roll smiley necklace that I photographed on Sarah from Favery.  Easily my favorite photo from the entire event. :)  Look closely and you'll see the emoji faces on the yellow beads.

Just a tote

I took a sewing class and created this fun tote in a few hours.  The class was held at PDX's Modern Domestic.  I would highly recommend their classes.  I've taken 2 classes and the instructors have both been wonderful.  And the sewing machines!  You sew on these amazing Bernina sewing machines that Modern Domestic sells.  Admittedly, they are kind of awesome and have all kinds of cool features to make your sewing even and perfect-looking.

My tote is made out of a black and white home decor fabric lined with a bright blue duck cloth (just like my cardigan).  It was a fun project and I'm hoping to do some more sewing.

A crocheting first, my very first item of clothing!

I love to crochet and have made a lot of items over the years.  Hundreds of scarves would not be an exaggeration.  But this was a BIG first.  My first actual item of crochet clothing.  I typically like to do smaller project like accessories or little animals.  I like projects that I can finish.  But making my first crochet shrug was pretty awesome!  Yes, it took a lot longer than little projects, but I'm sure happy with the final result.  It was a little tricky, but I think I'm off to a great start with creating more wearable art of the clothing variety. :)

I also posted some other new items in my etsy shop, yup you guessed it - scarves!  But these are not just any old scarves... these are toast scarves, which are kind of awesome.

And now I'm working on another crochet shrug that will be a little nautical...

Well that's all the items I've been crocheting lately.  What about you?  Any fun crochet projects?

XOXO honeybees!

Project Runway winner Gretchen Jones rocks and whiten those pearly whites

Honest.  Authentic.  Awesome.

I went to an event at Portland Sewing where Project Runway winner Gretchen Jones spoke about her experiences in the fashion industry.  And it didn't start when she was competing on Season 8 of the reality TV show Project Runway.  Her experience in fashion started when she was designing and sewing her own dresses as a child, a young child.  I can't remember the exact age, but let's just say she was sewing entire outfits when the rest of us were still finger painting.  Gretchen grew up in a rural community where it was normal for people to create.  Her grandmother was a seamstress and her dad was a carpenter.  Creating was just a part of life.  And it was the beginning the path that would lead her to reality TV, NYC and even Portland.

It was fascinating to hear Gretchen talk candidly about her experiences in the fashion industry.  WOW.  I really had no idea how much work and financial backing it takes to be a fashion designer.  $10 million dollars?  It's just a drop in the hat if you want to design a collection.  I really do have a new appreciation for the job and what it takes.  And the amount of work Gretchen put into her fashion career.  Gretchen's mom said to her daughter, "It only took you 10 years to become an overnight success."  I'm interested in handbag and jewelry design and after hearing about making samples in all the different sizes and technical patterns... well, let's just say clothing design is intense!  You really need to want to do it.  As Gretchen said, "It's a labor of love."

Gretchen is back in the Rose City and starting a new job as the lead designer for a new contemporary line for Pendelton.  It sounds amazing and I'm sure we'll be seeing her fabulous designs on a rack near us soon.

And on a completely different topic, I want to be honest with you!  White teeth are important.  I can't tell you how many gorgeous folks, let their look be ruined with yellow teeth.  It's not attractive.  And a little teeth whitener can make a big difference.  Also, smokers!  You should quit smoking.  However, even if you refuse to quit, at least whiten those teeth.  (end rant)

 http://www.colgateopticwhite.com

Thanks to influenster for my latest product to test: Colgate Optic White.  It's a toothbrush and built-in whitening pen all in one.  Basically, you just brush your teeth as normal.  Then you apply the whitening gel and do not rinse.  Colgate recommends applying the whitening gel twice a day, which is pretty simple because you are already brushing your teeth twice a day anyway.

As I stated above, I believe some pearly whites can take you from drab to fab.  And if this product makes that easier for you, maybe you should try it!  I've used lots of different whitening products and they all have their advantages and disadvantages.  The great thing about this product?  It's super easy to use and you don't have to put anything extra in your mouth (like a sticker over your teeth or hold a mouth piece).

 Smiles with Sarah

Fashion & teeth whitening?  Just another day of blogging.

Melissa

New hair do & Trail Blazers

It was time for some fresh color, but after watching (and loving) what my stylist did to my hair the last couple of times - I decided to try to color my hair myself!  She did a section of dark red a couple of inches wide at the my hairline.  She also did the back, the half closer to the ends in a dark purple.  And the crown section of my hair was still my natural dark brown hair color.  I really loved this multi-toned violets look.  I always wanted purple hair and this way I got it.  But it was so subtle, it was still OK for the office and work.  (Plus, red and purple fade SUPER fast.  I don't think there is much you can do about that.  It's part of the reason I wanted to see if I could get the same effect myself.  I want to keep it up, but trips to a colorist can be quite spendy.)

My first step was picking out the dark red and purple dye.  (My colorist had also used a dark brown, but I figured it would be complicated enough trying to do 2 different hair dyes myself and I was right.  It was super messy!)

After reading some reviews online and being very limited when it comes to purple hair dye, I found these 2 hair dyes.  I LOVED Garnier Nutrisse Nourshing Color Creme Intense Red for Naturally Dark Hair, Medium Intense Auburn.  It looks a little violet too, which I love and is really intense.  Actually compared to the professional color, it's holding up even better.  How cool is that for $6?

I put my hair - just like you are putting your hair half up and dyed the bottom part with Vidal Sasson Deep Velvet Violet.  If you have super dark brown hair like me, the dye does not perform like it suggests on the box.  The purple is a lot subtler.  But I was expecting that and it's definitely a color you can pull off in the office.  Nobody is going to look at your hair and think it's purple.  It's that subtle.  I also wanted a bit of purple framing my face so I used a little by my face too on the sides by my ears.

Next up was the red.  I sectioned off a couple of inches by my hairline and dyed it with the red color.  It even smelled fruity!  It was super messy, but when I was all finished I had a similar look to what my colorist did for only $16.  Just to be clear I don't plan on cutting, lighting or highlighting my own hair... but this I would definitely do again.

I got to show off my new hair do at the Trail Blazers game.  It was an intense game, but super fun.  Shout out to my favorite players ROLO and MO.  And we were finally in a section that won something...free yummy popcorn!  Rachel was there too.  Oh, and we won.  Go BLAZERS!

Also, here's a coupon code for my etsy shop www.mizche.com. Use SPRING for 10% off any item priced $10 or more. Free shipping in U.S. Coupon expires at the end of March.

Just add the item to your cart and click on "Apply shop coupon code" to use the discount.

Facial Moisturizer, anti-residue shampoo

I picked up Caramance facial moisturizer at Ulta.  It was only $2 on clearance.  I read a model's autobiography years ago and she recommended using a facial moisturizer like this, especially when traveling.  The model said flying can dry out your skin and a light water mist can make all the difference.  So I thought why not give it a whirl?  Especially at clearance prices.

And I have to say, it was kind of awesome!  It's basically just a light water mist over your face.  It feels very luxurious.  And supposedly it doesn't mess up your make-up... it doesn't do much damage... but I certainly wouldn't use it right before a photo session.  It does give you a really youthful, dewy, glowing look... so if that's something you are going for, definitely give it a try!  And it's just kind of fun.  And who doesn't want a little fun in their day and to feel a bit like a super model!

I also forced the product on my friend and fellow blogger Sarah.  She wasn't so sure, but afterwards she did agree...

"My skin feels really nice." --Sarah

Neutrogena's the anti-residue shampoo

I headed to the aisles of my local super store in search of a clarifying shampoo.  I don't know exactly what has gotten into my hair, but it has some build-up that just won't go away.  Gross!  I know there is probably something where it's because I wash my hair everyday and that's really bad for it and if I just stopped shampooing completely it would be perfect or something... BUT that's not happening.  I like my hair to be clean.

I tend to be very partial toward Neutrogena products so I was so happy when I found this shampoo that seemed to be exactly what I needed.  "Instantly removes over 90% of dulling residue."  And I would say that's pretty spot on.  I washed my hair with this shampoo twice (this is normal for me) and it definitely got rid of a A LOT of the build up in my hair.  Did it get rid of everything?  No.  But did it get rid of about 90%, I would say yes.

I didn't read the fine print on the shampoo before I purchased, but it does have specific instructions to use once a week to make your favorite shampoo work better.  I'm guessing it's probably to harsh or would strip you hair to use it more than once a week, but I'm crossing my fingers--this seems like it going to help out a lot.  I think I still need to find this "favorite shampoo" they refer to, but at least I can get rid of some of that build-up!  I'll let you know about a couple weeks of use how it's going with the anti-residue shampoo.

I hope you enjoyed my 2 little product reviews!  Have a wonderful weekend honeybees.

XOXO

Melissa

bright blue cardi

 photos by Warren

♥bright blue cardi from Walmart (it was ridiculously cheap, but I can't remember an exact price.  Similar available here.)

♥lace top from Maurices

♥black skirt by Alfani

♥earrings from Icing

Influenster sent me Celestial Seasonings Sleepytime Decaf Lemon Jasmine Green Tea for testing purposes.  It was delicious and very relaxing before sleepy time. :)

Mizchevous Mondays: Dream Wedding Week

Special coupon code for a cupcake hat in my etsy shop www.mizche.com. Use CUPCAKE for $5 off a regularly priced cupcake hat through Feb. 14. ($40 minimum) Free shipping in U.S.

Just add the item to your cart and click on "Apply shop coupon code" to use the discount.

Happy Monday honeybees!!! I hope you have a fabulous week. :)

Mizchevous Mondays: I'd rather...

Also, use the coupon code CUPID anytime through February 14 on my Etsy store for a 10% discount!
www.mizche.com

Have a fabulous week honeybees!!!

ROLO & Stanford alumni night Blazers Game

Cheering.  Blazers.  PDX fun. ROLO.

Last night was Stanford Alumni night at the Blazers game in Portland, OR.  My friend Marie and I headed to the game, after some parking issues we made it to the game on time, but missed the pre-game happy hour.  So we got some delicious and huge sandwiches from Bridgetown something (I would recommend!)... and watched the game.  It was tons-o-fun per usual and Marie and I both agree MO WILLIAMS is one of our favorite players.  We want to figure out how we can go to an alumni event for some school and meet him!  Any tips, let me know!  Oh, and I almost forgot we won!  YAY.

My other fave is Robin Lopez, mostly because he went to Stanford too and let's keep it real, he has awesome hair.  After the game, we had a very PR heavy Q&A session with Robin.  He was super nice and awesome.  But we only got a group photo... that should be coming at some point.  No individual photos, better luck next time?  Maybe I will just bump into him at Powells?  Apparently, there is a video on the Blazers site you can check out with a tour of Powells.

Here is a photo of my new red MAC Rhianna Viva Glam lip look!  It was perfect for the game and a blog post with my review of the lipstick and lip gloss will be coming soon.

XOXO honeybees!

Chaotic Goddess Swaps: 12 Days of Christmas

My first official blogger swap: the 12 days of Christmas.  Who doesn't love a bunch of little presents, 12 to be exact?  (Certainly this girl loves a little gift now and then!) I was paired with Rambunctious Rose, a fabulous gal in Texas.  Please check out her blog and her post about our swap too!

I was floored by my awesome little Christmas presents.  Not only was it festive and creative, the items were useful and fun!  Thanks Rambunctious Rose.

If you are interested in signing up for feature swaps, go here!  I would highly recommend it.  The swap was well-organized and a great way to meet another blogger.