Wall Mounted Wine Rack

 I am in love with this wine rack. It says in the product description that it can hold 18 wine bottles. Do I really want to risk it? We put all of our nice-looking wine bottles on it (Kirkland wine doesn't look classy) and it's a little sparse at the moment. If you love it, it's on amazon.

Below it you will see my wine stopper collection, bottle openers, two aerators, a crystal decanter and decanter stand, as well as an additional wine rack. The wine rack below is a temporary craiglist solution. Eventually, we need something a little bigger and better matched.

Stay chic,

Christine

IKEA Finds

I put this together from IKEA to add a little class to the side of our bathtub. I still need to add curtains and some other decor, but the bathroom is finally getting there.

The total cost (before tax) for my design was $33.96. The candle stands come in more colors and heights that I even used here.

Stay inspired.

Birchbox Upcycle 2.0

Once again, I made a nail polish organizer from this tutorial: DIY Birchbox Nail Polish Rack. You may recognize it from the last one I made: First Attempt. That first attempt used hot glue and wrapping paper. Now I see why the real deal uses duct tape; it's so much easier and looks way better. I made this one for a coworker who is using it to store her Birchbox samples (how apropos). Also- how jealous of her am I for her multitude of products?

Stay neat,

Christine

IKEA Idea- Perfume Tray

For this home project, all you need is the Glädjande Candle Dish (12") from IKEA. It's only $5.99, which is amazing. If you don't like the looks of your perfume on it, you can always use it for candles. I also have one holding candles in our guest bathroom and a 15" one in my husband's office holding his decanter set. 

Stay scented,

Christine

ipsy March 2014

Since my ipsy and Birchbox subscriptions arrived the same day (March 13th), I was able to directly compare them. I have to say- ipsy once again won in a landslide. I've been a real slacker with posting my beauty products due to some awesome hope purchases (more on that later), so I've had time to use and fall in love with all of my ipsy products. If you're interested in trying ipsy, click here. Be aware: there is usually a waiting list.

1. Chella Indigo Blue Eyeliner

I was sighing and huffy that I got yet another weird eyeliner from ipsy (see metallic purple from December that I have yet to find a good use for). Then I talked to a coworker who explained that dark blue looks amazing with black mascara by adding depth to your eyes. So I tried it. So I love it. The applicator is a very fine tip that, when angled, can draw a thicker line. I am madly in love with this product and want it in every color (but mostly blue).

2. bareMinerals Marvelous Moxie™ Lipstick in Get Ready

This lipstick means business. The application is smooth. There's no chemical smell or cakey texture. My lips felt smooth and I got compliments all day. It definitely stands out on my palepale skin and it isn't some smudgeproof, wear-all-day formula. It will get on your coffee mug, so drink through one of the stirrer straws. Still- I reapplied 2 times during the work day only because I ate.

3. Pixi Beauty Flawless Beauty Primer

I think that Pixi products are made for my complexion. This primer is lightly tinted (awsome) but does not have a matte finish (boo), so finish with a matte powder/finishing spray for sure or your will look a little greasy. I still need a moisturizer under this primer, which is expected.

4. NYX Love in Rio Eye Shadow in Cabana Boy

The palette is much lighter in person and very glittery. It's a very fine glitter, so it ends up everywhere. I used one of my favorite brushes to sweep the lightest color below my browbone and I still ended up with glitter on the tops of my cheeks. If you don't mind a little sparkle, this is a decent summer palette.

Stay gorgy,

Christine

Birchbox March 2014

For the first time ever in the history of my beauty boxes, my Birchbox and ipsy arrived on the same day- March 13th. Since I have been a slacker on posting, I have already tried most of the products and can actually rank them based on how much I like them.

1. Jergens® BB Body Perfecting Skin Cream

This is my beauty find for March. That means that this is a bonus drugstore product included in my box, along with a coupon for other Jergens products. I used this on my legs the other morning at 6:30 am. By 11:00 am my legs were still silky smooth. I didn't see any visible tint (and I'm pale as paper, so I'd see it if it was super tinted). The fragrance is light and powdery, not at all overpowering.

2. INIKA Certified Organic Eye Liner

I love trying new eyeliners, but light metallic green? I have high hopes for this liner, as I like trying new things and the built-in sharpener is so nifty.  It goes on very creamy and seems quite nice. Now I just need to figure out a look that can incorporate it. I'm thinking a blue lined lid with the metallic green lining the outside corner. Stay tuned.

3. Keims Cleanshine Energizing Shampoo

I always like to try new shampoos since spa/salon products are often very pricey. I don't at all smell any mint or eucalyptus in this product, which is unexpected given the "energizing" name. My hair is soft but not dry after using this shampoo. It doesn't seem to have any lasting scent.

4. Grand Central Beauty S.M.A.R.T. Skin Perfecting® Serum + Primer

Second to last. Ouch. This product is second-to-least-exciting because it doesn't know what to be. In my experience, primer is creamy, usually tan-ish, sometimes with shimmer. Primer helps keep your eyeshadow and blush in place longer. In my experience, serum is a load of bull.  Serum is a catch-all term for moisturizers mixed in with unsubstantiated fruit extracts and "enzymes" (in quotation marks because when did "enzymes" become desirable in beauty products? My stomach contains enzymes. Big whoop).

5. Supergoop!® City Sunscreen Serum SPF 30

See above comment on serums (stopppppp). It must be nice to be the type of person who only uses SPF 30. Must be nice. 

As always, if you're interested in signing up for Birchbox, here's my referral link: https://www.birchbox.com/invite/pinforlater

Stay sunny,

Christine