Something Brighter Please: Powder Room Remodeling

We moved into our new home earlier this year.  Some of the room have really ugly dark paint, either that or you can see patches of non-uniform paint job.  Our first remodel was the powder room.  We honestly, did not do much, just a fresh coat of paint and swap out a painting for something else.  I always have a hard time imagining how a room will look from the tiny paint swatch at the store.  I like to see if there is picture of the particular color online thus, I am posting mine, hopefully it would help someone else out too.

Before

 

After:  Sherwin William Waterfall (updated)

(Sunlight shinning through the window, make it appears lighter and bluer than in person)

After:  Sherwin William Waterfall (updated)

(This is pretty much what the paint color looks like in person)

Waterscape is a bright turquoise color that, in my humble opinion, is best for small room like a bathroom, otherwise, it is too loud.  What is your favorite turquoise paint color?

I am also looking a a pink base lilac color for my daughter's bathroom, any recommendation?

TOTW: The Many Uses of Argan Oil

I was traveling over the weekend and when it came to remove my makeup, I realized I forgot to bring my eye makeup remover.  I had on liquid eyeliner and hard to remove mascara that facial cleanser alone won't do.  To improvise, after I washed my face (the water help loosen things up a bit), I carefully rubbed on argan oil that I use as my facial moisturizer on my lids and under my eyes, follow by wiping the areas with a soft tissue paper.  Tada...it works, well too I might add.  So, next time you are in a pinch, I hope you got some oil laying around as backup.

Related:
Josie Maran Argan Oil Review

Pop of Spring: Essie Splash of Grenadine

 (please excuse my dry cuticles)

I was at the salon doing my nails and I picked Essie Splash of Grenadine.  OMGosh, I love this color so much, I just want to share the swatches with you.  It is a cool pinkish purple, part of Essie permanent collection.  The formula is like milky jelly.  It is on the semi sheer side, you will need a good 2-3 coats to get it looking opaque.  It last about 5 days before it starts to chip, however, I do use my hands a lot to do chores so it may last longer on others.  Overall, what a lovely spring color and easy to remove formula.

TOTW: Extra Boost of Sun Protection

When out in the sun for prolong period of time , apply antioxidant serum (like vitamin C) under your sunscreen for an extra boost of protection from the sun and free radicals.

Adorable Seahorses Cardigan @ Target

I came across this adorable seahorses cardigan at Target last week.  I am a sucker for novelty print so I had to get it.  Beside the cute print, I think the material is a bargain for the price (on sale for $15), regular price is $22.99.  You can see this and other pattern cardigans here.

(how it looks in person)

TOTW: Don't Forget Your Lips

This week tip is more of a reminder.  When you slather sunscreen onto your body and face, don't forget your lips, they need it too.  My favorite is Neutrogena Moisturizing Lip Balm SPF 15.

May is Small Business Month

Did you know that May is Small Business Month?  Personally, I enjoy patronizing small businesses.  It may sounds silly to you but it makes me feel good.  I love, love Etsy and small boutiques in my area.

This month Opensky, Dotbox, Dwolla, Edison Nation, Goodsie, ShopKeep POS and several other companies are joining forces to launch a campaign call Small Business BreakThrough.  Basically, it is a way to encourage people everywhere to help their favorite small businesses break through the noise created by big box retailers and grow.  You can do this by visiting www.SBBreakThrough.com to nominate your favorite small business(es) for a Breakthrough Award and then share your nominated business(es) with friends via social media using the hashtag #sbbreakthru.

 

Comfortable and Chic Spring/Summer Style

As I mentioned before, I am a somewhat new stay at home mom.  When I first stayed home, two things I soon realized.  The first thing was how sedentary my life was when I had a 9-5 desk job.  The second is I need a new wardrobe.  My pencil skirts and slack pants no longer fit my new lifestyle (running errands and chasing after a baby).  I need something comfortable, easy to move around, but still look good and chic.  Although this may be my everyday wear, I am sure it will fit into your casual Friday and weekend wear.

(Gap)  Lets start with a no brainer item, a shirt dress.  Thrown on a sandle or flat and you have an outfit.  If you want more, throw on a belt to give yourself a little shape.

(Joe Fresh) You can't talk about comfort without the mention of a basic t-shirt.  It is easy to expand and spice up your basic tee collection this season with stripes and floral.

(Old Navy) Printed short.  I am sure we all have some plain t-shirt laying around.  Pair that with a printed short and you have a cute, effortless look.

(Loft)  My all time favorite, Maxi dress.  They are feminine and comfortable...enough of a reason.

(JCrew)  Color bottom.  Color and print pant expand your wardrobe and they are generally more comfortable than skirt.  No need to worry too much when you have to bend over to pick up something, you know what I mean.

(Camper)  Ditch the heels and stick to flat.  I actually own this Camper Casi Casi pair and at first, I was not sure if it is worth it (price at $145).  However, after a few weeks, I realize since it is neutral, it is very versatile, goes with almost everything and it is also really comfy.

(Nordstrom)  Last but not least, the essential cross body bag.  There are so many pretty color for Spring and Summer and much more comfortable than shoulder bag, trust me.

TOTW: Save Money, Ditch Your Shaving Cream

I honestly don't remember the last time I purchase shaving cream.  I have always just use a "small amount" of hair conditioner to prime my skin before shaving.

Mother's Day Gift Ideas

Mother's Day is just around the corner.  Have you pick out a gift yet?  Do you need some ideas?  Well, if you do, I hope this will inspire you.


1.  Chloe gift set from Sephora, $120.  This is one of my all time favorite perfume, I always get ask and compliment whenever I wear it.  It is a very fresh floral scent that is not overwhelming.  This set has a matching scent body lotion as well.  Read my full  Chloe Eau De Toilette Review.

2.  Personalize necklace.  Nothing is more sentimental than a piece of personalize piece of jewelry.   Small pendants of initial, birthstone, and symbols are just so adorable, delicate, and well...personal.  The pictured necklace is from JCGemsJewelry on Etsy or Stella & Dot also make them.

3.  Orchid Plant.  Orchid is beautiful, exotic, delicate, yet very resilient.  If you take good care of it (water once a week and plenty of sun), it will bloom for months unlike most flowers that wilt within days. 

4.  Laura Mercier Luxe Colour Portfolio Palette from Sephora, $78.  I am lusting over this palette.  It got eye shadows, cake liners, and blushes in one convenience booklet.  It has color for both day and night and flattering to most skin tone.

5.  Sabon Organic Dream Set from Sabon, $47.  Oh, I first discovered Sabon during my trip to NYC and I have love them ever since.  They are a body and face skincare line with stores based in NY and expanded to Chicago.  This set consists of organic hand cream, foot cream, and soap made of medicinal plants from the Swiss Alps.

Cheers to all the mom out there!