DIY Iron on Decals

  When I made this sweater I didn't make it for Valentine's but I saved this DIY project until now because I thought it was "fitting".  If you didn't know there is some pretty nifty stuff out there that you can use to make your own iron on decals called Heat n' Bond.  I picked up some fabric, a cheap sweater and the iron on material and made my own cute sweater.  You could make any sort of decal/design and the instructions are EXTREMELY easy.  Here is how I made my sweater.   DISCLAIMER: Be careful while using a hot iron.  Make sure you have a steady surface and that you keep your cord free and clear of potential tripping.  You are responsible for your own actions.  Follow the instructions that come with the Heat n' Bond paper that you use. 

Materials:
 1.  Fabric of your choice to make your design out of
 2.  Heat n' Bond Iron on paper
 3.  Iron
 4.  Clothing or fabric item you want your decal/design ironed onto.  The iron on paper instructions suggest you wash & dry your item prior.  I didn't because I am lazy and impatient.
 5.  Scissors
 6.  Pen/Pencil
 

How to:
 1.  Iron your fabric for your decal/design onto the Heat n' Bond paper.  The instructions will tell you which side is the side to place your fabric onto.  My instructions said it was the rough side.  Place your fabric "wrong side" to the rough side (or whatever side your instructions say) and iron.  Follow the instructions for how long you need to place the iron on the fabric and paper.  
 2.  Draw/trace your design onto the BACK side of your fabric iron on (see the picture below).  Remember if you want your design to face a certain way (or letters to look correct) you need to draw/trace your design backwards.

 3.  Cut out your design.
 4.  Peel off the smooth side of the iron on paper.  Place it onto your item and then iron.  Remember to follow the instructions that come with the paper.
 5.  Then enjoy your awesome DIY decal project.  In my case my sweater.

 
  I can't wait to make more things with this stuff!  You can make all sorts of cool custom shirts, sweaters, bags etc.  Enjoy and happy designing!

Chalkboard Spray Paint

  With all those chalkboard projects out there I got the itch to make my own.  But I had something else in mind to give the chalkboard effect to, my piggy bank.  I picked it up months ago in the $1 section at Target and never did anything with it.

  I put my piggy bank in a cardboard box and sprayed away.  This is what came out...

 
  Perfect little piggy.  Now time to start saving for some...shoes...clothes...purses...and the list goes on.
  I also went ahead and spray painted a wooden board and made my own chalkboard to hang somewhere.

  I loved this stuff.  Happy chalkboard painting!

My Hair Care Routine

  For a long time I searched for products that did justice for my hair and after a long journey I finally found them!  So, let me jump right into it and tell you exactly what I use and what I do to love my hair.

Shampoo and Conditioner:

Redken's shampoos and conditioners are my favorite.  Because I have color treated hair I use a color treated shampoo.  The Color Extend line is wonderful and keeps my color vibrant.  I wash my hair every other day.

  For conditioner I use the Smooth Lock.  This conditioner is AMAZING!  Hands down the best conditioner I have used.  My trick is to rinse with cool/cold water especially if you have thick hair and if you are going to blow dry it.  One reason is hot water is damaging to your hair and skin.  Second your hair holds on to that heat and then creates steam while you blow dry your hair causing...you guessed it FUZZY hair.  Nobody wants that.

  Now, every 7-10 days I use an all cleansing shampoo to get out all of the products I have used on my hair all week.  This method really helps give back volume and shine to my hair.  Garnier Fructis makes a great shampoo called Pure Clean that I use and it smells incredible.  I follow with my normal conditioner however, if my hair is extra dry I will use a leave in conditioner after I get out of the shower as well.

Post Shampoo & Conditioner Products:

 The first product is by Paul Mitchell and it's the Super Skinny Serum.  This product  does helps lock in moisture and smooths out your hair.  I apply this while my hair is still wet.

  Then I use Garnier Fructis Flat Iron Heat Protector Spray.  My hair is wet when I apply it but I also use this on my hair after it has dried (either blow dry or hair dry) right before I use a hot tool on my hair.  If I straighten my hair it lasts for a couple of days.

 
  This final product I use typically if I am only going to blow dry my hair but it still does work if I let my hair air dry.  Right before I am ready to blow dry my hair I get out my absolute favorite product to give my hair some instant volume.  Once again it's Garnier Fructis to the rescue with their Sky-Hi Volume Mousse.  Holy cow!  When I use this my hair is POW huge.  I love it!  I apply it to my roots and then blow dry my hair.  I seriously have used this for YEARS and haven't found anything like it.  Other products I have used have given me great volume BUT by the end of the day I am left with really greasy, weighed down hair that no dry shampoo can help.  If I let my hair air dry I put it at my roots after it has dried and it still gives me some volume.

  Keep in mind that I am not a hair stylist, professional by any means this is just my routine and the products that I have loved for a very long time.  Make sure you use any product with caution and responsibility.  Let me know what you use.  It's always nice to try something new.  Happy hair!

Are you still there? Helloooo?!

  Yep, I'm still here.  Like always life got busy and I got a migraine and I fell off the face of the earth for a little while.  I am really sorry I didn't finish my 12 days of Christmas.  I had most of it planned ahead of time because I wanted random posts for you guys as well.  However, I have been working on quite a few projects.  Starting next week I will have regular posts again.
  My goal for this year is to blog an average of 15 days a month, so about half the days in a month.  The hardest part is keeping ahead for holidays like Valentine's Day and things like that.  My fashion and makeup posts I have noticed you guys really like so I will make sure I get a good number of those in.   I have lots and lots planned it's just a matter of organizing them and trying to plan it to post at a good time.  Please let me know if there is anything you guys would like to see me post about, try to make or anything.  Thank you for reading and following me.  I can't wait to start posting again!