The Inward Tuck Ponytail

Hello!

 

 

   Many moons ago, I discovered the easiest hairstyle of all time (thanks, mom). It's so simple you've probably already tried it-- but if you're like me and late to the game, here's a little tutorial. It only takes five little baby steps, and wham-bam you instantly look more put-together! I'm going to go ahead and point out the awful quality of the diagram images; as it turns out, taking pictures in front of a bright window isn't such a great idea. I tried taking the photos at night, but the flash hit the window and messed everything up, so this is the best it can be. You can still see what I'm doing, though, so just excuse the quality and the diagram's good to go!

 

   The Inward Tuck Ponytail

 

  1) Tie your hair into a somewhat loose, low ponytail

 

  2) Right above your hair tie, divide your hair into two sections. Grab one section with each hand and pull apart, creating a hole

 

  3) Take your ponytail and tuck/pull it through the hole (entering from the outside)

 

  4) Ta-da! All done! Told you it was easy.

  This hairstyle probably won't take you more than two minutes, one minute after you've practiced. It's perfect for those bad hair days!

  xoxo,
    Zoe

How To: Sunset Nails!

   Hello!

  I'm here today with a nail tutorial for super-easy sunset nails. I was inspired by one of my friends' manicure that she had done at a salon, but I took the main features of it and gave it an easier twist. Let's get this (beach!) party started.

You'll Need...

~ Yellow nail polish ~

~ Pink nail polish ~

~ Orange nail polish ~

~ Black nail art polish ~

~ Top coat ~

~ Base coat ~

Step One: After you started your basic manicure, apply yellow polish to 1/3 of your nail (the cuticle, the side, or the top). Mix up the way you apply it per nail, so no sunset is the same.

Step Two: Do the same with the orange. The colors should look like they're melting into each other.

Step Three: Do it one last time with the pink. I ran over them with a top coat while still mildly wet, to blend the colors even more.

Step Four: Make a palm tree with your black nail art polish. Start with the trunk (thick at the base), pulling it toward the center of your nail (thinning as you go). Make your "fronds" where you left off at the center.

Step Five: Repeat the palm-tree process with one or two of your other nails. I did my thumb, middle, and pinky fingers.

  It's vacation at your fingertips! :)

 xoxo,

    Zoe

Nail Tips & Tricks

   Hello!



  As promised in my basic manicure post, here are some of my mani/pedi tips! Read on below for more.

Why wash hands first? This removes any dirt and grime from your nails, as well as softens them slightly (for softer nails, try dipping them in rose water). Don't forget to follow with polish remover!

Why clip before polishing? I thought this one was kind of obvious: so you can see where you're clipping! Also, this way your nails won't break underneath your polish.

Use remover to thin out chunky nail polish? What? Yep, pouring a tiny bit of nail polish remover into a bottle of old/thick/chunky polish will thin it out and get it back to normal! Credit to my mom for her worldy wisdom.

Why do I need a high-quality top coat? I used to have a low-quality, Dollar General brand of clear polish as my top coat, and it was crazy chunky and sticky! After two or three uses, it barely applied at all. Oh, and I'm pretty much super positive the fumes got me sick. Well, maybe not. But probably.

Why should I apply a top coat throughout the week? I want to say to do it every other day, because that will ensure your manicure lasts at least all week, but I never have time to do that myself. Try top-coating mid-week, at least, to avoid chipping (or more chipping) and anything else that could compromise your hardwork.

Why can't I file back and forth? This is important: Filing back-and-forth actually weakens nail fibers and cuticles! I know, mind-blowing. Try filing all one way.

Why can't I apply my next coat when my base coat is still wet? Oh, come on. :)

What do you mean, 'leave your bottle open'? I mean, when you're applying, say, your top coat, leave the original polish bottle open, in case it's actually still wet. That way, if you've gotta redo your entire nail for some reason, you won't ruin the rest of your polish in the act of opening the top coat bottle.

Not on the list...

  For shatter coats, I've found less is more. Don't glop the shatter polish, use only a light coat for the full effect.

To make sure your nails are dry, tap two together. If there's any resistance, then they're not fully dry. If they don't stick at all, you're ready to roll.

  Do you have any nail tips and tricks of your own?

  xoxo,

     Zoe

How To: Do a Basic Manicure!

  Hello!

  I've made a little diagram on how to do a basic manicure...

 Allow me to elaborate...

1) Gather your supplies: (Clear) Base coat, (clear) top coat, nail file, nail clippers, cotton ball, nail polish(es)

2) Remove dirt and old polish. This will not only make your manicure smoother, but last longer, too!

3) Clip your nails, then file them.

4) Apply one even base coat.

5) Apply nail polish.

6) Apply one even top coat.

 Be on the lookout for my nail tips and tricks post soon!

 xoxo,

   Zoe

How To: Make a Bunting Banner

   Hello!

   Bunting banners/flags/pennants (let's just stick with banners) have become quite popular. Rather than buy one, though, why not just make it? Here's a super-easy tutorial to do just that.

You'll Need...

Glue

 Duct Tape

Scissors

Yarn or (thick) Ribbon

Pencil

Construction Paper (multiple colors)

 

 

Step One:  Cut out a medium-sized triangle, then use it as a template to cut out five more.

Step Two:  Using a different color, cut out circles or thick lines. Place them on a triangle, then glue. Decorate two or more of the triangles with various shapes. (I tried circles, but they didn't turn out too well...)

Step Three: Once the glue has dried, turn all your triangles over. Put them in the order you want them to hang, then place yarn or ribbon on them, near the top. Using a small piece, duct tape the yarn/ribbon to the triangle.

Step Four: Hang your banner!

Enjoy!

   xoxo,

        Zoe

How To: Make Cupid's Arrows

  Hello, hello!

  

   This is a super quick and easy how-to that teaches you how to make cute little Cupid's arrows; perfect for Valentine's Day!

 You'll Need...

• Felt
• Yarn
• Scissors
• Sticks
• Felt Glue or Standard Thick Glue
  (For the sticks, I used ones meant to be used as plant markers)

First: Prepare your felt. Per stick, cut out two small, matching triangles for the heads. Glue all the sides together except for one, and dot glue on all of that side but the middle (so you leave room for the stick). For the ends, cut out two matching rectangles.

Next: On the top of both rectangles, cut out an inward triangle. At the bottom, cut out an outward triangle. Glue the sides together, following the same glue instructions as with the head-triangles. (If you want, add subtle fringe to the ends, simply by putting little cuts on the sides.)

Then: Let dry. Make sure stick fits in well on both sides. If not snug, put a dab of glue on the stick's ends, and press the felt down on it. Near the rectangle arrow back, tie a piece of yarn.

Now: All done!

    I think the simplicity of the project makes written instructions a bit difficult to understand, but I'm sure you can do it!

     Have you crafted anything for Valentine's Day?

xoxo,
   Zoe