DIY Faux Marble Coasters and Bowls

Hey y'all! It's been a while since I've had a DIY on here, so I thought I'd share one that takes 5 minutes to make and would look great at home: diy faux marble coasters and bowls!

You'll need--

polymer clay (I used white, black, and grey, but choose whatever colors you'd like...I've done this with neon colors too)

paint pen or nail polish

Mod Podge

Oven

Circle for tracing

Knife

Line up your clay colors. I broke the white into 4 pieces. I placed two white, one grey, one black, two white, and one grey next to each other. Then I twisted them together, like a snake, as pictured above. Keep twisting and rolling until you start to see a marble effect. The more you twist, the lighter the color of the marble will be.

Roll out into a sort of circle shape. Try to keep it even on all sides. Place your pattern (I used a coaster, haha) on top of the rolled out clay and cut around it with a knife. Remove the excess and reuse it desired. Bake according to package directions. Once cooled, seal with Mod Podge.

Add an extra touch to the edges with a metallic paint pen. I've also used nail polish for this too. You can also paint onto the clay--like try half marble, half painted. I've made these lots of times for others so many different ways!

Here's the finished piece! I was able to get two coasters from the amount of clay shown in the first pic. I used circles here for the demo since they are super easy, but I've made these in hexagons and squares, too.

I've also made bowls. I simply followed the same steps (I used more grey and black) and traced around a bowl as my pattern. I placed the clay inside of the bowl (I have also placed the bowl upside down and the clay on top). Then I placed the oven-safe bowl and clay inside the oven and followed directions to bake. I wouldn't use these for food, but they make great decor pieces. I also didn't mind the rawness of the edges.

Are you a fan of marble?

Extra Elle:

Still hanging in there--please be patient as I am slowly, slowly getting caught up on blogs and emails. I am feeling better!

What's In My Bag?

Y'all, I love a What's In My Bag post. Do you? It's like I can secretly be nosey since it's all laid out there.  But to be fair, I'm sharing mine today. It's been over a year since I've shared what's in my bag. And while I don't have a ton of stuff, there's quite a bit! Let's take a peek, shall we?

What's In My Bag--September--Starting on the left hand side going clockwise-ish in a spiral:

Black quilted bag with fluffy key chain thing (official name). Key chain also serves as toy for my pup Charlie

DIY Makeup Refreshing Spray--This must have fallen out of my makeup bag onto the floor in my car, so I threw it in here to take it back inside

Lip Balm--I'm trying to use up my many lip balms up

YSL Elle Sees Lip Stain--Because I always wanted my blog name on my own makeup. I wish this was my own creation! #goals

Sunglasses--because I always need them

Hair elastics--There was a clip, which I prefer, but apparently it was broken when I dumped out my bag for this post. Luckily I have these!

Let's zoom in closer:

Tin of solid perfume--I took an old lip balm tin and converted it to solid perfume. It's better than having a bottle leak in my bag.

Embryolisse cream--Just shared this on this post. I tend to use this on my hands when it's in my bag, but as a primer or even a mask when at home. But I only put lotion on the tops on my hands. Is that weird?

S6 Phone--#teamdroid, baby! Okay, I'm like the only one who is.

Frends Ear Buds--These are in their natural state of tangledness. No matter what hack I use or suggestion, they end up back like this.

Pink & White Striped Planner with Pen--to write down blog ideas and plan them! I don't do the stickers or anything cute; just the pen and paper.

My Business card--I still get shy giving these out!

Wallet--Contents are self-explanatory on this, right? This is in the bottom left corner.

Moisturizer/Skin Brightener with SPF--Usually put this on my face in the am but keep it in my bag for my hands and arms. Really good stuff. More info soon.

Let's zoom all the way in!

Random contact lens--My question: Where is the other one?

Lipstick--in a classic good ol' nude shade

Earrings--Did you know that you're supposed to remove the plastic disks on these? I keep them on anyway.

Mints--that fell out...no idea where the container went

Earplugs--because I'm the world's lightest sleeper and they are AMAZING for ear pressure

Penny--My late Daddy collected rare coins and would get onto ya if you didn't pick up a penny off the ground. I've always associated pennies with him and have even more stories. This one was found on the table after my nephew's birthday. Say what you will, but to me, it means he was there.

ZonePerfect bar in Chocolate Mint--Because I need to keep the "hangries" at bay. Y'all know what I'm talking about! These are really tasty and I got mine at the pharmacy section at Walmart. Sometimes I need that emergency snack when I'm stuck in Atlanta traffic, y'all. They come in other flavors, too, but this is the one I grab the most often.

Any bag surprises?

What's in your bag?

PS: I posted yesterday--did you see it?

I have been compensated by ZonePerfect for this post; however, I am sharing my own thoughts. All opinions are my own.

#ZonePerfectLittleWins #LittleWins

Quick Tip to Get Ready Fast

When was the last time you had a fun night out? For me, the fact that I can't remember means it has been too long. I recently (finally!) got a chance to do so...but it was on a week night. And I had to leave right after work, which means I didn't have long to get ready. I looked a mess--hair in a bun, makeup had worn off...you get the picture.

In case you didn't know, if I'm not blogging it up, I'm a nanny to two of the most amazing little girls. They make me double over in laughter pretty much daily. I love how they see the world--it blows my mind sometimes. So naturally I'm on my feet most of the day, running around barefoot inside or sweaty shoes outside. That doesn't put my feet in the best of shape. 

But I like to take time out for myself when I can. In this case, I had just a few minutes to get ready before heading out--I was going to a screening of a new tv show and a party after. I wanted to wear my cute sandals, but my feet had other ideas. They looked awful. It's those little things, those little details, that make me feel more comfortable. I can be very shy in public situations, and having those details taken care of really helps. 

It helps me feel more confident. I grabbed my Amopé™ --you can use this particular one wet or dry--and quickly exfoliated my feet. I added some lotion to my feet and continued getting ready. A little lipstick here for color, a touchup of polish on my toes, a jingle of bracelets, and it all came together.

Just a few minutes later and I was out the door. My little details continued with my sandals I found that I'm currently obsessed with. I am (like most of us) into tassels this summer on everything. I've put them on bags, key chains, and even earrings. I need a crafting intervention.

My dog Charlie wanted to come with me (as always), and I wished I could have taken him. I mean, how cute is this little guy? I had to include a pic.

That night ended up being a fun one. And something I need to do more often. When I was complimented on my sandals, I didn't feel self-conscious because of my feet, thanks to my Amopé™ Pedi Perfect Wet & Dry Rechargeable Foot File.

What tips do you have for overcoming shyness?
Or being in social situations?

This post was #sponsored by Amopé™ as part of an influencer activation for the #AmopeCrowd and Socialstars™. I received complimentary products to facilitate my review, but all opinions are my own. #doyouamope

OOTD: Black & White Stripes & Tomato

black and white striped shirt c/o, black skinnies, bag

 Give me stripes somewhere in my outfit, and I'm a happy girl. Black and white stripes? Even better.

How about some cute elbow patches?

Maybe some pops of color? 

Or my favorite addition to any outfit: Charlie!

The 6 year old I nanny for and I were going over the parts of speech yesterday 

while she was being nosey and going through pics on my phone. 

I had her describe this outfit using adjectives. 

She said, "Black, white, stripes, red." 

I told her to think of creative adjectives and she said, "Black and white stripes and TOMATO." 

More striped faves from SheIn: red & white stripes, white black long loose tee, black white elbow patch--currently on sale!

Are you a fan of stripes?

The Blush and The Burgundy

This Sunday is my birthday (a fact I will mention a dozen more times this week), and I spent my weekend having a "round one" celebration. I need a weekend to recover from my weekend.

But even though I was having fun, I stepped back for a minute for a few reflections.

And I realized three things:

1- I now require a nap if I am doing something past midnight. #oldlady
2- I treasure having friendships that pick up where they left off.
3- Pizza at 3 am is always a good idea.

Deeeep thoughts, right? ;)
These random thoughts that have nothing to do with each other, but go together somehow, like this outfit. A little summer with fall. Light and dark. The blush and the burgundy.

Shirt: c/o SheIn Jeggings: JcPenney Velvet Loafers: 

C Wonder (no longer available, boo) Earrings: Kendra Scott

Extra Elle:

• Don't forget my Story Behind the Pic linkup Oct 22!
• $100 to JcPenney anyone? Ends 10-16!

Casual, Comfortable Fall Outfit Ideas

I am way too excited that fall is around the corner. It's my FAVE! And not just because my birthday is in fall (October). But because I love everything about it: sights, scents, sounds...and pumpkin anything. It gives me a chance to slow down after a hectic summer.

Summer was kinda crazy for me: I felt like every weekend I was at an event like a wedding, shower, or graduation. Now that fall (autumn if you're feeling fancy) is almost here, I feel like I can relax a little and get back into my regular routine. It's like a huge sigh before the craziness of the holidays. One of my favorite things about fall is the weather.

And when the weather changes, it's time to go shopping! Give me all the sweaters! So I recently went shopping at JCPenney to get started on my fall wardrobe. I was able to find everything I was looking for, from head to toe. They even have a Look Book at jcplookbook.com if you need more inspiration.

I was specifically looking for clothes that were casual, comfortable, that make getting ready effortless. I also wanted clothes to fit the occasion, whether it's work or play, and I like it when my style reflects me. When I look good, I feel better. Finally, I had to stick to my budget, and JCPenney had plenty of options to do so. So let's see what I chose!

Plaid and fall just go together, right? This red and black plaid shirt paired with black skinny jeans and black booties  I love because I can wear it while I'm taking care of the kids at work--we already have plans about the massive leaf pile we are going to make this year, or pumpkin picking.

I know a lot of you associate toasting marshmallows with summer, but for me, it's always been in the fall. Maybe because it's too hot for a bonfire? Anyway, I kept the same plaid shirt, added a cable-knit cardigan, boyfriend jeans, and leopard flats. I can't wait to wear this to a hayride--I'd switch out my flats for booties. I love to mix textures and colors.

When I am comfortable in what I'm wearing I feel empowered and full of confidence. And one of my favorite things to do when life slows down is volunteer. This is a typical Elle Sees Uniform--a cozy cardi,  layered under a tank top, with deep ruby skinny jeans, a scarf and leopard flats. 

That's my casual and comfortable fall style.

Leave a comment below letting me your know style for a chance to win a $100 JCPenney gift card!

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This giveaway is open to US Residents age 18 or older (or nineteen (19) years of age or older in Alabama and Nebraska). Winners will be selected via random draw, and will be notified by e-mail. The notification email will come directly from BlogHer via the sweeps@blogher email address. You will have 2 business days to respond; otherwise a new winner will be selected.

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This sweepstakes runs from 9/16/2015 – 10/16/2015

Be sure to visit JCPenney’s brand page on BlogHer.com where you can read other bloggers’ posts!

3 Quick Nanny Tips

If I'm not blogging, you can find me at my day job as a nanny. I take care of a 5 (and three quarters, very important, you know) year old and her baby sister. I recently celebrated my 5th anniversary of working for them! And over the years of being a nanny, I have figured out a few tricks. Here are 3 of them:

1: 1-2-3-Recipes

Kids LOVE to help you. But they are super impatient and have short attention spans. Knock out all 3 of these by using 1-2-3 recipes--these are recipes that have 3 ingredients or fewer. Think banana+egg=pancakes, frozen banana+blender=ice cream, and cake/cupcake/etc in a mug. Kids will learn skills such as teamwork, leadership, patience, and following directions, just to name a few. And if they get messy, that's part of the fun.

2: Shout^® Wipe & Go For The New Generation of Stains

Kids are messy, messy, messy (and adorable) humans beings. One of my jobs is to help with the girls' laundry. Kid clothes can be pricey, given how fast they grow, so you want them to look nice and last--a must if the clothes will be passed down to siblings.

Growing up, we had clothing stains like grass, ketchup, or clay. But today, it is totally different. Kids of this generation have those too, but they also have new types of stains like organic baby food (purple carrots with ancient grains anyone?), pressed juices, and kale everything. Luckily, I am a big believer in Shout® to help me out. Shout® is a trusted stain remover and is the only brand I rely on to pre-treat stains and treat stains on the go. The stains disappear and I feel confident I can handle any new stain that comes my way. When I'm out and about with the kids, I keep a stash of Shout® Wipe & Go wipes in my nanny bag.

3: Scrubs

Kids, especially babies, have accidents. The Shout^® Wipes are excellent for that. And they somehow always seem to have accidents ON YOU. This is where a pair of scrubs (like you'd see at a doctor's office) come in. Get a cheap pair and keep them in your car for such occasions.  I swear by this tip. Put on your scrubs, pre-treat your clothes with Shout® and throw them in the wash. You do not want to wear wet or soiled clothes for the rest of your work day. Trust me on this one. Shout^® gives kids the freedom to have fun and get messy, and it gives parents peace of mind knowing that stains will be gone with a few sprays. 

Visit Shout.com and check out Shout® on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for more information! #ShoutItOut

I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.

Over 20 Ideas for Empty Candle Jars!

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #LoveAmericanHome #CollectiveBias

Fellow candle fanatics, this post is for us! Do you switch up your candles for the season? I've mentioned it many times on here that I do. And since fall is around the corner, I headed to Walmart to stock up. I was immediately drawn to the American Home™ by Yankee Candle® brand candles display in the Home and Candle section:

I checked out all of the fragrances (of course!), and here's what I brought home with me:

These are a few different styles and sizes, but I bought the 12 oz. candles in Shades of Fall, Pumpkin Apple Harvest, and Banana Walnut Bread for $10.93. Remember to use candles with caution.

And I picked up this 2 oz. jar candle in Fresh Apple for $10.93. My house smells kind of amazing right now! But what to do with the empty candle jars at the end of the season? I've got a bunch of ideas to reuse them. First, I will freeze them for a few hours once I have burned the candle up. The remaining wax and cotton wicks will pop right out. Then I wipe out the inside and peel away the label. I wash and dry the jar and then it's ready to reuse! Check out over 20 ideas for empty candle jars:

Storage For Bathroom:

• cotton balls
• cotton swabs
• cotton squares or pads
• toothbrush and toothpaste
• small jewelry--great way to keep rings from getting lost

Beauty Storage:

• makeup brushes
• lipglosses, lip sticks, lip crayons, lip balms
• bath bombs
• bath salts (mine are the purple ones pictured below)
• nail polishes
• manicure kit
• bobby pins
• hair ties
• beauty samples

More Storage Ideas

• candy
• markers
• craft supplies
• crayons
• dog treats
• coins

Decorative Display:

• vase for flowers
• corks (I write the date and occasion on mine for memories)
• leaves, pinecones, acorns
• potpurri
• coffee beans plus American Home™ by Yankee Candle® votive in Buttercream Frosting $1.93 
• votive holder

I chose to take one of the empty tumblers and made an etched monogram:

DIY Etched Tumbler:

• Using a clean, empty candle jar, place your letter/monogram/picture inside.
• Take an etching cream purchased from the craft store and a small paintbrush and outline and fill in the letter on the outside of the jar/tumbler. Pictured.
• Allow cream to set for 5 minutes and then rinse away. Be sure to follow directions and use precautions as printed on the etching cream's packaging.

Click here to find the fragrance for you!

Let me know your favorite candle fragrance or storage idea!

How To Match Your Lipstick to Your Outfit

I have a guest post today! You are going to love Amanda--she has amazing style and I love her tips. I'm on her blog today, so stop by!

Hey guys, Amanda Miller here, founder and writer of The Miller Affect. I have been following Elle for quite some time and am so excited to be guest blogging on her site today! She has the greatest beauty tips and I would be lost without her advice. I don't write about beauty (I will leave that to the experts), but I do know a little about fashion and how having the right lip shade can really make or break your outfit!

Light Pink: I love light shades of pink. I always felt like I couldn't pull it off when I had dark hair, but now that I have lightened my hair a little, I have really enjoyed playing around with the different shades. When to wear it: Great for any kind of shower. Usually bridal showers and baby showers are so feminine and delicate, so light pink shades fit right in to the theme. In the outfit below, I am heading to a brunch with some girlfriends. I loved how my lips matched my top and received so many compliments!
   

Lip Shade: Lingerie Pink (how scandalous!), by YSL

Outfit Details HERE

Red:

In a recent survey I was really surprised to hear how many women are too timid to wear red lipstick. If you are one of these who voted with hesitancy on red lipstick, I dare you to give it a try. Red lipstick just makes me feel like I can do anything. I have so much confidence when I wear it and I know it is confidence people can see. It makes me feel sexy! When to wear it: I wouldn't recommend red lipstick at work. We have come a long ways, but women are still treated differently in the workplace. We have to try extra hard to be taken seriously. I also wouldn't wear red to a wedding. You shouldn't be there to steal the show. Save your red lipstick for events you want to wow at. Put it on when you are about to head out with friends and think you may run into your ex. He won't know what hit him! I also recommend red lipstick for black tie events or a networking event.
 

Lipstick Shade: Old Hollywood, by Bobbi Brown

Outfit Details HERE

Coral:

Coral lipstick got much bigger this year, so I expect it to be huge in 2016. It is so fun and bright!

Where to wear it: I love popping it on every day while traveling. It doesn't even matter the destination, but I especially love wearing it on my beach trips!

Lipstick Shade: Coral Queen, by Rimmel London

Outfit Details HERE

Nude:

Nude lipstick is so pretty and classy. We may not be able to perfect the JLo look, but we can get pretty close! Where to wear it: Anywhere and everywhere!
   

Lipstick Shade: Beige Gold Shimmer, by Bobbi Brown

Outfit Details HERE

Burgundy:

Burgundy/Ruby is huge in the Winter & Fall. The darker the better Where to where it: I like to wear it when I have dark tones on. A ruby color is fine for work, but a deep purple (almost black) probably isn't. Just be the judge or ask a fellow co-worker or friend. I like to wear when I am trying to make a statement with an outfit.
 

Lipstick Color: Revlon, Meet Me Backstage

Outfit Details HERE

Hot Pink:

Last but not least we have hot pink. This has been my go-to this summer after finding a NARS lipgloss I couldn't live without. Where to wear it: Literally anywhere you plan on having some fun. Hot pink is flirty, feminine, and fun. I wear it year-round!
 

Lipstick Shade: Priscilla, by NARS

Outfit Details HERE

Thanks so much to my friend Elle for letting me take over her blog today! You can find my blog at www.themilleraffect.com and you can shop all my outfits directly from Instagram at @themilleraffect. I would love if you left a comment below telling me what YOUR favorite lip shade is!

Thanks so much to Amanda for guest posting today! I'm over at her blog sharing my everyday makeup routine, so stop by and say hi!

• Don't forget my giveaway to Win a Trip to New York for Fashion Week. Sept 11-13th. Win a $400 flight voucher, a stay in the Hudson Hotel for two nights, and a $400 shopping spree!
• $100 Visa Giftcard giveaway from Arm & Hammer
• Neutrogena sunscreen giveaway--ends 8-13
• $100 JCPenney Gift Card giveaway--ends 8-13

FabFitFun: Summer Edition & July Ipsy Reviews

https://youtu.be/7TkhU1fYU1Q

I have a bunch of beauty to share today--are you ready? Let's kick it off with one of my fave sub boxes, FabFitFun--a lifestyle box, as the title suggests. It's released seasonally and is $49.95 per box. Sounds pricey, right? But the value is over $275! Let's see what's in the Summer Box:

FabFitFun Summer 2015:

• FFF X CosmoBody Jump Rope--This comes with workout videos as well on the FFF website. You can burn around 150 calories in a 10 min session of jumping rope! $14
• Everyday Wireless Speaker--One thing I love about FFF is that you get you choose certain items. This also came in teal but I chose pink. This is a wireless speaker (up to 30 feet), a latch for on-the-go-sound, FM radio, and hands-free speaker phone. $29.99
• Gorge I'll Make You Look Amazing Daily Spray--Awesome leave-in conditioner with a yummy scent. $24.95
• Hello Konjac Cleansing Sponge--I'm a huge fan of these. It's a sponge from vegetable fibers that softens when saturated. I use it for the KP on my arms. $12
• Vaseline Aloe Soothe Spray Moisturizer--Spray-on lotion. I already use this and love it. $7.99
• Inkling Scents Sultry Roll-On Perfume--Alcohol-free pure oil fragrance of sandalwood, white amber, vanilla, and more. I love it and it passed the "will it give Elle a headache?" test. $25
• Tarte LipSurgence Lip Gloss--Love a lip crayon and love these--I don't have this shade, but did get to pick it out ahead of time. Check out the video to see the color on me. $19
• Scratch Nail Wraps--Haven't used this pack but have used this brand before and loved them. $12
• Headspace 3 Month Sub--A celeb-fave, this app gives guided meditations. Want me to try it? Let me know and I will report back. $38.85
• Wren 14k Gold & Black Sapphire Necklace--I'm wearing this in the video, so be sure to watch to see it up close. This was another item we got to choose. It's a small moon (heart and stars were other choices) with a tiny sapphire. $100. Yes--$100! Worth it right there!

Overall: Very pleased with this month's box, with the necklace, lip crayon, speaker, and sponge being big hits for me. Highly Recommend! FOR $10 OFF, please use this link.

Ipsy July 2015: Summer Lovin'

• Coolway Beachy Salt Spray--Perfect for creating beachy waves and natural styles with a non-sticky, matte finished look. Formulated with Dead Sea salts for additional mineral nourishment.--haven't tried this yet, but have been a Coolway fan for several years (if you're bored you can search for my really old Coolway post from when I took blog pics with my flip phone. HA!)
• Jelly Pong Pong Cosmetics 2-in-1 Shadow/Liner--This uniquely formulated crayon doubles as an eyeliner for thick, precise lines as well as a perfectly-blended eye shadow. It worked fine but not a must-have for me.
• tarte deluxe Amazonian clay waterproof bronzer--
  Two Tarte products this month! I already have the full size of this and love it. I use it a lot in the summer. 
• Eau Thermale Avène Cleanance Gel Soapless Cleanser--This is a foaming cleanser that worked great but I think oily skin would like it better than my dry skin did.
• Be A Bombshell Cosmetics Lip Balm--Hydrating formula to leave lips feeling silky smooth with a hint of color. I got French Kiss, and it pretty much has no pigment. I like it fine but I tend to only wear lip balm at night.

Overall: feeling kinda meh this month. No big complaints, but I have enough shadow/liners to last me a lifetime. I do love the ikat-print bag! Ipsy is $10 a month, and here's a code if interested!

Extra Elle:

• I have been on the biggest iced coffee kick lately. If you drink it, how do you make yours?
• Please enter the giveaways below:
• ReNu Microderm Kit
• $100 JCPenney Gift Card
• IT Cosmetics Palette
• $100 Jockey Gift Card