Tip Tuesday: Neutrogena Sonic Wave

This is not a paid review.  This is just a product that I love, so I've decided to share it with you.
I've been wanting one of those fancy facial brushes for a while... But, I just couldn't justify dishing out the cash for it.  I saw this at Wal-Mart, and I can't say that it works as well as a brush, (Simply because I've never used one) but I do have to say that I LOVE this, and that it's done wonders for my skin.

The Neutrogena Sonic Spin!  It's fairly small, and really easy to use.

It's got two different speed settings, which is great!

There's different types of pads that you can use with it, but I really like these ones.  I've been using it for a little over a month now, and the blackheads on my nose and chin are almost completely gone.  Not only that, but the redness in my cheeks has reduced quite a bit, and my skin just looks better!

I seriously love this thing!  And it was only around $10, which is a huge plus in my book!

Have a great Tuesday!

Make Something Monday

I've been super busy in my craft room today.  I got a lot done, including this dress, which I made for my friend's daughter.  I had never done one like this before, and I didn't have a pattern, so I was using one of my dresses as a template.  We're crossing our fingers that it fits her.  The shoulders on my dress form were too wide for it to slip over, so I couldn't check it on there... Ugh.  But, it's really pretty, and it's fully lined.  The lining on the skirt has a layer of green tulle on the bottom.  So very cute!

I also made this itty bitty hat to go with it!  It's on a  bobby pin.

My kids have had ear aches the last few days, so I put together some heat packs for them.  They're filled with flax seed and lavender oil.  I just pop one in the microwave for 30 seconds, and they're hot for 20 minutes or more.  The kids love them!

Now to go make dinner.  I hope your Monday was as productive as mine!

Filofax Friday: WARNING: photo heavy post!

I love Fridays.  I really do.  And I love Sunday & Monday's pages.  The washi is from Martha Stewart and the fairy stickers are from a local grocery store.  In fact, you'll see a lot of stickers from that particular grocery store.  I lucked out this week and was able to pick up 12 sheets for $1 each!  Scroll down to see more!

Sunday & Monday 

Tuesday & Wednesday

Thursday and Friday

Aren't those froggies adorbs?  (I felt funny typing that word... I don't speak like that, so now I'm wondering if it's weird to type that way... Oh, well, what's done is done.  I'm not changing it now.  Adorbs they are!)

My new washi tape storage!

I know I've already mentioned this in a previous post, but this is seriously one of my best ever finds!  It's called a Mini Stack, and I found it at Goodwill for $2!  Three drawers that are perfectly shaped to store washi.  I heart it.
Now for the stickers... Are you ready?

And... on top of all that, I had a surprise in the mail yesterday from a friend from high school!  She sent me some scrapbook paper and a bunch of stickers!  Thanks, Holly!

So I know this post has been mostly about decorating, but I've been really busy otherwise, too.  My Etsy shop is up, (check it out: https://www.etsy.com/shop/EnVoguePogue)  You'll still see "BabyDoll's Haven" at the top, because I'm having a new logo designed for me.  There's only a couple of things listed right now, but in the very near future, there will be more.  LOTS more.  This coming week, I'm hoping to make my first dust cover for a Filofax.  For me.  Then I will sell some.  My A5 Domino doesn't need protection so much for the leather, but my charms keep getting caught on other things in my bag.  (Terrible problem to have, I think...)  So I will put together a cover for myself, and monogram it or something.  I can't wait!

I'll also be making a dress for one of my good friends' daughter, who is going to be confirmed in the Lutheran church in the next few weeks.  I'm excited about that, too.

I also have several projects that are waiting to be embroidered with names and business logos.  I don't think there's any way that I could keep all of this straight and get it done in a timely fashion without my planner.  I'm so glad I have it!

Have a happy, happy, Friday, and a fabulous weekend!

Thankful Thursday: Week 17

Ahem... I had just finished the post, and then lost it in it's entirety, for some reason.  I will be thankful in all things....  I guess there's a few things I can change up now, right?  Ugh.
Oh well.  The last few days have been really good, and I've felt really blessed with the family and friends God has given me as well as where He's put me right now.
There's some changes coming to En Vogue Pogue.  I've decided to re-open my Etsy shop and expand it to include the different things I make, and I have friends and family joining me in the shop.  We'll have a great variety of products to offer.  I'll have Filofax dust covers, clothing, jewelry, house wares, etc. along with the hair bows and tutus that I've had on there before.  I'm so excited!
1.  Growth and the changes it brings.
2. Re-opening my Etsy shop.
3. Reconnecting with people.  I have the same person who designed my "BabyDoll's Haven" logo working on an new one for En Vogue Pogue.
4.  Good deals at Goodwill.  I got this Mini Stack for $2!  It's perfect for storing my washi tape!

5.  Dollar Tree socks.  I found character socks for all three of my kids and they LOVE them so much, they've even been wearing them to bed!

6.  Haven sorting her Pullups.  She still wears them to bed and they're VERY organized in her cupboard.

7.  Friends and family joining me on Etsy.

8.  Baseball games finished early.  The boys only played four innings yesterday because of the rain and cold.

Haven and I trying to keep warm while watching the boys play.

9.  The boys' school bus drivers.
10.  Projects that are coming together.
11.  Supportive friends.
12.  Playing with Skittles.

Skittles helping Jay get ready for his game.

13.  Piano lessons.
14.  Jay playing catch with Papa-Grape.  (My grandpa.)

15.  Grandparents and great-grandparents.  I'm so blessed to have them in my life and in the lives of my kids!

Swimming with Grammy (not pictured) & Papa

16.  Haven sleeping with Jim's jacket.

17.  A clean house.

18.  Purple Daisies.

19.  Jim's sense of humor.  He can always make me laugh.

20.  Bubbles.  I love bubbles.  We've been playing outside with bubbles a lot recently.  I'm so glad it's Spring!

I'm so excited about the growth and the changes that are coming!  It's been a good week!

Make Something Monday: DIY Makeup Remover

I seriously LOVE this stuff.  It works just as well as the spendy stuff, (I was using Philosophy brand) and it's only a couple of dollars to make.  It just takes a second to mix everything up, and I'm all for easy!  So, with ease and affordability, this is a win, win!

Here's the link to the original recipe:http://www.justusgirlsblog.com/2012/02/diy-make-up-remover.html

I did add a little more baby oil, because I wear waterproof makeup. (Both mascara and eye liner)  The baby oil is awesome for taking it off!  And it doesn't bother my eyes at all.

I bought this little bottle at the Dollar Tree.  Perfect for this!

My eye after a long day, and a night of very little sleep.  I usually take my makeup off before bed, but I was too tired last night.  Shame on me, right?

See?  Works like a charm!

Makeup free!

Have a Happy Monday!!

Filofax Friday

Spring is in full swing here with all the busyness that comes with it.  The boys have baseball, Scouts, and Hip Hop, Haven has dance a couple of days a week, I've got meetings and tons of other things going on, my husband is just as busy as usual, and he's helping coach the boys' baseball team this year.  I have to tell you, though, I'm considerably less stressed out about who's going where now that I have it all in front of me.  It's GREAT to feel this organized!

My grandparents are coming into town this weekend, too, so it's nice to have our plans with them all mapped out in front of me.  And... I'm thinking I need another trip to the Dollar Tree for more stickers and washi!

Monday & Tuesday

My older brother's birthday was on Monday, so I used some fun cupcake stickers.

Wednesday & Thursday

I love the pink leopard print!  And I wrote the references for a couple of my favorite Scripture verses on some chalkboard stickers.

Friday & Saturday

Airplanes and cars!  These are just too cute.  They make me think of my oldest son, which just brings a smile to my face.  Heck, thinking of any of my kids brings a smile to my face.

I'm off to enjoy my weekend full of friends, family, baseball, and food!  Have a good one!

Thankful Thursday, Week 16

I had a busy, busy, morning!  Which is why this post is so late today!
1.  Pastries with Parents.  My boys' school offered breakfast to parents this morning for their Book Fair.  We had a great time!  And this is "Geronimo," a character from one of the books... Not sure which one, though.

2. Play dates

3. That my boys are playing on the same team this year!  Go Burger Ranch!

4.  Wild Orange Essential Oil in my diffuser.  It smells so good in here.

5.  Girl's group.  I'm so thankful for the amazing women God has placed in my life!

6.  Reese's.  They've been giving me my chocolate fix this week.

7.  Rainy April Days

8.  Hot tea with honey and lemon

9.  Making new friends.

10.  For the pile of bills on my desk.  Well, I'm more thankful for the services that I'm paying for than for the bills themselves, but I'm glad that I have electricity and running water, and trash pick up.

11.  For my kids' songs at the piano.

12.  My dress form.  I love that it's adjustable to anyone.

13.  Book fairs.

14.  Anticipating visits from grandparents.  Mine are coming this weekend!

15.  My new paper "toys" from Haven.

16.  Printer ink.

17.  Tasks crossed of my To Do list.

18.  Religious freedom.

19.  Sleeping in.  I don't get to do it often, but I love it when I do!

20.  Ladybugs.  It's springtime!

Have a happy week!

Wife After God Book Review.

I was recently asked to review a marriage devotional by Jennifer Smith.  I took a bit longer than 30 days to review it, because on the weekends, I would forget (oops!) to do it.

Some of the aspects of the book that I really enjoyed were that it gave you a status update to post to social media every day.  I loved the journaling part of it.  It also had different challenges for you that would benefit your marriage.  I still have a few to finish, such as writing a love letter to my husband, but for the most part, the challenges were simple and encouraging.

Jennifer, (the author) is very personable and easy to understand.  She gives examples which are relatable in any marriage.  It's a Biblically based book that includes prayers for you and your spouse and sound advice for when you're going through a tough time spiritually.

Overall, the book was easy to apply to my marriage and my walk with God.  For more information,
click here:
http://unveiledwife.com/wife-after-god/

To buy your own copy:
http://unwf.co/wife-after-god

Happy Tuesday!

Make Something Monday: The Cottage Mama Party Dress

I found the pattern for this dress in a Facebook group that I'm involved in.  It was FREE!  SCORE!  It really is adorable, and I love how versatile it is!  I could make it more formal if I wanted, or more whimsical; whatever I would like!  You can get the pattern here: http://thecottagemama.com/2014/03/party-dress-free-pattern-re-release/
I found the fabric at JoAnn's, and was able to put it together in an evening.

I LOVE the flower buttons!  And the big bow!

Haven wore it to church yesterday, and I had to bribe her to take it off.  She kept hugging me, and saying, "Thank you for making this for me, Mommy!"  She absolutely loves how "twirly" the skirt is.

This was so much fun, and as I don't have much experience sewing from a pattern, it definitely taught me a lot.

It's definitely good quality, too.  The bodice is fully lined, so it looks and feels like a dress from a boutique.  I'll be making more for her for sure!

Have a wonderful Monday!

Filofax Friday

Happy Friday!  I hop your week has been as good as mine was.  I LOVED having my boys home for Spring Break, but we were all ready to go back to our routine.  This week was fairly busy, and we've and something going on almost every night.  We enjoy being so busy, but it does make for a rushed dinner hour, and most evenings we don't get to eat together as my husband gets home from work about the same time that the rest of us are rushing out the door to our various activities.
I'm becoming more and more reliant on my Filofax, though.  The busier we get, the more thankful I am that I have it and that I can see everything that we have planned at a glance.
Here's last week's pages:  Ignore the labels on them, please.

Sunday & Monday

These have got to be some of my all time favorite pages!  I love anything Paris inspired, so this was just perfect for me!  My only regret is that I only got to look at them for two days!

Tuesday & Wednesday

Thursday & Friday

This one was so much fun!  If you look closely at the "Caution" tape, it says, "Caution Hot! Caution Fabulous!" etc.  The other washi women in dresses.  SO cute!

Saturday & Sunday

Our boys have their first baseball game tomorrow, so I added a couple of baseballs.  Unfortunately, I didn't have many sports themed stickers, and no sports themed washi at all.  I may have to remedy that, ASAP.

Have a wonderful weekend!

Thankful Thursday, Week 15

1. My new niece! She arrived yesterday, and she's just gorgeous!

2.  I'm an Auntie TEN times over!  I love each and every one of my nieces and nephews!  I love how God has blessed my family with our immediate families.

3.  Baseball season!  It just started, and I'm so glad that my boys are on the same team this year!  Their first game is on Saturday, and we're all excited about it.

4. My new serger!  I've wanted one for SO long, and here it is!  I'm loving it!  

5.  Beautiful weather.  It's been in the 70s every day this week!  

6.  Class pictures.

7.  Jim reaching for my hand in his sleep.

8. Springtime blossoms

9.  Haven fixing her own hair.  She does pretty well for a four-year-old!

10.  My upbringing.  As I'm learning more and more through my own kids, I'm so thankful for the way my parents brought me up.  I have a strong foundation there, and that means a lot.

11.  April Fool's Jokes.  My mother-in-law got me this year....  She's been trying every single year since my husband and I got together, and she got me this time.

12.  Dandelions in vases.

13.  Making old clothes new again.

14.  Kids' best friends.

15.  Scraps of fabric

16.  New neighbors.

17.  Glitter and rhinestones.  I love sparkle!

18.  Bright colors

19.  New sweatshirts.  I just love how soft they are when they're new!

20.  Joy.  Not happiness, but JOY.  It goes so much deeper, and isn't based on circumstance.

It's week 15, so that makes my list of thankfuls a total of 300.  I'm loving it!  Have a wonderful day!

Make Something Monday! Infinity Scarf and Burlap Hair bow

How was your weekend?  Mine was wonderful!  I bought a serger this weekend.  I've been wanting one for months, and finally found one that fit my needs and wasn't over the top expensive.  I'm having so much fun with it!  And my little family of sewing machines is complete.  I have a regular sewing machine, an embroidery machine, and now, a serger!  I can make basically anything my heart desires!
     I picked up this remnant of fabric the other day at Hobby Lobby.  It's been in their remnant section for the last few weeks, and every time I went in, I wanted it.  So, on Saturday, I grabbed it.  It's just so pretty!  I had the lace shirt, and since I don't like how it fit me anymore, I've had plans to chop it up for a long time now.  Here goes!

From this

To this!

Isn't it gorgeous?  I love how this scarf turned out!  I plan on wearing it today, but since I've been sewing all morning, I'm not yet presentable enough to take a selfie with it on. :D

As you know, I make hair bows for a local children's boutique, and when I saw this burlap and lace ribbon, I couldn't pass it up!  I love the vintage look of it.

I can't show you how I make my bows, but I do use a different method than most bow makers use.

I attached a clip to the back, and here it is!  So pretty!  It's 4 inches wide, so not terribly big, but very, very pretty and feminine.

Have a happy Monday!