Friday, August 22, 2014

These Are My Confessions

|  One  |
I confess that I got that summertime sadness.  Yes I just quoted the Lana Del Ray song because it is oh so appropriate right now and stuck in my head.  Leaving for school tomorrow has me wishing that summer (and all the carefree fun that comes with it) could last just a little bit longer.
|  Two  |
I confess that even though I'm sad for summer to end I'm very excited to be using my new Lilly Pulitzer planner.  I mean who doesn't love a fresh planner at the beginning of the school year?!
|  Three  |
I confess that I spent several hours yesterday cleaning up my room from when my family moved like 3 weeks ago because I still had a few boxes I never unpacked.  I hate leaving a messy room when I go to school so now I'm down to the wire trying to set up my room!  That's what you get for waiting forever to unpack.
|  Four  |
I confess that I feel less prepared than ever to go back to school this year.  I don't know why, but I feel like there's still so many things I want to do before I have to hit the books.  Anyone else feeling this way?!
|  Five  |
I confess that I am obsessed with Taylor Swift's new song "Shake It Off".  It is so catchy and I feel like it's something a little different for her (a break from her typical breakup ballads).  The video is also adorable!  
Well I'm around packing today and then off to move into school tomorrow.  I will see you lovelies on Monday!

  
                
Make sure to add me on Snapchat - @kthomp22!

Today I'm linking up with A Blonde Ambition.

Wednesday, August 20, 2014

D.I.Y. Quotable Canvas

I love canvas art and have been dying to make a piece of it for myself.  When ScotchBlueTM Painter's Tape offered to send over samples to do a project I knew that I had to create a striped canvas for my new room!  I had only ever worked with the .94" ScotchBlueTM Painter's Tape and did not know that it came in different sizes, needless to say I was very excited when I received the tape in two different sizes.  This helped me to further develop the idea of my canvas and gave me the idea to do different sized stripes which I love!  I then decided to add a cute girly quote because it was the perfect way to complete my project (not to mention the stripes made for the perfect lines to write on!).

The great thing about canvas art is that it can be used for a variety of different things and is super versatile.  It's great for home decor, college dorm rooms,  and makes for beautiful sorority presents, which is perfect since many schools are finishing recruitment, going through it, or have rush coming up (hint hint future bigs!).  The thing that I loved about the project that I have created with the ScotchBlueTM Painter's Tape is that it can be done with any color paint, glitter, and quote, allowing it to be customized for the person who is making it or it is being made for.  For example if it is a sorority present you can use your sorority colors along with a sorority quote or if it is for a house warming gift you can paint it to match someone's living room along with a quote about family just to give a few different ideas!

Supplies:
-Pencil
-Ruler
-Canvas
-Paintbrushes
-Sponge Brush
-ScotchBlueTM Painter's Tape in .94"
-ScotchBlueTM Painter's Tape in 1.88"
-Acrylic Paint (For mine I used white, silver, and pink.)
-Glitter (For mine I used silver.)
-Mod Podge in Gloss Lustre
Tape c/o ScotchBlueTM Painter's Tape
Instructions:
-Apply a thin coat of white paint to the canvas and allow to completely try.  (This step is optional, but my canvas was a little discolored and I wanted it to be more even because I'm a perfectionist.)
-Use a pencil and ruler to mark where you want the tape.  I began by measuring 1" from the top and marking that on either side of the canvas (so the lines will be even), then putting a piece of .94" ScotchBlueTM Painter's Tape.  I then measured 1" inch from the piece of tape I placed, marked again and placed another piece of 1.88" ScotchBlueTM Painter's Tape.  Continue this all the way down, alternating the measurements between the tape and the size of the tape you are using.
-When you have added all the ScotchBlueTM Painter's Tape you would like to the canvas make sure you press down the edges really well so you do not have any bleeding under the tape.
-Paint the spaces between the tape with silver paint.  I did 5 coats to get a very  solid metallic look and used a sponge brush to paint on the silver (a paint brush will leave brush strokes).
-Choose one of the stripes in the center of the canvas and only do one coat of paint on it.
-Allow the silver paint to completely dry.
-Apply Mod Podge to the stripe in the center that you only applied one coat of paint to.  While the Mod Podge is still wet sprinkle glitter over it.  
-Remove the ScotchBlueTM Painter's Tape from the canvas.  (If you have any bleeding under the tape because you did not press down the tape enough just take a small brush, paint over the bleeding with white paint, and allow to dry.)
-Allow the Mod Podge to dry for 15-30 minutes (or longer if you would like).
-Apply a coat of Mod Podge only over the stripe of glitter.  It will look as if you are putting white paint over the glitter, but it will dry clear (there is an example in the pictures below).  Allow to dry, you will know it is dry when you can see all the glitter again. (This step prevents glitter from coming off the canvas.)
-Pick a quote (I found mine on Pinterest!) and use a thin paintbrush to paint it onto the canvas with pink paint.  Allow to dry.
When it is completely dry you are all set to hang it on the wall, or give it as a gift!   Mine is going on the wall in my bedroom and I cannot wait to see it in there.

  
                
Make sure to add me on Snapchat - @kthomp22!

Tuesday, August 19, 2014

Travel Tuesday: Santorini Part IV

Today is my last 'Travel Tuesday' until I take another trip!  I've loved sharing my trip to Greece with everyone - being able to write all about it and look at all of the pictures I took (and let me tell you there were a lot of picture) was so much fun.  Last week I teased about this post, telling you that as a beauty junkie it's something I was most excited to share about my trip.  It's something so exciting to me that I had to give it its very own post: a fish pedicure!
In last week's Travel Tuesday I talked about the day I spent walking around Kamari beach in Santorini. My favorite part of that day spent in the town was the fish pedicure I got at Eden Fish Spa.  As some of you may know, you cannot get fish pedicures in the United States so I knew it was something I absolutely had to do while I was in Greece.  When the time came for the fish pedicure I could not contain my excitement.  This was literally one of the coolest experiences I have ever had and I wish I could get another one soon.  The way a fish pedicure works is you pay to soak in the fish tank; so the place I went I paid for a 15 minute soak with the fish and then if you would like a pedicure (to get your nails done) it was a few euros more.  I initially was going to just soak my feet, but then I decided to go for a full pedicure because I knew this was a once in a lifetime experience. 
The woman who worked at Eden was so sweet and chatted with me while I was soaking my feet and getting my pedicure.  Before I put my feet in the tank they had to be washed off because lotions or anything else that may be on your skin is toxic to the fish.  The woman then explained to me that the fish don't actually 'eat' the dead skin off your feet, but instead they deposit an enzyme on your feet that breaks down the dead skin and the more frequently you go, the more successful the treatment is.  I have to say that I did see results with just one 15 minute soak though, which was awesome!  I would say that my feet looked as if I had just scrubbed and pumice stoned them and I was very happy with the results.  I'm pretty ticklish, but did not feel like the fish were tickling my feet, it felt more like a light brushing on my feet.  I actually found the feeling of the fish on my feet to be very calming and I would've like to soak for hours!  If you ever get the chance to get a fish pedicure you have to try it, it is truly unique experience! 

I hope everyone's enjoyed my Travel Tuesday series on Greece!

  
                
Make sure to add me on Snapchat - @kthomp22!

Monday, August 18, 2014

Back to School with Sassy Supplies

Etsy  |  Etsy  |  Etsy

I always think that one of the most exciting things about going back to school (next to getting a new outfit for the first day even in college) is shopping for school supplies.  In case you can't tell I'm a huge nerd who loves things like picking out their pens, pencils, folders, and more, just to keep everything neat and well organized throughout the school year.  Having cute school supplies can make everything better because it is more fun to do your work when you are excited to use your sparkly pencils or bright new highlighters.  Moreover, I truly believe that having a pretty planner helps me to stay organized and reminds me to write down all my assignments.  This year I purchased the Large Lilly Pulitzer Agenda in Trippin And Sippin, which I absolutely love and cannot wait to start using!  I've put together a few other agendas here that I thinks are adorable and then I found the cutest pencils ever, that I need to pick up for myself!  With all of these fun products there is no reason not to head back to school in style!

  
                
Make sure to add me on Snapchat - @kthomp22!

Today I'm linking up with Monday Must Haves#HowISummerMIMM, and Monday Morning Gossip.

Friday, August 15, 2014

Let's Confess

Happy Friday everyone!  The day of the week to confess anything and everything has come so I've decided that I should go for it.  Without any further chatter here I go...

|  One  |
I confess that even though I'm entering my senior year of college I still get a first day of school outfit.  It makes me excited to go back to school and makes getting dressed on that first day just a little more special.  I can't be the only that does this right?!

|  Two  |
I confess that I have been enjoying watching Shark Week this year more than I usually do.  I'm finally getting in on all the fun!

|  Three  |
I confess that I love watching old TV reruns when they're on.  I honestly think that they're better than what half the shows we have on today.  As I write this I'm watching The Hills, but I love The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, Boy Meets World, and Reba just to name a few!

|  Four  |
I confess that I have zero interest in packing to go back to school.  There are still boxes in my room that I've been too lazy to unpack from when my family moved and I feel like I'm unpacking to pack again, which is just annoying.  Did I mention I loathe packing?!

|  Five  |
I confess that I am unreasonably excited to have steamer clams tonight!  We're having a bunch of seafood for my Dad's birthday and I may or may not have insisted that we had to have steamers so needless to say I'm really looking forward to them.

Have a great weekend, and if you have anything to confess feel free to do so below!

  
                
Make sure to add me on Snapchat - @kthomp22!

Today I'm linking up with A Blonde Ambition.

Thursday, August 14, 2014

Looks I Love Lately

The time has come for another recap of my favorite celebrity looks that I've seen over the last few weeks. I always love doing these posts because it means I get to comb through celebrity photos checking out all the latest starlet fashions to see who's wearing wearing what.  The most important though when checking out looks is seeing who's getting it right and who's, well, not. Today I have my five favorite looks for you that I've found over the past few weeks that celebs have worn to premieres, award shows, and more!

1. Taylor Swift in Monique Lhuillier at The Giver premiere in New York City.
From head to toe everything about this look is just stunning.  The red and blush colors of the dress compliment each other well and Taylor plays each of the colors up with different accessories - feminine pumps in blush and glossy lips in red to pull it all together.  Lately I have been really loving how Taylor has been wearing her hair; while her curls are beautiful, I feel like her new cut is more a more sophisticated look on her and goes well with this dress.  I hope that this look is a foreshadowing of what is to come at future premieres for The Giver.

2. Katie Holmes in Zac Posen at The Giver premiere in New York City.
Taylor's costar goes for an equally romantic look in this pale pink number.  From the shape of the dress to her perfect bun, Katie reminds me of a Ballerina here.  I particularly love the intricate draping on the bodice of this dress as it makes it interesting and adds something special.  Like Taylor I hope that this is a preview of what is to come for Katie's The Giver premiere style!

3. Nina Dobrev in Vionnet at the Teen Choice Awards in Los Angeles.
The budding style star makes the cut again with her brightly colored matching separates.  I love that Nina is not afraid to wear such bright hues, and bold, beautiful prints, as it really paid off for her here. Her accessories really complete this look with her shoes and clutch each pulling different colors from her top and shorts, which is a very chic touch.  Last but not least I am obsessed with her hair here, I know it's just a braid, but it's perfectly messy and very on trend.

4. Jennifer Lopez in Elie Saab at the Teen Choice Awards in Los Angeles.
The teens at the Teen Choice Awards have a thing or two to learn from Jennifer Lopez. Her dress is absolutely gorgeous with all of its lace detailing, and the emerald color is magnificent and rich.  While I'm typically not a fan of matching your shoes to your dress, it works here and really makes the whole look.

5. Jessica Alba in Antonio Berardi heading to Good Morning America in New York City.
Jessica looks so beautiful and dainty in this dress while exiting her hotel.  I like that she's wearing a bright color and fun pattern, that both feel super summery to me.  She does a great job of adding some contrast to her look by wearing a clutch in a different print, which is a subtle way to do this.  Finally I'm loving her hair and makeup with this look especially her pink lips that brings out the pink in the dress.

What do you think of these looks?  Which is your favorite?

  
                
Make sure to add me on Snapchat - @kthomp22!
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