6.22.2013

Review: Lush - BIG Shampoo


About a month ago I had visited Lush here in Philly. I didn't really have any intention on getting anything (I like to read reviews on products pre-purchasing), but I did pick up a sample of a shampoo. There is a little description board that is usually alongside every product. 
Here is the one for BIG Shampoo: Sea salt and lemon shampoo to lift limp locks and mega watt shine.
Compared to all the other product names, I found this one to be generic, but I soon discovered why they had chose this name.
We'll start out with the smell of BIG. It has a very fresh ocean scent to it. Before I even looked at the ingredients I could account for the citrus, coconut oil and sea salt. These things combined make for a pleasing fragrance. The actual formula looks chunky. I had originally thought that there were actual chunks of sea salt in the product, but I think it is coconut oil. Not 100% sure, but it isn't hard, but soft and melts into your hair when lathering. Also you only need the tiniest amount to get this stuff going. My hair reaches just under the middle of my back, and I was able to work it through with a nickel size amount. Speaking of lather, it came full force! I could feel the results IMMEDIATELY. My hair felt light, clean and "bouncy," even with my hair still being drenched. Personally, I like to go a couple days, 3 tops, without washing my hair. Even though I have a naturally oily scalp I don't like stripping both my scalp and hair of it's needed oils. With BIG my hair looked, felt, and smelled just as amazing as when I walked out the shower. I did find after using it several times, that it was a bit drying, which is why I don't use it everyday. I use it about once a week and like I said the results last for days. Too much of anything is never a good thing, so I suggest to use this in moderation.
I definitely will be purchasing a full size, 11.4 oz. The price, $26.95, may seem a bit steep, but after testing it out I think it is a great investment. You're really getting what you're paying for.

The list of ingredients can be found on their online website: www.lush.com
It is also vegan + cruelty free. Any product with a "V" next to it indicates that it is vegan.

I would rate this a 5/5. If you're looking for volume and lacking vibrancy I highly recommend that you check this out!

6.21.2013

Thrift Haul... and other purchases!

I have been doing a looot of second-hand shopping recently and I have to say that each trip is more rewarding and satisfactory than the last! Gone are the wasted hours of ripping through racks only to discover something that is, "eh". So here are the things I have collectively purchased over the past couple of weeks. This will be my first post showing clothing items, I'm still trying to work the kinks of how I would like to display them. Anyway I hope you find a liking to some of my new treasures.





1. Cream windbreaker / rain coat style jacket with drawstrings at the bottom. It also has a dual zip. Not too sure what the actual purpose is for them but it's the only thing in my closet with one. ( S - Gap ) $4 

 


 




2. Slate blue bomber / moto style jacket. I love love love these style jackets. I bought my first one from H&M, about 6 years ago, when I was living in Germany. It has been worn to death, and is the most sentimental piece in my wardrobe. ( XS - Express ) $6




3. Black delicately crocheted shrug with frilly crocheted ruffle trim. I find this piece to be very fragile, yet at the same time bears a strong and almost mysterious quality to it because of the color. ( S - H&M ) $4


 










4. Simple black T-shirt. I think this may be a guys shirt but the fit is very relaxed and comfy. I'm all for those types of shirts. ( S - BDG ) $1.50


5. Black soft triangle bra. I found out about this bra from The Fashion Citizen channel on YouTube. I think it was Melissa's monthly favorites. She mentioned that a lot of basic bras are extremely pricey and that there is no reason to spend $$$ on something sooo generic (my hero). She then mentions this exact bra for 1/3 of the typically inflated price. It even has adjustable straps and 3 eye hooks. Impressed is all I can say. ( Sz. 6 - H&M ) $6


6. Black East Bay AFI tanktop with cat logo. After hearing word of their 9th album. It was only in my nature to celebrate. I found this on eBay for what I think is a great deal. If you're a fellow AFI fan let me know! ( S - Cinderblock ) $9



7. Black racerback style tanktop. To tell you the truth I cannot stand most racerback tanktops. They expose too much, in my opinion, but I couldn't pass up the price and I figure my sister may like it. ( S - Pins and Needles ) $1.50

 

8. Rose pink cardigan with pockets. What sold me on this in all honesty was the buttons. They look like strawberry chocolate. Yum. ( S - Gap ) $2 



 


9. Pink dress top with floral pattern. I've always wanted something with a kimono vibe to it, and it just so happens to be made of chiffon... bonus! The only thing I plan to change is the metal hardware that cinches the bust area. I find that it clashes, in a bad way, to the very feminine qualities of this top. 
( Sz. 4 - Cynthia Steffe ) $4 

 



10. Black cardigan. I can never pass up a classic black cardi. The fit for Gap cardigans and tops are spot on, I love it. The buttons are also very nice and shiny. Buttons are also a seller for me. ( XS - Gap ) $2 


11. Camel anorak style jacket. This has to be one of my new favorite jackets. Everything from the collar to the length is perfect. It's a very durable and sturdy jacket. I feel like I robbed the thrift store, only having paid under 6 bucks for it. ( XXSP - Ann Taylor ) $5.50  

 
 

12. Off-white cream jacket. There is nothing in my closet even close to this. The structure of the jacket reminds me of something a matador or fencer might wear. I actually picked this up as a small personal joke, thinking it would be funny to try something on so unique. Well, I guess the joke was on me because I fell in love with the shape. It's good to step out of your typical comfort style every now and then! I think it's safe to say this is currently my second favorite jacket. ( Sz. 2 - H&M ) $4 
 



13. Black active wear tank with built in bra. This is my first actual sports top I own. Not sure why, but I like that I paid next to nothing for it! Because of the built-in bra it is extremely supportive, and comfortable. I plan to remove a couple inches of fabric from the bottom, as it is a little too long for my taste. ( S - CG ) $1.50 * NOT PICTURED *

And that's a wrap! Please let me know if you find this post interesting. I wasn't sure if I wanted to add all of my personal opinions and short stories, but I figured why not. I think it would have been pretty boring otherwise. I hope this gives you inspiration to go thrifting if you have never been, or gives you excitement for your next thrifting adventure!

4.12.2013

DIY: Lon Lon Milk Jug

Difficulty: Super Easy *No need to travel to Hyrule*

Things You Will Need:

- Printer (with ink of course)
- Paper

- Scissors
- Clear Tape... preferably 2" in width or larger
- Jar






Search and print a Lon Lon image of your choice. You can alter the colors and size of the image on an editing program.









 
Once image is cut out, tape both the back and front, leaving excess to fold over the edges. Should look like this...








After it is sealed with tape you can wrap around any jug or container.

 

Lastly - fill it! I made a fresh batch of coconut milk for my jars.
I will have to make another post on how to make flavored nut milks. Here is the plain Lon Lon all finished.

4.06.2013

Sentimental Thoughts

My poor blog! I really need to stop neglecting you for inexcusable periods of time. Since my last post there has been a LOT going on. I find it fitting for a minuscule update so without further ado...

In November, I signed my first ever lease with my boyfriend. We are now living in a lovely two-bedroom apartment right outside of Center City in Philadelphia.
Two months ago I finally managed to launch my online shop where I sell my handmade felties. Here is my page, check it out if you are interested in unique kawaii headpieces: www.milchdeephandmade.bigcartel.com



Today I finished a documentary called "Following Sean." The main focus is on a 4 year old boy named Sean. Throughout the film he is asked various questions on himself, life around him, and some of his views on different things. Several years later, the documenter, Ralph Arlyck, reaches out to reconnect with Sean and his family. I can't get too much more in depth without telling you the whole story, but the capture of the entirety of this film is very intriguing. It made me think about how I took my younger years for granted. Always turning cheek to the phrase, "Cherish your youth." Wanting what I couldn't grasp, only now to be in full control of what I wanted, and I yearn for the past. What also came to mind was how much time I spend reflecting on nostalgia. Time that can be better spent on creating new memories. My solution to all this guilt tripping and mind pleasuring - living in the moment. I know, a very simple and ingenious observation. Something so simple, yet overlooked. Stop getting so ahead of yourself and take a step back. Think, live and breathe for every moment. Let life flow frame by frame while it satiates your mind.

12.08.2012

Can't wait to try these recipes!

Lisa's Project: Vegan: Christmas Cookies: Pfeffernusse & Lebkuchen: My husband grew up eating these during Christmas time.  Not only have I never heard of them, I would never eat them because of the flavo...

9.19.2012

Bright Black Heaven

It's about time!  I thoroughly understand why it took as long as it did, it is perfectly executed. There is a different take to this album that I enjoy very much. I'm not a professional when it comes to music but there is something very unique from this one compared to their first, and it's brilliant! In my opinion there are hints of Depeche Mode, Placebo with and while listening Deconstructing Gods it brought faint memories of t.A.T.u to mind. There is amazing assembly in the tempos of each of the songs that work very fluidly into one another. The wait was well over worth it. Eager to see what the future holds. I'm hungry for more.

DIY: Ear Cuff w. Charm




I bumped into this awesome and creative YouTube channel yesterday, alive4fashion! Click here for the link. Her page was in my 

" Suggested Channels " column, which I never check only because I enjoy searching and discovering but this was spot on. Thank you YouTube! 
I came across a DIY (Do It Yourself) tutorial on how to make an ear cuff. She had 3 different demonstrations of cuffs you can make and I chose the first one, which seemed most basic and easy to re-create. She is from Berlin so her videos are in German but they're very self explanatory and easy to follow as she films herself step by step.
I changed up her original design of the cuff only just a little bit,  so the inspiration is there but with my own personal twist! Let's get started!

Things you will need:
- Ruler
- Pen
- 2.5 cm. String, for measuring
- Wire cutters
- Needle nose pliers
- Filer (I used an emery board)
- 15 cm. Craft wire (The only wire I had laying around was from the floral section of my local craft store, it's thin but still practical for something this delicate)
- 2 jumprings
- Chain, of your desired length
- Charm, of your choice (Preferably with a loop but you can also wrap wire around your charm i.e. if you use a stone or gem)

After you have all your materials and your wire is cut, you are going to file down the ends of the wire to a smooth blunt edge, that is not sharp.

Take your needle nose plier, place at the end of the wire and create an "eye"
Bend the finished eye slightly backward to align with the wire



Use your string to measure 2.5 cm. down from the end of the eye. Again take your needle nose pliers and place where the end of the string was and bend wire towards eye.


Create another eye and cut + file excess 


You should end up with something that looks like this



Once you have this finished shape take a pen and mold your shape around it to create a circle shape. Now you have just the cuff. Feel free to adjust to your own comfort!




Now to add a charm...

Open your 2 jumprings and put one on either end of your chain.

Close one jumpring around the cuff and the other with your charm.. I got my teeth denture charm from a  local flea market for a quarter! I love it!
 

If you prefer to just stick with the cuff and no charm you can paint it with acrylics and set it with a clear coat of nail polish, add glitter or even hot glue a rhinestone to it. Play around with the basic shape or add to the design to make it your own!