Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas! My favorite part of the holidays is spending time with family and loved ones.  I love laughing together, giving thoughtful gifts, sharing memories of Christmases past, and making new memories. I hope you all have a very Merry Christmas! 

The Art of Letter Writing

Letter writing is unfortunately a dying art form.  I save every card and hand written letter that I receive.  In the age of instant communication, I value the time and thought that goes into a letter so much more.  I had two pen pals when I was in middle school and reading their letters brings back so many memories of the things I loved in the 1990s, like Sanrio, gel pens, and boy bands.  I also exchanged letters with a dear dear friend of mine who passed away about a year about.  Reading her encouraging words and seeing her handwriting makes me feel still connected to her.

I also value the art of writing thank you letters after receiving a gift or writing a letter just to make someone smile.  I'm not sure how many people in my generation still write letters, but I absolutely encourage you to.  Writing a letter seems more meaningful and the words seem to have more depth than a text message or email.

The Art of Traveling: Top Ten Travel Tips

It seems like a lot of people are traveling this time of year, myself included.  I absolutely love traveling, visiting new places, and meeting new people.   When you travel and pack smart your trip is much more enjoyable.  Whether you are traveling home for winter break, taking a mini holiday, or visiting family and love ones I hope you find some of my travel tips helpful! 

Tip Number 10.

Carefully plan out your outfits. Do not just pack multiple tops and bottoms, this will lead to over packing.  Instead carefully plan what you want to wear for each day, taking into account the types of activities and events you will attend.  It find it extremely helpful to lay out the outfits on the bed and photograph them (sometimes I even included shoes and accessories). This way you will not forget anything and you will know exactly what to wear by flipping through the photos on your phone or ipad.

Tip Number 9.

If traveling by plane, the very first thing you should do when you sit down in your seat is take a anti-bacterial hand wipe and wipe down the armrests and tray table. This will save you from the millions of little germs from the hundreds of people sitting in that seat before you.  Do you think the flight attendants actually have time to thoroughly clean each and every seat? I don't think so.  And don't worry about looking like an OCD germaphobic person, because any one who gives you weird looks will probably catch some horrible sickness from NOT wiping down their tray.  Or you can do what I usually do when the person sitting next to me stares at me wiping down my seat, I offer them a wipe.

Tip Number 8.

In order to take your favorite perfume with you while traveling use a perfume atomizer.  I had no idea this even existed until I saw the Hollywood Fashion Secrets Perfume Atomizer* it in line at Old Navy*. I was literally thinking of creative ways of how to transfer my perfume into a smaller travel size container, but this was exactly what I needed to make my travels easier and better smelling!  Here is the link for more information: Perfume Atomizer

Tip Number 7.

In order to prevent any necklaces or bracelets from getting tangled while you travel, you can separate them using the fold-top sandwich baggies. 

Tip Number 6.

Carry a photocopy of your ID (passport, student ID, or driver license) in a separate location from your actual ID or scan and email a copy to yourself.  In case your bag with your ID gets stolen while traveling having a photocopy of your identification will be helpful in securing your travel home.

Tip Number 5.

Tie a bright colored piece of fabric or ribbon onto the handles of your suitcase.  This will help you distinguish your generic looking black suitcase from all the other generic looking black suitcases.

Tip Number 4.

Wherever you are going and no matter the mode of transportation you are using to get there, always pack snacks. It is also a good idea to pack snacks with some protein, like nuts or protein bars, for sustainable energy. 

Tip Number 3.

Rolling up your clothing can help everything fit better in your suitcase and it also helps prevent wrinkles.

Tip Number 2.

Do some quick research on the area that you are visiting. It is crucial to know local customs, the expected weather, and any current events.  Also, when traveling to a foreign country always know how to say "please", "thank you", "yes", "no", and "help" in every language you will encounter.... This can literally be a life saver. 

Tip Number 1. 

Take pictures.  Don't worry about looking like a tourist, even if you are visiting your hometown.  It just takes a few moments to snap a quick photo, but the memories will last a lifetime.  

Fitzgerald is wishing you safe and happy travels!

*I am not affiliated with this company.

 Everything mentioned are my honest thoughts and opinions.

*** I am not affiliated with this company.  Everything mentioned are my honest thoughts and opinions! - See more at: http://lapetitesocialworker.blogspot.com/search/label/Reviews#sthash.HRDlIAIq.dpuf

*** I am not affiliated with this company.  Everything mentioned are my honest thoughts and opinions!

- See more at: http://lapetitesocialworker.blogspot.com/search/label/Reviews#sthash.HRDlIAIq.dpuf

*** I am not affiliated with this company.  Everything mentioned are my honest thoughts and opinions! - See more at: http://lapetitesocialworker.blogspot.com/search/label/Reviews#sthash.HRDlIAIq.dpuf

*** I am not affiliated with this company.  Everything mentioned are my honest thoughts and opinions! - See more at: http://lapetitesocialworker.blogspot.com/search/label/Reviews#sthash.HRDlIAIq.dpuf

*** I am not affiliated with this company.  Everything mentioned are my honest thoughts and opinions! - See more at: http://lapetitesocialworker.blogspot.com/search/label/Reviews#sthash.HRDlIAIq.dpuf

*** I am not affiliated with this company.  Everything mentioned are my honest thoughts and opinions! - See more at: http://lapetitesocialworker.blogspot.com/search/label/Reviews#sthash.HRDlIAIq.dpuf

*** I am not affiliated with this company.  Everything mentioned are my honest thoughts and opinions! - See more at: http://lapetitesocialworker.blogspot.com/search/label/Reviews#sthash.HRDlIAIq.dpuf

*** I am not affiliated with this company.  Everything mentioned are my honest thoughts and opinions! - See more at: http://lapetitesocialworker.blogspot.com/search/label/Reviews#sthash.HRDlIAIq.dpuf

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IPSY October 2013 Glam Bag Review

I really liked October's IPSY Glam Bag.  The theme of this bag is "The Art of Beauty".  One's face is a canvas and make up is the paint and brushes are the artist's tools.

This was the first bag I received in a while where I liked every product.  However, I did not really understand the saying on this month's make-up bag. These are the products that were included in my glam bag:

1. Zoya green nail polish

 I love that the nail polish is free of harsh chemicals like formaldehyde, toluene, dibutyl phthalate, and camphor.  These are harsh chemicals that cannot be good to use or breath in.  For example, dibutyl phthlate is used in making flexible plastics and toluene is a toxic substance that is often found in paint thinners and breathing it in causes harm to the cardiovascular and neurological system.

2. Nourish Organic- Coconut & Argan Body Lotion

The body lotion feels great, but it does have a strong smell. I think it smells more like argan than coconut.

3. Bare Escentuals- Buxom Lips

I have never been a big fan of lip gloss since it is often very sticky, but I do like the Buxom Lips gloss.  It gives a nice shine and a touch of color.  The gloss is supposed feel tingly and to plump up the lips. I definitely notice the tingly feeling, but the plumping is not as obvious. 

4. La Fresh Oil-Free Face Cleanser Wipes

These wipes smelled great, like pineapple! Yum! And I love that they are 99.25% natural.  They did a great job removing my makeup.  I would definitely repurchase these and they would be perfect for traveling.

5. Big Sexy Hair- Blow Dry Volumizing Gel

My hair is naturally pretty voluminous, but I did notice that this gel provided extra volume when I applied it, especially around the roots. 

While make-up can make one feel beautiful and more confident it is also important to value what is on the inside:  The art of being compassionate, brave, a good listener, generous, among many others. 

A Beautiful Inspiration

Audrey Hepburn has always been an inspiration for me. Today I thought I would share Audrey Hepburn's favorite poem by Sam Levenson:  

For attractive lips, speak words of kindness.

For lovely eyes, seek out the good in people.

For a slim figure, share your food with the hungry.

For beautiful hair, let a child run his or her fingers through it once a day.

For poise, walk with the knowledge you'll never walk alone.

People, even more than things, have to be restored, renewed, revived,  reclaimed, and redeemed; Never throw out anybody.

Remember, If you ever need a helping hand, you'll find one at the end of your arm.
As you grow older, you will discover that you have two hands, one for helping yourself, the other for helping others.

The beauty of a woman is not in the clothes she wears, the  figure that she carries, or the way she combs her hair. The beauty of a woman must be seen from in her eyes, because that is the doorway to her heart, the place where love resides.

The beauty of a woman is not in a facial mole, but true beauty in a woman is reflected in her soul. It is the caring that she lovingly gives, the passion that she shows, and the beauty of a woman with passing years only grows!

IPSY August 2013 Glam Bag Review

So I signed up to received the IPSY glam bags each month.  August was my second month receiving a glam bag and I decided to do a quick, fun, and honest review about the products I received.  I love make-up and always thought of it as a form of art.  In this case, your face is the canvas!

The theme for this month was Glamour Academy, which I thought was an excellent choice for the back-to-school month.

Here are the items I received in my August 2013 IPSY bag:

Below is my review of each individual product:

 Michael Todd: True Organics 

Jojoba Charcoal Facial Scrub

I like this product because of the fact that it is made with 70% organic ingredients and it is also vegan friendly.  The product made my skin feel great, but I felt like it didn't do a great job exfoliating.  It is a very very gentle exfoliating scrub.  I was surprised with the color, it is a dark grey, but that makes sense considering that one of the main ingredients is jojoba charcoal.  Overall, I would rate this product a 4/5.

Noya Vanilla Lip Balm

This product is a full size lip balm and it smells absolutely delicious.  I absolutely love the feel of it on my lips.  It is made with 100% all natural and kosher ingredients.  I really love that the ingredient list is so short ( that is always a good sign, a true sign for natural products).  The ingredients include, coconut oil, beeswax, organic extra virgin olive oil, natural vanilla flavor, and organic stevia rebaudiana (aka sweetleaf).  This has become one of my main lip balms and I use it everyday.  I would rank this product a 5/5.

Pacifica Alight Multi-mineral BB Cream

Shade Matching Technology

At first I wasn't at all impressed with this product, but after giving it a second try it does make for a nice base.  However there is no coverage at all and I didn't feel like the product had "shade matching technology". The product comes out a dark brown/orange and it didn't exactly match to my much paler skin color.  It claims to be an all in one weightless formula that matches your skin tone while perfecting, hydrating, and diminishing the appearance of pores and fine lines.  Out of all those I feel like it really only did a good job hydrating.  I would rank this product a 3/5.

Pixi Lash Booster Mascara

I really did not like this mascara because it did not really provide and volume or definition to my eyelashes.  The only thing good about this mascara was that it didn't clump when I put it on, but maybe this is because it was almost like I wasn't putting on any mascara at all.  If I am going to put in the effort to wear mascara, I want it to see natural, but noticeable effects.  Therefore, I give this product a 1/5.

NYX Mosaic Powder 

Shade: 08 Spice

I really liked this blush powder.  It is great for creating a contour on your cheek bones and the color seems to stay on all day.  At first I was worried the color would be too dark for me, but with a bit of blending and light application I really like this product.  I give this product at 5/5.

FAVORITE Product for this month: Noya Vanilla Lip Balm.  I would actually repurchase this item.

LEAST Favorite Product for this month: Pixi Lash Booster (not so boosting) Mascara

Thanks for reading my review! Stay tuned for a review of IPSY AUGUST 2013 Glam Bag!  And feel free to comment below to let me know your thoughts! 

*** This post and La Petite Artist are not sponsored in any way by the products discussed.  Everything mentioned are my honest thoughts and opinions!

The Secrets of Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil can be found in many beauty and health products.  Tea tree oil comes from  Narrow-leaved Tea Trees (Melaleuca alternifolia).  Historically, tea tree leaves have been crushed and applied to wounds or the oil has been inhaled to treat upper respiratory infections.  Today, tea tree oil is used in a variety of products for its natural antiseptic and immune stimulant properties.  

You can make your own tea tree oil facial toner that will aid in treating and preventing acne and help create an even skin tone.

Here is what you will need:

• 1/3 cup raw apple cider vinegar
• 1 tsp. tea tree essential oil
• 1/2 cup distilled water 

Combine the ingredients and store in a small bottle.  Apply to your face once or twice a day.  Using distilled water will allow the toner to last for about 1 month without refrigeration. 

One of my absolute favorite products with tea tree oil is Karma Organic's Tea Tree Oil Nail Polish Remover.  It doesn't contain any acetone or other harsh chemicals, but it removes nail polish amazingly.  I think it even works better than general drugstore nail polish remover.  Plus it is safe for the environment and your body.  It strengthens my nails and it smells great too! 

*** This post and La Petite Artist are not sponsored in any way by the products discussed.  Everything mentioned are my honest thoughts and opinions!

Fashion Illustration Inspiration

One of my favorite ways to relax and draw lately is sketching models from fashion magazines in my own unique style.    I like fashion photography and illustration that tells a story and creates a character instead of just selling clothing.  ❤

Here are a few of my latest doodles

I have always loved magazines.  When I was really little I would love to cut out objects and pictures from the pages of magazines.  I even saved the tiny colorful scraps of paper.  I found the colors, patterns, and textures too beautiful to throw away and I was sure they would come in handy for my next collage.  I am thankful this early crafting habit helped inspire my creativity and not a propensity for hoarding.  (I now recycle any scraps of paper I do not need).  

Art in Action: AetherEdge

AetherEdge is an up and coming 3D animated short film.  The story revolves around a hero, Floyd, who lives in a dystopic and futuristic world.  On his journey of self discovery and mission to discover the secrets of his past, Floyd encounters many adventures and battles along the way. 

 

Floyd Concept to Creation

The project's creators take you behind the scenes and show you the development process of how Floyd started out as just an idea and then became a 3D character.   I am always fascinated by the art concept design process.  It is interesting to see how a character design changes as the story becomes more solidified. 

The artists behind AetherEdge currently have a Kickstarter funding project in order to raise funds to produce a proof of concept and hire musicians and sound effects artists.  

 

If you want to learn about the 3D animation process check out their website, Kickstarter page, and facebook!

Support AetherEdge on Kickstarter!

Check out AetherEdge on Facebook!

http://www.aetheredge.com/

*** This post and La Petite Artist are not sponsored in any way by AetherEdge.  Everything mentioned are my honest thoughts and opinions!

Summer Favorite: Peach Pie

I make this peach pie once a year and it tastes like pure summer sunshine.  Baking this pie during the summer is best because that is when peaches are in season. 

Ingredients

1. First you need to peel the peaches and the easiest way to do this is to blanch them.  Blanching peaches loosens the skin and makes them very easy to peel.  This works best when you use very ripe peaches. Place the peaches in a pot of boiling water for about 40 second to 1 minute.




2.  After 40 seconds to 1 minute, use a slotted spoon to transfer the peaches from the boiling water into a bowl of ice cold water.  Leave the peaches in the cold water for about 1 minute and then transfer the peaches to a cutting board.





3.  Use a your fingers or a small paring knife to slip the skin off the peaches.








4.  Peel the skin off all the peaches and then remove the pits.  Slice the peaches into about 1/4 inch to 1/2 inch slices.






5.  Place the peach slices in a bowl.  Then add the 3 tablespoons of flour, 1/2 cups of sugar, 3 tablespoons of lemon juice, and the pinch of salt.







6.  Let the mixture stand for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.




7.  While waiting, you can prepare your pie crusts.  You can make a pie crust from scratch, but for this pie I used the ready made pie dough.  Place one pie crust in the bottom pie pan.  For the top crust I cut a cute design  in the dough and this also allows the pie to ventilate. 




8.  Pour the peach filling into the file crust and make sure it is evenly spread out. At this point you can cut up the 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter into tiny cubes and place them over the filling.  I ended up using only about 1 Tablespoon of butter because it looked like enough butter to me. 




'

9. Place the top pie crust over the pie and flute the the pie crust.  








10.  Bake in the oven at 425 degrees Fahrenheit for 55 to 65 minutes.

Ta Da!  The most delicious peach pie is done!

 

This pie is best served with a vanilla ice cream.  Enjoy! 

Paris

Paris by la-petite-artist featuring peplum tops

Sweetheart neck dress / AX Paris peplum top, $35 / AX Paris denim skirt, $23 / Paris Hilton black patent pumps / Madden Girl laced boots / WGACA quilted purse / Vintage jewelry, $20 / Cafe Toile Cup And Saucer / Edible Favor French Macaron 12 Strawberry Basil Macaroons Gift... / Paris Mon Amour Vector Graphic / Saint Laurent Paris Black Velours Tassle Clutch Cassandre, $1,250

Inspired by Minnie Mouse

Inspired by Minnie Mouse by la-petite-artist featuring skinny leg jeans

A line dress / Short sleeve t shirt / Therapy skinny leg jeans, $68 / Type Z platform shoes / Converse s / Burberry zip top tote / Betsey Johnson bucket bag / Bow jewelry / White pearl earrings, $21 / Red hair bow / OPI red nail polish, $17 / DISNEY MINNIE MOUSE SUNGLASSES FOR GIRLS, RED MICKEY MOUSE CLUBHOUSE

Italian Summer Favorite: Insalata Caprese

Some of the tastes I associate with summer are fresh tomatoes and basil that were grown in my backyard.  I have so many great memories of helping my family and loved ones prepare insalata caprese by going outside to pick some fresh, red tomatoes and basil leaves. This is a simple, healthy, and delicious dish to enjoy!

Insalata Caprese 

This is an Italian dish that is typically served as an antipasto, which means "before the meal".  Insalata Caprese is a traditional Neapolitan dish that takes its name from its place of origin, the island of Capri.

The key to this dish is fresh ingredients:

Tomatoes  (pomodoro) 

Fresh mozzarella  (mozzarella di bufala or mozzarella fior di latte)

Basil leaves (basilico)

Extra virgin olive oil (oli di oliva extravergini)

Salt (sale)

Pepper (pepe)

Cut the tomatoes and fresh mozzarella into slices.  Layer the mozzarella on top of the tomato slice, top it off with a basil leaf, drizzle with the olive oil, and season with salt and pepper.

My Italian teacher taught me that the best Italian dishes have all three colors of Italy's flag (bandiera d'Italia).  Italy's flag has also been called the il Tricolore (the three colors) and another name for Insalata Caprese is Insalata Tricolore.  

Buon Appetito!

Inspired by Merida

Inspired by Merida by la-petite-artist featuring monserat de lucca

Teal chiffon dress, $25 / Dorothy Perkins , $37 / Dorothy Perkins black jeans, $23 / Wanted vegan boots / Steve Madden steve madden flat / Jennifer Meyer Jewelry / Monserat De Lucca / Bracelet jewelry / Green pendant / Jigsaw buckle belt, $60

Inspired by Rapunzel

Inspired by Rapunzel by la-petite-artist featuring karen millen

Cotton dress, $195 / Boohoo peplum top / Current/Elliott boyfriend jeans, $410 / Ancient Greek Sandals leather shoes / The Cambridge Satchel Company satchel bag / Karen Millen / Paddle brush, $7.08 / Crate & Barrel Scanpan® Classic 10.25" Fry Pan / A Tangled Tiara - Rapunzel's Gold Crystal Crown Made to Order

Dare to Dream

Sometimes believing in your own dreams can be a challenge, but there is a certain amount of freedom that comes when you dare to dream. 

One of my favorite quotes is by Ralph Waldo Emerson, "Give all to love; obey thy heart."  I believe dreams come true with hard work, faith, a pinch of luck, and when you listen to the direction of your heart. 

Cute Polymer Clay Charms

I have always loved sculpting things out of clay and one of my recent hobbies is crafting cute charms out of polymer clay!

It is so much fun coming up with cute ideas and I am often inspired by everyday objects that look amazingly cute when you paint a happy face on them!

If you want to make your own clay charms, you will find the polymer clay at your local craft store.  I used sterling silver rods and hooks to make the charms attachable to a necklace, bracelet, or keychain. Place the hooks in the clay before you bake them and then bake the charms at 275 F for 15 minutes.  Once the charms cool I then paint the details on them using acrylic paint.  Once the acrylic paint dries I complete the charms with a polymer clay glaze to protect the paint from scratching and to add a nice shiny finish.

Inspired by Snow White

Inspired by Snow White by la-petite-artist featuring bleach shirts

Izabel London cap sleeve top, $30 / BKE bleach shirt / Blue shirt, $4.53 / Flared skirt, $195 / Forever New floral skirt, $68 / TOMS flat shoes, $53 / Melissa patent leather flip flops, $60 / Melissa patent leather flip flops, $60 / KENNETH JAY LANE jewelry, $42 / Oasis flower bracelet, $11 / Disney jewelry / Hair bow accessory / Retro hair accessory

Inspired by Ariel

Inspired by Ariel by la-petite-artist featuring hair bow accessories

P.A.R.O.S.H. pleated dress / Melissa Odabash swim cover up, $210 / River Island , $7.58 / Reiss leather shoes / Madden Girl espadrille shoes, $50 / Tory Burch handbag / Cathy Waterman pearl jewelry / Pearl jewelry, $2,195 / Sydney Evan jewelry / Pearl jewelry, $1,135 / Jenny Packham / Hair bow accessory / 18th Century Place Fork, Large

Inspired by Belle

Inspired by Belle by la-petite-artist featuring neon heels

Topshop full skirt dress, $91 / Jane Norman cap sleeve shirt, $12 / Jersey skirt, $18 / Neon heels, $36 / Accessorize floral print shoes / Michael Kors leather bag / Links of London sterling silver charm, $145 / Goldmajor flower earrings, $68 / Astley Clarke gold stud earrings, $990 / Pin up hair accessory / River Island , $12

Book Drawings

A beautiful way to use books that you are no longer reading is to use the pages as a canvas.  I love the way the drawings and sketches stand out against the background of the text.