Little Mrs. Middleton

I finally did it!

2014-05-22T00:15:00.000-07:00

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LittleMrsMiddleton.com

Funky Little Valentine...

2013-02-03T19:24:00.001-08:00

As I mentioned in a previous nail art post, nail art has never been my strong suit. I am determined to become better with practice just as I am determined to become a better blogger. Just because I'm not an expert at the get-go doesn't mean I can't improve beyond my wildest dreams. I will continue to strive for my personal best. Until then, here's my Valentine's Day inspired manicure. I put a different design on each nail. Hope you like it as much as I do :)

I may have over did it with the scrapbooking but I love any reason to be over the top festive and themed!

Valentine's Day has always been on of my favorite days to celebrate. And I know plenty of people who have said they hate the holiday. Either because their single and lonley or because "you should show the person you love how much they mean to you year around" they say...well guess what? I do. I'm a hopeless romantic. Always have been. And what girl doesn't love all the frills of pink and red hearts and kisses and chocolates and roses and cupcakes...?

Speaking of cupcakes, I made some on the first day of Feb. I just couldn't wait. Mainly because Target does this...

and this...

so I have to do this...

Haha.

I hope you all have a lovely, love filled, sexy, sweet Valentine's Day!

XOXO

-Little Mrs. Middleton

A winter nail look...

2013-01-24T15:36:00.000-08:00

I'm loving this super easy design technique. The color posiblities are endless of course but have found that using a glitter for the half moon is easiest, most fool proof way. I've done this look with a few different combos and I wish I would have snapped some shots of those as well. It's my opinion that the darker, deeper colors look great in the winter and I like using brighter color combos in the spring and summer.

Products used:

base color- Butter London in "WALLIS"

half moon accent color- Revlon #925 "Gold Coin" topped with stripe rite gold glitter for more of a glittery look

hope you like it,

Happy polishing...

xoxo,

Little Mrs. Middleton

DIY Cupcake Ornament

2012-12-25T00:17:00.000-08:00

You'll need:

Ornament Balls
Aluminum cupcake liners
Bakers Twine
White acrylic paint
Chunky glitter
Red berries
Hot Glue

Nutter Butter Reindeers

2012-12-18T19:07:00.000-08:00

An easy holiday treat any kid would LOVE to make and eat. I've eaten WAY

too many! What can I say? I'm a sucker for sweets.

Happy snacking,

Mrs. Middleton

Tiarra Sorte Photography...

2012-11-30T15:25:00.001-08:00

I have a great friend named Tiarra. She's inspiring. She's kind enough to laugh at all my jokes and happens to have an adorable, contagious giggle. I love her. She's taken some great pictures for me since she's not only my friend, but also an incredible photographer. If you live in the Seattle area and are needing some memories captured in a creative, beautiful & unique way...contact Tiarra Sorte Photography. Don't forget to tell her I sent ya. Click here to see some photos that she took of my brand new Oliver. And here to visit her blog.

beauty.

It's a great time to get some holiday/winter/Christmas photos taken and Tiarra may still have some slots available for her mini sessions.

Here's to Merry memories and a very Merry Christmas!

Love,

Mrs. Middleton

He's here! He's Here!

2012-11-14T23:21:00.000-08:00

Giving birth was the most exciting, scary, crazy, painful, emotional, empowering, enlightening, (did I mention painful?) event of my life! Our first born, Oliver Franklin Middleton was born 2 weeks early on November 3rd, 2012.

I may do a labor and delivery story with my husband on my youtube channel soon. (when we can find the time to sit down and film together) Until then, I'll be trying to post on here as frequent as possible. I have so many ideas and with a new baby, so little time to get things done! It's funny how I thought that I would be more productive on maternity leave. LOL Oh how naive I was! :)

I hope you all are enjoying the fall weather. Stay warm and cozy. I'll talk to you real soon.

*muah*

-Mrs. Middleton

Goodbye October...

2012-11-13T14:50:00.000-08:00

Please Note: This post was to go up on Nov. 1st. I went into labor that day, (Oliver was 2 weeks early the little bugger) and needless to say have had my hands full ever since. :) Here's to the old saying, "better late than never"...

Oh my how time flies, October was lots of fun though. We went to The Farm at Swan's Trail. That was my very first visit to a real pumpkin patch. My husband Jared carved me 2 of the most fantastic Jack-o-lanters ever! I'm not really into pumpkin carving (I don't have the patients) but I love the way they add a festive fall touch to our home. We were fortunate enough to enjoy not one but two pumpkin carving parties this October. One with friends and the other with family. We had a great time and some great fall food at both.

He's pretty good don't you agree?

October was also a busy month of work for Jared and I plus getting things ready for our first baby! Oliver Franklin Middleton is due on November 17th. Things can get a little stressful prepping for a first born. Obviously I want everything to be perfect for his arrival and have a tendancy to get a little obsessive. The other day I had a thought, "what else does he need?" And I realized that all he needs is a bed to sleep in and my boobs to feed on. Oliver will be fine, I know he will and I've finally given it all to God. He will provide.

Looking foward to this holiday season and our new baby boy. Happy Fall Everyone!

Lots of love and warm hugs,

Mrs. Middleton

Spring Blueberry Nail art...

2012-05-30T16:43:00.002-07:00

Nail art was not my strongest suit in Cosmo school. In fact, I would get so frustrated that I simply stopped trying all together and decided it was not for me. I recently decided to try again but start small and simple and to practice, practice, practice. This looks a little more like abstract art than blueberries but hey, I'm diggin' it.

I was inspired by cutepolish on youtube. She has a tutorial on this look. Since I don't have a dotting tool, I just used 2 different sized bobbi pins to make the dots and a green striper polish for the background. Here's the link to her video, enjoy!

http://youtu.be/stIuzTDiBzM

Dressed up Dresser

2012-05-26T21:36:00.001-07:00

We have this dresser that desperately needed a makeover. I decided to give it a fresh coat of white paint. My handsome husband had to help of course. :) This is the dresser before being sanded going in the same direction of the grian with 2 different sand grit. The first was 60 grit (course) and the second was 80 (medium), the husband suggests sanding a 3rd time with a finer grit to achieve a smoother finish but I didn't have the patients.

Ta-Da!!!

I really love before and after pictures don't you? If you have a piece of furniture that you're sick of looking at and a brand new one is not an option, use your imagination and make it over.

From drab to fab...fresh paint and a little tlc,

-Mrs. Middleton

DIY Photo Canvas

2012-05-21T12:31:00.001-07:00

My husband and I have taken several pictures in the Chuck-E-Cheese photo booth. (I have a big family with lots of kiddies) I finally thought of a way to use these prints that I like so much...decoupage them on a canvas! I went to Michael's and Home Depot to get supplies. Here's what I used.

acrylic paint
Mod Podge
sponge tip paint brush
photos
5x7 canvas
embellishments
small links
small eyelets

since my pics had a colored border I painted it white with acrylic paint.

I then used the Mod Podge to decoupage them onto the canvas.

added some embellishments...

and this one I wanted together so I used the eyelets and chain to connect it and stapled a fabric ribbon at the top to make a bow then hung it using a small nail. What do you think?

What innovative way do you display your prints? If you try this craft, send me a picture, I'd love to see your creations...

Happy crafting and lots of love,

Mrs. Middleton

New MAC "Hey Sailor" collection sneak peak

2012-05-18T23:15:00.001-07:00

The launch is next weekend. I'm excited to get my hands on a few things. Since I work in cosmetics I am able to play with collections before they launch. I've always loved and admired all things nautical so of course I'm obsessed with this entire collection! The packaging it too cute and the colors are fun. I'll post what I purchase later.
Happy Sailing...
*muah*
Mrs. Middleton

Pregnancy Vlog Plus Freebies for new mommies!

2012-05-01T16:54:00.001-07:00

Recorded on April 26th, this is my 10 week prego my eggo vlog. My due date is November 17.

Also, info on how to recieve free stuff from the store Motherhood! When I went in to buy some preggie pops they offered me to sign up and recieve UP TO $400.00 IN FREE STUFF UNTIL I GIVE BIRTH! I received a welcome package with lots of coupons and freebies, and the rest will be shipped to my home over the next several months. I got coupons and discount codes for Carter's, Fisher Price, Osh kosh B Gosh, ect,,,I just want to share the wealth :)
Since I've been pregnant I've been loving the website babycenter.com definatley check it out if you are expecting or have children. It's so informative.

baby bump and lots of love,
xo Little Mrs. Middleton

LANZA Healing Haircare

2012-02-03T00:29:00.000-08:00

This video is a review of some of my favorite products from LANZA

LANZA Products in Order of Apperance

1st up: Glossifying Conditioner

Product Description

Smoothes curls & waves. Blocks humidity & stops frizz. Adds softness & shine. Preserves haircolor.

My opinion:

Best conditioner I've ever used in my life!

2nd: Noni fruit Leave-in Conditioner

Product Description

Detangles, hydrates & protects with Polynesioan Botanicals.

My opinion:

Yay! It really does! I love how light weight it is but still super hydrating and smells so pretty!

3rd: Color Preserving Trauma Treatment

Product Description

Heals over processed hair. Extends haircolor up to 107%

My opinion:

My hair was bleached and literally breaking off, this is the products that healed what I didn't chop. It's also the product that I found and fell in love with which is why I began trying all the other LANZA goodies. I this every day and use more when I wear my hair naturally curly in place of a curl cream or mousse. I LOVE IT.

4th: Thermal Defense Heat Styler

Product Description

Heat & humidity protection. Delivers a strong, all-day hold. Controls frizz & adds shine.

My opinion:

I love that it smells great, hold my style and is protecting my hair from heat damage. I do not like that the spritzer gets clogged. I don't feel that this product adds shine.

5th: Neem plant Silk Serum

Product Description:
L'ANZA Healing Strength Neem Plant Silk Serum is a weightless healer with Cystine Peptide Complex and keratin healing system that provides instant shine and silky softness. Delivers a glossy sheen without greasiness or weight and provides UVA/UVB/UVC protection.
My opinion:
This serum is one of the better one's that I've used. It feels like silk and gives my hair it's shine back after heat styling. Again, it smells amazing and it doesn't weigh my hair down. I only smooth it on my hair from the ears down and would not recommend using it on the crown area.

Happy hair days & hugs!
-Mrs. Middleton

I have finally made a decision...

2011-12-30T17:49:00.000-08:00

I have been lusting after this bag for a few months now. It's not a major purchase I know, but I've always been a frugal shopper and I really have to LOVE something to spend more than $30 on it. It came down to the fact that all my other bags are dated and busted! My problem was deciding to get a more casual bag or this slightly dressier one. Since I spend most of my life at work and in my work clothes, I went with the latter. I love the vintage feel to it and the fact that it looks like an over sized coin purse is super cute! I purchased my new pet on handbagheaven.com I will be purchasing a casual bag from this site in the future since the prices are right up my alley. I can't believe how many styles there are to choose from. If you find hand bags that you love on this site, don't forget to share your faves with me. :)

Happy Shopping!

-Mrs. Middleton

HOME MADE MACAROONS RECIPE

2011-11-01T12:43:00.001-07:00

We had a potluck at work for someone who was moving to Hawaii last summer (lucky duck). My co-worker Amy made these addicting desserts. She was nice enough to give me her recipe and even though she said it was super easy I didn't believe it until I tried it myself. The husby and I LOVE macaroons! Here's what you need...

1/3 c. sugar
1 egg white
pinch of salt
vanilla & almond extract
1 c coconut (use a 50/50 mix of flaked and shredded)
Slivered almonds
Whisk egg & sugar till blended. Add remaining ingredients.
Place mixture in drops on parchment paper-lined cookie sheet.

Bake @350 for about 13-15 minutes or until golden brown.

I used a cookie scooper and pressed them down with my fingers to flatten them a bit. If they're too thick, the inside can be too soft for my taste.

I also double the recipe every time I make them since the recipe given makes a pretty small batch. We like leftovers around here. :D

My husby likes things well done and since I like them crispy on the outside and chewy on the inside I add 2-3 more minutes on the baking time. Do what suits your liking.

Just melt some semi-sweet chocolate chips (I added a piece of dark chocolate) double boiler style and drizzle over right out of the oven

A trick to making the chocolate look pretty: cut the corner of a Ziploc bag and scoop the chocolate inside and use it like a cake decorating bag. I suggest using an oven mitt since the chocolate is hot and can burn your hands.

I always enjoy baking but especially in the Fall and Winter months. What are some of your favorite homemade baked treats? Please share your recipes!

Happy Fall

XOXO,

Mrs. Middleton

My daily indulgence...

2011-10-31T14:22:00.000-07:00

I'm a big fan of super great skincare. I love makeup and hair care but taking care of my skin is the most important part of my beauty regime.

Sadly, this is not all my lotions and potions it's about half. The Facial Fuel is my husby's. :)

As you can see I'm a Shiseido girl. Shiseido is by far my favorite skincare line to use but it's not the only line I use. I like to try new things.

What are some of your favorite skincare items or must-haves? Let me know in the comments!

Love,

Mrs. Middleton

DIY Jewelry Stand/Tower

2011-10-26T21:40:00.000-07:00

I found this idea/DIY/Tutorial on youtube. If you are interested visit this blog where she has a post and videos with step by step instuctions. :)

ShowMeCute.com Search Terra Cotta Jewelry Tower...

I glued small pots to larger bases with Gorilla Glue. She used super glue but I was afraid that wouldn't be strong enough. Plus, my husband is in construction so we had Gorilla Glue laying around. :)

Painted it...

TA-DA!!! I LOVE! DO YOU?

If you try this please leave me a comment or show me pictures. I'd love to see your creations!

XOXO,

Little Mrs. Middleton

Estee Lauder gift with purchase Fall 2011

2011-10-24T15:43:00.000-07:00

Estee Lauder is having their Fall Gift with Purchase at Nordstrom. It's only a $35 purchase and you get this beautiful gift! I really just wanted the make up bag but I've been wearing everything in this gift. The colors are perfect for fall and I don't have a lip combo like this in my make up collection. It's beautiful when you wear the lipstick, liner and gloss together. I purchased the Double Matte face powder and the Double Wear Stay in place eyeshadow base.

In My Gift:

Burgandy cosmetic bag

eyeshadow quad with sepia sand, ivory slipper, chocolate bliss, and hot cinnamon

Pure Color lipstick in Autumn Shimmer

Wired Copper lipgloss

Chocolate lip liner

Sumptuous Mascara in black

Advanced night repair

There is also a cool pallete gwp that has plum eyeshadows and a coral lip combo.

Go get yours while supplies last! And if you do, let me know what colors you chose and what you think.

xoxo,

Mrs. Middleton

This is what it looks like on. :)

Desert Essence Organic Nourishing Coconut for dry hair and skin

2011-10-19T21:44:00.000-07:00

Since my hair is very thick and naturally curly, it's also super dry and if not cared for properly, can get brittle and dull looking. I'm always on the look out for hydrating hair care. While at Whole Foods this last April, I picked up this nourishing coconut shampoo and conditioner for dry hair. I have dry skin from the neck down so I decided to give the coconut hand and body lotion for dry skin a try as well.

The Desert Essence shampoo and conditioner I am thoroughly pleased with. The smell is like an island getaway (that's not overpowering at all) and the hydration is superb with out the weigh down and build up. I have re-purchased twice since then. I LOVE IT! It's really nice to find something that works great and is healthy for you to boot. The hand and body lotion smelled great and would be great for someone with normal skin, but my dry body skin just needs more moisture than this could offer. I did use it all up but did not re-purchase. However I did notice on the site that there are several body lotions and creams. I'm tempted to give it another go around. Perhaps because there is one that's pink and super girly :) I noticed on their website you can save 30% on bath and body products. There's free shipping and samples with an order over $50. We all love samples and free shipping right? Also, you can enter to win a Fall giveaway! If I order from there website I will be sure to do another review.

What are some of your favorite products for hydration and moisture?

xoxo,

Andrea Middleton

Old vase like new...

2011-10-17T13:21:00.000-07:00

My sister in-law asked me if I wanted this vase and I said yes (although I was thinking "no, it doesn't go with anything I own.) On the way home from her house I thought, I'll just paint it! I love getting all crafty! It's extremely therapeutic for me to create. Which is why I enjoy cooking and baking, doing hair and make up, decorating... ANYWAY...

This is the finished project. I just bought some acrylic paint, dried and fake foliage, and KRYLON crystal clear acrylic coating from Michael's to seal the deal.

BEFORE

AFTER

I used an antiquing technique using 3 paint colors that I learned from a youtube video. I have a few more projects using this technique that I will be posting soon. I'm happy with the final result. So glad I accepted this gift! Have you done any DIY make overs lately? Please, do tell!

Thanks for stopping by

XOXO,

Mrs. Middleton

Sally Hansen silver Crackle top coat

2011-10-14T08:40:00.001-07:00

I finally joined the crackle top coat bandwagon. I'm late, I know. I just couldn't decide if it's for me or not. I chose silver vs. black to ease myself into this trend. I have to say it has grown on me. I also got plenty of compliments which I'm sure helped sway my feelings. (sometimes it looks harsh to me) but with lighter colors, I'm all for it! I've always loved Sally Hansen products. My grandmother (who's also named Sally & 86 by the way!) totally got me hooked. I was always going through her vanity and trying her lotions and potions. In it was always a plethora of great products including Sally Hansen. I'm a loyal Sally customer and probably always will be thanks to gramacita. :) So naturally, when I decided to give crackle a go, Sally was my choice. It's super easy and quite frankly a trip. The first time I used it over dark blue polish and it was too witchy for my taste. So I switched to my favorite shade of blue and viola! I like it. Glad I decided to give it a try. Tell me, do you dig the crackle craze?

xoxo,

Mrs. Middleton

An amazing oil wicking facial mask for Oily/Combination skin!

2011-07-28T23:12:00.000-07:00

Okay, so about two months ago I was on the hunt for a good mask to purify my skin. I have very oily skin, large pores and have a tendency to break out at any given moment. I went to Ulta and searched for what seemed like an hour. I couldn't find anything that remotely came close to what I was looking for. Feeling defeated, I went to check out, (I bought a Revlon Curling iron that I hate, a crappy face wash that I will never repurchase and some Palmer's Coco butter) While at the register I thought I might as well ask the clerk if she had any ideas. She showed me this C Booth Deep Cleansing Volcanic Clay Mask. I read the print on the tube, smelled the product, then decided to give it a try. Boy was I pleasantly surprised! I'm addicted to this stuff! It feels so good, smells fresh and leaves the skin feeling super clean and slightly tingly. The C Booth mask literally wicks the oil right out of your pores. It's dark grey when you apply it, then dries to a light grey, THEN...it starts to turn dark grey again as it sucks the oil out of your pores. You can see it happen right before your eyes! It's like, well, magical. Ha!

Here's what the product claims: Volcanic mud has high concentration of trace & essential elements that cleanse deeply, absorb impurities, control excess oil while detoxifying skin to its very depths with all the gunk gone, skin absorbs moisture more efficiently. This special mud tightens crater-size pores too, leaving skin feeling unbelievably soft and radiant.

Here's what I claim: Yay Verily! Agreed! This product actually really does what it says!!! I love it! In fact, I'm going to put some on right now. Needless to say that I will definitely be re-purchasing. I recommend this product to anyone who struggles with a greasy face (like me). You won't be disappointed.

Yours truly,

Little Mrs. Middleton

Stinky Hair Fix!

2011-05-14T01:37:00.000-07:00

3 days dirty...that's right I said it! haha! I can't deal with washing my hair everyday! I have way too much. So to keep it fresh and funky here's my tips.

Tools needed: Hair freshener, I chose Pink Sugar hair perfume. It smells so good! Like sweet, sugary candy! And a paddle brush. Just spray your hair in sections at the roots. Then spritz a little on your brush before running it through your locks and viola! Eau So Fresh!

Spring Fling!

2011-05-14T00:56:00.000-07:00

Spring is finally here and I'm so excited! Seattle is finally seeing some sunny days, and although they are far and few between it's much appreciated none the less. :) I had a play date with my MAC buddy Jacob from work. We went shopping for spring clothes! I chose to wear light colors on my face and body. I did a neutral lid with bronze liner and lots of mascara and for my lips a pop of pink. Here are some pics...

Face: Laura Mercier silk creme foundation in Cashew Beige (I've been using self tanner)

MAC Care Blend Powder in Meduim

Guerlan bronzer No. 2

Shiseido Peach blush

Bare Essentials Pure Radiance (highlight)

Eyes: Shiseido eyeshadow trio BR209

Too Faced duo in Lovey Dovey (brown as liner)

Loreal Voluminous mascara in Black

Lips: MAC Trimmed in Pink lip liner (limited edition)

Maybelline Moisture Lipstick in Windsor Rose

We went Shopping at Nordstrom and I went a little crazy...I'll post some pictures soon of my favorite ensemble so stay tuned. I hope you all are enjoying the May flowers! Happy Spring!