Thrifty Thursday / DIY Friday: Tie-Dye

Tie-Dye

During the summer, it’s not always necessary to wear your designer shirts with multiple layers. Why it may be fashionable, it can also be toasty to wear. Tie-dyed shirts display fun colors that reflect summer as well as being a low-maintenance and cool summer clothing piece.

Last month, my friend invited me to tie-dye t-shirts with her and her sister. I had never tie-dyed shirts and wasn’t expecting much out of this, but it was a lot of fun! It was interesting tying your shirts in different knots and dying the different sections. The best part was definitely seeing the results, so here are some that I did!

Swirl Technique

Bullseye Technique

You can buy tie-dye kits at Michaels and other craft stores. So go buy a kit, invite some friends and have a blast designing your own summer t-shirts!

Wednesday: What NOT to Wear to the Airport

Soooooo...my camera is still memory card-less, BUT I have not given up on you, my friends! I offer you, in exchange, some pictures I just googled up. And since I'm switchin' up the gears on my layout of posts, how about a switch up on the actual post too!? Well here it is...


What NOT to Wear to the Airport:


I honor of my good co-blogger's post on packing, I have chosen to tell you what not to wear to the airport from what I've learned in past experiences and Oprah. Yes, Oprah.

1) Flip Flops
Sure, you look cute. But how cute will it be if your foot gets infected from all the germy germs on the floor of the AIRPORT. The tables aren't even clean, you think the floors are better?









2) Sweatshirt
It's not dangerous or anything, but honestly, what if it gets really hot in the place? You're going to have to take off this hoodie and ruin what may have been perfectly coiffed hair. You no want that. I suggest something you can zip off, or a trendy cardigan.





3) Belts (No matter how trendy)
It's not gonna be so trendy when you have to unbuckle yourself in front of the whole security line. And don't refuse to take it off, it just....just don't do it.





That looks like enough of the huge explanations. Besides that, don't wear bulky jewelry. Also, I didn't mention trying not to wear an underwire bra, mostly because finding a google pic of a bra would raise some questions. Now don't go commando on the poor airport-goers, but something else without metal in it will suffice.

Welp, there you go! Happy travels!





http://thegoat.backcountry.com/2008/06/15/wearing-flip-flops-will-kill-you/
http://www.fansedge.com/Baltimore-Orioles-Sweatshirts-_190517016_PG.html
http://www.photo-dictionary.com/phrase/924/belt.html#b

Tuesday Tips: Packing

Packing

Sorry for the late post guys.

Its summer which means a lot of you will be vacationing to far off lands of daydreaming and relaxation with family and friends. But before you hop into that car, plane, or whatever is transporting you from place to place, you need to make sure if you have all of your belongings with you. So here are some tips on what to pack, how to pack, and how to make it as stress free as possible.

Don’t wait until 2 hours before: I am probably the biggest hypocrite when saying this, but hey I’m trying to change my ways! If you are waiting just moments until you leave to pack, chances are you will forget a lot of the things you need which can cause problems on your vacation.

Make a list: I always do this. Start thinking of things that you will need on your vacation and jot them down on a piece of paper or whatever. Then refer back to this list while and after you are done packing to make sure you have everything.

Travel in travel sizes: If you are only going away for the weekend, you don’t need to bring you jumbo size shampoo that now comes with 20% more shampoo! A lot of brands nowadays have travel sizes which will lighten your load and leave room for shopping!

Organize: I like to have different mini bags that keep like products together. All of my beauty products in one bag, all of my hair products in another, and I can’t forget about the snack bag! Incase any of your products leak, they won’t get on your clothes either!

So those are my tips for today. Happy and safe traveling everyone!

Photo creds: http://blog.closetfactoryarkansas.com/closets/suitcase-packing-101/

Musical Monday: New Artist!

This wonderful artist, I owe to my good co-blogger, Victoria. She was the one who introduced me to Alex Clare at first. I soon found out that he was relativly new, so I thought, "Self, why don't I use him for my new artist?" SO here's the low-down on my man Alex Clare.

Like most great artists these days, Alex Clare is not from America. Bummer. He is from the U.K., and was influenced by jazz and blues as he was growing up. He recently released his big debut album this year, called "The Lateness of the Hour". This album includes my fave song, "Too Close" and the bass-bumping, "Humming Bird". I say that he is an artist to watch!

Here! Try him out!

Bandwagon Saturday: Call Me Maybe

Call Me Maybe

This isn’t really a bandwagon, but it is something that is very big right now. Now on with the post:

If you have not heard of this song, you obviously do not live in this universe because this song is EVERYWHERE. It all started with some YouTube video of Justin Bieber, Selena Gomez, and others dancing to this song and what not. Next thing you know, this song is on the radio and every teeny bopper in America is singing “Call Me Maybe”. Let me just say that I actually really liked this song when it first came out! I still do (to a point).

Next was the release of the music video and I loved it. At first it struck me as cheesy and an average teenage girl music video, but the ending more than made up for it! If you haven’t seen it, click the following link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fWNaR-rxAic

Now this is the part where I told you how this song got out of control. Not only was this song played every waking moment on the radio. Not only was everyone everywhere singing this catchy tune. But then, the chorus became the center of all alterations for jokes. Here is a list of some of these changes:

“Hey I just met you,

And this is crazy,
But I’m a pokemon,
So choose me maybe”

 

“Hey I just me you,

Girl you look crazy,
What brand’s your makeup,
Crayola maybe?”

And then they just got plain weird…

“Hey I just met you
And this is lazy
But can you tie my shoes?
Thanks random lady”

“Hey I  just met you

And this is crazy
But I’m a potato
And I float in gravy”

“Hey I just met you
And this is crazy
Get in the van.”

So there ya have it! All the crazy changes people made to this one song. Trust me, the list goes on so if you want to read more, Google them.

Photo creds: http://www.uproxx.com/music/2012/05/the-12-best-call-me-maybe-image-parodies-on-the-internet/#page/10

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Call_Me_Maybe

DIY Friday: Racerback Tank

Hey guys!
So, I know you guys were wondering how I made that ridiculously amazing tank top that was used on my Wednesday What to Wear post. Well now I'm gonna show you how to do it!

Disclaimer: This one has less pictures because, sadly, my memory card is GONE. R.I.P.

What you need:
-A nice scarf or bandanna
-A cute sleeveless shirt
-Hands (that preferably can tie a knot)

What to do:
1. Grab your shirt and tie the scarf to the back, connecting the straps like so...yup

2: Take your hand and pat yourself on the back


Hope you had fun! And I promise I'm buying a new memory card, so do not fret!

Thrifty Thursday: Facial Mask

Facial Mask

Why pay a bunch of money going to the spa or buying pre-made facial masks when you can make your own! Today I’m going to tell you how to do just that using everyday ingredients in your home.

So here is everything you will need:

*NOTE: you don’t have to use these exact brands*
 

2 packages of oatmeal, 2 tablesppons of milk
1 tablespoon of sugar, honey, and applesauce
1.5 tablespoons of yogurt

I will start off by telling you what each ingredient does for you skin.

Oatmeal: Helps hydrate your skin
Sugar: It scrubs the skin of dirt, but does not tear the skin like salt.
Yogurt: The Lactic acid in yogurt is a great exfoliate that refines pores, as well as cleansing and soothing your skin
Milk: Helps remove dead skin
Honey: Kills bacteria and keeps skin sterile
Applesauce: Evens out skin tone

Next you are going to mix all the ingredients together. BUT FIRST, make sure to ground the oatmeal into a powdery substance!

And here is your finished product! As far as applying the mask to your face and removing it, you’re on your own. Just make sure your face is dry when you are applying the mask. Now all you have to do is light a candle and listen to some calm music for a relaxing moment. Enjoy~

Wednesday: What to Wear on the Boardwalk

Oh, look at you! You're going to go into the real world, where you will encounter real people. Beware: they may actually talk to you, something I really don't like to do with Victoria, but hey.

All jokes aside, the boardwalk is a great place to make a huge statement with clothes you may normally wear. Take a simple tank top, if you tie a nice patterned scarf to the back, it creates a cute racerback that will leave a trail of boys following...unless you're a boy, then I don't know what you're trying to do. But, to each his own!

I like to call this look, Parisian Chic! 

You can find this kind of clothes anywhere, I mean the scarf is my madre's! So take this advice and go into the boardwalk with you're iPod (hopefully full of my playlist here http://mitsege.blogspot.com/2012/06/musical-monday-boardwalk-playlist.html) and make some friends! Unless you have all 10 seasons on DVD like Victoria and I.

Tuesday Tips: Summer Fruits

Summer Fruits

Yesterday I visited my local farmer’s market and realized that the summer offers such yummy fruits! But don’t be fooled, not all fruits are in season during the summer. I mean I can’t tell you how many times I went to the store to pick up a juicy looking orange, only to bite into it and be utterly disappointed because it wasn’t in season. So here are some tips on how to avoid that potentially disgusting situation!

1. Do Research: Go to the grocery store already having a list of fruits that you know will be tasty and refreshing.
2. Examine the fruit: Just because it is in season, doesn’t mean that you will be having a party in your mouth. Look at the piece of fruit you are about to buy carefully, for damages and color. (The color of a certain fruit can sometimes tell you if it will be sweet/tart)
3. Incorporate out of season fruits: I do this a lot. I will take out of season fruits (this doesn’t mean they are spoiled, just not as great) and mix them with other fruits that are in season to make a great tasting smoothie!
4. Buy different forms of fruit: If there is a certain fruit you just CANNOT live without, you don’t have to buy the actual fruit! Many fruits these days are available frozen, dried, canned, and juiced.

 So now here is a list of fruits that are in season for the summer!

Local Farmer's Market

-Apricots
-Blackberries
-Blueberries
-Boysenberries
-Cantaloupe
-Cherries
-Grapefruit
-Grapes
-Kiwi
-Limes
-Passion fruit
-Peaches
-Plums
-Raspberries
-Strawberries
-Watermelon

Some year-round fruits include: Apples, Bananas, Coconuts, Lemons, and Papayas.

I wish you all a happy, succesful and delicious summer fruit shopping season!

Source: http://www.fruitsandveggiesmorematters.org/

Musical Monday: Boardwalk Playlist

So, you're walkin' on the boardwalk at the beach, and you're obviously strutting your stuff. When suddenly, a mariachi band comes out of nowhere to play a little tune that goes perfectly with your current situation.

Okay it won't exactly happen like that, but here's a playlist to go with your mood that you'll skip/strut down the boardwalk to!

Skippin' on the Boardwalk:
Some happy tunes to get you in the mood.

Simple Life by: Casey Abrams

Oh My by: Haley Reinhart (no it's not an American Idol trend)

Keep Your Head Up by: Andy Grammer

Rock and Roll by: Eric Hutchinson (not related to Josh)


Struttin' Down the Boardwalk:
A fabulous playlist to get you in your model mood.

You Need Me, I Don't Need You by: Ed Sheeran

You Know You Like It by: AlunaGeorge

Pumped Up Kicks by: Foster the People (it may be mainstream, but I love it so)

D.A.N.C.E by: Justice

Animal by: The Cab

Well there you have it, some YouTube links to let you sample the playlist, and my music expertise to give you a soundtrack to your summer!

Bandwagon Saturday!

Frozen Yogurt

So with the summer months being in our presence, a lot of people are looking for delicious frozen treats to enjoy with their friends, family, by themselves in a dark corner… any occasion! I feel like this summer, people have veered away from ice cream and taken a healthier and very delicious turn towards frozen yogurt. I have taken notice of two frozen yogurt wonderlands: Pinkberry and Sweet Frog. I've tasted both of these yummy places just for you!

First off, Sweet Frog

 

Okay, I’m not going to lie, Sweet Frog is pretty amazing. I feel like the whole idea is just perfect because it’s self serve yogurt and topping bar. To me the best part is that they charge by the weight. Yogurt doesn’t weight that much, so you can get the biggest cup and not pay that much more then you would with the smaller cup (which isn’t that much smaller). On top of that, the flavor is really delicious. If you are the type of person who likes ice cream without all the calories, Sweet Frog is the place for you. It tastes just like ice cream!

Next, Pinkberry

A lot of people will say that Pinkberry and Sweet Frog are the same. In my opinion, THEY ARE WRONG! Besides the fact that they are both frozen yogurt with toppings, the flavor and set up is different. Unlike Sweet Frog, Pinkberry isn’t self serve. The barista will ask you what flavor and toppings you want… kind of like a subway. Anyway, Pinkberry is also GREEK yogurt, so you can definitely taste the yogurt in this frozen treat. I actually really like Pinkberry’s flavor, it’s sweet and tangy and overall very tasty.

All in all, BOTH places are perfect for the hot summer weather. If you want something more like ice cream, go to Sweet Frog. But if you like the natural taste of yogurt (but in a frozen form) Pinkberry is the place for you!

Photo Creds: https://anibaez.wordpress.com/2010/09/06/weekend-inspiration/

https://www.facebook.com/SweetFrogGSO?filter=1

DIY Friday: Summer Edition

So, school is finally over and you’re probably gonna be heading to some sort of beach. Or you’ll be home the whole time. Either way, everyone wants a nice beach bag to collect stuff (or dust if you’re stuck at home).

Well let’s say you can’t go shopping to get your own bag? Well, fret not, because you can always do-it-yourself! There are plenty of tutorials that let you cut up your tank tops and shirts into beautiful bags!

Wait a second. But you don’t want to cut a tank top that you bought with your parents’ hard eacned money, do you? Of course not, because that’d be wrong. So I have a solution.

No-Cut Tank Top Bag:

If you’re all wondering who that wondrous model was, it’s my jumbo teddy bear, Logan. No he doesn’t do runway, but he’s considering commercial modeling.

Thrifty Thursday!

Sunblock and Sunscreen 

So up to this point in my life, I never really realized that there is actually a difference between sunblock and sunscreen. Naturally you are now begging me to answer your question “What is the difference?!

 So here it is:

--Sunscreen has properties in it that actually absorb the sunlight and UV rays while at the same time reducing the harmful rays that do damage to your skin. Typically when you put on sunscreen, it comes on clearer and easily washes off. Sunscreen is probably the better of the two skin protecting lotions for tanning.

--Sunblock has properties in it that block the UV rays and stop them from reaching your skin altogether! Sunblock is generally thicker and a little more difficult to wash off. This is why you can put sunblock on before going out into the sun and won’t have to re-apply if your skin gets wet from swimming at the beach or whatever.

So you can find sunscreen almost anywhere, but finding good sunblock is a little harder to find. Luckily I know just the place where you can get some!!

The Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunblock is the best sunblock I have found thus far! Unlike other sunblocks, it comes on like sunscreen (so without the really thick white film) yet still has the protection of a sunblock. You can find this lovely product at Target for around $10 and a little goes a long way!

Source: http://www.livestrong.com/article/72721-difference-between-sunscreen-sunblock/

Wednesday: What to Wear

Wednesday: What to Wear To a Cookout?- June 13


So, what are you up to this weekend?

Chances are, you have some sort of family gathering that your parents are forcing you to go to, and it probably involves the mosquito-filled outdoors and a hot grill. Luckily, while the humidity is slowly enlarging your hair and bugs are eating away at you, you can still look good! This light an airy outfit will make you the envy of all your relatives, even if they're all twice your age.

So I know what you're thinking, "Where am I gonna find a button up shirt THAT BIG?". 

Well chances are, you have a father, and chances are (unless he's a cross dresser) he has a button-up shirt that's bigger than you. And on the off chance that you don't have a father, I suggest you grab yourself a boyfriend and steal one of his shirts because I guarantee he will love this outfit as much as you do!

Tuesday Tips!

Tuesday Tips: June 12, 2012

How to get through final exam week:



Final’s week is a pain. You have to go back into the cobwebs in your brain and remember crap you oh so desperately want to forget. In honor of the last week of school and finals week (well for us, anyway) I thought this would be a helpful post for some of you.

• Stay organized: This is a helpful tip that you should maintain throughout the year. Being organized will really pay off when you are shuffling through all your old notes and reviewing those important worksheets.
• Prepare: Sometimes study groups can be great! Make sure that you will actually get work done if you are studying with friends though. Also if you get easily distracted (by facebook, twitter, tumblr, etc.) go to a quiet room, or just simply turn off your phone or computer.
• Take breaks: Studying for hours on end is just going to fry your brain and make you shut down. Make sure to take regular breaks to grab a quick snack or just rest.
• Don’t stress out too much: Yes it is the final, but to me, when you go to take the test you know what you know, and that’s all you can do.

So those are my tips for this week! The finish line is approaching and we can do this!

Photo Credits: http://www.modernmom.com/article/teen-stress-help

Musical Monday!

Musical Monday: June 11 

Ellie Goulding is our fave new artist. Okay, I cheated, she isn’t technically new. But she’s been an obsession to Victoria and I for a pretty long time now. Her voice is unique and her songs have this music that makes you want to dance all night long. I agree that some people may not like her voice in particular, since it has a very unique and unheard of, but that’s why we love it so much.

Our fave song of hers? Definitely “Starry Eyed” for its upbeat techno instrumental and its soulful singer. Following a close second is “Under the Sheets” which is on a much more serious spectrum. It has a bit more sorrow in the lyrics and a beat that’s full of emotion. Then there’s “Lights”, which many have heard on the radio (sadly, the remix is the most overplayed).

Overall Ellie Goulding is a British babe we should all be watching!

Photo Credit:

http://ripplemusic.blogspot.com/2012/01/ellie-goulding-lights.html

http://thekey.xpn.org/2012/06/01/my-morning-download-ellie-goulding-covers-the-weeknds-high-for-this-produced-by-xaphoon-jones-of-chiddy-bang/elliegoulding-lights-608_w608/

Welcome!

Greetings, and welcome to Mitsege & Company! Come here for the latest insight by two teenagers who take the world, and what's in it, into consideration and give you updates, trends, opinions, advice and topics from our point-of-view.