Dressember Essentials + Outfit Ideas for Men and Women

One of the most intimidating things about Dressember can be the issue of what to wear, especially if you're in a region with cold, snowy winters. Don't let this discourage you, it's not as hard as you might think. That's why I have assembled an updated list of my Dressember Essentials, plus some outfit ideas. And I haven't left out the men either! (Keep scrolling if you're looking for some Dressember Men ideas.)

Also, if you have to wear a school or work uniform that prevents you from wearing a dress or tie, just wear your Dressember-wear when you can. Any time you can choose your outfit, choose to wear a dress or tie. You don't have to wear it all day, just as long as you can. Personally, I make sure to get a photo in my dress to share on social media so my donors can see that I am keeping my commitment. I also make sure to wear a dress whenever I go out in public.

1. Versatile dresses. Start with checking your closet for the most comfortable and versatile dresses you own, even if they are more summery. I love mixing things up with a floral print sundress or a neutral-colored t-shirt dress. Remember that layering is key, so you can make light fabrics work.

If you want or need to add a new dress/dresses to your wardrobe, check what's available in the Dressember shop. If you're shopping on a budget, check out your local thrift shop, or borrow a dress from a friend or family member.

2. Tights and leggings. Look for warmer options, like fleece-lined leggings and sweater tights. You can also layer up with ponte pants or even jeans. If it's really cold where you live, try layering tights under leggings.

3. Sweaters and cardigans. Really any type of outerwear is great and can be layered in multiples. Cardigans with pockets are handy if you have a pocket-less dress. And a pull-over sweater can completely change the look of your dress.

When choosing a cardigan or sweater, think about the climate and what will pair well with most of your wardrobe. If you're in a cold climate, go for a thicker, chunky-knit sweater. If it isn't as cold, go for something lightweight. Choose neutral colors if you have mostly bold or bright dresses. If you have a lot of solid-color, neutral dresses, go for a bright color or bold print to brighten things up.

4. Layering pieces. Layering pieces can add warmth, and they can also change the look of your dress. Add a fitted t-shirt underneath a tank dress, or wear a skirt over a shorter dress to make it look like a top. Don't forget scarves, mittens, wool socks, and knit hats for extra warmth.

5. Boots. Boots are cute and will help keep your feet warm and dry, especially if there's snow on the ground. Switch things up with different styles, from ankle booties to riding boots, and different colors.

6. Accessories. Top off and switch up your Dressember styles with fun accessories. Cinch your waist with a belt, add a pop of color with a bag, and work in some glitter or metallics with jewelry.

Want some specific outfit inspiration? Check out my Dressember board on Pinterest! I've pinned looks from casual, to cute, to dressy.

I didn't want to leave out the men, so here is some inspiration for the guys who plan to participate. Typically, men wear ties or bow ties for Dressember, but can also choose to wear something else throughout the month like suspenders or vests. The key is to choose one type of item to wear each day throughout December. This will give consistency and provide a talking point to share about the campaign.

Combine multiple elements including fun socks, cuff links, dress shoes, or hats to complete your look. If you want to look put together and stay warm, choose a peacoat in place of a suit jacket or casual coat, and don't forget to add a scarf. If you need some new items, check your local thrift shop, or see about borrowing things from a friend or relative.

I've got some more outfit ideas for the guys on my Dressember Men Pinterest board. You can also check out the hashtag #DressemberMen on Instagram to see what other guys have done.

Tips for Lettering with a Brush Pen

I've noticed a lot of beginning typographers have questions about how to create the look of calligraphy with brush pens. I do believe it is a learned skill--it takes practice to master it--but there are some tips that can help you get started.

For this example, I used the Faber-Castell PITT Artist Pen Soft Brush (SB) in black. I wrote the letters on a Strathmore Mixed Media notebook. You can use any type of brush pen. I also highly recommend Tombow Duel Brush Pens (one end is a soft brush tip, the other end is smaller and firmer) as the brush tip is a little firmer than the Faber-Castell pen and can be easier to control.

The key to creating the appearance of calligraphy, with thick and thin lines, is using varied amounts of pressure. Apply little to no pressure on all upward/sideways strokes and heavier pressure on all downward strokes. Another way to think about it is in terms of the brush tip. Use the flat, long edge to create a thick stroke and the pointed tip to create a thin stroke.

In the above example, I used virtually no pressure to begin and end the letter "C." I simply rested the tip of the pen on the paper. As I arced over the top, I applied more pressure on the down-stroke, and ended with no pressure to complete the letter. The key is to switch up the pressure at the right moment to create the desired shape and style of the letter. This is the main difference between calligraphy with a brush pen and lettering with a standard pen in which you would use uniform pressure for all strokes.

I think the hardest aspect to learning brush lettering is mastering this concept of varied pressure. The best thing you can do is practice regularly, working through the alphabet or different words. Take the time to learn how much pressure you need to apply to achieve your desired down-stroke thickness. For some, a little pressure and a thinner line are best, while others (like me), prefer a thicker down-stroke.

The thin strokes are also what you will use to connect letters, as shown in the word "hi" above. As a visual guide, see the image below for which strokes have no pressure applied and which have heavy pressure applied. The double-line arrows represent the heavy down-strokes while the single-line arrows represent the no-pressure upward-moving strokes.

Most letters will begin with an opening light stroke, like the start of the "H" above. In my alphabet at the beginning of this post, the letters J, O, T, U, V, W, and Y are exceptions. Your lettering style will affect your starting strokes. If you start in a downward motion, you will start with a thick stroke. Any sideways or upward movement of the pen will be a light stroke.

In the letter H, the light stroke loops around and comes down in a heavy stroke, intersecting with the opening light stroke. From there, you will come back up with a light stroke and end downward with a heavy stroke. To transition into the letter "I," enter with a light stroke and come down with a heavy stroke, ending in a light upward tail.

As you are lettering, you may find it helpful to pick up the pen at transition points. The best times and points to do this are typically at the end of a thick down-stroke. You can lift the pen and continue with a light up-stroke to complete the letter or connect a new one. You can lift after a light stroke, but make sure it's at an ending point or at a place where you will begin another stroke. If you stop in the middle of a stroke, whether light or dark, it will cause your lines to look disjointed rather than smooth.

In the word above, I picked up the pen at the end of the first down-stroke in "H," and again at the start of the down-stroke in "I." The rest of the strokes were continuous. As you practice lettering words, you will begin to get a feel for when you should lift the pen and when to keep your strokes continuous. As with any form of typography, give yourself plenty of time to practice in order to master the skill.

I share my typography on Instagram and Periscope @MrsEliseMance. Follow along for ideas, inspiration, and tips.

3 Lettering Tips for Beginners

This month I promised to bring more lettering-themed posts to the blog. So far I've shared my favorite supplies, how to prep gouache, and an upcoming chalk lettering challenge! Today I want to share a few tips for beginners which will hopefully help you on your lettering journey, regardless of which medium you use (markers, pointed pens, chalk, etc.).

Start small (and slow)

When you're first starting out, pick one medium and stick with it as you get the hang of forming the letters and creating shapes. I recommend starting with brush tip markers, like Tombow Duel Brush Pens or Artist's Loft Watercolor Duel Tip Markers. Or you can use some more simple tools, like pencils and pens, depending on the lettering style you're practicing. Mastering one medium first will help you build your skills and add different mediums in the future.

When you start lettering, take your time. Don't rush through forming the letters. Going slow will help you keep control of the tool you're using and the letter you are forming. Focus on the shape that you are drawing and how you want it to look.

Don't expect your lettering to look perfect from the get-go. Sometimes it takes a long time to get to where you want your lettering to be. Give yourself time to practice and master the art of forming letters. An easy way to do this is by focusing on forming one letter at a time and writing that letter over and over. As you practice a letter, you can determine what shape and style you like best.

Try different things

If you learned cursive in school, you probably learned the precise form for each letter. That is a great foundation for artistic lettering, but sometimes it's not the best way to shape or write letters. I've noticed as I've practiced modern calligraphy and other types of lettering that sometimes letters look better when they are formed differently. Don't be afraid to branch out and form your letters in new and different ways.

Also give yourself the freedom to try new products. I know I said stick with one lettering medium at first, but sometimes new products can help you improve. Try different types of paper, different brands, even different tools you've never tried. Variety in lettering keeps things interesting and fun.

Check out other people's work

I love following other typographers on Instagram. They give me daily inspiration, ideas, and motivation. I recommend finding and following several accounts that regularly post lettering in the styles you want to learn. If they have videos or blogs, check them out for tips and advice, as well as visual demonstrations of how they form their letters.

Following typographers on Periscope is another way to get new insight and also ask questions. Plus you can watch demonstrations, learn about different products, and network with other typographers. Once you find and follow one, it will be easy to discover more.

Got a question? Leave it in the comments below or tweet me @MrsEliseMance. Check back soon for more typography tips and tricks!

How to Prep Gouache for Brush Lettering + Calligraphy

Today I'm sharing more about my typography techniques! If you missed my first post on lettering, check it out for a list of some of the supplies I use. In this post, I'll be sharing how to prep gouache (rhymes with squash), a form of opaque watercolor that can be used for both brush lettering and calligraphy. This post is the important next step before I move on into sharing specifics about lettering styles.

For this example, I prepped Winsor & Newton's Designers Gouache in Primary Blue. However, I typically use the less expensive Artist's Loft Gouache for practicing or personal projects. It works well and won't break the bank.

Step One: Assemble Supplies

When prepping gouache, you will need a small, deep container in which to mix, use, and store unused paint. I used a paint cup--about 3.5 oz in volume and about an inch deep--with a storage lid. I recommend using a small cup like this for a couple reasons. One, if your cup is too big, you will have either too-watery gouache or too much mixture, and to start, you don't need a lot of gouache mixture. Two, if your container is too shallow, you won't be able to properly dip and load your calligraphy nib.

You definitely don't have to buy paint cups to mix your gouache. You can use something small you have at home, like an empty Carmex lip balm jar. However, it is nice to have a container with a lid so you can store any unused mix until you're ready to letter again.

You will also need water, a small paintbrush for mixing (I prefer one with firm bristles), a paper towel for spills and cleaning, and either an eye dropper or straw for adding the water to the paint cup. (Or you can just stand at the sink and use a very fine trickle of water, but start the flow before putting the cup underneath.)

Step Two: Place Gouache in Cup

Measuring out the gouache is a process of estimation. When I first learned how to prep gouache, the instructor showed us a swirl of the paint in the cup and said that was how much we should add. My advice for first timers, start small. You can always add a little more if your mixture is too thin. I usually add about a "loop" of paint, as shown below.

Side note:  If I'm mixing different colors to create a custom shade, this is the point in the process where I do it. I typically will add a few small dollops of each color and blend with a paintbrush. When I reach the desired shade, I move on to step three. Keep in mind that the water will slightly lighten whatever color you use.

Step Three: Add Water to Cup

Use your eye dropper or straw to fill the cup 1/2 way to 3/4 of the way with water. Again, if this is your first time, you can start with less and add more as needed.

Step Four: Mix Gouache and Water with Paintbrush

Use the paintbrush to mix the gouache and water together, pressing down and stirring in a circular motion. Periodically you can pull the brush out to see if gouache is clinging to it. If it is, slide the brush over the rim of the cup to scrape the gouache off and continue mixing. Make sure to press the bristles into the edges where the bottom and sides of the cup meet as the gouache may gather there. The goal is to blend all the solid pieces of gouache into the water.

Your gouache is properly mixed when it is fully blended with the water and the consistency is similar to milk. This is a good consistency for calligraphy. It's a little thicker and remains on the nib. When I do brush lettering, I usually delude the mixture with more water.

Step Five: Store Unused Mixture

The great part about using a cup with a lid is that it's super easy to store your mixture, or take it on-the-go. If your mixture has been sitting for a little while, the gouache may begin to separate somewhat and settle at the bottom. Before you use it again, mix it up with your paintbrush. If it's getting stringy or solid, it's time to dump it and make some fresh!

If you have any questions about gouache prep, please leave them in the comments or tweet to me @MrsEliseMance. Next I will be covering some lettering techniques using prepped gouache so stay tuned!

My Favorite Lettering Supplies

I'm excited to kick off a new year with some new things, both in my Etsy shop and here on my blog! I love creating and sharing art, and I want to bring more of that into this blog. To start, I'll be diving into lettering and typography art!

People often ask me about my typography: is it hard to learn, how do you do it, what supplies do you use? In upcoming posts, I'll dive more into sharing the ins and outs of creating different types of lettering art. To start, I'm sharing some of my current favorite lettering supplies--a list that is subject to change because it's always fun to try new things!

1. Nibs: I'm currently using these Speedball Hunt Bowl Pointed Pen No. 512 Nibs. I like the fine tip for making delicate lines and the bowl shape to hold more ink. These nibs work well in my next favorite supply...

2. Oblique Nib Holder: After I got this Speedball Oblique Pen Point Holder, I never went back to my standard nib holder. The oblique holder puts the point of the nib at a better angle for writing delicate calligraphy at a slant.

3. Inexpensive "Practice" Gouache: I love using gouache for calligraphy and painted lettering. Gouache is a form of opaque watercolor. When you're learning and practicing, you may go through a decent amount of gouache, so I recommend snagging some less expensive tubes, like this set of 12 paints Artist's Loft.

4. Designer Gouache: For special projects and fancy occasions, you may want to invest in a high quality gouache like Winsor and Newton Designers Gouache. A great color is Jet Black, though they have lots of options.

5. Paint Cups: Gouache does take some prep work to make it the proper consistency for use in a calligraphy pen. These Artist Loft Plastic Paint Cups work great for prepping, using, and storing gouache. [In a future post I'll go over the steps for prepping gouache.]

6. Slim Round Paint Brush: I've been doing more brush lettering and my favorite bush to use is a size 1 round, like this one from Michael's. The slim, long bristles are good for creating thin and thick lines, depending on the angle and pressure you put on them.

7. Watercolor Markers: I started learning how to do modern calligraphy styles with duel tip watercolor markers. They can help you learn about how to apply pressure to create the shapes and lines you want for your lettering. My favorite ones to use are Tombow Duel Brush Pens which come in a wide variety of colors and sets.

8. Pad of Paper: I like mix media paper for everyday use with gouache and markers, two non-dry art mediums. I like this pad by Canson because it's a great size--not too small, not too big to take on-the-go--plus the pages are perforated for easy removal. If you're looking for a higher quality paper for special projects, I recommend an archival quality Bristol paper, like the Strathmore 500 series.

Other tools I use frequently include a ruler, ball bearing compass, scrap paper, cup of water, paper towels, pencil, and large eraser.

I'll be sharing more posts on lettering soon! If you have questions or certain things you want me to cover, please let me know. I firmly believe anyone can learn how to do different lettering techniques with patience and practice, so if you want to learn, now is the time!

How to Plan a Well-Organized Wedding and Rehearsal

One of the most stressful things--for brides, and for those attending their weddings--is a poorly organized event. Nothing makes the wedding weekend crazier than a bunch of people running around asking each other questions with no answers. This is especially true for DIY brides, but even those with a wedding planner will need to sort out the details. So do yourself, and everyone else, a huge favor and take some time to thoroughly organize your big day with these tips.

Start Early

Regardless of how much time you have to plan, get started early on deciding what you do and do not want included in your wedding ceremony and reception. Think through who will be doing what, how you envision the day transpiring, and what elements are important to you. No one else will know just what you want, and if you leave it up to others to decide, you may end up disappointed and they'll end up stressed.

Do keep in mind that even though you're planning everything out now, things may change, and the day may not go exactly as planned. But, having thought through the specifics in advance will help you relax when your wedding weekend comes.

I know some brides don't care as much about the little details, but do keep in mind that someone will. Whether it's the officiant, your family, or the wedding planner, at some point someone will ask what you want. Help out those involved in your big day and plan those details. This will save them from the stress of wondering, "What does the bride want?" Plus, it will help cut down on the questions you will have to answer.

Map it Out

As you begin your early planning process, start a document on your computer or tablet where you can type up your plans. As you determine details and specifics, map out where they fall, both in the timeline of the weekend and in terms of responsibility. It will help you worry less as you'll have the details in writing, and it will help you distribute responsibilities among your bridal party, coordinators, and attendants.

Your map should include all the information your bridal party will need--different events and their locations throughout the weekend, pertinent contact information, etc.--as well as a breakdown of responsibilities for the big day--who will direct the bridal party as they walk down the aisle, who will help bustle your dress, who will be responsible for collecting your gifts and cards. It doesn't hurt to be thorough in writing out instructions.

As your wedding weekend gets closer, continue editing your map until it is ready to go. Provide a copy of it to anyone who may need the information, including your officiant, your wedding or ceremony coordinator, your attendants, and your bridal party. You can also give people individualized lists if they don't need all the information.

Rock Your Rehearsal 

The best wedding rehearsals I've been to have been planned out in advance. The really good ones included a printed breakdown of exactly who was doing what and when. You should meet with your officiant (and coordinator if you have one) before the rehearsal to talk through these details. Your officiant or coordinator may prepare and print a breakdown of the rehearsal for you, but if they don't, you can create one yourself.

The breakdown should be like a more detailed version of your wedding program with clear instructions for everyone involved. Make sure to include details for the officiant, ushers, bridal party (including the ring bearer and flower girl), family members, musicians, and anyone else involved. Everyone will need to know when it's their turn to participate, where they need to go, what they need to do, and what song will be playing. Make sure you have enough copies for everyone involved, and a few extra just in case.

Besides giving everyone thorough instructions, the printout will also help when people aren't paying attention (shocker, some people will talk through the instructions). These socialites can refer to the typed document when they realized they missed the part that was for them.

Don't Stress

Once you've finished your map and assigned responsibilities, try to relax. People will most likely still have questions, so don't feel like you failed if that happens. If the answer is on the map, kindly refer them there or direct them to an attendant who can help. This is your day to enjoy, so relax and tell yourself it's time to reap the rewards of all your hard work.

Dressember Essentials: How to Stay Warm During Dressember

One of the scariest things about participating in Dressember in northern states and cold regions is the idea of wearing dresses all December. It can be intimidating to think about trekking through the snow in a dress. However, if this is the biggest thing keeping you from participating, let me encourage you: it is totally doable!

To take some of the uncertainty out of it, I've made a list of items that will help you stay stylish and warm all month long. I call these my "Dressember Essentials" for my girls in the Midwest and other cold areas. I recently did a Periscope video on this, so if you missed it, you can catch up on what I talked about with this post.

1. Versatile dresses. The best place to start is in your closet. Pick out the most comfortable and versatile dresses you own, even if they are more fit for summer. You don't have to go out and buy a whole new wardrobe to participate in Dressember. If you do want to add a new dress to your collection, I recommend pre-ordering the Dressember Dress, shown in wine on the model above. It is ethically made by a sewing center in Nepal.

Last year I styled many dresses that were intended for warmer climates, including all of the dresses featured in this post, and in this post. In fact, pretty much all my dresses were made for spring/summer with the exception of a sweater dress. I like to think of the dresses as blank canvases that I'll pair with my winter-ready essentials.

2. Tights and leggings. I love wearing leggings and Dressember is the perfect time to pull them out! If it gets really cold where you live, stock up on fleece-lined leggings or layer tights under your leggings for added warmth. If it's chilly but not really cold, I like to stick with just tights. I also like to wear athletic-type leggings for their non-clingy texture.

Another item to consider are ponte pants, they're like a thick version of leggings. They typically aren't see-through, plus the thicker the material, the warmer you'll be. I first got introduced to Loft's ponte pants while working there, but you can find them just about anywhere.

3. Cardigans and sweaters. On this board I chose button-down and open front cardigans, but you can also add pull-over sweaters and jackets. Really any type of outerwear is great and can be layered in multiples. I love the look of an open cardigan, I think it adds a pretty, flowy dimension to an outfit. Plus pockets are an added bonus!

My tips for choosing a cardigan or sweater are to think about the climate where you live and also what will work well with most of your wardrobe. If you're in a cold climate, go for a thicker, chunky-knit sweater. If it isn't as cold, go for something lightweight. Choose neutral colors if you have bold or bright dresses, or if you want to be able to easily pair your cardi with other outfits in the future. If you have a lot of solid-color, neutral dresses, go for a red or berry color to brighten things up.

4. Layering add-ons. If it gets really cold where you live, invest in some good layering pieces. These can include long-sleeved tees or undershirts, thick scarves (especially good for dresses with low-cut necklines), wool socks, knit hats, and of course, mittens! With all of these, the thicker the material, the warmer you'll be.

5. Boots. Boots are a style lifesaver when there's snow on the ground. You can look cute while keeping your feet warm and dry. Plus knee-high boots will hide your wool socks. ;)

6. Cute accessories. Let's not forget to top off the look with some fun accessories. Just because it's cold doesn't mean you can't add on pretty details. I especially like belts to cinch in the waistline (which, let's be honest, can disappear under all those layers) and sparkly jewelry to add visual interest and dimension.

These are my Dressember essentials, but I want to know: what would you add? If you have done or are planning to do Dressember, what are your essentials? How do you keep it cute and cozy during the winter months?

My Summer Beauty Picks

With warmer days right around the corner, spring is a perfect time to get your beauty routine summer-ready. I don't know about you, but winter leaves me feeling sort of bleh. I've usually over-indulged in heavy foods, worn thick sweaters and long pants, and haven't seen my toes for months.

Along with getting active and eating healthier foods, I want to use some great beauty products to help me get ready for summer. I created this board with 12 of my top picks to share with all of you. Whether you're planning a stay-cation or going on a vacation, get your skin and beauty routine summer-ready with these products.

1. Bath & Body Works Wild Madagascar Vanilla Body Scrub - One of the first steps to getting your skin ready for summer is by exfoliating. Bath & Body Works' scrubs will definitely help with that! Find one in a new summery scent (like this one!) and make sure to get the corresponding Ultra Shea Body Cream for hydration and the Fragrance Mist to lock in the scent.

2. Banana Boat Summer Color Self-Tanning Mist - Tanning in the sun is fun, but isn't always safe. If you're looking for a good self-tanner, I recommend Airbrush Color from Banana Boat. It's easy to apply, and doesn't turn you orange. You can get a little color from one application or build a deeper color over several days.

3. Mary Kay Botanical Effects Cleanse - I recently started using this cleanser and I love it. I'm adding it to my summer beauty routine because it not only keeps my skin clear, but is lightweight and will be perfect for cleansing away chlorine, dirt and sun screen.

4. Clean Clear Morning Glow Moisturizer with SPF 15 - I'm always on the lookout for facial products that have SPF built in, especially during the summer. I recommend starting with this moisturizer, it's light and will brighten your skin.

5. Garnier Fructis De-Constructed Beach Chic Texturizing Spray - Whether or not you're actually at the beach, you can still get beachy waves with this texturizing spray. You can scrunch it into damp hair before you dry, or twist your hair up and leave overnight for extra waves. Who doesn't love an effortless hairstyle during the summer?

6. Not Your Mother's Clean Freak Dry Shampoo - I almost never wash my hair two days in a row, so dry shampoo is a staple. I recommend this one because it leaves hair looking fresh and not greasy. Use it to extend the life of your blowout or save time when you're getting ready for the day.

7. Maybelline Baby Lips Lip Balm - Summertime and the activities that come with it can definitely dry out your skin. Keep your lips soft, hydrated, and protected from the sun with the SPF 20 in this balm.

8. Neutrogena Naturals Cleansing Towelettes - I'm a big fan of makeup remover towelettes, especially when I'm using waterproof products. I really like these from Neutrogena because they are free of parabens, sulfates, harsh chemicals, and dyes. They're great for when you're on-the-go, or times when you might be tempted to go to bed without washing your face.

9. Bliss Spa Fat Girl Slim - I got turned onto this product when I was looking for a skin-firming cream with caffeine before my wedding. After one application I noticed the skin on my arms looking firmer and smoother. It's not a weight loss tool, but it's great for giving your skin and confidence a boost.

10. Bath Body Brush - Another great exfoliating tool is a bath brush. This brush can be used on dry skin, but I prefer to use it in the shower. I apply body wash and use it to scrub dry skin and cellulite problem areas.

11. e.l.f. All Over Color Stick in Golden Peach - I love using a shimmering bronzing stick to create a sun-kissed glow. With this color stick by e.l.f., a little goes a long way, and it only costs $1!

12. NYX Mineral Matte Finishing Powder - Set your summer look with this super lightweight finishing powder. A little goes a long way and leaves a soft finish.

What are your favorite summer beauty products? Share them in the comments!

My Top 12 Beauty Picks + Secrets

Today I'm sharing 12 of my top beauty picks from this year and all time. I'm including the items that have gotten me the most complements and have made me feel my best. I'm also answering the questions I am most frequently asked about my beauty routine and my hair. :)

My Top 12 Beauty Picks + Secrets

1. L'Oreal Feria Wild Ombre Hair Color - People most often comment on my hair and this is how I create my ombre look (yes, my hair is DIY). I started using this kit over a year ago and I love how my hair looks with it.

My recommendation is to follow the directions until it comes to actually applying the dye to your hair. In the included instructions, you put the color on from mid-strand moving downward. If you want a subtle fade, you want to apply from the tip upward.

I recommend applying in two- to four-inch segments (depending on how long your hair is and where you want your ombre to fade out), every five to seven minutes moving from the ends upward. Follow the included instructions for how to part your hair for dying and how long to leave the dye on your hair (start timing from your first segment application). If you want to get a little more creative, you can add in a highlighting-effect by covering longer sections of hair for more time as you dye.

If you have more questions about this, contact me!

2. L'Oreal Paris Advanced Haircare Color Vibrancy Dual Protect Spray - I follow up every ombre dye-session with a generous helping of this nourishing oil, which I also apply daily. It protects against heat damage and color fade. Plus it makes your hair feel hydrated and less static-prone in the winter.

3. Too Faced Primed and Poreless Skin Smoothing Face Primer - This primer is amazing. It has a slight tint, so you can wear it alone or under foundation. It goes on smooth and makes your face feel soft while holding your makeup in place throughout the day.

4. Revlon PhotoReady Makeup - I originally tested this foundation for my wedding makeup since I was using tinted moisturizer and BB creams for daily wear. I fell in love with it right away and have been using it regularly since. People often comment on how my skin looks (it's been called "peaches and cream" before), and I owe it all to this foundation. (I use 004 Nude.)

5. Mary Kay Concealer - For those times when a bigger, more visible blemish needs to be covered, I recommend Mary Kay's concealer. (I use Beige 1.)

6. Too Faced Milk Chocolate Soleil Matte Bronzer - I love Too Faced's chocolate bronzers. They go on smooth and smell amazing too. Bronzer is quickly becoming another daily makeup item I use for contouring and I also use a little on my eyelids.

7. Maybelline Unstoppable Eyeliner - Another thing people sometimes comment on is my eyeliner. I've tried lots of different kinds over the years but most recently I've stuck with Maybelline's Unstoppable Eyeliner. It glides on smoothly and you don't have to sharpen it, just twist for more. My trick for a smooth line is to use a conical sponge tip to smooth and straighten after I apply the liner.

8. Dove White Beauty Bar - I've dealt with skin conditions like eczema for most of my life and the only thing that's consistently kept my skin clear is Dove's bar soap. I used to use Dove body wash, but even that didn't give me the consistency of bar soap. So I'm sticking with it and recommending it to you!

9. Mary Kay Botanical Effects Mask - This mask can also be used as an exfoliating scrub. It always leaves my skin looking better than any other face cleanser I've used. Plus I love and recommend regular exfoliation. 

10. Suave Professionals Dry Shampoo Spray - For the days I don't wash my hair, I use Suave's dry shampoo. It's good at eliminating oily spots and it smell like grapefruit.

11. Victoria's Secret Amber Romance Fragrance - Any time someone tells me I smell good, I'm always wearing Amber Romance. My tip is to spray body mist onto your hair, which holds the fragrance better than skin and it'll be the first thing someone smells if they give you a hug.

12. Crest 3D White Vivid Whitestrips - Finally, I recommend Crest Whitestrips for a whiter, more confident smile. I started using Crest whitening products in college when I noticed yellowing on my teeth. Since then, I periodically use the strips to maintain whiteness, but mostly just use whitening toothpaste. Crest Whitestrips really do work and are less expensive than whitening treatments you can get at the dentist, so I always recommend them to anyone who asks.

Celebrating this Blog's 6th Birthday!

In celebration of Life Unscripted's sixth birthday, I am bringing you my tips for starting and keeping a blog. Since high school I've had about five different blogs, and this one has lasted the longest. So here I share what I've learned over the years with six tips for you.

1. Keep only one blog. This advice comes from personal experience after starting way too many blogs on different sites. Keep it simple and only have one place to collect all your posts. If you get bored with the way it looks you can always change the layout, header, and colors, even the name. This is why I recommend the next tip...

2. Use your name for the URL. When you're setting up your blog, you have to put in a name for it which also becomes your URL [web address]. I recommend using something like your name or an abbreviation of your name rather than a catchy blog title, just in case you ever want to change the title of your blog.

Before I stuck with "Life Unscripted" I had some different titles in the heading of this blog. It took a while to settle on something I liked, so I was glad the link was something more permanent, like my name. Of course I did get married later, but I've kept "Loyola" around as my middle name, so it still works. ;)

3. Write for yourself. It can be really tempting to write about things that will get pageviews, and sometimes the two coincide, but I recommend writing about things you care about first and foremost. Sometimes no one will read your posts and other times a ton of people will. Regardless, you should enjoy the subject matter you spend time blogging about. So whether it's politics, DIYS, social issues, or fashion, have fun and write away!

4. Make yourself write. If you're going to start a blog, you have to make yourself stick with it. Yes, we all suffer from writer's block and sometimes you'll be so busy you won't have time to blog. But in as much as you can, stick with it and keep writing! Ask friends for ideas if you've hit a wall, or take a break from long, serious posts and do something fun.

5. Connect with your readers. Readers are the best, especially when they interact with you! Don't be that blogger who doesn't have time to respond or ask for feedback. Make sure to reply to comments and ask questions [even off your blog, like on Facebook or Twitter]. Let your readers know you're listening and you care.

6. Try something new. You're already trying something new by starting a blog, so keep it up! Try writing about different things or presenting them in a new way. Create a post with lots of photos, make a listicle, share a Pinterest board, use Storify to create a story, make a Polyvore board, post a video, write a project how-to. You don't have to sit down and write 20 paragraphs each time. Switching it up will keep things interesting, for you and your readers.

Now add a tip! What are some of your tips for blogging? Do you have any suggestions or rules you stick to? What advice would you share with a first time blogger? Put your tips in the comments!

Honeymoon Planning: Packing + Traveling Tips

In case you've missed every wedding planning post I've written up to now, you should know, I love to pass on wedding advice to my bride friends. That, of course, includes advice on honeymoon planning! I haven't blogged much about that yet (save for a guest post), but what better time to start than now?

Getting ready to travel is one of the most stressful parts of honeymoon planning, especially if you're planning it yourself. There's the hassle of figuring out what to pack and the stress of arranging transportation. Help ease the stress with these honeymoon planning tips.

Packing Tips

1. Create a packing list in advance. As soon as you know where you're traveling to, start making a list of the things you want to pack. The more time you give yourself to make your list, the less likely you'll be to forget something. (And to help with that, check out my packing list suggestions below!)

2. Include outfits on your packing list. Don't wait until the last minute to plan your attire or you'll end up either over-packing or, worse, under-packing. Use down time before your wedding to take an inventory of pieces you have and items you'll need to buy. Also look for ways to make multiple outfits with the same pieces by mixing and matching coordinating clothes.

3. Trim your packing list. Okay, this is me preaching to the choir because I always over-pack. However, it's a really good idea to eliminate some of the non-necessities, like that extra dress or unnecessary pair of shoes. You won't want to be bogged down by a heavy suitcase or run out of room for any souvenirs you may find.

4. Pack as early as possible. Whatever you do, don't leave packing to the night before you leave, it will only add to the stress and cause you to pack more than you need. I recommend starting packing the week before if possible. Obviously you can't pack anything you'll need to wear, but you should at least start filling your suitcase with whatever you can. You can always throw in a few things last-minute, like your phone charger, camera, and some clothes.

5. Bag your liquids. Protect your clothes and accessories from potential spills by putting all your liquids in zip-top bags. Even if you're not flying to your destination, you always run the risk of something leaking. Save yourself the trouble of having to clean up your suitcase and bag up anything that could leak!

Travel Tips

1. Shop around. Always compare prices on anything for your wedding before you buy, and that includes your honeymoon travel. Don't settle on the first thing you find as there could be a money-saving alternative.

2. Consider an all-inclusive option. When we were planning our honeymoon, we mapped out prices and found that the best deal was an all-inclusive resort. It covered our room, all meals and drinks, transportation, and entertainment. Depending on where you are going and what you want to do, an all-inclusive could be the best option for you.

3. Check out RelayRides. If you need to rent a car when you reach your domestic travel destination, look into RelayRides, a peer-to-peer sharing car rental service. They have cars available at airports across the country and can help renters save money with great, low-price options. Check out their site or download their app, available in the App Store or on Google Play.

My Packing List

Some things to consider putting on your list:
scarf / bobby pins / facial cleansing wipes / bronzer / spray-able sunscreen / headphones
a catch-all bag / flip-flops / phone charger / camera / wide-brimmed hat / skin-nourishing spray / lip balm
sparkly earrings / cardigan / reading material / sunglasses / wide-tooth comb / journal / pen
card game / hair ties / necklace / passport / sleep mask / beach cover-up

How to Create a Wedding Slideshow

When Nick and I were planning our wedding, we decided to make a video slideshow of photos [our growing up years through our engagement] which we played prior to the ceremony in place of a prelude. We also played it at our rehearsal dinner so that our bridal party and families could see it. I had some people ask where they could watch it later, so I promised to put it on YouTube. Well, it's a little late but it's finally up!

Besides sharing the video, I also wanted to share some tips for creating a slideshow like this for your wedding. It's easy to put together, but it will take some time. You can display it whenever you want, whether after the ceremony while guests are still seated, or at the reception while guests are waiting for you to arrive. It's a great filler for down time, which can get boring at weddings.

Tips for Creating a Wedding Slideshow

1. Ask for help

One of the biggest challenges to creating a slideshow is gathering the content. Depending on how long you want your slideshow to be, you will need a lot of photos. You will also need photos you might not have access to, like your fiance's baby pictures. Don't be afraid to ask for help gathering and scanning pictures.

I got lucky when I started working on our slideshow, Nick's mom had recently scanned tons of past photos of the family and posted them on Facebook. It was easy to click through and drag-and-drop the photos I wanted to use into my computer's desktop. I had some of my own photos already scanned and saved, but not many. I had to dig through a few boxes of old pictures to find some I could use.

2. Scan multiple photos at once

Rather than scanning one photo at a time, which will take longer, put as many photos as possible on the scanning glass and take turns saving them. Your scanner should allow you to select the area of one image at a time, which you can then save to a folder.

3. Be selective 

Chances are you will find tons of cute, useable pictures and you may be tempted to scan them all. Try to limit yourself and be selective. Choose one photo for each year of your life and your fiance's life, or choose one or two photos that represent a milestone. Make sure you choose at least one photo that includes important family members and friends. You don't want your slideshow to go on forever. 

That being said, you may want to scan a few extra photos in case you need to fill out your slideshow to fit the background music you select. Be flexible with your selections, but keep in mind that your guests don't need to see 25 baby photos of you both. Look for variety.

4. Save all the photos in one place

As you're collecting photos, make sure to put them all in the same folder on your computer. Once you start making your slideshow, you won't have to go searching through multiple folders or remember where you put certain pictures. Everything will be in one place, which will save time and eliminate stress.

5. Pick music that will fit the mood

It's important to select songs that will not only fit with the theme of your wedding, but will also mesh well with the photos you are displaying. Try to find songs that will represent the process of growing up, falling in love, etc. You will want to structure your slideshow so that the pictures fit within the music, which will help determine how many photos you can display per song. A photo should only be on the screen for a matter of seconds to keep things interesting and moving.

6. Use a simple program to create your slideshow

I have a Windows7 operating system, so I used Windows Movie Maker to create my slideshow [if you have a Mac, iMovie is a simple program you can use]. It's easy to use because it involves a basic drag-and-drop creation process. [Drag-and-drop all your photos, then your music.] Once all your photos have been imported, you can select them all and then set the duration of time they will display [I set mine for 3.5 seconds each]. Then you can set animations for each photo, like zooming in or scrolling, which will make your slideshow dynamic.

If you've never used a movie-making program before, it may save stress to ask for help from someone who has. However, neither program is particularly difficult to use, so if you're a fast learner, you should be able to figure it out. I recommend using a simple program because they're easy to use and provide the features you will need and not the ones you won't. The point is to not over-complicate your slideshow, or the slideshow making process. You have a lot going on with wedding planning, you don't need to add more stress. [Also, if you want, you can recruit someone to make your slideshow for you. This may be a great project for your fiance if he's into it.]

7. Save often

I can't stress this enough. If your movie-making program crashes mid-project and you haven't saved it, you will lose everything. Save your project frequently to avoid stress and losing your work.

8. Final touches/recommendations

It's ultimately up to you when deciding how to structure your slideshow, but I have a few final recommendations. First, I recommend placing photos in chronological order. People will like "watching you grow" as opposed to seeing pictures in a random order. In our slideshow, we intertwined photos of Nick and I growing up. You can do it this way, or you could separate your photos and your fiance's, showing one of you growing up and then the other.

Second, choose alternating animations for the sake of variety and interest. Don't give every photo the exact same zooming-in effect. Change things up and try not to use the same animation back-to-back. Sometimes it gets hard to remember which animations you're selecting when you're working quickly. After editing a group of photos, go back and watch them to see how everything looks together.

Third, try to use the clearest, most focused photos you have. Sometimes you have to throw in a grainy or fuzzy pic because that's all you have. But, as often as possible, include high-resolution, well-exposed photos so that your guests can actually see them. If you need to, use a quick photo editing program to enhance your scanned photos. If your scanner doesn't have editing software, try a free, easy-to-use photo editing site like PicMonkey.com. Just make sure you don't get bogged down with editing every single photo. Your pictures should be clear, not museum-quality. 

Fourth, don't be afraid to re-watch your slideshow a dozen times to make sure everything is just right. Get input from your fiance or a couple of friends before you finish. And, add a finishing touch like a fade in at the beginning and a fade out at the end.

Finally, publish and save your slideshow to the proper device. It's important to know if your slideshow needs to be burned to a DVD, saved on a flash drive, or published online. Make sure you know what equipment will be used when the slideshow is displayed. If you have a tech guy running everything, check with him on what is required. When in doubt, save a couple of different ways.

DIY Weddings: Adding Custom Touches

It's been a while since I wrote about wedding planning, but even though the wedding is over, I still have plenty to share!

Sometimes when you're planning a wedding on a budget, you may worry that it won't be unique or reflective of you. The last thing a bride wants is for her wedding to look like "everyone else's" wedding. I wanted to make sure my wedding reflected both my personality and my groom's, so I looked for opportunities to customize, personalize and create.

One of the ways I did this was by creating my own customized guestbook with Shutterfly. I had already used Shutterfly to create a little engagement photo album, and I knew it was easy to use and often offered discounts (either on-site offers or coupons). So I decided it would be the perfect way to put my own touches on what could otherwise be a very generic guestbook.

If you decide to create your guestbook with Shutterfly, you'll find that you can start from scratch or use a pre-designed template. I went with a template to save time and stress. The template also offered some ideas--like creating pages for just the parents or the wedding party to sign--that I never would've thought of on my own. I filled the pages with photos from our engagement session to make sure the book maintained a sleek, professional appearance. I was also able to choose from various page layouts, embellishments, and creative designs.

I also had fun personalizing and getting crafty with the bags we put together for our out-of-town guests (see the full post here with photos). It was a chance to turn something inexpensive, like simple paper bags and swing tags, into a customized masterpiece filled with goodies and relevant information.

We also decided to save money by designing and printing our own programs for the ceremony. It wasn't a complicated program, just a half-sheet of glossy card stock paper (which we found on sale), printed front and back. We designed a monogram letter with our names to adorn the top and added some simple swirls as breaks in the text. My advice, if you're going to design your own program, is to make use of creative fonts. We used one for the "M" in our monogram and another for the swirls. If you don't have many fonts--or ones you want to use--on your computer, you can download just about anything you'd want from dafont.com.

Finally, I looked for ways to add personal details, handmade items, or finishing touches to the ceremony site and the reception. Items like decorative paper fans (how-to is in this post), cardboard or wooden monogram letters, antique bottles, paper confetti, or handmade tags tied on with decorative string, are all simple ways to personalize.

Please feel free to ask questions or share your favorite wedding crafts, suggestions and tips in the comments!

A Post-Wedding Moment

I'm officially back in the "real world" after my whirlwind wedding/honeymoon week. I have so much to share (stories, tips, photos), but I wanted to jump on and share my initial post-wedding thoughts.

Our first dance, an Instagram pic captured by my cousin, Jenae.

First, I can officially say it is possible to have a lovely, memorable wedding for under $5,000. But, at the same time, it's hard to do without the help of amazing family members and friends! So I was very blessed. Many people commented on how beautiful everything was, how they loved the music (I stressed over it for a while, so that was nice to hear), how pretty the colors were, how they were surprised at what I did with the space I had, and many people commented on my dress (how beautiful it was and where I got it). It all turned me into a believer in the power of small-budget weddings (and my abilities as a decorator/event planner). So I will be sharing all my detailed tips and tricks as soon as I can!

Second, when people tell you that your wedding will be a blur, they're right. I remember trying to capture each little detail and soak up everything that was being said and done, but in the end, it was over so fast and I don't remember so many things less than two weeks later. I'm so excited to see our professional images and I'm really glad we asked my co-worker to film everything. So whatever you do, don't skip photos and a video!

Third, because everything goes by so fast, make the most of every opportunity you have with your guests. I remember feeling a little silly as I hugged people at the rehearsal dinner thinking to myself, "I can hug these people later." But as it turned out, in the rush to leave (we had our send-off at the end of the reception, so we left and didn't come back), I didn't get to say good-bye to anyone beyond my parents. Looking back, I was glad I hugged people when I had the chance, even though it did feel silly. So my advice to all brides and grooms--hug and hug often!

Fourth, if you're going on a honeymoon and it involves being in the water or doing water-related activities, invest in a water-proof camera. We went snorkeling and hiked up a waterfall and I wished so many times that we had invested in a water-resistant camera we had been looking at. It would've been perfect for capturing those moments when we couldn't take our regular camera and phones along. Thankfully we were able to purchase a photo of ourselves in the waterfall and take pics on the boat before snorkeling, but I'm a sucker for underwater photos.

Finally, like everyone will tell you, enjoy your day because at the end of it, you will be married! I was so ready to get married that by the time Thursday afternoon rolled around, I didn't care about any more details. People would ask me questions and I would tell them to do whatever they thought was best. I had done all I could do. So when Saturday came, I mentally prepared myself for the fact that something could go wrong and I told myself not to care. If anything did go wrong, I didn't know it. I was happily in bliss, swishing around in my Vera Wang gown and hanging out with my best friend who had just become my husband. From what I remember, it was the perfect day. :)

I promise more details are coming. In the mean time, please share something you learned on your big day or during your honeymoon or wedding week!

DIY Wedding Crafts: Gift Bags & Paper Fans

I decided it's time to get specific with some of the tips I shared in one of my previous wedding planning posts, 6 Tips for Wedding Planning on a Budget. Tip #6 was to "get crafty" and save money by creating some of your own items for your wedding. This post will show you how to make some crafty things for your big day! (Hopefully a second installment will be coming soon!)

Personalized Welcome Bags

Welcome bags/boxes/gifts are a great way to tell out-of-town guests that you're glad they traveled to attend your wedding. They can be as simple or elaborate as you want, but one thing I recommend is making it personal. Connect it to the theme of your wedding, add a personal note, make it your own style.

For my wedding I created these bags and tags to hold all sorts of goodies.

Obviously this craft is more assembly-oriented than crafty, but like everything else, you can make it your own and do as much creating as you want. I purchased the bags and tags at Hobby Lobby, the "M" stamp for $1 at Michael's craft store and the state stamp was a customized order from the Etsy shop StampCouture. The striped string was part of a scrapbooking pack I purchased from Michael's to use on our favors.

After deciding a layout for the front and back, I hand-lettered the "welcome to" portion of the tag, then stamped it. After that was dry, I hand-wrote the message on the back because I felt like hand-writing something was better than typing it up. (Obviously lots more time-consuming, but a personalized touch.) Then I stamped the bags with the same color ink from the tag. The tags will be tied on the bag handles.

The bags will be filled with treats like popcorn, chocolate, little bottles of moscato for our wine drinking friends, and other items we picked out, like playing cards, hand sanitizer from Bath & Body Works, and a local visitor's guide. You can find lots of fun items in the "dollar section" of Target and Michael's or Jo-Ann Fabrics. Also check clearance bins.

Decorative Paper Fan Circles

This craft is simple and can add a whimsical, lovely and unique touch to your wedding table. I stumbled across this idea one day while looking at centerpiece ideas and pinned it so I could come back and try it. In the end, I made 60 fans of varying size and paper pattern, three for each table at my reception.

The key to making these work with your decor is to pick the right colors and size of fan. I recommend doing a couple of test fans in different sizes so you can decide what you want. I also recommend using paper that is easy to fold (so no card stock). The width of each fold will determine the height of your paper fan and the width will, of course, determine the width of your fan. The length effects how close the fan folds are to each other when you complete the circle.

You will need paper (I used large scrapbooking sheets), scissors, glue (I used tacky craft glue) and paper clips (two per fan).

Instructions:

1. Cut your paper into long strips. The width you cut the strips will become the diameter of your paper fans. The length will determine how close your fan folds are to each other. (See image above, the bigger fans had more folds and ended up with a more defined look. The smaller fan had less folds and ended up with a flatter look.) Choose a width for your folds and begin folding back and forth as shown below.

2. Once your strip of paper has been folded like an accordion, gather it up and hold it together at the middle.

3. Fold the bundle in half at the center, first one way and then the other. This will get the center loosened up and prepped for you to make the circle.

4. Put glue on half of one of the ends of your folded strip of paper. Press it together with the other half. This will connect one half of your circle.

5. Place a paper clip on the folded end to hold it together while the glue dries.

6. Repeat steps 4 and 5 on the other end of your folded fan to bring it into a full circle. I also recommend placing a bead or two of glue at the center of your circle to help hold the shape of the fan.

I hope you find these DIYs helpful. I have other craft ideas pinned on my Pinterest boards and I am planning to share some more DIYs with you in the future! Please feel free to ask questions or share your favorite wedding crafts, suggestions and tips in the comments!