Holiday Makeup Fun

Hello Everybody!
I'll be the first to admit that I love a good party. Especially a holiday party! You get the chance to dress up and look sparkly and mix and mingle with friends you haven't seen in awhile. If this is your thing too, you may be looking for ideas that will change your look into something a bit more festive. Here are some holiday makeup tips that I hope will help when you are getting ready for a fun night out.

1. Consider using glittery makeup. I know what you're thinking, but I'm not suggesting you look like you are going to the club. Here are some of my favorite products that give a subtle twinkle that can build up to a dramatic sparkle.
Nars Eyeshadow in Silent Night


Tip: If selecting a duo or trio of shimmer shadows, choose a mixture of matte and shimmer like this smokey eye trio from Smashbox, or the colors will end up running and appear muddy.

2. Don't be afraid to use bold colors. Lips are a great way to make a statement during the holidays, especially if you are a natural lip gloss kinda girl. Surprise your friends with a new lipstick look like Yves Saint Laurent's 18 Red Taboo!

3. Remember that it's okay to go natural. A pretty way to intensify your natural look is to use glosses and sheen. Beautiful shimmer powders over your everyday blush or a super glossy-gloss over your everyday lipstick can give you that added flair for the holidays. Try Christian Dior Addict Ultra-Gloss in Pink Silk for some subtle color and high impact shine. Also, try Cat Cosmetics Angel Glow for a soft sheen over everyday makeup.

4. Last but certainly not least...Don't match your makeup to your outfit. Even if you have that perfect eyeshadow that matches the exact shade of your teal party dress, don't be tempted...you'll be happy you didn't.

I hope your holidays are full of joy and happiness!
~Shanna

Throwing A New Year's Bash on a Budget!

Here are a few party planning tips if you want to throw a New Year's Bash that your friends and family will love, BUT that doesn't cost you an arm and a leg!
Happy Planning~Shanna


First: Choose a Theme and Color Palette for Your Party
Tip: Introduce this theme to your guests through invitations & a focal point in your main party room. For instance the theme can be "Count Down to the New Year" and your color palette is black, white and silver.



Second: Create an Eye-Catching Tablescape
Tip: Beautiful Christmas ornaments are on clearance before New Year's Eve, so stock up on color specific ornaments that match your theme. String them from clear fishing line over your table to create visual interest. Coordinate matching vases and dishware and you have a cohesive look!



Third: Provide a Dessert Bar for Your Guests
Tip: Because a New Year's Eve party traditionally starts later in the evening, most of your guests will have already eaten dinner. So, save a few bucks by making your own desserts like cupcakes, cookies and chocolate covered pretzels!



Fourth: Create a Signature Drink
Tip: Champagne is the traditional drink for the New Year, but you can add your own twist to tradition or even create a mock-tail for the evening. you can save money by purchasing larger quantities of 1 particular drink rather than buying several varieties. Check out this recipe...

Mock Champagne

Ingredients
* 2 (2Liter)bottles ginger ale, chilled
* 1 (46 ounce) can pineapple juice, chilled
* 1 (64 ounce) bottle white grape juice, chilled
Champagne is optional (1 to 2 bottles)

Directions:
1. Make an ice ring by filling a ring-shaped cake pan half way with ginger ale. Freeze until partially frozen. At this stage you can add edible flowers or pieces of fruit into the mold. Fill pan the remainder of the way with ginger ale and freeze solid. Place in punch bowl before serving.
2. In a large punch bowl, combine 1 bottle of ginger ale, pineapple juice and white grape juice. (Champagne can also be added at this stage)
This refreshing drink has 83 Calories and serves 40



Fifth: Make Your Own Photo Booth
Tip: Pick an un-utilized corner of your house or venue and caddy-corner your backdrop. This can be made by simply pinning a sheet or piece of material over a tension rod. Purchase a unique photo frame from your local craft store *(custom framing departments usually have a clearance section) & add some cute props like hats, sunglasses and Smitten Sticks. Provide your guests with a couple of disposable cameras and let them do the rest! What a fun surprise you will get when you develop those shots!



Sixth Don't Forget to Dress the Part
Tip: Because you are probably footing the bill for this New Year's soiree, don't splurge on an entirely new outfit, simply dress up your look with accessories and make-up. A new pair of sparkly shoes and some red lipstick can make you feel like a million bucks and look like the star of your own party!
Happy 2011 from Ruffles & Rouge

The Key Word Is Love

Hello!
I recently went on yet another yard sale adventure with my husband through the great state of KY. It was truly a beautiful and fun experience to meet all kinds of folks and pick up a few treasures along the way. By far, my most favorite find on this trip were the skeleton keys that we found in Temple Hill. Because they are so unique and somewhat mysterious, I was inspired to come up with a few ideas to incorporate them in an upcoming inspiration shoot. Here is an inspiration board that I put together for you to enjoy today. I promise to share new pics of my own as soon as they are ready!

Happy Planning~ Shanna



Featured in this board: kerri efendi designs, crystal genes photography, frugal with a flourish, bonnies best art tools

My Inspiration Shoot/Labor of Love

Hello World!

It's been awhile and that is because I was totally engrossed in an inspiration shoot that has been along time in the making. Erin from Be True Designs and I have been planning and thinking and imagining this for months and finally, this past Thursday, at the Knoxville Botanical Gardens, our vision finally came to fruition. I love that word, fruition. Anyway, I'm not sure what to name it yet, but I have awhile until the pics and video are ready from Courtney & Lisa at Peachtree Studio and Be Still My Heart Videography. I want to give a special shout out to Gina at Flower Pot for her beautiful floral designs and helping to facilitate the day and Holly at Ironic for loaning us some awesome furniture and rustic iron details. Here's a preview of what's to come. I hope you enjoy!

Happy Planning,
~Shanna

Heather and Tighe's Wedding Teaser...

Hey Everybody!

I had the pleasure of not only planning the design and coordinating my friends Heather & Tighe's wedding, but I was also a bridesmaid:) Busy day to say the least, but we had an absolute blast. The weather was gorgeous in Asheville, NC on 9-5-2010 and everything went so smoothly.

By far, this was one of the most fun weddings I have ever attended, mainly because the personalities of Heather and Tighe are well...both CRAZY to say the least. Here is a little taste of what is to come from the fabulous photography of Regina Holder:) Congratulations you guys!

Love you~Shanna

Top 5 Makeup Trends for Fall

Hey Yall!

Fall is upon us and so are the newest colors for makeup:) I'm very excited about some of the hottest trends for Fall 2010 because they are some of my personal favorites!

#1 PURPLES ~ Don't let this scare you ladies. There is a shade of purple for everyone. If you have olive skin, then this look is natural for you. For the rest of us, take it easy and try some nice lavenders mixed with silver for a cool eye contrast...or even a sheer violet gloss. Anyone can do purple!

#2 RED LIPS ~ Just remember, if you do a dramatic red lip, don't fight it with a dramatic eye or cheek. Play those areas down so the red takes center stage!

#3 STRONG BROWS ~ My boo Brian Sorke will love this! If you took your Momma's advice and didn't over-pluck, you are in luck. Dramatic arches and thick strong brows are so in! If you got a little tweezer happy, don't worry, there are some great brow kits out there like Anastasia Beverly Hills.

#4 CREAM SHADOWS ~ If you have oily eyelids, have no fear. Use an eye base under your cream shadow to keep the product in place. A nice dewy eye was all the rage on the runways this fall. Mix it up-use more than one shade to create the color you want!

#5 LAYERED LOOK ~ Even if you don't have a lot of makeup experience, you can experiment the layered look and create shades & textures that are all your own. Combine cream shadows with shimmers, blushes with bronzers and of course matte lipsticks with glosses. Whatever you choose to wear this fall, remember to own it!

Happy Planning~

Shanna

Say Cheese!

Hey Everybody!

I received my first birthday present by mail today...My Fuji Instax Mini 25! Thanks to my wonderful husband Corey, Corey, Corey and my mother-in-law for 100 pictures!!! I guess I can remove it from the wish list. Whoot Whoot! I will have some very interesting pictures to come...

~Shanna