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To DIY or not to DIY? That is the question.

October 13, 2015 -

So about this whole DIY thing. Let’s talk. I have always been about the DIY. Until I moved to a studio apartment in San Francisco. I was going to do a gallery wall and so I needed to go to Good Will and then the hardware store to get paint. I zig zagged around town, up and down hills (SF, remember?). By the time I got the frames and then walked to the hardware store and then home, that part of the project took 5 hours. Then I had to spray paint them on my not so sturdy fire escape. And I had an epiphany.

I love to DIY but it doesn’t always make sense.

another gallery wall another time aka when I knew better

My dad comes from humble beginnings and has worked hard for everything he has. The fact that he has always been more willing to pay someone to be a handyman for his house or mow the lawn always befuddled me because I am so different. Now I see that he took the time and energy that those things would have taken and put it back into the business (thus it paid for itself) or with his family (we are priceless, right?).

I realized how much energy I put into the gallery wall, how much time, and how much money (with three to four types of spray paint and the frames I hit the 50 dollar mark when the whole reason I did the project was because I was unwilling to pay someone on Etsy 50 dollars for the same number of frames for a gallery wall!). I called good old Dad and said: I totally get it. Sometimes the time and cost are just not worth it.

Here is the deal. I came up with some questions I ask myself when it comes to DIY projects. When I was younger, I didn’t really have restraints. But once I was on my own in my own space, things changed.

One of my questions: is it feasible?

I see something online and I think: I can make it. Not only do I like doing it myself, I evaluate if I can do it cheaper. Like the deers with the gold antlers. I could totally make that. And I did, for a lot cheaper than the ones to buy.

I happened to be in between apartments staying with my family so I could use the backyard. I could not have done this project in my San Francisco apartment and definitely not in my Chicago apartment where I don’t even have a rickety fire escape. In those places, I would go without or have to pay up (though I do have some tips for how to DIY in small places).

Next: Is this DIY project something I “need” (while well aware these are first world problems)?

You know those sassy welcome mats? That say things like: the neighbors have better stuff or holla or whatever? They start at 50 bucks. No, I do not have 50 bucks to spend on a mat but I needed one to gently remind people to take off their shoes because I do have white carpeting in some places and also I do not want to be the hostess that says: please take off your shoes. So I made my own that cost a third of the price of the others and chose my own saying. A friend came over recently and she was impressed, saying: woah, I can’t believe that lasted through a Chicago winter. Heck yes, it did.

I want to be organized. And I want it to be pretty organization. It’s a struggle but I try. But if you let me loose in the Container Store, it’s dangerous to my wallet. So I came up with this easy DIY project for my bracelets. I also made fancy containers. Though this project is so cheap, it does take awhile to do the wrapping. Was it worth it? I’m glad I did it but I probably won’t make it again.

So there is the next thing I ask: Is it worth it? I’ve wanted a Flower Crown for forever but they are so expensive. In true Nina fashion, I thought DIY. Well, now I know why they are expensive. It isn’t a quick project.

Then there were the infamous Ikea boxes turned into Kate Spade inspired organization.

Is it worth it? In this case, yes. Between the money I’ll save and the hope that pretty organization will make me want to stay organized, yes. I haven’t finished so I don’t have a tutorial up yet (because this post needs more links, right?)

Here lies another question I’ve alluded to: how much money am I actually saving (especially when supplies are factored in)? In this case, a lot.

So, here is the last question to consider: is it a game changer? Gel manicures were killing my nails and my wallet and in SF I was expected to have them (the west coast, guys. I love it a lot, promise). Would I prefer to be pampered? Yes. But this DIY Faux Gel Mani works.

My friend lived in a place I’ve only seen in movies (not in a good way). But she’s a total fashionista and it was more a matter of just being used to the grunge and caring what the world saw (her clothes) and not herself (like living in a space that makes her feel good). Here’s the last question: Do you like to DIY? She said she didn’t because she didn’t think she could. With my help, she was pleasantly surprised that she could do it.

But here’s the thing. I love that my Flower Crown is done but that floral tape was a real jerk to deal with. Painting (of any kind), like in my old apartment. It actually releases stress so I find it soothing. It’s good to try new things but it’s also good to know what projects you actually enjoy.

What are your thoughts: to DIY or not to DIY?

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DIY Kate Spade Inspired Storage Boxes.

September 1, 2015 -

Living a studio apartment, there aren’t many ways to hide things (like messes or even organized piles and files). Meanwhile, I’ve been trying to get more organized. Enter: storage boxes that I can easily fit on top of my book cases. Of course, I fell in love with the Kate Spade storage boxes that were outrageously expensive (like…$54.00 for the nesting boxes). I could not afford them and yet I was seeing them more and more on Pinterest. People were making similar ones themselves so I thought I would give it a go. I knew I wanted to do the bold stripe and then decided on a dalmatian print.

What do you need to make boxes inspired like those?
-Boxes (the smaller ones I used and the larger ones both come in pairs, the smaller pair is $10 and the bigger pair $20)
-Painting Tape
-Oil Based Sharpie in Black (and white…if you want to fix a mistake or two) (I got this pack)
-Oil Based Sharpie in Gold (for the accents…a marker is easier than paint)
-White Craft Paint (to fix mistakes)
-Black Craft Paint
-Paint Brush

Let’s get to it, The DIY Kate Spade Inspired Storage Boxes

First, have all your supplies at the ready (that means the black paint poured out) and paint brush chosen. For the striped boxes, start with the lids to get a feeling for it because they are simplest. To divide evenly, start the tape here where the silver corner begins. See?

Place tape on each side of the lid so there is a large white space between them. Then eye the middle area. Place tape there. You’ll have two windows that are basically equal on each side on that equator line. Tape there.

The goal here is to tape, press that tape down, and paint quickly. Because of the material of the boxes (it’s not like they are super expensive!) if the tape is on too long, it will pull off that shiny layer leaving paper. So press the edges of the tape down and paint quickly (don’t worry about the finesse, just make sure you get around the edges of the tape…I as you can see from the photos, I did not want to extend the stripes of the lid the side of the lid; I used scissors with the tape to get a clean edge). Don’t wait for the first coat to dry before you start a second coat and here is the crazy part…don’t wait for the paint to dry before removing the tape. The first time I did wait and it was a disaster.

There are pros to doing this: the lacquer doesn’t come off and the box doesn’t become papery on the black and white parts (so the straight lines don’t even matter). The con: your lines are not 100% perfect. I used the white paint to fix that issue (of course, you don’t have to use the white paint by all means, don’t!). I also used the black sharpie to create crisp lines.

For the sides, I do not recommend taping all four sides at once (I did this and disaster struck). Tape one side at a time. You’ll take two horizontal lines and keep them as even as possible. Paint and remove the tape. Let it actually dry before you move onto the next side so you can match the placement of the tape.

For the smaller boxes, I actually drew with the oil based sharpie the dalmatian print. I used a print I liked and mimicked it for awhile before I had it down. Again, I started with the flat surface of the lids.

Use the Gold Oil Based Sharpie to color in “the hardware” and the “edges.” Decide which way you’ll have the boxes face and place the now gold “label holder” (official title?) on the appropriate side of the box.

Then start organizing! It’s more fun when you’re organizing using pretty things or is it just me? I actually ordered two more small boxes for more space. I will probably leave those white and change the silver hardware to gold.

Here is the thing: these do need a few touch ups. But the fact is, this project and I needed a break from one another because it was bringing out all my neurosis. But I love them and I am so glad I did it. I might do more. Ultimately, with the supplies I already had plus the fact that these are customized to my design aesthetic, I have so much more storage for a lot less money than if I would have gone and bought the Kate Spade Single Set of Nesting Boxes For a Lot of Money (even though I obvi love Kate Spade).

Is this a project you would try for your girl boss office storage?
xo,

DIY Flower Crown.

August 11, 2015 -

How long have I wanted to make a DIY Flower Crown? Probably since I started this blog two years ago. The goal is to someday get new a new headshot with a flower crown in my hair…and that has been the goal for two years. So, I finally made one. It was easier and more difficult than I imagined (I think I am not good with floral tape) but I’ll explain.

There is something about flowers in one’s hair…It’s why part of the reason why I named the blog what I did which was before everyone started wearing flowers in their hair (which I am totally cool with) because a girl with flowers in her hair is pretty special.

There is something about flowers in one’s hair. Don’t miss DIY Flower Crown.

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Here is what you’ll need:Floral Tape | Floral Wire | Floral Wire Cutters | Greens | Flowers

From my experience, you can most definitely use real flowers or fake flowers. I happened to use fake because goodness knows when I will finally get a head shot done. I mean, I did one on my own…You’ll see below but I mean, it was a circus, shooting manually on a tripod and using a remote to get the photo. Also don’t forget that I did my hair and make up for this just hoping I would get some kind of picture with a human wearing this flower crown.First, measure with the floral wire around your head. Use the floral tape to overlap the ends and then it’s best to wrap the whole circlet with that floral tape. Secondly, it is time for the greenery! I used two shades at the same time…It’s actually a trick I use for a lot of things. I then started to add in some of the flowers and realized I bought way too much. But I was fortunate because everything was half off and now I have enough stuff to make so many flower crowns. Want one? Ha! Since this was my first DIY Flower Crown it was at this point that I realized the huge peony and huge rose probably wasn’t going to make the cut for this one. I guess I will have to make another.

And ta-da!I wish you could see the circus that was taking place in order to get these photos–a tripod, trying to set up the photos manually, using a remote to take the photos. The things you do for blogging. But considering that I have wanted to do this for two years, I feel like the amount of sweat dripping down my face was worth it.

Have you ever made a flower crown? Do you have any questions?

DIY Hair Masks.

August 4, 2015 -

When Bex and I were together at the beach, we talked about our hair issues. She had product buildup…probably because I kept putting product in it when I would do it for her and then I would tell her the next day not to wash it because it had even more volume for photos. So I will take part of the blame.

I don’t know if you know about my hair because it’s curly and frizzy. I used to be the only one in my family with curly hair but then my brother grew his hair out. He has a natural oil that allows him to not even put product in his hair and there is no frizz; he has to wash it every night.

I do not have that natural oil. My hair often looks dry and in fact, I can go much too long without washing it without it looking greasy at all (I know this from when I was extremely ill and before I was diagnosed years ago). It’s kind of insane. At the same time, I want shiny hair!

We decided to go into her kitchen and concoct something: DIY Hair Masks.

So my hair mask is a deep conditioning mask that adds shine and repairs your hair too.1 Tablespoon of Honey

1/4 Cup Olive Oil (I’m Italian and this adds a lot shine)

1/4 Cup Coconut Oil

You can also add an egg (helps with shine) and beer but I didn’t this time

Mix really well because it is still going to separate. I put mine in the fridge and Bex’s fridge is super cold so it basically hardened and I had to microwave it. I’m super glad I did that–not only could I mix it again and more thoroughly–but do you remember those hot oil treatments that used to be cool years and years ago? My mom would put them in my hair during summers because of swimming. It felt like that.

We got hair caps at the dollar store. In the case of the mask I made, you want to wear it as long as possible. Next time I make it, I am going to sleep in it (hence the hair mask to save your pillow cases plus it traps heat and helps the mask) but I wasn’t going to ruin Bex’s pillowcases so I kept mine on for two to three hours.

Here is my only warning: I washed it that night. The next morning I woke up and to me, my hair felt greasy. Bex assured me that it didn’t look that way, if you didn’t know me (and how dry my hair is). So if your hair is not super dry, I recommend shampooing thoroughly at least twice (and obviously condition).

DIY Hair Masks: Deep Condition or Product Build Up with all things you have in your kitchen.

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Will you try either of these masks? You’ve already got all the ingredients. How is your fairing this summer?

DIY Mani: lasts 10 days, no gel, no damaged nails.

April 20, 2015 -

First, I know it is spring and this dark color doesn’t scream April. But I finally was able to watch Nashville and Rayna James inspired me. Now let’s get to it. The DIY Mani which lasts 10 days, no gel, no damaged nails:

I’ve gone through phases with nails. I got acrylics once in high school because everyone had them but they were way too much upkeep and I think I filled them only once. They destroyed my nails. The only time I had someone give me a true manicure was for a special occasion, a dance, or a wedding because frankly they lasted about three days and who wants to pay for that.

I tried gel for quite some time in San Francisco because it was kind of a rule that your nails had to be on point. Sure they lasted but I worried about that UV light. It was only on my hands but don’t hands show age the quickest? And besides that, by the fifth gel, my nails were so thin, it hurt to have them done and the gel didn’t last. I was out of there.

When it came to painting my own nails, I was often frustrated–again with how long it lasted and for the life of me I could not get them to look as if they were professionally done. Until the product that changed it all (and by the way, this is not sponsored and this is not about one product…just telling you a story). It was Seche Vite. So my nails did look amazing but I still had that issue of them lasting.

I’m proud to say I’ve invented a system that gives me and others (they were skeptical but came back with good news) a manicure that lasted through washing dishes, taking care of a toddler, typing all day, and much more. (I know, it’s Nobel Peace Prize worthy.)

For the record, this is not a gel manicure. The only downside is that this takes a full day. Don’t worry, you don’t sit and wait for them to dry for that whole time. Two things are important–using extremely thin coats of nail polish and letting each coat dry completely. So let’s get to it.

Ever notice no matter how long you let things dry, your nails smudge? Try it my way. I’ve linked the products I use. The essential one is Seche Vite. (By the way, they are affiliate links which help support this blog at no additional cost to you. Thank you for your support as always!)

1. I don’t use a base coat. I know. Horrible. But I need everything to be as thin as possible because the Seche Vite top coat (which makes the mani look professional) is thick. 2. Take your color–in this case, Essie’s Sole Mate. Painting your nails, use the thinnest strokes possible. You should be able to see the nail through this coat basically. Let it dry for ten minutes. Then go about your day. You don’t need to be extra careful. It may even chip a bit (but it shouldn’t chip much because it is so thinly coated).

The thing I’ve learned is that even though you think this coat is dry, you need it completely attached to your nail. I am not a professional but I have tested it and I have had mommy friends test it. You will be shocked to see how much longer it lasts if you try it this way. I realized professionals don’t do it this way but I also know that a regular non-gel mani doesn’t last as long as this one.

3. After at least six hours (honestly, I like to let it dry over night), paint on a very thin second coat. If it needs a third coat, follow steps two and three again. It should only require a third coat if you’re using a dark color like I was but again, these coats need to be thin.

4. Wait several hours again, and paint on the top coat–Seche Vite (the quick dry version). This dries in minutes and you’re good to go. You’ll notice it’s thick.

If you’ve painted the other coats too thick, the overall effect will be so thick that the mani won’t last. It will just peel off.

5. The next night, before you go to bed, using a different top coat, a thin one, and paint that on top of everything. You’ll do this every night for this mani. It takes less than ten minutes including drying time. I like Essie’s No Chips Ahead.

This is after five days:Writing it out, it seems like a big undertaking. But it’s not. I go about my life in between coats and I’m not delicate about it either. If I have an event, I just start a day or two ahead of the event. But I prefer this than having to sit and wait for them to dry completely coat after coat. That can take up two hours. Who has time for that? I don’t even have the patience for that if I am sitting around gabbing with girlfriends. And they smudge anyway. If you add up the time this takes, it’s far less than that and there is no smudging (I’d estimate under 30 minutes over 24-36 hours).

I’d love to hear if you try this! Do you have any tricks?

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3. After at least six hours (honestly, I like to let it dry over night), paint on a very thin second coat. If it needs a third coat, follow steps two and three again. It should only require a third coat if you’re using a dark color like I was but again, these coats need to be thin.

4. Wait several hours again, and paint on the top coat–Seche Vite (the quick dry version). This dries in minutes and you’re good to go. You’ll notice it’s thick.

5. The next night, before you go to bed, using a different top coat, a thin one, and paint that on top of everything. You’ll do this every night for this mani. It takes less than ten minutes including drying time. I like Essie’s No Chips Ahead.

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