Dishwasher Safe Glitter Dip

So there are two things that are true about me: I love shinny things and I love DIY projects.  Perhaps it's because I'm an only child and growing up I often had to entertain myself.  I've been glitter dipping things for awhile and I will say the more I do these projects the better they get.  I posted a YouTube video demonstrating how to glitter dip, but I've changed my technique and tools and am so happy with the results.  And now it is dishwasher safe!  

What you will need:

• Item to glitter dip (mug, vase, bowl, etc.)
• Rubbing alcohol
• Cotton balls
• Painters tape
• Fine loose glitter (I love Martha Stewart's glitters)
• Foam paint brush
• Dishwasher safe Mod Podge
• Newspaper
• Patience!  

Directions:

1. Apply newspaper for your work area.  
2. Clean the item you are glitter dipping with rubbing alcohol.
3. Apply painters tape above where you want your glitter to stop making sure to leave some room at the top of the item if it is a beverage container (I recommend at least an inch).  If you want your handle glitter dip also apply tape to the handle.
4. Apply a thin layer of mod podge.
5. Immediately cover with glitter.  Note: For the look I did I used different colors of glitter for an ombre effect.  I start from one side applying the lightest to darkest shades of glitter in thin sections.  Of course I pour the glitter over different pieces of newspaper so I can recycle the fall off.
6. Let cup sit for at least 1 hour. 
7. Apply another thin coat of mod podge.
8. Cover with another layer of glitter as directed in step 5.  
9. Let cup sit again for at least 1 hour.
10. Apply one final thin coat of mod podge and let item set uninterrupted for 28 days.  (Yes I wrote 28!)
11. Wash the item and enjoy

Video Tutorial DIY Glitter Wine Glasses

Often I get intense desires to not do anything remotely important, but create things, often with glitter. These last few days have been no exception.

You ever have this intense desire to cover things in glitter?

Uh, me either.  Now I'm just lying.

DIY with glitter is super easy and there are a number of other tutorials on how to glitterize your favorite items.  I've been making glitter dipped items for over a year and I'm going to share the method that I find works the best after a lot of trial and error.  Your glasses will shine like diamonds in the sky and you won't get glitter all over you once the item is cured.  Plus these glasses make great Holiday gifts or gifts for your favorite girlfriends.

In this video I show you not only how to make a glitter dipped wine glass, but also how to cover up a logo (yes I go to a lot of wine festivals).  If you don't have any wine glasses to glitterize you can get them cheap at a dollar store.  My local dollar store has both traditional and stemless wine glasses for $1 a piece.

Tutorial DIY Glitter Wine Glasses

You will need:

- Wine glasses of your choosing 

- Painters tape

- Mod Podge or as I like to call it "Modge Podge" in glossy finish 

- Sponge brush or other small painting brush

- Fine glitter 

Beauty Deals and Gifts

IPSY

In addition to getting an awesome bag filled with fun samples for $10, Ipsy also offers deals on various beauty related goods at a fraction of the retail price that ship for free.  Normally I like the deals, but pass them up because I have to restrain myself or else I would buy, buy, buy.  But this month the deals are too good to pass up.

I love Pacifica Body Butter for the its moisturizing effects and the tantalizing smells.  You can use this as a hand cream or lather it from head to toe to smell delectable everywhere.  The two scents are Indian Coconut Nectar, my personal favorite, and Sugared Amber Dreams.

Indian Coconut Nectar is a sensuous and delicious blend inspired by travels to faraway destinations. This warm, sultry blend of coconut and delicate creamy vanilla is pure ambrosia.
Sugared Amber Dreams is a dreamy blend filled with sparkling sugar, heady vanilla and warm amber. An intoxicating aura of rainbow wishes, magic, and love for the bravest of hearts.

This is a great stocking stuffer.  Is it wrong that I want to buy two sets so I can keep one and give the others as a holiday gift?  For $7 (retail $12) I don't feel guilty about it.  Buy, buy, buy...

I can't believe this It Cosmetics Contour Palette is only $20!  I've wanted this kit forever so Merry Christmas to me.  I am obsessed with all things It Cosmetics.  This brand is top notch and easy to use.  I could go on and on, but I'll spare you.  If you are scared of the dark shades just remember that you can blend different colours for a more natural look.  Check out this how to video featuring the fabulous Jamie Kern Lima.
Plus, the word on the street is that this palette is great for darker skin girls.  If you already use this I would love to know what you think.

If you aren't already on Ipsy then you can't get these great deals so join here so I can get some points for your referral.

SEPHORA

I am loving this free gift from Sephora.

Sephora never disappoints with free gifts and samples and this bag is no exception.    

Not only do you get a cute bag, but you get 8 samples of awesome products with the purchase of $25.  

This offer is only good for an online purchase so take advantage of it while you still can.  Code is PARTYPICKS.

EBATES

And don't forget to use Ebates for all your holiday purchases.  Ebates is free to join and gives you cash back on all your online purchases.  Right now I have over $70 in my account from holiday shopping.

Sign up here and get your free cash on.

There is always an excuse for cake

I get a lot of free samples in the mail and I definitely have a soft spot in my heart for food samples.  I received this sample for POP Works & Company Birthday Cake Popcorn and I had to share it.

This popcorn is out of this world!  It is decadent, rich, subtly salty, and perfectly crunchy.  This remind me of kettle corn all grown up.  And if you love cake, this really tastes like a (crunchy) bite of cake.

I'm a snacker and if you like to snack too I highly recommend this for a sweet treat.  This would also be a lovely gift for the foodie in your life.  Right now you can save 15% on your order through 12/31/2015 with code PINCHPOP15.  Yep, I've already order a box so I can try salted caramel and fudge and cookies and cream!

Enjoy, because I'm going to...

Justine's Coconut Dream Green Drink featuring Bai + Bridal Shower / Wedding Gift Idea

I love green drinks.  I have one every morning to get a serving of veggies.  I have experimented with all different types of greens and my preference always comes back to kale.  Experiment at your own risk, but I'm telling you kale is the bomb.com!  I find kale mild and it is a nutrient dense food rich in iron and fiber.  Plus it has a lot of protein for a green.  And my body thanks me if you catch my drift.

I personally love the combo of kale and pineapple.  This drink is filling, mildly sweet, and sustains me.  For an extra dose of protein, mix in a scoop of vanilla protein powder and you have a meal replacement.

Justine's Coconut Dream Green Drink

Ingredients:

• 1 large handful kale greens (approximately 40 grams)
• 6 oz light vanilla yogurt 
• 8 oz Bai Molokai Coconut Antioxidant Drink
• 3/4 cup frozen pineapple chunks
• 1 scoop vanilla protein powder (optional)

Directions:

Place in Vitamix and blend until smooth.

Serve in your favorite glass and enjoy!

My friend gave me this Kate Spade hers glass.  Isn't adorable?  It comes in a his and hers set.  It is a great bridal shower or wedding gift.

Don't forget to enter my giveaway in the previous post for your chance to win a set of Revlon Colorstay Gel Envy nail polish in 430 Showtime and 010 Top Coat.  Scroll below or click here.

Trader Joe's, you always do me right

My friend Josh was the bomb.com and gave me his Keurig.  He didn't give me any Keurig, but the Mac Daddy of them all...this bad boy.

 Talk about a fancy gift!  Ballin

I am the only one in my household who drinks coffee so a traditional coffee pot does not make sense for me.  Plus, cleaning a coffee pot isn't really my thing.  (Well, cleaning in general isn't really either...)  The nice thing about a Keurig is it is simple, easy, and convenient for someone like me who only drinks one cup of coffee a day.  (Well, maybe two if I feel like really being a rebel.)  I also like that I can keep different coffee, tea, and hot cocoa flavors (for the husband) on hand and only have to dirty a glass as opposed to a coffee machine, pot, and glasses.

I have sampled my fare share of beverages meant for the Keurig.  What I haven't been overly impressed with has been coffee K-Cups in general.  I have tried countless brands of coffee in different roasts and flavors.  I find that most K-Cup coffees are either too strong, weak, acidic, or odd / burnt tasting...  They simply do not taste as good and fresh as a cup of morning brewed coffee from a traditional coffee pot.  Keurig, and other brands, do make reusable coffee filters that you can fill with your own ground coffee to make your own K-Cups.  I'm pretty sure Keurig created this because of poor complaints with the taste of K-Cup coffee overall (my opinion).  I have tried the reusable coffee filters and even with "good coffee" I find them messy and the taste doesn't meet my coffee standards.

Somebody heard me crying at night because guess what...Trader Joe's now makes Coffee Cups.

One of my favorite things in the world is Trader Joe's coffee.  If you haven't tried it don't make a face reading this.  It is honestly really good, affordable, and does not kill your stomach if you have stomach issues.  Trader Joe's now makes their own version of K-Cups that are little mini filters that are individually packaged to preserve their freshness.  I have not seen another K-Cup product packaged like this.

With this technology every cup tastes just like a cup from a pot of freshly brewed pot coffee.  It is phenomenal!  It is like the big man upstairs heard my coffee cries and solved my woes. Not only is the packing ingenious, but it is Trader Joe's coffee!  

I have no idea how long Trader Joe's Coffee Cups have been around, but this product is an absolute must for any Keurig owner.  These pods are by far the best cup coffee I have had yet.  A cup of this reminds me of sitting with my mom and drinking coffee together.  It is a taste of home, fresh every time.