Paper Mirror Project

For months I have searched for a great paper project but only now did I find the right one. While reading some of my favorite blogs, I spotted a beautiful mirror made with pages from old books.
 
The blog had a great tutorial, but of course I can't find it now.
Here are the steps:
1. I started by cutting out two cardboard circular shapes, one large and one medium. For the small circle, I used a phone book cover.
2. For the large circle, I rolled pages from a standard sized novel and secured it with a dab of hot glue. For the medium circle, I cut the pages in half, rolled them up, and also secured it with hot glue. 3. Before gluing the paper tubes to the cardboard, I attached a hook to the large cardboard. For this, I cut out a 6 inch piece from a wire hanger and attached it to the cardboard with glue. I ran the wire through the cardboard, made a loop, and glued it for extra support.
4. Once all the paper tubes were complete, I glued the large paper tubes to the perimeter of the large circle. The same applied to the smaller tubes and medium circle.
5. For the black trim around the mirror, I printed an image of a scalloped circle, transferred the shape to the phone book cover, and pray painted the paper with black paint before gluing the mirror.
6. Once all the parts were complete, I stacked them on top of each other and applied loads of glue. I love the end result and the simplicity of the project.

The mirror was a simple, inexpensive, and fast project. Plus, the circular shape of the mirror is just what I needed for my living room. The mirror will really help complete the look I've been trying to create.

Toddler and Mommy Book Selection for August

Every night, Camila and I cuddle together to read two books. For the past Few Weeks she has selected the same book, Fancy Nancy by Jane O'Connor. She loves the eccentric curly hair little girl who, like mommy, often walks on her tippy toes.
I enjoy the books because the protagonist has curly hair, like my little Camila, and because the drawings are colorful and whimsical.

It's wonderful to see my little one grow up and interact with other. In gymnastics, she walks around saying, "Hi, what's your name?" it's really cute, especially since her English is very limited. Needless to say, we enjoy her proactive and social attitude and try to encourage it as much as possible. Thus, What a Wonderful World by Ashly Bryan is one of our favorite books. Through colorful drawings and the lyrics of Luis Armstrong's song, the author reminds us that we are surrounded by interesting people from various backgrounds.

3 End of the Summer Projects

With less than a month to go before I return to the classroom, I am determined to do something. "What?" you may ask. I'm not sure but I have a few ideas in mind.

 

I love the DIY Cupcake Flowers. I think my little Camila would really get a kick out of them and enjoy having the flowers wrap around her new big-girl bed.

 I know summer is coming to an end, but I love anklets. It's different and funky, two qualities I love.

I really like the idea of a movie night in my backyard. I just hope Camila and her friends are not too young.

Mindless entertainment helps me become Honest

 Lately, I have fallen in love with cheap and mindless television entertainment. Hubby makes fun of me, but I can't help it. My top shows are Say Yes to the Dress (a reality show that illustrates the trials and tribulations of brides searching for the perfect wedding dress), Entertainment Tonight (a news program that presents what really matters, the lives of the rich and famous), and Keeping up with the Kardashians(love it!).

As previously mentioned, hubby makes fun of me. To make matters worse, he now refuses to watch the shows, leaving me to sneak around like an addict with a can of condensed milk. Obviously, he does not understand the educational value of such shows. For instance, I have learned to defend myself by watching Jerry Springer, and have learned to make sound decisions by watching Judge Judy. The shows are also loaded with social and cultural values. Heck, Keeping up with the Kardashians is categorized as a documentary!

Seriously, through one of the shows, I have made a great discovery. While watching ET, Jessica Alba discussed her new endeavor, the Honest Company. Launched this year, the Honest Company sells diapers, wipes, and toiletries that are environmentally friendly and safe to use on babies with sensitive skin. The products are also affordable and cute. I signed up for the once a month diaper bundle ($85 with shipping) and feel great that I'm doing something good for my baby and the Earth.

More info on the company.

Here is Caio sporting one of their diapers. I case you are wondering, Caio is wearing a couture, shot-sleeved, white top with snaps on the bottom. The top is the latest design from Tarje.

A Little Change

After having my little bundle of joy, I have been antsy for a change. I wanted something fun and different but not permanent.

 

After ruminating over a few ideas, I decided that a great haircut would be the best option. 

 

This Saturday I got a great haircut and dye job. I am now a blond with a little purple. Purple!?! Yes, I wanted something a little different, remember? 

I 'm not crazy about the purple on my bangs but am going to rock it until I need a touch up. When the time comes, I'll dye the purple blond, or I may even go back to my natural color. 

Well-dressed Men and Slut Walks

This morning, while out in my daily walk with Caio, a well dressed and very fragrant Middle Eastern man greeted me. Instantly, the smell of his cologne and fabulous dress shoes reminded me why I love foreign men. There is something about their fashion sense that makes me want to stop, stare, and admire. They don't simply match their top to their bottom; they also make sure their dress shoes match their belt. I love it! Really, there is nothing more sexy than a well-dressed man with a matching belt :)

Since I'm on the topic of clothing, hubby recently told me about Slut Walk. Though the name is a little shocking, it is a feminist movement that calls attention to the rights of women who have been a victim of a sexual assault. Apparently, a cop suggested that in order to prevent sexual assaults, women should not dress like "sluts." Really, what was he thinking? Well, the movement is growing and now there are Slut Walks all over the world. Here is more info on the movement.

Ahhhh! The blogger site and iPad are not very compatible. The site will not let me upload photos from my iPad :( which is too bad since I have a great photo of a guy with matching shoes and belt.

Condensed Milk Addiction

I recently decided to end my four year relationship with condensed milk. It was not easy but it had to be done.

For four years, I have enjoyed a bowl of fruits with nuts/granola and a spoon full of condensed milk. Yes, it sounds healthy, but recently the spoon full of CM turned into two or three spoons and I began to feen for it (Here is a video that illustrates how I feel). My addiction became apparent Sunday night when I dipped a spoon into a can of CM, closed my eyes, and gobbled it down. Instantly, an image came to mind.  I saw myself being ambushed by my family and friends in an episode of Intervention, Ahhh!

I am now CM free and have been for four days. I feel great and an hoping to lose the pregnancy weight a little faster. But like Jenifer Lopes I can't be out of a relationship for too long. My new love and rebound is a tasty Starbuck's scone. Let's see how long this relationship will last.

Update: My abstinence from CM did not last. Yesterday, I opened a can of CM and enjoyed my favorite treat. This is going to be harder than I though and now I know why hubby says that "even s*^% tastes good with condensed milk."