The leaves are changing colors, and there’s a chill in the air, so you know what that means. It’s time for the 2022 pumpkin carving challenge!
The Challenge Rules
The rules are pretty simple, but they have evolved over the years. This is our ninth year, after all! The first rule is no stencils are allowed. The pumpkin carving designs must be drawn by hand. Last, but not least, there’s a time limit. The pumpkins must be carved in two and a half hours. Then, it’s off to the races, and may the best pumpkin win! As in years past, we recorded the challenge so you can see all the hard work (and trash talk) that goes into these pumpkins.
Ah, the custom closet. I have dreamed of having one for so, so, very long. When we got the keys to our house one of my first calls was to a closet designer.
Designing Our Custom Closet
I had consultations with two closet design companies. I chose to go with Inspired Closets. Our designer came to my home, measured the closet using a laser (which was so cool!) and asked about our needs for a custom closet. I have quite a wardrobe, and my main goals were having more organization and efficient use of the space. Brent wanted drawers. He never really explained why, but since he let me pick everything else, I was happy to include them in the design!
Here’s our original closet with the wire shelf system. What I didn’t like was that we couldn’t use the bottom shelves, since our clothes hung too low.
I also felt like we didn’t have the right combination of short and long hang space.
Our designer took into account the amount of clothes and shoes we needed to store, our heights (so the bars would be high enough), and any additional features we thought might be helpful. We added cabinets above our drawers, hampers for both of us, and jewelry storage for me.
Now, This is Where it Gets Expensive
There are so many additional upgrades! It’s easy to get carried away, or as I call it, closet drunk. One big decision was whether we wanted the closet wall mounted or floor mounted. Essentially the difference is whether it looks built in at the bottom, and a couple thousand dollars. We decided to go with a wall mount and save our coins!
We also could have added a countertop above our drawers, and mirrored the wall behind the opening. The answers were no and no! While they’re nice, at the end of the day it’s just a closet, and we won’t be spending tons of time in there.
Preparing for Installation
With supply chain issues, we waited about three months for our installation day. When the time arrived, we had to prepare the space.
Ripping out the existing closet seemed simple and easy enough. Famous last words! It wasn’t a nightmare, but it took a lot longer than we thought.
We had to rip the studs out of the wall that were holding the wire system together. We were left with larger holes than expected, so they needed to be patched. When we installed a new light fixture I realized the closet wasn’t really as white as I thought. I wanted a crisp background for the installation, so we painted the walls, moulding, and ceiling.
Installation Day!
Two gentlemen arrived with all their supplies to install our custom closet. The installation took about four to five hours. They used a drop cloth to protect our floors as they went up and down the stairs. In addition to that, they vacuumed when the work was done.
What a beauty!! We were in awe! The space looks so much bigger. Plus, we’re able to stay organized which is a major bonus. I’m still playing around with where I want everything, but every time I walk in there I’m so happy we went with a custom closet!
What do you think about the transformation? Let me know in the comments!
Have you seen it? The viral illusion nails? It’s a vertical ombre french manicure design. When I couldn’t take my eyes off it, I knew I had to try it!
Heading Into Fall
When I headed to the nail salon to get a fill-in by my nail tech, Mina, I wanted something that would give #fallvibes. What I didn’t know is what the design would be. Once I washed my hands and sat down I quickly scrolled through nail inspo pictures on my phone. That’s when I noticed I had saved the same viral ombre french manicure three times! I knew this was it! However, the ones I saw were done in neon colors. I wanted something a little more moody. So, I asked Mina if she could create the viral ombre french manicure with brown and tan. She squealed with excitement and I knew Mina was going to make magic on my nails!
Trust The Process
After removing my old manicure, Mina laid down a base of acrylic. She used a soft tan color that looked very natural. Then, Mina worked to create the base layer of ombre with gel polish and a tiny nail art brush. She went over each nail once, cured them with the light, and applied a second layer to create a beautiful ombre effect.
Then, Mina followed the same steps to create the french tip. However this time she reversed the order of the colors. The process took a while, but the end result was so worth the wait! I love how the vertical ombre french manicure creates an optical illusion and almost gives a 3D effect. This manicure is so pretty that I can hardly stop looking at these nails!
October is one of my favorite months of the year – it’s our anniversary month. My first niece was born in October! Oh, and Brent and I go to war! We have a pumpkin carving challenge every year, and you get to pick the 2021 winner!
The Challenge Rules
The rules are pretty simple, but they have evolved over the years. This is our eighth year, after all! The first rule is no stencils are allowed. The pumpkin carving designs must be drawn by hand. Last, but not least, there’s a time limit. The pumpkins must be carved in two and a half hours. Then, it’s off to the races, and may the best pumpkin win! As in years past, we recorded the challenge so you can see all the hard work (and trash talk) that goes into these pumpkins.
There are two things I look forward to as fall arrives: new fashion and switching up my nails. Here’s some fall 2021 nail art inspiration to try at your next manicure appointment!
Abstract Nail Art
I love the abstract art that has been trending lately. Some looks are really bold with bright colors, which can be a little scary to try. If you a bold design you really love, consider asking your nail tech to replicate the look with softer colors.
Here, I chose an abstract line design. My inspiration photo had a deeper color palette, but I decided to go with a soft pink. This design would be perfect for fall 2021 with a tan or soft green color palette! The second design in this video brings me to another great trend to try this season.
Swirls and Marble Designs
In the video above, I switched things up with a jade-inspired design. The bits of gold really give it the jewelry-inspired look. You could use a black, white, and gray color palette for a marble look.
You can use swirls to create a modern take on a french manicure. Here, my nail technician used a pink-based nude. Then, painted swirls of brown, green, and white across the top. While the color palette is still soft, and pretty neutral, this manicure still has a stylish impact. Oh, and it makes me want mint chocolate chip ice cream!
Find Inspiration in Nature
Personally, I don’t think animal print ever goes out of style! Try experimenting with new takes on classic prints. Here, my nail tech put a modern spin on cow print.
Keeping the background nude is a great way to try out an animal print without going all the way to the wild side!
Have fun and try something new!
Overall, don’t be afraid to give a new trend a try. After all, it’s just polish and easily removed! If you’re not able to make it to a nail salon, consider treating yourself to an at-home mainucre.
I’d love to know how you’re switching your nail art up for the fall season! Let me know in the comment section!
In April 2021 I was thrilled to join QVC as a Program Host! While I am employed by Qurate Retail Group, all views and opinions expressed here are my own and do not represent the views or opinions of the Company.
In April 2021 I was thrilled to join QVC as a Program Host! While I am employed by Qurate Retail Group, all views and opinions expressed here are my own and do not represent the views or opinions of the Company.
Tatcha Silk Canvas
Have you ever wondered why a product works for everyone but you? That happened with me and Tatcha Silk Canvas the first time around.
Beyonce, take my money! That was my first thought when the Icy Park collection dropped. It’s the first thought I had for every other Ivy Park drop as well.
Download The Adidas App
This may seem like a no-brainer, but it will make a huge difference. When you download the app you’ll be able to sign up for notifications about the drop. Enter your email and wait. The waiting is the worst part!
Use The Pre-Shopping Feature
At first, I chose the latex pants and long sleeve bodysuit. Before the release started, I went back and added the bucket hat. I opened the app back up with about five minutes to go before the release started. I watched the seconds tick away bringing me closer to securing some Ivy Park for the first time! The clock struck zero and then… nothing. Yup, I hit checkout and nothing happened.
Oddly enough, the app blocked screenshots during this time. I tried again and again, but the checkout page wouldn’t load.
When it finally did load, everything was sold out. No! How could this be?! I did everything right, I met all the qualifications, yet somehow I was not selected. I closed the app feeling defeated.
Don’t Give Up
Success! The hat was sold out, and the size I wanted in the top was also sold out. However, I was able to get the top in a different size. I immediately texted my friend and she was able to grab some pieces as well!
Then, I anxiously awaited the arrival of my outfit. I had been asking Beyonce to take my money for several drops, and she finally did! Would this outfit make me look like Sasha Fierce? Only time would tell! Shipping took a little over a week.
My Thougts on Ivy Park
Ok, so here’s the thing. The size chart wasn’t completely accurate. I ordered a medium in the pants and I definitely could’ve sized up. They fit, but let’s just say they’ll be motivation to work out! I knew the top would be a little snug because I had to size down in order to get it. I was glad it at least fit. Again, now I have motivation for sit ups!
I really love the monochromatic color scheme. As soon as my husband saw me in this he yelled, “peanut butter!”
While the pieces are nice, and I will enjoy wearing them, I don’t think they’re worth the stressful experience. I mean I really had to work to give somebody my money! I really wish the collections were more widely available. Hopefully, you’ll have a smoother experience if you follow some of these suggestions. Have you bought any Ivy Park pieces? What was your experience like?
