Time's A-wasting!

Holy me-oh-my! I seem to have wiped this blog from my memory. So shameful. I have a smorgasbord of excuses, though! In April my mum and I had to pack and move in the span of about 10 days. I was forced to leave behind at least half of my belongings because there simply wasn't time, nor space, for them. Luckily I was able to keep what mattered the most to me. I had planned on posting pictures of my glorious new backyard, along with the many adventures I've gone on this Summer but alas, I misplaced my camera during the move and didn't discover it until two weeks ago. Ridiculous. So for now I shall post a few pictures that were take on Andy's phone. I swear one day I'll get around to those beauty product reviews I promised so long ago!

Hanging out at the Renaissance Festival. Can't wait to return this weekend!

 Attending weddings with my love.

 

 

Roaming around Greenfield Village.

 

 

Having shenanigans with my partner in crime.

 

 

Saving ducklings!! (Okay, this was a one time deal but OMG DUCKLING!!)

 

 

Attemping to perfect the art of pin curling. Getting closer! haha

 

 

 

 

Well loves that is all I have for now. I promise to return by next week with either a review of some sort or pictures of my latest vintage haul. :)

 

 

Stay classy San Diego!

 

Lazy Spring Afternoon

A couple of days ago, as I enjoyed this beautiful weather, I decided to make some Amish White Bread. Baking is one of my many passions, and luckily, one of the things I'm actually good at. And being the clever individual that I am (har har) I remembered to document my baking adventure with pictures. Please gaze upon the beauty below and you shall be rewarded with the recipe for this delicious, sweet bread.

 

 

Amish White Bread

 2 c. warm water (110°F)

2/3 c. white granulated suger

1 1/2 tbsp. active dry yeast

1 1/2 tsp. salt

1/4 c. vegetable oil

6 c. bread flour

1 .) In a large bowl, dissolve sugar in warm water and then stir in yeast. Allow to proof until yeast resembles creamy foam. 

2.) Mix salt and oil into the yeast mixture. Mix in flour one cup at a time. Knead dough on a lightly floured surface until smooth. Place dough in a well oiled bowl, and turn to coat. Cover with a damp cloth. Allow to rise until doubled in bulk, about 1 hour.

3.) Punch dough down. Knead for a few minutes and divide in half. Shape into loaves and place into two well oiled loaf pans. Cover with saran wrap and allow to rise for 30 minutes, or until dough has risen about 1 inch above pans.

4.) Preheat oven to 350ºF and bake for 30 minutes, or until golden.

Remember, too much kneading will lead to tough bread!

Splendor in the Grass...

The weather here in Michigan has been insane. In the 30's one day, 60's the next. All this week it will be between 60°F and 70°F. While I thoroughly enjoy this weather, I can't help but to think it spells doom. But whatever, that has nothing to do with this post.

I am obsessed with nature; a true tree hugger. (I know, how very stereotypically Pagan of me.) For the past year I have been researching and carefully planning out my first adult (meaning organized) vegetable and herb garden. I've also spent the last two years experimenting with different plants. So imagine my heartbreak when I realized that I will be moving in Spring, right during prime planting season. My hopes and dreams have been shattered, take pity on my poor soul!! Okay, maybe that's a little dramatic, but I was am disappointed. My only options this year are to plant in boxes and large containers so they can be transported, or to take over my friend's giant backyard. Decisions, decisions. Either way I already started some seeds last night. In the words of Matthew Wilder, "Ain't nothin' gonna break my stride, nobody's gonna hold me down!! Oh-no!!".  And on that delightful note I leave you with some Earthy eye candy.

To sleep, perchance to dream...

Okay, so I haven't completed my reviews yet, but I needed to post something. Lately I've been thinking a lot about this blog and what, exactly, I want it to be. I have so many passions and interests, it seems impossible to pick just one of which this blog would be dedicated. I see so many beautiful, inspiring blogs focusing on just one theme and I want ever so badly to do the same. I just do not believe my brain will allow it. If I had it my way, I'd create a blog focusing on shabby chic home decor and gardening. With the kind of photos that transport you to some faraway land you once inhabited as a child, a la J.M. Barrie. (Have I mentioned I am obsessed with Peter Pan?) Unfortunately I lack a decent camera, presentable home, and a garden. So basically I lack everything I enjoy. Woe is me.

Fear not, my lovelies!! I have discovered a few individuals who embody everything I have ever loved in life. Below are links to their blogs and websites. I hope you find as much enjoyment and inspiration in them as me. Feel free to share your favorites as well.

The Fabric of Sweet Repose

Everyday Beauty

The Old Painted Cottage

Domestic Witch

The Cottage Nest

The Letter Cottage

Bumblebee

Of things forgotten...

Anyone who knows me well will tell you I have a full blown obsession with the past. No, I don't mean bad-relationship-baggage-wallow-in-your-own-pity-while-eating-an-entire-bag-of-oreos kind of past. I mean a time when glamour and chivalry ruled. I love every era pre-1990, but there's just something about the lifestyle of the 40's-60's that draws me in. I have done years and years of research on the fashion (hair and clothing), social behaviors, home decor, and bath/beauty products and regimes of the time. I've learned a lot, and have experimented with countless looks and products. Some which had disastrous, albeit hilarious, results. I will continue my research and experiments. Now that I have this handy blog I can finally document my obsession for all the world to see. When I'm feeling a little less lazy I will create a post with reviews of the beauty products I've tried. Until then here is a retro inspired Valentine's look I've put together.

Happy Valentine's Day everyone!!!

In the eye of the beholder...

Day four and I already fail. haha Hopefully I can make it up to my adoring fans (a girl can dream, can't she??) by offering some wonderful, and cheap, skin care tips!



Face Scrubs

1. Warm up a small amount of milk. I usually zap 3 tbsp for 10 seconds in the microwave.
2. Plop in however much brown sugar you want.
3. Dip in and scrub your face down. Rinse with warm water and pat dry.

This stuff is seriously fantastic. The sugar exfoliates while the milk moisturizes. My skin always feels amazing afterward.

1. You can either make your own lavender sugar scrub or you can purchase one at stores like Bath & Body Works.
2. Dampen your face and then smooth this stuff all over your skin. Rinse with warm water and pat dry.

This scrub is nice because not only does it exfoliate, but the lavender is antibacterial so it helps fight acne.


Face Masks

1. Crush a few (I use 5) aspirin and toss into a small bowl or cup. Make sure the aspirin is not coated.
2. Mix in honey until it forms a creamy paste.
3. Slather on your face, avoiding eyes and mouth. Let sit for 10-15 minutes.
4. Rinse with warm water and pat dry.

I love, love, love this mask!! I put it on 10-15 minutes before getting in the shower and rinse it off once I'm in. My skin always turns out perfectly smooth with a glow that would make any pregnant lady jealous!! Seriously, you must try it.



Acne Treatments

Calamine Lotion. I know. Trust me, though. Just dab this beautiful pink liquid on your offending spots before bed and let it work it's magic. There's a reason Lush has a facial cleanser with this stuff as a base.

Lavender and Tea Tree Pure Essential Oils. Just like the calamine, you'll want to dab this stuff on any trouble areas. The smell does take some getting used to, but it works. Tea Tree is just slightly more abrasive than the Lavender.




Okay, so try these out and let me know how you like them!! Perhaps later on I'll compile a list of store bought products that I love. I'll also really have to work on making all of my pictures one size.

Fancy

Growing up and continuing through high school, I had zero understanding of fashion. I also didn't know how to dress my body in a "flattering" way. I've always been awkward socially, so looking awkward just came naturally. Thankfully I have since gotten a clue. Yes, my style can sometimes be a little out there and, according to many of the people I know, down right hideous. But I kind of like that. Below are some outfits I assembled for my own inspiration. Share your opinions on them, as well as your own style and favorite looks. I love talking about fashion, so chat away!  

Stay tuned for tomorrow's entry. I'll be sharing cheap, home made skin care tips and recipes that will blow your mind and make your skin soft and dewy!!!

Into the Unknown.

Although I’ve kept a diary for the majority of my life, I never once imagined I’d one day be baring my soul for all the world to see. Yet here I am. Truth be told, I have no idea what I am doing, nor do I know what exactly the point of this blog is. I’ve never been good at keeping with themes, so expect to find a hodgepodge of thoughts, photos, tutorials, etc. My life is nothing exciting or special, in fact it is painfully ordinary. Perhaps that is what makes it special. You be the judge.

My name is Sharise. I am 25 years old and currently work as a nanny for one of my siblings. I spend my days caring for a 7 month old child when I, myself, do not want to have children. I obsess over almost everything and have a lot of quirks, which I have been told are (usually) charming. I am often compared to Zooey Deschanel’s character in New Girl. Yes, I am that girl. I am the youngest of four daughters. I love every animal on Earth, except all species of Hominidae (not including humans). I just don’t like them. I adore all things vintage, especially fashion. I spend too much money on clothing and beauty products. I have more useless, random information in my skull than anyone I know and I love it. My boyfriend and I have been together for over six years and have known one another for nine years. We are one another’s first and only loves. We are Cory and Topanga. It’s okay, you can be jealous. I flip flop between speaking like a true lady, a dirty sailor, and a valley girl. I like to say it keeps people guessing, but really I’m just weird. I am extremely guarded and rarely put my trust in anyone. I have zero qualms about telling my life story, including topics which may seem sensitive. People often think I have “let them in”. I haven’t. I am supremely competitive but rarely outwardly express it. When John Mayer sang “…But she’s just like a maze, Where all of the walls all continually change…” he was singing about me. No really, he was. I could ramble on like this for ages, but I won’t.

It’s nice to meet you. I hope you enjoy following my attempts to become a little less… mediocre.