Selling my pride and joy - SIOPA RINCE RAINBOW IRISH DANCE DRESS

Being a very serious competitive Irish dancer, it was required of me to search out the perfect dress. After searching and searching, I finally found one that I HAD TO HAVE. You know, that moment when you see something, and it speaks to you so strongly you just have to buy it? Yes.

This dress is a show stopper. Every time I wore this dress I received so many compliments it was unbelievable, and most times judges would leave a comment about how beautiful it is. It got to the point that judges would remember me because of this dress. It is so unique and fun, I never saw anyone with a dress anything like it, and to this day it is stylish and eye catching. The colors look good on nearly any skin and hair type. 

The dress is in very, VERY good condition, aside from a couple of spots of embroidery coming loose, which is easily fixed. There is also a little bit of make-up on the inside neck of the dress, however this is unavoidable, and compared to other dresses I've had is very minimal. I replaced all of the jewels that have fallen off, and the dress is covered in sparkling crystals. I took very good care of this dress, it was my pride and joy. There is no sweat marks in this dress, I was careful to put protective covers in the armpits and air the dress out. The quality of the sewing and embroidery is unmatched. 

The front displays a rainbow of soft panels in vibrant colors, and I have extra fabric in each of the colors. The sleeves and bodice are black velvet. The back panel of the dress is a giant red and white bow that snaps on, and is so unique. Matching bumpkins, hair bow and headband adorned with jewels included. There is also a dress bag that was made specifically for this dress, and is super small, and so easy to carry, even on airlines! Everyone is always asking where I got it from, it is adorable and fits the dress perfectly, with extra pockets inside. If you want to dress bag too, let me know and I will give you the price. 

This dress was made for someone age 15. I wore it when I was 17. I let it out all the way and added ruffles on the sleeves an underneath the skirt. These ruffles can be easily removed. The measurements below include the ruffles, and the ruffles add about 1 1/4 inch length to the sleeves and bottom of skirt. There is about 1 inch of room, maybe a little bit more, to take in the dress.

Measurements (in inches):

Chest: 32

Waist: 28

Sleeve: 23

Skirt: 12 1/2

Bodice - should to waist: 18

Neck to Waist: 14 3/4

Full Length from neck: 27 1/2

Should to Should across back: 11 1/2

This is the extra fabric.

Make up on the inside neck.

Art pit covers.

Take in room on the sides of the bodice.

Take in room for the skirt.

Under skirt of the dress.

Matching bloomers.

DIY Sharpie MUGS! Adweebable.

Check this out. Do It Yourself customized sharpie mugs. 

Are they not so cute?

And, let me tell you, sooooo easy. 

The perfect little gift for literally anyone - you can put anything you want on these!
And, let's be honest, everyone drinks something. 

Allow me to show you how to make them :)

Since my boyfriend DJ was leaving for 2 years to serve an LDS mission in Bangkok, Thailand, I decided it would be a cute idea to make him a little mug to take with him. It took me about 45 minutes total, including baking time. The hardest part is getting the design to look just right.

What you need:
Sharpies
A plain mug
Rubbing Alcohol
Cotton Ball
 Oven
Creativity

The mug I have here was just from Target for about $3. I'm sure it wouldn't be hard to find one at Wal-Mart or Dollar Tree for close to the same amount. Just make sure the surface is flat enough to draw on.

The first thing I did was sketch out what I wanted on my mug so I already knew where to begin. You can put anything you want on the mug: designs, quotes, sayings, a picture, doodles...anything!

#1

First you're going to want to take your cotton ball, pour a decent amount of rubbing alcohol on it, and wipe off all surfaces of your mug that you will be drawing on.

This removes any oils from your hands and will ensure the design will go on smoothly and stay on!

If you make any mistakes while drawing, if you quickly wipe the marker off with this cotton ball you can start over! Nifty! Just make sure you act fast to remove the mistake, let it dry, and begin again. (one of my favorite Taylor Swift songs)

#2

Next. Draw, honey. Draw. Let your creativity loose and be free.

#3

Once you've gotten your design just how you want it, it's time to bake the mug.

Baking the mug will seal your drawing so that even if the mug is washed it will remain intact.

Heat your even to 425 degree and cook the mug for 30 minutes.

I just set mine on a cookie tray.

After the 30 minutes is up, you take it out annddd...it looks exactly the same as when you put it in. At least it should, or else you should be worried something went wrong. ;)

Let it cool for a while and then..

#4

Fill it with goodies and give it away! Or, hey, keep it for yourself!

I filled my mug with cookies and creme kisses, then tied a sparkly red bow around the top.

He absolutely loved it, and said he'd drink out of it everyday ;) Awww.

Hope you have fun trying this fun little crafty activity. I felt very accomplished afterword.

Virtual hugs from me to you.

Peace.

Noteworthy November Favorites

Yes, I have been having a little bit of favoriting going on over here in Alissa World. You know, a few little odds and ends that I find myself using daily and absolutely CANNOT live without. Mmmhmm. Allow me to introduce them.

Say hello to these two sisters of the Great Lash family. Two Mascaras, one is the Clear Transparent, and the other is in the color Royal Blue. Mamma Mia. If you know me, I am a girl for the out-of-the-ordinary, and believe you me, with some blue eyelashes, you catch some second glances. I love the pop of color the blue adds, without it being toooo crazy weird. The Clear Transparent is my new baby for taming my crazy eyebrows. After filling in my eyebrows I just brush a little bit of this over them, and they stay in place all day long. I believe they were around $4-5 dollars at Wal-Mart. Get yourself one of these.

This stuff. Yes to Carrots Super Rich Body Butter. I don't know about you, but in the winter my hands become crusty crusty. At first I thought the natural smell of this butter was weird, but after I while I became addicted to it. I love the smell, and the way this creme just glides onto your skin and keeps you hydrated. I will buy more when I run out.

Look at that. I am a sucker for nail polishes. Its like therapy to me. If I need to feel at the top of my game...new nail color. This color is called Endless Blue from Sinful Colors. I got this baby at Wal-Mart for around $2. It is so vibrant, and the polish goes on so well. Love.

Why am I always eating these now? Wintergreen Altoids...enough said. I just love the flavor, and the minty freshness.

This Chai Tea roll on perfume is pure heavenly. I found this at my favorite little vintage shop where I live, and although it was $20, it was worth it. The spicy sweet smell of Chai is just like a bottle of happiness to me. I seriously open this just to smell it before bed sometimes. The perfume is by Royal Apothic, and I'm telling you...it's one of a kind.

Mike and Ikes. Yes. They got back together. This Tropical Typhoon flavor is like a blast of tropical party in your mouth. I eat these when I'm hungry. I eat these when I'm not hungry. I eat these while doing homework and driving and watching movies. Try them. ;)

And there you have it. Just a few random little things I've been loving. Try them out, post your own, and let me know other great items out there. 

Remember: Don't let yesterday use up too much of today.

Virtual hugs from me to you.

Peace.

I am a redhead with a fiery personality...

Home for the holidays!!! Hallelujah.

But before I begin ranting and blabbing about the many strange happenings in mah crazy beautiful... Sometimes dull, frustrating and laughable... life, allow me to introduce myself. I am 18 years old, going on 19 in January. I am a redhead with a fiery personality. I am currently studying business marketing and statistics, and plan on going into the beauty industry one day, because, let me tell ya, I'm one of those divas - can't get enough of the make-up. I believe that the human face is like a perfect, blank canvas. Cosmetology is an art. Not only that, it can be used to make women feel beautiful and confident, and I know it definetely brings me a lot of joy. Everyone has their one weird talent, and for me...I live for another makeover, or the opportunity to make someone feel beautiful and enhance their natural elegance. I am proud to call three sisters and one brother my own - Shealeen, my older sister and kindred spirited best friend, Sarina, the barking middle child trouble maker, Adalyn, the sassy little diva, and David, the poor, bossed around little punk of the family. I am thrilled to announce we have 2 cats - Shadow and Sushi. Can I just add...I love cats. Yes. I openly admit to it.

 I enjoy fashion, have an obsession with Ireland, and am a competitive Irish dancer. I have a vintage greeting card collection, love to create things and read my scriptures, spend weekends with Grandma, and enjoy writing and receiving letters. Pen pals, baby. Pen pals is where it's at. I make up my own words. I tend to be OCD. I have dance parties...in my room...alone...daily. I obsess over eyebrows, squishy babies, and buttered wheat toast. Tea is my therapy. Sunflowers, antique shops and seeing my sister bring me unspeakable joy. Swinging in the park, singing in the dark, and causing an uproar.
I believe in down to earthness. We're all on this earth together, all have our different challenges, and can come together to help one another make it through. Enjoy each part of life. Why spend a moment unhappy? Find a reason to love today. I'm sure you will discover more about me as I write, and reach out. There are so many great things I am looking forward to in my future, and am just excited to live. We're all in this together.

Virtual hugs from me to you.
Peace.