a cheater chili, trick or treatin', spooktacular night...

If you are a busy mom like me, then you will feel no shame when you prepare this "cheater chili" as I call it. This is a fast, easy meal to cook for your family just before heading out this evening for Trick or Treating. It's filling and festive, sure to hit the spot on a chilly Halloween night!

Will serve 5-8 people, allowing for seconds too!

What you will need: 

1 medium onion

1 tsp of crushed garlic

1 package of shredded Mexican cheese

1 package of Extra Lean Ground Turkey

2 cans of can chili beans (any brand that you prefer)

1 can each of kidney, black beans (drained and rinsed)

1 can of corn (drained)

Directions


Pour extra virgin olive oil in a saucepan. Just enough to keep the turkey from sticking. Add chopped onion and fresh crushed garlic; cook over medium heat for 1 minute, then crumble turkey into saucepan; add a pinch of dried oregano and salt, cooking the turkey to well done. Add the chili beans, black beans, kidney beans and corn. Bring to a boil over high heat. Add 1-1 1/2 cups of water if too thick. Then reduce heat; simmer uncovered for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Serve topped with diced onion and shredded cheese. I like to serve mine with corn bread or tortilla chips.

if 5 minutes is all you have...

No costume for tonight, trying to figure out just how to get yourself and entire family ready for this evening? If 5 minutes is all you have for yourself, then this is great for you! Here's a simple way to "bust up" your face. Although it may be too realistic when answering the door. The kids just might go home to their parents and you may receive a phone call from worried (or nosy) neighbors asking if everything is ok in your home, at least my experience. However,  Halloween is the one evening where this makeup look can be fun!

Even the slightest black eye can tell 100 words. While an oozing, bloody lip seals the deal.

What you will need:

 Kryolan Special Filmblood (#4020), Color: light

Kryolan Six Color Bruise Wheel (#1304)

Using your ring finger, lightly pat on the darkest color of the Bruise Wheel in the inner corner of the eye. Next apply yellow on top of the deep purple. I then add the bright purple, gradually extending each color past the previous. Finish it off with a tiny bit of green and more yellow if needed (think of how a real bruise changes color as it heals). For the lip, I use the deep magenta color from the Bruise Wheel and apply it to my lip, even outside of the lip line so that it appears to be a scab. Last, apply the Filmblood with a Q-tip. It will give the busted lip an oozing effect sure to complete the look!

because they want to be just like you...

Do you have children? If so, you know just what I mean when I say, "they want to be just like you". My daughter loves having coffee with me in the morning. Whether it's coffee, tea or juice, children love to have their own space where they too can sit and enjoy their morning just like you. My daughter loves to sit at her table while I am making breakfast. This has become a morning routine for us. You can find her here, having tea parties with her baby dolls any other time of the day. 

Look for items at thrift stores, yard sales or discounted stores such as Ross or Marshall's. Don't be afraid to mix and match colors, styles of furniture to create an eclectic look. If you aren't satisfied with the color, not to worry that's what paint is for! If you are looking for more modern furniture, try stores such as IKEA or Target. They always have great, reasonably priced furniture.

far from plastic...

Ever find yourself unsatisfied with the selection of makeup containers? Seems all I ever come across are plastic, plastic and plastic. Are you more expressive when It comes to decor or style? Here are a few of my favorite ways to store my makeup brushes. Keeping your brushes in an upright position will allow them to keep their shape. Therefore, last longer! Try finding items in the office supply isle such as a pencil cup or bed and bath section for items such as a toothbrush tumbler. Not only are these great for storing your brushes but they also make a great statement piece on your bathroom counter-top!

A clear vase such as this one can be purchased at The Dollar Tree. It may also be filled with sand, favorite colored beads or marbles for a personalized touch.

My favorite, a single vintage glass cup I found while antique shopping with my grandmother years ago. The amber colored glass is perfect along side my earth-toned restroom.

This personalized tea-cup was given to me by a close friend as a Gift. The delicate cup was too pretty to drink from so instead, I opted for a more decorative use.

spooktacular decor...

 

Halloween is just around the corner and I'm sure you have already decorated for the occasion. If you have yet to do so, here is a quick way to decorate a mantel, counter top or shelve. I like to find old Halloween pictures of my family, pets or friends dressed in costumes from previous years and display them in frames. It's nice to look back and see just how much they have changed or grown. Halloween inspired, wood or stainless steel frames will create the perfect look. Next, I take an old object such as a candelabra or anything that will give it an Erie feel (think haunted house). Then, I display pumpkins in various shapes and sizes (they can be real or fake). Last, add in a glittery skull and a fancy candy dish full of Halloween candy. I prefer black or orange wrapped candies such as Reese's Peanut Butter miniatures, candy corn or tootsie rolls! I typically am a fan of the Harvest Theme instead of the spooky decor. However, I found an orange and black glittery skull in the dollar section of Target and couldn't resist. So this year, I have gone for the spooky, rustic look around my home. Anything with sparkle isn't that scary anyways, so why not. Surprisingly, it's quite cozy!

Make sure to mix and match objects in varies sizes and shapes but keeping them close together. Don't be afraid to over-lap them either!

to each is own...

All images provided by Quinna Borden Photography

The controversial M.A.C fall ad has displayed clown-like makeup when showing off their vibrant color palette. Although the model, Cindy Sherman’s images have captured metamorphosis after metamorphosis as she’s repeatedly transformed the same model: herself. Throughout her career she’s photographed herself as everything from a vixen to a victim, a centerfold to a corpse, using costumes, wigs and makeup to transform herself. Her work is sometimes disturbing, always provocative and often explores how women in particular are portrayed in society. 

My version of M.A.C's fall ad, after all to each is own!

don't you love homemade costumes

 Tribal can be created by mixing and matching patterns and colors making this a costume easy to create without breaking the bank.

When creating this costume, make sure to check your closet before making any unnecessary purchases. Tribal has been so popular this season that I'm certain you have at least one tribal inspired item. Notice the jewelry shown above is also worn on the ankle for an extra touch. Bone, wood and bold colored jewelry will create the perfect tribal inspired look. If you are unable to find clothing with tribal patterns, try a fabric store instead. I love going to Wal-mart for discounted fabric! I always find the perfect fabric for as little as $1! No need to sew, the frayed looked is perfect. For makeup, BOLD is the key! Blue, Yellow, Red, Bright Pink are a must! Cover Girl eyeshadow has vibrant colors for as low as $3 each. For a more intense color, apply the color with a wet sponge applicator. For the dramatic eye makeup, use a straight edge such as a ruler or paper towel to create the straight lines seen here around the eye. I kept the cheeks bare but chose a deep bronze for the lips. As for the hair, a tousled updo held up by a stick or a loose braid. A tribal inspired look wouldn't be complete without the bare feet. Now you are ready for trick or treat!

photos provided by Quinna Borden Photography

http://www.facebook.com/QuinnaBordenPhotography?sk=wall&filter=12



costume party! hmmm what to be...

Do you have a costumer party to attend but the cost of costumes these days getting in the way of you going? Here's an easy costume idea...

Vulture, Bird, Eagle...whatever it is, it's beautiful and fun! Choose colored feathers that are in common with your favorite bird at a craft store such as Michael's or Hobby Lobby. I chose neutral colored feathers based on her skin tone and teased out her hair to mimic the mane of an eagle. Backcombed hair and lots of Aqua Net hairspray will achieve the look of a mane. Apply your foundation as you would every day then set with a loose powder. Next let your creativity do the work..start 'painting' your canvas. Make sure to look up pictures on-line of the bird you want to create. Use bold colors that will stand out. Face paint can be used but for this particular shoot I used everyday eye shadow. Next contour your cheekbones with a dark but neutral shade of blush, then highlight the cheekbone with a light shimmery colored blush (if you don't have one, use the same color you would highlight your brow bone with). Finally apply a gold or orange lip color. Again, if you don't have such lip color, mix a clear lip gloss (or Vaseline) with an eyeshadow in the same color. Last apply feathers with eyelash glue then allow to dry. Look for clothing with similar shades, whether it comes from your closet or a thrift store. Make alterations if needed. Nothing wrong with showing some skin for one evening. For an extra touch, apply the same feathers you used for your face onto your clothing. You now have a beautiful homemade costume! 

on the other side...

This weekend I was asked to do a vintage themed bridal shoot. This time I got to be on the other side of the camera. I had a lot of fun with Leslie of Leslie D Photography. Check out her website at www.lesliedphotography.com. Thank you Leslie!

a new adventure

After years of debating about having a blog, I have finally given in! I have decided to share with you all the great things I enjoy instead. After all, makeup isn't my only passion...photography, antiques, anything vintage, yard sales, baking, crafts, decorating, jewelry, wine tasting, girls nights out and my family are what 'make-up' my life. Thought I'd share with you just some of my photography....