How To Repair The Shoes Your Dog Chews

I love animals, especially dogs and cats. So, as an animal lover, I am well adjusted to dealing with what comes with owning them. My cat sleeps on my clean clothes and pukes up fur balls that I always manage to step in when I'm half asleep. And my dog, a golden retriever, sheds a fur coat every day. Luckily for me, this is the worst of what they do. My dog has only ever chewed one pair of brand new heels when he was a pup and has no interest in shoes whatsoever now. 

I know it can be stressful and infuriating when you find a chewed up pair of shoes and a cute dog that has no idea that those were mommy's favorite pair. BUT don't lose complete hope! Some shoes can be repaired with a little glue and creativity. Hell, you might like them even better. 

My aunts poodle decided my cream colored flats looked delicious one afternoon, so I rummaged through my craft basket and kept my glass half full. Here is an idea of what you can do, ladies.

As you can see, she got the back of the shoe pretty good. The other shoe was spared. I found some scrap lace and cut an even amount to put on the back of each shoe.

I love E-6000 and use it for many projects if sewing isn't an option. It does need a bit of time to dry, which I don't mind because it gives me the option to adjust pieces if I need to.

Finished project! Very simple and easy to do. 

So rummage through your craft area or head to your local craft store. Lace, rhinestones, and little flowers are a few items you can use to repair and revamp your shoes. Plus, now they are unique and even more you!

C.

Femininity: My Top 5 Hair And Body Products!

The summer months are upon us and so is the heat! Not only do us gals want to look our best, we want to feel our best as well. I chose 5 of my favorite products (and it wasn't easy to narrow down) to keep you cool and carefree this summer. 

I definitely believe these are my ultimate favorites and I just can't help but share them with you. Now - let me discuss each one individually so you know exactly why I chose these 5. :)

1. Victoria's Secret Smoothing Body Scrub. I swear by this stuff. The company didn't have it for a while and I was shocked and ecstatic when I saw it had returned. This is definitely the best body scrub I have ever used. Once a week I'll use it over my entire body, but mostly I stick to shaving with it. Trust me, you're legs (and other parts) will thank you! It also gives you enough lather so there is no need for shaving cream. 

2. St. Ives Skin Renewing Lotion. Everyone is always striving to look younger. So companies make products, like foundation and lotion, that promise you younger looking skin in just a few weeks. I'm not saying I buy any of it, but sometimes it doesn't hurt to try it. Especially if it won't cost you an arm and a leg and a hole in your wallet. I bought this lotion not only because of what it claims to do, but because it smells SO GOOD. I wear perfume so if I get a big bottle of lotion, I don't want the two different smells to clash. This is a great mild, fresh smell. No matter what type you purchase, lotion, in general, is good to have. 

3. Neutrogena's Healthy Skin Radiance Cream. It's important to have a good moisturizer. It's also important to know what type of skin you have. I have combination skin. Oily in some areas, dry in others. I like this moisturizer because it helps even out your skin tone and deliver just enough moisture to keep my skin comfortable. 

4. Nexxus' Humectress Luxe Leave - In Hair Conditioner. I love Nexxus products but I'm also a little cheap. Their Humectress conditioner is great at softening and smoothing out your hair AND it helps with static electricity. I buy this leave - in conditioner so that I can use cheaper volumizing conditioners and still get the Nexxus end result. In general I do recommend any Nexxus products.

5. Victoria's Secret Fresh Glow Luminous Cooling Mist. This is a new item at my beloved Vicky's Secret. They have 5 or 6 different perfumes in this spray. I, unfortunately, buy their Noir perfume and they didn't have it in this mist. I went with the Very Sexy: Touch. It smells awesome and leaves flecks of shimmery goldness all over your body. This is great if you want to look like a goddess in the sun or for some extra sexy when you hit the town at night. I LOVE this mist. 

Alright, folks! That completes my list! As always, I hope this was helpful and at least a tab bit entertaining. I will do my best to answer any of your questions. Have fun! :)

C.

How To Be A Gentleman

Everyone knows the saying, "Chivalry is dead", and if you have seen Dave Chappelle's "Killing Them Softly",  you'll remember his response that women killed it (If you haven't seen his stand-up, I urge you to get your act together, please). One of the saddest thoughts that comes to my mind almost daily, is that there IS quite a shortage of chivalrous gentleman and I frankly don't understand why. 

Most of my blog entries are and will be geared towards females, but I feel I need to, on behalf of women that try to be ladies, mention what men can do to woo us and sweep us off of our feet. (No we do not like being yelled at while we're getting groceries at Walmart.)

I'm not sure if men thinks it's too difficult to think about something other than their car or abs or light beer, OR maybe they are afraid of not treating women as their equal. So, I will give some simple instructions on how to improve your relationships with others and be an all around stand up guy. 

*Before I begin with these helpful hints, I will say that I understand it can be difficult to read women. Start with basic politeness and see how she responds. Some women are obviously more feminist and others will relish in your old-fashioned tricks. Alter as needed.*

How To Be A Gentleman Towards Ladies:

1. Open doors for her. Car doors and restaurant doors, mainly. If she automatically gets out of the car, don't stress, you'll have plenty more opportunities to step it up. 
2. Let the lady decide where she wants to sit at the table before you sit down.
3. Let her order first. This is a pretty big pet peeve of mine, because it is so simple. 
4. Wait until she takes the first bite before you start eating. This one is never done. But when I have seen it, I think it's adorable.  And it's nice to make sure her food is good before you've devoured yours in one bite. 
5. Give her your jacket. Or at least offer it. 
6. If you are on a sidewalk taking a stroll, let her walk on the inside. It will show your protective side (and if anyone is going to trip into traffic, it should be you ;)).
7. While out with your friends, keep her by your side and part of the conversation. It's rude to stand in front of her while you're chatting with your buddies or not realizing she has went somewhere else in the area to engage in better conversation. 
8. If you are interested in her, pursue her. Ladies want chased, not the other way around. 
9. Buy her flowers. Most men think flowers are pointless since they die three days later. Let me make this clear -> women DO NOT CARE how long flowers last; they just want them. Flower buying is not about you, it's about her. 
10. If you are waiting to be seated at a restaurant and there are women standing, let them have your seat. They will probably decline, but they will thank you. DEFINITELY offer it to a pregnant woman.

Now that isn't so difficult, is it? Start with a few of those basics and work your way up. There are a few general rules, as well, for life as a gentleman.

How To Be A Gentleman In General:

1. When pouring beverages or serving food, serve yourself last. 
2. Wear properly fitted clothing. Who doesn't want to look their snazziest?
3. Shake hands when meeting new people (and friends if you prefer it).
4. Show the same amount of basic respect to everyone you encounter, whether your parent or a waiter. 
5. Have and keep a job.
6. Explore new hobbies that do not include 6 hours of ESPN or XBOX.
7. Learn how to use your hands. It is always helpful to be the person that can fix a car or build a tree house. And ladies love a man that is good with his hands. 
8. Use your manners. Please and Thank You never killed anyone.
9. Stand up and say your goodbyes when people are leaving. It shows appreciation and respect towards your acquaintances. 
10. Give premium liquor as a gift to men, and flowers as a gift to women. Unless, of course the woman likes liquor. :)
11. Play fair (and fight fair if you must fight at all.)
12. Enjoy the arts.
13. Read. Seriously.
14. Take pride in something. 

A little bit can always go a long way;                                    a lot can make you well rounded. 

And while you're at it, make this website a favorite - The Art Of Manliness

C.

Femininity: 5 Of My Favorite Spring Nail Polishes!

I love warm weather and I'm sure I speak for a lot of ladies (and gentlemen) when I say that it just down right makes you feel better! Spring isn't my favorite season, but it sure does mark the beginning of longer days, cute sundresses, and brightly colored nail polish!

The greatest thing about nail polish is that even the most expensive brand is still cheaper than a new outfit. Polish is perfect for a small touch of girliness.

I love changing my nail polish with the seasons. Bright and fun in the warmer months, dark and sophisticated in the colder ones. Always sexy. Now that warmer weather is sticking it's neck out, it's definitely time for fun and flirty fingers and toes! Here are my top 5 for spring!

1. Let's start with this purple shade called Wild Orchid by Rimmel London. I really love the way their polish glides on. It also has a thicker brush which makes less of a mess around your fingers. Any lighter and/or brigher purple is perfect for spring. Paint it on while wearing a cute, yellow, floral dress or an orange tank top and jean shorts.

2. Yellow! This shade can sometimes be tricky to pull off without looking too childish. I prefer only using it on my toes. I have NYC's Lexington Yellow. It's definitely a fun color and can brighten up your day when you look down and see your sunny little toes! Wear it with your white sundress and wedge sandles.

3. If you want a color that really stands out, try Now You Sea Me by Loreal Paris. This is one of my favorite shades. The actual color is a bit lighter than this picture allows, but even shown here it's still beautiful. I love shades of turqoise and mint. I get a lot of compliments when I have this polish on! It's goes perfect with a peach top and navy blue slacks or a white blouse and lacy gray skirt.

 4. Now, of course, I have to put a pink shade on this list! It's essential female and perfect in the springtime. Loreal Paris' Pink Me Up! is a terrific, bright pink and goes great on fingers and toes. Perfect when wearing your sexy black bikini!

5. I felt it necessary to pick a neutral color for my top 5. It can be hard to find a good neutral shade that doesn't look streaky or uneven, or dirty after a day or two. Beige is a surprisingly pretty color for spring. This Revlon Colorstay shade, called Bare Bones, is my newest nail polish purchase. It obviously goes with anything and if you can't wear bright colors to work, use beige on your fingers and one of the other colors on your toes!

Ahhh! Isn't polish fun?!

Now I must stress how important it is to use a base and top coat. With routine filing before application and the use of Revlon's Multi Care Base & Top Coat, I can get my polish to stay on for a week with no chipping and minor wearing. If I don't use it, my polish comes off the next day. So don't be lazy! (Sometimes it even helps your nail polish dry faster!)

I hope this shows how easy it is to add a touch of femininity to your appearance without having to try very hard. BUT - always remember - as soon as it starts to chip, remove it! No nail polish is %110 better than chipped nail polish!

Happy painting. :)

C.

My Favorite Things: Books!

I love books. What I also love is having time to read them. I refuse to buy any sort of technological, tablet nonsense because they don't look as good on a bookshelf and no one has figured out how to make them smell like ink and paper, combined. Now I love trees and I understand that its better in that aspect...but COME ON. Books are magnificent. 


I really enjoy reading classic literature (Gone with the Wind, Pride and Prejudice, The Awakening...). I sometimes find good travel/adventure books (A Walk in the Woods and Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas, mainly) but what I must admit I enjoy the most are good, old fashion mystery novels. More specifically: Agatha Christie. 

I briefly mentioned in my first blog, Let Me Reintroduce Myself, that I grew up watching T.V. shows with my Gam. I can remember bits and pieces of Agatha Christie's "Murder on the Orient Express" on BBC. As an adult I am a bit obsessed. Perhaps because of the time period they were written in, definitely because they are mysteries and most importantly, because of my love for a certain Belgian detective. 


Dame Agatha Christie has many different detectives with their own sets of books and/or short stories. Hercule Poirot and Miss Marple are her most famous. I'll tell you now that I do not read all of her books. I have no doubt that the ones I don't read are brilliant, I am just loyal to her little foreign sleuth, Hercule Poirot (Her-kyulle Pwa-row) and his perfectly trimmed moustache.  I even named my handsome gray tabby cat, Captain Arthur Hastings, who is, to Monsieur Poirot, what Dr. Watson is to Sherlock Holmes. The original T.V. show frequently featured his sidekick, as well as his secretary, Miss Lemon and Inspector James Japp of Scotland Yard (even though they were not actually in each story, they were written in and extremely well received by viewers). This is a picture of the wonderful foursome. I keep it as my wallpaper on my laptop. Oh so incredibly nerdy.

Inspector James Japp, Monsieur Hercule Poirot, Captain Arthur Hasting, and Miss Felicity Lemon

I have lovingly watched every episode of Poirot and I eagerly wait for the last 5 books to be made into movies. After watching them all (over and over) I started buying the books. The first one I purchased was Murder on the Orient Express. I read it in 10 minutes. Okay, okay, I exaggerated, but I'm not far off. For me it's been fun comparing the movies to the books. 


All of her stories are so clever; so smart. The wonderful thing about her books are how easy they are to read. It's also fun trying to figure out whodunit. 

I just finished her Poirot Mystery "Five Little Pigs". It's about a girl that seeks out Poirot in hopes that he can look into a case that is 16 years old. Her father was poisoned and her mother was found guilty of committing the crime and hanged. So the story is set in flashbacks and Poirot must conclude whether she truly was guilty or innocent. I watched the movie 3 times before reading the book and most of it is exactly the same. I definitely recommend this book AND movie. It is, undoubtedly, one of her saddest stories and that sadness is terrifically transferred to the screen. This is one I was able to watch on YouTube. (Most Poirot episodes are hard to find on YouTube because of copyright issues and so the titles have been cleverly altered just a bit.)


Agatha Christie is brilliant and her books are a joy to read. So, get a move on! Rush to your nearest bookstore or open up a new tab and start buying! Some other favourites of mine include:
Halloween Party
After the Funeral
Death on the Nile




C.

Femininity: What Pretty Eyebrows You Have

So part of this blog is focusing on how to's. Short, step - by - step guides on how ladies do it. My friend Nicole needed help restructuring her eyebrows. So I offered up my knowledge on the subject. 
Over the past 100 years popular shapes of eyebrows have changed. In the 1920's when short hair and short dresses became the style, girls also started making their brows pencil thin.





The "It Girl" flapper, Clara Bow, famously wore thinly shaped eyebrows. 


Eyebrows eventually began thickening back up for a more naturally shaped look. 

My favorite actress, Audrey Hepburn, 

had beautiful, thicker eyebrows.

 In the 80's, not only did women tease and over hairspray their perms, some also brushed their eyebrows up and hair sprayed them as well. 


How unfortunate that that style didn't last. ;)






When I was younger and had just started playing around with being a woman, I looked at pictures of movie stars, studying their makeup and and hair styles. I also looked at their eyebrows. At the time I didn't get the concept that you have to own your shape. I don't have naturally pencil thin eyebrows so I shouldn't try shaping them that way. If you follow your natural shape it rounds out your features and ends up being a lot less maintenance. 


So here's the step - by - step process to creating your perfect eyebrows. :)


First of all, use tweezers, there is less of a chance you'll make a mistake. It is okay to use wax in the center, if you need to. 


 The shape of any eyebrow should hit 3 points: Use a brush to get an even line - 
1. Line up with the edge of your nose and inside of your eye. 

2. The arch of your brow should line up with the pupil of your eye and your nose.

3. The outer edge of your brow should line up with the outside of your eye and nose.

Now, you can stop here, or if you want a little more depth or fullness you can fill in with an eyebrow pencil or powder. Most drug store cosmetic lines carry them, finding your shade is usually the most difficult part. But, similar to foundations and lipsticks, you may have to try a couple until you get the perfect one. I prefer powder, it's easier for me to work with.

Use the color closest to your brow, even mixing if you have to. Make light, short, "hair-like" strokes along your brow.

Then take a highlighting shadow and apply it right underneath your brow.

Eyebrow hairs do have a tendency to move out of place sometimes and the powder may wear as the day goes. A wax type pencil is good to have on hand.

To prevent your eyebrows actually looking waxy, 

take your eyebrow brush and re-lift the hairs so they're not stuck together 

and flat against your face. 

What you want is a subtle, clean distinction. You don't want to make them too drastically different from your regular eyebrow. Here is the finished right eyebrow and the undone left.

And, here is the final result. 

Hopefully this demonstration has been helpful! It took me a while to embrace my thicker eyebrows and I like them just the way they are. ;) And Nicole - best of luck! :)

C.

Let Me Reintroduce Myself...

It's important to enjoy the little things in life. Most of the time, those little things are what keep you comfortable or sane or just going. Tea is one of my important little things. I'm not British; I'm from Southeastern Ohio, but I enjoy a good cup of tea more than once a day. I even read articles on how and why the Brits drink their tea. I especially enjoy a cuppa on stressful days because I'm forced to slow down, maybe just for 2 seconds, to take a sip of warming tea and a deep breath. 

My name is Christina Nicole Lass and I'll be 26 on March 8th (AHHH!). Most everyone call me Christy, the closest call me C. It took a good amount of time, and trial and error, to figure myself out. I've always been just a bit odd. Not creepy odd or irrational odd or annoying odd...just a tad bit odd. Odd in a good way, I think. I grew up watching old shows with my grandmother (Gam) and I still enjoy watching them over reality T.V. today. I'm fascinated by anything vintage and I often feel I was born in the wrong era. Frankly, I wish men still wore top hats and women wore dresses and red lipstick all the time. Oh well, I make due and hang out in antique stores. I am going to be and do what makes me happy. I'll just continuously pretend I live 100 to 50 years ago. 

There are obviously many more things about me, but we'll get to that as we go. ;)

Now, onto what I would like to focus on in this blog. I want to be able to talk about being a lady in the 21st century. I want to express the importance of being different and unique. If I get questions I'll do my best to answer/demonstrate them. If nothing else I want this blog to showcase what I enjoy and why I enjoy them because knowing what makes you happy is important. 

Have a spectacular day. 
C.