Redefining Greatness

Hmm...so its the end of May. My last post was a month ago. An actual full month.  Every week I've thought "today I'll post" but I just haven't had it in me. So its confession time.  There seems to be a lot of that going on in the blogosphere lately (like here, here, and here).  Its pretty odd timing that this whole confession thing is happening.  It actually makes me a little angry since I've thought about writing this post for quite some time.  Since I never bothered to write it, now it seems like I'm just jumping on the pity party bandwagon. But one of the things I have to work on is to stop worrying about being the first to do something, to stop comparing my content to everyone else's, and to stop measuring everything I do against "better" blogs or for gods-sake projects on Pinterest.

I've been considering for several months now of shutting down Fairytale Frosting. Blogging is exhausting. I found that I stopped looking at the world in a joyful way.  I used to look at my baking, my crafts, and my other quirky activities as a fun way to pass time and hopefully end up with something beautiful. Instead I started looking at things like "how can I turn this into a blog post that will get me more readers." "How can I make this project even better than it is on Pinterest so that I can have a popular pin" I stopped having fun with my hobbies and started becoming critical of my work, always falling short of expectations.
I've been blogging for almost 3 years and I have about 114 followers. (Which I love love love you guys!) but in blog-land, that's a failure.  I actually had a company, with whom I wanted to partner with, tell me that they "did not have time for a blog like Fairytale Frosting".  And that was the nice part of the email.
I've had customers actually email argue with me about my pricing for goods such as my fondant toppers. One customer told me that my prices were far too high and my products were not "worthwhile". Anyone who sells handmade anything knows what a struggle it is to determine pricing.  Its hard not to second guess yourself when you have one negative thing after another. I know there is a saying about it being easier to believe the bad stuff, but the quote escapes me at the moment.

Between my own expectations and the handful of negative remarks I've gotten, its hard to stay motivated and enjoy the process.  So I've been neglecting it. I've cried over it. I've let people down over it. I haven't had it in me.  Who knew that a blog could be so exhausting?

With that said, I took some time off. For a few weeks I mostly just ignored that I even really had a blog. Then I started to back up some old photos, and was flipping through some of the work I've done in the last almost 3 years. And you know what....Toot Freakin Toot I'm quite proud of it.  Even with all of the imperfections.
I started to miss that feeling.  I missed creating things because it was fun. Its time I realigned my goals with myself.

I may not post regularly, my content will be varied, I may even share on subjects that aren't baking or craft related (gasp!) but everything I write about will be because it comes from my heart.  I vow now to write about things I enjoyed doing.  And you know what, if it doesn't get pinned on Pinterest, or never gets commented on, or never gains me any new readers....that's OK BY ME.  I do all of these crazy things because I like them. At the end of the day, that's what counts.

So, if you've managed to stick through this whole crazy post, thank you. If you've been following my blog here or Facebook or Twitter....THANK YOU. I am humbled and honored by that fact. I also apologize for ever letting the thought cross my mind that I needed "more" readers.

Today I start with a fresh look at blogging. Its no longer about being a popular blog.  Its exactly what it was meant to be from the beginning....a way for me to share about things I love. That may include crafts, desserts, cooking, my dogs, my home, or whatever may peak my interest at the time. I will no longer try to fit into the blog mold.  Someone out there has a better looking blog, wittier posts, or more creative content.  You know what, good for them. This, this is my space, to be my definition of great.  Which will not be determined by anyone else's standards but my own.

Stay tuned kids, I'm not going anywhere.

Tropical Gradient Hibiscus Nails

This week my nails were inspired by my friend Leslie. Leslie sent me a picture of a gradient manicure she gave herself, inspired by a Pinterest pin. She gave me a few pointers and I decided to give it a try. Since summer is practically here, I decided to go bright! I intended to do an angled gradient, but it turned out a little more vertical! I also added a white and purple hibiscus to my ring finger.

Thanks for the inspiration Leslie!  Who knew makeup sponges could have such a cool effect!

No Heat Curl Methods: A Review

I have really long thick hair and sometimes wearing it straight everyday gets boring. However I am also really lazy, so styling my hair for work is pretty low on my priority list. I decided to test drive some no heat curl methods. How much easier could it be, wash hair, roll into curls, sleep, wake up, look amazing. Right? Here are my reviews on a few methods. (Please excuse the less than flattering photos of me...I start work at 6am.  I dont look human for at least another 2-3 hours!)

Technique #1: Andrea's Choice Twist Curls (See the tutorial HERE)

For this method you basically divide damp hair into sections, twist around each other, pin into place, sleep and then untwist.

 This technique was really easy to do, however I was not impressed with the results. My curls were not well defined even after styling gel and mousse. As the day wore on they became giant frizz twists.

Score: Fail

Technique #2: Braided Waves

For this technique I divided my damp hair into sections, braided it, slept, then undid the braids.

Like the twist technique my curls were more wavy than defined and became increasingly frizzy as the day wore on. Also, tying the ends of the braids with hair bands left kinks and straight ends.

Score: Fail

Technique #3:  The Sock Bun (You can view the tutorial HERE)

For this technique you roll your damp hair around a sock, sleep, unroll and apparently get amazing curls

I tried this technique 3 separate times and each time my hair turned out like this. Frizzy, no real defined curls, just basically a mess.

Score: Fail

Technique #4: Sock Roll Curls

A friend explained to me how to do this, she did it on her daughter's hair.  You take damp hair, divide in sections. Wrap each section around a sock.  Roll each sock to your crown and tie the ends together. Sleep. Wake up, untie each sock and curls! I saw the pics of my friend's daughter and her curls turned out great! So I was optimistic.

 This is what it looked like when I first unrolled the socks. Unfortunately, only a few curls in the front even looked like curls.....

After some styling gel and mousse it became this giant mess. Unfortunately my curls were not cute and bouncy like my friend's daughter. They were mostly a tangle mess.

Score: Better than fail but not a pass.  This method has potential.  My friend's daughter had great curls, so I know its possible.  But maybe just not on my hair. *sniffle*

Technique #5: Twisty Roller Curls (You can view the tutorial HERE)

This technique required me to purchase twisty bendy rollers (yes that's the official term).  I picked up a cheap set from Sally Beauty Supply.

These curls turned out lovely, very tight and defined.  However due to sleeping on the rollers some of the curls weren't really curling in the right direction.  Also, sleeping on these rollers sucked. I wrapped my hair in a silk scarf to keep them all in place. It was extremely uncomfortable.

Score: Pass but not perfect. If the rollers were more comfortable, this would be perfect! Perhaps a different kind than what I bought would work better.

Technique #6: Bohemian Headband Curls (View the tutorial HERE)

For this technique you wrap damp hair around a headband, sleep, unroll, curls!

The first picture is when I first unrolled the headband. Then a closeup, then what my hair looked like at the end of my work day. I actually had forgotten to put any product in my hair, so I was pretty impressed with how well the curls held after a 9 hour day.

Score: Pass

This method had the most consistent and nice looking curls.  There wasn't much for kinks or frizz, and that was also without product! The curls aren't quite as nice as heat styled curls, but they serve as a great alternative.

Technique #7: The Scrunch and Go

This is my usual curl technique. Wash my hair, scrunch with gel and mousse, air dry. This works great on hot summer days.  However going into work with wet hair just isnt really the look I'm going for.

Score: Pass.  The curls are great for a daytime look in the summer, but it doesn't dry quick enough in the morning for me to do it for work without going into the office with wet hair. Its also not great in Minnesota winter.  Nobody likes icicle hair. But overall, great curls....but then again, it is my natural texture! 

I hope you enjoyed this review and maybe found some techniques to try! If you do, please leave your reviews in the comments.  I'd love to see how these work for different types of hair.

Belle of the Ball

"Tale as old as time...." Beauty and the Beast, one of the best Disney movies ever! (Next to the Little Mermaid---but I may be partial to red heads!). My friend Amie was throwing her adorable daughter a Belle themed birthday party.  This little princess was in love with all things Belle and I got to be the lucky one to make desserts for her!  We decided on cookies, cupcakes and cake focusing on the dress and the rose.

 There were a couple of boys attending the party so I made sure to include a few beast cookies too.

Thanks Amie for letting me make these fun desserts! I hope Audrey's party was a huge success!

Decorative Scissors Nail Art

Welcome back from the weekend! Yeah, a little too enthusiastic for a Monday eh? I cant help it, this week my nails are screaming rock 'n' roll! I was cruising the nail polish at Target and came across a matte top coat.  I had to try it! Normally I like my nails extra shiny but trying out the matte trend has been on my to-do list so I picked it up.  This week I decided to do a half matte, half glossy look. Check it out....

 First paint on the hot pink followed by a coat of shiny top coat. I allowed to dry for about an hour. Then I cut strips of blue painters tape. I trimmed the edge of the tape with some decorative scissors from my scrapbooking supplies. Gently press the tape to your fully dry nail, covering about half of the nail with tape. Make sure the decorative edge is sealed down tight. Then coat the exposed nail with black polish, then the matte top coat. Remove tape strips right away, while polish is still wet. This is tricky so be careful not to smudge! Allow to dry completely and you have this rock 'n' roll, shiny 'n' matte, funky manicure!

Fairytale Direction Sign

I am so excited to share this project! We are having an unseasonably warm spring in Minnesota, so I have been anxious to get out in my yard. Its still to early to do much in terms of planting, so I got started on some yard art.  I fell in love with this pin:

Source: natashabailie.tumblr.com via Jessy* on Pinterest

(This pin's source isnt accurate. I've tried to find the original source without success. If you know it please message me.)

I have a small corner of my yard that could really use some landscape help this year. I decided to recreate this idea for my yard. (Don't mind the plants around it, I'm working on that later in the season!)

To make this sign, I first chose the names/locations from my favorite books, movies, and real life places. I figured out how many signs I wanted on the post. Fortunately we had lots of random pieces of wood in our garage from other projects. I gave everything a coat of white exterior paint. I searched online for free fonts that matched the places I picked. I adjusted the font sizes as necessary, printed them in the reversed mirror image so it would read correctly when I transferred it. I placed each name ink side down and I used rubbing alcohol to transfer the text onto each board. I just dabbed it on with a cotton ball. Carefully peeling the paper away you will have a light transfer of the text.  Enough to paint over with black paint. I used acrylic craft paint. I gave it a quick coat of sealant before constructing it all.

Do you know where all the places are from?

The Great Valley:  The Land Before Time, a childhood favorite movie for my family

Edinburgh: Scotland. I studied in a nearby town during college. Edinburgh is one of my most favorite places on the entire planet.

Hogwarts: Harry Potter....fan of the books and movies. My sister and I went to the midnight release for a few of the books and all of the movies.

Narnia: The Chronicles of Narnia, another childhood favorite that I loved even more when I read them again as adult. I also loved the movies that have come out so far!

The Ivory Tower: The Neverending Story, probably my most favorite childhood movie. Bastian had to try and make it to the Ivory Tower to save all of Fantasia.

The Shire: Lord of the Rings, books I actually red while studying in Scotland, so its duly sentimental.

Diagon Alley: Again, Harry Potter

Emerald City: Wizard of Oz, my goal is to get shoes just like Dorothy's!

District 12: The Hunger Games, my new love

Rivendell: Another Lord of the Rings reference. This was actually more my favorite place in the movies. It was beautifully portrayed.

Magic Kingdom: I have been to Disney World too many times to count. It is another one of my most favorite places in the world.

I guess you could say that this Pinterest project was a success!

Blue Coffee Filter Wreath

I've never been a "have a wreath year-round" kind of girl. I've only hung wreaths in fall and at Christmas. But I've been coming across so many beautiful wreaths for all different occasions or no occasion at all, that I'm starting to rethink this year-round idea. I came across this great tutorial on I'll Get You My Pretties. Kristy is like me, loving the coffee filter craft trend but dang that stuff looks time consuming.  She made this beautiful folded filter wreath....awesomeness in half the time. Be sure to hop on over to her blog for the full tutorial. Now, I loved her idea, but had to put my own spin on it. This is what I came up with....

Before folding the filters I soaked them in bowls of water with blue food coloring. After about an hour I took them out and let them dry on the dish rack in my sink. Now I know what you're thinking, isn't this supposed to be a fast craft?  Well, I did the filters in the morning, you know, when I made coffee. Put them in the sink and went on about my business for the day.  Later that afternoon when I actually had time to craft they were dry and ready to go. Easy peasy, with a great color effect.

In addition to dying them blue, I inked the edges with Distress Ink, and misted with some Glimmer Mist. I had some glitter feathers and peacock feathers so I glued those on.  I also happen to be obsessed with crepe paper flowers.  Since I've been making them like crazy, I just popped one on the front.

I am in love with this wreath! I may even be inspired to make more wreaths before the fall/winter season!