Monday, December 23, 2013

DIY Cookie Plate for Santa Claus

Leaving cookies and milk out for Santa on Christmas Eve is a tradition in my house as I'm sure is in yours as well. I wanted Santa to feel a little more special this year with his very own personalized cookie plate. These plates are so fun to make and you can put literally anything on the plates you want.


Materials Needed:
White ceramic plate
Sharpie markers





Step 1:
Create and draw your design on the plate with the sharpie markers. If you're not comfortable freelancing your design, download a template and use it as your guide.

Tip: If you make a mistake, quickly wipe it away with rubbing alcohol.

Step 2:
Heat the plate in the oven at 350 degrees for 30 minutes.

Step 3:
On Christmas Eve, put cookies out on your newly designed plate for Santa.

Saturday, December 14, 2013

Mac's Heroine Lipstick Is Back!



IT’S BAAACCCCCk and for good this time. Mac’s Heroine lipstick was originally released in the Reel Sexy collection and has been re released a few more times since then. Everytime it's been re-released it flies off the shelves, literally selling out in minutes. If you haven’t been able to get your hands on this lipstick well now here is your chance. Heroine is now being added to the Mac’s permanent collection. It will be available for purchase on line December 16, 2013 and in- stores January 2, 2014.



Heroine is described as a bright violet/purple with a matte finish. For this lipstick to be matte it  is extremely creamy and glides on smoothly without pulling at the lips.

Any skin tone can wear this lipstick. I’ve seen this color on many people and it always looks different but always beautiful.  If you have a problem pulling it off, try pairing it with Mac’s Currant or Vino lipliner.

This lipstick is definitely worth adding to your collection!

Thursday, December 12, 2013

DIY Felt Play Christmas Tree


 This felt Christmas tree is so freaking adorable and Landon absolutely loves it!! It allows the kids to play and decorate their very own Christmas tree. Its also a great educational tool for teaching shapes and colors.




Materials Needed:

Multiple sizes and colors of felt
Scissors
Double sided tape
Felt glue

Instructions:

Step 1: Using green felt , cut a large triangle for the tree. The tree measures 36 inches tall and 29 inches wide. You will need approximately 1 yard.

Step 2: Using an assortment of colors of felt, cut different shapes for the ornaments.

Step 3: Cut different size squares and colors for the presents. Using felt glue, glue the presents to the base of the tree.

Step 4: Using double sided tape, attach your tree to a large flat surface.

Step 5: Let your little one decorate their tree!!

***Remember: Felt sticks to felt!! ***



Sunday, December 8, 2013

Elf on the Shelf Ideas

Our Elf on the Shelf, Shimmer has definetly brought in the Christmas joy. Landon wakes up excitedly every morning looking for him. Now I have to admit remembering to move him has been hard but so far so good.


Day 1:
Day 2:

Day 3:

Day 4:

Day 5:

Day 6:

Day 7: I forgot to move Shimmer so I told Landon that he was so sick that he couldn't fly to the North Pole, thank God he bought it :)



Stay tuned to see where else Shimmer has been.

Friday, December 6, 2013

Stocking Stuffer Ideas for Kids and Men





Finding out what's in your Christmas stocking is sometimes more exciting then what's actually under the tree. However trying to decide what to put in your child's stocking besides coloring books and candy can be mind boggling. And we won't even start on how stressful it is shopping for the men in your life, let alone what to put in their stocking.

So here are a few quick suggestions that I hope you find helpful.

1.Play Doh
2. McDonald's gift card
3. Character temporary tattoos
4. Silly string
5. Slipper socks
6. Character temporary tattoos
7. DVD
8. Bath toys
9. Children's shaving kit
10. Hot wheels car
11. Lip gloss
12. Harmonica



1. Leather wallet
2. Lottery ticket
3. Golf tees
4. USB jump drive
5. Golf balls
6. Ear buds
7. Bath and Body Works men's shower gel
8. Digital luggage scale
9. Wine thermometer
10. Belt
11. Pocket knife
12. Skull cap
13. Gift card to coffee shop

Thursday, December 5, 2013

My 5 Favorite Drugstore Lipsticks for Fall


   I absolutely love the dark and rich lip colors of Fall. Here are my 5 favorite from the drugstore.

left to right: Milani Violet Volt, Wet n'Wild 908C, BH cosmetics Berry Bite, Rimmel Kate Moss 04, Milani Sangria


Milani's Violet Volt is a gorgeous violet magenta color. It has a slight shimmer and a frosted finish.


 Wet n' Wild's 908C (Sugar Plum Fairy) is a very pigmented deep berry color. ***Dupe Alert: Mac's Rebel.


 Of course it wouldn't be Fall without a red lip. BH Cosmetic's Berry Bite is a beautiful berry red. This lipstick is so creamy and I absolutely love it.

 If you're looking for that hot vampy lip, then this lipstick is definitely for you. Kate Moss Rimmel 04 is a deep eggplant purple. The color payoff is phenomenal!

Milani's Sangria is a matte deep berry with purple undertones. I wouldn't consider it to be a complete matte lipstick but the color is absolutely gorgeous and very moisturizing.

Tuesday, December 3, 2013

The Elf on the Shelf


One thing I love about Christmas are the holiday traditions. This year I'm so excited to add the Elf on the Shelf as a tradition.

What is the Elf on the Shelf you may ask. The EOTS is Santa's little helper who is sent from the North Pole to help Santa Claus with his Naughty or Nice list. When you purchase your EOTS, you are officially adopting your elf. You will register and name him. Once your elf is named, he will receive his magic powers. The elf flys to the North Pole at night to report to Santa Claus. Each morning, the elf returns back to the family to a different spot in the house to "watch you." This is where the fun and creativity starts.

Elves are known for being mischevious and getting themselves into trouble. Here are some fun ideas for your elves below.
 
 

There are 2 rules when it comes to the EOTS.
1. The EOTS  can't be touched. If it's touched, it'll lose it's magic powers and won't be able to fly to the North Pole.
2. An elf can't move or speak while anyone is awake in the house.

Your EOTS can arrive whenever you wish, however usually the EOTS arrives the morning of December 1st or the day after Thanksgiving.

The elf comes back for the last time on the morning of Christmas Eve. That night he flys back to the North Pole and returns the following year.

Stay tuned for my EOTS photo journal coming next month.

Will the EOTS be apart of your family's tradition this year?

DIY Gumdrop Tree



The theme for my entry way table this year for Christmas is Candyland!! I love this gumdrop tree because it’s so darn cute and it goes perfectly with the Candyland decor.This project is super easy to make and the results are absolutely adorable!!

This project starts off as a wonderful craft project to do with the little ones but be prepared that you will be finishing by yourself. This project didn't hold Landon' s attention long as it took me approx. 45 minutes to complete.

Materials Needed:

Styrofoam Tree
Toothpicks
Gumdrops (Spice Drops)

Instructions:

1. Break the toothpicks in half.

2. Put the broken end of the toothpick into the base of the gumdrop and the pointy end of the toothpick into the styrofoam.

3. Start placing the gumdrops at the base of the styrofoam and continue putting the gumdrops on the tree until it is completely covered.




Monday, June 3, 2013

30 Day Squat Challenge

Ok ladies it’s time to break out the short shorts and bathing suits but before we do so let’s perk that booty up and tone those legs and thighs first.

Join me on the 30 day squat challenge. We’re 2 days behind but that’s alright, for Day 3 do 165 squats.



Squats are the perfect exercise as they work the largest muscle in the body and provide serious gains in muscular size and strength. And most importantly you don’t have to go to the gym or need weights to do them. All you need is time and dedication.

Throughout the month the total of squats increase but don’t get intimidated!! Break the total into smaller reps or just do as much as you can. For those who might need more of an added challenge, squat in your heels or with weights. Also, remember that proper form is VERY important. Proper form allows the full benefit of the exercise to be felt and most importantly to prevent injury.

How To Do The Perfect Squat



1.       Place feet a little wider than shoulder width apart.
2.       Extend the arms out straight so they are parallel with the ground, palms facing down.
3.       Bend the knees, make sure the chest and shoulders stay upright and the back stays straight. Tip to keep back straight: Keep the head facing forward with the eyes straight ahead.
4.       To achieve a good squat imagine yourself sitting on a box or chair.
5.       Push back up and repeat.

Are you going to join me?

Don’t forget to  take before and after pictures to see your progress at the end of the month.

Tuesday, May 14, 2013

My Skincare Routine




As I've gotten older I have begun to focus less on makeup and more on skincare. Since the beginning of the year I have been on a consistent skincare routine that I find to be very beneficial to my skin.

1. I remove my makeup with ELF makeup remover wipes (not shown). I absolutely love them as they remove all  my makeup with just one towelette.

2. I wash my face with Cetaphil Daily Cleanser. Its very gentle and not harsh on my skin. I have tried many facial cleansers and they all have completely stripped by skin and left me so dry.

3. On a cotton ball round I apply Dickinson's Witch Hazel Pore Perfecting Toner. Another product that doesn't irritate my skin. After applying, my face feels even more clean and soft.

4. On another cotton round I apply Bio Oil to the uneven areas on my face and on my blemishes.  Since I began using it it has cleared up those problem areas.

5. I apply Mac's Fast Response Eye Cream onto my under eye circles. I honestly don't know why this is apart of my skin care routine because it doesn't work for me at all. So I'm on the hunt for a new eye cream. Any suggestions?

6. I moisturize my face with Cetaphil Facial Moisturizer. I love it because it's very lightweight and it keeps my face moisturized without leaving me feeling greasy.

7. For a primer, I use Milk of Magnesia. I get pretty oily in my t-zone area but since I began using this under my foundation it has drastically reduced how oily I get throughout the day. Hands down the best primer I've used thus far.

8. Lastly, is the ELF lip exfoliator. It doesn't have any bells and whistles but it gets the job done as far as making sure my lips stay soft.

What products do you use in your skincare routine? 

Wednesday, April 3, 2013

Mac Fashion Sets 2013

As we know MAC is notourious for releasing collection after collection. I actually got tired of trying to keep up with them all but I have to say that I was ecstatic when I saw this collection. These colors are absolutely gorge and perfect for Spring and Summer. 

The collection went on sale online last week and will be in stores April 4th.



  • Silly, bright pink (matte)
  • Ablaze, bright apricot (matte)
  • Embrace Me, bright fuschia (matte)
  • Heroine, bright violet (matte)


Silly, Heroine, Embrace Me

Heroine lip liner, lipglass, and lipstick
There has been so much hype over this lipstick and I see why. Its the perfect purple shade. It was released in a previous collection and being re-released in this one. I'm so happy they brought it back because I'm in love!


Embrace Me lip liner, lipglass, and lip stick
This is a gorgeous bright fuschia color. For you ladies that thought Candy Yum Yum was too bright to pull off, well this is the perfect hot pink shade as its much more wearable.

Silly lipstick and Embrace Me lip liner
This color is perfect for an everyday lip.

Ablaze lipglass
I'm so upset that I didn't get the lipstick and the lip liner. With it being called a bright apricot color I was nervous about buying it without trying it out first. So I opted for the just the lipglass and I love it!!! I would describe the color more of a deep coral color. I will be trying to get my hands on the lipstick and lip liner in the stores tomorrow...cross fingers.

What have you bought or what will you be buying?

Wednesday, February 20, 2013

Candy Yum Yum Giveaway Winners

Hi guys,

Thank you to all of you that participated in the giveaway, if you weren't one of the lucky ones this go round please stay tuned as there will be many giveaways in the future.

Congratulations to: kenya84 and janine!!!!









I hope you ladies love this lipstick as much as I do.

Please email me your address to quiana.duckett@gmail.com within 48 hours so I can get this gorgeous color to you right away.

Thursday, January 31, 2013

Mac's Candy Yum Yum Lipstick & Giveaway


Mac’s Candy Yum Yum lipstick is a gorgeous matte neon pink color. The lipstick was released in a previous collection last year and has been released a time or two as limited edition. I was never able to get my hands on it as it always sold out so fast. So imagine my joy when I found out that the Lipstick Gods had answered my prayers and made this lipstick permanent!!  I’m soo happy that I can finally add this lipstick to my collection because this lipstick is EVERYTHING!!!



The lipstick is very creamy in consistency. I find this lipstick to be a tad bit drying to the lips, so I will highly suggest moisturizing your lips before applying this lipstick.

Candy Yum Yum is the perfect shade of pink and any skin tone can wear it. For lighter skin tones pairing it with Mac’s Magenta lip liner would look great or no lip liner at all. For my deeper skin tone sisters that don’t think they can pull off such a vibrant lip color…YES YOU CAN!!! Pair it with Mac’s Vino lip liner and there you have a perfect lip combo.


If you will like the chance to win your very own Candy Yum Yum lipstick all you have to do is follow the 3 simple rules below.

1.       Subscribe to this blog, MakebyQuiana
2.       Like MakeupByQuiana facebook page, http://www.facebook.com/MakeupbyQuiana
3.       Leave a positive comment below

Deadline ends 02/14/2013. (2) lucky winners will be chosen randomly.

Good luck!!!