Meet the Woman behind the Makeup Brush! Brittany Chevelle, QCA Make up Artist

Let's get to know a little more about our favorite makeup Artist, Brittany Chevelle!!!

To find out more about Brittany, check out her fb page HERE

 

 

What inspired you to start in your field? How long have you been at it?

The creativity and expression that makeup artistry offers, just to each person doing their own makeup. I loved being able to share my passion and knowledge with women who had never been taught these skills, or had the interest in wanting to use makeup but not sure how to apply it, and what products to purchase.

 

I have been in the field professionally for over 6 years, but using my creative skills for about 10.

What has surprised you about your career?

 

That you never will know everything there is to know. You can always learn more skills, and because it is such a creative process, you can appeal to all kinds of kind people. And that's the great thing about this field, is that I get to meet people from all kinds of backgrounds and diversities.

 

What has surprised you about becoming a mother?

 

 I was surprised at how fast time goes by. How your wants and needs change completely, and you make sacrifices, and sometimes give up the things you once enjoyed, so you can spend more time with your child. I don't spend an hour primping myself each day like I used to. I loved that "getting ready" time, but now I realize that their are more important things that have to be done. Now, I might do my makeup and hair once a week! haha

 

What are some of your favorite mom duties? Least favorite?

 

I love teaching my daughter through songs, books, and everyday moments. I try to use every day occurrences as lessons. My husband and I sing what we are doing, or narrate everything we do! haha

I would say, meal preparations are my least favorite. I like to feed my family home-cooked meals, so it's important to me to plan them. However, it's not always my favorite chore.

 

What do you love about living in the QCA?

I love the big city-small community feel. Everyone here is connected somehow, through someone that you know. It's pretty amazing. We have so much to do here, and ways to connect with others.

Who/what inspires you?

 

My husband is my biggest pusher. He wakes up ready to start the day and get things done. I, on the other hand, need to wake up for at least an hour! haha He really is such do-er. I can say without a doubt that he has motivated me in every possible way to be better and do better.

 

What is one of your favorite childhood memories associated with your field?

(example: learning to do make up with mom, decorating your room)

So most people don't believe this about me, because I always have my makeup on and hair done (always before having kids!) but I was such a Tom-boy.

I didn't wear much of any makeup until my later years of high school. You couldn't even catch me in a dress growing up. I climbed trees, fell out of them, played football with the boys, and ran around our farm barefoot.

 

What do you do to "feed your soul?"

 

Books and art. I love a good book, and most often will finish them within days of beginning them. One of the biggest reasons I love my career is because I am able to express myself through my work, because to me, a face is a canvas, and I get to share that joy with a client when they love how they look.

What kind of advice would you give to someone who is interested in starting a career in your field?

I think real world experience and education are great tools. The more faces, especially faces of all shapes/size/age/ethnicities you can touch, the better you become. It's not about how much makeup you own, or if its the best brands. You have to invest in a solid kit, learn new techniques and trends, and apply them.

 

Can you tell us some of your favorite blogs to read?

I enjoy "A bowl Full of Lemons" for her great organizational skills and printables.

I also really like "Six Sisters Stuff" for their recipes.

Anything that will help me become a more organized person, and has great recipes! :)

Read more ...

Helicopter Dad? by Carly Morris TCOT owner/founder

We have all heard of "Helicopter mom" with its negative connotation of being uptight and clingy and who inhibits their child's independence/creativity with their "hovering."

But what about Helicopter Dads? Dads who "hover" and disrupt play at the first sign of a challenge or discomfort.  Well guess what folks, there are plenty of those out there too but we are too busy zero-ing in on moms to put the spot light on dads too!

My stance on parenting is usually "to each, their own" but recently while I was out at a play date at the Family Museum (on a Saturday,....ugh!) I noticed a huge amount of dads toting their little ones around. It was great to watch and observe the many fathers of the QCA playing with their children.
One thing really stood out to me though. There seemed to be two type of dads on this particular Saturday.

The first type was the Dad that looks anxious and nervous and a little "out of his league", Let me defend them for a second by saying that The Family Museum is a complete Nut house on weekends/Spring Break. Its packed most of the time when its crummy outside. If you have ever been to Chik Fil A when noon strikes, then you know what I'm talking about. Back on topic, those dads look terrified and are trailing their kids like the NYPD. They are on top of them, telling them to "be careful", "be nice" and telling them how to play at each station. "No splashing" is heard a lot at the water table. When a child is playing with something in a non typical way, they are quick to let their child know. (ie: "don't use that stethoscope on the Milk Carton") I have even heard some "shushing"! Yes!!! At a Family Museum, there are Dads that get VERY uncomfortable when their children shrieks (loudly) with delight. I just want to reach out and tell them "its ok, I know...its overwhelming but it can also be A LOT of fun if you just relax."

And then there are the Laid back Dads...the ones who are getting in there and playing with their kids instead of instructing them. They look like big kids all over again. I think they are enjoying themselves just as much as their kids. Living in the now, and letting their kids go off on their own a little bit without breaking out into a sweat. They are getting served wooden Melissa and Doug Pizza at Sal's Pizza. They are working the register at the Harvest Market while their lil one checks out with their overpriced fruit snacks and block of cheese. But they are also letting their kids explore without interfering. Letting their kids make some decisions on where to go and how to play. It was interesting to watch as these dads were very comfortable on stepping back to watch from a distance.

Needless to say, I was definitely having a good time observing the parents at the Family Museum while my kids splashed at the water table, shrieked with delight,  and served me some yummy Wooden Pizza. PARENTING....to each, his own.

Which type of Dad is your husband? We would love to hear from you!

Read more ...

Five Places to Shop on a Budget by: Sherri Scott, Interior Designer

                                                            Five Places to Shop on a Budget

Sometimes I have a bit of a problem cracking open the wallet and making a purchase, sometimes!  I blame my mother, really.  Like most mothers her first priority was her children and she spent money on us before she spent it on herself or something for the home.  And I have unfortunately inherited that trait.  I find myself in the store just thinking it over forever, sometimes leaving and coming back (hello, because sometimes with the little ones they leave very little time for thinking something over, am I right?).  Anyway, it really can annoying! So here are a few places to shop on a budget for the mass population.

1.      Target  Now this should be NO surprise to anyone.  Target has everything.  They have a lot of bold patterns in drapes and rugs.  Great picture frames, vases, artwork, lamps and furniture.  I love the look industrial look of these stools and the turquoise console table has been calling my name.  I do find sometimes the quality can be a bit lacking but for the most part there are some good finds.

2.      Home Goods  I checked out the store locater and saw that there is not a Home Goods listed within 100 miles of Davenport.  Total disappointment.  Home Goods is a sister store of TJ Max.  They are filled with seasonal items, frames, kitchen, bath, furniture, artwork, lamps (love the lamps), bedding….and really so much more.  They also have a kid’s section with room décor, toys and books which is a must hit if you have kids.  They have decent quality chairs for kids very similar to the Pottery Barn Anywhere Chair.  This is a must hit if you are on a budget but looking for a change up or even updating your mantel for the new season.

3.      Hobby Lobby  I first went to Hobby Lobby during college for supplies for my design boards.  That store is HUGE.  My girls love going there and picking out a new craft to work on.  The last time I was there I fell in love with an apothecary type dresser that was distressed and had the alphabet on it.  (complete fail and didn’t take a picture) It would look awesome in a little boy’s room.   They also have some fun table clocks (pictured) and metal art that would add a little something to your simple gallery wall.  KNOBS (pictured)….tons and tons of dresser knobs or pulls that you can get to easily change up your dressers.   I bought some for my daughter’s room and will share in a future post of her nursery. 

4.      Etsy Is an ecommerce site that sells vintage items and just about anything that someone has made.  I have purchased subway art (similar to the picture below from Word Whipped) and stuffed animals for my girls on the site.  You may have to be patient and do some searching but it is an awesome site and can hook you for hours.  You can also find creative seasonal items or craft starter DIY items such as felt cutouts for garland.  Check it out.

5.      World Market  Is also a unique place to shop with a very ethnic and eclectic vibe to it.  They have curtains, rugs, furniture, wall art and more.  They also have a small food and beverage section in case you need a snack.

A few honorable mentions would include Joss and Main (a members only site with daily deals), JoAnn Fabrics and let’s not forget GARAGE SALES or estate sales.  You can find a lot of vintage furniture items and bring new life to them at garage sales.   These are just a few big box places to shop but I love love love to find a gem in my neighborhood to support the local talent and business owners.  It is the best way to find something unique that not everyone else will have.  So when possible, shop locally.  What are some of your favorite places to shop?

Read more ...

The Perfect Winged Liner Tutorial by: Brittany Chevelle; QCA Make up Artist

How to achieve the perfect winged-liner

 

When it comes to eyeliner, most women tell me that they are afraid to use liquid liner, or to even try the  cat-eye look. Mostly, because one line is thicker than the other, longer than the other, or one points up and the other.. is pointing down.

 

Lauren Conrad always has flawless Winged liner

 My first tip is to use a kohl liner before applying any liquid liner. That will come later.

Before you apply your kohl liner, you want to decide where you want your wings to end. You will start by placing a little dot where you decide you want the wing tip to end. From there, you want to draw a straight line from the outer corner of the eye to the dot. Some artist choose to use a piece of tape or toothpick to create a straight line from your two points.

Now, you will line your upper lash line. Instead of trying to line the entire eye in one movement, you may find it easier to first line the inner corner to the middle lid, then start again from the middle and connect it to the wing. (I like to start with a thin line at the inside corner of my eye, and gradually make the line thicker until I reach the point of my wing. This will give you a more “cat-like” appearance.)

You may stop at this point and apply your mascara. If you are wanting a dramatic, bold cat-eye, then trace over the kohl eyeliner with your liquid liner. Now you have perfect liquid liner!

Another Celebrity that has nailed the winged liner

Read more ...

Baby Shower Ideas

If you are in the process of or have ever hosted a baby shower you know how daunting of a task this can be. You love your friend and her baby to death and you want everything to be perfect on this special day. One of my best friends had her first baby this summer, a boy! It was a very special time for her and I was thrilled to have the opportunity to co-host her shower! So, I did a little research and I think we did alright! Here are a few highlights from what we found...

Do a beautiful cake or cupcakes as a centerpiece for the party. A gender reveal cake or cupcake would be so fun if the mommy hasn't told yet!

Don't buy expensive decorations that will get thrown away. Instead, get creative, use your gifts as the décor.

Make your gift practical. Fill a basket or a wash tub with items they will need for baby. Of course you can always throw in some fun things too!

Do the new mommy/mommy to be a favor and purchase thank you's when you purchase the invites. When guests arrive have the envelopes sitting with the guest book and have guest address them to themselves to save mommy a little time!

Hand make your guest book. You can begin baby's first scrap book by beginning it with the guest book. Have each guest write a personal note to the baby.

Get these little stickers along with some onesies for easy monthly photo ops!



Make a diaper cake. It's a great center piece and it is so practical! You will need a lot of diapers and rubber bands, so be ready! I love how the bottom picture has a tutu, shirt and booties for baby incorporated into it.

Fun treats and food ideas...

Good luck!!!

All pictures found on Pinterest



Read more ...

Make a Small Space feel larger! Tip and Tricks by Sherri Scott, Interior Designer

How to Make a Small Space Feel Larger

Our old house was a small, quaint, three bedroom home.  There were a lot of things that we loved about it and as usual, a number of things we compromised on.  The main level did not have an open floor plan.  The kitchen/eat in area was completely walled off from the living room.  What it did have was a great cathedral ceiling that helped the main living areas feel more open and spacious, but we also had to get a creative with our décor and layouts.  Here are a few tips to keep in mind when putting together a small room.

1. Clean up your space and keep the clutter at bay.  Often with a small room storage can also be a challenge.  It means that organization is that much more important.  Use baskets and multi-purpose furniture pieces to minimize what is out visually.  Try not to over accessorize; keep it simple.
2. Selecting the right paint color.  Neutrals are typically the best way to go with small rooms.  I am not talking white, but a warm gray or even a very subtle cool blue can be a neutral.  Then throw in accent colors of cool, soothing colors such as light greens or blues to give pops of color without closing the space in on you.
3. Mirrors.  Mirrors will give the room an illusion of being larger.  Here are a few ways to use mirrors: place them near a window to reflect the natural light, use a tall mirror to give the space visual height or use mirrored furniture for fun.
4. I touched on this in a previous post.  Hang your window treatments at your ceiling to create height.  Also keep as much of the window open as possible to allow the natural light in.  Window treatments are meant to frame your window when they are open, not cover them (accept of course when you close them, right?!)  Have the fabric stack overlapping the window slightly and the rest stacked over the wall.
5. Keep the furniture at a proper scale. Who doesn’t love a great, comfy sofa to lie down on?  My husband is tall so one thing that was important when shopping for furniture was buying something he could stretch out on.  But sometimes you have to find something that fits in your room. Buy furniture at the correct scale.  Often smaller furniture is referred to as apartment scale in stores.  Try a sofa or entertainment stand that is on legs for more openness.

As mentioned on first house we compromised a lot.  And now the second house…we compromised on different things.  The space is much larger, but the home doesn’t quite have the same character or open ceiling. We are continuing to work away on projects and I hope to share some with you soon.

Read more ...

Kelcy takes a walk on the Short Hair Wild Side by Krista, QCA Hair Wizard

                        Just like everyone else right about now, our very own TCOT blogger Kelcy Hanson, was getting so sick of this weather and ready for a change.  After looking on Pinterest, Kelcy found a short haircut that she liked.  However, she had never in her life cut her hair so short, and was excited and nervous to do it.  With her husband heading out of town for the week, she decided to surprise him and go for the change.  Oh and can I add that same week she also remodeled her kitchen to surprise her husband while working and taking care of her 3 children!  What a great lady!!  This was her inspiration picture. 

 

            One of the biggest concerns Kelcy had was that she wanted a cut that would cover up more of her forehead while bringing out her best facial features.  Kelcy has stunning eyes, and I thought the bangs on this cut would do just that!  The bangs not only cover up what she wanted covered, but also almost direct the eyes to directly look at her eyes.  That’s exactly what a good haircut is suppose to do.  Bring out the best in everyone.  :)

 

            Kelcy has a great hair texture that can be worn both curly or straight without having to put too much effort into either style.  I liked this because I thought Kelcy could style it like the pictures somedays but also go for a more curly look when she desired.  This haircut left enough length on top to do just that.  We also decided to leave enough length in the back that she could wear it flipped up in the back or straight down to give her even more versatility. 

            When it comes to styling Kelcy’s hair, it’s pretty easy.  All she needs to start with is a little volumizer for the crown area, and some gel to give her body and hold.  She needs to blow dry the back either up or down depending on how she wants to wear it that day.  The most important part to achieving this look is to use a texturizing product when finished to give that piecey, textured look.  I used Aquage Transforming Paste.  It’s a moldable tacky product that is non-greasy.  It give the hold of a hairspray once hair is set into desired position.  It is easy to use with your hands to get the look you want.    If she desires, she can also finish with a little hairspray.  Kelcy can also use the Aquage Transforming Paste on her wet hair to help bring out her natural texture. 

            Here are her before and after pictures.  What do you all think? Pretty remarkable, huh?  I think she was meant to have her hair this way! 

Read more ...

It never gets easier, you just get better! By Libby of Advocare

Revelations come at the strangest times. Especially when they are from your kids. Those moments when we realize our kids are growing and becoming more independent. Where I have to let them go and struggle on their own a bit. It started when we decided to go swimming at the Bettendorf Y. I was excited because I love swimming as much as my three little girls. Well....It started out rather frustrating. We go into the locker room and get changed and I realize I brought everyone’s swim suit EXCEPT my own bottoms.... Ugh...After dumping out my bag 3 times hoping they would magically appear, I almost thought about wearing my black boy short underwear BUT (no pun intended) I decided to keep it classy. I had on a tank and yoga pants but felt so bad because I couldn’t get in and play. The girls weren’t too broken hearted so we all headed out and I sat there feeling like the “not wanting to get in the pool mom” but after awhile I got over it. We ended up getting into the deeper end (3 Ft) with life jackets. Bre, who just turned 3 stayed in the more shallow where I could watch her just as close as the twins. Now at this point I start to see that my twins are totally different lovers of water. Bella who is usually more timid, shockingly starts swimming out and paddling on her own while Liv does NOT want anything to do with letting go of the side. I let Bella do her thing happily doggie paddling along. I'm soo soo proud of her because she took it upon herself to “let go” and do

something uncomfortable. We do this for a while and they both even jump in but it’s not until I dare Liv to go swim out and grab the noodles to put away that it gets interesting.  She is perfectly fine floating and trying to get to the edge. There for what seemed like 10 minutes but probably 30 sec starts getting frustrated because she can’t make her way almost to the point of crying. Momma Bear wants to just HELP her and get to the edge because that anxious “my child is in danger mode” kicks in. We get through the moment rather calmly when I tell her to let go of the noodle and just kick to the side (maybe 3 feet away) But to Liv it may have well been 300 feet. What I realize is I sometimes have to let my child struggle to become stronger and learn how to solve her own problems. She was is no danger but still wanted to make is easier for her.
I then think of all my struggles in the past and how incredible they have been to my growth. I was proud of Liv for getting there by herself and I could see after she calmed down and looked at me and said, “I did it!!” excitedly.
Struggle always is for a reason. It never gets easier. You just get better. Jim Rohn.

Read more ...