December Playlist

California Glitters December Playlist

• Sugar Daddy's Girl- Lauren Mayhew
• Donald Trump- Mac Miller
• My Songs Know What You Did In The Dark- Fall Out Boy
• Love More- Chris Brown, Nicki Minaj
• Royals- Lorde
• Can I Get Get Get- Junior Senior
• Crazy Kids- Ke$ha
• Wop- J.Dash
• You Don't Love Anyone But Yourself- Mozella
• Young and Beautiful- Lana Del Rey
• Mind Your Manners- Chiddy Bang, Icona Pop
• Acapella- Karmin
• You Don't Know Me- Max Schneider
• Timber- Pitbull, Ke$ha
• This Is How We Do- Katy Perry
• Never Gonna Happen- Lilly Allen
• Replay- Zendaya
• Applause- Lady Gaga
• A Little Party Never Killed Nobody- Fergie, Q-tip, GoonRock
• Story of My Life- One Direction
• The Monster- Eminem, Rihanna
• #GETITRIGHT- Miley Cyrus

Enjoy!

The Perfect holiday gift for any lady on your Christmas List

Don't know what she wants? Don't know her size? Want to get something she will actually use?

Here are some great holiday gifts any woman would love!

• Long Robe
• Handbag
• Michael Kors watch
• Nail Polish
• Urban Decay Pallet
• Ipod mini
• Gift card to Starbucks, Target or Victoria's Secret
• GHD Flat Iron
• Vogue magazine subscription
• Makeup Brushes

Have fun gifting!

The Perfect Christmas Party (For the Ladies)

Every since I was a youngyin I have always loved Christmas. I loved all the parties, everyone coming together, the music and the treats. In high school my friend and I would put together an annual Christmas Party for about 25 girls. Yes it was stressful, especially as a high school student, but definitely worth it! Every year we would have a theme (because theme parties are the best!) One year we had pajama theme and our senior year we did black cocktail dresses. Now my family throws an annual Christmas party for the ladies. We had so much fun at these Christmas parties, laughing and making memories.   That is why I am so excited about this blog post. I am excited for others to make memories like I create every year!

Secret Santa
About two weeks before the party put every bodys name attending in the bag and have everyone randomly draw names. The name they receive is who they will be buying a gift for. At the Christmas party you find out who your Secret Santa is!
Other Things
    If someone forgets their gift or doesn’t show up, then give the missing persons gift to whoever their Secret Santa was.
Make sure there is a reasonable price limit.

Ginger Bread House Competition
This may get extremely messy and competitive, but that is what I look forward to every year! I google how to make a foundation and cute ideas before the party, because I love winning. Usually the winner get a $5 Starbucks card and I am obsessed with my Starbucks. So here were go.
On a banquet table set up table cloths that you are willing to get dirty, disposable ones are the best.
Buy about ten ginger bread house kits and set them all out on the table.
Put all the decorations like frosting and candy down the center of the table.
Set a time limit of 30 minutes. This may seem like a long time but getting the foundation down takes awhile.
Have one judge who hasn’t seen whose house is whose judge and announce the winner.
*If you make this an annual party buy the gingerbread kits when they go on sale after Christmas.

The Ornament Game
Every person comes with a wrapped ornament. Put these ornaments in the middle of the room, so everyone can see all the bags.
Based on the number of guest who attend, you will write 1 through that number on separate pieces of paper. Then put all the papers into a hat.
Have every guest pick a number. One gets to go first.
They pick a wrapped ornament, unwrap it and show everyone what the ornament is.
When two goes, they have a choice to steal the ornament from 1 or pick a new gift. There are two steals, which means the ornament can only be taken two times then the ornament is dead.
Keep playing the game with he two rule steal until the last present is picked from the table.
Now you have something special to add to your tree!



Cookie Exchange
Every guest brings 3 dozen home made cookies (we do three dozen so each guest can take home two cookies)
Along with the cookies, bring copies of your recipe to share! We may want to recreate the delicious treats.
At the end of the party every one gets to pick up 2 cookies from each tray and a recipe and they are good to go!
*Have someone bring to-go boxes to hold the cookies in for each guest

Enjoy the party and take many photos! I would love to see how your party turned out...especially those gingerbread houses! Happy Holidays!

Christmas Gift Party For Kids

At my elementary school volunteers would help up a “Holiday Store” in the music room for children to shop for Christmas gifts. Volunteers would help you pick, wrap and tag all the presents. I thought that was a genius way for the children to give something from the heart as Christmas gifts. Although that way was fun, my family has created a new way for children to gift.

What is a Christmas Gift Party?

 

Each family brings a craft to supply to all the children at the party.
For example, my families craft was mod podge plates. We brought 20 plates, 4 yards of fabric, brushes, mod podge and wax paper. Through the day the children, create, decorate and tag their homemade gifts.

What to do!

 

Each family brings a different craft. We had mod podge plates, bookmarks, bracelets, homemade fire-starters, almond roca bark, mason jar bath salts, snack mix, hand soap, hand scrub, laundry detergent and a “Smiles of the year” jar. Each craft is explained and demoed to the children. The children then create the crafts themselves. (with adult guidance of course)

*Make sure every child has a box to carry their things out with before all the fun begins.

Create at least 4 different tables with table cloths 

(use ones you are willing to get damaged, a party with children always gets messy)

For fun table.

This table will keep children entertained if the current craft is too advanced for them.
2 bowls of beads
2 pairs of kids safety scissors
Jewelry cord
Scrapbook paper
Markets
Festive Stickers
cards
stencils



Gift wrapping table.
3 Adult Scissors
Assortment of wrapping paper
ribbons and bows
bubble wrap and cardboard (for the breakables)
4 tapes
Glue gun

Demo table.
This table only really needs a table cloth since every family will be bringing different supplies for each project.

Munchies table.
Veggies
snack mix
coffee
creamer
stir sticks
real food (something so the children don’t eat sugar all day)

 

The Party Timeline

Make sure and plan what order the projects will be made. If something needs time to dry, make sure that project is first so the children can wrap the gift before leaving.
20 minutes maximum creating the the project at the demo table.
10 minutes to decorate, wrap and tag the gift.
*Keep repeating until all the gifts are complete
TADA! That simple!

*Send out the invitations by the beginning of November. (so people can start planning their craft)  Make sure there is an RSVP date because it is very important to have the craft for EVERY child.

Have a festive and jolly Christmas!

Sketch of the Day

Fashion illustration keeps my creativity flowing. 

THIRTY SECONDS TO MARS - City Of Angels

I absolutely love this music video. Thirty Seconds to Mars has created something so true, not just the glitter and glam that most people imagine. For the short time I lived in LA I fell in love with the place. I fell in love with the creativity flowing everywhere, diversity, challenges, obstacles, inspiration, everything. Since the first time I visited Los Angeles I knew that Los Angeles was going to be my home. Yes when I visited I was able to go to a Rodeo Drive party, eat at fancy restaurants with impeccable food and do all the tourist things when I visited this "City of Angels" but that wasn't the reason I fell head over heels in love with Los Angeles. I fell in love with the opportunity to make something of myself. There I was at 21 years old, living in a horrible apartment in a bad part of downtown LA, and I still loved it. I loved the good, the bad, the ugly. I remember people would complain about background acting and the small parts, but I was so fascinated by everything. I was very fortunate to have the opportunities presented to me. One thing that is very unfortunate is that I didn't realize was this city was my home and happy place. I moved back to my hometown to continue my schooling. I don't regret the decision I made to move back home at all. That is the decision that has made me realize how lucky I was and am. This decision also made me realize if I want something, the only person that will make it happen is myself. I am the only one who controls my future. Although I do not know what UC I will be attending in a year, I know that I will end up in Los Angeles. I love the City of Angels. It holds my heart and I look forward to moving back.

25 Random things abotu M.E.

25 Random things about M.E.

I love my name. I knew I wanted to have a distinct name when I became famous for my fashion designs.

I absolutely love flashmobs! I things they are the greatest thing created.

My idol and favorite designer of all time is Betsey Johnson! I couldn’t see why anyone could love her. If you look into who Betsey Johnson really is you would love her past her designs.

I only read comedy, beauty, fashion and business books.

I love to sing what I am currently doing, like I am in a musical. (I am a horrible singer)

I am a very lucky person. I have won about six things in my life. I still get excited every time I win something....still!

I have loved every job I have ever had.

I didn’t apply for my first job as a photography assistant. My mom was telling the photographer how much I loved their work and they asked if I wanted the job.

I was an extra in season three of Glee, On My Way. That was my favorite background work I have done. I got a chance to see the Warblers live and talk to Grant Gustin, which was amazing.

I think Dianna Agron is my favorite actress. Yes she is an amazing actress, but she won me over when she thanked all the background actors for their participation before leaving the set.

My favorite makeup is Makeup Forever. They have me as a customer forever.

I own all seasons of One Tree Hill. This is my favorite show and I love James Lafferty.

I love to laugh.

I love all types of music.

I love such the clever things they come up with in rap music.

Paul Walker is my movie star crush.

I love working with kids.

I work best when I am in charge of things and have creative control.
I stood in line for the Iphone 5 because it was on my bucket list.

I have always wanted a big and close family.

My favorite ice cream is Ben and Jerry’s Half Baked.

I am a huge fan of The Mindy Project.

I have never stopped dreaming.

I have never stopped working towards what I expect for myself in life.

I absolutely love Los Angeles, that’s why I plan to move there.

DIY: Fabric Decoration Plate

It’s that time of year again. The time everyone gets their craft and Mod Podge on. I just heard about this project and I love it! This is a perfect, inexpensive, custom, creative and special gift idea. After everything is said and done, this project cost about $3 a plate. These plates are so easy to make too! It took me just 20 minutes to make four plates. You can even add on your custom touch my drawings or quotes.This project is easy and fun so enjoy!

What you need
Matte Mod Podge (or Gloss, Hard Coat, Outdoor, Satin, Shimmer or Sparkle)
Fabric Scissors
Fabric Piece 12x12
Sponge brush
Glass plate
Wax Paper
Puff paint (optional)
Sharpie or Fabric Markers (optional)

STEP ONE
Clean the plate a 20 minutes before starting the project. (To ensure the plate it completely dry when starting the project) This includes stickers. (I used Goo Gone to get rid of the tags) You can make the plate more personal by drawing on the fabric with a sharpie or some fabric markers.

STEP TWO

On your wax paper, lay the glass plate upside down. Using the sponge brush mod podge the back of the plate. (Be generous) Make sure to get every little piece, especially  on the edges. (If your wax paper doesn’t get mod podge on it then you need to get closer to the edge)

STEP THREE

Flip your fabric upside down and lay it on the plate. Starting from the middle press the fabric firmly to the plate until you get to the edge. Let the plate sit for about 20 minutes while it dries.

STEP FOUR

Now it’s time to trim the fabric! Trim the fabric with the scissors angled behind the plate.  

NOW YOU ARE DONE!

STEP FIVE (optional)
Put your favorite quote on the plate with your favorite puff paint! You can also add a bow to the plate! Add your creativity and spice to it!

I used mine as a charger for my jewelery holder in my room!

My mother used hers to decorate her kitchen!

How will you use your creativity to make these plates amazing? Send ME your finished projects! I would love to see how they turned out!

Smashbox Mascara and CC Cream Review

Last week used I ordered my usual makeup and used an offer code for some new sample size products. I received seven products in the giftbag, but today I will only be reviewing two.

Although I have only owned one Smashbox product (Photo Finish Primer) I am a fan of the brand. I was extremely happy to see that Smashbox mascara and CC cream were given to me in my holiday gift bag from Sephora.

Smashbox Full Exposure Mascara
I absolutely love this mascara. The brush is similar to Badgal Lash mascara by Benefit(which was my favorite for years) The brush really allows your lashes to look full and appear longer. I had no clumping problems which I feel is the dilemma with most mascaras.

Smashbox Camera Ready CC Cream Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Dark Spot Correcting
The Smashbox CC cream is described as benefiting the skin while still covering up and being lightweight. This is my first time using the product so I can’t testify towards the benefiting the skin part, but I can testify to the rest of the description. Not only was the product easy to apply, it covered up well. I have extremely bad scaring, so unfortunately it didn’t cover every little scar, but for the most part it worked. I just put a little bit of Two faced powder over the CC cream and that problem was fixed. I love this product because it is perfect for those days you are in a rush. The CC cream works both as a foundation and a concealer in one. The cream isn’t thick or hard to apply which makes my face feel like I have very little makeup on. After 12 hours of wear I had very little of the CC cream off my face. I am happy with this product. I don’t know if it is exactly worth the $42 for a 1 oz bottle though.

Try it out yourself! Go order anything from Sephora online and user offer code "BLITZ" to get the sample sized products. There are also three other kits you can try out too, you choose! (Only while supplies last so hurry)

Why You Should Travel

Every travel I have taken has made a impact on me in some sort or another.  Traveling does the heart, body, mind and soul good. So the question is why travel?

Travel to spark your creativity.
Anyone with a creative mind understands being inspired is a huge part of moving forward. Travel allows you to see, feel, hear, taste new things. All these new things can inspire you not just in that given moment but for the future. Every time I travel I easily come home with 100 dress designs in my sketch book. Every time my mom travels she gets inspired to add something new to her kitchen. So go travel and get that creativity flowing.

Travel to learn about different cultures.
This summer I worked at a summer camp in Running Springs, CA with about 80% of the staff coming from Australia, 15% from England and 5% Americans.  Although I didn't travel anywhere but CA, I was emersed into a different culture and I loved it. I learned about how special tea was in England and what makes tea a good tea. I learned that what we as Americans call things aren't always what other places call things. An example is a jacket here is called in a jumper in Australia. It is great to see something different and learn, so travel.

Travel to remind you of your dreams.
Sometimes we get stuck in a certain place for so long it becomes acceptable. Don't stay stuck in your bubble, travel and remember what you want for you, not for anyone else. I travel to LA about once a year to remind me of where I want to be and what I want to do. This keeps me motivated to do everything in my power to be in LA and make it. Travel to remind you of what you can have if you really want or wanted it.

Travel can bring you closer to friends. 
One night one of the girls invited us to this party 45 minutes, which is rediculously far in my book for a party. So we went. That night we all drank a little too much and talked to people we probably wouldn't have sober, but that night I invited a girl on my cheer team who I really didn't know to a road trip I was planning and she said yes!After the road trip all of us were always hanging out, till this day four years later we are all still friends and I became closer with the other girls too.

Just Do It.
The trip doesn't need to be planned for months in advance and a schedule of what you will be doing and at what time. Just go. If someone call you up and says there's a concert this weekend four hours away that you should go to then go! Those are some of the best trips I have been on. You will never get these chances again, so you go and make some amazing memories and let go of that stress you have been dealing with at work or home.

Some pointers for traveling
If you go to www.southwest.com early enough you save so much on your ticket if you get the "Wanna Get Away" tickets you save about 50% of the regular value, plus with Southwest you can check in two bags for free.

Make sure to get on Groupon and Living Social while you are traveling. These are discount sites with everything from food to activities being about 70% off.

In LA and NY you can attend TV shows for FREE! Go to on-camera-audiences.com to reserve your ticket.

Right now I'm planning a trip to New York this summer!
NOW GO TRAVEL!

Find the positive

Hello. My name is Marney Elias. Growing up I have always loved to look at the glamorous and always envisioned that I would be injected into the life of celebrity. Although I knew I would never want the spot light on me, I knew I wanted to be the work behind it all (with the perks of course.)

Somewhere between life, loss and school I lost my vision of this glamorous lifestyle I planned for myself. Now I work three jobs and go to school in my hometown which I was so eager to get out of. This may sound like I am far from celebrity, and I am. I am also a firm believer that anyone can do anything they want, they just need to work their ass off for it and make the best of the situation. So that's what I am doing. I stopped feeling sorry for myself because I made the choices to be in this situation. Now it is my turn to make the best of this situation, get off my ass and do other things that make me happy, and that is what I am doing.

Right now yes I work three jobs, but I love every single one of them. I work at an after school program, with amazing children who have dreams which are amazing. I work at Victoria's Secret where I learn about the brand, what makes the company successful and how to work with customers. I have my own photography business where I get to style and help people feel like they are the most beautiful people. School, well I am going to school so I can have that glamorous life, right now it doesn't pay off but I know in the future it will. To keep my sanity at school I have joined the fashion club which helps me learn how to prepare and run events.

For my readers, I hope you see the positive in things and the beauty even when there may be very minimal. Take the beauty and run with it, because that beauty is what is going to keep you motivated.

How I am finding the beauty in my life in a blog...
I will be blogging about things I love like fashion design and illustrations, styling outfits, inspirations, music, movies, events, deals, makeup, testers, cooking, celebrities, thrift shops and accessories.