Hi everyone!

It's been a minute and I have lots to share with you. As my friends know, I love a good white smile. A person's smile is something that never goes out of style (cheesy I know).

I have had some cosmetic work done to my smile as I feel most have. Post middle school braces (we are not going to show those pictures for my own sanity) I had professional bleaching, filing and bonding done to improve my smile. I will admit, I actually like going to the dentist. Don't ask me why, I truly don't mind it.

Professional whitening can be pricey depending on where you go, what you have done, etc. I have had friends pay so much money to get impressions professionally done and then purchase bleach on top of that. Don't get me wrong, I did that for almost 10 years of my life. Luckily my dentist probably the best in the world and makes it affordable as possible for his patients. Now living in a bigger city, this stuff can be expensive and "not worth it.".

With consuming all my wine and coffee- I need to keep up with my white smile. I take a lot of photos and now with a wedding coming up, I can't let this slack. When Smile Brillant reached out, I was a little hesitant. I was nervous to do anything "at home" because I was afraid it wasn't going to work...well joke is on me friends!




What is Smile Brilliant?

Smile Brilliant is an at home teeth whitening kit. No appointment needed!

How does it work?

Go to their website, and select the kit that would work best for you. My teeth can be sensitive due to the long time whitening I have done. Therefore, I selected the sensitive kit. Once you receive you kit, it gives you detailed instructions on how to create your molds and even a pre-stamped envelope to mail back to their lab.

Is it expensive?

Hell to the no! Kits are around $149 and with my code (modishmitten15) you will get 15% off.  Even better, you have a chance to win a kit for FREE thanks to the wonderful people at Smile Brillant. Check out those details here.

Honest thoughts from a long time teeth whitener: 

- Truly the best system for professional results
- You can do it on your own time
- No sensitivity
- It's cost effective
- Even thought my teeth were already on the white side, it made them so much brighter

Katie's Christmas Guide:

Make: DIY Map-Inspired Resin Drink Coasters
If you’re looking to add a personal touch to your christmas gifts for him this year, these DIY Map-Inspired Resin Drink Coasters are a great idea! Pick out a few of his favorite travel spots or make it romantic and choose a location that has been a significant moment in your relationship!


Buy: Lucky Tackle Box 
If your guy is anything like mine, then this next gift is sure to please! Lucky Tackle Box is a monthly subscription that ships a box full of new lures and baits on the 10th of every month. Shipping is free and what is cool about this product is that each subscription can be tailored to different fishing specialties (examples: Bass, Trout, Walleye, etc.) This is a gift that keeps on giving…once a month for a whole YEAR!


Explore: Rosa Parks Circle & Christmas Lite Show at Fifth Third Ball Park
Get out of the house or apartment and treat your significant other to a winter wonderland date night for Christmas! If you’re on the west side of the state, plan a night ice skating at Rosa Parks Circle. Admission is $2 and that includes skate rentals! After some tumbles on the ice, warm up in your car and take a drive through the Fifth Third Ballpark Christmas Lite Show. Take in over a million lights, animated displays and lighted tunnels on your two mile drive through the park… and of course Christmas music is a must while you’re driving. Pricing is different depending on car/party size, but a standard car rate is $17.


Danielle's Christmas Guide:




Make: Memory Ornament
My mom and I made these the past few years for recent married couples. We kept one of their invites/programs and carefully cut and twisted them into a clear, glass ornament. You can also do this for your significant other with any meaningful poem, quotes etc. Very unique and easy to make!


Buy: Altec Lansing Mini Life Jacket 2
My guy loves anything related to Michigan State, clothing and (his personal favorite) new gadgets. I saw this at Best Buy and realized this would be something great for any man in your life. This waterproof speaker is perfect for an outdoor adventure, working in your office or jamming out at home. I love my man, but he can be a little rough on things. Luckily, Altec Lansing makes their products extremely durable and high quality. It's shockproof, dust-proof and IT FLOATS! Their speakers come in a variety of sizes, colors and prices.



Explore: Mini Christmas "Bucket List"
Sam and I love exploring and trying new things. We always mention so many ideas when it comes to exploring Detroit. I figured I could turn this into a "Mini Christmas" bucket list for my man. All activities on this "bucket list" could vary from price, location etc. From ice skating at Campus Martius, exploring the "Wild Lights" at the Detroit Zoo or evening spending one last Wings game at the "Joe"...the possibilities are endless!

I suggest making this a little crafty in your presentation on this gift (perhaps a cute checklist, fun map etc.) If you are on a budget, or your guy isn't into sports feel free to change it up by adding in fun Christmas activities for you and him to do together.


*All photos were found on Pinterest, Google, Facebook and affiliated company websites.
* Some projects found on Pinterest/Facebook. 

Good morning-

Add fresh coat of paint with a twist to create some serious fall “feels” around your home!

What could be better than adding some of your favorite succulents to give your pumpkins a refreshed and revived look for the holidays!?
As winter approaches, wrap your pumpkins with an old sweater to take your home from Halloween to a cozy winter wonderland!
Get your holiday parties started with some confetti pumpkins!
Create a statement centerpiece or front entrance with these glitter pumpkins!

Hi everyone-

Thought I would share a little DIY that is extremely easy and inexpensive. I thought my office could use a little "pick me up" and this canvas art is just the thing to brighten up any space. Fruit prints are pretty popular and something that adds a little fun. You can use this for your office, bedroom, bathroom, whatever you please.

More to come,
Danielle

Steps: 

1. Cut the fruit right down the middle. Make sure your cuts are as even as possible. This allows for even stamping
2. Dab the lemons on a paper towel as best as possible to get rid of any juice. Let them sit for a little bit (15-20 minutes)
3.  Determine how you want to space them on your canvas. I did three rows (not the most even) but think about how you want it to look prior stamping
4. Dip your lemon into the ink. Fully press down and repeat until you see the ink is all over the fruit. The lemon I used still was wet so I had to press down a few times into the ink.
5. Take the lemon and press it on the canvas for about 2-5 seconds. Push around the edges so all the fruit touches the canvas.
6. Repeat as desired and let dry.

Here is video for your enjoyment as well!

First things first..You’ll need supplies! I was able to get all of mine from Hobby Lobby.
1. Wood strips (mine came in a pack of six)

Here are some takeaways from my first DIY.

1. Have a variety of brushes. This will give you some great dimension and different textures.

2. Acrylic paint is great for beginners, like myself. I went with a matte black/gray and LOVED IT!

3. Look for some inspiration online to get those creative juices flowing, but don’t try to copy a piece exactly. These kinds of projects get the best results when you’re just having fun without expectation of a “perfect” painting.

4. Always have extra sheets of paper for those “Oh Shit!” moments.

5. And lastly, turn on some tunes, grab a glass of wine, and have FUN!


- Katie