I spent some time with my students last week making collages for Mother’s Day, and made a sample for my own special mama.

Just some old magazines, construction paper, scissors and a glue stick. Ta-da!

First, you need to get your hair wig-ready. I went with French braids, a hairstyle I’m excited to do again.

As for makeup, start with a clean surface. I like good old baby wipes – they’re gentle and remove the day’s grime. Because I’ve still got acne problems, I put on a light moisturizer before applying the foundation.

Since we were “Japanese” for this show, everyone had the same base, a tan with a yellowish undertone, applied from hairline to chin, over ears, lips and eyes.

Translucent powder it applied to help set the makeup after every step. Next, rouge for the cheekbones, then winged eyes.

Next, red-red lipstick and the wig cap, Nanki-Poo style.

And for the final touch, the raven-haired pageboy wig, and horn-rims .

Do I look like a labbie or what?

]]> http://www.brianandlauren.net/2012/01/29/from-this-to-that-mikado-made-up/feed/ 0 http://www.brianandlauren.net/2012/01/28/a-more-modern-mikado/ http://www.brianandlauren.net/2012/01/28/a-more-modern-mikado/#comments Sat, 28 Jan 2012 18:33:19 +0000 Lauren Moraca http://www.brianandlauren.net/?p=2122 We had a great opening night for Gilbert and Sullivan’s the Mikado. A standing ovation, lots of crazy fun, and a pretty amazing show. You know you want to see it. Click here for our review in the Modesto Bee, and here to see the Facebook invite, and spread the word!

I had a panic attack this morning when we realized that Posey, our cat, was foaming from the mouth. Freaking out about rabies, I researched the nearest vet open on Sunday and had her examined. Thankfully, no rabies, just a little “indigestion”. I didn’t even know cats could get indigestion. They eat the same food. All the time. What’s there to in-digest?

When I was little, I thought I was a cat person. But this might have been due to the fact that we didn’t get Aimee until I was 12. Now I’m a full-blown dog person, and my cat just keeps me company. Posey is one of the kittens we kept from the litter we had back in March. She’s cuddly and cute, but a total diva. I think that’s the problem with me and cats: there’s only room for one diva in the Moraca Mansion.

I’m really hoping I can convince my husband to get a dog once we buy our own home. I miss playing fetch and doggie kisses, leashes and chew toys. I even miss dodo-duty (though I doubt that will continue after the fact).

While in one of my usual doggie-day-dreams, my mom and brother brought home the newest addition to the Hosmer Home: Wendy. She is a 3-month-old yellow lab/German Shepard mix, and totally adorable. The Stanislaus County Animal Shelter found her on Lombardy, where my bestie Berta grew up, so we felt it was fate.

I’ve received my puppy-fix, at least for now, until I can get my own baby. Here’s some pics of my new love for your Sunday enjoyment. Prepare to have your hearts melt. Enjoy!

Sorry I haven’t been around lately dear readers, a lot has happened in the last few weeks. I’m hoping to get my blog-life up and running again once more. I’ve got some guest writers coming up, as well as promoting my new card business this year. Until then, here’s a happylittle overview of our year. Cheers, 2012!

Merry Christmas, Season’s Greetings, and Happy New Year! And what a year it has been. 2011 has been full of blessings, and we are very thankful.

Brian is still working hard at Adtech Computers in Ceres, and continues to further his knowledge of computer technology. Lauren was offered a full-time teaching position at Vanguard, teaching Computer Skills and proctoring the high-school college courses. We continue to be grateful for our jobs. If all goes according to plan, we will be homeowners in 2012!

As for celebrations, we celebrate both the Pleaus’ and the Hosmers’ 65th wedding anniversaries this year. We also traveled down to Indio to see our good childhood friend Kelsey get married, and Lauren (reluctantly) braved that tine plane again to Vegas.

Although we didn’t travel as much this year, we are planning a big trip to Disneyland this summer with Izzy Jay. She is now 20 months old, and talking up a storm, calling us “Brian-din” and “Lorn-en”. No news on how much longer she will be staying with the Moraca family, so we are enjoying every minute we can get.

We hope this holiday season brings you many joyful blessings and love from family and friends. From our house to yours, Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays.

Love, Brian and Lauren

Our bedroom windows are officially closed for the season. Pull out the tacky sweaters! This chilly weather means…the holidays are right around the corner!

There are certain things I do every year to get in the holiday spirit. From food to decor, my holidays will be a kind of symphony through the next 8 weeks. I can’t wait for Advent to start, to see Izzy in her holiday dress, and for the calories to start adding up!

I’m going to attempt to document my traditions this year, to see what I really deem “sacred” when it comes to the holidays (Jesus is my #1). As yet another year comes to a close (yikes!) and I approach my 27th year of life (double yikes!) I want to share what gives my heart those warm holiday fuzzies, and start satisfying my holiday-hunger.

1. See Transiberian Orchestra to officially start the holiday mood

2. Make Chex Mix

3. Crochet a Christmas present

4. Bake. And bake. And bake some more.

5. Make a new ornament.

6. Make it snow inside.

7. Make my Christmas cards.

And, a couple to grow on:

8. Popcorn and cranberries garland

9. Orange and Clove

10. Start a nativity collection

10 projects in 7 weeks? I think that’s doable…I think . Enjoy!

Yes, it’s true: I’m making my very first wedding invitations!

My cousin Ashley is getting married in March, and has graciously asked me to play this vital role in her wedding plans. I’m super inspired by her themes and color choices: vintage, dirty olive green, brown, cream, antique birdcages, moss and tree bark. I’m whipping up a batch of samples to send to her and to post here for all to see! Here’s some pics she sent me for inspiration. I can’t wait to help her “Tie the Knot”!

{Photo Via greenweddingshoes.com}

{Photo via ohsobeautifulpaper.com}

{Photo courtesy the internet}

Mums, snapdragons, and pansies. Let’s see how they do!