Graduation Gift, Wedding Gift, And Some Thoughts

Hello lovelies,

Yes, I'm still alive. I've just been lazy and have been busy lately. Last week, one of my niece graduated from high school, unfortunately I couldn't attend the graduation party because I agreed to do wedding makeup for a friend of a friend and to attend their wedding.

Nonetheless, I still managed to get her a little present that I picked up from Things Remembered. This is the decision maker desk toy. The funny thing is I didn't really know what to get her and my initial intention when walking into the store was to find a little wedding present. When I stumbled upon this toy, with her name already engraved on it, I thought it was too cute and decided to get it for her.
So as you can see from the picture, there is like a ball hanging there on a wire and all you do is ask a question, swing the pendulum, and it will help you make a decision. The ball and the base are magnetic so eventually the ball will come to a stop and fall within one of the decision making answers. The toy is $40 and the engraving is $3 per word but the 2012 grad symbol was an additional $12.00. Argggh yes, that's how they milk your money out of the engraving. On the bright side, it adds a more personal touch and I really liked it. I hope she did too. My son went to the graduation party along with my sister so he delivered the present for her.

If you are interested in this toy or think of possibly getting it for someone, you can also order it online. Here is the link for your convenience http://www.thingsremembered.com/product/Occasions/Graduation/Tech-Gifts-Gadgets/Decision-Maker-Desk-Toy/pc/101/c/2568/sc/2938/156929.uts?refineByCategoryId=2938


Luuux Shared Link

I didn't get a chance to take pictures of the wedding makeup. Let's just say that we were short on time. I agreed to do the bride and bridesmaids' makeup as a favor since I've already hung out with the bride a couple times before the wedding. Beside, I am not comfortable charging people considering that it is only something I do as a hobby and for people I know or friends, I'd hate to make them pay.
Pretty much what I take from this experience is that it is not as simple or easy breezy as it may seem. You are dealing with different skintone, skin issues, different face and eye shapes, etc...The biggest challenge for me was time. I think I underestimated the time it would take me to do the makeup. Had it been just for myself, I could have probably finished it in under 30 minutes but working on someone else is a different ball game. Since I do not do this professionally, I found it difficult to do the makeup quick on a new face. Another challenge is that I am sort of a perfectionist and I want the makeup to look flawless, which is also another thing that was consuming my time.  With that said, I was only able to complete the face of the bride and maid of honor. One of the bridesmaid didn't show up and the other did most of her makeup and I just did a quick touch up. They ran out of there like speedy Gonzales...lol. I didn't make it to the ceremony either since I was not ready and had to clean up. I however managed to show up late at the reception. Again, underestimating my time.

So, to be honest, this was a last minute gift for the newly weds. I ran to the store after I did the makeup. Didn't know where to go so I decided to stop by TJ Maxx. I found this wall hanging that I thought was cute and seemed like a good idea as a wedding gift. I think if the newly weds follow these house rules, they should be able to keep the marriage cool and under control. If you think about it, it's often all those small little things that we forget and take for granted.
I guess that's pretty much it for this post. Have you attended any graduation or wedding lately? If so, what are some of the gift ideas you'd like to share.



Luuux Shared Link