Everyday Cori By Corine Ingrassia

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EASY No-Sew DIY Pennywise Costume– all sourced from Amazon Prime!

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When my son told me he wanted to be Pennywise from Stephen King’s “IT”, I did one quick Google search and learned that I was easily looking at a $100+ costume that I knew he would wear for *maybe* 2 hours– NOPE. Not happening. So I decided I would channel my inner Martha and would whip up a DIY kids Pennywise costume for less– like WAY less.

Of course, between being busy with all the other “Mom” things and also being a professional procrastinator who loves a good adrenaline rush of working under pressure, I put this plan off until the very last minute and did as I always do– called on my reliable and resourceful BFF, Amazon Prime.

I sourced the entire Pennywise costume from Amazon Prime for a fraction of the cost of the official “IT” costume– and you guys, I am still in awe of how CREEPY and amazing IT turned out; especially given that I threw it together in less than a week!

I want to tell you I’m just super crafty and talented, but trust this was put together with nothing more than a hot glue gun, Prime membership and a prayer.

That being said, I am asked how I made this DIY Pennywise kids costume all the time, so I thought I’d finally put it into a post (no doubt there will  be lots of kids looking to be Pennywise this year with the sequel in theaters!)

EASY DIY KIDS PENNYWISE DIY COSTUME

LAST MINUTE KIDS PENNYWISE COSTUME DIY

Disclosure: This post includes Amazon affiliate links. When you make a purchase through the links in this post, I may make a small commission from the sale.

How To Make A DIY Pennywise Costume For Kids This Halloween

(even at the last minute)

Side note: If you are a busy mom like me and do not have an Amazon Prime subscription– it is worth its weight in gold. I mean it. Get it today or at the very least put it on your Holiday wish list!

In total this simple DIY costume was under $50 for me because I had some of the materials already. I am going to link to all of the items below so that you know what I used exactly but note that you won’t need entire packages for some- ie: red poms, balloons and balloon sticks. As with any DIY, the key is to be scrappy and resourceful.  You may be able to ask friends and family if they have those types of things around or even check out your local dollar store or Walmart for smaller packages than what is offered on Amazon.

Materials

(See my full handy dandy Amazon shopping list here)

Steps:

  1. Create Pennywise’s Hair.  Cut out the rubber skin on the orange hair wig and glue it to the white clown wig-skin.  This took some mastering. I would put it on my sons head, to check for placement and then style with hair spray.  — When writing this post, I saw Amazon now has a decent looking Pennywise wig for around $20- (about $5 more than what it cost me to make ours, but depending on your budget and time, you may just want to get that one that is already styled.
  2. Make your Pennywise Clown Collar With Coffee Filters. This was my favorite part because it literally cost around $3 to make all the ruffles and that felt like a huge win considering some of the collars I saw were around $20. To make your coffee filter clown collar make a ring by cutting out the center of a paper plate. Be sure to cut an opening on the ring so you can easily wear it as a costume. Fold your white paper coffee filters in half. Glue them around your paper plate in tiers to make your ruffles.
  3. Dye your peasant top and leggings with your RIT fabric dye. 
  4. Add ruffles to the bottom of your leggings and shirt. Just as you did with your coffee filter clown color you are going to create ruffles by gluing tiers of folded coffee filters. I had purchased leggings with a few ruffles on them already but in retrospect that was unnecessary. Any leggings will do when you’re making the ruffles with coffee filters anyway.
  5. Applying the final details. I added the red poms and rope accents after my son put on the dyed shirt and leggings. I just found it easier to center and fluff. Carefully hot glue 3 large red poms to the center of your shirt. Then using your bungee cord, tie around the waist and sleeves and puff out shirt to make Pennywise’s ballooned shirt look.

For the face make up, I highly recommend using a white clown foundation/ liquid latex as your base and then following a great YouTube tutorial like this one to paint on the creepy red smile and black eyes.


Products from Amazon.com

Pinterest- Kids DIY Pennywise Costume For Less

Quick & Healthy Breakfast Ideas With Toast

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When we first arrived at our new home from our cross country road trip, we were living an extremely minimalistic lifestyle while we waited for our belongings to arrive on the moving truck; I’m talking air mattresses, limited clothes, and super simple meals because not only did we not have our luxurious, decade-old pots and pans– we also didn’t have a working stove (the house was a bit of a fixer upper).

It was an interesting 2 weeks. Minimalism can definitely get your creative juices flowing and teach you to enjoy the simpler things – like healthy breakfast toast.

I didn’t have a stove, but I *did* have an air-fryer that I traveled 3,000 miles across the country with in our trunk (because, that is how much we live ours. I mean it you guys… air-fyers are life changing).

If you don’t have an airfryer– definitely check it out here!

During my time as Top-Airfryer-Chef, I learned could make toast in just 3 minutes! I remembered that my favorite coffee shop in NJ, ironically named, California Cold Co, had a menu of “Fancy Toast” that were incredible and healthier than boring old cereal. And so “Fancy toast” became my new California-mom specialty.

Tip: I discovered Dave’s Killer Bread through the coffee shop I mentioned. I find it really makes this breakfast feel extra hearty and healthy. We love the the 21 grain bread.

We came up with all sorts of yummy breakfast ideas with toast that continue to be family favorites, so I thought I would share a few with you guys because 3 minute healthy breakfasts on crazy school day mornings is priceless!

Our Favorite Fancy Breakfast Toast Ideas

The VSCO Girl Breakfast

(The toast formally known simply as peanut butter and banana toast, but after seeing the VSCO girl trend online, I’ve learned it’s a VSCO girl favorite. Who knew? … sksksksksk)

  • Toast
  • Peanut butter (although, we prefer Justin’s almond butter. Yes, specifically Justin’s because we learned the hard way that all almond butter is not created equal, friends.)
  • Sliced bananas
  • Honey drizzle (optional)

French Toast-Fancy Toast

  • Toast
  • Cream Cheese
  • Sliced bananas (optional)
  • Honey drizzle
  • Sprinkle of cinnamon and powdered sugar

Italian “Cannoli” Breakfast Toast

  • Toast
  • Low-fat ricotta mixed with a drop of vanilla extract & salt
  • Topped with mini chocolate chips
  • Drizzle Honey (optional)
  • Sprinkle of powder sugar

Spicy Avocado Toast

  • Toast
  • Smashed up Avocado (shout out to this must-have all-in-one Avocado tool I snagged on Amazon!)
  • Red Pepper flakes
  • Sprinkle of parmesan cheese
  • Salt and Pepper
If you love Avocados like we do… trust me, you need this.

Sweet and Savory Strawberry

  • Toast
  • Low fat Ricotta Cheese
  • Sliced strawberries
  • Salt
  • Balsamic drizzle

Strawberry Shortcake Toast

  • Toast
  • Cream cheese whipped with a drop of vanilla
  • Sliced strawberries
  • Sprinkle of powder sugar

Fruit De Jour Breakfast Toast

Breakfast Ideas with Toast
Keep’n it real right here with a paper plate just days after we moved in…
  • Toast
  • Cream cheese
  • Your favorite sliced fruit
  • Sprinkle of Coconut

This post contains affiliate links to a few things I love. By shopping through these links, I may receive a small portion of the sale.

It’s Official: Our Family Is Moving To LA!

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It’s official! This summer our party of 5 will be packing up and moving from New Jersey to our new home in Los Angeles (that feels so weird to say)– and yes, we are driving there– because we like to keep life interesting.

If you’ve followed me online or know me personally for any length of time, you know all about our love affair with the California– so to say we are excited is an understatement– YES!!! Even the kids!!!

There is a lot more to share about the road that led us here, but for now I’m just happy to officially share our “big news” and bring you all along for the crazy journey ahead of us.

xo, Cori

How To Look Better In Photos: Beauty Bloggers, Photographers and Makeup Artists Share Their Best Tips!

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I once read somewhere that Mariah Carey designed her home to have all lighting at eye level as to avoid harsh, unflattering shadows being cast on her face from overhead lighting.

She would have absolute heart failure walking into my home with something insane like 50+ high-hat lights (which she’s called “abusive”) spread throughout every room.

Now, I know. The idea of banning overhead lighting in your home has diva written allllll over it, but lighting is incredibly powerful when you want to look better in pictures (magic hour is called magic hour for a reason).

So what about us regular peeps who want to avoid being tagged in unflattering photos on social media but can’t walk around with Mariah Carey lighting 24/7? (You guys, but imagine if you we could!?!?)  

What can we do to look better in pictures?

The good news? There are many other (more realistic) ways to be photo-ready and “social media-taggable” (can I trademark that?) without controlling the light and declining invitations to parties with overhead lights. Things like posing and the right makeup can also play a big role in looking better in photos.

The best news? I have some awesome tips from beauty bloggers, makeup artists and professional photographers that will have you looking camera-ready at every occasion.

How To Be Photo Ready & Look Better In Pictures

Corine Ingrassia- beauty blogger

1. Always face the light– natural light whenever possible. 

Since we already discussed the pitfalls of overhead lights, I wanted to follow it up by saying–always face the light. My ring light is my bff when shooting in the house but natural light is always the best light. The best lit photos are always when the sun/light is behind the camera. The best time for this is usually early morning or late afternoon. Full sun in the middle of the day can be just as harsh as those overhead lights– and cause serious squinting. For outdoor photos mid-day, look to stand in a shaded area.– Me 😉

2. Avoid make-up with silica and SPF when taking photos with flash

There is nothing worse than feeling like your makeup is slaying, only to take take a photo with flash and find yourself looking like Casper. It’s called flash-back and the struggle as they say, is real. When you know there’s a possibility of taking photos in a low light, avoid products with silica (different than silicone) and SPF like the plague and always use an HD Powder.

I personally love the NYX  Professional Studio HD Powder and the NYX Total Control Drop Foundation– both under $20!

3. Use matte finish bronzer to contour a full face, double chin, or crooked nose

Matte powder that is slightly darker than your natural shade sculpts like a chisel when placed beneath cheekbones, under the jaw line or on the sides of your nose. –Dimitri James, celebrity makeup artist

4. Buy a concealer pot two shades lighter than your skin tone

After applying your foundation and finishing powder gently, pat the concealer under your eyes in a crescent moon shape and above your eyebrows, from the top center tip to the end tip. This will highlight your eyes so they’re the focus of the photo. –Lindsi Lane, Lindsi in the Fast Lane founder

5. If it’s a full-length shot, place your hands on your hips, but not evenly

Have one hand higher on one hip and the other hand resting a bit lower so you don’t look boxy. –Hope Henderson, creator of the Beauty Mark app

6. For a photo-ready, no-makeup-makeup look, skip the blush

Instead, contour cheekbones with a powder bronzer, then hit the apples of the cheeks with a highlighting powder. –Shelley GoodStein, model and blogger (A Model’s Secrets)  

7. Fake lashes and eyeliner are the keys to popping those eyes

Using an angled liner brush, apply a powder to the upper waterline, or inner rim. This defines the eye without closing it in. To boost lashes, apply short-strip lashes. Top them off with a little mascara, and you are good to go. –Erica Maniscalco, New York makeup artist

8. To avoid a gummy smile, place the tip of your tongue on the roof of your mouth

This tip keeps you from smiling too wide. Works every time! –Elke Von Freudengerg, New York makeup artist

9. Avoid shimmery eye shadows

Keep it reserved to the lid, and use a matte shadow from the crease to the brow bone. –Jessica Metivier, beauty expert on America Now

20. Tame flyaways with hairspray and a toothbrush

Make sure your hair looks smooth before taking a picture. To manage flyaways, spray a light-hold hairspray on a toothbrush and gently brush them down. – Julia Papworth, celebrity makeup artist

Look Better In Photos And Never Be Tagged In A Bad Photo On Facebook Again

3 Fun Things To Do In Hollywood With Kids

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What do you do in Hollywood as a family? These 3 things will create amazing memories for your kids. Read on to see what do to in Hollywood with kids. A mom in hollywood with her 3 kids. Whether you are an adult or a child visiting Los Angeles, California for the first time, the excitement of seeing those large white letters sprawled across the hillside spelling out “HOLLYWOOD” is likely the type of excitement that has been building (consciously or sub-consciously) for years. And sitting below that hillside sign is a town that holds a special kind of history that is fascinating to people of all ages. It’s streets, the keeper of both industry secrets and the ins and outs of a celebrity lifestyle opposite of our own.

3 Fun Things To Do In Hollywood With Kids

While it’s true that there are parts of Hollywood best experienced sans kids, we have taken the kids to Hollywood multiple times and there is plenty to do and explore with them too! This is a staple when visiting Hollywood. Kids may not recognize a lot of the names (to be honest, neither do I) but that adds to the excitement of chasing square after square on a hunt for the names that are familiar– and with 16 fictional stars, kids will definitely find a few.

1.) Walk Of Fame

(all ages)

A little girl on the Hollywood walk of fame
I’ve created a fun scavenger hunt list and Bingo card to make this even more fun! You can download the free printables below.
Download the Free Hollywood Walk of Fame Kids' Printable here
click here

2.) Universal Studios Hollywood

(all ages)

A mom at Universal Studios in Hollywood with her son
Possibly the only theme park you will visit that is built ON TOP of buildings. Yes, you read that right. Universal Studios Hollywood is made up of 2 levels and the upper level is literally built on top of studio buildings! I did a double take when I realized it myself. Compared to its Orlando theme park, Universal Hollywood is much smaller and when traveling with small children, more digestible, in my opinion. Another perk to the smaller size of this park is that when planned properly, it is totally possible to make this half-day adventure (and lets be honest, when you have a busy vacation planned with little ones and/or multiple kids… somedays a half day is the best kind of theme park day).
A dad at Universal Studios on Hollywood with his son
There is a Minions splash pad and playground for little ones (so pack a swimsuit or change of clothes!) and there are also plenty of rides for kids 40″ and above. There shows that go on throughout the day and 8 main “rides”, many 3D simulators (such as The Simpsons Ride, Minion Rush and Transformers) that are housed in actual sound stages, Potterland and no visit is complete without the Studio Tour  which takes you through some actual studio sets, lets you experience a simulated “earthquake”, as well as some other movie fun. This is arguably the best ride of all– though to be fair we missed out on The Mummy and The Potter ride– both are said to be really great! In addition to the can’t miss studio tour, I highly recommend grabbing a fresh jumbo sized donut and flaming mo beverage from Simpsons land! All. The. Yum!

3.) Touring The Hollywood Hills– YouTube Style

(for the tweens and teens)

In lieu of actually hiking to the Hollywood sign (which is still on my list by the way), we’ve taken drives through the Hollywood hills, marveled at the homes and have gotten some pretty great views of the sign along the way.
  • A boy overlooking the hollywood hills
A lot of YouTubers reside in the Hills and with a little research, you can likely find your kid’s favorites. My son at just 12 years old found directions to his favorite YouTuber’s home on. his. own.  And when we drove to the home, we were not the only fans driving by taking pictures.
A boy in front of a Hollywood mansion
The internet is a scary place you guys. Fortunately, the Youtuber’s mom was very down to earth and even took pictures with my son when she was returning from her Starbucks run.

More Family Travel Tips

There is so much more to do then Hollywood with your family. Here are some of our favorites:

FALL INTO FITNESS: Products you’ll want to check out for your next workout!!

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Don’t you just love getting surprises in the mail? Getting to try out fun new products  and report it all back to you guys is one of my favorite parts of this blogging gig’ 😉

So when my friends at BabbleBoxx asked if I’d be interested in receiving some fitness-related goodies– I was all in.

As I mentioned in my previous post, September is kind of my new year. With the kids back at school it always feels like a fresh page and I am by far my most focused on my goals– both professionally and personally. And while admittedly my fitness journey does have its peaks and valleys, becoming a healthier version of myself is always a goal.

I was stoked to see what was inside this box of surprises and am even more stoked to share them with you today– because you guys, they have me pumped!!

Tiger Balm: Active Muscle Spray

With athletes in the house, this one is one I am super excited to continue to use throughout our busy sports season(s). My now teen plays basketball (like every day of his life since 8 years old) and my daughter who is currently working on her back handspring, tumbles at her cheer gym multiple days of the week– suffice it to say, muscle aches are all too common here.

Tiger Balm Active Muscle spray offers relief for those muscle aches as well as sprains and strains– and the best part is because it is a spray it is easy to apply– even in those hard to reach places.

You can learn more about Tiger Balm Active Muscle Spray here

AfterShokz: Trekz Air

Like most, music always motivates my workout. I especially love my cardio– walking, jogging, treadmill, elliptical– you name it. If I can zone out and get lost in some energizing music– I am one happy girl.

I tested out these Aftershokz Trekz Air ear headphones the other day when I was out walking, taking advantage of the crisp fall morning (fall mornings are the best, right?!?). These ear headphones not only have great sound but they are SUPER, crazy light.  They’re made with a a titanium bone conduction technology and they fit like a dream. 

You can learn more about them here. 

| Get $55 OFF when using Discount Code: BABBLE  Promotion ends November 1, 2018. |

GO Comfort Insoles

Whether working out or just running around like crazy with the kiddos– comfy shoes are always KEY!   

Go Comfort Insoles have 3 different products: Comfort Insole, Work Insole, Athletic Insole

I tried out the work insoles on one of those days that was so busy, I truly didn’t sit down until the day was done.

After a full day (say 12 hours or so?) not only did the insole’s arch and heel support leave my feet feeling comfortable–– my back was not killing me as it so often does (you may remember I did some damage a few years back after a clumsy fall in the house). I’m definitely going to give these a try when I’m in NYC later this month because there is nothing like hoofing it around in NYC and the GoComfort work insoles are made for walking on hard surfaces like the ones that pave the concrete jungle of New York.

I added the athletic insoles to my workout sneakers. In addition to the lower back support the work insoles, the workout insoles also feature  max shock absorption so they are perfect for cardio and gym days.

You can learn more about GoComfort Insoles here

| Use codeGOcomfortBB20 for 20% off + Free Shipping — Valid until 12/31/18 |

CELIUS Original Line: Sparkling Kiwi Guava

This yummy, refreshing drink is not only yummy and refreshing– it helps you burn calories!!  I feel like my metabolism is on the sluggish side (especially so with every birthday that passes 😉 ) 

CELSIUS: Your Ultimate Fitness Partner®, has a line of sparkling beverages that boost your metabolism and when paired with physical activity it can help increase your calorie burn!!! I don’t know about you, but idea of burning additional calories kinda makes me want to work out even more! 

You can learn more about this delish drink here.

Which one of these products would you want to try first?

This post is sponsored by BabbleBoxx.com.

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