ROUNDUP: Cool Stuff on the Internet Vol. 5

It's time for another round of Cool Stuff on the Internet! Here's some fun stuff I found recently:

50 Unexplainable Stock Photos No One Will Ever Use

You may be familiar with the internet sensation of "Women Laughing Alone with Salad," (a stock photo rockstar, if such a title existed), but these photos somehow make even less sense. The above picture, for instance, seems to lack any discernible meaning or message - is it a play on 'sweet dreams' or something? Although he is definitely not dreaming, as evidenced by his haunting stare. If you're into seeing things like crash test dummies in a loving embrace, a child earnestly sniffing a cactus or two adult men sharing a single white turtleneck sweater then, please, take a gander.

A Splash of Sea Water Under a Microscope

Pictured above is the magnified contents of a random drop of sea water - yes, the same water you frolic in, and which occasionally ends up in your mouth. I know there are obviously sea creatures in the sea. I just don't like it when science is all "just in case you were trying to forget that you're dunking your whole body in a fish's toilet, here is some gross stuff you probably swallowed along the way. LOL!" I don't like the idea that something is so small I can't see it, yet also somehow has, like, 10 legs. Also, what are those curly little things?! Glad you asked - here's a breakdown of each new friend.

Tiny Birthday for a Tiny Hedgehog

Let's take a moment to recover with what is, undoubtedly, one of the cutest things to happen on the internet. From the people who brought you "Tiny Hamsters Eating Tiny Burritos" comes a tiny birthday party full of tiny presents and a tiny birthday cake for a tiny hedgehog. There's just no room for complaining here...this is about as good as it gets. Also, don't miss the cameo from the aforementioned tiny hamsters!

This Guy is Collecting Every VHS Copy of Speed Ever

In case you're ever down on yourself for not having a hobby, or maybe having an embarrassing one, please keep in mind that some dude out there is actually dedicating his time, energy and van space (of course he drives a van) to collecting every single VHS copy of the movie Speed ever made (although he also has some laser discs for bartering). He's also wearing two pairs of sunglasses in the article photo so...you know. Part of me likes this and part of me wishes I had a copy just so I could keep it from him.

Things Fitting Perfectly Into Other Things Tumblr

I'm sure some (most?) of you are like, "uh, cool...a cracker in the bottom of a cup," but when I see this picture I feel a deep calmness in my very being (and I also kinda want a Ritz). Much like "Things Organized Neatly" this tumblr gives me the satisfaction of seeing order and harmony through the lens of everyday objects. Why does it feel so satisfying to see a bottle cap fit snugly into a sink drain? I don't knooooow, but it feels so right.

What 1939 Thought Fashion in 2000 Would Look Like

In this vintage clip, top fashion designers predict what kind of crazy fashion hijinks we'd have gotten up to by the year 2000. Much like most future predictions (e.g. flying cars, robot maids, the value of Beanie Babies) these are pretty off, but entertaining nonetheless. Apparently, we should be covered in sheer mesh by now so that we can, presumes the video's narrator, "catch the males." Also, one of them thought we would wear lightbulbs in our hair. Seems dangerous. 

What cool stuff have you found lately? Leave me some links!

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STYLE: Fun Beach Bags

Typically, all of my beach stuff (towel, sunscreen, book, snacks - always snacks) gets stuffed into whatever bag is closest to the door when I realize that I have way more stuff coming to the beach with me than I can carry in my hands. I do have one dedicated beach bag - complete with a bikini-clad kitten in a hammock and the caption "Cat-Nappin'!" - but it is sadly starting to show its age, and I'm keeping an eye out for a cute new beach buddy. Here are some of the cutest beach bags and totes I've seen lately:

One  //  Two  //  Three  //  Four  //  Five  //  Six  //  Seven  //  Eight  //  Nine

Can you even handle that banana print bag? What are you storing all your beach crap in these days?

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STYLE: Swimsuits & Beach Accessories

I've got swimming on the brain because, as you read this, I'm probably lazing away in a delightful New Hampshire lake. I say probably because I might also be lounging beside it, playing board games right near it or some other super lazy bones situation, depending on the exact time of day. 

My new bathing suit is a retro-style red halter top with a cute little skirt. It is literally the exact same bathing suit I've had for years, except just in red rather than my previous aqua. That is SO not my style - I like to switch it up and try new things with clothes, but when you find a bathing suit that works it's hard to swim walk away. I half spared you from that terrible pun, so you're half welcome.

Having a brand new swimsuit doesn't stop me from peeking around at these other awesome numbers. Nothing will ever quench my shopping thirst - NOTHING. Enjoy the fruits of my obsessive labor!

RED HOT

In honor of my new red swimsuit, I'm bringing you some red hot looks that offer a little something extra. I love how the polka dot swim dress and the heart print peplum suit are all cutesy and innocent, but the cool mod look of the belted suit is all power. Red is versatile!

Some Like It Haute One Piece  //  Splice of Life One Piece  //  Beauty on the Shore One Piece

POLKA DOTS

Duh, there was obviously going to be a polka dot section. Polka dots add a retro flair to any bathing suit, not that this black Esther Williams suit needed the help. The white suit has great retro elements - length, ruching, neckline - but the pop of turquoise gives it a cool modern twist. This blue number flips the swimwear script with a full black bow over the chest. I know I would never stop tying and untying that thing. Bonus entertainment!

1940's Polka Dot with Aqua Cabana Suit  //  We've Got the Beach One Piece  //  Beach Blanket Bingo One Piece

RUFFLES

Ruffles are a swimsuit feature that I'm always drawn to, but that I generally avoid for myself. I always hear they "enhance your bust line" or something similar via ridiculous magazine-speak articles, and I am generally trying to do the exact opposite. I love the girly nature of ruffles, especially around the waist like on this purple bikini. The yellow suit will make you look and feel like a human pinata, which I am suddenly very into. This navy suit is like an evening gown for the water! She even rocks it with an armful of bangles. BRAVO!

Freya Pier Spot Ruffle Bikini  //  Yellow Ruffle Bandeau Swimsuit  //  One Shoulder Ruffle Swimsuit

NAVY STRIPES

Navy stripes are very nautical so they tend to pop up a lot in swimwear, which is fine with me. I love a good bold stripe and these suits show how you can wear it in very different styles. The bikini has great feminine accents and a high waist for a pin up look, while the skirted suit is almost dress-like and the peplum one-piece is all modern and architectural.

Striped Marley Bikini  //  Playa Dress Up Two-Piece  //  Beauty on the Shore One Piece

FLORAL

Floral swimwear will always be classic, but it definitely doesn't have to be boring. This bright bikini has a 60s watercolor feel and the daisy-print one piece is also very retro, while the yellow suit offers a more modern take on florals with a uniquely shaped top to boot.

Sun Decked Out Swimsuit  //  Red, Red Rose Swimsuit  //  50s Style Floral One-Piece

UNEXPECTED PRINTS

You'll always keep 'em guessing in unexpected prints like these. Trust me, they will never see these coming! With most things, I often think "the weirder the better" and these suits sure do fall in line with that. This sloth just wants to hang at the beach with you and your pals - are you gonna be the one to tell him no? DIDN'T THINK SO. Shine like King Tut in a metallic gold number to let everyone know that you are beach royalty. Or you know what? Just slap some unicorns on your crotch and nips and call it a day.

Sloth Swimsuit  //  King Tut Swimsuit  //  Mythical of the Wild Swimsuit

FUN BEACH TOWELS

Even though I usually only buy them once per decade, I'm always eyeing cute beach towels. Usually that means fun fish prints or whatever, but these vintage-inspired girly towels are something totally new. Flash some pin-up lady love at the beach while showing off your own swimsuited glory!

Retro Lipstick Beach Towel  //  Hey Sailor Beach Towel  //  Tiki Party Beach Towel

COOL POOL FLOATS

The pool float industry has really stepped up its game lately! It used to be that if you wanted to get wild you'd opt for that giant alligator float that pretty much everybody else had too. Now you can fold up in a pretzel and pop into a donut hole to catch your rays. This floating table is giving me all kinds of ideas - there's even a cooler in the middle. With my love of card games and my juvenile refusal to EVER get out of the water, this might be the float of my dreams!

Pretzel Pool Float  //  Aqua Floating Table  //  Gigantic Donut Pool Float

What do you wear in the water? Are retro suits your kryptonite or are you more of a modern gal? Would you like to pull up a seat at my floating table?

p.s. Don't miss my DIY Beach Coverup from a T-Shirt tutorial from last summer - it is SUPER easy and people get all impressed with you anyway!

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DIY: Beach Wave Spray

I consider it nothing short of a TRAGEDY that I was born without a head full of natural curls. Come on, I'd even settle for waves! My mother and grandmother were blessed with major curls (not sure they saw it as a blessing though...) and I was always waiting for my hair to get curly. I thought if I waited long enough and maybe slept in sponge curlers often enough, then my hair would just magically become curly. I was kind of out of touch with reality for a long time. Still waiting to find some kind of magic amulet which turns me into a teen witch, Universe!

I know curly hair can be a lot of maintenance and, truth be told, I probably couldn't handle it. Everyone who wakes up early to blow dry, straighten or otherwise wrangle their hair has my respect. I know if I actually had hair that required any effort I would probably wear it up in a messy bun even more frequently than I normally do, assuming that was physically possible. I'll stick to envying you curly ladies from afar. 

Since it's summer, I've been doing some research on beach hair sprays to get a little effortless texture. I've tried some store bought kinds in the past (all borrowed from friends so I'm not sure which ones) and it seems everyone on the internet agrees that it is ALL about Bumble & Bumble Surf Spray, which is cool and all, but I'm ALL about keeping my $25 so when I found this recipe, I decided to try my hand at some DIY Beach Wave Spray.

WHAT YOU NEED

Sea Salt  //  Leave-In Conditioner  //  Spray Bottle  //  Coconut Oil  //  Water-Based Pomade  //  Water  //  Mixing Bowl

HOW TO MAKE IT

I made a small batch to test this out, so you can use my measurements or double/triple/whatever them to make more.

First, pour 1/4 cup of water into a mixing bowl. Add 1/4 tsp of sea salt to the water.

Next, add 1/2 TBS leave-in conditioner.

Then add 1/4 tsp coconut oil.

Add a small blob of pomade and mix all ingredients.

Add the mixture into your spray bottle via a funnel (or not if you're a risk taker...also know that I like your style). Shake the closed bottle to mix.

HOW TO USE IT

For reference, here is my super straight hair before I got going.

Disgusted at my lack of natural curls or waves. Simply ridiculous.

You want to apply this to damp hair. I sprayed mine with water, but if you're the type who regularly washes your hair, feel free to do this fresh from the shower, show-off.

When hair is damp, spray the Beach Wave Spray all over like a madwoman.

When your hair feels sufficiently covered, start scrunching it all over to encourage waves. This should feel very familiar if you attended middle/high school in the late 90s-early 2000s and favored the "wet look" created with crunchy gel. Don't worry, I won't tell anyone.

Here's where I got distracted by the fact that my lipstick perfectly matched the nozzle (what a great word) of my spray bottle. EVERYTHING HAPPENS FOR A REASON!

Here is my hair right after I scrunched my little heart out. It was halfway dry and had some texture and waves all over. Plus a bit o' frizz, but even that is vaguely exciting for a pin-straight-haired lady.

Instead of letting it roam free, I decided to go with the beachy, hippie-esque vibes by adding some braids and a daisy hair clip. This allows for the messiness to look intentional, which is essential to the beach wave look, and also a great way to be kinda lazy about it.

A closeup of the braids. Basically, I just made a tiny braid right above each ear, draped them over my forehead and bobby pinned them on the opposite side, under the rest of my hair. Kind of like mini milkmaid braids, which are THE BEST.

To save your precious fingers from scrolling back up, here's a very scientific before and after comparison.

BONUS! I slept with my hair in a big messy bun (because that is how I always sleep) and the next day I had some curls which had been held together by the Beach Wave Spray! This means two days of hair looks for one day of effort, which is always a win in my book. Unless, of course, you're one of those show-off daily hair washers I mentioned earlier, in which case you don't get this benefit. I think that's fair.

I constantly have a fake flower in my hair. SO WHAT?! You can see me make this one here.

SHORTCUT: Skip all of these steps and just go to the beach, dip your hair in the ocean and sit in the sun like a total champ. Best hair ever and zero dollars. This is my usual approach.

Do you use any beach wave sprays? Do you prefer texture or straight hair on yourself? Are you one of those awesome people who have a giant head of curls that are basically an extra accessory, like Felicity (or another more current example for the young folks)?

xoxo,
Michelle

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DIY: Easy Beach Coverup From a T-Shirt

Normally I spend my vacation watching everyone jaunting around in amazing leopard print or floral swimsuit coverups while I'm wrapped in my Cinderella beach towel (I'm very cool), but this year I decided to finally plan a fun coverup BEFORE I was already by the water. Foresight is amazing! To keep it easy, cheap and simple (after all, I'm just throwing it over my wet swimsuit) I wanted to work with a t-shirt. I also wanted it to match the shape of my suit to avoid weird tanlines. Here's what I came up with:

What You Need

Oversized T-Shirt (mine was fluorescent yellow)

Another T-Shirt(s) (to cut up for the straps)

Sewing Machine or Needle & Thread

Scissors & Sewing Pins

How To Do It

FOLD: 

Lay your oversized t-shirt flat. Fold in half lengthwise so that armholes match up.

CUT: 

Cut off the sleeves, making sure to follow the curves and remove seams. Remove the neck, cutting straight across just below the lowest point of the collar.

SEW: 

Open the t-shirt back up and lay flat. Fold the top inch of the new neckline down on the inside and pin. Sew along this line. You can finish the hem nicely, but...eh, it's summer. This makes a channel for your strap.

STRAPS: 

Cut strips of your other t-shirt (I used 2 - blue and pink) about an inch wide (it's easier to fold it a bunch and then cut). This will give you loops so cut the loops to make a strip. Tie the ends of your strips together to form longer strips. The goal is 3 strips about 4 feet long. When you have that, tie the ends of your 3 strips together and braid them. It helps to pin them down and work slowly to avoid tangling.

FINISH: 

Thread the braided strap through one of the channels you created at the neckline, looping through both in a "U" shape and ending with 2 loose strap ends on the same side.

WEAR: 

Turn the t-shirt sideways so that the armpit is over your chest and the loose strap ends are in front. Tie the straps behind your neck and TA-DA - coverup! You can also wear it the "right" way and just tie the straps over one shoulder.

I added a pink ruffle to mine afterward because everything is improved by a pink ruffle. I hope this is clear but I would be happy to clarify or answer any questions that you have!

xoxo,

Michelle