Beetle Bits

I'm a little obsessed with finding everything I can about VW history and pictures and stories.  Volkswagen has a dark patch in its history that makes me shudder when I read and see pictures tied to Hitler.

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Thankfully the Beetle is no longer synonymous with hate.  If anything, in America, it's tied to the hippy movement of "love" and "peace".

The fact that so much of the world adores the Beetle despite those dark years shows the charm of the Bug.  It's one of the most iconic cars in history in the world.

Below are some articles and photos I found floating around the internet.  If you know of an interesting Beetle tidbit on the web, leave a link in the comments!

Fun articles/blog posts:

• http://www.curbsideclassic.com/blog/cc-outtake-1971-vw-cabriolet-can-i-take-it-hiking/#comment-389571
• http://www.curbsideclassic.com/curbside-classics-european/curbside-classic-1971-vw-super-beetle-1971-small-car-comparison-no-5/  [I happen to like the Super Beetle.  Sorry, purists!]
• http://www.boldride.com/ride/1971/volkswagen-beetle-convertible/image/14

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My past Beetle posts:

• http://www.marlagrace.com/2016/04/vw-beetle-update.html
• http://www.marlagrace.com/2016/03/beetle-mania.html
• http://www.marlagrace.com/2016/02/i-drove-beetle.html
• http://www.marlagrace.com/2016/01/pics-day-we-got-beetle.html
• http://www.marlagrace.com/2016/01/super-beetle-update.html
• http://www.marlagrace.com/2015/10/childhood-dream-come-true.html

VW Beetle Update

I spent last week at my parents', working on the Beetle.  It's so close to being done!  We finished the convertible top installation that didn't get done during my last trip.  All we have left on the top is some rubber around the windows and putting in the back glass.  When the top is completely finished, we will have a step-by-step video to share!

Besides working on the top, I replaced the elastic in the door panel pockets, cleaned up a few more parts, and did a few other projects that aren't pictured but will be revealed later!

Dad carpeted the front trunk before I got there, and it looks so good!

There are just a few things left to do before it's ready for daily drives!

I did drive it some while I was there, and I'm getting better at it!  It shifts/drives differently than my 1977 Triumph Spitfire, so I'm having to work a little harder on making myself get used to driving the Bug!

[Click the pictures to enlarge them.]

Here are some phone videos sent to me from my dad and brother from the last few months (nothing from this particular trip).

This video is from the very first time the Beetle was driven out of the shop!

These next two videos are from the beginning stages of the car first running.

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My past Beetle posts:

• http://www.marlagrace.com/2016/03/beetle-mania.html
• http://www.marlagrace.com/2016/02/i-drove-beetle.html
• http://www.marlagrace.com/2016/01/pics-day-we-got-beetle.html
• http://www.marlagrace.com/2016/01/super-beetle-update.html
• http://www.marlagrace.com/2015/10/childhood-dream-come-true.html

e.l.f. cosmetics Makeup Haul + First Impressions + 2 Makeup Looks (Video Included!)

I started using e.l.f. makeup a few years ago and from the beginning couldn't believe how affordable it is!  In my opinion, e.l.f. has a better quality product than other brands that have  comparable prices.  

e.l.f. was having a sale plus free shipping, so I stocked up on some of my favorite and picked out some new things to try.  Below you'll see the list of everything I grabbed up.

In the video, I talk about the products, my first impressions of them, and do two different makeup looks.

If you use e.l.f., let me know which items you love in the comments!

Makeup Mentioned:

• Prism Eyeshadow in Naked
• Eye Refresh
• Eyebrow Kit in Light
• HD Lifting Concealer in Light and Fair
• High Definition Powder in Sheer
• Shadow Lock Eyelid Primer in Pearl
• Blush in Candid Coral
• Blush in Glow
• Blush in Blushing
• Waterproof Eyeliner Pen in Coffee
• Waterproof Lengthening and Volumizing Mascara
• Matte Lip Color in Natural
• Illuminating Eye Cream
• Eye Shadow Brush
• Eye Crease Brush
• Eyelash and Brow Wand
• Shimmering Facial Whip in Lilac Petal
• Powder Blush Palette in Light
• Long-Lasting Lustrous Eyeshadow in Soiree
• Eyeliner and Shadow Stick in Black/Smoke

My Makeup Stash + Storage

Here's a look into how I store my makeup.  It's a little trick from the office supply store, and it's cheap!

In the video I talk about makeup I really like and some that just didn't do it for me.

Let me know what makeup you think I should try!

Also, how do you store all your makeup?

Insta-Recipes 4.0

If you're on instagram, come say hi!  My username is @marlaplainandsmall.  Here are a few shots of what I've been cooking and sharing on the gram!

I used my grandmother's antique cookie cutters to make some sugar cookies for my husband's work.  I used the same cookie recipe that I used at Christmas.  It's such a good recipe.  I used store-bought cookie icing from a pouch, squeezed it into a bowl, and added food coloring.

Here is my Tropical Smoothie Cafe Avocolada hack.  Colin said he thinks it tastes almost identical.  It's pretty tasty.

This recipe, although technically edible, is for your body!  I have very dry skin and like the idea of using a lotion that's natural.  This lotion works well and absorbs into the skin quickly.

Come follow me on Instagram for more recipes, hacks, crafts, and general life stuff!