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These are forever my favorite animals to crochet. They always look super cute with their big eyes! Back in the day, we had a shop full of colorful cephalopod plushies called Squittle and I still love that name.
This was one of the first octopus designs I came up with and I always wanted to write down the pattern, but it doesn’t exactly follow standard crochet rules. I also never count my stitches and just wing it… 😉 I'm sure there's a way to make it no-sew but I don't mind all the sewing. It's still a classic.
Here are some Squittle relics!
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Lately, I’ve been experimenting with different yarns and textures to see what works best. I still love making panda bear octopuses and using whatever supplies I have on hand, like felt and scrap yarn. The chunky and acrylic yarn combo was definitely an interesting experiment!
Some of these amigurumi plushies are available at Ami Moon, so be sure to check them out if you’d like to give one a home! 💕☾
Drop a comment or visit the shop to grab your favorite before they’re gone! 💖
5.06.2021
Pink Unicorn with Rainbow Hair Amigurumi
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I made this unicorn amigurumi using a pattern from Örgü Modelleri. I didn’t realize until after bookmarking it that it wasn’t in English, so I loosely translated it. I followed the body and horn pattern the best that I could. Some things were modified.
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I used Big Twist yarn. Size E hook. 20mm Safety Eyes.
Eyelid pattern:
use the same hook as body
Chain 8.
Skip 1, Sc in 7 chains across.
Skip 1, Dec 1, Sc in next 2 sts. Dec in last sts.
Dec twice.
Finish off and leave a tail for sewing.
Hair:
Colors: dark pink, light pink, orange, yellow, light blue and lavender.
I made about 4 pieces of each color.
Hook E
Chain 46.
Skip 1, sc across. Turn.
Sc across.
Twist each strand for the curl.
Rose:
Hook E
Chain 31.
Row 1: Skip 1 chain. Chain 2, skip next chain, sc in next chain. *Sc, chain 2, skip 1, sc in next ch* repeat across.
Row 2:
-Chain 1. *3 hdc, ch 1, sl st* in ch-2 space.
-Sl st in next ch-2 space. *ch 1, 3 hdc, ch 1, sl st* into the space/hole.
-Sl st in next ch-2 space. *sl st, ch 1. 3 hdc, ch 1, sl st* repeat across until last 2 ch-2 spaces/holes.
The last 2 spaces you want to repeat the above but increase the 3hdc to 4hdc then 5hdc for the last.
Note: I made a matching rose headband by making 3 extra roses and attaching it to a chain of about 80.
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Wings (make 4 pieces):
Chain 16
1. Starting from 2nd chain from hook, sc in each ch across.
2.Ch 1 and turn, sc in next 14 sts. Chain 3 and turn.
3. Start in the 4th st from hook, sc in next 10 sts then decrease 1.
4. Ch 1 and turn, sc in next 9 sts. Chain 3 and turn.
5. Start in the 4th st from hook, sc in next 7 sts then decrease 1.
Turn the piece to crochet into the corner and along the side (edge where chains are)
6. Decrease twice, sc in the side corner in next 2sts. Sc across the side (where the chains are)
Leave a long tail for sewing 2 pieces together. Whip stitch edges together.
12.12.2020
Fungal Acne Skincare Routine *2025 UPDATE
It's been about 6 months since my skin has been mostly under control. I wanted to share a list of my favorite products to help fight fungal acne. Sulfer and Nizoral weren't the best choices for me. My routine has changed and I've tried a bunch of new products.
Moisturizers:
Hada Labo Premium Lotion *2025 reformulated and unsafe
Hada Labo Gel Cream *It's only a trigger if you use products with fatty acids
COSRX Advanced Snail 92 All in one cream
Occlusive:
Cerave Healing Ointment
EltaMD Intense Moisturizer
Cleansers:
Vanicream Facial Cleanser
Happy Cappy Medicated Shampoo
2025 PRODUCT UPDATE:
My skin is mostly clear, but my biggest trigger now is my own sweat. I still get small bumps around my hairline and the occasional rouge spot on my face. Retinol has helped keep fungal acne under control though it hasn’t completely eliminated it. I try to keep my skincare products FA safe.
I currently use:
COSRX snail 92 all in one cream
Torriden Low Molecule Hyaluronic Acid Toner
Vaseline/Aquaphor.
Eye Makeup Remover:
Swan Mineral Oil
Body Wash/Shampoo/Face Mask:
Happy Cappy Medicated Shampoo
Head & Shoulders shampoo
Selsun Blue shampoo
Swan Mineral Oil
Body Wash/Shampoo/Face Mask:
Happy Cappy Medicated Shampoo
Head & Shoulders shampoo
Selsun Blue shampoo
Conditioner:
Pantene Pro-V Daily Moisture Renewal Conditioner (*contains fatty alcohols)
Sunscreens:
DRMTGLY Broad Spectrum 45
DRMTGLY Universal Tinted Moisturizer SPF 46
Cotz Face Natural Skin Tone SPF 40
EltaMD UV Clear SPF 46
2025 PRODUCT UPDATE:
I now use Garnier - SkinActive Micellar Cleansing Water All-In-1 Waterproof for makeup removal. I use generic Zinc shampoo as body wash. I use whatever hair products and try to keep my hair off my shoulders in the shower. I always wash hair first then use body wash after.
I will use any sunscreen at this point whether it's safe or not: Walgreens and Dollar Tree. My FA safe sunscreen is COSRX - Ultra-Light Invisible Sunscreen SPF50 PA++++ though!
Note: EltaMD clear is safe and the tinted sunscreen is NOT safe. A tinted dupe is supposedly DRMTGLY Anti Aging Tinted Moisturizer SPF 46. Retinol:
Retino A 0.025% (Tretinoin, not FA safe)
Differin
My Retinol Routine & Experience
Starting Out: The First 6 Months
I began my retinol journey with Differin (Adapalene) twice a week. My nighttime routine looked like this:
- Wet face and apply a moisturizer all over.
- Use healing ointment or Vaseline on sensitive areas—under the eyes, sides of the nose, and corners of the mouth.
- Apply a dime-sized amount of Differin, dotting it all over my face.
Optional: If dryness occurred, I would layer moisturizer and ointment/Vaseline all over before bed for extra hydration.
Transitioning to Tretinoin
Once my skin adjusted, I introduced Tretinoin 0.025%, following a similar application method:
- Apply moisturizer and let it dry for at least 30 minutes before applying Tretinoin.
- Use a pea to dime-sized amount of Tretinoin.
- After at least an hour (or right before bed), reapply moisturizer and a layer of ointment/Vaseline for added protection.
Sunscreen in the morning is a must. I've had some bad irritation that felt like a chemical/sun burn when I forgot to use it.
How I Incorporated Both Products
I alternated between Differin and Tretinoin to prevent irritation:
- Differin: 2 times a week
- Tretinoin: 1 time a week
The key is listening to your skin—if you notice redness, burning, or peeling, pause retinol use and focus on moisturizing and healing before resuming. Spacing out applications and using a heavier moisturizer when needed can help prevent irritation.
Reminder: Retinol works over time. You don’t need to apply it daily! If you’re experiencing burning every day, something is wrong.
When starting Tretinoin, begin with 1-2 times a week and gradually increase usage. You can bump up the percentage after your skin adjusts, whether that means increasing frequency or after 1-2 years of consistent use. Once you switch to a higher strength, restart the process with once-a-week applications and build up slowly.
***2025 Update: My Current Routine
I’m still using both Differin and Tretinoin, but I’ve adjusted based on my skin’s needs.
- During colder months, my skin becomes drier and more sensitive, so I use Differin if my skin needs a break.
- I no longer need moisturizer with every application. I'll do it for colder months if needed!
- I now regularly use Tretinoin 0.05% and 0.1% gel versions.
Tretinoin: Cream vs. Gel
I've noticed better results after switching from cream to gel. It’s less irritating but can be very drying if overused. With Tretinoin, less is more!
- 0.1% Micro Gel: Works best for me! It’s drying and has a grainy texture, but I prefer it.
- Cream Formula: Smoother application and less drying—good if the gel feels too harsh.
I’ve been using retinol for five years nowmand if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that patience is key! Even after all this time, using too much can still irritate my skin. A pea-sized amount is truly all you need.
2020: I try to use Differin daily and throw in 1-2 days a week of just Tret. I’m using a nonsafe Tret for anti-aging purposes. If I got a purge or breakout then Differin takes care of it. I’m still in my first year of Tret and I’m working my way up to being able to use the safe product: A-Ret Gel 0.1%
I developed angular cheilitis on both sides of my mouth, which appeared as dry, irritated patches. To treat it, I applied Monistat 7 twice a day and it cleared up within a week. Any antifungal cream can help, but it’s important to stop using it once the issue is resolved.
I’ve also used Monistat 7 to prevent bad fungal acne breakouts from spreading, like the time I had it overtake on my earlobe. However, I don’t recommend it for daily use! Only as a targeted treatment when needed.
Shower Routine:
I apply zinc shampoo to my dry skin on my problem areas: face, neck, and chest as a 5-minute mask. I also apply it to my scalp and upper shoulders as a ‘barrier’. I apply conditioner and try to keep it off my neck/shoulders until I rinse.
Shower Routine:
I apply zinc shampoo to my dry skin on my problem areas: face, neck, and chest as a 5-minute mask. I also apply it to my scalp and upper shoulders as a ‘barrier’. I apply conditioner and try to keep it off my neck/shoulders until I rinse.
Diet
I briefly considered going on the candida diet but it’s really restricting and not sustainable. I always thought dairy was a trigger for me but after reintroducing that into my diet- I had no noticeable reaction. It turns out gluten makes me break out the most. A day of pizza really helped me pinpoint it and any time I ever had beer had caused breakouts. Cutting back on that has helped keep my skin clear.
Fungal acne safe sunscreens with supposedly no white cast*:
DRMTGLY Broad Spectrum 45
Cotz Face Natural Skin Tone SPF 40
EltaMD UV Clear SPF 46
Robot Skin Lab Gokujun UV White Gel (or Hada Labo UV White Gel)
Nivea - Sun Protect Super Water Gel SPF 50 PA+++
Missha - All Around Safe Block Essence Sun Milk- (GREEN CAP ONLY)
*These were recommendations I found throughout reddit
DISCLAIMER~
As always!! I’m a regular person, not a dermatologist. I went on the Simple Skincare Science blog to learn about fungal acne and chose products from the massive list. You can ask me questions about any of the products I’ve used but anything else that’s not listed...I’m not knowledgeable about it. I also can’t tell you if what you have is fungal because bumps are bumps. The ONLY way you can figure out if it's fungal is by eliminating products and only using FA safe products.
As always!! I’m a regular person, not a dermatologist. I went on the Simple Skincare Science blog to learn about fungal acne and chose products from the massive list. You can ask me questions about any of the products I’ve used but anything else that’s not listed...I’m not knowledgeable about it. I also can’t tell you if what you have is fungal because bumps are bumps. The ONLY way you can figure out if it's fungal is by eliminating products and only using FA safe products.
Related Posts:
5.27.2020
Retinol for Fungal Acne
I had "fungal acne" for 2 years before knowing what it was and how to treat it. Last year, I shared my experiences in 2 parts: Fungal Acne Skin and Fungal Acne Products. It's been over a year since and I still use some of the products! I decided to look into retinol because I'm in my late 20's now. I wanted to see if that would help with FA too.
I no longer get bad breakouts especially on my neck, back, or chest. I can't completely avoid that because it thrives off the humidity and sweat.
I used it every 3 days for the first month. I wet my skin, applied Hada Labo premium lotion and Cerave Healing ointment to the thin areas (corner of eyes, sides of nostrils, and corners of lips). I applied Differin immediately on top. I would apply moisturizer either the same lotion or Hada Labo Gel cream plus a light layer of Cerave healing ointment over it before bed.
I was shocked at how well behaved my skin became. There was a small purge for me but it was nothing terrible. My skin was tolerating it fine. No dry patches or peeling. I eventually stopped applying the extra moisturizers afterward. I still use a buffer before applying it.
Differin Purging
I noticed a difference with texture as soon as 2 weeks. Very soft, smooth, and glowing. Scars were fading faster than usual. I never kept up a skincare routine before. It made me realize how dull and dry my skin was.
Differin results at 2 weeks
Like I mentioned earlier, my skin was tolerating this very well and I started using it every 2 days. I've heard many stories on Reddit about the dryness and peeling. I eventually stumbled upon Tretinoin. I was interested in trying something for anti-aging purposes. So... I'm actually using both right now.
Tretinon at 0.025%
This is really strong so the routine is different. I wet my skin, use my Hada Labo Premium Lotion and Cerve Healing Ointment on the thin areas. I let this dry completely in about 30 minutes. I apply a very small amount of Tret then wait 30 minutes up to an hour before applying my layers of moisturizers. It really depends if I'm going to bed soon. You can't skip the moisturizers at the end. I've accidentally used a little more than a pea-size amount and became a peeling lizard for 1-2 days.
Clear skin who dis
I've been using retinol for almost 4 months now. 5-6 weeks were just Differin then the rest have been Differin and Tret. I split it up across the week. At least one day in between each application. I do Differin, Tret then back to Differin.
It's obviously not a cure but my skin has become a lot more manageable. I'm careful with the products I use on my skin now. I have more clear skin days than anything else. I still get breakouts occasionally because of the humidity/sweat issue but one application of retinol takes care of it.
Before & After
I no longer get bad breakouts especially on my neck, back, or chest. I can't completely avoid that because it thrives off the humidity and sweat.
Differin
I used it every 3 days for the first month. I wet my skin, applied Hada Labo premium lotion and Cerave Healing ointment to the thin areas (corner of eyes, sides of nostrils, and corners of lips). I applied Differin immediately on top. I would apply moisturizer either the same lotion or Hada Labo Gel cream plus a light layer of Cerave healing ointment over it before bed.
I was shocked at how well behaved my skin became. There was a small purge for me but it was nothing terrible. My skin was tolerating it fine. No dry patches or peeling. I eventually stopped applying the extra moisturizers afterward. I still use a buffer before applying it.
I noticed a difference with texture as soon as 2 weeks. Very soft, smooth, and glowing. Scars were fading faster than usual. I never kept up a skincare routine before. It made me realize how dull and dry my skin was.
Clear skin who disI've been using retinol for almost 4 months now. 5-6 weeks were just Differin then the rest have been Differin and Tret. I split it up across the week. At least one day in between each application. I do Differin, Tret then back to Differin.
It's obviously not a cure but my skin has become a lot more manageable. I'm careful with the products I use on my skin now. I have more clear skin days than anything else. I still get breakouts occasionally because of the humidity/sweat issue but one application of retinol takes care of it.
Before & After3.04.2019
Alter Ego Temptress Palette Review
Alter Ego just released their first palette. Temptress was inspired by the ABH Sultry palette. I'm always excited to try out a dupe because we all can't justify spending high-end prices. This palette has a variety of matte and metallic shades. Most are warm but there are a few cool/neutral shades: Whisper, Stiletto and After Hours. It's only $16. Right now is the best time to order since there's free shipping and they are including a free 2 piece brush set!
Click here to use my code tinymoon for 15% off.
*Alter Ego sent me this product in exchange for an honest review
Packaging: The palette was in a bubble wrap sleeve and wrapped in black tissue paper. The box was put in a gold bubble wrap mailer.
Swatches:
These were shot outdoors in overcast lighting. My method for swatching will always be a swipe and a soft blend to mimic the way we apply to our eyes.
Whisper, Lust, Blush, and Uptown needed 2-3 finger swipes to show off the pigmentation. Metallic shades were good with one swipe. Stiletto looked really dark in the pan. I did several swatches to show off the buildability.
My eyes are small so I've never used black eyeshadow other than for eyeliner. I was really interested in trying this shade out because super pigmented blacks are crazy intimidating. My first impression was that this particular shade was really patchy until I used a brush to blend.
After Hours also has two swatches to show off the buildability.
The brush set includes a shadow and blender brush. Since my eyes are too small, I was only able to use the large brush to apply a base color down. The smaller brush I used for creating a higher crease for my slightly hooded eyes. Both were surprisingly soft! Now to comparing... The smaller brush has a shape similar to my Hakuhodo eye brushes but is twice the size. The larger one is similar in size to ELF's Flawless Concealer brush but it's flatter. It's just too big for me to use to put down any crease colors.
The eyeshadows applied more pigmented with a brush. I used my finger for some of the metallic shades but Fix+ really made it pop. I used both of the brushes for all my looks including smaller eye brushes.
Base color: Lace
Crease: Whisper
Middle + Inner Corner: Sterling
Outer-V: Stilleto
I did a test of what I hate doing on myself. I can never pull off the blending for those silver dark looks. It always looks messy. These shadows made it easy for me to control. No annoying patchiness. I was really shocked since I always go overboard with the outer v portion but it built up nicely. I didn't want the black to be super pigmented so this is a super wearable look for me.
Base: Lace
Lid: Blush
Crease: Uptown
Middle + Inner Corner: Champagne and Seduction
Outer-V: After Hours
I used Blush for a soft pink look with a pop of Champagne in the center. I had some minor issues with blending After Hours in the outer v. A little patchy but I went over with Uptown to help blend!
Wear Test:
I applied my makeup at 10am and wanted to see how long it would last at work. I was running around in a warm building for 5+ hours. Sometimes my makeup melts off. My eye makeup didn't budge or smudge for my whole night. It was still pigmented at 11pm.
Base: Lace
Lid: Uptown
Crease: Sterling
Middle + Inner Corner: Ritz (Fix+) and Seduction
Outer-V: Stilleto
If you need some reference to compare quality for dupe palettes. I prefer this Alter Ego palette over my Bad Habit ones. I don't want to have to fight to get shades to blend especially the matte ones. This palette will work for a beginner or someone who lacks techniques (like me!)
I really hope in the future, they will come up with their own color schemes and more brushes (smaller please!!!)
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Temptress is cruelty-free and paraben free. Retails for $16. Right now is the best time to order since there's free shipping and they are including a free 2 piece brush set for now.
Click here to use my code tinymoon for 15% off.
*Alter Ego sent me this product in exchange for an honest review
1.25.2019
Style: Dear Darkness Doll Dress
This was my first purchase from Dolls Kill. I've been aware of the website over the past few years but it was out of my price range. I decided to reward myself after hitting my fitness goals. I didn't want to pick something simple like a plain black skater dress. Don't need an overpriced one of those! I couldn't find anything I really liked within a "budget" I set but then I went onto the next pages and found this. It's the Dear Darkness Doll Dress by Killstar. I bought it from Dolls Kill since they had a 20% off sale.
Killstar's size chart is here. I've heard mixed reviews about their sizing. My measurements fall under a size small but I decided to go with a medium instead. I would recommend sizing up to be on the safe side! It's a perfect size and I'm able to put it on over my head since I'm a lazy.
I was drawn to the lace, keyhole chest and ribbon tie. I haven't owned a satin dress before so this is very different to wear casually. I randomly wore it one day and my boyfriend told me I looked like a witch.
Isn't that the best compliment???
Killstar's size chart is here. I've heard mixed reviews about their sizing. My measurements fall under a size small but I decided to go with a medium instead. I would recommend sizing up to be on the safe side! It's a perfect size and I'm able to put it on over my head since I'm a lazy.
I was drawn to the lace, keyhole chest and ribbon tie. I haven't owned a satin dress before so this is very different to wear casually. I randomly wore it one day and my boyfriend told me I looked like a witch.
Isn't that the best compliment???
Dress- Dolls Kill / Tights- Dolls Kill / Boots - Unknown
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