How to Recover an Ottoman & Add Nailhead Trim

June 21, 2013June 22, 2013Leave a comment

If you are a homeowner you know that the to-do list for things around the house is never ending. This project has actually been on the list for over a year now. It took me awhile to decide on the fabric and I finally went with a faux cow hide. The cow hide acts as a neutral fabric in my style, so I have the flexibility to move these into another room if needed (or I just get bored with them in the family room). This week’s video will show you the steps on how to recover an ottoman and add a nailhead trim.

Tips:

When looking for fabric make sure it is wide enough to cover both sides of the item you are upholstering.
Make sure you are pulling the fabric really tight to create smooth lines. The whole process is like wrapping a present.

Before & After:

Maxi Skirts

June 20, 2013June 20, 20131 Comment

I pretty much live in maxi shirts during the summer; they keep you looking stylish even in the heat. My go-to outfit is pairing it with a tank top and statement necklace. These skirts are so versatile, which make them a perfect piece when traveling light. Here are some other options on how to wear a maxi skirt for different occasions:

BBQ/Summer Party: White tank & denim vest
Date Night: Add a statement necklace
Day of Shopping: Simple gray t-shirt & flip flops
Office: Sleeveless dress shirt, belt & wedges
Girls’ Night Out: Leather jacket & heels
Traveling: Chambray shirt

How To Tie A Bow Tie

June 14, 2013June 14, 2013Leave a comment

Ladies, who can resist a guy in a suit, especially one in a tux? Maybe its Justin Timberlake bringing the classic back with his Suit & Tie song, the rise of the folk rock hipster artists like Mumford & Sons or inspiration from The Great Gatsby movie but the bow tie seems to be making a major comeback. This week’s video I’ll show you how master tying a bow tie on your significant other.

Gentlemen, finally a tutorial for you! Check out the second half of the video and learn how to tie the bow tie on yourself.

Leave a comment and let me know how your bow tie turns out.

Life On Set

June 13, 2013June 12, 2013Leave a comment

Here’s a quick look into life on set from this week’s shoot. Did you know we film between 6-8 videos in a day!?! It’s a long, fun, exhausting day and I love every minute of it! Live on the YouTube channel tomorrow is “How to Tie a Bow Tie.” Leave a comment and let me know what tutorials you would like to see.

Double Duty Escort Cards

June 7, 2013June 17, 20131 Comment

Keeping with the theme on trying to make weddings greener and not having a lot of paper waste, I really like the idea of doing “double duty” escort cards. The concept is to combine your escort cards and favors into one takeaway. These also work well for groomsmen or bridesmaids gifts, favors at bridal showers or name cards at dinner parties. Check out the video for additional ideas and have you subscribe to the YouTube channel yet? A new video posts every Friday!

PIN IT!

Chambray Shirt

June 6, 2013June 6, 20131 Comment

I’ve gotten a lot of requests for more style features, so here you go!

I’m currently obsessing over the Chambray shirt. This All-American classic is a staple in my closet and can be mixed into any style. Go classic like Ashley Olsen did by just tucking it into black skinny jeans or more edgy by layering it underneath a vest and pairing it with chunky gold jewelry. I also love wearing this shirt as a jacket, its light weight and perfect for those summer nights.

Summer Essential: Coral Lips

June 3, 2013June 2, 20131 Comment

It’s hot in Arizona, I mean REALLY hot, so when it comes to a beauty regime for the summer the theme is “less is more.” I’m talking tinted moisturizer, waterproof mascara, a bold lip color (that’s it). For the summer, I like to tone down the traditional red lip and go for more of a coral shade. I can’t live without the Nars Velvet Matte Lip Pencil in Red Square. It’s the perfect bright orange red, plus it’s rich with pigment, long lasting, moisturizing and no lip liner is needed.

Go bold like Jessica Alba with a liquid lipstick, or get just a wash of color by using a gloss or balm. Check out my tutorial on how to keep the lipstick lasting all day.

Top Row:

Nars Lipstick in Heat Wave, Buxom Full Bodied Lipstick in Rogue, Hourglass Opaque Rouge Liquid Lipstick in Riviera (this is the color Jessica Alba is wearing)

Bottom Row:

Nars Gloss in Wonder, Bite High Pigment Matte Pencil in Zinfandel, Korres Lip Butter in Mango

image via imabeautygeek

image via vogue uk

Coconut Macaroons

June 2, 20131 Comment

As promised here is the recipe for the Coconut Macaroons I made yesterday. The kraft takeout boxes were the perfect transportation for the macaroons to the BBQ party.

Ingredients:

3 large egg whites
1/2 cup sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 package (14 ounces) unsweetened flaked coconut
Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips (about 4 ounces)

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line baking sheet with parchment paper (or coat generously with nonstick cooking spray).
In a large bowl, whisk together egg whites, sugar, and salt until frothy. With a fork, stir in coconut until moistened.
Drop mixture by packed level tablespoons onto prepared sheet (cookies will not spread). Bake until lightly golden, 20 to 25 minutes.
Melt chocolate chips in microwave (20 second intervals) and then drizzle over macaroons.

Original recipe from Martha Stewart (I use unsweetened coconut vs. sweetened)

Summer Entertaining: Multi-Uses for Kraft Paper

June 1, 2013June 17, 20131 Comment

Can you believe it’s June 1^st already? I know I say this every year but I really mean it, time is flying by! Summer is rolling in and outdoor entertaining is ramping up. To keep things simple, I wanted to share some ideas on easy ways to style your summer event with Kraft paper. The best thing about Kraft paper is that it has multiple uses, is inexpensive (I picked up my roll at the Dollar Store), easy to clean-up and recyclable. Check out the video for different uses which include wrapping wine bottles with your menus, creating custom napkin ring holders or a painted table runner.

Get more inspiration and places to purchase kraft items by checking out my Pinterest board.

How to Create a No Sew Bow

May 28, 2013June 17, 2013Leave a comment

I hope everyone had a wonderful Memorial Day! I definitely took advantage of the long weekend, soaked up some sun and did a whole lot of nothing. It was some much needed downtime and a good recharge but now it’s back to work (thank goodness it is a short week, right!?!).

As a continuation of my Summer Wedding DIY series, I’ll show you how to create a no sew bow. These are great styling accessories for your bridal party, ring bearer, flower girl or other wedding decor. You can create a no sew bow in just 6 easy steps. Head over to my Pinterest board for more ideas on how to incorporate bows into your event.

Thank you to all who helped me to reach the 1,000 subscriber goal on the YouTube channel! I’m so grateful. Please share a comment and let me know what tutorials you would like to see in the future.

How to create a no sew bow:

Cut a piece of ribbon 12.5 inches long (this will make a bow about 6 inches long).
Cut another piece of ribbon 3 inches long.
Take your 12.5 inch long piece of fabric, fold the ends together and secure with a drop of hot glue.
Take your 3 inch long piece of fabric, fold in the sides and secure with a drop of hot glue.
Pinch together the middle of the larger piece of ribbon to form the bow.
Glue the smaller piece of fabric around the middle.

Images:

Bow shoes via Martha Stewart Weddings

Bow Necklace via BHLDN

Bow Hair Accessory via Pinterest