20 TIPS FOR CREATING YOUR DREAM CLOSET

If you dream of having your very own beautifully, organized closet, let me help your wishes come true!  No matter what your budget is, or how big your closet is you can still create a chic boutique style space to store your duds.  

25 DIY SPRING PROJECTS + GIVEAWAY!

I've been on the spring cleaning kick lately and after the cleaning, comes the fun decorating!  Since this is my year for self-love, I've been spending a lot of time crafting.  The kind of crafting where you turn the music up and lose yourself in the project.  A good DIY project is healing, good for the soul and I highly recommend it!  I've rounded up some projects for spring from some of my fave DIY bloggers to help inspire you.  And if that wasn't enough, I've also partnered with a few more awesome bloggers to give away a Cricut Explore Air 2 Machine to help with your spring or summer decor!

HOW TO TURN YOUR APPLE WATCH GOLD

If you aren't familiar with the genius musings of Casey Neistat then stop everything you are doing and head over to his YouTube channel and start catching up on his vlogs.  His skills as a filmmaker are inspiring to me everyday, but his personality and spirit are contagious.  He's real and he doesn't hide anything.  I'm sure he has insecurities, as we all do, but he hides them well.  Besides being my #MCM (man crush monday) he's also my #MCT, #MCW, #MCTH, #MCF, #MCSA and #MCSU.

NEW YEAR'S EVE DIY: GLAMMED-OUT GLITTER CLUTCH

Here's a fun + fab DIY I did for GLAM STYLE for the holidays!  It's perfect for a last-minute gift idea for your bestie or an ah-mazing accessory for celebrating 2015!  

Glitter + Gold = Glam Goodness!

GIRLS NIGHT IN: NAIL + PAMPER PARTY

Over the weekend I invited a few gal pals over and hosted a Girl's Night In: Nail + Pamper Party. We all have such hectic schedules, with work and travel, so it was nice to just relax and enjoy each other's company. The topics of the evening were: men, fashion, empire building, social media, men, nails, fashion week and oh, men!  The night was filled with gossip, nail painting and giggles from the sangria I made. A perfect night.

DIY DIVA: MUSIC FESTIVAL SUNNIES

Coachella is here so let the boho, off-beat, free-spirited, wild style begin! Festival Season is when you can express yourself as creatively as possible (without going too overboard) and a little DIY is the perfect touch.

A couple of weeks back I was running around last minute (story of my life) the morning of a photoshoot trying to pull the perfect accessory.  These sunglasses were in my stash, but they had a logo on the side that I needed to cover, they were the ones I wanted to use but they were missing a little something.  So I grabbed my styling kit, started wrapping and customized these simple sunnies in about 5 minutes!

The glasses received such a great response, I thought I would share these simple steps on how to create your own.

YOU WILL NEED:
SUNGLASSES + TWINE + SCOTCH TAPE + GLUE + SCISSORS  

I really like the wayfarer style, so depending on your budget you can either opt-in for getting a great pair of Ray-Ban's or snag a similar style from our beloved Forever 21. Joann and Michael's are my go-to craft store and they both have a great selection of twine in a variety of colors.  Tape, scissors and glue, basic crafty supplies everyone has on-hand.  You don't have to use the E-6000 but it's my glue of choice, or any gel-based super glue works fine too.

Take your 1st color, tie in a knot (knot facing in) and hold end in place with a tiny piece of tape. Wrap a few times to what you desire. Take 2nd color and repeat, while covering up the tape. You can also use a dot of glue each time you finish a color, but I was in a hurry and the tape worked just fine. Finish your colors, don't go anymore than half of the length of the temple.  Then take your glue and put a very small drop on the end of the twine, rub in a little with your finger then let dry. Count the times you wrapped the twine, then repeat on the other side to make it even.  Let dry for about 20 minutes.  Take glasses into bathroom with you, put them on, look in mirror and smile at the finished result! 

{Thanks to my lovely model, Maythinee and Tracy Birdsell for capturing this happy, festival ready shot!}

DIY: Designer Inspired Gift Wrapping Ideas!

DIY: Summer Cocktail Inspired Spa Treatments

Summer is just around the corner and I'm dreaming of a tropical getaway where there are no electronic devices. How about you? As I sit behind this screen thinking of how the breeze would gently sway the palm leaves and the sound of the waves would take over all my senses, I realized I was missing one thing (or two) ...COCKTAILS!  

But before we board the plane, let's can get in the mood with these great summer cocktail-inspired spa treatments! I'm thinking Bora Bora, where would you go?

Pretty Pina Colada Mask Recipe

1/4 cup chopped fresh pineapple

1 tablespoon coconut milk

2 teaspoons shredded coconut

1. Place ingredients into a blender or food processor and blend until smooth

2. Spread a thin layer over skin

3. Leave on for 5-10 minutes

4. Rinse with warm water, pat dry

{mask will leave your skin with a healthy glow}

Sweet Strawberry Lip Scrub Recipe

2 strawberries

2 tablespoons sugar

Q tip

1. Mash strawberries in bowl

2. Drain juice

3. Mash in the sugar and blend together to form a paste

4. Dab the Q tip into the mixture

5. Rub onto lips in a circular motion

6. Rub off with a washcloth or just lick (yum!)

{lips should feel smooth, soft and kissable!}

Enter the Style Your Spring Sweepstakes at www.beauty.philips.com and you can 

WIN mani/pedi kits, designer swimwear or a $1,500 shopping spree 

to help you feel fab this summer!  Yes ladies, summer is near so bare those legs 

and be confident in your own skin.  

Philips Satin Perfect is an innovative solution for women who are looking for a simple, at-home hair removal tool to ensure they are ready for any outfit at a moment’s notice. Satin Perfect is a cordless, total body epilator that removes even the shortest hairs in one stroke, so skin stays silky smooth for up to four weeks. It includes an extra-wide epilation head with textured ceramic discs to remove even the finest and shortest (.5MM) hairs. 

Visit www.Beauty.Philips.com for more information on Philips female hair removal products.

“Compensation was provided by Philips via Glam Media. 

The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of Philips.”

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6 Easy Steps to Smooth Skin for Summer!

Summer is just around the corner and it will soon be time to bring out the minis and bikinis! 

But, if your legs look like they haven't seen the light of day in months, like mine, then it's time for a little TLC...

1. Exfoliate.  

Fill the bath and make it bubbly!  (I never need a reason to take a bubble bath)  I like to use the Brown Sugar Body Polish by Fresh to get those nasty, dead skin cells off my body.  

2. Scrub.  

If you don't have a body sponge or loofah then you need to get one. They are inexpensive and you can find them anywhere like Sephora or Ulta.  

3. Wash. 

After exfoliating I like to get a bit more sudsy and lather on Melon Daiquiri by Philosophy bath gel (which can also be used as bubble bath & shampoo) It smells divine and is my far my fave scent for summer!

4. Epilate.  

After trying the Philips Satin Perfect, I'm absolutely addicted.  I'm happy to say it's been about 2 weeks and I'm still enjoying my hair-free skin!  Do yourself a favor and get one. You won't be disappointed. 

5. Apply.  

Baby oil is a trick I learned from my mom and grandma.  All you need is a dab.  Rub between your palms and apply evenly on your legs and arms. Smoooooooth as a baby's you know what.

6. Moisturize. 

This last step is so important.  Lock in the moisture and apply a generous amount. I'm not a perfume kind of gal so I prefer a scented lotion.  I always use Bath & Body Works Triple Moisture Body Cream because it's infused with milk proteins and the Twilight Woods smells oh-so sexy!

What's your routine for smooth skin? Summer is near so bare those legs and be confident in your own skin. 

Enter the Style Your Spring Sweepstakes 

at www.beauty.philips.com and you can WIN mani/pedi kits, designer swimwear 

or a $1,500 shopping spree!

Join GLAM and I as we discuss our Summer Beauty Routine, TODAY at 4pm PST!

Philips Satin Perfect is an innovative solution for women who are looking for a simple, at-home hair removal tool to ensure they are ready for any outfit at a moment’s notice. Satin Perfect is a cordless, total body epilator that removes even the shortest hairs in one stroke, so skin stays silky smooth for up to four weeks. It includes an extra-wide epilation head with textured ceramic discs to remove even the finest and shortest (.5MM) hairs. Visit www.Beauty.Philips.com for more information on Philips female hair removal products.

“Compensation was provided by Philips via Glam Media. The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions 

of Philips.”

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DIY: Nails in NEON!

When I attended the GLAM/ Philips blogger event and was introduced to the Satin Perfect, I had my nails painted like this and everyone seemed to love them so when Philips asked me what my ultimate mani/pedi would be, I had to share my fun design.

Step 1:  Exfoliate. Get those dead skin cells off and prep for smooth skin, I used a foot scrub and heel balm.

Step 2:  Get out your tools.  Nail polish remover, cotton balls, nail files, nail/ cuticle trimmers.  

But this time we're using an un-expected tool, fashion tape! 

Step 3:  File, Buff, Trim, Shape and Wash.  

Step 4:  Choose your color.  While becoming slightly addicted to Pinterest (ok, really addicted) I was inspired to create a similar mani I had found using this seasons best trend, neon.  I started with a nude shade and finally opted for Essie's Brooch the Subject because it was a bit warmer and matched my skin tone better.  My neon choice was Pinkest by POP. 

Step 5:  Create.  Apply two coats of the base color, I chose a nude shade, but you could go a bit more wild and do two shades of neon.  Make sure your nails are thoroughly dry, I waited about 30 minutes. Then take your fashion tape and stick it on at an angle. After the first nail, make sure you keep the same angle for repeating nails.  

Step 6:  Pedi time!  After maybe another 20-30 minutes when your nails are fully dry then repeat step 1 & 3 and choose a fab neon to match for your toes.  I ended up using this same neon pink, I like to keep my toenails short but if you prefer yours a bit longer then maybe you can even try this same design on your tootsies!  After your nails and toes are fully dry then you can clean off the polish you may of gotten on your skin. (yes, I took these pics before I finished step 6)

Step 7:  Go shopping and buy some new sandals for summer to show off your pretty pedi!

What are your beauty routines when it comes to mani/pedis? Do you enjoy a day alone with your favorite tunes or do you prefer a girls night in while sipping champagne? 

Enter the Style Your Spring Sweepstakes at www.beauty.philips.com and you can 

WIN mani/pedi kits, designer swimwear or a $1,500 shopping spree 

to help you feel fab this summer!  Yes ladies, summer is near so bare those legs 

and be confident in your own skin.  

Philips Satin Perfect is an innovative solution for women who are looking for a simple, at-home hair removal tool to ensure they are ready for any outfit at a moment’s notice. Satin Perfect is a cordless, total body epilator that removes even the shortest hairs in one stroke, so skin stays silky smooth for up to four weeks. It includes an extra-wide epilation head with textured ceramic discs to remove even the finest and shortest (.5MM) hairs. 

Visit www.Beauty.Philips.com for more information on Philips female hair removal products.

“Compensation was provided by Philips via Glam Media. 

The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of Philips.”

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For the Crafter...

Handmade Nation DVD $19.95 at Amazon

Portable Sewing Machine $24 at Urban Outfitters

         Felt Pin Cushion $24.30 by Blushful

Spooled Candles $16-$35 at Anthropologie

Craft Apron $24 by Pamwares

64 Drawer Storage Cabinet $35.49 at Organize.com

Pendant $9.99 by Artyscapes

Cake Pops by Bakerella $9.98 at Amazon

Alternate Gift Card ideas: Joann, Michaels, Hobby Lobby 

or offer to pay for a craft stall during the holidays!

Fab Tutorial by Sachiko of Tea Rose Home

The following tutorial has been reposted from Tea Rose Home because I fell in LOVE with Sachiko's diy mad skills and impeccable taste. Also check out her newest tutorial (beware you may fall in love too!) Have fun and craft your heart out!

I have been a big fan of Down East Basics and Shade for a few years now. I wear Wonder tees from Down East all the time. They are comfortable, modest (hide everything I need to hide and when I bend over it doesn't flash people) and since it is not baggy, I wear it under a cardigan all the time.

There is only thing I was hoping for... I wanted the same shirt, but with a little bit more feminity and flare.

Then, one day I was at a Down East store, and going through their sales rack and found this...(The folded shirt on the left is my old shirt, I am going to use this too.)




I couldn't believe my eyes, yes, I know, it was a $1!!! I asked if there are more in the back, but he said this was a left over from two summers ago, and there is no more... oh well, lucky me! I have a perfect plan for this shirt.

1. Cut the side of one shirt and open it up. Use the picture as a guide and cut up 6 peices of 2 1/2" X 12" and 2 peices of 1 1/4" strips.


2. Using big stitches, sew 2 1/2" strips a 1/4" from the edge. Pull one thread to make the ruffles. I made the the top of the ruffles 7" wide.


3. Sew the 1 1/4" strips together and make longer strips. Using big stitches, sew
the middle, pull one string to make ruffles.


4. First, pin the long strips around the neck line. Don't forget to leave the front part for the other ruffles.


5. Then, attach the front ruffles. Make sure that the center of the shirt and center of the ruffle lines up.


6. To add the second row of ruffles, measure 1 1/2" from the edge of the first row of ruffles and line the top of the next row to it. Sew. Repeat the process to complete the shirt.

You can stop here. The shirt look perfectly ok... but I added a corsage. If you want to do so, keep reading...


7. To make the fabric string: cut one 1/2" string and strech it. To make the corsage, cut 1" strips, sew the center with big stitches and make ruffle first.



8. Take the ruffle you made at step 7, and fold it in half.


9. To start sewing the corsage, roll up the end, and start sewing the folded part, and keep spinning and sewing...



10. There, you have a flower...Now, sew them onto your desired place and the only thing left for you to do is enjoy.


That is what I did today.



Except, Rachel kept telling people, "There is an American flag hiding!" and she tried to lift up the ruffles... shhhh, naughty girl.