Outfit of The Day:Edgy Floral Look

I am such a fan of looks that incorporate really feminine pieces with edgy ones. It creates a really unique contrast between the two styles. This outfit is one of my favorites, its so effortless and comfortable. 

The Dress is from forever 21, I was instantly attracted to it because of its 90's grunge babydoll dress vibe. Forever 21 has an amazing selection of dresses for every occasion at unbeatable prices, I was so happy to score this little dress for under $25.

My lace up black boots were an impulse buy from H&M, as soon as I saw them I had to make them mine! They really remind me of vintage lace up roper boots, and at a price of about $35 I could not pass them up!

A black faux leather jacket is a closet must have in my opinion. It never goes out of style and is so versatile, it can really polish off any look. I got mine at Macy's over a year ago at a crazy discounted price. It's been one of my favorite pieces this winter.

This OOTD video is my very first one, filming and editing this turned out to be a lot harder than I expected. None the less I had a blast creating a look to share with you guys, I will definitely be making more in the future. 

XO, Ashley

DIY Lavender & Coconut Oil Body Scrub

I don't know about you guys, but the winter weather has been really rough on my skin. Here in Texas it's freezing one day and then warm the next, so my skin really suffers during these harsh months. I religious moisturize, but sometimes it's just not enough. 

Unless you have been living under a rock I'm sure you've read about all the amazing benefits of Coconut oil. Its good for baking, cooking, hair care, health care and countless other uses.

While browsing through Pinterest one night I came across numerous DIY's that use coconut oil. I was really interested in making something that would sooth my dry skin. That's when I decided to make my own batch of Body Scrub.

The Epsom salt is a nice gentle exfoliate while the coconut oil is intensely moisturizing and don't forget about the soothing relaxing smell of lavender. 

Below is a super quick video on how to make this easy and affordable body scrub. I hope you enjoy!

XO, Ashley

Where Have I Been?

So I have been MIA for the last few months, where have I been??

Well along from being busy with just life in general I have finally started a YouTube channel! Having a YouTube channel has been a dream of mine for a few years now, so one day I woke up and decided to make that dream a reality. I was so scared and nervous and obviously felt so awkward on camera!

Writing on a blog is one thing, but speaking to a camera is quit another and takes a lot of practice. 

My channel has been active for about 3 months at this point now and I absolutely love it!! I still wouldn't consider myself a professional, but I am enjoying the learning process and having fun with it. 

So if you are interested in seeing my face over on youtube you can find me here. 

My channel consist of videos about makeup, fashion, beauty, DIY and many things in-between. I hope you'll join me :)

XO, Ashley

Vegan Tortilla Soup

This vegan tortilla soup is super delicious and is the perfect meal on a cool night. It's also a great way to clean out all the veggies in your fridge, feel free to add any vegetables you would like, the variations are endless.

Ingredients:

1 cup of chopped yellow onion

1-2 garlic cloves diced

1/2 cup chopped green pepper

1 15.5 oz can of white hominy

1 14.5 oz can of diced tomatoes

1/2 cup frozen corn

3-4 cups of vegetable broth

1 15 oz can of black beans

1-2 tbsp cumin

Juice of 1 lime

salt, black pepper, chili powder to taste

In a large pot over medium heat warm up about a tbsp of olive oil, add onion and garlic. Saute for about 5 mins, then add the green pepper and cook for an additional 5 minutes. Add hominy, diced tomato, corn and seasonings. Give it a good mix then add broth and beans. Bring to a boil then cover and let simmer over low heat for about 45 mins. Right before serving add lime juice and some crushed tortilla chips. Green onion, vegan cheese and cilantro also make tasting toppings.

XO,Ashley

Coral/Bronze Makeup Tutorial

This look is super easy and can work with any eye-shadow color you wish. I just loved the warmth the bronze/coral colors brought to my face, and since I'm starting to look a bit pale these days I can sure use it! 

To create this look I used E.L.F. cream eye-shadow in the color Bronzed and Wet n' Wild Sparkle 'Til Morning Palette.

I started off by applying the cream shadow as a base and brought it down to the lower lash line.

Pat the coral shadow on top of the base and blend it upward. For a more dramatic look run it along the lower lash line as well.

Run some black eye liner along the water line and upper lash line. Using a pointed brush blend out the liner to soften the look. Add a few coats of your favorite mascara.

To tie the look together I applied a bit of bronzer, highlighter and peachy blush. For my lips I used Revlon's just bitten kissable balm stain in Adore.

XO,Ashley

Chocolate Covered Apples&Bananas

Most nights after dinner I get a craving for something sweet, nothing too indulgent just something to satisfying my sweet tooth. These chocolate covered apple and banana slices do the trick they're super easy to make and are so yummy!

Start off by slicing the banana up and placing them in the freezer for at least 30 mins, this will make them easier to handle. For 1 banana and 2 small apples I used 2/3 cup dark chocolate chips. Place the chocolate in a microwave safe bowl and pop it in for a 1.5 to 2 mins. Carefully take it out because it will be really hot and mix it till all the clumps are gone.

Using a fork or your fingers dip the fruit into the chocolate and place on a lined plate. I decided to top mine with some walnuts which add a nice crunch, coconut flakes or sprinkles would be great too!Place them in the fridge for at least 15 mins to harden and then dig in!

XO,Ashley

D.I.Y. Potato Stamps

Lately I've been seeing potato stamps all over Pinterest and was interested in trying it out for myself. I honestly didn't know how well it would turn out, but to my surprise it was really fun. I will definitely be making more in the future!

I used one russet potato to make 2 stamps. There's an array of different kinds of potatoes that come in all sizes, choose according to how large of a stamp you want to create.

Cut the potato in half and use a sharpie to create the design of your choice. Then using an exacto knife carefully cut down and around the outline. To be festive I decided to make a Christmas tree and a star.

It's best to allow the stamps to dry out for a bit before painting. Then using a painting brush I applied my acrylic paint to the stamp. 

Make sure to insert a few paper towels or a dish cloth to the inside of the tote before painting to ensure it doesn't bleed through to the other side. Allow to dry for a couple of hours.

 I love the home-made look this bag has, these stamps would be great on stationary too. The possibilities are endless!

XO,Ashley