Saturday, August 24, 2013

Basil Grape Cocktail

This cocktail is absolutely delicious with a delightful mix of earthy refreshing flavors. It has a clean and crisp taste that is sure to please.
This drink is so simple all you need are a few ingredients.
*Gin of your choice
*Fresh Basil
*Lemon
*Club soda
*White grape juice
In a shaker add 1 shot of gin, a few pieces of basil and the juice of half a lemon. Give it a good shake and pour over ice. Then add equal parts grape juice and club soda. Garnish with fresh basil and a lemon slice.
Enjoy!
XO,Ashley

Friday, August 23, 2013

Healthy Vegan Friendly Snacks

When I became vegan I had to re-educate myself in food. At first I thought it would be difficult to find foods that fit into my new lifestyle. After sometime the transition became super simple, I learned how to read labels and understand ingredients. You can find me snacking in between meals to keep my energy up or simply  lounging in front of the T.V. Being vegan is not hard or tasteless, here are some my favorite tasty vegan friendly snacks!

My husband and I are obsessed with hummus, hard to believe at one time he hated the stuff. Hummus is loaded with nutrients and is a great source of protein. There are so many different flavors which are great for sandwiches,wraps,raw veggies or pita chips.

Another great choice is peanut butter which is high in protein,just make sure to get organic because it is lower in sugar. Its great on a piece of whole grain toast,fruit,veggies or just on its own. If you have a nut allergen there are nut     free choices out there too.

My pantry is always stocked with trail mix, its such a staple in my diet. Its so convenient and great for when I'm on the go, not to mention super yummy. There is an insane amount of different mixes now in days at the market, or you could always make your own homemade mix


 
Energy bars are a favorite of mine, there are so many different brands and flavors. Just make sure to read the labels carefully, just because its an energy bar doesn't always mean its healthy. These are my favorite bars lately from Thunderbird energetica, they are absolutely delicious and are locally based here in Austin! If you would like to try them get them here

Smoothies are my go to post work-out snack I use ingredients like kale, bananas and strawberries in mine. Its a great source of nutrients and it gives me a great boost of energy. There are a million different recipes online and its also fun to experiment with your own. The recipe for the ones in the photo can be found here

XO,Ashley

Thursday, August 22, 2013

August Wish List

I can't believe it's already well into August, where did the time go? The shift from feeling like summer to fall is slowing happening,Yay for fall fashion!Here is a list of some things I've had my eye on during the month of August. My list consist of items that I feel are transitional pieces that can work in any season.

1.I am so in love with these Swedish Hasbeens wedge sandals.I adore the color and retro peep-toe. Find similar ones here.
2. Polk-a-dots are everywhere lately, its such a timeless print. This dress would make me feel like I'm on the set of Mad Men! Find it here.
3.These heart shaped wood sunglasses are super adorable and unique. Get them here.
4.I could imagine dancing around listening to my favorite records spinning on this adorable turn-table. Available here
5.Knuckle rings are crazy popular right now. I love how these are  dainty and have a hippie chic vibe to them. Found here 


XO,Ashley

Wednesday, August 21, 2013

Current Favorite Makeup/Nail Products

Here is a list of my current beauty favorites!I love to try new products but these are the items that have become staples in my everyday routine. Finding makeup you like can be a real trial and error process, not to mention it can get pricey. I hope you find a little knowledge on some items I'm loving and try them out for yourself!

Revlon whipped foundation in medium beige is one of my "holy grail" products. This stuff is great because it has build-able coverage without feeling cakey. It is an awesome choice in drugstore foundation!

I have a pretty extensive collection of concealer, both drugstore and high end. This Rimmel Match perfection has been the one I reach for the most lately,it gives great coverage for blemishes.

NAKED BASICS by Urban Decay is such an amazing palette! This thing has been used everyday since I got it. It is a bit pricey, but completely worth it! The shadows are very pigmented and versatile, love it!

With there being so many choices in mascaras I am constantly changing it up. I've heard mixed reviews on Maybelline's one by one volume express in blackest black,so I was a bit skeptical. To my surprise I have really enjoyed it and it makes my eyelashes super long. The formula is build-able without feeling crusty or clumpy.

I am obsessed with winged eyeliner and e.l.f. liquid eyeliner is my favorite tool to achieve that look. The formula is pigmented and smooth, the wand is also easy to use if you're beginner. With its $1.00 price tag whats not to love? 

 NYX blush in peach is so pretty and feminine, its not chalky and the color pay off is awesome. It is easy to over do it with this blush, but with a fluffy brush its super blend able.

Lately I have been wearing nothing but this Kate Moss for Rimmel lipstick in #103. Its such a lovely rose pink color. The formula is not sticky or drying and it has a nice floral scent.

 These two nail polishes have been my go to choice for months. ESSIE in Play Date is actually the polish I wore on my wedding day, its such a beautiful soft purple color. ESSIE in Mint Candy Apple is a bright and happy light green shade, I always receive compliments when I wear it.

I hope my list of favorites inspired you to maybe try some new products!

XO, Ashley

Thursday, August 15, 2013

DIY Tissue Paper Tassel Garland

This project is super simple all you need is some time and a few supplies! I always see tissue garland on Pinterest and thought it was super cute!The possibilities are endless with different colors, patterns and materials! So get creative and have fun!














XO, Ashley