Oven-Baked Balsamic Tofu

We eat a lot of tofu in my house, so I'm always trying new recipes for it. This balsamic tofu is one of my favorites, so yummy!

Drain the tofu by placing a book or any other heavy object on top of it and let it sit for about 30 mins. Once all the excess water is drained cut the tofu into 3/4 inch slices. I used cubed tofu that I had on hand, but I recommend using a block of tofu.

Yield:about 2
For this recipe you will need: 

*1 14oz package of extra firm tofu

*1/2 cup Balsamic vinegar

*1 tbsp Dijon mustard 

*1/2 tsp Oregano

*1/2 tsp Parsley 

In a big bowl mix all ingredients and add tofu, marinate for 10-30 mins.

Preheat oven to 350°F and line baking sheet with parchment paper. Bake for 20-30 mins.

 I served mine over a big bed of salad, but it would also be great over pasta or in a sandwich wrap.

XO,Ashley

Dipped Wood Utensils

I've really been wanting to make my own set of dipped utensils for a while. I finally got around to doing it and its so much fun because you can do an array of different colors and designs. They also make a great affordable personalized gift for weddings, house warming parties, holidays and so on.

For this project you will need:

*Acrylic paints

*Painters tape

*Wooden spoons(I picked mine up at Bed Bath and Beyond for $2.99)

*Brushes

Start by deciding on what design you would like to achieve and apply the painters tape. 

Apply 2-3 coats of paint allowing to dry in-between each layer. I found the easiest way to let them dry was by placing them in a coffee mug.

Allow to dry and gently remove tape, that's it!

I would recommend hand washing the utensils to insure they stay looking gorgeous!

XO,Ashley

Thrift Haul 2

It's still about 80°F everyday here in Texas, however it hasn't stopped me from doing a little fall shopping.This is a haul of items that I have thrifted during the month of October.

I am so in love with this olive green over-sized sweater. Originally from Old Navy it's well worth the $5 I paid for it.

A cable sweater is such a classic staple piece to have in a wardrobe.I was elated to find this cream colored beauty from the Lauren Conrad collection.Price$6

This button down is made of super soft denim and is probably my favorite purchase. I've honesty been wearing it non-stop because it's just so comfortable.The brand is called rubbish,which I believe is sold in Nordstroms. Price $5

I found yet another denim shirt which has a more fitted and structured look. Its originally from Zara and it's in perfect condition. Price $5.99

Last item I picked up are these classic Levi shorts which I intend to distress a bit. Price$3.99

I'm honestly super pleased with all the great items I found this month. You never know what awesome stuff you will come across!

XO,Ashley

Blood Splattered Nails

This nail polish look is so disturbing and bloody its perfect for Halloween! Its a messy process but the completed look is worth it.

Start by applying a couple coats of white nail polish and allow it to dry completely.

Do this next step over a few paper towels because it does get messy.Then dab a bit of red nail polish onto the paper and dip one end of the straw into it. Make sure the straw is completely covered and blow through the other end. You may need to do this a couple times till you achieve the look you want.

Dip a cotton swab into nail polish remover and clean up any excess polish.

And you're done.

XO,Ashley

Good Vegan Eats

With how hectic life can be at times its easy to settle into a routine of the same meals week in, week out. Not that there is anything wrong with things that are good and familiar, but it sure is nice to mix things up every now and again. Here is a list of scrumptious looking meals and treats that I'm really wanting to try.

I bet this shepherds pie taste as good as it looks.

These decadent Banana nut muffin pancakes are happiness on a plate!

I am an avid sandwich lover and this chipotle tofu sandwich is one I can see myself falling head over heels with.

I could easily cozy up to a big ol' bowl of this curry goodness.

My sweet tooth would definitely be satisfied with these heavenly vegan peanut butter cups.

XO,Ashley

Dream Destinations

There are just so many beautiful and interesting places in the world that I would love to visit. I haven't traveled very much, but these are some of the destinations that I've been dreaming about lately.

Palm Springs is a no-brainer since I'm a sucker for MCM architecture and all things vintage.

Iceland seems like such a magical place, its amazing a place this beautiful exist!

Vancouver Canada is breathtaking with a perfect mix of city&nature.

Croatia's beauty is mind blowing, take me now!

Switzerland is like a fairy-tale,the views are just stunning.

XO,Ashley

DIY Initial Letter

This initial letter project is so simple and fun I decided to share it. I recently got married so I chose the letter K because of our last name. There are so many possibilities with this craft. Have fun and get creative ♥

For this project you will need

*Cardboard letter(s)

*Scrap booking paper

*Mod podge

*Paper craft glue

*Scissors and a couple of paint brushes

There are many different ways to apply the paper to the letter, no right or wrong way. What I decided to do was wrap it as if I was wrapping a present, cutting the paper accordingly and gluing it to the cardboard.

Once the letter is completely wrapped apply a thin layer of mod podge and allow to dry.

And that's it!

XO,Ashley

Smokey Purple Eye-Shadow Tutorial

For this look I will be using my Petal Pusher palette from Wet n Wild. This affordable palette consist of 8 highly pigmented and silky shadows allowing you to create day&night looks. I highly recommend it!

(use as reference)

Apply a white eye shadow base to your lid, this will really make the shadows pop.

Next apply the 1st eye shadow to the lid stopping about half way. Apply the 2nd lid color to the other half and lightly blend.

Apply the crease color stopping before the brow bone and blend.

Next apply the outer v shadow and blend it up into the crease creating that smokey look.

Apply inner corner and brow bone shadow. Then take a white eyeliner and run it along your water line+lower lash line.

Next use the 2nd lid color to smoke out the lower lash line.

Apply eyeliner and some mascara and you're done!

XO, Ashley

Candy Corn Nail Tutorial

This cute candy corn nail design is a fun way to get into the Halloween spirit. It was quite simple and easy to do so give it a try!

Start by applying a couple coats of orange nail polish. It is very important to make sure they are completely dry before moving on to the next step.

 Cut tape into small strips and apply across the middle of each nail. Make sure to press down on the tape to guarantee clean lines. 

Paint above the tape with a couple coats of yellow polish and below with white. Allow nails to dry.

Carefully remove tape, apply top coat and you're done!

XO,Ashley