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

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

Glittery Green Makeup Tutorial

This smoky green eye-shadow look is so glamorous! It's perfect for nights out or upcoming holiday parties. This look is earthy yet sultry, it's great for all skin tones and eye colors. To create this look I used a combination of Maybelline's Sun-baked eye-shadow palette and E.L.F.s mineral eye-shadow in earthy.But of course you can use what-ever similar colors/products you have on hand.

Start off by packing on elf's earthy onto the lid. Since it is a loose eye-shadow I dip my brush into a bit of water first to help the shadow stick.

Next place a matte brown shadow in the crease working it up to before the brow bone. Tip: when working with glittery shadows it's best to start with the eye makeup before doing the rest of your face since there will be plenty of fall out.

Taking a glittery dark brown shadow blend it into the outer V working it up into the crease.

Next apply a highlight to the corner of the eye and brow bone.

To create a smoky look apply green eye shadow along the lower lash line.

Apply eyeliner and mascara. For a more dramatic look I decided to add some fake lashes.

XO,Ashley

Baby, it's cold outside.

Okay, so it may not be chilly enough to bundle up in a jacket and boots where I live, but a girl can dream. I've been daydreaming about all things cozy and inviting, so here is a list of a few things I've been loving lately.

How adorable is this Polk-A-Dot drawstring jacket, such a classic timeless piece.

My feet would definitely be warm and protected in these vintage inspired faux-leather lace up boots.

Loving this mustard knitted hat, the pom pom on the top is just darling.

This inviting space looks like the perfect spot to cuddle up to a good book and a cup of tea.

 Nothing is better on a cold day than a big mug of hot cocoa with plenty of marshmallows,yum!

XO,Ashley

Halloween 2013

I can't believe its already November, where did the time go?! October was such a wonderful month full of fun times like Austin City Limits Music Festival, fall shopping and of course Halloween.

These beautiful flowers were a wonderful surprise from my sweet husband. They really help bring fall vibes into my home and they lasted forever!

Of course you cant have Halloween without jack o lanterns, I  loved having these little guys hanging out on my door step.

My husband and I were decaying zombies for Halloween. Can you believe all I used was Kleenex and liquid latex to create those gruesome bloody wounds. 

I made these vegan chocolate chip cookies for a Halloween party, and they were a hit! 

Even though I'm suffering from a bit of post-Halloween depression I'm so excited for the holiday season to start!

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

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

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

Vegan Snicker-doodle Cookies

Fall is slowly approaching so naturally I've been craving all things associated with this cozy time of year.I do heaps of baking during the fall and usually have a craving for all things pumpkin and cinnamon flavored. These snicker-doodle cookies are absolutely delicious and are so fun to make! Happy baking♥

Preheat oven to 350F and line baking sheet with parchment paper. 

For the cookie dough:

1 3/4 cup all-purpose flour

1 tsp baking powder

1/4 cup corn starch

In a small bowl combine all these ingredients, whisk and set aside.

In a larger bowl combine:

1 stick(4oz.)of softened vegan margarine

3/4 cup sugar

1 tsp vanilla extract

1/4 cup non-dairy milk (vanilla flavored is best)

Once mixed add in the flour mixture and beat till smooth.

For the cinnamon-sugar combine:

1/2 cup sugar

2-3 tbs cinnamon

Once mixed shape dough into about 1 inch balls and roll it around in the cinnamon-sugar goodness!

Bake for 10-12 minutes or until lightly golden. 

Let cool and dig in!

XO,Ashley