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

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