5 Blog to Read - Right Now!

As a blogger, I am always visiting other blogs

to draw daily inspiration.

Here are a few I am loving right now...

#1.
Summer of Diane
A Miami based fashion/style blogger's
 haven for travel, style, and rebellion

Her IG is a must for the boho chic gypsy in you.
https://www.instagram.com/summerofdiane/

#2.

A Beautiful Mess

No hidden secret here - these sisters have made in big!

They dabble in everything from home decor, to recipes, 

to adorable DIY projects & crafts -

like these super cute "invisible" bookends.

On a rainy day, I like to get lost in here.

#3.
How Sweet It Is

Drool-worthy recipes that even in my wildest imagination
I couldn't dream up.
And she's a huge fan of glitter, anything neon, and sprinkles -
so naturally we would be best friends.
Like who can possibly make chia seed pudding look THAT delicious?
She's a magician!

Here's your INSPO for all things yummy.

4.
Eat Drink Chic

Amy Moss is a graphic designer based out of Australia
and her blog is for the girls who appreciate
crafting, DIY, and an eye for design aesthetic.

She always has cute style + home decor picks,
but my favorite portion of her blog is her DIY & freebies section.
I DIY (get it?!) over these flamingo cocktail invites...

I've been known to disappear for hours in this section.
And bonus - they are all free of charge.
Just download and print...thanks Amy!

5.
Miss Maven

Lately, I've also been enjoying Teni Penosian's blog
on beauty, fashion, and a bit of lifestyle.

Originally, I found her on YouTube and followed her updates there,
but came to realize she was actually a blogger prior to YouTuber.
She's sweet, down to earth, and gorgeous.
Check out the Valentine's Day dinner she hosted for her girlfriends,
such a cute idea!

What blogs do you follow?

Are there any you can't live without?

Drop them in the comments below
so we can all check them out...

Check in with you guys soon!

xo,

5 homemade gifts from the heart

With Christmas right around the corner,

and the holiday shopping frenzy in full swing --

you might really be feeling the affects of 

buyers remorse. 

While it feels good to give to others,

a lot of us take ourselves broke in the process.

If you are looking for last minute,

inexpensive homemade gifts from the heart - 

look no further.

I have 5 ideas for you that 

not only won't break the bank,

but will show your loved ones you put

a little extra, tender love and care into their 

special gift.

Check out these D.I.Y (Do It Yourself)

Gift Ideas....

1. Fabric Wrapped Hangers

I think these are so cute and easy.

All that's needed for this simple project 

are some hangers from the Dollar Store which come

(8) to a pack, and some fabric scraps from

 a local craft store (Joanne Fabrics).

 I cut the fabric into strips and using a glue gun, 

wrap them around the hangers until they are covered.

Decorate as you please with bows and ribbons

(Dollar Store has these as well).

All my friends love them! :)

2. Homemade Sugar Scrubs

You can use products found around your home to make

these delicious homemade scrubs. Sugar scrubs

are great exfoliators for the face and body this time

of year when skin tends to dry out.

Check out these fabulous DIY scrubs

from Lipstick and Berries.

3. Scarf

Put your hands to good use and knit or crochet

something warm for your loved one this holiday.

Don't know how? 

Michael's (as well as local yarn/craft shops) offer classes 

or YouTube provides great tutorials to get you

started with basic stitches.

 A simple scarf will take you under 3 hours 

to create and makes the perfect cozy Christmas gift!

4. Crafty Paint Calendar

Came across this little project and loved the idea.
Using paint color samples from Home Depot, Lowe's, etc
you can create a customized calendar.
Place an inexpensive frame over it
 (you can find them for under $5)
and use a dry erase marker to change
the month and days. 

5. Baking

Sometimes the best gifts are the ones that can be consumed!
 Head over to Trader Joe's for
some gingerbread mix and bake some fresh
gingerbread for friends and family!
Presentation is everything...so all it takes
are some adorable little tins to present something
freshly baked in that makes all the difference.
I found these cute ones for $1 at Christmas Tree Shop!
Gingerbread not your thing?
How about these adorable melting snowmen cookies
I made last night?

Hope I've given you some good ideas...
feel free to share your own! 

xo,

DIY - Coffee & Brown Sugar Scrub

Try this do-it-yourself face scrub

made from products found just around your kitchen! :)

Coffee & Brown Sugar Scrub

Yields: 1 cup

Perfect to fill one small mason jar! 

Ingredients:

3/4 cup coffee grounds

1/4 cup brown sugar

1 tsp vanilla extract

1/2 tsp ground cinnamon or nutmeg

1/3 cup coconut oil or olive oil

Mix all ingredients in a bowl.

As with all facial products being tried for the first time,

test a small area for a reaction, 

then proceed with entire face.

1. Wash face thoroughly.

2. Apply sugar scrub to face, 

gently exfoliating for 60 seconds.

3. Rinse with warm water and pat dry.

Instant Results!

This is a great scrub for the winter months

because our skin tends to dry out and need more exfoliation,

due to heat we have pumping in our homes.

Exfoliate AT LEAST once per week

for optimal results. 

I love coffee,

so I hope you enjoy this nostalgic,

wonderful scent as well! :)

P.S  Gift idea,

add a ribbon, flower, and gift tag

to your mason jar for the perfect little 

'homemade with love' gift!

Bet you didn't know your coffee grounds could be so useful!
To find out even more uses for them, click here.

xo,

Make it a paint night!

One of my favorite new hobbies is painting.

My mom and I bought a Groupon

a few months back for a Paint Night in the city.

Super inexpensive. Lots of fun.

We thought it was just a good mother/daughter

bonding activity to do together,

but turns out - 

there are two Picasso's in the building! :)

If you haven't checked one of these Paint Nite's out yet,

seriously reconsider.

Why? 

1. Simple + Fun.

These classes are run by artists.

The art is typically simple

and very easy to follow,

and its really about the creative process anyways.

Part of the fun is that you all start

with the same canvas and the same paints -

yet no two paintings turn out alike.

Its amazing to watch the creative process in action.

2. Cheap Entertainment.

These classes are very inexpensive,

and all the materials are provided for you...

smock, canvas, paints, lesson, etc.

Why not spend $30 to have a night out with a friend

or family member and just let loose?

After a long day of work,

painting has become an outlet for me.

It's a very mindless, relaxing thing to do. 

There is no art teacher scolding or critiquing your every 

move. There is no right or wrong technique.

You kind of just let the art happen. 

I like that kind of freedom.

Plus, you get to bring your work of art

home at the end of the night.

Everyone loves a souvenire.

Mom and I had fun stumbling through the streets

of NYC when we were done, 

a look of pride on our faces as we carried our artwork.

"I will take the highest bidder!" I said,

 giggling. 

And if it sucks that bad,

regift it (ha ha) OR

give it to one of your parents...

You can do NO WRONG in their eyes, right?! ;)

3. Excuse to Drink.

And if all else fails,

its a perfect excuse to have a cocktail.

Paint Nites are usually held at bars or restaurants,

and hello - I don't know about you, 

but I get a heck of a lot more creative

 when I'm drinking on the job.

Mom and I sipped on 2 fabulous cocktails throughout

the painting session and by the time we were done,

we thought we were the most talented,

gifted artists this Upper West Side had ever seen!

Here is my painting of a canoe from that first

Paint Night in NYC:

I inspired myself so much,

that I decided to go home and try painting on my own.

I went to Michaels - grabbed a 5-pack of canvases, 

a few jars of acrylic paints, some paintbrushes,

and went home to look for photos that inspired me.

I fell in love with this one (top)

The photo below shows my attempt to recreate it (bottom).

Not terrible for a first attempt! :)

A few weeks later, I was feeling inspired again

and fell in love with this painting of a woman's dress.

Here is my second attempt to paint from home,

with no instruction.

Left is the original, Right is my Own.

Anyways,

I hope this inspires you to get out to a Paint Night

and let your creativity have its way with you.

Also - if you are local to Long Island,

check out Paint the Town studio

in Huntington, 

which offers similar classes! 

It really is A LOT of fun.

xo,

D.I.Y: Shopping + Notepad

I don't know about you, but I LIVE and BREATHE

shopping lists...actually, I don't want to even

box myself into that category.

I love all lists in general,
not just shopping ones.

Lets just get that right out in the open.

Grocery lists. To-Do Lists. Home Improvement Checklist.

Vacation Packing list.

[This is on the side of my refrigerator.
I rest my case.]

Everything is a list. 

So when I ran across this little mini

Do-It-Yourself project

 (D.I.Y for all you crafters out there)

on the Smitten Blog Design blog 

(I think I told you all they are redesigning my blog,

I'm very excited!)

I wanted to share it with you.

I try and plan my meals out for the week

because its super annoying to

have to run back and forth to the 

grocery store several times a week

for just a few ingredients you don't have

for a particular recipe,

so I love the concept and idea of this 

cute little meal planner + grocery list in one!

Directions:

1) Head over to the Smitten Blog to print out your shopping lists here.

You can print any combination you want - I went with 30 total, 10 of each color. 

2) Cut them out; take your time. No one likes a jagged edge!

3) Place them in whatever sequential order you want. I liked the green/orange combo, so I placed that one on top! :)

4) Secure with a clip, which will making the sealing process that more painless. You will need a silicone sealant, which you can find at a hardware store (don't try Michaels, or ANY craft store for that matter. They don't sell it). I found this one for $5 at Lowes- its potent stuff, so be careful and make sure you don't get it on your skin or eyes (huge irritant) and be sure to use it in a well ventilated space, preferably by an open window.

5) You do a thin strip across the top and let it dry for a few hours, then your good to go!

Now you are ready to head to Trader Joe's, Whole Foods, or your

favorite grocery spot or local market,

and cook something delicious.

Have a great night!

xo,

A Sweet Little Blonde

All shopping lists,

Copyright Smitten Blog Design.

My newest obsession - Chalkboard Labels!

On my recent trip to Washington D.C,
where I stayed at the Reston Town Center -

I dropped into Paper Source and Anthropologie, 

and fell in love with some of their chalkboard-themed

stickers and jars.

Items I bought in Paper-Source: Birch Paper Straws, 'Handmade By' Stamp, and Chalkboard Lablels

SO WHY DO I LOVE CHALKBOARD LABELS
SO MUCH?

For one, I love the idea of being able to 

change the label. You're going to have different products

depending on the season, so it's nice to have the flexibility

to erase and rewrite your labels.  I love it.

Chalkboard Labels- Love, love, love these!

Secondly, chalkboards...YES!

I think they are so old-fashioned 

(ha ha, yes I did say that) and cute.

Think about it... everything is dry-erase or 

computer generated (smart boards) these days

and there is just a certain nostalgia associated with 

chalkboards - at least for me.

Finally, handwritten labels 

just have a vintage-y, homemade feel to me

and I love the way these labels look.

I am going to be sharing my weekend

'refrigerator reorganization project'
 with you tomorrow and the labels fit the look
I was going for really well.

The inside of my 'fridge looks very "farm stand"

and that's kind of the look I was going for 

when I added the chalkboard labels to the containers.
BTW, wait till you see my refrigerator...
You're going to think I'm an O-C-D freak.
Which, I am.

Deal.

So without further adieu,

 here are the labels I found in Paper Source

along with a few other goodies
that found they're way into my shopping cart.

All links are clickable and will take you right to the site.

Chalkboard Labels

Pack of 10 labels for $12.95

Birth Paper Straws

Pack of 144, $7.95

I also had to have these adorable birch paper straws.

I love throwing them in my homemade 

drink concoctions and smoothies -

somehow they make them taste even better.

'Handmade By' Stamp

Stamp $6.50

Love this stamp and had to have it.

I make my own scarves which I hand out over

the holidays and I was in desperate need of a stamp

that I could use on gift bags and accompany a signature.

I can also use this stamp on other D.I.Y projects

and crafts I hand out as presents or party favors.

I also wandered into Anthopologie

(sigh - I wish I was rich...

I would buy every candle in there!)

and found the most adorable mini jars

with actual chalkboard surfaces that wipe clean.

I bought 3 to keep my fresh summer herbs in

and they came in the perfect green shade for my kitchen 

(that shade is currently on sale)

but you'll find the entire selection of jars here:

Chalkboard Spice Jars.

Wellllll - what do we think?

Chalkboards in the Kitchen

the next big thing, right? ;)

UP NEXT: Rachel's Weekend Refrigerator Reorganization Project.

Sneak Peek: Rachel's Weekend Refrigerator Reorganization Project.

xo,

Rach

D.I.Y Project #2: Vintage Oil & Vinegar Bottles

I have to be honest,

I don't use a ton of oil + vinegar (well, I will now!)

but we all have those bottles or caddy's lying around

so either dust them off

 or clean them out and start fresh

 because I'm going to show you 

how to repurpose them into

 something you're proud to display [! ]

So for my D.I.Y Project #2 

may I present -

Vintage Oil + Vinegar bottles!

Materials: Oil and Vinegar, Mini Faux Grapes, Labels, Twine

Materials: Hinged Pourers, Funnel, Empty bottles

What You'll Be Needing:

• (2) Empty glass bottles - one for your vinegar, one for your balsamic (I found mine at T.J Maxx for $3/each)
• (2) Hinged Pourers (I bought a 2-pack from Bed, Bath & Beyond for $4.99) Some bottles already come with these tops, but if they don't - I suggest the hinged tops since they provide controlled pouring and have a closed top for sanitary purposes.
•  Bottle of Extra Virgin Olive Oil (for filling)
•  Bottle of Balsamic Vinegar (for filling)
• (1) Sheet of Printed Oil + Vinegar Labels from Eat.Drink.Chic. Artwork by Amy Moss.
• Optional: Mini Faux Grapes (I found these adorable ones by Ashland at Michael's for around $5)
• Optional: 1 yrd of Twine (I found this rustic looking one from Joanne's Fabrics and purchased 1 yd of the spool for around $3)
• Funnel (for easy pouring)
• Double-Sided Tape 
• Glue Gun (For Attaching Mini Faux Grapes)

Directions:

1. Prep yourself by the obvious - washing your bottles out, cutting out your oil & vinegar labels, warming the glue gun, and opening/washing your hinged pourers.
2. Using the funnel for easy pouring, fill your oil + vinegar into appropriate containers. Seal tops with hinged pourers. IMPORTANT: Thoroughly wipe down bottles (with windex if necessary) to remove any residue from pouring. Residue may hinger attachment of your labels or destroy them.

3. Attach your vintage inspired Oil +Vinegar labels using double-sided tape. 

4. Tie your twine around the nose (top) of bottle and cut at desired length.

5. Using the glue gun, attach the mini faux grapes (on opposite sides for oil and vinegar) on top of your twine to the left or right side of bottle.

These beautiful bottles are now ready to be

debuted on your kitchen counter

or during your next dinner party!

Thanks for reading - 

feel free to post your comments 

or inbox me your questions...

A pleasure,

 as always -

xo

Rach

More Photos:

They already have found their spot on my kitchen counter! =)