Saturday, January 25, 2014

DIY Jewelry Holder

I love, love, love anything DIY.
My DIY board on Pinterest is filled with tons of projects I can't wait to tackle!
{Check it out here if you're looking for some new projects!}

Here's the story behind this project:
So one day I was in Hobby Lobby and saw a really cute frame to hang your jewelry on.
It was really pretty and so unique but didn't go with the colors in my room at all.  So I decided to try and make one myself!  I'm really happy with the outcome and wanted to share how easy it is with you guys!

Here's what you need:
- an empty frame
- a piece of ply wood to fit in your frame
- a piece of fabric (i got a half of a yard and still have enough to make another one)
- some knob fixtures (i ended up using 5)
- scissors
- hot glue gun
- ruler
- pencil
- drill

[Just as a reference, it cost me about $50 for all the supplies to build this frame.]

Here are the steps:
1. Measure the ply wood to fit your frame.  Then cut accordingly.




2. Next, drill holes for the knobs.

3. Then lay the fabric over the wood so that it covers it completely.  If you have a lot of excess fabric, you can cut it, but make sure it still folds over the wood.

TIP: I taped down the sides so it would be easier to glue.

 TIP: The fabric will bunch in the corners, so I found it helpful to cut it trough the center of the corner so it could be folded.

 Then glue down all the the edges of the fabric to the glue.  Make sure the fabric is completely flat on the front before gluing!


5. To glue the wood piece to the frame, place glue on the inner part of the frame so that the two pieces stick together.
TIP: Be cautious of how much glue you use!  If you put too much, when the pieces are put together, glue will spread and show!


6. Then to create holes for the knobs, use a knife to pierce small holes through the fabric.  Let the holes on the back of the wood serve as a reference as to where to cut the fabric.

7. Almost finished!  To install the knobs, take off the backing and screw it through the holes.  If the length of the knob is too long for hanging on the wall, you can cut the metal (or have someone else cut it like I did haha).

And you're done!


If you have any questions, leave them in the comments below!

xoxo



Wednesday, January 22, 2014

All the Motivation You Need: Health & Fitness

I feel like working out and eating healthier are two of the most common new year resolutions people try to keep.
Let's be honest: every one wants to be skinner and healthier, right?

Loosing weight and changing your lifestyle isn't an easy task.

I like food.  A lot.
I don't believe in depriving myself of sweets or a few chips.
I don't think it's healthy to live that way.  I've tried only eating "healthy food" and I can't tell you how many times depriving myself of these little treats has been unsuccessful.

So instead of making unrealistic goals to only eat healthy and work out everyday, I plan on setting goals that will help me work towards living a healthy lifestyle without jumping right to this huge lifestyle change.

So I thought I would share how I plan on incorporating steps and reaching my goal of living a healthy lifestyle into my everyday routine.

1. Eat Breakfast
Okay, so I know breakfast is the most important meal of the day, but I really just don't like eating that early.  Nor do I really have the time to eat before school.  But I'm hoping to start eating breakfast on a regular basis now.  I'm hoping to get in a lot of fruits in the morning since it's easy to just grab and go!  I love these Naked Juices - especially the berry one!  They are very filling and filled with the same vitamins and nutrients that fruits contain!

2. Try New Workouts
I feel like such a loser for saying this, but I actually do enjoy working out.  However, I do get bored very easily.  That is why for me, it's important to change up my routine every once in a while.  I'm hoping to try out different workouts this year like barre classes and the so popular, Soul Cycle (they just opened one in the town over!).  


3. Find a Workout Buddy
I have always been a solo kind of girl at the gym.  I have never liked going with fiends because I feel like I don't get a good workout in because I'm too busy gossiping with my best friend.  But maybe a gym buddy would be fun and make the hour go by faster!


Still not feeling motivated?

Don't worry, I got you covered.

Again, being completely honest here, new stuff always makes everything better.
I live for cute workout clothes.  Between Nike, LuLuLemon, and every other store that now sells great workout clothes, there is definitely a sports bra or sneaker that will make you want to hit the gym!!
All the Motivation You Need







Okay, so you got the clothes.  But don't know where to start with the squats?
Again, I got you covered.

Meet my friends (not really, but I like to think so!) Karena & Katrina.
They are the two most fun girls to workout with (again, not literally, but virtually!).
They have amazing personalities and create workouts that are extremely easy to follow.
And did I mention they also have numerous yummy, and of course healthy, recipes!
Check out their videos here!

Another amazing 'Youtuber', Cassey creates fun, but challenging videos.  These are perfect to do during a homework break since they aren't too long.  However don't let the short time fool you, I promise you that you'll feel it the next day!
Check out her videos here!

I'll stop rambling now but to end this on a serious note, I'm committed to working toward a healthy lifestyle and hope that you'll join me on this journey! (#cheesefest)

Let me know how you work towards a healthy lifestyle!
xoxo

Sunday, January 19, 2014

Sunday Snapshot [SAG Awards 2014]

There was nothing exciting this week to put in my Sunday Snapshot. So instead, I thought I would share some of my favorite (and least favorite) looks from the SAG Awards red carpet last night!

1. HIT - Sandra Bullock in Lanvin & Fred Leighton
I'll start with my favorite, Sandra, in this absolutely gorgeous shimmery green gown.  I wasn't too fond of the color-blocked Prabal Gurung dress she wore to the Golden Globes, so I was really excited to see her in this.  The color is perfect and the slit shows off her amazing legs.  

2. HIT - Sofia Vegara in Donna Karen Atelier
Let's be honest, Sofia Vegara always kills it on the Red Carpet.  She is stunning and has an amazing figure.  Even if she wore a trash bag, she would still end up on every best dressed list.  I love how this dress is a little different from what she typically wears.  The beading is beautiful and so is this look.

3. MISS - Giuliana Rancic in Basil Soda
I usually always love what Giuliana wears, but I was a little disappointed in this dress.  The only thing I like about it, is the color.

4. IRDEK(I REALLY DON'T EVEN KNOW) - Jennifer Lawrence in Christian Dior
I love the dress from far away.  But up close, it doesn't look as beautiful and expensive.  I don't hate it.  But at the same time, I don't love it.  Although she has been doing amazing collecting awards, her red carpet looks haven't been so great. 

5. MISS - Kerry Washington in Prada & Harry Winston
I love the idea of this outfit, but it just really doesn't work.  The top is beautifully beaded, but it doesn't go great with that skirt.  Simply, it's unflattering.

6. HIT - Renee Bargh in Steven Kahlil
Renee Bargh donned a beautiful gown by Australian designer, Steven Kahlil.  The color is amazing and I love how the lace overlays the top of the dress.  Her simple hair and makeup beautifully complement the dress.

7. MISS - Clair Danes in Vionnet, Jimmy Choo & Forevermark Diamonds
It literally looks like Clair is wearing pieces of four different dresses.  I really wish it was just one of the four different fabrics.

8. HIT - Amy Adams in Antonio Berardi
I love the color and shape of this gown.  The cut is really unique and flattering.  I also really love the belt.  

9. HIT - Elizabeth Moss in Michael Kors
This dress is just really great.  The color, the cut, everything is just great.

10. MISS - Cate Blanchett in Givenchy & Chopard
Oy vey.  I don't know what to say except that it looks like she has a napkin tucked into her collar.

{all photos from Huffington Post}

What were your favorite looks of the night?
xoxo

Saturday, January 18, 2014

Links

This week was actually just horrible.
Literally never had so much work.  And I feel like I say that all the time.  But for real, it was pretty bad. 

So I didn't write or schedule any posts this week, but I did want to share some of my old posts until next week!

Winter weather got you dry?  Check out some of my favorite products for this time of year!

Emma Stone and Charlize Theron killed the red carpet two years ago.  Who was your favorite this year?

For all of you just starting second semester!

How awesome is this year's Coachella line-up?

Get a head start on that bikini body!

Talk to you soon!
xoxo

Tuesday, January 7, 2014

Three Outfits for Winter Activities

I have completely mixed feelings about the winter.  I always say it's my favorite season, however after awhile, all I can think about is how nice it would be if it were summer.  
This week, New Jersey is experiencing extremely low temperatures (below zero with the windchill!).  It's supposed to warm up over the weekend, but then go back down!

But there are some great things about the Winter season: the holidays, seasonal drinks, and festive decorations.

Three Outfits for Winter Activities



[Click the picture above to shop the products!]

One of my favorite things to do is meet friends and family for coffee, especially now with all the seasonal drinks out!  I really love how this striped Forever 21 sweater looks with an all black outfit and think it would be perfect for meeting with the girls.

Next, ice skating is something that I only usually do with my friends around Christmas time.  We have an indoor ice skating rink near our town, so we can go any time of the year.  But there is just something more fun about going during the holiday time.  For this occasion, I would wear a flannel with these cable-knit leggings and a cozy scarf to keep warm!

Lastly, there is nothing more magical than New York City at Christmas time.  It's my favorite time of year to see the sights and go shopping.  However, sometimes it can be miserable walking around.  I love this Ted Baker jacket, it's both functional and fashionable.  And the touch of maroon in with the gloves and scarf add the perfect amount of color.

What are your favorite winter activities?
xoxo