After-Gym Bag Tutorial

I had the opportunity to guest post on The Sasse Life recently!  I shared a tutorial on how to make an "After-Gym Bag" using a reusable bag.  Click here to get the tutorial!  I really had a great time making this project-- Hope you like it!

"Have you ever felt amazing after working out only to realize you have to run to the grocery store now and you look a fright?  Sounds like you need an "after-gym" bag!   Before you think about buying a cute little pouch to hold your freshening up necessities-- take a look around your house.  I bet you have everything you need to make one!"

Be sure to check out The Sasse Life.  Kim, the author of the blog, is an amazing lady!  She sells handmade jewelry in her shop, Loved, and 50% of every sale is donated to The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.  

DIY Coffee Sugar Scrub

I treated myself to a mani/pedi before I left for Jessica's wedding.  It felt like forever since I had my nails done-- honestly I forgot what soft hands and feet felt like!  

After a long day sipping frozen drinks at the hotel pool last week, I used the sugar scrub in the ladies room.  Jessica and Becca had a good laugh because I used too much and it took some effort to get the oil off my hands -- my super smooth and soft hands, might I add!  

As I continued to obsess about my silky mitts, I remembered the sample of Fresh's Brown Sugar Body Polish I got from Sephora years ago.  The product smelled heavenly and moisturized like no other!  It's pricy, so it ranked pretty low on my list of must-haves and I've never used it again.   Lightbulb. "I could make that!" So cliche, I know!!!  After I came home, I put on my apron and started playing around with kitchen ingredients to make my own scrub.  

Ingredients:

1/2 cup coarsly ground coffee

1/2 cup sugar

1/2 cup coarse sea salt

3/4 cup oil of choice

For the best scent, I would recommend using almond or coconut oil (heat it up a bit to a liquid state for easy mixing)!  Also, if you use the scrub in the shower you should clean the shower floor afterwards so you don't slip next time.  It's also a good idea to use a drain filter to avoid clogging your pipes!

Mister G loves how this scrub smells!  (He needs a bath today after he rolled around in the sticky plants!)

Do you have any favorite scrub recipes?  Share them in the comment section!  Happy scrubbing!!  xo, Ashley

Teacher Appreciation Week Crafts for Kids

My friend Becca asked me to come up with some fun crafts for her kids to make for Teacher Appreciation Week.  Without further ado, here are my favorites!  Oh, and a very Happy Teacher's Appreciation Week to all my teacher readers!  xo, Ashley

"Thanks A Latte" Printable and Tutorial via Eighteen25

Chalkboard Spring Vases via A Subltle Revelry

Click here for a tutorial on how to make your own Chalkboard Paint

Apple Core Thank You Card via Lisa Storms

Apple Cupcakes with Free Printables via Love From the Oven

Fingerprint Stationary via Family Fun

Mini Oreo "Apple" Pops by Brooke via Skip to My Lou 

Cinco de Mayo

There's still time to plan a festive fiesta for Cinco de Mayo this year!  I've rounded up everything you need for the perfect party.  Feliz Cinco de Mayo amigas!!! Besos, Ashley  P.S. Check out my rad giveaway!

Margarita Cupcakes via Brown Eyed Baker

Alright, now that I have your attention!... 

First, send some cute invites to your friends.

Cinco de Mayo Invites via Martha Stewart

Here's a menu that's sure to delight your guests!

Aji Guacamole Recipe via The Endless Meal

Pineapple Mango Salsa via Pennies on a Platter

Grilled Fish Tacos with Rubios Sauce via The food Addicts

Spice up your spread with these fabuloso paper tissue decorations from Martha Stewart!

Every amazing Cinco de Mayo party needs some piñatas!   

Mini Pinatas via Family Fun

Extra credit if you can eat your piñatas!

Cinco de Mayo Pinata Cookies Tutorial  via She Knows

And for dessert, consider making the Margarita Cupcakes from earlier in this post or these delicious Mexican Wedding cookies!  

Mexican Wedding Cookies via Paula Deen

How To Save Your Sewing Patterns

I started sewing lessons this week, and boy did I learn a lot!  My sewing teacher taught me how to create a copy of my sewing patterns.  This is a great habit to get into because it extends the life of your patterns.  It's also really helpful when you are sewing clothes for babies and kids because they grow.  For example, I made a copy of my pattern in size small for baby Ivy and I can copy the original pattern again in a few months to make her a larger size.  

When you buy a pattern, you should transfer it to a big piece of sturdy paper.  First, cut your pattern carefully into big pieces.  Then tape one of the pieces you will be using to a big window using a small piece of tape.  Just a little piece on the top and the sides should be enough.  

Then tape a big piece of paper suitable for tracing on top of the pattern.  You could tape together computer paper if you don't have any big paper.

Study your pattern to see which markings are important to your piece and trace them on the big paper.  If you pattern has straight lines, just trace the 90 degree corners and you can fill the lines in with a straightedge later.  If you have curved lines, draw dashes to follow the line.  (You can draw dashes for straight lines too-- if you want to!)  Don't forget to write the pattern piece number, brand name, pattern number, how many pieces to cut from which fabric.  Your pattern should have markings for each size.  Only trace the marking for the size you will be making.

 Take a look at the original pattern again to make sure you didn't miss any important markings.

 Use a straight-edge to draw lines from corner to corner.  Now it's time to cut out your pattern.

Ta-da!! Now you have a super sturdy pattern that you can use over and over and over without tearing!

I can't wait for my next lesson.  I've been sewing for a long time-- but I've never learned the right way to do it.  I just love my sewing teacher!  She is the sweetest lady-- she sews clothing for orphans and makes baby bereavement gowns for charity too.  I've been showing her how to blog so hopefully I'll be able to introduce you to her soon!

Have a great week friends!  XO, Ashley

10 Headband Tutorials

Happy Friday!  I've collected my favorite DIY headband tutorials for you today :)  Hopefully we will both find lots of time to craft this weekend and on Monday we can all share what we've made!  Here's to a great weekend!  Cheers, Ashley P.S. Check out my rad giveaway!

Lauren Headband Tutorial via Ruffles and Stuff

Thrilled and Frilled Headband Tutorial via See Kate Sew

Braided Headband Tutorial via Alisa Burke

Hair Wrap Tutorial via Kelly Hicks Design

Felt Flower Headband Tutorial via Shad and Lizzie

Braided Headband Tutorial by Cakies via Smile and Wave

5 Strand Braid Headband via Make It Love It

DIY Nautical Headband Tutorial via Presserfoot

Flower Headband Tutorial via On the Side of My Room

Knotted Crochet Headband Tutorial via Maybe Matilda

Wedding Wednesday: Ring Pillow Tutorials and Inspiration

Ah, wedding season is almost upon us!  My bestie Jessica is getting married in a month and I am making her ring pillow!  stay tuned!  Today I am sharing my favorite DIY ring pillow tutorials and inspirations.  P.S. Make sure to check out my rad giveaway!

Yarn Heart Ring Pillow via Style Me Pretty

Silk Flower Ring Pillow via Martha Stewart

DIY Tufted Moss Ring Pillow Tutorial by Laurie Cinotto via Once Wed

DIY Ring Pillow Tutorial via elephantine

Calendar Ring Pillow Template And How To via Martha Stewart

DIY Birds Nest Ring Pillow Tutorial via Ruffled

DIY Chevron Ring Pillow Tutorial by Hank and Hunt via The Sweetest Occasion

Mister G's Homemade Treats

I made Garrett some homemade treats last week!  

Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F.  

Ingredients:

1 1/3 cup zucchini, grated finely

1 egg

1 1/3 cup cooked brown rice

3/4 cup cream cheese

Up to 2 cups whole wheat flour

Mix the zucchinni, egg, cream cheese, and rice together.  Then add 1 cup of flour and stir together.  Add more flour, little bit at a time, until your mixture loses some of it's stickiness.  Cover your hands in whole wheat flour and form little treat balls.  Place your treats on a cookie sheet and bake for 40 minutes.   Turn off the oven after 40 minutes and let your treats dry out overnight in the oven.  I pulled a treat out after 40 minutes, let it cool, and gave it to Mister G.

Mister G says, "Oh yeah!  That's the good stuff!"  The next day I forgot about the treats and preheated my oven for another recipe.  The treats dried into extra crunchy treats and I think G likes them better with the extra crunch!  You might want to consider baking your treats a little on the second day!

Disclaimer: Make sure your dog can eat wheat before you make these treats!  Some dogs are wheat sensitive so ask your vet if you're unsure!  I've been pretty generous with the treats lately-- so Mister G has been receiving less of his regular food at meal time!  Don't let your dog get fat!  

DIY Wedding: Candles

Looking to add a little jazz to your candles?  Here are some fabulous tutorials to make your own candle, embellish a store bought candle, or create stunning votive holders!   xo, Ashley

DIY Painted Votive Candle Holders via Once Wed

Lace Vellum Luminarias via Martha Stewart

Candle Making Tutorial via Mister G and Me

 DIY Upcycled Lanterns Vases via Ruffled Blog

DIY Candle Chandeliers via Martha Stewart

Stamped Candles by A Little Sparkle On the Side via Wedloft 

The link is not working-- but you stamp from left to right and roll your wrist to curve the stamp around the candle.  It would be so pretty with a dark candle and white ink!  

Remember the DIY Wedding: Perfect Match post?  

Personalized matches + Gorgeous handmade candles = Perfection!  

More Candle Tutorials:

DIY Rustic Votives via Bayside Bride

Ice Candles via Intimate Weddings