Painted Coasters

I'm always looking for simple yet sophisticated DIY projects to work on to liven up my living space. These coasters are the perfect project for anyone. Don't tell me you're not artistic, this DIY project is so easy you don't need to be. You can make them as personalized as you would like, and the design as intricate as you want it to be.

My dad has instilled in me an obsession of keeping drinks on coasters, and these are the perfect solution. I love the bright colors of these ones that I made, but I think using muted tones, or even spray paint would be a great way to get the perfect color and accent for any house or apartment decor. These are also an easy and inexpensive gift idea, especially as a housewarming gift. Just stack and tie with a ribbon - and gift them with a bottle of wine, because of course they will need a beverage to put on the coaster.

Materials:

cork coasters

painters tape or masking tape 

acrylic paint

paint brushes

Steps:

1. Create lines on the coaster with masking tape or painters tape. 

2. With a brush apply acrylic paint to the coaster. Make sure to be careful and paint in strokes away from the tape so that the paint doesn't get underneath.

3. Let the paint dry, and carefully remove the tape by pealing at an angle away from the paint. 

Share with us your favorite DIY project! We would love suggestions for future DIY posts.

Friday Favorites

Favorite Team: The Blackhawks

If you are a Blackhawks fan, then this should come as no surprise. In honor of the Blackhawks facing the Ducks in game seven this Saturday, I felt it was only appropriate to showcase them in my Friday Favorites list. After seeing their performance this last Wednesday, game seven is sure to be one of the most intense games of the playoffs.

Favorite Scent: Fresh Lavender

Flowers these days are in full bloom, especially the row of lavender that lines the side of my house. Throughout my house you can find little bouquets in vases or mugs. Lavender is so soothing and calming, it instantly relaxes me and makes me feel at home.

Favorite Refreshment: Pineapple infused Water

I recently discovered pineapple infused water, and I don't know how I can go back to regular water. I decided to try out brunch at Standard Market in Naperville a few weeks ago, which could honestly be a Friday favorite in itself, and was amazed at their little water station with different flavored waters. Pineapple was hands down my favorite, and it's so easy to make!

Favorite Quote: "Being positive in a negative situation is not naive. It's leadership."

In my opinion, positivity is a mindset. Being a positive person in any aspect of your life will not only make a good impression on other people, but it will make you feel good as well. The ability to be positive in a negative situation isn't always easy, but it is something we should all strive for. 

Favorite Recipe: Indoor S'mores

Let me make this simple, I love s'mores. I tried out this recipe from Dessert for Two with my family and we absolutely loved it. When I found it on Pinterest I knew I had to try it, and it is definitely worth keeping around. 

Let us know your Friday Favorites in the comments below or send us an email with suggestions for next week's Friday Favorites!

June Calendar Download

Just like every month, I can't believe that May is already coming to an end. It's already almost June? Unbelievable. Each and every year goes by faster and faster. But this year is absolutely flying by. I can not believe that summer is upon us. 

In excitement of the warm weather and summer festivities I've created a printable calendar. Enjoy June with a stylish calendar to spruce up your office space or home decor. New designs for each month will be uploaded at the end of each previous month. Collect them all! 

I'm extremely excited to debut my new Etsy shop. Although it's a bit bare at this stage, I look forward to creating some awesome designs over the next few months. Make sure to take a look in a few weeks to check out all the new additions to the shop.

If there is anything in particular you would like to see on my Etsy Shop I would love to get input and feedback. Contact me!

Open Faced Avacado and Egg Toastie

I wish I was one of those people who come home from work and prepare an entire delicious meal. But realistically that just doesn't happen for me. I'm more of a breakfast and lunch kind of girl, and tend to just forget about dinner. This tends to leave me ravenously starving at 6:30 when I get home and desperate for any edible morsel that I can get my hands on. This little recipe is my go-to for a healthy and delicious last minute dinner that is also extremely simple. I hope you love it as much as I do.

Ingredients:
1 slice whole grain/whole wheat bread
1/2 ripe avocado
1 hard boiled egg
salt and pepper to taste

Directions:
Put the bread in toaster, and set to desired toasty level. Cut the avocado in half, carefully slice into cubes in the rind. Once toast is ready, scoop out and spread the avocado on the toast with a spoon or knife. Next, sprinkle on some salt and pepper. Finally, peal and slice the hard boiled egg and carefully place on top of the avocado spread. Enjoy!


What is your go-to last minute dinner recipe? Share yours in the comments below!

Friday Favorites

Friday, we meet again. As summer draws closer, the weeks have started going by faster and faster. I continuously find myself thinking the week will never end, only to find that Friday has arrived in no time. We are now in the season of patio nights, summer dresses, and sangria. And I couldn’t be more excited. In preparation of summer, Friday Favorites Posts seem to be the perfect way for me to share all the little things that you need in your life.

1. Baby Lips Dr. Rescue Medicated Lip Balm
I can pretend it’s just a summer thing but let’s be real, lipstick is an all year staple for so many of us. I find lipstick to be the easiest way for me to instantly change my simplistic makeup to that ideal “A game” status with the perfect shade. However, the downside to lipstick is that no matter how moisturizing it claims to be, my lips become instantly chapped and dry. Luckily I found the perfect solution - Maybelline’s Baby Lips Dr. Rescue. There are a variety of different shades; I prefer the clear because seriously I slather this stuff on.




2. White High Top Converse
Now we all strive to be as put together and stylish as we can, but i’ll be the first to admit that realistically it just isn’t always possible. Seemingly just a pair of sneakers, my White High Top Converse have become a godsend for outfits that just need a little extra. Whether you’re a high top or low top kind of girl, you can’t go wrong with white. You might be worried about the pure stark white perfection of these beauties. Here’s a little secret: spray them with fabric sealant to prevent scuffs and stains. Get yourself a pair, throw on your favorite black skinnies, a simple tank and a jean jacket. Whallah! You’re good to go.



3. Toasted Coconut Vanilla Dannon Light & Fit Greek Yogurt
I still haven’t come to grips on the fact that summer no longer means tanning poolside, vacations, and spending countless hours out with friends. Here in the real world, we work. All summer. But that doesn’t mean you can’t at least take a five minute break at your desk to pretend you’re on the beach. This Toasted Coconut Vanilla Yogurt will take you there. I promise. Peal open your heavenly yogurt, sit back, close your eyes, and just imagine it. I can hear the waves crashing now.



4. A Thousand Wishes Bath & Body Works
During the warmer months it’s time to switch up your scent to something fruity and fun. I’m a huge fan of body sprays. Obviously there’s a time and place for high priced perfumes. But for those of us on a budget I’ll stick with my Bath & Body Works. A Thousand Wishes is my absolute favorite. It’s fruity but sophisticated. Plus, I’m a sucker for good packaging, and this one is just gorgeous. Immerse yourself in A Thousand Wishes and you’ll be smelling like summer.



5. Matcha
Need I say more? If you don’t know about matcha yet, you need to. It’s basically magical green tea. With matcha I guarantee you will feel refreshed. Here’s what you do. Go to Starbucks and order a venti ice water with 3 scoops of matcha and 2 sweet n low. Then you fall in love. But seriously this simple drink packs major health benefits. It seems too good to be true that something so delicious can be so nutritious but it’s real.



Do you have any Friday Favorites? We would love to hear what you're loving this week!

The Best Planner

If you're like me, you suffer severe separation anxiety without your planner. The confusion and unease sets in the moment I get to work and realize that I've left it behind. With not only events, birthdays and contacts; my planner includes daily to do lists and notes.

Essentially, my planner is my life.

If you totally know what I mean, or if you're looking for ways to be more organized, I have the perfect planner for you. For the last two years I have been a huge supporter of Erin Condren planners. Not only are they adorable and extremely durable, they include motivational quotes, both daily and monthly calendars, stickers, and extra paper. Basically anything you could ever want in a planner, these have it.

Although they don't come cheap, they are completely worth it. Keeping organized is extremely important for me. Knowing that I have everything I need to remember in one place allows for me to stay stress free. Which is key with such a hectic and busy schedule.

Ready to be amazed? Make your first purchase with this link to receive $10 OFF! I promise you won't be disappointed.

How are you able to stay organized? Do you have a favorite planner that you just can't live without? Share how you stay organized!