Dorm Organization: DIY Container

I've been packing my life away to move into my dorm next week and just realized that I had no where to put all of the quarters I've saved for laundry trips. A simple minded person might just put them in rolls but I'm all about organization that is easy to look at, which doesn't include brown rolls of paper.

Here's what you'll need:
Small Tupperware
Washi Tape
Scissors

 Easy Enough?

 Take your washi tape and start wrapping it around the container. If yours is round like mine or gets wider as it goes up, you will have small bumps in the tape but don't worry too much about them.

 After you wrap the tape all the way around the container, cut it and then start a new line right below it. You could definitely just continue wrapping the tape without cutting every row, however, I found the best results when each row was separated because they lined up more nicely.

Smooth out as many bumps as you can and you're finished! You could customize yours by using two different tape designs, writing on it, or adding other embellishments!

DIY Cereal Bars

This morning I woke up hungry and found myself automatically scrolling on Pinterest to decide what to make. I saw a DIY cereal bar and decided to try it and make it my own.

Here's everything you'll need:

Your favorite cereal

Meltable chocolate

Marshmallows

A bowl for mixing

Sprinkles if you're fun

COOKING SPRAY (I forgot to spray the bowl and taking the mixture out was a nightmare.)

Take 3/4 cup of cereal and 1/2 cup of marshmallows and mix them in a bowl.

Put the bowl in the microwave for 30 seconds and then mix again.

Add in melted chocolate and mix.

Now take the mixture out of the bowl and shape it into a bar.

I drizzled the extra chocolate over top and added some sprinkles just because.

And now you're all finished! Enjoy your homemade cereal bar and send me pictures of your own creations!

Xoxo,

Ashley

A Day at the State Fair

Boots// Famous Footwear (here), Kimono// Charlotte Russe (here), Pants// H&M, Jewlrey// Forever21 and H&M, Top// Forever21

Back to School: Supplies Haul

Not sure if I'm just speaking for myself when I say this but getting ready to go back to school requires a lot of stuff and a pretty decent amount of stress. This year I will be headed to school on August 21st, (less than a month, ahh!) and wanted to get an early start considering the transition to college is a bit more difficult than a grade transition in high school. Just deciding what things I wanted to use to stay organized was stressful, but at the end of the day I got what I will needed while feeling pretty confident about the coming semester.

Check out my video on Youtube (right here) if you're interested in seeing a full haul.

Ultimate College Packing List!

I leave for college in almost exactly a month so the frantic search for everything I need in my dorm has officially begun. Surprisingly, you need a LOT of stuff for such a tiny room so its obvious that it can be hard to remember or even think of everything you need. Which is precisely the reason I decided to create this list, to help not only myself, but anyone else who is last-minute dorm shopping and searches "Dorm Room Packing List".

 Sleep

Blanket
Comforter
Pillows (2)
Body Pillow
Decorative Pillows
Fan (If you don't have AC)
Foam Topper
Mattress Pad
Sheet Sets (2)
Throw Blanket

Clean

Cleaning Supplies Box
Cleaning Rags
Dish Sponges
Dish Soap
Dish Towels
Wall Flower +Refills
Hamper/Laundry Bag
Detergent
Dryer Sheets
Paper Towels
Trash Bin
Air Freshener
Clorox Wipes
Glass Cleaner

Work

Backpack
Desk Drawer Organizers
Extension Cord
Surge Protector
Desk Lamp
Laptop +Charger
Laptop Cooling Pad
Laptop Lock
Chair Cushion (Do you really want to sit on a wooden chair?)
Headphones
Phone + Charger
Wallet with:

• School ID
• Driver's License
• Insurance Cards
• Debit/Credit Cards

School Supplies:

• Agenda
• Calculator
• Flash Drives
• Pens
• Pencils
• Highlighters
• Markers
• Tape
• Stapler/Staple Remover
• Hole Punch
• File Folder
• Post-its
• Notebooks
• Folders
• Index Cards
• Paper Clips, Binder Clips, etc.
• Scissors

Bathe

Bath Towels (4)

Hand Towels (2)

Wash Cloths (2)

Toothbrush Cap (YOU WILL DROP YOUR TOOTHBRUSH)

Poufs (Loofas?)

Robe

Shower Caddy

Shower Shoes

Toiletries:

• Tweezers
• Shampoo 
• Conditioner
• Body Wash
• Razors
• Shaving Cream
•  Cotton Swabs/Balls/Rounds
• Tissues
• Makeup remover and wipes
• Face Wash
• Toner
• Eye Cream
• Moisturizer
• Toothbrush/Toothpaste
• Floss
• Mouthwash
• Deodorant
• Perfume
• Lotion
• Heat Protectant
• Leave in Conditioner
• Anti-Friz Serum
• Dry Shampoo
• Tampons/Panty Liners
• Comb/Brush

Eat

Microwave/Mini Fridge (If one isn't already provided)

Snacks and Drinks

Food Storage Container(s)

Keurig (or other one cup coffer maker)

K-Cups

K-Cup Carousel

Chip Clips

Plastic Eating Utensils

Brita Water Bottle

Brita Water Pitcher

Extra Brita Filters

Insulated Travel Cup (Coffee to go anyone?)

Paring Knife

Mini Cutting Board

Sandwich Bags

Tupperware

Dress

Clothing (Pack for the season, trade out your winter clothes when you go home for Thanksgiving)

Pajamas

Underwear/Bras

Socks

Shoes

Sunglasses

Accessories

Hanging Shoe Organizer

Hanging Sweater Organizer

Dresser Drawer Organizers (For undergarments)

Felt Hangers (50)

Command Hooks (To hang belts and scarves)

Lint Roller

Manicure Kit

Nail Polish

Nail Polish Remover

Hair Straightener/Curling Iron

Blow Dryer

Mirror

Makeup Storage

Makeup Brush Storage

Makeup Brushes

Makeup:

• Primer
• Foundation
• Concealer
• Powder Foundation
• Bronzer
• Blush
• Highlighter
• Eyebrow pencil
• Eye primer
• Eyeshadow
• Eyeliner
• Mascara
• Eyelash Curler
• Lipstick
• Lip gloss
• Chapstick
• Setting Spray

Just in Case

Ear Plugs

Safe

Duffle Bag (For weekend trips)

Ice Pack (What if you fall and hurt yourself)

First Aid Kit

Sewing Kit

Sleep Mask

Umbrella

Cold/Flu Medicine

Pain Relief Medicine

Cough Drops

Throw Rug (Tile floor gets cold in the winter)

Floral Meets Denim

Today I found a dress in my closet that I do not remember purchasing or ever wearing before. Figuring it deserves to get some type of use, I threw it on and added a denim shirt, left unbuttoned, to take away from its strong pattern and because it works so well with the subtle hints of the blue in the dress. Some white wedges just seemed appropriate since it is that sunny season and I'm starting to feel pressured to wear all of my lighter colors before the leaves start falling.

Xoxo

Ashley

Easy Transitioning

Today I had three interviews on campus and plans for dinner with my boyfriend afterwards. All of my interviews were pretty casual. However, I still wanted to look put together and professional for them. My challenge was to create an outfit that could easily transition from interview appropriate to dinner appropriate with as little maintenance as possible on my end.

I started with a simple white romper that is very versatile and worked perfectly for this outfit transition because it can easily be dressed up or down. Next, I added a belt around my waist to break apart the white. The belt I chose was perfect because on the front it is just a solid beige color but on the back it has a fun, bright pink design. Lastly, I threw on a black blazer and rolled the sleeves up for a more casual look. The blazer not only covered up the pink part of the belt and my super fun bra, but it also made the look seem a lot more professional.

Romper//H&M (here), Blazer//Deb Shops , Sandals//Walmart

After interviewing for three hours I was starving! All I had to do was slide off my blazer and add a cute pink bow to my hair and I was ready for dinner at this awesome hibachi-style Japanese steakhouse.

Belt//H&M, Bra//Victoria's Secret (here), Hair Bow//Forever21 (here)

Seriously, how cute is the back of this romper?

Thanks for stopping by! See you next time!
Xoxo,
Ashley

Outfit of the Day: Job Interview

If you follow me on Instagram, you know this outfit is from yesterday but yesterday was a little hectic so there wasn't much time to post. Anyways, I had a job interview for a position on campus that would start in august (yay!) and this is what I decided to wear.

I wanted to look casual but still like I tried to look nice. I paired these black scalloped shorts with this ruffled top that adds a nice pop of color. Of course I had to throw on the blazer to add that "professional" look. The sandals are partially because I wanted to be casual and partially because they're the only shoes I own that I felt were appropriate. All together I feel like the outfit came together really nicely and... I got the job! 

Shorts//TjMaxx, Ruffled top//Kohls, Blazer//don't remember, it's old, Sandals//Walmart, Gold Watch//Kohls, Rose bracelet and necklace//H&M

Thanks for stopping by! Come back soon for more OOTDs.

Xoxo

Ashley

Dyed My Hair Purple!

Seriously, I added purple to my hair. It was the most spontaneous decision I've made all week but I did it and now this girl has purple at the ends of her hair. The look didn't turn out exactly the way that I had imagined in my head, but does it ever really? Thank goodness I used semi-permanent dye so I should be back to normal in a couple more weeks. Until then I guess I should probably try and live up to the stereotype of a girl with purple hair.

If you want to actually see how I dyed my hair and watch the entire process, check out my video on Youtube. While you're there, feel free to subscribe!

See you next time,
Xoxo
Ashley

Outfit of the Night: County Fair

Tonight I went to my local county fair with my boyfriend and we had a blast! It was my first time going to this fair and even though there wasn't much to it, we still found a way to make it fun.

Since we were doing a lot of walking around, I wanted to be comfortable. I wore a patterned romper and threw a crochet cardigan over top to add something more to it. I thought the pattern on the romper needed to be broken up a bit so I added a thin braided belt around my waist and just twisted it around the hardware to hide it. On my feet I just wore a pair of simple sandals with a braided detail. The outfit was super comfy and easy to move around with. Plus, nice and breezy for a hot summer night!

Romper, Bag, and Cardigan: TjMaxx, Sandals: Forever21 (here)

Thanks so much for stopping by!

Xoxo

Ashley

DIY Ombre Painting

I was inspired to do this project based on a picture I saw on Pinterest. I immediately fell in love with the painting and knew it would be really simple to make on my own.


So here's what you'll need:
A canvas

2 tubes of paint, white and whatever color you choose

A thick flat-topped paint brush


First things first, I covered up my workspace so that I wouldn't have to clean up too much paint later.

Then I went ahead and got started! For the first stripe, I used the blue paint color straight from the tube. I decided to start my stripes from the top edges of the canvas because I liked the way that looked more but if you want to see the actual paint strokes more, you could start painting about an inch below the top of the canvas. 

Before I went onto the next stripe, I added a little bit of white paint to my blue paint to make a lighter shade of blue.

So I just continued this process of adding white paint and painting the next stripe all the way across the canvas.

 

And here is the final result!

A simple painting that adds a pop of color to any room. Plus, it was under $10!

I still can't decide if I like it better on the wall or sitting on the dresser. Let me know where you think I should put it below!

Show me your ombre paintings by commenting or send it to me via twitter, instagram, etc. I'm really interested to see how you make it your own!

Xoxo

Ashley