d.i.y. personalized luggage tags!

My recent obsession with chevron and monograms has lead me to my newest project. Inspiration came to me while perusing the never-ending pages of sites such as Pinterest and Etsy (also, two of my obsessions). I find myself "re-pinning" and "favoriting" almost every single thing I see (no shame). Not only have I developed an urge to monogram everything I own, but I've also wanted to buy everything I end up "favoriting"--which is obviously not in my budget. So, being the savvy, money-saving person I am, I've found a loophole!
I shared with Brennan, a picture of a set of luggage tags that I was seriously considering buying. He immediately responded in a fashion similar to that of a true crafter--"don't buy it. I can make that!" Just the words I needed to hear! And voila! A set of two personalized monogrammed chevron luggage tags! (Which happened to be done just in time for my upcoming trip to Ireland!)


Check out how to make it below!

<> First, I came up with the design I wanted for the front and back and Brennan created it using his laptop and a little bit of illustrator magic!
<> Once the design was finalized, we printed the design out on photo paper to give more of a glossy finish as opposed to it looking matte.
<> Then, once it was printed, I cut the circle out, making sure to get a clean rounded shape.
<> Next, I put the photo paper between the laminate paper and then through the laminator.
<> Once it was laminated, we waited for it to cool down before cutting the excess laminate off.
<> After that was finished, we used the hole punch to create a hole at the top, in order for the tag to be able to attach to the luggage.
<> Finally, with your choice of ribbon/string/ties, attach it through the hole of the tag and then on to your luggage!

Hope you enjoyed this easy money-saving option for those of you with an expensive taste, but an inexpensive budget! Happy (and fashionable) travels!
xoxo cristin colleen

d.i.y. glitter & glam

Looking for a simple way to take something from drab to fab?
Glitter works wonders on spicing up simple things around the house. These bling'ed out pieces make for perfect gifts for any occasion or just an added flair to an old item! And the best part? It takes barely any time at all! Check out some of the things I glitter'ed! Hope you enjoy and try this fun and simple project out for yourself!
xoxo cristin colleen

iPad mini {d.i.y book case}

iPad mini {d.i.y. book cover}

I recently got an iPad mini for Christmas from my boyfriend, Brennan (#bestboyfriendever). I'm in love with it (and him, of course!) and find myself on it often :) I wanted a cover for it that would protect it while I'm on the go or taking it from place to place. I saw several online for $50 or more, but couldn't justify paying that much for something that looked so simple to make--so I decided to make my own! :)
I went to Hancock Fabrics and Michaels craft store to pick up some materials and ended up spending a grand total of $13.74 on this project. Less than $15 sounds like a do-able budget to me!
With my mom's trusty sewing machine, some duct tape, my materials and a few hours of time, this was my end result! I'm really happy with how everything turned out and had a fun time with this project.
Here's what I ended up needing:
-2 18x21in pieces of outside fabric
-1 18x21in piece of inside fabric
(basically, just enough fabric to cover the dimensions of the object you're making the cover for) (I made the cover for my iPad mini--which dimensions are 7.87x5.3in)
-a sewing machine (or liquid stitch if you're not the sewing type)
-cardboard or an old book cover
-some mod podge--any type of fabric glue will work
-scissors
-duct tape
-a ruler
-foam sheets
-felt sheets
-any type of closure (ie. hook, velcro, snaps, button, etc.)
-a few hours to spare

I used cardboard pieces that I measured out and lots of duct tape for the structure of my cover. I added foam and felt pieces to the inside of my fabric for added cushion and support. I used a combination of duct tape, mod podge and my sewing machine to stitch the fabric together and to my cardboard "book frame". I sewed a pocket on the inside big enough for my iPad to slide in, but snug enough for it not to fall out. Finally, I added on my adorable gem button, along with a piece of ribbon and a small black hair elastic to keep it closed. The bling'ed-out button really adds the final touch!
(keep in mind, there are several variations of how to make something like this, but this is what I found to be easiest and work best for me!)
Hope you enjoyed and found this helpful!
xoxo cristin

d.i.y. homemade beauty products

[wanna learn how to make them? keep reading!]

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beauty products & services can get pretty pricey. with simple ingredients found at home in your own kitchen, you can achieve those same results that you're looking for, without breaking the bank,

 (just breaking into your cupboard!)

check it out!

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want soft, exfoliated, hydrated skin?

 try a homemade facial scrub with simple ingredients found in your kitchen!

here's what you'll need:

1 small container/dish

1 set of measuring spoons

1 spoon/spatula

2 tsp of brown sugar

2 tsp of honey

step 1: combine 2 tsp of brown sugar and 2 tsp of honey into small bowl

step 2: stir together with spoon until both ingredients are well-mixed

step 3: wet face with warm water and begin to apply mixture to face, gently rubbing in circular motions

step 4: wait 1 minute with scrub applied generously and evenly on your face

step 5: rinse with warm water and gently pat face dry

result: soft, exfoliated, hydrated skin!

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dry, cracked lips? make your own homemade lip scrub to scrub the dry away!

(did i mention its edible too?)

here's what you'll need:

1 small container/dish

1 set of measuring spoons

1 spoon/spatula

1 tsp of sugar

1 tsp of honey

1 tsp of olive oil

1 dash of peppermint extract

step 1: combine 1 tsp of sugar, 1 tsp of honey and 1 tsp of olive oil into small bowl

step 2: add a dash of peppermint extract to flavor

step 3: stir together with spoon until all ingredients are well-mixed

step 3: apply mixture to lips, gently rubbing in circular motions

step 4: rub both lips together to distribute the scrub all over

step 5: [here's the fun part] lick the scrub off of your lips (or, if you prefer, you can also use a damp towel to wipe it off of your lips)

result: say goodbye to dry, cracked lips and hellos to soft, rejuvenated ones!

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looking for hydrated, softer hair? 

get it with your very own home-spa scalp treatment!

here's what you'll need:

1 small container/dish

1 set of measuring spoons

1 spoon/spatula

2 tbsp of brown sugar

1 tbsp of honey

1 tbsp of olive oil

1 dash of apple cider vinegar

step 1: combine 2 tbsp of brown sugar, 1 tbsp of honey and 1 tbsp of olive oil into small bowl

step 2: add a dash of apple cider vinegar to the mixture

step 3: stir together with spoon until all ingredients are well-mixed

step 4: begin to apply mixture to damp or wet hair by gently rubbing into scalp 

step 5: work the mixture in, focusing on your roots, bringing it to the ends of your hair

step 6: leave mixture on hair for about a minute and then rinse off completely

step 7: (optional) continue to shampoo and condition hair like you normally would

result: a shiny, manageable and hydrated head of hair!

...

hope you try these at-home beauty remedies out! 

xoxo, cristin

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{ootd} combat boots & cable knit sweater

{outfit of the day}
-combat boots & a cable knit sweater-
in indy visiting my sister
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keep calm and *sparkle*

"keep calm and sparkle" inspired me to do my newest project!

 check it out on my {d.i.y & craft} page! 

xoxo cristin

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d.i.y beauty

facial scrub, lip scrub & hair treatment, oh my! 

check it out on my {d.i.y & craft} page! 

xoxo cristin

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cristin colleen

first post!

first post on the new blog! :)
xoxo cristin