Interior Design File: Bathroom Re-do

I finally got a chance to re-do my bathroom this week! Yah! I have been planning to do that since we moved and just never got around to doing it (shame on me). Anyway, I have a small bathroom...like really small. My apartment complex was built in the 1940s-1950s so things were a lot smaller back then and they didn't really have codes or spacial requirements but, I work with it.
I didn't really have a color scheme before I updated. I kind of just put whatever in there because I had other parts of the apartment to put together and I left the poor bathroom for last. The bathroom has black and white tile and a hollywood strip style wall mount for lighting. So I placed a grey rug, brown woven laundry basket, silver accessories, and a blue and white striped shower curtain for the mean time....I know, horrible right! I don't know why I let it go on this long.

For the re-do, I decided to go with a light grey color scheme and neutrals. I think that it is best to keep your bathroom neutral, like your bedroom, because these places are your private/kind of stress relieving places that should stay calming. I don't think you can be calm with fluorescent lighting with green and yellow colors everywhere. Also, I think its just a classic/timeless color scheme that goes with anything. I mostly got my stuff from Target (love Target!) cause its affordable with nice products for a college students on a budget, and my laundry basket is from TJ Maxx/Homegoods (again affordable for people on a budget). 
Now, the biggest part I didn't mention in the beginning is that it only took me three pieces to change the whole vibe of my bathroom! I only changed the laundry basket, shower curtain and rug! Honestly probably just changing your shower curtain can give your bathroom a whole new look. That way you don't have to go spending all this money, unless you have a luxury, 10' x 10' bathroom then you probably need some more items to spruce it up lol. Have a good one everyone!

Excuse the dirty clothes lol

Weekend Shine 3.18.14

This weekend was a weekend of travel for me. My boyfriend's family was in town so we took them around San Antonio. Yes we took them to the River Walk but we showed them more of the "newer", "hipper" area of San Antonio. We took them to The Pearl Brewery which is not a brewery anymore but an area that has been converted into apartments, shops, restaurants, and even a culinary school. The area by the Pearl is just so gorgeous and the San Antonio River actually extends to this area. It used to be kind of a ditch but with all the new construction they have gone and upgraded the river in that area as well. It is great for walking, running, and biking around during the day or night. 

On Saturday we headed to Austin since they have never been and went down South Congress and canoeing on the river. Well I was in a SUB (stand up board) because I just feel so one with nature when I do that. Kind of like Pocahontas or something. We didn't dare go into downtown just because of all the craziness of SXSW, so we just kept it simple.

Did I mention we also traveled to Corpus Christi for my boyfriend's sister's state powerlifting meet. She won 4th in her weight class! Wooh! 

How was your weekend/Spring Break?

+ Working on a bathroom update for my apartment. Will post later this week :)

+ I wanna try out this Revlon lipgloss, maybe not in this color but more of a coral or something for Spring!

+ Only 54 days to graduation day! 

Food File: M.Y.O Breakfast Tostadas

So... I realized I had started writing this post last week and never finished! Wow, my head has been in Spring Break mode haha.

Anyway, I never really post about recipes because most of the time I always forget to take photos but this time I remembered! Two Sundays ago we had make your own (M.Y.O) breakfast tostadas for breakfast that morning. I love making this recipe because you can add whatever you want without having a straight forward recipe to follow. So here it goes!

I originally found this recipe from my Sprouted Kitchen cook book. I mostly never really have the exact ingredients so I improvised.

What you will need:

- black beans or refried beans
- corn tortillas

- olive oil

- brown/ cage free eggs

- toppings of your choosing

1. You definitely want to have a base for you tostadas. I used my mom's beans that she saves for me. You can use any refried beans or use black beans and mash them up for a healthier choice than refried. The tostada part is just corn tortillas toasted in the oven for about 8 min. Make sure to brush some olive oil on them.

2. For your toppings go with whatever you feel like eating that morning. I went with avocado (my favorite), bacon, green peppers, and onions. You will want to get these ready while you are toasting the tortillas. Keep them warm by placing the plate you put them on on the stove.

3. Once the tortillas are ready I begin to cook the egg so they won't get cold. I always like to buy the brown eggs, just my personal preference. The way I cook my eggs is by placing a lid over it so that it cooks evenly all the way around. That way when I want to flip it the yolk doesn't break.

4. Make sure to spread your beans first on the tortillas while you are cooking your egg. Once your egg is ready to go, place it on the tortilla/tostada and start adding your toppings! Yum!

Enjoy:)

Weekend Shine: March 3, 2014

Yah, Monday is over! Mondays are just so dreadful sometimes you know. Anyway, this weekend was spent procrastinating and sleeping in. It had been awhile since I got a chance to sleep in and it was really needed. I went out with my awesome crossfit buddies to Alamo Street Eats in South Town San Antonio and had these amazing street tacos. They reminded of the ones I wood get from home in the Valley. The only bad thing was I didn't get the name of the truck because it didn't have a sign or anything. Ugh, I really wish I would have remembered or asked.
This weekend was also one of my long time friends birthdays. We did some karaoke and she had a special surprise visit from our friends from the Valley. It made me nostalgic for our high school memories and all the interesting moments we shared. I understand then and agree with what everyone would always tell us back in high school. That your high school friends won't be your friends four years later, only a few will stick around. I'm very blessed with the ones who stuck with me even though I'm far away. I feel blessed to still have these friends and blessed for my new friends and future friends that I will make. Who are you blessed for?

 The Fruteria Pollo with Mole Blanco; They have amazing drinks!

 I need to find this taco truck! Anyone know it??

In the greatest company, they always know how to have a good time.

Weekend Shine: February 24, 2014

Happy Monday everyone! This weekend I was catching up on my work for class. I decided to clean up some of my work for my senior portfolio. As you all know I have had a previous portfolio of my work but it just was not very good. I have learned that you need to go back and fix a lot of your earlier work so it can compliment your present skills now. Which is exactly what I have been doing for the past few weeks. This piece above is from my shipping crate home project I did at the beginning of my junior year. Now that I can work with photoshop more I decided to go back and upgrade my elevations (image below). I got to say that I am pretty pleased with myself. I cannot believe what my work looked like a few years ago, its embarrassing when I look back lol.

Other than that I went to my boyfriends weightlifting meet. That was definitely an experience! If you want to see some photos click on the this link!

+ Thinking of doing my first half marathon ever! Something I definitely want to check of my bucket list this year. Thinking of this one in Las Vegas! (never been to Las Vegas either//kill two birds with one stone right!)

+ Really want these shelves! Could be a great DIY and save me some money!

+ Super excited to be starting my new job this Wednesday at Restoration Hardware :)

Workout Favorites

Working out is a big part of my life and has always been for the most part. I always try to stay in shape and be a healthy person for myself and my loved ones. I know working out isn't all that fun but what makes working out better, I think, is the fashion. Yes, working out can have fashion in it!

When I go to Crossfit I always see the cute outfits all my friends have and I also try to make an effort to not look frumpy. If you look frumpy while working out it doesn't really motivate you to look or be better, it just motivates you to go home and sit on your couch, well from my experience anyway. So, I always try to find workout clothes that are comfy, colorful (just shirts & shoes mostly), and fits correctly. Just because it looks cute on someone else doesn't mean its going to be the same for you.

I always try to stay in with the darker colors when it comes to my bottoms. I go for black or grey never really too much pattern. Once in a while yes but they always make my legs look funky so I try to stick with solids. Shoes, however, are a different story! I always look for the colorful, fun shoes with pattern, but I also make sure they are functional for the activity I want to do. You always have to have a specific shoe for every activity. It is better for your feet in the long run so you don't mess up anything.

I just always think that you should look for what makes you feel amazing and makes you want to keep going everyday to achieve your goal.

1. Old Navy Compression Pants 

2. Old Navy Pull Over

3. Old Navy Active Mesh Top
(I really like Old Navy's active wear collection. The material is up to par with keeping everything in place if you know what I mean and it makes me feel comfy and cute.)

4. Lululemon Yoga Mat- If you get this mat you will never need another mat again. I know it is pricey but definitely an    investment to make in my opinion. I never slip when I get too sweaty!

5. Inov-8 Shoes- A minimalist shoe for training purposes mostly. I have ran with them but I have a high arch so they hurt my feet a little (which is why I say each activity needs a certain shoe). Great colors and perfect for Crossfit and weightlifting workouts! Make sure with these you go somewhere were they can fit them to your feet and get you the correct lift that you need. Every foot is unique lol.

6. Hydro Flask- A big thing when you work out is to stay hydrated at all times. I just recently got a hydro flask myself because of all the positive feedback from friends. They say you'll never need to buy another bottle after you have this one. Im really liking it so far!

Weekender Bags

Hello everyone! So all I see on my feed on Instagram lately is Fashion Week in New York City. Seeing all the photos of fun and exciting things these Instagramers are doing makes me want to get up out of my seat and get my butt in a plane. Oh if only it was that simple... Well, thinking about traveling and the design of fashion week got me inspired to look for a new weekender. I already have enough bags as it is but you could always have another weekender. What if your traveling to Las Vegas, you have to have that weekender with some sparkle or glitter on it. Or if your traveling out to Fredericksburg, your gonna want that weekender with a more casual feel maybe even with some leather straps. Like I said you can never have enough weekenders.

I always try to look for a weekender that is in a dark color cause I always tend to get things dirty when I am distracted. Another plus on my "weekender list" is many pockets or dividers. I like to have certain items separated from other items, as we all do, and it makes it more convenient when you have enough pockets to assign to your products. Quality material is also on the list! I really like leather straps because I have had gym bags, weekenders, or totes that just snap because it is not a durable material or maybe I just should't pack so much stuff.

Anyway, here are some bags that really drew my attention while searching through Pinterest. Hope you enjoy yourself this week and don't forget to watch the Olympics! The partnered figure skating was amazing:)

Even though this is a mens bag I still love the design of it. Huge splurge BTW!

Jon Hart bags are very durable and great material. Plus, they

 are from Texas!

Kate Spade Saturday weekenders have many pockets and 

space for all your needs. You can also customize them!

I have always wanted a Lo & Sons and the Catalina is my favorite. Would 

definitely be a splurge!

Love the tribal pattern on this one from Layla Weekender. The leather 

is made of cowhide!

My Favorite Space

So lately I have been feeling a bit overwhelmed with my senior classes. The projects are running at a faster pace and the phases are being due in two weeks rather than a month for example. Its just a lot to take in... design students I think would understand me most. When I am in this funk I tend to go to my favorite space in my apartment. It is the corner of my bedroom where the windows and the bed are. Of course, a comfy bed makes everything better when you are going crazy but the way the light comes into the room is just so... heavenly//peaceful.

I spent about thirty minutes in "my space" today after I got back from school just to clear my mind and at the same time get things prioritized in there. It honestly made everything ten times better and I even got in a work out this evening (which is also a great way to clear your mind). Ever want to make "your space" a little more peaceful or enchanting? Try adding some natural light, flowers, or natural tones with a lot of fluff. Just think of cozy thoughts...

Sorry for ranting about stress I just felt like venting a little. What do you use to find "inner peace"?

Weekend Shine: 1.28.14

Happy Tuesday everyone! I hope you all had a wonderful weekend crafting, going outside, or staying in since there was extremely cold weather. Here is San Antonio we actually had a FREEZE! Yes I know crazy right. It was a crazy epidemic because we simply don't ever get this kind of weather. My car was actually frozen for the first time in my life! You northerners may think we are weird to freak out the way we did but it was literally something, I personally, didn't know how to function in lol.

Anyway, Saturday and Sunday was actually pretty nice weather which my boyfriend and I took advantage of by waking up early and going to the farmer's market in The Pearl Brewery. While at The Pearl I bought my first "tortilla presser" (not sure that is the correct term for it) so I could make home made tortillas just like my mom.

Sunday was also spent at the farmer's market but this time at The Quarry were I gave blood for the first time in 5 years. I always try to give back and what better way than giving some blood to those who need it most. How was your weekend?

 Ice Ice Baby!

 The "tortilla pressure"!

 Molly thought it would be nice to lay in bed and stare out at others form the hole she made lol

 My first hockey game.

*definitely was inspired by this blog to lead a more productive life and to start scrapbooking again!

*Updated my photography blog and made a new resolution to take more photos with my Nikon.

*I'm really into hats right now and this one just caught my eye. Will be making a trip to the outlets this weekend!

Beauty File: Top 5 Skin Savers

With this cold weather hitting us or shall I say hitting us in the morning then coming back at 5pm and maybe having a humidity period... anyway, my skin does not know what to do most of the time with this Texas weather. So, I have to make sure to keep it moisturized and protected for our unpredictable weather. Thats were the beauty products come in! Now, you don't have to go spending $50 or $70 on moisturizing products. If you are a college student like me on a budget, Target or Walgreens can be your best friend. You can definitely get quality with a low price. Here are my top 5 favorite skin savers!

{Pictures from Target and Lush}

Weekend Shine 1.14.13

This weekend my lovely family came to visit from the Valley. I always love when they visit, it just makes me so happy to take them around San Antonio with me. We visited the Farmer's Market in the Pearl on Saturday and had some coffee. I wanted to buy some eggs but a lot of the signs said they wouldn't have any eggs till Spring, so I was a little disappointed. However, I did find this cute, new boutique that had just opened up in The Pearl about a month ago I believe called The Finch. It had a lot of home items like candles, creams, blankets, book, etc. It was a little pricey but it had unique items that you probably wouldn't find in a department store or something. If you are in the San Antonio area you should definitely go by and shop inside.

The rest of the weekend was spent shopping and eating, lots and lots of eating lol. I always have so much joy when my family.

If your looking for an everyday lip, try this color I got from Tom Ford this weekend. I have been wearing it nonstop! (picture above of Indian Rose)

Looking for some inspiration? Check out this site! 

School has started for all us college "kids", what are you doing bring you into the routine again? You can start with this, it definitely helps me every morning.

Some bling always brightens up my day.

DIY Dreamcatcher Part 2

Hey everyone I'm back doing another Dreamcatcher on my wonderful day off and thought I would share with how I did it this time around. I did make it smaller and had a different pattern to the center piece. Hope you like it!

So your going to need some wool string, scissors, wire covered or not covered (your choice), and maybe some of that tape you use for flower arrangements ( sorry I'm not sure about the name). I used the wire as the circle for the dream catcher. I simply wrapped it around itself until I got the size I wanted. Be careful with cutting the wire with the scissors so you don't mess up your scissors. What I do is cut then bend the wire were I cut it and if it doesn't break ill kind of cut again in the same area and bend it again until it snaps.

After that I tied the string around he top of the wreath a few times then, just wrapped the string around the wreath part of the Dreamcatcher in a messy patter. For this dream catcher I didn't want a specific pattern or anything. I kind of just wanted it to be abstract and to go with the flow you know. 

After you have achieved your desired patter you can get all of your different materials together to create the "drapery" as I call it. For this part you don't have to be so traditional in using leather, burlap, and just feathers and beads. Get creative with it and add some yarn or ribbon, maybe even some random charms if you'd like. Make it yours!

Here was my final result! I hope yours comes out awesome as well. Let me see it by using #diysparkleandshineblog or comment below. Happy crafting!

Friday Night Pins

 So cozy...will probably dress like this all weekend!^^^^

Its Friday! Yah! The weekend is here again. This weekend looks like its going to be a cold one, well Texas cold. I know on the East Cost it is snowing...lucky! I've actually never seen snow, unless you count an 2 inches of snow that melted by the afternoon. It was a Christmas miracle.
For the weekend I plan to be outdoors and since it is going to be cold I decided to look at some winter fashion pins. What are you going to be doing this weekend?

Holiday Vacation 2013

I have definitely taken a long needed break from school, work, and life this holiday break. I had a relaxing/exciting break this past year. I went back to my home town and spent two weeks away from San Antonio. In those two weeks I spent Christmas Eve with my family, Christmas day in Washington D.C., and the last Friday of the year in New York City! I would never have thought that I would have visited New York anytime soon, I expected to visit that city three-four years from now like on business or something. Even though it was only a day trip that was all I really needed. It was definitely a culture shock to me coming from a small city like San Anton. New Years Eve was spent back at home and lets just say it was one I will definitely remember.
So now that the New Year has arrived (like two days ago) it is time to think of the resolutions for this upcoming year. Here are my resolutions so far for 2014!

Resolutions 2014!

1. Blog (obviously lol)

2. Travel 

3. GRADUATE

4. Be positive & confident

5. More Yoga 

6. Love always...

Hopefully I can stick to these and make my year a fantastic year! Until then here are some photos from my holiday...

Happy Holidays from my honey & I

 My favorite gift this Christmas, a record player from my parents!

 Washington D.C. Trip 2013

 Grand Central Station, New York City 

 My honey & I in Time Square (excuse the finger lol)

Goodbye 2013...Hello 2014!