Since I live in a micro-apartment (the urban equivalent of a “tiny house”) I’m always trying to reduce clutter and minimize my belongings to keep my space beautiful and stay sane. So naturally, I’m drawn to the idea of a capsule wardrobe – one season’s clothing, reduced to just a few pieces that you love […]
The post My Dream Capsule Wardrobe For Summer appeared first on Brighter Sides.
A few years ago, I made a list of 15 of my favorite lifestyle blogs, and lately, it’s been showing up more in the search engines and getting a lot of attention! Unfortunately, things have changed a bit since then, and many of those blogs are now abandoned, or have changed formats. So I thought […]
The post 10 Lifestyle Blogs You Should Be Following appeared first on Brighter Sides.
As a blogger or designer, sometimes you need a photo that you’re not able to capture yourself, or maybe you need a whole bunch of photos, fast! There are a lot of traditional stock photo sites out there, but if you’re a solo business owner, or a blogger, a few bucks per photo can add […]
The post 5 Best Resources For Free Stock Photos appeared first on Brighter Sides.
I’ve been working on updating my Etsy shop and adding some new designs recently. And I wanted to share another piece of free printable wall art with you! Download a free printable version of my “Be Awesome Today” design in black. Hang it in your home or office for gentle motivation throughout the day! Perfect […]
The post Free Printable “Be Awesome Today” Wall Art appeared first on Brighter Sides.
Every fall, it seems like pumpkin everything is all the rage. I’ve got nothing against pumpkins, but there so many other wonderful fruits and vegetables in season that we can enjoy right now! One of my favorites is the pomegranate. Not only are these beautiful crimson fruits a delicious sweet-tart snack, they’re also packed with antioxidants, so they’re great to keep you healthy as the cold weather sets in.
The post Sparkling Pomegranate – Lime Soda Recipe (Vegan) appeared first on Brighter Sides.
Are you a chronic list maker, like me? Making lists definitely helps me get things done, but it’s hard when my lists are scattered everywhere! I’ve got to do lists on notepads, scraps of paper, sticky notes, on my phone, all over the place. Plus, having nine-million things on a list (or on multiple lists) […]
The post DIY Dry Erase Board & Free Printable To Do List appeared first on Brighter Sides.
Stop me if you've heard this one before; So, there was this beautiful pair of shoes that I'd had my eye on for some time. Like, just gorgeous. I kept going back and looking at them, thinking about all of the outfits they'd look so great with, they were haunting my dreams at night. Then, BOOM! They went on sale! It was fate. I bought them, of course. The next day, I got dressed, slipped them on, admired them in the mirror, and skipped out the door to enjoy the day with my perfect new shoes, and life was beautiful.
The post How To Quickly Break In Shoes Without The Pain appeared first on Brighter Sides.
You might not know it, walking into my 195 sq.ft. micro apartment – with it’s simple, modern lines, neatly stacked boxes and baskets, and clean surfaces, devoid of clutter (okay, maybe not completely devoid, I mean, there are those dishes in the sink, and dog toys everywhere, and maybe some laundry on the bed that I haven’t put away yet…) – but I used to be a hoarder. Really, my mom can attest to it.
The post How To Pack A Period Kit For Comfort While Traveling appeared first on Brighter Sides.
Ello-ho-ho! As this year is winding down to an end, and we look forward to a brand new, bright and shiny one ahead, I thought it was time I touch base with you lovely people. I’ve been assessing Brighter Sides and trying to figure out what it is I enjoy writing about most, and what […]
The post Reader Poll: What Would You Like To See More Of In 2016? appeared first on Brighter Sides.
The sweet and salty flavor combination is one of my absolute weaknesses. I love making food, and little treats, but like many of you, I don’t have a lot of spare time, so I only opt for things that are quick to make, and don’t require many ingredients. Perhaps like fewer of you, I’m also […]
The post Twice-Dipped Dark Chocolate Covered Pretzels With Coconut Recipe (Vegan) appeared first on Brighter Sides.
Happy Galentine’s Day! February 13th is a holiday that all Parks and Rec fans are familiar with. Even if you’re not celebrating with your best gals today, I hope you’ll take a minute to celebrate anyone around you that you appreciate – your friends, family, pets, and YOU. Because you’re awesome. Seriously. I’m really happy […]
The post Free Digital Wallpapers for Your Computer and Smartphone appeared first on Brighter Sides.
I am no stranger when it comes to having a small kitchen – a while back I invited you in to my teeny-tiny kitchen. And since I just re-signed the lease on my 195 sq. ft. micro-studio apartment (micro-studios are like the urban equivalent of a tiny house, and they’ve been gaining a lot of […]
The post 10 Smart, Inexpensive Buys to Save Space In A Small Kitchen appeared first on Brighter Sides.
For about a year, I’ve been really interested in the concept of a capsule wardrobe. If you’re unfamiliar, a capsule wardrobe is one season’s clothing (usually three month’s worth), reduced to just a few pieces that you love and that work well together. Originally, I heard about it in a neighborhood Facebook group that I’m in, where someone said they were “ready to take the plunge into having a capsule wardrobe” and were asking for advice. I was really intrigued by this, so I started doing a little research, and got really hooked on the idea!
Since I live in a micro-studio (the city equivalent of a tiny house – you can read my posts about tiny living here) I’m constantly editing my possessions and paring things down. While I have halved my wardrobe several times in the past few years, I still find that my itty bitty closet is full of stuff that I rarely wear or that’s out of season, and I always reach for the same few items over and over and over.
Disclosure: Some pieces in my wardrobe were gifted to me by thredUP.
Last summer, I toyed with the idea of a capsule wardrobe, but this year, I decided to finally give it a go! Before we get started, I should also note that your capsule wardrobe does not include accessories (hats, scarves, jewelry, etc.), loungewear/pajamas, workout clothes, swimsuits or special occasion pieces (though I encourage you to pare all of that down too!) The capsule is just your regular daytime wear. I’m also not including outerwear or shoes in my capsule, and really I just wear the same coat and boots every day anyway.
I started out first by observing what I wore the most for a few weeks. After I wore an item, I’d hang it up so that the hanger was facing the opposite way of all the others. It didn’t take too long before I could see which items in my closet I was neglecting, and which I was wearing again despite the fact that I’d already worn them in the past few days. I also started putting together a secret Pinterest board of outfits that I really liked… to no one’s surprise, most of them were of either Zooey Deschanel or Audrey Hepburn.
Once I had conscious knowledge of what I was wearing, and what I wasn’t, I pulled everything out of my closet and started putting it into piles. The things I had worn went into one pile. The things I hadn’t worn went into another. Then I laid out all of the things in the “hadn’t worn” pile, so I could see them all, and decided why I hadn’t worn them. Some of the reasons were as follows:
-Not comfortable (itchy, too confining, etc.)
-Wrong size (too big or too small)
-Not really my style any more
-Damaged (has holes, etc.)
-I don’t have anything to wear it with/don’t know what to wear it with
I put everything from the first four categories in a bag, because I knew that I hadn’t worn them recently for very legitimate reasons, and that meant that I was very unlikely to wear them again any time soon. Purge mode! I set aside the “I don’t know what to wear this with” items for later.
Next I laid out the pile of things I had worn recently. Still WAY too many things to really consider a capsule wardrobe (which is usually somewhere in the 30 item range). I considered first if there were any items that I had worn recently, but was unlikely to wear for the spring months, to rule out unseasonal clothes like thick sweaters.
Next, I looked for duplicates… do I really need to have four black and white striped tops? Or two black cardigans? When I spotted things that were very similar, I picked which one (or sometimes two… I really like stripes, okay?) I liked wearing the most and/or which one went with the most other things that I own. The items that didn’t make the cut this time around, but that I want to keep for other seasons got packed away under my bed or in my storage trunk.
Progress! Already I could see that I already had a pretty strong theme going. The majority was black/white/grey, with a few pieces of dark blue and some hints of burgundy. And almost everything was either a solid color, or had a geometric print like stripes or polkadots.
At this point, I reconsidered the items from earlier that I liked, but hadn’t worn because I didn’t have anything to wear them with. I could start to see where the holes were in my wardrobe – things that needed to be added in order to round it out. I referred to my Pinterest board and decided that wanted to mix things up a tiny bit, by getting a few items that were within my color palette, but weren’t stripes or polkadots.
Here’s the fun part – out with the old and in with the new! For this, I turned to one of my trusty standbys, thredUP. ThredUP is like an online consignment store. You can buy gently used clothes for a fraction of the retail price (Yay, saving money! Yay, being eco-friendly!) and you can trade in your old stuff for store credit. Remember that bag of things that I decided I didn’t need in step 2? I ordered a free, postage paid closet clean out bag from thredUP, filled it with my unwanted pieces, and sent it on its merry way.
Once it was received and processed, I got an email telling me how much store credit I had to play with, and the folks at thredUP were kind enough to gift me a couple of pieces to add to my capsule wardrobe as well. Their filters for size, color, style, etc. are really helpful when you’re hunting for something specific, or just trying to stay within a certain color palette like I was for my capsule.
After receiving everything and trying it on, I decided a couple of items weren’t going to work for me, and sent them back. Their return process is easy. I was quickly re-credited for the returned items, and now have new ones on the way. Yay!
The items I kept were this 3/4 sleeve top, which fits my criteria because it’s dark blue, and has this cute horse pattern which is different from my other tops. I also kept this lace trimmed tank top that is black with a dark pink/burgandy floral pattern. I already own a dress and a scarf that have a similar vibe and I wear them all the time. They stick to my color palette but keep me from feeling like I’m in a pattern rut.
I plan on posting again soon to let you know how the capsule wardrobe is working out for me, and sharing some outfits, and any other new insights I have! Have you ever done a capsule wardrobe, or is this something you think you might try? Share in the comments below :)
The post Putting Together A Capsule Wardrobe Part 1 appeared first on Brighter Sides.
The Easy Way to Keep Your Small Space Clean
This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #CleanWithMrsMeyers #CollectiveBias
Living in a small space can solve a lot of problems, and can be really freeing, but it also comes with it’s own set of obstacles. Small spaces tend to get cluttered, and dirtier, quicker than larger homes, because there’s not as much room for things to spread out. The good part is, cleaning a small space is easy and can even be fun! Here are some ways that you can keep your space clean and let your style shine!
This is a serious first step to having a neater home. While almost everyone could stand to lose a few things, small spaces get cluttered especially fast. If you don’t use something frequently or you don’t absolutely love it, get rid of it! “I might need this someday” is the bane of the studio apartment, or other small space.
I like to make games of getting rid of things. One month, I set out a box, and decided that every day of the month, I would find one thing to put in it that I could part with. Once I got started, it was too easy, so I got rid of one thing every day for the first week, then two things every day for the second week, three things every day for the third week, and four things every day for the fourth week. It was surprisingly fun and addictive!
If I want to buy something new, or sometimes just for fun, I’ll set mini challenges such as, “If I can find 10 things to get rid of, then I can get that new scarf I’ve had my eye on.” See what you can come up with to get rid of as many things as possible! Owning fewer things means having a more open, cleaner looking home all the time.
Any time you make a bit of a mess, clean it up ASAP instead of leaving it for later.
When you get up in the morning, take a moment to make the bed before you head to the kitchen for breakfast. Then when you finish eating your meal, clean the dishes right away (bonus points for drying them and putting them away, too!) or put them in the dishwasher, if you have one. When you take off your coat as you walk in the door, hang it up where it goes, instead of throwing it on the nearest chair. When you wash your hands, take a moment to wipe down the counter and faucet, too.
Little details like these really make a big difference, and not only will you save time later on, you’ll barely notice that you’re cleaning!
Since smalls spaces don’t have much air circulation, they can get stuffy or overwhelmed by smells really easily.
You can keep things smelling fresh by:
– Opening the windows when the weather is nice, and turning on a fan, even a small table fan, to bring in outside air and help circulate it. I only have one (huge) window in my apartment, and I keep it cracked open almost all the time, then open it up all the way when it’s pleasant out!
– Investing in a small air filter. This will help clear the air of dust and other allergens, so that it won’t settle on surfaces.
– Adopting several plants. I have 12 plants in my 195 sq. ft. apartment, and no matter how many I have, I could always use one more! Indoor plants are wonderful at absorbing pollutants from the air, really keeping it clean. And if you don’t have a green thumb, don’t worry, there are many types of indoor plants that require very little attention and practically thrive on neglect! One of the hardiest plants I own is my Snake Plant, which is lovely, doesn’t mind low light, and can go for seeming eons without needing to be watered.
– Concentrating on regularly and thoroughly cleaning the areas that get smelly the fastest (garbage cans, kitty litter boxes) and anywhere moist that could get moldy (bathrooms, near windows).
-Using cleaning products that have natural, fresh fragrances, like Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day® products. I use their Multi-Surface Everyday Cleaner for almost everything, from my granite countertops, to my desk top, kitchen cabinets, walls, and in the bathroom. And since all of their products are made with natural essential oils, the scents all compliment each other nicely… I also use the Lemon Verbena Dish Soap and the Lavender Hand Soap, and the combination smells like a dream! Their products are also phosphate-free, made in the USA, and they don’t test on animals, so they’re good for you, your home, and the world outside!
Once a month or so, take a day to lovingly and consciously deep clean your home. Vacuum, sweep, steam mop, get all the little dust bunnies out of the corners, wipe down the kitchen cabinets, clean the toilet inside and out, wash your curtains, dust the blinds, lint roll the lamp shades, really get things sparkling!
Since I live in such a small space, I do this every week or every couple of weeks, but only focus on deep cleaning one small area, such as the kitchenette, the bathroom, the “office” area, the “bedroom” area… these are all *kind of* the same area, but dividing it up and focusing on one area at a time really helps me see details that need sprucing up. If you have a bigger home, you can divide it up by room. I like to start working in one corner, noticing every nook and cranny, every bit of dust and grime. Putting on an album that I love, or a new podcast, and then working in 20-30 minute increments, with snack breaks or dance breaks (or checking your Facebook breaks) at the end of each block of time makes it more fun, and makes it go by super fast!
When you’re done thoroughly cleaning an area, you can step back and appreciate how beautiful it looks! I always take pride in how pretty and polished my home looks after a quick declutter and a nice detailed deep clean!
Having a home that’s neat and tidy helps reduce stress, and lets your style really shine instead of competing with distracting clutter and dirt. It may take a while to get your small space clean, but after that, it just takes a small amount of conviction (and some great cleaning products, and good tunes!) to keep it clean.
I get my Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day® products at QFC, but they’re also available at all Fred Meyer and Kroger banner stores. You can find them in the Home Cleaning Aisles or Naturals Sections of the stores. Here’s a photo of where I found them at my local QFC, in the Natural Cleaners section. You should also know that Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day® has a seriously gorgeous Instagram feed and Pinterest account!
How do you keep your home clean and happy? Please share your tips!
The post The Easy Way To Keep Your Small Space Clean appeared first on Brighter Sides.
This post contains some affiliate links, which help support Brighter Sides. I only endorse products I love! Disclosure.
My favorite time of year is upon us. The leaves are turning brilliant shades of red and orange, the sky is blanketed with clouds, and the smell of pumpkin spice is in the air. It’s time to take your knee high boots and comfy coats out of storage, but don’t pack away your favorite summer dresses just yet! Fall is all about layering, and with the right pieces, you can keep wearing short, sleeveless, even strapless dresses through the seasons and right into the new year. Here are some ideas on how to make your lovely summer favorites more seasonally appropriate, and stay cozy and chic.
Layer a blouse or close-fitting knit top under your sleeveless summer dresses. For dresses with a low or rounded neck, a collared blouse or turtleneck adds warmth and polish. For dresses with a higher neckline, opt for a scoop or v-neck undershirt, to avoid uncomfortable bulk near your neck. You can choose any sleeve length depending on weather-appropriateness, or whether you are going to spend most of the day indoors.
Keep cozy by adding a cardigan or pullover sweater for fall. To keep the definition of your waistline, choose something close fitting. Cropped sweaters that hit at your natural waistline are a great option for adding warmth without masking your figure. But don’t limit yourself – long, loose, or chunky sweaters can be cinched at the waist with a belt to accentuate or create the illusion of curves. My personal favorites are the Charter School Cardigan and the Dream Of The Crop Cardigan from Modcloth – I’m stocked up on both in several colors to go with any outfit!
I love scarves! They’re an easy way to add a secondary pattern, or to keep the colors that look best on you close to your face. Have a dress or top that you adore, but isn’t quite in your color palette? Add a not-too-bulky scarf (my favorite are infinity scarves) in a complimentary color that looks amazing on you. And of course it will add a bit of cozy coverage.
Tights and leggings are a year-round wardrobe staple in my house. They can add a pop of color and make too-short skirts more modest. In the cooler months, they provide much needed warmth – especially leggings and thick tights. Look for tights labeled “opaque” or with a denier higher than 40. Denier refers to the weight and thickness of the tights. The higher the labeled denier, the thicker and warmer they will be. Forever 21 has a huge collection of leggings for under $10, and ModCloth carries tights in a variety of colors and patterns!
Socks and closed-toed shoes make any dress more ready for fall. Over-the-knee socks are popular right now and can be worn over tights with a variety of shoes, boots, and booties. Chunky boot socks keep your feet warm in colder months, and are great inside rubber or other non-leather boots, which aren’t typically as well-insulated. I like to buy boots a half-size too big so that I can wear thick socks, or double up on socks in the winter without squishing my toes.
And of course, if you’re still a bit chilly, moving into the cooler months, top off your outfit with a cute coat, hat or gloves. Removable layers are key to any cool climate where you’ll be moving in and out of warm buildings. I like coats that are tailored to nip in a bit at the waist, or have a tie or drawstring to cinch.
If you feel like your summer dress is too brightly colored or pastel for the season, you can always tone it down a bit with more subdued versions of the same color, like in the example below. A darker, more “fall-ish” navy blue is layered over the light and summery blue of the dress. Add in a secondary fall color, like mustard and some neutral white and charcoal to tie it together. And don’t be afraid of pattern mixing. Put it all together and there’s some super cuteness in store for you this season!
I hope this helped give you some ideas to bulk up your fall wardrobe without exiling your favorite summer pieces. If you’re still not confident about your styling abilities, or don’t have time to shop, let me do it for you! Email me kelsibsides at gmail.com with a picture of you, your dress, and some notes about what types of colors and pieces you like, and your budget. I’ll email you back with two full outfit ideas, complete with shopping links. My styling services are free of charge through the end of December 2016!
You might also like these posts:
Putting Together A Capsule Wardrobe
Poshmark Review – Refresh Your Closet On The Cheap
How To Quickly Break In Shoes Without The Pain
The post How To Wear Summer Dresses In Fall appeared first on Brighter Sides.
This post contains some affiliate links, which help support Brighter Sides. I only endorse products I love! Disclosure.
I know from past experience that growing out your bangs can be a real pain. Sooner or later, they reach an awkward phase where they’re too long to keep wearing the old way, but they aren’t quite long enough to incorporate into the rest of your hair yet.
Before we get started with the hair tutorial, I have a couple tips for you about growing out bangs. You can help your bangs begin to blend in by thinning the ends a bit as they grow – either using thinning shears, or by point cutting – holding your scissors vertically, to take out just a little bulk. Don’t thin too much, you want to soften the harsh line of your old bangs, not create layers or too much choppiness. And never thin your hair close to your scalp, you’ll just end up with short little hairs that poke out no matter what you do!
Related: How To Trim Your Own Bangs
You should also blow dry your hair in the direction that you want it to lay, starting when your hair is completely wet. Once it’s half way dry, adding just a touch of styling product will help it lay where you want it as you continue to dry it. Once it’s completely dry, you can finish it off with a cute style like we’re going to show you today!
Related: How To Clean And Maintain Your Blow Dryer
Today my beautiful friend Jessa is going to show you how to do a quick, easy, retro pin-up/rockabilly sort of hairstyle, which is great for growing out your bangs. Here’s Jessa :)
Hello Brighter Sides! I am Jessa and I am the heart and voice behind the Caked Vintage Blog. Today I wanted to share an easy retro infused tutorial for Suicide Roll Bangs. I am currently attempting to grow out my hair a bit which also means my bangs are a bit long. I am constantly trying to come up with fun ways to cope with overgrown bangs and am so happy Kelsi invited me over to share one of them with you. Hope you enjoy the tutorial!
1. Section off top layer and tease. (note from Kelsi: A fine tooth comb works well for teasing, but nothing can beat a teasing brush! This one creates tons of fluffy volume.)
2. Continue teasing in sections.
3. Once teased throughout, use a comb to gently smooth the top layer of bangs. Careful not to disturb too much of the teasing. Swoop bangs across forehead curling ends up and under.
4. Bangs should create a circle from the side view, secure ends using bobby pins.
5. Spray with hairspray and smooth out any little stray hairs.
That’s it! A fun and unique way to deal with those overgrown bangs! If you have longer locks just keep curling the hair in for a more extreme roll. If you would like to see the walk through of how I style my Classic Bandana be sure to stop by and say hi!
Thanks, Jessa! Jessa originally wrote this tutorial for me a few years ago, and her blog, Caked Vintage hasn’t been updated in some time, but it’s totally worth checking out her archives! It was one of my favorite blogs when it was in full swing, and she still has all of her old posts online for you to see.
If you liked this post, you might also like these ones:
– 7 Ways To Have Healthier Hair
– The Color Wheel And How It Applies To Hair Color
– Poshmark Review: Refresh Your Closet On The Cheap
The post Suicide Roll Hair Tutorial For Growing Out Bangs appeared first on Brighter Sides.
Mmmmmmmm… the season of eating is upon us! Whether you’re a frazzled host, looking for ideas for what to serve to your vegan guests, or you’re scrambling to find something delicious and cruelty-free to bring to dinner, I’ve got you covered. These vegan Thanksgiving dishes prove that we don’t need no stinkin’ meat this holiday season, and many are also gluten-free, soy-free, and nut-free, so you can accommodate a variety of diets. Gather around and give thanks for these 30 amazing vegan recipes.
This Thanksgiving-worthy main dish has a delicious balsamic onion gravy that pairs perfectly with the lentil loaf.
This vegan crockpot recipe is super convenient. It only takes a few minutes of prep, and then you can leave it alone to cook itself!
A different twist on the vegan veggie loaf, this high-protein chickpea loaf has a spicy barbeque glaze!
This vegan take on shepherd’s pie is a warm and comforting addition to any Thanksgiving table.
This vegan dish is a healthier take on the classic cheesy broccoli and rice casserole.
The search is over! This fluffy, sweet vegan cornbread is the perfect side you’ve been looking for.
This creamy fall soup is beautifully served in edible acorn squash bowls. Fancy!
If you’re going to have a salad on the table for Thanksgiving, make it this one! The hearty rice, cashews, and cranberries will leaf you much more satisfied than plain old lettuce!
It’s hard to go wrong with mashed potatoes, but this extra creamy vegan mashed potato recipe definitely does everyone’s favorite side dish RIGHT.
This sweet and earthy soup is easy to prepare and looks beautiful!
This recipe is like two side dishes in one! Pan fried potato cakes are stuffed with a savory mushroom and herb filling.
These vegan stuffing cakes make a great little side, and you can fry up the leftovers the next morning for breakfast!
This healthy vegan gravy is perfect for topping just about everything on your plate at Thanksgiving!
Mac and cheese, please! This vegan butternut mac and cheese is a comforting autumn twist on the old classic.
You might want to make a double batch of these impressive looking vegan garlic knots – everyone is going to want seconds!
These bite-sized wonders have a little Thanksgiving in every bite!
Can’t get enough cranberries? This sweet and savory stuffing is what you’ve been craving.
This pumpkin hummus is the perfect thing to snack on while you’re cooking Thanksgiving dinner, watching the game, chatting with your family, or browsing Black Friday Deals.
What would Thanksgiving dinner be without green bean casserole? And this healthier vegan version doesn’t skimp on flavor!
Sweet potato lovers rejoice! This scalloped sweet potato recipe is the ultimate comfort food.
Vegan. Cheesy. Cornbread. Casserole. I mean, do I really need to say more?
These savory little stuffing muffins might just be the most adorable Thanksgiving dish I’ve ever seen. Be prepared for lots of ooohs and aaaahs when you put these on the table.
This alcohol-free recipe for pomegranate soda recipe is a refreshing alternative to sparkling cider!
No need to leave vegans out when it comes to eggnog! This creamy vegan version is perfect for sipping by the fire.
Maybe my favorite holiday drink – mulled wine! Just be mindful when selecting a red wine for this recipe, not all of them are vegan, so it’s worth doing a little research before you start.
You know the phrase “easy as pie”? Well these are even easier! They only take about an hour to make and you won’t be disappointed with the results!
Pumpkin pie. It wouldn’t be Thanksgiving without it, right? These pumpkin pie bars are sweet, creamy, and yep, vegan.
Okay, maybe you’re not all about pies at Thanksgiving (who ARE you?) but you can still get your fill of pumpkiny goodness with this vegan pumpkin bread.
Cranberry cake? Yes please! This sticky sweet dessert may just start a new Thanksgiving tradition.
Get your cookie tins and dump out those old sewing supplies! You’re going to want to load up on enough of these Vegan Danish Butter Cookies to get you through to the new year!
I’m soooo looking forward to eating some of these tasty dishes this year, but I’m especially excited about mashed potatoes and gravy. Well, and pumpkin pie! Do you have a favorite go-to vegan dish for Thanksgiving? Let me know in the comments. And happy holidays!
The post 30 Amazing Vegan Thanksgiving Recipe Ideas appeared first on Brighter Sides.
This post contains some affiliate links, which help support Brighter Sides. I only endorse products I love! Disclosure.
As both a hair stylist and someone who lightens her naturally dark brown hair to platinum blonde, I know that bleached hair can feel dry, damaged, coarse and crispy. Investing in quality products and tools can make make a world of difference.
I always have clients tell me, “My hair never looks like this when I do it at home.” And although I am probably taking a little more time than you are when you style your own hair, the fact remains that I do not possess magical hair-styling powers. Shocking, I know! I do, however, possess awesome products and tools which are almost magical in and of themselves. Here are my favorites for bleached/damaged hair.
Please note that all products and tools listed below are professional products and should only be purchased from a salon, or through Loxa Beauty.
You may see some of these products at drug stores, but Paul Mitchell does NOT sell to drug stores, grocery stores etc.; those products are black market and may be old, stolen, tampered with, or counterfeit, and usually cost more than the real thing. Loxa Beauty is the only authorized online seller for the real thing, otherwise make sure to purchase them from a salon or licensed hairstylist.
Awapuhi Wild Ginger Moisturizing Lather Shampoo ($20.99 for 8.5 oz.)
This creamy, ultra-rich shampoo is sulfate-free and color-safe, so it won’t fade your toner or hair color. The gentle, creamy lather gently moisturizes and strengthens dry, damaged hair, leaving it looking and feeling healthier.
Super Strong Daily Shampoo ($11.50 for 10.14 oz.)
This budget-friendly, color-safe, strengthening shampoo helps rebuild damaged hair from within, to improve texture and add shine while protecting against further damage.
Platinum Blonde Shampoo ($13.50 for 10.14 oz.)
This is essential if you have cool blonde or platinum hair. This violet-tinted, color-enhancing shampoo extends the life of your toner, and keeps your blonde from getting brassy. Make sure to leave it in your hair for a few minutes so it can impart color and shine!
Related: Paul Mitchell Platinum Blonde Shampoo Review
Awapuhi Wild Ginger Keratin Cream Rinse (21.99 for 8.5 oz.)
This luxurious, paraben-free cream rinse instantly detangles and repairs while protecting every strand against damage. You’ll notice amazing shine, and soft, healthy feeling hair after using this product.
Super Strong Daily Conditioner ($13.75 for 10.14 oz.)
This color-safe, paraben-free formula rebuilds the internal structure of your hair, and helps shield it from UV rays. It leaves your hair feeling soft, smooth, and moisturized.
Keratin Intensive Treatment ($27.25 for 5.1 oz.)
This is my favorite deep conditioning treatment. This top of the line formula should be used once a week to rebuild and repair fragile hair, while adding intense moisture and shine. You’ll definitely notice softer, more supple hair after this treatment.
Super Strong Treatment ($18.75 for 8.5 oz.)
This deep conditioning treatment adds lost protein back into the hair, improving strength and elasticity while protecting it from future damage. Your hair will be softer and more manageable with weekly use. I like to switch between the Super Strong Treatment and Super-Charged Moisturizer for a nice balance between protein and moisture.
Super-Charged Moisturizer ($15.25 for 6.8 oz.)
This intense moisturizing treatment does wonders for dehydrated hair. Soy proteins and vitamin E help boost shine and moisturize, leaving your hair feeling softer and healthier. I recommend mixing this treatment with the Super Strong Treatment, or switching back and forth between them every week for the perfect balance of protein and moisture.
Awapuhi Wild Ginger Styling Treatment Oil ($27.25 for 3.4 oz.)
This lightweight styling treatment oil smooths frizz and adds shine to thirsty hair. Awapuhi extract and lightweight silicones leave your hair feeling soft and silky with a natural finish.
Hot Off The Press ($17.20 for 6 oz.) which I did a review of here.
Super Strong Liquid Treatment ($17.50 for 8.5 oz.)
is also a great spray to use after washing and conditioning, while the hair is still damp.
Related: Product Review: Paul Mitchell Hot Off The Press
Express Ion Dry+ ($129.99) – Well worth the investment, this is my FAVORITE blow dryer. I have one at the salon and one at home.
Express Ion Style+ ($119.99) – Again, well worth the investment. Tons of my clients purchase one of these after seeing how well it works on their hair.
Express Ion Round ($15.98-$19.18). Size M or L is appropriate for most people. I won’t use any other kind of brush to smooth the hair.
And of course be sure to trim your hair regularly to keep it in good shape!
Have you tried any of these products? What do you think? My clients are absolutely LOVING Paul Mitchell’s new Awapuhi Wild Ginger line!
If you liked this post, you might also like these ones:
– Suicide Roll Hair Tutorial For Growing Out Bangs
– Easy Braided Hair Tutorial For A Big Night Out
– 7 Ways To Have Healthier Hair
The post 15 Best Products For Bleached Hair appeared first on Brighter Sides.
This post contains some affiliate links, which help support Brighter Sides. I only endorse products that I love! Disclosure.
If you follow me on Instagram you can probably tell from all of the gratuitous pictures of my pup, Bruno (#brunobsides) that I’m a dog person. You can count on me to interrupt any conversation with a gasp and exclamation when I see a passing dog. And there have been at least a couple of instances when I have nearly crushed my boyfriend’s hand because I spotted a teeny tiny dog trotting down the sidewalk (Oh my goodness, that one apple-headed teacup chihuahua wearing a canvas Misfits patch as a cape! Squee!) So yeah, I’m a dog person.
But I totally respect cat people. I’ve shared my home with many cats over the years, and one of my best friends/former roommates is definitely a “cat lady 4 life”. Any time I see something cat themed in a store, I think “Oh! She would love this!” But of course, I wait until the very last moment to do my holiday gift shopping. Maybe you’re in the same boat. If so, I’ve got you covered. I’ve compiled over 25 stylish gifts for animal lovers (and a few for your favorite pets as well!) Plus, they’re all very affordable, coming in at under $20 each.
1. Crazy Cat Cookie Cutters – $13.69 / 2. Tabletop Cat Mirror – $16 / 3. Cats Mini Tarot Card Deck – $11.95 / 4. Welsh Corgi 2017 Calendar – $12.99 / 5. Personalized Cat Pet Ornament – $18 / 6. Cat’s The Way I Like It Mug – $14.99 / 7. Gold Cat Bottle Opener – $17.99 / 8. Dog Lover’s Cookie Cutter Set – $13.69
1. Personalized Boston Terrier Necklace (more breeds available) – $12.50 / 2. Parade Your Paws Socks in Dog – $11.99 / 3. Best-Dressed In Show Earrings in Cat – $12.99 / 4. Best-Dressed In Show Earrings in Dog – $12.99 / 5. Cat Watch – $17.99 / 6. Basset Hound Origami Necklace (more breeds available) – $18 / 7. Parade Your Paws Socks in Cats – $11.99 / 8. Chihuahua Tote Bag (more breeds available) – $19
1. Siamese Cat Stationery Card Set of 5 – $15 / 2. A Million Cats Coloring Book – $9.95 / 3. Corgi Stickers – $8 / 4. Pug Stationery Card Set of 5 – $15 / 5. A Million Dogs Coloring Book – $9.95 / 6. Cat Puffy Stickers Set – $6
1. Personalized Floral Dog Tag (other patterns available) – $10 / 2. Bow Tie Collar (more patterns available) – $15.31 / 3. Catnip “Chocolate” Covered Strawberries Set of 3 – $18 / 4. Personalized Pet Bowl – $20 / 5. Paw Stocking – $19.19 / 6. Squeaky Dog Donuts – $18
Did you spot any gifts to add to your wish list? Let me know in the comments! And if you also like to post lots of pictures of your pets, post your handle, so I can follow you… I never mind my feed being flooded with furry faces.
The post 25+ Gifts for Animal Lovers Under $20 – Dog Lovers and Cat Lovers appeared first on Brighter Sides.
This post contains some affiliate links.
Hello! I have some free printable Valentines in this post for you, but first, I’d like to introduce you to my newest design, these adorable little folk art inspired bugs! For Christmas, a friend gave me a book called Imagine A Forest: Designs and Inspirations for Enchanting Folk Art by Dinara Mirtalipova, which has been calling to me from my wishlist. The book is absolutely beautiful, and I spent much of Christmas Day pouring over the rich illustrations and gathering ideas. I hadn’t planned on doing any artwork that day, but inspiration took hold and I spent the next few days making these little beetles, which I am totally in love with.
I highly encourage you to check out this book. The artwork is gorgeous and it includes a bunch of little tutorials and inspiration on how to draw a bunch of different folk art inspired themes. Of course, I went straight for the beetles, but she also shows you how she paints flowers and foliage, animals, mythical creatures like sirens and mermaids, people and homes, even little gingerbread houses! It’s also great that she has some recommendations of her favorite tools of the trade and some ideas about color palettes. Folk art is so accessible that I think even a total beginner could pick up this book and be making super cute stuff in no time!
My little blue beetle design available on a bunch of cool stuff at Society6, like note books, coffee mugs, throw pillows, blankets, even a shower curtain! And of course art prints, framed or not. Click here to shop my Society6 page!
And, just for YOU, I’ve made some FREE printable Valentines in an exclusive pink version! The sheet of valentines is 8″x10″ so it can be printed on standard US Letter size paper (8.5×11) or on international A4 size paper. I recommend printing them on lightweight cardstock either on your home printer, or at a shop like Kinkos. Then just cut them apart (use a paper cutter for best results!).
To get the free printable Valentines, just head to my FREE Printable & Digital Library! If you’re already a subscriber to my email list, you’ll get immediate access. If you haven’t signed up yet, just pop your email address into the form, and then check your email for a confirmation message with the password to access the Free Printable & Digital Library. You’ll also get a discount code for my Etsy shop when you sign up!
The post Free Printable Valentines – Cute As A Bug appeared first on Brighter Sides.
