Restoration Hardware Hack - DIY Vintage Book Decor

Time for another Restoration Hardware Hack! This time it's all about DIY Vintage style books for decor!

You guys know I LOVEEE DIY! Annddd I LOVE Restoration Hardware. 

While I think they have amazing furniture that will last a lifetime...their accessories can be a bit INSANE. 

If you have ever shopped at Restoration Hardware or Pottery Barn, they load HEAPS of books on shelves, endtables and anywhere else they can cram them in LOL
While I think they overdo it... I'll admit I love the look.

If you want a small bundle of books filled with blank pages, it can set you about $125. Uhhhh NO...Just No.

LUCKILY.....there are a few VERY inexpensive options.

OPTION #1 Head to Goodwill and ransack their book section. For about $1 a pop, you can snag some awesome, aged paperback books. Rip off the covers and you're good to go! (I have these on shelves all over the house).
You can also UPCYCLE some (not-so) old novels into "antique" book bundles by soaking them in tea and letting them dry and bundle with twine! 

OPTION #2 If you need BIGGER books, you can check Home Goods or TJ Maxx for inexpensive FAKE books. (You know...the ones that are boxes for your treasures hehe)
Get crafty and you can TRANSFORM them into some magazine worthy accessories.

I started with these super busy, dark fake books.

You have a few options for covering them... 

• PAINT  I would recommend a white matte paint like chalkboard paint 
• FABRIC  You can Mod Podge some muslin fabric on those babies!
• OR....I wanted a very CLEAN but vintage look (if that makes any sense) ...so I opted for a thicker sketch paper in ivory. 

I had 5 books total to cover and basically experimented with different methods...from measuring and using ONE solid piece...to measuring three separate pieces (Front, back and spine)

Because they are supposed to have a vintage look to them...you really can't mess them up.

As a kid, my mom was always a huge fan of Mod Podge (...or Modge Podge as we all call it :P ) I never appreciated her obsession until I started doing little projects. That stuff is AMAZING.

Finished Product: 


Thoughts...YAY or NAY?


If you love Hacks & knock offs, check out my Pottery Barn Style vase for only $8!
Pottery Barn Knock Off

Another FAVORITE project...how to turn a shower curtain into a HUGE piece of wall art My FAVORITE project EVER- Shower Curtain Wall Art

Spa Day Sunday

When you start your week out right, Monday isn't so scary! I'm so glad I got back to my Sunday spa routine because I gotta tell ya...I jumped out of bed this morning. 
This of course was partly due to the fact that I was so relaxed yesterday that I was ready for bed by 930p lol
The boyfriend was pretty relaxed as well- he always thinks my beauty things are silly...until he tries them. If you don't already have a sleep mask...get one asap. They are amazing- especially if you travel a lot or get headaches. 

I love love love getting new beauty goodies so I made a trip over to Sally's Beauty yesterday and picked up a new clay mask, hair product and always have to get one new nail polish =)

FACE:
Occasionally, I'm embarrassed to say...I fall asleep with my makeup on. Even one night completely clogs my pores and you know it's bad when your man mentions something about it to you! Eeeeek! I was in DESPERATE need of a pore cleansing! My pick of the week- Queen Helene Mint Julep Masque.
It was about $6-7 at Sally's

It says it absorbs excess oil, rinses away blackheads and minimizes the appearance of pores. I left it on for about 20 minutes until it was dry but I read reviews about people leaving it on overnight and having amazing results. It had an amazing smell and a nice cooling sensation. It was a little tingly- it was like a could feel my pores being cleaned out.

The Result: Loved it! My skin felt great and the BF commented on what a difference it made. You KNOW it's good when your man wants you to put it on him next lol

UPDATE: Jay let me put the mask on him!! Check it out!

HAIR:
Next on my list- Repair my dry/damaged hair. I thought I'd give Aphogee's Keratin 2 minute Re-constructor a whirl
Wash hair and then work 1/2 ounce evenly through hair. Leave on for 2-5 minutes. If you want maximum penetration, you can cover your hair with a warm towel or shower cap. I opted not to...just because.
The Result: To be determined. I felt like my hair was silky, softer and it air dried straight! That never happens. I can't really tell if it made that much of a difference. It says to use Weekly so I'm going to try again next week. It does smell pretty yummy as well.

BODY: Baking Soda Body Scrub. My sister has been telling me about this for awhile...and I just never got around to trying it until now...
Baking Soda as an exfloliant/body scrub

So I looked up a ton a "recipes" for this online. You can add scents, essential oils, olive oil, coconut, etc...but for simplicity's sake I went with the good ole fashioned Baking Soda plus water. 3 parts baking soda, one part water = body scrub.

Rub this all over your body, rinse. Doesn't get much simpler than that!

The Result: I like. It's cheap, green, and easy. You miss out on sudsy fun, but that's a small price to pay. 
I waited until I was completely dry before putting on any lotion because I wanted to see if it actually made my skin any softer, and I think it did! 
I'll prob be more careful next time because I got Baking Soda everywhere when I was rinsing it off lol Good thing it's also a great bathroom cleaner.
Is there anything Baking Soda can't do?


Onto Breakfast! Cinnamon Banana Oatmeal and Eggs!
I'm not exactly sure when my love affair with cinnamon started but I lovee it so much. It makes the whole house smell warm and cozy!

Why I love this recipe:

it's super easy, it's healthy, it's a great alternative to cereal and boring breakfast options

Ingredients:

1 cup Almond Milk
1 cup Old-Fashioned Oats
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 banana, thinly sliced

Directions:

Heat Almond Milk (or water) in a small saucepan. Add thinly sliced banana and cinnamon. Keep pan over heat and stir for approximately five minutes until the bananas dissolve. I like my oats to be hearty and a little dry so I add them last. Stir, pour oatmeal into a bowl and if you're feeling frisky, add almond and banana slices.

Reading on a Sunday is a MUST! My Top recommendation right now- The Greatest Miracle in the World.
Wow, wow, wow is all I am gonna say. Make sure this book makes it on your list!  One of my ultimate joys in life- curl up in a good reading chair by the window with a super comfy throw blanket, a great book, and a delicious smelling house. Thank you to my gorgeous friend Donna for the most amazing candle ever!!

The Sunday night festivities didn't end there... I was sooooo excited to make popcorn! We opted for the over the stove popper thingy. So exciting! It was like a mini adventure. We settled in on the couch with our popcorn to cuddle. Perfection <3

So here we are...Monday again! Time to get my booty into gear! But first...I must decide which color?! Orange or blue!
Along with Body Beast, we've been running through the beautiful Santa Monica neighborhood. I need some new kicks because sadly, mine are getting worn out! They recommend using them for only 500 miles (typically about 6 months or less!!) Booo!!

5 Strategies to Eat Out Without Gaining Weight

Ladies & gentlemen the wait is over!!! I never thought I would see the day, but our Body Beast workout and supplements have arrived!!!

Our BODY BEAST Challenge Group is now forming!!

OR if you are a crazy couple like us and want to do a workout program together, shoot me over an email for the deets! Heifnerk@gmail.com

Are you ready to release the BEAST & do WHATEVER IT TAKES?? :)

This picture pretty much sums up how the next 90 days are going to play out. He's such a goof ball! 

What to Eat when you Go Out!

People always ask me what I eat when I go out. We found this amazing restaurant called True Food. They serve exactly what I look for...REAL FOOD! Here are a couple of simple rules to remember:

1) Remember your goal. You DON'T have to "eat your moneys worth." Change your mindset! Instead of eating until you are full, simply eat until you are no longer hungry. Portion control! You should be eating every couple of hours so don't act like you aren't going to see food again until the full moon. Relax- you're eating again! And you can always take left overs home.

2) Greens baby! Start with a salad! Get those veggies in. Instead of dressing, I prefer using the natural juice of tomatoes and lemons. MMmeee!

3) Skip that bread! I lovveee me some bread! Buttt what is more important to you? your goal or enjoying some bread? Sometimes I choose the bread haha but if you want results...ask the server to leave it in the kitch!

4) Steamed please! Look for options like- steamed, baked, grilled. Ask the server to skip the butters and oils! If you're stumped, ask for some grilled chicken and steamed or raw veggies. Be nice and they will help ya out!

5) Don't shovel your food! We've all been "that guy." You are so famished by the time your food gets there that you are literally shoving it in your mouth. STOP! Breathe! Chew your food at least 25 times.
If you are a talker like my bf, then this will give you good practice letting other people talk while you chew ;)  

This turkey burger made my Top 3 list of best burgers ever- they added tomato, avocado, lettuce and my favorite...hummus! Add a Kale salad and sweet potatoes on the side and I'm one happy chicka. 

Sweet potatoes used to weird me out- I'm not sure if it was the color or texture, but I'm happy to say I've overcome my fear of them because they are so darn good for you!

Jay went with the steak, rice and greens. I snuck a couple of bites while he wasn't looking. delish as well! I almost wish that I would have ordered this. Protein, greens and complex carbs with a little healthy fat (avocado)!

Workout on the days you want to be happy! Get those workouts in baby! Our workout time is almost considered like a little date! Almost!  I still like a night out! ;) 

Ab Ripper X!

Our other hobby...Reading! It's quite therapeutic and it's amazing what you learn about yourself and your life/business/relationships.  My latest buys....

I know people keep telling me to get a Nook, but there is something about holding a book in your hands. (and falling asleep with it lol)
Nook, Kindle, or the real deal...whatever you favor...just make sure you are always learning, reading, growing, reflecting. 
The quest for new knowledge has taken me on quite a journey over the last few years. It's been a wild/crazy/fun ride!
For the longest time, I've been thinking about writing a letter to my past self.  Knowing what I know now, what would I share with myself from 3 years ago? Hmm...ever look back and think about how different you are? I am soooo much smarter than who I was a few years ago...I've learned so much, changed in leaps and bounds.


Wherever you are in your journey, I hope that you still marvel at the unexpected challenges that life sends your way. We are all truly blessed to be back to keep on truckin' and put one foot in front of the other. 


xoxox

Christmas in September

A box has been sitting in my living room for about 3 days and I didn't touch it because...well because sometimes I just think I know everything and I assumed it was my Shakeology lol NEVER ASSUME. I popped it open...and to my utter shock and delight....it was a PRIZE our team won from Beachbody! 

Carl Daikler is pretty much a genius in my eyes...so when he talks...I listen with wide eyes and a pen in hand! To get a prize pack of books hand selected by him...well I could just diiieee 

Now, some people might not be all that excited to get a box of books. But anyone who knows me...knows that I literally had a hard time breathing when I opened that box. I could spend LITERALLY hours in Barnes & Noble. Half-Price Books is my secret get away. It's like a treasure hunt in there...I love the way books smell...new or old....I love the way the feel...especially a copy you KNOW someone read 100 times and the corners are adorably dog-eared.
I get short of breath when I walk into the library. Did you know you can request ANY book to be delivered to your library?? I am absolutely a book dork and there is nothing better to me than curling up in bed with a book...trying to keep my eyes open to read "just one more page"

Yayyy!! 

I opened my beautiful books last night and they are just as glorious, motivational and beautiful as I imagined they would be. All I can say is...THANK YOU TEAM!!! Love everyone from the Bombshell Dyansty! And thank you Carl Daikeler!