Monday, March 31, 2014

Turtle Bay Resort Pool | Spring Break 2014


Hi everyone!

Hope everyone enjoyed their Spring Break! During Spring Break I spent some time at the Turtle Bay Resort, located on the North Shore of Oahu.  Posted above is a fun video that I wanted to create to keep for memories.

Going to the resort I wasn't sure if I would really like it there.  But, my experience at the Turtle Bay Resort went well and I would definitely come back again.  I actually wasn't expecting the rooms to be as updated as they are now.  I like that it is isolated from other hotels/resorts (not anything like staying in Waikiki) and sense there are no other buildings around you get a really great view of the ocean.  I plan on creating a detailed post of the room that we stayed in so stay tune for more photos.

xoxo,
Brandy

Wednesday, March 19, 2014

Top 5 Mac accessories - Macbook pro

Welcome back!  I'm sure many of you will find this post very helpful, especially for you MacBook owners.  Comfortability and maintaining my personal belongings are very important to me because Macbooks are expensive.  I want to share my personal top 5 Mac accessories that have made my life easier.  Everything that I am sharing is under $35! If you are interested in any of the items I mentioned click the mint green or light green links.  Here are my favorites...


1.) Macbook cover - this keeps the top and bottom of my laptop dust and scratch free.  Also love the variety of colors to choose from.  The cover itself is not to dark and you are able to see the apple logo/light and the light that indicates if your laptop is sleeping. Get it HERE ($11-15)


 2.) Macbook keyboard cover - I blogged about this in my previous post.  For under $5 this keyboard cover keeps the dust and dirt out and also comes in a variety of colors and designs to fit your personality. Get it HERE ($3-5)

3.) Wireless keyboard - You may be wondering why would I purchase a keyboard when a laptop already has one.  Well, spending 7+ hours at my desk daily, the way my desk and chair are leveled, it is not good for my posture because my laptop is low and so I am always looking down.  I put it on a riser (which I will discuss as my 4th accessories) and with the wireless keyboard makes it comfortable on my wrists, won't have to worry about carpal tunnel.  Get it HERE ($15)



4.) Acrylic Phone Riser - As mentioned above my laptop sits on this riser which elevates my laptop to where I can look at my screen without having to slouch and look down.  There are a few other designs and laptop risers that are specifically for laptops.  I really wanted a clear acrylic riser because of the looks.  I couldn't find any laptop risers that came in acrylic so I managed to find this riser that is made for office phones and it works fine.  As you can see in the pictures my laptop sits perfectly on the riser and it will not fall off. Get it HERE ($34)



5.) Customizable Laptop Case - In addition a laptop case is very important to have because it's great for travel and at the same time is additional protection for your laptop.  There are many designs to choose from and I have two options that I am sharing.  The first being an affordable case and the second being a little more money but definitely worth the extra money if you want to have your own design. You can check out the designs HERE ($13-20)
The case that I have was designed by me.  I got to customize my own laptop case and the quality is amazing! Get it HERE ($70)



Thursday, March 13, 2014

The perfect Spring 2014 Fashion Clutch from ShopLately



Spring Season is almost here! Do you have a favorite trend or particular look that you like to sport during the season?!  I'm loving laser cut outs, I like the patterns that are used and laser cut outs are very eye-catching.  This clutch can be worn two ways, cross-body(comes with a detachable gold chain strap) and as a clutch.  I'm mainly using it as a clutch the color is perfect and since I am such a neutral girl, I am trying to incorporate color into my wardrobe.  This clutch that I have is from ShopLately you can click the link if you would like to see detailed photos and/or purchase the clutch.

Also, come and visit my my profile on Shoplately! HERE
My personal invite to ShopLately HERE

Photos on my blog were taken from my Instagram

Be back in my next post!
xoxo, Brandy

Thursday, March 6, 2014

Room Decor DIY - Scalloped Map Garland



When it comes to my crafty DIY projects, I am always thinking about projects that are affordable and easy for anyone to create.  Here is another affordable and easy, room decor DIY.  Learn how you can create your own scalloped map garland which is perfect to spice up a boring, empty wall.  Watch the video to learn or follow the simple steps listed below.    

You will need:
World Atlas or Map (found mines at the thrift store for $1)
cotton string
round bowl (preferably plastic)
decorative clips (damage free hanging)
glue stick
scissors

Step 1
Choose your favorite destinations.  This could be a state, country, etc.  I chose 11 places which made 11 scallops.

Step 2
Place plastic bowl on your chosen destination.  Keep in mind, to create the scallops you start with a circle and you will be folding it in half.  So if there is the name of the destination, for example, Brazil.  You want to make sure the name will show on the correct side and not in the fold.

Step 3
With scissors, cut what you have traced and you should have a circle.

Step 4
Fold your cut out in half.  Again make sure you have the fold on the correct side (name showing). Set aside.

Step 5
With cotton string measure the amount of string needed, this depends on how many scallops you make.  When you have your desired length, tie a double knot on both ends.  The loops are what will hang from the decorative clips.

Step 6
With your cut out and glue stick, apply glue to the middle and edge of the cut out.  

Step 7
Place String in the middle of your glued cut out.  Press down and hold in place for a few seconds.

Step 8
Tah dah! You should have your first scallop.  Continue with the same steps listed above until you have all scallops.  Use the decorative clips to hang on your wall.  You are done! 

Time: about 35minutes
Level: Easy
Cost: Under $10

Monday, March 3, 2014

Room Decor DIY - Scalloped Trim Pillow (No sew)






Today's post I am bringing you an affordable and easy room decor DIY.  Using Scalloped trim and a table napkin, I created a throw pillow.  You can watch the video above or follow the directions listed below.  I hope you enjoy!

Materials Needed:
Cloth Napkin - can be found in the dish-ware section at Target, Macys, etc 
Scalloped Trim - Craft Store
Pillow Stuffing Sutffing - I recycled my old pillow
Glue Gun
Scissors

Step 1
Starting with cloth napkin.  Fold in half and glue three sides, the fourth side should be left unglued (it needs an opening to insert stuffing).

Step 2
Measure with scallop trim to determine how much trim you will use for the cloth napkin.  This step is simple because the cloth napkin has a set measurement.  Basically, you just need to follow the edge of the cloth napkin.  Measure, cut, and glue on to the edges of the cloth napkin. Let glue dry.

Step 3
Cut open an old pillow to use the stuffing.  Insert as much stuffing needed for pillow.

Step 4
Once pillow is stuffed and shaped.  Glue the end to close.  Easy right?!

Use as a throw pillow for a little extra decor on furniture.

Estimated Time of project: Under 30 minutes.
Level: Easy
Cost: Under $10