Somewhere over my Rainbows!

Rainbows are a brand of sandals that are generally pretty popular year round. However, in preparation for summer, everyone has been getting their own rainbows. So Alli and I couldn't resist! A few weekends ago we went to Nordstrom's to get our Rainbows. There are tons of great styles to suit everybody's' taste. Among the many styles at the store, I fell in love with a pair that had gems on the strap, but they were to much money for me. So I resorted to a style that had a braided strap, but to me it just wasn't enough, so... CRAFT TIME!!! 


These are the sandals I ended up purchasing at the store, as well as Alli. On this post were going to show twp different fun craft ideas to personalize these!


Materials:

Ribbon (we used 1/4 inch thick)

Rhinestones

Matching Rhinestone setting (get the one with double holes!!)

Sew (brown, to match shoes)

Tools:

Needle

Pliers

For the ribbon shoes...

Start by cutting a 15 inch piece. This is more than you need, but its all good!

This design is easiest, allowing you to switch it up if you get that crafty feeling again. All you have to do it weave it in the braid, and it is best to just open up the loop and use your fingers to pull the ribbon through. You should also create a loop to start by inserting both ends of the ribbon. This way you don't have to tie a knot in the beginning! You'll get the hang of it pretty quickly! But we also made a video and will try to post it sooon (:

Done! We tied it off with a teensy bow, but you can always just tuck it in and knot it.

The Rhinestone version is more time consuming, but it is really just eye catching! We did 5 gems on each side, but depending on you preferences it could vary. Begin by setting all of your gems in their setting! This is a little tricky, but it is definitely the hardest step so no fear!

Now string that needle so that there is 2 layers. Loop the (hopefully) matching thread around the braid so you have a secure knot. 

Now separate your 2 strings and take one out of the needle hole. Carefully guide this through one side of the setting hole and tug it into position on your braid.

Do this with the other side. After repeating this, tuck each hole setting under the braid to keep them in place. At the end of the line, tie a thick knot underneath the braided strand. You can also loop it around like how you did for the starting. 

We have a video of this look too, and will also get that up! Hope you all have classically unique shoes in no time!

Clutter to Clean

Every two weeks or so, my room becomes a total disaster. The explosion is always detonated in my closet, and I thought as I cleaned I would share my journey!

My method is clutter to clean. I make my mess worse to ultimately make it better.

STEP 1: 

Start your happy journey by taking everything out of your drawers and shelves that is remotely fractious.

I like to do this in waves, so as to ensure there is enough floor space.

After you complete this, cadet, start buckling down and folding. You want to put in the most effort here, so the rest of the steps you can slack off. 

Personally, my closet gets gross when I am quickly looking for something before school. So, as I fold, I organize based on how much I wear them.

STEP 2: Pack it in there!

Now you have to shove everything back in! Be a little careful here, because if you hurry this step you may not be able to keep everything all neat and tidy.

AHHhhhh, that's better!

STEP 3: Almost done!

Now is the easiest part. Reload the rest of your clothes! I also use this as an opportunity to shift from seasons, and pack away my unnecessary clothes in a tupperware. I jam it under my drawers, adding more space, and it also lessening clutter I will have to fix again in two weeks!

tipstipstipstipstipstipstipstipstipstipstipstipstipstipstipstipstipstipstipstipstipstipstipstips:

1. Plan ahead!

My closet suffers the most when I am in a rush, trying to find something and end up flipping over all my once tidy clothes! By planning ahead the night before, I can just throw my outfit on in the morning like a magician. However, this is actually a lot of work, so I also prepare outfits for a few days in advanced. This minimizes the time I spend doing something I don't wannnnuh.

2. Not using it? GIVE ITTA WAYY.

I will admit I am quite the hoarder, always tellling myself "ahh, you'll use it later" and "there is definitely something you can do with thA-isss!" But I never do. If you haven't used it since at least 2 seasons ago, GIVE ITTA WAY (or of course donate it:)

3. Maintain a small NO mountain.

Normally it takes me a while to get around to cleaning, but before that actual revamping occurs, a small pile of clothes has already taken shape. By simply using step 1, there will be no mountain. But, being easier said than done, I practice the art of shoveling. When my pile gets too ridiculous, I do a quick clean in 5 minutes or less, and simply fold up what is there, or for the faster, shove it wherever it will fit. Then I come in when I have time, and properly fix it up.

                           BEFORE                                15 MINUTES LATER

aaMUUUUUch bETTTurh!!