Fiery and Feisty.

I love lipstick. 

I love it a whole lot.

So, i'm sorry if you get sick of me talking about lipstick...

but this won't be the last time.

Lipstick just has a way of making me feel more put together.

Kinda like, 

"Yeah, I woke up 20 min before I'm supposed to be at work... and yes I got ready in the dark... but you know what? I'm wearing lipstick...so obviously I'm ready for the day."

It's a perfect way to fool everyone into thinking you reeeally got ready for the day.

So fancy.

This is real life folks.

Anywayyyys....

Do you know what else makes me feel real fancy?

A bright. bold. fiery lip.

I love a good classic red lip, but lately i've also found myself venturing towards various orangey shades.

That's right. I said orangey.

It's a word. I promise.

So today, i'm giving you the BEST colors & brands for a fiery little lip. These colors range from straight-up orange lips, to my favorite classic red color.

You ready for this?

#1 Revlon 'Siren.'

aka the orangest-funnest lips evaaaa

Orange lips seem bold.

But, bold is good!

The best part about this lipstick/color is since you won't be rocking an orange lip daily, this brand is inexpensive but quality. 

You aren't spending $17 on a tube of lipstick you only wear occasionally. 

So, for the price? 

Totally worth it.

#2 N.Y.X 'Indie Flick'

aka I wanna rock an orange lip...but i'm scared.

I. Love. This. Color.

It is the perfect mix of orange/red. 

It is also matte, which I love. 

This is the perfect inexpensive dupe for 'Lady Danger' by MAC. 

I got this at Target for $5.99.

What a steal.

#3 MAC Russian Red

aka the BEST classic red lipstick ever.

This color is a must have. 

Worth every penny. 

AND

It looks great on everyone.

When I initially wanted to get a good quality red lipstick, I quickly went searching for Ruby Woo at MAC. It's the color everyone was using & had that classic cherry red color. BUT, I tried on Russian Red and was instantly hooked. 

So what do you think?

Are you ready to rock a fiery lip?

xo-elle

giving thanks gift bag

happy Thanksgiving dolls!

we hope you are have a wonderful day full of food,

family,

football,

and a big full belly!

here's a quick DIY for any occasion,

including Thanksgiving.

 supplies//

t

tissue paper//

painters marker in 'super thin'//

double sided tape//

lunch bags//

not pictured-scissors

step 1.

after you draw your desired design onto the lunch bag,

measure the width of your bag and cut a piece of tissue paper.

(about 4 inches long, 2 inches high)

 

step 2.

cut about an inch and a half up into your tissue paper to create some fun fringe.

 

step 3.

add a strip of double stick tape to the back side of your tissue paper.

 

step 4.

start at the bottom of your lunch bag and add the bottom layer.

continue taping your fringe cut outs upwards,

creating layers.

[you can add as many or as few layers as you'd like.]

 

step 5.

finish adding your fringe cut outs,

fill your bag,

and deliver to your neighbors,

family,

or friends.

these baggies are perfect for treats,

gifts,

or even your delicious Thanksgiving leftovers!

yummm.

 

 thank you for reading and supporting e&elle.

we love your love!

xoxo,

e & elle

 

DIY one of a kind dishtowel

make your kitchen a little more unique with this DIY hand painted dishtowel.

 

here's all you'll need//

 here's how to make it//

 1. iron your towels for a smooth service to work on.
2. draw your design lightly with a pencil.
3. trace over your penciled design with your fabric paint.
4. if you are filling in your design solid,
wait for the fabric paint to dry,
followed by carefully painting or sponging the acrylic paint into the center.

let your dishtowels dry over night before moving them.

and that's it!

pretty darn simple.

feel free to have some fun,
and get creative with your one of a kind dishtowel.

k byeeee
e

My go-to snack...

You guys.

This stuff?

It's incredible.

Oh, did I mention?

It's super healthy.

Win-Win.

One day at work, my friend Sam brought in this delicious snack.

I was instantly hooked and needed the recipe.

It is SO simple & delicious.

  

What you will need:

I'm giving the ingredients for a full batch. I usually only make a half batch, but this would be great for a game day snack or appetizer. So if you are feeding a crowd, you will want to use the full recipe :)

6 roma tomatoes

2 avocados

2 cans of white beans (drained)

2 cans of white corn (drained)

1 bunch of cilantro (de-stemmed and chopped fine)

5-6 green onions (chopped)

2 packets of dry Italian dressing

(follow the instructions to make the dressing, but DO NOT add the oil. Only add the vinegar and water.)

salt & pepper as preferred.

 That is it!

So simple.

So healthy.

So delicious.

This is delicious served with chips & eaten like chips and salsa, but it is so good you can seriously just eat a bowl of it. I'm not even kidding.

I've also served this with grilled chicken & it is amazing.

Give it a try!

xo-elle

Try This: Felt Floral Wreath

By now, you know I love felt.

It perfect for crafting!

When I initially saw this idea [here] I knew I had to make it.

I loved how bright colorful the wreath was.

But, for my house, I wanted my wreath to have a more muted tone.

I found this beautiful maroon felt & knew it would make a beautiful red leaf!

For the flowers, i used a cream and a light pink felt.

The post I found came with a template for the leaves and petals. But, i'm too lazy to use a template. So, I used this method for my leaves AND my petals:

It worked perfectly for me!

For the centers of my flowers, I too a strip of felt (about 1''x 6'') and cut small slits about 1/4cm apart.

Once I finished cutting them, I placed a strip of hot glue down the un-cut area and rolled it up!

For my petals, i wanted to make sure each layer was sized differently(smaller toward the center, and larger on the outside). So, in order to do this, I made sure each square was a little bigger than the next. (this is totally optional)

Once your petals are cut, start gluing them on!

I placed a small dot of hot glue and started layering the petals.

To add the leaves to your wreath, simply place a strip of hot glue on the leaf, and sandwich the pieces together around your loop!

To make sure that no metal areas are showing on your wreath, alternate gluing your leaves like this:

To finish it off, attach your flowers with some hot glue.

Add a little yarn & hang it up!

Can you imagine how cute this would look on a door to a room?

Adorable.

xo-elle

It's a little 'chili...'

When it is chilly outside, there is nothing better than a hot bowl of homemade chili for dinner.

I don't know about where you live..

but, we have officially hit the freezing point here.

This recipe is a family favorite.

I have it in my cookbook as "Mom's Yummy Chili."

But, if you want to know a little bit more about it..

This isn't your normal chili...it's a sweet chili.

Sweet. Chili.

I said it.

It smells divine cooking, and tastes even better.

This recipe is so easy...there is no need for step-by-step instructions. You just cook your meat (I used ground turkey), throw everything in the pot, and let it simmer for a few hours. :)

This chili is even better the next day...and the next day...

Keep warm & make some chili tonight! 

Enjoy!

xo-elle

it's a ring. it's a bracelet. it's both!

i am a big fan of simplistic jewelry.

especially rings and bracelets.

i never take off any of my 6 rings,

and a bracelet my dad gave me.

i just think it adds a little extra somethin' somethin' to any outfit,

without making too big of a statement.

soooooooo,

that is why i made THIS!

a minimal and simple

ring bracelet chain. 

and you can make it too!

in less than 15 MINUTES!

it's super simple and only cost $10.

what you'll need:

- wire cutters

-jump rings

-chain (big enough to fit your jump rings through)

-lobster claw hooks

(you can get these supplies in any color metal!)

step 1//

measure your middle finger with the chain.

and cut the chain to desired fit.

step 2//

add a hoop ring to both ends of the chain.

 

step 3//

measure your wrist with the chain.

cut the chain to desired fit.

add a hoop ring to both ends of the chain + a lobster hook to one hoop ring.

step 4//

measure the distance between your ring and bracelet with the chain.

cut the chain to desired length.

add a hoop to both ends of the chain,

and connect to the center of the ring and the bracelet.

step 5//

rock the hell out of your new diy ring bracelet chain.

holler!

k byeeee

love you allll!!!

e