GET CRAFTY DIY: 5+ WAYS TO ADD CHIC AFFORDABLE STYLE WITH GOLD SPRAY PAINT

Happy Tuesday, Bogland!
It's 'Get Crafty' time with this very simple, affordable and fun DIY project!
I added some chic stye to 5 different items for my home office, closet and bathroom using 1 can of gold spray paint.  I also provide more creative idea options to try, but the possibilities are endless.
This is a quick, easy and super affordable way to add a bit of a face lift, so to speak, on items you most likely already have or just want to take from drab to fab.
Enjoy, and let's get started! :)

✢  Painter's Tape Roll ✢  Rust-Oleum Specialty Metallic Gold Spray Paint  (any is fine, but I've found the Rust-Oleum brand to offer the most realistic gold look)
✢  Krylon Interior-Exterior Fast Dry or Mod Podge Gloss Sealer (optional)
✢  Items To Spray Paint (see below) _______________________________________________________________
1. Ceramic Camel Ring Dish Forever 21 = $4.80 (Similar Bird Ring Dish)
 2. Plastic Baskets Target 1 Spot = $1.00 /each (Similar $1 Baskets)
3. Plastic Hangers Given with Purchase = Free (any plastic hanger will work - I always ask at check-out to keep mine)
4. Metal File Organizer IKEA = $6.99 /2 pack (Similar File Organizers)
5. Medium Binder Clips  Staples = $1.79

✢  Be sure to stand at least a foot away from the item you are spraying to get a smooth, even coverage, or the paint will end up getting heavy and could leave drip marks.
✢  Press painter's tape down firmly on all edges to prevent spray paint from seeping underneath and leaving paint where you don't want it.
✢  If paint does end up where you don't want it while spraying ceramic, like the camel dish, once completely dry and before using a top coat, you can scrape it away with your nail or a flat metal edge.
✢  Though not a necessary step, I do recommend using a top coat seal on any items that will get more 'wear and tear' and to add extra protection, especially on the hangers.  Plus, it adds a nice, smooth sheen to the items and you can choose a glossy or matte finish.

Scissors  / Stapler  /  Jumbo Paper Clip  /  Shoe Tape Dispenser  /  Pencil Holder  /  Nail File

✢  If you aren't much of a Gold person, you can always use Silver Metallic Spray Paint on items that aren't silver or any color you choose.
✢  Creativity is limitless and has no boundaries, just have fun! :)

SATURDAY SAYINGS: LIFE, HAPPINESS, MISTAKES, MUSIC AND NEW YORK

Empire State Building picture taken by Liesl Ehardt out front of the NoMad Hotel.

ALL Quote Images and Layouts Designed by Liesl Ehardt.

LIFE: SOME OF MY FAVORITE AFFORDABLE HEALTHY SNACK OPTIONS

Happy Friday, Bogland!
The New Year seems to bring a feeling of hope, fresh starts and that desire to get fit and stay healthy.
I often get asked to share what I eat or join in on the "What I Ate Today" posts that are common among bloggers and YouTubers.
So, today, I'm sharing some of my favorite Healthy Snack options, which are also affordable. Healthy and affordable don't always go hand in hand, but these snacks will give you the energy and protein you need in just a handful to keep you charged throughout the day.
It was while working in pre-opening for The Knickerbocker hotel in Times Square, that I was first introduced to Nuts.com products. I'll admit it was the too adorable for words and fun colored packaging that caught my attention.  Yet, what was inside was delicious and available in perfectly packaged to-go or sample sized portions. Enjoying an individual sized bag of the Nuts.com Oriental Mix, delish!

Below are my favorite healthy snacks, with wasabi peas and oriental mixes making my top picks, which you will see me snacking on whenever possible.  Add in a couple slices of good cheese and a glass of red wine and the almonds and dried apricots make my top picks.  
Oh and if I'm being completely honest, goldfish crackers and multi-grain cheerios would be in the mix of my snacking habits as well because I'm like a big kid! :)  
If you sign-up for the Nuts.com Newsletter HERE, you will have access to future discount codes that you can't find anywhere else.  You know I love opportunities to save and share ways to do just that with you! Yay!
What are some of your favorite healthy snack options?  Share them in the comments below! 1. Dried Apricots / 2. Pitted Dates / 3. Roasted Almonds / 4. Wasabi Peas / 5. Dried Cherries / 6. Oriental Mix

RED CARPET LOOKS: MY GOLDEN GLOBES 2016 TOP PICKS FEATURING CHIC SKETCH

Happy Monday, Everyone!
Firstly, I want to wish my sister a very Happy 40th Birthday, I just know it is going to be an incredible decade for her!
I hope you all enjoyed your weekend.  Mine was productive and ended beautifully watching the 2016 Golden Globe Awards sitting by a cozy file with a great glass of red wine.
Having been a professional TV and Film actor for over 15 years, I've always enjoyed award shows, even when I was little, and seeing fellow actors, witnessing their accomplishments and getting to view their red carpet looks.  Plus, who doesn't love a fancy dress and feeling glamorous! :)
Below are some of my top picks from last night's star studded event along with a special treat for FF4SS readers.  Emily Brickel Adelson from the popular Fashion App known as Chic Sketch and her team have shared some sketches of my top looks with me to share with all of you. 
Share your top picks in the comments below, I'd love to see the looks you loved and share them with other fashionistas in bogland! Some beautiful sketches by Emily Brickel Adelson of some of my favorite looks shared with FF4SS by the creative team from Chic Sketch.
Follow Chic Sketch On: Instagram  /  Facebook  /  Twitter To Download Chic Sketch please visit their Website at: www.ChicSketch.com  (The app is also available at the App Store and Google Play.)

Helen Mirren wearing Badly Mischka ...I hope I look as great as she does at 70, just gorgeous! Photo by: David Fisher

Jaimie Alexander wearing Genny

Photo by: Jason Merritt

Miss Golden Globe Corinne Foxx wearing Paolo Sebastian

Photo by: Valerie Macon

Joanne Froggatt wearing Reem Acra
...a favorite designer of mine for personal reasons, so classic.
Photo by: Steve Granitz

Alicia Vikander wearing Louis Vuitton ...love, love, loving the back! Photo by: Steve Granitz Jenna Dewan Tatum wearing Zuhair Murad Couture
Photo by: Jason Merritt Jennifer Lopez wearing Giambattista Valli
...and heels that I fell in love with at first sight! ❤
Photo by: Jason Merritt

Viola Davis wearing Marchesa
...this translated better on screen than in a picture.
Photo by: Jason Merritt

SATURDAY SAYINGS: LOVE, LIFE AND LOOKING FORWARD INSPIRATION

ALL Quote Images and Layouts Designed by Liesl Ehardt.

LOOK 4 LESS: DOWNTOWN ABBEY'S MICHELLE DOCKERY - CASUAL CHIC

Happy Monday, Everyone!
How many of you watched the premiere of the final season of "Downton Abbey" last night?  I did and have enjoyed the many layers of the show, it's relationships, costumes, elegance and history since the start.
In the spirit of it all, I thought I would bring you this classic, casual, yet chic, look sported effortlessly by Michelle Dockery, which I have recreated for under $140 from head to toe.  
This look would be perfect for work, a business casual event or even happy hour cocktails and could be a great go-to classic black look to have on hand in your closet.
I'll admit, this is a little more than most of the affordable looks I put together, but many elements are timeless pieces that you could interchange with so many things and enjoy for years.
Let me know what looks you'd like to see in the comments below!

Look 4 Less Layout: Created by Liesl Ehardt
Michelle Dockery Image: Photo by Anthony Harvey via Getty Images

1. Satin Trim Tuxedo Blazer

Forever 21 = $37.90

2. Light Grey 100% Silk Tank Top

YOOK = $49.00

3. Black Slim Tuxedo Ankle Pant

Macy's = $24.50

4. Black Pointed Pumps

Forever 21 = $27.90

________________________________________________

TOTAL LOOK = $139.90

SATURDAY SAYINGS: LIFE, OPPORTUNITY AND STARTING FRESH

Happy Saturday, Bogland!

I hope you are all having a great new year and relaxing start to the weekend.  Along with my new layout for the new year, I've decided to make a slight change to my popular Saturday Sayings posts.  

Since I love creating and designing, each of the inspirational quotes I post as part of Saturday Sayings will be created and designed my me moving forward.  Instead of pulling and posting those I find on Pinterest and beyond, as I did previously.  

That said, I will continue pinning, sharing and spreading other creative inspiration I find and enjoy on my Pinterest page.  In doing so, if I find designs I love, I will post them here, from time to time, and credit it with a direct link to the source right under the image, per usual.

Enjoy, and please feel free to share some of your favorite quotes and/or words of inspiration, whether from others (just please credit them) or in your own words, in the comment below these posts on my blog, on my Pinterest, Instagram, Facebook or Twitter pages.  

You never know, I may turn one of yours into a Saturday Saying quote design and share it here and on all my social media with a special credit to you. Yay!

ALL quote images and layouts created and designed by Liesl Ehardt.

LIFE: HELLO, 2016 - LET'S SPREAD AS MUCH INSPIRATION & KINDNESS AS POSSIBLE

Happy New Year, Bogland!

Above image designed and created by Liesl Ehardt.

Each new year seems to bring a magical burst of hope and inspiration with the chance to start fresh attached to it. There is something about this notion and feeling that brings a true, natural beauty.   Plus, there is something special about this year, and the number it adds up to, which makes me think in my heart that there just might be a little extra guidance in the right direction this year, but we'll have to wait 364 more days and see.  Stay tuned! :)
What are you most hoping to accomplish in 2016?  Leave it in the comments below, and let's help keep each other moving forward towards an adventure filled and successful year! ❤
Here's to my hopes and goals for the year ahead and beyond . . .

Above created and designed by Liesl Ehardt.