The Better DIY: Dip-Dyed Anthropologie Pillow

My theory is that Anthopologie's home goods section is so popular because everything looks like it was made by the most talented and crafty person. With a few trips to Anthro, you can make your space look like you have a really sweet grandma with a wonderful eye for picking patterns and an unlimited amount of time to supply you with the most adorable quilts and throw pillows. 

Unfortunately, most of this charm comes at a not-too-charming price, and thus I decided to give it a go at making my own pillows for a fraction of the price. It was pretty easy since I used a sewing machine, but it could have easily been created by hand stitching. 

The water to dye ratio depends on how saturated you want the colors to be on your pillow. Play around with this, but remember to slowly add dye to achieve the color saturation you desire. Also, be mindful that when you rinse the fabric the colors will fade. 

The Better Martha: What's In My Bag

 

I have been living in The City since August, and since then some fundamental changes have been necessary for my survival. Heels are a thing of the past since I walk everywhere; fast walking is my new, normal pace; and I no longer tote the kitchen sink in my handbag. Deep down I will always be the California girl who drives everywhere, and therefore keeps a change of clothes in her backseat and her purse stocked with the items to remedy any possible emergency. 

Unfortunately that west coast habit is not only hard on the shoulders, but is mega inconvenient. I've gotten pretty good at limiting myself to items that I use regularly. Here's what I carry with me on an average day.  

1. Darla wallet with key chain
2. iPhone/subway entertainment
3. Water bottle
4. iPhone portable charger
5. Business card holder
6. Point and shoot camera (because lugging a DSLR is not practical)
7. Sunglasses
8. Kind bar
9. Moleskine planner
10. Small notebook
11. iPad (which I don't actually carry everywhere/everyday)
12. Bobbi Brown foundation stick
13. Jo Malone perfume
14. Cover Girl lip stain
15. Sunscreen
16. Lady product
17. Deodorant (anyone who has ever been in a subway station during the summer understands this) 

The Better Green Juice

Hey guys, guess what! I'm sick! Guess what (again) I'm also starting finals tomorrow! It's about the worst combination I could possibly imagine (way worse than orange juice after just brushing your teeth). I'm confident I'll survive because I've been getting plenty of rest and sucking down mason jars full of green juice. Also I have no other choice; I either get through it or fail. 

The stress of finals, the lack of sleep, the bad diet, and the germs of a college dorm all added up to this, so I don't know why I'm so surprised. If anything I wish this cold could have reared its ugly head a few days later. However, I started feeling better once I began downing as much fruit and veggie juice as I could possibly handle. Using fresh grapefruit, celery, cucumber,  broccoli, and spinach I've managed to make something pretty tasty that has amazing healing powers.  

If you use grapefruit, make sure to peel of the white parts between the sections. I personally like it (and it's really good for you) but most people I know say it creates a gross bitter taste.