Thursday, February 27, 2014

Free Printable Download

Free Printable Image | http://www.isntthatsew.com/p/downloads.html

Free Printable Image | http://www.isntthatsew.com/p/downloads.html

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Friday, February 21, 2014

GBK MTV Movie Awards Gift Lounge

Isn't that Sew Handmade | https://www.etsy.com/shop/IsntThatSew
Isn't that Sew Handmade | https://www.etsy.com/shop/IsntThatSew
As I mentioned previously, in my 2013 year in review post, I am now part of The Artisan Group. This group is an elite, juried community of talented handmade artisans who collectively provide their handcrafted products to celebrities, members of the press, and to popular TV show stylists.  I have chosen to go all in my first year with the group and I'm hoping that I will see great results! 

I will be participating in the GBK MTV Movie Awards Celebrity Gift Lounge and I have officially completed my pieces to gift to members of the press!  They are indeed all packaged up and ready to ship off to the event coordinator! I couldn't be more excited! I adore how they turned out and I can't wait to release them in my shop as part of the Spring 2014 collection! What do you think?

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Monday, February 17, 2014

Blog Tips | Site Map

Site Map
Site Map. So, what is it? A site map is an organized list of pages on your site. The goal of a site map is to make it super easy for users (or crawlers) to easily navigate your website. In other words, making it really easy to find what they want. 

Have you ever been on a website and couldn't find what you were looking for? What did you do? Personally, I move onto to the next website where I can find what I'm looking for! Therefore, site maps are far more important to the success of your blog than you think! 

Okay, let's face it. We all want to think that looks don't matter and it's what's on the inside that counts. False. I am here to tell you that is just untrue. I like pretty things, don't you? 

Now, there is also another component to all of this and that is we have expect a certain "look" or "feeling" from different types of sites. Blogs are expected to look a certain way, apparel retailers are supposed to look a certain way, financial website another way. And, so on. It's true. Pay attention to it the next time you're surfing the web. When you come across a site that doesn't meet those expectations, you're likely to high tail out of there! 

I know what you're thinking, this can sound kind of shallow. But, folks. It's the truth. We can be shallow beings sometimes. Often, we like things sugar coated and sparkly! And you know what, there isn't anything wrong with that. Because, with a little creativity, you still can be uniquely you (within the confines of what is expected, of course.)

Every blogs site map will not look the same, but the layout should be similar. For example, for my blog, I want readers to know that I have an Etsy Shop. So, I try to draw attention to that on my sidebar, navi bar, and even on the top of my page. You might want readers to know about a blog series you're proud of, or a charity you support. See, we're all so unique! All jokes aside though, did you know readers spend nearly 3/4 of their time viewing the left side of a website. (read this article) Why, you ask. Simply because we read from left to right! Makes sense, no? Not only do I prefer the blog content to be on the left, it makes sense too. Test it out for yourself! 

Still not convinced? Let me show you a few examples of leading Apparel Brands that do it great! 

site map

The site maps for these three leading women's apparel brands are nearly identical, However, and most importantly, they still possess their own style and feeling. The design of the website reflects the brand while still adhering to what is expected of an online apparel retailer.  Anthropologie website is eclectic, warm, and very bohemian...Michael Kors site feels lux and sophisticated, and JCrew site reads crisp and clean. See. I told you so! If that doesn't convince you, then I don't know what will!

Leave me a comment and let me know if you like this post and would be interested in more like it. I'd appreciate some feedback! Thanks y'all! -Ruth-

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Friday, February 14, 2014

Free Printable Wall Art

Do all things with LOVE || FREE PRINTABLE Wall Art || http://www.isntthatsew.com/p/downloads.html

Do all things with LOVE || FREE PRINTABLE Wall Art || http://www.isntthatsew.com/p/downloads.html

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Wednesday, February 12, 2014

Homemade Lip Scrub

Homemade lip scrub using only 3 household ingredients || www.isntthatsew.com

Homemade Lip Scrub
1 Part Sugar (brown or white)
1 Part Coconut Oil
1 Part Honey

Mix equal parts of each ingredient in a small container or ramekin. Exfoliate lips by applying scrub in a circular motion. For best results, use in the shower. Then, simply rinse and pat lips dry.

So, we all know sugar maybe isn't the basis of a nutritious diet. But, you know what? It's definitely is a great tool to keeping your largest organ healthy, your skin! It makes a great base for any exfoliate! Take my coconut body scrub recipe for example. But, you might be wondering what the benefits of a lip scrub might be. Well, let me tell you. Lip scrubs are not just for the Winter months when you lips are dry and cracked. Oh no, they are great for all year! Did you know that when lipstick is applied to freshly exfoliated lips, it will go on with a smooth and even texture? Another reason why this scrub is so great is that it's all natural and I bet most of you have these ingredients in your pantry! And, did I mention that it kind of tastes really great too? So, tell me...will you be giving this lip scrub a try?
Homemade lip scrub using only 3 household ingredients || www.isntthatsew.com


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Monday, February 10, 2014

Turkey and Roasted Tomato Breakfast Sandwich

Turkey and Roasted Tomato Breakfast Sandwich | www.isntthatsew.com

I made this glorious sandwich for Brunch the other day! Have I ever mentioned that I love brunch. Mostly because I prefer to combine meals and eat at odd times of the day. But, I thought I might share this one with y'all since it's a little something different! I do have to warn you, there is quite a bit of multi-tasking involved in this recipe.


Turkey and Roasted Tomato Open Faced Breakfast Sandwich
yields 2 breakfast sandwiches

1 large tomato
2 eggs
2 slices of cheese
4-6 slices of turkey (or ham)
salt + pepper
Turkey and Roasted Tomato Breakfast Sandwich | www.isntthatsew.com

Turn broiler to low. Slice tomato thin and place on baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Pop the tomatoes in the broiler, but keep an eye on them so they don't burn. They might take 5-7 minutes. While the tomatoes are roasting, you can toast the bread and fry the egg. Then, simply assemble the sandwich! Bread, Cheese, Turkey, Tomato, and egg! 
Turkey and Roasted Tomato Breakfast Sandwich | www.isntthatsew.com
Turkey and Roasted Tomato Breakfast Sandwich | www.isntthatsew.com


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Wednesday, February 5, 2014

20 things I learned in my 20's

I been thinking a lot lately. About life and the meaning of it all and I realized something. My twenties were all about learning about life and the way the world works. No so much about learning about myself. I feel like my thirties have really been more focused on learning about myself, as a person. Which is interesting because you always hear the cliche saying about your twenties being the time to find yourself. False. At least, that really hasn't been the case in my life.  I do not think of myself as wise, or smart, or any of that stuff. But, I do know that I've learned a few lessons in the last decade and I'd like to share with you ....

20 things
1. You don't know everything. In fact, you hardly know anything at all! Creation, God, and The Universe are far grander than any of us know. Than any of us are capable of even understanding. We are very limited beings and are ignorant of how the World works around us. We don't even know how our own bodies work! 
2. You cannot choose your family. But, you can choose your friends. Sometimes, Family is awesome and sometimes... they are not. If you must, learn to love and let go. Don't keep toxic relationships in your life.  
3. Family doesn't always mean blood. Enough said. 
4. Life seems hard. But, it doesn't have to be. Stop making every situation complicated. Are you addicted to drama? Life is only as good (or as bad) as you make it. So, is today going to be a good day? 
5. Adapt and Overcome. I learned this from my Father at a very young age, but it didn't really begin to take shape until I was out on my own. Learn to adapt and overcome any obstacle that enters your path. Don't become attached to any one given thing, person, or situation. And learn to love yourself. 
6. There is no "plateau". Stop saying "someday, I will __fill in the blank__". There will NEVER be a someday and there will NEVER be this perceived plateau. I'm not saying to stop making plans, but I am saying that you will not wake up one day and everything will be "perfect". Being human means always changing, growing, always evolving. Who you are and what you know at age 20 will most likely NOT be who you are and what you know when you're 30. I speak from experience. 
7. Follow your instinct. Follow your gut. Follow your intuition. And follow it now. Don't wait until it's to late. 
8. Time fly's. And the older you get, the faster it goes. Make a move, NOW!
9. Tomorrow never comes. So stop procrastinating and saying that you'll take care of it tomorrow. Because tomorrow, tomorrow will still be tomorrow. Please refer to #6.
10. There is always more than what meets the eye. Nothing, nothing, nothing is ever what it seems. Please, refer to number 1. From the people you meet, the things you see, hear, smell, taste, and touch. Nothing is what it seems. 
11. You are what you eat.
12. And don't forget to feed your soul. 
13. It's okay to ask for help. No need to be afraid. 
14. Don't also be in such a hurry. If you drive to fast, you'll forget to enjoy the ride...
15. Be present. Be here now. This moment, this one RIGHT NOW...it's the only one you've got!
16. There isn't only one Yellow Brick Road. There are many routes to reach your destination. Do what feels right for you. 
17. Believe in something. And have faith in that belief. God, The Universe, The Higher Power, it is like the sun, you can feel it...and you know it's there. But, you can't gaze directly at it. It will light your path.....and it will be there for you...so have some faith. TRUST.
18. Be grateful for EVERYTHING. That is all.
Waco Gate
19. Be careful what you wish for THINK ABOUT. One thing I know for sure is that our thoughts become our words....our words become our actions....our actions become our habits....our habits become our days...and our days become our lives....So, be careful what it is that you think about. 
20. Wealth doesn't always mean money and money doesn't always mean happiness. When you're on your death bed, you will not be patting yourself on the back because you owned a Bentley. Rather, you will be thinking about your relationships with others, how you treated the people you cared about, how you spent your time, your money, and your efforts. The things you really enjoyed. The things that really matter.

To follow up #20, I feel like Brandi Carlile's song, "That wasn't me" perfectly sums it up. Please, listen..and enjoy.  -Ruth-

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Monday, February 3, 2014

Insta-Recap | January 2014

Ruth Reyes-Loiacano Instagram
February folks, February. Can you believe it? I am just amazed at how time flies! This is generally the hardest time of year for me to get through, in limbo between the festivities of the Holidays and the warmth of Spring. It's been pretty cold here in North Texas, scratch that. It's been 70°F one day, and then 25°F the next! It's been a crazy roller coaster! This winter has by far been the toughest winter we've experienced since moving here in 2011. It's nothing compared to what my family and the folks up north are getting hit with. But, it's rough none-the-less. I try to keep myself busy with projects to stave off that seasonal depression. Do you have any tips and tricks to make it through this last stretch of winter?

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