It’s been kind of a whirlwind week! Tuesday morning I filmed a few DIY’s with the Live Well Network at Native Citizen in Houston. Let me just say that I apparently need to memorize everything I say word for word, because off the cuff smoothness I cannot do. It’s a shame DIY’s can’t be explained through sarcastic jokes, because I’m great at those.

Now I’m in Dallas with Smilebooth training to be a tornado fighter… not really, but checking into a hotel and having to be warned to hide in the bathroom if I hear tornado sirens is totally not cool, especially for a girl from West Virginia. Needless to say, getting to my computer to blog wasn’t my top priority.

While I’m away getting my Twister on, I thought I’d share a few photos from the filming on Tuesday and to make you want all of the vintage goodness in Native Citizen as much as I do. If you’re local, definitely check it out!

Surprisingly, there was a little paper mache action going on too!

I’m quickly learning that I can’t always keep up with everything myself, so I’m trying to let go of the reigns a little bit and ask for help. This is where you come in!

If you’d like to contribute to Sugar & Cloth with DIY’s or unique columns, I’d love to hear from you! I’m also looking for someone in the Houston area that would be willing to work on a per project/as needed basis to help with DIY projects and in-store events (there’s also never any shortage of cupcakes!).

If you’re interested, please email me at ashley[at]sugarandcloth.com with the subject line “Contribute” and a link to your portfolio, website, Instagram, or any relevant material that showcases your work and ideas. Can’t wait to meet you!

photo source, design by Sugar & Cloth

Plus, Red Envelope sent me the sweetest leather Baggu tote from their Gifts For Her collection and I needed a reason to show it off. Don’t judge me, you know how it goes! It basically hasn’t left my side since I opened it up!

photos by Brooke Schwab Photography

1 Baggu leather tote from Red Envelope, $159 // 2 Zara shopper, $149 // 3 Zara suede combination shopper, $89 // 4 Kate Spade Stripe Alicia tote, $298 // 5 Kate Spade Love is in the Air tote, $198 // 6  Zara leather bowling bag, $159 // 7 Anthro Nantucket weekender, $298 // 8 Zara bowling bag with zips, $189

As much as I DIY, I don’t exactly have the time to make things from scratch all for every occasion, room, or gift. So, I’m introducing you to my little secret of custom, but not always handmade things, like this Mother’s Day gift set for the baker.

Making a gift set like this is still one of a kind just like a DIY version, but doesn’t require all of the time.

• To make your own you can include these things:
• Recipe cards
• Matching apron and oven mit (this set is from Ikea)
• Striped straws
• Fresh cupcakes
• Specialty sugars and sprinkles
• Cute measuring spoons
• Matching cupcake liners

What baker wouldn’t love this much colorful goodness in one box?!

Looking for a unique twist on traditional flowers for Mother’s Day this year? Check out my giant paper flower bouquet DIY in the Langford Market lookbook for Spring!

Picka a few of Mom’s favorite colors, and surprise her with a bouquet that will definitely make a statement… three feet tall worth of statements to be exact.