Homemade Monogrammed Pillows!

Today, I am sharing with you the finished pillows that I made this past weekend! I have been wanting to make these for over a year now for the girls! I am a VERY beginner sewer and was scared to even attempt this project! My gracious mama helped me with the details and steps! BLESS HER HEART! I am soooooooo proud of myself and love how they turned out! I, of course, love my daughters names and was stoked to make the personal gift for them! 

Are they not so presh? I can't wait for them to have their room in the next few months with bunk beds and these pillows!!!!! 

My mom made the strawberry pillow for Zion for Christmas too! I made the floral and chevron pillow too! (back when I was nesting with Zakiyah) The quilt is made by my mom and the polka dot pillow is Pottery Barn Kids. 

Materials needed: 

fabric for letters! ( I used Joel Dewberry, that match the quilt) I got strips of fabric that were 6-8" wide.

pillow fabric- I used white minky. I bought 1.5 yards 

pom-poms (3+ yards)

pellan paper or freezer paper

Elmer's glue

scissors

thread

ruler

stuffing for pillows

Pillow measurements:  Zion / 20" width and 10" height, Zakiyah / 26" width and 10" height

Add at least 1" on each side for sewing. I based my size off the letters. I free hand drew the letters with a ruler. I went with around 3.5" in height for the letters. After cutting the letters out, trace them on the paper and cut out the paper too. Iron on the letters to the paper, this will help with sewing, so your fabric doesn't slide around. 

Above is a photo of the letters resting on the pillows. I ironed on the letters (paper side on back) to secure the placement. Now you are ready to sew….. I used my machine for Zion (doing a small zigzag stitch with pink thread), for Zakiyah, I used my mom's cadillac machine (blanket stitch and blue thread) I am not a good sewer but I made it happen! 

so profresh! 

After sewing the letters on, we used the glue to place the pom-poms on the edging. Why glue? No pins needed! AMEN. Glue, and iron the glue on to seal the deal. Make sure you face the pom-poms inward/since you want it outward. (always opposite). 

a close up the glued pom-poms. 

Now, take the back and put it on top of the front. (The backside showing). I went around and pinned the front/pom poms/ back with pins being around 1" apart. I sewed this 2 separate times. Making 2 stitches. Leave a 5-6" gap to stuff pillow. 

Now flip your pillow so you can see it and stuff away! 

 After it is stuffed to your liking, hand sew (whip stitch) the gap closed! And…. you, my friends, have a lovely pillow! 

 What do you think? Do you like it? I am so excited for my girls to have these!!!!!!! 

Lock Love Wednesday // Before + Afters

(Above:  I simply twisted my hair into 3 buns and bobby pinned them)

Happy Lock Love Wednesday! Every Wednesday, I share a hair related post with y'all! Being a hairstylist + a mom, I found myself getting in a hair rut. It is so easy to lose inspiration with your daily styling routine! LLW helps me keep my "head in the game"! This week I am sharing with you some Before + Afters! Who doesn't like to see some transformations? I would love to have you join me below by linking up and showing off your hair! Otherwise, follow me on Instagram @talahairlife #locklovewednesday and #locklovewed

  I gave Amy a fresh new look by giving her lots of blonde and caramel. I cut her hair inverted and layered it up quite a bit with texture! She looks lovely! 

 Jaymi wanted to go blonde for this drurry winter! It is looking soooooo good! 

 Sarah is gorgeous! She loves her long hair, as do I! We decided to give it a clean up, by taking the length up 1" or so. I curled her hair with a curl wand! 

 Val has amazing hair! She was all natural in color, so I added in fine foils of caramel and auburn brown! I cleaned up her ends and layered her hair with some choppy layers. 

 My friend, Sylvie has great hair! I gave her a double foil, adding in lots of blonde and some rich brown low lights! She is growing out her hair, so we just gave her a trim to maintain the length! 

 Cute little Zander! I love this little dude! He has the best hair! 

 John was growing out his hair and up for change. I went tight on the sides and talked him to a side part, while rocking this natural texture on top! 

 Joan hadn't colored her hair in 6 months! I did a full foil of caramel and painted the rest of her hair with a rich warm light brown! We shaped her layers and and framed out her face with some soft dimension.

I groomed Brandon's hair and made his curls more patorinate with his length. I think it turned out wonderful.

I got to color my friend's hair for the first time! We wanted to brighten it up and keep it really subtle. I weaved in caramel and strawberry blonde tones to add depth and dimension! I love how it looks sun-kissed.

Link up below and show off your locks with Tala!

Stocking Stuffers GIFT GUIDES

I love a good stocking Stuffer!Sometimes, it can be overwhelming picking items to put in that stocking of yours; so I created some guides for you:  For HER, For HIM, and for KIDS! Enjoy!!!!!

1.We love these gingerbread recycled crayons! They have a great variety of shapes to pick from! Ninjas, fortune cookies, gems etc.
2. I love the simplicity of the Magic Clip Fairytale Princesses! They are small and fun for little girls to play with. The clothes literally just snap on!
3. I think Crayola twistable colored pencils and crayons are the best invention for kiddos!
4. Last year, my daughters got these from their Aunt Katie and Uncle Mike! I love them!!!!!! Every pair of Toms you buy, they give a pair of shoes to someone in need! They are so stylish and fun for kids to wear.
5. Mix match socks  are brilliant! My kids are always wearing mix matched socks anyways, might as well be intentional! I love the concept for kids and adults!
6. Jelly Cat stuffed animals  are based out of London. They are my fav! I love the quality of the stuffed animal and they make the cutest ones to pick from! We have the lamb and tiger! My daughters love cuddling up with these!
7. nail stickers are a great idea for your little fashionista! Brilliant. No painting necessary!
8. My girls love having bubble baths. I love throwing in practical gifts into stockings! This one is my fav!!!! Natural and great for dry/sensitive skin.
9. flash cards are always a hit with kids! There are soooo many fabulous ones out there! They are great for education purposes and make great art in kids rooms!
10. This circus train is just tooooo cute! I love it!!!!!! Great for playing or displaying on a shelf. I can just picture my kids pulling this around the floors in our home.
11. cars/trains/planes are so fun to collect! I love the design of this one!

1. I have been wanting the naked 3 palette, as soon as I heard about it! I have had the naked 2 palette for 2 years and it is my favorite for eyeshadow! This one has more rose gold tones!!!!! I want!
2. My Hus and I love the quality of Penzey's spices. It is crazy how much of a difference it makes using these verses grocery store ones. An idea for you is to buy a gift set and split it up for stockings! Our favs are Chinese Cinnamon, Northwoods seasoning, Pasta Sprinkle, Garlic Salt, and Sweet Curry.
3. I love fun calendars! Etsy is my go-to for buying these every year. I love supporting artists and having fun "art" in my home throughout the year!
4. Mrs. Meyers Candles  are the best ever! I buy them at Target usually! My favorite scent is "lavender"!  I love the holiday scents too! They are soy based and burn amazing.
5. This Arrow stamp is stinkin' awesome! I love rubber stamps! The ideas are endless. I love arrows right now! Soooo Fun!
6. slipper socks are the best! Are these not the cutest? The button and details on them are dreamy. I would live in them!
7. One line a Day journal  is a great gift for someone that wants to log kid quotes or use it for a gratitude journal. Simple and resourceful.
8. I always love buying the holiday collection by OPI for my hair clients! Nail polish makes a great stocking stuffer for all the ladies! My favorite brands are OPI, Essie, and Zoya!
9. I am a HUGE FAN of essential oils! I have been using them for 10 years now! I am really sensitive to scents and I love that they are pure and natural. It is crazy how many things they are great for! Sickness/Perfume/Stress/Medicine etc. I sell/use DoTERRA essential oils. My favs are Citrus Blend, Elevation and Lavender! They are amazing!!!! You can drop them in your water, put them on directly, diffuse them to have your room smell, use them to heal warts/eczema/deodorize etc. I use them every single day!!!!!

1. How cool is this wooden wallet? I love the clean lines and design of it!
2. Starbucks city mugs are a favorite of our family! They are so fun to collect and are worth quite a bit of money after a few years!
3. This is perfect for the photographer in your life! Let's face it; we all use our phones for our camera more than we want to admit! You might as well have a good lens on there!
4. Good hair products make a huge difference for men! My favorite is the Mitch line by Paul Mitchell. I sell it at Tala! Smells amazing and produces good results.
5. Aveda Shave Set is a great idea for a man that grooms his face on a regular basis. This kit is perfect for him to use, helping his face to stay moisturized and clean!
6. Who doesn't love a fun chocolate bar? These are our fav! Typically, all grocery stores have great options for chocolate at the check out!
7. If you live in a state where there is winter, Scarfs are a must!I like the classy look of this one!
8. Moleskin notebooks are a great notebook for journaling/taking notes/making lists.

9. IPad Stands are a fun idea for anyone. How many times have you tried resting your ipad on a random object hoping it doesn't slide? I love any wood accessory for tech! 

10. wooden sunglasses are too cool for school! I love this company!

Do you have favorite GO-TOs for stockings? What is your favorite stocking stuffer that you have ever received?  Please share below!!!!!! 

Cass LIFE

On Fridays, I link up with Jeanett and Lauren and share with you my top 5. Here are some favs! We have been super busy, but having a blast this holiday season! I am working crazy 12 hour shifts at my studio and hosting like nobody's business! But LIFE IS WONDERFUL! 

I got to observe my 3 yo in ballet this week. SOOOOOOOOO presh! 

My life = forts. every day. every room. every blanket. My Kiyah girl loves them! 

My dear friend got me these boot toppers- I love the lace! 

Parties at the cass house! lots of them! Life is CRAZY- Here are some of our teens for Bible study Christmas party! It was a blast!!!!! 

  

Zion and I teaching Zakiyah how to stick out your tongue. HILARIOUS! 

I made some GIFT GUIDES this week for you to check out! Guys. Ladies. Baby. and Toddler! 

Happy Friday Friends! 

Hair Remedies for DRY HAIR

Every year, I am blown away at how winter effects our hair and skin! Being a hairstylist, I get asked everyday what to do for dry hair/scalp! Today, I am sharing with you some favs!!!! If you stop in at Tala in the next week, I will give you 10% off any of these products! Just mention this post! 

1. I love detanglers!!!!! I have used a dozen brands over the years but this one is my fav! It feels almost like a conditioner for your hair, without clogging the spray. You simply put it in your hair (mid shaft and ends) after washing it and style as normal! I use it on all kids too! My girls have been using detanglers since they were little babies! Why a detangler? It moisturizes, strengthens, protects from heat and sun, reduces frizz and is a miracle! 

2. It's a 10 hair mask! Heaven! It is amazing how 1-3 minutes of this deep conditioner can change the way your hair looks and feels. I use it once a week! It is great for blonde clients that have really porous hair and my grey haired clients that have the wirey hair. I love it on all hair types!!!! 

3. Moroccan Oil! This has been my favorite all around product for a half of a decade now! I use it my hair the days I wash. One pump through my strands gives it weightless shine! It smells so yummy too. I have clients that use this on their scalp too! It resolves and minimizes dandruff and dry scalp.  I carry the "Light" for my fine haired friends/and blondes! I also, carry the original Moroccan Oil! People, I tell you what….. you will not be disappointed! 

4. Shine Spray for a heat protectant from flat irons/curling irons. It works as a great finishing spray too!

5. Number one thing you can to not have dry hair…….. is NOT wash it every day! So train that scalp with some dry shampoo! Dry shampoo is a perfume for your hair, while absorbing oils and giving you volume! 

6. I am a big fan of Dry conditioners in the winter months! My hair has extra static and needs the shine! I spray it in on my hair every day!!! You apply this on the mid shaft and ends! I used to carry the Rockaholic Conditioner, but it is discontinued! I am loving this one!!!!! 

I would love to hear what your favs are for the winter months! Let's all take care of our hair and step it up a notch ;) 

GIFT GUIDE for HIM

I know that it is Lock Love Wednesday, but I thought I would switch it up today and share with you another gift guide! I created a Gift Guide for that man in your life! 

1. This is my husband's favorite briefcase! It is modern/simple and has the hard case to protect your gear! 

2. comfy clothes are a must for guys too! Pick something in their favorite team! 

3. A manly journal….. need I say more. 

4. Double walled tumblers are the best for coffee/tea. They keep the your bevy a lot longer than most! For those hot summer days, it keeps your drink cool too! 

5. This magazine is fresh and resourceful. The essays and photography are different than all the other magazines out there. I am a big fan of magazine subscriptions! 

6. the endless possibilities for dates and/or initials you can put on this. love. 

7. IPad minis are a computer/kindle/ipod/game all in one! Brilliant. 

8. Musical instruments are fun for gifts. Harmonicas. Guitars. Drum boxes. or Ukulele!

9. I love handmade art and especially if it has meaning. State art would be fun to give. Whether, it is vacation you went on, or where you are from, or went to college…… It is a nice and playful.

10. For the Techy in your life- Get them this dock! My Hus is the king of putting his glasses, keys, wallet and phone on the counter, this would be perfect to solve the clutter situation.

11. Living in Minnesota, Snowboard hats are a must! 

Do you have any fun ideas for that man in your life? I would love to hear some of them. Happy Wednesday!

Gift Guide for Toddlers!

I have been having so much fun putting together these gift guides for you! If you missed my other guides, they are here and here! I thought I would share with you a toddler (girl) list with you today! I had my 3.75 year old in mind while creating this guide! 

1. Puzzles are the best! It has been fun graduating from board/wood puzzles and having fun with more detailed ones! I love the Djeco puzzles for the design and quality!
2. I love how cuddly pillow pets are.
3. Adorable- make your own- family set by seedling
4. This campfire/s'more set is perfect the toddler that loves the outdoors!
5. The endless possibilities with this set of ABC's are perfect for that child in your life!
6. Kids Made Modern crafts/art supplies are my favorite! Target has nailed it again!
7. I love jammies! Two piece sets are great for potty trained children!
8. Wooden strollers "Prams" are just too cute for words! I love how cute they are!!! I may have gotten Zion one for Christmas!!
9. I can't handle how precious these knit dolls are!
10. Dollhouse furniture is so much fun for the littles!

Do you have any favs for that toddler in your life? I am always looking for new ideas! Please share in the comments :)