DIY Painted Hair Pins

February 27, 2013

We girls have tons of options when it comes to hair accessories, but we don't always want the attention-grabbing feathered fascinator or jewel-embellished headband. For those days when you just want to get your hair out of your face but still add a bit of color to your look, try this simple painted hair pin project. All you need is bobby pins and nail polish; just paint the pins, letting them dry between coats. You can do solid colors or try stripes, and if you're really creative, you could try to paint a unique pattern. You can even do clear polish and roll the hair pin in fine glitter. It's a fast, easy, and inexpensive way to make plain old bobby pins look a little more special.

I used old pins that were already losing their black paint, and painted three coats of nail polish on the straight side of the pin. To dry them, I simply slid them onto a piece of paper, paint side up.

 

photography by Angelica Golden

5 Ways to Multitask in the Shower

February 26, 2013

More and more I'm finding that the only real "me" time I have on most days is during my blessed shower. It's often the only time I'm actually alone and usually the place where I get my best thinking done. So the other day I was thinking (while in the shower, natch) that, in our insanely busy lives, it would be cool to multitask during shower time. I compiled a list of five things you can do, other than bathing, while in the shower.

1. Learn a new language (via disc or download or podcast, etc).
You've been wanting to take up Italian, so learn Italian. There are no distractions, and you'd be surprised to learn just how much you can absorb in just 10 minutes or so.

2. Listen to news on the radio.
Because it's important to be informed. Plus, this may be your only chance to actually catch up on what's happening in the world around you.

3. Use the voice recorder on your smartphone to dictate thoughts, ideas, etc.
If you're like me, some of your best ideas come to you while you're under the shower head. Don't let them all slip down the drain.

4. Listen to an audiobook.
This is a good one! Just don't get so wrapped up in a story that you forget to conserve water.

5. Pray or meditate.
This is your alone time, and let's face it, it's probably the only time you'll alone all day. Reconnect with God, or use the time to do some healing breathing.

6. Do a breast self-exam.
Okay, I promised you five, but this is one that should be done no matter what, even if you never get around to doing the other five.

image via

Easy Appetizers: Goat Cheese with Walnuts & Cranberries

February 24, 2013

I'm a firm believer that good food needn't always be difficult to make or require lots of time in the kitchen. For a quick snack that's simple to put together and presents beautifully at a party (or just to a hungry husband), cheese and crackers is always a winning combination. This recipe combines tangy cranberries and crunchy walnuts with creamy goat cheese, takes mere minutes to prepare, and, best of all, looks and tastes fantastic

Goat Cheese with Walnuts & Cranberries
1 4-oz goat cheese log
3 tablespoons dried cranberries
3 tablespoons walnuts

Chop cranberries and walnuts, then toss together in a shallow bowl. Add goat cheese log and roll it around to coat, gently pressing the cranberry and walnut mixture into the cheese with your fingers. Serve with your favorite crackers and fresh or dried fruit (goat cheese pairs nicely with Granny Smith apples). You can also turn this appetizer into a meal by serving it on a bed of mixed spring greens with grilled chicken and balsamic vinegar.

photography by Angelica Golden

Last Minute Oscar Party Ideas

February 22, 2013

The 85th annual Academy Awards are this Sunday but there's still plenty of time to plan a fabulous Oscar party. With free printables, fun food ideas, and a little imagination you've got everything you need for a winning night.

Serve plenty of snacks, like mini crab cakes, or classic movie fare like hot dogs, candy, and popcorn. Get creative with food presentation--think edible gold glitter sprinkled on cupcakes or a director's clapper as a serving tray. These star brownies and licorice wheels from Amy Atlas mimic the Hollywood Walk of Fame and little film reels. 


The Oscars are a black tie affair, so it's always appropriate to serve champagne at your soiree, but another fun idea is a signature cocktail, like the Oscar Night Smash from Camille Styles. And of course any drink is even more dazzling with festive swizzle sticks.  



No matter how funny the host is (this year it's Seth MacFarlane) there are inevitably moments in a televised award ceremony that induce uncontrollable yawns. Keep the party going with printable Oscar Bingo, or have guests fill out their own Oscar ballots, like these from One Charming Party.  Both can can be made into drinking games if things get really dull.


Decorations can be kept simple and require virtually no thought at all. Printable labels from Hostess with the Mostess look great on vases, in frames, or on serving trays; gold star confetti can be thrown on tables; and a cheap, plastic red tablecloth can be made into a faux red carpet.

Keep Colored Denim From Fading

February 21, 2013

 
After several seasons in the spotlight, colored denim is still on every stylist's radar as a must-have trend for spring and summer, and whether you spend a ton of cash on them or find an über cheap pair from H&M or Target, you want that color to last. Here's an easy and inexpensive tip that can ensure your colored jeans stay as bold and bright as the day you bought them:  add one cup of white vinegar to the wash to keep the color from fading. Don't you wish everything in life could be that simple?

image via

 

Easy Nutella Cookies

February 19, 2013


I'm a huge fan of Nutella and am always on the lookout for recipes that call for it (otherwise, I keep it super classy and eat it straight out of the jar with a spoon). These yummy little bites are chewy on the inside and crispy on the outside--perfect for when you're craving something chocolatey. And since they only require three ingredients and take just minutes to prepare, you can whip up a batch in no time!

Easy Nutella Cookies
1 cup Nutella, or other chocolate-hazelnut spread
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 whole egg

Preheat oven to 350. Combine all ingredients (dough will be crumbly), then roll into 1-inch balls. Place cookie dough balls on baking sheet and use the palm of your hand or the bottom of a glass to flatten them.  Bake 7-8 minutes or until set. Enjoy!

photography by Angelica Golden

Rose Petal Bath

February 19, 2013

With Valentine's Day behind us you're probably wondering what to do with that wilting bouquet that's sitting on your table. Here's what:

1. Take the roses out.
2. Pluck the petals off.
3. Toss rose petals into a nice, hot bath.
4. Pour yourself a glass of wine and luxuriate in your tub.

And if you're like me and you've little time for a long, luxurious soak in your tub, indulge in a quick but decadent, rose-scented manicure at home instead.

image via

Scuff Up New Shoes

February 15, 2013

We've all done this--gotten a new pair of shoes to wear to an event on the actual day of the event. When there's no time to break in those hot new heels try this:
Rub soles of the shoes with coarse sandpaper for a few minutes. This will scuff the bottoms, creating the traction needed to prevent you from having an embarrassing slip. 

photography by Angelica Golden

DIY Lip Scrub

February 14, 2013

Despite what any lip balm promises to do, it's always a good idea to exfoliate your kisser for softer, prettier lips, and since you probably have everything you need to do so right in your pantry, you can try it now. Simply mix two teaspoons each of brown sugar, honey, and an oil such as olive, coconut, or vitamin E; scrub, scrub, scrub your lips; then wipe them clean with a warm, damp cloth and apply your favorite lip balm. You'll be amazed at how soft your pucker looks and feels! Bonus, your lipstick will glide on much more smoothly too.

photography by Angelica Golden

Happy Valentine's Day and Welcome!

February 14, 2013

Happy Valentine's Day, and welcome to The Savvy Girl's Guide to Life! I'm so excited to be creating a place for women like you to come for style and beauty advice, tips for entertaining at home, DIY projects, recipes, and so much more.  And what better day to launch than what is surely the sweetest day of the year (such a fabulous anniversary!)?  I've got tons of inspiring ideas that I can't wait to share with you. It's going to be a lot of fun, and I'm so happy you're here.

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