April 23, 2017
Recently, I had dinner with a good friend, who also happens to be a psychologist, and she shared some awesome advice about self-care; namely that it's incredibly important, and that I need to be taking better care of myself. I went home that night and mulled over her advice for a long time. It wasn't news to me, but for some reason her words really resonated with me, and I realized that I had some very important decisions to make, including one about this blog.
After much consideration, and changing and re-changing my mind, I have decided that, for right now, it's best for me to stop blogging here. I've loved blogging as the Savvy Girl for the past four years, but taking care of two little girls, running a freelance business, making time for my husband, and now that I'm pregnant with baby number three, trying to squeeze in naps is a lot of work and I just don't have the energy to commit to this blog the way I really want to.
I'm not sure what the future holds, or whether or not I'll be back here in a year (or three), but I'd like to thank you for reading. I feel incredibly blessed and grateful to have had your support over these four years. Please revisit and bookmark your favorite tips (I know I'll be utilizing these tips when I give birth this fall) and recipes--all the content will still be here. Again, thank you so very much!
xx,
Angelica Golden
April 14, 2017
We've had a pretty busy spring break so far, from play dates to museum visits and even a trip to IKEA, where my littles enjoy "testing" all the sofas, beds, and desk chairs. This weekend we'll be celebrating Easter with family, which is always the best time. There are cousins and aunts and uncles running around and talking at the same time, the house is filled with laughter and food, and we all just feel tremendously blessed to be able to celebrate our risen Savior together. I wish you a Happy Easter, and God bless!
Unicorn Easter eggs.
Colorful Mara Hoffman swimsuits.
DIY paper plate baskets that are pure genius.
Gorgeous metallic tiles.
Double chocolate chip cookie ice cream sandwiches--are you kidding me?
April 12, 2017
Here's where I share my favorite words with you. Because savvy girls have impressive vocabularies.
April 7, 2017
Spring break is in full effect! This week was sort of slow and relaxed for us Golden girls, but since a few of my friend's children are out of school next week, we're planning some fun surprises for the kiddos. Also, the weather has been absolutely gorgeous, so on the days when we don't meet up with friends I think I'll take my little ones to the beach for a picnic. This weekend we're taking them to their first play--Junie B.'s Essential Survival Guide to School, based on the character from one of my big girl's favorite chapter book series--and all of us, including my husband, couldn't be more excited. Have a wonderful weekend, and God bless!
Caramel apples from a Moana-themed birthday party. How brilliant are these?
These puppies.
This ridiculously cool installation from Nike Savvas (those are all bouncy balls).
Cute DIY trinket holders.
A wisteria tunnel at Kawachi Fuji Gardens in Japan.
April 5, 2017
Here's where I share my favorite words with you. Because savvy girls have impressive vocabularies.
March 31, 2017
The weather felt like spring this week, and we found ourselves spending afternoons sans the sweaters and jean jackets we needed in the morning. We also had sandwiches, chips, and fresh fruit for dinner two nights in a row, which kind of made a mommy-is-too-tired-to-cook meal feel more like a fun picnic supper. We're off to enjoy the beach today, as it's the first official day of spring break, then we've got some other cool plans in store for the little ones this weekend. I hope you have a wonderful, relaxed weekend. God bless!
A sweet (and beautifully organized) baby closet in soft colors.
The most adorable DIY planter made from something totally unexpected.
Waffles!
Shades of purple.
Ballerinas.
March 29, 2017
Here's where I share my favorite words with you. Because savvy girls have impressive vocabularies.
March 28, 2017
Bananas are amazingly versatile, not just for recipes, but for beauty DIYs as well. They're loaded with potassium, vitamins, and other vital nutrients that nourish skin and hair, and they're perfect for all skin types. The natural antibacterial agents in bananas make them ideal for fighting acne, while natural oils help to keep dry skin hydrated. Here are 10 beautiful reasons to keep your fruit basket stocked with bananas at all times.
1. Make a moisturizing face mask with a mashed banana and a tablespoon of honey; apply to face and rinse off after 20 minutes.
2. For a pimple-fighting face mask that's free of chemicals and harsh ingredients, combine one mashed banana with ½ teaspoon each of baking soda and turmeric powder. Apply to clean face and rinse after 15 minutes.
3. Make a quick and easy face scrub by mixing a mashed banana with 1 tablespoon of sugar.
4. Treat dry, itchy skin and eczema by rubbing the inside of a banana peel on the affected area.
5. Mash a small banana with 4 large strawberries, then mix in 2 tablespoons of olive oil and ½ cup of sugar for a fruity body scrub.
6. Mix a mashed banana with a mashed avocado and 2 tablespoons of plain yogurt for a hydrating hair mask.
7. Since bananas are considered nature's Botox, simply mash one up and apply to face and neck; rinse after 15 to 20 minutes.
8. To combat oily skin and brighten your complexion, combine a mashed banana with 2 teaspoons of lemon juice, apply to skin and leave on for 10 to 15 minutes.
9. Mix ¼ cup of oatmeal with a mashed banana for a calming and nourishing face mask.
10. Treat your tresses to a vitamin-packed conditioning treatment by adding a few drops of almond oil to a mashed banana and applying to damp hair for 15 minutes.
image via
March 24, 2017
It has been an exhausting few weeks, but I've got some exciting things happening (I'll explain soon) and it'll all be worth the craziness. I'm super pumped about the arrival of spring and am looking forward to spring break with my little ones. We've already got plans for a trip or two to the California Science Center, picnics in the park, visits to our favorite ice cream shop, and since we're right next to the beach, I'm certain we'll spend a little time in the water as well. Since it's the first weekend of the season, I'm thinking brunch at one of our favorite spots in Manhattan Beach is in order. And maybe a walk down to the shore so the girls can dip their toes. I hope you enjoy your weekend as well. God bless!
A lovely vanity/dressing room situation in one of my favorite color combos.
For my sweet little girls...
This gorgeous dinner party setup by the water.
Chicken tikka masala I can make in my crockpot.
How to hygge, the Danish art of creating a cozy environment.
March 22, 2017
Here's where I share my favorite words with you. Because savvy girls have impressive vocabularies.
March 21, 2017
Even though I love winter I couldn't be more excited about the arrival of spring. All around the city, trees are bursting with colorful blossoms and the weather has started to warm up, despite the showers we're expecting this week. I can't wait to start wearing maxi dresses and putting my little ones in playful skirt sets, and my husband has already made plans to barbecue soon. There is so much to look forward to this season that I've put together a list to help make it an amazing spring.
1. Treat yourself to a bouquet fresh flowers to brighten up your home or office.
2. Have a picnic. I've shared some brilliant picnic ideas here, here, and here.
3. Put together a basket of Peeps, Cadbury Eggs, and other Easter candy and take it down to your local fire house or police station.
4. Wear floral prints.
5. Take advantage of the season's fresh produce and get creative in the kitchen.
6. Host a spring dinner party. These beautiful tablescapes are major goals.
7. Buy a cute new umbrella so you can enjoy the springtime showers without getting soaked.
8. Try a new fragrance.
9. Burn a gorgeously scented candle that evokes everything wonderful about the season. Here are my favorite scented candles for spring.
10. Open all the windows in your house and let the cool, spring breeze flow through.
11. Channel your inner bohemian and wear a flower in your hair.
12. Do a little spring cleaning and freshen up your space.
13. Visit a botanical garden.
14. Invite your pals over for girls' night and serve one of these pretty spring cocktails.
15. Head to your favorite makeup counter to find the perfect pink lipstick to match your skintone.
image via
March 15, 2017
Here's where I share my favorite words with you. Because savvy girls have impressive vocabularies.
March 14, 2017
Easter is coming up, and if you've ever hosted an Easter brunch you know it can be stressful--there's not a whole lot of time to get any food prepped or cooked after church and you certainly don't want your guests sitting around growing hungrier by the minute. To keep them sated until the big spread is ready, put out some fresh fruit and a simple coffee cake. This cinnamon crumb cake is so quick and beyond easy because it starts with a tube of refrigerated cinnamon rolls and has a crumb topping made with ingredients you already have in your pantry. There's very little measuring, no eggs to crack or liquids to pour, and virtually no mixing, so you can get it prepped and in the oven in no time.
Easy Cinnamon Crumb Cake
1 17.5 oz tube refrigerated cinnamon rolls
1/2 cup flour
1/4 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
3 tablespoons butter, melted
Preheat oven to 350 degrees and spray an 8-inch round cake pan with cooking spray.
Open the tube of cinnamon rolls, setting aside the icing for later, and separate the cinnamon rolls. Place one cinnamon roll in the center of the prepared pan (I loosely unrolled it a bit before putting it in the pan); unroll another cinnamon roll completely and wrap it around the one in the pan. Repeat with the remaining cinnamon rolls.
Place flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter in a small bowl and use your fingers to mix it until it's a crumby consistency. Sprinkle the crumbs evenly over the cinnamon rolls; you'll likely have topping left over, which you can use for a second cake. Bake for 23-25 minutes, or until cinnamon rolls are baked through and topping is light golden brown.
Drizzle the reserved icing over the cake and serve warm. TIP: pour the icing into a small ziplock bag and snip one corner for even and pretty drizzles.
March 10, 2017
The warm weather has arrived! Temperatures reached the 80s this week and we could definitely feel the difference walking to and from school. Among the usual after-school activities--homework, dance class, reading time--we added popsicles to the agenda, and enjoyed them immediately upon walking through the front door (because my 3-year old would not have managed to wait any longer). We don't have any plans for the weekend, but with the weather so nice and the beach so close, I'm thinking we might just take a little jaunt to the shore to dip our toes. Enjoy your weekend, and God bless!
A brilliant way to repurpose empty spice jars.
Deeply glamorous faux fur.
Chocolate lava cakes that look surprisingly easy to make. (I'll test that theory soon!)
Psychedelic cacti.
A cute IKEA hack.
March 9, 2017
Organized pantries have always eluded me; try as I may to keep the canned goods on one shelf and the kids' snacks on another, somehow all those boxes and bags and cans end up integrating into one massive jumble. And the problem only seems to be exacerbated now that my seven-year old can reach the shelves to get out snacks for herself and her sister (boxes never get closed all the way, or near empty bags of veggie sticks are shoved back in, etc). But I'm not giving up hope that a perfectly coordinated and catalogued pantry is within my grasp, especially since I've seen so many brilliant organization ideas online. Here are a few favorites that I know I can pull off.
Clear canisters and containers make it easy to see what I'm looking for, as well as keep track of what I need to replenish.
Also, keeping the sealable containers on the slim side means there won't be too much wasted space.
Baskets or bins are great for housing stackable items like cans or items that don't necessarily have to stay in their boxes, such as granola bars and individually packaged snacks.
Labels are essential for staying organized, especially since I've got several different types of flour and a variety of cereals. Plus they help to maintain a uniform look.
Everything must be categorized and in its place. Baking items go together, cereal and oatmeal go together, salty snacks go together, etc.
The location of each item matters. Heavy items, such as cases of water, should be stored low, and staples that are used most often, such as flour or cereal, should be most easily accessible. Items that get used less, such as cake platters or small appliances can be stored on the top shelf.
Group items that are used simultaneously, such as cake decorating supplies, in one basket or bin. When it's time to use them, I'll just need to pull out one basket and everything I need will already be there.
images via 1, 2, 3
March 8, 2017
To all the brave, incredible, strong, kind, smart, and selfless women of the world who are fighting to be heard, you inspire me. I see you. I appreciate you. I'm with you. Our fight for equality is not over, but we won't give up; we won't be silenced; and we won't be shut down. Let's put on these superhero capes and get in formation, ladies!
image via Instagram
March 8, 2017
Here's where I share my favorite words with you. Because savvy girls have impressive vocabularies.
