Vday Style

So....Valentine's Day is in -gasp- 2 days!  You have plans?  Have you gotten your outfit yet?  No plans?  Need something to make you feel sassy and stylin?  Here are my fave trends for either the attached or single fox:

Luckily, the hot colors for the most lovin month stay constant year after year.  Reds and pinks are where it's at.....and I have to admit I have never met a fox who didn't look great in either!  For me, I am all about some red lips, so a little red dress OR a little black dress with some fabulous red heels/belt/lips go a long way.  Fuchsia is a big color as I search through online stores such as Macy's, Forever 21, and even more casually at Old Navy.  When it comes down to it, though, go with whatever color makes you feel the most foxy.  This is a look that I L-O-V-E.....

(dress and shoes found at Forever 21, clutch found at Amazon)

Rule #1 in make-up application is you never (and I mean never, ever) play up both eyes and lips at the same time.  Or else something like this occurs.....

A fabulous go-to for foxy red lips and perfect eyes is Gwen Stefani

If you would rather play up those fabulous peepers, go for a smokey look (and if you dare some GREAT false lashes....practice makes perfect, though, and it's easier to apply with tweezers than your fingers) and a neutral lip like so

For your hair (--my favorite part!) try something a little different from your normal look.  If you are curly, try a straighter style....if you are straight, try putting a little bounce in it.  Attached?  Maybe put that little something extra into your style that you know will make him take notice!  Single?  What is it that makes you feel so foxy?  If you want it out of your face, a trendy "up-style" that is easy to do yourself is the side pony (yes, 80s ladies, it returns!) but.... it's lower and with less crimp. :)

However you dress up on Valentine's Day, be confident, be comfortable, BE FOXY!

Stay lovin....like a fox!

Brain Dump...

I'm going to let you in on a secret... I often struggle with being savvy.   I do!  Maybe for those of you who know me outside of the blogosphere this really isn't that much of a secret.  But the key word here is that I struggle... which means that while I don't have this whole "savvy" thing down to a science, I'm always looking for better ways to save, better ways to get organized... better ways to truly define savvy in my life.  How many self-help books leave you feeling worse than you felt before you picked it up??  Well readers... let me promise you one thing... I ain't that kind of fox!  I right out there with you... looking for ways to stretch my hard earned dollar and make my household run smoothly!

Since Crafty and Geeky have gotten to share their blog crushes... I'm here to share mine!   Tsh and her fellow bloggers at simplemom.net seem to be overflowing with helpful tips on how to thrive as a household.  Don't let the name fool you, although the name may reach out to moms, it's a wonderful site for men too!   She's got some wonderful downloads (some *free*--what's more frugal than that?!) including her Daily Docket , which is a wonderful daily planner.  Take a peek... you can print or design your own!  For the artsy, right brained type try Todoodlist , an e-book with some really cool creative ways to get your thoughts out on paper!

Even with all the technology in the world, I would say that nothing helps me iron out my thoughts for the day better than a good brain dump.  Sounds rather crude because, well... it is.  It's not pretty, it's not organized, but that's ok... it's just to clear my head and prepare myself to get down to the brass tax.  I start with a blank page and just write.  To-do's get jotted, appointments, random thoughts, doodles.... those little things that I think (and usually say to my husband) "I won't forget that"... I've even started to write those down.  Then things can get a little cleaner-- take your to-do's and plug them into your phone... write it on the fridge, put it in your planner, send yourself an email.  Whatever it is, you've now gotten all your thoughts out, and have organized them "outloud".   You may find that you need to plot out your day like a timeline, you may find that a helpful post it may do the trick... but whichever way it works for you, stick with it!  By dumping your thoughts out on a piece of paper, you may be able to see that the tasks ahead of you aren't as daunting as you may have thought at first.  You may also find that a seemingly easy task may need more attention to detail than you had thought.  But by giving yourself a few moments to pull out your thoughts and take a good look, you gain the flexibility of having a better handle on the tasks ahead of you!

Give it a try!  There's no wrong way!  Just get it all out... Dump that Brain and get Savvy!

How to Tie dye.

How to tie-dye

Step 1: Put the front of the garment face down on flat surface and find the center.

Step 2:  Twist the garment until it is twisted into a circle.

Step 3:  Secure the garment with rubber bands tightly.

Step 4:  Put the dye in a squeeze bottle and begin applying dye to your garment. Let garment sit for 24 hours to allow the dye to soak in. 

Step 5:  While the garment is still secured with rubber bands run under hot water until water runs clear.  Remove rubber bands and place garment in the washing machine with several black garments and wash on hot with detergent 3-5 times. This process ensures the dye is not going to bleed when washed with other clothes. 

You did it!!!!!!

Thanks for reading,

Crunchy Fox!!!!!

Geeky Gifts!

My top 5 Geeky Gifts...for the Geek in your life!!!

#5

Charging Doc!

Big & Tall

#4

Laptop Case by

Labudde

#3

Cute Geeky Ring!

Kitsch Assesories

#2

USB Flashdrive!

Nif Naks

#1

Big Foot Laptop Decal!

One Up Designs

Wow that was fun!!! Hope you have a geeky Valentine's Day! Ill be back next week with a little tutorial on how to bling out your blog!!!

-Geeky

DIY Valentine's Day Gifts

I LOVE finding a good tutorial!  I have a favorites folder a mile long of only tutorials and patterns.  It makes all my blog surfing worthwhile!  I've found a lot of great tutorials for Valentine's Day gifts, too.  They all look super simple and fast and that's what I like!   So, here's a few ideas for the people you heart!

Heart Zipper Pouches

Scrappy Heart Pin Cushion

Felt Tic Tac Toe Game

Love Letter Tutorial

Valentine Playing Card Coupons

Simple Valentine Gift Idea for the kids

and don't forget for sweetie's sweet tooth!

Strawberry Candy Popcorn

Strawberry Marshmallow Heart Pops

YUM!

I hope you found these tutorials helpful and inspiring!  Now go out and make a GREAT Valentine's Day gift for the one you love!!!!

Have a great day!

DeAndra 

What the?!?!

Hello!! Today's post will answer those questions that should be answered, but not necessarily asked in your stylist's chair.  Ooh, scandalous!

What is a proper tip for services?
Well, if you think that a normal tip for someone who brings food to your table is 10-15%, it's fair to say that the person who went to school for hair, has kept up continuing education classes, and ensures you leave her chair lookin h-o-t, should receive 20-25%.  Keep in mind, though, that a tip is not required, but rather used to show appreciation for the stylist's efforts and for producing a great look.  If you are totally satisfied, tip as high as you want (*wink*)!  However, leaving a tip only to call again and complain (i.e.I really did love it but my husband/boyfriend complained that I spent $150 at the salon and now I have to retrieve the bills to save my relationship) is generally frowned upon.  If you are truly unhappy, that leads me to....

How do I handle being unhappy with my cut/color?
If it's your first time seeing that stylist, you simply tell her/him that it was not what you had in mind and see if they can fix it immediately.  Do not, do not, just walk away acting like everything is ok.  You are a paying customer, afterall.  Now, that does not mean turn into the Incredible Hulk and start cussing and throwing things, name-calling and other embarrassing reactions.  It simply means that you should leave somewhat content if the unthinkable does occur.  If this is someone you have been going to for a while, hopefully you have built up enough of a relationship with them that you can just be straight forward and know they will fix it in a snap. Sometimes your vision and your fantastic stylist's miss each other...but I am sure you have all heard the saying, "I'm a beautician, not a magician!" To ensure your end result is what you want, communicate.  Bring in pictures of what you like as well as what you don't.  Listen when your stylist tells you something won't look as good as what you think it will----(platinum is not a universal color, and a pixie cut does not make you look like Posh).  Keep in mind that very rarely are refunds given, so once you pay it's done.  You can return to have that stylist try again, but it is best to address the situation when it happens.  If you really and truly don't notice the heinousness of your cut until you go to fix it yourself (a stylist's blowout can hide many a blunder), call back and speak to her/him directly.  If it's so bad you don't want their hands in your hair again.....

What is the best way to find a new stylist?
Ask your friends or trusted co-workers with fabulous hair who they see. Honestly, though, the best way is if you see a stranger in the super market with amazing hair (who fixes their hair to go grocery shopping??  It must be a great cut!), ask her who her stylist is and if she has a card.  Make sure you get her name so when you go in you can say, "I saw Caroline in the grocery store this week....I love her hair and she referred me to you!" This will make the stylist feel like a million bucks and she will definitely give you the 5 star treatment.  Also, a lot of stylists have referral rewards....so Caroline might get something extra for referring you, and so might you!  The best reward, though, is being relaxed in the chair and leaving knowing you look foxy!

Victoria Beckham approves this message! (not really...she endorses nothing in this blog...but I think she would if she knew about it)

More questions?  Contact this Stylin Fox at likeafoxblog@yahoo.com

Have a stylin weekend....like a fox!

Shopping When Hungry=Savvy Fail.

Hey there foxy readers!  One sure way to kill your savvy shopping buzz is to get to the checkout line at the grocery store and find that you've gone way over budget.  The easiest way to do that is to shop while you're hungry.  Suddenly everything on the shelves looks delish.  Even things you may ordinarily pass, are suddenly on the checkout counter just waiting to go home with you!   Another easy way is just poor planning.  How many times do you walk into the grocery store to pick up something for dinner and walk out with everything except what you came in for?

2010 can be different.  With just a little pre-planning you can get your shopping skills in order and spend less time and less money and have better mealtimes at home in the process!

First of all... eat something before you go to the grocery... at the very least drink a small glass of orange juice, the natural sugar should curb your appetite long enough for you to shop!

Second... the most important shopping tool is your weekly menu.  So many times we stop and get something fast because well, it's just easier... but it's rarely healthier and rarely cheaper than eating at home!  Make yourself a weekly menu... if you want a night out... just plan it!   You can make your own, or go for one of these printable menus available on etsy (Geeky--are you seeing this?!).
Grab the circular from your favorite grocery establishment and plan your menu around the sales.  Getting tired of the same ol' meals?  Google is your friend!  There are so many good cooks out there just giving their recipes away!  One of my absolute favorites for great homemade recipes is Tammy's Recipes. Try her homemade pizza dough recipe...
a-freakin-mazing!  Take a poll of your families favorite restaurants and meals.  There are lots of CopyKat cooks out there trying to get just that right blend of their favorite restaurant's signature dish!  Don't forget the coupons!

With your menu made, you can now make out a very accurate shopping list.  This next step may be the hardest part... do not deviate from your list!  It will be hard to resist those oreo's on the endcap... but it will be worth it when you bake the brownies that were on your list instead!

In the end... with a plan of attack, you can cut the amount of extras that just "jump" into your cart... cut the guesswork out of your dinner plans and save some time and dough in the process...

And that's just one of many ways to stay savvy, savvy?