Wear Green!

I think St. Patrick's Day encourages a little bit of over-the-top fun, so I love going big with my green--especially hair pieces! Here's a round-up of past tutorials for green hair flare!

1. Quick & Easy Oversized Hair Bow

2. Clover Headband

3. Clover Patch Hair Piece

I'm teaching a dance class Sunday morning and I've warned my students that I will pinch them! Maybe.

Also, looking back on past tutorials is kind of intense--I've been watching my taste and style slowly evolve away from what Past Me preferred. Does that happen to you guys?

♥ Shannon

Earth Day Round-Up

It's Earth Day, loves, which is a special reminder to be thoughtful about how we live on this earth. Here are a few pretty things to get you started.

1. Go green with plants! Plants are amazing for our health and happiness. I'm in love with this easy-to-care-for succulent wall. 

2. Support artists! How adorable is this Terrarium Print from Small Talk Studio??

3. Buy handmade. This wall art is made from re-purposed wood--LOVE.

4. Not quite vegan yet? That's okay--no one will know the difference with cupcakes and pastries! These rosewater cupcakes are gorgeous and delightful. Check out 25 more recipes here!

5. I beg of you, buy cruelty free products. Our beagle, Walden, was tested on for 5 years; Beagles are chosen for testing because they are the sweetest dogs. Don't turn your cheek--puppies are abused and mutilated. Don't support companies that would let that happen.

Each small step makes a huge difference! What step will you take?

If nothing else, just go outside for a little bit and enjoy the gifts our amazing planet has to give.

♥ Shannon

Last-Minute Green!

If there is one thing you need on St. Patrick's Day, it is a statement piece. I plan on sporting this huge bow in my hair. Making this bow is seriously so easy--and it only takes about 10 minutes--perfect if you're in a pinch! (See what I did there? Pinch? Because it's St. Patrick's Day?)

I love that it is over-sized and playful! Definitely an eye-catcher. Here's how you do it:

Things you'll need:
-- Green fabric (9"x25")
-- Scissors
-- Barrette clip
-- Sewing machine (or needle & thread)
-- Glue gun

1. Cut off one end of the fabric (1" x 9"). Set aside.

Lay remaining 9"x24" right side up. Fold one left side over just past the center.

2. Fold the right side over just past the center so it overlaps left side. Pin top and bottom edges. Sew top. Sew bottom. It will resemble an open-back pillow case.

3. Turn right-side out.

4. Accordion-fold your bow.

5. Pinch together the center. Wrap the remaining strip around the middle. 

6. Sew or glue the ends of the strip to the back of the bow.

7. Glue the bow to the barrette clip.

8. Enjoy!

I had fun styling it with a loose pony tail and with a twisted half-up half-down look.

Next step, a bow for pups. Doodles Weaver sends her regards.

♥ Shannon

St. Patrick's Day DIY Round-Up

I just love a reason to celebrate! Growing up, the leprechauns would create a bit of mayhem: they would knock over furniture, hang underoos from ceiling fans, and dye our dairy and toilet water green (one year, even our dog!).

It's no less fun as an adult. Here are a few of my favorite crafts and projects for St. Patrick's Day:

1. DIY Green Vases & Subway Art from the eighteen25 girls. I'm totally in love with their display.

2. Super cute Paper Shamrocks from Ellinée. 

3.  Shamrock Boutonnieres from the ever-amazing Martha Stewart!

 4. Simple as That St. Patrick's Day Banner. I love the printed paper touch.

5. I'm in love with these bottle printables from Benign Objects--perfect for kids or adults!

Will you be celebrating this year?

♥ Shannon

Seeing Green

Are you ready for St. Patrick's Day? These amazing pumps from ModCloth and this etsy print should get you in the mood.

On another note, many of you have asked about my acting endeavors. Here are a few updates:

I've had quite a busy week prepping costumes & shooting a short film with Matt. We spent hours (and hours) shooting to get two minutes of a final cut film. Loved every minute! Even the fact that I was up at 6:00AM to film this, then up til midnight performing in my play that night.

Also last Saturday, HBO's Game Change premiered and I was amped to see that my profile made the final cut for five glorious seconds (that's me on the left--just pretend like you saw it clearly! You and Steven Spielberg--I'm expecting a call from him any minute now).

This film was my first time on a professional studio project. Watching Woody Harrelson and Julianne Moore work was seriously the coolest thing. Even though Woody kept making me giggle and getting me into trouble between takes.

♥ Shannon

What I Wore: Pencil Skirt & Pointy Shoes

Sometimes I like dreamy photos. And sometimes I like high-contrast. This is a high-contrast day.

Outfit details: Top: Charlotte Russe; Skirt: International Concepts; Heels: Tommy Hilfiger; Bag: Unknown

I've had this top since high school. Yep. High school. I absolutely love it. I love the colors. I love wearing green because I have green eyes. And yet....I can't remember the last time I wore it. But whenever I clean out my closet, I can't bring myself to get rid of it. Do you have an item like that?

♥ Shannon

Earth Day, My Love!

(how cute is Google's Earth Day logo?)

Earth Day is a beautiful opportunity to gain some awareness and appreciation for the planet. What will you be doing to better to take care of our earth?

Here are a few options:

Check out the website Billion Acts of Green--learn a little bit, and make a pledge! I pledged to eliminate use of toxic cleaning products. Guess what? They also list events going on nearby--who doesn't love a party?

Or, you can check out the new film from DisneyNature: African Cats. It opens today, and if you go see it within the next week, a portion of your ticket sales will go towards The African Wildlife Foundation.

Plus, how cute is that face?

You could recycle, turn off the water when you brush your teeth, forgo meat, walk/bike instead of drive, feed your birds, bring your own bags when you shop, buy organic--so many little steps that make a big difference!

♥ Shannon

Tutorial Tuesday! Part II

For this fun headband, I was inspired by Giant Dwarf, although something tells me this hairpiece won't hold up quite as beautifully has hers. Nonetheless, if you're in a pinch (pun intended) it's a quick and inexpensive DIY!

Things you'll need: A headband (or ribbon), foam shapes, glue gun.

Step 1: Glue shape to headband.

Step 2: You guessed it--wear that clover!

I'm still trying to figure out what we're doing for St Patty's Day--what are your plans?

♥ Shannon

Tutorial Tuesday! Part I

Sooo this week I had a little fun with glittery foam shapes at the craft store. And now you can, too!

Things you'll need: An alligator hair clip, floral stem wire, foam shapes, and a hot glue gun.

Step 1: Glue shapes to wire and/or alligator clip.

Step 2: Wear!

Seriously. It's that easy. Pinch-proof and cute!

♥ Shannon

Buy Local on Black Friday

 Image via The Green Glass Company

Banner design by Rachel Red Lips

This year, check out local shops featuring handmade, fair trade, and organic items. These gifts are usually more special because they are original and they have numerous benefits for the community. Everyone wins! Some of my favorite places here in Maryland are Nest, Mother Nature's, and Lovely Yarns.

Where will you be shopping?

♥ Shannon