Less than $15
DIY “Dip-Dye” Look
Photo courtesy of The Beauty Department
What you’ll need:
Steps
1. Lay down plenty of newspaper or towels because this gets messy! 2. Separate hair into small sections and wet end (up to the point where you want the color) with water using spray bottle or by dipping into a bowl. Make sure hair is damp, but not dripping wet. 3. Lay hair down on covered surface and color the wet portion with a pastel until covered. For more vibrant color, apply multiple layers of the pastel. 4. Repeat steps 2 and 3 with other sections of hair. 5. Blow dry and comb through hair.
Here are the pros and cons of this trick before you try it yourself.
Pros:
1. A new hairstyle starting at $2.99 — you can’t beat it! 2. It was fast, easy and fun! Perfect for a girls’ night. 3. It only lasts one to three days, so don’t worry about permanent damage. 4. If you choose them, soft pastel colors are perfect for spring. 5. There are many colors and combinations to try. 6. To my utter shock, the colors show up just as good on my dark-brown hair as they do on my friend’s light-blonde hair. 7. You control exactly where the colors go and how subtle or vibrant they are. Plus, if you mess it up or change your mind, it’s easy to wash and re-do it. 8. Come on, it looks awesome! It looks even better curled or in a braid.Cons:
1. It’s extremely messy. 2. It tangles your hair. 3. It fades fast. So why not hop on the dip-dye trend? It’s fun to change up your look for a day or two. The only question now is: what colors will you use?Spring Trend: Buttons and Collars
Graphic by Leah Perrino
Spring florals
Graphic by Leah Perrino
With the cold weather finally starting to dissipate, I have been preparing my closet for spring. I love to wear floral print all year round, but it’s definitely a big trend for spring. Here are some great floral prints for under $15 to get you ready for the season!
1. Crop tee - TJ Maxx $12.99
This cropped T-shirt is easy to wear, and features small multicolored floral print that matches everything! Pair it with high-waisted jeans for the perfect spring look.
2. Black/Pink tank – H&M $9.95
This tank is adorable for casual occasions. It also has a peplum bottom – another great trend this season!
3. Sunglasses – Figleaf $8.00
Why not incorporate floral print into your shades, too?
4. Feather dress – Gabriel Brothers $9.99
This quirky sundress is sure to stand out with its vibrant colors and bold feather pattern. Plus, I love coral and teal for spring!
5. White/Multi tank – Marshalls $9.99
This tank is another peplum shirt with the season’s bright colors! The bold rose pattern adds the perfect vintage touch.
6. Coral feather tee – Gabriel Brothers $7.99
I love the bright coral color and cut of this top. The front is a sheer feather pattern on chiffon, perfect for a night out!
7. Navy shorts – Marshalls $14.99
Floral-print jeans are everywhere, so why not add floral-print shorts to your wardrobe for warmer days?
8. Navy/green skirt – PacSun $4.99 Clearance Price
The sale rack at PacSun always has great deals, like this adorable high-waisted, floral skirt!
9. Black/purple tee – Gabriel Brothers $9.99
This purple rose T-shirt has a super-chic touch. Pair it with white shorts to make the colors pop!
10. Teal/green tank – Gabriel Brothers $7.99
I love the floral neckline and mix of cool colors. This would be cute with a cardigan or solo!
11. Yellow tie shirt – Marshalls $14.99
I love yellow during this season! The tied front is perfect for high-waisted jeans.
Décor Tip: 10 Ways to Use Frames
21st birthday gift guide
With my 21st birthday right around the corner, I definitely have celebration on my mind. Turning 21 is a special time, and it calls for equally special gifts. This got me thinking of cute DIY gifts for someone turning 21 or anyone who just likes to have a good time.
I am a huge fan of homemade gift baskets for any occasion. I think it shows a lot of thought and effort, and you can make it as personal as you want. These gift ideas can be pricey because they involve alcohol, but you can eliminate the alcohol from most of these or split the gifts with a friend or two if you’re on a tight budget! Note: if you are under 21 and are putting together a gift for someone turning 21, be sure to obey the law and not try to purchase it yourself.
21st Sample Basket
This one is my personal favorite! My friend and I made this for a friend’s 21st, and it was a huge hit. With all of the sample bottles, the cost can add up, so this is a great gift to split with a friend.
What you need:
Steps:
1. Cut the Styrofoam to fit in the basket or bucket and place inside. Make sure it is thick enough to almost hit the top of the bucket.
2. Attach the back of a sample bottle with glue to the top of a rod.
3. Wrap two to three pipe cleaners around the neck of the bottle and twist them all the way down the rod to support the bottle and cover the wood. Apply more glue to attach the pipe cleaners, bottle and top of the rod together as needed. Allow time for glue to dry. Note: some bottles we bought were heavier than others and took several glue applications.
4. Once the bottle is dry and secure, stick a wooden rod into the Styrofoam make sure you put it deep enough so that the rod does not tip over.
5. Repeat steps two through four with all sample bottles.
6. Cover the top of the Styrofoam by filling the rest of the basket with decorative grass.
7. Decorate the basket with stickers and embellishments.
I love the way our basket turned out! Plus, having 21 different sample bottles is a nice way to introduce someone to different types of liquor without spending money on a whole bottle.
Other personalized gift baskets
The beer chugger:
1. “Fantastic Drinking Games” $10.17
Educate your friends on the real rules of Kings. Find it here
2. Waterproof playing cards: $5.99
Find them here
3. Ping-pong balls: $1 to $2 from dollar/drug store
4. Dice: $1 to $2 from dollar/drug store
5. Add a 6-pack of beer, and this will be a huge party hit!
Shots:
1. “Big Bad-Ass Book of Shots” $9.98
Find it here
2. Cocktail Shaker: $11.99
Find it here
3. Test Tube Shot Set: $14
Find it here
Add a bottle of liquor that mixes with everything and give your friend the perfect gift to get the party started!
Mixed Drinks:
1. “Big Bad-Ass Book of Cocktails: 1,500 Recipes to Mix It Up!” $10.17
Find it here
2. Cocktail Shaker: $11.99
Find it here
3. Martini glass (Make it extra personal by hand-painting the glass!)
Add a bottle of liquor you think your friend will enjoy!
Tasting kits
Wine tasting kit: $9.99 Urban Outfitters
I saw this at Urban Outfitters and definitely want to give it as a gift it to someone! This is a really cute and unique idea to introduce someone to wine. Pair it with an inexpensive bottle or your own hand-painted wine glass! All you’ll need is a dollar store glass and craft paint to add a personal touch.
Find it here
Beer tasting kit: $24.95 from Urban Outfitters
This is the same idea, but for a new beer drinker! Make a personalized hand-painted pint glass to pair with it!
Find it here