D.I.Y Homemade Facial Masks

Forget about spending money at your local spa, when you can get great skin with the ingredients from your kitchen! Treat yourself with these easy, homemade facial masks. 

Banana Facial Masks

You can use a banana as an all-natural, homemade facial mask that moisturizes your skin and leaves it looking and feeling softer. Mash up a medium-sized ripe banana into a smooth paste, then gently apply it to your face and neck. Let it set for 10 to 20 minutes, then rinse it off with cold water. Another popular mask recipe calls for 1/4 cup plain yogurt, 2 tablespoons honey, and 1 medium banana.

Vinegar Facial Masks

Vinegar can be used as a skin toner. After you wash your face, mix 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar with 2 cups water as a finishing rinse to cleanse and tighten your skin. You can also create a homemade facial mask by mixing 1/4 cup cider vinegar with 1/4 cup water. Gently apply the solution to your face and let it dry.

Milk Facial Masks

Make a mask by mixing 1/4 cup powdered milk with enough water to form a thick paste. Thoroughly coat your face with the mixture, let dry completely, then rinse with warm water. Your face will feel fresh and revitalized.

Oatmeal facial Masks

Combine 1/2 cup hot—not boiling—water and 1/3 cup oatmeal. After the water and oatmeal have settled for two or three minutes, mix in 2 tablespoons plain yogurt, 2 tablespoons honey, and 1 small egg white. Apply a thin layer of the mask to your face, and let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes. Then rinse with warm water. 

MRS

Prevent Bag Sag DIY

One of my favorite pieces in my closet is the Gucci Boston Bag. I purchased this at the Gucci sale during my senior year of college; it was an investment that I still cherish.

I love this bag but I don’t use it often due lack of structure. By placing my wallet, keys and cellphone the bag creates a sag, see the picture below. But I saw a DIY in PurseForum that can prevent the “bag sag”

Things you will need:

Cardboard (I love the Piperlime design in their boxes)

Measurement tape

Pen or Pencil

Box Cutter

See below for the steps:

Don’t feel like doing this DIY, you can purchase a shapper on Ebay. Price starts around $20, see this link for Gucci Boston Bag but they have shapers for Louis Vuitton, Longchamp, Prada, etc.

Remember to leave a comment in our giveaway for a change to win a mini set of beauty samples, click here.

NS

Homemade Stain Removers

I don’t know about you, but there’s never a day that goes by that I am not ruining a white shirt or spilling food on my clothes. It seriously never fails; you can’t take me anywhere! Usually when that happens, if I’m home, I run to the sink and dab a bit of dishwashing liquid on my stain. If I am out, I will try using seltzer water. I checked around the web and found a few more household items that just might work:

 

Shaving Cream - This foamy shower essential is one of the best stain removers in your house, since it's basically really thick, whipped soap. If you happen to spill on your clothes or carpet, moisten the spot, work in some shaving cream, then either flush it with cool water or use a clean cloth to blot the shaving cream (and spot) away. Even if you don't see results right away, the shaving cream will prevent the stain from setting, so you can easily remove it later using professional cleaning tools.

Glycerin – Glycerin is available online or at any pharmacy. It makes a great addition to your medicine cabinet. Pour some glycerin on any tar stain, tree sap stain(around Christmastime), juice stain, mustard, ketchup, or barbecue (basically any condiment) stain, dab and rinse.

Lemon Juice - Lemon juice is nature's bleach and disinfectant. Lemon juice is your answer to spots on white clothes. Simply apply some juice to the spill, and then lay the clothes in the sun. Before you wash the stained clothing, add a little more lemon juice to the spot.

 

Salt - A sprinkle of salt over spilled red wine will keep the booze from staining the fabric until you can wash it; or you can mix it with some lemon juice for a solution to mildew stains.

 

 

 

White vinegar  - For sugar, coffee, tea and wine stains, simply saturate the affected area with undiluted vinegar, allow the liquid to soak in, and then wash the garment.

For grass stains, apply vinegar with a sponge, and then lightly dab to lift the stain. For tougher stains, mix vinegar and baking soda, and then brush the compound into the stain using an old toothbrush before throwing it in the washer. Soaking grease stains in vinegar before washing makes for effective stain removal.

White vinegar is also great for getting out those unsightly yellowing sweat stains on clothes, when combined with some salt. Plus, it's one of the few stain removers you can use on suede without fear.

Check around your house there might be a few household items that just might do the trick.

MRS

Life Hacks – Making Your Life Easier !

I was browsing through Facebook yesterday and I came across this awesome page that showed a few “Life Hacks,” or ways to make our lives easier. Here is the page I found yesterday. I wanted to browse the web and find a few more!

 

Here are a few tips and tricks that I found to make your life as simple as possible (you’re welcome J):

1 – If you toss an onion in the freezer 15 min before you cut them up you will not tear up!

 

2 – Runny Nose? Push your tongue against the top of your mouth and push a finger between your eyebrows. Hold it for about 20 secs.

 

3 – Buying something from Apple? Add it to your shopping cart but DON’T BUY IT YET. In 7-10 days they’ll give you a discount from 15-20% off that item.

4 – How to Pack a Cooler

5 – Grab a banana for breakfast! They are known as the Happy Fruit. Eating one can relieve anger, irritable emotions and depression.

 6 – Take Vitamin B Complex in the Summer. Insects don’t like the way it makes you smell to them – warding off mosquitos and biting flies.

7 – Out of AA batteries? You can use “AAA” batteries by filling the gap on the positive side with a small wad of tin foil.

 

8 – Eating Grapes improves your brain’s ability to process new information.

 

9 – Hate when your hot pocket explodes in the microwave? Poke it with a  fork before you put it in.

10- Ketchup can be used to clean copper pots and pans. The acid in ketchup removes the tarnish and brings out the shine.

MRS

Turn Your Cocktail into Something New

We just started July, and I can already say that I am waiting for the Fall to come. But the heat and humidity gives me an excuse to post this article. Here are a few ways to change your average cocktail into something fun and different for the summer time.

Mojito Popsicles Recipe (It does have a lot more labor than the other recipes but it’s worth it)

2 cups prepared white rum 

1½ cups flattened club soda ½ cup fresh lime juice

Mint-infused sugar syrup:
Large handful fresh mojito or normal mint leaves (about 20 - 25 leaves)
1 cup water
¾ cup sugar 

To make the mint-infused sugar syrup, rinse the mint leaves, then add to a saucepan with the water and sugar. Bring to a boil, slowly, to dissolve the sugar, then raise the heat and boil for 1 minute. Lower the heat to a simmer and simmer for about 3 - 4 minutes. Take off the heat and leave to infuse for about half hour. Strain the mixture through a sieve and discard the mint leaves. Cool the syrup.

Combine all ingredients. Gently pour the mojito into your popsicle molds, being careful not to overfill and leave some space at the top for the popsicles to expand. Top with your popsicle sticks and freeze for at least 24 hours.

Berry Explosive Raspado

4 parts Milagro Silver tequila
1 part fresh lime juice
2 parts agave nectar
8 raspberries 12 blueberries
4 fresh mint leaves
6 dashes peach bitters

Blend all ingredients until smooth. Fill two glasses with crushed or shaved ice and pour mixture over. Top with raspberries and blueberries to garnish.

Bourbon Vanilla Milk-Shake Shooter

1 cup good-quality vanilla ice cream
1/2 cup whole milk 1 ounce boubon
1/2 fresh vanilla bean, split lengthwise and seeds scraped

Combine the ice cream, milk, bourbon, and vanilla in a blender until smooth. Serve icy cold in shooters alongside your favorite cookies.

NS

The Magic of Tea

My goal every day is to drink several glasses of unsweetened iced green tea, especially during the summer days that are 90 degrees and more. This is a great way to stay hydrated and also provides great benefits for my skin and health. Most of us know that a cup of green tea every day will reduce cancer and can also boost exercise endurance, but you can use tea for beauty purposes too!

Eliminate Foot Odor- Soak your feet in strongly brewed tea for 20 minutes to eliminate odor.

 Natural Shine to Hair- Use a liter of warm, unsweetened tea (freshly brewed or instant) as a final rinse after your regular shampoo

Eye De-Puffer- Use two brew teabags, placed them under your eyes for 15 minutes. Relax and enjoy.

Bonus- This skin care tip will tight and deflates puffiness. Use filtered water and a chamomile teabag, then pour into an ice cube tray and freeze. Use two cubes and gently massages your face, this will help with any swelling or inflammation.

Will you be trying this soon?

NS

July 4th Grill Ideas

Hopefully Tropical Storm Arthur doesn’t put a damper on this weekend and ruin some July 4^th BBQs. If you plan on grilling I found a few recipes that look absolutely delish and seem very simple to make:
 

Things to Grill in Foil

Jerk Chicken Wings – I absolutely LOVE jerk chicken and this recipe seems simple enough to try!

Toss 6 split chicken wings, 1 tablespoon vegetable oil and 3 tablespoons jerk seasoning on a sheet of foil. Form a packet. Grill over high heat, turning once, 25 minutes. Top with cilantro and serve with lime wedges.

  

Garlic Shrimp – This looks mouthwatering!

Mix 1/2 stick softened butter, 1 cup chopped parsley, 2 chopped garlic cloves, and salt and pepper. Toss with the juice of 1 lemon, 1 pound unpeeled large shrimp and a big pinch of red pepper flakes. Divide between 2 foil packets. Grill over high heat, 8 minutes

 

Zucchini and Tomatoes – It’s always good to grill up some greens. We forget to eat a little healthy when we tend to BBQ.

Toss 2 sliced zucchini, 2 diced tomatoes, 4 smashed garlic cloves, olive oil, basil, and salt and pepper on a sheet of foil. Form a packet. Grill over high heat, 10 minutes. Top with grated Parmesan.

Kabobs

 

 

Rosemary Ranch Chicken Kabobs -  1/2 cup olive oil, 1/2 cup ranch dressing,3 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce, 1 tablespoon minced fresh rosemary,2  teaspoons salt, 1 teaspoon lemon juice,1 teaspoon white vinegar, 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper or to taste, 1 tablespoon white sugar or to taste (optional), 5 skinless  boneless chicken breast halves - cut into 1 inch cubes

 1.In a medium bowl, stir together the olive oil, ranch dressing, Worcestershire sauce, rosemary, salt, lemon juice, white vinegar, pepper, and sugar. Let stand for 5 minutes. Place chicken in the bowl, and stir to coat with the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes.

 

2.Preheat the grill for medium-high heat. Thread chicken onto skewers and discard marinade.

3.Lightly oil the grill grate. Grill skewers for 8 to 12 minutes, or until the chicken is no longer pink in the center, and the juices run clear.

Chicken and Bacon Shish Kabobs –  1/4 cup soy sauce, 1/4 cup cider vinegar,2 tablespoons honey, 2 table spoons canola oil,10 large mushrooms cut in half, 2 green onions minced, 3 skinless boneless chicken breast halves - cut into chunks, 1/2 pound sliced thick cut bacon, cut in half, 1 (8 ounce) can pineapple chunks, drained, skewers

1.In a large bowl, mix the soy sauce, cider vinegar, honey, canola oil, and green onions. Place the mushrooms and chicken into the mixture, and stir to coat. Cover, and marinate in the refrigerator at least 1 hour.

2.Preheat grill for high heat.

3.Remove the mushrooms and chicken from the marinade and shake off excess. Pour the marinade into a small saucepan and bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 10 minutes; set aside.

4.Wrap the chicken chunks with bacon, and thread onto skewers so that the bacon is secured. Alternate with mushroom halves and pineapple chunks.

5.Lightly oil the grill grate. Arrange skewers on the prepared grill. Cook 15 to 20 minutes, brushing occasionally with remaining soy sauce mixture, until bacon is crisp and chicken juices run clear.

Try out these amazing reciepes and let us know how they came out! :) Happy 4th!

 

MRS

July 4th Cocktails for Everyone

Happy 4^th of July! I found a few family friendly cocktails that can be enjoyed by everyone in the family and some of them are healthy and delicious. 

Coconut Horchata

Ingredients:
4 cups rice milk
3 or 4 cinnamon sticks plus more for garnish
14 oz. coconut milk (If you are using canned coconut milk, make sure it is creamy, not chunky.)
1/2 cup rice or almond flour
2 tsp. pure vanilla extract
ice cubes
ground cinnamon for garnish

Instructions:

1.       Bring rice milk and cinnamon sticks to a simmer in a medium saucepan.

2.       Remove from heat and transfer to a bowl or pitcher.

3.       Whisk in coconut milk, rice flour, and vanilla.

4.       Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Serve over ice with
ground cinnamon and a cinnamon stick for garnish.

     Watermelon Agua Fresca

 

Ingredients

8 cups seedless watermelon cubes

6 tablespoons honey or agave nectar

1/3 cup fresh lime juice plus 1 sliced lime

A few sprigs mint or rosemary

Ice

Instructions:

1.       Puree watermelon in blender.

2.       Strain into bowl through fine-mesh sieve.

3.       Stir in honey and lime juice.

4.        Transfer to pitcher

5.        Stir in 1-1/2 cups water, add lime slices.

6.        Chill; serve over ice.

Papaya Smoothie 

Ingredients: 

2 cups papaya (peeled, seeded and cubed)

2 cups milk

1/4 cup white sugar

2 cups ice

 

Instructions:

1.       Add everything to the blender

2.       Serve & enjoy

Which one are you most excited about?

NS

DIY - Nail Designs

I am absolutely obsessed with doing my own manicures (not only does it save me serious $), I find the whole process relaxing. I get to get in touch with my creative side and use this time as an outlet. I found this really cool nail design kit and have been going crazy making designs. Here is the kit, it’s running anywhere from $10- $20. This is my recent creation:

Not bad right?

Tips to keep in mind when applying nail art

 1. Nails should be neatly manicured before painting. If your natural nails are too short or bitten down, consider applying acrylic nails before painting your design.

 2. You would need to work as fast as possible, since nail polish dries rather quickly. Feel free to mix glitter into the polish colors before painting your nails. Try using stick-on stones to jazz up a simple motif.

 3. To make your designs last longer (since you’ve put in so much effort into it), apply a coat of clear nail polish every two or three days. Don’t use your nails as kitchen tools and wear gloves when doing tasks that may cause damage to your nails.

 4. It’s best to use a Q-tip and nail polish remover to clean any polish application mistakes.

 5. Remember, nail art is like makeup – there are NO RULES! You need to try out things you like and customize it to your choice.

I have found a few DIY ideas for nail creations. Try them out and let me know how your nails came out! I know I will be trying  few of these DIY ideas :)

 

 

 

 

 

MRS

DIY – Obsessed with Mason Jars?

I love the way a drink or anything for that matter -  looks in a mason jar. I think they give such pizzazz. I guess you can store spices, or even use them for a vase,  but I found some really cool ideas. Here are a couple of DIY mason jar projects that I think are worth giving a shot!

 

Vintage Photo Mason Jar

 

Instructions: Take one Mason Jar , your favorite picture, preferably a black and white one for a cool effect and fill the jar with oil, and a spring of dried lavender makes it also smell nice.

 

This amazing photo frame is a personal decorative element that fills your place with warmth. It looks very simple and would probably work like a charm in a romantic environment :)

 

Mason Jar Wall Planter

Instructions: You can get the plants at Wal-Mart on clearance or Home Depot. Make sure that they won’t be plants that grow fast or need to be transplanted for a while. The clamps to hold the jars can be found in Home Depot and go for about $2 for a pack of 2. I’m sure you can find the wood board there as well.  Screw the clamps into the wood board first, then screw the board into the wall. A second set of hands will be helpful while you hold the mason jar in place, while someone can tighten the clamps.

 

You can use these not only for household plants but if you do not have a garden you can grow your own herbs.

Mason Jar Soap Dispensers

Instructions:  Amazon sells the soap dispenser creation kit! This includes the special pump and lid needed. They run from $10-$15.

Screw the lid on and the mason jar and boom! A classy soap dispenser!

 

MRS

 

Transform your old LWD (Little White Dress)

Nothing says more Summer than a white dress, it is simple yet chic. This DIY is about transforming your old LWD into something creative to wear.

Things you will need:

Paint Brushes

Acrylic Paint (any color you want)

White Dress

Imagination!

 

I painted about 3 inches of the bottom of the dress in black and added some splashes to it.

Old LWD

Gap Jean Jacket here

Forever 21 Wedges here

Forever 21 Handbag here (Doesn't this look like the 3.1 Phillip Lim Pashli)

What you think?

Don’t feel like doing this, Gap is selling a similar style here. Use the promo code THANKS for an additional 40% off. 

NS

Baby Shower DIY Party Favors

It's that time of the year where everyone is either getting married or popping out babies. I know I have been in baby shower mode since my cousin is having a baby shower sometime next month. I have been looking for ways to save and do as much as I can myself. There are so many cute ideas out there that will help save you a few bucks. Check out a few the few that I found and hopefully will try out myself!

I saw these cute washcloth ice cream cone favors that are simple and cheap to make, but look so cute! I even added a little video via Martha Stewart for directions.  

Items needed: Get any color washcloth, (Walmart sells 18pk for $4), ribbon, cellophane and construction paper .

I absolutely love mason jars and think they make anything look better! I saw this idea on Pinterest and thought it was genius!

Items needed: large mason jar (Amazon sells them), washcloths, travel sized baby shampoo, travel sized baby bath, travel sized lotion, a hooded baby bath towel and a little rubber ducky. Top it off with a bow and you are all set!

I absolutely LOVED these glasses! You can pick up inexpensive wine glasses from any discount/dollar store. Many craft stores, such as Michaels, should carry stencils. If they do not, a monogram of the baby’s initials would work too! Here is a site that shows step by step instructions on how to make this happen.

Items needed: Wine Glasses, duck stencil template, adhesive stencil film, glitter glass paint and masking tape.

If you have a baby shower DIY please feel free to pass your ideas along! Sharing is caring J

MRS