Do you like to DIY?

I am doing a Galentine’s Day (Valentine’s Day) Workshop at IKEA in sunny Jacksonville Florida 🌴 only problem is it’s NOT so sunny. It’s been storming and it’s 90% chance of rain ☔️ today. I hope the ladies come out and play with me and not let rain get in the way.

So excited to do a Workshop at IKEA ❤️

If you’re looking for a fun DIY gift 🎁 I like to give as gifts … you’re in luck. My workshop is all about self-care and made with love.

SPA in a Jar

Here’s what you will need to make this gift:

❤️1 medium or large glass jar with a lid and a large neck so you can fill it. Decorative ribbon and other touches to embellish it. Greenery and faux or even fresh cut flowers work too. This gives it a natural and pretty touch.

❤️Things you might want to use to fill your very own SPA in Jar are:

A headband,washcloth or eco friendly washable facial rounds,sheet masks, eye gel masks.

❤️ How about some bubble bath,epsom salts,shower gel,hand lotion, a body lotion and a luxurious soap and bath sponge.

❤️ Crystals, incense, sage,Palo Santo or a mini book.

❤️ A bottle of Prosecco, mini liquor, small beer can, (optional)

❤️ A small box of candy. An apple 🍎 as an apple a day keeps the doctor away.

Or you can create a mix of store bought and hand-made DIY recipes. Please note IF you are allergic to any of my recipe ingredients please do not try them.

Kiss Me Lip 👄 Polish

1 jar organic coconut oil

1 packet of sugar left in your purse from last coffee shop stop or 1/4 cup brown or white sugar. It all depends how many jars you want to make. Note: both sugars will work too.

Mix the two together with a spoon or spatula and place in a small microwave safe bowl. Warm the polish 5 seconds to melt a bit and stir again. Be careful. It will be hot. Let cool a bit.

Place mixture into a small glass or plastic jar of your choice. If you want a bigger batch double the recipe. Add a pretty lip stickers or custom label you make and it’s all set. Men and women love ❤️ thus recipe. Including my husband.

Kissable lips in minutes! This is a unisex recipe guys love it too!

❤️ Chamomile Flower Facial Steam Bath

Chamomile dried flowers- a small handful will do.

A pot of water 💦

This recipe is so easy and so gratifying. Your skin will love you back by the way it looks and feels. A relaxing detox facial steam!

Place some dried chamomile flowers in a bag and give it to the person you are gifting to. Add instructions with it. All they do is warm water to a light boil. .

Place the flowers in the water. Place a small towel over your head like a tent. Do NOT put your face in the hot water. You are simply allowing the steam to RISE up to your face. Do this for 3 or 5 minutes. If you have high blood pressure or a skin condition like Rosacea or acne please do not use this facial steam recipe.

Rose 🌹 Eye Mask

Cooling cucumbers 🥒 are refreshing and certainly you can still use them. They work! However, I love this simple aromatic eye mask. Asian Royalty and in many other times in history used them to look younger and refresh their eyes. Did you ever really feel a petal from the rose? It’s so soft and lovely to the touch. It’s known for its skin softening and feel good properties.

Pick me up … for the eyes.

1 fresh Rose rinsed please.

Rinse rose gently in water

Tear off one of the rose petals for an aromatic relaxing treat. They add a touch of moisture for your eye area.

Eyelid pillows are great but I love this nature based eye treatment.

Chill out & rest with a rose petal eye mask!

Laying down close the eyes. Place a rose 🌹 petal on each eyelid and rest the eyes. Listen to some relaxing music. Leave on your closed eyelids at least 6-10 minutes. That’s it!

I hope you enjoy these recipes! Please note…Store bought self-care products are great for your jar. However there’s nothing like a handmade and homemade creation.

Made with LOVE. ❤️

Oops! Forgot to post to my blog before I left. Update despite the rain i had an awesome crowd, workshop and morning at IKEA! Went crazy shopping in the stores food market. Had one of their awesome pretzel with their yummy dipping sauce and drive away smiling all day!

❤️Love that store.

Minty Facial Steam

I was looking for a refreshing recipe and felt in the mood for mint. So I went to my personal recipe box for food, beauty and fun. I made a yummy cool Mint Julep drink with fresh mint. I also prepared a fresh facial steam.

Mint Juleps … are so 🍃 refreshing!

I wanted to detox my pores a bit and give them a breather from makeup, pollution and more.

What you will need for this recipe:

1 bunch of fresh peppermint or spearmint leaves

1 gallon bottle of water poured into a pasta pot (pretend you’re making pasta)

1 glass Pyrex like bowl

Bring water to a boil and allow it to cool a bit. Pour this water into a bowl.

Crush up some great mint in your hands to let the aromatics come out.

Place the leaves on top of the water.

Place a tea towel over your head allowing your face to be uncovered.

Keeping a safe distance allow the steam 💦 to reach your face.

You’ll start to notice a bit of moisture to your facial skin and feel like you’ve been “working out”. That’s good!

Your pores are getting a workout,dead skin will slough off a bit and your your skin will love you for it all.

You can enjoy this facial steam once a week. I like to do it for at least 10 mins. until the water cools to lukewarm and your face is glows & dewy.

*

Do not put your pretty face in the steamy water. Just near it and allow the steam to rise and meet your face.

Have you ever tried a recipe like this?

Enjoy!

A chocolate 🍫 Halloween 🎃 Treat!

Today on TV I am sharing one of my favorite recipes for a chocolate 🍫 face mask!

I LOVE 🧡 whipping up beauty Brews & Face Treats.

Heres is what you’ll need to make this DIY. Filled with nutrients and skin loving!

🍫1/3 cup of Natural (not with sugar) Cocoa powder

🍫 2 TSP heavy cream or milk

🍫1 Teaspoon of honey 🍯 to seal the chocolate deal

Stir all of these together and apply to a clean face and your neck too.

Leave on your face at least 10 minutes!

Rinse well and you won’t believe how pretty your skin looks and feels.

Nothing like a chocolate facial at home! Or go to your favorite SPA to get one! They offer massages, manicures & pedicures and skin care infused with chocolate.

Who says you can’t Treat yourself this Halloween 🎃👻🍫 and it’s ZERO calories!

Guac 🥑 at Home…

I’ve always loved guacamole. And learning about a NEW D.I.Y. face mask makes me want to visit The Lodge at Woodloch. Spa in Hailey PA. Even more!

I love ❤️ to travel and explore. And spas and beauty stores are at the top of my TO Do list.

I recently read an article in my fave magazine just for industry PROfessionals in America Spa magazine.

I can’t wait to try this recipe after I fly home to Florida after guest speaking at the International Esthetics Cosmetics and SPA Conference show here in Chicago.

DIY Avocado Cooler Face Mask

Ingredients needed:

1 fresh avocado

1 carrot, cooked and mashed

1/2 cup of heavy cream

1 egg,beaten

3 tablespoons of honey

Directions:

Blend all ingredients in a blender or food processor and apply to a cleansed face. Leave on for 10 to 15 minutes , then rinse with warm water.

This recipe is by: Amanda Clabaugh, treatments manager at the Spa.

Look forward to trying this natural fave mask and maybe making an avocado smoothie or avocado dip and enjoy a refreshing drink too.

I love natural beauty recipes that are simple, quick and easy. Don’t you?

I love to DIY do you???

Oily, Dry or Combination skin…

Which one are you?

It’s January and a new year. It is time to refresh your skin care routine. But first you need to do a check in on what your skin is looking like and doing at this time.

Wash your face, look in the mirror in good lighting or better yet I like sunlight in the morning. Discover what your skin FEELS like and see.

1. Do your pores look large or small? Larger pores are typically associated with oily skin. Smaller pores are associated with skin on the dry side.

2. Does your T-zone get shiny? Look Greasy? EspecIally in the midday? This is typically and most common with combination skin a most common skin type.

3. When you press with your thumb on your forehead does it leave a white spot with a bit of redness around it? This usually means you have sensitive skin issues at this time.

This skin care quiz was created by my colleague Victoria Tabak who owns Nature Pure Labs.

Victoria and I both agree for you to keep in mind your skin can change at any time. And your skin will change as you age as well. It’s just a matter of time. Because you’ve messaged me on this I thought I’d share this quiz this year with you.

Stress, the change of weather, exercise regime and your diet all affect your skin and type.

After you do this analysis. Meet with a skin care PRO and look into the possibilities on what they recommend for you. If you prefer to shop for yourself in your local drug, grocery or big box store that’s fine too. Just make sure YOU are buying what’s right for YOU! Your skin at this time too.

FYI

Sometimes you can be all three. Skin care isn’t one size fits all.

Whipping up some beauty!

DIY Recipe for your hair:

Have fun in the kitchen and whip up some face and body care. I featured these recipes on TV 📺 yesterday on River City Live on http://www.News4Jax.com

Check out the video clip.

FYI

If you are allergic to any other the ingredients below. Please skip that ingredient. If you have very sensitive skin do a patch test on your inner wrist.

I have super sensitive skin. I do not have any problems with any of these delightful DIY treats. 😍

Coconut 🥥 milk by the can is so softening and gives you a healthier sheen. Use it before you shampoo and then pour a cup on your ends and rub a comb through your hair. Leave on at least 15 minutes.

Women from exotic countries love this hair trick!

Canned Coconut milk or coconut oil both work!

Hi 🍯 Honey! Face Mask Recipe

Local honey makes a skin softening and soothing face mask for women or men. Yes, it’s a bit messy and you might want to eat it and lick 😋 the leftovers. but it is a quick wonderful mask. Apply on clean face and leave on at least 10 minutes. I also like to do this mask on my neck.

A little honey goes a long way!

Rice 🍚 Water Face Mask for uneven skin tone

Raw White rice for your skin? Yes, please!
Oats for your bath? Why not?

Milk & Oat Bath Body Recipe

Fill a bathtub with warm water. Place a sachet (muslin or organza bag both work)

Filled with a cup or two of raw oats and some powdered milk.

* You can substitute the powdered milk for a small bottle of water.

Soak your cares away, dry skin and itchy skin away! Soak in the bath until the water 💦 cools. Your skin will feel amazing.

Nail & Cuticle Hand Bath

All you need is some olive 🫒 oil, avocado 🥑 oil or other favorite oil. I like to soak my hands in this oil bath. Do this for at least 10 minutes.

* Rub the extra oil on your toe nails and feet.

Instant mani & pedi fix !

End these spa like treats from your kitchen with a martini 🍸 or a glass of bubbly Prosecco or champagne 🍾

My husband likes to join in on the pampering self care fun too!

Dull and Dry Hands?

I know the seasons are changing and our hands are getting a bit drier or will be.

Hers a recipe for a quick fix. Cheap and easy!

What you will need for this DIY recipe:

1 bottle of glycerine from the drug store (You’ll need two tablespoons)

1 handful of sea salt

Place the above ingredients in a bowl. Stir well.

Wash your hands.

Apply the mixture on your hands. Tops and palms. Rub in gently. Using a brush is optional but I like to skip it.

Leave on at least 10 minutes.

Rinse and apply your favorite hand and body lotion.

Enjoy softer and healthier looking hands.

Guys will enjoy its beauty benefits too.

I ❤️ this nail lacquer!

My summer beauty crush is a nail polish. I love getting a mani & pedi and enjoy touching my nails 💅 up between my manicure appointments so I can look my best.

While shopping 🛍 to pick up some milk and and a few other things I discovered of all places in The Dollar General an end cap display of nail lacquer. A few colors caught my eye.

I can’t wait to buy MORE!

They have 18 show stopping colors!

Twisted 🌷 Tulip nail lacquer!

Maybe I needed a frost, no I needed a matte. So I chose Twisted 🌷 Tulip! Perhaps like my personality. It is Maybelline FAST gel nail lacquer. Yes, Maybelline every teen on a budgets dream.

It went on my nails smooth and looked flawless instantly. Best part besides this beautiful hue. It is so FAST drying! I am in love! And I almost forgot I’ve had two coats on for a week. Not a dent or chip. Color is shiny and still looks amazing.

And by the way, for years I have been able to only use OPI nail polish because I am allergic to other nail lacquers.

No your nail bed doesn’t break out nor do you necessarily get a rash. Your eye 👁 lids and under eyes can get itchy and irritated. And can even get raw red from scratching or rubbing.

Did you even know you can be allergic from the ingredients in some brand nail polish?

It’s not over. There’s still more summer left! Maybe it’s time you discover and try a few and play away!

You’ll most likely fall in love with it too!

Like the brands tube goes… Maybe It’s Maybelline!

The Beauty of Lipstick!

Hooray! It is NATIONAL LIPSTICK DAY!

Photo by Daria Rem on Pexels.com

I am addicted to lipstick and all things to do with the lips!

How about you?

Face masks on or not I have not given up on lipstick! Or wearing lipstick. It is a magic stick! It has super powers. It gives your face a lift! It makes you feel good with one swipe. It doesn’t matter what color you wear. ANY hue YOU love will make you feel fabulous and condition your lips too!

Photo by cottonbro on Pexels.com

LIPSTICK Application to make your lipstick LAST and not run. 💄💋

Here are a few tips to make your lipstick look good and last longer:

👄Always prep your lips with a lip conditioner day and night a Vitamin E stick is my go to or Rosebud Salve. These two lip products are loved by professional makeup artists,celebrities and models. Even if you are not wearing a lipstick. Try these for kissable softer less lines on your lips!

👄Next apply a lipstick primer.

👄Lip liner isn’t gone forever! So, give your lips shape and definition with a lip liner. If you don’t want a line of color to show. Try an invisible lip liner instead. It works wonders.

👄Next apply your favorite lipstick or glossy color.

👄Once a week exfoliate your lips!! A quick go to DIY is 🥥 coconut oil and some mini coconut flake shavings. Mix the two in a jar and apply as needed. Leave on at least 10-15 minutes. You’ll be tempted to eat it but don’t.

Enjoy a prettier softer pout! 💋💄

Photo by 4TH FINGERSTUDIOS on Pexels.com

Day 29 of MY Beauty Secrets

Photo by cottonbro on Pexels.com

If you D.I.Y. color your hair at home and I know many of you are with the uncertain times were in. You need to be armed with not only the box of color but this! Vaseline is a gals or guys best friend in so many ways!

Apply a thin layer of Vaseline at your hairline.The petroleum jelly will form a barrier so the color doesn’t seep into the skin and creates a protective barrier. YOU DON’T WANT your face and skin to be shades of red,brown,chocolate and or a pink hair color hue. Stay safe and protect your skin too.

PS

In a pinch and don’t have any Vaseline? Try a bit of coconut oil and apply it the same way.