Monday, October 7, 2013
Friday, September 27, 2013
DIY Facial Steam
Facials at the spa are costly but an effective way to maintain great and healthy skin. Facial steams are a great alternative to the hefty price tags of spa facials. When done once a week you will see an improvement in your skin’s texture and reduce clogged pores. I have done this for a couple of years now and have maintained clear skin by doing this. Even if not done weekly you will still see some results.
Step 1.Bring 2 quarts of water to a boil in a pot.
Step 2.Add your selected herbal mixture to the boiling water, cover, and then turn off the heat.
For dry skin : try rose or chamomile
For normal skin: try rose or lavender
For oily skin: try rosemary or sage
For dull or acne prone skin : try comfrey*
note even if you do not have any of these ingredients a simple facial steam without herbs will still open up your pores.
Step 3:Let the water cool for approximately 2 to 3 minutes, uncover the pot, stir the mixture , and completely remove the pot from your stove.
Step 4: Place the pot in a table that will allow you to sit and place your face above it about 9 inches it. Place a large towel over head and let the towel hang down around the pot in order to let it catch some of water steam or vapor. Keeping a safe and comfortable distance between your and pot, try to stay under the towel as long as you comfortably can. What I do is stay approximately a minute under the towel, take a break, and put the towel over my head once again. I do this about four to five times, in order to really open up my pores.
Step 5:Remove your face from the pot and your done ! Either using a store purchased facial scrub or one I make at home. I then use a circular motion to cleanse my face. Lastly, I rinse my face with cool water to close my pores. Some makeup artist use icy cold water in order to really tighten their pores. I use this technique only in the warmer months.
DIY facial scrub:Make a thick paste using cornmeal and water. Or you can make a thick paste using brown sugar and honey. Make sure not overscrub your skin since this can cause irritation.
Step 6.Do not forget to use moisturizer! This is a very important step since your skin has undergone serious cleansing and you need to bring back moisture.
Hope your try this facial steam idea and enjoy pampering yourself :)* note some people may experience a slight itching sensation after the first facial steam. This is absolutely normal. When your steam your skin reacts to increased circulation. Increasing the circulation will help give you a nature glow to your skin. After doing a couple of facial steam you will notice that this itching sensation will disappear.
Image source: http://www.chippewahotel.com/facial-deluxe.cfm
Thursday, August 8, 2013
The Jeweled Lesson with April Williams from Eluna Jewelry Designs
Niobium: The
Hypo-allergenic Metal
When I became a jewelry designer, one of my goals was to be
able to create jewelry for my mother. Like my mother, 10% of the population has
allergic reaction to some metals used in jewelry designs. Most of these
allergic reactions occur in the presence of nickel, but other metals have also
been known to cause problems as well. So
you can imagine how intrigued I was to learn about a metal that was not only
hypo-allergenic, but could be purchased in every color of the rainbow!
Niobium is a lustrous silvery white metal that is found
throughout the world, but the main producers of niobium are Brazil and Canada.
At room temperatures, niobium forms a transparent oxidizing film over the metal
through a reaction with the air. This film protects the metal from corrosion. It
also protects a person wearing this metal from actually touching the metal.
This characteristic contributes to Niobium’s hypoallergenic nature.
The fact that this metal is chemical stable and can be used
in its pure form without the need of other metals to create an alloy are also
part of the reason it is hypo-allergenic in nature.
Niobium is considered hypo-allergenic, and suitable for wear
by people with metal allergies. It is listed among the known “safe” metals for
body piercings by the American Academy of Dermatology. I know personally that my mother can wear
niobium, but she is allergic to all other metals with the exception of high
carat gold alloys.
But being hypo-allergenic is only one of the qualities that
makes this a wonderful metal for jewelry.
The best characteristic of niobium is its ability to take on a variety
of colors. By using a process known as anodizing, the transparent film covering
niobium can become thicker and change the color of the metal. Unlike dyes and
enamels, this color will not wash off since the metal itself is changing.
Thank you April for this informative lesson on niobium metal and how it is a great alternative for those with sensitive skin !
Check out April Williams niobium and hypo-allergenic jewelry designs at Eluna Jewelry Designs !
Store: http://www.elunajewelry.com
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/elunajewelry
Saturday, July 20, 2013
Designer Diaries : Karina Balda from NovaMar
This week, as part of our Designer Diaries Series, I had the pleasure of interviewing the handmade jewelry designer Karina Balda from NovaMar. Her one-of-a-kind jewelry collection features a mix of natural stones with modern metal designs. Its fun, refreshing, and ooh-so-delightful.
Tell us a little bit about yourself .
I am a wacky, loving down to earth girl! By day I work in a hotel and by night I design. I sprinkle in time to cook, bake and blog. I am always taking pictures of what inspires me or makes me laugh. There is just not enough hours in a day for everything I do, but I make it happen.
How did you first become interested in the visual arts ?
I believe I was born loving it. My dad is a jeweler and my mom is very creative. The creativity just flows from both sides of my family just in different ways. It just rubbed off on me.
I started off making seed bead bracelets last year and buying my supplies at Michael’s. What can I say I was total newbie and I didn’t know where else to look. Once I got the seed bead thing packed down I started experimenting with other materials and techniques, in just a year I have come a long way since my first designs.
You mentioned in your shop that your motto is “no two stars are alike.” What is it about designing one-of-a-kind creations that you love ?
We are all unique in one way or another and I want my jewelry to speak to people of all walks of life. I want my store to be a reflection of me, with that comes different designs and techniques. There might be a variation of the same item but they will always have something different about them.
What is your favorite accessory from you collection ?
There are so many to choose from but if I had to play favorites it would be my bezel bracelets they are simple, elegant and can be mixed and matched.
https://www.etsy.com/listing/156421723/smoky-quartz-and-blue-drop-earrings-gray?ref=shop_home_active
Love her accessories checkout her lovely collection !
Etsy shop: www.NovaMar.etsy.com
Blog links: www.NovaMarCo.blogspot.com
Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/novamar/boards/
Thank you Karina Balda for this delightful interview and for sharing with us your beautiful creations !
Wednesday, July 10, 2013
Designer Diaries : Catheryn Dallenbach from Some Kind Of Pretty
 |
Etsy is online marketplace that features thousands of independently owned shops from across the globe. You have the ability to purchase unique designs made the artists themselves or even have a custom order made ! What makes Etsy special unlike other online shopping websites is its vibrant community of artists and buyers. Not only do they discuss business topics but also support each other in many ways. If you have not heard of or visited Etsy , I suggest you browse around a little bit. You will never look at online shopping or retail shopping the same way !
This week, I had the joy of interviewing Catheryn Dallenbach from the refreshingly sweet handmade jewelry shop : Some Kind Of Pretty.
Tell us a little bit about yourself.
Well where to begin!! I am newly married to the love of my life! So I am adjusting to the life of a newly, which isn't half bad...lol.. I am also a twin! Her and I are the youngest of 6 kids. Everyone in my family is very crafty. I have a sister who pretty much rocks at making anything! I have another sister who can decorate the most beautiful cakes and my twin sister can crochet/knit up a storm! My mom also can sew just about anything. My two brother and dad are good at the manly stuff, i.e. Cars, yards, and building stuff. So needless to say, at a young age I was on the hunt for my talent.
Congrats ! Talent in the visual arts are definitely in genes !
How did you get started making/designing jewelry ? What was the first piece you created ?
My oldest sister gave a beaded bobby pin kit when I was about 8. This is what sparked my passion. From that kit I made TONS of beaded bobby pins, and none of them matched. After I made about 30, she decided to take me to a yard sale at her church. With my twin being an awesome sales-girl, I was able to sell the majority of my bobby pins. But I figured they sold because they couldn't say no to my sister!
I am sure they loved the hairpins also !
Are there any other art forms/hobbies that you enjoy ?
Besides making jewelry, I also enjoy numerous other crafts. Usually home decor crafts. If I see something in a store or online that I really like, I usually find some way to make it. I also enjoy baking. I always tell people that baking is easy, just follow the recipe and you are good! My husband never tires of this Banana Bread that I make. So easy and so delicious. Besides DIY and baking, my other love is Antique shopping. I require almost weekly trips to the antique stores. I love learning about history and the way of life through antiques!
Banana bread is absolutely addictive when it is made with love ! Antique shopping is absolutely inspiring and each item has a distinctive story to tell .
You have a very feminine and sweet collection of jewelry. I love the earthy tones and bright pop of colors in your pictures. Do you have any new pieces that you are working on?
I enjoy playing with the juxtaposition of earthy and bright. Right now, I am in the works of updating my Floss Bracelets to a new design and offering more bracelets. Some pieces that I will also soon be adding are very bright and bold. I love playing with the idea of the Simple Statement Necklace. I have necklace that is bold but without being chunky and heavy. When is comes to my jewelry, especially earrings, I want it to be something that can be worn comfortably. I hate falling in love with a pair of earrings, just to find out they weigh 5 lbs. So I am always very aware of weight and functionality.
I agree, design must not only be aesthetically pleasing but functional !
Thank you Catheryn Dallenbach for this delightful interview ! Stop by her shop and check out her lovely jewelry designs that undoubtedly make sweet gifts .
Social Media Links and Contact Information
Facebook: www.facebook.com/pages/Some-Kind-of-Pretty
Twitter: @SomeKindPretty
Etsy shop : www.SomeKindOfPretty.etsy.com
Sunday, July 7, 2013
DIY Manicure and Pedicure
Helps diabetics to prevent crack heels and bleeding. Softens skin. Removes callouses. Exfoliates.
In this recipe it is important that you use dead Sea Salts which have iodine, calcium, potassium and other minerals. These minerals are known to relieve pain in body from muscles and joints.
Ingredients: Dead Sea Salts ($10 and higher depending on brand found at beauty supply stores or online)
2 Large bowl/tub of warm water (not hot nor cold) (
1 definitely must be room temperature)
4 step buffer (found at Sephora/Sally Beauty Supply costs $5)
Under nail white nail pencil (found at beauty stores I found one at Sephora $4)
Spray bottle with water (room temperature)
Soft brush
towel
Pedicure:
Step 1. Remove nailpolish, cut, and file toe nails
Step 2. Fill a large tub with warm water and pour about a handful of dead sea salts (as warm as you comfortably can place feet in )
Step 3. Soak feet in warm water for about 3 minutes
Step 4. Using the soft brush, in circular motions brush off dead skinwhen doing this step you will notice a white substance which is dead skin cellsdo this for a couple of minutes until feet are soft.
Step 5. Rinse feet with cool water.
Step 6. Towel dry feet.
Manicure.
DIY Polish and Shape.
Last about four weeks. Takes the yellow out of nails. Looks better than clear polish. Gives you a french nail that’s easy.
Step 1. Cut and shape hand nails using crystal glass file to prevent fraying of nails.
Step 2. File into desired shape.
Step 3. Using the buffer side of the file buff the top of the nail gently in horizontal motion. Continue until you cover all the nail area at least three times.
Step 4. Using the polish side of the buffer. Polish nail until you see a light white veil on nail.
Step 5. Using the shine side of the buffer. Shine until have a high shine look as if it was wet clear nail polish.
Step 6. Dampen Under nail white pencil tip with spray bottle.
Step 7. Under the nail, trace with white pencil the nail tips.Now you have the perfect french nail without artificial nails or damage of polish.
DIY Hand scrub.
Step 1. Pour about two quarter sized amounts of dead sea salt on top of your hands.
Step 2. Let salts melt into your hands with your own body heat. Leave on only until fully melted. Then quickly proceed to step 4.
Step 3 . Optional : Spray water on the top of your hands to melt the salts faster.
Step 4. Rinse with cool water.*****Note do not use salts on broken or irrated skin.
Do not leave salts on hands to long or else they will cause redness, dryness of skin, or irritate skin. Only use once a week. Dead sea salts can be used for entire body exfoliation only once a week. Gives you a polished glow. This tutorial was inspired by a beach trip about 5 years ago and a $90 beauty treatment spurge my mom had recently at the mall that used similar steps. I now have replicated the treatment for less than half the price :)
Image souce: http://www.brazilianbeautician.com/page4.htm
DIY Shiny Hair Rinse
Want to remove product buildup in your hair, dandruff, and have shiny hair naturally then try this reciepe. Sounds odd but this works. I’ve tried this a couple of times. Beware: It smells kind of strong.
After you shampoo your hair. Rinse. Then pour into your hair a mixture of :
1 cup apple cider vinegar
1 cup water
Rinse. Try to tolerate the smell of the vinegar.
After you shampoo your hair. Rinse. Then pour into your hair a mixture of :
1 cup apple cider vinegar
1 cup water
Rinse. Try to tolerate the smell of the vinegar.
DIY Shimmer Potion
Celebrities and supermodels alike always seem to have the perfect glow. The secret to that shimmery skin is in the following diy recipe.
Ingredients:
1 teaspoon of baby oil
1 teaspoon of shimmer powder (use silver or pink if you’re light skinned )
(use gold if you have golden undertones)
1/2 of body lotion of your choice
Mix!!!
Apply to areas of skin that will be exposed e.g. legs or arms. Don’t use on face. Instead use face cream and mix in luminzer to achieve that same effect.
Now you’re ready to stop traffic !!!!
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