Are you looking for a unique gift idea or new, adorable ornaments to hang on your tree this year? I have the answer—embroidered ornaments! They add the perfect handmade touch to any Christmas tree. 

Year after year, I use the same decorations.  I really wanted to include something unique. I wanted to add a personal touch, and what better way to do so than with embroidery art? So grab a warm blanket and your favorite cup of coffee and let's get sewing.

 MATERIAL NEEDED:

• Wood embroidery hoops
• Embroidery floss
• Embroidery needles
• Scissors
• Pencil
• Ribbon or twine for hanging
• Fabri-tac glue
• Optional: Felt
• Optional: Brown paint and a paintbrush 

Making this turmeric jelly mask is easy. It will give your skin a revitalized appearance! Did you know that turmeric is loaded with benefits that can help treat various skin conditions? When combined with aloe vera gel, it can benefit the skin by nourishing, soothing irritation, preventing acne/pimples, and fighting signs of aging. Honey and jojoba oil are also added to this recipe to brighten and hydrate to give the skin a radiant glow.

INGREDIENT BENEFITS:

TURMERIC: 

• lightens hyperpigmentation
• brightens skin tone
• contains anti-bacterial & anti-inflammatory properties 
• helps heal acne
• clears skin
• natural exfoliator
• reduces dark spots
• boosts circulation
• anti-aging (boost collagen production)
• moisturizes dry skin
• helps with psoriasis & eczema 

ALOE VERA:

• reduces fine lines & wrinkles
• adds a natural glow
• depuffs skin
• soothes
• nourishes
• hydrates dry skin
• neutralizes free radical damage
• fights breakouts
• heals wounds
• full of antioxidants
• anti-inflammatory & anti-bacterial properties

HONEY:

• fights acne & blemishes
• brightens skin complexion
• lightens scars
• natural exfoliator
• minimizes wrinkles
• adds a dewy glow
  
• moisturizes dry skin
• helps with psoriasis 
• packed in antioxidants
• anti-inflammatory & anti-bacterial properties

JOJOBA OIL:

• promotes skin regeneration
• anti-aging
• contains vitamin B complex (fades pigmentation)
• contains vitamin E 
• loaded with antioxidants
• helps fight free radical damage
• repairs skin
• non-greasy moisturizer
• non-comedogenic
• anti-bacterial & anti-inflammatory properties
• heals wounds
• helps with acne
• helps with psoriasis & eczema 

 INGREDIENTS:

• 3 tbsp Aloe vera gel 
• 1 tbsp Jojoba oil 
• 1 tsp Turmeric powder
• 1/4 tsp Honey 

Over the past couple of years, I've had all kinds of different bangs. I've had blunt bangs, wispy bangs, curtain bangs, side-swept bangs, all sorts of bangs! So, if you're considering getting bangs, you've come to the right place. I've experimented with a variety of fringe styles that I consider myself an "expert" at this point. Before you decided to cut your hair, consider looking at my list of pros and cons of getting bangs.

PROS:

1.)  Beaded Earrings With Roses.

Turn a simple pair of hoop earrings into these fabulous rose-beaded hoops. All you need is golden beads and a few charms. You can customize the design of the earrings by using colorful beads or by changing the style of the charms.

2.)  Speckled Clay Earring.

3.)  Tassel Earrings

Need a new pair of statement earrings? Why not make your own? These fabulously bold, and fringed earrings are simple to make at home. I always get compliments when I wear them out.

4.)  Marble Clay Earring.

 5.)  Tassel Fan Earrings.

7.)  Fringed Tassel Earrings.

 Am I the only one who finds it challenging to find the perfect pair of denim jeans? I prefer to wear longer shorts, which can be hard to find in stores. Summer in California can be brutal, so shorts are a must! I went through my closet and found a pair of old jeans that I no longer wear. (If you can't find any jeans to turn into shorts, you can always take a trip to the thrift store. They have so many great options.

MATERIALS NEEDED:

• Jeans
• Scissors
• Ruler
• Chalk or marker
• Iron

DIRECTIONS:

Do you know what a lash and brow serum are? They help to strengthen and enhance your lashes and brows, making them look fuller and shinier. It's simple to make and only requires three ingredients!

Do you want your lashes/brows to be fuller, thicker, and longer? Then you should try this homemade conditioning serum! Lately, my lashes and brows have become dry and brittle due to frequent lash and brow tinting. I must admit I didn't follow the aftercare instructions, and as a result, they have been falling off. I've been looking for an affordable growth serum for weeks, but they're all ridiculously expensive. Until I finally gave in and decided to make my own. After all, how hard could it be? With just a few basic ingredients, I was able to create my very own hydrating growth serum. An extra bonus, it doubles as a clear mascara gel.

HOW TO PRESERVE A HOMEMADE  SERUM:

Since aloe vera is a water-based ingredient, we must add a preservative to this brow and lash serum to increase its shelf life. However, if you want your serum to be free of preservatives. I have 2 options for you.

• 1: To prevent the serum from spoiling and introducing bacteria and mold, you must use it up within 5 days (if you decide not to add a preservative.)
• 2: Use castor oil and vitamin E only and skip the aloe vera gel. Anhydrous products don't need a preservative. Add an antioxidant to your anhydrous recipes to prevent rancidity and extend the shelf life of your oils.

BENEFITS.

ALOE VERA:  For centuries, aloe vera has been used as a natural remedy for several skin conditions. Additionally, it has grown in popularity as a remedy for hair loss. Aloe vera contains various active ingredients and minerals that can help strengthen and condition hair to reduce breakage. It contains fatty acids and amino acids, as well as vitamins. These contribute to healthy hair follicles. 

CASTOR OIL: Aside from its antifungal and antibacterial properties, castor oil is rich in nutrients such as proteins, minerals, and fatty acids that nourish the skin and hair. It also has natural compounds that stimulate hair growth.

VITAMIN E: Aside from its anti-aging and skin-conditioning properties, vitamin E promotes longer lashes and eyebrows. Vitamin E oil aids in the reduction of oxidative damage, which contributes to hair loss. Due to its antioxidant and conditioning properties, vitamin E can help with hair growth. 

 INGREDIENTS NEEDED:

• 2 TBSP Aloe vera gel
• 2 TBSP Castor oil
• 1/4 TBSP Vitamin E
• Empty mascara tub

Your lips will love these gentle lip scrubs.  For today's project, I devised two easy recipes. The first is a simple but powerful lip scrub made with oil and sugar. This recipe is great because it only requires two ingredients and can be prepared in under 5 minutes. Shea butter is used in the second lip scrub. By far my fave lip scrub. The sugar gently exfoliates dry, cracked lips, while the butter hydrates and softens your lips.

 HOW TO PRESERVE A HOMEMADE LIP SCRUB:

If the lip scrub doesn't contain water, it will not need a preservative. You can add an antioxidant like vitamin E to extend the shelf life of the oil and butter. Vitamin E is not a preservative, so avoid getting water in your lip scrub.

 (BASIC LIP SCRUB) INGREDIENTS:

• 2 TBSP White Sugar
• 1 to 2 TBSP Carrier oil of choice (I used almond oil)
• Optional: 2-3 Drops of flavor oil (I used watermelon)
• Optional: 1-2 drops of pink or red food coloring

DIRECTIONS:

1.) Add the white sugar and carrier oil to a small bowl. Mix until the ingredients are well incorporated.

2.) Then add a few drops of food coloring and a few drops of flavoring oil. Mix until the food coloring is completely blended into the mixture.

3.) Transfer the scrub into a clean jar with a lid.

HOW TO USE:

1.) To use, scoop a tiny bit onto your fingertips and gently rub your lips in a circular motion.

2.) Rinse off with warm water.

3.) Apply a lip balm or coconut oil to your lips.

*Use this lip scrub once or twice a week.*

(SHEA BUTTER LIP SCRUB) FORMULA

(Heated Phase Ingredients)

• 8g Shea Butter 
• 12g Carrier oil of choice (I used jojoba oil)

• 30g White Sugar
• 0.25g Vitamin E
• 2-3 drops of Flavor oil (I used strawberry)
• Optional: 1-2 drops of pink or red food coloring

DIRECTIONS (HEATED PHASE)

1.) Add the shea butter and jojoba oil to a heat-proof container.

2.) Melt the ingredients in a double boiler by placing a bowl inside a small pot of boiling water.

3.) Remove from heat once the shea butter has melted.

HOW TO USE:

1.) To use, scoop a tiny bit onto your fingertips and gently rub your lips in a circular motion.

2.) Rinse off with warm water.

3.) Apply a lip balm or coconut oil to your lips.

*Use this lip scrub once or twice a week.*

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Summer's here, which means more time outdoors. These homemade bug repellent candles are ideal for those occasions since they work as a natural insect repellent to keep those pesky bugs away. My family enjoys spending evenings on the back patio until the mosquitos arrive and ruin the night. I've never been a fan of using store-bought bug repellent sprays, as they're usually filled with chemicals. That's why I love these homemade candles, as they are healthy for us to breathe and are better for the environment. On top of that, they smell wonderful and look great as decorations.

RECOMMENDED ESSENTIAL OILS:

• Cinnamon
• Lavender  
• Lemongrass
• Peppermint
• Rosemary
• Tea tree
• Cedarwood
• Eucalyptus

INGREDIENTS:

• Soy wax
• Candlewick
• Mini terracotta pots
• 20 drops of citronella essential oil
• 15 drops of lemongrass essential oil (or other essential oil of choice)
• 10 drops of peppermint essential oil (or other essential oil of choice)
• 10 drops of cinnamon essential oil  (or other essential oil of choice)
• Hot glue gun

9.) Trim the excess candle wick.

Nothing beats a facial after a long, stressful day, and adding steam may take your facials to the next level. If you're unfamiliar with facial steaming, it's a beauty treatment that cleanses, hydrates, and feels amazing. It is simple to do at home with ingredients you already have.

Benefits Of Facial Steam:

• Cleansing: Steam opens your pores and removes dirt buildup for deeper cleansing.
• Hydrates: Steam nourishes the skin by increasing oil production, which naturally hydrates the face.
• Increases circulation: The warm steam helps promote circulation, which helps remove dirt, toxins, and impurities. This increase in blood flow nourishes and oxygenates your skin. As a result, you'll have a healthy, natural glow.
• Increases elasticity: Steaming your face is the best way to get the most out of your skincare products. Steaming improves skin permeability, allowing skin care products to absorb more effectively.
• It releases trapped sebum: Dead skin cells, germs, and other impurities that clog pores and lead to acne can be released by opening your pores.
• It promotes collagen and elastin: A facial steam promotes collagen and elastin production. As a result, your skin will appear firmer and younger.
• Blackhead removal: Steaming is an effective method for preparing pores for blackhead extraction. Steaming can soften the skin and loosen oil and buildup in your pores, allowing you to remove blackheads more easily.
• It’s relaxing: One of the many reasons I enjoy steaming is the pleasant sensation of warm steam on my face.