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.

This homemade facial mask feels rich and luxurious. It's not just high in antioxidants, but it's also good at moisturizing the skin. This mask is made entirely of natural ingredients that will nurture your skin. It exfoliates softly, leaving your skin hydrated and rejuvenated.

WHAT IS HIBISCUS?

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Hello there, friends! I'm back today with a quick and easy project. Coasters have been on my to-do list for quite some time. A few years ago, I made galaxy coasters (click here for the tutorial.) Although I still adore them as much as I did the first time I made them. I wanted to shake things up and create a new set of coasters that reflected my current aesthetic. Because I'm a major fan of plants, I wanted coasters that were inspired by nature. Though I considered utilizing real plants to design the coasters, I decided against it to keep things simple. However, I'll keep this idea in mind for an upcoming project because I think it's a great one. I'm happy with how my coasters turned out. Allow me to share how I made these.

 MATERIALS NEEDED:

• Coasters
• Acrylic paint
• Paintbrush
• Waterproof mod podge
• Pencil

Make these rejuvenating under eye masks to get rid of puffy eyes and wrinkles beneath the eyes. The best part is that all of the ingredients can be found in your own kitchen.

Cucumber is one of the most refreshing, and cooling vegetables available. Did you know that they contain about 96 percent water? It is the most hydrating and calming ingredient for your skin because of its high water content. Cucumbers are high in vitamins and nutrients, that help moisturize and rejuvenate your skin. Three skin-boosting ingredients are used in the recipe I'm sharing with you today, along with a few cotton rounds.

INGREDIENT BENEFITS:

CUCUMBER: The vitamin C and folic acid found in cucumber juice not only minimizes swelling around the eyes. It can also soothe damaged skin and make your eyes look refreshed. Cucumber juice may also help your skin appear firmer and healthier. Cucumber is high in antioxidants, and antioxidants are a well-known element for fighting free radicals. It helps heal the damage caused by prolonged exposure to the sun's harmful UV rays. 

CHAMOMILE TEA: Chamomile contains polyphenols and phytochemicals, which are powerful antioxidants. It can help minimize signs of aging by protecting the skin from free radical damage. These nutrients can improve the look of fine lines, wrinkles, and scars by speeding up cell regeneration. Chamomile's antibacterial properties can help treat acne by reducing bacteria while preventing future breakouts. Chamomile’s anti-inflammatory and healing properties benefit those with sensitive skin. As well as those suffering from inflammatory conditions such as rosacea or eczema.

MINT LEAVES: Mint leaves can be used as a mild astringent to naturally tone the skin. It removes excess oil and dirt from the pores. As well as restoring the skin's suppleness and hydration. Mint contains salicylic acid and antibacterial properties. Both of which can help treat and prevent acne. Mint is an excellent source of antioxidants, which help to protect the skin from free radical damage and delay the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. The richness of the antioxidants in mint leaves can help reduce dark circles beneath the eyes.

INGREDIENTS:

• Half a cucumber
• 2 oz chamomile tea
• A small batch of fresh mint leaves

DIRECTIONS:

1.) Steep the chamomile tea leaves in hot water for 3-4 minutes.

2.) Meanwhile, cut the cucumber into slices or chunks.

3.) Add the cucumber slices, chamomile tea, and mint leaves to the blender or food processor.

4.) Blend the mixture until smooth.

5.) Place a sieve over a bowl. Pour the mixture through the sieve to separate the pulp from the juice. 

6.) Cut your cotton rounds in half. (This mask will require a lot of pairs, so cut more than you think you'll need.)

7.) Transfer to a bowl, then soak the cotton rounds in the mixture. Then squeeze out the excess.

8.) Place the eye masks on the sheet pan. Repeat until you've used up all of the cucumber juice.

9.) Freeze the eye masks until solid, about 30 minutes. 

10.) Then pull the frozen eye masks away from the sheet pan, and place them in a resealable bag in the freezer for future use.

HOW TO USE:

To apply, place the eye pads underneath the eyes. Leave on for 10–15 minutes.

NOTE: Before using the eye pads, set them aside for 5-10 minutes but make sure they're still cool, as the temperature will help minimize puffiness.

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 3.) EASTER EGGS: 

Don't go out and buy new plastic Easter eggs. If you have leftover plastic eggs from previous years, you can utilize them this year. You can also upcycle the eggs by painting them to give them a new look. If you want to buy new Easter eggs, look for hollow eggs made of plant-based biodegradable plastic or hollow wooden eggs to reuse year after year.

8.) TOYS: 

If you want to put toys in your children's Easter baskets, you can buy wooden toys, make your own rag dolls, or buy secondhand. 

Photo by cotton bro from Pexels

9.) BOOKS: 

Books are my go-to for any occasion; you can't go wrong with them, and it's an easy way to bond with your children.

10.) CANDY/SNACKS: 

There are many ways you can go about this. You can buy candy from local stores that sell unwrapped candy, candy wrapped in tin foil, or you can make your own.

Photo by Karolina Grabowska from Pexels

11.) CLOTHES:

If your kids need clothes, hats, socks, or even pajamas, this is an easy way to fill their baskets.

12.) GIFT BAGS:

A fast snip, pom-poms, and gift tag transform a plain brown paper bag into a wonderfully cute party favor. If you don't want to make your own, you can buy adorable burlap or cotton drawstring treat bags.