Simple Steps to a DIY Facial Mask

If you love facial masks and would like to save money and do it yourself at home, check out this excellent article for simple steps to a DIY facial.

What I do different than what the article suggests is to steam my face when making a pot of tea.  Be careful not to burn yourself if you choose this steam method!

DIY Anthro Pernilla Necklace

Bev at Flamingo Toes made her own version (shown above) of the following necklace that is a pricey $198 at Anthropologie.  Why pay so much when you can make your own for a lot less than that!  Can you tell the difference between the two necklaces?

What I love about this necklace is that it is a basic design that you can use components from broken jewelry or jewelry pieces you would like to refashion.  I know in my stash of vintage jewelry, I have boxes and boxes and could make all types of variations of this necklace.  Of course you can use new jewelry components found at craft stores.

Another thing I love about this design is that it opens up many possibilities for complimenting pieces of jewelry with all the varying pieces used in the necklace.

Are you ready to attempt your own necklace?

Click here to go to Bev's excellent tutorial with lots of photos!

DIY Shag Rag Rug

A simple yet tedious project with gorgeous results!  I think it would be worth the time and effort put into it.

This is one of those DIY projects I love that can utilize recycled items.  As usual, my thoughts immediate go to making one of these rugs out of denim. Also, I have seen curtains made out of open weave fabric that would work as the base.

Click here to go to the tutorial.  Check out the rest of Jessica's blog, My Love of Style, for more awesome and unique projects like this one!

Fabulous No-Sew Pillows and Blankets

What an awesome and easy project with fabulous results!

This project is not just for the holidays and not just for new fabric.  

My mind is always on recycling every bit of clothing rather than tossing them away.

Great project for a non-sewer!

Click here to go to the tutorial.

Homemade Banana Hair Mask

Love finding new uses for those things
 we usually toss in the trash!

Ripe bananas freeze well too . . .

Ingredients and Directions

Mash a banana in a bowl.

Add 1-2 tablespoons of honey.

You can also add a few drops of almond or vanilla extract.

Slather the banana mash through your hair

(especially on the tips of your hair).

Leave it on your hair for about fifteen minutes.

Rinse out with warm water.

The banana bits can take a very long time to rinse out of your hair - 

it is recommended that you have a lot of spare time to rinse it out

Bananas contain potassium which
strengthens and fixes damaged hair.

Use this every week to get healthy, shiny hair.

Source: WikiHow

Homemade dryer sheets

Save money on fabric softener sheets for the dryer.

Use liquid fabric softener, diluted about 1/2 strength with water.

Pour a little on a wash cloth and throw it in the dryer with your clothes.

Natural Chemical Peel Mask

Ingredients

1/2 cup dry oatmeal, ground finely (use your blender or food processor)
1/4 cup granulated white sugar
1/4 cup mineral water
500 mg tablet of Vitamin C, pulverized to powder
2 Tbs. Honey

Directions

Combine dry oatmeal with the granulated sugar in a bowl, mix well.

Add mineral water and mix to form a paste.

Rub this mixture on your skin in gentle circular, upward motions.

Take a full minute or two to rub this on your face.

Use a warm, wet washcloth to remove.

Rinse after with lots of water.

Dry your face.

Place the vitamin C powder in a small cup or bowl, add the honey, and stir until completely blended.

Apply to your face, using all of the honey mixture for one application.

Keep on your face no more than 10 minutes.

Rinse your face with cool water.

Apply moisturizer

Homemade Bath Oil

1 oz essential oil (fragrance of choice)

4 oz of one of the following:

Baby oil, safflower oil, sunflower oil, sweet almond oil, or canola oil.

Mix ingredients well.

Store in air tight container.

Sprinkle one teaspoon under faucet as tub fills.

Homemade Loofa Slices

Can you tell that I love homemade stuff?


Ingredients

1 clean large Pringles Potato Chip can
1 loofa sponge
2-3 Glycerine soap bars, in desired colors



Directions

Cut the loofa sponge to fit to within 1/4 inch of the top of the can.

Depending upon the size of the sponge, you may be able to fill more than one can.

Chop bars of soap into coarse pieces. Melt soap in small saucepan over very low heat until melted.

Meanwhile, put the loofa into the can.

Let soap cool down, but do not let it harden.

Pour cooled, melted soap into the Pringles can.

When the soap has hardened and dried, tear away the can, then slice the loofa soap into thin slices for individual gifts or personal use.