Orange Julius {with Banana}

I’m dying, dying, DYING for Spring and Summer so much that I decided to make something cold and tasty today {although it’s like 30 degrees outside}. I found this de-freakin-licous recipe at sixsistersstuff.com and had to try it out ASAP. It’s super easy to make and takes only minutes! This Orange Julius recipe will be overused this Spring/Summer in my household because I’m THAT big of a fan! Okay, enough chatter. Here’s the recipe…

Ingredients:

  • 1 Can of Frozen Orange Juice Concentrate 
  • 1 Cup Skim Milk
  • 1/4 cup sugar 
  • 1 tsp of vanilla
  • 1 ripe banana
  • 1 to 2 cups of ice

How-To:

  • Combine all ingredients and mix together in a blender until ice is completely crushed. 
  • Drink up!

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This recipe made exactly four whole cups and we actually put these in the freezer and they were fantastic! Is your mouth watering yet?! ;-)

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P.S. Don’t forget about the $50 giveaway going on! 

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10 Makeup Mistakes

 

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I was reading on Oprah today and found this amazing info! It explains the top 10 makeup mistakes that most women make. I found it to be insightful and thought I would share! Enjoy ladies :)

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foundationMistake #1: Using Too Much Foundation

A foundation that’s too thick will settle into fine lines and sap the luminosity from your skin. “Only use foundation where you need it to even out discoloration,” says makeup artist Frances Hathaway. “You don’t have to cover every inch of your skin.” When buying a foundation, avoid those described as “matte,” “velvet,” and “long-wearing”; look for sheer liquid formulas with light-diffusing pigments. If you have dry skin, foundation can look patchy and accentuate discoloration, so exfoliate two to three times a week and always apply a moisturizer after cleansing.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

eye circlesMistake #2: Over-Concealing Your Under-Eye Circles

A thick concealer that comes in a stick will eradicate the shadows under your eyes, but it will also draw attention to the crepiness and fine lines that usually show up in that area first (because the skin there is thin). A better option: A brush-on highlighter pen that uses illuminating particles, not opaque color, to camouflage dark circles. Apply it only near the inner corners of your under-eye area, where shadows are most prominent.

 

 

lipsMistake #3: Wearing Deep, Dark Lip Colors

A dark color makes any surface look smaller—a welcome illusion perhaps on your hips but not your lips. To make your mouth look fuller, choose bright lipsticks and glosses (peaches, pinks, vibrant reds) over deep shades (burgundies, wines, browns). Makeup artists use another trick to create the illusion of luscious lips: Before applying color, trace a highlighter pencil along your upper lip line, then buff it out with your finger.

 

powderMistake #4: Finishing with Powder

Youthful skin reflects light. Powders prevent light reflection and tend to magnify lines in the skin. If powder has been the final step of your makeup routine since high school, it can be difficult to quit cold-turkey. Here’s a three-step program: First, switch to a very sheer translucent powder. Then, start using it only on your nose and chin. Finally, trade the powder for a packet of blotting tissues—use one, only on the T-zone (nose, chin, and forehead), if you’re shiny midday.

 

Cosmetic pencil.Mistake #5: Wearing Black Eyeliner

Don’t skip eyeliner altogether—it’s a great way to make your eyes look more open—but choose brown over black, which can be harsh. And keep the color diffuse. “You want to define the eyes with softness and blending, not strict lines,” says makeup artist Troy Surratt. “A thick liner can leave the upper lids looking heavier than they are.” The best technique: Trace a brown pencil liner along the upper lash line (into the roots of the lashes), focusing on the outer corners; smudge it with a Q-tip.

 

liplinerMistake #6: Going Overboard with Lip Liner

A lip liner can define your lips and prevent color from feathering into any lines around the mouth but choose one very carefully. If you line your lips too heavily, or with a color that’s too dark, they’ll look tight and pursed. For the most natural effect, your lip liner should match the color of your lips, not the color of your lipstick. Choose a creamy formula that won’t adhere to any dry patches and use it to fill in your lips entirely.

 

 

bottom lashesMistake #7: Using Liner and Mascara on Your Lower Lashes

Playing up your lower lashes can make your eyes look droopy and draw attention to dark circles. Instead, curl your upper lashes and wiggle a volumizing mascara into their roots and slowly through the ends for the most uplifting effect.

 

 

 

Woman Applying BlushMistake #8: Skipping Blush

A rosy flush on your cheeks brings instant life to your face. And, if applied correctly, blush can offer a little lift. Smile, find the fleshiest part of your cheek and apply color just slightly above it. Blend the color out toward your temples in circles, not a line, using a big fluffy brush. You want to avoid a stripe of color that stretches along your cheekbones, which can make you look drawn and hollow, says Surratt.

 

lipstickMistake #9: Applying Lipstick Straight from the Tube

The borders of the lips soften with age, and any extra lipstick migrates easily. To avoid bleeding color, use your finger or a lip brush so that you don’t deposit too much pigment. Concentrate the lipstick in the center of your mouth, and blend it out with a finger. Top it with a moisturizing balm or light gloss.

 

eyebrowsMistake #10: Choosing a Too-Dark Eyebrow Pencil

“Your brow color fades as you age, so the brow pencil that you were using at 25 will look too stark against your complexion at 50,” says makeup artist Denise Markey. She recommends Maybelline Define-a-Brow Eyebrow Pencils which come in four shades. Choose the one that’s a shade or two lighter than your natural brow color. If your brows are starting to get a little wiry, run a clear brow gel over them as well, brushing them up and out toward your temples.

 

 

 

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Hope you enjoyed the tips as much as I did! Have a wonderful day!

Oh & P.S. Don’t forget about the $50 gift card giveaway going on! Click HERE for more details!

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Hair-Hardware $50 Gift Card GIVEAWAY!!

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I recently decided to try out Hair-Hardware to make headbands & bows for my little girl and I’m seriously SOLD on their products! The quality of the ribbon and accessories are AMAZING as well as their video tutorials for bow making {which I definitely needed to watch}! Not only do they have 196 {yes, 196!} colors of grosgrain ribbons, satins and lotssss of printed ribbons, they also carry hundreds of embellishments such as paper flowers, flower petals, flat back resins and appliques! Perfect for any DIYer or crafter! What’s even more wonderful is that they sell their ribbon by the yard and they have NO minimum on orders. One of my favorite things about their website is that they have what is called “Today’s BIG deal” where every day they have a new item that is discounted and even better, you get FREE SHIPPING on orders $50 and over! Bam. Order up folks because that’s a deal!

Well, sometimes words aren’t enough so here’s some pics ;-)

–> Here is just a few of the fun ribbons they carry! Their ribbon comes in 1/4″, 3/8″, 5/8″, 7/8″ and 1.5″.  

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These next few pics are some things I made using Hair-Harware products!

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Aren’t you dying to grab up some of their goodies and make your own crafts?!? Wellllll, Hair-Hardware is giving away a $50 gift card to ONE lucky person! This gift card is good for ANYTHING you would like on their website!
Here’s how to win:
-Leave a comment at the bottom of this post explaining why you should win the gift card!
Good luck everyone!! The contest winner will be revealed March 8th! Eeps!!! :-D
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Banana Face Mask

As I’ve mentioned a few times {orrrr a million}, I struggle terribly with very dry & sensitive skin. Many times I have to make my own products or be extremely picky with the store bought ones. I bought a face mask through a big name company a few months back thinking it was going to work wonders for my skin {since it focused on sensitive skin} just to be disappointed… oh and splotchy. Yes, I broke out in hives all over my face. I should’ve shared that pic with you! ;-) I’ve been scoping out Pinterest like a mad woman trying to find an all natural face mask for sensitive AND dry skin. Surprisingly, it’s hard to find them but I believe I have found my match made in heaven. I used this mask on my face twice last week and NO hives just smooth, glowing skin! Big improvement.

Ingredients:

  • 1 egg yolk
  • 1 mashed banana
  • 2 teaspoons of Olive Oil or Coconut Oil

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How to:

1. Mix together your egg yolk, mashed banana and 2 teaspoons of Olive Oil {or Coconut Oil} until well blended.

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2. Apply to your face & let set for 20 mins . {Tip: Make sure your face is clean before applying.}

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3. Rinse with cold water & pat dry.

4. Moisturize {if needed}.

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I’m amazed by how soft it makes my skin feel and doesn’t dry it our OR break it out! This is my new “go-to”.

Q’s & A’s:

  • Why banana? Banana’s exfoliate & moisturize the skin leaving it soft & hydrated. {Click here to read more}
  • Why egg yolk? Eggs contain vitamin B2, vitamin B3 and zinc. Vitamin B2 can help alleviate stress, which is a known contributor to acne. Vitamin B3 aids with circulation, which can help skin look and feel healthier. Zinc boosts the immune system. This can help acne heal and even prevent future breakouts. In addition, eggs contain vitamin A, which is beneficial for scarring. {Click here to read more}
  • Why Olive Oil? Olive oil is rich in vitamin E and vitamin A. Vitamin E gives you a youthful appearance by slowing aging. Vitamin A is what gives skin a healthy, natural glow. Olive oil is also filled with antioxidants that fight free radicals that cause skin to age. {Click here to read more}

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Related article: revitaliseyourhealth.com.

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Spring Wreath!

Well I’ve had my Christmas wreath hanging up since November aaaand I figured it was about time to take it down so I don’t look like the trashy neighbor. I was looking through my craft room trying to find a wreath to reel in Spring. Nothing. Nada. Zilch. ONLY a straw wreath that looks to be bringing back Fall and hayrides. I didn’t want that straw wreath so full of beauty {more like the lack thereof} to go to waste so I put it to a little Spring use. Since it was still in the plastic wrap, I decided to just wrap yarn around it and add a little somethin’ somethin’ to it. Check out how easy it was…

Items Needed: 

  • Styrofoam Wreath
  • Yarn
  • Felt
  • Scissors
  • Glue Gun

the “How-To”:

1. Start by wrapping your yarn around the entire wreath, glueing the start and finish ends of the yarn to the wreath.

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2. Cut out your shape of choice from your felt. I chose to do “leaf shapes”.

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3. Glue on your felt shapes.

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4. Display!

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I’m obsessed with this color of green! It pops PERFECTLY off of our black door. :) )

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Curtains, be gone!

I am such a weirdo when it comes to committing to curtains! I panic. Every time we buy curtains I get bored with them because they don’t seem to look just how I want them too. {I know, OCD much?! ;-) }A lot of times I feel like the curtains I choose make the room have an outdated vibe. Well that will happen no more! I tore down the curtains and we have been living bare for a few months now. I found I kind of liked the no curtain thing so much that I decided to stay bare permanently! The only thing, if you don’t have curtains then you have naked windows. Windows with no statement or color. Just drab. So what to do? To spice things up, we threw up some trim with a fun and bold color. I kid you not this was a spur if the moment thing. We didn’t have any of the materials so we ran out and bought some trim, painted it up and nailed them. Boom. Perfect enhancer for your windows! It’s such an easy fix but makes a HUGE difference. Check out how fun it is…

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Love my new SMILE pillow I got for $14!

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Oh & have a Happy Valentine’s Day!! :)

valentines

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Updates!!

There has been a lot of updates going on in our life right now and I thought I would pop in and give you a glimpse of what we’ve been busy with! First, I’ve been given some new opportunities via this blog which I am INCREDIBLY thankful for! I am SO passionate about DIYconfessions and of course, all of you so I’m excited to share the journey! Since all of you have been  above and beyond supportive of this blog, I was recently asked to be a guest for a TV show! Whew-who! I honestly was ecstatic when I received the message. {I’m talking like a little kid at Christmas type of ecstatic!} Also, I was just given the opportunity to start selling my rehabbed furniture at a store here in the city that will be opening in March! Fun right?! I can’t even stand it. I’ve been living on cloud 9 around here these days and loving every minute of it! There are more things to come but I just can’t quite spill all the beans at once. ;-)

Well, enough about all that… I’d love to give you all some updates of our home! It’s been too long since the last update. We’ve been working on a lot of projects around here and are finally seeing the progress! You’ll see in some of the pictures not everything is perfectly decorated but I just wanted to give you the real version of what’s going on. There will be more pictures to come once everything is in it’s place and has the full decor. :-) Check it out…

Living Room Updates

Media Center and Coffee Table were purchased at IKEA! Love everything at that place!

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I got this little guy at Goodwill for $5.99! <3

 

 

 

 

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I purchased this black and white aztec inspired pillow at IKEA for $16.99!

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It’s starting to come together slowly but surely! Wish me luck :-)

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20 Fun Valentine’s Cards

Folks, it is now the month of love & it’s time to get crafty this Valentine’s Day by making your own card! I go batty for home-made cards! They mean heaps more to me than a card that thousands of other people are getting too. Either way though, a card is a card and I’m a sucker for them. I can not wait until my little girl is older and makes home-made cards for me. I will honestly be that crazy mother that keeps every single card and then pulls them out when she’s 18 and headed off to college. Yup, I sadly know this is true.

Anyways… I decided to go ahead and show you guys some creative Valentine’s cards that other bloggers and/or designers have created. They’re all just pretty lite-hearted, cute and funny. {My fav kind.} Hopefully they bring a little inspiration and get the wheels of creativity turning in your head!

Check them out..

cardss

1. I have eyes only for you via Create Craft Love

eyes

2. We make a nice pear via Vintage Rose Garden

pear

3. Love you via I Heart Nap Time

love

4. You color my world via Paper Crafts Connection

color

5. You’re the only fish in the sea for me via A Beach Cottage

fish

6. The world needs more nerds like you via Supermarket HQ

nerd

7. I’m on in this for your cute butt. Obviously. Happy Valentine’s Day via Etsy

butt

8. Olive You via BHG 

olive

9. I <3 you via Giggles and Squeals

heart

10. I love you this much via Day In My Life

much

11. I want to nail you via {No Source}

nail

12. I’m attracted to U via Craft Juice

u

13. You are cute as a button via Thirty Handmade Days

button

14. I’m keeping you via Etsy

keep

15. I like you via Etsy

like

16. I know we’re not together… via Etsy

together

17. I want to kiss your face so hard via Etsy

kiss

18. I’ve been checking you out via Etsy

checking

19. We were meant for each other. Milk & Cookies. via Etsy

milk

20. I love waking up next to you via Etsy

wake

Some of these crack me up. Well, have fun getting crafty! Please share any cute and/or funny phrases you come up with for your Valentine cards! :)

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{Homemade} Goo Gone Recipe

Do you ever get sick of not knowing what’s really in your cleaning products? I DO! Especially now that there is a toddler running around and getting into ev-ery-thing! {You momma’s know what’s up!} The more “green” it is, the better. I’ve been in the process of making all of my cleaning products to be more natural and honestly, I like the home-made products umpteen times better than the store bought ones.  I decided to bring on a new product to the home-made cleaning clan… –>Goo Gone. I’ve always been a die-hard fan of store bought Goo Gone but now that I know I can make it at home for next to nothing, you better believe this girl is in! Check out how simple it is…

Ingredients: 

  • 1 part Baking Soda
  • 2 parts Vegetable Oil

the “How-To”:

1. Stir together until paste is formed. 

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2. Use your fingers, paper towel or cloth to apply.

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3. Let sit for approx. 2 mins for best results.

4. Work mixture into residue until residue is gone.

5. Wipe off with warm water.

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This is my new “go-to” cleaning product that I can’t live without! It’s easy to make and last for quite a while!

Have fun! :-)

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Related Post: Number 2 Pencil

Click links for more cleaning products from my pantry:

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You’ve Got Mail

Valentines Day is just around the corner and I am seriously excited! {Hubs, take note ;-) ;-) } I was really wanting to give the  grandparents a Valentines Day card from Lyla but I wasn’t sure how to add the personal touch. I decided to have her paint pictures for each of the grandparents and then add photos of her as an envelope liner. I had found a wonderful idea on “Kates Creative Space” on how to do just that! I couldn’t even stand how cute the idea was and had to get right down to crafting. Check it out…

Items Needed: 

  • Glue Stick
  • Envelope
  • Copy/Print Paper
  • Scissors
  • Pen

the “How-To”:

1. Start off by cutting out your ‘template’. Cut out {as shown below}, eliminating the adhesive part of the envelope. {I used an extra envelope that was the same size to make a template from.}

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2. Print photos off onto copy paper or photo paper.  Be sure to scale photos correctly so they will lay in the envelope nicely. {I did two photos per piece of printer paper.}

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3. Trace your template you made in step #1 onto your photos & cut out.

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4. Glue your cut photo inside of the envelope. Make sure to leave the sticky part of the envelope clear.

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aaaaand Voila! Dunzo!

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Simple stuff! I had a lot of fun making these! I’m definitely going to be making these for birthdays, Valentines Day, my anniversary and any other holiday I can throw in there. ;-)

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