DIY: Reusable Jar Labeling System

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Labeling your jars is really important, especially for me because I forget when I made things and when I need to discard of recipes.  I have been using paper labels, but hate what happens when you wash the jars, so here is a cool alternative I found recently. 

Chalkboard labeling.  You can use chalkboard paint, spray paint or contact paper.  Which ever works best for you, I can't decide if I want to use contact paper or spray paint.  I'm concerned the contact paper won't stay with washing so, I'm leaning toward the spray paint.

Personalize your labels with shapes!!  Here are some links below!

DIY Chalkboard Label w/ Chalkboard Paint

DIY w/ Chalkboard Contact Paper

DIY w/ Chalkboard Spray Paint

Enjoy!

Make Your Own Shealoe Butter

While reading a fellow bloggers page of Ayurvedic recipes, I came across Shealoe.  Shealoe is simply a combination of Shea Butter and Aloe Vera.  Shealoe provides all the benefits of Shea Butter, plus a refreshing cooling effect to the skin.  This mixture is also lighter than Shea Butter alone and can our hair be used for both your skin and hair.

I have used Aloe Vera Gel in my Whipped Shea Butter, but no more than a tablespoon.  I have not done a lot of research on Shealoe yet, but I would assume that it would still have the same sealing affects of Shea Butter.

As I mentioned in my post about Shea Butter, there are are many benefits of using it for both skin and hair.  If you have never used Shea Butter it is very thick and quit heavy.  For these reasons I do not necessarily like Shea butter, but I love the results and the protection it offers my ends ( Split ends are my enemy).  In other words, I deal with it.

100% Aloe Vera also provides many benefits to both hair and skin ( Should be Clear)

• healing and soothing to skin
• provides hold to hair for styling
• moisturizing to Hair and Skin
• Used to sooth sunburned skin
• treats acne, dandruff, athletes foot, burns, eczema, insect bites, herpes, poison ivy, poison oak, boils, ringworm, scars, wrinkles, etc

Being Ms. DIY, of course I wanted to make my own shealoe instead of ordering it from some online vendor! 

Instruction

1. 1/4 cup Shea Butter and 1/4  cup Aloe Vera Gel; Mix in blender
2. You can add herbal/vegetablw/essential oils as desired
3. Blend

Voila!!!

Whatever the amount you use, make sure the Aloe Vera Gel and Shea Butter are 50-50.

Enjoy!

Pimple Be Gone

Acne is a never-ending battle, whether your outbreaks are daily, monthly, etc.  It can be a result of poor diet, stress, inadequate rest, and so much more.  Well, here's a natural and simple way to get rid of that pimple.  (This works exactly like store bought spot creams/treatments)

Pimple Be Gone Mask

Apply this mask directly to problem areas only.  Cosmetic Clay is cleansing, draws out toxins and is a anti-inflammatory.

Ingredients:

1. Bentonite Clay (There are several different types of cosmetic clay you can use)
2. Freshly squeezed lemon juice or apple cider vinegar ( would not use lemon if your skin type is dry)

Instructions:

1. Take 2 Tablespoons of Clay and place in a non-metal bowl
2. Add 2 tablespoons of ACV and mix with non-metal utensil
3. Mix Clay and ACV until it makes a smooth paste
4. Apply to problem spots and let dry
5. Rinse with warm water

This mix can also be used as a full facial if desired and depending on your skin type, you can add oils and/or essential oils for aromatherapy.  Great for a full facial detox and poor deep pore cleaning.

Note:  However much clay used, use equal parts water and/or AVC!!!

Store leftovers in refrigerator.  (Should last a month!!!!)

Just Add Peppermint Oil

 

Hair Growth is very important and always in the back of every woman's head.  Peppermint Oil is great for this!!!

 

Peppermint not only feels good on your scalp, but it promotes scalp circulation and stimulation, thus hair growth.

 

Add Peppermint Oil to your conditioners, oils, shampoo.  A few drops go a long way, avoid overdoing it!!

 

Co-wash your hair as normal and/or add a scalp massage. Rinse conditioner with cool water.

 

 

Avoid going outside too soon on cold days!

Some other Cool ways to use Peppermint:

• Facial Toners
• Muscle Ache Cream/ Salves ( makes your skin tingle and gives warm & cooling sensation)
• Facial Cream
• Facial Steam
• Use with air Humidifier
• Mouth freshening mist

However you use it remember a little goes a long way,  Peppermint essential oil is very strong!

Enjoy!

Apple Cider Vinegar(ACV) Rinse

Apple Cider Vinegar is very beneficial for the hair.

Ingredients:

• Water
• Organic/RAW Apple Cider Vinegar

Instructions:

• Co- Wash your hair in Sections to prevent unnecessary breakage (4 or more depending on length)
• Rinse out all Conditioner (USE COOL WATER ONLY)
• Cool Water closes the hair follicles and traps moisture from conditioner)
• Take ACV mix (1-2 tablespoon per cup of water) and pour over entire head
• (adjust ACV amount to your hair preference)
• Let sit for 5-10 minutes( Usually
• Rinse hair with COOL water (this helps hair retain moisture)
• May have a vinegar smell, but it will fade)

Benefits:

• Helps smooth hair cuticles and protects hair from damage
• Remove product buildup
• Restore hair & scalp PH balance
• promotes blood circulation for hair growth
• Gives hair sheen
• Assists with frizz control
• Helps maintain moisture

Remember ACV is an Acid and should not be use too often

Facial Mist

This is a all natural facial mist that is not only refreshing, cleanses your face, but helps set your make-up beautifully while giving you a glow and dewy look!!!

Ms. DIY Facial Mist

Ingredients:

• Witch Hazel ( good for oily skin)
• Rose Water
• Green Tea
• Aloe Vera (liquid)
• Distilled Water
• Essential Oil

Instructions:

1. Pour 1/3 cup Witch Hazel into measuring cup ( I used Thayers Rose Petal Witch Hazel with Aloe Vera )
2. Add 3 tablespoons of Green Tea to Witch Hazel
3. Add a few tablespoons of distilled water ( Distilled water will not mold in closed bottle)
4. Add a few drops of Essential Oil for fragrance.
5. Mix and pour into 2 oz spritz bottle ( These bottles can be found in the travel size section of your local drugstore)

Uses:

Skin Refresher & Moisturizer:  Just spray on face lightly and let dry on it on:

Facial Cleanser:  Spray onto face and dab lightly with Cotton swab.  ( This mist will not replace regular wash, but good for on the go and removal of excess oil or dirt through out the day)

Setting Make-up:  After apply make-up, Lightly spritz face and let dry ( Do Not Touch)  This will make your make-up look more natural, vibrant and last longer.

Flaxseed Gel ( Curl Definition)

There are so many product out there that say they define your curls and fight frizz.  But if you have tried or researched these products they can be expensive ( around $50 a jar)


Flax seed Gel provides the same if not better results as those expensive natural products without may harsh chemicals.

Tools:

• Bowl
• Pot
• Strainer
• Measuring Cup
• Container

Ingredients:

• 1 cups distilled water
• 1/4 cup Flax seeds
• Aloe Vera Gel
• Essential Oil
• Vegetable Glycerin (optional)
• Jojoba Oil
• Tea Tree Oil

Instruction:

1. Take a pot and fill with two cups of water
2. Add 1/4 cup of Flax seeds.  Bring to a boil and let it cook for 10-15 minutes.
3. Stir mixture while cooking; Mixture will form a frothy foam on the top when done.
1. Do NOT let mixture over cook, The mixture will gel and will be virtuously impossible to strain.
4. Pour mixture into strainer over a bowl.  Mixture should still be liquid and easy to pour.
5. After straining add ingredients
1. 1 tablespoon of Aloe Vera Gel (provides hold, while adding moisture_
2. 1 tablespoon of V. Glycerin ( Humectant)
3. 1 tablespoon Jojoba Oil ( add moisture, prevents crunchy and dry curls) if using EO mix with carrier before adding
4. Add few drops of  Tea Tree Oil (preservative)
6. Stir in ingredients into mixture
7. Let Cool for 5 minutes or until mixture gels
8. Pour mixture into container.  Voila!!

KEEP REFRIGERATED (unfortunaley, this great natural gel only lasts 3 days to a week, maybe refrigerated)!

Don't let the consistency scare you!!

After co-washing hair and leave in conditioner, Shingle hair in sections or use in two strand twists.

Results:

Minx Application

This is My first try at Minx application.  It is really a cool and somewhat easy process.  But Practice makes perfect, Right? 

I will be trying the Nail Rock brand soon!!!

Directions:

1.  Remove all nail polish and dehydrate nail
2.  Turn on your heat lamp/hair dryer and place your fingers and sheets under for 30 seconds. This will activate the adhesion
3.  Choose a minx size and place on nail bed, while still under heat lamp/hair dryer ( you can trim the edges for a perfect fit)
4.  Take a cuticle pusher/birchwood stick and rub entire minx, sealing the tipes and edges well.  Pull Minx end down
5.  Remove from the heat and allow to cool for one minute.
6.  Take your crystal file and in a straight downward motion file the minx at the tip until the end is removed.  If Minx is peelingat the tip slightly file the tips on the top downward.
7.  To fix any creases etc, returnt to heat source and fix by rubbing with cuticle pusher.

Minx should last about 2 weeks depending on wear.  Remove with heat source.

It sounds easy, but take practice and patience.


Ms. DIY