As a rule of thumb, you should never go to a host’s home empty handed. Wine is a traditional gift to bring, but which one should you bring.
Top Christmas Gifts 2018
We asked Instagram what was their Top Request Gifts for 2018 and here are (some) of the responses. Please note that these are Christmas Gifts for Adults.
1. Money
We are not sure why giving money has such a bad rap. It is actually the most requested, because the receiver can do anything that they want with it, rather than having to purchase from a certain store. Let’s be real, most of the “gifts” that we receive for Christmas end up going into the corner or re-gifted.
“I do not care if it $5.00 or $10.00, sometimes money is the best gift and the most unwasteful.” -Ana Editor-In-Chief.
2. To be around Family
For those who do not live close to their family, this is the season to where the void is felt the most. Help them out by giving them an early Christmas present that will help them travel. Yes it is non-traditional, but worth it.
“Sometimes the way to be with your family is the best gift.” -Ana
3. To travel
For someone that is looking to give a gift to a travel bug…give them a gift card to an airline, that way they have to use it for traveling.
“Find out what airline they like to use or what airline goes to the place that is on their list.”- Ana
4. Good Health
For your health enthusiast friend or family member, give them a gift card to a health store or even gift them vitamins.
“Vitamins and health supplements are not cheap. I would love to find multi-vitamins in my stocking.” -Ana
5. More time with my Spouse
For those couples that are super busy, give your significant other a gift card or tickets that includes…you. For example a gift card to a restaurant, tickets to a concert or a couples massage.
“Tickets to a basketball game is something my husband loves.” -Ana
6. Tickets
Concert tickets to your friend’s or family member’s favorite band, ect. is a great gift. Just make sure you get two; so, they can bring a friend. Also, if you weren’t planning on going with them, then let them know with a note that they can bring whomever they want, that way they do not feel pressured.
7. A Designer Bag
8. Drunk Elephant
If you do not know what Drunk Elephant is, it is a skincare line. An instagram cult favorite. Instead of putting up a photo of the products, we will have a gif of two drunk elephants.
Photo is from Pexels.com, Gifs are from Gify.com
Ideas for Winter Outfits
FEATURING Onayeme Jelugbo @powerinstincts
Winter is here and blogger Onayeme @powerinstincts is here to help you curate perfect winter looks. Many of these classic items you’ll already own, so bring out the sweaters, turtule necks, boots….
Here are some Ideas for Winter Outfits
1. A cute "jumper dress'' is a great way to layer
Depending on the weather, you can layer it up or down, with tights or leggings.
“PRO TIP: Throw a turtleneck under your fave summer dress so you can wear it allllll year round,” -@powerinstincts
2. Invest in comfortable sweaters that are not a drab color
Just because it is winter, does not mean that you have to dress in dark colors.
“Serums have really saved my skin this winter.” -Ana
3. Bring out the wool
Wool is a very seasonal fabric.
“This bronzing oil gives me a subtle glow.”- Ana
4. Don't pack or un-pack your maxi skirt
The extra barrier will help keep makeup from “caking” and will seal in your moisturizer.
“I do not step out without primer during the winter, regardless of wearing makeup or not.” -Ana
5. Invest in a chunky heel boot
Chunky heels are way more comfortable than stilettos chunky boots are more versatile.
“Brevity’s body scrub is extremely hydrating.” -Ana
6. Invest in a body forming jacket
Invest in a jacket that gives you a shape.
“I love a good sheet mask during the winter. Super hydrating.”- Ana
6 Tips for Helping Your Skin Survive Winter
The winter weather can be atrocious on our skin. Dry, flakey skin is no one’s friend and can cause patchiness and other skin issues.
Here's our Top Tips for Helping Your Skin Survive Winter
1. Use a sleeping mask
A sleeping mask is super hydrating and a great way to hydrate your skin as you sleep. Only use 1-2 times a week.
“I love a good sleeping mask. I wake up with baby soft skin which is a miracle in the winter time,” -Ana Editor-In-Chief.
2. Invest in a good Toner and Hydrating Serums
A toner is super important during the winter. Make sure it is not stripping (alcohol is not in the first several ingredients). The right toner will moisturize the skin and normalize pH levels. Serums are amazing for facial skin. It gives the skin an extra boost.
“Serums have really saved my skin this winter.” -Ana
3. Use a High Quality Bronzing Oil
Just because it is winter, doesn’t mean your skin has to have a nice glow. A bronzing oil will instantly give you vibrant skin.
“This bronzing oil gives me a subtle glow.”- Ana
4. Use a good primer
The extra barrier will help keep makeup from “caking” and will seal in your moisturizer.
“I do not step out without primer during the winter, regardless of wearing makeup or not.” -Ana
5. Make sure your Body Scrub/ Wash is Hydrating
Check the ingredients in your soap and make sure your soap is helping your skin survive winter, instead of stripping it.
“Brevity’s body scrub is extremely hydrating.” -Ana
6. Make sure your Masks are Non-Drying
Once again, check the ingredients. Also, a sheet masks will be your friend during the winter.
“I love a good sheet mask during the winter. Super hydrating.”- Ana
14 Things That Every Bride Should Know Before Her Wedding Day
When your wedding day comes it’s going to be quick and fast and you are going to want to be prepared. There may be a lot of last minute things that happen that will be out of your control, but the things you can control, you should be prepared for.
Here's 14 Things Every Bride Should Know Before Her Wedding Day.
1. Don’t be afraid to ask for money instead of a gift registry.
I know that this may be frowned upon, but weddings are expensive and if you don’t have money for a honeymoon, this is a great way to fund it.
Now a days, a lot of wedding registry gifts are something we already have or don’t need. Decades ago traditional couples would get married and move into a house together. The wedding registry was a terrific way for them to get things like mixing bowls. Now a days, couples already live together and the necessities are already purchased.
“Don’t plan your trip counting on wedding money from the honeymoon. It is financially wise to wait to see what funds that you will have (if you are counting on the wedding money) and then plan it according to your budget.” -Ana Editor-In-Chief
2. Wear comfortable shoes.
Even if your feet are not shown, it is tacky to exchange shoes. You will notice it in the picture for later. Just wear comfortable shoes.
“If you are going to wear flats, wear flats the whole night. My shoes were not the prettiest, but they were pretty and the heel was comfortable.” -Ana
3. Make sure you check your undergarments weeks before the wedding.
The correct undergarments can be hard to find. The last thing you want is to look in the mirror and see lines or see through fabric.
“It took me almost 4 weeks to find the correct undergarments for my dress. Don’t wait until the last minute or the day of to try your undergarments on.”- Ana
4. If you are doing your own makeup, make sure you practice and then take pictures with flash to see what they will look like.
If you hire makeup artist, always hire someone that is highly recommended because slow or unqualified makeup artists can make/break your day.
The timing of getting your hair and makeup done is important, especially if your whole makeup bridal party is getting it done too. If you have large bridal party, have all of your bridesmaids bring their foundation, that way the makeup artist do not have skin tone match them.
“With hair/makeup and photographers, I always advise to use someone that you know or comes highly recommended. Make sure you have at least 3 hair/makeup artist per 5 people. ” -Ana
5. Don’t get a facial right before the wedding.
Get it at least a week prior. You do not want any flare up or allergic reactions to happen for your wedding day.
“I would never try a facial for the first time right before my wedding. Get one a couple months prior to test it out. .” -Ana
6. Have someone set aside food from the cocktail hour for you to eat.
During your cocktail hour, you will be probably be taking pictures. You might completely miss it; so, have someone bring you food so you don’t go into the reception hungry. The reception you will sit down for a moment before everything starts and you will also be greeting guests.
“The first 2 hours of the reception goes by fast. That is usually the time the food is served. If you are planning to drink, plan to eat as well. “- Ana
7. Have some with pockets that is responsible, like your dad, brother etc. hold your phone and lipstick.
If your dad is walking you down the isle, his suit coat pockets are the perfect place to stash your essentials during the ceremony.
8. Assign tasks to people, even if you have a wedding planner.
Delegating is a must for you to enjoy your day. Have someone you trust check on things you may be nervous about.
“I wish I delegated more tasks. I will always be haunted by the 1000’s of flower petals that missed the ceremony floor. “- Ana
9. Pause and take in the day.
They day will go by so fast that everything will be hard to remember. Take in the moment and enjoy what the day actually means. Don’t sweat the small stuff.
“I had about 3 huge mishaps on the day of the wedding that I had to just let go of. I was already tired and stressed that if I decided to make those things the focus of my attention, I would have fell apart and the wedding would have been a disaster “- Ana
10. Accept that the day might not be all about you.
A lot of people with a lot of different personalities will be there. Do not let anything ruin your day.
11. Let go… if something happens have someone assigned to handle it. Let nothing ruin your day.
Have someone you trust handle all of the things that may come up. At the end of the day, the bride does have to entertain and greet her guest. You need to be front and center, not in the back handeling things.
12. Make sure you eat before the wedding.
Eat every meal. Do not skip a meal.
13. Do nothing the day of the wedding.
The only thing that you should plan on doing is arriving at your venue. If you have to go to the salon, make sure you have someone with you that can help you stay on track with time.
14. Practice moving in your dress.
Have a friend move around in the dress for you to emulate your spouse in your wedding dance. Practice walking around, so you don’t trip the day of.
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HOW TO MANAGE SKIN-PICKING IN 5 STEPS
Do you find yourself picking at your face and body on a regular basis? Are you feeling that the compulsion to pick at your skin has become obsessive? Fear not, the compulsion of skin-picking can be controlled – here’s how.
As a sufferer of an obsessive-compulsive skin-picking disorder called Dermatillomania, I have spent well over a decade looking for new ways to avoid the urge that I’d get all day, every day. When I was stressed or heavily concentrating, I consciously had to be aware of what my hands were doing whilst my mind was occupied! It sounds strange I know, but when unnoticed, my fingertips would search all over my face and body for areas to uncover – just one scab, spot or bump was all that was needed before a tirelessly long skin-picking session took over like a knocked domino line.
Not only was it unsightly when my face and body were then left with inflamed, bloody marks but the painful guilt and shame created an overwhelming sense of personal disappointment. This became a daily thing for me and admittedly, I got used to the feeling of intense depression associated to it. What’s worse, I usually had an occasion planned (that I’d be late to) where I’d have to change my outfit and hairstyle last minute to successfully hide my newly made marks. It made me feel unattractive and anxious in case any marks, old or new, were accidentally on display.
This kind of anxiety is exhausting, which I’m sure you’ll appreciate if you suffer from the same condition. Even if you don’t suffer from a behavioural disorder associated to your skin, I’m sure you’ll understand the deep feelings caused from unsettling skin. Seeing my bare body as a battle ground hardly made me want to undress for my partner, neither did it help whenever someone complimented me because I’d automatically get defensive and refuse to accept that I could ever be pretty.
By noticing and addressing the skin-picking routine I put in place for myself, I then worked hard to create a new routine that would help my recovery – the 5 steps that I have listed below.
Please note that if you too, suffer from Dermatillomania, its best to take things one step at a time and to really take each day as just that – a day. You’ll have good days and you’ll have not-so-good days but please don’t feel that you’d be back at square one after one episode. Understand that this is a marathon, not a sprint and you’ve got this.
Come on then, let’s get going!
Tip 1 – Avoid bright lighting
I know this is a pretty obvious one but fighting the urge can be really difficult if you’ve noticed a blemish and you figure you can focus on it better with brighter lighting. Yes you can, but try pulling yourself away from the damn mirror when you’ve noticed a few more…
Under extreme lighting, of course you’re going to see the skin on your face and body in a different way to normal as it’ll highlight spots, scabs, dead skin, blocked hair follicles and blackheads. It’s incredibly important that you stop yourself from using any extreme lighting until your skin-picking is under better control.
Instead, perfect your skincare routine to master your night time schedule so that you’re comfortable and happy to complete your nightly routine with less harsh and more complimentary lighting.
Tip 2 – Stand a couple feet away from the mirror
One thing you have to remember is that in the moment when you’ve taken your makeup off or you’ve just washed your face, your skin is looking blemished and you’ll be fighting the huge urge to obsess over it. If you complete your routine whilst standing a couple steps away from the mirror, it’ll be a lot harder for you to see up-close-and-personal.
Can’t see close up = you’re more likely to leave your skin alone.
After all, you’re wanting the satisfaction right? You won’t get it if you’re standing back and unable to focus in detail. I know this sounds easy, but it’s not – trust me. Keep it going for 7 days and let me know in the comments below how your skin looks after! NO SKIN-PICKING! 
Tip 3 – Oil, oil and more oil
Oil is a fantastic way to stabilise your skin’s natural sebum production because applying oil to your skin tricks your body into thinking it’s naturally occurring and will not produce more.
Time and time again I’m seeing products created for oily/combo skin types that are promising to rebalance the skin’s oil production, create an overall matte complexion that lasts all day without worrying about an oily t-zone through oil-stripping ingredients….NO THANKS! These cause over-drying of the skin resulting in an over-production of sebum just like when dry eyes cause your eyes to water in excess! Think about it, stripping your face and body from naturally occurring oils is going to cause an imbalance and your body will react. To control your oily skin issues, fight oil with oil.
If you’re looking for topical ingredients that can help, opt for essential oils such as tea tree to reduce spot size and lavender or rose to sooth redness (always make sure that you dilute well as essential oils come in high concentrations which can irritate the skin if used undiluted. My favourite way to use these are to mix in with a homemade toner, as part of a face-steam and added to my facial and body oils).
There are different types of oils – some that are great for cleaning and unclogging the pores of your skin and others that claim to hydrate and protect the skin but can actually cause clogging. As a rule of thumb, I avoid mineral oils of any kind on my face and I know that coconut oil causes me to break out in spots so I use that for hair-masking (mid to ends) instead.
Once you find a natural oil (or oil blend) that works for you, it’ll quickly become a much favoured member of your skincare drawer because applying oil to your face and body makes it extra difficult for you to pick at your skin afterwards, absorbing deep into the skin better than creams. I use oils to remove make up, to moisturise leaving your skin plump and hydrated as well as to prevent and reduce scarring.
Tip 4 – Notice when your hands are busy
Whether you have a habit of skin-picking or have an obsessive compulsive disorder like myself, you may not notice when your hands start moving around to look for areas to focus on. Most of us can tell if someone is feeling anxious based on their body language – reserved, eyes looking elsewhere in deep thought and busy moving hands or feet whilst the rest of the body is still. Stress alike produces similar results as you can typically tell when someone is increasing in frustration by the contrast of their still body and quick hand and facial movements.
Try it out – keep your body still and look down at your hand whilst you you tap it at an increased speed. Can you feel your heart-rate increase slightly and your mood slightly change to that of irritability or concern?
The reason why I’m saying this is because its estimated that we have between 35-48 different thoughts per second – that’s 50,000-70,000 thoughts per day! Are the majority of your thoughts positive and stress-free? Probably not. Especially if you’re a woman because we tend to take multi-tasking (and in turn, overthinking) to the next level.
When facing negative feelings such as stress and anxiety, take note of what your hands are doing before you go into problem-solving mode and taking it out on your skin. Some people use stress balls or get up and take a little walk. When facing anxious thoughts, drink a large glass of water as it takes your mind out of fight-or-flight mode and reduces your heart rate back to normal. Take 10 deep breaths until the wave of anxiety subsides then write down any concerns you may have so that you can tackle these constructively with rational thought instead of using skin-picking as a form of escapism.
Tip 5 – Keep a journal
As discussed in tip 4, it’s really important that you notice when your hands start to overly touch areas and an urge for skin-picking begins. Very rarely do large episodes of skin-picking occur out of sheer boredom alone – usually it’s because it’s seen to the person as a de-stressor – their chosen coping mechanism to negative thoughts. It can happen so often that many of us don’t realise we’re even doing it!
Using myself as an example, when I felt overwhelmed from feelings of constantly having to please others, I would store this built-up frustration and exhaustion until I got home where I could be alone and de-stress through skin-picking. What I understand now however, is that this method did not construct a way for me to take back the control in my life nor did it even help me to notice this was taking place.
By keeping a journal (writing down or verbal entries), it allows you to fully understand what you are feeling in that moment and why. I have always been someone who others could rely on for support and care before asking constructive questions that helped them find the solution to the problem they were facing. How was I able to do this yet I never took the time to do the same for myself? Because I was never taught to look after myself emotionally.
I was told to love myself but no one ever taught me how.
Keeping a journal helps you to reconnect with your thoughts and feelings. Overtime, it enables you to build a stronger relationship with yourself as you start to notice various situations that may create similar negative feelings within yourself. Only by noticing a variety of things that you do daily – perhaps out of obligation alone – are you in a better position to tap into your inner self and to ask, do these things bring me peace, love and joy? If not, perhaps it’s time to start reconsidering who you’re really trying to please through your day-to-day tasks.
Kim’s Conclusions
- Avoid bright lighting – it’s too tempting and unflattering so chances are you won’t be walking away feeling good about yourself. No, no and no.
- Stand back eager beaver! Can’t see = more likely to leave your skin alone
- Learn how to use natural oils to enhance skin radiance and minimise your chances of picking
- Monitor your moments of inactivity and what your hands are doing
- Get writing! Check in on your thoughts and feelings so that when the urge to skin-pick arises, you get to the root of your thoughts and feelings quicker
If you have any additional tips that have helped you on your journey to managing skin-picking, please share in the comment section below because the more we help each other, the more we can spread the word on how important a good mental and emotional health is in connection to better skin and overall quality of life.
Sending love and happy skin wishes!
– Kim
Top Winter Nail Trends 2018
Winter is almost officially here and so are the new Winter Nail Trends
Here are the winter nail colors and winter nail trends you should be wearing this season.
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1. Glitter Polish with a Twist
Spice up your regular black manicure with a dip glitter look.
3. Deep Blue
Get electric this winter with blue nails.
4. The Classic Black
A classic black manicure is always in style.
5. Silver and Black
But with a Twist! These nails are festive, but also wearable for the day to day.
Find out more about Nailartenon and even more fantastic nail ideas by going to her website nailartenon.altervista.org .
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Botox and fillers have been around for a long time, but the common users of these treatments are transforming.
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In February 2018, Forbes reported that plastic surgery and cosmetics spending in the United States alone hit the $15 Billion-mark last year and that the most cost-effective solution to anti-aging was…to start young.
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“Getting work done” has become not only socially acceptable at a younger age but it is being highly touted on social media, blogs and in everyday conversation. We see this shift happening also partly because our current society is driven by instantaneous results. In the beauty world this translates to a desire for quick procedures with minimum downtime — Botox and filler are just that. Preventative care is so popular these days amongst younger women that it is seen more as a means of upkeep; such as coloring one’s hair or receiving a facial. Annual statistics from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons confirm this trend. As reported, Botox procedures have increased 28 percent since 2010 amongst 20 to 29-year-olds.
There’s no “right” age to get Botox or to begin such preventative care — everyone begins showing signs of aging differently. With a proactive stance, beginning sooner yields better results. When considering Botox and filler, it is important to research a skilled injector who understands the look a younger clientele is wanting to achieve.
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Natural Homemade Hair Conditioners Rated
Natural Homemade Hair Conditioners Tested
Editor
10-04-2018
You may want to try natural homemade hair conditioners because you are a naturalist, or because you want to save money, or because you want to explore different options or maybe because you ran out of conditioner and do not feel like going to the store to get more… Whatever your reason is, these natural homemade hair conditioners are safe to try since they are not damaging and have already been tested by our Editor.
Heres our Top Tested Natural Homemade Hair Conditioners
1. Natural Homemade Hair Conditioner With Honey And Olive Oil
The Ingredients
- 2 tbsp Honey (any type)
- 4 tbsp Olive Oil (make sure it is Olive oil)
Mix all of the wet ingredients together and put on your hair. Use a warm towel to help penetrate. Make sure to thoroughly rinse.
Leave in Hair for 30 minutes – 1.5 hour
“This was by far the best natural homemade hair condition that I have tried. It was perfect for my fine, curly hair. I will actually add this to my weekly routine.” -Ana Editor-In-Cheif
2. Natural Homemade Hair Conditioner With Egg And Olive Oil
Mix together
- 2 Egg Yolks (Make sure it is just the Yoke)
- 2 tbsp Olive Oil (Make sure it is pure olive oil)
- 2 tbsp Water
Mix all of the wet ingredients together and put on your hair. Use a shower cap to prevent any egg from dripping.
*Leave in hair 1 -3 hours and then rinse with Cold Water
“This mask was kind of gross. I didn’t want to rinse it out because I didn’t want the yoke to slide down my face.” -Ana
3. Natural Homemade Hair Conditioner With Coconut Oil
The Ingredients
- 3 tbsp Coconut Oil
- Hot Towel
Put the Coconut Oil on your Hair. Put on your shower cap and then a hot towel over the shower cap.
*Leave in hair 45 minutes – 1 hour and rinse. Wash and Condition hair afterwards.
“This was just okay. Almost to heavy for my fine hair.”- Ana
4. Natural Homemade Hair Conditioner With Baking Soda
The Ingredients
- 1/4 cup Baking Soda
- 1/2 cup of Your Conditioner
Mix all of the ingredients together and put on your hair. Use the shower cap to prevent anything from dripping.
*Leave in hair for 45 minutes – 1 hour.
“Not bad. I would try it again. It took some of the oil buildup out.” -Ana
5. Homemade Hair Conditioner With Apple Cider Vinegar
The Ingredients
- 2 tbsp Apple Cider Vinegar
- 1 cup Water
Mix all of the ingredients together and put on your hair.
*Do this after you wash and conditioner your hair. Do not rinse out.
“I would try it again. It wasn’t super nourishing, but I did feel like it woke my hair up a bit.” -Ana
6. Natural Homemade Hair Conditioner With Yogurt And Egg Yoke
The Ingredients
- 2 Egg Yokes
- 1/4 Cup Yogurt
- 1 tsp Olive Oil (Pure Olive Oil)
Mix all of the ingredients together and put immediately on your hair. Use a shower cap to prevent dripping.
*Leave in for 25-45 minutes
“The Yoke and Yogurt are gross elements to deal with on my head. If the results were magical, I would use again. Not worth raw yoke dripping down when rinsing.”- Ana
