Valentine Bath Salts

Check out the dollar store for a  pretty  jar that can be layered  with white scented bath salts and red bath oil beads. Makes for a very inexpensive little gift for your Secret Sister.

1 cup sea salt
3/4 cup Epsom salts
1/3 cup of baking soda
Drops of essential oil (see below)

Combine all of the above and then add a few drops of  your favorite essential oils in combination until you have a scent that is just to your liking.

Quote for a Miserable Night

Happiness is the by-product of an effort to make someone else happy. Gretta Palmer

The wind is howling outside and I’m feeling a little bit miserable, but it suddenly occurred to me that there are other people out there who are probably even colder. Maybe I should take up crocheting scarves and mitts for the homeless.

Dollar Store Stocking Stuffers : Just Thought of Something

Throughout the year, I will be giving you ideas for small gifts and stocking stuffers that occur to me. Today I just thought of something that might work for some of you. Coin wrappers. My son is a hairstylist and he has a bucket of change in his room that he never gets around to putting into the bank. It is something inexpensive and something that I know that he can use.

Is It Too Early for Easter Candy?

Valentines Day isn’t even here yet, but I’m already seeing Easter Candy on the shelves. Do you think that it is too early or does it simply put you in the spirit? Me… I’m a holiday junky, so it doesn’t bother me a bit, but I’m sure that it annoys some people big time!!

*Start Walking and Burn Calories

An easy way to burn calories is to wear them off walking… anywhere and everywhere.  Clip on the pedometer the minute you get up and for the first week, monitor your daily steps. Second week, try adding 500 additional steps. Be sure to choose a pedometer that offers a cover that closes over the re-set button. It doesn’t take very much to accidently bump the button and you are back at zero steps. I have definitely been there and done that.

I know that you might be thinking that walking isn’t supposed to burn all that many calories, but the steps do add up. You will be amazed at how quickly they accumulate. And, even a little bit of exercise will make you feel better! And be sure to get everyone in the family involved. A little fresh air even on a cold day never hurt anyone.

Quote for a Cold and Windy Day

AS SOON AS YOU FEEL TOO OLD TO DO A THING, DO IT… MARGARET KELAND

I love this one. I don’t know who she is, but she sounds like one feisty lady lol…

Christmas Is Over

CHRISTMAS IS OVER AND JANUARY IS ALL YOU HAVE TO LOOK FORWARD TO. PAMPER YOURSELF THIS MONTH WITH SOMETHING THAT APPEALS TO YOU… WHATEVER IT MIGHT BE THIS YEAR.

Okay, now lets have some suggestions. What would make January easier to live through? As I’m writing this, I’m listening to the wind howl! Not good!!

*Choose Wisely

If you eat out regularly and especially enjoy Italian food, try to avoid the meat sauces. Marinara sauce offers fewer calories. It’s lower in fat and just as enjoyable. If I can eat out, I won‘t pass up the chance, but all the little tricks makes it easy on my waistline at the same time. Off to see if I can find some more. 

How To Color Your Hair at Home

It is easier and cheaper to color your hair at home, but there is also room for mistakes to be made. If this is the route you choose, be sure to follow the steps in this how-to. They are all extremely important. And the part about reading the instructions twice… trust me. You need to do that.

1. Be sure to choose a color that is compatible with your skin tones. If you have warm skin tones, you should consider red, gold or auburn tones. Stay away from ash tones. They won’t suit your coloring. 

2. Be sure to check the color on the box, not the model’s hair color. There is usually a guideline on the side that will give you some indication of the resulting color.

3. Read instructions at least two times. There are lots of room for error. And don’t forget the strand test. That’s important as well.

4. Wear the gloves. They are added to the kit for your protection.

5. If you are touching up the roots, be sure that this is the area that you target. You shouldn’t be applying the color to the entire head as in the first application.
6. Use a kitchen timer to keep track of the time. It is very easy to forget when you are thumbing through a magazine.
7. Be sure to rinse thoroughly. The instructions say to rinse until the water runs clear.
8. Condition your hair with the product provided. Your hair needs all the help it can get at this point. It is going to be very vulnerable to damage.
9. Do not perm or straighten your hair for several weeks after coloring.
10. If you find yourself with a color that you didn’t expect, DON’T rush out and choose another hair color and repeat the process. Call the help line for assistance. If that doesn’t fix the mistake, head for a salon. They will be able to correct the color with the least amount of damage.

Giving Yourself Credit

Most women don’t give themselves credit for anything! Today I want you to look at your body and pick out at least one thing that you like about yourself. Now that you have done that… pick out something that you could improve… for me its wittling down the waist line. I hear hoola hoops can do an amazing job! Has anyone tried it?? But it is very important to pick out something that you DO like about yourself first. We are so quick to list everything negative.