Facial Masks

Skin-Brightening Mask

This brightening mask exfoliates and stimulates circulation in the face, resulting in a warm, rosy glow.

Here's why it works: Unripe papaya contains natural alpha-hydroxy acids and high levels of papain, an enzyme that helps dissolve dead skin cells. Yogurt adds lactic acid (another alpha-hydroxy) and gives the mask a creamy texture, and honey helps skin retain moisture. When left on, the mask should tingle slightly; if you have sensitive skin or prefer a gentler exfoliation, use ripe papaya, which has less papain.

Green-Papaya Brightening Mask
1/2 cup unripe papaya, diced
1 teaspoon plain yogurt
1 teaspoon honey

Blend ingredients in a food processor until smooth. Apply to clean skin using fingers; leave on for 8 to 10 minutes. Rinse off using cool water and pat dry. Finish by applying a gentle moisturizer.

If you're short on time, try a ready-made mask that uses the same active ingredient, papain. Options include: Zia Fresh Papaya Enzyme Mask; Alba Hawaiian Papaya Enzyme Facial Mask; Sensuous Beauty Green Papaya Masque.

Balancing Facial Mask

Thirsty, irritated winter skin clamors for extra attention. To give it the care it deserves, try this facial mask made with natural ingredients. The recipe includes moisturizing avocado, inflammation-fighting cucumber, and mineral-rich green clay, which helps to deep clean pores. A splash of lemon juice adds alpha-hydroxy acids to break down dead cells, and a quick chill in the fridge ensures that the mask will reduce redness and irritation. Even if the forecast holds nothing but cold, blustery days ahead, your skin's outlook will be perfectly clear.

Balancing Facial Mask
1 small avocado, mashed (about 2/3 cup)
1/2 small cucumber, finely grated (about 1/3 cup)
1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
3 tablespoons green clay powder (sold at natural-foods stores)

Combine all ingredients in a small bowl, using a fork to blend. Cover and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. Apply a thick layer of the mixture to clean, dry skin on your face and neck, avoiding the eye and lip areas. Keep fairly still for 10 to 15 minutes, allowing the mask to dry in place. Wipe skin clean with a damp cloth; splash with cool water, and pat dry.

Oatmeal-Lavender Face Scrub

Limit exfoliation to once a week until you know how your skin reacts. Then, you can use up to three times a week if your skin isn't showing signs of irritation.

1 cup ground oatmeal
1/2 cup dry lavender flowers, stripped of stalks
1/2 cup powdered milk (either whole or nonfat)
2 teaspoon cornmeal

Mix all the dry ingredients in a bowl, massage into damp skin, and rinse with warm water. (Scrub will keep for six months.)

Pineapple Face Scrub

This chemical scrub dissolves the bonds that hold skin cells together, allowing them to slough off more easily.

2/3 cup fresh pineapple chunks (room temperature)
1/4 cup cold-pressed olive oil
1/4 cup fresh, clean parsley, chopped

Pulse pineapple in a blender, then add oil until almost smooth. Add parsley, and blend carefully so mask doesn't liquefy. Apply to skin and leave on for 15 minutes.

Citrus Facial Scrub

Whenever you use an orange, lemon, lime, or grapefruit, save the peel, which contains skin-rejuvenating essential oils. Citrus does double duty: The acid in the oil helps loosen the dead top layer of skin, and the ground-up peels slough it off.
1 tablespoon dried citrus peel, chopped and finely ground in a food processor
1/2 cup plain yogurt
1 teaspoon pure honey
1/4 cup vitamin E oil
2 tablespoons cornmeal
Mix the ingredients until well blended and massage on a damp face. Rinse well with warm water and finish with a splash of cold. Though the scrub's nicest when used fresh, you can store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Natural Face remidies

Apple Cider Vinegar or Rubbing Alcohol as Toner - Both of these are highly acidic, meaning they can kill dead skin cells and clean out pores well. They work just as well as any store-bought toner and are much cheaper as well.

Honey as a Quick Fix  - Honey is naturally antibacterial, which is why it’s used in many scrubs and facials. If you have a pimple that you need to get rid of by tomorrow, just put a dab of honey on it, then a band aid to keep it in place overnight. The next morning, the pimple will be gone or significantly smaller. You can also use honey by itself as a facial mask. Leave it on for an hour or longer if you wish to see a clearer complexion by the next day.

Toothpaste as a Quick Fix  - If you don’t have any honey around the house, you’re sure to have some toothpaste. It must be white paste and not gel, though. Just cover the pimple in toothpaste and then put a bandaid over it before you go to bed. The pimple should be gone or much smaller by the morning.

Lemon Juice as Toner - Lemon works can work as a toner like apple cider vinegar and rubbing alcohol, but because it is so acidic, it can’t be left on your face for very long. Apply lemon juice to your face as a toner, and wash off after 15 minutes. In just 15 minutes, it will dramatically clean off the dirt, oil and dead skin on your face. Don’t use this one too often though.It’s a very strong treatment and because of that, your skin could become very sensitive to it.

Brown Sugar Scrub -  In the shower, once your skin is damp (and your pores have been opened up by the heat), scrub the acne problem areas with brown sugar. This will clean out the dirt, dead skin cells and oil clogging your pores and soften your skin as well. The next day, you will see a noticeable change in your acne and your skin will be silky smooth. If you really want to get the most out of this scrub, use toner after you get out of the shower to really clean out the sources of buildup in your pores. Use this scrub only 1-2 times per month though, because this dramatically opens and cleans your pores. If you use it too much, your body may begin to overproduce oil and your acne could get worse.

Egg White to Remove Oil - Crack 1-2 eggs in a bowl separating out the yolk from the egg white. Then, beat the eggs whites gently until consistant. Next, simple spread it over your face and let sit for 15-20 minutes. The eggs white remove excess oil from your skin.

Egg Yolk to Stop Pores from Clogging - Just as egg whites help acne, egg yolks have benefits as well. Most of the nutrients in eggs are found in the yolk and it’s very true for your skin. Eggs yolks contain lots of Vitamin A, which is comprised of retinoids. Retin-A, which is used in many beauty products (and you’ve probably heard of it on many commercials) is found in Vitamin A. It’s great for battling acne, because it helps regulate the amount of skin cells being produced, therefore preventing your pores from becoming clogged. Also found in Vitamin A is 13-cis-retinol, which helps regulate oil and bacteria production. So, a yolk battles all of your skin problems in one use. Just crack 1-2 eggs and separate the yolk from the egge white. Mix the yolks together then apply to your face. Within a few minutes the yolk will harden. Once hardened, let the yolk sit on your face for 15-20 minutes, then rinse off. Besides the fact that it is a very cheap treatment, the great thing is that you can use this facial mask as often as 1-2 times per week.

Freeze out Pore Problems - This may sound odd, but one way to get rid of dirt, oil and dead skin cells is the freeze the pores. When the pore gets cold, it closes up, forcing out the dead skin cells, bacteria and oil. Once you’ve forced out the bad stuff from the problem area, wash it all away, so it does not spread to another part of your face. Pack a plastic bag with ice, then wrap it in a hand towel. Place it on the problem area for at least 10 minutes. Once the spot is good and cold, use a face wash and then toner.

Garlic to Prevent Breakouts - Smash 2 peeled garlic cloves into a pulp or until you can squeeze juice out of it. Apply the juice to your face and leave it on for 5-10 minutes. There’s not much science behind this treatment, but it does work. The good thing is that you can use this treatment as often as you want, but don’t leave it on for long periods of time, because it may eventually burn your skin.

Mint to Soothe Skin - Mint contains menthol which is a natural anti-inflammatory. So, it takes away the red plaguing your skin when you have acne. You can use either mint oil or the juice of blended mint leaves. Just apply to the affected areas of your face or your entire face for 10-15 minutes, then wash off. Use as often as you want, because it is an anti-inflammatory, it won’t bother your skin.

Chamomile, Green, or Black Tea - Chamomile tea, a natural anti-inflammatory, helps ease redness and puffiness around the eyes. Green and black teas contain compounds called tannins, plus caffeine. Tannins have an astringent effect on the skin and shrink swollen tissue, while caffeine constricts blood vessels to reduce swelling.Steep two chamomile, green, or black tea bags in just-boiled water for three minutes. Remove them from the water and place in the refrigerator until cooled. Place one bag over each eye and relax for 15 mintues.

Spoons - The cool temperature of chilled metal spoons constricts blood vessels, which helps decrease redness and puffiness in the eye area.Place four metal spoons in a glass of ice water. When chilled, place one spoon on each eye, following the contour of your eye socket. As the spoons begin to warm, switch them with the spoons chilling in the glass of ice water. Continue this process until swelling subsides.

Milk - Cold milk constricts blood vessels and reduces swelling. The fat in whole milk soothes dry, irritated skin.Pour ice-cold whole milk or cream into a small bowl; soak two cotton balls in the liquid. Then squeeze out the cotton balls slightly and put one over each eye. Once the cotton balls warm up, soak two more and repeat for up to 15 minutes.

Cucumber Slices - A classic remedy for puffy, irritated eyes, cucumbers contain ascorbic acid (vitamin C) and caffeic acid, both of which help reduce swelling.Rest two 1/2-inch-thick cucumber slices on a bed of ice to chill. Once cool, place one slice over each eye, lean your head back, and relax for 10 to15 minutes. Remove the slices and rinse your face with cool water.

Egg Whites - Egg whites act as an astringent, making your skin appear tighter and smoother. They are also high in vitamin B2, or riboflavin, which is associated with improved circulation.Beat two egg whites until stiff, and then apply to the under-eye area using a brush. Let the mixture dry for about 15 minutes; rinse well with water. Try adding a drop or two of witch hazel to the beaten whites, which further reduces swelling and keeps the egg whites from drying too rapidly.

Natural Hair remidies

Super Shine, DIY style:

 A whole lotta olive oil and a tbsp of honey. Mix it up and work it through your hair. Leave in for at least half an hour - overnight’s even better. Result: Gleaming, soft, smooth, totally non-staticky hair Going to have to try!

For All Hair Types

"The [raw] egg is really the best of all worlds," says Janice Cox, author ofNatural Beauty at Home. The yolk, rich in fats and proteins, is naturally moisturizing, while the white, which contains bacteria-eating enzymes, removes unwanted oils, she explains.

To Use: For normal hair, use the entire egg to condition hair; use egg whites only to treat oily hair; use egg yolks only to moisturize dry, brittle hair, Cox says. Use 1/2 cup of whichever egg mixture is appropriate for you and apply to clean, damp hair. If there isn’t enough egg to coat scalp and hair, use more as needed. Leave on for 20 minutes, rinse with cool water (to prevent egg from “cooking”) and shampoo hair. Whole egg and yolks-only treatments can be applied once a month; whites-only treatment can be applied every two weeks.

For Dull Hair

Styling products (as well as air pollution) can leave a film that both saps moisture and dulls shine—but dairy products like sour cream and plain yogurt can help reverse this damage. "Lactic acid gently strips away dirt while the milk fat moisturizes," says Lisa Belkin, author of The Cosmetics Cookbook.

To Use: Massage 1/2 cup sour cream or plain yogurt into damp hair and let sit for 20 minutes. Rinse with warm water, followed by cool water, then shampoo hair as you normally would. Treatment can be applied every other week.

For Itchy Scalp

To fight flakes—brought on by poor diet, stress and climate, among other factors—try a lemon juice and olive oil mixture in your hair. "The acidity in lemon juice helps rid your scalp of any loose, dry flakes of skin, while the olive oil moisturizes the [newly exposed] skin on your head," says Cox.

To Use: Mix 2 Tbsp fresh lemon juice, 2 Tbsp olive oil and 2 Tbsp water, and massage into damp scalp. Let mixture sit for 20 minutes, then rinse and shampoo hair. Treatment can be applied every other week.

For Limp or Fine Hair

To add body to hair, reach for an unlikely beauty beverage: beer! The fermented drink contains generous supplies of yeast, which works to plump tired tresses, explains Cox.

To Use: Mix 1/2 cup flat beer (pour beer into a container and let it sit out for a couple of hours to deplete carbonation) with 1 tsp light oil (sunflower or canola) and a raw egg. Apply to clean, damp hair, let sit for 15 minutes, then rinse with cool water. Or add flat beer only to a spray bottle and spritz onto dry hair. "When the liquid evaporates, the remaining protein residue (from the wheat, malt or hops) continues to strengthen and structure hair," says Belkin. Treatments can be applied every other week.

For Dry or Sun-Damaged Hair

Whatever your hair-dehydrating demon—hard water, sun overexposure, your trusty flat iron—nature's sweetener can help. "Honey is a natural humectant, which means it attracts and locks in moisture," says Cox.

To Use: Massage approximately 1/2 cup honey into clean, damp hair, let sit for 20 minutes, then rinse with warm water. You can also add 1 to 2 Tbsp olive oil to loosen the honey for easier application. For extremely sun-damaged hair, trying mixing honey with 1 to 2 Tbsp of a protein-rich ingredient, like avocado or egg yolk, which will help replenish the keratin protein bonds that UV rays attack. Treatment can be applied once a month.

For Oily or Greasy Hair

"Used properly, [cornmeal or cornstarch] is an inexpensive way to remove oil and grease," says Belkin.

To Use: Pour 1 Tbsp cornmeal or cornstarch into an empty salt or pepper shaker and sprinkle onto dry hair and scalp until you’ve used it all. After 10 minutes, use a paddle hairbrush to completely brush it out. Treatment can be applied every other day.

For Frizzy Hair

Home beauty experts swear by avocado—and not just to repair damaged hair. Its oils (which are light and moist like our own natural skin secretions) and proteins boast the best combination of nutrients for smoothing and weighing down unruly hair, explains Cox.

To Use: Mash up half an avocado and massage into clean, damp hair. Let sit for 15 minutes before rinsing with water. Amp up moisturizing power by combining mashed avocado with 1 to 2 Tbsp of a hydrating ingredient, like sour cream, egg yolks or mayonnaise. Treatment can be applied every two weeks.

For Residue-Ridden Hair

"Nothing eats through product buildup like baking soda," Cox says. Sodium bicarbonate essentially breaks down anything acidic.

To Use: Mix 1 to 2 Tbsp baking soda with small amounts of water until a thick paste forms. Massage into damp hair and let sit for 15 minutes. Rinse with water, then shampoo hair. Treatment can be applied every two weeks.

Holiday sweets in a jar

 S’mores in a Jar

Ingredients:

Layer in a large wide mouthed 1 quart mason jar:

• 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs (one sleeve of crackers, crushed)
• 1 1/2 cups miniature marshmallows.
• Or substitute with 8 Peeps and 1/2 cup miniature marshmallows for seasonal fun. Line the jar with Peeps facing out.
• 1 1/2 cups chocolate chips or mini Hershey Kisses or M&M’s
• 1/3 cup brown sugar

Directions:

1. Combine jar contents with 1/2 cup melted 

butter and 1 tsp vanilla.

2. Press mixture into a 9 inch square baking pan. 

Place marshmallows on top

3. Bake at 350F for 15 minutes. 

4. Let cool completely. 

5. Cut into bars. (Makes 12 yummy bars. )

 Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies in a Jar

Ingredients:

Layer in a large wide mouthed 1 quart mason jar:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1 1/4 cups rolled oats
• 1/2 cup white sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup chopped nuts
• 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips

Mix flour, baking powder, and baking soda. Pour mixture into a 1 quart (1 liter) mason jar and pack down. Mix oatmeal in a blender. Pack on top of flour in mason jar. Add white sugar and pack down. Add brown sugar and pack down. Layer chopped nuts on top of brown sugar. Finish layering jar with mini or regular chocolate chips.

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 375 F
2. Put chocolate chips and nuts into small bowl (set aside)
3. Spoon brown and white sugar into mixing bowl add 1/2 cup of butter and cream well
4. add one egg and1/2 tsp of vanilla extract, mix well
5. pour oatmeal and flour mixture from jar into bowl mix thoroughly
6.  stir in chocolate chips and nuts, roll into small balls and place onto cookie sheet bake 8-10 mins (makes 3 dozen)

Ultimate Chocolate Brownie Mix in a Jar

Ingredients:

Layer in a large wide mouthed 1 quart mason jar:

• 1 cup all purpose unbleached flour
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1 1/2 cups vanilla sugar
• 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• Any combination of: mini chocolate chips, mini M&M’s, junior mints, chocolate candy bar
• 1/2 cup almonds

Layer ingredients in 1 quart mason jar. Tap gently on the counter after each layer before adding the next. Add additional mix-ins to fill any small gaps if necessary.

Directions:

1. In a large bowl, combine 1/2 cup melted (cooled) butter with 2 lightly beaten eggs
2. gently stir in contents of jar
3. bake at 350F for 35 mins, cool in pan for 10 mins
4. score top and let cool completely 

 Chocolate Chip Muffins in a Jar

Ingredients:

Layer in a large wide mouthed 1 quart mason jar:

• 1/3 cup sugar
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 cup chocolate chips, or substitute raisins, dried cranberries, or nut.

Combine sugar, flour, salt, and baking powder. Place in quart mason jar. Add chocolate chips.

Directions:

1. Preheat over to 375F
2. in a bowl, mix 1 cup milk, 1/2 cup melted butter, and one egg
3. add jar ingredients, and mix gently 
4. spoon batter into paper-lined muffin pans
5. bake 20-25 mins
6. cool before removing from pan

Christmas decoration crafts

Pucker Up

Encourage seasonal smooches with this no-fuss kissing ball. Wrap a 4-inch Styrofoam ball in a 14-inch fabric square; secure with a rubber band. Thread the end of 1 1/2 yards of ribbon down through the band, around the ball, and up through the band's other side so ribbon ends match up (knot them to hang the ball). Wrap 14 inches of ribbon around the ball's other side (crossing first ribbon, as shown); tuck ends into band. Hide band with a shimmery bow and festive sprigs.

Window Dressing

To create this delicate garland, drill a small hole into the top and bottom of each pinecone. Thread silver beads onto eye pins and stick them into the holes. A dab of glue will keep the beads in place. Use fine wire ribbon to hang cones from a string of beads.

Wine bottles=Christmas display

1. gather 3 bottles...1 was a bit taller than the other 2...                                                            
2. Spray a coat of primer on them...
3. Let them dry and got out the Epsom salt (found in the drug section area near first aid.)
4. Spray the bottles with some craft bond spray adhesive.
5. Roll the tacky bottle in some Epsom salt...
6. Inside the wine bottles stick some silver pics inside (get from Michael's)

Felt Stockings

Materials:
Tracing paper; pencil; scissors; ruler; felt: red, white; matching threads; stencils or cookie cutters in flower, tree and floral patterns; pins; sewing machine; fabric glue.

Directions:
1.Use a stocking template

2. Trace template onto tracing paper to make pattern. Using pattern, cut 2 pieces of red, green, or white felt for stocking front and back.

3. Trace stencils or cookie cutters onto tracing paper to make patterns. Using patterns, cut out contrasting pieces of felt in desired shapes.

4. Pin stocking front to stocking back, with right sides facing and raw edges even. Stitch sides and lower edges with 1⁄4-inch seam, starting and stopping 2 inches from upper edge.

5. Turn stocking right side out; fold down cuff. Glue contrasting felt pieces on stocking front.

6. Cut 1⁄2x6-inch strip of matching felt; fold in half crosswise and glue ends together to make hanging loop. Glue ends of hanging loop inside back of cuff.

Tiny Trees

Placed in silver bowls, cups, and candlesticks, pine cones become a tabletop forest. Crown each one with a glitter-covered cardboard star.

Silver Belle

For a twist on the traditional, deck the halls (and stairs) with swigs of pine cones. Dress up a long cone with silver spray paint, a burst of berries, and a bow.