Current Beauty Product Faves...

Hey All! Hope you all had a great weekend. The weather here in NC is gorgeous! Sharing some of my current beauty product faves.

Current Beauty Product Faves

For Body

Crystal Essence Deodorant: Think I finally found a natural deodorant that works. Love the smell and it holds me through a workday. 

Jason Coconut Oil: I can not longer use coconut oil on my hair. My hair has enough protein. Love it for my body. I rub this all over my body while still damp and my skin is soft and moisturizing all day.

For my Face

DIY Rosewater Moisturizer: Love spritzing rosewater on my face. I made my own using rosewater, almond oil and vegetable glycerin. 

Pixi Glow Tonic: Have you tried this? I heard rave reviews about it. Some call it liquid gold. Target now carries it but it sold out fast. I grabbed the last bottle on the shelf at my local Target. It smells great. I apply it to my skin after cleanses.

NYX Jumbo Eye Pencil Lavender: NYX is a great wallet friendly cosmetic line. I love their products especially their lip and eye makeup. I use this jumbo pencil as an eyeliner or highlighter.

Botanics Organic Facial Oil: This is perfect for my dry skin. Does not leave my face oily/greasy looking. 

For Hair

African Shea Butter: I add my own oils to this and apply to my ends as a sealant or whenever my hair needs extra moisturizing. Oils I mix are extra virgin olive oil, almond oil, Castor oil, and rosemary oil. 

What are your current beauty product faves? Have an awesome week!

Lace-Up Pointed Toe Ballet Flats DIY...

Hey All!

 I love shoes. Sandals, boots, sneakers, ballet flats, loafers, pumps, I love them all. Earlier this summer I spotted a pair of lace-up pointed toe ballet flats on Instagram. After further investigation, I discovered they were these, Aquazzura Christy Lace-up flats that retail for $675. I don't care how hard I hustle, I'm not paying $700 for a pair of trendy flats. Moving forward months later and to my surprise one of my fave bloggers, Carrie Bradshaw Lied, did a fabulous lace-up ballet flats DIY blog post. Check it out here.  I just had to try it. Check out my results below.

Materials Needed:
ballet flats
drawing pencil
leather hole puncher
scissors
satin cord 1.5mm (same color as shoes)

Take drawing pencil and mark when you want to make holes for your laces. I made 4, one in front, 2 on sides and 1 in the back. Add 2 more holes to the sides if you want it really lacy. 

Using leather hole puncher, select the right size for your punch. Make sure the hole is big enough for your cord to go through. Squeeze the handles and punch.

Cut about 5 feet of cord for each shoe. Start at the front double the cord and loop through tying a knot. Next, separate the cord and go through side holes from inside of the shoe. Lastly, pull both ends of cord through back hole. 

Wrap around your ankles and tie in the front or back. Snip off excess cord. Total cost $35. 

Cost breakdown:

Shoes - Target $25
Leather Hole Puncher - Michael's $10  50% coupon $5
Satin Cord 2mm - Michael's $4

Way better than $675.

Lately Summer Recap...

 Hey All! Can not believe summer is over. It is still blazing hot in the Carolinas but let's face it summer is over. School has started, it's Labor Day weekend, and the stores have replaced sandals with boots. Here is a summer recap of what I have been up to lately.

Life Changing: The above picture is my daughter's dorm room. Why didn't my dorm room look like that? As much time as we spent in and out of stores and on Pinterest this summer, her room should look like something out of a magazine. I'm so proud and excited for her. It's weird not seeing her bubbly face everyday. Move-in day was exhausting! I was too tired to cry.

Joyful: My dad received a great report from his doctor. There are no signs of lymphoma in his body. God has been so good to us!

Aha: My Aha moment this summer was, start using MyFitnessPal app. I mean it's on my phone, just enter the foods you eat and how much you exercise, and you just might lose some weight! It worked, I'm down 5.6 lbs for the month of August! I'm celebrating all accomplishments big and small!

Stop Being A Procrastinator: I'm sure you all know about Nordstrom's Anniversary sale that happens every July. Being the bargain shopper that I am, I had several cool stuff in my online cart. Went back several days later, and gone! Sold! We no longer have your size available. Ugh! This really cool drape front faux leather jacket was super cute. I guess there were lots of people who thought it was super cute.

Serene: The most serene moment of the summer was going to Kiawah Island with my BFF/sis-n-law. Just the two of us. I just love the beach. We had a great time. Sun, sand, ocean waves, cocktails, food, no kids, no husbands of course we had a great time!

Funniest: I always have a great time with my girlfriends. I must say the funniest was going out dancing for my friend Lydia's birthday. If I didn't laugh at her all night long! She danced with everyone. We laughed until we cried.

I Just Can't: My line sisters and I are reading Go Set A Watchman together, plus it just so happens to be my bookclub's pick for our next meeting. However, before I read it, I want to read To Kill A Mockingbird. I just can't finish that book. Everytime I pick it up I fall asleep.

You Made That: I made the best salad this summer. Arugula, crumbled bleu cheese, watermelon chunks, and a little vinaigrette. Amazing! Tasty!

So, what have you been up to lately?