Quick Tip - Lighter Frosting

For those that don't like heavy, sugary, frosting, I have an easy fix for you. For each tub of frosting, add one tub of Cool Whip. It will not only double your quantity and make it easier to spread, but it will make it lighter and less sweet!

Tips on Getting and Keeping Clear Skin

Everyone gets the occasional zit, but how can we keep our skin blemish free longer? Here are some easy tips to achieve a clear complexion.

• Drink lots of water. Water is essential for a healthy body and it's great for your skin. It'll leave it glowing and zit-free.
• Cut soda and greasy foods out of your diet. Poor eating habits accomplish nothing, and are a big part of breakouts. Replace soda and fatty foods with water and foods high in vitamins A, C, and E (ex: salmon, blueberries, carrots, etc.)
• Keep a skincare routine. Find skincare products that work for you and establish a routine. Keeping a routine puts your skin on a healthy schedule. Remember to limit the items you use.
• Wash your hands frequently. All the grease and oils from your food will linger on your fingers till you wash them off.
• Which brings me to...Don't touch your face. This is a BIG factor in zits.
• Love and protect your skin. Use a moisturizer with SPF or apply sunscreen each day, quit smoking, and exercise.

Sources: WebMD, Natural News, WebMD.

DIY High Waisted Shorts

High waisted shorts are coming back, and you don't have to pay 50 dollars for them! We made some for less than 7 dollars a pair. First off, go to your local thrift store, Goodwill, Salvation Army, etc. and buy a pair of high waisted jeans that fit comfortably around your waist. It's ok if they're big in the leg, that can be fixed. Once you have your jeans, you can start!

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1. Get a pair of shorts that you already have (high waisted preferably, but normal shorts are fine) and line the waist bands up. Cut the jeans a little bit past the bottom of your shorts. I noticed that if you cut at a slight angle (sloping towards the crotch area) it lays a little nicer on your body.

Top: DIY shorts. Bottom: Forever 21 high waisted shorts.

2. Some may like the shorts as they are now, but for those who want the more distressed/vintage-y look, read on. Fill your sink up with 2/3 bleach and 1/3 water. For our dip-dyed shorts, we held the shorts in straight bleach for about 6 minutes and received more of a yellowy color rather than white or light denim.

Completely bleached shorts.

3. Lay them out in the sun until they are at your preferred color/dry.

Laying in the sun.

4. Some DIY shorts articles and videos will show you how to distress them with knives, scissors, and tweezers, but the washing machine did all the work for us. It gave us a few holes and distressed the hems.

Completely bleached shorts.

Dip-dyed shorts.

And that's it! High waisted shorts are great for crop tops and tank tops. Since this was our first batch, we will get better with progress. I'd love to embellish them with studs on the pockets or add a lace trim. Oh and dye them colors too! I hope this article helped you achieve distressed high waisted shorts to your liking.

Super Simple Sugar Exfoliating Face Mask

I try to do a face mask once a week to keep my skin fresh and clear. Unfortunately, I ran out of the store bought ones today and was forced to make my own. This mask only takes two ingredients: sugar and water, and it's so easy to make. It's for all skin types too!

What You'll Need:

• 2 tablespoons of sugar
• 3 tablespoons of water
• Washcloth (optional)

Directions:

1. Pour 3 tablespoons of warm water into a bowl
2. Mix in 2 tablespoons of sugar and stir until dissolved
3. Take the mask and massage into face (it will look like normal water, but will feel different on your skin)
4. Take a damp washcloth and warm in the microwave to remove mask OR simply wash off with warm water

Today was my first time doing it and my skin feels smooth and a bit sticky, but that's probably because I didn't rinse very well. My skin does look fresh though and I could feel it exfoliating. This mask takes under five minutes to make, so take a tiny bit of your day and pamper yourself!

Our Top Five Favorite Cosmetic Items

Emma

1. When you're obsessed with your eyelashes, you try any mascara you can get your hands on. I usually pick a favorite for a couple of months, and Maybelline's Falsie's mascara is my current one! Although I still use three layers of different mascaras, Falsies is the one that makes my lashes voluminous and long. (around 7-8 dollars in any drugstore)

2. Since the day I started washing my face, I've used Clean & Clear's Foaming Facial Cleanser for Sensitive Skin. I don't know if I actually have sensitive skin, but I might as well play it safe. (Amazon sells it in a pack of 2 for 8 dollars..not sure how much in store)

3. Ah! The product that gives my hair it's lovable wave. Aveda's Be Curly Style-Prep is no bargain at 24 dollars, but it's one of those items that I can splurge on because it works so well. I pair it with a Garnier Fructis product and I've been having a string of good hair days ever since.

4. I don't really like lip gloss or lipstick, and I have been obsessed with tinted Maybelline Baby Lips lately..but that is not my number 4. Carmex is! Two swipes of tinted lip balm and a swipe of Carmex insures for smooth lips for a few hours. (around 3-4 dollars?)

5. And finally, my lovely summer scent: Bath & Body Works' Forever Sunshine Body Lotion. It screams summer and happiness and a little bit of that sweet sunscreen smell. And right now B&BW is selling it half price online!

Janis

1. The one thing I absolutely hate are stiff or crunchy eyelashes!  That's why I love Maybelline's Full 'n Soft Mascara.  This product not only make your eyelashes look amazing but also soft and voluminious.

2. Clean & Clear Oil-Free Foaming Facial Cleanser.  Love this stuff.  I like a face cleanser that foams because I feel it really cleans your skin.  It rinses clean and doesn't leave that film like feeling on your face.

3. Garnier Skin Renew Anti-Puff Eye Roller.  Time to face facts and take help where I can get it.  The roller goes on cool and smooth and really takes the puffiness out of the eye area.

4. Covergirl Cheekers Blush.  This has been my go to blush since college.  I like a powder blush and the color (cinnamon toast) is very natural. 

5. Estée Lauder Time Zone.  I use this in the morning after I wash my face.  I only use it under my eyes since it is a bit heavy for my taste. 

Five Below

I recently went to a store called Five Below, and I thought I would share this little golden shop with all of you. Five Below is basically a nice dollar store, but everything is five dollars and under. They had lots of brand name products which I thought was surprising. Their prices are so cheap because they bargain with vendors from all around the world to get the best prices, then they pass the savings on to us. The catch is they don't do returns or have sales. It's also a new store so they aren't in every state. Their site has a store locator if you're interested!

Breakfast Anyone?

I know this may not be oatmeal weather for some of you, but this tip may change your mind. I prefer my oatmeal plain, but I find it too bland and needs something to give it some kick. I cook the oatmeal according to the directions and then top with Nestle brand Coffee-Mate. The French Vanilla is my favorite, but there are several flavors that could work. Add some sliced strawberries and you have a yummy and satisfying breakfast!