Author Archives: The Jewish Lady

Mother’s Day 2018 Freebies

USA Today has compiled a huge list of Mother’s Day freebies—donuts, ice cream, bagels, Mimosas, pretzels, coffee, and even full dinners. Definitely worth it, if you can handle the holiday crowds. 

We’re planning a very low-key day around here, just family, with lots of time for talking, eating, and enjoying each other. I’ve also been told that a “super special” gift is coming my way. No idea what that is, but I’ll report back when I do. 

10 Homemade Beauty Products

Creating beauty products at home is not only fun, it allows you to pick and choose the ingredients. For those with allergies or sensitive skin, this is very important. (I have both.) Here are 10 homemade beauty products that I’ve successfully made in my own kitchen—no fancy items or complicated directions. All of these products are gentle, safe, and actually work. 

1. Leave-in Conditioner

Add a small spoonful or squirt of regular conditioner to a fine mist spray bottle and fill 3/4 full with water. Shake well. This is a great way to use up trial sized samples. Works well on fine hair and is great for kids. 

 2. Body Scrubs

Can be made with brown sugar or kosher salt as the base. Fill a small jar 3/4 full and add olive oil or coconut, stirring to incorporate. The mixture should be coarse, not drippy, so go easy on the oil. For an extra treat, add 1 Tsp. of vanilla. This can be used anywhere from the neck down.

3. Body Balm

Melt 1 cup of coconut oil until liquid. Add 1/2 Tsp of peppermint oil. Pour into a jar and allow to become solid again. Use at night on lips, cuticles, feet, elbows, and knees. 

4. Toner

Combine two parts witch hazel with one part distilled water. Add a few drops of tea tree oil. Store in the fridge for an extra cooling sensation.

5. Masks

There are a million versions for every type of skin; one that uses honey is gentle enough for most folks. Simply combine 1 Tsp. of raw honey with 1 Tsp. of plain yogurt. 

6. Clarifying Treatment

When hair looks and feels dull or weighed down, it’s often caused by product residue. Mix a tiny bit of baking soda with shampoo in your hand, foam, and then vigorously scrub hair roots and let it rinse down. 

7. Body Spray

Combine two parts rubbing alcohol with one part water in a spray bottle. Add 1/2 Tsp of olive oil and 1/2 Tsp essential oil. This is moisturizing and smells nice, but is not overpowering. 

8. Aftershave

This one is for the fellas. My hubby loves it. Mix equal parts rubbing alcohol and aloe vera, then add a few drops of sandalwood oil.

9. Eye Makeup Remover

You’ll need 1/4 cup jojoba oil and 2 vitamin E capsules. Pour oil into  a dark bottle container. Puncture vitamin and squeeze in. Shake well to mix. Make sure it’s tightly capped. 

10. Deodorant

Anyone who is worried about aluminum or has itchy reactions to commercial products should try this one. Although not an antiperspirant, it does seem to absorb a lot of wetness, so it will be fine for anyone under normal conditions. (Not for running a marathon obviously, just general day-to-day life.) 

Combine  6 Tbsp. coconut oil, 4 Tbsp. baking soda, and 4 Tbsp. cornstarch. Mix baking soda and cornstarch together in a medium sized bowl. Mash in coconut oil with a fork until well mixed. Store in small glass jar. I’ve heard some people put it into an old deodorant stick, too. My version is unscented. Essential oils can be used if preferred. 

 

Do you enjoy making your own beauty products?

Stella & Dot: Engraved Jewelry Sale

I was compensated for this post. It contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking them.

Flowers, cards, and a nice meal are a great way to treat mom on her special day, but what if you want a gift that will last forever? I love anything personalized because it’s made just for me. Stella & Dot’s new line of engraved jewelry is adorable and affordable. 

The signature bangle is a lightweight bracelet that comes in multiple metal finishes—gold, silver, and rose gold. (If you’re really trendy, try stacking all 3 at once on the same wrist.) The cuff design can accommodate up to 45 characters of favorite sayings, names, important dates, and/or geographic coordinates. Hashtags are gaining in popularity, too. Pressure hook closure with a safety clasp is very sturdy.

Prefer necklaces to bracelets? The Round Disc is super cute and versatile. The 16inch length looks nice worn alone or layered. Sterling silver, gold, and rose gold are options. This one is ideal for initials. 

If you want even more pizzazz for personalized items, try adding a charm or birthstone. Elephants are one of my favorites animals.

Now through May 14th, you can save 20% off anything engraved. I’m getting a few gifts, plus a treat for myself. Check out Stella & Dot’s complete collection of beautiful fashion forward accessories. 

Burnt Cookies, Exploding Coffee Maker & an Overflowing Sink

You know those moments when everything seems to go wrong simultaneously? Yep, me too! 😉

It started with a craving. I had the ingredients on hand and some free time, so I decided to make cookies. No big deal there; I’ve done it a million times. Into the oven they went, and that’s when it became interesting.

The phone rang. Then the door bell rang. Then the cat threw up. As I went from task to task, I started to smell burning. Either I didn’t set a timer or I didn’t hear it because of the commotion, but the cookies were definitely overbaked. Oh, and I scorched my hand through a pot holder grabbing them.

I prefer chewy over crispy, but a crunchy treat is ok for me if it’s dunked into coffee. Still frazzled, I didn’t shut it completely and before I knew it, the machine is hissing and steaming and the lid pops up, spewing hot grounds down its sides and onto the counter. 

By the time that’s cleaned, I had a mountain of dishes waiting. I turned on the sink, letting the hot water pressure soften some baked-on gunk, and then more distractions led to further disaster. I literally walked out of the kitchen for 5 minutes to put some laundry away and returned to find water dripping down and soaking the floor. (Lest you think I’m a total half-wit, the drain plug was not in and a plate was covering it unintentionally.)

Evidently, I am highly distractible, can’t multi-task, or just really unlucky. (Mix of everything, perhaps?) Guess it was just one of those days…