Sunday, July 26, 2009

How to Make a Bead on Wire Bracelet or Anklet

This is a fun way to use up those odd beads you always seem to accumulate in your bead box.

Instructions

Things You'll Need:
Jewelry Beads
Jewelry Clasps
Jewelry Supplies
Seamstress Measuring Tapes
Jewelry Wire
Pliers For Jewelry Making
Safety Glasses
Safety Glasses
Putting Beads on Wire

Step 1
Choose about a 20-gauge wire. This can be coated jewelry wire, flex wire or a gold- or silver-plated wire.

Step 2
Cut a piece of wire about 4 inches long or longer, depending on the length and number of beads you will use in a set. It is easier to cut excess wire than it is to redesign your set.

Step 3
Use round-nose pliers to make a small loop on one end of the piece of wire. To do this, grip the end of the wire with the pliers, gently twist the pliers and wrap the wire around them until they form a loop.

Step 4
Slide the bead or beads you wish to use onto the wire.

Step 5
Hold the wire vertically so that the beads will be secure against the first loop you made.

Step 6
Take the round-nose pliers and form another loop on the other end of the wire. You may have to trim the excess wire to form a small loop. Trim only a little of the wire at a time as you form the loop until you have the loop size you wish.

Step 7
Finish by using your pliers to slide the end of the loop down into the bead. This closes the loop and hides the end. You can also wrap the end of the loop with a fine wire for a nice, finished look.

Assembling a Bracelet or Anklet

Step 1
Use five bead sets, each approximately 1 1/2 inches long, to make a bracelet 8 inches long. You can make adjustments as you put your bracelet or anklet together.

Step 2
Attach a strong clasp to one of the bead sets. Gently open the loop and slide the spring ring into the loop and close with pliers.

Step 3
Open one of the loops and attach the wire to the next bead set loop until you have the length you desire.

Step 4
Place the eyelet part of your clasp on the bead set loop and close with pliers.


Tips & Warnings

When cutting or trimming excess wire, wear safety glasses to prevent flying pieces of wire from getting in your eyes.

How to Extend The Life of Cheap Flip-Flops

Lots of folks like to buy inexpensive flip-flops for the spring & summer but sometimes, they pull apart too easily. This will help you extend the life of yours

Instructions

Things You'll Need:
1. An inexpensive pair of flip-flops.
2. Two plastic lids from Pringle's cans.
3. A hole puncher strong enough to go through thin plastic.
4. A pair of scissors.
5. A strong all purpose craft glue or other bonding agent that will adhere plastics and rubber to one another.

Step 1
Cut one small circle from each of the plastic Pringle's can lids. Make sure the circles are roughly and inch and a half in diameter. Then, cut a small slit into each one, going towards the center of the circle so that it measures at the halfway point. Now, use the hole punch to punch a hole in the center of each circle just wide enough for the between the toe part of the flip-flop.

Step 2
While holding one flip-flop in your hand, gently push down on the between the toe part until it slides through the soul of the shoe by about one inch. Carefully pry open one of the cut circles and fit it over the exposed bit protruding from the bottom. It ought to look like a tiny disc on a plastic pole.

Step 3
Carefully dab some glue or bonding agent onto the side of the circle that will touch the bottom of the shoe as well as the inside area where the base of the between the toe part has come through. Now, gently slide the between the toe part back up into place, making sure that the circle touches the bottom of the shoe completely. Press firmly, and let dry for the recommended time stated on the glue or bonding agent bottle.


Saturday, July 25, 2009

How to Sexy Summer Ready Feet Recipe

Are your feet summer sandal ready? The summer is here and you want to break out those sexy sling backs but your tired winter weary feet just aren't feeling it. Don't shy away from showing off your feet and cute painted toenails, here is a quick and easy recipe that will give you smooth skin and summer sexy feet in no time

Instructions


Things You'll Need:
1 Cup Lemon Juice
2 TBS Olive Oil
1/4 Cup Milk
A dash of cinnamon
Water
Foot bath

Step 1
Measure your ingredients. Mix the lemon juice, cinnamon, olive oil and milk right in your foot bath. Add enough warm water to cover your feet.

Step 2
Wash your feet with your regular soap and warm water. Exfoliate your feet to get rid of all the dead skin cells.

Step 3
Relax in a comfy chair, flip on your favorite show and soak your feet for at least 10-minutes.

Step 4
Rinse off your feet with plain water.

Step 5
Towel dry your feet and moisturize with your favorite lotion.

Step 6
Repeat a few times for soft and silky smooth, sexy feet.

Tips & Warnings

If you don't like the smell of cinnamon you can replace it with a drop of perfume, another spice, or flower petals.

This makes a wonderful full body soak as well. Just mix together the same ingredients. Make yourself a warm bath and pour in the mix. You'll have soft smooth skin all over.

Thursday, July 23, 2009

Wednesday, July 22, 2009

How to Do a Body Wrap at Home

Body wraps are not just for the rich and famous. A spa will charge you a fortune for a single body wrap. Now you too can perform the same body wrap treatment at home for a fraction of spa prices. A body wrap is a great way to lose inches and speed up metabolism. Read the instructions below to perform a body wrap treatment at home.

Instructions

You will need someone to help you to perfrom this!

Things You'll Need:
10 cotton wash cloths
Roll of plastic wrap
Wool blanket
Massage table
Sea salt body scrub
Essential oil body moisturizer
Large size crock-pot
Cotton robe
1 large body towel
Heating pad

Step 1
Visit your nearest drug store to purchase organic sea salt scrub and essential oil body moisturizer. Don´t spend a fortune. Look for a good detoxifying product.

Step 2
Position massage table in a room wide enough for easy access from all angles. Cover the table with a fitted sheet. Plug in a heating pad and crock pot a few minutes before treatment.

Step 3
Douse 10 wash cloths with water, then roll up and place in a crock-pot to keep warm.

Step 4
Undress, make sure you have an extra pair of underwear for after treatment.

Step 5
Wash hands before starting. Lay face-down on the massage table to begin.

Step 6
Have someone exfoliate skin by rubbing sea salt in a circular motion, starting with one side of the body at the legs and moving up to the arms. Now flip over and repeat on the front side.

Step 7
Remove the body scrub with a warm towel or shower when done.

Step 8
Rub essential oil moisturizer employing the same method used to apply sea salts. Do both sides. You stand and wrap legs to torso with plastic wrap.

Step 9
Have someone help you lay down and cover with wool blanket. Place heating pad on top of blanket. Promote sweating. Leave on for 15 minutes.

Step 10
Have someone cut you out of body wrap using a safety tip scissors. Use wash cloths to remove sweat and moisturizer from client.

Step 11
Make sure you have water or tea to drink.

Tuesday, July 21, 2009

Monday, July 20, 2009

Massage Instruction - Foot Massage

A Quote On Feet

" I always found it a good idea to plaster my toes in advance. Better to avoid skinned toes than to deal with them afterwards"~ Deborah Bull



How to Use Apple Cider Vinegar for a Pedicure

No need to go to an expensive spa for a pedicure that leaves your feet feeling completely smooth and refreshed. An apple cider vinegar pedicure can eliminate nail fungus and rejuvenate your feet. Follow the steps below and do your own apple cider vinegar pedicure at home.

Instructions


Things You'll Need:

Basin
Skin file
Emery board
Cuticle stick
Nail polish
Apple Cider Vinegar
Towel
Nail polish remover
Cotton balls
Nail Clippers
Clear coat nail polish
Tea tree essential oil or lotion

Step 1
Remove old polish with nail polish remover and cotton balls.

Step 2
Mix 2 cups of warm water with 2 cups of apple cider vinegar in a basin. Use equal parts of water and apple cider vinegar if more is needed. Soak feet for at least 30 minutes.

Step 3
Dry your feet with a towel then use a skin file to remove dead skin and corns.

Step 4
Push back cuticles using a cuticle stick.

Step 5
Clip and clean nails using nail clippers.

Step 6
File and buff discolorations with emery board.

Step 7
Massage tea tree oil on both feet.

Step 8
Apply 2 coats of nail polish. Allow first coat to dry completely before applying second coat.

Step 9
Seal the pedicure by applying a clear coat of nail polish and let dry. Save money by doing your own spa pedicure. Your feet will feel refreshed and ready for anything.

Saturday, July 18, 2009

How To Make Homemade Foot Soak

A homemade foot soak recipe is one of the easiest skin care recipes to prepare. There are generally 3 things required to make it: water, Epsom salt (or sea salt), and an essential oil of your choice.

A foot soak is a great way to pamper your feet year round. It takes a few minutes to prepare and can be done any time you feel like relaxing or boosting your energy.

Instructions

Things You'll Need:
Water (enough to cover your feet)
1/2 cup of Epsom salt (or sea salt)
2-3 drops of essential oil of your choice

Step 1
Water needs to be hot so either boil it and let it cool down or use hot tap water.

Step 2
Add Epsom salt to water.

Step 3
Add essential oil of your choice.

Step 4
Soak your feet as long as you're comfortable and as long as you feel you need to.



Tips & Warnings

Epsom salt is generally used more often in preparation of homemade foot soak recipes because it contains magnesium sulfate. Magnesium sulfate relaxes the muscles and draws toxins out of skin. As I said, you can use sea salt if you don't have Epsom salt handy.

You can customize the recipe by choosing the essential oil you want. For example, lavender essential oil is used if you need to relax and calm down. Peppermint or eucalyptus essential oil is used when you need a boost of energy.

Be careful with the temperature of water. Remember: foot soak should be an enjoyable experience, water needs to be warm enough to make it relaxing but not too warm.


Sunday, July 12, 2009

How to Clean Dirty Flip Flops

Learn to clean your dirty flip flops. We all love to wear flip flops in the summer. They are a must have at the beach. But who wants to look at dirty ones? You don't have to throw them out, try cleaning them. There are several methods to clean dirty flip flops and they are all easy.

Instructions

Step 1
The method you choose to clean your flip flops will be dictated by the style. If yours are decorated some of these methods are not recommended.

Step 2
Basic flip flops can be thrown in the washing machine and washed on the warm setting with regular laundry detergent.

Step 3
Any type of flip flop can be cleaned with a Mr Clean Magic Eraser. Follow the package directions for general cleaning. Keep any decorations that might be damaged by water dry.

Step 4
Dirty flip flops that will not be harmed by water can be soaked in a bucket of hot water with Dawn dish washing detergent. Soak for 30 minutes and then scrub with soft brush. This works well for very dirty ones.

Step 5
Basic flip flops can be washed in the top shelf of the dishwasher. And no, do not wash them with the dishes!

How to Break in Sandals

We all know the drill: Buy a new pair of sandlas or flip flops and painfully wear them until they finally break in. Before you know it, you have ugly blisters along your toes. The thing is, you can avoid that by breaking them in beforehand.

Instructions

Step 1
Buy the right size. Don't try to squeeze your feet into sandals that are too small. It's a good way to do some permanent damage to your toes.

Step 2
Test a hidden patch on the sandal. Look for a piece of leather that can't be seen by you or anyone else. Wet it with water and check to see if the color changes. Should the color change, you might not want to wet them.

Step 3
Put on the sandals and step into a bucket of water. You can forgo the bucket and spritz them with a water spray bottle, too. This trick will cause the sandals to mold to your feet.

Step 4
Towel off the remaining water. You don't want the sandals to be dripping all over the place. Wear them until they dry.

Step 5
Buy a leather moisturizer. If all else fails, leather moisturizer will soften the leather. You can find it a shoe stores or online.

Step 6
Rub a small amount of the moisturizer on the sandals. Cover the entire shoe. Wait a few minutes and wipe off the excess.

Thursday, July 9, 2009

How to Take Care of Your Toenails

Many people take great care of their hands and fingernails, but forget all about their toenails. Your feet are what carry you around from place to place, so it’s important to take care of them. And if you’re planning on wearing sandals and open-toe shoes during the summer, you’ll want great-looking feet and toenails.


Instructions

Things You'll Need:
Epsom salts
Anti-bacterial cream
Nail clippers or scissors
Cuticle moisturizer

Step 1
Wash and dry your feet and nails every day. Make sure to dry your feet thoroughly to prevent Athlete’s foot.

Step 2
Soak your feet in warm water and Epsom salts once a week to soften rough skin. Again, be sure to dry your feet thoroughly afterwards.

Step 3
Trim your toenails at least every couple of weeks. Use straight scissors or nail clippers to cut straight across the nail—never cut down the sides of the nail. This will help prevent ingrown toenails.

Step 4
Always trim the nail so that it is flush with your toe. If you trim the nail too short, the end may push into your skin.

Step 5
After trimming nails, gently push back the cuticles on your toes and use a cuticle moisturizer.


Tips & Warnings

If your nails are hard and difficult to cut, trim them after showering or soaking your feet. Nails are much softer after being immersed in water for several minutes.

You can treat ingrown toenails at home by bathing in warm water and Epsom salts twice a day to help relieve pain. Apply an antibacterial cream after each water bath.

Never treat an ingrown toenail at home if you have diabetes or another circulatory problem. See your doctor or podiatrist for any and all foot-related medical problems.

Monday, July 6, 2009

How to Have Beautiful Bare Feet Foot Care Tips

To have beautiful bare feet this summer now is the time to start a foot care regime. You don't want to ruin the effect of summer outfits by having to wear shoes that cover up unkempt heels and toes. When you are looking for pretty summer sandals and flip flops etc it is part of the excitement of getting ready for the coming hot weather. This excitement is enhanced when you know you have beautiful bare feet that will look good with or without shoes.

Instructions

Step 1

The first step to have beautiful bare feet is to get rid of rough skin on your heels and soles . To do this you could use the standard pumice stone for foot care or a cream such as Avon's Footwork' s.

Step 2
After you have got rid of the rough skin to help to get beautiful bare feet it is important to keep up with this part of you foot care routine on a regular basis.

Step 3
To keep the skin soft on your beautiful bare feet you have several commercial options. You can however, use a home remedy foot care softener for use after you have got rid of the rough skin. Simply rub a generous amount of virgin olive oil on your feet then wear a pair of cotton socks and keep them on all night while you sleep.

Step 4
Last but not least to have beautiful bare feet a good pedicure is essential. If you can't afford a professional pedicure find a friend with whom you can trade this part of your foot care regime with. Finish off by painting your toenails with your favorite color of nail polish and abracadabra you now have beautiful bare feet to enjoy the Summer with.

Sunday, July 5, 2009

How To Make A Body Exfoliate For Next To Nothing!

Body exfoliates are quite pricey to buy at the beauty counter, and having it done at a Spa is even more costly! After winter especially, you need to slough off all the old dead skin cells on your body with a good exfoliate. So to reveal a beautiful, dewy soft skin for summertime, and to prepare your skin for tanning, use this very cheap but natural and effective recipe for body exfoliates! You will feel as if you have been at a Spa!

Instructions

Things You Will Need:

· Maize meal about half cup
· Olive oil two tablespoons
· small plastic bowl to mix

Step 1
Mix together dry uncooked maize meal & olive oil in the small bowl, to make a paste.

Step 2
Soak in a nice medium hot bath for about 5 minutes, just to help open the skin pores.

Step 3
Starting at your feet, working up your legs, buttocks, thighs, tummy and then your arms, use a bit at a time of the paste, rubbing a circular motion, with medium pressure. When you have given all areas on your body a good rub, use the hand shower to rinse off, with warm water. You can now wash with your normal soap or body wash. Your skin will look and feel fabulous!

Tips & Warnings

You can use maize meal exfoliater for your face as well, by replacing the olive oil with a little cold rooibos tea and a teaspoon of honey. Works a charm! You can do this once a week to keep your skin in tip top condition.

Friday, July 3, 2009

How to Make Glitter Body Gel

Because of its immense popularity among young girls and women, the price of glitter body gel has spiked dramatically over the past few years. Small containers of this pricey stuff can go for as much as $20. Instead of paying an arm and a leg for this fun and frivolous body decoration, make it yourself for a fraction of the cost. You will have total control over how sparkly it is, the color and fragrance and, of course, the color glitter you choose.

Instructions

Things You'll Need:
1/2 cup of Aloe Vera gel
2 teaspoons of glycerin
1/2 teaspoon of colored glitter
4 drops of essential oil
Food coloring
Small mixing bowl
Spoon
Pretty containers with screw-on or stoppered lids
How to Make Glitter Body Gel

Step 1
Stir the aloe vera and the glycerin together in the small mixing bowl. They should blend together completely.

Step 2
You can use a finer texture of glitter, such as the kind used in adult makeup, to create a more subtle shimmer.Mix in the colored glitter. You can use any color you like, or mix and match.

Step 3
Add four drops of essential oil to the mix. If your gel does not smell strong enough, add two more drops.

Step 4
Blend in one drop of food coloring. This will tint the glitter body gel a light color. If you want the color to be brighter, add more food coloring.

Step 5
This small, stoppered plastic star is a perfect container for your homemade body glitter gel.Store your glitter body gel in pretty containers. This is a fun party activity and these containers make cute gifts.

How to Make Shimmer Body Lotion

Shimmer lotion is a fun way to add some flair to your look. If you are going out for a night on the town a shimmer lotion on your arms and chest can liven up your appearance. Shimmer lotions can be purchased at cosmetic counters, but making your own shimmer lotion can be just as effective and less expensive. Read on to learn how to make shimmer body lotion.


Instructions

Things You'll Need:
Light weight body lotion
Shimmer powder eye shadow
Body glitter
Mixing bowl
Mixing stick

Step 1
Shake the bottle of light weight body lotion to make sure it is mixed well.

Step 2
Squirt or pour the desired amount of lotion into a mixing bowl.

Step 3
Pick out a shimmer eye shadow in a complimentary color to accent your skin tone. Cool skin tones should use silver or light pink colors. Warm skin tones look best with gold or yellow hues.

Step 4
Sprinkle a small amount of eye shadow into the lotion and mix well. Start small you can always add more but you don’t want to overdue it.

Tips & Warnings

Use shimmer lotion to hide small imperfections on the exposed areas of your body. The light hits the shimmer just right to minimize the appearance of skin flaws.

Mix a small amount of lotion for a one-time use or if you make a large batch then pour the remaining lotion into a clean empty bottle. Store the lotion at room temperature for future use.

If you are using compact eye shadow be sure to break up the powder before putting it into the lotion.

Homemade shimmer lotion is a fun gift for almost any occasion.

Thursday, July 2, 2009

How to Make an Oatmeal Body Scrub

Instructions

Things You'll Need:
1 small handful of lentils
1 small handful of oatmeal
1/2 tsp. jojoba oil
1/2 tsp. carrot oil
Water
Oatmeal Honey Body Scrub

Step 1
Place the glycerine soap base in a small sauce pan on medium heat.

Step 2
Allow the soap base to melt, but do not let it boil. Remove the mixture from the heat and allow it to cool.

Step 3
Place the oatmeal in a blender and blend until it is finely ground.

Step 4
Add the glycerine and the remaining ingredients and blend well.

Step 5
Spread the oatmeal body scrub in the container and seal.

Oatmeal Body Scrub With Lentils

Step 1
Place the lentils in a blender and blend to a course consistency.

Step 2
Add the oatmeal and continue to blend until the mixture becomes a powder.

Step 3
Pour in the jojoba oil and carrot oil and continue to blend.

Step 4
Add water a teaspoonful at a time until the mixture is the consistency of a thick paste.

Step 5
Place the mixture into a bowl. Before a bath or shower, massage the oatmeal scrub over the body, especially the dry areas. Use the body scrub immediately. Makes enough for one body scrub treatment.