Bright Idea

I love bold jewelry that makes statement. And I love nail polish. I use it a lot. And not on my nails only. Look what I’ve done with a plain silver ring.

This is how it started:

Then I put some ground color all over to create a canvas:

And now the fun part. Use your creativity and don’t be afraid of mistakes – you can easily remove everything and start over again. Don’t forget to apply clear top coat for extra shine!

Just as with nail polish on your tips make sure that the chosen colors compliment your skin tone:

And even better part – you can redo it according to your needs. Look how this ring looked before I’ve started with the acetone:

Have fun!

 

 

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Turmeric

Tags

facial, mask, turmeric

Turmeric, also known as curcuma, is a spice widely used in South Asian cuisine,  especially Indian. A bright yellow powder is an amazing beauty product I reach for very often. Known for its anti-inflammatory properties, it calms reddened skin, helps to fade acne spots and brightens your complexion. For me, the easiest way to use it as a face mask is to mix it with natural yogurt in 1:2 ratio. You can add honey, milk, olive oil or any other enhancements to it, but my philosophy stands for “the easier-the better”.  Apply with a brush and try not to touch the paste as it stains a lot (make sure to wash it off in gloves as well if you don’t want your nails get yellow). The mask can leave a slight yellow tint to the skin which disappears overnight.

Another great way to use it is as a supplement. Studies show that one teaspoon of turmeric a day helps digestion, cleanses liver, eases arthritis, and even – not proved or documented, but won’t hurt to try – turns away some forms of cancer. The taste is very bitter, but I started to take it dry and wash down with quick gulps of lukewarm water. It is claimed to improve overall skin appearance, so we’ll see in a couple of months. I’ll be back with a report then.

 

 

Dull Monday

Tags

BCBG, boots, leopard

Dress BCBG, scarf H&M, tights Wolford, boots Max de Carlo.

And the word of wisdom:

HAPPY APRIL FOOLS DAY!

Leather ‘n fluff

Tags

leather, leggings, sweater, Tahari

Trench Mark New York, shirt Macrougal and Houston, laser-cut sweater Solitare, leggings H&M, shoes Tahari, bag Louis Vuitton, jewelry assorted, sunglasses Gucci

Hope!

Tags

BCBG, jeans, pumps, t-shirt

Blazer BCBG, jeans Sirens, pumps Boutique 9, clutch Danier, t-shirt from church conference, watch Valentino, pearl and faux pearl necklaces worn as bracelets, earnings Guess

Activated charcoal

Charcoal has been known for ages for its ability to absorb toxins. In Canada it is used for stomach flushes in hospitals in cases of food and other poisoning. I always have a bottle with me whenever I travel. It is  especially useful in the places known for unsafe water and food, i.e. Mexico and Caribbean. There I take three-five capsules in the morning and same in the evening, just to stay on a safe side. Always being a food explorer in unusual places, I have never suffered of sick stomach – thanks to charcoal. It is also a good idea to take some if you have been drinking a bit too much. Being said that, it is great as a purifying face mask as well. Whether you have acne or just want to clarify your skin, mix the content of 3-4 capsules with any liquid of your liking. Apple cider works well for oily skin, rose water  suits everyone, but especially good for sensitive skin. You can use aloe vera juice, red wine, or just water.

You can pull the capsules apart,but I find it a bit difficult and messy, so instead I cut the tops off and empty the content into a small container:

Then just add some liquid and stir with a q-tip. The consistency shouldn’t be too watery.

And the end result – just wait until it dries completely ( about ten minutes) and wash it off:

Beautiful! 🙂

 

 

Color blocking

Tags

Cashmere, color-blocking, flats, hat, jeans, sweater

 

 

 

 

 

Cashmere sweater JCPenny, jeans Vince., bag Winners, flats Anne Klein, necklace worn as bracelet Marc Jacobs, hat a thrift store find for $ .50 :), earnings  hand-made.

Out for business

Tags

7 For All Mankind, blazer, gloves, necklace

 

 

 

 

 

Blazer Mexx, blouse Ralph Lauren, jeans 7 For All Mankind, gloves Danier, shoes Vince Camuto, bag Winners, necklace custom order on Etsy, sunglasses Ray-Ban

Salux

Take a break from your regular shower puff and give a try to Salux wash cloth. Its weaved texture helps exfoliate skin, while producing tons of suds. It is lightweight and dries momentarily making Salux  great for travel. The shape and size  are ideal for reaching the back without any helpers (admit it, you don’t always have your SO in the shower 🙂 ) Just make sure that you got the real thing, not a made-in-China knock-off.  Hmm, comes in many colors as well.

Coffee break

Tags

BCBG, boots, dress, Scarf

Wrap merino wool dress Winners, hat BCBG (minus feathers plus pin), boots Fossil, bag Louis Vuitton, scarf old italian wool, ring Expression