ADVERTISEMENTS
LIFESTYLE
ADVERTISEMENTS
Most perfumes are a mixture of fragrance oils in an alcohol base. There are base fragrances, mid-tones and top notes. When you smell a perfume, the top notes are typically the first thing you smell, followed by mid and then base notes. In making perfume, you select and add them in order from base to top. Also, the alcohol changes the composition of the oils and as the flavors meld, they change drastically. I found that some mixtures I tried smelled amazing when I first mixed them but changed and I didn’t like them at all after two weeks. At the same time, some that I thought would be terrible reminded me of actual perfumes I loved after a few weeks.I include my favorite recipe below, but the key is finding the oils and ratios that work for you. I recommend adding a few drops at a time of each one and keeping a journal of how many drops of each are added. Once you find your favorite blend and write it down, it is easy to duplicate.
Herbal Perfume Ingredients:
-
Approximately 12-20 drops total of Base Essential Oils like Cedarwood, Vanilla, Vetiver, Ylang Ylang, Sandalwood, etc
-
1 tsp of [url:1]homemade vanilla extract (optional)
-
25-30 drops of middle tone oils like Rose, Lavender, Chamomile or Geranium
-
12-15 drops of top note oils like Bergamot, Wild Orange or Neroli
-
4 ounces of alcohol to preserve and meld scents- I used non-GMO spiced rum
​
DIY Perfume Instructions:
-
Mix all oils together in an opaque bottle to get a scent you like. Let this mixture stay in the bottle alone for a few days to let scents meld.
-
Add the alcohol and cap tightly.
-
Shake and put in a cool, dark place for at least a month (preferable). This is optional but helps the alcohol scent fade and the scents of the oils intensify.
D.I.Y. TRICKS & HACKS
.jpg)
HOW TO MAKE DIY GEMSTONE SOAP
I think you are going to LOVE today’s DIY gemstone soap tutorial! It’s easy to make, looks gorgeous, and it’s something that can be used and enjoyed.
I love these gorgeous jewel-toned gemstone soaps for their bright colors and amazing fragrances, but what I love even more is the fact that I can whip up an entire batch of these beauties in under 10 minutes! They take a little bit longer to firm up, but the actual “work” part is done in less than 10 minutes – can’t beat that! They make a great homemade gift idea for friends, family, teachers, and more, but fair warning – you’ll probably want to make an extra batch so you can keep some for yourself, too!
WHAT YOU’LL NEED TO MAKE GEMSTONE SOAPS:
-
Ultra Clear Glycerin Soap Base
-
Gemstone/Jewel Silicone Mold
-
Soap Colorant
-
Fragrance Oil
-
Crystal Mica Glitter Powder (optional)
-
Pyrex Measuring Cup
For these pretty soaps, you can let your imagination run wild with color and fragrance combos – there are TONS to choose from! I have shown quite a few options in the photo above, but here’s a quick breakdown of exactly which ones I used for my gemstone soaps:
-
Pink – Wine Colorant; Strawberry Fragrance; Crystal Mica Glitter Powder
-
Orange – Orange Colorant; Mango Fragrance
-
Yellow – Yellow Colorant; Pineapple Fragrance
-
Teal – a combination of Seafoam and Turquoise Colorants; Cucumber Melon Fragrance
-
Purple – Lilac Colorant; Blueberry Fragrance
I usually work with about 1/4 of the 2 lb. a block of soap base at a time, which makes one batch of soaps. I slice the soap base into cubes (it cuts easily with a kitchen knife), place them inside a 4-cup Pyrex measuring cup, and melt in the microwave in 20-30 second increments, stirring well after each microwave session to ensure that the soap is completely melted. For 1 lb of soap, I generally microwave for 30 seconds, stir, microwave for another 30 seconds, stir once again, and microwave a final time for 20 seconds. When the soap base is completely melted, add in the desired soap colorant (add one drop at a time until the desired color is reached) and fragrance oil (about 8-10 drops). You can also add crystal glitter mica powder at this time if desired. Stir until well mixed, and pour into the silicone soap mold.
Note: I added crystal glitter mica to my pink soaps, and it is gorgeous and filled with ultra-fine iridescent glitter shimmer; however, I discovered that the glitter doesn’t show up nearly as sparkly and pretty on camera as it does in person, so I omitted it from the other colors for photographic purposes. If I were making these for gift giving (or even for myself!), I would probably opt to include the crystal glitter!
MEET THE LOVE GURU, MOHABBAT.
ALL ABOUT LOVE
We're all human and the chances are we have all been through relationship problems, if you're seeking relationship advice for men then this is your place to be. A board catered for men to obtain relationship advice, tips and guidance to help overcome their existing relationship issues. Are you having a difficult time with your other half, have nobody to speak to, or just looking for some anonymous advice online? This is your place to receive guidance and ask.
Love issue for this month
"I have been married to my wife for almost ten years now. We had quite a smooth start as we were dating up until at the early stage of our marriage. However, as time went by, it seems like she is losing interest in me. It seems like she is not happy with our marriage anymore. It feels like loving me is now a burden for her; I feel like I am already a burden to her. I tried all the tips I read online, most especially from that of an international marriage agency, but it seems like she’s about to give up on our marriage and I cannot change that in her. She has not said anything about it though but that is what I feel. What should I do?"
- bluebolt24**
Love gurus' advice >>
I am sorry. You feel it, you know it. Things changed between you two. After ten years together, possibly all relationships and marriages go thru rough patches. All advice given is valid: be tender to her, surprise her with little attentive moments when she is not expecting, a note at her bedside saying simply that she is the woman you want and need. If you have kids and can, perhaps leave the younger ones at the care of someone you trust and go out for dinner or drinks, open the topic of you feeling her distance candidly, no accusations, no hard feelings. She what she would share with you when you are relaxed and focusing on you two only without interruptions. Let her know that she is still - after all these years together - the woman you would choose if you could go back in time. Good luck! Be faithful that open communication, and small steps in the right direction can and will bring back the wife you love.
GOODLUCK!
ADVERTISEMENTS
Love tips >>
"Everything in life that matters, requires risk".
- Love Guru, Mohabbat
Allow the soap molds to sit undisturbed until completely cool (about 30-90 minutes depending on temperature/humidity). Unmold your pretty new soaps, and repeat the process for each new color. Trust me, you’re going to want to make ALL of the colors! I ended up making five different colors and fragrances of gemstone soaps, and they’re all beautiful…plus, they smell incredible! These gemstone soaps look like luxurious crystal jewels sparkling in the sun! They’re SO pretty!I was going to tell you which one I like the best, but I honestly can’t even choose a favorite! The sparkly strawberry-scented pink soaps were a favorite of the girls in our neighborhood, and my boys really like the cucumber-melon aqua and mango orange soaps! They’re ALL pretty amazing, though, if you ask me! These stunning colorful gemstone soaps make a fantastic homemade gift – perfect for friends, family, teachers, coaches, and neighbors (or ANYONE on your gift list!). They’re great for fundraisers and craft fairs, too!
FASHION FAB
INSTYLE NEWS
The Wheel Deal: Street Style and Bikes Are a Winning Combination
When you're the star of a Stuart Weitzman campaign, what do you wear to celebrate? Something to show off the shoes, of course. Kendall Jenner took that idea to extremes last night at the #SWWalk campaign video celebration. The 23-year-old completely skipped pants (and a shirt), hitting the scene in a Blaze Milano double-breasted blazer ($671; fwrd.com) and patent-leather pumps ($398; stuartweitzman.com). Sheer stockings gave her legs a little bit of protection from the NYC snow. And luckily, Jenner had a pair of black leather gloves to keep her hands warm. Jenner's co-stars in the campaign were also suited up in blazers last night. Willow Smith chose a longline style with brown suede boots ($575; stuartweitzman.com). And Yang Mi rocked a two-tone Alexander McQueen blazer coat ($3,590; neimanmarcus.com) with a Stuart Weitzman bag ($495; stuartweitzman.com) wrapped around her waist. Each look is just further proof that every woman should have a good blazer and nude heels in her closet — no matter her personality.
This Ridiculously Comfy Bra Is the Only One I'll Ever Fly in Again
I don’t have the best track record with bras. See, I find them uncomfortable on account of I hate underwire, I’m fussy about straps that dig into my shoulders, and I’ve never found a cup size that actually seemed to properly fit me. The search got so exhausting that I gave up. Bralettes became my standard intimate of choice, even though they sometimes lack the support I feel I need.
This was, until I started seeing the same supposedly comfy bra advertised literally everywhere I looked on the Internet. It came up in sponsored photos on my Instagram feed; it popped up in various ads when I was scrolling online. Eventually, I did a little bit of reading and found only good things being said about the allegedly legendary ThirdLove Bra.
And I’m here to report that they were all right. It is legendary.Let’s start from the beginning: the Fit Finder. ThirdLove offers a very thorough online test of sorts that takes you through about one minute of very specific questions about your shape, favorite bra type, and typical issues (i.e. straps dig or cups gape). After the quiz, ThirdLove recommends a bra — and what really sold me was that they offer half-cup sizes, so A½, B½, and so on. This solved my cup issue — I’m 100 percent a half size, which I didn’t even know existed. Next, two words: memory foam. I think this is a big part of the magic — settling into a material like memory foam ensures not only support, breathability, and comfort, but it’s so comfortable that the bra itself goes unnoticed, and the cups really form to your own shape. The bra I tried was the ThirdLove 24/7 Classic T-shirt Bra, which features the (ultra-thin) memory foam cups, which are great for gals like myself who don’t love a lot of padding. Then, there are the no-slip, pleated straps with a soft interior that eliminates digging; a super-soft microfiber lining; and underwire that is nylon-coated, seemingly making it invisible and unnoticeable. The bra is available in sizes ranging from A-G (including all those glorious half sizes) and there are eight neutral shades available. I opted for the color that best matched my skin tone so that I could wear this bra under everything, and it’s looked seamless under every outfit I’ve put on so far.
Welcome to the era of no more bra-induced discomfort during long-haul flights, ladies.
ADVERTISEMENTS
HOME DECOR
DIY Wall Art Printables
1. Metallic Clipboards
Give your walls personality by hanging decorative clipboards. Add metallic flair with spray paint, then let it dry before placing your to-do lists, photos and favorite quotes on the wall.
2. Painted Wall Pattern
The best wall decoration ideas are ones that burst with personality. Paint an entire wall with a design you love—like flowers, trees or mountains.
3. Shoebox Wall Shelves
Build rectangular shelves out of shoeboxes. Paint them different colors for added texture and dimension. Fill your shelves with flowers, succulents and decorative vases.
.jpg)
DIY UNICORN DREAM CATCHER
DIY Unicorn Dreamcatcher – Materials:
– 6″ Embroidery Hoops
– Yarn and ribbon of various textures and colors
– Hot glue
– Felt (stiff white and light pink)
– Decorative craft flowers
– Glitter paper
– Scissors
DIY Unicorn Dreamcatcher – Instructions:
Step 1. Wrap yarn around your embroidery hoop and secure with a dab of hot glue when you’re done.
Step 2. Tie yarn around one end the hoop and then tie around the hoop, crisscrossing yarn tightly. Tie off the yarn when you are done.
Step 3. Cut out felt outer white ears and inner pink ears. Use a stiffer white felt for the outer ears so they stick up. Hot glue the inner pink ears to the white ears.
Step 4. Cut out a paper horn shape from your glitter paper.
Step 5. Cut out lengths of various colored yarns and ribbons for your hangings (cut as long as you want the yarn to hang, but keep in mind they will be folded over to make a loop)
Step 6. Determine how you want to arrange your flower pattern.
Step 7. Assemble your unicorn dreamcatcher! Hot glue your glitter horn, flowers, and ears to your hoop.
Step 8. Loop your yarn hangings through the embroidery hoop (watch video for this step).
You’re done! Which one is your favorite? Hang up your pretty Unicorn Dreamcatcher for a magical decoration. Don’t you just want to go make a bunch now? We can’t wait to see yours!
ADVERTISEMENTS