Taking care of your complexion is a must, and getting the products that can assist can be very expensive. With so many alternatives on the market for dry skin, acne, combination, and oily skin, those costs can add up quickly. How can you get the results you want for beautiful, glowing skin while holding the reins on your wallet?

How about trying an easy DIY face mask?

Taking advantage of a homemade recipe

There’s nothing better than being able to go into your own kitchen and find what you need to keep your skin supple and blemish-free. You’d be surprised how many ingredients used in today’s products are simple things you already have on hand. There’s a face mask for every skin type, and when you’re creating your own homemade recipe, you can mix and match as you choose.

Here are three that can help you achieve healthy, glowing skin:

1.  The Breakfast Mask

This mask assists with oily and combination skin:

• Mix an egg yolk, tablespoon of honey, tablespoon of olive oil, and half a cup of oatmeal.
• Let it sit on your face for 15 to 20 minutes.
• Rinse with lukewarm water.
• Apply a moisturizer to your face.

2.  Heavenly Honey Citrus Mask

This citrus-infused mask leaves your skin with a feel-good glow:

• Mix three tablespoons of orange juice with half a cup of honey.
• Leave on the face for 30 minutes.
• Rinse with lukewarm water, then re-rinse with cool water.
• Apply a moisturizer to your face.

3.  Banana Face Mask

This tropical mask is designed to help all skin types, and will have your skin glowing all day long:

• Mash half a banana.
• Mix with a tablespoon of orange juice and a tablespoon of honey.
• Leave on the face for 15 minutes.
• Rinse with lukewarm water.
• Apply a moisturizer to your face.

These are just a few at-home face masks you can use to keep your skin soft and glowing. There are a number of perks associated with being able to go into the kitchen and give yourself a spa day – without actually going to the spa. When planning your grocery list, add these staples to your visit so you will always have the ingredients for at least one of these masks on hand all the time.

With such healthy, glowing skin, you’ll be able to silently smile to yourself when you are constantly asked what spa you visit. Who said a DIY face mask couldn’t turn heads? It’s time to enjoy your newfound secret … and happy eating!

When you’re a new mom, you have a lot to consider. You go from worrying about the due date of your baby to worrying about breastfeeding, teething, bathing, baby-proofing…and that’s just in the first year or two of their life! Some people know exactly what to say, and others may need a little coaching. Based on some very honest feedback, here are 12 things you shouldn’t (and should) say to new moms!

Don’t say…

1.  Let me tell you about my labor experience…

They do not need to hear about your four day labor, your irregular heartbeat, or the epidural not taking. Stick to the not-so-scary stories of being a new mom. Keep it positive!

2.  Are you bottle or breast feeding?

This is a very personal choice, and you should wait for the new mom to volunteer the information instead of asking. Everyone has their own personal preferences on how to feed their child, and new moms are already tired, overwhelmed, and possibly second-guessing all their decisions because they are just learning the ropes. If she feels comfortable telling you, then you can launch in with the advice, support, and praise.

3.  Are you enjoying your time off work?

No mom thinks of maternity leave as vacation. They just spent the last nine months preparing for a new child, and now they have the full-time job of taking care on them. Maternity leave might be a welcome break from the stress of a nine-to-five, but it adds a new level of stress, and new moms aren’t exactly sitting with their feet up not doing anything productive.

4.  Is the baby sleeping through the night?

From the dark circles under her eyes, you could probably guess this answer. But it’s a rare newborn that learns the trick of sleeping for more than a few hours at a time, and when the mom has to feed that baby every one to three hours, nobody is getting sleep in that household. After the adrenaline wears off after the first week of late nights, it’s easy for the new mom to feel overwhelmed and exhausted. So don’t ask…

5.  Are you sleeping when the baby sleeps?

Because the answer is probably no. If the baby wakes up every hour to feed, mom would have to be a yo-yo to make that kind of sleep schedule work. She’s probably falling asleep standing up at this point, so sleep is a rare gift that she’ll take when she can get.

6.  Are you eating properly?

Some days might be better than others, but most moms just need to keep their body fueled any way they can, so they might not be cooking healthy every night (and your question will make them feel guilty for not doing so). Instead, bring some meals round to the new moms house so you know she’s getting eating right!

7.  What percentile are they?

This question or anything about the size or development of the baby will always stress a mom out, whether she’s on her first or third child. It’s just another parents way way of asking if their kid is bigger or smarter or faster on the development chart. Comparisons are not helpful, and happiness should always be the measure of success!

8.  Have you decided how you’ll discipline them?

Hopefully a new mom is focused on sleep, feeding, and surviving the day, and not how they will (eventually) have to communicate the rights and wrongs of the world to their new child. Maybe reserve the questions about discipline until they’re a toddler (or just leave it up to them!)

9.  You’re body looks so good after your pregnancy!

Don’t mention a new mom’s body. Just don’t. After nine months of unbelievable changes, they now have to deal with the baby on the outside, and their body is still changing. Weight loss or gain, skin stretching, and swollen everything is totally normal, but they might not feel that way. Best to avoid the subject entirely.

10.  Your baby cries a lot, are they just fussy?

The mom doesn’t know. The baby doesn’t know. Crying is just part of the experience, and the new mom is just trying to figure out what the baby needs (if anything) to make them stop. Ask her instead if you can hold the baby and try and quiet them down, so you can at least give mom’s arms a rest, if not her ears.

11.  Did you use the [insert baby gift here] that I got you yet?

Even if this is totally well-meaning, this is just going to upset a new mom. If she remembers what you got her, then she’s doing pretty well, but that still doesn’t mean the baby fit into the clothes, can hold their head up in a rocker, or has motor functions to use the toys you bought. Wait until the mom offers up a thank you, or just accept the knowledge that you’re gift will one day be used.

12.  Did you baby-proof your house yet?

Depending on when the baby was born, this question can imply that the mom is not prepared enough if she hasn’t already done it, or over-prepared if she has (say, when she was still pregnant). You can always offer to help proof the house when you go over to visit, if you think she’ll accept the offer without it stressing her out.

And things you should say…

1.  Can I run errands for you?

This includes chores around the house, like laundry and dishes, and running out for groceries or diapers. This also gives the mom time to focus on the baby, and not on the piles of dirty laundry or unwashed bottles in the sink, which she’ll be endlessly grateful for.

2.  Would you like me to hold the baby for you while you shower or nap?

Mom might not be feeling very much like herself after a few days of no sleep, so even a few minutes of quiet and privacy will be appreciated, especially if it means she can get clean or catch up on some sleep.

3.  You’re doing great.

Sometimes all we need is a little encouragement to get through the day, and new moms are no different. They just want to know that they’re doing a good job, and a little reassurance can go a long way to making them feel like they are on the right track.

Mothers have one of the toughest jobs in the world and the one thing I have learned throughout my years as a mom is how important and precious my self-time is. It’s not always easy to get it but mothers need our “me” time too. I often think about my own mom who raised four kids of varying ages, and I realize now that she too tried to fit in self-time. I often remember her going on a walk after work and before she had to prepare dinner. And when I saw her reading a book in the quiet, I somehow knew that I shouldn’t disturb her; that this was “her” time. Today, I don’t think moms have it any easier. So, whether you are a working mother or stay-at-home mom, make sure to carve out precious self-time for yourself each week. You’ll feel better and be a better mother because of it.

There are many ways to fit self-time in, here are six ways to get you started:

1.  Exercise

Exercise is not only about burning calories, it is essential for stress management. If you’re having a particularly challenging day as a mom, exercise can be refreshing. Your body produces endorphins when you exercise which can make you feel happy. It doesn’t matter if it’s a half-hour or 10 minutes – time focused on you and your body is vital. If finding the time is difficult, you have options. Wake up early before the kids get up and get your self-time in when it doesn’t conflict with school and sport schedules. I was never a wake-up-at-5-a.m.-to- exercise-type of person, but I have become one. It’s not easy at first but once you get into the habit, you will appreciate the time of solace before your day begins. Keep in mind that exercise doesn’t have to be accomplished in one sitting. Split it up into 10-minute increments and you’ll give yourself more opportunities to hit pause during the day.

2.  Walk

If you are new to exercise or don’t particularly like working out, walking has many benefits. Take your dog along or go solo. Go at your own pace, review the day ahead or decompress from a long work day or escape the chaos of family life. Breathe in the fresh air and take in the nature around you. Aim to walk early in the morning or in the evening to begin or end your day on a positive note.

3.  Yoga

One of my favorite ways to get self-time is taking a yoga class. For me, there’s nothing better for setting the stage for self-time than when I step into a quiet dim studio space. Add heat and the calming scents of essential oil and your tension melts away. The best thing about yoga is you don’t have to compete with the person next to you let alone talk to them. It’s all about you during this time so focus on your breath and pose and shut off everything else in your mind.

4.  Pamper Yourself with a Manicure/Pedicure

Give yourself a manicure or a pedicure or even better, treat yourself to one at a salon or spa. DIY manicures and pedicures are also relaxing and can save time and money. This self-time ritual will give you a chance to do something for you while nourishing your skin and nails and adding a pretty pop of color to your fingers and toes.

5.  Indulge in your Favorite TV show

Image via Stocksnap

Whether it’s Homeland or Modern Family, you have permission to be a coach potato if only for a short time. Tuck the kids into bed and tune in to an episode of your favorite show. But do yourself a favor and leave your iPhone out of reach. There’s nothing more distracting than a beeping or buzzing phone and it’s likely that you will end up either lost in your to-do list or the show’s storyline.

6.  Take a Power Nap

Most moms I know find napping difficult because we have a hard time shutting off our brains or not thinking of laundry list of chores or tasks we need to get done. But if you can fit in even a 15 – 20 minute power nap, you’ll boost your alertness and memory. Just remember not to sleep for more than 30 minutes or you could wake up feeling groggy.

Images via royalty-free stock photos unless otherwise noted

With summer right around the corner, chances are you have a backyard party to attend – or maybe to throw. Forget the hotdogs, sodas, and plastic tableware, these five tips will push your next backyard bash into seriously cool territory.

1.  Keep the food simple.

Carnivore Style

Most guests will expect a meat dish, chicken is simple to prep and goes easily with most of the in-season fruits and veggies you can find at the local farmer’s market. Consider grilling corn on the cob with a fresh lime aioli and parmesan cheese, consider a fresh caprese salad, and don’t forget fresh strawberries, grapes, and even watermelon for dessert. Having plenty of side dish options will not only keep the price of the party reasonable, but will give you the option of using locally grown foods.

2.  Splurge on drinks.

Image via Stocksnap

You don’t need to hire a bartender, but if you prep a few pitchers of specialty drinks beforehand, your guests will have plenty to talk about. For those that like drinks fruity, you can prep Tequila Sunrise or Frozen Margaritas. A nice blush wine is never a bad choice or, for guests who like their drinks a bit stronger, try the Rock ‘N Rolla.

3.  Don’t forget the music.

Set up speakers around the backyard and deck so that music doesn’t have to be blasted out from a single speaker near the backdoor. This will allow guests to mix, mingle, and dance without feeling as if they are yelling at one another.

4.  Skip disposable plates, napkins, and other options.

Yes, paper plates are simple to use and toss. The problem is that paper plates, napkins, and even plastic table ware aren’t environmentally conscious options. Instead, use your pretty plates, silverware, and glasses. Your guests will love the touch of casual elegance, and it will only take a few minutes to wash up after everyone is gone.

5.  Prep ahead so you can enjoy the fun.

Whatever your serving in the food and drinks department, prep as much as you can ahead of time. That way, when it’s time to cook, you simply pull platters from the fridge and go straight to the grill, and when guests need a beverage refill, the drink is merely a pitcher away.

Planning and prepping ahead of time will  give you plenty of time to relax and enjoy your friends. Isn’t that what a summer party is all about?

Feature image via royalty-free stock photo

{Editor’s Note: This blog post is not sponsored by or affiliated with any of the brands or businesses mentioned in this post.}

Let’s face it, digital personal assistants are the best thing since sliced bread. But, if a digital personal assistant is the only tech upgrade you’ve made in the last year, you’re missing out. Here are 5 new tech gadgets you didn’t know you always needed.

1.  Smartphone UV Sanitizer and Charger

Because, seriously, those microfiber wipes may remove smudges from our phones, but they don’t remove bacteria. Plus, this handy little cleaner will charge phones as it cleans. It’s super-simple to use – just lift the lid, put the phone inside, close the lid and you’re on your way to a cleaned and disinfected phone!

2.  Flux Portable Charger

The Flux is a portable charger for your devices that won’t weigh you down. It seriously works wonders. You can charge a phone at least once with a single charge, making it great for on-the-go.

3.  PNY Duo-Link Flash Drive

How many times have you tried to take a picture but your phone was out of memory? The PNY Duo-Link solves that problem. There are versions for Apple and Android phones, you simply use the lightening connector, download older photos to the drive, and voila! Instant memory! Plus, you can then use the flash drive via your computer to organize pictures for memory keeping.

4.  The Ring Video Doorbell

This one falls into the realm of smart home supplies, and while I love my smart home lights, the video doorbell has quickly become my favorite smart device. Through the app, it allows me to see who is at the door from my phone – a great way to decide whether or not to open the door!

5.  AUKEY Polarizing Lens for Smartphone Cameras

We all take pictures with our smartphones, and the cameras in them have improved vastly over the years. Still, a camera phone lens isn’t as good as a traditional camera lens – pictures can look washed out, and images can sometimes become haloed. A polarizing lens helps to cut the glare from the sun into pictures taken with your phone.

Feature image via royalty-free stock photo

{Editor’s Note: This blog post is not sponsored by or affiliated with any of the brands or businesses mentioned in this post.}

Summer is right around the corner, and it can be a killer for working out because when the temperatures and humidity skyrocket, we are more susceptible to heat-related illnesses, from heat related cramping to heat stroke.

Exercising in hotter weather puts extra stress on our bodies, even those of us in tip-top shape, because to keep cool, the body sends more blood to circulate through the skin, leaving less blood for the muscles. This causes the heart rate to increase, and can cause us to feel faint or even collapse if we don’t follow a few simple heat rules.

1.  Exercise earlier in the day, before the heat and humidity of the late morning and early afternoon hit.

Check the hour-by-hour weather forecast before beginning a workout, this way you know what to expect from the heat and humidity from the start of a workout through the end. Also, take into account your workout clothes – fabrics that wick away sweat are important during hotter weather.

2.  Know your fitness level, and understand any medical risk factors you have that pertain to heat.

You may be able to run a marathon on a chilly November day, but that same marathon on a 95-degree scorcher may not be safe. Talk to your doctor about heat-based risk factors for everything from asthma to high blood pressure to make sure you stay safe in the summer heat.

3.  Drink plenty of fluids throughout the workout.

It’s always important to hydrate, but the summer months make proper hydration mandatory. Keep a bottle of water handy, and don’t wait until you feel thirsty to drink. Also, remember that intense workouts – running, Zumba, etc. – will require that you replenish not only water but potassium, sodium, and chloride. Sports drinks can help to replenish those elements.

Summer workouts allow for a greater variety than winter workouts, primarily because they can be performed outside as well as inside. Whatever your workout, pay attention to your body’s signals, and be prepared to take things slow, especially on those really hot days.

If you’ve ever wondered why you procrastinate – and let’s face, we’ve all wondered – the simple answer may be that you’ve inherited a procrastinator gene. Scientists have identified a mutation of the SLC35D3 gene that hampers Striatal D1 Neurons. In simpler terms: there is a gene mutation that can slow our metabolism, and might also make it simpler for us to ignore that project that needs to be completed or laundry that needs to be washed.

But, although some of our procrastinator habits may be genetic, that doesn’t mean we are tied to being procrastinators for the rest of our lives. In fact, while some of us may suffer from this genetic mutation, experts say getting past it is as simple as making a point not to procrastinate tasks – from the laundry on the floor to that big project at work. Here are three simple steps to take back your productivity:

1.  Create a deadline with very specific timelines involved.

Have a big project at work that needs to finished by the end of the month? Looking at the full project all the time can be overwhelming, so shrink that full project into smaller, more reachable goals. Put each of these smaller goals on a timeline, and attack each goal one at a time. When one is finished, start the next, and so on. This will break that unmanageable goal into smaller goals, and those goals create a call-to-action that is simpler to approach.

2.  Look at all the little time-sucks you have, whether it’s Facebook and Instagram or the latest headlines at Perez Hilton.

Disable all the automatic notifications – on your computer, your tablet, and your phone – and leave them disables. Trust me, no one is going to notice if you don’t ‘like’ their latest breakfast creation until after lunch. Also, being very cognizant of the amount of time you spend on social media, with email, and other time-sucks. Try to limit that to fifteen minutes per visit, and limit those visits to after you’ve completed a certain number of tasks.

3.  Tell your friends about your goal, and ask them to help you be accountable.

Whether it’s a project for work, a weight loss goal, or something else, if you have cheerleaders in your corner, the chances of sticking with it are vastly improved. And, if you have a setback, those cheerleaders can help you start back up, and stave off the guilt that can creep up when you make a mis-step.

Feature image via Stocksnap, all other images via royalty-free stock photos

So you’ve been alternating running with yoga and maybe a few Zumba lessons, but you aren’t seeing the results you want? Relax, we’ve all been there. Even the most dedicated runners, yogis, dancers, and athletes hit plateaus, and according to experts, this is when intervals should come in to play.

According to experts at The Mayo Clinic, adding in quick intervals of jogging or sprinting to daily walks or runs will not only help to increase the calorie burn, but will increase overall cardiovascular health. And, by adding intervals, you skip the need to buy expensive or special workout equipment, and you’ll keep the boredom at bay.

Over time, our muscles get used to our usual exercise – putting in a quick sprint between telephone poles changes things up so that our muscles ‘wake up’. Intervals help us to increase our lung strength and capacity, and our overall endurance. You can add interval training whether your usual exercise is a walk, a jog, a swim or a bicycle.

There are several apps out there, if you like to walk, run, or bike at a local park or in your neighborhood. Here are a few:

Running For Weight Loss & Walking for Weight Loss

These are two separate apps created by RedRock Apps, and both have a free portal as well as advanced options on a pay-as-you-go formula. The apps are simple to use and literally walk you through an interval training series so that each workout increases the amount of interval activity, helping you to burn more calories and fat.

Keelo HIIT Workouts

This app was created by Throwdown Labs and can be used at home or in a gym. The app plans workouts that include weightlifting, bursts of cardio, and even stretching so that you get a whole body, interval training session in each time the app is used.

Beachbody

Beachbody has become synonymous with at-home workouts, and their on-demand sessions can be used at home, in a gym, or even during a vacation or business trip. The sessions can be accessed from your computer or tablet, and range from systems like P90X to PiYo.

If you don’t like to carry your phone during workouts, you can interval train on your own. Start with a five minute brisk walk. Then begin alternating between walking and jogging or running and jogging. The key is to keep the higher intensity intervals shorter, for example, 30 seconds of jogging/running to 1:30 minute of walking/jogging. As your endurance improves, lengthen the higher intensity segments by 15 seconds each time.

Interval training is not a quick fix – you won’t hit your goal weight within a week of starting intervals, but you will see results, and likely much quicker than by simply jogging, walking, or attending an aerobics class three times each week.

{Editor’s Note: This blog post is not sponsored by or affiliated with any of the brands or businesses mentioned in this post.}

Showing off your baby bump as the months go by is part of the pregnancy process, but sometimes Hollywood makes shedding baby fat look easy, especially since stars have financial resources for personal trainers, expensive diet programs, and memberships to pricey gyms.

If you aren’t a celebrity, and most of us aren’t, losing baby weight quickly is still quite doable, but it can be challenging. With pregnancy, your body gets accustomed to extra weight and tries to conserve it, as if it’s a normal weight. Several factors are also working against you when you’re trying to lose the extra pounds, like neurotransmitters, hormones, decreased physical activity, emotional eating, hunger level, and metabolism. All these combined make it seem like losing weight is an uphill battle, and it is to a certain degree.

Before you start a new diet or workout routine, be sure to talk with your doctor. Below, the 4 essential tips for losing weight after having a baby.

1.  Change your philosophy about food.

Image via Stocksnap

The first thing is to change your philosophy about food, which will change your lifestyle. Food is to sustain life. It gives us energy, nutrition, keeps us healthy and strong and bright. That’s what it’s for. It might be easier said than done, but eating isn’t a comfort zone to go to when emotions get out of hand. Putting food in its place, psychologically, is the first step in avoiding over-eating, emotional eating, and weight gain.

2.  Make exercise fun.

Your new philosophy has to include exercise, even if it’s walking or biking 2 or 3 times a week, things you had fun doing as a kid. Make exercise fun, not drudgery. Put your new baby in a stroller and you can walk together, or get a sitter to come over while you do it, or make it a family affair that involves you, your significant other, and the baby. If you have friends or neighbors who are new moms that may want to shed a few pounds, then this could be an informal support group for all of you.

If it’s impossible to walk or do something outside the house, do some dancing indoors, use a treadmill, or just job in place. Chances are your baby will be in the same room with you.

The philosophy is meant to last a lifetime; it isn’t just a quick fix.

3.  Focus on eating healthy.

Image via Stocksnap

In order to lose weight after having a baby, you must change how you think and feel about food as it relates to exercise and weight loss.

Be sure to learn about calorie counting because it’s very important. You should know the number of calories you need a day, and eat up to that limit. It’s a numbers game when you get right down to it. Natural, fresh, healthy food normally has fewer calories and more nutrients than fast food or pre-packaged food that comes in a can or box.

4.  Personalize your plan.

Image via Pexels

Whichever route you choose for losing baby fat, personalize it. You might find that you prefer running to the elliptical machine or yoga to dance classes. If you do what you’ll enjoy and make a commitment to yourself to lose the weight, you’ll be more likely to stick with your workout plan and better prepared to push through any weight loss plateaus.

Sometimes we fall off the wagon and gain a few pounds back, but that doesn’t mean we give up. You just have to get back on track and keep going!

Summer is the perfect time to reassess your hair styling routine. Time spent at the beach or pool, going to cookouts and having lazier days call for easier routines, and that includes for your hair. Take advantage of your beautiful natural hair and go for carefree styling to save it from damage and keep it healthy this summer.

1.  Lay Off Heat Styling Tools

If you’ve spent the last several months blow drying and straightening your hair, swap out your heat styling tools for natural, air-dried hair styles. They not only require less time but help limit the damage that the summer sun and heat can cause. Besides, who wants to spend all that time blow drying their hair in the summer heat? If you have naturally curly hair, use a styling product to manage your locks and keep frizz away. If your hair is wavy or even if it’s stick-straight, a volumizing or texturizing product can give hair a lift or create beach waves. You can also put damp hair in a braid at bedtime and in the morning, you will wake up to soft, lose waves. I have naturally curly hair so when summer comes, I want less fuss. Over the years, I have learned to accept, and even appreciate, my natural hair. By using a few key products formulated especially for curly hair, I’m able to keep my curls in check and minimize frizz. And when those bad hair days come, or when it’s just too hot to have my hair sitting on my neck and shoulders, I turn to a braid or pin my hair up into a bun for relief from the heat.

2.  Protect Against Sun and Heat

Days at the beach and time spent lounging poolside can create a parched head of hair. So how can you avoid the drought? Years ago, my hair stylist told me the best way to avoid dry hair in the summer is to soak my strands with plain water before taking a dunk in the pool or diving into the surf. You can also bring a spray bottle of leave-in conditioner or even hair oil with you and spray your hair down before entering the water. By wetting your hair down completely, or at least the ends, your hair will absorb less chlorine and saltwater. You can also use a leave-in hair product that offers UV protection from the sun. Wearing a hat or scarf is also a smart way to protect your hair – and your color from fading more quickly – and adds an extra layer of protection from the sun for your face along with your daily sunscreen.

3.  Deep Condition

Image via Stocksnap

Slather on a deep conditioner at least once a month. My hair is thick and coarse, so for me, this is a necessity. I have learned that using a deep conditioner on a daily basis provides the extra hydration my hair needs; I just leave it on for one or two minutes versus the five minutes if I was deep conditioning. You can also use coconut oil. Concentrate on coating your ends then pin your hair up and put on a shower cap. Leave it in for at least 30 minutes then shampoo, condition and style as usual. The result will be soft, shiny hair that you won’t be able to stop touching.