Do it Yourself Spa Day!

Yesterday was my good friend's birthday. Thinking about what we were going to do to celebrate her Golden Year I came up with the idea of having a spa day! Considering my limited budget I knew a real day of pampering at a proper spa wouldn't be possible so instead I started researching what we could make ourselves at home. I found a lot of different recipes containing all sorts of botanical oils, fancy herbs, and recipes I knew wouldn't be available at the Oxford Wal-Mart Superstore. Instead I opted for two-three ingredient recipes that I knew would be easy to find and wouldn't go to waste if not everything was used!

Ingredients for our day of pampering!

Whoops! Forgot the yogurt.

We did a moisturizing facial mask, avocado hair mask, and a body scrub.
Ingredients for the facial mask:

• plain yogurt. The recipe I used recommended Greek and I was really satisfied with the turn out.
• 2 egg whites.

You add 2 egg whites to a bowl, I did this pretty successfully by carefully cracking the egg and carefully pouring out the whites. I'm pretty sure there is a fancy kitchen accessory that could do this for you but I didn't have access to one. Once you start mixing it up the yogurt starts to clump but if you stir it quickly for a couple of minutes to will mix together pretty nicely. Depending on how runny the combination was I added a dollop or so extra of the yogurt to give it some weight. I stored it in a plastic container in the fridge to help it set up. I applied it using a cleaned concealer brush for more control but I'm sure using your hands works fine too. Add some cucumber eye coverings if you like, and watch out for drips! Leave it on for a few minutes (5-7) and then wash off with a warm wash cloth.
NOTE: I made a separate recipe for each person and that was super unnecessary. One recipe will go for three or four people.

Putting on soothing tunes for background music adds to the experience.

Ingredients for the avocado hair mask:

• 1 ripe avocado
• 1 tablespoon of honey
• 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil

After removing the avocado of it's peel (is it a peel or a skin?) add the honey and the olive oil into a mixing bowl and start mashing. This part takes several minutes and just when you think it's creamy and smooth enough, you find another large piece of avocado. And you will continue to find large pieces of avocado as you apply the mixture to your hair. Mash it as best as you can, then get a friend to help you apply. After you apply I would recommend wrapping your head in plastic wrap or wearing a shower cap because you will be keeping this on for about 20 minutes. After 20 minutes rinse hair THOROUGHLY. You might want to enlist the help of a friend. Maybe take a comb with you in the shower because avocado pulp is tricky and will find in your hair. Wash your hair with a shampoo-no need to condition afterward.
BEWARE: Of flying avocado pieces as you apply to hair.
WARNING: To those of you who have thin or fine hair or hair that's prone to oil and grease, you may want to follow the "Lather, Rinse, Repeat" instructions. Or skip adding the olive oil to the mix. There were some issues with thin hair being greasy even after washing.
HINT: If you wanted to accomplish two things at once you could apply the hair mask then hop in the shower to apply your homemade body scrub. You will come out feeling smooth and refreshed.

Mixing up the slimy mask!

Ingredients for the homemade body scrub:

• white sugar, raw sugar, or Epsom salt. Whatever ingredient you choose is really about how coarse you want the scrub to be. I chose white sugar because again it was all about availability. However there were several warnings against using brown sugar-apparently you will end up in a syrup.
• Body oil, light olive oil, apple oil....Pretty much any type of oil that ISN'T vegetable or peanut. I chose Palmer's Moisturizing Body Oil. There was a hint of coconut added a pleasant and relaxing scent. 
• I didn't do this but you could add lavender extract, lemon zest, or pretty much any scented accent for color or scent preference. 

I would go to your favorite craft store to pick out a cute container but I found that Ziploc containers work just as well. It's 2 cups of sugar (or whatever you chose) and 1 cup of the oil you chose. However it can be even simpler than that. Fill whatever container you have full of sugar and then saturate that with oil. Make sure the oil coats all of the sugar. I used a wooden cuticle stick to gently stir and move the sugar so I could pour the oil directly into the bottom. Make sure you get plenty of oil (I had to get three more bottles).
When you're in the shower put a quarter size amount on your fingers and then rub slowly in a circular motion. I focused on the backs of my arms and legs where my skin gets really dry. If you're doing this and the hair mask at the same time make sure your bathroom drain can handle it-this could (and did for us) get ugly. Once you get out of the shower lather on your favorite lotion and enjoy the perks of being a woman.

The first one on the left is complete and the other two are just jars of sugar.

Trying to illustrate the art of poking around with a wooden stick.

Voila! Beautiful skin in a jar.

We had a marvelous day and felt very glamorous afterwards. I hope you try these out and feel the same!
Here are the links where I found the recipes, they have so many more for all different skin types and hair types:
Homemade Body Scrub
Facial Mask
Hair Mask

Final Product!

Ok so it's been AGES since I posted but school started and life got a little crazy. It did not take me this long to finish the monogram-I promise it's a really easy craft! Enjoy the final product!

The picture is a little strange but this is the general idea.

Slightly better picture,

I went back after everything was dry and free-handed some small details to add depth to the pattern.

Not everything got the same details. Variety is after all the spice of life.

I wish my lines were a little cleaner but without using rubber stamps I don't know how I would do this.

From far away any little mistakes fade away! How nice. We added some shelves and hope to add some framed pictures too!

Ta-da!

Who knows why we have the things we do in our apartment.

I would call this a mild success for my first how-to. It would be interesting to see if painting on top of a stencil works better, or using some type of stamp. Did anyone try it? Any suggestions from people who have made similar things?

My First How-To: Canvas Monogram

I have been spending at least 8 hours at work every day for the past week. I needed something to help me unwind from work and give me some kind of outlet. Rolling burritos all day doesn't exactly inspire the mind. My roommates and I have been talking about decorating our living room (finally) and making the wall behind our couch the focal point. Since all of our last names start with "B" we thought of having a giant letter "B" on the wall. It has been kind of difficult to find one big enough and since we really only have Hobby Lobby and Wal-Mart as our go-to stores-our options were limited. So finally I thought...I will just make it myself. So here's a fairly simple project that pretty much anyone can do!

The Materials: 

1 canvas (size is your choice mine is 20x24) 

                        paint brushes (I got one thick for the background, one small flat brush, and I had to go back to get a really fine brush for the details)

Paint! (The fun part! You'll need one background color, and as many colors as you want in your pattern)

Exacto blade

Make your own stencil (available at Wal-Mart) OR whatever stencil you pick out

Ruler

Pencil

And a season or two of Grey's Anatomy doesn't hurt either.

Canvas, Paint, Brushes (Not pictured is the small brush for details)

My colors! Black is for the back ground and the other colors are already present in our living room.

Process: So I wasn't very good at documenting the process-I became very absorbed in the project and it got dark a lot faster than I anticipated.
 First: I measured out and faintly drew the "B" on to my canvas. This is where the ruler comes in handy. I put my capital "B" in the center of the canvas but feel free to get crazy with your letter.
Pre-Second step: I started to draw my pattern (free-hand) inside of the B. Then I realized I should paint the B white before I do anything else. So I had to go to the store and pick up white paint. This happened to be a blessing in disguise because that's when I found the Make Your Own Stencil kit!
Second: Paint the inside of your letter. Mine was white but obviously you get to choose whatever color you want!

If you look really hard you can see the white B on the canvas

Third: After your letter is dry then comes the tedious work. I had to create my own stencil so I printed out a free template of the paisley pattern I wanted. To make the stencil I traced my pattern onto the material and then used the exacto blade to cut it out. If there are really small details I would suggest not putting them in the stencil-use the stencil for large shapes and patterns and then free hand any small details later.

Stencil making fun!

I didn't paint the stencil because some of the lines weren't as clean or smooth as I would have liked.

So it was pencil first! Which worked out well because I could make whatever adjustments I want.

 

Fourth: Begin the painting fun! I did this part in stages. First I went through with the blue color and started to fill the pattern in. I was trying to avoid having the same color too close to each other. It got a little tricky since I only had a few colors.

After the first stage of blue and pink!

I went back in with grey and black and also added some more blue and pink!

I decided to add some black into the pattern but since the background was also going to be black I only filled in shapes that weren't touching the border so that lines of the letter stay crisp. I also found the colors needed to have several layers apply to truly be opaque (once again wait until completely dry before going back over it with new paint).
Fifth: I painted the background before I finished all the small details-I couldn't wait to see what it would look like! I waited to paint it before so that if I went outside of the lines it wouldn't matter-the black would just cover it up!

It's not completely finished. I still have some flowers to paint on and touch up a few of the slender curves.

Finishing Details: I used the end of my paintbrush to add some dots. Hopefully the pattern will look more complete when I'm done. I pretty happy with the results so far. I will post a picture of the FINAL work when I'm finally done! I will also include how it looks on the wall.

Overall: It's a simple project and can be personalized so easily. Mine has taken me over a week but that's because of my work schedule. It could be done in a few days though no problem.

Comments and questions? Thanks for hanging with me through this first (rough) How-to!

What your waitress really thinks.

Looking at my coworkers, I would say that in the serving world I'm still considered a baby. I have been working as a waitress for a little over a year now and I have dealt with a lot of different types of customers. There are guests that you love having, can't wait for them to come back, make your very long shift just a little easier. Then there are guests you wish had never even heard of your restaurant. The guests you don't even understand why they come out if they insist on being so miserable. The guests that will never be satisfied, even if you are bending over backwards to meet their very specific demands.

A food service establishment and it's employees are dependent on people coming in and eating their food and enjoying their atmosphere. As a server, my $3.70 an hour salary is dependent on tips to supplement the rest of my paycheck. So most places will go the distance to meet a customer's needs and keep them happy.

I'm saying it's a two way road. I will get you that 8th refill in the past ten minutes, reheat the soup until it's at the precise temperature you want it, and get you a fork with all the tongs in line with a smile on my face and a hop in my step if you treat me like a human being. Any other treatment may result in less than perky service.

Here are some ways to keep everyone happy and ensure a great night:

• Having to wait- Many times there's a wait to get a table at a restaurant. As frustrating this is for you as the customer, it's just as frustrating for us as servers. This means that we are probably overloaded with guests, the kitchen is backed up, we're running low on utensils and cups, and we know that we have to work extra hard to make the customers happy since they have been waiting. Once your name has been called, the hostess should apologize for the wait and thank you for sticking around. This is not the time to berate him or her with how annoyed you are. Unless you feel like they committed a serious error in their job (not explaining how long the wait was, skipping over your name etc.) you don't need to make her feel worse about something that is not her fault. And if you do feel like she has done something wrong, speak to a manager once you're at your table, calmly and respectfully. Having to wait for a table is almost inevitable in the game of eating out, remember that you chose to stay.
• Greeting- There's this really awkward time between when a table sits down and when a server greets that table. Most greeting times are expected to be within a minute of when the customer sits down. I know at the restaurant I work at, servers are almost immediately at a table due to the small dining area. There is typically some sort of script that you're going to hear from the server-let them do it. Even if you KNOW what you want. Get the same thing every time never gonna change. We are told by our managers , who are told by their bosses, what to say when we greet a table. This includes listing the specials, telling you any changes on the menus, and alerting you if we have run out of something. Cutting us off creates a tense atmosphere and when you inevitably ask a question we would have answered in our greeting, we think you're an idiot. Be kind. We've probably had a long day and smiling face who actually looks us in the eye makes a world of difference.
• Ordering-Okay this is a big one. There are a LOT of choices, which means we don't know how long you're going to take to decide what you want. I know as a customer it sometimes feels as if the server has forgotten about you because they have been gone so long. As a server I know that that is rarely the case (although not never the case). It's okay to ask for a few more minutes but please try not to get annoyed with me when I come back to take your order. I have other things that need to get done but I want to make sure that your order is put in as soon as possible. I also don't want you thinking I forgot about you. If you have questions about the menu, ask them. If I don't know the answer I will find someone who does, it doesn't mean that I'm bad at my job, it just means it's a big menu with a lot of options (and things change all the time). If you think a server may have copied your order down wrong (especially if you are a picky eater with lots of changes/add-ons) ask them to repeat it back to you BEFORE they put it into the computer. It's so much easier to correct something before it goes to the kitchen then after the food arrives at the table.
• Getting the food-Most places have food runners or operate on a system where everyone helps out. Meaning that if I don't have something going on and I see food in the window, I check out the ticket-make sure everything that's on the ticket is on the plate, and take it to the table. This means that I probably don't know who ordered what. Even when a tables server brings their food out to them there is the guaranteed glazed face. It's the look that every customer gets when food is brought to them. It reads "I don't know who you are, what you're holding, or where I am." That leaves an awkward couples of sentences where the server is holding several plates (sometimes very hot or heavy plates) while everyone is turning their brains back on. Remember what you ordered, listen to the server as they call out the food, be present and helpful.
• Refills/Dining Experience-People go out to eat because they want to socialize, catch up, enjoy good food, and not clean up when they leave. Going out to eat is a luxury and should be fun. I understand it can be annoying when you're trying to have a conversation and a server interrupts, but there is no need to be rude. Every time that server "interrupts" he or she is trying to make sure you receive the best possible service. This includes making sure your drink is never empty, your table isn't cluttered by empty dishes, and that if you desire to put in another order you have an opportunity to do so. If think they are being too attentive, a polite "I think we are fine for a while, just here to chat and hang out" will do. That's a major hint to us that says we can give you some space and you won't hate us for it later. NOTE: IF YOU TELL A SERVER TO BACK OFF AND THEY DO SO, YOU CANNOT COMPLAIN THAT THEY WEREN'T AROUND ENOUGH. If they seem to disappear, just politely ask another server to grab yours.
• Tipping- This is the big one. My dad holds firm to the 15% rule, 18% if you were good. My sister and I repeatedly take the signed receipt and make sure he's left the appropriate amount. Consider this while you leave the tip: you arrived at a place where your server brought you drinks, a kitchen crew cooked you food, a server brought the food to your table, refills were given without you having to do anything, and when the meal is over you won't be the one cleaning anything up. You just sat and were treated like royalty with servants at your finger tips. Now consider the server: They are not only taking care of you but at least 4 other tables (sometimes more). They work long hours the either start before the restaurant even opens or ends long after it closes. They clean up the food that's thrown on the ground and those tiny pieces of paper that are torn up. They are single parents trying to support their family, they are students working toward their education, people just like you trying to get by. This server says 20% is the right thing to do. 

I could go on and on about this (and one day maybe I will) but these are the basics. Also, these are the basic rules for interacting with a good server. Many times a good customer makes a good server. However, I am VERY aware that there are some servers out there who just plain suck. I have worked with a few of them. If that's the case, calmly and politely state your woes to a manager who will hopefully work to improve that server's work ethic. Other than that please keep these in mind as you dine!

All I ever want to do is eat a chocolate doughnut.

I like having a clean apartment to come home to.
I acknowledge that since I'm the one who likes it clean-it typically means that I'm the one doing all the cleaning.
I am too liberal with cleaning spray.
I always get a splitting headache after I run.
No, I'm not dehydrated.

There once was a time when I detested the idea of getting on a treadmill.
Now I can't imagine completing a work out without a run.

I sit in class and think about lesson plans.
I dream of being a writer.
I'm terrified to let my stories be read.
I dream of spending the Spring in Southern Ohio
Summer in Italy
Fall in New England
And Winter in Australia (which I will actually get to do)

My Wish List right now includes:
A Nikon D300S
A pair of TOMS wedges
A Holga camera
Instant film for my instant camera
A life with the one I love.

Feel free to donate to the cause of a college student working two jobs.

I am the worst updater ever.

So after this entry I'm going to change the way I write on here.
But for right now- get ready for a rant.

When my roommates go out for McDonald's at 10 o'clock at night, I make myself a fresh fruit smoothies with Activia yogurt as a base. When my friends go out and party, I stop by but leave before midnight and go home. When my roommates stay up all night, never getting enough sleep, I make sure to be asleep by midnight. I don't binge drink every night. I have never smoked a thing in my life. I have never done drugs. I can't remember the last french fry I had. So with all that in mind-I ask two questions. What's with the Crohn's disease? And WHAT is with my GUT?

The obvious answer is "life's not fair." But for once-why couldn't it be? How do I have two roommates who weigh maybe 115 pounds, eat whatever they want, have a terrible sleep schedule, and hardly ever workout. I bust my butt in the gym and pay attention to every single thing I eat (well I kind of have to) and I still struggle to keep a swim suit worthy figure.

I really did not see the whole auto-immune disease thing coming. Although apparently they are fairly common. I don't like thinking that I have to deal with this-forever. That at any moment for no reason at all, my body can decide that the tissue in my stomach is foreign and it will attack itself. I don't like the idea of being on a medication that can cause certain kinds of cancer if used for too long. I was really just fine with being normal.

But I guess normal is just a setting on a dishwasher.

Done complaining-I promise. Because there are some very cool things happening in my life. Number one being that I get to go to Australia, not just for 10 days (my typical foreign land stay) but for four months. FOUR.MONTHS. Oh! And while I'm there I don't have to take classes but instead get to practice doing what I love-TEACHING. Living in Australia and teaching in a high school. Sounds like perfection. If I can survive the next few months working two jobs to get me there and taking summer classes to keep me graduating on time then next Spring is going to be AWESOME.

AND I get to take pictures for my cousins wedding this summer. This is both awesome and terrifying.

I just want this semester to be OVER.

Human Beings

There are these people that used to be called my friends. I knew these people. These were the kind of people that you grow up with. There's a picture of me and this friend from the fifth grade. I'm holding a plaque that I won in an essay contest about why the D.A.R.E. program is a good thing. I have french braided pigtails with annoying baby hairs sticking out and other wisps hanging in my face. I look about the same as I do now. So does she, except in this picture she's got a super round face because she was a little chubby. That might sound mean but it's the most adorable chubby a child can be. Not anymore though-she might weigh ten pounds now. Anyway, I've been friends with this person for as long as I can remember.

I have a lot of people in my life like that. It happens, when you grow in a small town. There are all of these people that you just know K-12. Most of them, once we got to high school, I didn't pay attention to but there were so many that I invested myself in. I guess I'm silly enough to believe that when you invest in someone, they invest back. This happens to me often. I end up caring way more than I should about people, people who really couldn't care less about me.

So who do we invest in? If people we've known for our whole lives. If the person who drove me back to my house on the day my grandma died, or the person who was my accountability for two years-if those kind of people aren't wise investments, then who is?

No Man is an Island

What about women? I'm sure the term "man" here refers to all of mankind-humans in general. But what about women? Man may not be an island but more often than not I feel like I am. Or I feel like I could be. I don't need a group of people to escort me to the bathroom. I never felt the urge to gather a bunch of people to walk together to the cafeteria. I don't have problems going places by myself.
I don't need to be invited.
I don't need to be called.
I don't need you to like me.


But it would be nice. I don't need it. But it would be nice.