Hello readers!
For this week I thought I would offer simple solutions and tips for the summer, courtesy of the nonfiction book: REAL SIMPLE SOLUTIONS
This book is incredibly helpful for finding creative ideas, for anything from organizing and cooking, to beauty tips. I have personally found it very useful and continue to use it to look for
novel (get it?) ideas. Thought I would share with you a couple of the book’s ideas and tutorials for the summer, enjoy!
SINGLE-SERVING SUNBURN RELIEF
Freeze aloe vera gel (sold at drugstores and health-food stores) in an ice-cube
tray for the next time you linger too long at the beach. Skimming an aloe cube over sunburned
skin can ease pain, add moisture, and provide that much needed cooling relief.
last summer’s sunscreen
OLD USE: Shelf-space monopolizer
NEW USE: Shaving lotion. While a bottle of expired sunscreen will
no longer protect you from UV rays, it can still protect you from razor burn.
Use it when lubing up to keep those legs smooth all year long.
instant oatmeal
OLD USE: Quick and easy breakfast
NEW USE: All-natural do-it-yourself facial. Add warm water to a package of unsweetened instant oatmeal, then apply
it to your face for 5 to 10 minutes to soothe and hydrate dry skin. But be careful if you leave the bathroom: Oatmeal may
dive-bomb the carpet.
clean your feet!
After months in flip flops, your feet may be stained.
Fill a basin with equal parts water and hydrogen peroxide, dunk your feet in, and
scrub with a nailbrush. For ladies, finish off your feet with a bright, summery polish.
A TWIST ON THE CHIGNON
Say hello to your new go-to updo! For a new simple do for the summer and upcoming school year try a chignon! They’re easy and look effortlessly chic, especially perfect for in the work place or when going to a nice event but are low on time.
HOW TO:
Gather hair into a ponytail and pull it halfway through the elastic on the last pass. Then grab the end section of hair, wrap it around the elastic once, and tuck the ends into the elastic (under the knot). Voila!
DRINKS
CHILLING EFFECT
Freeze berries in an ice-cube tray touse in place of ice. They look stunning in
fizzy drinks, and provide a burst of flavor-
not to mention a dose of antioxidants.
Easy hors d’oeuvre idea
Mediterranean Bruschetta
START WITH: Garlic bread from an italian restaurant (or frozen garlic bread, thawed).
TO MAKE: Toast in 350 degree F oven or toaster oven for about five minutes, or until golden. Top it with prepared pesto, goat cheese, mozzarella,
marinated peppers, or oil-packed sun dried tomatoes.
*Additional tip: For adding a festive and almost whimsy flair to your cookout, try making paper lanterns. All you need is tea lights and brown paper bags, and you cut whatever shapes you would like (stars, moons, etc.) I tried these from personal experience and they look amazing! Especially in the summertime
Hope these are useful to you!
Stay cool,
Tate
(enjoy)
