candles

Make Your Own Candles at Home: A Step by Step guide.

I am obsessed with candles and spend a lot of money on them each month; I light up a candle to meditate, to read, to relax, to take a bath, if the occasion is appropriate to light a candle, you can bet that I’m doing it. But, my bank account is not happy with all the money I spend on books and candles, so I had to be resourceful and learn how to make my candles at home, which might I say are cheaper but smell fabulous. The first couple of candles that you craft won’t be perfect, but it’s a bit like making pancakes or children, the first one is always a trial, and you never know how they will turn out. Come along with us and learn how to make your own candles in the comfort of your home. Who knows, this may become your new hobby or even something that you profit off of.

What will you need for this craft?

It is pretty simple to craft your own homemade candle; you need a few simple items that you can get at your local craft stores like Micheals or even Target. All you need is:

    • A double boiler (to heat the wax)
    • Candle wax
    • Candlewick
    • Coloring (optional, but this gives more personality to the candle)
    • Essential oil (also optional, but this is where your candle will get its odor)
    • Mason jar or container in wish your candle will be
    • Popsicle sticks, chopsticks, or skewers to hold the wick in place
    • Scissors
    • Silicone spatula

#Step 1- Get your container ready

book-

Before getting in the nitty-gritty of it all, you have to decide on the container in which you will put your candle. For me, this is the most challenging part as I am an indecisive person and want my candle jar to look aesthetically pleasing. You can get a mason jar from Target or use your favorite old candle container if you want to recycle and be more environmentally friendly. Whatever you decide to use, you need to clean it and dry it out thoroughly; before you can move on to the next step.

#Step 2- Choose the right wax

Okay, before you move on to the next step, you have to choose the wax that you will use, and yes, there is more than one kind, and they smell different and have different properties. They are:

  1. Soy wax– This one is our personal favorite and is gaining more popularity among candle makers because it is currently the most eco-friendly wax on the market. As its name suggests, it is made from soybeans, is pretty easy to clean up and is renewable. One pound of soy wax produces about 18 ounces of liquid when it is melted. It also burns slower than most of the other waxes on our list and thus lasts longer.
  2. Beeswax- It might be the wax that gives out the least amount of wax when melted, 16 ounces for one pound of beeswax, but it is the most natural wax out there and is said to have purifying qualities. Unlike paraffin wax, it doesn’t retain color or odors well, but beeswax has its fragrance, so they don’t need additional scents.

cocoa-butter

  1. Paraffin Wax– This is the most traditional wax out there and is also the only one that gives out the most amount of liquid when melted, 20 ounces for 1 pound, to be exact. It is the one we advise people to begin their candle journey with because they are the cheapest option out there, are pretty quick to melt, and are easy to scent and color. You should be careful, though, because the chemical it emits when melted can cause skin irritation.

#Step 3- Measure and melt the wax

Put a piece of parchment paper on a flat surface so that the wax doesn’t get everywhere. The wax usually comes in the shape of a brick, and you need to shave it down so that it melts more uniformly. Fill the container in which the candle will reside with the shaven wax and double this amount. This will accurately measure how much wax you need to get a full mason jar’s worth of candle.

Place water in the bottom pot of your double boiler and be careful that the water doesn’t touch the top container; the water should be one or two inches below the latter. Let the water boil, and when it gets there, add your shaven wax to the top container and let it melt, which will take about 10 to 15 minutes. Don’t leave this alone to do something else; you will have to stir it constantly so that nothing burns or sticks.

#Step 3- Add fragrance or coloring to the melted wax

essential-oils

This is where you will add the essential oil and coloring o your choice, and this all depends on you and your taste. Add only a few drops of each as a little goes a long way, and stir it well for about 30 seconds to incorporate it well. We would highly recommend this step if you use paraffin or soy wax, but you should omit it if you are using beeswax.

#Step 4- Attach the wick

To the bottom of your container/mason jar, add a little bit of melted wax and immediate place your wick and let the wax cool down completely. This will secure the bottom piece of the wick in place and give you a straight wick, allowing the candle to melt uniformly. It will take the wax about 5minutes to harden. If you don’t like waiting and are an impatient individual, you can always glue gun the wick to the bottom.

Step 5- Pour the melted wax.

Prior to pouring the wax, let it sit a bit because hot wax will ruin the previous step; if you have a thermometer at hand, the perfect temperature to pour it in the container is 140 degrees, but you can also do it by feels if you don’t have a thermometer. Hold the wax and slowly pour the wax into the jar, and fill it to the top.

Step 6- Final touches

candle

To prevent the wick from moving and staying in place, use our trustee chopsticks and sandwich the wax between them. Allow the wax to cool down for at least 4 hours at room temperature, but this may take more or less time depending on the weather of where you live and the season. After the wax has set, cut the wick to your desired length, which should be an inch or less above the wax, and voila, you have your own homemade candle.

Sound off in the comments section below and tell us if you want to make your own candle after reading this extensive how-to.

countertop

How to Install Your Countertop

Contents

    – Step 1: Prepare to install the countertop

    – Step 2: Cut out the countertop

    – Step 3: Installing the countertop

    – Step 4: Finishing

As the centerpiece of a kitchen, the countertop is now as decorative as it is functional. Of a very different nature, you can easily install it without special tools.

Depending on the material (wood, marble or granite, reconstituted stone…) that composes it, the cuts will have to be subcontracted to a professional with the appropriate cutting tools.

Here are some tips on how to install a countertop at home.

1. Prepare the installation of the countertop

The installation of a countertop must be rigorously horizontal, and this is why it is essential to check the flatness of the assembled furniture.

To do this, you can use a large aluminum mason’s rule. The advantage of these rulers is that they are dimensionally stable (under normal conditions of use). To check the flatness, proceed as follows:

    – Place the mason’s rule over the kitchen base units.

    – Place the spirit level and check for levelness.

    – If the bubble is not between the 2 lines of the level indicating that the surface is flat, adjust the height of the furniture concerned by screwing or unscrewing the furniture legs until perfect flatness is achieved.

    – Make sure that all furniture is securely fastened together and that no movement is possible.

2. Cut out the countertop

Before placing the countertop on the kitchen furniture, you must cut it to the correct length.

If you place the countertop in a corner, check that the intersection is at 90° using the square. To cut the countertop, here are the right steps:

    – Measure the length of the countertop.

    – Place the work surface on stable support: table, trestle… without turning it over!

    – Transfer the measured length to the work surface.

    – Cut the work surface with a jigsaw with a reversed blade.

3. Lay the work surface

countertop

You must now place the countertop on the furniture. Fasten the countertop with screws through the top of the furniture:

    – Drill holes in the elements with a drill every 50 cm.

    – Place the countertop on the furniture.

    – Fasten the countertop to the furniture by screwing from underneath at the drilled locations.

4. Finishing

    – Cut an edge strip the width of the countertop.

    – Glue the edge strip with an iron if it can be thermo-glued; otherwise, use contact glue such as neoprene-based glue. Apply this glue to the edge and the edge of the countertop.

    – File by pressing lightly on the edges.

    – Then, apply a special kitchen silicone sealant or a brushed aluminum profile strip to the back of the countertop.

Materials required for the installation of a countertop

Aluminum ruler 2 m About $15
Spirit level Starting at $4
Phillips screwdriver Starting at $3
Jigsaw Starting at $30
Reverse blade for jigsaw $10 approx.
Iron Starting at about $40
Drill Starting at $30
Trestles $7 for 2
Pencil $0,50
File Starting at $5
Neoprene glue Starting at $5

Read more:

How Do You Fix a Quartz Countertop;

Quartz Countertops: The Key Benefits!

3 DIY Tips for Making a Natural Shower Gel;

7 Good Reasons to Start Doing Crafts;

4 Easy Tips Every DIY Enthusiast Should Know!

4 Important Tips for DIY Beginners;

The 7 Top Safety Precautions for DIY;

5 Steps to Driving a Nail Like a Pro;

3 Easy Steps for Making a Scrub With Baking Soda;

2 Important Steps on How to Paint a Window;

7 Important Steps to Install Wallpaper.

Hope this post will help you install your countertop. Remember to share and comment!

 

Collecting Insects: A Brief Account of Equipment and Methods

Collecting Insects: A Brief Account of Equipment and Methods

There are endless numbers and varieties of insects and there is much about them that we do not know. Even amateur collectors may make worthwhile contributions to our knowledge of these fascinating little creatures. That is one reason why the collecting of insects is such a gratifying hobby. But that is not the whole story by any means. You have the privilege of seeing your specimens alive, observing when and where each insect is found. You will note, perhaps how it lives and behaves, what it eats, how it grows and changes, how it finds a mate and breeds.

You may notice whether the insect was out in the heat of the day or in the cool of morning or evening, in sun or shade, in a moist or dry location – whether it was lively or sluggish, alone or in a group. If you carry a little notebook for your observations, the stories that go with your specimens will make them more interesting.

What You Will Need

Collecting Insects:

The equipment you will need for collecting depends upon what kinds of insects interest you most and what methods you want to use. You can make a good deal of equipment yourself with help from some competent person such as a biology teacher or from directions in the books listed at the end of this article. A few items will have to be bought from drugstores or biological supply companies.

To collect butterflies and other flying insects you will need a net of light but strong material such as nylon or best-quality mosquito netting. The mesh must be fine enough to prevent the escape of tiny insects but easy to see through. A short, sturdy handle such as a three-foot piece of broomstick, is best for the general collector. Long handles are hard to swing with swiftness and accuracy. The bag is rounded at the bottom, not pointed and it must be deep enough so that when you have captured an insect you can turn the hoop to lie against the side of the net. Your prize will then not be able to get away.

The hoop may be fashioned from #9 wire, such as clothesline wire. An easy way of making the hoop is to straighten out the hook of a sturdy wire coat hanger and to stretch the rest of the hanger from the usual triangular shape to a circular shape. The handle may be a portion of a broomstick or a heavy dowel rod. The wire hoop may be fastened to the handle by wiring the straightened portion of the hanger to the handle. Heavy tape such as friction tape or adhesive tape may be used. The net should be from two to three times as long as the hoop is wide.

The simplest way to fasten the bag to the rim is to place the open mouth of the bag on the inside of the rim with about three inches to turn back over the rim. Turn the net back all the way around, making a slot for the handle. Now sew the doubled-back part of the net to the main part. If you sew it two times around, it will last longer. The rim of the bag which covers the heavy wire hoop will get the hardest wear. To give it longer life, it can be made of heavy muslin or light canvas. The lighter net used to make the bad is then seeded to the muslin of the rim.

Because most insects fly or crawl upward when disturbed, you should generally swing your net sideways and downward. Some kinds dart sideways or drop straight down, however. With experience, you will learn what to expect from the various kinds and how to catch them.

 

Ecology Experiments You Can Try at Home – Examining the Environment of Living Things (Part 2)

Ecology Experiments You Can Try at Home – Examining the Environment of Living Things (Part 2)

 The environment has a profound impact on all living things, plants, and animals, including water, heat, light, soil, and other plants and animals.

Did you know that with some easily constructed experiments, you can see how the environment affects living things?

How Do Changes in the Environment Affect Living Things?

How Do Changes in the Environment Affect Living Things?

Ecologists have made many studies of the effects of changing environments on plant and animal life. Here is a project that will illustrate these effects dramatically.

Select a square grassy area 2 feet on a side and set markers on the corners. Carefully record the types of animals and plants which you can observe in the selected area. Next, cover a section of the grass with a board about 1 foot by 1 foot. After four days observe the life around the board and under the board. Record your observations and then carefully replace the board in the same position. Repeat your observations every four days for 24 days, recording the life that you observe under the board and around it. What changes have taken place?

You see, I carried out an observation of this type during the spring and summer. Before setting the board in place, he identified various kinds of grasses, weeds, beetles, ants, spiders and mites in the selected area. After the board was set down, the grass and weeds until it turned yellow and began to decay. Pill bugs, millipedes, earthworms and the larvae of beetles and insects were found. Various fungus growths also developed. Now, compare your observations with mine.

Observations of Changing Environments

Observations of Changing Environments

Seashores, riverbeds, mountains, sand dunes, lakes and ponds are undergoing constant change and as they change they influence the lives of plants and animals. Perhaps some of these natural features are close enough to your home so that you can observe them.

The small bodies of water called ponds provide a particularly good opportunity to observe the changes taking place in land and water environments and the corresponding changes in plant and animal life. Ponds are formed by water filling a depression. The varieties of life that exist in the pond will depend upon the source of the water and the other kinds of life in the pond.

You will be able to distinguish between several life zones as you carry out your observations. The center of the pond, usually consisting of open water, contains plants life without roots such as algae as well as a variety of animals. As one move toward the shore, one finds a second zone in which plants are rooted and either completely or largely covered by water. A third zone, as one moves shoreward, is composed of plants that are rooted and that have floating leaves. Typical plants are water lilies. In the fourth zone, one finds plants such as cattails and bulrushes which are rooted and which extend above the water. They form the growth along the edge of the pond and provide food and shelter for various amphibious (land-and-water) animals, including muskrats.

As the pond continues to fill with sediments from plants, animals and nonliving materials deposited in the area, a swamp may result. With the continued change, the swamp will become dry land. Different plants and animals will then take over.

Life in the pond is greatly influenced by the temperature of the water. You will find it interesting to make comparisons of microscopic life in water samples from the same location at different times of the year. The following instructions will be helpful. Select several specific locations in the pond. Record the temperature of the pond water and collect samples of the water in clean bottles. Examine each sample as soon as you can. First, shake the bottle in which it is contained – this will distribute the organisms, which may have settled to the bottom. Using a medicine dropper, place a drop of water from the bottle on a microscope slide. Observe the water sample under medium power and draw a general picture of each type of living organism you observe. The area observed under the microscope is called the field. Move the slide so that you observe three different fields. Count the total number of each kind of organism that you observe in the three fields.

 

 

How to use a router (1)

How to Use a Router

How to Use a Router

Contents

– Focus on safety rules

– Step 1: Start the router

– Step 2: Rip and steer a router

– Step 3: Stop the router

A router is a power tool that offers many possibilities for woodworking.

It combines the advantages of precision and speed for making joints, such as grooves, moldings, mortises, and tenons…

Once you have learned the basics, using a router will seem no more complicated than using any other power tool, and it will quickly become indispensable in your workshop.

But before you get down to the nitty-gritty, it is essential to know the basics of how to use and handle your router for safe and efficient work.

Here are our tips on how to use a router.

Focus on safety rules

The router is a safer tool than other tools because the hands are away from the router.

Nevertheless, it is essential to wear personal protection such as:

– a dust mask;

– a pair of safety glasses.

It is also important to wait until the machine has come to a complete stop before disconnecting it for any work, such as changing the cutter or making adjustments.

Caution: keep children and pets away from the working area.

1. Switch on the router

– Check that the router is up, and then position the router as you work:

◦ full panel: when you are making a groove along the entire length or width of the workpiece;

◦ or in non-through work: when you make a notch for a hinge, it is limited and does not come out at the end of the wood panel.

– Put the router in position:

◦ Position the ripper sole on the edge of the panel at the point where the routing starts for complete panel work.

◦ Position the router at the desired location for non-throughput work.

– Switch on the machine and wait for it to run entirely before lowering the router.

– Secure the position, and start routing.

2. Roughing and steering a router

How to use a router (1)

Smoothly, push the router in gradually, keeping your wrists loose and the machine firmly in place.

It is challenging to keep the tool in line, and it is advisable to use guides unless you are using rolling cutters. These guides allow you to stay in line, and this is because the machine tends to deviate from its course during milling.

Different guides and templates depending on the machining task, some of which are supplied with the machine, but you can also use your design guides.

In the latter case, the placement of the router and the fence is critical.

3. Stop the router

At the end of the pass, switch off the motor and let the sole rise for the whole panel work.

If you are not working on a panel, let the base plate rise at the end of the pass and then switch off the motor.

Caution: in all cases, wait until the motor has stopped completely before moving the router or making any adjustments.

Equipment needed to use a router.

Router $100 to buy or $35 per day to rent
Protective mask $1 approx.
Safety glasses $6 approx.

This post is incomplete without your esteemed feedback, so remember to share your experience in the comment section below.

Read more:

3 DIY Tips for Making a Natural Shower Gel

7 Good Reasons to Start Doing Crafts

4 Easy Tips Every DIY Enthusiast Should Know!

4 Important Tips for DIY Beginners

The 7 Top Safety Precautions for DIY

5 Steps to Driving a Nail Like a Pro

You Can Make Your Own Perfume. Seriously!

We all love fragrances, and a branded perfume is actually a fun way to stand out from the crowd. Unfortunately, many of those pretty bottles in department stores are filled with toxic and dangerous chemicals. Studies show that the ingredients found in store-bought fragrances and colognes can trigger health problems ranging from allergic reactions, asthma-like symptoms to chronic headaches. Even more alarmingly, toxicity levels can be so high that they have been linked to certain cancers and thyroid complications.

However, there is good news! Making your own fragrance is as simple as getting a few key ingredients from a health food store. Instead of dealing with all those horrible chemicals, let’s make our perfume the Green Planet way!

To Start Off

To begin, choose a neutral base for your fragrance. For a liquid consistency, choose alcohol, such as vodka. Another option is to use an excellent oil (jojoba or almond oil is ideal). The most used formula is a 1:1 mixture of alcohol and oil, but using both is certainly not necessary. Coconut oil is another excellent option for a fiercer fragrance. Consider making a body mist by starting with filtered water and essential oils if heavy oils aren’t your thing!

A Liberal Touch of You

That’s where it gets fun! It’s time to experiment and discover which fragrances speak to you and your personal style. Spend some time in the natural products section of your grocery store, or even in the bulk herbs and spices section! Focus on the fragrances that stand out from you and the type of ambiance you are looking for. Do you like flowers or prefer to smell like a decadent dessert? While there are countless ways to mix and match fragrances to your taste, having a free formula will help you find one unique and complex one. Simply choose an essential oil you like and play with the quantities until you find one you want.  

It’s Application Time!

Once you’ve found your winning combination, it’s time to choose your preferred application method. Roller-blades are perfect for oil-based fragrances because they let you know exactly where you’re applying them and prevent them from depositing on your clothes or other valuables. Spray bottles are perfect for mixtures of alcohol or water. If you started with a more substantial base such as coconut oil, a lovely tin or glass container would be more effective. Solid fragrances are a great addition to your beauty travel bag, as they are convenient and mess-free. There may also be a few ways to keep your scent by reusing items you already have on hand. Now that you know all the basics, we hope you have fun creating your very own fragrance. In case you’re still scratching your head, here’s a quick recipe for inspiration. Do-it-yourself Perfume (Fills small container with roller-ball)  

Ingredients:

  • 1 oz. jojoba oil
  • 1 oz distilled water
  • 5 drops of jasmine oil
  • 3 drops of lemon oil
  • 3 drops of orange oil
  • 3 drops of sandalwood oil
*Note* (You can buy essential oils anywhere online or in health food stores. Buy pure essential oil to make sure it is 100% safe).  

Instructions:

Combine the ingredients in a small container and mix lightly by tilting the bottle back and forth. Apply to wrists, behind the ear and in the neck. On average, the fragrance should last 2-3 hours. Feel free to reapply throughout the day if necessary. You can smell amazing and be chemical-free at the same time. Your body and your health will thank you for the years to come. The best part? Everyone else will be dying to get to know your characteristic (green) scent! Are you ready to make your very own perfume?
Craftsperson Tools

The Essential Craftsperson Tools (Part 1)

The Essential Craftsperson Tools (Part 1)

 You have recently moved into your first apartment or house, and you are discovering the joys of DIY! Unaccustomed to work in general, even small jobs, you are hardly equipped, and having to borrow the tools you need every weekend from neighbors or friends is starting to tire you out.

 It is time to invest in basic and good quality equipment adapted to the tasks you may have to perform at home, regularly, or punctually shortly. Assembling kit furniture, installing shelves, putting up curtain rods or blinds, hanging pictures: things that seem easy to do but require a minimum of appropriate tools.

 No need to panic! We will help you. Here are the 4 essential tools you need to have at home to get started in DIY.

1. The hammer

Craftsperson Tools

 The hammer is often the first tool you buy. The most common models are:

 – the carpenter’s hammer, used to drive nails;

 – the electrician’s hammer, it reaches very narrow places, thanks to the thinness of its head;

 The nail puller has a split head that allows removing the nails by a lever movement.

 Another type of hammer, the mallet, has a wooden, rubber, or plastic head and allows, for example, to hit tiles without breaking them during installation.

 To begin with, it is the carpenter’s hammer that you should choose. Versatile and multi-tasking, it will allow you to perform the greatest number of small jobs. Its selling price can vary from $5 to $50. Don’t hesitate to invest in quality equipment, and you will keep it longer!

 Good to know: for maximum precision in the gesture, a hammer is held firmly by the lower part of the handle.

2. The screwdriver

It screws and unscrews, as its name implies. They are available in a variety of sizes and shapes, including flat and cruciform.

Its price range spans from $1 to $60. But the best option is to buy a tiny case (less than $50) that has a variety of interchangeable and magnetic screwing bits that you can attach to the end of your tool. This case is both practical and comprehensive, giving you a variety of alternatives depending on the size and form of the screw slot. Another big benefit is the fact that you will save space!

3. The pliers

 This tool is also essential and will serve you very often. You will find pliers adapted to each use:

 – flat nose pliers, with a short or long head, to pull out a nail or hold a nut;

 – Rack and pinion pliers, or multi-grip pliers, to adapt to small or large gaps;

 – cutting pliers, to cut electrical wires or copper wires;

 – bent-nose pliers;

 – the electrician’s pliers, sheathed to protect you from electric current.

 The price range is also very variable, from $3 to $80. To equip your toolbox, start with flat pliers, a pair of pliers, and cutters.

4. The saw

 A complete toolbox should contain at least one hand saw. But you’ll choose it based on what you’re using it for: 

 – the metal saw, which is also used to cut plastics and PVC, thanks to its thin blade;

 – the handsaw, which, with its wide and flexible blade, will be reserved for wood and plaster (for example, to cut a partition);

 – the rigid backsaw will be preferred for precise cuts, made with a miter box.

 The price of a saw varies between $2 and $50. But again, don’t go for the first price if you want to keep your tool for several years and not have the blade break as soon as you use it.

 Good to know: a miter box costs about $20 and allows you to make perfect cuts, thanks to notches in which you will wedge the saw.

 If you have liked this article, then the 2nd part is for you. And, don’t forget to leave us your comments…

Lips care

Lips Care 101 (DIY lips exfoliator).

Do your lips crack and dry out very often? Are you tired of buying a new lip balm and feeling moisturized for a few days, only for the issues to resurface after a few days?
Don’t wait for them to crack and hurt! Moisturize them the right way. In this article, we’ll walk you through step-by-step how to care for your lips with the right products and even create your own lip scrub and balm like a pro!

How do our lips work?

Our skin is composed of three layers: the epidermis, the dermis and the hypodermis. The skin is the barrier between the internal organs and the environment, and its function is to maintain the balance between the interior and exterior. So, if we think about our lips, they need to breathe, be hydrated, and be nourished. Moreover, the skin of our lips is in constant renewal to resist the big changes of temperature, the sun, and the digestive enzymes in our saliva. It is, therefore, necessary to help it get rid of dead skin.
Here are our tips for you…

Do not:
Expose yourself to the sun for too long
Lick your lips
Use lip balms with allergenic fragrances.
Use lip balms made with petroleum (even if it protects the lips, it doesn’t let them breathe, and you have to admit that petroleum on your skin doesn’t have any good properties).

persons face with red lipstick
Guide To Taking Care Of Your Lips.

What to do:
Exfoliate your lips once or twice a week to remove dead skin that would interfere with exchanges with the outside.
Remember to moisturize them, protect them from the sun and extreme temperatures on very cold or hot days.
Don’t forget to drink water. Water is even more important on dry days and when you eat salty or spicy foods.
To start a good routine, you can always use a natural exfoliant like sugar mixed with the oil of your choice and honey.
You can protect them from dehydration with shea butter (deodorized if you don’t like the smell), castor oil or lanolin. Using these oils, butters and fats is very good and can even be sufficient, but we know that it might not be pleasant for everyone.

For this reason, we end up using our conventional lip balms with pleasant smells and textures. That’s why it’s important to learn how to choose products for our lips so that we don’t harm them.

The natural exfoliator
Find a container that you like to use your exfoliator in.
Wash the containers and utensils you will use (especially the storage container).

Fill the storage container with the sugar of your choice
Put the sugar in the bowl to mix.
Add vegetable oil of your choice and the honey and mix until you get the desired texture (you don’t want it to be too oily). I recommend adding half a teaspoon at a time.
Add coloring or flavoring, if you like, and mix it all.
Pour the mixture into your container and now you are ready to use it.
This recipe is very easy and can be easily modified. The sugar will help to gently remove the dead skin on your lips and the oil with the honey will leave your lips silky smooth. You can always do it with either honey or oil, but the two together are always a plus!

Lips, Seduction, Sexy, Elicit, Erotic, Entice, Mouth
Lips Care 101

Which products to choose from?

I chose deodorized shea butter (so filtered with clay) because I don’t like the smell of shea butter, especially when wearing the mask, but that’s up to each person! Otherwise, I use the other ingredients because:
Shea butter is very rich, it protects, softens and restructures the skin. It can be used for the lips, the body and the hair.
The coconut oil will protect our lips and will make them soft while bringing a good smell.
Sweet almond oil is very popular for massages because of its beautiful light texture and its soothing and softening properties when dry and delicate skin. So it is perfect for our lips.

Well, now that you know the importance of taking care of your lips, you can do your routine with a homemade lip scrub and lip balm and let us know!

Beadboard

How to Hide Seams in Beadboard

The most cost-effective beadboard material you can find is 4X8 paneling sheets found at most home improvement stores. If 8′ isn’t tall enough, you have to install multiple pieces and the seam is pretty apparent. Generally, you can hide the seam with a trim but there are occasions when you just want a seamless beadboard. It requires a bit of work to hide the seam but it is possible.

Make Sure Beads and Grooves Line Up

When installing multiple pieces of beadboard vertically, the most important thing is that the grooves and beads line up as perfectly as possible. There can be a difference from one sheet to another, so take some time to select beadboard panels that match.

Attach Beadboard Firmly to Surface

When attaching beadboard to the cabinet, wall or another surface, in addition to nails, use caulk as adhesive. It may not be necessary to use adhesive on the entire panel but apply it to the area where the seam is being created. The objective is to prevent future movement and to crack in the wood putty and reveal the seam.
Make sure the beads and grooves line up as perfectly as you can get them and drive nails wherever you need them to pull the panel flat against the surface.

Apply Wood Putty

Beadboard
Beadboard

Apply your favorite wood putty generously, making sure to press it into the grooves. To build up a strong patch over the seam, spread on an ample supply of wood putty. Then use a wide putty knife to feather it out, spreading a portion of putty both above and below the seam. Feathering it out and applying the wood putty over a larger area will help hide the seam.

Clean Wood Putty Out of Grooves

Use the corner of a putty knife to scrape the putty out of the grooves. In some areas, you may find that this action reveals the seam. If this happens, reapply putty in that area and take less out when scraping the groove. You may have to use your fingers to shape and round the wood putty over the beads.

Sand Face and Grooves

Face

Wait for the putty to be completely dry before sanding. The flat face of the beadboard can be sanded with a fine grit sanding block or using an orbital sander. Either way, use gentle pressure and only take off a little at a time, so you don’t remove too much putty and reveal the seam.

Beads and Grooves

To create a thin, stiff, and flat sanding block, you can wrap a putty knife in sandpaper. (Start with 120 grit sandpaper followed by 220 grit.) Using a gentle up and down motion, sand all the beads and grooves. You’ll probably have to reposition the sandpaper frequently because there is such a small area of sandpaper surface being used.

Decide if You Can Move Forward or Need to Repeat a Few Steps

Once the whole seam is sanded smooth, look at it with a critical eye from multiple directions. Decide if it looks good or needs another coat of wood putty. If it needs another coat, go back and repeat.

Prime

Beadboard
Beadboard

If it looks great, prime it. The primer will accentuate any and all imperfections. If any flaws are revealed that you don’t want to live with, repeat the necessary steps to hide the seam to standards you can live with.

Paint

Once you decide the hidden seam looks great, go ahead and paint the beadboard.

Tip: If you see a visible hairline crack after painting, scraping the paint with a one-sided razor blade might do the trick. Hold the blade at close to a 90-degree angle and gently rub across the crack/seam. If the first pass doesn’t do anything, try again with a little more pressure. This trick only works with very small seams.

 

Let us know in the comments below if you have ever tried to hide seams in beadboard.

Candles

Candles to Treat Anxiety.

Whether it was mild anxiety before speaking in front of an audience or severe anxiety that led to a panic attack, we have all experienced a certain level of anxiety at some point in our lives. Either way, it is important that you know how to calm yourself because an accelerated heart rate and difficulty breathing are not pleasurable.

While it is important to seek professional advice, your therapist, unfortunately, won’t be available 24-hour. There are different methods that you can use at home to help you feel relaxed. In this article, we will talk about therapeutic candles that may help you whenever you are feeling a bit anxious.

Candles are known to set the mood, so whether it is at home or in your office, they will help you establish a calm environment.

Meditate, Woman, Yoga, Zen, Meditating, Relax, Relaxing
For relaxation.

Scents For Anxiety…

It is known that you can use grounding techniques to relieve your anxiety. What do I mean by grounding techniques? This technique allows you to stay away from negative thoughts by staying in the present. One of my favourite grounding techniques is using your five senses to resolve unwanted anxiety. Here we are talking about ‘smell’, where lighting a scented candle will help you to stay grounded.

We have listed some scents that are well-known for calming anxiety and stress.

Lavender: Lavender has been well-known to help us sleep, but do you know why? Because lavender actually calms our nerves making more easier for us to sleep. Some use it as bath soaks, others as a body mist. Either way, it is very useful. I prefer it in the form of a candle, as it releases the scent slowly, giving me time to focus on my breathing and immerse myself in relaxation.

Rosemary: The benefits of rosemary are unlimited but we will focus on its stress reliever benefit. Rosemary essential oil can help you to decrease cortisol, which is the stress hormone in our body.

Vanilla: Who does not love vanilla flavour? It is the basis of everything and you cannot go wrong with vanilla flavour, right? For me, the scent of vanilla reminds me of my childhood when I come back from school and smell the vanilla scent from the muffin my mom baked for me. Vanilla aroma contains relaxing properties, which is why they are often used in bath products as they promote peaceful sleep.

This DIY project will help you decorate your house with candles that will also promote a relaxing atmosphere.

What you’ll need:

 

  • Wax
  • Candle Wicks
  • One of the aforementioned fragrance oils
  • A spatula
  • A heat-proof glass container
  • A pan

Steps:

 

  • Melt your wax into the pan for 10 to 20 minutes.
  • Add your fragrance.
  • Put the wick in the heatproof container.
  • Let the wax sit for 3 to 5 min.
  • Pour the wax

Candles, Light, Burn, Burning Candles, Blur, Burning
DIY candles.

Allow it to set completely for a minimum of 4 hours.

Light one candle up as soon as you come home, but please do not ever leave a candle unattended as it may potentially cause a home fire. Make sure to put your candles in a safe place, far from curtains. You can do some research as there are plenty of other scents known to relieve anxiety.

Be aware that some essential oils are toxic to pets and children so I would suggest you store your essential oils out of your children’s reach.

Aromatherapy candles will help set the mood, to help you relax but if you have chronic anxiety I suggest you go onto therapy rather than relying on aromatherapy candles. Let us know in the comments which scents you prefer…