5-ways-feel-like-woman

I consider my children a joy and blessing and I feel as though God gave me these girls to raise as a way of displaying His love for me. Nevertheless I still crave adult interaction. A typical night in my home involves of all three of my girls wanting to tell daddy about their day, my husband attempting to catch a moment of my time to discuss work and me having the daunting task of getting dinner on the table in a timely manner so it doesn't get cold. This is all after a day of watching Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, dancing to the Veggie Tales CD 5 times back to back, and laundry, cooking, homeschooling my youngest, and entertaining a baby, 3 children, and a teenager. After 5 days a week following that routine it is time for me to feel like a woman again, just as much as a mom.

5 Signs I am a mom:

1. When I get time in the car without kids and the Veggie Tales CD is playing, I begin singing along and I can't change the music until the song is finished.
2. I get preoccupied with the TV while cooking dinner because I want to make sure Mickey has solved his dilemma.
3. I find myself putting more attention into My Little Pony and kiddy pools and less into in fashion, food, or anything remotely close to what I enjoyed before kids.
4. Instead of reading John Grisham novels, I am checking out mystery books from the kids section and they are actually holding my interest.
5. My idea of fine dining is dining without someone complaining about their day.
5 ways I break free and feel like a woman again:

1.When alone I drive in silence or turn on my favorite music and reflect on how great God is or plan a trip for our anniversary.
2. While cooking dinner I direct the kids outside to play so I can enjoy a nice cup of coffee in addition to preparing a great meal.
3. I take 30 min. after the kids are in bed to do something that I seldom have time to enjoy. I make sure it is unrelated to children.
4. I spend 30 min. every morning reading the Bible and enjoying it while my kids watch a cartoon
5. I make sure to leave the house with my husband and no children, even if it's not for dinner. There are times when we grab coffee at Starbucks and people watch.
As mom's we all need time alone without our kids. No matter how much I love my children I still need to take time out from being a mom and relax, rest in the Lord, and spend time with my husband.

5-must-beauty-products-summer

Every girl is aware of how hot, summer days can complicate things, beauty wise. From melting makeup to fading perfume, you girls know how challenging it can be to stay looking gorgeous in Summer! Looking for the best beauty products that will keep you gorgeous all summer long? Look no further! These five summer must-haves will withstand even the hottest, sunniest Summer days!

1. E.L.F Studio Waterproof Lengthening and Volumizing Mascara 

This mascara is absolutely perfect for summertime! Not only is it waterproof, but it is designed to stay on perfectly all day! It adds the perfect amount of length and volume to your lashes and is designed to prevent eyelash cluttering! Not to mention that this amazing mascara is an absolute bargain at just $3! This is definitely a summer must have if you want your eyelashes to stay beautiful, no matter what!

2. CARGO Water Resistant Bronzer 

Bronzer is an absolute must have for Summer, and this type is the best there is! Not only does it have a super silky finish, but it gives you a perfect hint of sparkle that gives your skin an amazing, no matter what! This product is absolutely perfect to wear if you haven't gotten your summer tan yet and hope to get one while appearing to have the perfect tan! It's definitely a Summer essential!

3. Texturizing Dry Shampoo 

Who wants to take the time to wash, dry, and style their hair every single day, especially during summertime? This dry shampoo is an absolute must have for having fabulous hair in an instant! This particular dry shampoo is absolutely amazing because it adds great texture to your hair, which is perfect you're trying for the tousled beach waves hair look. If you need extra styling grip, you can even spray it on clean hair! This is an absolute must!

4. Urban Decay All Nighter Long-Lasting Makeup Setting Spray 

This product is absolutely the best thing ever for a hot, humid, sunny Summer day! All you need to do is spray it on your face after applying your makeup and it acts as a 24 hour shield, keeping your makeup perfect for up to 24 hours! In fact, it's so amazing that you don't even need touch ups, it keeps your makeup perfectly applied!

5. Make Up For Ever Aqua Eyes 

This amazing eye liner will stay on perfectly no matter what! It is not only sweat resistant, and water proof, but it's also "swim-approved", which means that it stays on even after swimming! Can you imagine an entire summer day at the pool, swimming and laying out, all the while keeping your eye liner on?

5-ways-thicken-your-lashes-instantly

Some of us weren't born with thick, luscious lashes that make our eyes appear youthful and bright. Fortunately, there are several easy tricks that can transform sparse eyelashes into thick lashes instantly. Of course, mascara can go a long way in making your lashes longer and thicker, but in combination with other beauty products, your lashes can appear more than 10x thicker. Add these simple steps to your beauty regimen and you can achieve thicker lashes instantly. With consistent use of these products, you can ensure that your lashes will be in better shape within a matter of weeks.

1. Vaseline

There is no need for a prescription when you have a bottle of Vaseline in your medicine cabinet. Vaseline can easily make your eyelashes grow. Lather a generous amount of Vaseline all over your eyelashes and allow them to sit overnight. Within a matter of weeks, you'll see your eyelashes grow and thicken.

2. Olive Oil

Olive oil is commonly used to stimulate hair growth and strengthen hair. Applying olive oil to your hair can instantly thicken your lashes. To thicken your lashes with olive oil, apply several drops onto a cotton ball and dab it onto your lashes. Rinse off the olive oil with warm water after five minutes and you'll notice a dramatic difference within four weeks.

3. Cetaphil

Cetaphil is the ideal beauty product for women with lashes that are thin and brittle. Coat your eyes and lashes with Cetaphil Moisturizing Crème every night, and within three to four weeks, you can see noticeable results. This miracle product is made for the face, but works wonders on your lashes. Use Cetaphil before applying your primer and mascara.

4. Serums

Eyelash serums are a great way to stimulate eyelash growth, while hydrating your lashes. Serums are ideal for achieving thicker, longer lashes without the use of makeup. Serums also help strengthen lashes that are prone to breakage. Use a serum every morning and every night to promote lash growth within several weeks.

5. Extensions

Extensions can give eyelashes an instant boost. While false eyelashes are just a temporary fix, they are ideal for important events in which you need instantly longer or thicker lashes. Eyelash extensions can be costly, so it's important to choose the type of extensions wisely. You must be careful while wearing false eyelashes, as they cannot get wet or could become ruined. Extensions also require frequent touch-ups.

5-alternative-cleaners-for-Housewifes

It's that time of year again-it's time to deep clean the house. Although the familiar brands of cleaning supplies have always been reliable and let's face it, your best friend at times, these cleaning supplies can be chock full of dangerous chemicals. These chemicals, which are riddled with toxic fumes and harsh ingredients, can put children and pets at risk. Not only are these cleaners possibly dangerous, but they also can end up adding up to some serious cash. Below are some do-it yourself natural cleaners.

All-Purpose Cleaners.

Switch out your store brand all-purpose cleaner with one that you can whip up yourself. All you need is about ¼ cup of organic castile soap, 2 cups of water and 20 drops of grapefruit extract. You can use this all-purpose cleaner in the same way you would use your store brand version.

Furniture Polish.

Throw away the Pledge and mix together your very own furniture polish. It only takes 5-10 drops of wild orang essential oil with ¼ cup of olive oil. Use this formula to keep your wood nice and shiny.

Grease Cleaner.

Want to find an all-natural way to clean your drains? Try mixing orange peels and ice together and then dump the combination down the drain. Turn on the disposal and the citrus acid will break apart the grease.

Fabric Softener.

Create your very own fabric softener out of vinegar. All you need is ¼- ½ cup of vinegar and then presto you have your very own homemade fabric softener. Add your favorite essential oil to make your fabric softener smell good.

4-basics-ashley-olsens

Though I adore Mary Kate's eclectic and carefree wardrobe, I have to say that Ashley is the Olsen twin whose fashion sense is more after my own heart.
Ashley's style is more classic and refined than her sister's and she usually chooses clothes with simple, clean lines. Yet Ashley is far from boring because she always injects some edge or personality into her outfits. Here are 4 basic tips you can use to achieve her style.

Wear them skinny...

Even though Ashley has a ton of money and gets to attend all types of fabulous events, for the most part, she lives in something everyone can afford, and that's the jean. Occasionally she'll rock a wide-legged trouser style, but more often than not she goes for the skinny variety.

Ashley usually opts for tight low-waisted skinnies that are cropped right at the ankle or a little bit higher. She probably prefers cropped jeans because she's so tiny, but I think it also allows the Olsen twin to show off all of the details of her high heels.

To be like Ashley choose low-rise skinny jeans that show off your ankles in lightly faded vintage washes, dark denim, and black denim.

Get Blazer Sharp...

A basic blazer is another essential part of Ashley's wardrobe. She's been wearing them for years, whether they're a shrunken boy's style blazer, or a long over-sized one, Ashley throws them on all of the time.

The reason is simple, a blazer makes Ashley's casual jeans and t-shirts look more put together and sophisticated during the daytime.

And when she's wearing an ultra-feminine dress at night, the blazer balances it out. It gives her girlier ensembles a tomboyish vibe, and makes her outfit look cool and carefree, as if she just threw it on and wasn't trying too hard.

Go Over-sized...

This Olsen twin will occasionally wear a fitted tank, but more often than not she favors over-sized tops. She usually chooses masculine looking oxfords, or baggy dresses to wear over her skinny jeans and wide leg trousers. Even when Ashley wears light-weight blouses, t-shirts, and tanks, they're never skin tight.

To be like Ashley wear blouses and tops that fit your body, while also de-emphasizing your waist.

Don't Forget Black & White Matters

A few years ago Ashley wore a bit more color than she now does. The colors were never bright or shocking, they'd usually be a neutral like brown or olive green, or maybe a pale pink, but it's way more color than Ms. Olsen wears now.

At this point she's usually photographed wearing black and white either together or separately. Whenever she does add a splash of color it's usually a neutral like beige, grey, or navy blue and it's always worn with, guess what? Black and white of course!

I think she's into this color palette now because it gives her outfits a graphic, edgy, and classic look. So buy tons of jeans, tops, trousers and dresses in solid black and white (no patterns please) to have Ashley's signature style.

face washes for acne

If you suffer from acne and have tried over-the-counter products to no avail, it may be time to reassess your cleansing routine. Most commercial acne medications and washes contain harsh chemicals, which can dry out your skin and inflame your pores, potentially making your skin worse. For example, Benzoyl Peroxide, one of the most common ingredients in acne treatments, has the ability to bleach your hair, towels and anything else it comes in contact with. Eeek. Consider that next time you think about using it to zap your zits.
As an alternative to slathering chemicals and toxins on your already irritated skin, consider making your own all-natural face wash to alleviate your acne symptoms. Making your own washes specifically formatted to combat acne is easy and affordable, and you can do so using common ingredients you probably have in your kitchen already! Using all-natural washes on a regular basis can help clear up your existing zits and pimples and work to prevent breakouts in the future.

Lemon, Peppermint and Zinc

Lemons are a natural astringent and peppermint is great for opening up pores. Zinc is one of the best things you can obtain over-the-counter to fight acne. To make this wash, steep peppermint teas bags in water for 10 minutes. Add in 1 spoon of lemon peel , and the contents of 1 zinc tablet, available at any pharmacy. Dip a clean cotton cloth into the mixture and use it to wash your face. Rinse the mixture off with warm water. This mixture is safe to use on sensitive skin and with regular use you should see a significant improvement in the overall appearance of your complexion.

Strawberries and Honey

Strawberries are a natural source of salicylic acid, a common ingredient in most over-the-counter acne medications. Honey is a natural antibacterial, which will help kill the bacteria that causes acne in the first place. To make this wash, mash up a handful of fresh strawberries and stir in 1 tablespoon of organic honey. Smear the paste onto your face and use your fingers to rub it in. Rinse away with warm water and repeat daily for best results.

Honey and Almond Oil

Almond oil will help replenish moisture to your face and prevent dryness that can lead to further breakouts. Simply mix 1 tablespoon of almond oil with 1 tablespoon of organic honey and massage the mixture into your skin. Let it sit for a few minutes before rinsing away warm water.