glam winter nails

Although it is summer here in the land down under, I always love finding trend inspiration from back home in America. The trends usually end up here, a few months later, so it helps to give me an idea of what's coming up on the fashion horizon. Also, I believe that you should wear whatever you like, regardless of seasonal trends and other fads. Why not? That is what true style is all about, in my opinion.

I love the glam winter nail colours featured on Julep this season. Moody shades of violet, blue, and bronze are definitely shades I cam get into. I'm a cool colour kinda gal, a January baby (p.s. I just had a major birthday, and I'm still trying to embrace the new decade I'm now a part of... the fabulous 40s!). So, if you are like me, you're going to love these nail colours, too.

I also like Julep's tips for "winterizing" your nails. Since I live in a dry climate, these tips would be great for me to keep in mind pretty much all year long. To be honest, I rarely paint my finger nails, since they always seem to chip within 24 hours. I always paint my toe nails, though. I just can't stand seeing my toe nails naked! Maybe if I get the chance (aka the baby's nap time), I could treat myself to a manicure. Yes, that sounds good to me!

Too Easy

I have got to tell you all about this amazing brown sugar scrub that I've been using. It really is "too easy" to make, as Aussies say. Whether you would want to make it for yourself, like I did, or make a batch for Christmas gifts, this scrub should seriously be on your DIY list.

Here's the story...

Last week, I was looking online for an easy and inexpensive homemade facial scrub recipe, because I had run out of my favourite green tea scrub (months ago, actually), and my skin was not looking very happy about it. Being a frugalista these days, I decided to try making one. The scrub recipe with the fewest ingredients, those items which I already had--and always have, in my kitchen, was the one I decided to try. I found the recipe here.

Here's the recipe...

All you need to do is use twice as much brown sugar as olive oil, like 1/2 cup brown sugar and 1/4 cup olive oil. Mix it together in a small plastic container (I would not recommend using a glass jar in the shower, in case it would break). That's it! Now you have a yummy scrub which your face will love.

After having used the scrub for a week, I can tell you that my skin is looking and feeling much better--cleaner pores, moisturized, supple, and soft texture. 

To use, just apply a dab of the sugar scrub on each area of your face, and then quickly scrub your skin, because the sugar crystals will dissolve pretty rapidly once they get wet. Also, I recommend using a gentle cream cleanser to wash the scrub off, like Cetaphil or a generic version.

This brown sugar scrub would make a fabulous gift. Just gussy up the container with a ribbon bow and a label, and voila! A perfectly pretty little present.

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