Wax It Up!

I am somewhat obsessed with hair removal. I have been on a long quest of finding the perfect hair removal product. I have shaved with soap, shaved with gel, shaved with cream, waxed at a salon, waxed myself, and I have even used Nair (blah!). Shaving my legs, pits and arms seems to work just fine. But my lady business...that's its own problem! Probably because I have really really sensitive skin. Everything leaves me with itchy and unsightly bumps and rashes.

I came across this recipe on a blog I love to follow. It's a homemade sugaring recipe! I decided, "I am going to try that!" So I did. After waxing, I coupled it with my Lavender Essential Oil. It's so easy, cheap and natural. AND IT WORKS! And no bumps or rashes! And I have heard that because it's all-natural you aren't supposed to get ingrown hairs either (we'll see). To me, it's nothing short of a miracle. Sure, waxing my bikini line with any product hurts a bit, but it beats shaving!

Here's the recipe. Try it, and let me know if you love it too!

SUGAR WAX
2 cups sugar (any sugar, I used white)
¼ cup water
¼ cup lemon juice (fresh squeezed or bottled)

Place and mix these ingredients in a sauce pan on the stove over a medium high temperature. The mixture will begin to bubble and boil a little (make sure not to over boil). After about 5 minutes the mixture will at some point begin to change color. When it looks a golden brown (almost like honey) you will want to remove from stove and pour into a clean container for storing (one that can be reheated). You can also get a spoon-full of the sugar water and run it under cold water to make sure it is sticky and will slightly ball up to see if it is done. Others said that a candy thermometer reading 260° will indicated a done sugaring wax. Let it cool for an hour or two. To heat it up just stick it in the microwave for about 30 seconds until it is a honey like consistency. Check how hot it is before applying to skin. Remove with a muslin strip.















A few pointers:
• I went by the guideline and cooked it until 260° F, and it seemed to be perfect. After it cooled, I heated it and went to work. Note...beware because it is HOT after 30 seconds in the microwave...don't burn your skin!
• I bought muslin strips and sticks at Sally's Beauty Supply.
• Most waxes you tear against the skin, with this you tear with the skin. I think that is another reason it is gentle.
• There are so many reasons I loved this! And another one is because it is sugar based, the residue rinses off in warm water like a dream. I dripped some on the bathroom rug, and it came right out with a wet rag... try that with your other waxes!

When I was done I rubbed a drop of my Lavender Essential Oil on my skin. Lavender has incredible medicinal properties that sooth and calm irritated skin, rashes and burns. If you are interested in knowing how to get the best Lavender essential oil (and other oils too) out there, talk to me. I can hook you up!

So YAY! for sugar waxing and lavendar!

My Way of Going Green

I'm not completely into the "going green" concept. It doesn't mean I think it's poppycock, I just haven't had a personal reason yet to make it a complete part of my life. I recycle...that's something, right?! Well, I was inspired by a fellow blogger to sew my own shopping bags. This chic uses awesome fabrics. She has quite a modern style that I like. Anyway, I took her idea, and along with my mom we figured out a pattern and put it to the test.

This was the first one. I LOVE this fabric. The bag is so simple and nothing special, but the vibrant patterns and colors on the inside really make them fun.


















Then I made this one. I embellished a little with these super cute ruffles. This fabric is another favorite!


































This one's for my sister on Mother's Day (sorry sis to spoil the surprise - if you're reading this!!). She loves the jewel tones, and I thought she'd love this fabric. (Maybe I should note that I never make or pick out anything for anyone if I don't love it too. I can always find mutual connections ;) Anyway, I made this super cute flower for the front. My sister is such a girly-girl in so many ways, and I know this extra touch will be appreciated! Oh, and the best thing is that flower is SO easy to make...You don't even need a sewing machine!




































Well, I can't wait to go shopping now! I just need to decide whether or not to use them for grocery shopping...that thought kind of pains me. What do you think? I think the $1 reusable bags might be better for groceries, and save these for the more exciting shopping trips! Like buying fabric...