Acne-Fighting Mask

If you are anything like me, you’ve tried every skin clearing product on the market. And, if you’re like me, you’re pitifully disappointed with the results–-dry, flaky, inflamed, and itchy skin. And still with the acne. Ugh. The fact is, some commercial beauty products just don’t work the way they are advertised to. Anyways, homemade beauty products are almost always better for you, better for the environment, and way better for your wallet. This recipe is no exception!

Here is the recipe for an easy DIY acne medication/ toner/ exfoliating mask. And not to toot my own horn, (toot), but this stuff is great. Say goodbye to dry, itchy skin and acne, say hello to a smooth, soft, and glowing face.

What you’ll need (makes about 2-3 uses):

1/3 cup of apple cider vinegar

3 tablespoons of honey

4 tablespoons of ground oatmeal

1 teaspoon of  olive oil

1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon (not anymore than this,!)

*Store leftovers in the fridge until ready to use again! (Fresh for up to a month).

Why it works:

Apple cider vinegar, a natural toner, diminishes the appearance of acne scars and dark marks, while its acidity kills bacteria, preventing future breakouts.

Honey is a natural anti-inflammatory, which reduces any irritation from the vinegar, and can help heal any present acne.

The ground oatmeal contains brightening and moisturizing properties.

Olive oil has been used for centuries as a simple and effective moisturizer.

Cinnamon is an exfloliant and antimicrobial which keeps acne at bay.

What you’ll do:

Mix these ingredients thoroughly (making sure the honey and oats aren’t clumping together) and microwave for 40 seconds (remember to let cool completely before applying!)

Then, mix again if any separation has occurred.

Lastly, apply in a thin layer across your face (or anywhere, really). Let sit for 10 minutes, and rinse. Pat dry.

Note: Some redness and irritation may occur if you have never used these ingredients on your skin before, or if you have very sensitive skin. If you experience this, try cutting back on the vinegar and cinnamon!

Ta da! Use up to 2x a week for beautiful, clear, and glowing skin.

Source: my original blog at www.earthybeauty.wordpress.com

Happy do-it-yourself-ing!

The American's Ploughman

For those of you who do not know me (would you like to? Check out my social media!) you should know that once upon a time, back when I was in college, I spent about six months living in England. I was supposed to be studying medieval British literature and poetry (that's what my university sent me there for, anyways) but, as I'm sure you suspected, I spent 99.9% of my time traveling, drinking (more on that later!) and eating strange English foods.
The one thing I ate more than anything was the Ploughman's sandwich--the English adore this sandwich. It was at every gas station, every deli, every cafe and fancy restaurant. It. Was. Everywhere.
While this sandwich was good, I always wanted make a few alterations.  Here is the original recipe:


2x Medium wholemeal bread slices
Mature Cheddar cheese
1x tablespoon Branston sweet pickle
1x tablespoon mayonnaise
Iceberg lettuce
1x tomato


As an American, I felt like it needed more flavor (and also to ditch the sweet pickle forever--sweet pickles are, in my mind, an abomination.) So, I thought, why not butcher this English classic and make it more Americanized? Why not take everything that makes this a classic, and change it (ha-ha)? Why, isn't that what we American's do best--take things from other cultures and change it to our liking (*self-burn*)

Anyways, all is fair in the kitchen! Without further ado, here's my American's Ploughman:

2x Sourdough slices
Extra sharp orange cheddar cheese (sorry, Brits, no white cheddar here)
1-2 tablespoons of dill relish, to taste
1 tablespoon diced red onion
1 tablespoon of mayonnaise
Arugula
Tomato slices

I feel as though this version has a bit more flavor--the dill pickle is a bit more tart, the arugula is sharp and spicy, and the red onion adds a nice bite. Further, the sourdough pairs well with sharp cheddar (and also gives me an excuse to eat sourdough.)
What do you think? Are there any classic recipes you've put your own twist on?

Happy eating!

Katie Rodgers & Her Dreamy Dresses

I've been a fangirl of Katie Rodgers for some time now.

After discovering her mesmerizing videos on Vine (and watching about 4 hours of them) back in 2014, I haven't been able to get enough. Katie, an amazingly simplistic artist, crafts beautiful, elegant works usually in paint. Most often, she paints dresses (and to those who are thinking really? Mostly dresses? Isn't that boring? I say scroll on, and you'll get why I keep coming back for more.)
Then I learned that she actually sells prints of some of her work, and my life was nearly complete. Her work is perfect if you are going for a Parisian-chic decor look, or if you just want to add some femininity to a space. Her work is also great for adding a little charm to a walk-in closet or bathroom! Check it out:

This is modeled after a D&G dress... Oh baby. 

This one is PERFECT for a little girl's room (or, you know, a big girl's room...)

I think I'll just hang this on the wall in place of a Christmas tree this year... 

Ahhh, so dreamy!

Each of the photos featured above are available for purchase on Katie's website. However, there are some equally amazing ones just featured in her portfolio (and, unfortunately, they are not yet available for purchase.) Though you can't hang 'em up, I'd like to show you them anyways, because they are some of my absolute favorites:

Love, love, love.

Rose, gold, black, and sequins. YES. 

THIS. ONE. *Drools* *Dies* Can I live forever in that far back dress?!

If you are dying for more, click here to check out Katie's site, or click here to see her renditions of famous Oscar gowns (this is a must see--she only uses Q-Tips for goodness' sake!)

Happy decorating!

Phenomenal Professional Fashion

I want to be a professional, powerful woman.

You know, the type of woman that takes 1st class flights to Thailand for "business," and buys Venti Starbucks drinks everyday without a second thought. I want to be the kind of person you see walking past you on the street and think "Ooh, wonder where she is heading? An important Skype call with the president? A meeting with the CEO of Apple?"
You know those people, right?

There is only one problem.

Traditional "professional" clothing makes my soul shrivel up and weep. Pant suits make me sad. Bland blazers physically hurt me. Why is it that to look professional, we must dress in colorless, tweed-laden, kitten-heeled, cookie-cutter outfits? Why are professionalism and "drab" synonymous in this current business world?

I for one think that you can dress colorfully, forgo the pantsuit and bland blazer, and still look like a powerful, take-no-crap-from-anyone businesswoman, and to prove it, I've included four must-have Spring/Summer professional clothing types to add to your closet ASAP:

1. Flowing Midi Skirts

I am so loving this new trend--midi skirts are not only comfortable, but are long enough to be worn around the office (with heels!) no problem. I particularly love this white midi from Midnight Bandit--is there any colorful top that wouldn't look absolutely stately when paired with this skirt? 

2. High-Necked Sleeveless A-Line Dresses

I am firmly of the belief that sleeveless dresses can still ooze class, especially when paired with a high neckline. This stunner from ModCloth is no exception--can't you just imagine stomping through Central Park in this floral dream, politely telling your assistant on the phone to "Make it work, Stacy." ?

3. Colorful Peplum Blouses

Peplums, when done right, can be both whimsical and refined--and in a bright, eye-catching color, you are guaranteed to stand out in a crowd of professionals. This top from Augustine's is the perfect combination of dignified and enthralling, and will keep you comfortable in those long, tiring press conferences *sigh*. 

4. Baggy Pastel Trousers

Ok, not only are these super comfortable, but they are downright delectable in this raspberry sorbet color from Troy Gift. I absolutely love these trousers with a nice, loose blouse, pumps, and a huge, blingy necklace. It just screams: "Bosses can be chic, too!"

How do you combat the woes of professional garb? Let me know!

Happy ladder-climbing!

The Highest of Highlighters

Highlighting--if you haven't heard of it... are you in a coma? Trapped in some remote corner of the woods? Or do you just not care about makeup? (That's fair!)

The thing is, everyone and their grandmother is glowing up with this latest trend in makeup, and I for one am wholeheartedly on board. I mean, who doesn't want to look like a shimmering, translucent angel? I'm just said this wasn't a thing earlier. 

However, not all highlighters are created equally (some will make you look more like a glittered-up toddler at a dance recital). But hey, that's what I'm here for! I've rounded up my favorite highlighters so you can confidentenly load up on that shimmer. 

1. Beauty Blush Duo in Rose Gold - Pixi by Petra

Ok, so technically this is a blush, not a highlighter, but I found it offers a lot more glow than it does color. The best part? The pink blends perfectly with the white shimmer to achieve a more natural highlight look. 

2. Highlight Trio - City Color Cosmetics 

This one is a must-have for my contouring people out there--the darker shade is perfect for your chin and brow, the lighter is great for your nose bridge and cupid's bow, while the pinker shade is great for cheeks. 

3. Highlighting Trio - ModelCo

This one is a must -have for my professional contouring people--with more exaggerated hues, and a creamy formula, this highlighting trio is not for the week of heart!

4. Sheer Glo - Manna Kadar Cosmetics 

This is my go-to, summer glow product. Its light enough that it can be applied to the whole face for an all-over, shimmering brilliance. 

5. S/B Highlighter - Temptu

This is a product that can do it all-- apply is all over for a soft glow, or on key highlight areas (nose bridge, cheek bones, etc.) for a perfect, intense highlight. 

What are your favorite highlighter products?

Happy glowing!

Miracle Face Mask

There are so many products online that claim to be "miracles"--and most of the time (if you believe the hype) you end up spending way to much for a sub-par product. But once in a blue moon, you'll come across something truly miraculous. I have, my friends, come across something truly miraculous (and CHEAP!) I had read some gushing reviews about this product, but being a self-proclaimed pessimist, I was reluctant to believe a bunch of people on the internet (no offense), but for $10, I was willing to try it out myself.
Oh yeah, the hype is real.

This stuff is AMAZING. As someone who struggles with acne (and ugh, I am a confessed pore-picker) this product was like a gift from heaven. Not only can you actually feel it pulling all of the dirt and yuck from your skin, but once you rinse it away, your pores are 2-3X smaller. Seriously.
 As if that weren't enough, the formula can be altered and mixed with apple cider vinegar for particularly troublesome skin--though you may not need it. Even when mixed with water (it comes as a powder) you may find upon rinsing that your skin has a bit of a redness to it. That's normal, and it fades in a matter of minutes. And anyways, it seemed to me like real, physical proof that a product actually does what it says it will. Wow.
I'll mix this product with about a half a cup of warm water every 2-3 days (mixing, of course, until it comes to a smooth, tooth-paste consistency) and apply using an old foundation brush. Leave on for 15-20 minutes, and WHAM, my skin gets a much needed touch up.

You can click here to check out this product for yourself. Trust me on this one, you guys--your skin will thank you (and me!)

Decor Deals

Ok, so I've just graduated college, which means the world is my oyster, I have four years of an amazing education under my belt, and most importantly, no money. At all. Like, I've eaten microwave popcorn for dinner for a few days now. Sigh.

And, for someone like me who has exquisite, albeit expensive, taste, being dirt-broke is painful (but I WANT that Urban Outfitters $200 rug! Life is so unfair!) But, if college taught me anything, it's how to scour the internet for hours, sometimes days, to find what you want at a reasonable price (uh, yeah, I never bought a textbook from my university bookstore, you kidding me?) So, if you're looking for some super-cute, and SUPER affordable home decor, look no further my friend. I've rounded up my most favorite decor steals from the depths of the web, for your perusal and enjoyment:



1. Magical Thinking Metal Triangle Wall Banner

 Ok, how cute is this wall banner from Urban Outfitters? It would look amazing hung over a bed, a sofa, a dead body... Just about anything, really! And for only $12? Sign me up!




2. Aqua Quinn Bistro Clock

This clock makes me want to take a trip to Paris, and eat a mint macaroon on the river Seine. Am I right? If only a trip to France cost $14, like this World Market clock...

3. Metal Arrow Wall Decor 

Ugh, these bronze-looking wall arrows are so Hunger-Games-chic (post-apocalyptic-glam? Dystopia-dapper?) I'm in love. Pick 'em up from Mockingbird on Broad for just $15!  

4. Mini Geo Terrarium

Alright, terrariums are all the rage these days, and this super cute, cantaloupe-sized gem has turned me into a believer. And for $12 bucks from Urban Outfitters? #drooling

4. "Eat Here" Retro Wall Decor

I think we've all found ourselves longing for the soda-shop, poodle-skirt, Elvis-soaked days of yesteryear, but don't worry! You can make your own 50's paradise with this adorable $25 vintage sign from Mockingbird On Broad.

5. Triceratops Planter

Warning: you will likely see high volumes of dinosaur-related goods on this blog. But how cool is this? Best part is it is available in several different dinosaur species, each for just $22 from TwoTreeBotanicals on Etsy. 

Keep posted for more amazing decor deals (I'm always searching you guys, always...) Have some amazing decor steals of your own? Share in the comments!

Happy decorating!

Jenny Liz Rome Has My Art-Loving Heart

I'm moving out.

That's right, this country girl is headed for the big city (meaning, that slightly larger city close enough  to my original city that I can still see my dogs on the weekends...)
You know what that means? Oh yeah, I'm on a decor-hunt like nobody has ever been on before. I'm scouring the web for the greatest artwork, backdrops, and one-of-a-kind-trinkets to fill up my too small, too drab apartment. And I'll tell you what, the internet never disappoints.
Thanks to my most fav website, Wanelo (do you have an account yet? You should! The best shopping app since...well, since shopping apps were invented!) I've discovered my new favorite artist, and the woman whose work will be adorning my new home.
Ladies and gentlemen, I give you the beautiful, surreal, stunningly personal work of Jenny Liz Rome:












I am in love with the blend of reality and dream, of fantasy and normalcy. Its just the right amount of magical without being cheesy. Ugh. Where do I sign up to be a muse, Jenny?

Loving her work? Want to check out more (or maybe pick yourself up a few pieces for your own little apartment?) Click this link here to be transported right to her shop site, from which you can navigate to her gallery.
Happy decorating!