Everyday Steps For Clear Skin

Wouldn't it be lovely to have gorgeous, problem-free skin all the time? Nothing irritates me more than a pimple that screams "Squeeze me!", which then ends up becoming an acne scar in a few days, screaming "Gotcha!" We've all been there! In order to prevent pimples and to keep your skin healthy and clean, follow these 7 steps daily (preferably before going to bed)

The procedure begins with opening all your dirty pores in order to clean them completely. Run a wash cloth under hot water and press it onto your face. The water and steam will help open the pores and clean the dirt. Just ensure that the water isn't too hot

Before continuing, wash your hands with soap and warm water. You don't want to touch your face with dirty hands. I strongly recommend a facial cleanser which suits your skin type for this step. Pour some cleanser on your palms, and massage the cleanser onto your face for 30 seconds in circular motions. Rinse with warm water. Remember, cold water closes pores while warm/hot water opens them. Using a towel, pat dry your face lightly.

Mix two tablespoons of water with two tablespoons of sugar. Stir the two ingredients until they become a thin paste. Add half a tablespoon more of sugar to the paste and stir. Wet you palms and apply the paste onto your face. Divide your face into three parts: the left side of your face, the right side, and your forehead. Using your wet hands, massage the paste in circular motions for 1 minute on each part of the face. Rinse with warm water after exfoliating.

Cut a lemon in half and squeeze, collecting about 20 drops of fresh lemon juice. Dip your fingers into the freshly squeezed lemon juice and smear on your face, keeping it on for about 10 seconds. Lemon juice may cause burning, and if it does, keep it on only for 5 seconds. Don't forget to wash with warm/hot water. Don't dry yet. Using the already-squeezed lemon half, pour half a teaspoon of honey onto the cut side of the lemon. Smear the honey and lemon onto your face, massaging with circular motions onto your face for only 30 seconds. Wash with warm/hot water. Using a towel, pat dry your face.

Turn off the warm/hot water and turn on the cold. Splash your face with cold water, trying not to touch your face completely. Get an ice cube from the freezer and rub it all over your face and neck. This will close all your pores. Pat dry your face and moisturize. If you're going to bed right after, pull your hair up.

Repeat these steps daily, once or twice depending on your skin's condition. Look at yourself in the mirror and tell yourself that you're beautiful, because you are!

It's Valentines Day & Your Single ♡

Being single on V-Day is one of the worst thing, I have been there – unless you know some Valentine's Day tips for singles that are actually worth reading. I know that a lot of Valentine's Day tips for singles are pretty generic or don't really cater to the single folks! If you are single this V-Day, don't worry, I've got some great tips & tricks for you to enjoy your holiday and make it fun, no matter what!

Make It A Girls Night

Do you have a bunch of single ladies? That's awesome, why not make it a girls' night? This is one of those Valentine's Day tips for singles that can really be fun and can even become a tradition for you and your single girlfriends. Pick a bar, a night club or even just head out of your home to drive around! Planning a night in with your favorite flicks, snacks and cocktails is a great idea too!

Have A Ant-V-Day Party

If you have a bunch of friends that are single, both guys and girls, why not get them all together and have an anti-Valentine's Day party? It's actually really fun, girls! It's one of those parties that is specifically for people that aren't attached to anyone. So decorate with X'd out hearts and party on!

Family TimeAnother great alternative to doing something typical or romance-related on V-Day is to use it as a time to spend time with your family. Family time is always important, but it's hard to actually find the time to visit your family. So why not do it on a day that is all about love?

Attitude Counts

Your attitude is definitely a big portion of how you take Valentine's Day and how you act. If you are positive that you are going to have a great time on V-Day? Then you will! If you are down in the dumps about Valentine's Day? You'll have a bad time. Attitude counts!

Take Time To Yourself

Who knows, maybe you don't want to do anything on this particular day and you just want to take some time for yourself. That's okay too! You can get a facial, get your nails done and really pamper yourself. That way, when February 15th rolls around, you look beautiful!

Share The Love With Your Work

What about your office? Take it to the extreme and bring in some fantastic baked goods or even just make your lunch a little festive! This is a great time to spread the love and good fortune at the office. Your work friends will appreciate it!

Focus On Yourself

And finally, focus on yourself. Really think about yourself and find yourself. I know that I have jumped from relationship to relationship a couple times and never really found myself – until now. Focusing on yourself is so important, especially during a time when it's all about love! Love yourself.

Have More Energy As A Mom ♡

One thing that moms need more of is energy. As a mom you’re surrounded by little people who seem to have energy in huge quantities. Meanwhile, you’re fighting exhaustion and just trying to get through the day. As mom's we go through a lot. If this sounds familiar then these are some ways you can do to have more energy as a mom.

Get Ready For The Day

This works well for me and I think a lot of you will be able to relate. Getting ready for the day gives me energy. This means getting my shower, doing my hair and makeup and getting dressed in real clothes before the clock passes eight or nine. And generally, the earlier the better. You feel more energetic when you've taken time to get ready for the day.

ExerciseYou’d think that exercising would tire you out and it can, but that doesn't usually hit you till later in the day. Exercise can give you awesome bursts of energy. In fact, I've found that taking time for exercise doesn't make me less productive; it actually helps me to get more done because I’m so energized afterward. There’s no specific exercise that works best at giving you energy. All different kinds of exercise can give this benefit.

Get Out Of The House

Sometimes you can stay home too much and get a bit of cabin fever. Then you don’t have the energy for anything. Getting out of the house can help you to feel more energetic as a mom. It’s nice to just get out and interact with other adults. It lifts your spirits and your energy level.

Drink Caffeine When Necessary

Caffeine isn’t necessarily the best answer when you’re feeling low on energy. The other options here are better choices. But sometimes you need to drum up some energy and caffeine is the quickest, easiest solution. It’s okay to have some caffeine for the energy boost as long as you don’t go overboard. There are even some studies that show that a daily cup of coffee has health benefits. The important thing is to not use caffeine excessively.

Get Enough Sleep

If you’re low on energy then chances are you’re tired. While there’re some times during that parenting years when you can expect to go without sleep, make it a goal to get at least 7-8 hours of sleep a night. During the times when sleep is in short supply because you have a newborn or a sick child, make it a point to nap when your child does. When you get enough sleep you’ll feel better, your immune system will be stronger and you’ll have more energy. You’ll probably find that you’re a happier mom, too.

Take Your Vitamins

This is a small, simple thing that can boost your energy. It’s also something that doesn't take much time. Taking a multivitamin can help you to have more energy by filling in any nutritional gaps in your diet. There are also specific vitamins that can help with energy, too. Of course you should talk to your doctor before you take any new medications.