diy

IMPRESS YOUR VINAS WITH THESE COCKTAIL-MAKING TIPS

/ SimplyAshley / Leave a comment

Vina: bold, intelligent, badass. She’s the life of the party. She can mix a drink.

To help bring out that life-of-the-party vina that’s inside of you, I’ve compiled a tried-and-true list of cocktail-making tips so you can be that girl wherever you’ll be celebrating next.

Before I started following these five simple steps, not even my most beautiful glasses, stainless steel shakers, or a phone full of Pinterest recipes could save my drinks from coming out too strong, too sour, too much like juice, or too much like toxic waste. These tricks have helped me become more creative behind the bar and have given me a better understanding of how much alcohol each drink needs, all while keeping things simple, sweet, and cheap.


1. LESS IS MORE WHEN IT COMES TO INGREDIENTS

A good cocktail doesn’t need to be complicated. Many of the best cocktails have three or fewer ingredients. The important thing to know is what mixes well with what. Here are two of my favorite simple drinks that have less than three ingredients:

The Paloma: 1/4 cup of tequila, 1/4 cup grapefruit soda (like Fresca or Jarritos), served on the rocks with a lime wedge. Add a salted rim to feel like a real pro.

The Bellini: 2 ounces chilled fruit purée (traditionally peach), 3 ounces prosecco. Usually served in a champagne flute, start with the fruit puree on the bottom, then pour the prosecco over the top. Feel free to add a fragrant garnish to up your bar cred.

These and other gorgeous two-ingredient cocktails can be found at http://www.mydomaine.com/two-ingredient-cocktails

Clear cocktail


WHEN IN DOUBT, STICK TO THE CLASSICS

Who’s ever turned down a whiskey and Coke or vodka and soda? These drinks are well known for a reason and are simple to make. The best part about their simplicity is that it makes them easy to customize and dress up. Put your own original spin on any of the classics with fresh herbs, splashes of fruit juice, or even a simple lime or lemon to impress your vinas.

GET CREATIVE WITH FRESH FRUIT AND KOMBUCHA

When you’re drinking, you ’re probably not drinking for the health benefits (unless you’re one of those red-wine-with-dinner people). Still, it’s nice to mix up a fun drink that ’s light on guilt sometimes. Fresh fruit, kombucha, and even Perrier can make awesome additions to classic drinks. (HINT: The Real Food Dietitians suggest replacing the ginger beer in the classic Moscow Mule with kombucha and adding fresh ginger, mint, and cucumbers.)

Women drinking at a bar

CHEAT SHEETS ARE A VINA’S BEST FRIEND

Now that you have the inspiration, it ’s time to get technical. You don’t want to make your drinks too strong or watered down. To ensure that you pour just right every time, check out this amazing cheat sheet that explains the use of “parts” in drink recipes. You can always print it out and keep in your kitchen so you ’re ready for your next soirée.

USE THE TOOLS AVAILABLE

There are so many amazing resources where you can find easy drink recipes. Use them! There’s no shame in borrowing a few tips and tools from the pros. Here are two personal favorites:

Now that you know the tricks of the trade, I fully expect to see you giving back to the Vina community by hosting a meet and greet cocktail party with your new matches!

Find some new vinas to invite to your next cocktail party by downloading Hey! VINA on the App Store today! You’re new best friend could be just a swipe away! 👯📱

DIY OVERHAUL FOR YOU AND YOUR VINAS

/ Leandré Theys / 2 Comments

New Year’s Eve has come and gone and your party outfit back to its dutiful spot in your closet. As our calendars turn a new leaf to 2019, it’s time to invest in you so you can put your best foot forward. The first thing on the agenda? Looking the part. Read on for a head-to-toe DIY treatment that will have you feeling lush and ready to take on the world!

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LUSCIOUS LOCKS

To keep tresses hydrated, mix 1 tablespoon each of honey, castor oil and coconut oil with 1 tablespoon of egg. Mix well. Keep hair mask on for 30 minutes (or longer, max one hour). Rinse with cold water. Apply to scalp and hair 2 to 3 times a week. Pro tip: add a little lemon juice to your water in order to get rid of the excess oil and egg—leaving you with a beautiful glow. Shampoo as usual. A conditioner is usually not necessary after a mask that is this rich in oils. Not only does this help with soft, beautiful, bouncy hair, it also increases hair growth and repairs damage.

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VIBRANT VISAGE

For the face, used ground coffee beans is an absolute saving grace. You can mix 1 tablespoon of coffee with the following to make your skin look and feel amazing:

  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 teaspoon coconut oil and 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1/2  teaspoon baking soda and 1 teaspoon honey

Caffeine, as you know, wakes you up and does the same for tired skin.  Honey locks in moisture for bouncy, youthful-looking skin.  Coconut oil prevents premature aging, amongst other things.  Sugar is a natural humectant, meaning it draws moisture from the environment into the skin as well as doubles as an exfoliant.  The baking soda and honey combo act as a gentle exfoliant and moisturizing cleanser.

Another great one is cocoa, sugar and a drop of milk to turn it into a paste.  Apply generously to your face, leave on for about 10-15 minutes and rinse off with cold water. Pat your face dry with a towel. The antioxidants in cocoa help prevent premature aging by fighting free radicals.

If you suffer from dry skin, this is a great one, especially if it’s winter time.  Grate half of an unripe, firm avocado and mix a teaspoon of coconut oil in before you apply.  You can keep this on for a good 20 minutes if your skin is really dry.  Do this at night before bed and wipe off with a rag. Make sure not to rinse.

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BODY TALK

For the body, make a quick and easy bath bomb by mixing 1 cup baking soda, 1/2 cup citric acid and 1/2 cup Epsom salts.  Then in a separate bowl, mix 1 teaspoon water, 2 teaspoons vanilla essence and 3 teaspoons coconut or olive oil.  Mix dry and wet ingredients and put into molds (cupcake pan works just as well).  Try one of your bath bombs immediately and let the rest dry.  Make sure to pair it with a nice wine and smooth music for a meditative session.

For the eyes, used rooibos tea bags are phenomenal. They soothe tired eyes and cool down any puffiness.  I usually dip them in icy cold milk right before I lay them on my eyes.  The insides can also be used as a scrub.  Mix it with honey and any essential oil you like to create the ultimate scrub.

What are you waiting for? Give your body the attention it deserves with these easy, home-made recipes!

Gather up your favorite vinas and create a “Home Spa” event on Hey! VINA for the ultimate girls’ night in! 

5 WINTER CRAFTS FOR DIY ENTHUSIASTS TO DO WITH THEIR VINAS THIS MONTH

/ Misterie Ink / Leave a comment

It’s that time of the year where the cold weather rolls around and we can’t be outside as much. We wonder what kind of fun things to do with our best vinas that don’t require us to actually go through all the fuss and put on our boots and puffer jackets. So I’ve gathered for you, five of the cutest, easiest, AND holiday-themed DIYs perfect for this season. Most of the materials can also be found at your local dollar store, so super doable as well! Whip out that artsy soul of yours and make some great decors and gifts!

HO-HO-HO WREATH

 

Materials Needed:

  • Floral wreath ring
  • White tulle
  • Santa hat
  • Hot glue gun
  • Hot glue sticks
  • Scissors

What to do:

  • Cut the tulle into 4-5 in pieces.
  • Tie each piece of tulle to the ring and drop a little bit of glue on top of the knot to make sure it’s stable. Continue doing this until you reach about halfway on the ring.
  • Take the Santa hat and place it on top of the ring and hot-glue the ends to the ring.
  • If you want to hang it on your door, I recommend also getting a wreath holder and placing it on the door when you decorate.

YARN CHRISTMAS TREE

Materials Needed:

  • Yarn of any color of your choice
  • Glue
  • Styrofoam cone
  • Assorted snowflakes or buttons (optional)

What to do:

  • Take your yarn and start wrapping it around the cone as much as you want. Make sure the beginning is snug to hold its place.
  • Take the glue and squeeze it onto the yarn. You can take a paintbrush or even your finger and spread the glue all over.
  • Let the glue dry. I recommend at least an hour or two just to be safe.
  • You can also add on your little tidbits to make it more special or can leave it plain if that’s the look you want.
  • Once completely dry, carefully take out the cone from the inside of the yarn and voila!

PERSONALIZED WINE GLASS

 

 

Materials Needed:

  • Wine glass
  • Paint markers (gold or silver)
  • Printed paper with whatever word you want to be written on it (optional)
  • Masking tape (optional)

What to do:

  • If you decide to use the printed paper, tape that toward the top end of the wine glass with the masking tape.
  • Take your paint marker and slowly start to write on the glass over the place that you placed the paper. Or if you decided to freehand it, then do the same thing. Let the first layer dry for a minute or two before you go over it again.
  • Once completely dry you can take out the paper with the masking tape.
  • Open a bottle of wine with your favorite vinas and enjoy your new glass!
  • Reminder: This glass should only be hand washed very gently. Hard scrubbing on the glass can chip the paint.

PRINGLES COOKIE CAN

Materials Needed:

  • Empty Pringles can
  • Wrapping paper or any type of paper you like to use
  • Ribbons, charms, bows (optional)
  • Hot glue gun

What to do:

  • Clean the empty Pringles can thoroughly.
  • Cut the paper of choice to the size of the can.
  • Take your hot glue gun and make a line going from top to bottom
  • Place the end of the paper over that line of glue.
  • Continue the same method around the can every half inch or so until complete.
  • Decorate the can to your liking with ribbons or charms.
  • Put the top back on!

JAR MAKEUP BRUSH HOLDER

Materials Needed:

  • Empty jar
  • Gems or colorful rocks
  • Makeup brushes
  • Good gone or acetone
  • Cotton balls

What to do:

  • Grab an old jar and make sure it is clean of the previous contents.
  • Take the good gone or your acetone and put some of it on the label of the jar while scrubbing it off with the cotton balls until clean.
  • Rinse the jar again to get a good cleaning.
  • Dry it off very well or let it air dry.
  • Once dry, grab your gems or colorful rocks and pour them into the jar
  • Take your makeup brushes and put them into the jar; place on your armoire and be dazzled by your crafty-ness. 

Up for a DIY-filled vina night in? Go over to the Hey! VINA app, join the DIY community and plan it!!

THE PERFECT HALLOWEEN COSTUMES FOR YOU & YOUR VINAS

/ kennedyc1599 / Leave a comment

Halloween is the perfect holiday to hang with your vinas—and what better way to bond than to coordinate Halloween costumes? Choosing Halloween costumes can be a difficult task, but no fear. We’ve got you covered with a list of the perfect Halloween costumes for you and your vinas!

MEAN GIRLS CHARACTERS

If you and your vinas love to wear pink, you can definitely dress up as the plastics from Mean Girls. It’ll be extra special because Halloween is on a Wednesday this year and everyone knows, on Wednesday’s we wear pink! Just make sure you don’t fight over who gets to be Regina George.

RIVERDALE CAST

Season 2 of Riverdale premieres in October, so if you and your Vinas are big fans of the show be sure to rock Riverdale costumes! You and your vinas can be Betty, Veronica, Cheryl and Josie. Choose the character that reflects your personality or a character that is your total opposite; it’s Halloween after all!

DISNEY PRINCESSES

Everyone knows that you and your vinas are queens, but maybe for just one night you can settle for being princesses. This costume is particularly great if you have a large friend group because you can dress up as every princess from Cinderella to Moana. If you don’t want to look childish you can go for a more casual Disney princess-inspired costume instead of a dress.

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MARVEL HEROES

If you and your vinas can’t wait for the next Avengers movie, what better costume to wear than Marvel superheroes! You can dress up as all the female superheroes like Gamora, Nebula, Black Widow, and Scarlet Witch or dress as the female version of your fave male heroes. If you’re feeling extra creative you can incorporate characters from the comics like Squirrel Girl, Ms. Marvel, and Captain Marvel too.

OCEANS 8 CHARACTERS

One of this summer’s hottest movies was Oceans 8. The cool thing about the movie is that it featured a completely female cast! You and your vinas can dress up characters from Oceans 8 for the ultimate girl power costume.

KARDASHIAN/JENNER SISTERS

If you and your vinas are almost as close as sisters, then dressing up as the Kardashian/Jenner sisters for Halloween is perfect for you. The best part is you can be super creative when it comes to this costume. Carry around a lip kit as Kylie, dress up in the same outfit Kendall did for a magazine cover or take selfies all night as Kim!

MINIONS

If you and your vinas are still kids at heart, why not dress up as minions! Not only is the costume super easy to put together (even last minute for all my procrastinators) it’s also super cute. As an added bonus, the neon yellow minion color is a great way to easily spot your vinas in the largest of crowds.

BRING IT ON CHEERLEADERS

If you and your vinas are always the most spirited friends wherever you go, then dressing up as the cheerleaders from Bring It On is perfect. Half of your vinas can dress up as the Toros and the other half as the Clovers for some friendly competition. These costumes are the ultimate throwback which is sure to make everyone nostalgic.

M&M’S

One of the most simple costumes is an M&M. You can buy the costume or easily DIY the costume by drawing an “M” on your favorite dress or shirt. You and your vinas can be every color of the famous chocolate candy. The assortment of colors will look adorable for any pictures you take!

PAGEANT QUEENS

If you and your vinas love being extra, dressing up as pageant queens is definitely for you. You can put on your favorite evening gowns and a tiara to match! The best part is you can DIY your pageant sashes with a blank one, writing the “pageant title” yourself. You can each choose your own pageant title and be as creative as you want you, from “Miss Universe” to “Miss Halloween.”

Good luck with your costumes, vinas! And remember, you can always find your costume crew on Hey! VINA!

 

HOW TO MAKE THE PERFECT CARE PACKAGE FOR YOUR VINA

/ meagan4688 / Leave a comment

Creating a care package can be a daunting task and creating the perfect care package is nearly impossible. If you’re like me, you harbor a fair amount of anxiety surrounding gift-giving. I’m always wondering if the recipient will like their gift, love their gift, or *gasp* re-gift their gift. That’s why I set out to conquer my fears and create the perfect care package for my vina who lives across the country.

THE RECIPIENT

Let’s begin with our intended recipient. Jovanni is an impossibly chic and modern vina with impeccable style and a penchant for purple hair (no seriously, she’s a beauty guru who had been dying her hair purple since she was a teen). She is a picky eater who’s recently gone vegan, loves the outdoors and the color black (from 80% of her wardrobe to #blackgirlmagic to bold black walls in her new apartment). As you can imagine, shopping for someone with great but particular taste is difficult. However as I was shopping for her, a theme began to emerge: black, minimal, mixed metals. Hmm. . . maybe this was going to be easier than I thought!

DIY

In order to save money, I decided to “zhuzh” up an old shoebox rather than purchase one. I covered the top and inside of my shoebox with black craft paper to give it a uniform look. Using a metallic silver marker, I wrote a sweet message on the inside of the box. I made my own shredded paper for a professional touch. I ran black, gold, and silver tissue and construction paper through my shredder. For any of you trying at home, I recommend using construction paper, as it provided more volume and didn’t jam my shredder like the tissue paper did.

Now with my pretty filler in the box, I was ready to assemble!

CHOOSE VERSATILE PIECES

I started with a marble toothbrush holder I found at Target for $5.16. A toothbrush holder may seem like an odd choice, but this piece fit the overall aesthetic. I styled it as a pen holder and filled it with a set of three black and white graphic pens for $3.99. This piece could be used as it was intended as a pen holder or could be flipped upside-down as a bracelet holder or even used as a succulent pot. A good tip for building your care package is to find pieces that have multiple functions. Be creative and remember you don’t have to stick to any rules!

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PAIR LIKE WITH LIKE

Pairing like items with other items similar to them (for example pairing notebooks with pens) keeps the care package cohesive. My friend and I are both obsessed with stationery so I got her a notebook set from Marshalls for $2.99!

BE CREATIVE

While rifling through the clearance section in Marshall’s, I found a Moscow Mule cocktail kit for $6.00! This little baby is normally sold for $24, but since the tin was a little dented it was reduced. What made this deal even sweeter is that the Moscow Mule is one of my vina’s favorite cocktails!

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FILL IT UP

I found some black metal tins with a magnetic back at the Target Dollar Spot for $1 each! She loves to cook and could use them in her kitchen to store spices, at her desk to store paperclips, or even in her bathroom to store beauty supplies! When including some sort of container, make it extra special by filling it with something that your vina loves. Jovanni cannot resist a good midi ring, and I found this trio (in my color palette!) on sale for $2.99. I also added an anklet and a bow choker (she loves bows!) for $2.99 each. To save on my budget I could’ve filled these tins with her favorite candy instead.

ADD SOMETHING SWEET

Speaking of candy, I wanted to include a sweet treat for my vina so I purchased her favorite vegan brownie from Whole Foods for $2.39. I wrapped the brownie in parchment paper and plastic wrap sealed with a “Namaslay” sticker I already owned. The sticker adds a cute touch to the packaging and happens to be very appropriate for my vina’s lifestyle as she is a yoga junkie. And she also slays. Duh.

MAKE IT PERSONAL

Ok vinas, it’s time for the finishing touch, the piece de resistance! That’s right, it’s time for the fairy lights. I picked up a pack at Target with gold picture clips for $7.99. Using tape I draped the fairy lights in a diagonal pattern across the lid of the box and clipped in some of my favorite photos of us. I ordered prints from Walgreens for $1.95. Not only do the fairy lights serve as bonus decor for my care package, but she’ll be able to use them in a multitude of ways. She has a new apartment to decorate after all!

Sending your vina a care package reminds her of how much you love her and how special she is to you. I hope you have as much fun making a care package as I did!

Care packages are a great and personal way to remind a vina that you’re thinking of them. Connect with a new vina today! 

 

 

 

6 DIYs THAT WILL MAKE YOU FEEL AND LOOK YOUNGER INSTANTLY

/ Leandré Theys / 2 Comments

Friend:  Wow, your skin is glowing!! You look so fresh! Did you just come from the spa?

Little did she know I had actually just taken a bath in some used ground coffee beans in the comfort of my own home… 😉

If you have never woken up feeling puffy, dull, or older than you really are, I’m pretty sure you are not a human being.  You must be like a porcelain doll or something, but definitely not human.  And if you are like me, and that day comes around more often than not, (and a trip to the plastic surgeon is not in the cards) then trying out all sorts of DIY tricks at home is exactly what you need to feel younger and refreshed. So I went on a little rejuvenation journey and tried everything I could get my hands on on the trusty old Internet.

Here are 6 DIYs you can do to make you look and feel younger instantly.

GET HEALTHY, SOFT, FLOWING HAIR

To get super soft hair that isn’t over conditioned, try making this easy peasy hair mask:

  1. Mix one egg, half an avocado, and half a cup of mayo.  Adjust measurements according to your hair length.  I have long hair and this is enough for me.
  2. Apply mask thoroughly to dry hair, focusing on the ends.
  3. Cover your hair with some cling wrap and leave on for one episode of Friends (or any 23-minute episode of a TV show of your choosing 😜).
  4. Rinse everything off and shampoo two to three times.  You won’t need conditioner after this.
  5. Dry as usual!  This will leave your hair feeling fluffy and soft just like you had spent a whole day at the salon.  For added natural shine, squeeze a lemon into your rinsing water to give your hair a natural glow.

THE SUPER SIMPLE, HOMEMADE FACE MASK TO END ALL OTHER FACE MASKS

For the face, make a mask of honey and freshly ground coffee beans.  Apply to face, neck and décolletage area and leave on for about 10-15 minutes.  The caffeine will give your skin a wake up boost and the honey will leave it feeling super smooth!

PLUMP IT UP (NATURALLY)

Everyone knows that a big part of aging involves losing youthful facial fat.  Restoring a little plump to your lips can make a big difference in your appearance.  But if the disastrous Kylie Jenner Challenge, or actual lip fillers, aren’t your thing, there’s a website I found with some natural lip plumper recipes.  One might not work for all and all might work for one so try them out and let us know what you think!

GET THICKER EYEBROWS

If only because they remind us of the time we over-plucked our brows way back when, thin brows are a signifier of the older generation. Thicker eyebrows are the in-thing now and when I tried it, I was wowed with the results.  I asked my beautician to try a new shape, high arches and tinted with a blue-black colour.  I completed my look by defining it a little more with my brow-liner.  The result?  Thicker brows that have a youthful feel.

ALL OVER GLOW

Bathing in freshly ground coffee beans will have the same invigorating effect as the face mask mentioned above.  However, you will have to use a lot of it.  I used 2 cups of ground coffee beans and I soaked in it for about 20 minutes.  Follow it up with an anti-aging body cream. I use anything with royal jelly it makes my skin feel ah-mazing.

DON’T FORGET YOUR HANDS AND FEET!

For your hands and feet, soak in luke warm olive oil for 5-10 minutes and rinse off.  If you can, splurg on regular mani-pedis to really keep your hands and feet youthful and looking their best. For a “younger-looking” colour, blues and purples are the way to go. Reds and browns tend to look more mature.

I really enjoyed taking care of myself and the end results were amazing.  Not only did I feel like I was my own 2.0 version, but I also felt ready to tackle life.  The best part was, of course, that everyone noticed that I look more relaxed and rejuvenated!  I’ll be honest, I loved the compliments.  The most important trick, I suppose, would be to learn how to put yourself first.  Everything else will come naturally!

(Featured image via Byrdie)

SELF CARE DIY PROJECTS TO MAKE YOUR FRIENDS OR KEEP FOR YOURSELF

/ sofiakarliner / Leave a comment
‘Tis always the season for self care, and we’ve got some easy life hacks for all of you DIY divas out there. Here are some excellent products you can create for yourself or for a vina in need.

HOMEMADE BATH BOMBS

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You’ll Need:
  • 1 cup baking soda
  • 1/2 cup citric acid
  • 1/2 cup Epsom salts
  • 1 tsp. water
  • 2 tsp. essential oil
  • 3 tsp. oil (olive oil)
  • Food coloring (any color you want)
  • Bowl
  • Whisk
  • Jar
  • Dried or fresh flower petals
  • Bath bomb mold
Mix dry ingredients and wet ingredients in two separate bowls, mix dry and wet together by slowly adding your liquid to your dry bowl and mixing until it is all absorbed. Put your creation into cookie molds and let it dry for 1-2 days. Voila! You’ll have enough bath bombs to keep for yourself and give away to a vina or two!

CRYSTAL SHAKRA NECKLACES

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You’ll need:
  • A crystal or gemstone that makes you feel at peace with yourself
  • Flexible wire
  • A chain
Go into a nearby crystal store and let your intuition draw you to a specific pile or ask for help to find the shakra that you need. My go-to is always the rose quartz. It’s the heart shakra, so when you touch it or are near it your heart gets a little bit warmer. Plus, it’s pink!  Next, get wrap your wire around the crystal to secure it, make a loop at the top and string your chain through the loop. Sling it around your neck or gift it to a vina for some grounding and positive energy vibes!

AROMA MISTS

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(Photo courtesy of Helloglow.co)

Stressed? Can’t sleep? Smell is actually one of the most amazing things you can do for tension and insomnia! It’s incredibly easy to mix up one of these bad boys so that you can get in the right amount of Zs for your health and tone down the stress headache.
You’ll need:
  • Essential oil
  • Spray bottle
  • Water
Keep a bottle at your desk for an emergency puff or spray around your bed before getting under the covers. Theres enough essential oil in one purchase that you can make multiple mists for yourself and your vinas. You won’t regret it!

MIRROR MESSAGES

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We all need a little encouragement in the morning or when we’re feeling particularly self-depricating. Give yourself a pat on the back with messages like “you can do it!” “You are beautiful” or “this too shall pass” in removable marker.
You’ll need:
  • Dry erase markers and your mirror! (That’s it!)
Make a date of it with a vina and look up encouraging messages online. Change it up every month or so to keep the self love fresh!
Self care doesn’t have to be expensive, and you don’t need a reason to prioritize your health. So get crafting and treat yourself and your vinas!
(Featured Image courtesy of The Huffington Post)

DIY SKIN PRODUCTS: WHY YOU SHOULD BE MAKING YOUR OWN

/ Jenna Huerster / 1 Comment

I have learned many lessons in my twenty-something years of life. I have learned how to save money and how to spend it, how to enjoy my time out as well as my time in. But, the most important lesson of them all is the importance of skincare!  In my earlier years, I  could never quite get the hang of a skincare routine. I didn’t know which products to pick, what ingredients they contained and, most importantly, how to make them affordable. I started having adult breakouts and was discouraged with every product that I had tried so far. It wasn’t until I decided to try my hand at some DIY skincare recipes that my whole outlook changed. I started out making an exfoliating scrub to clear my skin.  Within days I noticed my skin appeared brighter and smoother and I felt more confident with my natural look.  Soon my kitchen was full of fruits, vegetables, oils and creams. Not only was I seeing results, but I had a new hobby!

 

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(Image courtesy of Totalbeauty.com)

Making your own skincare products to use in your daily routine has many benefits. The first benefit is knowing what is inside your products. Everyday cleansers and creams might contain some ingredients that are too harsh for your skin type or trigger negative reactions if you have severe allergies. Some have unknown ingredients or chemicals that are hard to pronounce. The best way to truly nurture your skin is to know what your putting on it, and making sure the ingredients are natural and fresh! Another benefit to DIY skincare is saving time and money. Most homemade products are created with items that can be found at your local grocery store or even your home. A final benefit of DIY skincare is allowing yourself to glow! Creating your own recipe is just as effective, if not more effective than using a store bought cleanser. Not only will you see results, but you will feel great too. Having clear, smooth skin is one of my favorite confidence boosters. I love showing off my fresh face after a homemade scrub to say, “Hey, I feel great about my skin and I’m proud of what I just used on it”.

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(Image courtesy of Beautyhealthtips.in)

I love DIY skincare and vinas everywhere can too.  Here are some of my favorite homemade skincare products for you to try:

DEEP CLEANSING AND FACIAL SCRUB

The first scrub that I ever tried was an exfoliating charcoal scrub.  It moisturizes your face while cleaning out clogged pores.  It’s also super easy to make!

Ingredients

1/2 cup coconut oil

3 charcoal capsules

1 tbsp. baking soda

Directions:  First, liquify your coconut oil by melting it in the microwave for 15-20 seconds.  Next, empty all three charcoal capsules into your oil. Finally, add in your baking soda and mix the ingredients until you have a smooth paste. Apply this to a freshly washed face, scrub it thoroughly or leave it on for 15 minutes as a mask and there you have it!

MORNING BREW BODY SCRUB

While we all try to stay fluent with facial products, it is also just as important to take care of the rest of your skin as well. This body scrub will exfoliate and moisturize you from head to toe.

Ingredients

1/2 cup coffee grounds

1/4 cup brown sugar

1/4 cup coconut oil

Directions: Mix all of the ingredients together in a bowl. Use while in the shower by massaging the scrub onto dry skin areas. Store in a sealed container and use regularly for even exfoliation.

BYE BYE UNDER EYE

After a late night out you might be prone to puffy or dark under eye circles and wrinkles. Look awake with this easy DIY under eye treatment that you can make within minutes.

Ingredients

2 egg whites

5 drops of vitamin E essential oil

Directions: First, beat the egg whites until they become a frothy white substance. Once the egg whites are mixed, add in the drops of vitamin E. Using your fingers or a makeup brush, apply the mixture to the underneath of your eyes and leave on for 10 minutes.  Wash off and feel refreshed. (You can also cut cotton rounds in half and apply the mixture to the rounds. Easy under eye patches that you can keep in the refrigerator!)

EVERYDAY FACIAL MOISTURIZER

The most important step to a brilliantly radiant face is moisturizer. You can apply it to a freshly washed face, as a makeup primer or just to have soft and smooth skin throughout the day. The benefits of moisturizer are endless.

Ingredients: 1 tbsp. coconut oil

10 drops of your favorite essential oil (I use lavender or tea tree oil)

1/4 tsp. vitamin E essential oil

1 tbsp. shea butter

Directions: First, mix all of the ingredients together in a bowl. Next you are going to use a double boiler to heat up and melt all of the ingredients until you have one unified liquid. Finally you are going to wait for the mixture to cool down. Once it is cooled you can transfer it to a storage container and use it as needed. An easy everyday facial moisturizer.

ROSE FACIAL MIST

One of my all time favorite products is a rose infused facial mist. It is great for a refreshment on a hot day or for a skin boost on a busy day. This mist is perfect for on the go skin care.

Ingredients

1/2 tsp. vitamin E essential oil

2 drops geranium essential oil

2 drops geranium essential oil

4 tbsp. rose water

3tbsp. distilled or coconut water

Optional: 1 tsp. aloe vera

2 drops ylang ylang essential oil

Directions: Mix together all essential oils and rose water, then pour into empty and clean spray bottle. Shake the bottle with all the ingredients then top off with distilled water.  Coconut water can be added for extra moisture if preferred. Finally, use the face mist as needed and instantly feel refreshed, cooled and moisturized with this DIY face mist.

What are your favorite homemade skincare products?  Let us know in the comments below and find a vina to make them with on the Hey! VINA app. 

(Featured Image courtesy of Tone It Up)

GALENTINE’S GIFT GUIDE: DIY GIFTS

/ Jenna Huerster / 1 Comment

It’s time to find the perfect Galentine’s Day gift! Whether you’re looking to make something special, you’re a vina on a budget, or you’re getting in tune with your creative side, these do it yourself gifts are sure to be a hit. Here are a few easy projects made with supplies available at your local craft/grocery stores.

 

fullsizerender-61: PUCKER UP! FOR THE SELF-PAMPERING VINA: HOMEMADE SUGAR LIP SCRUB

This simple scrub will leave any vina’s lips perfectly smooth and lipstick ready!

Supplies Needed: Small mixing bowl with mixing utensil, honey, white or brown sugar, virgin coconut oil, and a small resealable container.

Instructions: Using the mixing utensil, portion equal parts honey, coconut oil, and sugar into the small mixing bowl. Thoroughly combine all of these ingredients until it becomes one consistency. Put the mixture into a small container and there you have it! This scrub can be applied as needed to refresh your lips making them silky smooth.

TIP: Essential oils can be added for scents, colors and added healing!

fullsizerender-82: YOU’RE OKAY. FOR THE VINA THAT KNOWS HOW TO READ YOUR SARCASM: CUSTOM GALENTINE’S DAY CARD

Cute cards are easy to come by, but what about trying out a card that’s purposefully NOT cute. This DIY greeting card is perfect for the friend that understands your sarcasm.

Supplies Needed: Card stock, typewriter letter stamps and stamp pads.

Instructions: Using the stamps, create fun sarcastic phrases on the front of each piece of card stock.  You can use phrases such as “You’re Okay,” “I Tolerate You” and “Whatever.” If you don’t have stamps, grab a sharpie and hand write your phrases. Ta-Da!

TIP: Add a splash of cuteness in a form of a note on the inside to show off your Galentine’s Day Spirit.  Even with these  sarcastic cards we know you have some mad love for your gal pals.

3: AROMA WHAT!? FOR THE COOL, CALM AND COLLECTED VINA: HOMEMADE SOY WAX CANDLES

Not only do candles smell great and create calm energy, but the essential oils inside have amazing healing properties.  Give the gift of comfort with these homemade candles.

Supplies Needed: Microwaveable soy wax flakes, glass bowl, essential oils of your choice (I chose lavender, sage, ylang ylang, and mint), dried lavender and sage, candle wicks (preferably with glue dots attached to the bottom) and tin to set the candle in.

Instructions: Measure out your soy wax flakes by filling the container that the candle will eventually be set in to the top.  Next, transfer the flakes to the glass bowl and microwave until they’re fully melted.  Add the essential oils directly to the glass bowl mixing it thoroughly (I used roughly 50 drops of essential oil per small candle). Before pouring your wax, attach your candle wick to the bottom of the candle container using the glue dots.  Once your wick is attached and your melted wax is mixed with essential oils, pour the wax into the container.  Add a couple sprinkles of dried lavender and sage to the top of the wax and let it sit for 24 hours.

TIP: Pour your wax into containers such as vintage tea cups or thrift store dishes for a truly unique look to fit your gal pals style.

 

4: GOOD VIBES ONLY. FOR THE VINA WHO LIKES TO MAKE A STATEMENT: METALLIC CRYSTAL NECKLACE

Accessories can pull any outfit together. This crystal necklace is sure to be your bestie’s favorite.

Supplies Needed: Crystal quartz point beads (available at craft stores, look for ones with pre drilled holes), chain necklace, crafting wire, silver metallic paint, pliers and scissors.

Instructions: Choose the crystal quartz bead that stands out to you the most and cover it with the silver metallic paint. Once the bead is completely dry, start using the crafting wire to attach it to your necklace. Loop the wire through the pre drilled hole and around your entire bead, holding it tight. Once you have wrapped the bead in wire, bring the ends of the wire to the top of the bead and twist it shut so there is a loop at the top. String the chain through the loop and let your girl know how much she means to you with this handmade accessory.

TIP: Make yourself a crystal charm necklace using the same or various other crystals to create your own unique best friend necklaces!

5: WINE NOT? FOR THE VINA WHO DESERVES TO UNWIND: CUSTOM WINE GLASS

There’s no better way to unwind (or let loose) than with a glass of wine. Show your wine enthusiast vina some love with a custom designed wine glass!

Supplies Needed: 1 wine glass, gold metallic enamel paint (make sure it can be used on ceramic and glass), 1 small paintbrush, and heart stencil (optional).

Instructions: First, make sure your wine glass is thoroughly cleaned and dried. Next, take your stencil (if you feel comfortable free handing a design, let your skills shine!) and line it up to where you want your design to sit on the glass. When you’re ready, take your brush and gold metallic enamel paint and fill it in. Once you have perfected your design, let your glass dry for up to 24 hours in a well ventilated area. Pair your gift with a fun bottle of your besties fave and voila!

TIP: While you’re designing a glass for your fellow vina, make one for yourself as well. You now have matching glasses to share for girls night in.

Not only are these DIY’s a ton of fun, but they’re an easy way to show your vinas how much they mean to you this Valentines Day. Take these ideas and make them into your own unique gifts to spread the love. Happy almost Galentine’s Day vinas!

THROW A SPOOKY GOOD HALLOWEEN BASH WITH THESE TIPS

/ Erin Rose Belair / Leave a comment

Halloween is one of our favorite holidays. It’s a catch-all for madness and letting your inner child run wild. You get to dress up and be whomever you want for the night. There is magic in the air, candy to be consumed, and parties to attend. If you are hosting this year, we’ve got some great ideas on how to make it a memorable one.

FIND A SCARY SPACE

Your living accommodations will determine a lot of what you can and can’t do for a party. If you’re in a house with a yard, turn your out-door space into haunted house of sorts: string sheets between trees, get a fog machine, stuff some dummies, and call it a day. It will be fun to run around out there in costumes, which makes for awesome photo ops. If you’re working with more limited space, utilize the kitchen for similar sort of antics. Fill your sink with fake body parts, post printed images of famous serial killers on the cupboards, and turn on that fog machine.

CLEAR THE FLOOR

If your party an open door invite and guests can bring whoever they want, a dance floor is essential. Clear all the breakables out of the living room, push the couches aside, and make that monster mash playlist. If you are working with a select group of people, a dance floor is still needed, but you can also incorporate other games. There are some awesome murder mystery scripts that you can print online that would set the mood. You could also have a séance. If you’re feeling really in the spirit, bust out the Ouiji Board.

HOST A COSTUME CONTEST

This is perfect no matter what size party you are hosting. Mention this on the invitation, and tell your guests there will be a prize. (You can go as big, little, or silly with this as you want.) People love contests, and it will up the ante of costumes you see walking through your door.

STOCK UP ON SNACKS

Life rule. Have snacks. You can go simple with popcorn, candy, and some spooky sweets. If cooking and baking you really shine though, go gourmet and have an all-out buffet of deliciousness. You know what kind of person/party planner you are. Feed accordingly.

KEEP A WELL-STOCKED BAR

Remember to get some basics like beer and non-alcoholic drinks. Rather than having just an open bar of basics, decide on two or three specialty spooky cocktails that really set the mood. A spooky sangria is great because you can make a batch before hand. If you or someone else has time to bartend for the evening, check out this list of drinks we love.

DECK OUT IN DECOR

When it comes to decor, you can go all out and turn your apartment into a haunted mansion. You can also keep it simple by dimming the lights with some red bulbs in the lamps and draping your furniture in white sheets to give the vibe that no one really lives in this creep place. No matter what you do, be sure to have some good music, a killer costume, and invitations to all your vinas. It’s a good time guaranteed.

(Featured Image via Catch My Party)