Posts Tagged ‘Do It For Yourself’
D.I.F.Y. – End of Winter Survival Guide
This post was conceived while I stared in disbelief at fresh snow out of my office window while trying to prop my feet up on the radiator in an effort to defrost them. It’s mid-March, and I’m tired of being cold. I know all of those exciting Spring things are coming like Easter, Passover, weddings and a glass of wine on the porch, but I need something now if I’m going to make it. Tempted as I am to pack up and move to Florida this month, here are a few sanity savers that will see you through to warmer days.
1. Treat your feet – your winter socks may be looking pretty grubby by now, or perhaps your sock drawer is full of mismatched singles like mine. Instead of drooling over flip flops, go out and buy some super warm woolies for your feet. Chances are you’ll find some on sale and when next winter rolls around you’ll be super happy to see them again.
2. Spice it Up – sick of the chicken soup and lentil stew? Find a new recipe for something that you’ve never made before and get busy in the kitchen. If you like spicy food make it hot to get your circulation going and heat things up! Check out tastespotting for recipe inspiration!
3. Green Goddess – spend some time with plants to counteract the snowy cold outside. Treat yourself to freshly cut flowers, a new houseplant, or just browse at your local nursery or florist.
4. Get moving – long walks after dinner in the late evening sun aren’t an option right now, so try a new class to get moving. Yoga, dance, kickboxing, a new workout DVD or even just turning the music up in your living room and getting your groove on will help you to feel rejuvenated.
5. Spring Cleaning – if the idea of spending any more time at home has you half-mad from cabin fever, start your spring cleaning early. Move furniture, organize cupboards, clean out the attic – it will make the inside of your home fresher and more appealing, plus it’s a great time to work on all of those indoor projects that you won’t feel like doing when the sun is shining and you’re happily digging in the garden!
What’s your favorite end of winter survival tip? We’d love to hear from you!
D.I.F.Y. = Do It For Yourself – Tea time!
Head spinning after a sugar-laden Halloween and the holidays looming? Try a tea break, and not just your everyday teabag in a to-go mug on the run. Immerse yourself in this relaxing ritual, perhaps starting with a visit to a local tea shop. These photos are from The Tea Shop of Woodstock, NY.
Just seeing the cheery colors and enjoying the delightful scents of this tea shop felt like a relaxing getaway!
I had never heard of Wedding Blend Tea, which apparently tastes just like a wedding cake! With pink rosebuds and petals amidst Chinese Mutan white tea buds it is beautiful to look at while the lemon and vanilla impart a wonderfully aromatic scent. I couldn’t wait to take it home and try some!
Here are my purchases after I finally made my decision: Muse Blend, Wedding Blend and a Rooibos Chai. The packaging make it feel even more fancy!
For my tea ritual I bundled up and got outside on my back porch to enjoy the fall weather. Don’t let the lack of a silver service stop you from enjoying your fine tea; my mismatched pieces which came from thrift stores and yard sales are dear to me.
On a quiet Sunday afternoon I sipped my Wedding Blend tea while my daughter was napping. Delicate and romantic with a hint of sweet creaminess it truly felt like a celebration. I’m sure it would make a wonderful wedding favor. Perhaps for my daughter’s second birthday we’ll have a tea party! Ideas definitely were brewing for this tea lover.
I hope you are inspired to have your own tea party for one. I certainly enjoyed mine. Do you have a special tea time ritual that you’d like to share? We’d love to hear from you!
D.I.F.Y. = Do It For Yourself – Find Your Mantra
We believe in the power of surrounding yourself with positive thoughts and messages. What better way to D.I.F.Y than by filling your home and office with your favorite quotes and mantras, anything that inspires you in your everyday life.
For a DIY breakout tip, find a chalkboard decal from WallCandyArts or make your own, and change out your quote monthly.
D.I.F.Y. Cupcake Pick-Me-Up
Today’s D.I.F.Y. (Do It For Yourself) post is all about indulgence – we were having one of those crave-days at SF and decided to treat ourselves to a little afternoon delight. Always remember there’s nothing wrong with breaking the diet once in a while and indulging in a little sweet treat during the day. One word: Yum!
D.I.F.Y. = Do It For Yourself – Cocoa Comfort
What better way to D.I.F.Y. on a cold, rainy Wednesday evening than to curl up on the couch with hot cocoa. We are loving this easy home-made hot cocoa recipe that is sure to warm you up for the night!
This hot cocoa recipe calls for two different kinds of chocolate and is whipped to frothy perfection with half and half cream for an extra rich cup of cocoa (marshmallows optional, but recommended for maximum tasty-ness):
Ingredients
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup half and half
- 8 tsp sugar
- 1 oz semisweet chocolate, chopped
- 1 oz unsweetened chocolate, chopped
- 1 tbs brown sugar
- 1/2 tbs vanilla
Preparation
1. Heat everything in a saucepan, except the vanilla, until the chocolate melts and the sugar dissolves
2. Pour half into a blender and mix until foamy
3. Return to the saucepan and add the vanilla
4. Stir briefly then serve (marshmallows optional)
5. Enjoy!
D.I.F.Y. = Do It For Yourself – Botanical Edition
With Spring here, what better way to enjoy a day off than taking a friend, loved one or entire family to visit the United States Botanic Garden (USBG). Steeped in history, rich with tradition, the United States Botanic Garden is one of the oldest botanic gardens in North America. The Garden highlights the diversity of plants worldwide, as well as their aesthetic, cultural, economic, therapeutic and ecological significance. The diversity of form, color, fruit, and fragrance reminds us that plants make our lives possible and enjoyable. So why not take a day and D.I.F.Y. and see what’s in bloom at the USBG!
Take the virtual tour to get a taste of what these grounds have in store for you!
D.I.F.Y. = Do It For Yourself – Gratitude
With the Easter holiday coming up, it’s easy to get caught up in egg hunts, chocolate filled baskets and home decorating. In the midst of all the holiday fun, don’t forget to stop and do something for yourself! Holidays are a time of reflection, and what better way to be conscious of all that you have to be grateful for than with a gratitude journal. We’ve used this Catherine Price gratitude journal as a favor for our guests and for ourselves – it is the perfect gift for any occasion, even if the occasion is you. So don’t forget to take a moment and D.I.F.Y. (Do It For Yourself) this Easter!
Bridal Make-Up: Do You D.I.Y. or D.I.F.Y.?
To some brides, hiring a make-up artist for their wedding day seems like an unnecessary luxury. However, it’s important to weigh the benefits before making a final decision. To help answer the question of, “Do I need a make-up artist?” we asked Ana Buitrago, an established make-up artist who freelances for Mac and also owns her own company. Ana is always up on the current make-up trends and was kind enough to share a few tips for our readers. If you have an upcoming wedding and are conflicted about whether or not you want a make-up artist, here are a few tips from Ana to help you make your decision.
[Photo credit: Ana Buitrago, MAC]
Six reasons you should D.I.F.Y. (Do It For Yourself) and hire a make-up artist for your wedding day:
- A make-up artist uses application techniques and products to ensure that your makeup will look flawless all day long
- A make-up artist will make sure all blemishes are properly covered, and can add a little extra to your look, such as faux lashes to bring out your eyes
- Your wedding day is a day to be pampered, and getting your makeup done should be a relaxing (not stressful!) experience
- A make-up artist will help you choose colors that best suit your skin tone and a style that fits your needs for your big day
- A make-up artist will only use makeup that looks good in pictures and won’t make your skin look washed out or muddy
- You’ve got your dream dress and you’re getting your hair done, so why not make sure your face is picture perfect also!
Should you decide to forgo hiring a make-up artist, here are some great D.I.Y. tips on doing your own bridal make-up:
- Choose a long-wearing foundation with good coverage that also looks good in pictures
- Choose an eyeliner and mascara that are waterproof just in case of happy tears
- Stay away from trend makeup for your wedding. Instead choose neutral eye shadow colors like bronze and mauve tones that never go out of style
- Use a lip liner before applying your lip color to add definition and staying power
- Use primers before applying your foundation and eye shadow to keep your makeup flawless all day
Should you have any questions you’d like to ask Ana, feel free to let us know or contact her directly:
www.anabuitrago.com | ana@anabuitrago.com | Facebook | Twitter
D.I.F.Y. = Do It For Yourself – Bridal Pampering
We will be featuring HAIR by Andrew Marke Salon – stylists will spend an hour with you to create your perfect look. Bring photos of what you love and hate in hair designs. We will also feature Crowning Glory Bridal Accessories, and special guest Liv Hart, designer of Enchanted Atelier, who will be showing her newest collection of bridal accessories for your hands-on and in-hair viewing.
D.I.F.Y. = Do It For Yourself – Take a Leap!
Something Fabulous has always loved tradition, but once in a while it’s important to break the rules. With leap day only coming around every four years, why not take advantage of this gift and take a leap! According to an ancient Irish legend, leap day is the day that women are allowed to propose to men. The fable is that this act balances the traditional role that men and women typically play, similar to how leap day balances the calendar.
What a refreshing day… What kind of leap are you going to take?
