Finding A Remedy For Acne

Acne is an incredibly common complaint of people of all ages. While many people believe that acne ends once a person leaves puberty behind, this is not true. People of all ages can find themselves facing an acne breakout. Fortunately, modern medicine has made it possible to fight back against this embarrassing problem. With the multitude of products available, it can be a little overwhelming. For example, face washes are a great way to combat acne, but with so many brands to choose from, how can anyone figure out which is the best face wash for acne?

Skin Type

The first step when it comes to solving an acne problem is to determine what type of skin is being treated. Every person has their own unique body chemistry, and what works for one person may not work for another. This makes finding a single face wash  a little tricky. Products developed for dry skin will not be helpful on someone with oily skin. As a rule, products developed for sensitive skin can be used on all types of skin, whether oily, dry, or combination. This makes them a great starting point, especially for those who are unsure of their skin type.

Check The Ingredients

The next thing to examine when evaluating acne face washes is the ingredients. Not all ingredients are created equal. Look for products that are free from oils, fragrances, and dyes. These can all aggravate already sensitive skin and are only present for looks and smell, not function. Look for the most gentle cleanser available. If additional ammunition is needed when dealing with a particularly bad breakout, look for a chemical called Salicylic acid. This plant-derived ingredient has been proven as an effective treatment against acne. However, it is still a bit harsh, so try to limit the how frequently it is used.

Cleaning Methods

No matter if you are using the best face wash for acne or the worst, it will not do much good if it is not used properly. One of the most common mistakes made is being overly vigorous when cleaning the face. Always use a gentle buffing motion, and never scrub. Rinsing should be done with cool and clean water. Follow this by gentle blotting with a clean and dry towel. Never rub the face, as this can damage skin or break open blemishes, spreading bacteria into freshly opened pores. In addition, care should be taken to avoid touching the face throughout the day. Even the act of scratching an itchy nose can transfer bacteria from under the nails into the skin.

Acne can be an embarrassing problem, however it shouldn’t be, as it is one that most people have had to deal with at some point in their life. Finding a good face wash can help to add to the arsenal of weapons against breakouts. By adding a quality face wash to a daily regimen of clean and healthy skin, it is possible to drastically reduce and sometimes even eliminate acne.

Release Your Stress with Massage Chair Therapy

Many people are reporting higher levels of stress. It seems that many of us are experiencing much more stress in these turbulent economic times. Although the financial markets are changing drastically, it is important to counteract the negative effects of stress on the body. This is important so when things turn around you will be in a healthy position to take advantage of them. One of the best ways to reduce the affects of stress is with the frequent use of a massage chair.

The stress that we feel is actually a normal body reaction. Stress is telling the body that it is in danger. This starts a process of self protection. In fact, this system operates at the subconscious level and many times we may not be aware of it being activated.

There are an infinite variety of things that can cause us stress. It can be as simple as not being able to pay the rent or more complex and our relationships with others. Whatever the cause, the reaction of our bodies to stress is all very similar.

A typical reaction to stress is the fight or flight reaction. Our body is primed to take a self protective action either to fight or to run away. However, many of the stresses in modern times do not call for such a reaction.

Our bodies have been programmed through time to respond to stress as if there is imminent bodily danger. This response may not be appropriate when the source of stress is psychological. In fact, most of the stress we experience is a product of how our minds think about the problem.

The reaction to stress is for our bodies to prepare for action. However, most of the time this is not an appropriate reaction. The stress we typically experience is not resolved immediately. This causes tension to be sustained in the body because the problem remains unresolved.

It is important to counteract the build up of stress in the body. Stress releases energy in the body which if not released will cause tension and stiffness. We need consistent ways to counteract the negative effects of stress on the body.

When you come under stress, it is important to relax. Relaxation is the opposite of stress. Massage chairs are a great way to provide relaxation. Massage chairs help you to relax your mind so it doesn’t focus on the cause of stress. The second is to relieve the body of tension.

To effectively combat the effects of stress, we need to attack it as it arises. When they first come under stress, we need to become aware that it is starting to build. This is the time to reduce its effect and stop it before it builds to higher levels.

Massage chairs provide a great way to relax. Relaxation is the best method to counteract stress in our lives. Most people simply do not take the time to relax and stress builds up to a crescendo. A massage chair enables you to get frequent relief from the negative effects of stress.

Massage chairs are equipped with MP3 players and headphones. By providing soothing music, it helps to induce the mind into a state of calm and relaxation. This cuts off the tension in the body which will cause stiffness.

As the mind relaxes, it releases the tension in the body. This enables the massage chair to work more effectively on relieving the muscle stiffness. The stiffness causes aches and pains. As the massage begins to penetrate the muscles, it reduces the pain and stiffness. This leaves the body in a much more relaxed state.

Massage chairs are a perfect way to combat stress. They help to relax and quiet the mind while relieving the tension in the body. They are available to be used on a daily basis to reduce the build up of stress and tension in the body. Relieve your stress when it starts with frequent massage treatments from a massage chair.

Why not have all the Massage Chair Relief from tension, stress and anxiety on a daily basis. It is important to counteract the build up of stress in the body. Daily use of massage chairs helps to reduce the symptoms of stress before it reaches a crescendo. Try Omega Massage Chairs for daily stress relief and for the reduction of bodily stiffness.

Winter Yarn Wreath

This was a pretty easy wreath and I love how it turned out. Here’s what you need:

I used a circular Styrofoam wreath from Michael’s yarn felt hot glue

I decided to make the wreath white yarn because I love how crisp looking it is.

I started with the end of the yarn and tied it around the wreath form. I then started wrapping it as tight as I could and as close I could get it together. I didn’t want any green showing.

That took a little bit of time. I wrapped for a couple of hours while Eric and I watched TV.

I wanted to make some felt flowers and pom poms so of course I went to YouTube for tutorials. They seemed pretty easy so I made a few. You can find tutorials here.

I didn’t want to hot glue them on because I wanted to be able to use the wreath again somehow so I didn’t want to make anything permanent. So I decided to hot glue floral pins to the back of the flowers/pom poms.

I then took the light blue yarn and wrapped a it around one side and left some space between each time I went around.

I took the L and wanted to make it grey. I didn’t have grey paint, so I mixed a little black, some white, and a little silver and painted. It turned out to be a perfect shade. I hot glued a floral pin on the back of it as well.

I placed everything on the wreath and all done.

Of course the next day the sun immediately melted the glue on the L and it fell off. So, I used the only thing I knew wouldn’t melt…super glue. Worked like a charm.

A Wreath, a Holiday, and a {small} project

Hey there! Hope y’all had a great weekend and a super MLK holiday so far. We’ve been pretty busy around here, as usual.

Last Thursday I promised you a tutorial on a new wreath I made, and realized I haven’t done that yet.

Well, here it is…the finished wreath. ( i use Singer 7258 sewing machine - it the best sewing machine for beginners.

I love how it turned out, and think it’s very “wintery”. You can find the tutorial on how I made it HERE in case you want to make one too.

As I sat in carpool on Friday, I started a “list” of all the projects I’d like to do around the house. You know, if we had a bunch of money and time…these would be things to get the house the way I want it. We’ve been in this house almost 5 years and we are not near finished with getting it the way we want it. We’ve worked a lot around here and every year seem to do a lot, but there’s just still so much to do.

After making a list I looked back and realized that every room but two in the house needs work…the only two that don’t are the two I did last year. Granted there will be lots of things we won’t get to in the next couple of years…you know like new couches and new carpet. We have two small children, that would probably not be the smartest move. But I can at least get them all cleaned.

Eric and I talked about it and we decided we’d start this weekend on the first room and work our way through…and that would be the laundry room. It’s the room we walk in and out of all day long, and let’s face it, it’s pretty much my “office”. So, I’m very excited to re-do this room. When I say re-do, I mean re-do…yes, I’m painting the cabinets. I’ve always wanted white cabinets and finally built up the courage to do so…cross your fingers they turn out! We’re also installing molding and trim and a bench, I’m painting the walls, and we’re finally getting new floors.

Here’s a sneak peak of before and current state. Please do not mind the mess…it comes with the territory of renovation.

Stage 1: a complete mess

Stage 2: cabinet doors are off and trim is mostly up.

Stage 3: Current stage – first coat of paint on the cabinet frames and doors.

Love it already and can’t wait to work more on it.

But, today was a holiday and that means no school. I tried to take the kids and meet some friends at Jumping Beans {one of those bounce house places}. Well, us and the rest of Wake Forest decided to go as well. They were at capacity and we couldn’t get it…what?! Now what?

We decided on lunch at Mellow Mushroom instead. After lunch we all went our separate ways. We came home and I set up our bounce house in the bonus room. The kids wanted me to watch them, so here I am sitting watching them jump and play and writing you. They didn’t want me to play…”just watch us, Mommy.”

So, how did you spend your holiday? Did you do anything fun over the weekend? Any fun house projects???

Thanks for stopping by! Hope you have a great week!

Ribbon Valances

I've been wanting valances for the kids' playroom. Problem was, I couldn't find something pre-made that I liked, and I don't know how to sew. What's the next best thing, you ask...pre-made valances, ribbon, and ribbon tape.
I bought some white valances from Target, ribbon and double-sided fabric/ribbon tape from JoAnn's, and thought - "Let's give it the good ole college try".

It seriously took about 45 minutes to do all three. I used a level and pencil to mark several places 3 inches from the bottom of each valance. I then cut the ribbon the same length of the valance. Next, I laid out the riboon tape in two spots on the ribbon, un-taped the other side and carefully laid it down on the material...and wha-la a curtain is done.

{Ruffled} Fabric Ribbon

Well, sort of…

This is one of those projects that I was bound and determined it wasn’t going to get the best of me…well, guess what? It got the best of me, so it’s a little revamped if you will.
I needed a new ribbon for my coffee filter wreath above my mantel. I didn’t really see any ribbon that I liked at the store, and seeing that I got my new sewing machine for Christmas I thought, well, why not just make one….and a ruffled one at that.
I made the ruffles for Dallas’ throw pillows so how hard could this be, right?
Well, the idea in my head was a lot easier than it actually turned out to be.
I measured and cut my fabric.

After doing that I sewed the edges so they’d me nice and pretty and there would be a front and back to my “ribbon”. I then went to flip the material.

This is where it all went wrong and I got completely frustrated. I sewed it oh so wrong and couldn’t figure out how to fix it, so I decided to start all over. I cut more fabric and made a really long tube.

Ok, so now all I needed to do was sew a stich down the center and then use that to make the ruffle, so that’s what I did.
All was going well and the fabric was ruffling quite nicely, then the thread broke about 1/3 of the way in it! DANG IT!!!
At this point, I’ve lost numerous hours and wasted lots of pretty fabric and the thread is not going to hold. I’m guessing the fabric was too thick. So, I did what any good person who threw up the white flag would do…I used one of the original pieces and made just a regular fabric ribbon and hung my coffee filter wreath with that. I mean no sanity is worth some fabric and a ruffle, right? It looks cute and I do like it a lot.

Thanks for stopping by and just know that some projects we picture in our head don’t always turn out the way we think….and that’s OK.