Eco-friendly Eyeliner Tip

Hello beauties.  I know it seems like forever since I've updated with a beauty-wise post, hence have decided to share a neat tip with you today - one which was accidentally discovered when I was out of eyeliner.  As I was doing my makeup one day, several years ago,  I realized I had ran out of eyeliner and all I had in my makeup arsenal, was a tube of mascara.  And given the eyeliner addict I am, I simply couldn't step out the door without my winged look.  That's the moment when the brainstorming commenced. I knew I had to urgently  improvise with another product. Then suddenly I had that aha moment to use my Eco-friendly mascara as eyeliner.  As an avid DIYer, frugality definitely kicked in at that point and suffice it to say,  I was thrilled at the results of my impromptu idea.

Here are my findings from this experiment: 

1. Loved the fact that eyeliner and mascara are identical in color instead of varying tones of black/brown.
2. I was amazed at the staying power. 
3. In the case of travelling, this tip is ideal due to space saving factor.
4. And most importantly,  there's no need to splurge on separate products for beautifying the eyes. This is quite beneficial and saves one due to cost factor for Organic eyeliners. 

How to make your mascara function as an eyeliner?

Using a bent eye liner brush, like the one pictured above, pick up a small amount as required from the mascara brush and apply as you would using any gel eyeliner formula.  Allow to set thoroughly before curling your lashes!  Eye liner application simplified, right? Indeed!
On a side note,  I'm totally loving this Elf brush which I spontaneously picked up during my NY vacation last August. I wished the tip was a bit more pointy but still seem function for this type of application.

And the moment you all have been waiting for.  Pictured below is yours truly sporting this neat beauty tip/application.

Love this tip? Then please share it with your audience.

Until next time, here's to beautifying naturally.

Eco-friendly Eyeliner Tip

Green Guide for Small Business

Are you the owner of a small business or planning to launch one soon? Then, it's my pleasure to introduce you to this awesome visual guide on how to run an environmentally friendly business. This step by step guide will help you acquire a Green Business in no time. Help me spread the word about Greening your Business by hitting the share link.

 

XLN Business Services tips & advice on how to make your business energy efficient. View more details here

Green Guide for Small Business

Yum Yum Candle Review + Giveaway

I'm a lover of DIY Spa Treatments and there's nothing more invigorating than being surrounded by  aromatherapy candles to accompany this experience. I do this especially with aromatherapy baths. The latter is one of my beauty go-to rituals to get pampered and candles add a special touch to this ritual, however, the problem with many candles on the market is the fact that they contain many toxic ingredients that will ultimately compromise your health. You may read more on this subject here.

Recenly, I had the pleasant opportunity to sample a few non-toxic candles from Yum Yum Candle in the scents, Citrus-A-Peel and Cherry Almond Tree and I'm happy to report that these are some of 'the' best candles I have ever came across.   They are made of soy wax with lead-free wicks and they burn absolutely clean.   The scents are to die for.   I have had so many friends came over to my place and complimented me on these candles.  They are seriously that good.   Unlike some candle scents, these have a nice balance in the strength of the scent.  I'm sensitive to extremely strong scents but these are just ideal. 

If you're on a quest to source earth-friendly candles,  I highly recommend Yum Yum Candle. You'll be blown away with it's superior quality and divine scents.  And to learn more about Yum Yum Candle and how they pride themselves click here: 

 These candles are so fantastic and I truly would like you too to experience the magic of these candles so, I've teamed up with Yum Yum Candle to run a Giveaway here on Simply Green & Healthy Living. 

One  lucky winner will receive one six ounce candle. You have the option of choosing the scent.

Available scents: Cherry Almond Tree, Citrus-A-Peel &  Oh-là-là Lavender

So, what are you waiting for? 

 Enter this Giveaway by using the Rafflecopter generator below:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Good luck to you all!  

Yum Yum Candle Review + Giveaway

How I re-use glass bottles

While it may be the norm to assign these bottles to the trash after using up it's contents, this just doesn't occur in my home.  We love  glass not only because it's prettier than plastic but also for it's hygiene factor.  Glass containers do not retain lingering food scents as plastic does and cleaning them is a breeze.  Before re-using, simply let them sit in warm soapy water then carefully remove the label. You may need a sharp object to help it slide off. I like using a stainless steel spoon then I go over it with a dish scrubber, rinse thoroughly and they are ready to store your favorite liquid.  

We go through a lot of Bragg's Apple Cider Vinegar and always look forward to re-using them.  They have been serving us well during this Summer season to house homemade juices and water. And the neat thing is, everyone gets their own bottle.

Think about it, re-using old containers is an absolute earth friendly option in addition to saving you from investing in actual juice or water bottles.

I hope you are inspired to try this in your own home.


Together we can preserve our planet one step at a time.

Cheers!

How I re-use glass bottles

How to re-use glass jars!

There are many small acts one can do on a daily basis to preserve our planet. One simple act such as re-using your glass jars and cosmetic containers will greatly reduce the burden on our environment and will also save you money. There are so many wonderful uses for those jars that once housed your favorite spaghetti sauces, olives, fruit preserves and makeup products. Dating back to my childhood days, I have always enjoyed crafting with them and still do.


Below are just some of the many uses for these gems. If you already have a unique use for these, please feel free to share.

• Use to store spices, cereals, cookies, chocolate, flour, grains, salad dressings, pickles and even hot sauce. Then simply create a label and attach to jars. Hot sauce pictured right -->

• Utilize as a holder for pens and pencils. Get creative by decorating the jar with ribbons and bows. Great project for the kids too!

• Store your DIY sugar scrubs and bath salts. Below is a simple coconut oil jar that is now re-used to store one of my favorite DIY scrubs -- Cinnamon Bun Sugar Scrub.

• Get organized by storing your crafting & sewing supplies. See picture below. You may also get creative and add a pin cushion on top of jar.

• Fill with water and use as a vase.
• Use as food storage containers.

• Use for your DIY candle projects.

• Store coins.

I apply this same principle with re-using my glass cosmetic containers. I have cleaned and sanitized the pots pictured below which once housed a few of my favorite eye shadows before converting them into lip balm pots. The pot on the right now stores a bit of Raw Organic Shea Butter.

Please remember to always clean your glass containers and allow to air dry before re-using. For cosmetic containers, I like to spritz with rubbing alcohol after it's been washed with regular soap and water.

I hope I have given you some insight for re-using your glass jars and cosmetic containers. Remember conservation is necessary for preserving our environment and planet as a whole.

How to re-use glass jars!

Go Green With Baking Soda

I don't know about you but as Spring quickly approaches there's one thing on my mind besides going out and smelling the fresh air and that is Spring cleaning. Have you started your spring cleaning yet or do you plan on doing so soon? Have you decided on which products you'll be using around your home this spring? Stop! Before you do so, I urge you to pull out those products from under your sink and start examining the ingredients. You may be surprised at your findings. If you can't pronounce all of the ingredients listed then that's a great warning sign that your product may not be so safe for your family and the environment. Traditional household cleaning products are loaded with an array of dangerous chemicals, synthetic fragrances, artificial colors, ammonia etc. All of which contributes to indoor pollution due to the toxic fumes they produce. The elderly, kids, pets and asthma sufferers will be most at risk for developing either breating complications or skin and eyes irritation. If you live in North America, then you must be aware of our poor air quality so switching to safter alternatives is 'the' best option for both your family and the enviroment.

Making your own products really isn't that difficult, considering the fact you'll only be requiring a few ingredients per formula. Baking Soda happens to be so versatile for formulatig both beauty and household cleaning products so you'll want to stock up on a few boxes at a time.

Below are some of my favorite Household Cleaning & Beauty Uses for Baking Soda

• Cleaning the oven & stove top. Sprinkle  Baking Soda on a damp sponge, scrub, and wipe clean.
• Remove tarnish from silver. Mix a thick paste of Baking Soda with water, apply the silver with a damp sponge, rub, rinse, and pat dry.
• Cleaning the sink (stainless steel). Sprinkle Baking Soda on a damp sponge, scrub the sink, and rinse clean.
• Adding as a booster to laundry detergent. Add one-half cup Baking Soda with the usual amount of detergent in your regular wash cycle.
• Cleaning the bathtub, shower & tiles in general. Sprinkle Baking Soda on a damp sponge, scrub, and rinse clean. Depending on the degree of grime, I may add white vinegar right after the Baking Soda. Allow this solution to sit for a bit then scrub. 
• Cleaning & deodorizing the refrigerator. For cleaning, simply sprinkle Baking Soda on a damp sponge, scrub, and wipe clean. And for deodorizing, place an opened box in a corner of your refrigerator.
• Drains Maintenance: Pour 1/2 to 1 cup of Baking Soda in the drain, followed by 1/2 cup white vinegar and same amount of boiling water. Allow to sit for about 1/2 an hour then wash away with more boiling water.
• Remove burnt-on food on either cookware or stove top. Do Not Use On Cast Iron! Dampen area, sprinkle with Aluminum Free Baking Soda, allow to soak for about 1/2 an hour, then scrub with a sponge, rinse, and dry.
• Remove coffee or tea stains from china. Dip a damp cloth in baking soda, gently rub the china, and rinse clean.
• Clean coffee and teapots. Soak in a warm water solution with about 1/4 - 1/2 cup baking soda. Go over with a sponge to wipe away any residual stains then rinse and pat dry.
• Brush your teeth. Whether you're looking to remove tea or coffee stains or just plain brushing, add a small amount onto your dampened tootbrush and brush as usual then rinse. It's safe and besides Baking Soda is fluoride free.
• Soothe tired feet or full body soak. Add 3-4 tablespoons to  warm bath water and soak feet/body. You may also add a couple tablespoons of epsom salts and a few drops of your favorite essential oil for an invigorating bath/foot soak experience.
• Glowing Skin Recipe. Mix equal parts of honey, baking soda & a few drops of milk. Use on any part of your body & rinse. Honey hydrates the skin, baking soda exfoliates while milk cleanses.
• Use as a deodorant. Dust a miniscule amount of baking soda in the palm of one of your hands, add a bit of water to create a paste & apply under arms. Allow to dry completely before getting dressed.
• Dry up pimples. Mix a small amount of baking soda with warm water & apply daily on pimples. Leave on for up to 1/2 an hour then rinse.
• Remove crayon marks from walls. Sprinkle  Baking Soda on a damp sponge, scrub gently then wipe clean.
• Get rid of build-up from hair. Add one tablespoon of Baking Soda mixed with your shampoo. Massage into hair. Rinse, condition and style as usual.

Are you convinced of how versatile baking soda is? Above are just some of the uses for this wonderful product. If you've already been using this awesome stuff, please drop by and share your favorite
recipe(s) with my readers  and I. You may do so by either leaving me a comment here on my blog or on over at my Facebook Page: Simply Green & Healty Living. I'd love to hear from ya!


Until next time, Go Green and start keeping the toxins off and out of your bodies.

Go Green With Baking Soda