20 Mule Team Borax Crystal Snowflakes and Ornaments Craft

Who doesn't love to make gorgeous ornaments?  I have a fun and easy craft idea for the holidays that you can use for Christmas or Hanukkah or anytime. Think about all the possibilities. You can buy 20 Mule Team Borax in any grocery store for a reasonable price and it an all natural product that is easy to work with for fun crafts.

Required supplies:

• string
• wide mouth jar (pint)
• white pipe cleaners
• borax (see tips)
• pencil, popsicle stick or twigs
• boiling water
• various liquid or gel food colors
• scissors

1. The first step of making borax crystal snowflakes or ornaments is to make the snowflake or ornament shape. Cut a pipe cleaner into three equal sections for a snowflake or into the shape you want for your ornament.
2. Twist the sections together at their centers to form a six-sided snowflake shape. Make whatever shape you want if you are doing a round ornament or oval for example. Don't worry if an end isn't even, just trim to get the desired shape. The snowflake or ornament should fit inside a wide- mouthed glass jar like one you use for canning.
3. Tie the string to the end of one of the snowflake or ornament arms. Tie the other end of the string to the pencil or a wooden stick or even a twig. You want the length to be such that the pencil hangs the snowflake into the jar.
4. Fill the widemouth pint jar with boiling water.
5. Add borax one tablespoon at a time to the boiling water, stirring to dissolve after each addition. The amount used is 3 tablespoons borax per cup of water. It is okay if some undissolved borax settles to the bottom of the jar.
6. If desired, you may tint the mixture with food color.
7. Hang the pipe cleaner snowflake or ornament into the jar so that the pencil rests on top of the jar and the snowflake or ornament is completely covered with liquid and hangs freely (not touching the bottom of the jar).
8. Allow the jar to sit in an undisturbed location overnight.
9. Look at the pretty crystals and enjoy them all season long!!! You can hang your snowflake as a decoration or in a window to catch the sunlight

Because boiling water is used and because borax isn't intended for eating, adult supervision is recommended for this project.  If you really can't find borax, you can use sugar or salt (may take longer to grow the crystals, so be patient). Add sugar or salt to the boiling water until it stops dissolving. Ideally you want no crystals at the bottom of the jar.

The Bra Strap Solution: Strappys Decorative Bra Straps for Every Occasion Plus a Giveaway

Disclaimer: I received a pair of Strappys complimentary for review purposes. As always, my opinions are my own.

I love wearing the latest trendy looks but sometimes there are fashion issues.  Don't you just love when a sharp cookie comes along and solves them for you?  All of the sudden you see someone with the solution to an issue that has bugged you for eons and you are just transformed?  That is exactly what happened with Strappys.  I saw someone wearing these cute decorative bra straps a few weeks ago and I just had to ask about them.  I did.  I am not shy when it comes to things like that.  Ladies need to do what we need to do!

Who hasn't struggled with the right bra for that cute tank top shirt?  How about that formal dress which really would look so much better with a great bra but you settle for something less because you cannot get the right look with the straps?  Aaah, it has happened to me so many times. It is an issue if you have a large bust or small...everyone looks better with a great fitting bra underneath. The issue is those unsightly bra straps. Who wants to see those?  That is where Strappys come in.  Strappys are bra straps that are meant to be seen! They come in all sorts of beautiful patterns from casual fabrics to dressy bling.  There Strappys with stones, beads and colors. You can even wear them with formal wear or a wedding gown. Just gorgeous. Strappys just attach to any bra that has detachable straps.  Who doesn't have 10 of those?  It is the perfect solution to any bra fashion dilemma.  A bonus idea is to use Strappys on one of your ho-hum bathing suits....bling up your bikini because every pair of Strappys is waterproof too!  

Here is the skinny on the Strappys: 

• completely waterproof
• totally adjustable just like a regular strap
• straps are available in two widths, regular and Buxom

The newest Strappy model is the features glittering crystal gems.  The Strappy Crystal Gem White Diamond Bra Strap will have them as you walk in the door. It is very comfortable and provides superior support while you sparkle and glimmer. Shhh, your little secret!  No more need to keep tugging on that strapless dress, your secret weapon is Strappys. This model has sparkling white diamond faceted gems that are mounted from the front hook to the back hook. Just like other Strappys, it adjusts just like a regular fabric bra strap. 

The individual Strappys Crystal Gems are removable on this new model so you have another option.  Think about it:  you can add the Strappys Crystal Gems to your conventional (3/8") bra strap or they can even attach to the regular buxom style (1/2") bra straps as well.  You can remove gems to size the Strappy Crystal Gem White Diamond Bra Strap perfectly to your needs.  Remember they are waterproof too so don't forget to sparkle up your bikini too!

Keep your eyes out for the latest news from Strappys because by the end of December they will have the Strappys Crystal Gem White Diamond model available as a bra strap cover for you. It will feature 23 sparkling gems that clip right onto a conventional bra.  I love this and think it will be great for those times when you need to wear a particular bra but the straps are not removable. Strappys has all the options for you so take a peek at the their website and order early for yourself so you don't have any fashion faux pas during the busy holiday season.  Don't forget to check off girls holiday gifts early as well.  I already have my eye on a few for gifts for girlfriends for Christmas and Hanukkah. Strappys has something for everyone.  Enter my Rafflecopter giveaway below to win a beautiful set for yourself or a friend.a Rafflecopter giveaway

My thoughts on the new Tory Burch fragrance and beauty capsule collection

Disclaimer:  I received this information via Vogue Influencer Network. 

 

A long time Tory Burch fan, I was surprised and excited to hear she was introducing a fragrance and beauty capsule collection.  It is classic but kind of unexpected at the same time. It is relaxed but very feminine.  You still get that tomboy vibe though in a good way.

 

I love that it is an easy and polished collection too. The new collection includes fragrance, body, color and home — all designed as chic accessories for a vanity. I can't wait to get some of these pieces for the holiday. Shopping time!!

Have You Heard About Lancome #DreamTone Yet? #bareselfie

Disclaimer:  I received a sample of Lancome DreamTone complimentary in order to evaluate it for myself. As always, my opinions are my own.

@LancomeUSA @SheSpeaksUp
I am a woman that really tries. To keep it all together from my head to my toes. I do. Boy, it is a lot of work from the hair color and highlights to the face creams and body creams.  Exercise.  Don't forget that.  I get to the gym and workout hard 4-6 days a week. I eat healthy with lots of fruits and vegetables and very lightly on the heavier stuff.  It works out pretty well for me with everything I do but the hardest part is keeping the face in place. Yes, I mean that.  Keeping the face from falling...downwards.  I use a lot of products. A lot. 

I buy products at Sephora, Nordstom, Target and even Rite Aid.  I have tried a lot of things. Some of them work better than others and some brands are better than others. I do prefer the luxury brands, okay I do admit it. The drugstore brands fit the bill but the luxe brands are so much nicer. They have a more elegant scent as a rule and they just seem to work a little better. 

I was interested when I heard I was going to be able to try out a new cream from Lancome called DreamTone. Even the name sounded exciting.  They are one of my all time favorite brands.  They just have great quality products from mascara to moisturizers that work for any skin tone and type.

I received the Lancôme DreamTone and added it into my usual skin care routine morning and night. So Dream Tone is a lightly tinted serum in three different formulations (1, 2 and 3) formulated to help quickly correct those irksome dark spots, discolorations and other skin tone imperfections caused by everyday life. Number 2 was the perfect color for me.  Lordy knows I need some assistance in that area so number 2 went to work right away on my face. I am really good with sunscreen and all that but I have some imperfections just like every single one of us.

I noticed a difference pretty quickly.  Using it the first time I could see the sheen and slight tint made my skin looker fresher, less exhausted than usual. After a few days, I looked fresher even in the late afternoon. My color looked good too. The container is an elegant pink and silver that looks pretty on my vanity to boot.  I will keep using Lancome Dreamtone and update you as I continue to see progress.  This one is a keeper I think, don't you?