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Lifestyle
How To Make Strong Scented Candles At Home

Are you thinking of something you can give as a gift? One of the great things you could give is something handmade. You can make something simple but can make it personal which will add charm to your gift. In addition to that, you can also make one for your own. You can also even have it as a business. 

One of the things you can make is a scented candle which is great for this fall and upcoming winter. You will be able to relax with its scent and glow of it. The good news is it is easy to make them. You will just need the right tools and materials, and you will have the skill in making them in no time.

The Materials Needed

You will need is wax. Soy wax is said to the best because it burns longer. Make sure it is also unscented to add your preferred one later. Then you will also need a braided wick and tabs for sustenance, and then also a dye. You will also need fragrance oils or essential oils to add the scent. You would also need a skewer.

The Tools Needed

The tools needed are mostly in your kitchen. That is the stove and a double broiler. A thermometer would be handy to have a definite temperature. You would also need a glue gun which will be handy in the process.

Steps in Making:

  1. The first thing you will need is to put together the needed materials. This will include the scent of your choice.
  2. After that, if your wick is not pre-tabbed, you will need to tab them yourself. The advantage of this is it is cheaper and also you will get to decide the size of your candle, so it will not matter if you suddenly go with big or small. 
  3. Now it is time to melt the wax. You will need to place it in a double broiler or if you do not have one, in a metal container over a pan. The preferred temperature would be 180 degrees in Fahrenheit, and it will be handy to use a thermometer for this to watch out for it.
  4. If the wax has been fully melted, remove it from the heat.
  5. Put in the dye. You can match the color with the scent if you want.
  6. Put in the fragrance oil or the essential oil for the scent.
  7. Then after all that, let the wax cool down.
  8. While letting it cool down, you could arrange your mold by putting in the wick. Glue in the stabilizer in the base of the jar to be more sturdy.
  9. Use a skewer to tie in the wick then put it in the top of the mold, so it will be in the center.
  10. Then after all that, pour your wax in the mold or a container.
  11. You will need to wait at least 24 hours to ensure that your candle solidifies.
  12. After it hardens, trim your wick in about quarter inch, and you are done.
Fashion
What To Wear To A Fall Cocktail Party

With holidays approaching, there will surely be a lot of parties lined you will attend. It will definitely be a variety, and you will need to get ready for all of them.

One of those parties is a cocktail party. It is a party that is usually for business purposes, so that is why it is usually formal. That is why it is important to know what you will need to expect, so you will be ready and know what to do. One of these is your outfit. What would be best to wear on this occasion?

1. Follow the Dress Code

As said before, cocktail parties are often for business and formal, so it is important to know how will it be. It could be a black-tie which means it will be very formal. You would need to wear an evening dress or gown. Then there will be other less formal and even casual. Just make sure to not be too casual. When it comes to these parties, jeans are a big no. 

Also, since it is October and Halloween is imminent, it will be a big possibility to have a costume cocktail party. For this, make sure to have something appropriate (it is usually a formal one like a masquerade).

2. Know the Theme

The theme comes in with the dress you wear. The party could be something elegant or it could be more casual. This is the same as above once you know what the theme will be. You will have to follow the dress code for it.

3. Be Appropriate

No matter what the theme will be, there is an appropriate dress code for a cocktail party. The first rule is to not wear something revealing which means keep the necklines and hemlines appropriate. Also, avoid transparent fabrics. Remember that a cocktail party is for business, so you should wear something that is appropriate in front of your boss and partners. Another thing is said before. Even if the event is less formal does not mean you can wear jeans, but you can definitely wear trousers or any other pantsuits. You will look formal and chic at the same time.

Another thing to avoid is something about the accessories you will choose. It is all about keeping it simple yet elegant. An example is having a clutch instead of having an oversized bag. Having a big bag (even if it is a purse) will make you look disorganized. Another is your jewelry. Make sure to wear something simple like a single necklace and pair of earrings and not to have too many.

4. Always Be Ready

Because it is fall, the temperature will definitely be cooler. Because of that, you will need something to warm you up. A blazer will be the best for pantsuit outfits. But when it comes to dresses, a good coat or a shawl will be a nice touch. It will make you warm and look sophisticated at the same time. 

Beauty
How To Make Face Masks With Honey

As the beauty business is getting big, many still would want to try some home remedies. The reason for this is not only cheaper, but it is also safer because it surely will be no harmful chemicals involved.

One of the most popular ingredients is honey. It is said to be healthy and have a lot of benefits when eaten, but it is not only that. It is also good for the skin and hair, and that is why honey is added to some products.

But nothing beats a home-made one, because you would know it is all-natural. Face masks are one of the easiest things you can make, and there are a lot of varieties in different issues.

Finding the Best Honey

First things first. You should need to find the best honey. The best honey you will use are those that are raw and unfiltered. Some store-bought is not really pure, so it will be better to find something locally that you will really know it is raw. 

You can use honey as is which means you do not need anything mixed in it. With just one teaspoon, spread it all over your face and then leave it for about an hour. After that, rinse it with lukewarm water, and you already have something for your acne.

But there are other solutions. Other household items can be mixed in with the honey to have more substantial results. Here are some easy recipes you can try:

1. For Acne

Aside from pure honey, you can add in a half teaspoon of cinnamon. Cinnamon is antibacterial and is great for acne. The problem is that it might be irritating to those who have sensitive skin, so it will not be for all. Add to that cinnamon is a powerful ingredient, so it is not recommended to use daily. 

2. For Dry Skin

For dry skin, honey is combined with avocado. With one teaspoon of honey and one teaspoon of mashed avocado, mixed them together in a small bowl with one teaspoon of whole milk yogurt until it is smooth. And then after that, spread it over your face and let it sit for half an hour. 

3. For Sensitive Skin

You will need an aloe vera gel. With one teaspoon of it, mixed in two teaspoons of honey then apply it to your face and leave it for about 10 to 20 minutes.

4. For Oily Skin

Clay masks are good for absorbing oil. There are a variety of products available in stores, but you can definitely do it on your own. You would need one teaspoon of either Bentonite clay or Moroccan red clay. Then mix it in a non-active bowl with one teaspoon of honey and one teaspoon of apple cider vinegar. Apply it on your face then after 15 minutes, rinse it with warm water then after that, with cold water.

5. For Spots

If you are having spots or even scars all over your face, there is a simple solution for that. You will just need two teaspoons of honey and half a teaspoon of lemon juice combined. Then have it in your face for half an hour then rinse. Just a reminder that lemon juice is a strong substance, so you may want to limit its use.

Entertainment
What To Do At A Halloween Party For Adults

It is already October. Not only fall has come but various holidays are just around the corner. The first on that list is Halloween. The first thing that will come to mind with that is spooky decorations, costume parties, and kids going out trick or treating. It is an occasion that you would think only the young will enjoy.

But it is not though. Adults cans also enjoy Halloween that does not only involve accompanying kids in trick or treating or answering doors for them. It is also not only about staying at home and watching scary movies to be festive. Why not also have some fun like having a party? What could you do with it, and how will it be prepared?

1. Halloween-Themed Food

Parties always have food and for Halloween, you could definitely have it themed and make it look creepy. You could make something that looks bloody like tomato soup or something with red streaks and sauces. You could also make cookies or cakes with Halloween designs in it. It is not only about the design but also the flavors of that season like pumpkin and apples. Whatever it will be, there are a lot of recipes and ideas you can look up online.

2. Halloween Decoration

Of course, to make it festive and give the ambiance, you will need the right decorations. It will surely be easy because you can definitely find something in stores at any price, so you will not be worried about your budget. You can even be creative and make them yourself or if you have some old stuff, you can fix them or revamp them to make them look brand new or even also repurpose some.

3. Fun Games and Activities

A party will be more fun with the activities involved. Like any other holiday party, it should go with the theme. There are some easy games that do not involve any materials like guessing games with questions, trivia, or charades. Then there are also activities that would need more effort and messy like pumpkin carving and eating food (apples and donuts for example) on.a string. You can also have something in your backyard like a scavenger hunt or guessing what is in the box for them to be really spooked or creeped out.

4. Costumes

Having costumes is a tradition with Halloween whether with kids trick or treating or with parties for teenagers and adults. A nice say to give it a twist is having a theme like era-based (Victorian, 60s, etc.) or a masquerade (which are usually done formally) or any other. But of course, you could just have it traditionally and let your guests dressed however they want. But of course, the costume is a must. You can also hold a contest with it. You can declare who is the best. You can also have it by category. Examples are funniest, scariest, most creative, etc. This could be a surprise or said ahead of time to make it more exciting and competitive. 

Lifestyle
What To Bring To A Dinner Party Other Than Wine

Having invited for dinner would be an honor and privilege no matter who and what. It does not matter if it is a holiday or just an ordinary get together with coworkers or friends, the important matter is that the host is kind enough to offer their home and eat food and have a good time. Of course, a great way to thank them is by giving them a gift. A bottle of wine is one of the common gifts to give, and that is why it would be nice to give them something different. If you are thinking about what will it be, here are some ideas:

1. Food

Even if it is a dinner party, it will never be too much food. Of course, it should be not something heavy that will compete for the meals. Some ideas are the following:

a. Appetizers and Snacks

This means something simple to eat before a meal or something to pass around when telling stories. You do not have to exert much effort in it. You can bring cheese that will be perfect for a cheese platter. You can also bring in some chips, nachos, or even popcorn that will work well in an informal setting.

b. Dessert

This could be either homemade or store-bought. It is what thought that counts. Examples of this is a cake or a pie. It could also be something of small portions or something that can be a snack such as cookies and candy bars, and also brownies, creampuffs, and lemon squares.

c. Condiments

You can also bring something to add to the food. This includes vinaigrettes or dressings on salads. Another is spices and herbs for pasta and other food. If the food involves steaks or something like in a barbecue party, it would be a lot easier because you can bring about just anything.

d. Fruits

Fruits can be eaten as desserts or snacks, so it does not fit the above category. But yes, a fruit basket is a nice gift for the host and also can arrange something that can be shared with other guests.

2. Flowers or Plants

It does not always have to be food. You can also bring something that is useful or rather will add interest with decor or the host’s home. One of this are vase or potted flowers or plants. This is also a great personal gift for the party hosts. That way, you will be able to give thanks to them and at the same time, you are also adding something to the party with no effort.

3. A Playlist

To keep a party interesting and exciting, good music will be needed. Why not have something you know everyone will like and maybe even have activities with. You can bring it with a USB or mP3 player or even just your phone. You can also go old school and have it burned on a CD. The playlist does not only involve music. If the dinner party is informal, you can also bring in some movies, shows, and even documentaries for something to watch. You can also bring in some concert DVDs if you want to stick with music.

Fashion
What To Wear To A Casual Dinner With Friends

Everybody deserves a break. And every once in a while, that would involve going out and eating. This is also a great chance to catch up with your friends. You may have not seen them for a long time, or it could be just a week. They could be also your coworkers. No matter how long it was, chatting up and having fun will be the main event.

But of course, the question would be what is the best outfit to have? How will you look good without being too much? 

1. Wear All Black

Nothing will go wrong in an all-black ensemble. It is easy yet you would look sophisticated and classy. That does not mean it will truly be all black. You could also mix in some colors in it. You could wear shoes with bold colors or have accessories to mix in. You can also mix your clothes in different materials like wearing corduroy pants or a leather jacket. No matter what, wearing an all-black outfit will be effortless in its way.

2. Dress Up

This does not mean wearing party dresses or formal ones. It means wearing dresses that are casual enough for going out. There a lot available in stores and a lot to choose from different styles. What is also great is that some are comfortable enough. Some examples of this are maxi and shift dresses. There are also shirt dresses that can be paired up with leggings or belts for additional detail. Another great thing about this is that you can pair it with any shoes you prefer. It could be boots, sneakers, or sandals, and they will match perfectly.

3. Be Athletic

Wearing an athletic outfit has been a trend nowadays. Before, they are just worn in gym, sport, or working out. But now, it can be worn anywhere else, and it will be like a normal thing. This means you can now wear jogging pants or even tracksuits. You can also mix it up with jeans and a hoodie or leggings with jean jackets. Then, of course, the shoes will be sneakers of your choice. The best thing about this is comfortable yet stylish at the same time.

4. Business Casual

If you are a person who would like to dress up nicely but does not want to appear too formal or business-like then business casual is the clothing choice for you. It could be also because you will come straight from work because there will be no time to change at home. Business casual usually includes slacks or skirts paired with blouses and blazer jackets. Shoes are often comfortable enough like flats or boots or heels. Sometimes, jeans are also considered in a business casual outfit.

The keyword for this is comfort. When you are going out with friends, all you have to think about is having fun and forgetting the stress of work or real life at the moment. That is why whatever you will wear should not stress you.

Beauty
How To Style Messy Short Hair

Gone are the days where the hair should be neat to consider look nice. With different trends that depend upon personalities and interests, there are different styles that will match them.

Having a messy short hair can be quite a pain at times. But as said before, it will depend on your personal style. Another great thing is it does not matter if it is formal or casual. You can do anything as long as you can carry it and look good.

Use the Right Products

Even if a messy hair is hard to straighten, there are products that you can use to at least tame it. You can look for something that is compatible with your hair. There are shampoos and conditioners that have the formula to avoid frizz and dryness. You can also use other hair products such as mousse, hair spray, gel, etc. to help in styling your hair as long as it does not damage it.

The Right Styles

These are some of the styles that can be done:

1. Bob

The bob cut is a cut that is usually coming up to the chin. It is also usually typically styled straight but with trends and experimentations, it can be also styled wavy that will be great if you are planning to have something of a shaggy or grungy look. It can also be done in different ways such as cutting it like having it layered, so it would look like it is managed even if it is messy.

2. Pixie

This is the haircut that is really short and therefore easiest to manage. It does not mean it has to be boring and stick with one style. It can be layered and added with bangs. You can also add some interest in it by highlighting it.

3. Shag

It is a haircut that involves the hair in layers. It does not matter what the length of your hair is, but it can surely be done with short hair. If your hair is thick and has some wave, this will be the perfect haircut for you. In addition to that, it can still be styled and suitable for messy hair.

4. Bun

If you are asking how you will style your hair instead of a haircut, the easiest one would be a bun. It can definitely be done for both fo

rmal and casual. Nowadays, the messy bun is one of the most popular styles, and it can be done easily without any hassle or effort. You can also do a half bun or baby bun which does not require all of your hair to the do.

5. Braids

You might think that braids are only fitting or compatible with long hair, but it is not. If your hair is naturally messy or frizzy, braiding it is one of the easiest solutions to make it look tame. It can be done even if your hair is short though it might not be full unlike on long hair. It can be half or twisted. It can also be done with a bun.

Fashion
What To Wear To A Fall Evening Wedding

It is October. You can already feel the cold. You can see the colors changing. Stores and collections are bringing out their themed-products. Every food seemed to be in a particular flavor. Yes, that is right. It is fall. It is the time when you would feel the year is about to end and also certain changes around.

Many people would prefer to have their wedding during the summer. But would it be nice to have during the fall? With seasonal food being served and also how the colors will be on the warm, muted side that is good for the eyes.

If you do get invited to a fall wedding, what will be the perfect outfit for it?

1. The Right Color

As said before, fall’s colors involve warm and neutral, and it would be nice for you to follow it and match it with it. It will be a nice sight to have it matched with the background and also the feeling of fall. You can choose to be bold with red, violet, orange, or even gold. But if you opt to be simpler and neutral, then shades of brown, blue, or green will be for you. If you are having a hard time, you can always go for black.

2. The Right Materials

Fabric materials are one of the important aspects of a wedding. Dresses for this occasion, especially in fall, are often made from silk, satin, velvet lace, and even chiffon. These are the materials that are luxe and are right for the occasion and would also give an elegant and classic look. But remember the temperature, so it would be wise to wear materials that will make you warm. You can look for styles that will keep you warm like those dresses with long sleeves or a jumpsuit that can be casual or formal.

3. The Right Shoes

Of course, outfits are not just about the apparel but also the shoes. Because of the fall’s cold temperature, it would be practical to wear shoes that are closed instead of open-toed or strappy ones, so your feet will not get cold. Examples of this are statement shoes or pumps. Just avoid wearing boots because it will appear too casual that will not befitting for the occasion.

4. The Right Accessories

Because it is the time when the temperature is starting to drop, some outer layers to cover is a must. You could either have a jacket or cardigan that will match your dress. Another option would be a shawl or a throw. It would look elegant and will keep you warm at the same time. It can be used as a wrap once it gets cold or could be used as a scarf if it is warmer. Some would have it tied in purses as an additional accessory. And speaking of accessories, this will also include jewelry and purses. Just keep it simple and have something that will match your dress perfectly. The wedding is the bride’s day (or night) so having something simple but great without upstaging the bride will be fine enough.

BeautyFashionPhotography
How To Bring Your Indoor Photo Shoot To Life

It can be a bit tricky to make indoor photo shoots look natural. On the one hand, you want plenty of light so that the subject comes through vibrantly. In the other hand, you want to maintain an normal and appropriate level of light, color, and balance in the scenery. One way to do this is by adding certain elements to the scene to emphasize the particular style you are looking to capture. Here are some ways you can utilize an indoor space to really make the most out of it.

How To Go Bright

If you really want a nice and bright setting for your indoor photo shoot you’re going to need to rely on the same principals that you would for an outdoor photo shoot. You’re going to need a nice, bright day with plenty of sunlight for starters. You’re also going to want to make sure that the room that you’re using for the photo shoot has plenty of large windows that are receptive to the bright sunlight at the time of the shoot. It’s actually likely to be more constrained time-wise than an outdoor photo shoot for this exact reason.

Those are the basics, you’re also going to want to make sure the room itself is decorated in a way that makes the most of the sun’s vibrance. You’ll want to have lots of light and striking hues – yellows and greens are a good way to go to complement the light. You’ll want to make sure the subject matches as well, and subtle accessories that exude life and vibrance such as flowers and plants will also help.

When You Need a Little Warmth

On the other side of the spectrum, when you need to evoke warmth you’ll probably want to avoid a day when the outside light is excessively bright. If not, you’ll need to treat the windows in a way that will help you tamp down the amount of light coming in and soften the exposure.

Aside from that, you’re going to want to choose colors like reds and browns to accent the room and keep the tone exciting, but still subdued. It’s a good idea to accent the room with different pieces that will compliment the style you’re going for. A modern electric fireplace can be a great and portable way to accent the room. You might also want to consider cozy furniture or large shag rugs to really drive the point home.

It’s important when you’re staging the set to be very careful with your camera lighting. You don’t want to have your lights reflecting off of items in the room and causing excessive exposure when you’re trying to preserve a warm aesthetic.

When You Want To Make A Statement

Of course, there is always a time when you’re going to want to capture a moment that’s a bit different than the norm. In this case you’re going to have to use your own artistic discretion when it comes to basic lighting and stylistic choices, but there are still some tricks you can employ to make your photo shoot stand apart from the others.

For example, how can you make your interior shoot seem a little out of place? You’ll want to bring in objects that normally don’t go together. For example, perhaps you could have a scene where the subject is bathing in the kitchen. The name of the game is to be new here, it doesn’t matter how strange you go.

It’s getting harder than ever to stay new, as so many people are taking this approach these days. However, the same principals still apply. You want to keep an eye on what others in your space are doing well and improve upon it. If teddy bears are in style for your photo shoot (lame example I know), you’re going to want to use a HUGE teddy bear, perhaps with an extreme color like yellow or blue.

BeautyTipsWhat's New
How To Prepare The Scene For Your Spring Photo Shoot

Spring has finally sprung, and you know what that means! It’s time to bust out your favorite outfits and designs and get the cameras rolling! After a long winter cooped up in doors we’re all anxious to get outside and soak up some wonderful sunshine. While it will likely be bright and on the warmer side, you’re probably going to notice a few things about the scenery. It’s just been through a long, cold period with potentially a lot of precipitation, so you may have to take a few extra measures to make sure the scene is perfect for your shoot. Let’s quickly go over some of the main points to watch out for.

Be On The Lookout For Mud

The winter can often bring a lot of precipitation, much of it in the form of snow. This combined with the fact that the ground often freezes solid means that the soil tends to retain a lot of water. As the temperature starts to rise this will begin to evaporate into the atmosphere and restore a more stable balance, but unfortunately here in the spring that means that there is the potential for an awful lot of soggy turf and mud. This can lead to dirty shoes and unstable grounds – not to mention an absolute nightmare for heels! Keep this in mind as you scope out a locale for your shoot, and if you can avoid muddy turf that is absolutely the best way to go. Sometimes this simply isn’t an option, and in these cases you’ll have to get creative. You can often make use of an area rug or similar if you in a bind.

Make The Surfaces Shine

Likewise, all of that built up snow is going to retain all kinds of dirt and debris and leave a coating on any surfaces until either you make an effort to remove it or the surfaces have seen several solid rains. If you are planning to shoot anywhere that has brilliant rocks, large spans of concrete, or even building facades with siding you’d be best to make sure it is bright, shining, and clean before you get started. There is no better way to remedy the situation than with a pressure washer, this is exactly what they’re made for. If you’re running a photography or modeling business, they’re a tool you simply can’t operate without for exactly this reason. You’ll want to find something that is the right size and strength for this purpose, and you can read more about them to find a good fit. They aren’t too expensive, and the payoff will be huge if it means for higher raw footage. Remember, filters can do a world of miracles to pictures, but the better the starting material the better the finished product. As the old saying goes, you can’t polish a turd.

Cleanup Dead Foliage and Plant Debris

Plants will often seem a bit weathered this time of year, and you’ll see a lot of dead leaves from when the plants were fully grown before the cold season. You may also see quite a bit of fallen leaves that were not cleaned up before the bad weather came. The plants themselves will likely be quite small still, but you can make them look much better by going in and removing all of this brown, dead debris before you get on with the shoot. It’s a bit of work but you’ll find that most of the debris comes up quite easily. Just bring a pair of garden trimmers to help with any of the tougher branches. You’ll be amazed how much of a difference this can make in bringing life to your shoot, and once you’ve put it into action it’s a technique that you can’t live without.

So that’s it ladies, these few tips should get you well on your way for preparing the perfect outdoor scene for your next photo shoot. Now onto the important stuff. What are you going to wear? What colors are hot this season. Who are you going to rep? We’d love to hear from you, let us know what you think!