DIY Sugar Scrub

For my skincare-loving roommate's birthday, I made her this DIY sugar scrub.

I mixed together raw organic sugar, extra virgin olive oil, and clover blossom honey into a consistency that was neither too sticky, dry, nor oily. The sugar is a great natural exfoliant, and the olive oil and honey help to moisturize the skin.

I filled a small jar half-way with sugar, then added 2 parts honey and 3 parts olive oil (enough to fill the jar about 3/4 of the way full). Rather than using a recipe, I tested out what I had as I went along and adjusted the proportions until I felt the scrub had a good consistency.

I also made a batch for myself, which I treat my skin to once a week.
<3 Mandy

Papier-mâché Piñata

For my friend's birthday, I made a papier-mâché piñata!

 

Using flour, glue, and water, I made a paste to dip strips of newspapers in and layer onto a balloon. With the help of some friends, I made a couple of layers. To speed up the drying process, I used a hairdryer to dry each layer before proceeding onto the next. In total, I made 7 newspaper layers. For a smooth base, without newspaper headlines popping out, I used a brown paper bag to make an 8th layer.

 

 

 

 After letting the papier-mâché dry overnight, I cut little ruffles of tissue and crepe paper to decorate the piñata.

 

 

Then I filled it with goodies, including a birthday banner, some candies and chocolates, and a heart filled with rosemary. 
Since I spent so much time on it (about 16 hours), I wouldn't let him break it open. So instead of sealing it shut, I added a little flap made from teal duct tape (to fit in with the color scheme). 

 

<3 Mandy