Spontaneous Weekend Visits

Can you believe it's July 1st? How in the world did June slip by so fast? 

That's ok...bring on the fall weather!!

This past weekend my mother-in-law and brother-in-law decided to come down for a spontaneous trip! We love having friends and family visit so we were super excited that they decided to come over!

(via)

When we got official word they were on their way and after a trip to the grocery store, my husband and I went into a cleaning frenzy. He helped, though, really. Now I don't see this as a fault and I know my in-laws and friends won't think less of me if the house isn't spotless (who has time to keep a house 'spotless'?), but when people come over, it is a perfect excuse to clean the house in record time! Works like a charm. I'm a pretty organized and clean person, but the house always looks great seconds before guests arrive! 

They arrived late Friday evening and so we mostly talked and played games. I had to work Saturday morning so everyone else stayed up and hung out when I went to bed early like the old lady I am. Saturday afternoon we all went down to the Farmer's Market to sample and buy local, delicious goodies. We bought eggs and potatoes for a super late breakfast and even bought the most delicious goat cheese from Spring Mill Farm. Sun dried tomato goat cheese is my guilty pleasure...it is to die for!

After the Market and a delicious homemade breakfast (at 2pm?!) we relaxed for a bit but then decided we should go out and enjoy the day. The hot, hot day. We drove down to Peaks View Park and walked the trails and got some sun. It was really nice, but quite hot. We were ready for some AC after a few miles!

Even Kito got to come along! He had a blast!

Don't tell but we even stopped by DQ on the way back for smore's blizzards! 

Sunday we made poppyseed chicken (delicious...recipe post in the works!) and butter! Yes, we made our own butter! It's incredibly easy but I won't give it all away now. I'll try and have that in a post for you all this week! 

All in all in was a wonderful weekend. Can't wait to have them out again!

And to top it off, now that it's July...it's officially my birthday month! This is the first birthday in about 5 years now that the camp we always work isn't happening during my birthday! Not that we don't love working camp, but I'm so excited to actually get to celebrate my birthday this year! It's also my "quarter of a century" birthday as my husband likes to remind me, so we're thinking an awesome celebration is in order! I can hardly wait!

How was your weekend? Do anything fun or productive? What are some awesome birthday ideas? I'm up for cliche� or unique ideas! 

Till next time,

Catherine

DIY: Make Your Own Make-Up!

This is the post that I have been anticipating for a while. I probably over did it. My husband and I like to call it, The Chipotle Effect. Basically when you or someone else talks something up so much and then you finally see/try/taste it and you're kind of like, "Eh." while shrugging your shoulders. Or if you enjoy it, but it's not nearly as awesome as everyone has said. Well, I did that to myself I think.

But don't let that deter you right away! I'm going to do more research and see what I can add/take away to make this even better. It's too awesome to not work!

All you need is:

• French Green Clay (I bought mine at Whole Foods)
• Corn Starch
• Cocoa Powder (optional for color)

And all you do is mix the three together! The original tutorial says to do 1 part clay to 1 part corn starch. Basically, if you use 1 Tablespoon of clay, use 1 Tablespoon of corn starch as well. The cocoa powder is optional but I wouldn't recommend using an equal 1 part as well. Add it in slowly to ensure you get the color you want.

Here's how it went for me.

I started small, with a 1/2 tsp of corn starch.

Then a 1/2 tsp of French green clay.

Then about 1/16 tsp of cocoa powder. 

 And this is what it looked like. A bit too green for me.

So I added more cocoa powder. 

Better. 

And more...

Then more corn starch to lighten it. 

Even better, but not quite. 

More of each! 

This was my final color. It's not what I was expecting but it doesn't look like that color on your face. It blends into your skin very well.

As you can see, I didn't make all that much. This old spice jar works perfectly, especially if I make more! 

Tips and hints:

• This is more of a translucent powder than a powder foundation. 
• French green clay is used widely for facial masks and is completely natural. It's full of important minerals for our bodies and skin. 
• Corn starch acts as an oil absorber but it won't dry out your skin.
• Some with sensitive skin may have reactions so be cautious if you have sensitive skin. I had no issues.
• If you want, buy all organic ingredients. I just used what I had on hand. Even all organic you can buy the ingredients for less than $10. How many make up brands are THAT cheap??
• Because it's a powder, you'll need to apply a moisturizer first in order for the powder to stick to your skin. I recommend using Alba Organics SPF 15 Daily Moisturizer. It's light, organic and I love it! (Not paid, just love the stuff.) 
• One awesome benefit of this is you can simply add more cocoa powder for the summer months when you're more tan then make a lighter batch for winter! So awesome! 
• It's gluten-free!! I know this is extremely important for many people. Before this, I didn't have any clue that make up could have gluten in it!
• Even if it doesn't turn out right, you didn't waste hardly anything but time! French green clay is great for face masks so mix your leftovers with some water for a mini spa night. Treat yo'self! 

Conclusion: 

I haven't made one yet. I really didn't see a major difference with the make up. It also seemed to wipe off way too easily. I'm not giving up yet, though because I really want this to work. How cool would it be to make all of your own make up for pennies?? I'm glad I didn't buy the 1lb jar of green clay to start with, though! I'm going to do more research and see what I can find to improve upon this. I don't want to give it up yet! 

What's your favorite kind of make up? Do you go au-natural whenever possible? What's your best make up trick? If you've used this recipe before, any tips or tricks for me? 

Till next time,

Catherine