DIY Coconut Oil Hair Mask Repairs Damaged Hair

Every day, your hair suffers damage from styling tools, heat appliances, and the sun.  This coconut hair mask can help restore damaged hair and leave your hair smooth and shiny.  The best part?  It smells delicious!  This is one of the easiest hair masks because it has just one ingredient: coconut oil.  Organic extra virgin oil is the best coconut oil to use for this hair mask.  Don't buy refined coconut oil because it doesn't have as many benefits for your hair due to the refining process.

LANEIGE Skincare Review and Giveaway

This post was created in partnership with LANEIGE as part of an Influencer Activation for Influence Central. I received complimentary products to facilitate my review, but all opinions within are my own.

I've been taking steps to take better care of my body lately.  I've been eating better, exercising, and scheduling time off to relax.  I feel better, and my jeans are starting to get loose.  But I didn't notice much of a change in my skin despite my changes.  I've had a skin care routine that I've been using for the last year, but lately my skin has been looking tired.  I recently tried LANEIGE skin care because it's different.  It's like a destresser for skin.  Korean skincare products are all the rage lately because they help revive your skin and give your skin the care that it deserves.  I haven't tried any Korean skincare yet, but I saw LANEIGE in Target and got intrigued.  When I read that they use natural botanicals, I had to try it.  

Zim's Max Crack Creme Review and Giveaway Ends 10/10

I live in sandals in the summer, so my feet take some abuse.  My feet are actually worse in the summer than in the winter!  I ended up with callouses along the edge of both heels, and one foot started to crack.  I was thrilled when Zim's sent me some of their famous Zim's Max Crack Cream in the original formula and the creamy daytime formula.  Finally!  My heels have been saved!

List of Carrier Oils for Hair

If you're new to Everything Pretty, you might not have seen my post about carrier oils and their benefits.  Since I wrote it, it's been one of my top posts, and it even inspired me to write my first book, Carrier Oils.   In that post, I list several popular carrier oils and their benefits for your skin and hair.  In the book, I list more than 40 different carrier oils and their uses.  In this post, I'd like to concentrate just on a list of carrier oils for your hair.  Some of these carrier oils can be used alone on your hair like argan oil.  Others are best used in DIY recipes like hot oil treatments or hair masks.

Snack Brighter This Summer

Everyone keeps talking about fall, but it's still in the 80s here in Ohio.  We've been enjoying the nice weather as long as we can because this winter is expected to be very cold.  Although my kids do indoor sports like ballet and martial arts, we play outside as a family at the park.  We have a fairly large park for a rural area with play equipment, ball fields, and a walking track.  My kids don't play baseball on a team, but they like going to the park to play.  It never fails that as soon as we get there, they are hungry and thirsty.  They'd like to pack junk food, but I want them to eat healthier.  With Outshine Fruit Bars, we both win.  They love the taste, and I love that they are a healthy snack alternative.

Fall Fashion Basics 2016

As much as I wish I could buy all the pretty new things for each season, I have to be practical.  I work from home, but I do need to dress nice for meetings and such.  This fall, I found some great basic pieces that are perfect for pairing with things from my closet.  This gives me an updated, trendy look, yet I don't need a new wardrobe.  Here are my favorite fall fashion basics for 2016, and they are all from Amazon.  Try Amazon Prime 30-Day Free Trial for 2 day shipping.

How To Make Hand-Milled Soap

Hand-milled soap, also called rebatched soap or French milled soap, is an easy way to make the perfect bar of soap without using caustic lye.  Soap making supplies are expensive in small quantities, so if you only want to make a few bars, this is an affordable way to make your own.  You can  use nearly any soap, but it's best to use a handmade soap.  Glycerin soap and inexpensive commercial soaps don't work as well in this recipe.  Keep reading to learn how to make hand milled soap.

DIY Dry Oil Perfume Spray Recipe

Since winter is coming, I wanted to make more of my DIY dry oil perfume spray recipe.  This recipe is very similar to another perfume recipe that I posted a while back, but it has one important new ingredient.  Oil.  I used an oil to moisturize my skin for the winter.  I switch between recipes in the summer and winter because this recipe is more moisturizing.  I use it as a perfume, but I especially like to use it after shaving.  This recipe is part of my friend Danielle of DIY Danielle's Grab & Go Easy Gift Tutorials.  She's doing 30 days of handmade gifts, so go check it out if you need some holiday gift ideas.

Zim's Max-Freeze Patches Giveaway Ends 9/26

I've been a big fan of Zim's products for many years because they help me fight pain without taking medications.  When they reached out to work with me a while back, I tried their Max Freeze spray and roll on.  I've been having a lot of muscle pain lately, and they've been lifesavers.  I love that I don't get messy after applying them.  Sometimes when I'm on the go, the roll on and spray aren't really convenient.  Zim's contacted me again this month to try their new Max-Freeze patches.  Keep reading to see how they work and enter a giveaway for your own set.

DIY Avocado Hot Oil Treatment Recipe for Damaged Hair

Hair color, flat irons, blow dryers, and pollution can all damage your hair.  Luckily, there is something you can do to bring your distressed tresses back to life.  Hot oil treatments provide moisture and essential fats to your hair to make it smoother and shinier.  Most treatments just include a carrier oil, but this DIY avocado hot oil treatment recipe includes the wonderful natural fats from the avocado for more nourishment.

Welcome to Fall $500 Target or Sephora Gift Card Giveaway Ends 9/27 12 AM EST

Fall is soooo close, y'all!  I will miss summer, but I am looking forward to the crisp air, hoodies, and bonfires.  I'm also really looking forward to darker lipstick.  Yes, dark lipstick is back for fall 2016 trends.  I have one from Burt's Bees that I absolutely love, so I have room in my budget for other fall makeup items.  I really want some new copper or peach eyeshadow for this fall.  I haven't decided which palette I'm getting yet.  I'll have to browse Sephora to see what's new!  If you've been eyeing some new makeup items, I have great news for you.  I've teamed up with several bloggers to bring you an awesome giveaway with TWO winners.  The first winner will receive a $500 gift card to Sephora OR Target, and the second winner will receive a $250 gift card to Sephora OR Target!  

DIY Anti-Aging Face Serum Recipe

As my 36th birthday is quickly approaching, I've been dabbling with some anti-aging recipes.  I don't really have many lines around my eyes, but I either need to help my smile lines or quit smiling.  While I was writing my book Carrier Oils, I researched more than 40 different carrier oils!  I hand picked what I think are the best oils to use for this DIY anti-aging face serum recipe.  The best part is that you can customize it to fit your needs and the oils that you have on hand, so keep reading after the recipe for different oils to substitute.

Fall 2016 Beauty Trends

As much as I wish summer could last forever, I'm going to have to accept the fact that fall is almost here.  I'm a planner, so I like to be prepared for the next season.  I was browsing new makeup today to fall and winter, and I am loving the trends.  I probably won't adopt all of these trends, but a few will definitely be making it into my makeup bag.