Food For Face - Anum Thanvi Sharif

Why go through the hassle of mixing and grinding slimy, mushy fruits and veggies when you can just easily buy a jar of a good quality scrub/ mask, that too at a good price? I mean who has the time, and patience to put in all the effort?

I'll give you more than one good reason as to why you should switch to organic!

Firstly, you know what you actually are putting on your skin. Skin is the largest organ of your body, don't you wanna be sure to save it as much as possible from harsh chemicals? Natural ingredients are usually gentler to the skin and have less to no side effects. They are the best favor you can give yourself if you have sensitive skin. Using natural ingredients is environmentally friendly and if nothing has managed to convince you even now, using natural ingredients enhances your beauty more than any other man-made potion!

Here are my top favorite DIY homemade masks/ scrubs.

Avocado and Honey:
Avocado softens and improves the skin tone. Avocado can be used in lotions, creams, body oils, and shower gels daily without any adverse effects, Honey which is a great anti-bacterial, loaded with anti-oxidants moisturizes, soothes and clarifies the skin.

Turmeric Mask:
Turmeric is high in anti-oxidants widely used as a skin exfoliant to improve skin's texture. It also helps with inflammatory skin conditions, such as acne, dry skin, psoriasis, eczema and reduces pigmentation.

Banana & Cinnamon:
Banana helps soothe dry and irritated skin. Honey, as we all know, is beneficial as it replenishes skin and cleans it inside out. Now cinnamon may be the underdog in this mix but it is a nice touch to fight blemishes and open your pores for a perfect cleanse.

Egg Mask:
if you have dry skin that needs moisturizing, separate the egg and beat the yolk. oily skin takes the egg whites, to which a little honey add lemon can be added. If you are lucky to have a normal skin, use the whole egg.

Milk Mask:
Thoroughly coat your entire face with a thick paste and let it dry for as long as it takes to dry up. it will leave your skin feeling fresh and rejuvenated

Pamper your beautiful self and happy hygge!!!!

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Family That Eats Together Stays Together

Homes are something you make out of love and care; it is a symbol of togetherness.  It’s a bond between the members of the family who share their space, time and it’s a place where you can be you.
Now that we are done with the emotional side and definition of it lets talk about facts! There is an immense effort invested in making a home, and I’m not just talking about buying or renting it, I’m more focused on the décor part. Now I know all of us want to do a lot, but keeping up with those budgets can be a task at times.  For reasons like these, and for the love of arts and craft, I believe in a lot of personalized things that reflect your personality. For e.g. if you and your husband/ partner like cooking together once in a while, make sure you give him that space so that he knows it’s his territory too  - plus these small gestures would be good for your relationship too.

Sign Boards

www.bystephanielynn.com

It’s always very amazing to see creative and unique ideas in a house, well it at least says a lot about the people living there. How about hanging up a black board with a chalk somewhere at a corner wall in your kitchen! You can use it to display the ‘menu of the day’ just like they have outside small, little roadside cafes in Italy.  Plus point, you can also use it to leave personal messages once in a while like “I love you” or “I’m at my mums, foods in the fridge, feed yourself”. It is also great for parties and get together, gives you extra points as a host for your creativity.

Recyclable crockery

www.jedzonkowo.blogspot.com

Remember those old grandma teapots and plates you had, that are so beautiful but come on, you can’t practically use them in today’s day and age until and unless it’s a special occasion or a themed party from the 60’s. So instead of stocking them up in a cupboard somewhere use them to highlight empty walls and counters in your kitchen area. A bunch of different sized colored and printed plates can be used as a wall display and trust me; it’ll look as beautiful as an expensive art piece. Cups teapots or even bowls can go on the counter as a center piece for candles, flowers or even fruits and nuts. Just try and explore your options.

Herbs and plants

www.themicrogardener.com

I know you are thinking pretty bottles with money plants but come one, what is the use? Instead how about all those small but very useful herbs and leaves that we use in our daily cooking rituals? For example mint leaves, coriander and rosemary … why not have them planted in mini pots (that can be decorated with paints or printed fabric) and place them on your kitchen window. It’ll be an easy excess for whenever you need them, economical plus the scents will keep your kitchen fresh and add color.

His and Hers

www.etsy.com

How cute are those his and her coffee mugs – and they look even more adorable when your offered coffee in bed as a surprise. Again, I’d say, pay attention to personalizing things. Even the kids can have their personalized utensils – engraved spoons and plates are a great idea too, but you’d think I’m going too over board with this! But it sure is a great gift idea.

Leave thank you and love you post it notes on your fridge, or a surprise dessert in the fridge for when he comes back home midnight – tired and hungry. Try and cook meals together at least on weekends, and cooking for him is not slavery, it’s a gesture to show how much you love and care (maybe I’m old fashioned but a man’s gotta eat. Share responsibilities, he can wash and you can dry the dishes – have kids join in on weekend nights too. From breakfast to dinner make it an experience worthwhile. Don’t just limit your kitchen for sweaty irritating cooking sessions – make it a part of your happy and healthy home where all of you can have fun and share memories.

Happy Home Happy Springs!

FIRST IMPRESSION

www.1decor.net 

 

Mirrors are the one most important thing at the entrance way. I love it because I can quickly check my hair and makeup when over as a guest in someone’s house. Play around with mirror shapes and designs to substitute old static looking mirrors.

OMBRE IS NOT JUST FOR HAIR

www.bobvila.com

                                 
Ombre effect is appropriate when you don’t want to overdo color. You can maintain the subtlety yet add an edge to your pieces. This effect can also be used to highlight cushions or drapes.

 WATERCOLORS EVERYWHERE

www.pinterest.com

                                 
Unless you’re into a Gothic look for your home, try incorporating watercolor paintings to brighten the walls. They are not too on the face, yet they add the perfect amount of color and personality in your living space.

ROSES ARE ALWAYS A GOOD IDEA

www.pinterest.com

                                 
Not just on occasions but I'd love to get some regularly. But right now it’s about upholstery, especially if you have an old looking furniture piece. Just a revamp of fabric will give your house an instant vintage/ artistic look. You can opt for any kind of print, but classics are roses!

                                             

B&W ALL THE WAY

www.houzz.com

                                               

Black and white never gets out of fashion. Black and white photos add a very creative edge to the home setting. It sure can be framed paintings, but the best of all will be personalized photographs. Try this to add in drama and cherish all the stories whenever you pass by your picture wall.

CANDLES ARE AN ANSWER TO EVERYTHING

www.pinterest.com

                                                 
A soft glow will add the perfect crisp to spring nights. From tables to mantles or even consoles,  mix different sizes and shapes to create a master piece.

PASTEL IT UP

www.therelaxedhome.com

                                                

Spring's warm sunshine looks dreamy with pastel hues. It could be an addition with a furniture item, wall décor or even curtains. Pastels will also add in the “cool” factor during those sunny days.

SUN CHARMERS

www.olivebarn.com

                                 
Hello Vitamin D, and who doesn’t like a little sun in this magical season anyway – Sun Charmers are the best way to bring in colors and sunlight inside your humble abode.
                                 

SWEET CORNERS
                                              

www.mybreezyroom.com

No! Your entire room furniture does not have to match. We are way beyond that time now.  Pick one favorite item in your room and personalize it. Color it, drape it, but make it look new. This smallest element can bring a major makeover to your room. I have a chair, I painted in gold and got a fuchsia base for it – its beautiful!

SOUL ESCAPE
                                     

www.lomets.com

Who does not like a swing – I mean honestly? The key is to make all the areas of the house as cosy and personal as it can be. It maybe the outside, but it still is home. In my case it’s my terrace, for you it could be the garden or the backyard. Have comfortable seating arrangement with cushions. Try and remain as organic as you can to go with the theme but invest some time in DIY lamps. It would bring out the romance.

BRIGHTEST WHITES
                                     

www.cecyj.com

Although I love colors, but I believe there should be some clean white spaces around your house. After all the color brings peace plus, it’s the cleanest yet chicest look to have. Try mixing whites with something colorful, like a white bowl with lemons – a white shelf setting with a couple of colored books.

GO BOLD WITH PRINTS
                                                

www.safronmarigold.com

Who says, solid surfaces have to be solid only? Not saying you get a painter dong intricate details on everything you have, but you can always opt for the easier solutions. Try using printed table cloths or stick ons that can go on vases and candles. If you are remodeling, printed tiles are such a classic.

NATURE’S PURIFIER

www.urbanoutfitters.com

                                                 
Salt Lamps are the biggest IT thing at the moment. Nor are they just beneficial but beautiful too. Can be a great addition to your springy home and the purifying benefits would help fight seasons allergy’s too.

SOFT FEET
                               

www.overstock.com

                
Now I am a fan of soft, comfortable surfaces beneath my feet. After a long hectic day, I like getting home and taking off my shoes. This is the perfect season to match printed rugs with your furniture. The pop of color and subtleness just one rug can bring to your room setting is amazing.

HAPPY HOME HAPPY SPRING!