Refreshing Rose Spritzer: An Andrew Kenshin DIY

Rose. As you probably know, I'm obsessed.

Anything rose flavored or scented I am ALL ABOUT IT. It's so relaxing and takes me away to a European forest where I am frolicking with little woodland animals. <3 (Adding that to the bucket list.)

Anywho, I recently ran out of my Dr. Perricone Super + facial spray and it has been discontinued. Wah wah.

But wait! It would be so EASY and so much CHEAPER to make it myself! Plus I could add ROSE! *little happy dance*

I did some research into rose water and the benefits are amazing! It's an anti-inflammatory, it acts like an astringent and clears/tightens your pores, and of course the aroma is touted to enhance emotional well-being.

So let's get started and make this little luxurious gem!

What you'll need:

1. 1/2 cup Pure Rose Water (preferably organic) If you make your own remember to use organic and pesticide free roses!
2.1/2 cup Distilled Water
3. 1 tablespoon Witch Hazel
4. Spritz Bottle (I reused my old Super + bottle)

Instructions: (perhaps the easiest ones ever)

1. Mix all your ingredients together in a cup with a spout (or use a bowl and funnel)

2. Pour into your bottle and DONE.

This recipe made enough to fill two of these bottles so adjust your amounts to suit your bottle. Just use equal parts rose water and distilled water.

Keep your bottle out of direct sunlight and don't let it get too hot (don't leave it in your boiling hot car).

Can I just say that I fell in love with this spritz from the very first spray. It is so fragrant and made my skin soft and glowy and was a PERFECT pick me up! I am NEVER leaving the house without this beauty!

Really, TRY IT NOW! <3

Lavender-Mint Spray Deodorant: An Andrew Kenshin DIY

Hello lovely people!

I apologize for the temporary hiatus, life gets cray-cray and sometimes you just gotta focus on a million things at once.

But I promise I have a good reason...

I GOT ENGAGED! On June 30th 2014 I proposed to my boyfriend John-John and we are getting married THIS October. Yes. THIS OCTOBER. So I've been running around trying to plan a wedding while getting back to dancing and catching up with loved ones.

You know what that means...there will be a string of wedding posts coming your way. GET EXCITED!

For now though I have this awesome and super simple DIY for all you people out there trying to cut out chemicals from your daily beauty routine and for those of us who simply can't afford to spend $10 every time you need deodorant. SERIOUSLY. What's up with natural deodorant being so freaking expensive?!

While I was in London a few months ago I was looking around Whole Foods for a new deodorant. Now I sweat A LOT due to the nature of my work so I need something that actually WORKS. I decided to splurge (10 pounds, which is practically $17!!!!) and bought the honey and milk Lavera spray deodorant.

This stuff smells awesome and it actually makes putting on deodorant kinda fun, but unfortunately it was not the most effective product I've ever used. If you don't do much physical activity during the day, it would probably work just fine for you.

But the take away from this trial and error was that I discovered I much prefer spray deodorant to a roll-on, and also John-John would kill me if I  kept spending $17 on deodorant ;). So I decided to make my own version so that I could customize my scent, save a ton of moolah, AND still have a luxurious experience with something as mundane as covering up body-odor.

Here's what you'll need:

1. 1/2 cup Witch Hazel
2. 1/4 cup Aloe Vera Gel (or juice)
3. 1 teaspoon Baking Soda (or more if you want it to be stronger)
4. Essential Oils of your choice (I used Lavender, Peppermint, and Eucalyptus)
5. Spray Bottle (bonus: I re-purposed the old Lavera bottle. At least that softens the blow of the price tag a bit.)

Instructions:

1. Combine the witch hazel, aloe vera, and baking soda in a cup with a spout for easy pouring later (you could alternatively use a bowl and a funnel).
2. Add around 5 drops of each essential oil to your mixture and adjust to your preference. (I find the Eucalyptus is what really makes the fragrance fresh)
3. Pour into your bottle and DONE!

Seriously I don't think it gets any easier than this.

And not to mention that all these ingredients are totes natural, good for you, and pretty household standard. The witch hazel is anti-bacterial which will help keep odor causing bacteria at bay, the aloe will soothe your underarms as it's an anti-inflammatory, the baking soda neutralizes odors, and the essential oils also combat bacteria and make you smell oh-so-nice. Plus the spray aspect gives a wonderful cooling sensation on those hot hot days.

All together this product cost less than 5 bucks! What a steal!

Try it out and let me know what you think!

Note: This is NOT an antiperspirant. I am a firm believer that our bodies know how to take care of themselves and I am not about to get in the way of a process that cleanses and detoxifies our bodies.

UPDATE: Today I put this deodorant to the ultimate test. I went for a 2 mile run in 95 degree weather (call me crazy) and then did a full ab workout with lots of pushups and some weight lifting. I was completely drenched by the end and guess what? I was B.O. free! This stuff is serious business and I am SO happy with how effective it is!