Cable Knit Headband + Sparkle

I learned to knit a few years ago, took to it quickly but I get bored with projects and rarely finish them...I stick to small stuff, like headbands and scarves. Plus I love to cable knit, it looks complicated but it is soooo easy!

While in Portland this September, I found an awesome yarn store called Close Knit. I fell in love with this putrid shade of yarn, somewhere between avocado green and yellow with flecks of red in it. Sold!




Here is the website with the FREE pattern: Vanessa Headband
The yarn I used is smaller than what the pattern calls for, so it is more narrow and less bulky. Which was perfect.

Details:
Size US 8 Needles
Cascade Yarn '220 Heathers'
Color #9564, Lot #4264
100% Peruvian Wool

It is about 4" wide, and 18" long and very warm.



But, it needed something.....
Something unique.
Some sparkle!


Last year I bought some 1950's vintage pins at an antique mall, at a steal of $6 each. I got them to pin on a wool coat, but I like this use much better! It also helps 'pucker' the headband, and the gray goes great with the color. I might even change out the pins depending on my mood.








The yarn cost about $8 (I only used about half) and the pin cost $6, grand total of $10 for the headband!




Happy Knitting!

♥ Becca

Bathroom Storage Idea

I love my home, it is a 90 yr old historic brick duplex filled with quirks, and some definite challenges. One struggle I face: STORAGE......I can never fit all my crap in the tiny bathroom cabinet, or it becomes a sea of stuff in a plastic tub or drawer.

Where can you store all that stuff that ends up all over your bathroom counter everyday? You know, this random mix of stuff:


Then I had what my Dad would call a 'brain fart'...........I needed hooks! Everywhere!

3M Command hooks are amazing, and work really well for the inside of laminate cabinets.

Well, that was not the most practical way to store, say a bottle of hair product...



Out of pure coincidence, I happened to have these narrow baskets from Wal-Mart, orginally bought to organize my drawers.
Then it hit me.

Hang the baskets from the hooks! You can also add an S hook to hang hair bands.


Behold....a simple, easy place to put all of those odds and ends.

Bonus: Use a mesh magazine holder (I got mine from IKEA) under your sink to store your curling iron, straightener and hair dryer!


 Yay Organization!

♥ Becca

Face Off - DIY Aspirin Face Mask

At thirty something - long past the teenage years, I am still facing (pun intended) acne on a daily basis.

Pimples appear overnight but take forever to go away and leave red inflammation marks.
In my search for homemade recipes for facial cleansers, I found that ASPIRIN is actually good for your skin. This mask leaves my skin soft and the redness on my cheeks has definitely been reduced.

Here are the ingredients:

BC Powder Aspirin (use 2-3 powders)
Has anti-inflammatory properties, and reduces redness. It comes in powder form so it is easy to mix!

Honey (1 tsp)
Has antibacterial properties to reduce breakouts. A natural humectant which locks in moisture keeping skin hydrated. (You can sub honey with olive oil for extra dry skin)

Lemon Juice (1/2 tsp)
The citric acid exfoliates, and acts as an astringent. It is also a skin whitener, and can help diminish the redness of pimples. (Use less lemon and add water for a more gentle solution)




Add the lemon juice last and slowly, stopping when the mixture is a watery paste.
I use a foundation brush from Target ($1 E.L.F.) to apply the mixture, avoiding my eyes.

Let it dry on face for 10 minutes.
Then wash with warm water, pat dry and apply moisturizer.

My skin is sensitive so once a week is more than enough for me.

.....enjoy!

♥ Becca