Waking Up a Hot Mess. Quick Fixes You Can Do Without Leaving the House...

Dry skin, a huge zit and less than white teeth. Well good morning to you too!

So you had one of those mornings where you wake up not feeling your best. Maybe your  ‘Inner Mean Girl’ is taunting you as you catch your reflection in the mirror “Hey hot mess, you‘re not going out in public like that are you?" You have a zit that feels like it’s the size of a golf ball, your teeth are starting to show the effects of your coffee intake and maybe your skin isn’t as soft as it was all summer from being bathed in suntan oil. No fear! Head to your cabinets for some easy do-it-yourself beauty treatments that will leave you feeling as beautiful as a Monday is long.

Let’s tackle that third eye first! You woke up with a monster zit. First things first...DON'T pick it! Now pour yourself a cup of coffee or tea and perk up. Tackling this little nuisance is a 2 step process. I personally like this little combo. First part cleanses it, the second helps to shrink it. It may not work for everyone but I like it.

What you need…
Cleanse:
Apple cider vinegar
Water
Bowl
Cotton ball

Mix 1 part apple cider vinegar to 3 or 4 parts water in a small bowl. You really only need a little. Soak a cotton ball and squeeze out excess. Apply to the zit. Let it sit for 10 minutes or so, while you drink your coffee or tea. Then rinse. Next…

Paste:
½ tsp cinnamon
Honey

Add enough honey to the cinnamon to make a paste. Apply it to the zit. Leave on for 20 minutes. (Can also be used overnight. I’d tie your hair back if you do that. Just sayin’.)

While your paste is drying, time to make your body scrub.

What you need…
Scrub:
Olive oil/Coconut oil (personal preference)
Sugar/salt (sugar is a little kinder to your skin)
Bowl
Washcloth/exfoliating cloth

Mix 2 parts salt or sugar (probably about a cup) to 1 part oil in a bowl. Mix it together as well as you can. The mixture will settle and separate a little.

Shower time!  Make sure you spend a few minutes soaking in the tub or shower before your scrub. Some people prefer to scrub the skin when it’s more dry, not me. Feels a little too rough. You just apply it like you would any other scrub. The oil is so good for your skin and the sugar/salt makes a great exfoliate. Rinse off really well. Very IMPORTANT…rinse the shower/tub out so that the next person does not break their neck on a slick surface. Even just wipe it down with a towel. You’ll be pleasantly surprised with how soft your skin is when you dry off.

Alright. Your shower is done. Coffee has been consumed. Time now to brush your teeth. I LOVE this trick I learned from my cousin Lisa! It’s so easy too! I used to buy the expensive whiteners all the time. Not now thanks to this trick. $0.99 vs. $50?! Yes please! The active ingredient in fancy whiteners is hydrogen peroxide. I checked with my dentist and he said this is perfectly fine to do, please check with your own if you’re concerned.

What you need… 
Hydrogen peroxide (enough for a shot glass)
Dixie cup or shot glass

Really. That’s it.
Brush your teeth like normal. As soon as you are done, swish with the peroxide for 30-60 seconds. Don't be alarmed...you will foam like a rabid animal. DO NOT SWALLOW IT! Spit. Then swish with water until you feel like you’ve rinsed well enough. Spit again. So ladylike.

Look in the mirror. S*p*a*r*k*l*y!!! I noticed results the first time. I do it once a day. It also helps to kill bacteria. Bonus!!!

Now look at that. 3 problems solved without leaving the house. Now that you’re all gorgeous, go out and make it a great day! Smile!