blow drying side swept bangs

Here's a little trick for getting your side swept bangs really flat from blow drying (without having to use a flat iron).  If you blow dry your bangs in the opposite direction you wear them in, you will avoid getting any lift or curl at the root of the bangs.

Before I started doing this, I always had a little lift in my bangs (like a mini 90's flip) and had to wear a hat for a while until it flattened out.  This trick is awesome, don't know why it took me so long to figure out.  Just blow dry in the opposite direction, and then when the bangs are dry, brush back to your normal part.  Ta da! No flat iron needed.  (Which is great...reduce the heat and damage to your hair!)

soy candles

I love candles!! Soy candles can be pretty expensive though.  Especially the bigger ones.  But last year I learned that my cousin started working with his friend's soy candle business Scentsational Soaps and Candles...and when I was back home visiting during the holidays, he gave me one!  I got to pick which one I wanted out of a huuuge selection.  It was so hard to decide...they were all so good!  But I finally picked the jungle gardenia one and I la la laaave it..I keept it in my bathroom.  This was kind of a random post but I was just thinking about trying to find more affordable vegan candles and even looking into making my own.  Hmmmmm....

Benefits of bath salts

We all know that bath salts create a relaxing bath with aromatherapy and exfoliation.  But on top of being a great way to pamper yourself, bath salts can also make you healthier! Check out some of these health benefits listed on the Epsom Salt Industry Council website:

• Improved heart and circulatory health, reducing irregular heartbeats, preventing hardening of the arteries, reducing blood clots and lowering blood pressure.
• Improved ability for the body to use insulin, reducing the incidence or severity of diabetes.
• Flushed toxins and heavy metals from the cells, easing muscle pain and helping the body to eliminate harmful substances.
• Improved nerve function by electrolyte regulation. Also, calcium is the main conductor for electrical current in the body, and magnesium is necessary to maintain proper calcium levels in the blood.
• Relieved stress. Excess adrenaline and stress are believed to drain magnesium, a natural stress reliever, from the body. Magnesium is necessary for the body to bind adequate amounts of serotonin, a mood-elevating chemical within the brain that creates a feeling of well being and relaxation.
• Reduced inflammation to relieve pain and muscle cramps.
• Improved oxygen use.
• Improved absorption of nutrients.
• Improved formation of joint proteins, brain tissue and mucin proteins.
• Prevention or easing of migraine headaches

Who knew you could get so much goodness from sitting in a bath?? Make sure to check out my post on DIY bath salts so you can make your own custom salts and start relaxing (being healthy) today!