Tuesday, May 8, 2012

The Frugal Files: DIY Challenge: Frugal Faces & Body


Welcome back frugal folks!! Last week we ventured into creative beauty regimens that are inexpensive and easy to make!! We’re going to continue in that vein and whip up some other recipes for you to make yourself at home.

We’ve already cured your headaches and soothed your sore spots with our lavender scented pillow that doubles as a heating pad. We’ve also tamed our tresses and defined the curls, so let’s just see what else we can do for our hair.

Looking for a cheap conditioner? Look in the fridge. Gather your eggs, mayo and honey and stir. If you’re into Greek yogurt, then grab that instead. All of these elements make up the perfect hair food. It doesn’t smell great, but your hair will love it.

I’ve always been a fan of flaxseeds. When I learned it helped digestion as a great source of fiber, I was completely convinced. I bought it ground and sprinkled it on all our food (don’t tell my daughter); salads, soups, rice, casseroles and even the batter of baked desserts. Imagine my surprise, when I found out I could use it on the outside of my body too. Yes naturalistas, we can!! So let’s talk hair!!

Instead of buying ground flaxseeds, buy them whole. They are cheaper too. I got whole bags for $2.99 each, at a health food store, and they last a really long time. Here’s a note, they don’t have to be refrigerated until you grind them, so just store them in your cupboard. Here’s what you’ll need for your Flaxseeds Hair Gel:
o       2 cups of water
o       2/3 cup of whole flaxseeds
o       Old/cheap pantyhose
o       Jar to hold the gel
o       Your favorite essential oils

Add water and whole flaxseeds to a pan and begin to boil. Stir with metal spoon constantly, so the seeds don’t stick. After a few minutes, check your spoon. When it begins to congeal on your spoon, it’s ready. Prepare the container by putting the pantyhose over the edges and slowly pour the contents of the pan into the pantyhose. Use a pair of thongs to strain the remaining gel from the hose. Be careful it’s hot!! Once all the gel is out, put in your drops of essential oil, which are used as preservatives, stir, then put the lid on it and store in the refrigerator.

Get another container and strain the seeds off the pantyhose into it. Lid it and refrigerate that too. You can reuse the flaxseeds when you’re ready to make another batch of gel.

Now that we’ve taken care of our heads, let’s talk about body. There are hundreds of products that promise smooth and supple skin, callus and dead skin removal and healthy and glowing skin. Wouldn’t it be awesome if you could achieve those same results at home? Well, Frugalicious Diva says, you can!!

I know you have salt and sugar at home. With all the health benefits of olive oil that we talked about last week, I know you have that too. Well, along with your favorite essential oil for a great scent, those are all you need to peel off old skin and bring forth new skin, leaving you moisturized with a sunkissed glow.

Frugal Face: Grab a container with a top. Add sugars (white and brown), squeeze in some lemon juice, honey and our special ingredient: wet parsley. I learned that parsley helps tone skin, as well as reduce swelling, redness and blackheads. Stir and put in the fridge. When ready to use, rub gently into the face and décolleté area, let sit for 60-90 seconds, then wash off in the shower with a washcloth. It smells good, tastes good and refreshes your face.

Frugal Body: Grab another container with a lid, pour in sea salt, add olive oil and moisten the salt with a spoon, making sure the oil is evenly distributed. Add a few drops of scented oil and you’re done. Leave it near your tub; it’s ready when you want to slough off the dead skin, especially from elbows and heels. You will leave your shower exfoliated and moisturized.

I’m not saying throw out your favorite moisturizers, but if you don’t have a coupon for it this week, try doing it yourself, right at home. I promise you’ll love the results and the money you’ll save!! Enjoy your week!!

Frugalicious Diva
Follow me on Twitter at @FrugaliciousDva

2 comments:

YASU said...

Ok, now I really need to get the flax seeds I keep passing up at the store. Because I don't really use gel, I always say I'll try it later, but of course this week, I want to palm roll my hair and this gel would work best for me. So now guess who's getting flax seeds? This girl! LOL Thank you for posting this, it was the motivation I needed:)

Frugalicious Diva said...

You're welcome!! Thanks for the comment Yasu!! Flaxseeds are so great!! You can use them on the inside and the outside!! Win/win!!