The Spicy Stiletto

    Thursday, April 18, 2013

    DIY | black “sand” scrub

    I wish I could say I was one of those people who never had skin problems, but I’m not.  I was always plagued with problems growing up and my skin seems to just get more sensitive over time.  I blame this on my dairy consumption growing up (and the latter on…age).   I used to love 1% milk and my mom would let me drink three glasses a day.

    Now I know better.

    Well, I’m always looking for ways to improve my skin condition so I’m a bit of an exfoliating-addict per say, and love coming up with new concoctions to treat my skin with.  Lately, I’ve been reading a lot about the health benefits of macadamia oil, but more so for its uses on the stove top, testing it out on basics like eggs and vegetables.  It’s really the new and improved olive oil — low in omega-6 fatty acids, high in palmitoleic acids.   It’s done wonders in enhancing the flavors of my food, and roasting is definitely next on the list.

    I digress.  Let’s talk scrub and skin.

     So I decided to test this on my skin.  This scrub I made reminds me of the black sand beaches in Costa Rica and especially of Punalu’u in Maui, hence the name “black sand”.  The macadamia oil’s high amount of palmitoleic acid acts as a great natural moisturizer since our skin naturally secretes it through sebum, and unlike olive oil which can leave you looking greasy, it absorbs into the skin and leaves it soft.  I combined it with some leftover coffee grounds which have anti-inflammatory benefits, a high antioxidant tea, and some oats for a gentle exfoliation.  A quick and simple way to rejuvenate the skin.

    I’m probably going to try this on my whole body next so I’ll eventually let you know how that goes.

    Black “Sand” Scrub
    1 cup leftover coffee grounds
    2 tablespoons macadamia oil
    1/4 cup of steel cut oats
    Contents of 1 tea bag of a high antioxidant tea

    Combine coffee, oil, oats, and tea in a small disposable bowl until everything is well blended in the oil.  Scrub into skin using a circular motion.

    Thursday, October 4, 2012

    sunglass (and accessory) storage | DIY

    If you ever pay a visit to my apartment, you’ll quickly come to realize that I’m a bit hyper-organized (except when it comes to making my bed).  So it’s only natural that I straighten out every last bit of my wardrobe down to my chonies.  But today, I’ll stray from giving you a peak inside my intimates and instead, direct you on how to organize one of those seemingly annoying-to-organize wardrobe essentials – sunglasses.  Best part about this, is that you can also organize and hang your accessories off the wire too.

    +BLOGLOVIN’+

    1.  Here’s what you’ll need:

    2.  Measure the inside of the frame.  Then using the long nose pliers, cut the chicken wire to match the dimensions.
    3.  This is an optional step if you want don’t want to paint.  Protect the surface for spray paint by cutting open the plastic bags, and taping them down with painters tape.  Separately spray paint the frame and chicken wire with desired colors.  Let dry for 1-2 hours (depending on spray paint).

    4.  Once paint has dried, fit the chicken wire into the frame.  Using the hammer, nail in a few staples or nails to hold chicken wire to frame.

    5.  Decide if you want the frame to hang portrait or landscape.  Then, attach screw eyes to the necessary corners of the frame.

    6.  Measure enough wire so that you have about one and a half times the distance between the two screws.  Make sure wire is taut so it doesn’t show when you hang it up.  First loop the wire around the screw eye, then again around the wire itself.  Repeat on the other side.

    Prop against a wall/ window in my case, or to avoid counter clutter, hang it up.

    Friday, April 27, 2012

    diy faded sparkle nails

    I still remember the first time I ever experimented with nail polish — it was with my older sister when we were about 12 and 14-years old and traveling with my dad abroad.  Till this day, we still giggle like little girls when we reminisce about the disaster that ensued from our very first failed attempt (let’s just say, there was nail polish everywhere…).  Even though I’ve in some way now mastered the art of a self-manicure , I still keep things fairly simple and stray far from nail disasters.  So, when one of my friends gave me this (in gold) months ago, I wasn’t sure I’d actually get much use out of it (just too complex for me).  However, after some experimenting I finally found a use — pretty faded gold sparkles that remind me of weeping willow trees.

    +BLOVIN’+

    Paint nails desired color (I chose this color, but it also looks good with this and this shade).  Let nails dry.

    Put a few dabs of the glittery polish at the tip of the nail OR at the base of the nail.

    Then, quickly, brush on top coat, brushing away from the glittery polish (downward if glitter is at the tip of nail, upwards if glitter is at the base).  Clean up sides.

    Thursday, April 19, 2012

    diy spring bouquet

    One of my favorite memories growing up was when my mom would return from the farmer’s market with bundles of fresh flowers every weekend.  I remember watching in anticipation as she would intricately trim and place each stem into a vase.  Ever since, I have taken an interest in putting together my own arrangements.  I have practiced different  ways to put together bouquets, but find this one requires the least effort.

    +BLOVIN’+

    1.  Start with a variety of flowers (Stick to a simple palate.  I usually gravitate toward peonies and textured hydrangea, but this time around couldn’t resist these vibrant colors)

    2.  Gather supplies – trimming shears, vase, and tape.

    3.  With tape, create a grid making rows and columns.  Then, secure the edges by taping down the perimeter just below the top of the vase. 

    4.  Trim the stems in desired lengths, alternating high and low, and place in the grid.

    5.  Finish off with the filling the empty parts of the grid with the last bundle of flowers, arranging evenly both high and low.

    Tuesday, January 24, 2012

    ombre nails/ diy

    Whether you’re bundled up under a jacket or laying out pool side, nails are an essential accessory year round. Though I don’t consider myself a nail technician, I love playing around with colors and experimenting with different techniques. Over the weekend, I tried the [surprisingly easy] ombre effect with a few of my favorite colors (Chanel ‘Graphite’, Chanel ‘Black Pearl’, and Essie ‘Bobbing for Baubles’ and… here are the results!