Savings with Denise

Helping families save on everyday items.

3 Common Beauty Concerns And How To Deal With Them

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Beauty concerns can be a lot to handle. If you look in the mirror and notice something you don’t like, it takes up a lot of space in your thoughts. You may worry all day about this one thing and whether other people are noticing it, and you could also end up overcompensating for it and accidentally making it appear worse! 

Because of that, it’s time we went through a few of the most common beauty concerns and how you can deal with them.

Acne

 

A lot of our beauty is in the way our skin looks. When you’re concerned about how dry or oily it is, and you’re worried that that spot underneath your chin is the first thing anyone is going to see when they look at you, you can drive yourself mad trying to find the answer. 

 

But remember, everyone gets acne, and it’s very common to have a spot or two no matter how well you look after your skin. Of course, the more serious cases of acne can be taken to the doctor, but if you don’t get spotty very often, you can rely on home remedies to sort them out. 

 

Good skincare, plenty of water, and a gentle exfoliator! Above all else, make sure you don’t squeeze any spots, as that’ll cause redness, scarring, and you may end up blocking other pores in the process. 

 

Dark Circles/Bags Under the Eyes

 

We all get dark circles and bags from time to time, whether we’re not sleeping very well or we have quite pale skin or we’re starting to show signs of aging. It’s all quite natural! But at the same time, they’re one of the hardest things to counteract with skincare products and makeup. 

 

As such, if you’re worried about dark circles and bags, think about booking in for a PRF under eye treatment. A visit to a salon that provides these eye treatments could make your under eyes appear more uniform with the rest of your skin, as well as much more radiant. 

 

Uneven Skin Tone

 

An uneven skin tone can be caused by many things, and it could also be caused by many of those things happening at once. Things like UV exposure and hormones, for example, as well as dryness and redness that occurs thanks to the air or how we’ve been rubbing our faces. 

 

But even with all of these factors involved, an uneven skin tone can be quite easy to address. Firstly, make sure you’re wearing sunscreen whenever you go outside – you don’t want UV damage to creep in when you’re not looking. 

 

Then, make sure you’re treating your skin with a routine that’s actually good for it, especially if you have a combined type of skin that presents as both oily and dry, even at the same time. 

 

If you have a common beauty concern, let’s stamp it out. And remember, feeling like you’ve got a blemish won’t actually make you any less beautiful! 

Budget-Friendly Winter Date Ideas

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Not all great times with loved ones need to cost an arm and a leg. The best memories often come out of being there and being creative. Whether you want to plan a cozy indoor evening or a day outdoors full of adventure, there are so many ways to connect without breaking the bank. Let’s look at a few ideas that bring warmth and focus on spending time together.

 

A Movie Night at Home

Home movie nights can be just as special as night outs, sometimes even better. Push the coffee table aside, throw a bunch of cushions on the floor, and you have yourself your own personal “cinema.” The lights should be dimmed, just like those of the theatre, with the addition of your popped popcorn and favorite snacks. Pull out all your fluffiest blankets for everyone to remain comfortable. And if it’s chilly, don’t forget the thermal socks; they are underrated but a vital piece of any cozy setup. Toasty toes, trust me, make all the difference.

Take a Walk and Let the Conversation Flow

Sometimes the most unassuming times are proving to be the most vital. Take an easy walk around any nearby park or on a quiet street for refreshment that will astonish you. The beauty of walking is that it gives you the time to talk and share without distractions. In winter, layer up with your warm gear and enjoy crisp air. Something magical happens in hand-in-hand walking like you’re bundled up in one little bubble of warmth and connection shared between you both.

Host a Mini Cooking Challenge

Don’t you need a fancy restaurant for a special meal? You can transform your kitchen into a culinary playground by hosting your own cooking challenge with just the two of you. Pick a theme, like “comfort food” or “three ingredients only,” and get creative together. Some competition can always be fun, and you’ll end up with a delicious meal, lots of laughs, and maybe even a new favorite recipe you will keep making for years to come. Cleanup also feels less like a chore when you’re both in on the fun and making it more about spending time together.

Have a Nostalgic Game Night

There’s something intrinsically old-school about dusting off an old board game or playing cards. Game nights bring out laughter, friendly competition, and, occasionally, hilarious attempts at bending the rules. Add some homemade hot chocolate to the mix, and you’ve got yourself an evening full of heartwarming moments. Whether you’re digging into a classic like Monopoly or something quirky and new, it’s also a great excuse to put your phones away and just focus on each other.

Plan a Simple Picnic Outdoors

Even the most minuscule of yards or a balcony can be a small escape if paired with a thermos of soup and a few tasty treats. Lay down a blanket, snuggle up close, and let the fresh air take its course. It is that beauty lies in even the minute details. And if it gets too cold? Move the picnic inside; after all, the time that you’re spending together is the most important thing.

And there you have it—easy, thoughtful ways to make time more intentional with quality, not having to spend a small fortune. The bottom line is that it is not in the price; rather, it has to do with showing up for your partner and savoring each other in the simple things that come your way.

5 Simple DIY Gift Ideas That Will Show Your Loved Ones You Care

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If you feel you’ve exhausted all the available gift options for someone, fear not – you can always make them something. That’s easier said than done, of course, but this article is here to help you. Here are five great DIY gift options anyone can try, and anyone will appreciate!

  1. Personalized Photo Calendar

Unfortunately, real photographs have somewhat gone by the wayside in our increasingly digital society, so what better opportunity than now to give a heartfelt personalized photo calendar? It’s nice and simple to do: 

  • Choose 12 meaningful photos (one for each month) – these can be whatever you like, just make sure that they hold special value to the person. 
  • Use free software like Canva to design a layout, which once again, can be up to you, but be certain the person has enough space to write down key notes and dates. 
  • Print it on study cardstock and then using a hole punch and some ribbon/string, bind it all together (for printing on cardstock, you may need to use the professional-grade printer at your local print or stationary store)
  1. Homemade Scented Candles

Candles are a great gift, but they’re also something that’s given very often to the point they’ve become a bit boring. That’s not the case for a candle you’ve made all by yourself, though.

The process can be a little more in-depth than most DIY gifts, but it’s definitely worth it. Check out this YouTube video for full instructions, and bear in mind the following:

  • Decide whether you want to use beeswax or soy, which candle wicks to get, and the glass jars (sizes) you’re going to go for. 
  • Think about what sort of scent the person would like, and then choose a select few essential oils.
  • Don’t forget to add an extra decorative touch with ribbon, twine, or hand-drawn labels. 
  1. DIY Terrarium

Given how unique and variable they can be, terrariums are a great DIY gift for the right person – especially if they’re a plant lover. Here’s how to make one:

  • Get a glass bowl of whatever size you like and layer it with pebbles, activated charcoal, and high-quality soil. 
  • Add a variety of small plants, such as succulents or air plants. You can also add moss to diversify the biome. 
  • Personalize your terrarium by adding decorative touches of your choosing, which could be little ornaments to go inside, a decorated exterior, or both.

Here are some ideas to get you started!

  1. Customized Dice for Board Game Fans

Adult board games and fantasy role-playing games have become increasingly popular over the years, and even those who don’t play them can appreciate the cool-looking multi-sided dice used. The coolest part, though, is that you can quite easily make your own. 

These dice are known as sharp-edge dice, and it’s recommended to pick up some handmade ones first to get an idea of the look and feel. From there, you can attempt the following to make some yourself:

  • Buy a silicone dice mold and some clear resin.
  • Use pigment powder and glitter to add color and style.
  • When the resin hardens, sand and polish to give a gleaming finish.
  • Use a very fine paintbrush to paint the numbers (metallic paint works best)

Here’s a great beginner tutorial covering the process. 

  1. Hand-Painted Tote Bag

Reusable tote bags are all the rage these days, and a personalized one is sure to go down a treat with eco-conscious friends and family. Here’s how to make one:

  • Buy a couple (one and a spare) of plain canvas bags and some fabric paints.
  • Sketch out your design beforehand on a tablet or notepad, and then get to work (you can also cut cardboard stencils to help you).
  • Let the paint dry fully to ensure durability (some require the application of heat).

Take a look at this article for a primer!