Crafts to "DIY" for: Melted Crayon Art

It seems everywhere you look there is a new version of melted crayon art, so I suppose it was only a matter of time before I jumped on board for this fun craft. I, of course, wanted to take it one step further and have it span across two canvases. The stencils are some I found browsing the internet and then modified them so they actually fit nicely together. Unfortunately, this was such a messy process that documenting the steps slipped my mind, but here is the inspiration for my piece with some great step-by-step directions. Believe me, this took much, much longer than expected*, however I am so happy with the finished project! Now I just need to find the perfect place to hang it...
                                   
*I opted for dollar store crayons, assuming the poorer quality would melt quicker. WRONG! Crayola is the way to go!


                     Have you attempted a melted crayon project? 

My Coconut Oil Love Affair

As I get older, it's more important that I find simple ways to make by beauty routing more "green". So imagine the joy when I found all the benefits of coconut oil. For cooking, right? Aha, we've only scratched the surface! This stuff is beyond amazing:

Believe me, I too was apprehensive about putting cooking oil on my face. However, after doing plenty of research , I found coconut oil to be anti-bacterial, has antioxidant properties, the best make up remover,  and jam packed with tons of other beneficial stuff for your skin!

It's about three months since I lathered up my face with heavenly goop, and my only regret is not starting sooner! If you're dry skinned, like me, this is an absolute beauty must. The scent is pleasant, but not too overbearing. Even if you don't like coconut, the scent fades very quickly and the benefits highly outweigh the scent! Like any oil, it is oily! (imagine that) I lather up before bed and wake up needed no moisturizer at all. I buy mine at Trader Joe's for about $6 for 16oz. I could write pages on uses for this stuff; however, for the sake of my fingers,  here  are some other great ideas!

                                          Have you ever tried coconut oil? Are you curious? 

Crafts to DIY for: Personalized Coffee Mugs

While this DIY would be a little more fitting for the cooler months, I am so excited to try out these personalized coffee mugs! I started with dollar store white mugs and black permanent markers.

After doing some serious searching, I came across the perfect stencils for our initials. I taped the printout onto the mugs and vigorously drew over it with the marker. 

I decided to keep these simple being my first attempt. A few more polka-dots on the handle and a little heart on the bottom (because we're all cute and in love like that) completes the look. 

Pop these in the oven at 350 degrees for half an hour and , viola! Drinking time. What a perfect idea for gifts for all occasions! 

Have you tried this DIY yet? Leave your results below! 

Beauty Bit: Drugstore Purchases

As it would be, right when I declare Tiny Luxuries will only have "a little bit of beauty" in it, I go ahead and post a whole bit about makeup! So be it. Having recently ran out of foundation, I decided this was the perfect time to test out some highly praised BB Creams. I grabbed ones from my favorite drugstore brands, Maybelline and Garnier. As soon as I get enough wear out of them, I'll write up a comparison. 

Not wanting my lases to feel neglected, I picked out a new mascara too. I opted for the Voluminous False Fiber Lases by Loreal. Perhaps the shiny tube may have swayed my decision?! And lastly, my hard-working hands deserve a little love too, so I finally grabbed a lilac color (I am probably the last person in their twenties to have purchased this!).

Have you tried any of these products? Do you have any questions about any items I purchased? Leave them in the comments below! 

Here It Is...

So, here is the blog I’ve been contemplating for some while now. Maybe it’s the over induced wine, or maybe it’s the procrastination of cleaning the house (we’re off to a great start, eh?!). Whatever the reason, it’s finally coming to life. Little Luxuries will be a place of easy DIY crafts and food. A lot of discussion; I want this to be very inviting for everyone. And, while I do think the 1000+ girls on youtube have it under control, maybe a little bit of beauty and fashions (being a girl, I feel that one is sort of inevitable!). So stay a while, bear with me during this process, and let’s get to know each other. I’m dying to know who you are and how you found me!