DIY: Five Step Facial

For me, facials are an important part to maintaining a healthy complexion. I typically get a professional facial every other month. While professional facials will cost you a pretty penny, there are plenty of spa-worthy products on the market that are perfect for giving yourself an inexpensive at-home facial.


Here’s how you can give yourself a lovely at-home facial in just 5 easy steps:


What you will need…

• gentle facial cleanser
• exfoliating scrub
• washcloth
• face mask (clay-based for oily skin, cream or gel mask for dry skin)
• face moisturizer

Instructions

1. Clean. Remove all makeup and then wash your face, neck and ears with a good facial cleanser.
2. Exfoliate. Using your fingers gently rub an exfoliating facial scrub in small circular motions all over your face. Make sure you focus on areas around your nose and forehead. If certain areas of your face are oilier than others, give that section an extra scrub. Go the extra mile and do a lip scrub too! 
3. Steam. There are a few ways to steam your face (over the stove, using a steamer), but the safest way is to do the washcloth trick. Fill your sink with warm water and soak a washcloth in it. Ring out the towel and then press it to your face. Repeat this 2 to 3 times.
4. Mask. If you have oily skin, use a clay mask. For dry skin, I suggest using a hydrating cream or gel mask. Depending on the mask, leave it on for the suggested amount of time and then rinse completely. (DIY Alert: Making your own mask is very easy. An orange and yogurt mask is especially simple. Mix 1 tablespoon of plain Greek yogurt with the juice of about one fourth of an orange. Spread the mixture evenly over your face and rinse after 5 to 10 minutes.)
5. Hydrate. Last by not least, moisturise! Smooth a nice, thick moisturiser over your face and neck.

Is your skincare routine working for you?
Share your tips and tricks in the comments below (especially if you have any fun DIY face mask recipes). I will compile the best suggestions to share in a follow up post. 

Saskia XO

Pin it to Win it!

This may seem like a simple task to some of you, but I find that a lot of people struggle with hiding a bobby pin. The best way to conceal your weapon is to slide the pin back up into the hair in the opposite direction that the hair is going (see image example). By doing this, you create the strongest support while hiding your bobby pin at the same time. This is how every section was pinned in www.thebeautydepartment.com's “Twisted Sister” updo tutorial. 
As wedding/prom season quickly approaches this trick should come in very handy; you heard it here first!


Saskia XO

Shape Up: Summer Sport Special

When the weather gets warmer, I love to venture outside the gym and enjoy the great outdoors. During the summer I like riding bikes, stand up paddling and kayaking in the ocean....when I have the time to journey down to the coast. I think it’s important to keep your workout routine fresh and fun during the summer. (The heat can get to you, so adding a splash of water and a cool breeze can work wonders!)


These are a few of my favourite no-workout workouts for the summer…

1. Take a ride. Riding bikes during the summer keeps my arms and legs toned. Plus, ditching the car and opting to ride burns extra calories you can bank for other summer outings (More chips, anyone?).
2. Paddle out. If you live near the beach or a lake, I highly recommend stand up paddle boarding. Not only is it a serene experience floating across the top of the water, it’s also a wonderful way to exercise. Dig your paddle deep into the water with each row and you will get a serious back and core workout. 
3. Kayak. For a great arm and abs workout, go kayaking. It’s a fun way to squeeze in your upper body conditioning without hitting the weights.

What’s your favourite way to sweat it out during the summer months? Any suggestions for people who don’t live near the ocean?




(12 down, 2 to go) Saskia XO

Happy Father's day!

Wishing my father and all the other dads out there a very happy Father's Day!
Hope you have a great day- and don't forget to do something nice for Daddy!













Saskia XO

Friday Favourites!

Hooray! It’s finally Friday. I really hope everyone has had an amazing and productive working week. So, in proper Friday fashion, here are a few of my favourite things from the past week…

Favourite Summer Brunch Cocktail (Champagne Sangria via Kiran Tarun):

Favourite Plan (road trip!):

Favourite Colour Combo:

Favourite Laugh:

Favourite Daydream (junk food sans calories):

What’s your favourite of the week?
Have a great weekend!
(13 exams down, 2 to go!) Saskia XO

The Hotest Party of the Summer: Capital Summertime Ball

Last weekend, I was lucky enough to attend 'the hottest party of the summer', for the fourth year in a row! It really enabled my summer to be kicked off with a HUGE bang!
This year, however was particularly amazing and memorable for the fantastic weather and also, the acts! Feast your eyes on the line up:

Coldplay



Usher



Rizzle Kicks



Ed Sheeran



Flo Rida



Rita Ora



Justin Bieber



Jessie J



Kelly Clarkson



Lawson



Connor Mayanard



Katy Perry



Pitbull



Example



Carly Rae Jepsen



Cheryl Cole



Dizzee Rascal



Cover Drive



The Wanted




The event was an amazing success and with the star studded line up of versatilty; there was something for everyone!

What did you do last weekend?

Saskia XO

Rule Britannia: Diamond Jubilee Celebrations

The Central Weekend 2 - 5 June 2012

The Central Weekend to celebrate The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee culminated in a Ceremonial Day which included a service at St Paul's and a balcony appearance at Buckingham Palace!

The Diamond Jubilee, used to celebrate the Queen's 60 year reign, was a great success, showing unity and happiness among the country! 

Here is a run-down  of the events over the Diamond Jubilee weekend:

Saturday 2 June, 2012The Queen attended the Epsom Derby. As my hometown is Epsom, I was able to throw our annual 'Derby Day Party' which saw lots of friends and family coming together for a monumental historical event. 

  

Sunday 3 June, 2012
The Big Jubilee Lunch: Building on the already popular Big Lunch initiative, people were encouraged to share lunch with neighbours and friends as part of the Diamond Jubilee celebrations. 

The Thames Diamond Jubilee Pageant: This event took place on the Thames and consisted of up to 1,000 boats assembled from across the UK, the Commonwealth and around the world. The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh travelled in the Royal Barge which formed the centrepiece of the flotilla. I was lucky enough to actually go up to the event and watch the boat crossing!

  

Monday 4 June, 2012
BBC Concert at Buckingham Palace: A host of famous faces came together to celebrate the Diamond Jubilee against the backdrop of Buckingham Palace. As part of the celebration, one of my dearest friends hosted a 'Jubilee BBQ' which many of my friends and I attended :) (Check out the cute cupcakes we made!) The guys were particularly patriotic ;)

  

The Queen's Diamond Jubilee Beacons: A network of 2,012 Beacons will be lit by communities and individuals throughout the United Kingdom, as well as the Channel Islands, the Isle of Man and the Commonwealth. As in 2002, The Queen will light the National Beacon. 

Tuesday 5 June, 2012On Tuesday 5 June, the Diamond Jubilee weekend culminated with a day of celebrations in central London, including a service at St Paul’s Cathedral followed by two receptions, a lunch at Westminster Hall, a Carriage Procession to Buckingham Palace and finally a Balcony appearance, Flypast, and Feu de Joie.I was lucky enough to view the planes flying over my house, just seconds after watching them live on television! Sported some self created British flag nails too!

  

My weekend was one filled with joy, happiness and so much pride for being British!

What festivities did you endeavour in, during the 'Jubilee Weekend'? 

Saskia XO