Ring in the new year — and the new semester — by treating yourself to one of these do-it-yourself projects.
Oatmeal and Honey Face Mask
What you need:
3 tablespoons ground oats (Walmart, $3.98)
1 1/2 tablespoons hot water
1 tablespoon honey (Walmart, $2.98)
Food processor/blender
Small bowl or cup
Towel to protect clothes
Directions:
1. Finely grind oats. You can use a blender or food processor to blend them into a coarse, flour-like texture.
2. Place the oats into the bowl.
3. Pour in hot water, then mix until thoroughly combined.
4. Let the mixture cool a little. This time will allow the oats to absorb the water.
5. Add the honey and stir until it’s combined with your mixture.
6. Make sure your face is freshly-washed before you apply the mask, then gently apply by massaging in a circular motion.
7. Leave the mask on for about ten to fifteen minutes.
8. Using cool water, gently wash off the face mask.
Lip Balm
What you need:
1 1/2 tsp. beeswax (Walmart, $7.50)
1 7/8 tsp. coconut oil (Walmart, $6.64)
1 1/8 tsp. cocoa butter (Walmart, $6.72)
3 tsp. olive oil (Walmart, $3.96)
5-7 drops of Vitamin E (Walmart, $3.98)
Empty lip balm containers or tubes (you can recycle old ones or buy new ones)
Medicine dropper (Walmart, $4.42)
Double boiler
Optional: Essential Oils (5-10 drops) (Walmart, $3.56)
Directions:
1. Put the beeswax, coconut oil, cocoa butter and olive oil in a double boiler. It will quickly melt, so keep watch.
2. Add in a few drops of Vitamin E to help preserve the lip balm and a few drops of essential oils to add flavor and scent.
3. Keep it on the heat so it doesn’t cool — it cools just as quickly as it melts
4. Take a medicine dropper to suck up the solution
5. Carefully pour it into the containers. Fill above the top of the container because it will shrink as it cools.
Hot Cocoa Mix
What you need:
2 1/2 cup powdered milk (Walmart, $4.84)
2 1/2 cup powdered sugar (Walmart, $2)
1 cup cocoa powder (Walmart, $2.48)
2 tsp. cornstarch (Walmart, $3)
1 tsp. salt (Walmart, $2.34)
Food processor/blender
Container
Optional: Marshmallows (Walmart, $1.50)
Directions:
1. Combine all ingredients in food processor or blender.
2. Store in an airtight container.
3. Combine 1/3 cup mix with 3/4 cup of very hot water or milk and stir until dissolved.
4. Add marshmallows if desired.
DN PHOTOS BY SABRINA SCHNETZER