DIY: Crochet Lace Scallop Trim Bracelet

Disclaimer: I am not the author of this pattern and I in no way claim to be

About a year ago I came across a YouTube video with instructions on how to crochet this ^ Lace Scallop Trim Bracelet made by Gwen Fisher. I of course watched the video several time so I could write the pattern out and try it myself. I've experimented with different types of yarns/threads and finally came across a finished product in which I absolutely adore. I just have to share this because I think you will enjoy this just as much as I do.To see the video from the pattern's author click HERE. Click here for Gwen's website.

To start your very own scallop bracelet you will need:

• Crochet Thread (I used Red Heart Fashion Crochet Thread in Coffee)
• A 3.5 mm crochet hook (This is exactly what this thread calls for)
• Scissors
• Sewing Needle 
• Sewing Thread
• Beads/Buttons of your choice

Stitches Used:

• ch
• sl st
• sc
• hdc
• dc

Start: Slipknot

Row 1:  ch 7, sl st into slipknot

Row 2:  ch 1, turn
             sc, hdc, 7 dc, hdc, sc, sl st, over the chain that was just formed
             (end of first *LARGE* scallop)

Row 3:  ch 1 turn,
             1 sc into the next 2 stitches
             ch 7, turn
             sl st over chain

Row 4:  ch 1, turn
             sc, hdc, 7 dc, hdc, sc, sl st, into last dc of previous scallop
             (end of second scallop)

Row 5:  ch 1, turn
             1 sc into the next 2 stitches
             ch 5, turn
             sl st into dc

Row 6:  ch 1, turn
             sc, hdc, 5 dc, hdc, sc, sl st into last dc of previous scallop
             (end of third scallop)

Row 7:  ch 1, turn
             sc into the next 4 stitches
             ch 6, turn
             sl st into dc

Row 8:  ch 1, turn
             sc, hdc, 6 dc, hdc, sc, sl st into last dc of previous scallop
             (End of next scallop)

Repeat rows 7 and 8 to continue making more scallops for your desired length. Tie off, then weave the ends inside stitches.

To end the bracelet, make a large scallop as you did in row 2. This will act as the button closure.

Sew the button/bead onto the starting end of the bracelet with a needle and thread.

(Tip: to create a seamless look, use a thread close to the color of the bracelet  or use the same thread as you did with the bracelet if possible.)

**If you should have any problems making this, please contact me through commenting on this post or through twitter. I highly suggest you watch the video. It literally draws out what you are doing here.



Now you should have a handmade bracelet of your own to show off to your friends and family!





What do you think of the finished product? Will you try to make your own? Would you buy a bracelet like this if it was available for purchase?

DIY: Apple Cider Vinegar Facial Toner

Using a facial toner can have many benefits on your skin such as minimizing pores, maintaining breakouts, and overall refreshing your skin. It is so important to use a facial toner for not only these benefits, but for achieving and maximizing your best skin ever. Your skin is the largest organ in/on your body so take special care of it!

I can admit that before I started using this toner, it had been years since I used the last one. I wasn't even sure how exactly how to use a toner or what to look for in a toner. Nowadays there are hundreds of products for each type of product for your facial skin care regimen which makes it so overwhelming to find the best product for you. It can be discouraging and down right dreadful.

I am here to help simplify that process so read on if you're interested in learning this DIY Facial Toner that can made out of something you probably already have in your kitchen cabinets along with a few tips and tricks.

Supplies:

• Apple Cider Vinegar with the Mother-It is crucial to use this kind specifically because the ACV is raw and unfiltered containing enzymes, nutrients, minerals, and beneficial strains of bacteria. This can be found at almost any supermarket or definitely at an organic foods store.
• Water
• Small Empty Spray Bottle. Any container will work, I prefer the spray kind for simplistic usage. If you do not have a container ready or not sure what to use, many spray containers can be found in the travel sized products area at Walmart or Target.
• Cotton Rounds or Balls, whichever you. These can be found at any type of Dollar Store, Walmart Kmart, Target, etc, or may already these.

                   

Instructions (See your skin type):


Normal Skin:

• Dilute ACV to 3 parts water, 1 part ACV 

Dry  Skin:

• Add more water: 3.5 parts water, .5 part ACV

Oil Skin

• Less Water: 2 parts water , 2 parts ACV

It will take time to tell which mix is good for your just remember if your skin is dry, add more water, and if your skin is oily, add more ACV. If you have normal skin than you're one lucky chick!

Note: Feel free to add other ingredients such as Green Tea, Coconut Oil, Tea Trea Oil, Lemon Juice,  for added benefits. Do a little research first to decide what will be best for your skin. I use only what I've listed and I've had great success.

How To Use:

I've always struggled with using a toner, or shall I say rarely ever used one because I wasn't totally clear on how to use one.

Always keep in mind these 3-4 steps when sticking to your skin care regimen.

• Cleanse
• Exfoliate (Only 2-3 times week, overdoing it can only cause harm to skin)
• Tone 
• Moisturize (Doing this last will help lock in those essential ingredients for your skin) 

After cleansing and/or exfoliating simply spray or dab on your mixture of ACV to the cotton ball/round and lightly dab all over the face being extra cautious to the eye area. You don't want to get to close to the eyes because this mixture can cause a burning sensation to that area. (Trust me, I've had that happen before!) After waiting a a minute or two, you can then apply your moisturizer as normal and carry on with your beauty routine.

Note:

• This mixture may cause a tingling sensation to your skin, but no need to be alarmed. It will go away after a few seconds. The tingling is good thing because you know it working and lifting away grime that soap can leave behind.
• The smell of this horrendous and I recommend starting out by only using the toner at night until you have become used to it. I use mine every time I wash my face because now it is a delightful smell to me, and it only last a few minutes.
• Refrigerate your mixture to prevent spoiling.

Okay so now your most likely thinking "I know how to make this toner, but why should I use it?

AVC seems to do wonders for almost anyone's skin! I've read about this concoction time after time and the overall outcome is absolutely magnificent!

ACV has many benefits such as:

• Restoring the pH balance of your skin. pH stand for Power of Hydrogen. pH levels are based on a scale of 1 – 14. 7 is neutral, under 7 is considered acidic, while 7 is alkaline. On its own our skin should be anywhere form 4-6. Too little or too much of a pH balance results in dryness, oily, acne prone, or other problematic skin problems. Of course it would take professional testing to diagnose the exactness of our pH balance, but believe me, it is crucial to maintain a healthy pH balance to achieve healthy skin.
• Works as a natural antiseptic & antibacterial
• Can minimize pores and diminish pimples, black heads, etc. 
• Contains alpha hydroxys and amino acids that dissolve dead skin. 
• Stimulates blood circulation leaving your skin refreshed and naturally glowing
• Clears blemishes and can slightly fade scars
• Moisturizes as needed! From everything I've read online, in books, etc. ACV knows exactly what its doing. If your skin is dry, it gives you more moisture, if it's oily it knows how to prevent the oiliness. (Remember me mentioning that it restores the pH balance? Here's a prime example!)

Note: Results will vary and I cannot say how little or long it can take for this toner to do its work simply because we are all made different. Be patient because the results can absolutely amazing!

Now that you've read all the incredible benefits of and ACV facial I hope that you all give it a try. Be sure to let me know how it works for you! I'd love to hear your experiences!

Thank you for reading! <3