Crafting Christmas Magic: A Simple DIY Storytelling Wreath to Wow Your Guests

The Christmas season is upon us, and what better way to welcome it than with a stunning Christmas wreath that can tell a captivating story and bring the spirit of Christmas to your home?

Materials Needed:

- Artificial wreath base (preferably with greenery attached)

- Assorted faux greenery (pine branches, holly leaves, eucalyptus)

- Miniature ornaments (tiny figurines, presents, snowflakes)

- Ribbon or fabric strips in coordinating colors

- Twine or floral wire

- Hot glue gun and glue sticks

- Mini LED or Solar lights (optional)

- Small decorative accessories (miniature houses, animals, etc.)

- Printed photos or illustrations (optional)

- Cardstock or heavy paper

Step 1: Choose Your Theme

Decide on the story you want your wreath to tell. Whether it's the birth of Jesus, a winter wonderland, a cozy Christmas cottage, or Santa's workshop, having a central theme will guide your design choices.

Step 2: Build the Base

Start with an artificial wreath base as the foundation for your masterpiece. To make it super simple, choose a base that already has greenery. This can be found in most craft stores and provides a sturdy structure for storytelling elements. If it doesn't come with a wire to hang it (which is rare) add a leather strap or wire to hang the wreath.

Step 3: Layer with Greenery

Enhance the base with faux greenery to create depth and texture. Strategically place pine branches, holly leaves, and eucalyptus to evoke the ambiance of your chosen theme.

Step 4: Add Miniature Ornaments

Incorporate miniature ornaments to bring your story to life. Hot glue tiny figurines, presents, and snowflakes to the wreath, creating a festive and dynamic scene.

Step 5: Integrate Ribbon or Fabric

Weave ribbon or fabric strips throughout the wreath to add color and visual interest. This step not only enhances the overall design but also helps tie the different elements of your story together.

Step 6: Incorporate Lights (Optional)

Add mini LED or Solar lights to your wreath for a magical touch. Discreetly tuck them into the greenery, creating a warm and inviting glow.

Step 7: Attach Decorative Accessories

Include small decorative accessories like miniature houses or animals that complement your chosen theme. These details will add charm and whimsy to your wreath.

Step 8: Include Personal Touches (Optional)

Incorporate personal touches such as printed photos or illustrations that resonate with your story for a truly unique wreath. This could be family portraits, cherished memories, or holiday traditions.

Step 9: Create a Focal Point

Designate a focal point on your wreath where the main elements of your story come together. This could be a central figurine, a charming cottage, or a festive arrangement of ornaments.

Step 10: Secure Everything in Place

Secure all elements using twine or floral wire to keep your wreath intact throughout the holiday season.

Check out these beautiful Christmas wreaths on Pinterest for more inspiration!

Delicious and Nutritious 3 World-Famous Pasta Dishes and Their Health Benefits

Pasta is a beloved food staple that is enjoyed in many cuisines around the world. Pasta is known for its versatility and delicious taste. However, pasta is often deemed unhealthy due to its high carbohydrate content. Nonetheless, pasta can be a healthy and satisfying part of your diet when prepared with the right ingredients.

While it's tempting to indulge in pasta dishes, eating it in moderation is essential. Overindulging in pasta can lead to weight gain and other health issues. So, even though moderation may not unlock the all-you-can-eat buffet, it's necessary to maintain a healthy diet and Lifestyle.

On that note, here are Lifestyle of Beauty's picks:

3 world-famous pasta dishes you should try:

1. Spaghetti Aglio e Olio is an Italian dish that has numerous health benefits. Heart-healthy olive oil is the primary sauce used in this dish. Olive oil is rich in monounsaturated fats, which have been linked to improving cardiovascular health. Garlic, which is a flavorful ingredient in this dish, is also packed with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties that can help lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Choosing whole wheat spaghetti instead of regular spaghetti can increase the fiber content, which provides a sense of fullness and helps stabilize blood sugar levels.

2. Pad Thai is a well-known Thai dish offering many health benefits. It typically includes tofu, which is a plant-based protein source that is low in saturated fat. This promotes muscle health and provides essential amino acids. Lifestyle of Beauty prefers this dish with shrimp, chicken or beef, which enhances the flavor and for its higher iron and protein content. Peanuts are also added to the dish, providing a satisfying crunch and healthy fats. They are an excellent source of monounsaturated fats and protein that can promote fullness and heart health. Additionally, Pad Thai is usually prepared with various vegetables that provide essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber. The more vegetables you add to the dish, the greater the health benefits.

3. Soba Noodles with Miso Soup is a Japanese dish that offers numerous health benefits. The dish is made of buckwheat flour, which is gluten-free and high in essential nutrients like magnesium, antioxidants, and dietary fiber. These nutrients can help regulate blood sugar levels and promote digestive health. Miso, a key ingredient in the soup, is fermented and loaded with probiotics. These beneficial bacteria support gut health and boost the immune system. The broth used in Soba Noodles with Miso Soup is typically low in calories, making it an excellent option for those looking to control their calorie intake. Overall, this dish is not only delicious but also a healthy addition to your diet.

Carrot Oil vs. Retinol: Unlocking the Surprising Similarities

When it comes to achieving youthful and radiant skin, various ingredients and compounds have been discovered to help reverse the effects of aging. Among the popular ones are carrot oil and retinol, which have gained significant attention in the skincare industry. Despite their differences, the two have some surprising similarities, making carrot oil a natural substitute for retinol. Carrot oil is less likely to cause redness and sensitivity, which can be expected in people with sensitive skin when using retinol. Carrot oil is an attractive alternative to retinol, especially for individuals with sensitive skin.

While retinol, derived from vitamin A, reduces wrinkles and promotes skin renewal. Beta-carotene in carrot oil can be converted to retinol when applied to the skin, making it a natural source of the vitamin. Cosmetic dermatological studies have found that carrot oil improves skin texture, reduces fine lines and wrinkles, and acts as a source of retinol.

Both carrot oil and retinol are rich in antioxidants, which help safeguard the skin from environmental damage and oxidative stress. These antioxidants neutralize harmful free radicals that can cause premature aging and promote healthy skin.

A study by the Department of Dermatology at the University of Michigan Medical School concluded that the topical application of retinol can reduce oxidative stress and UV-induced skin damage. Similarly, a study published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry in 2016 highlighted the antioxidant potential of carrot oil, making it a valuable additive in skincare routines to protect the skin from environmental aggressors.

Retinol and carrot oil promote collagen production, producing firmer and more youthful-looking skin. The antioxidants in carrot oil enhance skin elasticity and reduce wrinkles. Carrot oil and retinol improve skin hydration, but carrot oil has natural moisturizing properties and is gentler.

Carrot oil offers a natural alternative to retinol that can provide a youthful and radiant glow. Promoting skin renewal, reducing wrinkles, protecting against oxidative stress, stimulating collagen production, and maintaining skin hydration can be an essential part of your skincare routine. Remember to patch test and consult a dermatologist before trying any new skincare product. Carrot oil can help you achieve healthy and beautiful skin without the side effects.

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The cosmetics industry has undergone significant changes in recent times. There is now a greater focus on sustainability and eco-friendly practices. Cosmetic companies respond to the growing consumer demand for environmentally conscious products by adopting various eco-friendly strategies. Upcycling is one such approach that is gaining momentum in the skincare sector that Lifestyle of Beauty is loving!

What is Upcycling in Cosmetics?

Upcycling in the cosmetic industry involves repurposing waste materials or byproducts from other industries to create new beauty products, reducing the need for virgin resources and minimizing waste. This sustainable practice not only conserves natural resources but also contributes to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and pollution. Some inspiring examples of cosmetic companies incorporating upcycling are:

☕ Using Coffee: Coffee is a beloved morning ritual for many, but after the brewing process, what happens to the used coffee grounds? Well, some beauty companies have found a clever use for them by turning coffee waste into natural exfoliants for scrubs and masks. This provides an eco-friendly alternative to microbeads. Microbeads are tiny plastic particles in personal care products that are used as an exfoliant, but they harm the environment and marine life. They can't be filtered out by wastewater treatment plants and end up in our oceans. Marine animals that ingest microbeads can suffer severe health problems or death. Microbeads can also enter our food chain via seafood. Hence, there is a call to ban microbeads and promote natural alternatives.

🍇 Fruit waste, customarily discarded, has found a new purpose in the fragrance industry. For instance, citrus peels can be transformed into essential oils, providing natural and sustainable fragrance alternatives for perfumes, body mists, and other products. This not only helps reduce waste but also supports local fruit farmers creating an additional revenue stream for citrus farmers who would otherwise discard the peels as waste.

🧈Natural oils and butter are vital in many cosmetic products as they provide excellent moisturizing properties. Some companies have started sourcing these ingredients from the culinary industry, using fats such as olive oil and shea butter derived from food-grade sources. Food-grade sources refer to those that are suitable for human consumption, making them of higher quality and purity than other sources. This is an effective way to minimize waste and maximize the value of existing resources while ensuring that the ingredients used in cosmetic products are safe and of high quality.

💚Recycled Packaging

The concept of upcycling in the cosmetic industry goes beyond reusing the ingredients in products. Companies now use recycled materials like post-consumer plastics and glass to produce sustainable, reusable product containers. This practice helps reduce the need for new plastic production and reduces waste, making it a positive step toward environmental sustainability.

Upcycling is like a makeover for waste materials - transforming them into something valuable. Turning what some see as trash into a skincare treasure. The future of our planet is in our hands, and upcycling is a powerful tool to create a more sustainable world. By supporting companies prioritizing upcycling, we can help shape the skincare and makeup industry's future and pave the way for a more waste-free world.

Did you know that belly fat is one of the most harmful forms of fat???

Belly fat indicates that your cortisol levels (the stress hormone that increases aging and all kinds of health problems) are way too high.

Fortunately, a dedicated lifestyle change of moderate exercise (as simple as walking 10,000 steps a day) and eating the right foods will significantly lower cortisol levels.

Here are five foods that are proven to help target belly fat and boost the immune system:

1. Grass-fed Beef

Grass-fed beef has more levels of CLA ( A fatty acid shown to stimulate weight loss naturally) than grain-fed beef, and it’s super-rich in fat-burning Omega-3 fatty acid.

2. Green and Black Tea

Thanks to its naturally occurring polyphenols and flavonoids, tea cuts cortisol levels in the blood and gives a sense of relaxation. Drink tea before meals, and you will eat less.

3. Avocado

Spread on the guacamole. Avocado is loaded with monounsaturated fat that is proven to reduce inflammation that leads to belly fat.

Ohhhhh yea... Hello skinny jeans.

4. Full-fat dairy

Whole fat dairy such as yogurt and cheese are high in antioxidants, vitamins B2 and B12, and protein and calcium. The protein lactium has a calming effect by lowering blood pressure, while the potassium in milk can help relieve muscle spasms triggered by feeling tense. A lot of low-fat dairy has nutrition pulled out, and sugar added.

5. Kiwi

Who knew?! Kiwi contains a significant amount of omega 3’s. Studies have shown that when two kiwi fruits are eaten an hour before bedtime, it may improve sleep quality and duration without the side effects of sleeping pills.

Lifestyle of Beauty Recommends:

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER

Zero Belly Diet is the revolutionary new plan to turn off your fat genes and help keep you lean for life! Nutrition expert David Zinczenko—the New York Times bestselling author of the Abs Diet series, Eat This, Not That! series, and Eat It to Beat It!—has spent his entire career learning about belly fat—where it comes from and what it does to us. And what he knows is this: There is no greater threat to you and your family—to your health, your happiness, even your financial future.

How To Make Your Bronzer Look More Natural To Enhance Your Features

Bronzer is one of the most loved but misused beauty products out there. Women use a lot of it to contour themselves into Kim and come out looking more like Kanye.

Ladies, STOP TRYING TO CHANGE your features. It's all about enhancing and SUBTLY creating the illusion of "high cheekbones."

Kanye West wearing a full face of Makeup

N🚫 N🚫 N🚫

Eva Mendes great bronzer natural bronzer look

YES ✔YES ✔ YES ✔

Here’s how to look naturally contoured with bronzer.

❤ When choosing a bronzer, choose color no darker than two shades of your natural skin tone.

❤To mimic a natural tan, use golden brown bronzers with a hint of red or orange.

❤ Pressed powders create the most authentic effect; however, stains can look super-natural and give a glow to the whole face.

❤ If it shimmers, it will shine! Avoid shimmery bronzers at all costs. They will make skin look oily. A natural tan doesn’t sparkle, and a faux one shouldn’t either.

Shimmery Bronzer Effect

🔺 Less is more when it comes to bronzer. Swirl a medium-sized blush brush over the bronzer and tap it on a napkin to avoid applying too much in one area of the face.

The best place to apply bronzer is where the sun would naturally hit the face: On the temples, bridge of the nose, the jawline, and the tip of the chin. ***Don’t forget to apply some to the neck to avoid two-tone skin. 🔺

Full Bronzed Look The correct way to apply bronzer

Subtle Bronzed look How to make bronzer look natural

Shop Lifestyle of Beauty's Bronzer Picks on Amazon