Quick Update

I know I have been silent for a long time. A lot has been going on, but everything is starting to settle down now.

I am working to redesign this blog. I am working on new content for it. I am writing up some unique pieces that are focused more on my intended audience. The posts on here so far have been sort of scattered. Some of them have only been links to my work. All of that is changing. You can expect a new and improved experience after the redesign is complete.

Three treatments for acne

Pimples are a horrible fact of life for teens, as well as some adults. While there isn't any overnight way to get rid of pimples, there are ways that you speed up the healing process. You do have a few different options when it comes to acne care. Of course, prevention is your first course of action so make sure that you keep your face clean and moisturized to minimize the risk of pimples.

Natural Treatments

Natural treatments are usually the first type of treatment you should try since these don’t use harsh chemicals. Lemon, honey, cinnamon, and papaya are all great natural foods that you can use to help get rid of acne fast. You can find great suggestions for how to use these natural methods on this website. Since they are covered in depth there, I won't go over them here.

Over-the-Counter Treatments

Over-the-counter treatments include soaps, gels, masks, and other medications that are available without a prescription. Many of these use salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide. These products can be very drying, so use caution if you decide to use them. If you notice your skin peeling, reduce the frequency you apply the medication.

Prescription Treatments

If natural treatments and over-the-counter treatments don't work, you may have to visit the dermatologist. A dermatologist can help you treat acne with prescription strength medications that are usually more effective than other methods. Prescription treatments are also fairly harsh and might dry your skin out. Because of this, you must work with your doctor to ensure that your treatment plan helps your skin instead of harming it.

Dealing with hard water deposits

We have well water from an older well where I live. This water often leaves hard water deposits on my stainless steel appliances, as well as glass appliances. Getting those nasty deposits off the kitchen appliances can prove to be a challenge.

Again, I turned to Top Cleaning Secrets for help with this. There are instructions on this website for cleaning an electric kettle that have proven very useful for cleaning other appliances. It uses vinegar and water to clean the kettle. I use the mixture, but I just spritz it on a soft towel and wipe down my appliances and then follow the remaining instructions.

Spring cleaning in the kitchen

Spring cleaning time is behind us, but that doesn't mean that it's too late to get the house nice and tidy. One of the biggest areas that usually needs a good deep cleaning is the kitchen. If your kitchen is like mine, it is the center of activity in the house. We make playdough there, we cook there, we clean dishes there, and so on.

Kitchen Sink

If you want to stay away from harsh chemicals, you can clean the kitchen sink using a little baking soda with some vinegar. The exact method can be found on Top Cleaning Secrets, so I won't bore you with the details here. Following this method will leave your sink sparkling and clean. After you do this the first time, you can usually just wipe the sink down after each use for a couple of weeks at which time you will have to rescrub the sink.

Review of Broadway Nails imPRESS Press-on Manicure

As part of the Influenster Spring Fever VoxBox, I received Broadway Nails imPRESS Press-on Manicure from the Nicole Scherzinger Signature Series to review. The package claims that these nails are easy to put on and will last up to a week (when applied properly).

First Impression

When I first saw the nails, I thought "No way!" The nails I got are the Sexy Fresh print that includes some blue nails and some pink nails. There are also white and purple accents on them. I am more of a traditional girl. I like single color nail polish or a nice French manicure. I have never really done patterns or prints on my nails.

I can remember using press-on nails when I was younger. If you used the included adhesive strips, the nails would fling off as soon as you would wiggle your finger. Forget washing dishes, scratching your legs or doing anything else. Exactly how would these nails work for a mother with five children under six years old? I wasn't sure they would last five minutes!