This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser.  All opinions are mine alone.  #ShareTheHoliday #CollectiveBias

I know it's still early but I have pretty much all of my Holiday shopping done.  I stuck to my budget and my list and I didn't stress myself out trying to think of what to get people.   In fact today I'm going to show you an easy and fun tutorial to make a DIY Holiday gift, container and all!   

I make these for neighbors and the postman and other delivery people.  As a blogger, I get a lot of packages and I always want the people that help get them to me know that they are very much appreciated.  So what better way to do that then with homemade cookies in neatly decorated festive packaging?  So follow along for this easy cookie container tutorial. 

What You Will Need:
Cookies
Wax Paper
Decorative Tape
Rubbermaid TakeAlongs

[STEP 1 - MAKE COOKIES]
Whether you make them from scratch or you buy cookie mix at the store, it's the thought that counts so choose a few different types of cookies.  I chose Chocolate Chip and Snicker doodle.  I figure I can't go wrong that way. 

[STEP 2 - DECORATE Rubbermaid TakeAlongs]
This is the fun part.  While you wait for your cookies to bake you can use your decorative tape to decorate your containers. 

You can make fun designs with the decorative tape and if you really want to get creative you could practically cover the containers completely.  Decorative tape can be peeled off too. 
  

I use Rubbermaid TakeAlongs because they are perfect for storing my meals and snacks whenever I share them with people.  Plus it's a great way for me to celebrate the season of giving by giving them (and what's inside) to those that I appreciate and care about.  The cool thing about Holiday TakeAlongs is that they come in limited edition red, green, and prints for the holidays.  

You can find them on a special end cap at Walmart between 10/29-12/24.   


I love Rubbermaid TakeAlongs when it comes to storage and gifting.  They have a Quik Clik Seal™ to keep food and treats secure so they don't spill.  I love the soft lids and how well they tightly grip the container so I know there's a reliable seal.  They even have a large tab that makes it so easy to open them.  And it's the gift that keeps on giving because they are top rack dishwasher safe, freezer safe, and even microwavable! 



You can even use decorative pens to write a To/From Note and tape it to the top of the container. You can make it as fancy or as simple as you want.  That's the best part of a DIY gift - ANY amount of effort makes it special. 

[STEP 3 - FILL WITH COOKIES]
Once your cookies are done make sure you line the Rubbermaid TakeAlongs with wax paper, place a few cookies in, then layer with another piece of wax paper before you place more cookies inside. I like doing this so that the cookies don't get smashed and stuck together.  

[STEP 4 -  GIVE]
This is the fun part where you get to give your finished product to the recipient!

Doesn't it feel so good to put a bit of extra time and effort into a gift?   Who would you give this DIY Cookie Container gift to? For more great ideas click here!

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How I Give My Hair an At-Home Blowout

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You know why I love my hair salon appointments so much? Well, it's because after I get my color done, and my hair scrubbed, and then it's time to dry out, I always leave with a great blow out and I try to stretch my blowout as many days as I can until I have to watch it again.   There's just something about someone else being able to stand behind you and dry your hair and give it that extra volume so it stays full and shiny for several days.   I had questioned my stylist about how it's done, and she explained it to me so simply.   She said the more I do it, the easier it is.  So for weeks and weeks I began practicing.  It really did get easier over time, not to mention my arms were stronger and able to be held up over my head longer.   

So for today's post I figured I would let you guys know the simple method that works on MY hair. 


#1 Scrub
When I'm in the shower I really scrub my scalp to get all the product build up out of there.  Product build up can really make your hair gunky and greasy.


#2 Rinse
Sometimes I would be in a rush and I wouldn't properly rinse my hair out.  So when I say rinse, I mean really really rinse until your hair is squeaky clean with NO suds left.  I actually turn the water on to cold to help seal the cuticles in the final moments before I step out of the shower.

#3 Towel Dry
After I squeeze my hair out really well I wrap it in a towel and get dressed.  Then I usually dilly dally for 10-15 minutes on my phone until I realize it's that time.... time to dry the hair!

#4 Blot
When I take my towel off I gently blot the hair around my scalp.  I never vigorously rub it with the towel as that can actually damage it.  

#5 Comb and Part
I use a gentle comb to detangle my hair and then I use a fine comb to make my part.

#6 Product
If you use any product you can add some VERY lightly to your hair.  I never add anything near my roots though. 

#7 Dry & Finger Comb
I learned this by watching how my stylist does it, but basically the next thing I do is use the hair dryer around my scalp to dry the roots.  As I do this I use my fingers to move my hair around so that the air can reach all parts of my scalp.  I do this until my roots are left damp.

#8 Clip
This is the part where I clip up the top third of my hair so that it's out of the way I can get to the underside.  

#9 Dry with Round Brush
Now I take a big round brush and I take my hair in sections (about 2-3 inches wide) and hold it out and away from my head with the brush and blow dry it from root to tip.  Sometimes I have to repeat this on the same section of hair a few times.  When you are holding it away from your hair make sure you hold it straight up.   Then blast it with heat right at the root.  This is what gives my hair it's volume so it doesn't just fall flat against my head. 

#10 Repeat on Top Half
Once the entire bottom area of my hair is dried this way I release the clipped up top half an dry it the exact same way in sections.

#11 Flat Iron
Then I clip everything up again and flat iron both halves of my hair. 

VOILA!

This is done in the evening so the next day I am able to wear my hair down.   

The day after that I usually wear my hair half up in a little mini top knot to hide the grease and it keep it from falling flat.  Then that night it's time to do the whole process again.


The major thing to focus on for this process is having a great hair dryer. I use the Gold ‘N Hot Professional 1875 Watt Ionic Ultra-Lightweight Dryer with Tourmaline which costs $39.99 at Folica.com. 


 As I said before this process makes my arms so tired so it's a luxury to use this dryer because it's ultra light but it still has a huge output of negative ions to make my hair dryer faster.  It's less damaging in the long run and it leaves my hair shiny and gorgeous! 

Tourmaline conditioning emits negative ions heat to reduce static frizz and seal in moisture. There are 2 speeds and 6 settings for heat. 

So give it a try, be patient, and don't give up.  It really does get easier and easier over time.  Or, next time you're at the salon ask your stylist for some tips and watch her as she does it to your hair.

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A Unique Gift Wrapping Technique Tutorial

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser.  All opinions are mine alone.  #WrapGiveRepeat #CollectiveBias

You were probably shocked because I don't seem like I'm the creative type when it comes to paper, wrapping, and gifting but you are wrong.  All it takes is the right supplies and a few tips and tricks and you can add some beautiful embellishments to any gift this season!

Today I wanted to share with you a tutorial of a unique technique for wrapping gifts so that you can impress everyone before they even get to the actual surprise inside!  
 
So before we get started with the tutorial I wanted to go over what supplies you need and why.

Scotch® Magic™ Tape 3 Pack Caddie
You will definitely want the Scotch® Magic™ Tape 3 Pack Caddie because the tape is invisible so it won't take away from your beautiful wrap job! It's so nice to stock up and get a 3 pack, especially around the holidays when you know that you'll be wrapping a lot of gifts.  Also, the Magic® Tape Single Dispenser Roll is great to keep around the house because it doesn't take up much space and can easily be pulled out when needed to wrap a last minute gift or fix a tear in the wrapping paper (in case you have nosey children!).  


Scotch™ Multi-Purpose Scissor 8”
No wrap job is possible without a reliable pair of scissors that glides so smoothly across the wrapping paper. 

 

 Foil Wrapping Paper
I mean, you really can't wrap a gift without wrapping paper.  Make sure it's a nice thick foil.  I like foil because it bends and folds nice and smooth, which is what you need for this technique.


Now that you have the supplies you need, let's start on the tutorial. 

 

Step 1: Make a square or rectangle.
It's easiest to wrap things that are in squares or rectangle shaped boxes so if your gift is an odd shape, make sure you find a box. 

 

 Step 2: Measure out the paper size you need and cut.
I usually place my box on the paper like so, and then flip it over one more time so you get two boxes worth of a size. This is where you will need to use your smooth Scotch™ Multi-Purpose Scissors.

 

 Step 3: Fold and secure.
Place your box face down in the middle of your wrapping paper.  Fold one side half way across the box and secure with tape from your Scotch® Magic™ Tape 3 Pack Caddie.  Since you have more freedom with your hands the caddies is nice and versatile because you can move it around with you as you move around your gift.


Step 4: Fold the other side.
Fold the other side half way across the box and secure with tape.


Step 5: Fold and secure the short sides.
Fold the paper and secure on each side of the box.

 
 Step 6: Gather remnants.
If you have any remnants (strips of wrapping paper) gather them up.  If you don't have any, then simply cut a 4 or 5 inch strip of wrapping paper.  It can be as long as you want but make sure it's only 4-5 inches in depth. 

 
 Step 7:  Lay the remnant face down.
Choose a remnant that is about 6 inches tall and lay it face down.  If you have to cut your remnant to size that's fine too. 
 
Step 8: Fold the bottom edge about 1 inch up and crease it. 
 
Step 9: Flip the remnant over. 
You want the folded side to be at the top.   


Step 10: Fold the top side down about half an inch and crease it. 
 
Step 11: Flip and fold the remnant. 
The folded side will be on the bottom now.  You will fold the bottom side up an inch and crease it. 
 
Step 12: Repeat steps 9 through 11.
 
Step 13: Stop.
Once your remnant looks like this (usually about 3 times of repeating steps 9-11) you are done.  until your remnant looks like this.  You will be left with about a 3 inch folded accordion strip. 


Step 14: Lay the remnant on your gift. 
You can use any position like diagonal or straight across.

Step 15: Tape
The next step is to affix your accordion strip to your gift.  You can do it on the corner, straight across, or in any position you please! Use tape from your Scotch® Magic™ Tape 3 Pack Caddie! 


VOILA!  Look at how beautiful and fancy it looks and all it took was a few folds.  The other great thing about this technique is that it makes it so less remnants go to waste.  So it's a way to give back to the environment which you know I love to do.

 
You can find the products from this tutorial in the Holiday & Stationary section of your local Walmart! Make sure you stock up on Scotch® Brand wrapping products early and save, with a 50% bonus and Rollback!

I think it's important to support the Scotch® Brand as they are donating $200,000 to Fisher House this holiday season.  Fisher House is a charity that offers a network of comfort homes where military and veterans' families can stay at no cost while a loved one is receiving treatment. What a great way to give back!  

So just remember to have fun as you make your gifts uniquely beautiful and Wrap.Give.Repeat for a great holiday season!

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How to Wear A Halo | Tutorial

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Everyone knows I am the queen of hair extensions.  I've been wearing clip-in extensions since I was 21.  Everyone always asks me which brands are the best and how to put them in.  

So today, I've teamed up with Halo to bring you a quick photo tutorial on how to wear their signature Halo!  The reason I love my Deluxe Halo is that it's much easier to put in when you are limited on time! It's made from 100% Indian Remy Human Hair are has even more hair for a thicker finish.  It's great for people with shorter hair that's thick.  I did have my Halo trimmed by a friend so the end result photo at the bottom shows the trimmed length. 

This is what the Halo looks like when it comes.  

Now, you can brush your real hair ahead of time or just do it all the end like I do.  

So here we go. 

Step 1 | Slip the Halo on top of your head.   It sits naturally at the nape of your neck.  The smooth wire makes it easy to slip right on.  

Step 2 | Starting one side at a time just pull or brush your hair over the Halo in about an inch wide sections.  The above picture has a ribbon on the wire so you can see where it is in my hair. 

Step 3 | Pull the hair sections over the Halo the entire way around your head.  I criss cross my hair which gives it more volume on top.  

Step 4 | Make sure the entire Halo is covered by your hair.   Brush your hair but do so carefully. I use a flat iron to straighten my hair and smooth it all out.  

VOILA!

See how nice it looks? I love how simple it is and how comfortable it is.  Especially on days when I'm really active, I like that I don't have to worry about clips against my scalp.  


So are you going to try out a Halo?????   

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