So Busy so many things to talk about!

Okay ladies, since it has been the holidays and everything is so crazy busy it has been hard to post every day! I am really trying! I have many thoughts and idea's I want to share! where to begin (sorry for the crazy spelling and grammar and spelling errors, this is for fun not to be graded upon or judged upon) for starters hair extensions: I love hair extension, why do I think they are great? I think they are great for people with thin hair or even thick hair they do great! For thin hair you can just add them to add thickness (not for length). For really thick hair but you can not seem to get the front to grow; you can add them to the front. If you just want to add length to your hair you can! They are great and easy to manage! The 2 kind that I would prefer and that are not as damaging on you hair are clip ins and cold fusion! Cold Fusion are done by a bead which is either a copper long tube with silicone inside or just a copper tube (either or work great).  So for those of you who tend to sleep-in in the morning and want to have your eyes look more awake or even look bigger try taking a white eyeliner pencil and going along the bottom rim of your eye (waterline on the bottom eye right above the lashes). This gives your eye a little pop to make you look fresh!  So hope you enjoy a quick tip!

Do it your self HAIRSPRAY!!! THIS WORKS WONDERFUL!!!

 Hey girls who are hairspray junkies, like myself must try this!!! I love this!!! It is flexible so it wont be rock solid keep in mind... You can add any essential oil and seriously I am a hair stylist and this is my favorite!! Try it!!! I do the orange instead of the lemon because I do color my hair!

Citrus-Lavender Hairspray

• 1 orange or lemon
• 2 cups water
• 1/4 cup rubbing alcohol or clear grain alcohol (vodka, gin, etc.)
• 6-8 drops of lavender essential oil

Step 1

Cut a whole orange or lemon into wedges and combine with 2 cups water in a small pot. Boil over medium high heat and reduce liquid by half.

Step 2

Strain liquid through cheesecloth into a measuring cup. If you boiled too much liquid out add water until you have 1 cup. Allow citrus juice to cool.

Step 3

Add alcohol and essential oils to the cup of citrus juice. (Feel free to experiment with your favorite essential oil or leave them out altogether.)

Step 4

Use a funnel to pour into a spray bottle (at least 10 oz.). Shake gently before each use.

A few things to note…

This is not a maximum hold hairspray that will freeze a prom up-do or 80′s bangs. I can say with confidence that it’s a flexible hold formula. I was a loyal user of firm hold hairspray for years before trying this formula… now I PREFER this to my old sprays.
This formula has been tested on my brunette hair. Hairspray made with an orange has a bit of a darker tint, so if your hair is light-colored you may want to use a lemon.
Grab the orange or lemon sitting in your fruit bowl and give this hairspray a whirl.

Come and Enjoy!

Sorry I have not written in a long time; I have been very busy with starting up work again. I am also getting ready for the CHRISTMAS BLISS BOUTIQUE to promote my business Design Your Skin! You should all come if you can!!! Their will be a variety of things and your kids can come too!

Hey friends and family, come have a fun weekend shopping at the CHRISTMAS BLISS BOUTIQUE; Bring the kids! They can craft while you shop just for 1$! When: Friday Dec. 9th, 8AM-2PM and Saturday Dec. 10th, 2PM-6PM WHERE: Located between Higley and Greenfield 4741 E. Southern AVE. Mesa AZ, 85206 The perfect hand made gift for the one you love! There will be Jewelry, hand made treats, flowers, all thing baby, christmas decor, shabby chic furniture and much more!!! ♥

Here is a fun light chili recipe for the winter time!

3-Bean Turkey Chili

Nutrition Facts:

Makes 12 servings
1 serving = 196 calories, 1 g fat, 20 g carbs, 24 g protein

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs. extra lean ground turkey
• ½ cup chopped onions
• 1 tbsp. garlic powder
• 2 - 4 oz. cans of diced green chilies
• 1 - 15 oz. can Organic Tri-Bean Blend (drained)
• 1 - 15 oz. can Organic Black Beans (drained)
• 2 - 14.5 oz. cans Organic Diced Tomatoes (do not drain)
• 1 tbsp. Xylitol Brown Sugar Blend (Ideal)
• 1 tbsp. chili powder
• 2 tbsp. white vinegar
• 3 tbsp. regular yellow mustard
• 2 tsp. cumin
• 1 tsp. salt
• 1 tbsp. dried or fresh cilantro
• 2 tsp. adobo sauce (optional)

Directions:

1. In a large pot add onions and meat, sprinkled with garlic powder and cook until no longer pink (drain using a plate, if desired).
2. Next add the green chilies, beans, tomatoes, xylitol and spices (except cilantro) and stir until combined.
3. Bring to a boil and then reduce heat to a simmer for about 10 minutes.
4. Finally, add cilantro. Serve hot.
5. You may sprinkle veggie shreds or a light cheese on top.

Makes 10 servings.

<3 Marleis Prestwich

Coconut oil is amazing! Hair and Health!

Many of you know and use olive oil and think is amazing, but have you ever tried coconut oil? Well you should because there is no hydrogenated fat! Coconut oil is not a liquid and comes in a solid form and you break it down by heat! Coconut oil is great for baking and for stir fry's as well as sauteing veggies and what not. It also is great for the hair and skin as well as giving you energy before a race and what not. The best part is it is healthy!  It is a saturated fat from a plant base which is very good for you, it is a good fat (Ironic, fat is what we do not want to become).  Start using coconut oil for cooking and baking as well as for the hair and skin!  You can find coconut oil at most health stores and just comes in a glass jar  (like a spaghetti jar or mason jar), this makes it easy for heating if using for the hair and body.   This oil is best for sauteing or stir-frying over medium high heat or, because of its neutral flavor, for baking.  If you are going to use it for body care, place jar in warm water to liquefy ( I spoon it into a Tupperware dish so I do not liquefy the whole jar).  Massage into skin or apply to hair for one hour, then rinse thoroughly.  When storing coconut oil make sure to store it in a cool, dark place. Remember no refrigeration necessary.  *Woops: I forgot to add a tip, I use it in my oatmeal at breakfast with some fresh berries! Since it is a solid I usually put it in right after the oatmeal is done cooking so it can melt!*  I hope you have fun experimenting with coconut oil! <3 Marleis

Fighting FRIZZY hair!

At some point in time we all deal with frizz, some more than others and then some all the time! I have 3 Idea's to help fight frizz or reduce frizz!
1.) Blow drying can definitely work to reduce frizz. Be sure you attach the nozzle to your drier ( not the diffuser but the straight nozzle everyone throws away).  You will get better direction and have more control over the heat and hair.  Dry from roots to ends, smoothing hair as you go; this will eliminate frizz for most hair types.
2.) Have the right hair product... If you have thick hair use something a little heavier.  If you have thin-medium hair use a lighter product. * Combo- heavy mouse light styling cream*
3.) Ease your tresses through transitional weather by deep conditioning hair with and intensive treatment.  This will increase the level of moisture protection you'll need to combat frizz. Plus, using this as a base before adding styling cream helps soothe frazzled strands.
Hope these help any frizz fighters! <3 Marleis!

Exercise

After eating all that food and having left overs on Thanksgiving we all feel like we have gained 5lbs.  Exercising is not on our minds and that is probably the last thing we feel like doing after eating all that food! The best way for me (I hope this motivates you as well) to get motivated to exercise and stay on a daily routine is signing up for marathons. I have done 2 half marathons in Utah and loved it! It is a great way to get your cardio in for the day as well as cross train.  For some it may be very hard to get in the routine but once you do it is so worth it. You can find out about marathons just by typing in marathons in your search engine, so many websites pop up! It is also a great way to get you to eat healthy because eating healthy is what makes you lose weight and get firm as well as the cross training. Eating healthy is hard, and eating unhealthy is really easy. I wish it was the other way, because it would make life so much easier! <3 Marleis!

Things that are worth your money!

Since today is black Friday and yesterday was Thanksgiving I did not do a post! Today since everyone is out shopping, here are a couple of things that you should look into for gift or just good buys for yourself!

Nioxin- There shampoo and conditioner help with thinning hair and helps make it look more full! They also have great styling products!

Redken- They have a few products that are my favorite, their wax blast, shine 01 spray, their all soft conditioning balm, glass drops.

Paul Mitchel- I love their medium hold hairspray, their skinny serum drops (work amazing).

Moracan oil- Hydrating conditioning masque.

Makeup Forever- (sephora) They have a face primer that is amazing! I just love their product!

Mac- Studio Fix Foundation and their paint pots!

<3 Marleis! Message me if you want any other info!

Makeup Guidline!

Hey ladies, if you want a flawless face and want to look spectacular for your holiday pictures then try these tips out:
When getting ready to do your face makeup always apply a moisturizer (I like to add liquid foundation to my moisturizer, but you do not have to). Then add a great liquid foundation (if you want maximum coverage). Then apply your concealer,  to any blemishes or redness (usually do under the eyes and the creases on the side of noes, they seem most red). Then I apply my powder foundation and bronzer if you use a bronzer. This gives your skin a flawless look and will look great in pictures.  I usually take a light shimmer stick, and draw a line down the nose, on top of the cheek bone and right in the middle above your lip and then blend, this gives a nice highlight and glow to the face, it just gives it a little pop! Another quick tip, if you want to have a brighter affect on your eyes, take a white eyeliner pencil and trace the bottom rim of the lashes! This will give any look a nice pop! ENJOY <3!

Spray Tanning!

Many people shy away from spray tan's or mystic tan's do to the chance of turning orange and streaky! Well now they have airbrush tanning which allows for a nice even golden tan. What is the difference between spray tan and airbrush tanning? One (mystic and spray tan) you stand in front of an automated  machine while it spray's you and has no control of product control or where its being applied. You can stand in a position just a slightly off and be all sorts of blotchy. The other thing is you have no one to watch for over application or if it begins to run to blot and re-apply so you do not have streaks! Now onto Airbrush Tanning, you have someone applying the product so they have control over the application and where to spray.  Airbrush tanning allows for an even coat of product so there is no discoloration or streaks. For the best result of airbrush tanning, always go to the appointment with dark loose fitting clothes, along with a clean body (use a body wash with no cream or oils) with no moisturizers or makeup on. Then if they offer a pre-tan or post tan product for additional cost, I would guarantee those products and purchase them! They are worth it!  If you have any questions just email me at designyourskin@yahoo.com... <3 Marleis!

Acne Problems?!

Okay I know everyone has had zits before and an occasional breakout of acne! If you have tried everything out there and has found that nothing has worked, try doing this! When getting ready for bed or waking up for the day (you can do this twice a day) put toothpaste on your outbreaks or your zits and let sit for a half hour. Let me say, do not use a gel tooth paste but a good old white paste! Then after that half hour wash it of with your favorite face wash (add some white sugar to make and all natural exfoliate) and then get a cotton ball and some APPLE CIDER VINEGAR and apply to the area. When doing this every night or morning or both, you will be so surprised that you will have clear skin! This may take a good week or two just so it can bring out all the impurities in the skin and regulate it. Yes, the apply cider vinegar does stink, so I usually add a facial moisturizer that has Vitamin A to smooth the skin. Give it a try and I am sure you will love the outcome! <3 Marleis!

A Healthy Recipe!!!

Things needed: Foil, Lemons, asparagus, tilapia or chicken, pepper, salt and old bay poultry seasoning!

This is a nice light weight dinner and is great for any time you do not know what to cook!

Nutrition Facts:

Total Calories: 199
Protein: 30g
Carbs: 11g
Fat: 5g

Ingredients:

• 4 oz tilapia (or any fish you'd like) ** For those who do not like fish, I used white meat chicken (Chicken Breast).
• asparagus
• lemons, sliced
• lemon juice
• fish seasoning- ** Old Bay Seasoning taste the best
• pepper
• non stick spray (optional)- **I did not use this at all with that new non stick foil!

** Those of you who do not like the fish flavor, try soaking your fish in SKIM MILK to get rid of the fish flavor!

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees
2. Use one piece of foil per fish.
3. Add lemon juice.
4. Sprinkle fish seasoning on top.
5. Add pepper, lemon slices.
6. Add veggies on top.
7. Fold into foil down from the top leaving air for steaming
8. Place each foil on a cookie sheet and bake for 14-15 min. ** It may take a little longer, I would just check to see if it was all white and flaky and the chicken breast was not pink in the center... 

This is honestly so yummy and I am not a fish person and I loved it!!! I hope you enjoy!!! :)

Hot Tools!

If you are anything like me, then all you girls probably use a flat iron, curling iron and blow dryer! That is okay if you are using a HEAT GUARD or HEAT SHIELD or a blow dry solution! This protects your hair from any heat damage which causes split ends, breakage and color discoloration.  For a nice polished look after using any hot tool use a polishing cream or gloss or shine spray! This will give a nice sheen to the hair and make for a better polished look!!! Here are some of the products I love for a HEAT SHIELD or HEAT GUARD: Hot off the press by Paul Mitchel, Matrix heat guard, and redken blow dry solution! There are many others that I love and to add to this since I am a hairstylist I can get you any of these, just let me know or message me of facebook! Lots of Love, Marleis!

Being Healthy!

I know since the Holiday season is coming everyone is working out and trying to get in shape so they can enjoy all the delicious treats and goodies that your sweet neighbors and family share! Here is a tip to help! In doing this I am just trying to help and not offend anyone!! One of the tips I have learned about getting in shape and being healthy and trying to lose weight is that in order to lose 1lb. you have to lose 3,500 calories! If you want to lose 1lb. a week with out exercise and just diet then you need to record everything you eat and count the calories! Start a food log now, because you need to cut your daily calorie intake by 500 calories to lose 1lb. in a week! 500X7=3500! So there is a quick tip,  any in making this easier to I say "budget your calories" plan a day, like Sunday for instance: Go to the store Saturday night with a list of everything you want to eat for that week, healthy snacks, fruit and veggies, and lean meat like fish and chicken and turkey (white meat not dark). Then on Sunday morning or evening just prepare everything and lable the tubberware for which day and cut up your veggies and fruit as well, so they are all ready for you during the week! Then you will not have an excuse to not eat healthy and record your good doings! This will make it easy on you and give your body the DESSERT it wants! So if you want to lose a pound in a week cut your every day calorie intake by 500 calories, if you want to lose more, add exercise!  If you are anything like me and find it hard to come up with a routine just look up Jamie Eason 12 week live fit guide!!! Amazing and great recipes as well!! Hope you enjoy!!  Yours Truly <3 Marleis!

Quick Tip of the day!

Things needed: Eye pencil sharpener, eye liner pencil, Liquid or Gel eye liner.

Tip: If you are nervous of doing a cat eye or winged eye liner effect try doing this.  Take your very sharp eye liner pencil (black preferred) go across the lash line, or the rim of the eye, once you are to the end of your eye wing it out as the desired effect. Once you have drawn it then go over with your liquid or gel eye liner for a more smooth cat or winged eye look. It is mistake proof for trying something new! Enjoy!!