A couple of weeks ago, I saw a girl wearing a super cute headband that was knitted into a bow-tie.  I almost asked her where she bought it, but I thought to myself, I can make that!  So, I went straight home and did just that:

I wore it the next day and I got a bunch of compliments, so I thought I’d pass on the love! Here’s the simple step by step:

Step 1: For the bow, I simply knitted a rectangle; 8 stitches wide and 18 rows long.

Step 2: The band was essentially the same thing—a rectangle— except it’s  2 stitches wide.  (The length will depend on the circumference of your head, so measure as you go by holding the band around your head to see if it’s long enough.)

Step 3: Secure the bow-tie to the band by wrapping yarn around the center of the larger rectangle and tying it securely.  (I did this all in grey, but you could use a different color to tie the middle, which would make it even more fun!)  By tying the bow-tie to the band, you’ll be creating that bow shape.

Step 4: Tie that baby to your head and enjoy the compliments!

If you don’t know how to knit, or you just need a refresher, check out fiber images for a great how-to (with pictures!)

What do you think about the knitted headband look?  Have you made your own headbands (knitted or otherwise)?  Send photos to kim@blendingbeautiful.com or tell me about it below!

Want a new headband, but don’t want to do it yourself?  Check out these cute (and affordable) options I found!

And don’t forget— today is the last day to enter this week’s beauty give-away from Benefit Cosmetics!  Check it out here!

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I was browsing the internet yesterday and I found this picture:

photo courtesy of Heather Reynosa Davis

This nail treatment is from a company called Minx, who is best known for doing nails for celebs like Beyonce, Rihanna, and Lady Gaga. Rather than using polish, Minx treatments involve special sticker-like strips that are cut to fit your nails.  The strips are then heated, which helps them sick to your nails long term.  (Although, I hear that they don’t last as long as regular polish, even though Minx claims they stay put for as long as two weeks.)

There are tons of different patterns, and a bunch of cool metallic treatments that are definitely more vibrant than any nail polish I’ve ever seen.  Check out the variety at Minxnails.com.

I think the look (especially the pattern above) is SUPER cute!  But I definitely think that it has to be done right— on the Minx website, they show all their patterns on really long nails.  I think the only way this look could be pulled off in real life is to go with short nails, like the photo above.

Even if they don’t last for weeks, this seems like a great look for a special occasion (or a great pick-me-up for a bad day.) I’m going to try and find a Minx specialist in my area, so I can get the treatment and let you all know how it goes!

What do you think of this look?  Have any of you worn Minx nails or seen them in real life?  Do you hate them and think I’m crazy?  Let me know!

Make sure you click here if you haven’t already entered for this week’s beauty give-away from Benefit Cosmetics!

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Okay… I just have to get this out of my system.  Did any of you watch the finale of The Bachelor last night??  VIENNA?  SERIOUSLY?  Ugh… what was Jake thinking?!  And the cheesy song at the end… yikes!  At least Ali is the next bachelorette!  But enough about that… let’s talk headbands!

I know I’m a little late on the headband trend, but I have fallen hard for these cute accessories!  I love feeling dressed up when I go out into the world, but I don’t always love taking a lot of time to get ready.  Headbands can take a boring ponytail and transform it into a totally put-together hairstyle.  Now I know that headbands, like rainboots, are not just for kids anymore.

Look at what I’m talking about:

This cute elastic headband from Forever 21 is the cheapest of the bunch at only $2.50!

If you’re feeling a little daring, this headband (also from Forever 21) is under $5 as well!

I love how delicate this one is!  (Get it at Old Navy for $4.50!)

If you’re dressing up for a night out on the town, this headband from Target is a great choice at $9.99.

And if you’re willing to splurge a little, you can get this adorable floral piece from The Urban Trend on Etsy.com for $20 (bonus— it comes in a bunch of cute colors!)

Which of these is your favorite?  (I think I like the last one best.)  Do you dislike headbands, but prefer another hair accessory? Tell me about it in the comment section below! (And what did YOU think about last night’s Bachelor finale?)

Not into any of these looks?  In the mood for a do-it-yourself project?  Check back on Thursday and learn how to make your own adorable headband at home!

And don’t forget to click here if you haven’t already entered for this week’s beauty give-away from Benefit Cosmetics!

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photo courtesy of Dyanna

I have been super sick for three weeks (I wish I was exaggerating), and lately I’ve been coughing non-stop!  My mom told me about a cough remedy that one of her co-workers swears by: rubbing Vick’s Vapo-rub on the bottoms of your feet (and wearing socks, of course, so it doesn’t get everywhere!)  It wasn’t the miracle I was hoping for (it helped a little, but apparently nothing can rid my lungs of this illness) but it did do one thing well: it made my feet SO SOFT!

I haven’t had a professional pedicure since Christmas, but I really like being barefoot (yes, even in winter), so I try to keep my feet looking nice. With that in mind, I thought I’d share some tips for achieving a great looking (and feeling) pedicure at home!

Step 1: Get ‘em wet!  I like to take a bath or shower before a pedicure, but if the timing isn’t right, let your feet soak for a little while in warm water.

Step 2: Exfoliate! While you’re soaking, use some body scrub (get the recipe here) on your calves and feet.  Then grab a pumice stone and focus on your heels and any other rough areas.

Step 3: Seal in the moisture by patting your skin dry and rubbing shea butter (or any other yummy moisturizer) all over your legs and feet.

Step 4: Cut, file, and shape your nails to your preferred length.  When you’re done, use a nail buffer (like this one from Sally Beauty Supply) to fix any snags or imperfections in your nails.

Step 5: Use toe separators or twisted tissue paper between your toes, and paint those puppies!

Step 6: Fix your mistakes with this awesome tool from Sephora.  This pen has a straight edge, so you can run it right along your nail to remove any excess polish.

(Don’t want to spend the $6?  Use an eyeliner brush, dipped in nail polish remover, and swipe that along the outer edge of your nails!)

Follow these steps and your feet will look cute and feel unbelievably soft!

Do you give yourself pedicures at home, or would you rather shell out the cash for the real deal?  Any other good at-home pedicure tips?  And what’s your favorite nail polish brand/color?

PLUS: Click here to learn about my first beauty give-away from Benefit Cosmetics!

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Would you like to win some free makeup from Benefit?  All you have to do is comment!

Answer the following question:

If you could only use one beauty product for the rest of your life, what would it be and why?

Leave a comment below with your answer!  Two lucky winners will receive this cute gift from Benefit:

-a sample of Benefit Posie Tint (a super cute cheek and lip stain that’s perfect for Spring!)

-a double tube of Benefit lip gloss!

-a super cute Benefit charm key chain!

Plus: Your answer could be featured in a future {blending beautiful} post!

You have until Thursday at midnight to enter; winners will be announced on Friday.

Update: Congrats to Tina and Nina, this week’s winners!

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