Category Archives: QUICKIES

How to keep those Homemade Christmas Cookies Fresh

By Tia Cristy

(recap) How to keep those Homemade Christmas Cookies Fresh
Merry Christmas!
TipsfromTia.com Milk and Cookies with Note Reading

So you baked a bunch of cookies or someone gave you cookies as a gift, but homemade cookies don’t have all those preservatives in them to keep them fresh for long periods of time. So how do you keep those tasty treats good, for the 12 days of Christmas?

Add a slice of white bread to the top of the package they are in. This will absorb the air and moisture, and the bread will get stale not the cookies. Replace the bread with a new piece, once it starts to get hard. This will help keep the cookies lasting longer, and gives you a chance to eat them all; not throw them out. I can’t help you with the feeling of guilt, for eating them all, but I’ll offer you the assurance they were probably made with “love”, so enjoy the love.

Tia, and TipsfromTia.com  is trying to keep you looking good and
feeling good, from the inside out. If you’ve got a problem or a tip email me! Be sure to Like and share on Facebook or Follow on Twitter or Instagram.

 

My Private Dancer.

By Tia Cristy

My Private Dancer.

“Young Flamenco Dancers In Beautiful Dress On Black Background†by nenetus. FreeDigitalPhotos.net
“Young Flamenco Dancers In Beautiful Dress On Black Background†by nenetus. FreeDigitalPhotos.net

My private dance lesson with Jonathon is at 4:30 pm. I arrive a few minutes early so I can get in the right mindset. As I climb the gorgeous staircase to the main floor of The Blueball Room, I have the chorus of Tina Turner’s ‘Private Dancer’ stuck in my head. I smile as I see Jonathon finishing up another private dance with a stunning lift. Could I ever get to that level of dancing at this point in my life? I unload my stuff onto a chair and take a seat in the other to change out of my rain boots into heels.

Jonathon comes over to greet me as the sweat runs down his face.

“That looked amazing!†I gasp. “Could I ever do that?â€

He smiles as he wipes his forehead, “You can get to any level you are determined to. That’s the best thing about dance.†He takes a sigh, and then asks, “You ready for your lesson now?â€

I hop up with excitement, unsure of what my lesson is going to be all about.

It turns out my private lesson wasn’t going to be about lifts, it was going to be about perfecting what I’ve already become familiar with. Easy? Not at all.

My lesson starts with going through the basics I’ve worked on so far including tango, foxtrot, cha cha, and swing. Next we move onto frame. I thought I was holding my body properly, until Jonathon places a stick down my back, not allowing me to loose position. I then come to an understanding that my legs are actually long for my petite body, and I must extend them farther than I have been. Jonathon is over six feet, and his stride is long. I must be able to keep up. He teaches me the correct way to push off from my right to left leg. He also shows me where to place my weight with each step and turn. My body quickly begins to feel the heat, causing a healthy sweat and my legs feel the slight burn of a moderate paced jog.

Soon thereafter, the stick is taken away and I am on my own muscle memory. I glide with him across the floor while the owner Roseanna, smiles with approval at my progress. Before I know it my lesson has come to an end, and I am left feeling invigorated with another successful lesson under my belt. After each lesson, it always makes me think of  two things, what they go through on Dancing with the Stars and what an incredible way to stay in shape while learning a new craft or hobby. The members of the company that stood by watching my transformation give me wonderful praise as I trot off the dance floor.

Blueball Room Dance Studio. Wilmington, DE
Blueball Room Dance Studio. Wilmington, DE

What a great gift to give myself. The gift of dance is something you could give yourself or a loved one. Get in touch with The Blueball Room for great package deals for group classes that include a private lesson.

Coming soon a collection of videos on my basic dances. To see them now like TipsfromTia.com on Facebook.

Tia, and TipsfromTia.com  is trying to keep you looking good and
feeling good, from the inside out. If you’ve got a problem or a tip email me! Be sure to Like and share on Facebook or Follow on Twitter or Instagram.

Finding a New Stylist.

By Tia Cristy

Finding a New Stylist.

J. Christian  Photo provided by JChristian https://www.facebook.com/J-Christian-Hair-Studio-144707282212338/
J. Christian
Photo provided by JChristian https://www.facebook.com/J-Christian-Hair-Studio-144707282212338/

J. Christian says it’s important to find your perfect hair stylist. It’s not an impossible task to find the person that meshes well with you and your hair desires. Just because you go to a salon and get a haircut, you’re not thrilled with, isn’t a reason to discard the other stylist in the salon. Also, just because your best friend or sibling loves one stylist, doesn’t mean that’s the one for you either.

J. Christian says, “Be bold! Interview your potential stylist.”

Why not? They are working for you, to make you feel happy and gorgeous, right? The worst feeling for a stylist is having a client unhappy with the results of their hard work. So make sure you are on the same page.

Some ideas on interview questions to ask…

If showing a photo of what you want, ask “Will this work for my hair type?”

“What kind of hair do you prefer working on… long or short?”

“What kind of maintenance should I expect with my hair?”

I think the question I would recommend most is asking, “Do you love what you do?”

We all know we do much better at something when we love to do it. Ask questions and take the initiative on your hair. Most stylist take pride in the fact that you are a walking billboard for their craft.

If you are in the Delaware area Check out sixth in the nation, Hair Artist, J. Christian at the J. Christian Hair Studio.

Tia, and TipsfromTia.com  is trying to keep you looking good and
feeling good, from the inside out. If you’ve got a problem or a tip email me!

 

Sexy Hair Tips is Coming to TipsfromTia.com

By Tia Cristy
Sexy Hair Tips is Coming to TipsfromTia.com

I am so please to present TipsfromTia.com newest contributor, Sexy Hair guru, J. Christian. Before I tell you J.’s first tip he shared with me, let me fill you in on how the stars aligned and our paths crossed.

Photo provided by JChristian https://www.facebook.com/J-Christian-Hair-Studio-144707282212338/
Photo provided by JChristian https://www.facebook.com/J-Christian-Hair-Studio-144707282212338/

I was out and about with a friend the other week. We had just enjoyed a delicious plate of the most incredible sautéed brussels sprouts with goat cheese and we were acquiring our final cocktails, when a group of men walked past us, fully painted ebony with gold leaf swirls painted across their chests. Needless to say, it caught our eyes. The chiseled men posed with patrons as a classy, professional business woman stood guard over them. I asked the woman what was the deal. Marcy, as she introduced herself, told me it was a charity event for the local children’s hospital and her husband, J. Christian and their salon donated their time and painted these live statues for the event. Moments later a man with long, rocker hair, tattoos and rings on every finger opened his arms to me as he said, “Tia, I’m J. Christian.â€

J. Christian Studio
J. Christian Studio

J. and Marcy were instantly friends of mine. I adored them for taking time to help the children. Yet, I fell in love as I learned about their history. J. has been an international artist and teacher when it comes to the hair industry. Marcy is the business part. They have one rule with each other, Marcy writes the checks and J. does the hair. The posh J. Christian Studio in Hockessin has one rule too. “Ensure everyone that comes in contact with the salon is elevated by the experience and looks and feels better about themselves and lives.â€
Helping children isn’t the only charities J. Christian participates in; they donate a lot of time, yearly raising money for various charities. J. spends his daily time teaching not only his employees on how to be the best to their clients, but also teaches his clients the right techniques for their individual hair types. J. has high standards when it comes to his staff. But, that is what makes the salon so award worthy.

J. Christian Studio
J. Christian Studio

Sitting in his vibrant red chair while he cut my hair using a dry technique, he schooled me on the history of hair care products. The discussion focused more on what ingredients not to use, instead of what products I have to use, like other salons try to do. I found out that he was named a top 6th artist in the world, and this New Yorker chose Hockessin, De. to call home during this time in his life. People will travel to get a cut and color at the J. Christian Studio, and by the time he pulled off my cape I could certainly see why. But, it wasn’t just a cut… It was a fulfilling experience. I felt beautiful and smarter by the time I got out of his chair.
Before I left the studio, I ensured J. Christian for my readers to learn as well. He is now our newest addition to the group and he will contribute hair care tips on a regular basis for TipsfromTia.com.
I welcome him and his company, and I hope you take advantage of his upcoming tips and share TipsfromTia.com links with your friends and family.

Ok, time for the very first tip I got from J. Christian. He shared with me… Don’t put tea tree oil in the shampoo for dandruff. For better results, Apply the tea tree to the scalp  a few minutes before washing your hair to beat dry scalp this upcoming winter.

Tia, and TipsfromTia.com  is trying to keep you looking good and
feeling good, from the inside out. If you’ve got a problem or a tip email me!

4 Natural Make-Up Removers You Already Have In Your Kitchen. Guest Blogger, Heather R.

By Guest Blogger, Heather R.

4 Natural Make-Up Removers You Already Have In Your Kitchen.

Photo Provided by Guest Blogger, Heather R.
Photo Provided by Guest Blogger, Heather R.

Although make –up removers and wet wipes are convenient when you simply want to go to bed, they may irritate your skin and eyes. It’s impossible to completely eliminate the active cleaning agents in most products, even after rinsing. The residue builds- up in your skin and eventually leads to high concentration of surfactants, emulsifiers and solubilisers. These substances may dry out or irritate the skin, especially the sensitive one. Not to mention that some make-up removers contain alcohol. Luckily, you can clean your skin in a natural and inexpensive way without any harsh chemicals. Plus, all the ingredients are already in your kitchen!

1. Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Conventional cleansers will inevitable remove the skin’s natural oils. As a result the skin will either become very dry or very oily, as it will start over-producing oils. Although many cleaning products claim to be oil-free, this can actually be harmful and lead to premature aging. Oils keep the skin looking young, vibrant and healthy. Natural oils can serve as an effective make-up cleaning solution without over –drying it. Extra virgin oil in particular is similar to the oils produced by the skin. It is also great at removing any type of make-up, from pigmented eye-shadows and lipsticks to dark mascara.

2. Milk

It’s not surprising that milk is good for the skin. It was popular ingredient in the beauty routine of royals thousands of years ago. The proteins and fat in milk not only hydrate the skin, but also allow it to retain moisture. Although drinking too much milk may cause skin conditions such as acne and eczema, when used topically it has miraculous effects. The ingredient will eliminate the make-up quickly and will soothe your skin. Create your cleaning product by mixing 1tbsp of almond oil and a bowl of whole milk. Then use a wash cloth or a cotton ball to rub it all over your face. It will leave your skin make-up free!

Photo Provided by Guest Blogger, Heather R.
Photo Provided by Guest Blogger, Heather R.

3. Yogurt

Don’t worry if you ran out of milk. Yogurt can also do the job and remove your make-up. There is an added bonus. Yogurt can moisturize the skin, relieve sunburns and fight acne. You can either rub plain yogurt on your face or include it in a DIY recipe. Combine it with 1tbsp of any natural oil (coconut, jojoba or olive oil). Rinse well with warm water to get rid of the residue. Plain curd is also double – duties as a make-up remover and an exfoliator.

4. Cucumber

Cucumber is an amazing natural make –up remover because of its soothing properties. First, you need to peel the cucumber and then grind or blend it into a paste. Dip a cotton ball into the mixture and gently rub your face. Wash off the cucumber left –overs with water. The downside is that you cannot store this cleaning paste for long because it will dry out. Keep the cucumber solution in the fridge for no more than two or three days. For more domestic cleaning tips visit: carpetcleaningtooting.org.uk

Tia, and TipsfromTia.com  is trying to keep you looking good and
feeling good, from the inside out. If you’ve got a problem or a tip email me!