Beauty Guru on a Budget - DIY Ring Light for $15

So I've been wanting a ring light for ages now because I know the lighting in my videos.... well it sucks.  Its yellow and just blah.  The cheapest ring light I could find (amazon) was about $80.  This girl currently doesn't have $80 to spare.  So here's my DIY version that I think works pretty darn good. 

What you'll need and where you can find it:

• wreath frame - http://bit.ly/2lidK8P or http://bit.ly/2rx9Dv4
• aluminum foil
• LED rope lights - http://bit.ly/2qY9ke2
• zip ties/cable ties - http://bit.ly/2rI3lqR

I didn't think I need to link the aluminum foil... just saying.

What to do:

1. Wrap the entire wreath frame in foil.  You can go around as many times as you'd like.  For extra security add some tape to the back of it so the foil stays put.
2. Using a cable tie, attach the end (not the pluggable part) of your rope light to the outside part of the wreath.  (See video if thats confusing).  You can double up on the cable ties at this part.
3. Continue wrapping and securing the rope like with the cable ties around the wreath frame.
4. Leave enough dangling at the end so that you have a long enough cord to plug in (I have to use an extension cord for the extra length).

I know.... as easy as that sounded, it still took me a year to actually get around to doing it.  In all honesty, you can find all the items at the Dollar Tree except for the lights.  

5 Hacks (tips) for Staying Awake!

The other night Oxy (my dog) sang the song of his peoples and subsequently only fell asleep around 5 am.  He actually was barking at the cat that sat outside my window all night.  Either way, I was running on barely 2 hours of sleep and had to get through my workday without completely losing my shit.  So in honor, I am bringing you 5 of my hacks for staying awake throughout the day!

1.  Caffeine: Obviously I am going to tell you drink some caffeine.  But did you know about 2 cups of coffee will give you as much alertness as possible for throughout the day?  So if you think drinking a cup an hour is a great idea, try again.  If you're not much of a coffee drinker, then just smelling coffee will stimulate your brain.
2. Stimulate your senses:  Having a piece of gum or some mint will stimulate your mouth.  Following along with that, keeping upbeat music on will keep your mind stimulated.
3. Keep active!   If possible take a ten minute walk to get your body going.  Just as before, it’ll stimulate your body and wake it up.  If you’re at work, take a walk down the hall on your lunch break.  Take the stairs instead! Stuck at school? Take the longer way in between classes, just don’t be late.
4. Light:  Light inhibits the pineal glands production of melatonin – melatonin is the hormone that causes you to be sleepy.  Keep in a bright area, whether its natural or artificial light your body will feel more alert.
5. Keep interested: Keep your brain going by switching between tasks if possible.  If you find yourself spacing out or going blank find something online that’ll tweak your interest a bit.  It’ll instantly wake you up and get you out of that fuzzy stage.