Hey there everyone, I am sorry I haven’t been posting very often this summer.  I have been working on my thesis, which is taking up quite a bit of my time.  I’ve been stressed out from it all, so this week I’ve decided to take more time for myself.  I thought about how nice going to a spa would be, to really unwind.  But that’s just not in the cards for someone in grad school, since one facial is almost $100.

So, I decided to take thirty minutes a few days this week and do some sort of spa treatment for myself at home.  Today it was this Honey Oatmeal Yogurt Facial Mask, made with ingredients I had in the kitchen.  It was really easy to make, and I sat around the house with the mask working its magic this morning.  It was nice and cool and really felt good.  The oats are great for sensitive skin, which I have, and the honey really made my skin soft.  I suggest using a hot towel over the mask at the end of the ten minutes, so …

Each of these outfits comes in at under $100, which leaves more room in your wallet for snowcones and pool passes to help you stay cool!  Whether you’re at the beach or out with friends, here are 3 budget-friendly outfits that will make this summer a breeze:

Sunglasses – Forever 21 $5.80

Swimsuit – Walmart $32

Summer Dress – Old Navy $37.50

Beach Tote – Target $19.99

TOTAL – $95.29

Hat – Target $12.99

Shorts – J Crew $32.50

Floral Top – Ruche $37.99

Ruffled Sandals – Payless $14.99

TOTAL – $98.47

Dress – Ruche $48.99

Clutch Purse – Charlotte Russe $16.50

Heels – Forever 21  $26.80

TOTAL – $92.29

Ok, Ms. Obama sure has style!  I absolutely love this outfit!  Brights are everywhere for summer, from dresses to accessories.  This yellow purse from Banana Republic (Yes, the same one she’s wearing!) is the perfect carry-all for the entire season.   Pair it with a dress and you have an instant splash of sunshine.  It’s perfect for the beach as well.  While Ms. Obama’s dress, by MARC by Marc Jacobs, runs almost $700, I figured we could all get a similar look for much less.  I love taking this palette and making a more practical summer look that you can even wear to work.  Here are my choices for getting Ms. Obama’s style, on a frugal budget of course:

1-  Clear Bangle by Kenneth Lane on Last Call-Neiman Marcus for $25

2-  Market Tote by Banana Republic for $120

3-  Nautical by Nature Dress from Mod Cloth for $47.99

4-  Women’s Ankle Length Trousers from Old Navy for …

Image from Project ReStyle

Ooh girls, get out your needles, thread, glue guns, sequins, ribbon and whatever else you need to make something old in to something new again!  I ran across Project ReStyle today, and just had to share it with everyone.  It’s an idea from Rachel Denbow and Elsie Flannigan, with over 26 guest designers participating.  You can participate too by joining the Flickr Group, and posting your pictures of things you’ve transformed.  One of your projects could even be featured on their blogs.  I’m in love with this idea…there’s nothing more frugal or stylish than a whole group of designers reimagining things in to wonderful new creations.

The Guidelines:

1. You must use unwanted, damaged or unusable vintage or used items to ReStyle. One of the big purposes of the group is that it encourages green living and is budget friendly. You can use items from your own closet/attic that you no longer love, thrifted finds or hand-me-downs.

2. Take a Before & After photo of your …