DIY: Apple Cider Vinegar Toner...and updated adorableness

I ran across a post a while back on how to make your own facial toner using apple cider vinegar and figured I'd give it a shot once I ran out of the Neutrogena toner I've used for years. Giving a natural alternative a try couldn't hurt, right? Plus, it would be significantly cheaper...so win-win. :)

I've been using the new toner for about three weeks now and so far so good. It was really easy to make - it's just one part apple cider vinegar (ACV) to two parts purified or filtered water. Mixing 1/4 cup ACV with a 1/2 cup of filtered water filled my old toner bottle about 2/3 full. The post (as do I) recommend using organic, raw unfiltered ACV, like Braggs. If you're going to go the natural route, might as well use the good stuff. Same for using filtered water. That way you're not rubbing chemical or mineral laden water all over your face twice a day.

Pros: it's cheaper, natural and I'd swear my skin feels softer (though that might be wishful thinking). Cons: you smell like vinegar for 10-15 minutes after using it. Apparently infusing the water with things like green tea, lavendar or other herbs helps mitigate that, but since I'm on my first batch of an un-infused combination, I don't know from personal experience if that works. I do plan to try using green tea with it next time.

For more specifics on why it's better for your skin than chemical-bases products or for combo ideas, check out the original post here. 

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For those following the "Jess and Tim Are Adopting" saga, here's an update on how they're doing!

The happy trio are back in Texas and getting to know one another. All is well and apparently Mary Therese is quite the cuddler. Jess posted these pictures a few days ago and I have to say they are amazing! Not only did they get one adorable little girl, but they just look perfect together. It's awesome, awesome, awesome! :)

Less adorable is the fact that tonight is the first softball game since last Thursday's weirdness with the umpire/honorary Steak. Wish me luck that it's not as awkward in person as it was via Facebook message! :S


~ Katie