Finals are upon us and we all can taste the ocean air, smell the sun tan lotion, and feel the comfort of our beds while we sleep until noon. Summer is approaching fast for everyone still in school, so here are some fun and easy summer D.I.Y.s to get you ready for the break and keep you looking summer time fine!

 
White Sand Smooth Skin
 Here’s an easy and quick recipe for a body scrub that will keep your skin smooth, soft, and glowing using some ingredients that can be found around your house!


Basic Scrub:

Two Cups of Sugar or or coarse salt (like sea salt)

One Cup of Coconut Oil (can be replaced with olive or almond oil)

       Add-ins:

*Add a scoop of coffee grinds! Coffee grinds work as a toner and work against fighting cellulite, which is perfect for your beach bod!

*Add some vanilla for a lovely scent and/or brown sugar for a great smell combination and extra exfoliating.

*Went over-board with the self-tanner? Using sugar, olive oil, lemon, and honey will take your Snooki streaks tan right off! 

Show a Little Skin:                Strapless Bra Makeover
Bandeaus are in right now, so if you’re considering wearing a backless shirt or a muscle tank, think about make this super cute bra with a beautiful back detailing! 

       Steps:

 1.Take an old or cheap strapless bra and cut the sides off of it so that only the cups remain.  (or a regular bra, just make sure to cut off the straps too!)

2.        2. Cut Velcro strips to fit just on the edge of the inside of the bra. (make sure you have the softer side of the Velcro facing you so that you’re not being scratched all day by the plastic side)

3.       3. Take pieces of braided material from your craft store (or better yet, take old t-shirts/fabrics with cute patterns and braid them yourself!) and cut them to fit comfortably around your body.

4.        4. Apply the plastic side of the Velcro to the braided pieces and attach them to the sides of your bra!

 Alternatively, if you don’t feel comfortable with the Velcro, it may be easier for some to take the braided pieces and just sow them onto the bra!

   Beach-Worthy Cooler Treats
Staying out in the sun all day can get pretty hot and draining, but these few treat recipes will be sure to cool you down!

          Gummy Bear Popsicles
-Using a popsicle mold, put in as few or as many gummy bears as you would like but make sure to leave room for the soda. Fill up the rest of the mold with Sprite or some type of lemon-lime drink, but make sure to leave some room at the top for the soda will expand when frozen. Leave over night to freeze in the freezer and enjoy this colorful treat when frozen!

                Nutella Popsicles
-In a blender, take a 1 cup of milk and 1/3 cup of Nutella and mix well.  Pour the mixture evenly into the molds and let freeze over night. These are sure to fix your sweet tooth and cool you down by the pool!

                Cherry Limeade                              (Sonic Limeade Dupe)
*1-2 Liters of Sprite
*1 can of frozen limeade concentrate
*The juice from a jar of maraschino cherries
*Optional, a fresh lime or two.

 Simply mix all of these ingredients together in a pitcher and you’ll be on your way to limeade heaven!

           Frozen Peanut Butter                           and Banana Bites

*1-2 bananas
*1/2 cup of melted chocolate of your choosing (I like milk chocolate)
*1/2 cup of your favorite peanut butter

 1.     Peel your bananas and put them in the freezer for an hour.

2.     While freezing, melt your chocolate in your preferred method. I think the microwave is easiest!

3.     Remove the bananas and cut them into one inch chunks.

4.     Smear peanut butter on top of the banana slices and dip completely into the melted chocolate.

5.     Put the bites on a wax or tin-foil covered tray or plate and put back in the freezer for 15-30 minutes and then enjoy!