Care for Leather Boots

You must care for your boots properly to ensure their durability. After returning from an outdoor adventure, follow these suggestions to save your boots from the ravages of rough wear.

Take off your leather boots and remove the laces. Pull out the inner removable liners in the bottom of the boot.

Use a brush to knock off the heavy mud, and then wash the remaining peat and dirt from the outside of the boots with a damp wash cloth or sponge. Too much water can damage leather, so don't spray them off with a water hose or put them under a faucet.

Use leather saddle soap if necessary to remove stubborn dirt. Take care to rinse all soap off after cleaning or it will damage the leather.

Leave the boots out to dry completely, away from any heat source and not in direct sunlight. Heat and sun will cause cracks in the leather. To speed the drying process, stuff the boots with newspaper, and replace the paper as it becomes soaked.

Apply a waterproof coating to the outside of the leather boots once they are thoroughly dry. The coating can be found in most shoe stores. Use light applications and reapply as necessary, rather than putting too-heavy of a layer on. Consult the compound's instructions for tips and warnings.

Store your leather boots in a cool dry place with adequate ventilation until you need them for your next outdoor adventure.

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Care for Henna Tattoos

Henna tattoos are a great way to decorate the human body. They are applied for cultural purposes, as well as for enjoyment. They are not permanent, and can be a good determinant of whether or not a person wants a particular permanent tattoo. Regardless of the purpose for getting a henna tattoo, there are some simple steps that should be taken to preserve the tattoo so that it will last as long as possible. Henna tattoos can last anywhere from one to three weeks. The following is a simple guide to caring for a henna tattoo after it has been applied to the skin

Avoid touching or exposing the tattoo to water for at least four hours.

Henna tatoo wrapped up Cover the area around the four-hour old henna tattoo with toilet tissue or facial tissue. Cover or wrap in plastic wrap for up to one day.

Unwrap the tattoo. Remove the henna paste from the skin by pushing it off with your fingernail.

Moisturize the skin with a natural moisturizer. Olive, corn or canola oil, work well, or you can actually purchase a balm or lotion specifically made for henna tattooed skin.

Avoid exfoliating the skin. Take special care to avoid clothing, water or any kind of friction on the area of the body that has been tattooed.

Coat the tattoo with oil prior to swimming or showering.

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care for dry skin

Dry skin can be extremely uncomfortable and irritating. Winter months, especially, play a huge factor in creating dry skin. There are ways to care for it though and protect your skin from dryness.

Sometimes the air in our houses can be dried out. Use a humidifier to put more moisture in the air. You'll notice better results with your skin.

Drink more water. Water is great for your skin!

Avoid hot baths and showers. Hot water can dry out your skin like crazy. Try to take cooler baths.

Use moisturizer on your skin before going out into the elements. You will want to protect your skin as much as possible.

Use olive oil when bathing. A tablespoon will do.

Decrease your caffeine intake. Caffeine plays a huge factor in drying out your skin!!!

Always exfoliate your skin. In order to treat dry skin you must first remove the dry particles that are present.

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