Custom At-Home Teeth Whitening For Less Than $10 (That Actually Works!)

(These aren't my teeth- http://www.glenwoodvillagedentistry.com/- but's it the closest picture I could find to my results)

I am a firm believer in the power of bright, white teeth.  Nothing drastic like:

Incisors that glow in the dark

Or having a mouth full of Chiclets...

But a naturally bright smile can make you look younger and refreshed.  With my slight obsession with iced tea and coffee, my smile needed a little uplift.

I've tried numerous whitening products that always either left my teeth or my wallet hurting.  Insert the $10 miracle whitening that I've been using for the last few months.  My teeth are not the least bit sensitive, and they've honestly never looked better! 

To begin, buy two rubber mouth guards used for sports. 

I got mine at Wal-Mart in the sports section by the helmets and basketballs.  They were $1.97 each, and can come with the helmet strap attached (like the pic on the left) or without.  If your store only has those with the strap, no biggie, just snip it off with a pair of scissors.  

There are directions on the package for how to fit them to your mouth.  You submerge them in very hot water and then press them around your teeth.  If done correctly (and it's not very hard at all), you'll have a custom set of teeth whitening trays in a matter of minutes. 

Once you have your trays, you'll need this: 

I also found this at Wal-Mart for $4.97, but I've also seen it at Walgreens and numerous stores online.  This stuff is amazing!!  You get quite a bit of product, so I feel like the $5 goes a long, long way.

I've tried two methods to whiten my teeth: 1. Squirt the gel into the trays and then pop them in my mouth and 2. "paint" the gel on my teeth with a q-tip and then pop the trays in.  Both ways are effective, but I feel like preloading the trays works a little better, because more product gets onto the teeth.  Be careful not to put too much in there...I did and it oozed out of the tray from all sides, and let's just say it was gag inducing.  The taste isn't one that you'll want lingering in my mouth for a while.  

The package states it's a 5 minute whitening bleach, but you can leave it on for up to 15 minutes a day. I usually put them in while I'm getting into the shower or drying my hair.  It's next to impossible to talk (or sing) with both the trays in, and I think my husband thoroughly enjoys not having to listen to me try to sound like Adele while I'm sudsing my hair.  It keeps the dogs from howling along too...  :)

Summer Favorites!

I love that each season brings new trends and products to try out, and summer just happens to be one of my favorites.  I've found quite a few things that I'm really loving during these warm, sunny months:

The Body Shop: Satsuma Body Butter

This stuff smells like sunshine in a tub.  Well, actually, it smells like tangerines and oranges, but it is what summer should smell like!  I usually don't like body butters because they can feel really greasy, but this one sinks in quick and doesn't really leave any residue.  I put it on m legs when I'm just out of the shower, and it makes my skin feel like buttah all day long.

Side note- I've read that you should apply your lotion within 3 minutes of exiting the shower for your skin to retain the most moisture.  Seems to work for me!

Revlon Nail Enamel- Minted

(Not my fingers or my picture...but this is a good representation of what this shade looks like)

I love anything turquoise/minty green during the warm months, and this color is perfect!  I'm all about the cheaper drug store polish, and the Revlon seems to be one of the more long wearing formulas.  Add an accent nail or two in this color:

Essie- Peach Daiquiri

I've pretty much been wearing these two colors for most of the summer.  They really do look beautiful together, and play up my favorite color combo of the season- turquoise and coral. 

Mr. Pumice Ulitmate Pumice Bar

Guuurrrrrl, nobody wants to look at funky feet in cute sandals.  These Mr. Pumice bars are AMAZING at keeping unsightly calluses and dry heels at bay.  They are cheap, cheap, cheap and give you just pedicured feet at home.  Give your tootsies a good scrub and slather on a little Vaseline before bed, and your feet will never look so pretty.  Just don't forget to put socks on before you climb under the covers. The thought of greasy sheets makes me gag a little.  **shudder**

Kendra Scott- Danielle Earrings in Turquoise

Have you ever come across a designer that you swear is your fashion soulmate?  Kendra Scott jewels...where have you been all my life?!?!  I love, love, flippin love these earrings, as well as everything else on her website.  I want to win the lottery just so I can call her and say, "Yes, dahhhhling.  I'll take one of everything."  Do yourself a favor and explore her site.  Seriously amazing.  Simple, classic, colorful pieces that I know I'm going to enjoy for years to come!  I feel like turquoise will never go out of style, and you really can wear it in any season for a bright pop of color.  Plus, it pairs so well with dozens of different hues, I feel like I could wear it everyday. 

TRESemme- Cashmere Touch Hydrating Serum

This stuff helps soothe my dry summer hair, and I'm kind of obsessed with it.  I've just been using it on my ends, but I really think it's helped me go almost 8 months without a haircut and virtually no split ends.  It's supposedly infused with coconut and argan oils, but alls I know is that a little goes a LONG way.  Too much of a good thing, can be a very, very bad (and greasy) thing.  One little pump on my ends before I blow dry, and I find myself needing my straightener less and less.  

Bath and Body Works- Beach Grass Candle

I usually don't find myself burning candles in the summer, but this scent is heavenly.  It doesn't at all smell like beach grass probably does, but the B&BW website describes it as "dewy greens, palmetto grass and sweet white freesia."  This is one of those scents I wish they would never discontinue.  It slightly annoys me that every candle I bought has wicks that are super short (and I end up having to pour out wax to keep it from self extinguishing), but I love that they go on super sale.  Sign up for the emailed coupons!  Well worth deleting incessant junk from my inbox when they mark things down.  

London Olympics

 Admit it ladies...we're all tuned into the 30th Olympiad for the same reason...

It's our love of sports and the excitement of watching world class athletes compete.  :)

This also made my list of summer favorites.  No matter how many times I see it, it still makes me laugh.