I live for a DIY face mask that comes from the ingredients in my pantry! 

There is something so visceral in making it with my own two hands.  

By carving out much needed quiet time to love on myself and create space to be still and allow my skin to soak up gorgeous nutrients that are so pure you can literally eat it – I come back home to myself and feel so good knowing that I gave myself the gift of time, nourishment, and stillness.

And this whole concept of self care has taken on an entirely new meaning to me over the last few months. It’s not just face masks and bubble baths (though I do treat myself to these several times a week and unapologetically, I may add 😊). 

It’s in forgiveness of the self and those who have wronged you.

It’s in meditation.

It’s in spending time in stillness, allowing your thoughts to go wherever they wish.

It’s in saying no when you need to recharge. 

It’s in finding grace for yourself for not being where you “thought” you “should” be at this point in time.

It’s in setting healthy boundaries to preserve your sacred heart space. 

It’s in slowing down and not feeling guilty about it or like the world will stop turning if you don’t churn out one more blog post or one more client care plan. 

It’s in taking a personal day when you feel the stress bubbling over. 

It’s in speaking your truth, even if you’re afraid feelings may get hurt.

It’s in knowing your body so damn well that you know intuitively what you need to feel your best. 

It’s in eating healthy, nutritionally dense foods. 

It’s in the occasional indulgence. 

It’s in asking for what you need from those you love. 

It’s in doing the WORK, the down in the trenches with yourself naked in the mirror not always loving what you see kind of work, that true, lasting, sustainable change happens. 

……….

AND SOMETIMES, IT’S IN A FALL-INSPIRED FACEMASK

Pumpkin Plumping and Exfoliating DIY Face Mask

• 3 TBS pumpkin puree (preferably fresh, but canned is okay as long as it’s organic)

• 2 tsp raw honey

• 1 1/2 TBS full fat yogurt

• 2 TBS oats, ground in a coffee grinder or nutribullet

• Pinch of nutmeg

-Combine all the ingredients in a bowl and shmoosh together with your fingers.

-Really feeeeel the way the ingredients feel in your hands.

-Don’t eat it just yet lol it smells so good that you may be tempted to

-This recipe makes enough to cover your entire face, neck and decolletage, so I maybe put on a strapless bathing suit top, strapless bra, or pull the straps off your shoulders from an old tank top.

-Gently wash your face with warm water and pat dry with a towel.

-Use your fingers and apply the mask to your face, neck and decolletage.

-Leave on for 20 minutes, and rinse with warm water and pat dry.

When applying your mask, I suggest you think loving thoughts and thank yourself for allowing some time and space to create more love and beauty in your life.

During this time, I like to light a candle, journal for a few minutes, sit in quiet meditation listening to Tibetan singing bowls on YouTube, and enjoy the sweet scents of pumpkin and honey.  All of my senses are invigorated during this time and it makes me feel so peaceful. 

I TRULY BELIEVE THAT WHEN WE PUT INTENTION INTO THE SELF CARE ROUTINES THAT RESONATE WITH US, IT ELEVATES THE EXPERIENCE AND CREATES MORE HEALING

Fun Facts about the ingredients::

Pumpkin

Pumpkin is antioxidant rich and anti-inflammatory.  Rich source of zinc which encourages clear skin.  Rich in vitamin C which helps with the appearance of fine lines, and contains folate which improves circulation and therefore helps with skin renewal and cellular turnover

Honey

Honey is antibacterial, moisturizing, and calming to acne and gives your skin a dewy glow

Yogurt

Yogurt is full of beneficial enzymes and probiotics, contains zinc which is anti-inflammatory and promotes cell reproduction.  Also contains lactic acid which is gently exfoliating

Oats

Oats calm skin irritations and is are a very gentle exfoliant for sensitive skin

Nutmeg

Nutmeg has antiseptic and antiviral properties. It heals acne and reduces scarring