Sprout!

I can't believe it's been two years since I've written on my blog. Especially since I really enjoyed writing on it and the feedback I received from friends, family and strangers. Many things have happened since then, but it has all happened for the purpose of growth. Aside from exploring with make up and skincare, I started a yoga practice and began a journey to take better care of my mind, body and spirit.

Last month, I read an article about growing food inside of your home, particularly celery.  I read that cutting the base of celery and adding it to a bowl of water will produce a brand new celery stalk. I thought that would be simple enough, so I added the base of a celery stalk to water. Low and behold, about one week later Sprout was born.

Watching this plant grow from water is amazing to me. I've never had a plant of any kind before. What amazes me is how this plant is thriving solely with water, and my love of course. I admit, I talk to Sprout everyday and tell it how beautiful and strong it is. That's how impressed I am. To me, Sprout is a lesson in strength. This plant is not thriving in it's natural habitat, which would be outside in soil and the sun. It's thriving in a bowl of water, indoors. I've faced some challenges that have definitely taken me out of my comfort zone and forced me to show myself what I'm made of. I was challenged to grow with what I thought wasn't going to be enough. That's when I realized I had exactly what I needed.

Sprout is a month old now and it just dawned on me that it's going to get bigger. Much bigger. Of course I'm going to move it to a bigger bowl or pot or something when the time is right. This is just another lesson in growth and preparing to move to bigger and better places as you grow. Who knew that celery would become one of my teachers?

Turmeric Mask

My skin care routine is becoming more natural all the time and quite frankly, it's saving me a ton of money. Money I end up spending on make up, but I digress. *sigh

About a month ago, I started making a face mask using turmeric and a few other ingredients. I have definitely noticed a positive difference in my skin since from the first time I've used this mask. My skin is smoother and more clear than it has been in a long time.

I started using this mask because I need to take better care of my skin; and in my opinion, the best way to do that is naturally. So, without further ado, below is a list of the ingredients I used to create this mask and their benefits.

 

1/2 Teaspoon of Turmeric

Turmeric has a number of health benefits, but I will list the benefits as they pertain to this mask. Turmeric provides the following:

• Lightens blemishes
• Gives skin a natural glow
• Reduces skin infections
• Reduces wrinkles
• Fights against acne
• Natural antiseptic
• Good for acne 

2 Tablespoons of Chick Pea Flour/Garbanzo Bean Flour

• Naturally exfoliates
• Stimulates blood circulation
• Contains Vitamins A, K and B-complex

 1 Tablespoon of Almond Oil

• Moisturizes skin
• Non-greasy

1 Teaspoon of Greek Yogurt

• Anti-fungal
• Antibacterial
• Smooths skin
• Reduces acne

If you don't have Greek yogurt, you can use plain yogurt or substitute yogurt with milk. It just so happens that I ran out of milk and I used Greek yogurt instead.

Combine the dry ingredients to the bowl first, then the almond oil and finally the yogurt. Stir well.

The mixture should look have the consistency of pudding and have the color of mustard.

Apply the mask all over your face and let it sit for 10 to 20 minutes. While you wait, put the left over mask in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator.

Once the time is up, rinse your face with warm water and voila! Soft and supple skin. I love the way my skin feels after using this mask. 

Side note: Because of the turmeric, this mask will stain fairer skin. No worries, just use less turmeric. Instead of 1/2 of a teaspoon, use 1/4.