DIY ORANGE TURMERIC REVITALIZING FACE MASK

I recently did a post with Province Apothecary on 7 Winter Skincare Tips For Better Skin. The post was jampacked with holistic skincare advice and fantastic tips to help fight dry winter skin. Since then I have been more aware of the need to exfoliate, layer my serums and creams, and ensure I stay on top of my fish oils and omegas. I was also inspired to whip up a DIY face mask - which while a new thing for me, I am now a huge fan of! This Orange Turmeric Revitalizing Face Mask is filled with fresh ingredients you can find in your kitchen, and so pure you could eat it (not that you would want to, but you could!) Moisturizing, exfoliating and rejuvenating- this mask will be just what you need to shed your winter skin and move into spring with a fresh face.

BENEFITS:

ORANGE -contains Vitamin C which stimulates collagen production, contains anti-aging properties and is rich in citric acid which helps shrink pores.

LEMON- contains antibacterial properties that help fight acne and is also rich in alpha hydroxy acids which help exfoliate.

YOGURT- contains lactic acid, a mild alpha hydroxy acid that helps exfoliate the skin by removing dead skin cells, moisturizes and stimulates collagen production. Additionally, yogurt helps shrink pores, contains anti-aging properties and effectively fights acne with antibacterial properties.

DRY OATS - gently exfoliates and rubs away dead skin layers.

RAW HONEY- packed with antioxidants and antibacterial properties that help promote clear and radiant skin. Also, honey is a natural humectant which means it helps retain moisture in the skin.

TURMERIC - contains antioxidants, reduces inflammation and redness helping even out skin tone.

DIY ORANGE TURMERIC REVITALIZING FACE MASK: an anti-inflammatory, exfoliating and hydrating mask.

INGREDIENTS: 

  • 1 orange, squeezed juice
  • 1/4  lemon, squeezed juice
  • 1/2  cup quick or instant rolled oats
  • 3 tbsp goat or greek yogurt
  • 1 tbsp raw honey 
  • 1/2 tsp turmeric 

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Combine all ingredients in a medium sized bowl and mix well until you've achieved a thick consistency. Add more oats if the mixture isn't thick enough that it will stick to your face.

2. Pour mixture into a glass container and put in the fridge to thicken further - it's best after it sits for an hour or two or even better the next day.

3. I like to prep the face by doing a steam first. Boil water and place in a deep bowl - add lavender or eucalyptus essential oils for added benefits. Steam face by hovering over boil with towel over your head for a several minutes.

4. After you've steamed the face, pat dry and apply mask. The mask is going to be chunky in texture due to the oatmeal. Pat the mixture onto face until you have a thick layer. This is a bit of a messy process, and turmeric will stain, so pick your attire wisely. Let sit for 15-20 minutes  or until it fully hardens.

5. Remove mask with warm water and cotton pads. The wet cotton pads will help avoid staining towels and the exfoliating process is enhanced when you wipe the mixture off your face.

6. Pat dry face and then apply a moisturizer. I like to moisturize immediately with an oil to complete the mini facial - rosehip oil or or even olive oil  (for dry skin).

NOTES:

Expect the mask to be a little scary looking on the face- it's bright yellow and extremely chunky. I'd go as far as saying it's a nice one to do when no one else is home.

Recipe makes enough portions for about 5-6 masks. Store in a glass container in the fridge, and treat yourself to a mask a couple times a weeks to minimize pores, balance skin tone, and achieve softer, moisturized skin.

A GUIDE TO BEING PARISIAN

There is something about the French and their culture that truly intrigues me. I think it might be their willingness to embrace character quirks and imperfections and overall enthusiasm for life. In a society that is continuously striving for perfection- to be the perfect parent, eat the perfect balanced diet, to Iive each day just perfectly- we tend to overlook the small opportunities of pleasure and joy presented to us daily. These are the sort of "joie de vivre" moments the Parisians seem to embrace as if it's their philosophy on life.

I collected a few of my favourite tips from the book How To Be Parisian Wherever You Are, and have shared them below. 

A GUIDE TO BEING PARISIAN 

1. Read the newspaper by yourself on your lunch break. 

2. Talk to everyone in the same tone of voice, whether it's your parents, the taxi driver, your boss, a celebrity you met at a bar, or the newspaper vendor on the corner. 

3. Be thankful you always wear nice lingerie- you never know what might happen.

4. Promise yourself you won't go out on a Friday, so as to get a good night's rest. Nevertheless, go for a drink after work, then get dragged to a restaurant, and end your night in a club, in spite of yourself. 

5. Be aware of your qualities and faults. Cultivate them in private but don't obsess. 

6. Treat yourself to some flowers to brighten up your apartment. 

7. Eat croissants and buttered toast for breakfast- because it's Saturday morning and you burned enough calories last night, damn it. 

8. Agree to (at least a little) weekend exercise but only in "beautiful" surroundings: a run in a picturesque public park or a swim in a historically listed pool. 

9. Order wine at lunch. 

10. If you only own one sweater, make sure it's cashmere. 

11. Go to the theatre, to museums, and to concerts as often as possible: it gives you a healthy glow. 

12. Be best friends with friends of different generations. (both young and old, but especially the old) 

13. Cross the street when and where you shouldn't. 

14. Not too much makeup, too many colours, too many accessories. 

15. Enjoy the face you have today. It's the one you'll wish you had ten years from now. 

 

 

 

Above photo- Jane Birkin 

7 WINTER SKINCARE TIPS FOR BETTER SKIN

We are all getting excited for spring to come, the snow to melt, and the days to feel longer again. The reality is, winter isn't over just yet, and right about now our skin is really starting to feel the effects of this dry season. So, to help get us through this last exhausting stretch of winter, I went to the experts at Province Apothecary for their advice on winter skincare. I couldn't be more thrilled to share this inside info- from a team of knowledgeable, holistic skin experts, who are continuously gathering knowledge and inspiration from their clients, the weather and the seasons- with you. 

1. HYDRATE YOURSELF INTERNALLY. 

Every cell in our body requires the right amount of healthy fats to function properly. When our body is given the raw materials to heal itself, we will see the results reflected in the mirror. It won’t happen overnight- but your skin will become plumped up with essential fatty acids that aid in hydration, anti-aging and rejuvenating the overall appearance of your skin. Fortunately, what you’re doing for your skin will benefit your entire body, from the inside out. Flax oil is a great option as it also provides anti-inflammatory benefits that work miracles on sensitive skin or any condition similar to eczema, psoriasis, acne, dehydration or signs of aging. Fish oils are rich in omega-3 essential oils that make the skin look younger, fresher and joints feel better!

2. EXFOLIATE YOUR FACE EVERY 3 DAYS. 

A lot of our clients are expressing concerns with exfoliating during the cold, dry winter months. Especially clients with sensitive skin types mention irritation and inflammation occurring within the skin. The issue is not whether you should exfoliate- it’s the type of exfoliator you’re using. As long as you are using an appropriate exfoliator for your skin type, it’s extremely beneficial to exfoliate your face every 3 days. When using a gentle + hydrating exfoliating treatment, you will improve moisture levels within the skin, slough away flakiness, impart a natural youthful glow, and allow other skincare products to work more efficiently. We recommend our Regenerating + Stimulating Exfoliator, perfect for all skin types. It contains hydrating ingredients such as oats (which retain moisture levels within the skin cells), lentils, flax (high in anti-inflammatory benefits), lavender flowers, and green tea leaf (invigorating and brightening). We suggest using our exfoliator in the shower (morning or night) and massaging it into your face for 1-3 minutes. The massage will increase circulation and improve the benefits of the exfoliation.

3. SCRUB + MOISTURIZE YOUR BODY EVERYDAY. 

Sometimes we focus so much on taking care of our face, that we forget about the rest of our bodies- especially in the winter months when we are covered up! But taking care of your entire skin organ during the whole year will maintain a soft, supple feel and healthy glow. Scrub away that dead skin build up and gently remove toxins from the body. A great DIY body scrub can easily be achieved with ingredients from your kitchen pantry. Mix 1 1⁄2 cups brown sugar with 1⁄2 cup olive oil- add in some fresh coffee grinds for an invigorating and awakening morning scrub. Follow up with a whole body moisturizer- we suggest hemp, avocado, flax, sunflower and/ or olive oil. Trust us- you’ll soon want to remove all those extra layers and show off your glowing hydrated skin!

4. LAYER YOUR FACE SERUM UNDER A MOISTURIZER. 

Layering skin care products will add an extra barrier to protect your skin against the outside environmental elements. It’s essential in increasing and maintaining hydration levels within the skin cells. Sometimes one just isn’t enough- we recommend using a potent + pure face serum underneath your favourite face moisturizer. Serums are packed full of antioxidants that protect the skin against free radical damage, therefore preventing the signs of aging. Moisturizers maintain the hydration levels within the skin and impart a supple, soft feel.

5. TURN ON YOUR HUMIDIFIER. 

Our skin cells naturally lose moisture during the dry winter months. When it’s dry enough, the moisture on our top surface layer of skin will evaporate into the air. Adding humidity to your air will in turn infuse your skin with moisture, soothing dry cracked skin, healing sore acne blemishes, and calming irritated skin conditions. Cold air humidifiers don’t harbour bacteria as quickly as hot air, but it’s still recommended to replace the water daily, and keep it wherever you spend most of your time throughout the day. I like to have one on beside my bed at night time- the soothing white noise is appreciated by some and not by others, so you decide where is best for your home. 

6. TREAT YOURSELF TO A WEEKLY DIY FACE MASK. 

We already have a lot of amazing ingredients in our homes that we can use to create our own DIY face masks. Depending on your combination, it may be pretty tasty too! The basis for a face mask is simple. You want to use dry and wet ingredients in whatever amounts will produce a creamy, smooth paste. My favourite DIY face masks for the winter months include: flesh of an avocado, plain yogurt, natural honey, oatmeal, pureed fresh fruit (or frozen from fresh, then thawed) and lemon juice.

7. AVOID PETROLEUM BASED PRODUCTS. 

At some point in our lives, we’ve all been told that petroleum based products will heal our skin and maintain exceptional hydration levels. The reality is that they do neither. Petroleum is a by-product of the oil industry. It’s an extremely inexpensive ingredient that provides the appearance immediate “results” but in the long term it’s thick texture will clog pores and seal in dirt and impurities. Instead, opt for lip and face balms with natural ingredients such as beeswax. Beeswax provides protection, hydration and healing qualities- all very important during the dry winter months. Prevent frost bite, flakiness, and dehydration with this superior ingredient. Best of all, it’s completely natural and can be locally sourced. We use this potent ingredient in our face, body + lip balms: Hydrating Rescue Body Balm, Protecting + Restoring Face Balm, Repairing + Conditioning Lip Balm and Healing Eczema Balm.

 

 

 

 

Advice from: Julie Clark and Cassandra Bradshaw, Holistic Aestheticians, Province Apothecary 

Photo credit: relaxedhairhealth.blogspot.ca

HEALTHY KITCHEN ESSENTIALS

Having the right items stocked in your kitchen is the first step to eating clean and maintaining healthy routines. It's so easy to get off track and off balance if you don't have the proper items to work with when it comes time to eat.

Cleanse your kitchen of the items that are holding you back, taking up space, and making the kitchen difficult to navigate. Then set yourself up for success by stocking the cupboards and fridge with these nutrient rich, whole foods items that are versatile and easy to incorporate into snacks, breakfast, lunch, and dinner. 

 

HEALTHY KITCHEN ESSENTIALS: 

 

1. GRAINS + NOODLES: steel cut oats, rolled oats, quinoa, brown rice, wheat berries, buckwheat groats, buckwheat soba noodles, brown rice pasta, Sprouted Whole Grain Ezekiel Bread, white popcorn kernels (helpful for late night snacking) 

2. FRUITS + VEGETABLES: tomatoes/cherry tomatoes, avocado, pear, apple, orange, grapefruit, frozen blueberries, lemon, broccoli, celery, cucumber, zucchini, carrot, sweet potato, napa cabbage, kale, arugula, red or yellow pepper, beet, green onion, garlic, ginger root

3. SOY: tofu, tempeh 

4. SWEETENERS: raw local honey, pure organic maple syrup

5. MILK, YOGURT + EGGS: almond milk, coconut milk, goat yogurt, free-range eggs

6. DRIED HERBS + SPICES: cinnamon, cayenne, chili flakes, turmeric, marjoram, bay leaves, sage, oregano, basil, rosemary, black peppercorn, sea salt, Japanese Seven Spice, nutritional yeast (not a herb or a spice but used for flavouring like one) 

7. NUTS + SEEDS: raw almonds, raw walnuts, raw cashews, raw brazil nuts, hemp seeds, chia seeds, raw pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, sesame seeds

8. DRIED FRUIT: goji berries, apricots, dates 

9. BEANS + LEGUMES: black beans, white beans, lentils, chickpeas

10. OILS: olive oil, coconut oil, sesame oil, avocado oil, grapeseed oil

11. VINEGARS: apple cider vinegar, red wine vinegar, white wine vinegar, rice vinegar

12. SPREADS + SAUCES: almond butter, hummus, tamari, tahini, dijon mustard, seeded mustard 

13. TEA: green tea, matcha powder, mint tea, dandelion tea and powder

14. CHOCOLATE: raw and/or organic dark chocolate

 

All of my recipes are based on some combination of the above ingredients- click here for a few of those and check back in for weekly clean eating inspiration. 

 

NOTE: This is a personal list of items that work for me. This list has not been developed for sensitivities to wheat, dairy and/or soy. 

7 MORNING RITUALS TO ADOPT FOR A BETTER DAY

I will admit that in the past I have been guilty of mornings that lack structure. Not one thing was ever the same as the morning before, and overall they lacked flow and routine. However, recently I have come to appreciate what a good morning ritual celebrates- a clean slate. Each day we get the chance to start over and have an impact on the outcome of the new day. From the minute we get out of bed our actions begin to impact the events to come. So with a few right moves in the morning, each and every day, we have the opportunity to set ourselves up for success and let the day unfold with ease and balance.

1. MAKE THE BEDROOM A NO PHONE ZONE: 

Let yourself have a peaceful rest without interruptions and temptations by placing your phone in another room before sleep. Get an old-school clock or use another device (with less temptations) to set an alarm on. Those initial moments upon waking are possibly the most clear headed you'll be all day- don't spoil this moment with the clutter of emails and social media. After your alarm goes off, give yourself five minutes to lay in bed with your own thoughts. Check in with yourself asking: how did I sleep? how am I feeling? and set an intention for the day. And if that intention doesn't get you out of bed, having your phone in another room should. 

2. WAKE UP EARLIER: 

We aren't talking about hours here. Simply fifteen minutes earlier each day will allow for a more mindful morning with less stress. How you start your day can truly set the stage for the events to come. By allowing yourself the time to sip your tea and collect your thoughts, you will be better mentally prepared to handle whatever happens to come your way that day.
 
3. DRINK A LARGE GLASS OF WATER FIRST THING: 

This is the one I struggle with the most. I live for a hot beverage in the morning, so drinking a glass of water is more often than not interrupted once the kettle boils. Although hot lemon water and herbal teas are hydrating, use the first few vertical minutes of the day to immediately flush your body and awaken the senses with a tall cool glass of water. We lose control over the day the minute we step out of the house and sometimes this means we get behind on our water intake. Set yourself up for success by knocking one of those eight glasses a day off the list first thing in the morning.  

4. LEMON FIRST. COFFEE LATER: 

Stimulate the digestive system and prepare the body for the food to come with a warm lemon water. This is not to replace your love affair with coffee (although with time maybe it will). You can still enjoy that cup of joe, later. Let your insides be gently awakened with a cup of warm lemon water to aid digestion and kick start your metabolism. If you are anything like me, and lemon water becomes a bit of a bore, try my Ginger Lemon & Turmeric Tea- this immune boosting concoction will wake up and warm your entire body inside and out. While using fresh ingredients is always best, you can also grab yourself a good quality tea that includes lemon and/or ginger for similar results when pressed for time.

5. EAT BREAKFAST: 

This won't be the first time you've heard "breakfast is the most important meal of the day". While true, many still choose to opt out of this simple and easy meal. Not only does eating breakfast give you the energy you need to start your busy day, it jumpstarts your metabolism, and helps curb cravings throughout the entire day. So blend a smoothie, have an egg on toast, eat some yogurt with fruit and nuts or at the very least, a power bar and a piece of fruit (caution: take note of the sugar content in your powerbar and purchase wisely). 

6. BREATHE & STRETCH: 

Start the day energizing your body with a few deep breaths and light stretches. Whether it be on your yoga mat, or just in front of your bathroom mirror, take five minutes to stretch out those tight spots and release some of the previous day's tension before starting a new day. Don't make this feel like a work out, just take a few deep breaths in and out, listen to your body and work on the areas that are calling for some attention. It might seem like a bit of an effort at first, but before you know it you'll look forward to this part of your day.  

7. MAKE YOUR OWN RITUAL: 

Allocate at least ten minutes of each morning for something of personal enjoyment. Just the thought of this ritual should motivate you to get up and out of bed. Be religious about this time each and every morning. Take the time to write in a journal, sit down and read your favourite newspaper or blog, tend to your plants, sing and dance, or sit down and play with your kids. Whatever it is, make it your time and own it.