Book Break: Homemade Stress Reducers and Feel Good Treatments

Hi guys!  I've been occupied with all the books for my reading groups and loving it! I'm really anticipating finishing up and sharing with this appreciable community of fellow bibliophiles!  As many of you know, I'm a sucker for handmade, old-fashioned goodies.  I love DIY projects, and can't resist a money saving opportunity.  With that being said, I realized that with the changing of the season, and the stress that I've been managing in my life, my skin was looking pretty patchy, and, downright, nasty.  That's saying A LOT.  So, I considered taking a trip to purchase some kind of exfoliate that would brighten my skin and leave me feeling squeaky clean.  However, when I thought about spending the money, I knew I could concoct something in my own kitchen, eliminating the stress of going through all the steps to make said purchase.

One.

Lemon. 

I usually keep lemons around the house for cooking and cleaning.  

Citric Acid- Amazing!  Cleanses. Brightens. Tightens.

Two.

Baking soda.

I always have lots of baking soda on hand for baking and cleaning. 

 Cleanses. Exfoliates. Great for sensitive skin.

Three.

Take approximately 2 tablespoons of baking soda and mix with tablespoon and a half of fresh lemon juice.  The two should form a thin paste.  Gently rub on face or body (I usually rinse my face with water first) to exfoliate and cleanse the skin.  Wash off with warm water and pat dry with towel.  

Skin: Bright and fresh!  

For many, this lovely DIY treatment is a thing of the past, but for me it was a revelation in what I could do without having to spend lots of money on mass produced face scrubs. NOTE: Oats, honey and yogurt also work wonders and soften the face.  Add some mashed bananas, and you've got one yummy mask! 

Other goodies to spread some feel-good vibes: essential oils.

These are recent acquisitions to my home skin and body treatments.  

Tea tree oil is a great cleansing agent and saves my skin when Atlanta gets hot and muggy.  I mix a drop of this with 2 ounces of water and use it as a toner.  It can be a little drying, so make sure to be careful if you're trying it out for the first time.

Lavender oil.  What does this miracle oil not do?  Seriously.  I love lavender.  I like to add a drop or two of this to a small bowl of water, or a hot wash cloth, on the night's when I'm having a hard time getting to sleep. It can also be mixed with water in a spray bottle to create a lovely bedtime bed cloth spray.  Lavender oil is my absolute pick in the fragrance department.  Dab a little of this on your wrists and jawline to experience a huge sense of calm... not to mention the attention you're sure to gain from your partner!

Also, yoga.  I just started attending yoga classes in a quaint little studio with some friends.  I'm kicking myself for not getting involved sooner.  So far, I am really loving it.  It's such a great workout and an incredible mood-enhancer that I'm thinking all companies should offer the classes along with benefits!  If you've ever considered taking a class-- DO IT-- what's stopping you? 

Have any other great DIY treatments that you'd like to share?  What relaxes you?  

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