Honey, do you have some cinnamon and nutmeg?

Hey great people,

I have a confession. I like DIY face masks. Sure, I have purchased brand name masks, +Dermalogica gentle cream exfoliant, and I still do to this day; however, there is something special about a good DIY mask that perks up my lackluster skin.

Using natural ingredients to make a face mask is easy, efficient, and fun. I regularly alternate between store bought products and nature's choice, aka Virginia's batch, to save money. Honestly, this mask is one of my favorite facial masks of all time. I have tried oatmeal, avocado, clay, lemon and salt, but this mask reigns victorious compared to all those other natural masks. Honey has moisturizing properties that help aid sensitive skin. Honey also helps to remedy certain skin issues such as acne, enlarged pores, eczema, and rosacea. Cinnamon helps kill bacteria and prevent infections, so its antimicrobial properties can benefit your skin. Nutmeg is known to help achieve smoother and healthier skin; in addition, the spice can further help remove acne marks. The beauty mask can help your skin combat dryness, redness, enlarged pores, and acne.

Without further introduction, I introduce to you the Honey, Cinnamon and Nutmeg mask of beauty.

                                                          1 teaspoon Honey
                                                          1 teaspoon Cinnamon
                                                          1 teaspoon Nutmeg


I discovered this awesome little recipe via barefoot blonde, and I am eternally grateful for my find and for her post. Although this mask works great on my skin, it may not work for you; however, I urge you to try it yourself.

Mix all the ingredients together. You should have a chocolate colored paste. You do not want the paste to have too much honey, so make sure the mask is not too runny. If it is, then you want to add more cinnamon and nutmeg to firm up the paste. When the mask is firm, you are ready to smear the gooey mixture all over your face. Make sure your face and hands are clean before applying the mask. Smear the entire paste over your face. Do not put the mixture on your eyes or lips; the paste may aggravate these sensitive areas. Once you have covered your entire face with the mask, then leave on for at least 20-minutes. I typically leave my mask on for 30-minutes.

 





Some people have reported a tingly feeling. If the mask is uncomfortable for you, then rinse off immediately. I do feel a slight tingle when I use this mask, but I tell myself it's the cinnamon killing off all my face bacteria! So, I just suck it up and ride out the tingle. Once you have rinsed off the mask, then you will immediately see and feel the wonderful effects of the DIY facial. Your skin will feel smooth, refreshed, moisturized, and you will have a glow that lasts for days.

Right after rinsing the mask

The next morning

 

So, this is the recipe for the best DIY face mask. I use this mask at least once per month. I hope you like the recipe as much as I do; drop me a line and let me know your experience. I'd like to hear from you! Live, love, read, and laugh! Cheers!

 

 

 







My nasty, dirty little secret.......Cuticle chewing!!

Hello folks,

I have neglected my blog. I have developed a site that only highlights my books and my writing process. I didn't mean for this to happen, but it did, and I am making changes. So, as I begin to add diversity to my blog, I will continue to sprinkle my own book blurbs throughout the site (like here, Resurgence and Transcendence ). Now, let's talk about cuticle chewing! (When I make changes, I start huge!)  ;0)

 

A few people ask if I develop characters based upon people in my life. I have to say, no; however, I do compile a lot of different personality traits, quirks, and behaviors from the people I meet or have befriended. With that said, I have, however, provided the main character in my books, Jolán Vajnbirg, with a nasty little habit of chewing her cuticles (However, when she transforms she stops her habit, hehe). 

 

Her bad habit is a very real and habitual habit in my own life. I have managed to scale back my chewing, dare I say even close to kicking the habit, but I do have relapses. Yes, sometimes I chewed my cuticles until they bled, but not any more! I have successfully managed to minimize my chewing to the point where I go days, and sometimes even a week, without a single nibble! I will share what tricks I have used, but it takes persistence and willpower to stop cuticle chewing. It's a bad habit that often stems from nerves or even anxiety. I developed my habit at a very young age, and I am still trying to break the chewing cycle!! Often my cuticles get dry, and instead of grabbing cuticle clippers, lotion, or cuticle oil, well, I chew the dry skin. I know, sexy. I'll share something even a little more disgusting with you, I often laugh and tell people, 'My skin is so dry it tastes like jerky!' I tend to joke about the things that make me insecure.

 

Cuticle chewing is definitely not fashionable. I, however, am using fashion to curb my finger noshing. I have committed to painting my nails, and I usually use bright colors. When my cuticles feel dry, I typically would rip off the dead skin with my teeth. This is a very gross and sometimes painful process. However, when my nails are painted with bright colors, the colors often send a "don't chew" message to my brain. Instead of instantly putting my fingers into my mouth to chew, I will see the color on my fingernails, stop, think, and grab some cuticle oil. Once I add the oil, the jerky-like texture is gone and so is my desire to munch on my fingers. Keeping my nails and cuticles hydrated has really helped. Also, the extra care I take with my hands and fingers provides pause when I want to chew. Why would I want to chew on my skin when my nails look so pretty?

 

That's my remedy but, like I  said, I still have relapses. Some habits are harder to break than other habits, and some people have a worse time with their habit than other people. I would often chew until my cuticles needed Band-Aids, but I never got infections. Some people still chew despite the infections their habit brings to their life. I know fingernail painting seems like a superficial approach, but it has helped distract my attention away from chewing my cuticles. It may not work for you. If your cuticle chewing habit is causing sickness or other maladies, I urge you to seek the care of a medical professional. Cuticle chewing does have a psychological association; whether it's nerves, anxiety, anticipation, or boredom, you are the master of your own habit and you are able to quit all things terrible. We can do this! You have to want to quit, but let's go! Cuticle chewers of the world unite! :0)