My Baby You'll Be

This is my first baby, Ozzy.  Long before I had biological babies, Ozzy stole my heart with those soulful eyes and just-love-me-into-a-cuddle-coma attitude.  It didn't hurt that at the shelter, he peed on my husband to solidify the bond that he belonged to us.

At the time, we weren't looking for another dog, just a hamburger at the Wendy's next door to the shelter.  Isn't that how it always happens, though?  You can't actively look for love, it will find you when you least expect it.  Especially if you order the cheeseburger combo with a side or adoptable adorable.

Yes, my first baby weighed in at about 7 pounds and 15 inches long, with the shelter given name of Little Man, but we knew that had to change.  On the car ride home, my husband and I debated the name game, and you know how that goes.  He loves Barney, you hate it.  You love Fitz and he threatens to crash the car.  So we turned on the radio while we brainstormed.  "I'm goin' off the rails on a crazy traaaainn...."  We both started bobbing our heads.  There's nothing a little Ozzman can't fix.  Wait a minute!  Yup, loved the name.  And his name was Ozzy and he was perfect.

You know how you're not supposed to pick favorites?  Well, I did and so did Ozzy.  I couldn't go anywhere without a little Ozzy shadow and even if he was all cuddled up with my husband on the couch, as soon as I sat down, he'd bolt over and cuddle into me.  We were soul mates.  In fact, we were so attached at the hip, that he was, unfortunately, standing under me when my water broke as I was getting out of the bathtub (pregnant with my first daughter).  Oh memories.

Over Twelve years, two moves and two kiddos later, Ozzy grew old, grey and content.  We found out in December that Ozzy had kidney stones and a herniated bladder (an injury he likely incurred when he took on a raccoon several years ago.  PS, Raccoon 1 - Ozzy 0).  The corrective surgery would have been about $4K, but due to his age (guesstimated about 14 years) and his grade 4 heart murmur and collapsing trachea, he wasn't a great candidate for surgery.  Even if he survived the surgery, he would likely have had heart failure.

Naturally, I was devastated by this news.  We held out hope that with a diet change and healing thoughts, Ozzy might turnaround.  And he did, for about two weeks.  Long enough to "snuzzle" (my daughter's word) a little longer, and for my kiddos to come to terms with the inevitable loss.  Three days before Christmas, my baby died and I've been in limbo ever since.

I've researched stages of grief, and I've checked off anger (sorry Family) and guilt.  I had the

hardest time telling people that my dog died, when really, I felt like I had killed him by taking him in to the vet and letting her do it.  This was all magnified by the fact that I was holding him the entire time (Husband and girls went to get burgers.  I now see the irony).  I felt it only right that I be the one with him, given that he was mine and I was his.  I've now entered the annoyingly persistent phase of depression and honestly, have a hard time believing there's an end to it.  Like reading the Twilight books, but for real.

I didn't write this with the intent to throw a pity party or hear another "I'm so sorry for your loss," but more because I've come to realize that this level of grief is something I'm completely unfamiliar with and I hope that writing this down will somehow be therapeutic.  I've lost loves in the past (most notably my grandfather a couple of years ago) but this sense of loss is so overwhelming that it makes me feel guilty I didn't struggle like this previously.  I had no idea it could hurt this much.  I'm turning into a weeping recluse who feels pajamas are a valid wardrobe choice and, on most days, showering is too high maintenance.  Especially since staying in has the awesome appeal of avoiding other people.  To those who know, you've been here, I'm truly sorry, I get it.  To those who don't, I hope you never have to.

There are many people who would say, "He was just a dog" and to them I would say, "I'm sorry you have never experienced unconditional love in the truest sense of those words."  To which they may respond, "Yes, I have.  I have children."  And to that I would reply, "Exactly.  Then you do understand."

Holly

Free-me Music

Since I've discovered a TON of great free music on Amazon, I have been addicted to finding and snagging some new tunes to add to my iPod. I literally spend hours scouring the latest new artists to find that diamond in the rough. I realize that musical taste is completely subjective, but you might find something you like in this list of songs or peruse online to find someone else who inspires you. All I know is, these artists are worth a listen and what a great way to be ahead of the musical curve. Just think, when your friends say, "Omigosh, you have to listen to this great new artist!!" you can say, "Oh yeah, I've had them on my iPod for months. They're pretty good." :o)

Happy Monday!!

1. Ludicrous by Frankmusik (download if you like Enrique Iglesias)
2. Halfway by The Silent Game (if you like Garbage and/or Radiohead)
3. Vessel by Zola Jesus (if you like Florence and the Machine and/or Massive Attack)
4. Long Walk Back by The Rifles (if you like an updated Beatles)
5. Tangled Up In Love by The Rifles (if you like Jimmy Eat World ala Lucky Denver Mint)
   
6. Keep You by Class Actress (if you like synth-pop)
7. Fascinated by Ivy (if you like 80's new wave, alt-pop)
8. Still Alive by Three Mile Pilot (if you like moody with a beat)
9. Old Black by Earth (if you like Pink Floyd)
   
10. Why Even Try (Feat. Sara Quin) by Theophilus London (80's hip hop, easy groove)
11. Amor Fati by Washed Out (if you like Erasure or Thompson Twins, 80's synth pop)
12. Little War by K Serå (if you like a ballad style Fall Out Boy)
    
13. Cassie (Won't You Be My Doll) by Part Time (if you like 80's pop, Bananarama)
14. Next To Me by Civil Twilight (if you like Coldplay or U2)
15. God's Not Dead (Like A Lion) by Newsboys (if you like Jars of Clay)

Enjoy!!

Oh Make Me Over, Mama

My friend Kendra is a make-up artist, and a darn good one at that. She's worked on numerous photo shoots and has even worked on some Nike shoots. She was kind enough to create a tutorial on creating a super easy smoky eye look. So, for you mamas looking for some tips, here's a how-to just for you.

Have a great weekend!

Remembering Me and You Too

As the smoke machine fog begins to dissipate and the jack-o-lantern smiles start to wane as they slowly turn into pies, there is a collective sigh of relief and a somewhat anti-climatic feeling. It's over, we survived... and we'll do it all again next year.

When I think of all the preparation that goes into holidays in general, it's a little overwhelming. And during this time of year, as soon as you've finished one, it's immediately on to the next. Which is why I think it's especially important to celebrate... YOU! Remember you? I say it's high time for some me time because it's going to be in short supply for the next couple of months.

In attempting to plan my weekly girls night out, I've heard a lot of reasons why some of my girlfriends couldn't make it. I'm guessing that a lot of you have the same reasons and while they may be completely legit, I'm telling you, YOU are more important than that last batch of laundry and the cleaning can wait until tomorrow. And really, how will little Timmy ever learn to manage his time if you're finishing his science project? Don't deprive him of a valuable life lesson. He earned that C, let him own it.

Perhaps you're just downright tired, and I hear ya there! I also know that when I have a night out to look forward to, it doesn't matter what else is going on, I can't wait to go have some me time! It's like dessert, there's always room.

So, now that you know you are more important and deserve some time with your friends, I thought I'd give some tips for some of the other common reasons you might be missing out.

"Sorry, I'm broke!"
Broke schmoke, who said you even had to leave the house? Put the kiddos to bed and invite the ladies over. Keep in mind that the idea isn't to throw some rockin' party, but to enjoy the company of friends.

1. Potluck and a movie - pizza, snacks, drinks, popcorn and even the movie. Make a list and let your friends pick what they'd like to bring. Or theme the food around the movie. Watch Avatar and eat nothing but blue food or Fried Green Tomatoes with well, fried green tomatoes and baby back ribs ("secret's in the sauce.") Get creative.
2. Soup Kitchen - I read about this a couple of weeks ago in our local paper. Now that the weather has gotten colder and we'll all be a little busier, how about hosting a soup exchange. Everyone brings 6 containers of soup (make sure they're labeled) and trades with everyone else. The best part? With the exception of cream soups, soup freezes beautifully and you have ready made meals for you and the family.
3. Game on ladies! - throw some chips and dips on the table and break out the Monopoly. Invite your friends to bring their favorite games, choose a couple and have fun. I've personally done this one at someone else's house and it was a blast. The sillier the game, the more fun.
4. Come on and get crafty - put on a movie or some music and everyone can bring a project their working on or someone can teach their craft to the group. Either way, crafting with friends is way more fun that crafting solo.

"I don't know, what do you want to do?"
We could play this game for a few rounds, but let's save ourselves the time and assign a date. If you have a few friends interested in a ladies night, rotate the planning duties every week (or however often you'd like to get together). In addition to the ideas above, and the traditional dinner and a movie out, don't miss out on these gems:

1. The classic mani/pedi - seriously, what's more fun that being pampered and spending time with your friends? Plus, newly painted toes are just cute.
2. Mini Golf - an oldie but a goodie.
3. Museums - Yeah, sometimes these are just more fun without the kids. You don't have to scream at anyone to stop running or don't touch that $2,500 painting.
4. Happy Hour - whether you drink or not, it's not called Happy Hour for nothing. Cheap eats and good times.
5. Shopping - this is definitely way more fun without the kids.
6. Karaoke! - what's an off-key note among friends; they'll still love ya.
7. Community Service - You don't even have to wear the orange jumpsuits. Find a cause you and your friends support then sign up as a group to volunteer.
8. Take a Class - If you have a parks and recreation, they're bound to offer classes for adults. And if you and your friends sign up for one, the weekly night out is already planned for you.

"I'd love to go, but I don't have a ride."
With friends scattered all over, there's bound to be one of us along your route. We'll pick you up and we might even take you home afterward. :o)

And there you have it. No excuses ladies, Me Time is now! You'll thank me later.







PS, I posted a pic of the girls' costumes on the Facebook Fan page, in case you wanted to check out my cute little Veruca Salt and Oompa Loompa. :o)

Me, Myself and Time AND Some Mama Drama

It's a two-fer day! I had to follow up regarding last weeks' challenge (keeps me honest) but Peri had a first, so I have to share that with you too.

Jim was away fishing for the weekend, so it was just me and the girls. Friday night, Peri came out of her room around 11pm, bawling. "Peri, what's wrong?" "My tooth! Look!"
She opened her mouth and showed me her first loose tooth. "It's okay, Peri, it's supposed to do that. Remember the Tooth Fairy show we watched? Your baby teeth fall out and new ones come in. It won't hurt, I promise." She continued to bawl and didn't believe me that it was normal and wouldn't hurt. I eventually got her calmed down and back to bed.

About a half hour later, she came out again, "Look, Mommy, my tooth!" She proudly held it out for me to see. "Did you pull it out yourself?" "Yup, I did." "Did it hurt?" "No, it didn't hurt." Then she couldn't stop smiling; she was so proud of herself. "And the Tooth Fairy will come and she'll leave me presents, like a new toothbrush!"

Not able to shop without the kids, I told her she would have to wait until Daddy came home so she could show him the tooth, because the Tooth Fairy keeps the teeth. So, tonight Peri will have her first Tooth Fairy visit and I'm betting she brings a shiny gold dollar coin, a spiffy new toothbrush and some fairy stickers. At least, that's what I would bring if I were her, which, I'm not.

******

So, last weeks' Me Time was about getting some new headshots taken so that I can look for an agent, and hopefully get back into acting. Being a bit pressed for time, I ended up having to do them myself, but I think they'll do for the initial submissions. I'm leaning towards #1, but thought I'd see what you all thought. Most of my friends seem to think either #1 or 4 (which by the way, isn't that close up, it just fit weird in the box). What do you think?

And, for those of you who haven't seen the movie Eat, Pray, Love, you must go go go! I admit, I never read the book, and probably never will, but the movie is fabulous and is great in terms of valuable life lessons (I've seen it twice). I love the part when Liz's character is asked to use a word that describes herself and she says, "Writer," to which her friend responds, "That's what you do, it's not who you are." Which sums up my whole personal goal of self improvement; to find myself and not be labeled only as Mom. It's what I do, not who I am.

What will you do this week?

Me, Myself and Time

"Do you see pink elephants too?"

To briefly follow up on Ryah's surgery, all went well. Peri got to have her first sleepover at her friend Ella's house (she had a blast; clearly, since they didn't get to bed until 11pm). The rest of us got up bright and early at 5:45 in the morning to get to the hospital since Ryah was the first scheduled surgery.

She was quite amusing after they gave her her loopy cocktail, Ryah looked completely stoned and kept laughing (she kept saying, "Mommy, I falling down" then she'd giggle), then they took her back to assess the anesthesia they would use. Fortunately, after they gassed her they were able to determine that it would be quick and gas would be enough. *Phew* I was worried about the IV, so I'm really glad they were able to avoid that. She was a bit cranky coming out of it and had a few meltdowns, but who could blame her, really. I was looking forward to the Tylenol with Codeine because I thought for sure it would knock her out, but alas, it had the opposite effect and she wouldn't quit jumping off the furniture. It was like Speed for toddlers.

By the end of the day, she was back to her normal self and it was determined that she had had a Mucocele, so no matter what, it would have needed to be removed. They got it all and it shouldn't come back. Just glad that it's all over and done with.

*******

The last time I wrote about my Me Time project, I was getting ready to revamp a friend's website. And while I'm no html expert, I can usually sift through the code to find what I'm looking for and Google how-to's, fairly effectively. I'm always proud of myself when I don't have to bring in my husband for help. In fact, I only had to do it once. Yay me!

So here is the old website...

And here's the new one...

Nice huh? She's in real estate, so I think the new one is a little warmer and friendlier and just plain prettier. :o) I learned a little more about dimensions, pages, opening urls in new windows (so cool and easy) and lots of fun new widgets. There's always the aesthetic part of design that I love too, because even if a website is fully functional, it doesn't matter if it's not pretty.

So this week, I'm going to try to get back into acting. I've done community theatre since I was 9 and I did one industrial film back when I was 16. I really miss it. It's not something I see as a career, but something I really enjoy and if I can get the odd job here and there, why not? Especially since it seems like more movies and tv are coming to the Northwest. Maybe you'll see me on Leaverage. :o) Or not. First things first; I need a new headshot. So, that's my challenge this week, get a new headshot taken and start scouting for an agent. Wish me luck! (I think I can hear Marisa saying, "FINALLY!", she's been after me for a while)

You up to the challenge? Is there something you've always wanted to try; a class, an experience, a hobby? I challenge you to do something just for you.

What will you do this week?

Me, Myself and Time

So last week, I posed a challenge to do something for you sometime during the week. It could have been anything so long as it was for your benefit. Let's face it, as women/mothers/wives, we tend to put ourselves last, but what kind of an example is that? I want my girls to know that who they become as people is just as important as the roles they will eventually play. I wear the hats of wife and mother, but it's not who I am. If I wasn't either of those things, would I cease to exist?

I don't know if anyone accepted the challenge, but I sincerely hope so. My goal last week was to enter some of my photography at the local fair. I received a new camera for my birthday last year and I've been having lots of fun with it. A few weekends ago, our front yard became a dragonfly haven, so I hurried outside with my new camera in tow. Taking the photos was a cool experience, but editing them was even more enjoyable. I think I may even enlarge a few of them to frame and put around the house.

Yesterday was the deadline for fair entries, so after preparing my photos, I headed down there and entered them. A friend of mine also told me about a garden photography contest that our local paper is hosting. So I entered that one too. It doesn't matter if I win, that wasn't the point. I wanted to share a growing passion of mine and if someone else could appreciate it too, then that's just an added bonus. By taking the time, I've found a new hobby that I really enjoy.

This week, my goal is to help design and edit a webpage for a friend of mine. I don't have a whole lot of experience in this area, but the things I have dabbled in, I've enjoyed. So I'll be carving out some more me time and I also have a planned ladies night out with some friends.

What will you do this week?

Me, Myself and Time

I'm on a personal crusade. I don't know about you, but after becoming a mom, I've lost some sense of self. I was a wife before that, but still had my own interests, then after having kids, the mommy role seems to have taken over. Now I'm 10% wife and 90% mom. But what about me?

I think as mothers, we tend to put ourselves last because we think it's selfish to spend time/money/etc on ourselves. When did taking care of ourselves become so wrong? If you don't do things for yourself, then you lose a sense of who you are. Those things that made you you, fall by the wayside as children, work, your spouse, carpools, PTA meetings, etc take over your life.

I'm not saying those things aren't important and you shouldn't give them the attention they deserve, but how much more effective will you be when you start doing things that make you happy. There's a saying that I heard and think it's wise advice, "Take care of yourself first so you'll have more of yourself to give." It's true that if Mom's happy, everyone else is happy. So find something that makes you happy.

I challenge you to do something this week that is 100% just for you. Sign up for that painting class, go out with your girlfriends for drinks, spend an afternoon shopping; if you have girlfriends that have kids, arrange a weekly get together for dinner, they'll thank you for it. Whatever it is, you're not allowed to bring your children or spouse and talking about either is off limits. It's all about you.

We're often too busy for ourselves, which is why it's so important to do something for you. Step out of your routine and go for it. In fact, I'll start. This week, I'm planning to develop some of my photography to enter into the County Fair next weekend. It's a fun hobby I've taken up and thought it might be kind of cool to display. Am I any good, not really, but who cares? I think it's fun. So, I need to get the pictures developed and mounted to take on Saturday. I'll report back next Monday, so I'm completely accountable. Then I'll have a whole new weekly goal.

So, if you'd like to join me, feel free to post your goal for the week in the comments below and let us know next week how it went. Find yourself again and have fun doing it. :o)

The Perfect Gift In Every Way

This year, The Man and I decided we're going to skip Christmas gifts for each other.  Truth is, it's more fun to spend our effort on making Christmas special for the kids.  Not to mention, I got a really cool (and pricey) iPod Touch for my birthday, which pretty much means I won't see another gift until...oh...my 40th birthday...or maybe my 65th.  But then...SweetPea asked to watch a DVD she hadn't seen in ages...and I had an brilliant epiphany.  This year, I'm going to ask Santa to bring us...Mary Poppins.  Why, you ask?  Well...

1. She's a nanny...duh

2. She's British...and with enough exposure...and a lot of watching Charlie and Lola, maybe the kids will pick up the same adorable accent and say things like "May I have a spot of tea?" or "May I have tuppence to feed the birds?"

3.  She sure knows how to have a jolly holiday.

4.  Taking a turn in the park everyday...and riding the carousel horses all over the countryside would be really fun for the kids.

5.  She can teach the kids to clean up the house...in a snap.

6.  Did I mention she was a nanny?

7.  She throws a mean tea party...up on the ceiling.

8.  The kids would learn the proper grammatical use of Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious.

9.  She's really good at getting the kids to bed (what was in that "tonic" anyway?)

10.  We could really use a nanny.

Of course...on the downside, she does have that crazy Uncle Albert...and is known to hang around with chimney sweeps...

If I can't have Mary Poppins...hell, I'll even take Sherry Bobbins...

I guess I better e-mail my letter to Santa...ASAP!

DIY Revitalizing Sea Salt and Rosemary Body Scrub

This scrub is perfect for dry, flaky skin and is super easy to make!  Sea salt exfoliates the skin, ridding it of dead cells while the tonic and invigorating effects of rosemary will help increase blood flow.

Ingredients:
1/2 cup coarse sea salt (fine grain can be substituted)
1/8 cup rosemary infused olive oil*

Optional tools:
Exfoliating gloves
Body Brush

*Fresh rosemary can be found in the produce section at the grocery store.  Measure olive oil into small saucepan and add fresh rosemary.  Heat on low heat for an hour.  Remove from heat, let cool.  You can either strain the rosemary out of the oil or put it a blender.

Add oil mix to sea salt.  Apply to body in small circular motion, moving up the body towards the heart.  Rinse with warm water.  May cause shower/tub to be slippery, use caution!

DIY Mayan Skin Toner

Cucumbers have the same pH as the skin, and its juice is very softening and emollient. Carrots are rich in vitamin A and minerals that nourish and heal the skin, helping to keep it from aging. The herb spearmint stimulates and cleanses the skin with its antibacterial and antiseptic properties. Chamomile is not only rich in minerals, but helps prevent wrinkles, is moisturizing, and anti-inflammatory. Add a little lemon juice and you're set!

Zazil Toner
1/4 cup cucumber juice
1/8 cup carrot juice
1/2 cup spearmint infusion (tea)
1/4 cup chamomile infusion (tea)
1/2 cup lemon juice

Make the cucumber and carrot juice in a juicer. Make strong spearmint and chamomile teas and let cool. Combine all the ingredients in a glass jar and shake to blend. If you freeze the mixture in ice cube trays, just pop out a cube and rub it over your face. If you don't freeze, keep the jar refrigerated and use a cotton ball to apply to face.

DIY Ancient Egyptian Art of Body Sugaring

Body sugaring is a method for removing body hair that is a cheap, homemade alternative to waxing (or shaving). The theory behind body sugaring is that the hair is removed by the root, and when it grows back there will be less of it, and it will be softer and not stubbly as it is if a razor had been used.

Body sugaring is done by making a paste of sugar, water, and lemon juice that has been heated to the softball candy stage. After you have let the paste cool enough so that it won't burn, you spread it on your skin, cover it with cotton strips of cloth, and then rip the cloth off like one does a bandaid. Most find sugaring less painful than waxing.

Ingredients:
2 cups sugar
1/4 cup lemon juice
1/4 cup water

Equipment:
Candy thermometer
Saucepan
Glass Jar
Cotton Strips (an old sheet or pillow case cut into strips)
Popsicle Stick(s)

Combine ingredients in a heavy saucepan, and heat on low using a candy thermometer. Watch the mixture very carefully so that it doesn't boil over. Heat the mixture to 250 degrees F on the candy thermometer; this is the harball candy stage.

Remove from the heat and let cool enough to pour in a glass jar. (This jar will be reheated in the future so make sure it is safe for whatever way of reheating you plan to do - microwave or in a pan of water). Rip clean cotton fabric into 1" strips. Make sure the cotton isn't too coarsely woven.

This next step is very critical: let the mixture cool enough so that it won't burn your skin!! Test the mixture on the inside of your wrist.

Using a popsicle stick, spread the cooled mixture onto your skin. Cover with the cloth strips, let set for a few minutes, then rip off quickly.

In the future you can reheat the mixture to a warm and not hot (as above) and reuse. NOTE: reheating will cause mixture to thicken.

*I found this recipe in my collection with a date stamp of 9/07/03.  It doesn't say where it came from or who the original author is.  If someone knows, please mention it here, thanks!

DIY Pina Colada Mask

Ingredients:
1 TBS Coconut Milk
2 TBS Honey
1 TBS mashed Pineapple
1 TBS Plain Yogurt

Mix all ingredients together. Apply to your clean skin and leave on for 15-20 minutes. Rinse off the mask with cool water to close your pores. You may not need to add a moisturizer after your mask, since the coconut milk contains plenty of oil.

Coconut milk contains natural emollients, locking in moisture and softening the skin.

Honey is an antibacterial and anti-inflammitory.

Pineapple contains a protein-digestive enzyme called bromelain which helps rid the skin of dead cells and dirt. The tingling action that is felt when this facial mask is applied is the enzymes in the pineapple working.

Yogurt helps to cleanse the skin with the exfoliating properties of lactic acid, which is a mild alpha-hydroxy acid, and can help balance your skins pH.

DIY Vanilla Honey Sugar Scrub

A soft vanilla scrub to relax your hands.

Ingredients:
1 tablespoon honey
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 drop of vanilla CO2 (or a drop of vanilla extract)
1/2 cup sugar (if you'd like a thicker mixture, add more sugar until you achieve the texture you like)
1/8 cup olive oil

1. Mix all ingredients well in a bowl. Stir vigorously to combine, about a minute.

2. To use, gently rub mixture over your hands. Rinse well, towel dry and enjoy your smooth skin!

Behind the Masks / Peels

Does the label on your natural mask or peel look more like a salad recipe than a list of skincare ingredients? This chart will help you decipher the benefits of the various elements.

Apples, Grapes, Citrus Fruits, and other fruits:
Contain alpha-hydroxy acids, which dissolve the "cement" that holds old, dull cells onto your skin, as well as antioxidants that help fight cell damage

Milk and Buttermilk:
Contain lactic acid, an alphahydroxy acid

Sugarcane:
Contains glycolic acid, an alphahydroxy acid

Honey:
A humectant (meaning it draws moisture into the skin) and an antibacterial

Tea Tree Oil:
An antibacterial

Cucumber:
Moisturizes and soothes the skin

Jojoba Oil:
An oil that most closely mimics the skin's natural sebum

Clay:
Draws impurities out of the skin and also contains nourishing minerals

Seaweed:
Calms and hydrates the skin and adds minerals to it

So whats the difference between a mask and a peel? A mask puts things (such as minerals and moisture) back into the skin, while peels actually remove the debris and dead skin. Peels typically use ingredients like fruit acids to exfoliate the skin, which reduces flakiness, dry patches and the appearance of fine lines, masks can be formulated to solve a variety of skin flaws. Examples: Hydrating masks work best for dry, tight skin, and contain moisturizing ingredients like seaweed and honey. Pore-refining masks rely on clay to draw out impurities, (acne masks also use clay, which contains acne-fighting minerals like zinc & magnesium, along with antibacterial ingredients like Tea Tree Oil. Anti-aging masks usually include antioxidants, minerals, and vitamins to replenish the skin as well as hydrating ingredients to keep it soft.

September is the perfect time to start a regimen of masks or peels. Most people tend to neglect their skin during the busy summer months, and sun, saltwater, chlorine, and air-conditioning can wreak havoc on the skin.

DIY Papaya Cuticle Soak

This recipe is great for hangnail sufferers. Papaya contains an enzyme that softens and dissolves the undesired cuticle. Regular care of the nails can help eliminate cuticle problems, even for those who work their hands hard.

Ingredients:
2 Tbsp Papaya Juice
2 Tbsp Wheat Germ Oil
1 tsp Olive Oil

To Make:
1. In blender, combine the juice and wheat germ oil. Run blender on the highest setting for 2 minutes.
2. Measure olive oil into separate small dish.
3. Soak each hand in the juice mixture for 5 minutes, then rinse with tepid water.
4. Dip an orange stick into the olive oil, then use it to push back the cuticle on each finger.
5. Massage the olive oil into the cuticle.

Where To Find Ingredients:
I've found papaya juice at most of the dollar stores or $.99 stores, mexican food isle at the grocery store too.
I get wheat germ oil at whole foods but have seen it at the grocery store & walmart...keep refrigerated or it goes rancid quickly

DIY Citrus & Milk Bath

Cleopatra was famous for bathing in milk and soothing her skin with milk's natural beauty-enhancing properties. Rich in protein, calcium and vitamins, milk is easily absorbed by the skin, leaving it smooth and moisturized; the lactic acid in milk keeps the skin clean and fresh by cleansing it down to the deepest layers. It also helps ease nervous tension and restlessness. The lavender and citrus peel in this bath formula stimulate the circulatory system and add a wonderfully luxuriant aroma to the treatment.

1 cup dried milk powder OR 2 cups fresh milk(if you have oily skin, use nonfat)
1/4 cup orange peels
1/4 cup lemon peels
4 drops lavender essential oil

Draw a warm bath and while water is flowing slowly add dried milk, orange and lemon peels and lavender oil. Soak for 20 minutes. Pat dry and moisturize if needed.

From the book Secrets of the Spas by Catherine Bardey

DIY Edible Body Powder

Sometimes moms need some intimate "Me Time" aka "Us-alone-without-the-kids-in-our-bed-or-under-our-feet Time"! Here's an incredibly simple edible body powder to make that time together sweeter!

You will need:

* 8 oz. of cornstarch
* 2 oz. of powdered or confectioners sugar
* 2 oz. of vanilla powder OR several drops of vanilla extract (optional)

Mix the ingredients together and sift into an airtight container. If using vanilla extract, allow the mixture to sit and completely dry before sifting. Be sure to keep the powder in a closed container when not using, as it will tend to absorb moisture from the air and can clump and harden.

Use a feather or small brush to apply to your partner and enjoy!

DIY Avocado Honey Mask

There is a reason every skin-care book has a recipe for an avocado mask: this fruit is simply so rich in proteins, vitamins, lecithin, and essential fatty acids that it is like a well-balanced meal for the skin.

This avocado mask will leave your skin smooth and soft. If you want to add extra moisture to the mask, include the coconut oil, which is high in saturated fats.

1/2 avocado, peeled & pitted
1 egg
1 Tbsp plain yogurt
1 Tbsp honey
1 tsp baking soda
1 Tbsp coconut oil (optional)

Combine all ingredients in a blender and process for 30 seconds. Apply immediately to clean skin and leave on for 5-10 minutes. Rinse off with warm water.

Makes 1/2 cup.

DIY Purifying Green Tea Mask

Clays are traditionally used in skin care for their drawing properties - as they dry they pull out excess oil and dirt and leave the skin feeling clean. This mask uses bentonite clay, which can be found at health-food stores.

Ingredients:
1 tsp green tea*
2 tsps aloe vera gel**
1 tsp honey
1/2 Tbsp bentonite clay***
1 drop lavender essential oil

Equipment Needed:
Non-metal mixing bowl
Non-metal spatula (I use wooden chop sticks)

*Steep 1 green tea tea bag in 1 cup of hot water for 5-10 minutes. Set aside to cool while gathering the rest of the ingredients.

**Aloe Vera gel can be found in most grocery store pharmacies. It is a thin liquid that is sold for internal consumption NOT the thick gel found with the sunscreen/burn lotions. Natural aloe vera gel is thick when it is first cut & released from the plant, but then the enzymes in the gel break down leaving a watery substance.

***The bentonite clay that I use is mined here in Nevada, about 45 minutes outside of Las Vegas in Pahrump. Its called Health & Beauty Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay. It is 100% bentonite clay, also known as green clay.

Combine the green tea, aloe vera gel, and honey in a non-metal mixing bowl and stir well. Slowly sprinkle in bentonite clay while stirring. Add the lavender essential oil and combine well.

This is the fun part! You get to decide where you want to use it! You can apply it to your face like a typical clay mask OR you can apply it to your feet! My feet!? Yep, your feet! Why? Multiple reasons actually; clay is drawing, meaning that it is going to pull impurities from the skin. Got stinky-sandal wearing-going barefoot-summer feet? Do you take your shoes off and think "omg is that MY feet!?" This will help.

The feet are also one of the places on the body that will absorb essential oils the quickest. Lavender essential oil is well known for its calming properties. As the clay is detoxing your skin, the lavender essential oil is being absorbed and working its magic to calm/soothe the nerves, making this a relaxing ritual.

This mask can also be applied to the back or chest area where there may be problem skin.

Let the clay dry for 5-10 minutes and then rinse off with warm water. As the clay is drying you will feel a pulling and tightening sensation.

TIP: Mix 1/2 cup sugar & 1/4 cup of honey in a small bowl. Add 1 squirt of liquid hand/body soap (the amount you would use to wash your hands). Mix well. Wet your feet, scoop some of your sugar mix onto your fingertips and rub in small circles on your feet. This will not only help to remove the clay mask a bit quicker, but it will also exfoliate and soften your feet while rinsing clean! Enjoy!