Roses are Red...

Although most of us love roses because of their beauty, scent and symbolic value, some of us love them for entirely other reasons. You may or may not know this but, roses have many nourishing components for your skin. So, when all the joy is gone from receiving a dozen and two, why not repurpose those petals instead of trashing them? Well, I can, and so can you, it's really not all that complicated. I’ll get to the how-to's in just a moment, but first here are some facts about our flowered friends.

Roses contain a high concentration of Vitamins C & E which help calm and soothe the skin. These vitamins provide active anti-inflammatory properties and anti-bacterial components which deeply cleanse, moisturize, brighten, and protect the skin against environmental pollutants. That’s what makes them such a great cleanser, oil, mask, bath, or spray. That’s also what makes them the key ingredient in many skincare treatments and beauty products. It’s no coincidence that you find rosehip oil and rose water tonic at your local pharmacy. But why spend a fortune when their properties can be repurposed at home for free? It’s time to put those roses to good use: 

Rose Petal Hydrating Mask:

• 6-8 Rose Petals

• 3-4 Tbsp Distilled Water

• 2 Tsp Honey

• 1 Tsp Plain Yogurt (optional)

Procedure: Soak rose petals for 30 minutes to 60 minutes; the longer they soak, the more nutrients will be extracted. Mix and mash petals in a bowl. Add honey and yogurt to the soaked petals and water. Apply all over skin in a gentle circular motion. Allow to sit for 20 minutes.  

Rose Petal Hydrating/Moisturizing Scrub:

• 8-10 Rose Petals

• 3-4 Tbsp Distilled Water

• 1 Tbsp Coconut Oil or Almond Oil Or Avocado Oil

• 1/2 Tbsp Sugar

Procedure: Soak rose petals for 30 minutes to 60 minutes; the longer they soak, the more nutrients will be extracted. Mix and mash petals in a bowl with water. Choose an oil and add the preferred amount to the water and petals. If using coconut oil, be sure to warm and liquefy for better blending results. Finally, add sugar for exfoliation. Mix all ingredients into a relatively even consistency. Apply all over skin in a gentle circular motion. Allow to sit for 20 minutes, rinse very well if using coconut oil. 

Rose Water Cleanser:

• 7-10 Rose Petals

• 3-4 Tbsp Distilled Water

• 2 Tbsp Honey

• 1-2 Tsp Milk (optional)

Procedure: Soak rose petals in distilled water for about 2 hours. Crush and mix petals in water, then stir in honey (and milk). Rub all over the skin in circular motion for 15-20 minutes and rinse with cool water. 

Brightening Rose Face Mask:

• 8-10 Rose Petals

• 3-4 Tbsp Distilled Water

• 1 Tbsp Honey

• ½ Tbsp Turmeric

Procedure: Soak rose petals for 30 minutes to 60 minutes; the longer they soak, the more nutrients will be extracted. Crush petals in a bowl of water, add honey and turmeric. Mix until you have a smooth paste. Apply all over the face. Allow to sit for 15 minutes and rinse with warm water, followed by cool. 

Cuckoo for CocoNUTS!

Coconut oil, that delicious dry drupe - what is it? That’s actually what it is, a dry drupe. But for the rest of us everyday people, it’s kind of a mixture of fruits, nuts, and seeds. Yes! This fabulous edible is a superfood that works wonders internally and externally.  From curing infections to taking makeup off, this stuff needs to make its way into your life. I cook, clean (myself), eat and moisturize with it. It’s truly one of the most multifaceted fruits I know of. 

Now, let’s get into why I wrote this post.  First, not only does coconut oil work on your insides as I mentioned, it’s also amazingly amazing for your skin.  The medium-chain fatty acids found in the nut contain antioxidants and antimicrobial properties that balance the fungal sources which cause many skin conditions.  This makes it an ideal fighter of acne, eczema, dandruff, burns, dermatitis, and psoriasis. Coconut oil can also aid in reducing inflammation, healing wounds, and moisturizing skin by holding in hydration. I personally keep a little pot of it in my pocketbook as a chapstick or hand moisturizer for on-the-go.

Second, coconut oil is very handy for removing stubborn-eye makeup.  It also leaves the eye area nice and soft. It can also be used on the body as a daily moisturizer.  It feels and smells great while warding off germs. Here are a few easy and beneficial recipes for your skin:

Coconut Oil Face Scrub: This is a great way to clean, hydrate and exfoliate those dead skin cells.  Mix coconut oil and raw sugar in a bowl. Once mixed, apply to your face with your hands and rub in a circular motion.  The oil will liquefy with the warmth of your skin. Do this for 2-3 minutes and rinse. The oil may leave a little residue but you’ll feel the benefits right away.  Feel free to do your daily/nightly skincare regiment after rinsing.

Ingredients:

• 1-2 Tablespoon of Virgin-Unfiltered Coconut Oil

• 1 Teaspoon of Raw or Brown Sugar

CocoNOT Anymore Pimple Pack: Here is a good, on-the-spot acne or blackhead treatment. Simply mix the coconut oil with baking soda and apply to problematic or congested areas.  Rub in a circular motion and let sit for 5-10 minutes. Rinse and gently towel dry. Use your daily, but preferably sensitive, skincare regiment after.

Ingredients:

• 1 Tablespoon of Coconut Oil

• 1 Teaspoon Baking Soda

COCO Glow Go Hydrating Mask: With this powerful skin care combo you will get your daily does of anti-oxidants, detoxifying the skin all while adding a glow of radiance. Mix ingredients in a bowl, you may have to warm up the coconut oil if its not mixing easily (pop in microwave or stove top for about 5-10 seconds). Apply all over your face and let sit for about 10 minutes. Rinse with warm water and continue with your skincare regiment. Now grab your green tea, coconut oil, lemon juice and honey if you’re ready!

Ingredients: 

• 1 Tablespoon of Coconut Oil -

• ½ a Green Tea bag OR 1 Tablespoon of loose Green Tea Leaves

• 2 Tablespoons of Honey-

• 2 Tablespoons of Lemon Juice

Makeup Remover, Lip Balm, Moisturizer:

Ingredients:

• Virgin- Unfiltered Coconut Oil

• Cotton Pads

• Small Container

Daily Use: Use coconut oil directly on areas that need hydration: lips, under eye area, body, etc.  As mentioned, I reuse little jars and pots for travel. I throw one in my bag so I have on hand daily or when traveling.  If using for makeup cleanser, simply rub into your hands and apply in a gentle, circular motion. Use cotton or a gentle cloth to remove any unwanted makeup.  Repeat and rinse until clean.

So in a coconut shell, I love this stuff.  Coconut oil is, like seriously, a lady’s best friend!  I’ve only mentioned a few but the list of benefits goes on and on.  Those mentioned were the ones that I think hold a ton of practical and useful info for us gals. Why run to the doctor every time we have an “issue”, and why run to the salon every time we have a split end?  These are just a handful of great ways to do it yourself, save a few bucks, and of course sound really smart next time you have that compelling conversation over cocktails with the crew. Read below for even more benefits of our tropical friend:

Hair Care.  Coconut oil is also a great remedy for dandruff because of its super-rich hydrating properties.  So, midwinter when everything is super dry, you should pretty much bathe in it and rub it into your roots. You can also add some of your favorite-natural oils to enhance the scent and you’ll have yourself a new conditioner.

Pulling.  Pulling coconut oil between your birds (aka teeth) will brighten your smile and help with gum disease and tooth decay.  Aggressively swish in your mouth 3x a week for about 20 minutes to help pull out the nasty bacteria in your mouth.  This will also help your immune system.

Weight Loss. Great skin and a skinny waist? Say what!? Remember those fatty acids mentioned earlier? Well, those fatty acids also improve thyroid function, help lower resting heart rate, and assist your body in burning fat for energy. Coconut oil also helps in breaking down fats and mimics how your body reacts when you fast. It can also help in building muscle! Who knew?

Oh My Grapeness!!

Most of us know that grapes are tasty treats. Afterall, they make some of our fave bevy’s- hello vino! BUT they are also full of antioxidant & vitamin goodness, or shall I say greatness! Black grapes are especially high in vitamins C and E and they hold anti-inflammatory properties which help to combat a wide range of skin cares like sun damage, wrinkles and acne. The grape”s skin and seeds hold the strongest antioxidant and vitamin power, so make sure you don’t toss or spit them out. Chew, mash, bash, or blend it up, but be sure to add these to your diet and skincare regime.

Here are some new ways you can enjoy these fruits besides in our belly…

Refreshing & Nourishing Face Pack For all Skin Types:

After a long day we all want to unwind. Here is one way that might serve you well: Freeze your grapes for several hours, or if you’re like me or my friends, keep a batch in their at all times. You can use as your go-to replacement cubes to chill your wine, if that tickles your fancy, or just enjoy as an icy fruit treat. Grapes alone can serve as a powerful-face pack. Just slice, dice, or smush about 10 grapes up, apply and relax. This version will soothe, cool, and serve your face with a refreshing dose of heaven. PRO TIP: it will work especially well if that wine is in your company.

Ingredients:

• 10-15 frozen grapes

• (1 glass of wine) optional

Oily or Acne Skin:

If you’re facing some skin problems- grapes can help curb the issue. Add about 10-15 grapes to some honey, 2 tablespoons of lemon juice OR apple cider vinegar, and 1/4 cup of plain oats. Let the oats soak up the juices till soft and apply evenly to skin or problem spots. Let this sit for about 5-10 minutes before rubbing in a circular motion and rinse. This is great for exfoliating, balancing, hydrating, and nourishing your skin.

Ingredients:

• 10-15 grapes

• 2 tablespoons of lemon OR apple cider vinegar

• 2-3 tablespoons of honey

• 1/4 cup of plain oats

Dry/ Dull Skin:

If you face is feeling the sweater weather change already, or you just find yourself on the dryer and duller side of the spectrum, try this hydrating face food. Smash up your 15 grapes— again seeds and all— and mix in 2-3 tablespoons of honey, 1/4 avocado and 1 egg (skip the egg for my vegan friends). If you decide to add the egg, there will be an added brightening and tightening effect. You’ll find this harder to blend, so you may need a blending device of sorts. Apply for about 20-25 minutes and see the magical glow go!

Ingredients:

• 10-15 grapes

• 2-3 tablespoons of honey

• 1/4 avocado

• 1 egg (optional)

Leave any fave face food recipes you might enjoy below…