Protect That Fabulous Face

Winter is upon us - at least in a good portion of the country. Today there's a wonderfully fluffy snow storm going on. Looks so pretty, feels so icy when heading out to shovel or play. We all know the drill - bundle up, dress in layers, keep your hands and feet dry. If we're smart, we remember the lip balm to protect our delicate lips from moisture loss. Do we remember, though, to change up our face and skin moisturizers?


Here's a few tips to keep your skin safe and glowing throughout the winter:

• Keep it dry. Freezing temperatures will ice up moisture on your face, damaging and drying your skin. 
• But keep it moist...urized. Wear a moisturizer that's slightly heavier than you might normally, especially if you're going to be outside for any extended period of time. This will provide a buffer against the wind and cold. Our lotion bars are perfect for this kind of weather. They might be too heavy for your face, though. Try the Jazzy Lavender Body Butter. Thick, but whippy and refreshing. Whatever your choice, cover up before you go out. Then clean and remoisturize when you come in,
• When you wash your skin, use warm water, not hot. Hot water will actually dry your skin. I know, hot sounds lovely, but it will really damage more than help.
• Remember to exfoliate. You can use our sugar scrubs for your body, and our Honey Pumpkin Face Mask is wonderful for your face. It removes dead skin cells and opens up your skin to accepting good moisture.

Don't be afraid to get out there and ski, play or just walk the dog. But do it right and it will be easy to slip right into spring.

Don't Rush the Seasons

It was snowing again last night here in New Jersey. As the snow fell outside, I sat curled up on the couch with a lovely cup of Ducky Life Tea (some Ellen's Cranberry Orange tisane mixed with a little Wendy's Citrus Chamomile) sweetened with just a touch of elderberry honey and lemon herb honey. It smelled and tasted heavenly. My candles were lit throughout the house - some from Wickit Good, a few from Dreaming Tree Soapworks, and some made by my dear husband. The only other lights were the glow of the TV and the magical sparkle of the Christmas Tree. What a great way to relax on on cold and snowy winter night.

And yes, my Christmas tree is still up. Why not? It's still hanging on to it's needles and it makes the whole house feel festive and homey. I know so many people

who take their tree down almost the moment that Christmas has past. I just don't understand that. We spend so much time rushing to get things done before the holiday - shopping, baking, decorating, parties, etc. Then the big day comes and we're so used to rushing we practically speed through day without taking notice. Why rush? Celebrate Christmas, Happy New Year, take down the tree, where is spring? It just doesn't help your health or your spirit to go rushing through all these things with out taking some time to notice and enjoy them.

Take winter for instance. This is the second snowfall here in New Jersey. Now, I'll grant you, the first snow dropped upwards of 25 inches in many parts of the state and there were plowing issues in many towns. It could get annoying. But it's winter, it snow's in winter. If we're honest with ourselves, New Jersey has been pretty lucky in the snow department. Most winters haven't been that bad.

So many people are wishing the winter away, and it's only January. Heck, it's only been winter for 3 weeks! After this past hot, dry summer I'd say the land around here could use the nice winters nap, all tucked in and cozy. Do you like being rushed to wake up? I know I don't.

So, on my part, despite minor annoyance and inconvenience, I'm not rushing the seasons. They will end when it's their time to end. The tree will have to come down soon enough. Meanwhile, I'll stock up and candles, put a little Téigh on my hands and feet and a little Jazzy Lavender on my face and head out into the snowy, wintery wonderland.

Snow Moon Sunday

Full moons have many names, depending on the culture and location of those gazing up at it.

February's full moon is called The Snow Moon. It seems so apropos this year. Native American Indians called it this because this is the time for the heaviest snow storms, as we've seen. It is sometimes called the Hunger Moon, because food stores are running low.

Wolf Moon was the name for the English used for the February full moon, as the wolves would be on the prowl. But this year - I think Snow Moon suits it best.

What can you do on a Snowy Day - Bake for Family Fun!

Snowy days tend to keep us bundled up inside - except when we're out playing! There is something wonderful and hearth warming about coming in from the cold to some home baked goodies. After all - it is Bake for Family Fun Month!

And baking can be done by the entire family. Even the youngest children can help ice a cupcake or decorate a cookie. If you're afraid that you'll eat all of those yummy treats, then save some to share or take part in the Great American Bake Sale!

Just to get you started, here are a couple of my favorite recipes that are quick and easy and perfect for a snowy day:


Better Box Brownies
Whenever I make brownies using a packaged mix, I substitute applesauce (plain unsweetened) for the oil required. For a little something extra, I'll also add some dried cherries. Just bake as usual - yummy!

Chocolate Banana Peanut Butter Cookies
1 box chocolate cake mix
1/3 cup water
2 eggs
3/4 cup peanut butter
1/4 cup mashed ripe banana

• Heat the oven to 375°.
• Mix 1/2 package of the chocolate cake mix with the eggs, peanut butter, mashed banana and water until well blended.
• Add the other 1/2 package of cake mix and mix thoroughly.
• Drop by teaspoonfuls onto an ungreased cookie sheet.
• Dip a fork in some flour and press lightly onto the top of each dough ball to make a little criss cross pattern.
• Bake or 10 minutes until lightly browned.
• Remove from oven and let cool on the cookie sheet for a few minutes.
• Remove to a wire rack to finish cooling.

Don't worry about the snow. Gather the family and bake up some fun!