Mother Love

Weekends are always nice, but this one was spot on.

We went out with friends for burritos on Friday night, who also then treated us to one of the best cups of coffee I’ve ever had yet in my life. I was a Chemex scoffer until that first sip, and now I’m afraid it will haunt me forever. Saturday was housework and errands in the morning, and then we headed out for an afternoon/evening date together (always one of my favorite things). We had the obligatory stop for an afternoon coffee and treat, and then a little shopping, and then dinner at a Brazilian steakhouse in Syracuse. We had gift cards for the restaurant and wanted to use them up to (very belatedly) celebrate Ben’s birthday. Now I’m not the world’s biggest lets-chow-down-on-meat person, but this stuff is good…real good. Filet mignon, lamb chops, braised ribs, bacon wrapped steaks, chicken, and about a million other cuts of meat that just keep endlessly floating by your table and onto your plate for as long as you want it to. And the salad bar and complimentary fried bananas (to be used as a palate cleanser in between meat cuts) were a great addition to the meal too.

Sunday was a nice day of cozy breakfast, online sermon, morning nap, and family lunch. It was snowing a lot of the day which I love so much. I am like a small child when it comes to snow, and the novelty has yet to wear off in the two years I’ve lived in the north. We hung out with some friends in the evening for the football game and snacks…always a good time when you have those two things going on!

Here are five things:
– listening to this (cannot stop)
– wishing for this
– hungry for this
– inspired by this
– still trying to learn this

What about you: what was a fun thing you did this weekend?

I’d love to hear your thoughts!

I like simple things.

If something is too complicated or requires too many steps or too much precision, it’s usually far off my radar. I cook really simple food, do really simple diy’s (if i do them at all, that is), wear simple clothes, read simple books (all speed readers raise your hand), and really just like to live simply. One day I would actually really like to undertake something extensive and un-simple…like a Master Chef worthy meal with a million ingredients or some big home project or something. But really, in my day to day, simple and easy is what I go for.

This yogurt and honey face mask fits that category perfectly. I’m sure I’m not the only one who has problems with that dry winter skin…hands, feet, face…nothing is safe from the harsh winter air. My friend Sarah has a great recipe for a body scrub to use on hands and feet that will exfoliate and soften wonderfully, and I like to use a simple yogurt and honey mixture on my face to do the same thing.

It might seem odd to put a milk product on your face, but actually yogurt is majorly beneficial for skin and hair. The lactic acid and enzymes found in natural yogurt help remove dead skin cells, which leave your skin feeling gloriously soft and fresh. I like to use this mask at least once a week, and I’ve noticed a big difference in the softness and moisture on my face.

Raw honey is also super good for your skin. It has natural antibacterial and probiotic properties that are actually gentle and nurturing for your skin cells, plus it’s full of antioxidants that help heal damaged skin and prevent acne. I also like that it makes the yogurt smell a little yummier when it’s on my face.

Yogurt + Honey Mask

1 T. unsweetened yogurt (greek, full-fat, or low-fat)
1/2 T. raw honey

Mix together in a small bowl and slather it all over your face and neck. Let the mask dry for fifteen to twenty minutes, then rinse with warm water and a clean cloth. Follow with your favorite moisturizer.

Enjoy!

What about you: do you have good remedies for extra-moisturizing during the winter months?

I’d love to hear your thoughts!